The US Justice Department and 16 state attorneys general have initiated an antitrust lawsuit against Apple on Thursday, marking the government's most significant challenge to the tech giant's dominance. The lawsuit alleges, Apple violated antitrust laws by stifling competition through restrictive policies that limit other companies from offering applications that rival its own products, such as digital wallets, potentially diminishing the value of iPhones.

According to excerpts from the lawsuit released by the government, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Apple's actions harm consumers and smaller companies competing with its services. The government asserts that Apple's conduct has bolstered its smartphone monopoly over the years, creating an unfair advantage.

In Nagaland, the 3rd edition of North East Games 2024 kick-started with a glittering opening ceremony at Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence, Sovima last evening. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio officially declared open the 3rd North East Games 2024.

Akashvani’s correspondent reports, that more than 3000 athletes from eight North Eastern states are competing in 15 disciplines being held in 12 venues across three districts Chumoukedima, Dimapur and Kohima. Highlights of today’s event include Archery, Athletics, Badminton Basketball, Boxing, football, lawn tennis, Pencak Silat, S, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Volleyball, And Wushu. Host Nagaland started their campaign on a high note with a victory over Tripura 1-nil in the first opening Football match being played at the Nagaland Armed Police Training Centre in Chumukedima. Meanwhile, in the Sepaktakraw Men’s event, Manipur also registered their win over Mizoram.

The Election Commission of India has appointed Himanshu Agarwal as the new Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar, a senior poll official said on Thursday.

Agarwal, who was earlier the Deputy Commissioner of Gurdaspur, has been replaced by Vishesh Sarangal.

In addition, Jagdale Nilambari Vijay has been posted as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Ropar Range, while Rakesh Kumar Kaushal has been appointed as DIG of the Border Range, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C said.

INS Tir and INS Sujata will participate in the forthcoming second edition of India Mozambique Tanzania (IMT) Tri Lateral (TRILAT) Exercise, a joint maritime exercise scheduled from 21-29 Mar 24. The first edition of IMT TRILAT exercise conducted in Oct 22, saw participation of INS Tarkash with the Tanzanian and Mozambique Navies.

The current edition of the exercise is planned in two phases. As part of the harbour phase scheduled from 21-24 Mar 24, Naval ships Tir and Sujata will engage with the respective Navies at the ports of Zanzibar (Tanzania) and Maputo (Mozambique). This phase would begin with a Planning Conference followed by conduct of joint harbour training activities like Damage Control, Fire Fighting, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, Medical Lectures, Casualty Evacuation and Diving operations. The sea phase of the exercise is scheduled from 24-27 Mar 24 covering practical aspects of countering asymmetric threats, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, boat handling, manoeuvres and firing exercise. A joint EEZ surveillance is also planned during the sea phase. The exercise will conclude with a joint debrief scheduled at Nacala (Mozambique).

During the harbour stay, Indian Naval ships would be open for visitors and partake in sports & cultural exchanges with host Navies. Training visits for sea trainees of 106 Integrated Officers Training Course are also planned at the respective ports.

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) on Thursday joined hands with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) to conduct awareness programmes across the country to enhance public perceptions on peaceful use of nuclear power and disseminate scientific information.

The memorandum of understanding between NCC and NPCIL, a public sector undertaking, also facilitates a unique opportunity to cadets to visit various facilities of NPCIL, thereby giving a "first-hand experience" on peaceful use of nuclear energy, its technical and technological aspects.

Down Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect a person physically and mentally. It makes communication and social interactions challenging for a person. In Down Syndrome, a person has an extra chromosome or an extra piece of a chromosome. This keeps changing as the person's body and brain develop. Some of the symptoms of Down Syndrome are distinct facial appearance, intellectual disability, and developmental delays. Some of the treatment options available for Down Syndrome are speech therapy, physical exercise and special education. The average life expectancy of a person with Down Syndrome is usually 60 years.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Maharatna and India's second-largest government-owned downstream oil producer, proudly announces its continued position as the 5th-ranked company in The Business World Real 500 List of 2024. This accomplishment underscores BPCL's unwavering commitment to excellence and highlights its consistent and robust financial performance in a dynamic operating environment.

Throughout the first three quarters of the current fiscal year, BPCL has demonstrated agility and resilience in navigating through changing times while remaining firmly committed to the strategic path of energy transition. Our physical and financial performance during this period reflects our dedication to maintaining a growth trajectory amidst challenges.

Vaughan Gething was elected first minister of Wales on Wednesday, becoming the first Black leader of a government in the UK. Gething was elected government leader by members of the Welsh parliament in Cardiff, four days after winning the contest to be leader of Wales’ governing Labour Party. He secured 27 of 51 votes in the legislature, the Senedd, where Labour is the biggest party.

Gething, the son of a Welsh father and a Zambian mother, said Wales is now “the first nation anywhere in Europe to be led by a Black person.” “It is a matter of pride for a modern Wales but also a daunting responsibility for me — and one that I do not take lightly,” he told lawmakers.

He said he wanted to lead a country that “can celebrate our differences and take pride in all of those things that draw us together.” Gething will be sworn in once his appointment is approved by King Charles III — a formality.

All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Ministry of Defence has signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) for health services to ex-servicemen in AIIMS.

The agreement will ensure free-of-cost health services, including emergency care, for ex-servicemen and their family members.

It will be beneficial to more than 30,000 ex-servicemen and their family members.

Lt Gen. Padam Singh Shekhawat, General Officer Commanding, Madhya Bharat Area, expressed his happiness at empathising with AIIMS-R for ECHS.

The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is set to unveil the BhashaNet portal at the upcoming Universal Acceptance (UA) Day, in a move towards advancing digital inclusion and promoting linguistic diversity in India.

Scheduled for March 21, the event will take place at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in Delhi, marking the collaborative efforts of NIXI and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in championing the cause of Universal Acceptance.

According to a press release, this announcement follows the successful partnership between NIXI and MeitY, highlighting their joint commitment to fostering a digitally inclusive environment across the nation.