Youth Cong protest at AI Summit tarnished India's image: Sawant
Panaji (PTI): Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday criticised the Congress and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over the Youth Congress protest at the AI Summit in Delhi, saying such actions amount to "political recklessness" and tarnish the country's image.
A group of Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers on Friday staged a dramatic ‘shirtless protest’ at an exhibition hall at the AI Impact Summit, walking around holding T-shirts with slogans against the government and the India-US trade deal printed on them, before being whisked away by security personnel present at the venue.
Sawant, in a post on X, said that when India is hosting a global summit to showcase its technological capabilities and confidence, turning it into a "stage for disruption" weakens the nation's credibility on the international platform.
"Such theatrics tarnish India's image, distract from the work of our scientists, startups and youth, and weaken our credibility on a global platform," he said.
He maintained that while the Opposition has every right to raise issues in a democracy, it should not do so at the cost of the nation's dignity.
"India deserves mature politics, responsible leadership, and respect for national forums," Sawant said, taking a swipe at the Congress leadership.
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Kohli's U-19 teammate Amanpreet Singh Gill dies at 36
New Delhi (PTI): Former India U-19 and Punjab medium pacer Amanpreet Singh Gill died at the age of 36 in Chandigarh on Wednesday, leaving the cricket fraternity in mourning.
The cause of death is not yet known.
Gill, who was Virat Kohli's U-19 teammate, featured in six first-class matches for Punjab, picking up 11 wickets.
He was also part of the Punjab franchise (Kings XI Punjab) in the inaugural Indian Premier League season, and later served as a member of Punjab's senior selection committee.
"Punjab Cricket Association deeply mourns the sad demise of Amanpreet Singh Gill, former Punjab cricketer and Member, Senior Selection Committee Punjab,” the Punjab Cricket Association announced on X.
"Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family in this difficult time."
Two-time World Cup-winning India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also paid tribute to Gill.
"Deeply saddened to hear about Amanpreet Singh Gill’s passing. Shared the dressing room in our early days, he was a quiet, hardworking cricketer who loved the game. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace Om Shanti,” Singh posted on X.
Gill played five Youth ODIs and one Youth Test for India in 2007.
In the longer format, he claimed the wicket of former Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera.
However, he did not make the Virat Kohli-led India U-19 side that went on to win the 2008 World Cup.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Amanpreet Singh Shergill, who proudly represented Punjab and was a part of the Punjab Kings family. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire cricketing fraternity,” Punjab Kings posted on their official Instagram account.
