- India suspended all flights from the UK from December 23 to December 31 due to fears over a new strain of coronavirus reported to be 70% more infectious.
- All passengers arriving from the UK will need to undergo mandatory RT-PCR testing and those testing positive will be quarantined, while the rest will be home-isolated for a week.
- The decision was taken after an expert meeting examined evidence from the UK that the new strain was significantly more transmissible.
1) Delhi has emerged as a major hotspot for coronavirus in India, with a case fatality rate above 5%, higher than many other states and countries.
2) A study found that plasma therapy, which uses blood plasma from recovered Covid-19 patients, is not effective at reducing disease severity or mortality for hospitalized patients.
3) Election rallies and campaigns held in several Indian states in the months prior to the surge in cases are believed to have contributed to increased spread of coronavirus in those regions.
The oxygen supply situation in Delhi is unlikely to improve soon as INOX, the main supplier, has warned it cannot meet increased demand due to production constraints. INOX said it has contracts to supply 45 Delhi hospitals and cannot supply additional hospitals. The Delhi government will have to rely on alternative oxygen sources. The Centre has directed 100 MT of oxygen be supplied daily to Delhi but INOX says it is already supplying above that amount.
The Supreme Court of India has stayed the implementation of the three controversial farm laws until further orders. It has also formed a four-member committee to listen to the grievances of farmers and make recommendations. However, farmer unions have rejected negotiations with any court-appointed committee and will continue their protests. The court said its order may encourage farmers to come to the negotiating table in good faith.
The Union Health Ministry sounded the alarm over India's worsening Covid-19 situation and asked states to prepare district action plans. It reported over 56,000 new cases in the last 24 hours, with Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh accounting for 80% of active cases. NITI Aayog warned that the situation was turning from bad to worse in some states. The Health Secretary highlighted 10 districts with the highest active cases, most in Maharashtra, and asked states to focus on testing, isolating patients, and contact tracing.
The BJP announced in its Bihar election manifesto that it would provide free COVID-19 vaccination to all Bihar residents. This led to criticism from opposition parties who accused the BJP of politicizing the pandemic and linking vaccine access to elections. Several senior BJP leaders in Bihar, including Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi and former Union Minister Shahnawaz Hussain, then announced that they had tested positive for COVID-19.
As India entered the fourth phase of lockdown on Monday, several states relaxed restrictions and restarted economic activities. However, malls, schools, colleges and religious gatherings remained prohibited. The ICMR also revised its testing strategy to test all SARI patients and frontline workers, regardless of travel history. Meanwhile, India's COVID-19 cases crossed 100,000 with over 3,000 deaths as Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu reported over 2,000 new cases. The stock market declined sharply in response to the government's economic relief packages.
Pushkar Singh Dhami was sworn in as the eleventh Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, along with his new cabinet. Dhami has retained all ministers from the previous cabinet and elevated three state ministers to cabinet positions. After being sworn in, Dhami said his government will work to fill job vacancies and provide employment to youth, while also addressing economic issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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First India ePaper provides best exclusive stories of the day.Today's News Headlines from politics, technology, business news, Bollywood news, life style and many more.We are the best ENGLISH NEWSPAPER in India with special coverage of Rajasthan , Gujrat and power corridor of the country national capital Delhi. Follow us for more information.
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1) Delhi has emerged as a major hotspot for coronavirus in India, with a case fatality rate above 5%, higher than many other states and countries.
2) A study found that plasma therapy, which uses blood plasma from recovered Covid-19 patients, is not effective at reducing disease severity or mortality for hospitalized patients.
3) Election rallies and campaigns held in several Indian states in the months prior to the surge in cases are believed to have contributed to increased spread of coronavirus in those regions.
The oxygen supply situation in Delhi is unlikely to improve soon as INOX, the main supplier, has warned it cannot meet increased demand due to production constraints. INOX said it has contracts to supply 45 Delhi hospitals and cannot supply additional hospitals. The Delhi government will have to rely on alternative oxygen sources. The Centre has directed 100 MT of oxygen be supplied daily to Delhi but INOX says it is already supplying above that amount.
The Supreme Court of India has stayed the implementation of the three controversial farm laws until further orders. It has also formed a four-member committee to listen to the grievances of farmers and make recommendations. However, farmer unions have rejected negotiations with any court-appointed committee and will continue their protests. The court said its order may encourage farmers to come to the negotiating table in good faith.
The Union Health Ministry sounded the alarm over India's worsening Covid-19 situation and asked states to prepare district action plans. It reported over 56,000 new cases in the last 24 hours, with Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh accounting for 80% of active cases. NITI Aayog warned that the situation was turning from bad to worse in some states. The Health Secretary highlighted 10 districts with the highest active cases, most in Maharashtra, and asked states to focus on testing, isolating patients, and contact tracing.
The BJP announced in its Bihar election manifesto that it would provide free COVID-19 vaccination to all Bihar residents. This led to criticism from opposition parties who accused the BJP of politicizing the pandemic and linking vaccine access to elections. Several senior BJP leaders in Bihar, including Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi and former Union Minister Shahnawaz Hussain, then announced that they had tested positive for COVID-19.
As India entered the fourth phase of lockdown on Monday, several states relaxed restrictions and restarted economic activities. However, malls, schools, colleges and religious gatherings remained prohibited. The ICMR also revised its testing strategy to test all SARI patients and frontline workers, regardless of travel history. Meanwhile, India's COVID-19 cases crossed 100,000 with over 3,000 deaths as Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu reported over 2,000 new cases. The stock market declined sharply in response to the government's economic relief packages.
Pushkar Singh Dhami was sworn in as the eleventh Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, along with his new cabinet. Dhami has retained all ministers from the previous cabinet and elevated three state ministers to cabinet positions. After being sworn in, Dhami said his government will work to fill job vacancies and provide employment to youth, while also addressing economic issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
First india ahmedabad edition-24 december 2020FIRST INDIA
First India ePaper provides best exclusive stories of the day.Today's News Headlines from politics, technology, business news, Bollywood news, life style and many more.We are the best ENGLISH NEWSPAPER in India with special coverage of Rajasthan , Gujrat and power corridor of the country national capital Delhi. Follow us for more information.
Visit:- https://firstindia.co.in/newspaper
- India's daily COVID-19 cases saw a major dip on Monday, hitting a four-week low at 242,903 cases. Key states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Kerala and UP reported major declines.
- This is the lowest single-day count since April 19. Testing was lower over the weekend but the declining positivity rate indicates cases may have peaked.
- The first batch of an anti-COVID oral drug developed by DRDO called 2-DG was launched on Monday. It is expected to help faster recovery and reduce oxygen dependence.
- Meanwhile, Cyclone Tauktae has impacted COVID relief work in western coastal states as resources were diverted to move people to shelters, raising risk
1. Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched BJP's poll campaign for upcoming Bihar elections via video conference and slammed opposition over politicizing migrants' crisis during COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Shah claimed his address was not related to Bihar polls but to consolidate fight against COVID-19. He criticized RJD workers for mocking BJP's symbolic applause for frontline workers.
3. India's COVID-19 cases crossed 2.5 lakh, with Maharashtra continuing to be the worst hit state. Jammu & Kashmir reported its highest single day spike of 620 cases.
The Supreme Court expressed displeasure with farmers' unions for casting aspersions on members of the court-appointed committee to resolve issues related to new farm laws. The court said the committee members are "brilliant minds" and no adjudicating authority has been given to the panel. Meanwhile, the 10th round of talks between the government and farmers' unions ended with the government proposing to keep the three farm laws in abeyance for 18 months and form a joint committee to resolve other demands. However, farmer leaders said they will revert after internal consultation and want complete withdrawal of the laws.
As Covid cases rise across several Indian states, authorities are taking steps to curb the spread. Uttar Pradesh has imposed a Sunday curfew and ordered the setting up of a 1,000-bed Covid hospital in Lucknow. Karnataka CM Yediyurappa and Union Minister Prakash Javadekar have tested positive for Covid-19. The IMD predicts a normal monsoon this year across most parts of India.
Kerala has reported over 40,000 breakthrough Covid-19 cases, the highest in India. The central government has decided to conduct genomic sequencing of all breakthrough infection samples from Kerala to determine if a new variant is present. Meanwhile, at least 10 people died after a landslide in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district buried a bus and other vehicles under debris. Rescue operations are ongoing. The Rajya Sabha Chairman broke down in tears over the unruly scenes in the House the previous day and expressed anguish over members climbing on tables and throwing papers.
1. Fighting broke out along the India-Pakistan border in Kashmir, resulting in casualties on both sides. The Indian Army claims to have inflicted heavy damages and casualties on the Pakistan side through retaliatory strikes.
2. Delhi is seeing a spike in Covid-19 cases due to rising air pollution levels. The Chief Minister has asked for urgent action to address the crop stubble burning that is a major contributor to pollution.
3. Serum Institute of India aims to produce 100 million doses of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine by December, pending successful trials and regulatory approvals, for use in India and distribution through COVAX.
In a video conference meeting with various State Chief Ministers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the COVID-19 situation in India and sought their suggestions on reviving the battered economy. Most CMs insisted on a gradual lifting of lockdown restrictions with some opposing the resumption of train services from May 12. It was decided to redraw containment zones in states. The PM said the situation was largely under control but some large outbreaks have been seen in certain areas.
- UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled his upcoming visit to India in January due to a surge in COVID-19 cases and lockdown measures imposed in the UK. He was scheduled to be the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations.
- The decision was taken after Johnson spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Johnson said it was important for him to focus on the domestic response to the virus situation in the UK.
- Both leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in addressing the pandemic. Johnson hopes to visit India in the first half of 2021.
Research aarkstore veterinary health marketsNeel Terde
This document provides a summary of the global veterinary health market, including common diseases affecting livestock and pets, key veterinary medicines and biologics used to treat diseases, and an analysis of companies involved in developing veterinary health products. It details diseases found in cattle, pigs, poultry, dogs, cats, and horses and the drugs used to treat diseases such as antibiotics, parasiticides, anti-inflammatories, and vaccines. The report also provides market data and analysis of the veterinary health industry globally.
The horror at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), the State’s largest Covid-19 facility, continued as oxygen shortage killed 13 more Covid-19 patients in the dark hours (between 1 am and 6 am) of Friday, taking the tally to 75 in the last four days. As per the State Government statistics, 26 patients died at the GMCH during the wee hours of Tuesday, followed by 21 on Wednesday, 15 on Thursday, and 13 on Friday (total 75). According to a resident doctor of GMCH wards, pressure in the central pipeline started falling around 1 am on Thursday, and three patients in his ward succumbed to the fluctuations, despite their attempts to revive them.
- Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to requisition the services of doctors, paramedics and security personnel who have recently recovered from COVID-19 to address staff shortages at hospitals in Uttar Pradesh.
- An oxygen express train carrying 80,000 litres of medical oxygen arrived in Lucknow from Bokaro in Jharkhand to ease oxygen shortages in the state.
- The UP government will provide Remdesivir injections free of cost to critical COVID-19 patients in government and private hospitals based on recommendations from district officials.
Aridis Pharmaceuticals Inc is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company. It is engaged in the discovery and development of targeted immunotherapy using fully human monoclonal antibodies, or mAbs, to treat life-threatening infections.
The Union Cabinet approved a new Rs 23,123 crore package to ramp up India's medical infrastructure in preparation for the anticipated third wave of COVID-19. Out of the package, Rs 8,000 crore will be provided to state governments over the next 9 months to improve infrastructure. The new health minister stated the funds will go toward setting up pediatric care centers, 20,000 additional ICU beds, and supplies like medicines and equipment. Separately, the Cabinet approved a Rs 1 lakh crore fund for farmers that will provide loans to agricultural groups for post-harvest infrastructure and assets.
Opportunities for Reform and Optimization presented by Mohammed El Said from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) UK. Presentation includes:
- TRIPS-plus provision and their social cost.
- Free Trade Agreements and typical TRIPS-plus clauses.
- The global landscape of IP regulation
- The Flexibilities of the TRIPS Agreement
- TRIPS-Plus rules
- Impact of TRIPS-Plus rules on medicines prices
- Limiting the impact of TRIPS-Plus rules
- Nitish Kumar was sworn in as Chief Minister of Bihar for the seventh time, with top leaders of the ruling NDA coalition like Amit Shah and JP Nadda in attendance.
- A 14-member council of ministers was also sworn in, including two Deputy CMs from the BJP, while five ministers were from Nitish's JD(U) and one each from alliance partners HAM and VIP.
- Moderna announced its Covid-19 vaccine candidate was 94.5% effective based on early clinical trial results, following a similar claim from Pfizer last week, raising hopes that vaccines can help end the pandemic.
- India reported its lowest daily rise in Covid-
- External Affairs Ministers Jaishankar of India and Wang Yi of China will meet in Tajikistan to discuss ways to hasten disengagement at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. Their talks come at a time when a stalemate persists at three friction points.
- The Serum Institute of India will produce the Russian vaccine Sputnik V starting September 2021. They intend to produce over 300 million doses annually.
- Poll strategist Prashant Kishor met with Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders, fueling speculation about consolidating the opposition ahead of key upcoming state elections.
The document discusses India's response to the acute shortage of essential medical services during the second wave of COVID-19 in April 2021. It outlines several measures taken by the government to increase hospital infrastructure and capacity, augment oxygen supplies, and ensure availability of essential drugs. It notes the health infrastructure was strained but the government supported states by strengthening existing facilities and establishing temporary treatment centers.
The court dismissed former Union Minister MJ Akbar's criminal defamation suit against journalist Priya Ramani, who had accused him of sexual harassment as part of the #MeToo movement in India. The judge said that a woman has the right to speak up about abuse even after decades and cannot be punished for doing so. Ramani welcomed the verdict, saying it validates the truth and vindicates women who speak up about sexual harassment. The judgment was seen as a watershed moment supporting women who make allegations as part of the #MeToo movement.
India reported a record single-day rise in COVID-19 deaths and cases with several states reporting new highs. Maharashtra continues to lead the country in both cases and deaths, reporting over 66,000 new infections and 895 deaths alone. The Supreme Court expressed concern over the massive resurgence and said it cannot remain a "mute spectator" but its intervention is meant to be complementary to high courts. It also questioned the central government on vaccine pricing in India being higher than other countries.
First india ahmedabad edition-05 january 2021FIRST INDIA
First India published from Ahmedabad & Jaipur. Get Latest News In English on politics, sports, entertainment, business, lifestyle and many more. We are a formidable news Provider especially from Gujarat, Rajasthan and Power corridor of Delhi like The Times of India, Hindustan Times & The Hindu, etc. Read First India Today Newspaper.
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Farmers at the Singhu border burnt around one lakh copies of the three controversial farm laws passed by the Centre on Lohri, as part of their ongoing protests. They sang songs of resistance and hope as they circled the bonfires burning the copies of the laws. Meanwhile, farmer leaders said they would only celebrate festivals after their demand of repealing the farm laws is met. One farmer said this Lohri was filled with struggle instead of the usual fun and celebrations.
- India's daily COVID-19 cases saw a major dip on Monday, hitting a four-week low at 242,903 cases. Key states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Kerala and UP reported major declines.
- This is the lowest single-day count since April 19. Testing was lower over the weekend but the declining positivity rate indicates cases may have peaked.
- The first batch of an anti-COVID oral drug developed by DRDO called 2-DG was launched on Monday. It is expected to help faster recovery and reduce oxygen dependence.
- Meanwhile, Cyclone Tauktae has impacted COVID relief work in western coastal states as resources were diverted to move people to shelters, raising risk
1. Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched BJP's poll campaign for upcoming Bihar elections via video conference and slammed opposition over politicizing migrants' crisis during COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Shah claimed his address was not related to Bihar polls but to consolidate fight against COVID-19. He criticized RJD workers for mocking BJP's symbolic applause for frontline workers.
3. India's COVID-19 cases crossed 2.5 lakh, with Maharashtra continuing to be the worst hit state. Jammu & Kashmir reported its highest single day spike of 620 cases.
The Supreme Court expressed displeasure with farmers' unions for casting aspersions on members of the court-appointed committee to resolve issues related to new farm laws. The court said the committee members are "brilliant minds" and no adjudicating authority has been given to the panel. Meanwhile, the 10th round of talks between the government and farmers' unions ended with the government proposing to keep the three farm laws in abeyance for 18 months and form a joint committee to resolve other demands. However, farmer leaders said they will revert after internal consultation and want complete withdrawal of the laws.
As Covid cases rise across several Indian states, authorities are taking steps to curb the spread. Uttar Pradesh has imposed a Sunday curfew and ordered the setting up of a 1,000-bed Covid hospital in Lucknow. Karnataka CM Yediyurappa and Union Minister Prakash Javadekar have tested positive for Covid-19. The IMD predicts a normal monsoon this year across most parts of India.
Kerala has reported over 40,000 breakthrough Covid-19 cases, the highest in India. The central government has decided to conduct genomic sequencing of all breakthrough infection samples from Kerala to determine if a new variant is present. Meanwhile, at least 10 people died after a landslide in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district buried a bus and other vehicles under debris. Rescue operations are ongoing. The Rajya Sabha Chairman broke down in tears over the unruly scenes in the House the previous day and expressed anguish over members climbing on tables and throwing papers.
1. Fighting broke out along the India-Pakistan border in Kashmir, resulting in casualties on both sides. The Indian Army claims to have inflicted heavy damages and casualties on the Pakistan side through retaliatory strikes.
2. Delhi is seeing a spike in Covid-19 cases due to rising air pollution levels. The Chief Minister has asked for urgent action to address the crop stubble burning that is a major contributor to pollution.
3. Serum Institute of India aims to produce 100 million doses of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine by December, pending successful trials and regulatory approvals, for use in India and distribution through COVAX.
In a video conference meeting with various State Chief Ministers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the COVID-19 situation in India and sought their suggestions on reviving the battered economy. Most CMs insisted on a gradual lifting of lockdown restrictions with some opposing the resumption of train services from May 12. It was decided to redraw containment zones in states. The PM said the situation was largely under control but some large outbreaks have been seen in certain areas.
- UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled his upcoming visit to India in January due to a surge in COVID-19 cases and lockdown measures imposed in the UK. He was scheduled to be the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations.
- The decision was taken after Johnson spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Johnson said it was important for him to focus on the domestic response to the virus situation in the UK.
- Both leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in addressing the pandemic. Johnson hopes to visit India in the first half of 2021.
Research aarkstore veterinary health marketsNeel Terde
This document provides a summary of the global veterinary health market, including common diseases affecting livestock and pets, key veterinary medicines and biologics used to treat diseases, and an analysis of companies involved in developing veterinary health products. It details diseases found in cattle, pigs, poultry, dogs, cats, and horses and the drugs used to treat diseases such as antibiotics, parasiticides, anti-inflammatories, and vaccines. The report also provides market data and analysis of the veterinary health industry globally.
The horror at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), the State’s largest Covid-19 facility, continued as oxygen shortage killed 13 more Covid-19 patients in the dark hours (between 1 am and 6 am) of Friday, taking the tally to 75 in the last four days. As per the State Government statistics, 26 patients died at the GMCH during the wee hours of Tuesday, followed by 21 on Wednesday, 15 on Thursday, and 13 on Friday (total 75). According to a resident doctor of GMCH wards, pressure in the central pipeline started falling around 1 am on Thursday, and three patients in his ward succumbed to the fluctuations, despite their attempts to revive them.
- Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to requisition the services of doctors, paramedics and security personnel who have recently recovered from COVID-19 to address staff shortages at hospitals in Uttar Pradesh.
- An oxygen express train carrying 80,000 litres of medical oxygen arrived in Lucknow from Bokaro in Jharkhand to ease oxygen shortages in the state.
- The UP government will provide Remdesivir injections free of cost to critical COVID-19 patients in government and private hospitals based on recommendations from district officials.
Aridis Pharmaceuticals Inc is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company. It is engaged in the discovery and development of targeted immunotherapy using fully human monoclonal antibodies, or mAbs, to treat life-threatening infections.
The Union Cabinet approved a new Rs 23,123 crore package to ramp up India's medical infrastructure in preparation for the anticipated third wave of COVID-19. Out of the package, Rs 8,000 crore will be provided to state governments over the next 9 months to improve infrastructure. The new health minister stated the funds will go toward setting up pediatric care centers, 20,000 additional ICU beds, and supplies like medicines and equipment. Separately, the Cabinet approved a Rs 1 lakh crore fund for farmers that will provide loans to agricultural groups for post-harvest infrastructure and assets.
Opportunities for Reform and Optimization presented by Mohammed El Said from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) UK. Presentation includes:
- TRIPS-plus provision and their social cost.
- Free Trade Agreements and typical TRIPS-plus clauses.
- The global landscape of IP regulation
- The Flexibilities of the TRIPS Agreement
- TRIPS-Plus rules
- Impact of TRIPS-Plus rules on medicines prices
- Limiting the impact of TRIPS-Plus rules
- Nitish Kumar was sworn in as Chief Minister of Bihar for the seventh time, with top leaders of the ruling NDA coalition like Amit Shah and JP Nadda in attendance.
- A 14-member council of ministers was also sworn in, including two Deputy CMs from the BJP, while five ministers were from Nitish's JD(U) and one each from alliance partners HAM and VIP.
- Moderna announced its Covid-19 vaccine candidate was 94.5% effective based on early clinical trial results, following a similar claim from Pfizer last week, raising hopes that vaccines can help end the pandemic.
- India reported its lowest daily rise in Covid-
- External Affairs Ministers Jaishankar of India and Wang Yi of China will meet in Tajikistan to discuss ways to hasten disengagement at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. Their talks come at a time when a stalemate persists at three friction points.
- The Serum Institute of India will produce the Russian vaccine Sputnik V starting September 2021. They intend to produce over 300 million doses annually.
- Poll strategist Prashant Kishor met with Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders, fueling speculation about consolidating the opposition ahead of key upcoming state elections.
The document discusses India's response to the acute shortage of essential medical services during the second wave of COVID-19 in April 2021. It outlines several measures taken by the government to increase hospital infrastructure and capacity, augment oxygen supplies, and ensure availability of essential drugs. It notes the health infrastructure was strained but the government supported states by strengthening existing facilities and establishing temporary treatment centers.
The court dismissed former Union Minister MJ Akbar's criminal defamation suit against journalist Priya Ramani, who had accused him of sexual harassment as part of the #MeToo movement in India. The judge said that a woman has the right to speak up about abuse even after decades and cannot be punished for doing so. Ramani welcomed the verdict, saying it validates the truth and vindicates women who speak up about sexual harassment. The judgment was seen as a watershed moment supporting women who make allegations as part of the #MeToo movement.
India reported a record single-day rise in COVID-19 deaths and cases with several states reporting new highs. Maharashtra continues to lead the country in both cases and deaths, reporting over 66,000 new infections and 895 deaths alone. The Supreme Court expressed concern over the massive resurgence and said it cannot remain a "mute spectator" but its intervention is meant to be complementary to high courts. It also questioned the central government on vaccine pricing in India being higher than other countries.
First india ahmedabad edition-05 january 2021FIRST INDIA
First India published from Ahmedabad & Jaipur. Get Latest News In English on politics, sports, entertainment, business, lifestyle and many more. We are a formidable news Provider especially from Gujarat, Rajasthan and Power corridor of Delhi like The Times of India, Hindustan Times & The Hindu, etc. Read First India Today Newspaper.
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Farmers at the Singhu border burnt around one lakh copies of the three controversial farm laws passed by the Centre on Lohri, as part of their ongoing protests. They sang songs of resistance and hope as they circled the bonfires burning the copies of the laws. Meanwhile, farmer leaders said they would only celebrate festivals after their demand of repealing the farm laws is met. One farmer said this Lohri was filled with struggle instead of the usual fun and celebrations.
First india ahmedabad edition-16 may 2020FIRST INDIA
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The BJP defeated the ruling Congress party in panchayat elections in Rajasthan, which the BJP called a "farmers' mandate" amid protests against central farm laws. The BJP won 1,989 of 4,371 seats while the Congress won 1,852. Separately, interim results from Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine trials found it protects against symptomatic Covid-19 in 70% of cases. India's External Affairs Minister said relations with China are at their most difficult phase in decades due to violations of agreements by China at the LAC in Ladakh.
First india ahmedabad edition-23 may 2020FIRST INDIA
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- India reported over 2.7 lakh new Covid-19 cases and 1,500 deaths in the last 24 hours. One in every third new Covid infection reported globally is now from India.
- Several states including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Delhi continue to report high daily case counts. The Covid situation in India is far worse than the rest of the world.
- Younger people are now showing entirely different Covid symptoms during the second wave such as sore throat, loose motions, and pink eyes. Health experts warn that a third wave in India is likely.
A horrific incident occurred at Batra Hospital in Delhi where 12 Covid patients, including the head of the gastroenterology department, died due to lack of oxygen on Saturday. The hospital had warned authorities about low oxygen levels but only received an oxygen tanker 80 minutes later. Hospitals across Delhi are facing acute shortages and have appealed for help. The third phase of India's vaccination drive began but most states deferred it due to vaccine shortages.
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Welcome to the Official Website of First India Gujarat. We are India’s own INDIAN NEWSPAPERS IN ENGLISH. We cover most exclusive news of Gujrat interspersed with the best of national, international and sports news from across categories.First India News Paper with Gujarat Today Epaper coverage are 360-degree dynamic which will keep ahead of you in the world. For keeping up to date visit us Gujarat Samachar Epaper edition.
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The Government has agreed to hold talks with farmers' unions on January 20 to discuss the four-point agenda proposed by farmers regarding the three farm laws. However, farmers' unions have expressed dissatisfaction with the Government for not specifying the agenda in its invite letter. They claim the Government is unwilling to resolve the key issues and repeal the three farm laws. Over 1,500 telecom towers have been damaged by protesting farmers in Punjab, disrupting services.
- The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Anil Baijal, overruled two orders by the AAP government related to reserving hospitals for Delhi residents and limiting COVID-19 testing. Baijal said the orders violated constitutional right to life.
- This move may trigger a confrontation between the AAP government and LG office. Baijal directed that all government and private hospitals in Delhi treat all COVID-19 patients without discrimination of residency.
- Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the LG's order overruling the reservation of hospitals for Delhiites has created challenges for city residents. But added "Maybe God wants us to serve people of the whole country. We will try to provide treatment
The Government has decided to conduct genome sequencing on all international passengers who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days in India, after six people tested positive for the new UK strain. The Health Ministry already conducts genome sequencing on 5% of daily COVID cases. Experts say tracing the 33,000 UK returnees will be difficult. However, the Government assured that vaccines will be effective against the new strains. So far, six cases of the new UK variant have been detected through genome sequencing of 144 samples. The new variant is believed to be 71% more transmissible.
The Government of India announced several measures to support MSMEs including a Rs 20,000 crore financial package for stressed MSMEs and a Rs 50,000 crore equity infusion plan. It also launched a portal called Champions for MSMEs to avail benefits. Experts warned that community transmission of COVID-19 is well-established in India and criticized the Government's response to the pandemic. Moody's downgraded India's sovereign credit rating for the first time in over 20 years, citing risks from low growth, fiscal position and financial sector stress.
In the first two days of India's nationwide Covid-19 vaccination drive, a total of 2.24 lakh people received the vaccine. There were 447 cases of minor adverse events reported, including fever and headache, with only 3 people requiring hospitalization. On the second day, 17,072 people were vaccinated across 553 sessions in 6 states. The Supreme Court-appointed committee on the new farm laws will hold its first meeting on January 19 to discuss the laws. Farmers have reiterated their plan to hold a tractor rally in Delhi on Republic Day in a peaceful manner on the Outer Ring Road.
The Principal Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister, Dr. K. VijayRaghavan, has changed his stance on the potential third wave of COVID-19 infections in India. Two days after saying a third wave was "inevitable", he now says strong preventive measures could mean the third wave may not occur in all places or even anywhere at all. He emphasized implementing COVID guidance at the local level in states, districts, and cities. The top scientist explained the measures needed are around precautions, surveillance, containment and treatment, and testing. He said asymptomatic transmission can be stopped through these measures.
- Many Indian states have halted or slowed down Covid vaccinations for those aged 18-44 due to shortages, diverting vaccine stocks to complete second doses for those above age 45.
- Vaccination centers for 18-44 year olds have closed in Delhi, Maharashtra, and other states as they deal with limited vaccine supplies.
- Experts say India's vaccination program has been hit hard by the policy of diverting vaccine supplies to older groups for second doses, and that timely action could have prevented the current problems.
The Delhi Police arrested five suspected terrorists with links to Khalistani and Islamic terror groups after an encounter in Delhi. The suspects were from Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy recovered the body of a missing naval pilot off the Goa coast whose plane had crashed into the sea 11 days prior. Additionally, two major COVID-19 vaccine developers in India, Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech, applied for emergency use authorization from the drugs regulator.
Several migrant workers died in road accidents in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh on Saturday, while one was beaten to death by police in Surat, Gujarat for violating social distancing norms. The number of COVID-19 cases in India rose to over 90,000 with major surges reported in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The donations received by the PM Cares Fund to provide relief during the pandemic crossed Rs. 8,800 crore, lower than expected. Various economic reforms were announced by the government including opening up coal mining to the private sector and increasing FDI limit in defence.
1. The verification badges of Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat were removed by Twitter but later restored after massive public outcry.
2. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced further relaxations of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in Delhi, including opening of markets and malls on an odd-even basis and increasing Delhi Metro capacity to 50%.
3. At a G7 Health Ministers meeting, India opposed the idea of "vaccine passports" due to inequitable global vaccine access and the low vaccination rates in many developing countries including India.
Similar to Pioneer Dehradun-english-edition-2020-12-22 (20)
A survey in Maharashtra found that 75% of Covid-19 patients in private hospitals were overcharged, with nearly half of those patients dying during treatment. Additionally, a residential school in Bengaluru has become a Covid cluster after 60 of its nearly 500 students tested positive. The Punjab Police withdrew security from 20 associates of former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh as they no longer hold official positions.
Navjot Singh Sidhu resigned as president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, triggering further resignations in solidarity. This came after the allocation of portfolios to ministers, which Sidhu was apparently unhappy with. Sidhu wrote in his resignation letter that he could never compromise on Punjab's future. The political tremors from Sidhu's resignation were felt in the party high command in New Delhi as well, as senior leaders held emergency meetings to discuss the situation in Punjab. Former chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh also arrived in Delhi amid the turmoil in Punjab Congress, fueling speculation about his political intentions.
The Supreme Court warned the central government that it may issue strictures if not satisfied with the justification for last-minute changes made to the NEET Super Speciality exam syllabus in 2021. The court told the health ministry and other authorities not to treat young doctors like "footballs" and to hold a meeting within a week to address the concerns of 41 postgraduate doctors challenging the syllabus changes. It said it will not allow the lives of these doctors to be placed in the hands of insensitive bureaucrats.
Yogi Adityanath expanded his UP cabinet by inducting 7 new ministers from various social groups including OBCs, Dalits and ST in an attempt to balance caste equations ahead of state elections. The new 15-member cabinet formed by Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi inducted 7 new, younger faces while retaining 8 old ministers in an attempt to infuse youth and ensure social and regional balance. India told China not to confuse border management with the larger boundary issue and that both sides have made progress in disengaging troops at friction points in Ladakh through dialogue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. He targeted Pakistan and China in his speech, saying Afghanistan should not be used for terrorism and that ocean laws should be followed and not abused. Without naming China, he warned about countries with "regressive thinking" using terrorism as a political tool. He said India's scientific progress is helping not just India but the world, while such countries are going backwards. He focused on Afghanistan, saying the people there need help. He also spoke about upholding rule-based maritime security and not abusing ocean resources. The Quad grouping of India, US, Japan and Australia met in Washington and agreed to work together against coercion in the Ind
Three gangsters, including gangster Jitender Mann, alias Gogi, were killed in a shootout at Rohini court in Delhi. Two members of a rival gang dressed as lawyers opened fire on Gogi during a hearing. Gogi and the two attackers died from bullet injuries in the exchange of fire between the police escort and attackers. The incident raised serious questions about security at the court. The US Vice President met with the Indian Prime Minister in Washington and stressed the need to monitor Pakistan's support for terrorism and asked Pakistan to take action against terrorist groups operating from its soil that threaten India and the US.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with CEOs of major American companies like Qualcomm, Adobe, and Blackstone in Washington to discuss opportunities for investment and collaboration, particularly in 5G technology. The Supreme Court said it will form a technical committee to investigate allegations of surveillance using Pegasus spyware. The Enforcement Directorate launched a money laundering probe into the seizure of nearly 3,000 kg of heroin at Mundra port in Gujarat worth an estimated 21,000 crore.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for a three-day visit to the United States where he will meet with President Joe Biden and address the UN General Assembly. The interactions are aimed at strengthening the India-US partnership as well as ties with Japan and Australia.
- The Supreme Court directed the central government to provide Rs. 50,000 as ex-gratia compensation to the families of those who died from Covid-19 in India. The amount will be disbursed from state disaster response funds.
- Pakistan allowed the use of its airspace for Modi's flight to the US, after India requested permission, as Afghanistan's airspace remains closed since the Taliban takeover. This is a change from
- India has taken strong exception to the UK's policy not recognizing Covishield vaccine and requiring quarantine for vaccinated Indian travelers, calling it "discriminatory".
- India's Foreign Secretary said the issue was raised strongly with the new UK Foreign Secretary and will likely be resolved soon following assurances.
- India warned that if not satisfied, it would be within its rights to impose reciprocal measures in response.
The document summarizes recent political developments in India. It discusses the Congress party naming Charanjit Singh Channi as the next Chief Minister of Punjab, making him the first Dalit to hold the position. It also mentions a major drug haul in Gujarat worth Rs 9,000 crore and the potential reopening of India to foreign tourists for the first time in 18 months with the first 500,000 issued visas free of cost. Furthermore, it discusses AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal announcing one lakh government jobs and 80% reservation for Uttarakhand youth if AAP is elected in the upcoming state elections.
- Less than six months before Punjab state assembly elections, the Congress party replaced Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, acknowledging this was the best option politically to address growing dissatisfaction with the incumbent two-term Chief Minister.
- Capt Amarinder Singh resigned as Chief Minister, submitting his resignation to the Governor, after it became clear the Congress high command's political plan was unacceptable to him and would remove him as Chief Minister.
- The political events in Punjab mirror those in Gujarat recently, where both the Chief Minister and the entire cabinet were replaced ahead of elections to give the government a new look.
India administered over 2 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses in a single day for the first time on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday on September 17th. Several states like Bihar and Karnataka saw their highest single-day vaccinations. The government aims to make setting this vaccination record a birthday gift for the Prime Minister. The previous record of 1 crore daily doses was crossed within the first few hours.
The Government has announced a Rs 30,600 crore package to help set up a 'bad bank' called the National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL) to help take over stressed loan assets from public sector banks, helping clean up their balance sheets. The NARCL will pay 15% of the agreed loan value in cash and issue security receipts for the remaining 85% backed by government guarantees. This is aimed at resolving bad loans worth Rs 2 lakh crore. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Madras High Court has stayed certain rules introduced in February this year regarding regulation of digital media on grounds that they infringe media independence.
The Union Cabinet approved major reforms in the telecom sector including a 4-year moratorium on payment of AGR dues for Vodafone-Idea and Airtel to provide relief. It also approved 100% FDI in the telecom sector through the automatic route. A ₹26,058 crore PLI scheme was approved for the auto, auto components and drone industries to boost manufacturing. The Delhi Government challenged amendments to the GNCTD Act in the Supreme Court, claiming it violates federalism by increasing the LG's powers over the elected state government. India criticized Pakistan and the OIC at the UNHRC for raising the Kashmir issue and said it does not need lessons from
Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh State University in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. He praised the work of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in creating an investment friendly environment in the state. Modi said that Aligarh, known for locks, will now contribute to national security by manufacturing defense equipment. He added that India will become self-reliant and a major exporter in the defense sector. The event was seen as Modi sounding the bugle for the 2022 UP state assembly polls.
The Supreme Court will pass an interim order in 2-3 days regarding the Pegasus spyware case after the Centre refused to file a detailed affidavit. The Chief Justice told the Solicitor General that the interim order will come soon and the Centre can reconsider filing the affidavit before then. The Solicitor General argued against making details of software used by the government public, saying it could harm national security efforts. He said an expert committee will examine the allegations and submit a report to the court.
The BJP leadership in Gujarat appointed Bhupendra Patel, a first-time MLA and lightweight Patidar politician, as the new Chief Minister, replacing Vijay Rupani. Patel, who has been a protege of former Gujarat CM Anandiben Patel, surprised many in the state BJP with his selection. He was appointed with the approval of PM Modi and Amit Shah, and will contest the 2022 state elections under Modi's leadership.
- Vijay Rupani resigned as Chief Minister of Gujarat to make way for a new leader ahead of key state elections next year. This comes as the BJP faces challenges from opposition parties and wants a more dynamic leader.
- Several names are being considered as his replacement, primarily from the influential Patidar community, as the BJP looks to win back support. A decision is expected on Sunday after the BJP legislature party meeting.
- Rupani's management was seen as weakening the state unit and he faced criticism over his handling of the second COVID wave. The BJP wants to revamp its leadership in the state to win the upcoming elections.
- The fifth and final Test between India and England in Manchester was cancelled due to an outbreak of COVID-19 cases in the Indian camp.
- The BCCI initially said India was unable to field a team, forfeiting the match, but later said India was "regrettably unable to field a team" due to fears of more cases.
- The status of the series is unclear, with the BCCI saying they will work to reschedule the match but the ECB CEO saying it would be a standalone match rather than a decider.
The document discusses several leadership and political changes in India:
- Gurmit Singh was appointed as the new Governor of Uttarakhand, replacing Baby Rani Maurya who resigned. Some other governor changes were also made.
- At the BRICS summit, PM Modi said the forum adopted a counter-terrorism plan. Russia raised concerns about Afghanistan becoming a threat or source of terrorism. The joint statement condemned terrorism and called for peaceful resolution in Afghanistan.
- New data from India showed that a single vaccine dose provides 96.6% protection against Covid death, while two doses provide 97.5% protection. Officials urged all to get fully vaccinated.
El Puerto de Algeciras continúa un año más como el más eficiente del continente europeo y vuelve a situarse en el “top ten” mundial, según el informe The Container Port Performance Index 2023 (CPPI), elaborado por el Banco Mundial y la consultora S&P Global.
El informe CPPI utiliza dos enfoques metodológicos diferentes para calcular la clasificación del índice: uno administrativo o técnico y otro estadístico, basado en análisis factorial (FA). Según los autores, esta dualidad pretende asegurar una clasificación que refleje con precisión el rendimiento real del puerto, a la vez que sea estadísticamente sólida. En esta edición del informe CPPI 2023, se han empleado los mismos enfoques metodológicos y se ha aplicado un método de agregación de clasificaciones para combinar los resultados de ambos enfoques y obtener una clasificación agregada.
Essential Tools for Modern PR Business .pptxPragencyuk
Discover the essential tools and strategies for modern PR business success. Learn how to craft compelling news releases, leverage press release sites and news wires, stay updated with PR news, and integrate effective PR practices to enhance your brand's visibility and credibility. Elevate your PR efforts with our comprehensive guide.
An astonishing, first-of-its-kind, report by the NYT assessing damage in Ukraine. Even if the war ends tomorrow, in many places there will be nothing to go back to.
Here is Gabe Whitley's response to my defamation lawsuit for him calling me a rapist and perjurer in court documents.
You have to read it to believe it, but after you read it, you won't believe it. And I included eight examples of defamatory statements/
Acolyte Episodes review (TV series) The Acolyte. Learn about the influence of the program on the Star Wars world, as well as new characters and story twists.
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Amid fears over the spread
of a mutated strain of coro-
navirus — reportedly 70 per
cent more infectious than the
one that caused the Covid-19
— India has joined over two
dozen countries in suspending
all flights from and to the
United Kingdom from
December 23 to December 31.
Union Health Minister
Dr Harshvardhan said the
authorities are keeping a close
watch and there is no need to
panic as the Government is
alert on the issue.
The ban will start from
Wednesday and passengers
arriving from the UK in
flights that will land in India
by 11.59 pm on Tuesday will
undergo mandatory RT-PCR
test at the airports concerned.
Those who test positive will
be sent to institutional quar-
antine while the rest will be
asked to home-isolate for
seven days.
Several major European
countries including France,
Germany, Italy, Belgium, the
Netherlands, Austria, Ireland,
Burgalia, Denmark, Sweden,
Switzerland, in addition to
countries like Canada, Kuwait,
Colombia, Morocco, Iran,
Israel, Turkey were among
those that shut off travel ties
after Prime Minister Boris
Johnson warned that a high-
ly infectious new strain of the
virus was a danger to the
country. Saudi Arabia,
notably, has suspended all
international flights over the
fear of the new strain of coro-
navirus.
According to the Ministry
of Civil Aviation, the
Government has decided that
all flights originating from the
UK to India will be suspend-
ed from 11.59 pm December
22 till 11.59 pm on December
31. Consequently, flights from
India to the UK will also
stand suspended during the
period.
“As a measure of abundant
precaution, passengers arriving
from the UK in all transit
flights (flights that have taken
off or flights which are reach-
ing India before December 22
at 23.59 hrs) should be subject
to mandatory RT-PCR test on
arrival at the airports con-
cerned,” the Ministry said.
Civil Aviation Minister
Hardeep Singh Puri said on
Twitter that those passengers
who are found Covid positive
would be sent for institution-
al quarantine set up by the
States or Union Territories
(UTs). “Those found negative
should be advised to isolate at
home for 7 days and will be
medically monitored by the
States/UTs,” Puri
added.
Till date, the rules stated
that if an international pas-
senger had a Covid negative
certificate from a test done 72
hours prior to the journey,
s/he need not undergo Covid-
19 test again on arrival at the
Indian airport.
The decision followed an
expert meeting of the Health
Ministry’s joint monitoring
group (JMG) on Covid-19
which reasoned for abundant
caution as the new strain is
under review.
The JMG met on Monday
to study evidence from the UK
which said the bee strain was
out of the country and was 70
per cent more infectious than
the original.
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AParliamentary panel on
Monday recommended to
the Government that any vac-
cine against Covid-19 should
be granted emergency use
authorisation only after prop-
er consideration and conduct-
ing its trials on a sufficient sam-
ple size.
In a report submitted to
Rajya Sabha chairman and
Vice President M Venkaiah
Naidu, the Parliamentary
Standing Committee on Home
Affairs chaired by senior
Congress leader Anand Sharma
said there is a need for a com-
prehensive public health law to
keep tabs on private hospitals
and check black-marketing of
medicines.
The report comes even as
the Government considers
applications of at least three
firms seeking emergency
approval to roll out their vac-
cines against the coronavirus in
India.
The Centre on last Tuesday
said the applications — by
Bharat Biotech, Serum Institute
of India and Pfizer — filed with
the Drugs Controller General
of India are being examined by
the Covid-19 subject expert
committee of Central Drugs
Standard Control Organization
(CDSCO).
The Parliamentary com-
mittee report noted that the
CDSCO has given no emer-
gency use authorisation in the
past, and suggested that all nec-
essary and mandatory require-
ments must be duly fulfilled
and all trial phases
completed.
“Trials on small animals,
human trials should be manda-
torily undertaken on a suffi-
cient sample size popula-
tion…if at all emergency
authorisation would be given,
it should be given by
Government with proper con-
sideration and caution and this
provision should be used in
rarest of the rare cases,” the
report reads.
BC055A4?AC4AQ
=4F34;78
Farmers sitting on Delhi’s
borders with Haryana and
Uttar Pradesh began their day-
long “relay” hunger strike at all
protest sites on chilling
Monday.
Meanwhile, the farmer
leaders on Monday claimed
that there is nothing new in the
Centre’s latest letter to them
seeking a date for the next
round of talks and said they are
ready for talks with the gov-
ernment, if there is a clear solu-
tion.
Scores of farmers from
Himachal Pradesh, Kerala,
Tamil Nadu, Punjab,
Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and
Haryana continued to join the
farmers protest sites at Singhu,
Chilla, Tikri and Ghazipur
borders across the National
Capital.
The farmers started a day-
long relay hunger strike on
Monday morning at all sites of
protest against the new agri
laws and at Singhu border,
which has become the epic cen-
tre site of the protest, a team of
11 members sat on hunger
strike in the first batch.
Another batch of 11 members
will sit on a hunger strike at 11
am on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, several farmers
also contributed to the hunger
strike and stayed without food
for the entire day.
Reacting on the letter by
Agriculture Ministry Joint
Secretary Vivek Aggarwal, the
farmers’ leaders said there is
nothing new in the letter and
the farmers have already reject-
ed the Government’s proposal
to amend the new farm
laws.
“In its letter, the
Government has asked us to
discuss its proposal and con-
vey a date to it for another
round of talks. Don’t they
know our demand? We just
want a complete repeal of the
new agriculture laws,” said
Abhimanyu Kohar, the farmer
leader.
?=BQ =4F34;78
Bears were back on the Dalal
Street with renewed feroc-
ity and left a trail of bloodbath
that eroded the investors’
wealth by C6.59 lakh crore on
Monday as equities tanked
after the UK reported a new
strain of the Covid-19 virus.
The new strain of the coron-
avirus was up to 70 per cent
more contagious.
The market gave no corner
to hide as the 30-share BSE
Sensex plunged 1,406.73 points
or3percenttocloseat45,553.96
after hitting an all-time high of
47,055.69 during the session.
There was a sense of déjà vu as
theequitiessawthesamefreefor
all as was witnesses in March
when indices lost nearly 30 per
cent in a matter of days.
Following the sharp sell-
ing, the market capitalisation of
BSE-listed firms plummeted by
C6,59,313.65 crore to
C1,78,79,323.05 crore. In the
broader market, the BSE mid-
cap and small-cap indices
tanked up to 4.57 per cent.
As it is the market was
looking for an excuse to correct
since the Indian equities have
outperformed global markets
by a wide margin in recent
months. All BSE sectoral
indices also closed lower, with
metal, oil and gas, utilities, real-
ty, basic materials, industrials,
power and bankex falling as
much as 6.05 per cent. At the
BSE, 2,433 companies declined,
while 592 advanced and 167
remained unchanged
The brutal bloodbath came
after the UK reported a new
coronavirus strain on Sunday.
The Dala street took a further
cue from the European markets
in the afternoon amid fear of
fresh traveling lockdown
restrictions across countries.
The UK imposed a fresh lock-
down in London and southeast
England, warning that the
potent new strain of the Covid-
19 virus was “out of
control”.
?=BQ =4F34;78
The six billion dollar deal for
S-400 air defence systems
between India and Russia is
moving as per schedule despite
the USA threat of sanctions.
This assertion from the
Russian Ambassador to India
on Monday came days after the
USA imposed sanctions against
Turkey for going ahead with a
deal for S-400 missile system
manufactured by Russia. China
has already bought more than
six such systems from Russia.
India and Russia inked a
deal for five S-400 systems in
2018 worth over 5.6 billion
dollars. These air defence sys-
tems will enable India to
detect and destroy incoming
missiles and aircraft after
picking up their flight path
more than 400 km away. The
systems will start coming to
India by 2021 and entire five
systems will be inducted in a
five-year schedule.
Brushing aside the USA
caution to India over the past
two years about the possibili-
ty of sanctions for procuring
weapons from Russia,
Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev
said ongoing deals with India
for military hardware are
advancing well.
“There can be good
progress if decisions related to
the procurement of Ka-226
helicopters and production of
AK-203 assault rifles are expe-
dited, and Russia is prepared to
share the most advanced tech-
nologies with India in line
with the “Make in India” and
“Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initia-
tives, Kudashev said.
Elaborating upon the
progress of the defence deals
with India, the Russian envoy
said, “As far as current deals
[are] concerned, we are
advancing well, including with
S-400 supplies. If relevant deci-
sions to start works related to
Ka-226 helicopters and AK-203
rifles production are expedited,
soon we will see good progress,
which is especially important
due to deep interests expressed
by the Indian armed
forces.”
On the USA threat of sanc-
tions against India, Kudashev
said Russia like India, does not
recognise sanctions other than
those imposed by the UN
Security Council.
Roman Babushkin, chargé
d’affaires at the Russian
Embassy, described the USA
secondary sanctions on arms
purchases from Russia as “ille-
gal tools of unfair competition
and pressure”.
Maintaining that India and
Russia are disciplined members
of the international arms con-
trol regimes, Kudashev also
said their bilateral defense ties
will not pose “any threat to the
regional balance”.
“As far as sanctions are
concerned, it’s hard to predict
and let the Biden
Administration first announce
publicly its plans and foreign
policy vision. We do not recog-
nise or welcome unilateral sanc-
tions as a tool...of interstate or
international relations, sanc-
tions other than those applied
by the UN Security Council,
this is also the case of Turkey,”
he said.
B0D60AB4=6D?C0Q :;:0C0
Aday after Union Home
Minister Amit Shah staged
the “biggest roadshow in
Bengal”, Chief Minister
Mamata Banerjee has promised
to repeat the feat by the end of
this year leading a counter
rally at Bolpur along the same
route. The rally is likely to be
held on December 29, party
leaders said.
Hitting out at the BJP lead-
ership (read Shah) for deliver-
ing “a garbage of lies,” on
Bengal’s development, the
Chief Minister said, “Some
people are coming from Delhi
and discharging a garbage of
lies in Bengal,” countering
Shah’s claim that the State was
lagging far behind in econom-
ic development, industrial
growth and employment gen-
eration index.
“Contrary to what they
said Bengal is number one in
many fields,” she said speaking
about the Kanyashree, Sabuuj
Saathi and other projects for
which the State had won inter-
national recognition.
Shah had on Sunday
attacked the TMC Government
for taking Bengal backwards in
every respect.
“Why are they telling lies to
thepeopleoftheState,whatgain
they will make by telling lies,”
Mamata said adding her party
wascommittedtounityandthat
it would not let people be divid-
ed for narrow political gains.
Saying the BJP was a “party
of cheating baz (cheats)”
Mamata said, “There is a nefar-
ious design to spread commu-
nal hatred in Bengal to win elec-
tions which is not the culture of
this State. We have always
remained united and will con-
tinue to do so in
future.”
The Chief Minister earlier
thanked her counterparts and
Opposition leaders from other
States saying how “the Central
Government is interfering with
my Government by transfer-
ring three IPS officers.”
Thanking the Chief
Minister’s of Punjab, Delhi,
Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan
for voicing solidarity with
Bengal, Mamata said federal
ideas were under attack in the
present situation and needed to
be preserved. She also thanked
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
(DMK) president MK Stalin
who described the “unilateral
transfer” of senior Bengal cops
by the Centre as “autocratic and
anti-federal.”
?=BQ =4F34;78
Veteran Congress leader
Motilal Vora passed on
Monday, a day after he cele-
brated his 93rd birthday. Vora,
who had recovered from Covid-
19 in October, was admitted to
Delhi’s Escorts Hospital after he
complained of breathlessness on
December 19.
Having held one of the
most important organisation-
al post of the All India
Congress Committee (AICC)
treasurer for nearly two
decades, Vora was appointed as
the general secretary in charge
of administration in 2018.
Vora’s successor Ahmed
Patel held the post till his
death on November 25 this
year. He died of post-Covid
complications in a Gurugram
hospital.
A former Chief Minister of
Madhya Pradesh and a former
Governor of Uttar Pradesh,
Vora, a Gandhi family loyalist,
was known for his relations
across political spectrum.
In a party reshuffle carried
out by Congress president
Sonia Gandhi in September
this year, Vora was not given
any party responsibility in view
of his advancing age.
A journalist by profession,
he worked with Navbharat
Times as its correspondent in
Bombay (now Mumbai), then
served with Navbharat in
Nagpur and Raipur and later
with Nagpur Times in Nagpur.
New Delhi: A day after
Facebook temporarily shut
down a page on the ongoing
farmers agitation against the
Centre’s new farm laws, the
protestors on Monday said
social media was crucial for
their movement as it allowed
them to tell the “truth in
their our own words”. The
social media giant had
Sunday evening shut down
the page of ‘Kisan Ekta
Morcha’ that shares “official
updates” on the agitation,
only to restore it three hours
later following social media
outrage.
The Kisan Ekta Morcha’s
Instagram page was also tem-
porarily suspended.
C=A067D=0C70Q D108
In what will put a virtual stop
to the Christmas and New
Year-eve celebrations in
Mumbai and other major cities
in the State, the Maharashtra
Government on Monday
announced the imposition of
14-day-long night curfew from
December 22 in the metropo-
lis and other Municipal
Corporation areas in the State
from 11 pm to 6 am, following
detection of a new strain of
Covid in the United Kingdom.
MaharashtraChiefMinister
UddhavThackerayreviewedthe
pandemic situation in the State.
Detailed report on P5
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BC055A4?AC4AQ =4F34;78
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on
Monday appointed senior
leader and Burari MLA Sanjeev
Jha as the state in-charge of
Bihar and in-charge of AAP
Delhi Purvanchal
Organisation.
Delhi Chief Minister and
AAP national convenor Arvind
Kejriwal congratulated Jha for
his appointment. Jha said that
he will work round the clock to
ensure the work of the party in
Bihar and strengthen the party
in the state.
Congratulations and best
wishes to u Sanjeev, tweeted
Kejriwal.
On the appointment, Jha
said, I want to thank Delhi
Chief Minister and AAP
national convener Arvind
Kejriwal for giving me this
responsibility as the in-charge
of Bihar. I will work round the
clock to ensure the work of the
party in Bihar and strengthen
the party in the state.
Jha was born on 01 August
1979 to a Hindu family in
Sunderpur Bithhi Village,
Madhubani district, Bihar State.
In the February 2015 Delhi
Assembly election, which
resulted in a landslide victory
for AAP, he was again elected
from Burari, With over 67,950
votes. Later he appointed as
Spokesperson and Prabhari of
State Bihar and Jharkhand by
Aam Aadmi Party. In 2016
Delhi Govt. Appoints him
Parliamentary Secretary of
Transport.
BC055A4?AC4AQ =4F34;78
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister
Manish Sisodia lauded the
education team in Delhi for
carrying out good work during
the Covid19 crisis and extend-
ed his congratulations to the
teachers and principals of
Government Sarvodaya co-ed
BC055A4?AC4AQ
670I80103
On the 26th day of farmers
protest at Ghazipur (UP
gate) several farmers joined at
the protest site. Theatre artist
from Punjab also performed a
nukkad natak at the protest site.
Farmers from states, Tamil
Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and
Kerala reached the site of the
agitation on Monday.
Addressing the farmers, the
National Organizer, he Tamil
Nadu Farmer Conservation
Association, advocate Ishan
said that the movement is not
only for UP Punjab but also for
farmers from all over India
which is evident as farmers
from Tamil Nadu and Kerela
have arrived here to mark their
protest against the centre new
farms law.
He alleged that in Tamil
Nadu, the government impos-
es electric towers on the farm-
ers' land and no compensation
is paid to the farmers. Advocate
Rajneesh Sharma, National
Convenor of Tower Line
Association Awareness Forum
from Himachal Pradesh, said
that Anil Ambani's company
and 10 other companies have
installed high voltage power
towers on farmers' land all
over Himachal Pradesh.
“The farmers have not
received any compensation till
date. The BJP had promised
during the election that if our
government comes, we will
completely eliminate the prob-
lem of farmers but so far no
action has been taken,” he
said.
At the protest site, on
Sunday night ragani was sang
by singers, theatre artists from
Punjab staged a play on the atti-
tude of the farmers.
BC055A4?AC4AQ =4F34;78
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind
Kejriwal on Monday urged
the Union Government to ban
flights from the United
Kingdon where a new, infec-
tious strain of the virus has
been detected.
New mutation of corona
virus has emerged in UK,
which is a super-spreader. I
urge Central Govt to ban all
flights from UK immediately,”
tweeted Kejriwal.
Kejriwal’s reaction came
after Birtain’s health minister
warmed that a strict lockdown
imposed on London and
southeast England may last
for months because the new
strain was out of control.
UK Prime Minister Boris
Johnson also had announced
on Saturday that millions must
cancel Christmas plans and
stay at home from Sunday
Pertinently, the new strain
of the virus which has already
accounted for one-Third of
the current cases in London is
believed to be 70 percent infec-
tious that the other strains in
circulation.
BC055A4?AC4AQ =4F
34;78
Member of Parliament (
MP ) from South Delhi
Lok Sabha constituency,
Ramesh Bidhuri took out the
Kisan Kalyan Samarthan Yatra
in Kalkaji, Sangam Vihar and
Deoli Legislative Assembly on
Monday.
Bidhuri interacted the
farmers and inform them
about new farm laws.
The Yatra started from
ISKCON temple, passed
through Kalkaji, Nehru Place,
Govindpuri, Tughlakabad
Extension and Sangam Vihar
on
Bidhuri addressed a pub-
lic meeting in Govindpuri dur-
ing the visit and said that, some
political parties are engaged in
finding their political land in
the name of Kisan protest.
Targeting Chief Minister
Arvind Kejriwal, the BJP leader
said Kejriwal mislead the peo-
ple of Delhi and the country
about the Farm Acts.
“In the Delhi Legislative
Assembly, he acted against the
Constitution by tearing up
copies of the Farm Laws. How
can a Chief Minister tear a law
passed by the Supreme Temple
of Democracy, the Parliament?
MP Bidhuri said that, with this
new Farm Acts, farmers will be
no longer bound to sell their
crops in mandis, they can sell
their crop wherever they get
fair price,” Bidhuri said,
adding, “Goal of the Modi
government is to double the
income of farmers by 2022.
MP Bidhuri further said that,
few farmers are protesting. 80
crore farmers of the country
are with this Act brought by
the central government.
Farmers who are opposing
this law are misled by opposi-
tion parties like Congress,
Aam Aadmi Party, Communist
and leftist ideology. Small
farmers of the country who
own one or two acres of land,
such farmers are very sup-
portive of the Farm Acts
brought by the Modi govern-
ment.”
MP Bidhuri told to
empower farmers, Modi gov-
ernment brought Agricultural
Mechanization Scheme, Crop
Insurance Scheme, Soil Health
Card, Kisan Samman Nidhi,
apart from the provision of
sendin Rs 6000 in the farmers'
account every year.
BC055A4?AC4AQ =4F34;78
The national capital report-
ed 1,091 fresh cases on
Monday and the daily positiv-
ity rate reached to 1.29 per cent.
The COVID-19 situation
in the national capital has
improved in the last several
days. According to the latest
health bulletin the death toll
rose to 10,304 with 27 new
fatalities.
The number of cases and
the single-day fatality count
now indicate a marked
improvement in the situation
since the third wave of the pan-
demic had hit the city in
November.
Delhi Chief Minister
Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday
said that the national capital
has now overcome the third
wave of Covid-19 infections.
The highest number of daily
coronavirus tests is being con-
ducted in the country, which is
even more than the US,
Kejriwal said, adding that when
New York reached its peak the
patients were lying on the
streets and corridors of hospi-
tals, almost 7000 beds were
lying vacant when the highest
number of corona cases was
reported in a day in Delhi.
The highest single-day
spike 8,593 cases till date was
reported on November 11.
On November 18, 7,486
COVID-19 cases were record-
ed with 133 new fatalities, the
highest single-day death count
till date. However, on
December 13 only 33 fatalities
were recorded, the lowest since
September 21, when it stood at
32.
Soon after the third wave of
the pandemic hit the national
capital, daily cases had surged
and containment zones count
also kept mounting.
The positivity rate which
had stood at 8.23 per cent on
October 26 had spiralled to
15.26 per cent on November 8.
However, since first week of
November, the positivity rate
has gradually fallen and the fig-
ure stood at 1.31 per cent on
December 20, according to
official data.
The number of contain-
ment zones in Delhi has shown
intermittent rise and fall in the
last several days, with the fig-
ure standing at 5,843 on
Monday.
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The Uttarakhand Traffic
Eyes app is being enhanced
to involve the public too in
putting an effective check on
the violation of traffic rules.
This is one of the various mea-
sures directed by the State’s
Traffic director Kewal Khurana
to improve the traffic system in
the districts. According to the
police, complete information
will be available on the Traffic
Eyes app about those penalised
through the app. On a challan
being issued through the app, a
link will be sent on the regis-
tered mobile number of the
vehicle owner for payment of
the fine. Further, information
about action taken on com-
plaints received from citizens
will also be available on the sta-
tus. The traffic directorate has
also sought information about
e-challan from the districts to
ascertain whether the e-challan
machines are being used effec-
tively. For the convenience of
citizens, an online payment app
facility is also being provided on
the e-challan machines.
According to Khurana,
serious cognisance has to be
taken of the tendency of some
people to not give way to
ambulances. Under the Motor
Vehicles Act, there is provision
of Rs 10,000 fine or upto six
months imprisonment for
those blocking the way of an
ambulance. Taking serious
cognisance of such instances,
strict action should be taken
against the people responsible,
he said. Strict action should
also be taken in such cases
wherein information about the
same is received via social
media or other means. Police
personnel posted on traffic
duties at intersections should
also be directed to accord fore-
most priority to clearing the
way for an ambulance in any
situation. Apart from this, a
road safety management and
accident investigation train-
ing programme is also pro-
posed to be conducted by the
directorate with the IRTE for
inspectors and sub inspectors
next month as part of further
improving the capabilities of
personnel on traffic duty.
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1A845B
Vidyalaya, Sector 8 Rohini
during his visit.
Sisodia said, “This world is
full of good people. This morn-
ing is a witness to that as we cel-
ebrate that goodness.”
The deputy chief minister
said through the efforts of the
school’s Principal Awadhesh
Kumar Jha and Vice Principal
Bharti Kalra, 230 smartphones
were collected for the students
in need, with the help of the
civil society.
The smartphones were dis-
tributed to the students from
class nine to class 12. Out of the
230 phones, 108 phones were
brought in by project Empathy
run by Avika Diwan, a class 10
student of Shri Ram School,
Aravalli (Gurugram).
Sisodia while distributing
the smartphones to the stu-
dents said this was a symbol of
the collective goodness of peo-
ple coming together in such
dire times.
“The pandemic has had the
worst impact on education.
Schools had to be shut down,
and classes were shifted
online.”
Sisodia said, “Though
nobody thought studies could
be shifted online, our teachers
stepped up despite not being
trained for it. Our Government
school teachers have not only
made us proud but also Delhi
proud by taking on the respon-
sibility of carrying out these
online classes
well.”
Sisodia said that for a lot of
students, not having a smart-
phone made it difficult for
them to access their online
classes. With different organi-
sations, volunteers, and citizens
having stepped forward to
mobilise getting phones to help
the students, such contribu-
tions reflect the goodness of
people.
“Recently, one of our team
members on his grandfather’s
birthday also gifted 100 smart-
phones,” he
added.
BC055A4?AC4AQ =4F34;78
Delhi Police has arrested
five persons, including a
woman for allegedly running a
fake call center and duping
people in northwest Delhi’s
Keshav Puram
area.
The accused have been
identified as Mani Kartik (32),
a resident of Keshav Puram and
the kingpin of the racket, N
Marimuttu (37), K Rahul (18),
C Shiva (28), residents of
Shakurpur, and Prachi Arora
(20), a resident of Burari.
According to Vijayanta
Arya, the Deputy
Commissioner of Police
(DCP), Northwest district, a
complaint was received where
the complainant alleged that he
got calls from the unknown
numbers where persons imper-
sonated themselves as execu-
tives of online shopping web-
sites.
“The callers informed the
complainant that he has been
selected as lucky customer and
won a car on the basis of his
previous shopping. They
offered him option to receive
the car or cash. When he
agreed to receive cash instead
of car, they asked him for pro-
cessing fee. The complainant
deposited Rs 6,000 in the
alleged account, but later he
found it was suspicious and
lodged the complaint,” said
the DCP.
“During enquiry, the
alleged bank account was
found opened in the name of
Arora. The call detail records of
the alleged numbers were ana-
lyzed and a fake call center
which was being operated at
Keshav Puram came to notice.
Thereafter, a raid was con-
ducted and five persons were
arrested,” said the
DCP.
“Police recovered eight
mobile phones, eight ATM
cards and 10 SIM cards from
their possession. During inves-
tigation, it was also learnt that
the alleged account was opened
on October 21, 2020 and total
transaction amount within a
period of one month was found
Rs 27 lakh,” said the
DCP.
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Asupplementary budget of Rs
4063.89 crore was tabled in the
Uttarakhand Assembly on the first day
of the Winter Session on Monday. The
House moved a condolence motion to
pay homage to Salt MLA Surendra
Singh Jeena and four former members
who had recently passed away. After
paying homage, the House was
adjourned for the day. The question
hour and Zero hour remained sus-
pended as after placing the supple-
mentary budget the house paid homage
to Jeena and four former members, K
C Punetha, Anusuya Prasad Maikhuri,
Sunderlal Mandarwal and Tejpal Singh
Panwar.
The leader of the House and chief
minister Trivendra Singh Rawat attend-
ed the session virtually as he is in home
isolation after being detected positive for
the disease.
Remembering Jeena,
the CM said that he was
a young, energetic and
dedicated leader. He
said that Jeena had a
unique method of greet-
ings and his untimely
departure has made
everyone sad. Paying
homage to former
deputy speaker of
Uttarakhand assembly
Anusuya Prasad
Maikhuri, the CM said
that he was very humble
and a gentleman.
Remembering an
incident of 2002-03, the
CM said that he suffered
an injury during an
agitation and at that
time Maikhuri held his
hand and asked him to
visit hospital. Rawat
said that the former MLA Sunder Lal
Mandarwal was a true Gandhian and
was associated with the grassroots. He
said that former MLA Tejpal Singh
Panwar was a straight talking individ-
ual who never relied on falsehood. All
members of the treasury benches and
opposition took part in the proceedings
to pay tributes to Jeena and former
members of the house. Earlier in the day,
the Congress MLA from Manglaur, Qazi
Nizamuddin raised a point of order and
questioned the propriety of tabling the
supplementary budget on the day when
the assembly would give pay homage to
one sitting and four former members.
?=BQ 347A03D=
The Congress took strong
exception to the govern-
ment’s decision to place the
supplementary budget on the
day when the house partici-
pated in the condolence
motion to pay tribute to Salt
MLA Surendra Singh Jeena
and four former members. The
Manglaur MLA Qazi
Nizamuddin told media per-
sons outside the Vidhan Sabha
that no other work is done on
the day the condolence motion
is tabled. He said that it was
wrong on the part of the gov-
ernment to place the supple-
mentary budget on the day.
Qazi added that the Zero
hour and question hour
remained suspended on the
day but the government placed
the supplementary budget
which is wrong. Terming the
ministers immature, he said
that the house missed the ser-
vices of the former parliamen-
tary affairs minister Prakash
Pant on the day who would
have never allowed such a mis-
take.
The deputy leader of the
Congress legislature party,
Karan Mahra said that the
government is running away
from discussion in the house
and is trying to cut short the
assembly proceedings. “It is
unfortunate that only nine sit-
tings of the assembly would be
held this year. It is mockery of
the parliamentary proceed-
ings. It is clearly mentioned in
the rules that the house should
sit for at least 60 days in a year,’’
he said. The Congress leader
added that the Leader of
Opposition (LoP) Indira
Hridayesh and PCC President
Pritam Singh who would par-
ticipate in the meeting of the
business advisory committee
should demand extension of
the winter session. He said
that they should put pressure
on the government to extend
the session which should be of
at least 10 days.
Mahra said that the
Congress party would raise
the issue of corruption emphat-
ically on the second day of win-
ter session. He said that the
party would raise the issue of
the District Development
Authorities, plight of farmers,
unemployment and price rise
in Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday.
347A03D=)The BJP MLA
from Lohaghat, Puran Singh
Phartiyal again put his own
government at dock in the
assembly on Monday when
he said that it is unfortunate
that Salt MLA, Surendra
Singh Jeena was not accorded
a funeral with state honours.
He said that Jeena was tested
negative for the Covid-19 just
before his death so a normal
cremation of him was done.
Phartiyal said that Jeena
being a sitting MLA had the
right of a funeral with state
honours but he was not given
the funeral he deserved. It is
pertinent to mention here
that the BJP MLA had
brought a motion under rule
310 which includes voting
after discussion on the issue
of the alleged corruption is
the award of contract in the
Tanakpur-Jauljibi road pro-
ject in his area. The notice
created discomfiture for the
state government as it is rare
for a ruling party MLA to
give such a notice. The party
also issued a show cause
notice to him after it. PNS
?=BQ 347A03D=
The State government under
chief minister Trivendra
Singh Rawat has snatched more
jobs from youths of
Uttarakhand than jobs provid-
ed to them in about last four
years. The BJP had claimed
during the last Vidhan Sabha
election campaign that it will
waive off the loans of farmers
but so far, 17 farmers have
committed suicide and no deci-
sion has been taken by the gov-
ernment yet. The Pradesh
Congress Committee (PCC)
chief Pritam Singh said this
while addressing the gathering
at a protest organised by the
Youth Congress on Monday
before rallying to the Vidhan
Sabha. Talking about the Youth
Congress demand to either
provide jobs or leave office,
former CM Harish Rawat said
that the state government did
nothing to provide new
employment opportunities for
the youth. In fact, it even shut
down those opportu-
nities which were ini-
tiated by the Congress
during its term in
Uttarakhand, claimed
Rawat.
According to him,
Congress appointed
32,000 youths to gov-
ernment positions in a
single year and creat-
ed 12,000 new posi-
tions but the current
government declared
9,000 positions dead
after winning the elec-
tion. He said that BJP
has not initiated any
new industry to provide
employment opportunities in
the State as all the existing
industries were commenced
by the Congress. He said that
Congress had brought the
unemployment growth rate
down to two and a half percent
in the State in 2017 but this rate
has increased tremendously
under the current government.
Rawat asserted that Congress'
motive is social welfare and not
just attaining political power in
the State. According to him, the
BJP government has been
neglecting youths and farmers
but Congress has always pri-
oritised them and will contin-
ue to so in the future too.
The PCC chief Pritam also
added that the current gov-
ernment has made the life of
common man miserable due to
unemployment and inflation in
the State and the public will
give its answer to this govern-
ment in Vidhan Sabha elections
2022. Later, the Congress lead-
ers and members rallied
towards the Vidhan Sabha and
were stopped by the police at
the barrier before Rispana
bridge. Some of the leaders
were detained and later
released by the police.
?=BQ 347A03D=
Diverting traffic routes dur-
ing every Vidhan Sabha
session and making public wait
on the roads to cover even
short distances has become a
custom in Dehradun. Instead
of making people suffer on
roads during Assembly ses-
sions, the government should
prevent public inconvenience.
These sentiments were
expressed by the people who
had to face traffic jams on var-
ious roads of the city on
Monday due to the traffic
diversions owing to the ongo-
ing three-day Vidhan Sabha
session.
I started half an hour
early from my home to go to
work as I was stuck in traffic
the last time too but I still had
to wait for twenty minutes in
traffic on the way from
Dharmpur Chowk to ISBT. I
read that the police makes the
route diversions after plan-
ning thoroughly but I doubt it
that we really do
not have any
other way of
making this
process less
stressful for the
public, said local
r e s i d e n t
A b h i s h e k
Gusain. Another
local resident
Kalpana said that
she too had to
face heavy traffic on Mata
Mandir Road around 11 AM
on Monday while she was
going to work. Deepa Chauhan
stated that it took her 40 min-
utes to reach Fountain Chowk
from Saharanpur Chowk in a
car due to diversions.
According to her, I have
observed that it takes more
time for cars to go through
heavy traffic than the two
wheelers. The bike riders take
smaller lanes if they can but the
cars have to wait longer in traf-
fic. The authorities should
make proper arrangements for
traffic during such diversions as
it happens during every Vidhan
Sabha session and it's been hap-
pening for years. Many locals
expressed their disappoint-
ment with the authorities and
stated that the government
should act responsibly towards
the citizens. It has been so
common during Assembly ses-
sions here that we do not even
feel like complaining about
this anymore. It is still a big
issue but we know that the
authorities are not going to do
anything about it, said a grad-
uate student Shruti Khansali.
?=BQ 347A03D=
In the recently concluded State
Investment Promotion
Agency (IPA) rating exercise
done by World Bank and Invest
India, Uttarakhand has been
recognised as one of the top per-
formers. A total of 20 Indian
States participated in the State
IPA Rating exercise. The evalu-
ation was done based on the
responses submitted by the
States across eight pillars com-
prising mandate and organisa-
tion, strategy and marketing,
targeting and investors, winning
investment projects, facilitating
investment projects, aftercare,
systems and infrastructure, and
website.
On the basis of responses
submitted by States, they were
categorised as top performers,
aspiring leaders, promising
developers and emerging poten-
tials. Uttarakhand has jumped
from aspiring leaders category
in the last assessment to top per-
formers in the current assess-
ment. The State’s Investment
Promotion and Facilitation Cell
(IPFC) - the State Investment
Promotion Agency (IPA) of
Uttarakhand has been recog-
nised for adopting nationally
and internationally recognised
good practices and has hence
performed well across all the
eight pillars of the survey
including 100 per cent achieve-
ment in five of the eight pillars
Invest India has appreciat-
ed the efforts and far-sighted-
ness of the State IPA and
Industries Department for cre-
ating the necessary ecosystem
in the State and for taking con-
siderable measures that have
resulted in IPFC becoming one
of the leading investment pro-
motion agencies in India.
?=BQ 347A03D=
The death toll from the novel
Coronavirus (Covid-19) in
Uttarakhand mounted to 1,426
on Monday with the state
health department registering
the death of 13 patients. The
department also reported 448
fresh cases of the disease on the
day which increased the tally of
the disease to 86,765. The
authorities discharged 1,013
patients from different hospi-
tals on Monday after their
recovery. A total 78,686
patients have recovered from
the disease so far and the
recovery percentage now
stands at 90.69 and the sample
positivity rate is 5.31
percent.
Three patients of Covid-19
were reported dead at
Government Doon Medical
College (GDMC) hospital in
Dehradun on Monday.
Similarly two patients each
were reported dead at All India
Institute of Medical Sciences
(AIIMS) Rishikesh, Himalayan
hospital Dehradun and Sushila
Tiwari Government hospital
Haldwani on the day. One
patient each was reported dead
at Mahant Indiresh hospital
Dehradun, Max hospital
Dehradun, Velmed hospital
Dehradun and Neelkanth hos-
pital Haldwani on
Monday.
The authorities reported
157 new cases of Covid-19
from Dehradun, 113 from
Nainital, 39 from Uttarkashi, 31
from Haridwar, 23 from Tehri,
19 from Pithoragarh, 14 from
Rudraprayag, 12 from Almora,
11 from Pauri, 10 each from
Udham Singh Nagar and
Champawat, seven from
Bageshwar and two from
Chamoli.
In what can be termed as
good news, the authorities dis-
charged 1,013 patients from
different hospitals after their
recovery on Monday.
Maximum number of 276
patients was discharged from
Dehradun followed by Nainital
(150) and Pithoragarh (93).
Uttarakhand now has 5584
active cases of the disease.
Dehradun is at continuing to
remain at top of the table of
active cases with 1466 cases
while with 1160 active cases
Nainital is at second spot.
Haridwar is at third spot with
425 active cases. Pithoragarh
has 416, Almora 305, Pauri 300,
Uttarkashi 299, Tehri 292,
Chamoli 262, Udham Singh
Nagar 224, Bageshwar 155 and
Champawat 146 active cases of
the disease. With 134 active
cases of Covid-19, Rudraprayag
is now at the bottom of the
table of active cases of Covid-
19.
?=BQ 70;3F0=8
An elephant was fatally electro-
cuted after coming in contact
with a high tension power line in
Bacchidharma village in the
Halduchaud area. On Monday morn-
ing villagers spotted the body of an
elephant in the farm and on
approaching closer ascertained that
it was dead. It is being surmised that
the elephant died after coming in
contact with the high tension power
line passing overhead in the area.
According to the villagers, the 11,000
volts high tension line is hanging too
low and the farm owner and Gram
Pradhan had informed the local
MLA and officials of the power
department about it about one year
ago. One week ago the Gram
Pradhan had once again informed
the departmental officials in writing
but the necessary action was not
taken.
As a result, the elephant was
fatally electrocuted at about 5 AM in
the area which falls in the Gaula
range of the Terai east forest division.
After news of the incident spread, the
local villagers along with former cab-
inet minister Harish Chandra
Durgapal, Gram Pradhan Sangathan
chairperson Rukmini Negi and other
local public representatives reached
the site where the villagers strongly
criticised the apathetic attitude of the
department concerned. As no official
concerned had reached the site,
three hours after the elephant carcass
was discovered, Durgapal informed
the power and forest department offi-
cials, asking that the officials con-
cerned be sent to the site. Reaching
the site of the incident, the power
department SDO Manoj Pande said
that the line would be rectified with-
out delay. The Terai east divisional
forest officer Sanjeev Kumar and
other officials also reached the site
where the post mortem of the ele-
phant was conducted. The elephant’s
carcass was buried on the spot after
the post mortem.
?=BQ 347A03D=
Ahead of Christmas, the
State’s Tourism and Culture
minister Satpal Maharaj has
exhorted tourists to definitely
visit Uttarakhand in December.
He said, “As Christmas
approaches, we welcome those
arriving here to celebrate the
festival. We also request them
to enjoy their holidays while
observing the government’s
guidelines for protection from
Covid-19. As in the past years,
the hotels and tourist destina-
tions in Uttarakhand are ready
to welcome visitors. All the
stakeholders are getting a good
response when it comes to
bookings and events in the
coming week, which is good
news in these times affected by
Covid.”
Tourism secretary Dilip
Jawalkar said, “Various parts of
Uttarakhand experience snow-
fall during this time, which
enhances the feeling of
Christmas. We are happy con-
sidering the queries by people
who are planning to visit
Uttarakhand in the coming
days to celebrate the festival.”
Uttarakhand Hotel
Association head Sandeep
Sahani said, “A good number of
bookings are being done by
people from Delhi, Chandigarh
and other nearby areas.
Considering the changes
caused by Covid, we are ensur-
ing that along with the tourists,
all the stakeholders also follow
the guidelines properly.”
Nainital Hotel and
Restaurant Association head
Dinesh Sah also said that a con-
siderable number of bookings
had been done. “The officials
are regularly checking hotels
and restaurants to ensure that
the necessary guidelines are
being followed,” he added.
?=BQ 347A03D=
Acharya Balkrishna of
Patanjali Yogpeeth has said
that practice of Yoga and use of
Ayurveda medicines have
proved beneficial in preventing
the infection of novel
Coronavirus (Covid-19). He
said that many types of medi-
cines are available in Ayurveda
which help in increasing the
immunity of the body.
He was speaking at a pro-
gramme organised at Vidhan
Sabha on Monday. In the pro-
gramme held before the start of
the winter session of assembly,
the MLAs and the employees of
the Vidhan Sabha participated
in a Yoga session. Balkrishna
said that the Yoga guru
Ramdev worked for spreading
Yoga in the world while Prime
Minister Narendra Modi
ensured worldwide recogni-
tion for Yoga. Speaking on the
occasion, the speaker
Premchand Agarwal said that
daily Yoga and exercises help in
keeping one healthy and fit. He
said that regular Yoga sessions
are being organised in the
Vidhan Sabha. Agarwal added
that health is wealth and every-
one should be aware about the
ways to keep fit.
Acharya Vipin Joshi gave
training on various Yoga pos-
tures to the MLAs and the
employees. The deputy speak-
er Raghunath Singh Chauhan,
MLAs Harbansh Kapoor,
Sahdev Pundir, Deshraj
Karnwal, Dhan Singh Negi,
Mukesh Koli and Ritu
Khanduri Bhushan were pre-
sent on the occasion.
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In the supplementary budget of Rs
4063.79 Crore tabled in the house, Rs
2071.42 Crore was under the revenue
account while Rs 1992.36 Crore under
capital account. The parliamentary
affairs minister Madan Kaushik said that
discussions on the supplementary bud-
get would be held on Tuesday. He
informed that Rs 135.26 have been kept
for the salary head, Rs 2293.30 Crore as
state’s share for centrally funded projects,
Rs 641 Crore for SDRF and disaster
related funds. He informed that the Rs
134 Crore has been kept for the Samagra
Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Rs 122
Crore for the Right to Education (RTE).
Similarly Rs 500 Crore for Prime
Minister Rural Roads scheme and Rs
200 Crore for Kumbh works are kept in
the supplementary budget. For green
revolution and soil health card Rs 103
Crore, for new medical colleges Rs 40
Crore and maintenance of roads and
bridges Rs 220 Crore are kept in the sup-
plementary budget.
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Though delay by the department concerned
to rectify the high tension power line is being
considered the cause of death of the elephant
on Monday, experts point out that accidental
deaths of pachyderms have also taken place in
the past. They point out that traditional elephant
corridors being blocked is the reason why the
jumbos stray into other areas and are often dri-
ven away by villagers when they approach a
human habitation. At times, the elephants also
turn violent when being driven away by the vil-
lagers. Impediments in the free movement of ele-
phants on the corridors forces the elephants to
stray to the detriment of both the pachyderms
and the people. Various measures from exca-
vation of trenches to erection of solar fencing
have been initiated to keep the elephants away
from human settlements. Officials state that the
proposal has been sent to the authorities and
the work will be expedited as soon as the bud-
get is approved. However, experts point out that
these are temporary measures which do not
ensure the safety of the elephants.
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?=BQ =4F34;78
Aday after Congress interim
president Sonia Gandhi
reached out to dissenters with-
in the party, senior party leader
and former Commerce
Minister Anand Sharma on
Monday praised the Modi
Government saying India had
increased its infrastructure in
recent years and congratulated
the Centre and State
Governments for working
together towards it.
“India has increased its
infrastructure and I congratu-
late central and state govern-
ments for it as they worked
together for it. The country
stood in the face of this crisis,”
Sharma said.
India made a comeback in
the second quarter after the
first quarter was the worst for
the economy as the GDP was
adversely hit, he said. “We
hope that in the remaining two
quarters as well, the balance of
recovery will be maintained,”
he added.
Sharma was a part of the
group of 23 dissenters who
wrote to party president Sonia
Gandhi seeking a complete
overhaul of the organisation
within Congress. On Saturday,
Sonia Gandhi held a meeting of
all dissenters, including
Sharma, with an aim to end the
ongoing crisis.
Congress leaders including
Rahul Gandhi have taken fre-
quent jibes at Prime Minister
Narendra?Modi over the state
of the economy.
Last month, Sharma had to
issue a clarification and amend
his tweet when it was construed
as praise for PM Narendra
Modi. “Prime minister Shri
Narendra Modi visit to Serum
Institute, Bharat Biotech and
Zydus Cadilla was a recogni-
tion of Indian scientists and
their work to produce the vac-
cine for COVID-19 That alone
will lift morale of frontline war-
riors and reassure the nation,’
Sharma had tweeted after the
PM’s visit to vaccine centres.
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?=BQ =4F34;78
India and Vietnam on
Monday reviewed the entire
gamut of bilateral relations as
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
said that Vietnam was an
important pillar of India’s Act
East policy and significance of
this partnership will increase
next year when both the coun-
tries will be members of the
United Nations Security
Council (UNSC).
Addressing the India-
Vietnam Virtual Summit, Modi
saidVietnamisavitalpartnerof
its Indo-Pacific Vision.
“Nextyearbothofuswillbe
members of the UN Security
Council. So the significance of
our cooperation in the global
context will increase. We will
implement a Joint Vision
Document 2021-23 which is a
plan of action for bilateral
engagement,” Prime Minister
said as he held a virtual meeting
with his Vietnam counterpart
Nguyen Xuan Phuc on to dis-
cuss the strategic partnership
between the two countries.
Both the leaders held dis-
cussions on defence, energy,
healthcare , development part-
nership and economic revival
plan post-covid19.
India’s development and
capacity building assistance to
Vietnamthroughinitiativessuch
asQuickImpactProjects(QIPs),
ITEC and e-ITEC initiatives,
PhD fellowships, as well as pro-
jects in water resource manage-
mentinVietnam’sMekongDelta
region, SDGs, digital connectiv-
ity, and heritage conservation is
also understood to have been
discussed.
The two leaders reviewed
the entire gamut of bilateral
relations,discussionsonregion-
al and global issues of mutual
interest.
In his opening remarks,
Modisaid,Vietnamisanimpor-
tant pillar of India’s Act East
Policy and vital partner of our
Indo-Pacific Vision.
Hesaid,therelationbetween
India and Vietnam are growing
rapidly and spreading to new
areas. The Prime Minister said,
India looks at the ties with
Vietnam with long-term and
strategic perspective. He said,
Indo-Vietnam cooperation can
contributetomaintainingpeace
and stability in the region.
Modi said, peace, stability
and prosperity in Indo-Pacific
region is a common aim of
both the nations.
Prime Minister expressed
condolences on the loss of lives
andpropertyincentralVietnam
duetofloodsandlandslides.and
expressed hope that the aid sent
by India will be helpful. He said
India and Vietnam have signed
seven new agreements on areas
such as defence, scientific
research,nuclearandrenewable
energy,petrochemicalsandother
diverse .
EarlierinFebruary,Vietnam
vice president Dang Thi Ngoc
ThinhvisitedIndiaonanofficial
visit while Modi and Phuc had
atelephoneexchangeinAprilto
discuss the COVID-19 pan-
demic.
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With the Assembly elec-
tions knocking at the
door,thepoliticalbattlebetween
Mamata Banerjee Government
and the Modi Government fur-
ther intensified on the issue of
PM-KISAN scheme.
West Bengal Chief Minister
Mamata Banerjee has written to
the Union Agriculture Minister
Narendra Singh Tomar seeking
transfer of funds to the State
administration for the imple-
mentation of the PM Kisan
Samman Nidhi Scheme.
Banerjee wants the funds to be
routed to farmers through her
government. According to
Banerjee, more than 73 lakh
farmers are to be benefitted
under the scheme.
“After disbursement of
funds, a list of beneficiaries will
be sent to you (centre) for your
information,” said Banerjee in
her letter.
The centre had already
rejected WestBengal’srequest to
not pay famers directly under
the PM-Kisan scheme but rout-
ing it through the state govern-
mentsayingtheschemeisbased
on idea of direct benefit trans-
fer to farmers’ account and
“routing money through state
government would be against
the spirit of the scheme.”
Under this scheme, a total
income support of C6,000 per
year is provided in three equal
instalments to farmers. In the
beginning the families of only
the small and marginal farmers
(those having a combined land
holding/ownership of up to 2
hectares) were eligible. Later,
from June 2019, the scheme was
extended to all farmers irre-
spective of the size of their
landholding. The scheme, how-
ever, is yet to be implemented in
West Bengal.
In a letter to Tomar,
Banerjee emphasised that the
decision of the central govern-
ment on implementation of the
scheme in West Bengal and
transferringtherequisitefundto
thestategovernmentforonward
disbursement to the farmers
through the state government
machinery is “still awaited”.
The letter further states,
“Decision of the central gov-
ernment on implementation of
the scheme in West Bengal and
transferringtherequisitefundto
the State Government for
onward disbursement to the
farmers through the State
Government machinery is still
awaited. The State Government
is already implementing a
schemeofdirectfundtransferto
the farmers including the share-
croppers with death benefit
scheme as had been enumerat-
ed in my letter under reference”.
Banerjee has urged the
Government to arrange transfer
the requisite fund to the State
Government for onward dis-
bursement with full responsi-
bility to the farmer beneficiaries
of the State through state gov-
ernment machinery. Banerjee
further requested Tomar to
“kindly recall” the letter written
by her on September 9, 2020
regarding PM Kisan Samman
Nidhi scheme in which, the
TMC supremo had said that the
scheme will be implemented in
West Bengal “if the funds are
routed through the state gov-
ernment”.
On September 9, the chief
minister had wrote to the
Union agriculture minister
expressing her desire to be an
intermediary for the farmers as
a condition to join the PM-
KISAN. In West Bengal, 96 per
cent of these farmers fall under
the small and marginal cate-
gories, much worse than the
national average of 86.2 per
cent according to the 10th
agriculture census of 2015-16.
The Centre earlier
appealed to her on a number
of occasions, including one
when the Union agriculture
minister, on February 24, 2020,
made a public request to join
the scheme on its first anniver-
sary.
PM-KISAN was launched
by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi on February 24, 2019,
when Rs 2021 crore was trans-
ferred to bank accounts of
more than 10 million benefi-
ciaries. The Government so far
has disbursed C93,000 crore to
farmers since launch of the
scheme in February 2019.
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Political leaders cutting
across party lines condoled
the death of veteran Congress
leader Motoilal Vora who
passed away on Monday.
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi said he was saddened by
his death and remembered
him as a leader with vast
administrative and organisa-
tional experience.
“Shri Motilal Vora Ji was
among the senior-most
Congress leaders, who had
vast administrative and organ-
isational experience in a polit-
ical career that spanned
decades. Saddened by his
demise. Condolences to his
family and well-wishers.Om
Shanti,” the PM tweeted.
Congress president Sonia
Gandhi, former Congress pres-
ident Rahul Gandhi and party
general secretary Priyanka
Gandhi Vadra termed Vora a
true Congressman and a won-
derful human being. “Vora ji
was a true congressman and a
wonderful human being. We
will miss him very much. My
love condolences to his fam-
ily and friends,” Rahul tweet-
ed.
Deputy Chairperson Rajya
Sabha and several union
Ministers and Chief Ministers
across the country recalled
their memories with Vora who
spent more than six decades of
political journey.
A former chief minister of
Madhya Pradesh and a former
governor of Uttar Pradesh,
Vora, a Gandhi family loyalist,
was known for his relations
across political spectrum.
In a party reshuffle carried
out by Congress president
Sonia Gandhi in September
this year, Vora was not given
any party responsibility in
view of his advancing age.
A journalist by profession,
he worked with Navbharat
Times as its correspondent in
Bombay (now Mumbai), then
served with Navbharat in
Nagpur and Raipur and later
with Nagpur Times in Nagpur.
A two-term Madhya
Pradesh chief minister – first
from 1985 to 1988 and later in
1989, Vora also served as the
union health minister in the
then Prime Minister Rajiv
Gandhi’s cabinet in 1988-89.
He retired as a Rajya Sabha
member from Chhattisgarh in
April this year.
During his four terms in
the Rajya Sabha, Vora was
appreciated for his attendance
and participation.
Congress leaders would
often quote Vora’s tips for dis-
cretion which made him ideal
for the AICC treasurer’s post.
As AICC treasurer, Vora
apart from managing the
finances of the grand old party
would also decide on allocat-
ing the rooms at the party
headquarters at Delhi’s 24,
Akbar Road.
It was well-known in party
circles that Vora kept a strict
vigil on the party functionar-
ies at the Congress office.
Former Uttar Pradesh
chief minister Mayawati made
it a point to greet the veteran
Congress leader whenever she
saw him in the Rajya Sabha. It
was Vora who had recom-
mended removal of Samajwadi
Party leader Mulayam Singh
Yadav from the chief minister’s
post on June 3, 1995, a day
after the infamous “Guest
House” episode.
Armed SP leaders and
workers tried to assault
Mayawati who locked herself
in a room in a bid to escape the
attack.
On the same day,
Mayawati took oath as the
chief minister with the outside
support of the Bharatiya Janata
Party (BJP) and the Janata
Dal.
Vora would often recall his
“bumpy” car journey that led
to greater familiarity with for-
mer Prime Minister Atal Bihari
Vajpayee while on a tour from
Lucknow to a remote village in
the state during his term as the
Uttar Pradesh Governor from
1993-19
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The CBI has booked
Gujarat-bssed Siddhi
Vinayak Logistics Ltd and its
promoters in a bank fraud
case for defrauding Union
Bank to the tune of over C100
crore.
The CBI registered the
case following a complaint
from the Union Bank of India
dated December 17 under
Indian Penal Code Sections
relating to cheating, forgery
and presenting forged docu-
ments as genuine among oth-
ers besides provisions of the
Prevention of Corruption Act.
Besides the firm, those
named in the FIR are
Roopchand Baid, Laxmidevi
Baid, Rajkumar Baid, Deepak
Kumar Baid, unknown public
servants and unknown per-
sons.
“Siddhi Vinayak Logistics
Ltd. And other accused persons
during the period from
September 2012 to October
2015 were party to a criminal
conspiracy to cheat the Union
Bank of India and in pur-
suance to the criminal con-
spiracy, the accused direc-
tors/guarantors of the firm
induced Union Bank of India
to sanction term loans to SVLL
and disburse aggregate loan
amount of C102 core for pur-
chase of 337 commercial vehi-
cles,” the reads the FIR.
The loan account of the
company became stressed due
to non-payment interest and
instalments during June 2014.
The period crime men-
tioned in the FIR is September
2012 to October 2015 and loan
accounts were subsequently
declared as Non-Performing
Assets.
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Union Minister of State
(Independent Charge),
Development of North Eastern
Region (DoNER), MoS PMO,
Personnel, Public Grievances,
Pensions, Atomic Energy and
Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh on
Monday released revised CBI
Crime Manual in an official
event. The event was attended
by CBI Director Rishi Kumar
Shukla and others including
senior officers of the agency.
Singh congratulated the
CBI for bringing out the updat-
ed CBI Crime Manual after fif-
teen years by keeping sight of
latest developments in law,
investigation techniques and
procedures.
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The National Investigation
Agency (NIA) on Monday
arrested 17 SDPI/PFI lead-
ers/activists for their involve-
ment in the violent attack and
large scale rioting at KG Halli
Police Station, Bengaluru on
August 11 after a controversial
Facebook post by the nephew
of Congress MLA of Pulakeshi
Nagar, Bengaluru.
The case was originally
registered as FIR No .229/
2020, PS KG Halli, dated
August 12 and was re- regis-
tered as RC-35/ 2020/ NIA/
DLI on September 21 by NIA.
“Investigation so far has
revealed that the SDPI (Social
Democratic Party of India)
leaders, namely, Md. Sharieff,
President, Bengaluru District,
SDPI, Imran Ahmed,
President, KG Halli Ward,
along with other senior lead-
ers like Rubah Waqas,
Shabbar Khan and Shaik
Ajmal had conducted meet-
ings at Thanissandra and KG
Halli wards in Bengaluru in
the evening of 11.8.2020
wherein they conspired,
mobilised and led the crowd
gathered at KG Halli Police
station to attack the police per-
sonnel, causing huge damage
to the public and police station
vehicles,” the NIA said in a
statement.
Likewise, accused Abbas,
SDPI President of Nagwara
ward had also mobilised large
crowds at the KG Halli police
station through his associates
Azil Pasha, Irfan Khan and
Akbar Khan, the agency said.
Investigation also revealed
the use of social media chan-
nels like Facebook, Instagram,
WhatsApp to spread terror
among people and mobilised
people from far away places to
gather at KG Halli Police
Station. Accused Saddam,
Sayed Sohel, Kaleemulla alias
Shahrukh Khan were active
social media users who par-
ticipated in riots as well as
instigated others to gather at
the police station, it said.
Till so far, as many as187
accused persons have been
arrested in connection with
the case. Further investigation
is continuing in the case, it
added.
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The population of leopards in
India has increased from
7,910 to 12,852, up by 60 per-
cent in four years since 2014,
according to a report ‘Status of
Leopard in India 2018’, released
by Union Environment
Minister Prakash Javadekar on
Monday.
“India now has 12,852 leop-
ards as compared to the previ-
ous estimate of 7,910 conduct-
ed 2014. The States of Madhya
Pradesh, Karnataka and
Maharashtra recorded the high-
est leopard estimates at 3,421,
1,783 and 1,690 respectively,”
Javadekar said as he remarked
that monitoring of the tiger in
India has clearly shown its
umbrella role in the ecosystem,
which has shed light on other
charismatic species like the
leopard.
“India’s world record tiger
survey also estimated the pop-
ulation of leopards and the
tiger range was found the home
to 12,852 (12,172-13,535) leop-
ards. They occur in prey rich
protected areas as well as multi-
use forests.
“A total of 5,240 adult indi-
vidual leopards were identified
in a total of 51,337 leopard pho-
tographs using pattern recog-
nition software. The statistical
analysis estimates the leopard
population at - 12,800 leopards
within the tiger’s range,” said a
statement issued by the Union
Environment Ministry later.
The ministry claimed that
the tiger has not only served as
an umbrella species but even its
monitoring has helped evaluate
the status of other species, like
the leopard which are among
the most adaptable carnivores,
and are known to exist very
close to human habitations.
A study earlier this year had
found four distinct sub-popu-
lations of leopards in India
with high genetic variations -
leopards of the Western Ghats,
the Deccan Plateau semi-arid
region, the Shivalik mountains,
and the Terai region in North
India.
As for region wise distrib-
ution, the highest number of
8,071 leopards were found in
central India and eastern ghats,
which include the states of
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Rajasthan, Odisha,
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand,
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
In the western ghat region,
which comprises Karnataka,
Tamil Nadu, Goa and Kerala,
there are 3,387 leopards while
there are 1,253 leopards in
Shivalik and Gangetic Plains
which includes Uttar Pradesh,
Uttarakhand and Bihar. In the
northeast hills, there are just
141 leopards.
“The leopard was estimat-
ed across forested habitats in
tiger range areas of the coun-
try but other leopard occupied
areas such as non-forested
habitats (coffee and tea plan-
tations and other land uses
from where leopards are
known to occur), higher ele-
vations in the Himalayas, arid
landscapes and a majority of
North East landscape were not
sampled and, therefore, the
population estimation should
be considered as the mini-
mum number of leopards in
each of the landscapes,” the
Ministry said.
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Abook ‘Meri Sangh Yatra’
by Sangh Worker Om
Prakash Garg was released by
Sah Sarkaryavah Dattatreya
Hosbale and Akhil Bharatiya
Sah Sampark Pramukh
Ramlal of RSS. Director
General of the Indian Institute
of Mass Communication
(IIMC) Prof. Sanjay Dwivedi
was also present.
On the occasion,
Dattatreya Hosbale said that
several books in different lan-
guages have been published
about the Sangh but every
book has its own importance.
When a Sangh worker writes
a book, that book not only
encloses his experiences but
also his feelings.
He said that this book is
a document of Sangh for
future generations.
While Ramlal said that
RSS cannot be understood
merely by listening about it
but by observing it, the author
Om Prakash Garg, said that
this book is not an
autobiography but is a com-
pilation of the inspiration to
work, which he got by joining
the Sangh and the
society.
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APIL seeking to establish
special anti-corruption
courts in every district to
decide cases related to various
economic offences like money
laundering and tax evasion
within one year has been filed
in the Supreme Court.
The PIL filed by BJP leader
and advocate Ashwini Kumar
Upadhyay has also sought
directions to high courts to take
appropriate steps to decide
cases related economic
offences.
The petition has made the
Ministry of Home Affairs, the
Ministry of Law and Justice,
and various states and Union
territories parties in the case.
The PIL, filed through
advocate Ashwani Kumar
Dubey, contended that due to
long pendency and ineffective
anti-corruption laws, India has
never been ranked among the
top 50 in the Corruption
Perception Index. The Centre
and state governments have
also not taken appropriate steps
in this regard, the petition
said.
None of the welfare
schemes and government
departments are corruption-
free, it said.
“Due to long pendency
and ineffective anti-corrup-
tion laws, even after 73 years of
independence and 70 years
after becoming a socialist sec-
ular democratic republic, none
of our districts are free from
cases related to black money,
benami property, dispropor-
tionate assets, bribery, money
laundering, tax evasion and
similar other economic
offences,” the petition said.
India’s anti-corruption laws
are very weak and ineffective
and fail to control corruption,
and even the Benami
Transactions Act, passed in
1988, is gathering dust without
action, it said.
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Prime Minister Narendra
Modi will deliver the inau-
gural address at the India
International Science Festival
(IISF) 2020 on December 22
via video conferencing. The
Ministry of Science and
Technology and Ministry of
Earth Sciences in association
with Vijnana Bharati
(VIBHA)conceptualized the-
mega science event to promote
scientific temper in society.
“In the pandemic when a
lot of excitement seems to have
come to a halt, it is science and
technology that is keeping the
spirits high. One such live
example is IISF 2020 where sci-
ence can be experienced virtu-
ally.
“We have events where
students can go for virtual
tours, 3D exhibitions, virtual
events, panel discussions, lec-
tures and many more. There
are 41 events and everyone is
welcome in the event”, said Dr
Ranjana Aggarwal, Director,
CSIR-National Institute of
Science, Technology and
Development Studies
(NISTADS), New Delhi.
She was addressing at J C
Bose University of Science and
Technology, YMCA during the
curtain raiser of the event
recently.
Dr Aggarwal elaborated
on the various events and their
scopes and briefed about how
students can be benefitted with
the programs at the ease of sit-
ting at their homes but without
missing the real science.
“When the pandemic hap-
pened, we thought it will get
over in few months and we will
be able to conduct the program
like we did last year. But by
September it became clear that
it won’t be possible for us to
conduct it physically, then we
thought of conducting it at vir-
tual platforms” said Jayant
Sahasrabudhe, National
Organizing Secretary, VIBHA.
He explained that IISF is
involving global and overseas
Indian researchers and acad-
emics, beyond the barriers of
time and borders. He said
that despite the corona out-
break the number of events
has been increased and there
is a plan to increase it in the
consecutive festivals.
Information on various
activities related to the Science
Festival and registration of
partners is available on the
IISF website www.sciencein-
diafest.org, said an official
from the Science and
Technology sMinistry.
Launched in 2015, the
IISF is a celebration to pro-
mote science and technology.
It aims to engage the public
with science, celebrate the joy
of science and show how
Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM) can provide solutions
to improve lives, he said.
The goal of the IISF 2020
is to help youth develop 21st-
century skills, with a focus on
scientific knowledge, creativ-
ity, critical thinking, prob-
lem-solving, and teamwork. A
long-term objective is to
encourage students to study
and work in scientific fields,
the official added.
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The constituents of the
DMK-led alliance in Tamil
Nadu are upset and shocked
over the declaration made by M
K Stalin, president, DMK, that
his party would not be content
with even one seat less than 200
in the upcoming Assembly
election.
“Our goal is Mission-200.
Though we can form the gov-
ernment by winning 117 of the
234 seats in the Assembly, we
are contesting not to secure just
117 seats. We cannot content
with even one seat less than
200. Our aim is to win 200 seats
on our own and that’s why we
have this Mission-200 pro-
gramme,” declared while
addressing the party workers
across the State on Sunday.
Stalin reminded the party
workers that the DMK-led
alliance had won 38 out of the
39 seats from the State in the
2019 Lok Sabha election and
the party workers should repeat
the performance in the assem-
bly election too.
Political commentator
Kolahala Srenivasan told The
Pioneer that Stalin may find the
Mission-2000 tough. “Since
1996 Assembly election, the
DMK has never crossed the
three-digit mark. It is going to
be a tough task for him to real-
ize this dream,” said Srenivasan.
If Stalin is serious about
Mission-200 in the 2021 elec-
tion, his alliance partners that
include the Congress, CPI(M),
CPI, VCK, MDMK, MMK and
other fringe groups may have
to content with the remaining
34 seats. There are reports that
the DMK is in talks with the
Vanniyar dominated PMK
which is right now with the
AIADMK-led front.
In the last Assembly elec-
tion the DMK had contested
178 seats leaving 40 seats to the
Congress, five seats to the
Muslim League and nine seats
to fringe groups. Since then, the
CPI(M), CPI, VCK and
MDMK, have joined the DMK
camp and this would make it
difficult for the Dravidian
major to contest even 178 seats
which it had set apart for itself
in the last assembly election,
points out a senior Congress
leader. He said the Congress
would not settle for anything
less than 40 seats.
The DMK is launching the
2021 election campaign on
Wednesday. Party’s ordinary
workers will undertake vil-
lages in their areas with the slo-
gan “We reject the AIADMK”.
Stalin himself would hit the
campaign trial from January
onwards. The DMK chief is
upset over the possibility of
matinee idol Rajinikanth play-
ing spoilsport in the assembly
election as he reportedly told
party workers that the entry of
film stars into politics was
only with the objective of
ensuring that the DMK does
not win the election.
This was in contrast to
what the DMK’s second in
command M K Kanimozhi,
(Stalin’s step-sister and former
chief minister Karunanidhi’s
lone daughter by his third wife
Rajathi) had told last week in
Coimbatore. “The DMK is not
at all ruffled.
The actor has announced
the launch of his party for
January 2021. I can say that it
will not impact the DMK’s
victory and you can be sure that
Stalin will be the next chief
minister,” Kanimozhi had told
the media during her campaign
in Coimbatore on December 6.
The volte-face by the party
leadership within a fortnight is
interesting.
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Aligarh: The police adminis-
tration has started their prepa-
rations for Prime Minister
Narendra Modi's virtual
address at AMU on centenary
celebration. Stringent arrange-
ments are being made by coor-
dinating with the AMU
Administration. Close moni-
toring will also be done on the
AMU campus and sensitive
places in the city to avoid
interference during the address.
SP City Kuldeep Singh
Gunawat told that the meeting
is going on with the AMU
administration regarding the
program. Systems are being
finalized after discussing every
point. During PM Modi's
address, special attention is
being given to avoid the inter-
net, screen and any other inter-
ference. During the program, a
large number of police will be
deployed in the AMU campus
and its surroundings, including
PAC and RAF. Police will also
do patrolling in the city. The
intelligence department has
been activated and input is
being collected for expected
protest. Those who create dis-
turbances will be strictly dealt
with.
The centenary program
will start on December 22 at 10
am. Its link has been released
on the virtual card from
AMU. PNS
Aligarh: There is great enthu-
siasm from elders to children
to celebrate the birth of Lord
Jesus. Christmas is celebrated
every year on 25 December all
over the world.
The tune of Jingle Bell - Jingle
Bell has started in the gift gal-
leries of the markets with dif-
ferent kinds of decorative items
including Christmas tree dec-
orations are also being pur-
chased here. Santa Claus dress-
es are also the center of attrac-
tion.
The bells will start ringing at 12
night on 24th December on the
birth of Lord Jesus. People will
greet each other after cutting
the cake. The next day prayers
will be held in the churches at
10 am. PNS
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The girl's relatives, who have
been saying not to leave
Boolgadhi, now want to leave
Hathras. The family members
havefeltthattheaccusedwillget
severe punishment after filing a
chargesheet in the Special Court
under the Scheduled Castes and
ScheduledTribesActofHathras
by the CBI.
The father of the deceased
said that CBI has found out the
truth. Now the accused will be
punishedseverely,butseeingthe
atmosphere of the village, they
want to leave Hathras and go to
Delhi. They also want the trans-
fer of the case from here to
Delhi. They said that people
around the village were accus-
ing them of killing their daugh-
ter. The CBI found out the
truth by interrogating relatives
other than the family.
The exercise began to get a
copy of the charge sheet filed by
the CBI. Lawyers of both sides
were preparing for this. They
want to know what charges
have been mentioned in the
chargesheetandwhatevidences
have been given. The CBI has
filed a charge sheet of murder
and gang rape against Sandeep,
Ramu, Ravi and Lavkush of the
famous Bulgadhi case. All the
four accused are in Aligarh Jail.
The charge sheet has been pre-
pared based on the victim's last
statement.
Aligarh: We welcome the
Prime Minister of India, Shri
Narendra Modi Ji to be a part
of Aligarh Muslim University
(AMU) centenary celebrations,
and sincerely hope that his
presence will help in the quan-
tum jump in the overall
progress and development of
AKTC and the Faculty of
Unani Medicine.
“The Prime Minister has
laid special emphasis on tradi-
tional medicine and we are sure
that his participation in the
centenary programme as the
Chief Guest will go a long way
in the further improvement of
facilitiesandinfrastructureofthe
Tibbiya College,” said Prof Saud
Ali Khan (Principal, AKTC).
B0D60AB4=6D?C0 Q :;:0C0
The weird poaching contest
betweentheBharatiyaJanata
Party and Trinamool Congress
has reached the bedrooms of
politicians with Bishnupur BJP
MP Soumitra Khan on Monday
threatening to divorce his wife
Sujanta Mondal Khan for join-
ing the Bengal ruling outfit
barely two days after dozens of
TMC leaders led by ace Mamata
Banerjee aide and former
MinisterSuvenduAdhikarijoin-
ing the saffron fold.
Sujata who was instrumen-
tal in her husband’s win from
Bishnupur constituency earlier
joined the TMC in presence of
senior leader Sougato Roy and
Kunal Ghosh explained her
voltefacesayingdespitethehard
work she did for her party there
was no recognition coming her
way. Besides she expressed her
dislike for a situation where BJP
could put up no Chief Minister
candidate. She said, “it is diffi-
cult for me to work for a party
which has six probable names
for the CM post and 13 others
for that of deputy CM… You
cannot talk about Narendra
Modi all the time because he is
yourPrimeMinisterandcannot
come to Bengal to works as the
Chief Minister.”
She had singlehandedly
crafted the victory of her hus-
band a former TMC MP who
had then freshly joined the BJP.
As his entry was barred in
Bishnupur for various reasons it
was Sujata who slogged it out
ensuring him get more than 6
lakhvotes.Minutesafterwifeshe
joined the TMC her husband
said “she is doing a big mistake”
and asked her to change her
decision or else he would send
her a divorce notice.
Khan, also State BJP youth
wing president, said, “I concede
that you had worked hard to
ensure my victory but asking for
posts in lieu of that is not
acceptable as the BJP does not
believe in kinship politics”
reminding how the TMC had
victimized her by taking her job
and through other means when
she was campaigning for him.
“This is my appeal to you to
remove my surname ‘Khan’
from your name,” he said saying
how“whenyoulostyourjobdue
to Mamata Banerjee or
Abhishek Banerjee I transferred
50% of my salary to your
account every month… so that
you don’t have to ask for it…
Nowyouhavejoinedhandswith
those who had harmed you in
past.” Almost bursting into tears
the MP said “every family has its
fights.But,youhavechosenpol-
iticsoverfamilytofeedyouhigh
ambitions… and in doing so
they have trapped you making
you to do a big mistake.
C=A067D=0C70Q D108
Actor Arjun Rampal was
on Monday grilled for the
second time in five weeks in
connection with the ongoing
investigations into the
Bollywood-drug mafia nexus
case.
Rampal, who had been
questioned for eight-long hours
earlier by the NCB on
November 13, was grilled once
again by the investigating
agency, this time around over
the doctor’s prescription for
psychiatric medicines submit-
ted by him to the investigating
agency.
The NCB is examining if
the doctor’s prescription for
psychiatric medicines pro-
duced by the actor is genuine
or fake. Unconfirmed reports
said that the actor had obtained
the doctor’s prescription
through a friend from a New
Delhi-based doctor. The inves-
tigating agency had found
some psychiatric medicines
during the raids it had con-
ducted on Rampal’s Bandra res-
idence in north-west Mumbai
on November 9.
The NCB had earlier sum-
moned Rampal for questioning
on December 16. However,
the actor had sought a week’s
time from the NCB to appear
before it for questioning.
Rampal arrived at the NCB’s
office for questioning on
Monday morning. The actor
may be arrested, if the agency
finds evidence to suggest the
doctor's prescription submit-
ted by him is fake.
Among other things, 47-
year-old Rampal is being inves-
tigated for his links with South
African national Agisialos
Demetriades, the brother of
actor’s live-in friend Gabriella
Demetriades and Australian-
architect friend Paul Bartel,
both of whom were arrested
earlier with the Bollywood-
drug mafia nexus case.
Agisialos was arrested by
the NCB from Lonavala near
Pune on October 19. Agisilaos
is alleged to be a part of a larg-
er drug syndicate operating in
Bollywood, which is being
investigated after the death of
actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
Bartel, an architect by pro-
fession who resides at Bandra
in north-0west Mumbai, was
arrested on November 13. The
actor has known Bartel for a
long time. He used to be a reg-
ular touch with Agisialos
Demetriades, the brother of
actor’s live-in friend Gabriella
Demetriades.
The NCB’s investigations
have revealed that Agisialos
was in touch with Omega
Godwin, a Nigerian national
who had earlier been arrested
for supply of cocaine in
Mumbai. During his custodi-
al interrogation, Godwin had
named Agisialos. Earlier, ex-
Dharma Productions employ-
ee Kshitij Prasad had earlier
been arrested by the NCB in
connection with the Sushant
Singh Rajput’s death-related
drug case and expanded
Bollywood-drug nexus case.
Sushant, it may be recalled,
was found hanging from a
ceiling fan in his closed room
of his duplex flat at Mont
Blanc building at Bandra’s
Carter Road in north-west
Mumbai on June 14.
Incidentally, the raid on
Rampal’s residence came a day
after the NCB officials carried
out searches at film producer
Firoz A. Nadiadwala’s resi-
dence along Gulmohar Cross
Road at Juhu Vile Parle
Development (JVPD) Scheme
in north-west Mumbai. During
the searches, the NCB sleuths
seized a total of 717.1 gm of
Ganja, 74.1 gm charas and
95.1 gm MD (Commercial
Quantity) along with Rs
3,58,610. They also seized 10
gm of Ganja from another
accused Wahid Abdul kadir
Sheikh @ Sultan.
After the seizure of drugs
and cash, the NCB officials
arrested five persons, including
Firoz A. Nadiadwala’s wife
Shabana Saeed.
More than 25 persons
–including Sushant’s girlfriend
Rhea Chakraborty and her
brother Showik --- have been
arrested and a large number of
persons have been questioned
in connection with a case reg-
istered by the NCB on August
28, two days after it registered
a case suo moto. Subsequently,
Rhea was granted conditional
bail by the Bombay High Court
in the Sushant death-related
drug case on October 7, 2020.
As part of the investiga-
tions, the NCB had earlier
questioned Bollywood’s
prominent actresses Deepika
Padukone, Sara Ali Khan,
Shraddha Kapoor and Rakul
Preet Singh.
The agency had also arrest-
ed television comedian Bharti
Singh and her husband Harsh
Limbachiya. It has also issued
summons to film-maker Karan
Johar.
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Thiruvananthapuram: With
coronavirus case numbers on
Monday seeing a lower trend as
fewer samples get tested on a
Sunday, Kerala registered 3,423
new infections from 34,847
samples.
In a statement issued here,
state Health Minister
K.K.Shailaja also said that the
day saw 4,494 people turn neg-
ative, taking the number of
cured to 6,45,779, while there
were 60,504 active cases.
A total of 27 deaths were
reported taking the death toll
to 2,843. Across the state,
2,80,375 people were under
observation in various places
which included 13,610 people
in hospitals. The statehad 457
hotspots. IANS
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Patna: The Urban and Housing
Development Ministry of Bihar
has claimed that it will provide
tap water to every household in
30 cities in the next three
months.
Providing tap water to
every household is an ambi-
tious project of Chief Minister
Nitish Kumar and it has also
been included in the 'Saat
Nishchay Progamme' of the
state government.
A senior official from the
ministry, on condition of
anonymity, told IANS that
connecting pipelines to every
household was part of the 'Saat
Nishchay Programme'
during the previous tenure of
the Nitish Kumar government.
“The deadline of the pro-
ject was December 2020, how-
ever, installation of pipelines in
some of the cities is still under-
way. It is expected that it will be
completed by March 2021,” he
said.
The delay in connecting
the pipelines happened as it
was very difficult to replace the
old pipelines with the new
ones in some cities like Patna,
Muzaffarpur, Gaya as they are
ancient and developed in an
unplanned way, the official
added.
Citing the problem in
Muzaffarpur, the official said
that earlier the proposal was to
complete the project in Rs 98
crore but the amount
was not adequate so the author-
ity has released more funds
now. IANS
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C=A067D=0C70Q D108
In what will put a virtual stop
to the Christmas and New
Year-eve celebrations in
Mumbai and other major cities
in the state, the Maharashtra
Government on Monday
announced the imposition of
14-day-long night curfew from
December 22 in the metropo-
lis and other Municipal
Corporation areas in the state,
following the detection of a new
strain of the SARS-CoV-2 in the
United Kingdom.
Amid news reports that a
distinct phylogenetic cluster of
SARS-CoV-2 that causes
Covid-19 has been detected and
it is spreading rapidly in the
United Kingdom, Maharashtra
chief minister Uddhav
Thackeray reviewed the pan-
demic situation in the state and
announced night curfew
between 11 pm to 6 am, from
December 22 to January 5,
2021.
At a high-level meeting
chairedbythechiefministerand
attended among others by state
chief secretary Sanjay Kumar,
Mumbai police commissioner
Param Bir Singh and other top
officials, the Maharashtra gov-
ernment also decided to quar-
antine compulsorily all passen-
gers arriving in Maharashtra,
particularly Mumbai, from UK,
Europe and Middle East, as a
precaution.
“In view of the detection of
a new deadly virus in the UK,
we will have to be extremely
vigilant over the next 15 days.
Accordingly, we have imposed
night curfew in all municipal
corporation areas till January 5,”
Uddhav said.
“The new strain of Covid-
19 detected in Britain is spread-
ing rapidly. Its severity will be
known in the coming days.
Therefore,. Beginning today,
we are taking extra-precau-
tions. There will be a thorough
check-up of passengers arriving
in the state from international
flights,” the chief minister said.
Uddhav said that the pas-
sengers who have either arrived
or will arrive from all European
countries and Central-East
Countries will be quarantined
at various institutions for 14-
days. These passengers will
undergo an RT-PCR test on the
5th or 7th day. They will be
allowed to go home after their
14-day period gets over.
The Chief Minister direct-
ed the municipal commission-
ers across the state to make
arrangements of hotels and
Independent hospitals where
the international flights arrive
in municipal jurisdiction.
“Passengers arriving from
non-European countries will be
stamped on their hand and
home quarantined. All the
workers who will undertake
check-up of passengers arriving
from European countries and
Central-East countries will be
provided PPE kits at the air-
ports”, Uddhav said.
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The Allahabad High Court
has granted bail to Faisal
Khan, who was arrested for
offering namaaz on the premis-
es of the Nand Baba temple in
Mathura district.
The court however, direct-
ed Khan not to use the social
media till the conclusion of the
trial.
Justice Siddharth allowed
the bail application observing
that “having considered the
material on record, larger man-
date of the Article 21
(Protection of life and person-
al liberty) of the Constitution
of India and the dictum of apex
court in the case of Dataram
Singh Vs. State of Uttar Pradesh
and another, reported in (2018)
3 SCC 22 and without express-
ing any opinion on the merits
of the case, applicant can be
released on bail”.
In Dataram Singh's case,
the Supreme Court had held
that “grant of bail is a general
rule and putting a person in jail
or in a prison or in correction
home during trial is an excep-
tion and presumption of inno-
cence, i.e. person is believed to
be innocent until found guilty,
is fundamental postulate of
criminal jurisprudence. It is not
necessary to go into the cor-
rectness or otherwise of the
allegations made against the
accused as this is a subject mat-
ter to be dealt with by the trial
judge”.
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