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PM Modi soft-trolls Opposition in his response to Milind Soman's birthday wish. See tweet


In his post, Milind Soman wished good health and a "good and proactive opposition" for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



File photos of PM Modi and Milind Soman.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response to Milind Soman's birthday wish was one of the top trending subjects on Twitter on Thursday owing to his witty reply. On September 17, PM Modi turned 70 as politicians and celebrities wished him on social media. Milind's wish was slightly different though.

In his post, Milind wished good health and a "good and proactive opposition" for PM Modi.

"Dear Prime Minister @narendramodi on your 70th birthday I wish you good health and a good and proactive opposition, to push you to do better for our great country," Milind said in his post.

PM Modi's response, though, was quite humorous as he soft-trolled the opposition saying, "Thank you for your birthday wishes and wishful thinking," along with a smile emoji.

See their Twitter exchange here:


Needless to mention, PM Modi's tweet has gone viral on Twitter with over 21,000 likes and thousands of retweets as netizens laughed out loud at his response.

Narendra Modi assumed office as the Prime Minister of India in 2014. In the 2019 General elections, he administered oath of office for his second term after his party, the BJP's victory.

Ever since defeating the Congress in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP-led government has repeatedly said that there is no strong opposition or alternative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



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Kangana responds to Anurag's Manikarnika dig: Main border pe jati hu, aap Olympics main chale jana


Kangana Ranaut asked Anurag Kashyap to go to the Olympics and get gold medals for India as the filmmaker suggested her to go to the LAC to fight China.



The war of words between Kangana Ranaut and Anurag Kashyap doesn't seem to die down anytime soon.

Kangana Ranaut knows how to respond to tweets attacking her. After Anurag Kashyap, who used to be her good friend once, took a dig at her and sarcastically advised her to go to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) amid India's stand off with China, Kangana responded with a hitting reply. The actress said that she is ready to go to the border and advised the filmmaker to go to the next Olympics and get the country some gold medals.

Kangana wrote in Hindi, "Theek hai main border pe jati hu, aap agle Olympics main chale jana. Desh ko gold medals chahiye. Ha ha ha yeh sab koi B-grade film nahi hai jahaan kalakaar kuch bhi ban jata hai. Aap to metaphors ko literally lene lage. Itne mandbuddhi kabse ho gaye? Jab humari dosti thi tab toh kafi chatur the (Alright, I'll go to the border and you go to the next Olympics. The country needs gold medals. Ha ha ha, this is not a B-grade film where an artiste can become anything. You took metaphors literally. When did you become so dumb? You were quite clever when we were friends.) (sic)."


Anurag Kashyap was quick to reply to Kangana. He wrote, "Teri zindagi hi ab metaphor ho gayi hai behen. Har kahi baat bhi metaphor hai. Har ilzaam metaphor hai. Itna metaphor de mara hai tumne Twitter pe ki janta berozgari generator ko tumhara dialogue writer kahne lagi hai. Jab ki mujhse achcha koi nahi jaanta tum kitna achcha improvise karti ho. (Your life has become a metaphor now. Every word you speak is a metaphor. Every accusation you make is a metaphor. You have given so much of metaphors on Twitter that people now call unemployment generator your dialogue writer. Who knows how good you improvise better than me? (sic)."



Kangana decided to end this Twitter fight, but with a sarcastic comment. She wrote, "Oh!! I see you having an embarrassing meltdown here, hardly making any sense, anyway don't want to make it worse, I step back, don't feel bad friend please have hot haldi milk and go to sleep, tomorrow is a new day (sic)."


On Thursday, Anurag reacted to Kangana's kshatriya tweet. He wrote in Hindi, "Bas ek tu hi hai behen, ik lauti Manikarnika. Tu naa chaar-paanch ko leke chadh jaa cheen (China) pe. Dekho kitna andar tak ghus aaye hain. Dikha do unko bhi ki jab tak tu hai is desh ka koi baal bhi baanka nahi kar sakta. Tere ghar se ek din ka safar hai bas LAC ka. Jaa sherni. Jai Hind. (You are the only one - the only Manikarnika. Take four to five people with you and go beat China. Look how they have penetrated into our country. Show them that as long as you are here, no one can touch this country. It is just one day's journey from your house to LAC (Line of Actual Control). Go lioness. Jai Hind (sic)."


Kangana in her original tweet had written in Hindi, "Main ek Kshatrani hoon. Sar kata sakti hoon lekin sar jhuka nahi sakti. Rashtra ke sammaan ke liye humesha aawaz buland karti rahungi. Maan, samman, swabhimaan ke saath jee hoon aur garv se rashtravadi bankar jeeti rahungi. Siddhant ke saath kabhi nahi samjhauta ki hoon, na hi kabhi karungi. Jai Hind. (I am a warrior. I can cut my head, but I cannot bow it down! I will always raise my voice for the honour of the nation. I live with honour, respect, self-respect and will proudly live as a nationalist. I have never compromised with my principles and will never do it! Jai Hind) (sic)."


Anurag Kashyap and Kangana Ranaut have been at loggerheads lately. They spare no chance to engage in a war of words. Earlier, the filmmaker criticised her for comments on nepotism and some fellow actresses. Sharing an old video of Kangana, which was shot after the release of Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, he wrote that though she used to be a close friend of his, he did not recognise this new version of her who allegedly abuses her directors and shortens her co-stars' roles.



Kangana's team then slammed Anurag, calling him a 'mini Mahesh Bhatt'.


Recently, Kangana has been in news for calling Urmila Matondkar a "soft porn star". She also targeted Jaya Bachchan for her strong speech in the Rajya Sabha, where she raised concerns over 'conspiracy to defame the film industry'.



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Digital-first and beyond: Why Bihar election will have a national impact


From Covid-19 to a test of PM Modi's popularity to migrant issue, various factors make this Bihar election resonate much beyond the state boundaries.



A JD(U) hoarding installed outside party office in Patna (Photo Credits: PTI)

The Bihar Assembly election is set to be held in October-November. Nitish Kumar has been the Chief Minister for 15 years, minus a brief interruption when Jitan Ram Manjhi was at the helm of affairs. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), comprising Nitish Kumar's JDU and the BJP, is pitched against the Mahagathbandhan of the RJD and the Congress.

Like it happens in all elections, the government is outlining its "achievements", while the Opposition is raising its "failures." But there is much more that makes this election different from many previous ones. It's an election that matters much beyond Bihar and its politics.

Delhi University professor Ravi Ranjan, who is an expert on Bihar's politics and society, told India Today, "Technically, Bihar's is a regional election. But this time, its nuances and resonance are national." Here are the whys.

THE BIG COVID TEST

Bihar's will be the first state election to be conducted after the Covid-19 pandemic hit India. The Election Commission of India has issued detailed guidelines for campaigning, nominations, polling and counting.
All eyes will be on the execution of these guidelines that will apply to all elections, including the one in West Bengal next year, conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Physical campaigning has, for the first time, a very limited role in a state election. Rallies by leaders are digital, nominations for candidates will be online. Only groups of up to five people are allowed to campaign door-to-door. Road shows cannot have more than five vehicles.

There will be thermal screening, masks, gloves and sanitisers for voters and polling staff. But it will still be a challenge for authorities to keep Covid-19 infections from spiralling on polling days. Bihar has more than 6 crore registered voters. During the last Assembly election, in 2015, the voter turnout was 57.04 per cent.


Till September 16, Bihar had recorded 1,62,631 Covid-19 infections. While 848 patients had died, the number of recoveries stood at 1,48,257. There were 13,526 active cases in the eastern Indian state.

NK Choudhary, another senior social and political analyst from Patna, told India Today that the election of a new 243-member Legislative Assembly will be an indirect impact assessment of the efficacy of the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic by both the Centre and the NDA government in Bihar.

BIHAR ME KA BA? THE NATIONAL RESONANCE

Lakhs of migrant workers returned to Bihar from other states due to the lockdown imposed to halt the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes coronavirus diseases or Covid-19. Their return triggered a spike in Covid-19 cases and deepened the unemployment crisis in Bihar. In fact, the Covid-19 pandemic has put the spotlight on Bihar's healthcare facilities in an unprecedented way.

"The voting pattern of migrants will also have a national resonance. They will vote on the basis of social, political and economic factors prevailing in areas where they currently are. But they will also keep in mind how they were treated when they stayed and worked in other states, before the Covid-19 pandemic forced them to head home," Ranjan said.

REFERENDUM ON MODI, CENTRE

Since the BJP is an alliance partner in the Bihar government, and Narendra Modi remains a key campaign face like always, the election result will be seen as a referendum on the Prime Minister and his government's handling of critical issues such as Covid-19, China and the Indian economy. Remember, the BJP has lost many states in recent past.

"Most media surveys have shown that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity has soared despite these multiple challenges. The Bihar election result will be the first authentic indicator on the people's opinion about him, his party and his allies," Ranjan said.

The stand of ally Shiromani Akali Dal on the farm Bills is already a cause for concern for the ruling NDA at the Centre. Choudhary said the Bihar election result will test the strength of the BJP in general and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in particular. "If the NDA loses in Bihar, it will send a signal to other states that the Modi dispensation is not indispensible," he said.

The Bihar result will also set the tone for the crucial Bengal Assembly election that's due seven months later. An NDA defeat may galvanise Opposition parties.

"If the NDA loses in Bihar, it will be a message that Nitish Kumar's so-called clean image, good governance and politics of development are not enough. It will lend credence to the Opposition's charges of the BJP's communal and anti-democratic politics. It will embolden the Opposition at large," Choudhary said.

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

From Mahatma Gandhi's 1917 Champaran Satyagraha to Jayaprakash Narayan's call for Total Revolution in 1974 that led to the Emergency to Lalu Yadav's 1990 arrest of LK Advani during the Ramjanmabhoomi movement, Bihar has often been at the centre stage of India's politics.

But despite all that, the country's third largest state, which is home to about 104 million people, remains extremely poor. That way, Bihar stays central to India's push for development, irrespective of which alliance wins!



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Why insult Corona Warriors: Rahul Gandhi asks Modi govt over no data on medics who died in pandemic


Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has asked why is the Modi government insulting Corona Warriors who are on the forefront in the battle against coronavirus.



Rahul Gandhi has asked why is Modi government insulting Corona Warriors by not keeping any data on them. (Image: Twitter)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has asked why is the Modi government insulting Corona Warriors who are on the forefront in the battle against coronavirus. Tagging a report on the government having no data on the coronavirus warriors who lost their lives, Rahul Gandhi hit out at the Centre.

In a tweet on Friday, Rahul Gandhi said, "An adverse data-free government. Their safety and respect are more important than beating plates or lighting lamps. Why is Modi government insulting Corona Warriors like this?"

Rahul Gandhi was referring to a report on no data being available with the Union health ministry on the number of medical professionals who have lost their lives in the pandemic.

As many as 155 healthcare staff, including 64 doctors, have died due to coronavirus, according to 'Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package Insurance Scheme for Health Workers Fighting COVID-19' which provides relief in case of death of such workers, Parliament was told on Tuesday.

Minister of State for Health Ashwini Choubey was responding to a question on the number of healthcare staff, including doctors, nurses, support staff and ASHA workers, affected by the disease.

The minister told Rajya Sabha that 'health' is a state subject and "such data is not maintained at central level".

Choubey, however, said the database of those seeking relief under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Insurance package is maintained at the national level.

A total of 155 healthcare workers died due to COVID-19 as on September 11. These include 21 healthcare workers, including six doctors from Maharashtra, followed by 14 each from Gujarat and West Bengal, and 12 from Arunachal Pradesh and 10 from Tamil Nadu, he said.


The minister said the health ministry had provided guidelines on Infection Prevention and Control practices to state governments. Training was conducted for all states in the month of March.



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Fashion designer Sharbari Dutta found dead at Kolkata home


Sharbari Dutta lived alone at her home in Kolkata's Broad Street. She was found dead in the washroom of her residence on Thursday evening.



Sharbari Dutta lived alone at her home in Broad Street. (Photo: Twitter)

Celebrated fashion designer Sharbari Dutta was found dead at her residence in Kolkata on Thursday evening, news agency PTI reports. She was 78. Her family told PTI that Sharbari Dutta died after suffering a stroke.

Sharbari Dutta lived alone at her home in Broad Street. She was found dead in the washroom of her residence on September 17. Citing Dutta's family sources, PTI reports that the designer was not reachable on phone since last morning.

The cause of Dutta's death is a stroke, doctors said. Her body, though, was sent for postmortem since she was found dead in the washroom, family sources said. Her doctor Amal Bhattacharya said, "I advised them to inform the police."

"We did not meet her all day on Thursday. We thought she had gone somewhere. We discovered her lying in the bathroom. Immediately, we called the house physician who pronounced her dead. She was under a lot of medication," her son Amalin Dutta told India Today TV.

On social media, members of the Bengali film fraternity including Raj Chakraborty and Arindam Sil, condoled Sharbari Dutta's death.

"Shocked to learn about the demise of #SharbariDutta who put Bengal on the map with constant experiments of Bangali clothing and creations. I'm lucky to have worked and been styled by her. I hope she's in a better place now," Raj tweeted.

Arindam Sil said in an emotional note on Twitter, "Sharbaridi (#SharbariDutta) was such a dear person to me. I am shell shocked to hear that she is no more. Such a wonderful and ever smiling woman. A talent who was our pride. Hope you will be in peace where you are now Sharbaridi."


Daughter of Bengali poet Ajit Dutta, Sharbari Dutta's label became popular for her unique blend of ethnicity with modernity. She was known for designing men's ethnic wear. She established her own brand, Shunyaa, in Kolkata soon after and also dabbled into women's clothing.

Sharbari Dutta is survived by her son Amalin Dutta.

(With inputs from Indrajit Kundu and PTI)



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Boost Your Productivity from Home with 10th Gen Intel-powered Laptops


Asking yourself why is my laptop slow? Long load times and laggy processing could be signs you need new business laptops powered by 10th Gen Intel processors.




In these challenging times, 'work from home' has become the 'new normal'. But if you are working remotely and your laptop is running slow, it might be time to invest in a device that can provide you with the right support and make your remote work highly productive.

Intel® is changing the dynamics of work from home laptops with its 10th Gen Intel® Core processors powered laptops, which are packed with a number of amazing features including fast performance, faster connectivity, integrated graphics, and more space to allow working professionals to stay productive.

What makes a laptop ideal for working from home?

All the above aspects bring us to the most important question what points to consider while choosing a laptop for your work from home?

The Power of the Processor

Whether it's for heavy workload tasks or for video conferencing or streaming, processing power is key. That is why, while choosing a laptop, the processor should be your first and foremost priority. 10th Gen Intel® Core processors would be our goto processors as this series is the ideal choice for professionals looking to maximize their productivity at home.

Work Uninterrupted

Apart from processing power, there are other important factors one should look for in a work from a home laptop. If your job involves a significant amount of heavy work with spreadsheets then look for a powerful processor, at least 4GB RAM, full HD display, and ample storage capacity.

Besides the above specifications, weight and screen size also matters a lot when it comes to choosing the right laptop. So, choose a screen size that meets your requirements.



Advanced Features for Every Need

Laptops powered by 10th Gen Intel® Core processors come with amazing technologies and features that can enhance your life-from-home experience. With intelligent performance, you can enhance your productivity tasks like automatic background noise removal during video conference calls. With Intel® Iris® Plus Graphics, you can stream videos in 4K brilliance and more. Intel® Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) can speed up streaming, file sharing, and cloud collaboration, so you can be more productive when you're working from home. And with technologies like Thunderbolt 3 and Intel® Optane memory, you can experience a faster and more responsive experience when working on office apps.



Our Top 5 Suggestions for You

Keeping all these considerations into mind, we have created a list of five laptops powered by 10th Gen Intel® Core processors. These laptops are a perfect combination of price, performance, and value. Let's get started:

1. Dell 3593 Inspiron

The Dell New Inspiron 15 3593 powered by 10th Gen Intel® Core i3-1005G1 processor is ideal for those who are looking for intelligent performance within a decent budget. It is an ultraportable laptop that comes with an impressive display. Its fast processor and powerful battery allow you to work uninterrupted for a longer period of time.

Shop for Intel® Core i3 processor-powered Dell 3593 Inspiron Laptop

2. HP 15s-du2099tu

The HP 15s-du2099tu powered by the 10th Gen Intel® Core i3-1005G1 processor can be a perfect device for you if your work demands multitasking with resource-intensive applications. The built-in Intel® Turbo Boost technology can fire up your laptop's performance based on the intensity of your work.

Shop for Intel® Core i3 processor-powered HP 15s-du2099tu Business Laptop

3. Lenovo 7VIN Ideapad Slim 3

The Lenovo 7VIN Ideapad Slim 3 powered by 10th Gen Intel® Core i3-1005G1 processor is another ideal choice for professionals with a sleek exterior and is designed to offer enhanced performance. Its powerful dual-core processor can eliminate every possibility of delay or disruption.

Shop for Intel® Core i3 processor-powered Lenovo 7VIN Ideapad Slim 3

4. Asus VivoBook 15 Ultrabook

The Asus VivoBook 15 X512FA-EJ361T Ultrabook powered by 10th Gen Intel® Core i3-10110U processor is one of our favourites for its compact look, lightweight, a powerful processor, and dual storage. The Integrated Intel® UHD graphics offers immersive visuals

Shop for Intel® Core i3 processor-powered Asus VivoBook 15 Ultrabook

5. Acer Aspire 3 A315-56

The Acer Aspire 3 A315-56, powered by the 10th Gen Intel® Core i3-1005G1 processor, has made it to the list for several reasons. It is extremely lightweight and comes with ample storage and memory, ideal to perform day-to-day work from home tasks. The built-in Intel® HD 620 ensures unmatched media and video experiences offering 4K support.

Shop for Intel® Core i3 processor-powered Acer Aspire 3 A315-5

For more complete information about performance and benchmark results, visit Intel Benchmarks Page



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China suffered 'far fewer' casualties than India in Galwan clash, Chinese media admits damage


China has suffered "far fewer" casualties than the Indian side in the June Galwan clash, said editor of Chinese government mouthpiece, Global Times, while rejecting the remarks of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.



The Global Times editor has said China suffered far fewer casualties than India in Galwan. (Getty Images)

China has suffered "far fewer" casualties than the Indian side in the June Galwan clash, said editor of Chinese government mouthpiece, Global Times, while rejecting the remarks of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

In doing so, the Chinese side has acknowledged that troops on their side suffered casualties in the violent clash in June in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed and many others injured. India has maintained that the Chinese side suffered heavy losses and more casualties compared to India.

Tagging an Indian news report on Rajnath Singh's statement, Global Times editor-in-chief Hu Xijin said in a tweet, "As far as I know, the death toll of Chinese troops in Galwan Valley clash on June 15 is far fewer than 20 deaths of Indian troops. No Chinese soldiers was captured by Indian troops, but PLA captured many Indian soldiers that day."

The Global Times is published by the People's Daily, the official newspaper of China's ruling Communist Party.


The tweet was accompanied by a screenshot, stamped 'fake news', of an Indian media report about defence minister Rajnath Singh saying India inflicted heavy casualties on Chinese forces during the fighting.

The June clash in the Ladakh region was the worst violence between India and China in over 40 years. China has not yet released casualty figures for its troops.

Referring to the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15, Rajnath Singh had said in Parliament that Indian soldiers "inflicted costs including casualties on the Chinese side". Singh also said the country should have "full confidence" that the armed forces will always rise to the challenge and make the country proud.

Tensions have been on between India and China in Ladakh since April-May but these escalated manifold following the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army soldiers were killed. The Chinese side too suffered casualties, but it is yet to give out the details.

The situation deteriorated again after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake on the intervening night of August 29 and 30.

Several rounds of diplomatic and military level talks have failed to bring a resolution to the dispute. Recently, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Russia where the two reached a consensus on the dispute and agreed on a 5-point roadmap for disengagement.

However, another skirmish was reported soon after this meeting and Indian and Chinese troops fired warning shots in the air on September 8.



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IPL 2020: RCB fans unimpressed with new anthem over lack of Kannada and more of Hindi


IPL 2020: A section of fans have hit out at Royal Challengers Bangalore for not using more of Kannada in their new theme song, which was unveiled on Friday.



Fans unimpressed with RCB over lack of Kannada in new theme song for IPL 2020 (Courtesy by BCCI)

HIGHLIGHTS

• RCB unveiled their new theme song for IPL 2020 on Friday
• A section of fans unhappy with RCB over lack of Kannada in the theme song
• Fans have pointed at how CSK, KXIP among others have managed to use local language in their theme songs

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) enjoy one of the most loyal fanbases in sport, let alone the Indian Premier League (IPL). Over the years, fans have thronged to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, painting the iconic stadium red, regardless of the team's performances.

As it turns out, a section of fans are not happy with RCB over their new theme song, which is predominantly in Hindi and English. The fans argue that there should have been more Kannada, considering the team is based out of Bengaluru.

RCB unveiled their new theme song for IPL 2020 on Friday, a day ahead of the season opener between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. IPL 2020 will be played in the UAE this year in front of empty stands from September 19 to November 10.

| IPL 2020 - Full Coverage |

"The Official RCB Anthem is here! And it's dedicated to the best fans in the world. Time to crank up the volume to the maximum, 12th Man Army," RCB said while unveiling their new theme song.

Here is how a section of fans reacted to the new theme song of the Virat Kohli-led side. Former India pacer Dodda Ganesh pointed out that there could have more usage of Kannada in the anthem.

On the other side, some of the fans are urging RCB to come up with a local version of the anthem. A few have even pointed out that some of the biggest football clubs have a separate English page on social media while also focusing on their local language.


RCB will begin their IPL 2020 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Dubai on September 21. Captain Virat Kohli, on Thursday, promised there won't be a dip in intensity despite playing without fans in the UAE and the RCB stars are playing the tournament to put smiles on their fans' faces.
"All of us have thought about playing in empty stadiums and I am sure it would be a strange feeling and different from what we have experienced in the past and I won't deny that. But that feeling has changed a little bit after having gone through a lot of training sessions and a couple of practice games," Kohli said.

"At the end of the day you just need to understand why you started playing the game, you started playing for the love of it. Now you have a chance to represent that love when the whole world is watching. That will bring a lot of joy to the people."



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Unemployment crisis: Over 60 lakh white collar professional jobs lost during May-August


The 20th wave of CMIE's Consumer Pyramids Household Survey (CPHS) has revealed that nearly 6.6 million or 66 lakh white collar professional jobs were lost between May and August.



White collar professionals like software engineers, physicians, teachers, accountants and analysts have seen the biggest job loss among salaried employees. (Photo: Image for representation)

India's formal sector unemployment has been rising sharply ever since a strict lockdown was imposed in the country towards the end of March. The 20th wave of CMIE's Consumer Pyramids Household Survey (CPHS) has now revealed that nearly 6.6 million or 66 lakh white collar professionals (WCP) lost jobs between May and August.

White collar professionals like software engineers, physicians, teachers, accountants and analysts have suffered the biggest job loss among all salaried employees affected by the pandemic, according to the survey. CMIE clarified that WCPs do not include qualified self-employed professional entrepreneurs.

Employment among such professionals peaked in India during May-August 2019 at 18.8 million or 1.88 crore. The number gradually fell to 18.1 million or 1.81 crore in January-April 2020.

Also Read | Jobs in danger! Historic fall in GDP paints a grim picture of the future

However, the latest wave of the survey revealed that employment among WCPs during May-August 2020 fell to 12.2 million. The survey noted that this is the biggest fall in employment for WCPs since 2016.

It is worth mentioning that an estimated 12.5 million white-collar professionals were employed during the wave of January-April 2016.

"All the gains made in their employment over the past four years were washed away during the lockdown," the CMIE survey noted.

"Compared to a year ago, employment among the white collar professionals was down by 6.6 million. This was the biggest year-on-year loss among all salaried employees," it added.

The survey added that industrial workers also suffered severely during the months of strict lockdown. In fact, the biggest loss of employment was seen among industrial workers after WCPs.


"The next biggest loss was among industrial workers. By a similar y-o-y comparison, they lost 5 million employees. This translates into a 26 per cent fall in employment among industrial workers over a year," CMIE said.

The CMIE survey said that the decline in industrial workers is likely to be largely in the smaller industrial units, indicating the impact of lockdown on micro, small and medium industrial units.

CMIE had earlier said that the months of lockdown and the rising economic stress has severely impacted salaried employment in the country. According to the Mumbai-based economic think tank, 21 million or 2.1 crore salaried employees have lost jobs during the April-August period.



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Dubai suspends Air India Express flights for 15 days for flying coronavirus positive patients twice


Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has suspended Air India Express from flying to Dubai for 15 days, alleging that two coronavirus positive passengers flew on board the flights on two separate occasions despite having Covid-19 positive test reports.



Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has stopped Air India Express from flying to Dubai for 15 days (PTI)

Air India Express flights to Dubai airports have been temporarily suspended for 15 days, starting from September 18 until October 3, for allegedly ferrying coronavirus positive patients to Dubai twice during the last couple of weeks. Air India Express has also been penalised to bear all medical and quarantine expenditures of the coronavirus patients who had been ferried to Dubai.

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has stopped Air India Express from flying to Dubai for 15 days, starting today, alleging that two coronavirus positive passengers flew on board the flights to Dubai on two separate occasions despite having Covid-19 positive test reports.

As per the UAE government rules, each passenger travelling from India needs to bring original coronavirus-negative certificate from RT-PCR test done 96 hours prior to the journey.

"You are aware of our previous intimation made to you by our letter dated September 2 for boarding a passenger with a coronavirus positive test result, who endangered the other passengers on board and also caused a serious health risk," the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority said.

It further added that boarding a coronavirus patient was in violation of the laid down procedures relating to the air travel to and from Dubai airports during the coronavirus pandemic.

"Therefore, all operation of Air India Express to Dubai Airports is temporarily suspended, for a duration of 15 days, effective from 00:01 hrs on Friday 18th September 2020 until 23:59 hrs of 2nd October 2020," it said.

"In addition to the suspension of operation, you will be further notified to pay all the expenditure incurred by the respective authorities for medical services and/or quarantine of any passenger(s) and the other passengers in the flight and also any other expenditure connected thereto."


For the resumption of the Air India Express flights to Dubai, Air India has been requested to submit a detailed corrective action or procedure implemented to prevent such incidents from occurring again.

When asked about this matter, Air India Express said it is focusing on reducing the hardship of the passengers and it plans to operate its four Dubai flights, scheduled to operate from India on Friday, to Sharjah instead.



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Kia Sonet launch today: Price, features, specifications, mileage, rivals, other details you should know


Kia Sonet launch today: Price, features, specifications, mileage, rivals, other details you should know





HIGHLIGHTS

• The Kia Sonet will challenge the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and the Hyundai Venue, among others.
• The new Kia Sonet is available in Tech Line and GT Line trims.
• The Kia Sonet comes with three engine and five transmission options.

Kia Motors India will launch the new Sonet in a few hours from now. The Kia Sonet will enter the sub-4m compact SUV segment, which is already jampacked with some admirable vehicles. However, given its design, features and specifications, we are expecting the new Sonet to replicate the impressive performance of the Kia Seltos. Before the Kia Sonet launch officially happens in India, here are some important details you would like to know about it.

Kia Sonet launched in India. Click here for the details.

Kia Sonet Price in India
We are expecting the Kia Sonet price to start from Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom). The top-spec variant might be priced close to Rs 13 lakh (ex-showroom) range.

Kia Sonet Variants
The Kia Sonet is available in two trims -- Tech Line and GT Line. The customers can opt for the Tech Line in five variants -- HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX and HTX+. The GT Line comes only in a single variant -- GTX+.

Kia Sonet Features
The production-spec Kia Sonet is almost identical to the Kia Sonet Concept, which was showcased at the Auto Expo 2020. Kia's teams in South Korea and India have collaborated in designing the Sonet. The compact SUV's front boasts of the signature 'tiger-nose' grille, which is flanked by jewel-like LED headlamps with 'heartbeat' LED DRLs. You will find projector fog lamps at the front as well. At the rear, the 'heartbeat' LED tail lamps mimic the design of the headlamp cluster and are joined by a reflector strip. The 16-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels add more teeth to the overall sporty character of the Sonet. The exterior paint schemes include seven monotone and three dualtone options.



The cabin of the Kia Sonet boasts of features not even heard of in the compact SUV segment. The dashboard has been neatly designed. The centre console's prime attraction is a segment-best 10.25-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster gives the driver a plethora of information pertaining to turn-by-turn navigation, tyre pressure monitoring, and drive and traction modes. The GT Line also gets a D-cut steering wheel. The Sonet is equipped with segment-first ventilated driver and front passenger seats. Among the other creature comforts inside the cabin are Bose seven-speaker system with sub-woofer, LED sound mood lighting, wireless smartphone charger with cooling function, Smart Pure air purifier with virus protection and sunroof. Also available is the UVO technology that offers as many as 57 connectivity features.

Kia Sonet Engine
Below are the engine options in the new Kia Sonet.

Engine   Smartstream 1.2-litre petrol   Smartstream 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol   1.5-litre CRDi diesel
Power   83PS   120PS   100PS/115PS
Torque   115Nm   172Nm   240Nm/250Nm
Transmission   5-speed MT   6-speed iMT/7-speed DCT   6-speed MT/6-speed AT
Kia Sonet Mileage
Check out the ARAI-certified Kia Sonet mileage figures.

Smartstream 1.2 Petrol 5MT   18.4kmpl
Smartstream 1.0 T-GDi Petrol 6iMT   18.2kmpl
Smartstream 1.0 T-GDi Petrol 7DCT   18.3kmpl
1.5L CRDi WGT Diesel 6MT   24.1kmpl
1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel 6AT   19kmpl
Kia Sonet Dimensions
Below are the Kia Sonet dimensions.

Length   3,995mm
Width   1,790mm
Height   1,642mm
Wheelbase   2,500mm
Boot space   392 litres
Fuel tank   45 litres
Kia Sonet Rivals

The rivals of the Kia Sonet include the Hyundai Venue, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the Tata Nexon, the Mahindra XUV300, the Ford EcoSport and the upcoming Toyota Urban Cruiser.



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India-China tension: In 1962, Vajpayee demanded debate in the middle of war. Nehru agreed


China had launched a war against India on October 20, 1962. In the middle of that war, then-PM Jawaharlal Nehru agreed to a demand made by Atal Bihari Vajpayee to hold a debate in Parliament



Photo for representation

"Why is the government running away from a debate if it believes all is well on the Line of Actual Control," the Congress has asked as it intensifies its campaign for a discussion on the ongoing India-China military standoff in eastern Ladakh.

Read: Why is the Modi govt running away from debate on India-China border tension, asks Congress

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a statement in Parliament on Tuesday on India-China tension in Ladakh but the Narendra Modi government has declined the Congress's demand for a debate on the issue. Rajnath Singh, in his statement, talked about the "sensitive" nature of the situation.

Read: Want peace, ready for war: Rajnath Singh lists pacts China has violated

"This is still an ongoing situation and obviously involves sensitive operational issues. I would, therefore, not be able to give more details in public and I am confident about the understanding of the House in this regard," Rajnath Singh said.

The government's stand is, however, in sharp contrast to what happened in the past, particularly in 1962, when the situation was more sensitive and graver.

WHAT HAPPENED IN 1962

Back then, China had launched a war against India on October 20, 1962. The buildup was there for several months beginning in the summers. On October 26, the then Nehru government had declared a national emergency to deal with Chinese aggression.

In the middle of the war, then Jan Sangh leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a first-time Rajya Sabha MP, demanded a special session of Parliament. Vajpayee, who later became the founder-president of the BJP, pressed for a discussion the India-China war situation.


Vajpayee led a four-member delegation of Jan Sangh parliamentary party to meet then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru seeking a special session of Parliament. Nehru agreed to his demand.

Vajpayee was young, 36 at the time, and Nehru was exactly twice his age, 72.

The special session of Parliament was convened on November 8. The war was still on and the Chinese were advancing into Indian territories. Vajpayee's was one of the smallest parties in Parliament then, and the Nehru government enjoyed a two-thirds majority.

As the Nehru government decided to discuss the India-China war situation in Parliament, a suggestion came up that the special sitting should a "secret session". Nehru rejected the suggestion saying the issues before the House are of "high interest to the whole country".

Vajpayee got his chance to speak on the second day of discussion November 9. He launched a scathing attack on Nehru government's foreign and defence policies.

He accused the Nehru government of leaving the defence of India compromised calling it "the great sin". Vajpayee said "it is a matter of great shame" that the soldiers did not have proper weapons and supplies at the borders even 15 years after Independence.

One key commitment made by Vajpayee in his speech was that "the stain of our humiliation and defeat would not be wiped out until we had swept the last Chinese from our soil". The Chinese forces are still in occupation of Aksai Chin among others.

Interestingly, several decades later when Vajpayee was the prime minister and Pakistan had intruded into Kargil, he had refused a debate during the 1999 military conflict in the Rajya Sabha. His government found it too sensitive to discuss the issue in public.

The Narendra Modi government, too, has described the border tension with China as very sensitive and said it is not prudent to discuss operation details in the public.

The Modi government is instead understood to hold a confidential meeting with some of the Opposition leaders to brief them on the current India-China face-off situation along the LAC.



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First shots were fired south of Pangong Lake in August 29-30 clash between Indian and Chinese troops


The first warning shots were fired in the August 29-30 clash between Indian and Chinese troops on the southern bank of Pangong Lake in Ladakh, sources have told India Today TV.



Indian soldiers disembark from a military transport plane at a forward airbase in Leh. (Reuters)

Amid the prolonged standoff between India and China, the first warning shots were fired in the August 29-30 clash between Indian and Chinese troops on the southern bank of Pangong Lake in Ladakh, sources have told India Today TV.

After Indian Army's pre-emptive deployment to thwart PLA's plan on the southern bank of Pangong Lake in Ladakh, later, suspicious movement of Chinese troops was seen on the northern bank as well. Now, Indian Army has extended deployment along the upper reaches of the north bank of the lake.

On September 8, Chinese PLA tried to close in on Indian forward positions and were duly cautioned against any instigating actions. Warning shots were fired by both Indian and Chinese sides.

Sources told India Today TV, "A brief firing exchange also took place on August 29 and 31 on the Pangong south bank during Indian Army's preemptive mobilisation. Once again there were warning shots fired at a distance. These were light machine gun and assault rifles rounds."

In June, 20 Indian soldiers were killed in Galwan Valley of Ladakh, which escalated the tension between Indian and Chinese troops that was on for months. As several rounds of talks failed to bear any results, the tension further escalated on August 29-30 when the Chinese troops attempted to occupy forward Indian positions.

In yet another skirmish on September 8, warning shots were again fired between the troops of the two sides after China attempted to close in on Indian forward positions.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in Parliament on Tuesday, amassing of the troops by China and violent conduct of Chinese military were in violation of all mutually agreed norms and pacts.


The defence minister said the Chinese side has mobilised a large number of troops and armaments along the LAC as well as in the depth areas, adding there are several friction areas in eastern Ladakh including Gogra, Kongka La and North and South Banks of the Pangong Lake.



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Suresh Raina thanks Punjab CM, police for nabbing attackers of his kin: Truly appreciate all their efforts


IPL 2020: All is good in 'Hitman' Rohit Sharma's Mumbai Indians camp as they have their eyes set on 5th Indian Premier League title (IPL). Veteran Lasith Malinga has opted out of the tournament but Trent Boult is expected to cover well for the old-horse. Chris Lynn is the star addition in the batting line-up but will he consistently get a place in the playing XI.



Mumbai Indians are the only team to win 4 IPL titles. (Courtesy by BCCI)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Mumbai Indians and captain Rohit Sharma are eyeing their 5th IPL title
• Lasith Malinga will be absent but Boult's presence is expected to suffice for Mumbai-based team
• SRH and not CSK are expected to be their toughest opponent in this IPL season

The most successful Indian Premier League (IPL) team led by the most successful captain in the history of the cash-rich tournament, Mumbai Indians looks like a solid and complete team yet again. The franchise has made a habit of winning in the odd years. Rohit Sharma has led the team to triumph in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. MI and Rohit Sharma pipped Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and MS Dhoni by clinching the 4th title last year. A win this year will further enhance their status in the world's biggest T20 league.

The actions have shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. What does that mean? Big grounds, long boundaries, and tracks that would spin because of the consistent usage. Notably, Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the three venues that will host the entire tournament of 60 matches.

Will the conditions in UAE favour Mumbai? The two spinners - Rahul Chahar and Jayant Yadav will be the key. The Mumbai-based franchise have ample pinch hitters in the team. In fact, their captain Rohit Sharma is nicknamed 'Hitman'. Quinton de Kock, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, can all go big. The pace department will miss the services of Lasith Malinga but with Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell McClenaghan and James Pattinson in the line-up, that would not hurt big time.

Their star all-rounder Kieron Pollard is in UAE after leading his CPL team Trinbago Knight Riders to their 4th title. Chris Lynn, the hard-hitting Australian opener will give a selection headache to the franchise. The only option he can open the batting with wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock is when Rohit Sharma decides to bat down at the number 4 position.



But selection headaches like these are always welcomed by any team and Mumbai Indians will welcome it too. The team is at ease and training hard for their opener against arch-rivals CSK in Abu Dhabi.

Mumbai Indians' IPL History

2008: Knocked out in group stage after finishing 5th out of 8 teams
2009: Knocked out in the group stage after finishing 7th out of 8 teams
2010: IPL Runners Up
2011: Qualified for the play-offs, eventually finishing 3rd
2012: Qualified for the play-offs, eventually finishing 4th
2013: IPL champions
2014: Qualified for the play-offs, eventually finishing 4th
2015: IPL champions
2016: Knocked out in group stage after finishing 5th out of 8 teams
2017: IPL champions
2018: Knocked out in group stage after finishing 5th out of 8 teams
2019: IPL champions

MI at IPL 2020: Key Players to watch out for

Mumbai Indians is a champion team and so it's obvious that they have plenty of match-winners in the squad. Batsmen, all-rounders, fielders -- every department has a start in multiple numbers.

The batting line-up boasts of 'Hitman' Rohit Sharma, exciting Quinton de Kock, underdog Suryakumar Yadav, insane Chris Lynn. All-rounders are like they should be. They have that X-factor in abundance. Kieron Pollard is massively built but dives like crazy on the boundary line, Hardik Pandya makes almost everything breathtaking. When it comes to the bowlers, there is no one better than Jasprit Bumrah in the format. He has got a very good partner in New Zealand's Trent Boult this year. Rahul Chahar is a bubbly spinner who can deceive the greatest one on his day.

But if we have two chose ones from every department then they have to be Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. This might probably be the only team with all its key players being Indians.

MI's biggest threat: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Surprised? Well, don't be. MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) don't look like sharp this time. Coronavirus cases in their camp have only added on to their "dodgy" start even before the actual start in the 13th edition. Their players including MS Dhoni, Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu don't play cricket regularly and their batting mainstay Suresh Raina has opted out of the tournament. Harbhajan Singh has followed Raina in his pursuit to stay at home for "personal reasons".

Sunrisers Hyderabad on the other hand are one consistent team and they have tested Mumbai Indians in the past. At 46.42 per cent, Mumbai Indians have the minimum winning percentage against SRH. MI have lost 7 out of their 14 matches against SRH. They have a solid team in captain David Warner, Kane Williamson, Manish Pandey, Rashid Khan, Mitchell Marsh and Bhuvneshwar. One more quality pacer could in fact have given them a decisive edge over MI.

MI at IPL 2020 - Probable playing XI: Quinton de Kock, Chris Lynn, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah.



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Op Snow Leopard: Inside story of how Army reclaimed heights in eastern Ladakh | Exclusive


The Indian Army launched Operation Snow Leopard after China failed to move back and restore status quo ante in eastern Ladakh. The Army finally launched the operation, occupied a number of strategic heights and strengthened its presence in the region.



Soldiers disembark from a military transport plane at a forward airbase in Leh, in the Ladakh region. (Photo:Reuters)

The Indian Army bolstered its dominance over a number of strategic heights overlooking key Chinese-held positions around Pangong lake area in eastern Ladakh last week even as brigade commanders and commanding officers of the two militaries held talks to cool tensions in the region.

The Indian Army waited for three months of planning before it executed 'Operation Snow Leopard' to control key heights along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, sources have told India Today TV.

>> Sources told India Today that Indian Army initially waited for China to move back but when that did not happen, Army Chief General MM Narawane and Northern Army Commander Lt Gen YK Joshi cleared the crucial operation.

>> And after months of planning, the Indian Army finally went on to occupy strategic heights identified along the LAC under 'Op Snow Leopard'.

>> These heights and features have given India not just tactical but also strategic advantage on the ground and in talks between the two sides. The Army Special Forces now command several features and flanks at multiple friction points.

>> Under 'Op Snow Leopard', teams of high altitude mountain warfare specialists were prepared.

>> Each team was tasked to occupy height and secure sustainable supply line.

>> In a swift operation, the Army took control of posts on south and north bank of Pangong Tso and at other locations in eastern Ladakh to keep a hawk-eye vigil on Chinese-held positions.

The Indian Army has occupied several key heights in the strategically located Rezang-La and Reqin-La areas on the southern bank of the lake since the end of August.


With the Army occupying key heights, it now has the strength to restore status quo ante at the LAC if talks do not succeed.

The Army deployment is effective and dominating not only at Demchok in south but also Depsang and DBO backed by Indian Air Force.

The border situation deteriorated yet again after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake on the intervening night of August 29 and 30.

India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China strongly objected to India's move. However, India maintained that the heights are on its side of the LAC.

Following China's fresh attempts to change the status quo in the southern bank of Pangong lake, India has further bolstered its military presence in the region.

The ball is now in China's court. Chinese corp commander has still not reverted on day, date and time for next round of talks.



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Gujarat schools to remain closed in view of Covid-19 pandemic


The Gujarat government has taken the decision to keep the schools closed until further notice in view of the ongoing pandemic.



Gujarat schools will remain closed in view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The state government of Gujarat has decided to keep the schools in the states closed due to the rise in the Covid-19 cases in the country. Though the schools were supposed to partially open from September 21 for higher classes, the Gujarat government decided against it due to the prevailing conditions.

The central government had announced recently that the schools across the country can be partially reopened from September 21, 2020, for classes 9 to 12. The Home Ministry had announced that the classes can take place in classrooms as well as in online mode.

Currently, there a total of 18,554 active coronavirus cases in the state of Gujarat, with nearly 1,000 cases being reported daily. Due to the sudden rise of cases in the state, the government has decided not to reopen the schools.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had also issued a list of Standard Operating Procedures for the reopening of schools in a safe manner for students of higher classes earlier this month.

SOPs for reopening of schools
It is stated in the guidelines issued by MHA that physical distancing of at least 6 feet is to be followed as far as feasible. Similarly, physical distancing shall also be maintained in staff rooms, office areas (including reception area), and other places (mess, libraries, cafeterias, etc.)

As per the SOPs, assemblies, sports and events that can lead to overcrowding are strictly prohibited. The usage of face masks and regular washing of hands with soap is mandatory for all students and staff present on campus.



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Smokers Are More Vulnerable To Covid-19


While smoking as always been harmful, it becomes even more imperative to quit the habit in the times of Covid-19. Here's why.




Nicotine Replacement Therapy can double your chances of quitting smoking9

To Quit smoking is extremely important, the biggest reason being that smoking affects nearly every organ of your body. But now, you have an even more immediate reason to kick the habit Covid-19. While the novel Coronavirus can infect anyone, smokers, in particular, are more prone to fall victim to it. While the novel coronavirus causes extensive damage to the vital organs of the body, the lungs continue to remain one of the most affected organs. In smokers, the lung function is already impaired which makes it more difficult for the body to fight off the coronaviruses.1 Also, the act of smoking involves contact of fingers and lips and sharing of smoking products, which facilitates the transmission of the virus.2 So, even those who smoke sparingly are at risk of contracting Covid-19.

While we take all precautions to save ourselves from contracting Covid-19 in the first place, it's equally important to keep our lungs healthy in order to avoid the worst effects of the pandemic. For smokers, this includes efforts to quit smoking. Once you quit smoking, your body begins to repair the damage, and over time, the risk of life-threatening health problems attacking you reduces dramatically.

For best results, this should be done in a safe and effective manner. For this, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has recommended using proven interventions like Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).2To help smokers quit using the Nicotine Replacement Therapy, over-the-counter NRTs are easily available. In India, Nicotex is the biggest brand in this category.


Cigarette smoking and Covid-19 may be a deadly combination

In smokers, weak lungs coupled with Covid-19 may result in more serious health outcomes. Being a virus that targets the respiratory system, when Covid-19 attacks the already impaired lungs of a smoker, it can make the condition critical, also leading to fatality. As per WHO, smokers tend to need more intensive care. Also, fatality rates due to Covid-19 are higher among people with chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular problems, cancer, and other comorbidities that are directly linked to smoking.3

Improving the health of smokers

Smokers have lower health-related quality of life, higher rates of hospitalisation and healthcare visits, and more chances of developing life-threatening diseases than non-smokers. 4,5 Smoking also destroys the lung tissues, impairs the capacity of the body to fight infections, and renders smokers prone to bronchial asthma, and other lung diseases.6,7 when you quit smoking, it significantly reduces these risks and repairs the lung damage caused by all the smoke one inhales. Nicotine Replacement Therapy is a part of the essential medicines list for WHO8. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the US FDA have approved this therapy as an effective strategy to decrease the usage of tobacco products and quit smoking in a safe manner. Nicotex works on this therapy, reduces dependency on tobacco products, increases the likelihood of staying smoke-free, and eventually improves the overall quality of life.9

Nicotine Replacement Therapy Kick the habit in an effective way

The benefits of quitting smoking are well known. The process in itself, however, becomes very tough. This usually happens because smokers find it difficult to manage the cravings or withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine Replacement Therapy is a medically-approved method to quit smoking. 10 A reliable and effective product used for this therapy is Nicotex that delivers a small, controlled amount of nicotine sans the other toxic agents and harmful chemicals that cigarettes contain, and can help you manage those cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

There is no disputing that the journey to quit smoking is going to be tough. But there has never been a more urgent time than now to kick the habit. Nicotex is designed to make it easier and hence should be made a part of the 'quit smoking' plan for every smoker.

Disclaimer: This article is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion or recommendation to use a specific product. Please consult your doctor for the right use of Nictoex. The pack insert should be read carefully to understand the correct method of using the product. Cipla Health Ltd. cannot be held responsible for any liabilities arising from the usage of the product.



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Babri mosque demolition case verdict on Sept 30; LK Advani among 32 accused asked to be present


A CBI court has fixed September 30 for judgment in the Babri Masjid demolition case. Former deputy Prime Minister LK Advani is one of the accused in the case.




The judgment in the case involving the demolition of the Babri Masjid will be delivered by a special CBI court on September 30.

Judge SK Yadav has directed all accused to remain present in the court on the day of judgment.

Among the 32 accused in the decades-old case are former deputy prime minister LK Advani, former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Kalyan Singh, BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi and Vinay Katiyar.

CBI counsel Lalit Singh told PTI that arguments of the defence and prosecution concluded on September 1 and thereafter the special judge started writing the judgment. The CBI has produced 351 witnesses and about 600 documentary evidence before the court. The Babri mosque in Ayodhya was demolished by karsevaks on December 6, 1992.

A Supreme Court bench had last month extended the deadline for judgment in the Babri Masjid demolition case till September 30, 2020.

The Babri Masjid, reportedly built by Babur's general Mir Baqi was demolished by Kar Sevaks on December 6, 1992. At the time, Advani and Joshi were at the forefront of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement which asserted that the mosque was constructed in the place of an ancient Ram temple.

An FIR was registered in this regard against kar sevaks who demolished the structure. Apart from Advani-Joshi, cases were also registered against Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders Ashok Singhal, Sadhvi Rithambara and Vishnu Hari Dalmiya among others.

Former Deputy PM Lal Krishna Advani deposed before the special CBI court via video conference on July 24, claiming that he has been falsely implicated. Similarly, Kalyan Singh's statement was recorded on July 13, Uma Bharti's on July 2 while Murli Manohar Joshi deposed before the court on July 23 of this year.



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Sushant's death is homicide, will say suicide if CBI shows proof: Pavitra Rishta actor Deepak Qazir


Sushant Singh Rajput's Pavitra Rishta co-star Deepak Qazir believes the actor was murdered, and he will only say otherwise once the CBI presents proof.



Sushant Singh Rajput's death is homicide, believes Deepak Qazir (L).

Deepak Qazir came in contact with Sushant Singh Rajput during the shoot of shows Pavitra Rishta and Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil. His last encounter with Sushant was in the year 2016. Deepak did not stay in touch with Sushant after his break-up with his then-girlfriend, Ankita Lokhande. But Deepak is certain that Sushant couldn't have committed suicide. As of now, the Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI) is probing the death case. Sushant Singh Rajput died by alleged suicide on June 14.

When asked why he feels Sushant Singh Rajput's death wasn't a suicide, Deepak exclusively told India Today in an interview, "I am telling all this on the basis of media reports and I will change my statement only after the CBI shows facts that it's a suicide and not a murder. But until that time, it's my theory that it's a homicide."

Deepak and Sushant haven't been in touch over the last 4-5 years. But Deepak feels, from what he knew of Sushant, someone like him would have certainly left a suicide note. "A person could change in five years but as much as I knew Sushant, he always used to write, and if he commits suicide, then where is the suicide note," asks Deepak.

Deepak's belief leads him to question Mumbai Police's probe of the Sushant Singh Rajput death case as well. He asks, "How could the Mumbai Police declare it a suicide without proof?" Deepak also questioned the statements of Sushant's family, which were written in Marathi.


The Mumbai Police, initially probing the Sushant Singh Rajput death case, had recorded statements of several people including the actor's family members. friends and a few work associates. SSR's family, however, later alleged that their written statements were in Marathi, which made it difficult for them to understand, and they ended up signing them under duress. The Mumbai Police, on the other hand, has maintained that a translated copy was provided. Reacting to this, Deepak said, "Maybe it was under pressure that they signed [the statement], as the family was grieving the death of their young boy."

Sushant Singh Rajput death case has taken off on a drug-conspiracy angle as well. With several big Bollywood names being exposed as part of a large drug cartel, the public opinion is against the entertainment industry. Jaya Bachchan, former actress and current Rajya Sabha MP, in her speech at the parliament yesterday, said that the way Bollywood is being depicted is unfair. Jaya had said, "Jis thali main khate hai usme chhed nahi karte (sic)." Slamming Jaya Bachchan's statement, Deepak said, "Yahan kayi actors hai jinke paas thali hi nahi hai, katora lekar khade hai aur unke payments delay par delay ho rahe hai. Kitne logo ko payments mile hi nahi hai."

Deepak believes actors turn to suicide due to the monopoly of the Industry. Payments are not on time, little or no work, channels' TRP game etc force actors to take such extreme steps. When asked if this could have been one of the reasons Sushant Singh Rajput committed suicide, Deepak said, No, he was earning well and doing good films. So he could not commit suicide. [I believe] it's homicide."



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Russian vaccine maker ties up with Dr Reddy's Labs for supply of 100 million doses of Sputnik-V shot in India


The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said it will supply 100 million doses of the Sputnik-V Covid-19 vaccine to Dr. Reddy's Laboratories for trial and distribution in India after regulatory approval.



Russian vaccine maker RDIF has tied up with Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd for clinical trial of Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine in India. (Photo: Reuters/Representational image)

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) on Wednesday said it will supply Dr. Reddy's Laboratories with 100 million doses of the Sputnik-V Covid-19 vaccine for trial and distribution in India.

The RDIF, which is Russia's sovereign wealth fund, said it has agreed to cooperate with Dr.Reddy's Laboratories on clinical trials and distribution of the vaccine in India. It said the process will start soon after getting regulatory approval.

"Upon regulatory approval in India, RDIF shall supply to Dr. Reddy's 100 million doses of the vaccine. The Sputnik V vaccine, which is based on well-studied human adenoviral vector platform with proven safety, is undergoing clinical trials for the coronavirus pandemic," RDIF said in a press release.

Also Read | Russia seeking India's support to manufacture its Covid vaccine Sputnik V: Sources

"Deliveries could potentially begin in late 2020 subject to completion of successful trials and registration of the vaccine by regulatory authorities in India," it added.

Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, said: "We are very pleased to partner with Dr.Reddy's in India. India is amongst most severely impacted countries from Covid-19 and we believe our human adenovirus dual vector platform will provide a safe and scientifically validated option to India in the battle against Covid-19."

GV Prasad, Co-Chairman and Managing Director of Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, stated: "We are pleased to partner with RDIF to bring the vaccine to India. The Phase I and II results have shown promise, and we will be conducting Phase-III trials in India to meet the requirements of the Indian regulators. Sputnik-V vaccine could provide a credible option in our fight against Covid-19 in India."


The Sputnik-V vaccine has been developed by the Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology on August 11. It was registered by the Ministry of Health of Russia and became the world's first registered vaccine against Covid-19 based on the human adenoviral vectors platform.

However, several medical experts and sceintists around the globe had earlier raised doubts over Russia's Covid-19 vaccine due to lack of transparency regarding trial data.



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Spotlight On Pangong, China build-up now clear in Depsang


India Today TV has accessed the first clear visual evidence of the Chinese army's concerted mobilisation in areas close to the Depsang and Daulat Beg Oldie sectors.



Chinese build-up in Depsang

While standoff zones on either bank of Ladakh's Pangong lake have become the face of the India-China standoff in the last 18 days, especially with four firing incidents now reported in a span of 10 days, the aggressive Chinese military posture 200 km to the north in Ladakh's Depsang area has become clearly visible for the first time.

India Today TV has accessed the first clear visual evidence of the Chinese army's concerted mobilisation in areas close to the Depsang and Daulat Beg Oldie sectors. Satellite photographs from European space assets from July and September show contain the first visible evidence of a build-up in at least six areas near a pre-existing Chinese all-weather post about 23 km east of Daulat Beg Oldie on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control.



Depsang has become a sector where the two armies are now deployed in some of the most prominent strengths in this standoff, complete with tank regiments, motorised columns and artillery. The Indian Army is well aware that the PLA build-up near Depsang is directly supported by the large Chinese logistics facility in Dahongliutan in the Hotan country of Xinjiang, due north from the area in question here. Fresh Chinese deployments near Depsang since late August include an additional artillery brigade, field hospital and a complement of vehicle-mounted tactical communications jammers.

The movement of the PLA artillery brigade into the area is of some significance in light of the fact that it happened just days after Major Generals from both armies held talks in Daulat Beg Oldie on August 8. Since then, the mobilisation is being seen as another prominent example of the clear and wilful dichotomy in China's words and actions on the ground. It must be said, however, that the Indian Army had sensed that Depsang would likely escalate, and deployed in sizeable numbers there from early May, including a full T-90 tank regiment and plentiful mechanised infantry.


While both sides remain on their side of the LAC in Depsang, attempts to block patrols have been taking place since late May, with the Indian Army mounting its own localised movements to apply counter-pressure on Chinese patrols. While the rest of the friction points further south simmered, Depsang-DBO settled into a sort of rhythm of deployment and counter-deployment. But since August 29, when the Indian Army launched a concerted drive to acquire the tactical advantage across sectors in Pangong Tso and sub-sector Chushul, tensions have understandably carried northward to the Depsang frontier. Movements on both sides have significantly increased, though ground commanders continue to keep the peace here.

India Today TV was the first to report in June this year that while the 2020 standoff in eastern Ladakh was restricted to the Galwan Valley, Hot Springs/Gogra posts and Pangong Tso's banks, the Chinese were clearly building up prominently near Depsang in an effort to create a new front. Depsang is a sensitive sector. It was here in 2013 that the Chinese Army intruded several kilometers across the LAC into Indian-controlled territory and squatted for many weeks. It took a concerted diplomatic push to dislodge what was then a clear attempt to change the status quo just south of the sensitive Karakoram pass.

The Army had previously perceived the Depsang-DBO developments to be an extension of an ongoing years-long effort by China to mobilise in the area, one that has thus far been thwarted by preemptive mobilisations by the Indian Army. However, it is no longer possible to see Chinese actions as separate from one another.



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1 in 7 Indians suffers from mental disorders: Cong demands govt policy to deal with rising mental health issues


The Congress said raised the issue of mental health issues amid the Covid-19 crisis as it asked the Centre to come out with an active policy.



(Photo for representation)

The Congress on Tuesday asked the government to come out with an active policy and allocate resources to address the problem of rise in mental health issues amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Raising the issue of growth in mental health issues, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said in the Rajya Sabha that reports indicate that one in seven persons in India is suffering from depression.

"The number of persons affected by mental health issues has exponentially increased after the Covid crisis especially students and children who are committing suicide across the country," Congress leader Anand Sharma said.

He added that this is because many children are not able to access online study, non-availability of midday meals and fear of getting affected by coronavirus.

The Congress leader said efforts should be made to educate and sensitise the society about mental diseases. He demanded that mental illness must mandatorily be put under the ambit of life insurance. This will help people see mental illness with the same lens as that of physical diseases.

Sharma also said both the Centre and state governments need to evolve innovative modes to deepen penetration of services and set up helplines and counselling centres across the country.

It is disturbing that suicides are happening in India every 3.30 minutes. India accounts for 15 per cent of the total number of suicides in the world. Out of 8 lakh suicides happening in the world, 1.39 lakh suicides are in India, he added.

SP ALSO EXPRESSES CONCERN

The Samajwadi Party also expressed concern over the issue of mental stress being faced by organised and unorganised workers due to joblessness in the wake of the pandemic. The party demanded that the government provide a monthly allowance Rs 15,000 monthly to those who lost jobs.


Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav said many people are jobless after the Covid-19 induced lockdown and are going through stress. In the last 3-4 months in Noida alone, 44 people have committed suicide and 175 people have died, he said.

He appealed to the government to provide Rs 15,000 monthly allowance to those who lost jobs due to the lockdown to ensure they do not die of hunger.



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What if it was Shweta or Abhishek: Kangana Ranaut asks Jaya Bachchan after attack on gutter remark


After Rajya Sabha MP and veteran actor Jaya Bachchan took on Kangana Ranaut and MP Ravi Kishan's remarks on Bollywood, now Kangana has hit back at her saying would she say the same things if it was her daughter Shweta Bachchan or son Abhishek Bachchan who was affected.



After Jaya Bachchan's attack, now Kangana Ranaut has hit back at the veteran actor and Rajya Sabha MP. (PTI photos)

After Rajya Sabha MP and veteran actor Jaya Bachchan took on Kangana Ranaut and MP Ravi Kishan's remarks on Bollywood, now Kangana has hit back at her saying would she say the same things if it was her daughter Shweta Bachchan or son Abhishek Bachchan who was affected.

In a tweet, Kangana Ranaut said on Tuesday, "Jaya ji would you say the same thing if in my place it was your daughter Shweta beaten, drugged and molested as a teenage, would you say the same thing if Abhieshek complained about bullying and harassment constantly and found hanging one day? Show compassion for us also Folded hands (sic)".



This comes after Jaya Bachchan moved a Zero Hour notice in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday to raise the issue of a conspiracy to "defame the film industry". Jaya Bachchan, in a strongly-worded statement in the Rajya Sabha, also attacked actor and BJP MP Ravi Kishan who discussed the "drug menace in Bollywood" in Lok Sabha on Monday.

She also hit out at Kangana Ranaut without naming her and said it was a shame that people who earned their living from the industry are now calling it a "gutter".


Kangana Ranaut had called Bollywood a 'gutter' and even asked PM Modi to clean it under the Swachh Bharat Mission in a tweet on August 26.

She wrote, "If narcotics Control Bureau enters Bullywood, many A listers will be behind bars, if blood tests are conducted many shocking revelations will happen. Hope @PMOIndia under swatchh Bharat mission cleanses the gutter called Bullywood."



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Toyota to pause India expansion, blames 'we don't want you' tax: Report


Automobile manufacturer Toyota said it has no plans to expand its business in India citing the high tax rates and additional levies on vehicles.



The vice chairman of Toyota's local unit in India has blamed the country's high tax rate behind weak sales. He also said the company has no plans to expand its business in India. (Photo: Reuters)

At a time when the Indian government has been inviting more firms to manufacture locally in India, automaker Toyota said it will not expand further in India, citing the country's high tax regime, reported Bloomberg.

Quoting Toyota Kirloskar Motor Vice Chairman Shekar Vishwanathan, the Bloomberg new report said the government has imposed high taxes on cars and motorbikes in the country, making it hard for the companies to build units.

Vishwanathan also said that the high taxes are also impacting its sales as many consumers are unable to pay such high prices for purchasing a car. This, in turn, has idled factories and hampered job creation.

Also Read | India's new quality checks for imported parts will hurt sales, say foreign automakers

"The message we are getting, after we have come here and invested money, is that we don't want you," Viswanathan told the publication.

While Toyota will not exit India, Vishwanathan added that there is no scope of scaling up its business.

Toyota, which is one of the world's biggest carmakers, started operations in India in 1997. Toyota's local unit, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, is owned 89 per cent by the Japanese parent company, Toyota Motor Corporation.

The company's market share in India has come down to 2.6 per cent in August 2020 in comparison to nearly 5 per cent a year earlier, said the report quoting Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations.

HIGH TAXES IN INDIA

The report highlighted the high taxes on cars, two-wheelers and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) in India. All of them attract 28 per cent taxes besides an additional levy — ranging from 1 per cent to as much as 22 per cent — based on the car's type, length and engine size.


It may be noted that a tax on a four-meter long SUV with an engine capacity of more than 1,500 cc is as high as 50 per cent in India.

The government had earlier imposed high additional levies on goods that are considered to be a luxury. Items that are considered a luxury in India include cars, cigarettes and even sparkling water.

Vishwanathan went on to tell the publication that such punitive taxes "discourage" foreign investment and erode automakers' margins. He added that these taxes directly impact the cost of launch new products.

"You'd think the auto sector is making drugs or liquor," he told Bloomberg.

Vishawanathan also feared that electric vehicles, currently taxed at 5 per cent, will "probably" go up once sales increases. He said it has become a pattern with successive governments in India.

While many discussions are currently going on to provide relief to automakers in India, there has been no final decision on a reduction.

It may be noted that automobile sales have been drying up in India much before the coronavirus pandemic. However, the current situation is likely to make it even more difficult for carmakers to increase revenue and grow in the country.

Vishwanathan made many other points during his interview with Bloomberg. One of the key points he made was related to the demand crisis in India.

He said India first needs to have demand for a product before asking firms to set up shop. He also criticised the government for immediately increasing taxes on products "at the slightest sign of a product doing well".



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US issues sweeping new travel warning for China, Hong Kong


The United States has issued a fresh travel warnig for China and Hong Kong, citing the risk of arbitrary detention.



Other Western nations have also suspended their extradition treaties with Hong Kong following the national security's law's passage. (Photo: AP)

The U.S. on Tuesday issued a sweeping new advisory warning against travel to mainland China and Hong Kong, citing the risk of "arbitrary detention" and "arbitrary enforcement of local laws."

The advisory is likely to heighten tensions between the sides that have spiked since Beijing's imposition on Hong Kong of a strict new national security law in June that has already been met with a series of U.S. punitive actions.

The new advisory warned U.S. citizens that China imposes "arbitrary detention and exit bans" to compel cooperation with investigations, pressure family members to return to China from abroad, influence civil disputes and "gain bargaining leverage over foreign governments."


"U.S. citizens traveling or residing in China or Hong Kong, may be detained without access to U.S. consular services or information about their alleged crime. U.S. citizens may be subjected to prolonged interrogations and extended detention without due process of law," the advisory said.

In Hong Kong, China "unilaterally and arbitrarily exercises police and security power," the advisory said, adding that new legislation also covers offenses committed by non-Hong Kong residents or organizations outside of Hong Kong, possibly subjecting U.S. citizens who have publicly criticized China to a "heightened risk of arrest, detention, expulsion, or prosecution."

When in Hong Kong, U.S. citizens are "strongly cautioned to be aware of their surroundings and avoid demonstrations," the advisory said.

Last month, the Trump administration suspended or terminated three bilateral agreements with Hong Kong covering extradition and tax exemptions, citing Beijing's violation of its pledge for Hong Kong to retain broad autonomy for 50 years after the former British colony's 1997 handover to Chinese rule.


Other Western nations have also suspended their extradition treaties with Hong Kong following the national security's law's passage.

The U.S. has also acted to end special trade and commercial privileges that Hong Kong had enjoyed and has imposed sanctions on Hong Kong and Chinese officials, including Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam, involved in enforcing the new security law.

Tensions between Beijing and Washington have hit their lowest point in decades amid simmering disputes over trade, technology, Taiwan, Tibet, the South China Sea, the coronavirus pandemic and, most recently, Hong Kong. The impact of the tensions has been felt in the tit-for-tat closures of diplomatic missions as well as visa restrictions on students and journalists.

The latest travel advisory did not offer any new warnings regarding COVID-19 in mainland China and Hong Kong, but referred travelers to earlier notices advising Americans to avoid the regions and return home from them if possible.

President Donald Trump has assigned full blame to Beijing for the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S., deflecting criticism of his own handling of the pandemic that threatens his reelection.

The virus was first detected in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, leading to the global pandemic. Critics have accused Beijing of an initial cover-up attempt, although Trump himself has admitted to downplaying the severity of the virus as early as February.

China appears to have contained the virus within its borders, reporting no new cases of domestic infection in a month, while Hong Kong has also radically brought down its numbers of new cases.



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Rhea named Sara Ali Khan, Rakul Preet during drug probe, no summons sent yet: NCB


Though the NCB hasn't sent summons yet, they might soon call Sara Ali Khan, Rakul Preet and Simone Khambatta for questioning in the Sushant Singh Rajput drug case.



Sara Ali Khan, Rakul Preet, Simone Khambatta's names came up in drug probe, no summons sent till now: NCB

The Sushant Singh Rajput-Rhea Chakraborty drug case has thrown up some high-profile Bollywood names. Sara Ali Khan, Simone Khambatta and Rakul Preet Singh's names came up during the Narcotics Control Bureau's (NCB) investigation. NCB has been investigating parties at Sushant's guest house and Pavana dam island. NCB sources have confirmed that summons to Sara, Rakul and Simone have not been sent yet.

Deputy Director of NCB, speaking to India Today, revealed that Sara Ali Khan, Simone Khambatta and Rakul Preet are under investigation. "No summons sent till now but summons can be sent in the coming days," he confirmed.

India Today has exclusively accessed a copy of the statement of the boatman, recorded by the NCB team, who took Sushant and others of Pavana Dam to the island on a motorboat.

NCB has its eye on the parties held at Sushant's farmhouse and Pavana Dam home. According to the statement, Rhea Chakraborty came several times to those parties with Sushant Singh Rajput, while Sara Ali Khan came with Sushant about 4-5 times. Shraddha Kapoor too had come with Sushant, as per the statement.

Along with Sushant, Deepesh Sawant, the actor's staffer, Samuel Miranda, Sushant's house manager, Showik Chakraborty, Rhea's brother and Zaid Vilatra, the drug peddler nabbed by the NCB have also visited the farmhouse several times.

The parties, according to the statement, were mostly booze-parties where alcohol would be consumed heavily. Ganja used to be available as well.

According to NCB, while Rhea has taken the name of Sara, Simone and Rakul in her statement, based on which the investigation is to move forward, the NCB is also keeping an eye on other people who joined the party on the island.



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Delhi riots: Facebook skips assembly meet, says city's law and order within Centre's domain


Facebook, in a letter to the committee, said the "regulation of intermediaries like Facebook falls within the exclusive authority of Union of India. It also said that the subject of "law and order" in Delhi falls within the domain of the Central government.




Facebook India officials on Tuesday skipped a hearing of the Delhi Assembly's "Peace and Harmony" committee, saying they have already given testimony before a Parliamentary Standing Committee earlier this month and asked that the summon be withdrawn.

Facebook, in a letter to the committee, said the "regulation of intermediaries like Facebook falls within the authority of the Central government. It also said that the subject of "law and order" in Delhi falls within the domain of the Central government.

Delhi Assembly's panel on 'Peace and Harmony' had earlier summoned Ajit Mohan, Vice President and Managing Director of Facebook India, citing "complaints alleging deliberate inaction by Facebook to apply hate speech rules which allegedly led to the disruption of peace across Delhi".

The summon was issued in connection with complaints about the social media platform's alleged deliberate and intentional inaction to contain hateful content in the country.

Ignoring the summons, Facebook India wrote to the Delhi panel ad said Parliament's Standing Committee on Information Technology is examining issues raised in the notice as a part of its inquiry into "safeguarding citizen's rights".

"The regulation of intermediaries like Facebook fall within the exclusive authority of the Union of India. Given that the matters are under consideration by Parliament, we object to the notice and request you recall it," Facebook India said.

Raghav Chadha, who heads the Delhi Assembly's 'Peace and Harmony' Committee, said Facebook's letter is in disregard of the committee's privilege. Raghav Chadha also said that fresh summons will be issued.


"Facebook's refusal to appear before the committee is an attempt to conceal crucial facts in relation to its role in the Delhi riots. A fresh summons will be issued to it in line with principles of natural justice," Raghav Chadha said.



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Have joined BJP-RSS, will stop gundagardi: Navy veteran who was attacked by Shiv Sainiks


Madan Sharma, the Navy veteran who was beaten up by Shiv Sena workers over a cartoon on Uddhav Thackeray, has said he has joined the BJP and RSS.




Retired Navy officer, Madan Sharma, who was allegedly attacked by members of Shiv Sena over a cartoon, has said he has joined the BJP and RSS and will stop "gundagardi" in Maharashtra.

"I have now joined BJP and RSS. We will not let any gundagardi happen in Maharashtra," said the Navy veteran.

Retired naval officer Madan Sharma met Governor BS Koshyari on Tuesday and said, "I have asked the governor for President's Rule. He has assured that he will speak to the Centre."

"Why is law seen in two different ways? If someone is connected to a politician, then he will be treated differently compared to a common man," asked Madan Sharma on Tuesday.

Coming out of Raj Bhavan after meeting the governor, Sharma said, "I told him of the incident. Sections under which accused were booked are weak. The governor assured me that he'll take action on my memorandum. I demanded that state government be dismissed, President Rule's be imposed. He assured he will speak to the Centre."

On Monday, Shiv Sena hit out at Madan Sharma and said wasn't he taught how to respect a chief minister. Shiv Sena, in its mouthpiece 'Saamana', took a swipe at the former Navy officer and said, 'wasn't Madan Sharma taught in the Navy to respect a person holding a Constitutional post?'

Six suspected Shiv Sena workers were granted bail on Saturday in the case of assault on the retired Navy officer for allegedly forwarding a cartoon of the party president and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on social media.


The six persons were arrested after local BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar posted a video of the Friday's assault on the retired officer, Madan Sharma (62), on Twitter. A complaint was filed against Sena workers at Kandivali police station.



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New study questions cytokine storm theory of Covid-19 fatality


Cytokine storm may not be associated with Covid-19 deaths, a new study has found. This is in contrast with earlier studies that suggested a strong link between overreaction of immune system -- cytokine storm -- and Covid-19 deaths,





A new study has found that cytokine storms may not be linked to Covid-19 deaths, as perceived earlier. (Photo for representation: PTI)

Cytokine storm has been blamed for a large number of Covid-19 deaths. Cytokines are special particles that modulate immune and inflammation responses in the body. But when the body releases far too many cytokines, they can cause a severe inflammatory reaction, which can prove fatal. This is called a cytokine storm, which earlier studies blamed for the large number of deaths in Covid-19 cases.

When some kind of agreement emerged among doctors and researchers over autoimmune responses such as cytokine storm, it was suggested that anti-cytokine treatments -- the ones that suppress the body's immune response -- could be beneficial in the treatment of severe cases of Covid-19.

It was hoped that "targeting cytokines during the management of Covid-19 patients could improve survival rates and reduce mortality". Doctors, though not 100 per cent certain, adopted this protocol in the treatment of severe cases of Covid-19 all over the world.

Now, a study conducted in the Netherlands on Covid-19 patients has thrown up contrasting findings. The study, published recently in the JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) Network, found that Covid-19 is not directly associated with cytokine storms as was previously suggested.

The researchers compared the levels of inflammatory cytokines in Covid-19 patients with a group of other patients. They found no evidence of cytokine storms in patients with Covid-19 compared to others.

The researchers compared cytokine levels of seriously ill Covid-19 patients who were on mechanical ventilation. Their levels were compared with other seriously ill patients -- with comparable severity of illness -- with bacterial septic shock, cardiac arrest, and severe trauma. A total of 156 patients were in the two groups.



The study found significantly lower levels of cytokines in people with Covid-19 compared to those having septic shock, which is a condition known to cause a sudden surge in cytokine levels.

What surprised researchers is that cytokine levels recorded in Covid-19 patients were closer to those coming to intensive care units (ICUs) due to trauma or cardiac arrest. Trauma and cardiac arrest are not usually associated with cytokine storms.

This study may have implications for treatment of Covid-19 patients worldwide. The researchers have suggested that anti-cytokine therapies may not be beneficial in Covid-19 cases.

Treatment protocols in India too involve managing cytokine storm, which is believed to be an autoimmune trigger in severe cases of Covid-19, as reported by India Today Magazine earlier.

Covid-19 is still a new illness and its understanding has been evolving over the past several months. Doctors have till now attributed Covid-19 fatalities to cytokine storms to a great extent. However, if the findings of the new research are not aberrations, the Covid-19 treatment protocol may have to undergo another major overhaul.



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IPL 2020: Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult will give MI upper hand vs CSK in season opener, says Gautam Gambhir


Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir believes that absence of Suresh Raina will pinch CSK in their season opener and it will be difficult for them to face quality Mumbai Indians pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult.




Mumbai Indians pacer Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult (Courtesy- @mipaltan)


HIGHLIGHTS

• Gautam Gambhir said that CSK will have an upper hand against Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2020 opener
• Gambhir added that Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult will be biggest assets for Mumbai Indians
• It will be huge challenge for CSK to face Bumrah and Boult in absence of Raina: Gambhir

Mumbai Indian's new acquisition, New Zealand pacer Trent Boult can be Mumbai Indian's most lethal weapon in the IPL 2020, former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Gautam Gambhir has said. The former Indian opener added that Boult along with Jasprit Bumrah would have form a lethal combination and can make the difference in the 13th edition opener against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on September 19.

Gambhir, himself a 2-time IPL winner as captain, said that absence of Suresh Raina would hurt CSK in the opening clash against MI. He stated that Boult moves the new ball into the right-hand batsmen, while Bumrah is an "unorthodox" bowler. Gambhir highlighted that CSK opener Shane Watson does not play international cricket and his presence on other levels is also minimal.

"I am very excited to see how Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah will be bowling together with the new ball. Because Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult are world-class bowlers and both of them are wicket-taking options in T20 cricket. A left-arm seamer who brings the ball in for right-handers and Jasprit Bumrah who is unorthodox.

"It will be a huge challenge for Chennai Super Kings as they don't have Suresh Raina at No.3, plus Shane Watson does not play much international cricket and has not played cricket for a long time, so how he plays against Bumrah and Trent Boult. We will also have to see with whom he would be opening the batting," Gautam Gambhir said.

Considering these factors Gautam Gambhir said that Mumbai Indians will have the upper hand against CSK on September 19, when the IPL 2020 kicks off. Gambhir reckoned that Boults inclusion as a new ball bowler will allow the management to use Bumrah in a different manner.



"I feel the Mumbai Indians have the upper hand if you see the balance and depth of the squad." They have also added Trent Boult to their squad, who will give them a very good option," Gambhir added.

"Because you want a bowler who can give you wickets with the new ball so that you can use Jasprit Bumrah in a different manner. So I will want to watch how these two perform, not only in the first match, but in the entire tournament," Gambhir asserted.




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Chinese intrusion in Ladakh foiled, won't accept any move to change status quo, Rajnath Singh tells Parliament


In a statement on India-China border issue, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told Lok Sabha that the boundary issue with China has not been resolved. The Defence Minister added that transgression attempts by China in Ladakh have been successfully foiled by troops.




Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a statement in Parliament on Tuesday on the continuing standoff between Indian and Chinese troops along the LAC in eastern Ladakh. (PTI File Photo)


The boundary issue with China remains unresolved as China doesn't recognise the traditional alignment of the boundary, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

"India and China border issue remains unresolved. Till now, there has been no mutually acceptable solution. China disagrees on border," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in Lok Sabha during his statement on the India-China border issue.

The Defence Minister added. "China doesn't recognise the traditional and customary alignment of the boundary. We consider that this alignment is based on well established geographical principals."

The Defence Minister told Parliament that transgression attempts by China in eastern Ladakh have been foiled.


Rajnath Singh said India has told China through diplomatic channels that attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo were in violation of the bilateral agreements.

"Violent conduct of Chinese troops is a violation of all past agreements. Our troops have done counter deployments in the area to safeguard our borders," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on India-China border issue.

The Defence Minister said China has mobilised Army battalions and armaments along LAC and added, "I want to assure you that we are ready to deal with any situation."

"I request this house to pass a resolution that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our armed forces who are guarding our borders to safeguard India's sovereignty and integrity," Rajnath Singh said in Lok Sabha.


The address by Rajnath Singh is the Government of India's first official statement over the ongoing standoff along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.

Triggered by the People's Liberation Army's attempts to alter the status quo in the region, the standoff turned deadly in June when 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of PLA troops lost their lives as the result of a violent clash.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, before entering Parliament House ahead of the Monsoon Session on Monday, had told reporters, "Our brave soldiers are guarding the borders amid adverse weather in the mountains. All MPs are united in supporting our soldiers." "I believe that all members of Parliament will give an unequivocal message that the country stands with our soldiers," the prime minister had said.




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Delhi cops arrest wanted criminal who harassed women, planned to write book on them


A team of Inter-State Cell, Crime Branch, Delhi, has arrested a wanted criminal carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh for his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The accused is in the profession of teaching, and has been habitual of luring and sexually exploiting minor girls during tuitions.



Photo for representation. (India Today)

Ateam of Inter-State Cell, Crime Branch, Delhi, has arrested a wanted criminal carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh for his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The 50-year-old accused, identified as Dhaval Trivedi alias Mukhtiyar Singh, is a resident of Karelibag in Gujarat's Vadodara and was wanted in a case of Gujarat's Gandhinagar. He had been absconding since August 2018.

According to police, Dhaval Trivedi is in the profession of teaching, and had been habitual of luring and sexually exploiting minor girls during tuitions. He was convicted of life imprisonment in a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at Paddhari in Gujarat's Rajkot.

Monica Bhardwaj, DCP (Crime), said, "On the basis of analysis of movements, contacts and technical surveillance, the movement of the accused was suspected in Industrial Town Baddi in Himachal Pradesh's Solan. On September 12, the team zeroed in on a location in Baddi and conducted a raid.

The team found out that Dhaval Trivedi had been working as a guard at a factory to conceal his identity. By the time the team reached the factory, the accused had already escaped. However, the team succeeded in tracing him, and arrested him."

As per a charge sheet filed by the CID Crime in an earlier case, the accused is a serial offender, who has kidnapped eight women, including minors, till date. He knows eight languages; had worked as a principal and a teacher in schools; and had been married twice. He also used pseudonyms and changed appearances to conceal his identity.


During interrogation, the accused revealed that he was planning to write a book on his life experiences and wanted to name it 'Ten perfect women in my life'.



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Delhi: Man shot dead on a busy road in broad daylight


A man was shot dead on a busy road in broad daylight in Delhi on Sunday.



12 rounds were fired at the victim. (Representative photo: PTI)

A Dakshinpuri resident Yogesh Kumar was shot dead at a busy intersection on Press Hasanpur Road on Sunday. The victim was at a red light intersection in his white car when two bike-borne assailants came and fired 12 rounds on him. The two assailants fled the spot after the incident while a passerby called the police.

After the police reached the spot, the victim was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.


A forensic team reached the spot to gather the evidence.

"This seems like a matter of personal enmity. Probably the killers were hired by someone for the job," said an official.


Police has recovered CCTV footage from around the spot to identify the assailants or their bike's registration number.

"It seems that the bikers had been following Yogesh for quite some time which is why as soon as his car stopped at the red light, they fired at him," said the police.

The daylight firing has left locals in the area traumatised. The incident has also raised questions on the level of safety in the national capital.



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TS EAMCET 2020: Result to be out soon at eamcet.tsche.ac.in


TS EAMCET result will be announced on the official website, eamcet.tsche.ac.in.



TS EAMCET result will be announced on the official website, eamcet.tsche.ac.in.


The Telangana Engineering, Medical and Agriculture Common Entrance Test, EAMCET result will be released soon. TS EAMCET result will be announced on the official website, eamcet.tsche.ac.in. Telangana State Council of Higher Education (TSCHE) held the TS EAMCET 2020 for Engineering aspirants on September 9, 10, 11, and 14, 2020.

No confirmed dates have been released for the TS EAMCET result date. If reports are to be believed, the TS EAMCET is expected to be released in the last week of September 2020. The Medicine and Agriculture candidates exam is scheduled to be held on September 28 and September 29, 2020.

TS EAMCET 2020: Number of students appeared
Around 1.43 lakh students registered for TS EAMCET 2020. The exam was held at 102 centres, including 23 in Andhra Pradesh.

Candidates will be asked to use their registration number, date of birth, and qualifying examination hall ticket number to check TS EAMCET result 2020.

TS EAMCET 2020: Exam guidelines
Amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, TS EAMCET for Engineering aspirants was held following specific health protocols. Candidates were asked to wear masks and gloves during the exam.

TS EAMCET is a computer-based exam for admission to undergraduate engineering and agriculture programmes at the participating institutes across Telangana.

The engineering paper of TS EAMCET had 160 questions for a total of 160 marks. There is no negative marking for wrong answers.

Last year, 1,31,209 candidates appeared in the EAMCET exam in Telangana for admission to engineering programmes out of whom, 1,08,213 or 82.47 percent students qualified.



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Hindi Diwas 2020: Amit Shah talks about development of Hindi under NEP 2020


Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the importance of Hindi as a language and its development under NEP 2020 on the occasion of Hindi Diwas 2020.



Home Minister Amit Shah talked about the importance of Hindi on the occasion of Hindi Diwas 2020. (Photo Credits- PTI)

On the occasion of Hindi Diwas 2020, Union Home Minister Amit Shah pointed out the strength of India's linguistic diversity and the development of Hindi as a language under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which was recently passed by the Union Cabinet.

In a series of tweets, Amit Shah talked about how the new education policy will provide for the parallel development of Hindi and other Indian languages. He also posted a video message where he talked about the importance of Hindi in our country.

He said, "A country is identified by its border and geography, but its biggest identity is its language. The various languages and dialects of India are its strength as well as a symbol of unity. In India, which is full of cultural and linguistic diversity, Hindi has been a unifying force for the whole nation for centuries."
While talking about the importance of Hindi in our country, he also pointed out that the greatest strength of Hindi is that it is scientific as well as known for its originality and simplicity.


Parallel development of Hindi under NEP 2020
On the occasion of Hindi Diwas 2020, the home minister also appealed to employees of government offices, banks and other institutions to use Hindi as much as possible along with local languages.

He also said," With the new education policy of the Modi government, there will be parallel development of Hindi and other Indian languages."


"Today, on the occasion of Hindi Divas, I salute all those who have contributed to its empowerment. I also call upon the countrymen to take a pledge to contribute more to the protection and promotion of Hindi along with their mother tongue. My best wishes on the occasion of Hindi Divas," he further added.

He also urged the parents of students to speak to their children in Indian languages and asked the people to take more steps to attract the younger generation towards the Hindi language.



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Good teacher vs bad teacher: What learning impact does a good teacher have?


Teacher quality is one of the most important things in education. Here's how a good teacher can change our lives.



Teacher quality is one of the most important things in education. Here's how a good teacher can change our lives. (Photo: PTI)

Countries around the world are committing immense resources to middle and elementary school reform and education outcome improvements. The US government has spent over a billion dollars on 'No Child Left Behind' since the programme's roll-out a decade ago.

Globally, a trillion dollars have been spent on education reform in the last 10 years. The focus of such reform has been variables such as student incentive, school accountability, charter schools movement, standardised testing, smaller classrooms, curriculum development, technology in classrooms, etc.

Yet, any school reform would be a futile exercise without emphasis on one of the strongest variables on student outcomes -- teacher quality.


(Photo: PTI)

Impact of a good teacher on educational outcomes
Research indicates that a teacher with high value-add over years has a high correlation of conceptual understanding of her/his students (Gates Foundation, 2010).

A bottom quartile teacher and a top quartile teacher can create a lead of 10 percentile points in an average student in a single year (Gordon et al, 2006).

A good teacher also has tremendous impact on the economic value that can be earned by a student. By removing the bottom quarter of bad teachers, there would be a 14-percentile jump in student achievement scores.

And after 12 years of schooling, the student has an additional earning potential of $72,000 to $169,000 (Gordon et al, 2006).




Good teacher vs. bad teacher
Traditionally, a good teacher was identified as one with the right qualifications, educational credentials and requisite certifications. This credential-centred approach is based on the premise that teacher effectiveness is directly correlated to paper qualifications.


However, a landmark study in over 9,400 classrooms and 150,000 students over three years showed that there was no significant difference in student achievement between students of certified and non-certified teachers (Gordon et al, 2006) despite statistically controlling for base line scores, socio-economic category, race, ethnicity, etc.

But significant student achievement differences were found within certified teachers and also within uncertified teachers. In fact, the difference between a 75th percentile teacher and a 50th percentile teacher in any group of teachers (certified or non-certified) is five times as large as the difference between the average certified and non-certified teacher.

Thus, a teacher's effectiveness is not correlated to his/her paper qualifications but rather to traits and competencies the teacher possesses.

Here are 5 basic skills teachers should have in the Covid-19 era.




How to predict if a teacher will be good or not
There is no simple way to predict a teacher's effectiveness. As per the Gates Foundation, a teacher's past years 'value-add' is one of the strongest predictors of student achievement gains in other classes and academic years.

Gordon et al. (2006) also propound that the teacher's performance (in terms of value add/student achievement) in the first two years more accurately predicts the teacher's performance in the subsequent years.


There are also interesting studies of some traits that enable teachers to exhibit higher value-add in the first two years. Gladwell (2008) indicates that high performing teachers have some unique classroom management traits.

Doug Lemov (feels that a good teacher has three strong traits that sets her/him apart from an average teacher subject understanding, methods of teaching (classroom management) and subject knowledge for teaching (subject-specific classroom management).

In a two-year study of classrooms across the USA, Lemov identified 49 key classroom management traits that enable a teacher to provide better value-add to her/his students. These traits are not subject specific.


Thus, a teacher with average domain/subject understanding but superior classroom management techniques can deliver superior value-add as compared to a teacher with superior domain understanding but average classroom management techniques.

Thus, the only accurate way to assess teacher effectiveness is to measure the value-add of teachers in the first two years and not before hiring (Gordon et al, 2006).

A better approach would be to have an open system where any college degree graduate with a pulse for teaching is allowed to teach; she/he should be observed and mentored for the first two years before being awarded tenure (Gladwell, 2008).

The current system of awarding tenure to all teachers irrespective of their value-add should be slowly phased out. The top quartile of teachers must be rewarded while the bottom quartile teachers must be moved out of the schooling system in the interest of children and the society at large.

- Article by Vishnu Karthik Ramani, CEO of Xperiential Learning Systems, Director of The Heritage Group of Schools



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Mexican airport site emerges as major graveyard of Ice Age mammoths


More than 100 mammoth skeletons have been identified spread across nearly 200 excavation sites, along with a mix of other Ice Age mammals, in the area destined to become the Mexican capital's new commercial airport.



Staffers of Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History work with mammoth bones at the site where more than 100 mammoth skeletons were found, along with a mix of other ice age mammals, at an area where a new international airport is currently being built, in Zumpango in Mexico. (Photo: Reuters)

Amid busy construction crews racing to build an airport in Mexico, scientists are unearthing more and more mammoth skeletons in what has quickly become one of the world's biggest concentrations of the now-extinct relative of modern elephants.

More than 100 mammoth skeletons have been identified spread across nearly 200 excavation sites, along with a mix of other Ice Age mammals, in the area destined to become the Mexican capital's new commercial airport.

Lead archeologist Ruben Manzanilla explained on Tuesday that around 24,000 years ago mammoth herds reached this spot where sprawling grasslands and lakes would have enticed them to reside.

"This place was like a paradise," he told Reuters, noting that as the last glaciers melted a wide range of mammals - including ancient species of camels, horses and buffalo - lived along what would have been an extremely muddy shoreline.

"Then over many years the same story repeated itself: The animals ventured too far, got trapped and couldn't get their legs out of the muck," said Manzanilla.

He speculates that most of the mammoths died this way, though he adds that there is some evidence that around 10,000 years ago early humans may have also hunted the 20-tonne beasts with flint arrows and spears, or dug rudimentary shallow water pits to snare them.

But the sheer amount of bones, including long, curling tusks — technically the animal's front two teeth — have come as a shock.

"We had the idea that we'd find mammoth remains, but not this many," he said.



Once the excavations are finished, Manzanilla said the site, located about 30 miles (50kilometres) north of downtown Mexico City, could rival others in the United States and Siberia as the planet's biggest deposit of mammoth skeletons.

He noted that a museum-style mammoth exhibit is being planned for the airport's main terminal.

The series of inter-connected lakes that once covered the Valley of Mexico were deliberately drained by Spanish colonial masters beginning in the 1600s in an effort to tame annual flooding.

Today, the mostly dry landscape is dominated by the working-class neighborhoods and highways that spill out from Mexico City.



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China's optical remote-sensing satellite fails to reach orbit


China's optical remote-sensing satellite Jilin-1 Gaofen 02C failed to enter the pre-set orbit on Saturday. Specific reasons for the failure are under investigation, officials said.




The satellite was launched aboard the Kuaizhou-1A carrier rocket. (Image for representation: Reuters)


China's optical remote-sensing satellite Jilin-1 Gaofen 02C failed to enter the pre-set orbit on Saturday, official media reported.

The satellite was launched aboard the Kuaizhou-1A carrier rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 1:02 pm (local time).

The launch centre said the mission failed because of abnormal performance, state-run Global Times reported.

Specific reasons for the failure are under investigation, it said.



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Coronavirus tracker: State-wise data, daily trends, patients recovered, deaths and more


India Today Covid-19 tracker: Get latest update on Covid-19 cases, geographical spread of coronavirus, state-wise numbers, daily trends, active cases, patients recovered and deaths.




Follow India Today's Covid19 tracker for latest updates on novel coronavirus cases in India and state-wise data. (Cover designed by: Nishwan Rasool/IndiaToday)


HIGHLIGHTS

• The number of Covid-19 cases in India has crossed 46.59 lakh
• Maharashtra, Gujarat & Tamil Nadu continue to be the worst-affected states
• Maharashtra alone accounts for around 22% of Covid-19 cases in India

Coronavirus India tracker: The number of people who have tested positive for Covid-19 in India has crossed 46.59 lakh while the country continues to have the second highest number of coronavirus cases in the world after the United States. For the past 10 days, more than 75,800 cases have been reported in India every day. On September 12, India saw its highest single-day spike with 97,570 new cases being reported. Thirty-five of the country's 36 states and Union Territories have reported Covid-19 cases so far. Only Lakshadweep has not reported any case so far.

However, despite all this, the central government continues to maintain that community transmission has yet not taken place in India.

According to the latest data put out by the Union health ministry, as on September 12, the number of Covid-19 cases in India was 46,59,984 of which 36,24,196 have recovered and 77,472 have died so far.

Among states, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are the hotspots for Covid-19 cases. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Karnatka have also reported the highest number of Covid-19 deaths, accounting for more than 65 per cent of the country's Covid-19 toll.

The scale of this health emergency is such that a country inhabited by nearly 1.3 billion people had been under a severe lockdown from March 25 till May end. This was by far the biggest lockdown in the world. However, with cases continuing to rise, states after states have gradually started going back to the lockdown phase to restrict the spread of the viral infection.

This health emergency has put immense pressure on the country's healthcare system and the economy has been severely disrupted. The International Monetary Fund has predicted that India's GDP growth for 2020-21 will fall to 1.9 per cent, while the global economy is expected to suffer a loss of $9 trillion.


To help explain the scale of the coronavirus outbreak in India, IndiaToday.in brings to you this daily tracker on Covid-19 cases in India.



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Sonia fashions a sonset for a new Congress dawn


The Congress reset is built around Sonia's packing the Congress Working Committee (CWC), its permanent invitees, special invitees and All India Congress Committee (AICC) office-bearers with members of the party's old guard.



Rahul Gandhi with Sonia Gandhi. (Photo: PTI)

It's been a bitter pill for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. And it's been administered by his mother, Congress president Sonia Gandhi. The party leader's act of dismantling a powerful group of 23 dissenters who dared to question her leadership style and sought inner party democracy is a setback to the great young hope of the Grand Old Party.

The Congress reset is built around Sonia's packing the Congress Working Committee (CWC), its permanent invitees, special invitees and All India Congress Committee (AICC) office-bearers with members of the party's old guard. There is little sign of 'Team Rahul' except in Jitendra Singh, Manickam Tagore, Devendra Yadav, and a few others.


Randeep Surjewala has been included in the six-member committee that advises Congress president. (Photo: PTI)

AICC functionaries like KC Venugopal, Ajay Maken, Randeep Singh Surjewala too bear the Rahul stamp but these individuals were politicians in their own right before making a clever and calculated choice to side with the young Gandhi. The presence of heavyweights Ahmed Patel, Mukul Wasnik, Harish Rawat, Oommen Chandy, Tariq Anwar, Rajiv Shukla and others is Sonia's stern reminder to Rahul of the need to take everyone along. This would include having good functional ties with Jitin Prasada who was once a regular face in Team Rahul but later joined the dissenters.

The reconstitution of Congress' central election authority is a signal that the Wayanad MP would have to take an election route rather than nomination. Rahul loyalist Madhusudan Mistry heads the panel that would supervise party polls. Rajesh Mishra, Krishna Byre Gowda, Jothimani S and Arvinder Singh Lovely are other members of the panel. Lovely was one of the 23 signatories to the letter seeking inner-party democracy.


Shashi Tharoor is one of the 'leftover' dissenters in Congress. (Photo: PTI)

In fact, there has been a pattern in every party panel that at least one of the dissenters has been included. It is to showcase the hollowness of their conviction and Sonia's way to force them into submission. The 'leftover' dissenters like Kapil Sibal, Manish Tiwari, Shashi Tharoor, Milind Deora, Vivek Tankha, Prithviraj Chavan, etc are left with the awkward option to compromise or look for pastures which are far from green.

Top sources in the Congress insist that non-inclusion of K Raju and Kanishka Singh is 'strategic' in nature as these individuals continue to be part of Rahul's secretariat and have the potential to bounce back once Rahul formally takes over as party president.


Ahmed Patel is one of the strong veteran leaders of Congress. (Photo: PTI)

Between 2006 — when Rahul became AICC general secretary at Hyderabad — and now, Rahul had made many attempts to break the stranglehold of the likes of Ahmed Patel, Ambika Soni, Mukul Wasnik, Rajiv Shukla and all those above the age of 75. But Friday's mammoth exercise has seen continuation of AK Antony, Oommen Chandy, Mallikarjun Kharge and others in the CWC. The number of permanent and special invitees in the CWC makes a mockery of the Congress party constitution that stipulates 12 elected and an equal number of nominated members in the apex decision-making body of the Congress.

Leaders like Pawan Kumar Bansal, Digvijaya Singh, Tariq Anwar, Salman Khurshid, Rajiv Shukla and Pramod Tiwari need to send a 'thank you' note to Ghulam Nabi Azad, Kapil Sibal, Vivek Tankha and other members of G23. Had Azad not blown up his loyalty façade, Anwar could not have got in with ease. In May 1999, Anwar, along with Sharad Pawar and PA Sangma, had challenged Sonia on grounds of her foreign origins. But then in politics, everyone has a right to learn and live. And who better than Sonia knows this. It seems she is determined to pass on these fundamentals to otherwise heady Rahul Gandhi. The message to him is clear -- be a team leader. His mother has yet again put her acumen and prestige at stake with a singular wish: to make Rahul a success and a worthy inheritor of Nehru-Gandhi legacy.



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Save your life because PM busy with peacocks: Rahul Gandhi attacks PM Modi on Covid-19 handling


Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi yet again on Monday over the Centre's handling of the pandemic. In a tweet, Rahul Gandhi said people will have to save their own lives because PM is busy with peacocks.






File photo of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.


Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the government's handling of the novel coronavirus in the country.

Saying that people are on their own, Rahul Gandhi wrote on Twitter, "Save your own life because PM is busy with peacocks."

In a sharp attack against the Modi government yet again, Rahul Gandhi wrote on Twitter, "India's coronavirus cases will cross 50 lakh this week and active cases will cross 10 lakh. Unplanned lockdown was the gift of one man's ego, which led to the spread of coronavirus across the country."


Rahul Gandhi added, "Modi government said be atmanirbhar (self-reliant) which means that save your own lives because the Prime Minister is busy with peacocks."

PM Narendra Modi had recently shared a on his on social media handles in which he was seen time with peacocks at his residence. In the video, PM Modi was seen feeding grains to the bird.

The Congress has been accusing the government of having failed to take adequate steps to stop the spread of the virus and said the lockdowns have failed to give the desired result.

After PM Modi posted his video, Congress's Randeep Surjewala had said while most experts predicted that India is going through a second wave of infections, Modi government "remains either unaware or refuses to even acknowledge".

In a swipe at the prime minister, he said while India is hurled into the abyss of coronavirus, "Modiji is busy feeding peacocks", in an apparent reference to a recent video shared on social media.



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Wasn't Navy veteran taught to respect a CM?: Shiv Sena attacks BJP, Madan Sharma


Shiv Sena, in its mouthpiece 'Saamana', took a swipe at the ex-Navy officer and said, 'wasn't Madan Sharma taught in the Navy to respect a person holding a Constitutional post?'.






Sanjay Raut, CM Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray (Photo: PTI/file)


Shiv Sena on Monday launched a scathing attack on Madan Sharma, the 65-year-old Navy veteran who was thrashed in Mumbai by Shiv Sena workers after he forwarded a cartoon on Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray. Shiv Sena, in its mouthpiece 'Saamana', took a swipe at the former Navy officer and said, 'wasn't Madan Sharma taught in the Navy to respect a person holding a Constitutional post?'.

Asserting that the attack on the former Navy officer by the Shiv Sainiks cannot be justified but being in the Navy, Shiv Sena said, Madan Sharma should have known how to pay respect to a chief minister elected by the people of the state, Shiv Sena said.

"In Mumbai, a retired naval officer named Madan Sharma was attacked by the Shiv Sainiks, no one would support it, it should be condemned but what did the retired officer gain by sharing a satirical cartoon on Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray who has been elected by the people of the state," Shiv Sena said.

"Honor the person sitting in the Constitutional post, wasn't this gentleman taught in the Navy?" Shiv Sena asked.

Taking a jibe at Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who spoke to Madan Sharma over the phone and inquired about his health after the attack, Shiv Sena said it was surprising that the defence minister spoke with the Navy veteran like sharing a satirical cartoon on a chief minister was a "great national work" he did.

"Will he [Madan Sharma] be given an award now?" Shiv Sena asked. "They speak against the leaders of the state you live in, you earn, live happily, and if someone breaks your face, then they use 'injustice, oppression, attack on freedom' to politicise the issue."



BJP NEVER PROTESTS IN THEIR STATES: SHIV SENA

Attacking the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the incident, Shiv Sena said many unfortunate incidents have taken place in the BJP-ruled states but the saffron party never took to the streets.

"Earlier, Jalgaon BJP MP Unmesh Patil forced a Border Security Force soldier, Sonu Mahajan, to vacate his house. Patil supporters also attacked Sonu with a sword. Why did the BJP, which took to the streets for the naval officer today not protested in favour of an ex-soldier at that time? How many attacks on ex-servicemen have happened in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar?" Shiv Sena said.

Continuing the attack on the BJP, Shiv Sena brought up the Dadri lynching case victim, Mohammed Akhlaq's son who has been serving the Army and the Amethi lynching case in which retired Army officer Amanullah was killed.

"This incident happened in the BJP-ruled state recently but we never read anything about the prime minister or the defence minister speaking to Amanullah's wife," Shiv Sena said.

"But when an actress [Kangana Ranaut] disrespects Mumbai and the Mumbai Police, the BJP comes protesting on the streets," the party said in Saamana.

On September 7, Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, who has been at loggerheads with the Maharashtra government over the past few weeks, has been granted Y category security by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). VIPs who enjoy Y category security in India have a security detail consisting of 11 personnel, including commandos.

Shiv Sena also attacked the government for providing Y category security to Kangana Ranaut despite her 'Mumbai feels like Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK)' remark.

"In Himachal Pradesh's Kangda village, a woman was gangraped and threatened, the government should have provided her Z category security. Why didn't that happen? If this is discussed on a national level, then it would be great. Rest, there isn't much left to say," Shiv Sena said.

"Will there be a discussion in Parliament on China issue, coronavirus pandemic, unemployment or Kashmir? Issues like health, daily earning of people should have been discussed at the national level but on the contrary, unnecessary issues are being raked up to deflect attention. The common man is being cheated in this manner. And Mumbai was purposefully chosen for this," the party said.



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5 ways how a dull festive season may worsen India's economic plight


A weak festive season could significantly impact India's economic recovery this year as the pandemic rages on. In this article, we look at five ways how the country's growth will be impaired if the important festive quarter sees lower demand.



With no vaccine in sight at least till early 2021, this year could be India's worst festive season since the early 2000s. (Photo: PTI/Representational image)

India's festive season, which stretches over a few months from mid-September to the end of the year, has always been a major source of revenue for all kinds of businesses in the country.

Most companies generate more than half of their annual revenue during this lucrative period and make up for any losses incurred during other quarters of the year. Even in 2019 when business sentiments were hit by growing economic stress, the festive season proved to be a saving grace.

However, the situation this year is drastically different due to the Covid-induced economic crisis. The business sentiment has never been so low in India. To make matters worse, the country is still at the peak of the coronavirus crisis contrary to what was predicted in the initial days of the virus outbreak.

With no vaccine in sight at least till early 2021, this year could be India's worst festive season since the early 2000s. In such a scenario, an uncountable number of businesses — both formal and informal — are anticipating much lower growth during the crucial festive season. This may have serious impact on India's annual economic growth.

Here are five ways the Indian economy may be hit if the festive season remains subdued:

SLOWER DEMAND REVIVAL

At the moment, demand revival is the biggest challenge for millions of businesses who have suffered severely after the country observed a strict nationwide lockdown due to coronavirus.

Demand recovery is of critical importance for the country's GDP growth, which fell to a historic low of -23.9 per cent in June.


While restrictions have eased significantly five months after the lockdown was first imposed, the rising demand void leading up to the festive quarter is worrying. The festive season in India traditionally witnesses high volumes of sales, especially in the non-essential goods commodity, due to higher demand during the period.

But the coronavirus crisis, which has weakened income levels among vast counters of the country's population, has crippled demand for non-essential goods — a major source of revenue/ growth for companies during the festive season.

Even though the situation has slightly improved in comparison to the initial months of total lockdown, the festive season is unlikely to act as a growth multiplier this year, according to experts.

The lack of demand will not only weaken balance sheets of companies but will also delay the process of overall demand revival.

MORE PAIN FOR INFORMAL ECONOMY

The festive season in India is considered one of the best times of the year for a large portion of individuals engaged in informal or unorganised sector employment. Business usually booms for small traders, restaurants and sellers during the festive season due to large footfalls.

For instance, the firecracker industry's employs scores of additional employees during the festive season to make up for higher demand during Diwali and Durga Puja. But this year, the industry is already worried about lack of demand.

The coronavirus situation coupled with weak private consumption is not good news for a large portion of the informal economy ahead of the crucial festive season.


India's informal sector, comprising millions of self-employed individuals — hawkers, small apparel stores, restaurant owners and traders — have already started facing the heat of demand crisis after resuming business post the lockdown.

An ILO study suggests that more than 40 crore informal workers may get pushed into deeper poverty due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Therefore, a weak festive season could be a crushing blow to millions of unorganised sector enterprises that wait all through the year for income push during the lucrative festive quarter.

This, in turn, could be a major jolt to the Indian economy as the unorganised sector contributes about half of its GDP.

SECTORAL CRISIS

A weaker festive season will severely dampen the outlook of sectors like automobile, apparel and clothing, consumer durables, tourism and entertainment, and leisure among others.

Although some of these sectors like automobile have pinned hopes on higher pent-up demand post easing of lockdown restrictions, the situation remains largely unclear at the moment. Footfalls have increased but sales have only nudged up slightly.


This is in stark contrast to the sales enjoyed by the automobile sector in previous years. Carmakers are hoping to have better sales during the festive season, but the levels will still be a far cry in comparison to the sales volume recorded during last year's festivities.


Even if the automobile sector manages to see better growth during the period, the same cannot be said about the tourism sector which is in high demand during festive season. The sector has been one of the worst victims of the Covid-induced economic crisis and some experts hinted that these sectors may have been permanently damaged.

Tourism has been a major contributor to India's GDP but the 2020 has proved to be a disastrous year for the sector.The coronavirus crisis crippled the hotel and tourism business in India and multiple studies show that people have grown apprehensive about travelling during times of Covid-19 pandemic.

While the situation is unlikely to return to normal for the sector in the absence of a vaccine, some have pinned hopes on the festive season, especially during Durga Puja and Diwali.

News agency PTI quoted tourism industry insiders as saying that since festivities would be dull in light of the ongoing pandemic, some people are sending travel queries. However, these queries are mostly limited to domestic and short-haul segments.

Also Read | No footfall: Sikkim's tourism meltdown

However, Travel Agents' Federation of India (TAFI) eastern region head Anil Punjabi told PTI that these queries have not yet translated into bookings. "Businesses are likely to be much less than what it used to be in the previous years," he said.

This could have serious implications on the thousands of crores worth revenue generated during this period. The sector, much like the stressed entertainment and leisure sector, may see weaker growth as long as the virus remains a threat.

INCREASED UNCERTAINTY

Uncertainty is not good for business and the pandemic has increased it like never before. Higher uncertainty makes it difficult for businesses to predict customer choices and preferences. It could severely impact sales during the all-important festive season.

For instance, most businesses are worried about how much stock they should have during the festive season in view of the sharp slowdown in demand. Most companies are already gripping with a labour crisis and are likely to have fewer stocks for the festive season.


Even e-commerce companies are uncertain about demand. While firms need to hire more people during the busy festive season, a Financial Express report indicates that most online firms prefer these days to hire workers on fixed-term contracts.

This means increased uncertainty during the upcoming festive season may not result in higher employment opportunities — something that is necessary for boosting economic growth and demand.

DEEPER GROWTH HURDLE

Many economists and growth surveys have pegged a comeback for the Indian economy in the third quarter of the year due to the festive season. If the festive season sees good numbers, India's economic woes going into next year would be lesser, according to industry players.

This is why most players from the industry are requesting the government to announce fresh direct stimulus measures before the festive season picks up pace.


They feel that such measures will help in significantly boosting demand during the festive quarter and significantly revive GDP growth in the third quarter of FY21.

If the government decides against announcing direct measures ahead of the festive season, chances of any form of growth recovery in FY21 may fizzle out.



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S&P expects India's economy to contract 9% in fiscal 2021


The ratings firm joins a host of major banks and ratings agencies, which have made deep cuts to their forecasts on India's economy following a 23.9% contraction in April-June.



S&P's latest revision comes three months after it made its projection on India's real GDP for fiscal 2021. (Photo: Reuters)

S&P Global Ratings said on Monday that it was expecting India's economy to shrink by 9% in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021, larger than its previous estimate of a 5% contraction, as the country reels under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ratings firm joins a host of major banks and ratings agencies, which have made deep cuts to their forecasts on India's economy following a 23.9% contraction in April-June, as consumer spending, private investments and exports collapsed during one of the world's strictest lockdowns.

S&P's latest revision comes three months after it made its projection on India's real GDP for fiscal 2021.

Also Read | Covid-19 may leave 'permanent scar' on India's growth, show agency outlooks on GDP

"While India eased lockdowns in June, we believe the pandemic will continue to restrain economic activity ... As long as the virus spread remains uncontained, consumers will be cautious in going out and spending and firms will be under strain," S&P said in a note.

"The potential for further support monetary support is curbed by India's inflation worries," said Vishrut Rana, Asia-Pacific economist for S&P Global Ratings. The Reserve Bank of India has cut policy rates by 115 basis points so far this year.

Retail inflation data, due later in the day, is likely to have stayed above the Reserve Bank of India's medium-term target range in August for the fifth straight month, according to a Reuters poll.

India's high deficit also limits the scope for further fiscal stimulus, S&P added. It expects GDP growth of 6% in fiscal 2022 and 6.2% in fiscal 2023.



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5 ways how a dull festive season may worsen India's economic plight


A weak festive season could significantly impact India's economic recovery this year as the pandemic rages on. In this article, we look at five ways how the country's growth will be impaired if the important festive quarter sees lower demand.






With no vaccine in sight at least till early 2021, this year could be India's worst festive season since the early 2000s. (Photo: PTI/Representational image)


India's festive season, which stretches over a few months from mid-September to the end of the year, has always been a major source of revenue for all kinds of businesses in the country.

Most companies generate more than half of their annual revenue during this lucrative period and make up for any losses incurred during other quarters of the year. Even in 2019 when business sentiments were hit by growing economic stress, the festive season proved to be a saving grace.

However, the situation this year is drastically different due to the Covid-induced economic crisis. The business sentiment has never been so low in India. To make matters worse, the country is still at the peak of the coronavirus crisis contrary to what was predicted in the initial days of the virus outbreak.

With no vaccine in sight at least till early 2021, this year could be India's worst festive season since the early 2000s. In such a scenario, an uncountable number of businesses — both formal and informal — are anticipating much lower growth during the crucial festive season. This may have serious impact on India's annual economic growth.

Here are five ways the Indian economy may be hit if the festive season remains subdued:

SLOWER DEMAND REVIVAL

At the moment, demand revival is the biggest challenge for millions of businesses who have suffered severely after the country observed a strict nationwide lockdown due to coronavirus.

Demand recovery is of critical importance for the country's GDP growth, which fell to a historic low of -23.9 per cent in June.



Also Read | 5 hurdles in path of India's economic recovery

While restrictions have eased significantly five months after the lockdown was first imposed, the rising demand void leading up to the festive quarter is worrying. The festive season in India traditionally witnesses high volumes of sales, especially in the non-essential goods commodity, due to higher demand during the period.

But the coronavirus crisis, which has weakened income levels among vast counters of the country's population, has crippled demand for non-essential goods — a major source of revenue/ growth for companies during the festive season.

Even though the situation has slightly improved in comparison to the initial months of total lockdown, the festive season is unlikely to act as a growth multiplier this year, according to experts.

The lack of demand will not only weaken balance sheets of companies but will also delay the process of overall demand revival.

MORE PAIN FOR INFORMAL ECONOMY

The festive season in India is considered one of the best times of the year for a large portion of individuals engaged in informal or unorganised sector employment. Business usually booms for small traders, restaurants and sellers during the festive season due to large footfalls.

For instance, the firecracker industry's employs scores of additional employees during the festive season to make up for higher demand during Diwali and Durga Puja. But this year, the industry is already worried about lack of demand.

The coronavirus situation coupled with weak private consumption is not good news for a large portion of the informal economy ahead of the crucial festive season.

Also Read | The economy is sick

India's informal sector, comprising millions of self-employed individuals — hawkers, small apparel stores, restaurant owners and traders — have already started facing the heat of demand crisis after resuming business post the lockdown.

An ILO study suggests that more than 40 crore informal workers may get pushed into deeper poverty due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Therefore, a weak festive season could be a crushing blow to millions of unorganised sector enterprises that wait all through the year for income push during the lucrative festive quarter.

This, in turn, could be a major jolt to the Indian economy as the unorganised sector contributes about half of its GDP.

SECTORAL CRISIS

A weaker festive season will severely dampen the outlook of sectors like automobile, apparel and clothing, consumer durables, tourism and entertainment, and leisure among others.

Although some of these sectors like automobile have pinned hopes on higher pent-up demand post easing of lockdown restrictions, the situation remains largely unclear at the moment. Footfalls have increased but sales have only nudged up slightly.

Also Read | How years of jobless growth have come back to haunt India during Covid-19 pandemic

This is in stark contrast to the sales enjoyed by the automobile sector in previous years. Carmakers are hoping to have better sales during the festive season, but the levels will still be a far cry in comparison to the sales volume recorded during last year's festivities.



Even if the automobile sector manages to see better growth during the period, the same cannot be said about the tourism sector which is in high demand during festive season. The sector has been one of the worst victims of the Covid-induced economic crisis and some experts hinted that these sectors may have been permanently damaged.

Tourism has been a major contributor to India's GDP but the 2020 has proved to be a disastrous year for the sector.The coronavirus crisis crippled the hotel and tourism business in India and multiple studies show that people have grown apprehensive about travelling during times of Covid-19 pandemic.

While the situation is unlikely to return to normal for the sector in the absence of a vaccine, some have pinned hopes on the festive season, especially during Durga Puja and Diwali.

News agency PTI quoted tourism industry insiders as saying that since festivities would be dull in light of the ongoing pandemic, some people are sending travel queries. However, these queries are mostly limited to domestic and short-haul segments.

Also Read | No footfall: Sikkim's tourism meltdown

However, Travel Agents' Federation of India (TAFI) eastern region head Anil Punjabi told PTI that these queries have not yet translated into bookings. "Businesses are likely to be much less than what it used to be in the previous years," he said.

This could have serious implications on the thousands of crores worth revenue generated during this period. The sector, much like the stressed entertainment and leisure sector, may see weaker growth as long as the virus remains a threat.

INCREASED UNCERTAINTY

Uncertainty is not good for business and the pandemic has increased it like never before. Higher uncertainty makes it difficult for businesses to predict customer choices and preferences. It could severely impact sales during the all-important festive season.

For instance, most businesses are worried about how much stock they should have during the festive season in view of the sharp slowdown in demand. Most companies are already gripping with a labour crisis and are likely to have fewer stocks for the festive season.

Also Read | Govt spending declines even as Indian economy remains in reverse gear

Even e-commerce companies are uncertain about demand. While firms need to hire more people during the busy festive season, a Financial Express report indicates that most online firms prefer these days to hire workers on fixed-term contracts.

This means increased uncertainty during the upcoming festive season may not result in higher employment opportunities — something that is necessary for boosting economic growth and demand.

DEEPER GROWTH HURDLE

Many economists and growth surveys have pegged a comeback for the Indian economy in the third quarter of the year due to the festive season. If the festive season sees good numbers, India's economic woes going into next year would be lesser, according to industry players.

This is why most players from the industry are requesting the government to announce fresh direct stimulus measures before the festive season picks up pace.

Also Watch | Hit by coronavirus pandemic, India's GDP shrinks

They feel that such measures will help in significantly boosting demand during the festive quarter and significantly revive GDP growth in the third quarter of FY21.

If the government decides against announcing direct measures ahead of the festive season, chances of any form of growth recovery in FY21 may fizzle out.



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Indian government to infuse $2.72 billion in state-run banks


The pandemic's impact is likely to push up the ratio of gross non-performing assets in the Indian banking system to at least 12.5% by March 2021, from 8.5% in March 2020, according to a report by the Reserve Bank of India.



In February's budget it had not allocated any funds to support the sector and instead encouraged them to turn to India's capital markets. (Photo: Reuters)

India's government sought parliamentary approval to inject 200 billion rupees ($2.72 billion) in state-run banks in the current fiscal year, to help lenders mitigate the expected surge in bad loans due to the pandemic.

In April, Reuters reported that New Delhi had assured state banks that it is ready to provide capital support as the coronavirus pandemic may lead to a surge in bad loans as economic growth slows.

The pandemic's impact is likely to push up the ratio of gross non-performing assets in the Indian banking system to at least 12.5% by March 2021, from 8.5% in March 2020, according to a report by the Reserve Bank of India.

The government has already pumped in 3.5 trillion rupees in the last five years to rescue its banks.


In February's budget it had not allocated any funds to support the sector and instead encouraged them to turn to India's capital markets.

The government sought parliament approval for a total additional spending of 1.67 trillion rupees ($22.8 billion) for the current fiscal year.

The government would use the 466.02 billion rupees to transfer to states whose are finding it difficult to raise taxes and 100 billion rupees to subsidize food.



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Covid-19 virus made in Wuhan laboratory: Chinese virologist claims she has proof


In a stunning claim, a Chinese virologist has said the coronavirus was manufactured in a lab in Wuhan, China.



Chinese virologist Li-Meng Yan (Screen grab from YouTube video)

In a stunning claim, a Chinese virologist has said the coronavirus was manufactured in a lab in Wuhan, China. She also claimed to have proof for the same.

As reported in an article by News 18, Li-Meng Yan, who has supposedly fled China after becoming a whistleblower in the case, claimed to have proof to show that the deadly virus was made in a Wuhan lab.

Li claimed she has proof that the virus came from a virology lab in the city and not from the wet-food market.

"The genome sequence is like a human fingerprint," she said in the video released on YouTube.

ITV's Loose Women described Dr. Li-Meng Yan as "a scientist who was working at the Hong Kong School of Public Health when she turned whistleblower on the Chinese Government, after she alleged they knew about the spread of the coronavirus before publicly acknowledging the outbreak."

Li joined the Loose Women talk from a secret location. It was said on the show, "Dr Li claims she had to flee to the US for her own safety and is now determined to spread her findings to the world. She joined the Loose Women from a secret location to tell us why she felt compelled to speak out, even if it meant putting her life on the line."

Li, stated that while she was working at Hong Kong's School of Public Health, she was asked by her supervisor first to investigate a new "SARS-like" virus in Wuhan on December 31 - but that her efforts were later stifled.


She also claimed that she was asked to keep silent and careful when she reported that cases appeared to be rising exponentially

"Based on this you can identify these things. "I will [use this] evidence to tell people why this has come from the lab in China, why they are the ones who made it," she adds. "Anyone, even if you have no biology knowledge, will be able to read it, and check and identify and verify it yourself," she said as quoted in the article.

Accusing the Chinese authorties of dismissing her even before she fled the country, she said, "They deleted all my information and also they told people to spread rumours about me."

However, The Chinese National Health Commission, World Health Organisation and University Of Hong Kong have disputed her claims, according to The Sun.



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Japan's Yoshihide Suga wins party leadership race, headed for premiership


Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga is elected as the new head of Japan's ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) leadership election in Tokyo on Monday.



Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga. (Photo: AP)

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, a loyal aide to outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, won a landslide victory in a ruling party leadership election on Monday, paving the way for him to replace Abe this week.

Suga, 71, who has said he will pursue Abe's key economic and foreign policies, won 377 votes out of 534 votes cast, and 535 possible votes, in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) election by the party's members of parliament and representatives of its 47 local chapters.

Rival Shigeru Ishiba, a former defence minister, won 68 votes and ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida got 89.

Suga is virtually certain to be elected prime minister in a parliamentary vote on Wednesday because of the LDP's majority in the lower house. He will serve out Abe's term as party leader through September 2021.

Suga thanked Abe and vowed to push ahead with reforms. Abe, Japan's longest-serving premier, said last month that he would resign because of ill health, ending nearly eight years in office.

"I was born as the oldest son of a farmer in Akita," Suga said. "Without any knowledge or blood ties, I launched into the world of politics, starting from zero - and have been able to become leader of the LDP, with all its traditions and history."

"I will devote all of myself to work for Japan and its citizens," he added.

Suga has said he would continue Abe's signature "Abenomics" strategy of hyper-easy monetary policy, government spending and reforms while juggling the problems of COVID-19 and a slumping economy, and confronting longer-term issues such as Japan's ageing population and low birth rate.


Japanese manufacturers remained pessimistic for a 14th straight month in September, a Reuters poll showed, underlining the huge challenge the next leader faces.

Suga, whose resume is thin on diplomatic experience, faces geopolitical challenges such as building ties with the winner of the Nov. 3 U.S. presidential election and balancing concern over China's maritime aggressiveness with bilateral economic interdependence.

Speculation is simmering that Suga will call a snap election for parliament's lower house as soon as next month to boost his chances of winning a full three-year term as LDP chief next year. A vote for the lower chamber must be held by late October 2021.

Suga, the son of a strawberry farmer from northern Japan who got his start in politics as a local assemblyman, has since 2012 held the key post of chief cabinet secretary, acting as Abe's top government spokesman, coordinating policies and keeping bureaucrats in line.

He has the image as more of a behind-the-scenes operator than a frontline leader but rose in opinion polls after he announced his candidacy to succeed Abe. He won support from most LDP factions, outpacing his rivals.

Suga also won robust backing from LDP local chapters, where Ishiba had originally thought to be strong. According to a tally by public broadcaster NHK, he took 89 votes from the chapter representatives versus 42 for Ishiba and 10 for Kishida.

Suga was scheduled to hold a news conference at 6 p.m. (0900 GMT).



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Donald Trump signs new, expanded executive order to lower US drug prices


The industry's largest trade group - the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA - denounced Trump's move as "a reckless attack on the very companies working around the clock to beat Covid-19."



US President Donald Trump (Photo: Reuters)

The industry's largest trade group - the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA - denounced Trump's move as "a reckless attack on the very companies working around the clock to beat Covid-19."

PhRMA President and Chief Executive Stephen Ubl called the policy "unworkable" and an "overreach," and said it would give foreign governments a say in how the United States provides access to treatments.

Larry Levitt, health economist at the Kaiser Family Foundation research organization, wrote on Twitter that Trump's executive order "does not by itself do anything. It has to be followed up by regulations, which will take time."

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization said the move would reduce industry investment. "We will use every tool available - including legal action if necessary - to fight this risky foreign price control scheme," Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath, president and CEO of the group, said in a statement.

Dan Mendelson, founder of consultancy Avalere Health, said Trump's move would not affect drug prices for senior citizens before the Nov. 3 election, adding that polling shows Americans are more concerned with the coronavirus than drug prices.

He said Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden "has a 20 point advantage over the Trump on Covid19, so it's not surprising to see the administration try to change the subject."

The Republican president signed an executive order in July to require Medicare to tie the prices it pays for drugs to those paid by other countries. Its implementation, however, was delayed as the administration sought to work out a solution with the industry.



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This day in 2007: When MS Dhoni's masterstroke helped India outwit Pakistan in T20 World Cup bowlout


On this day in the year 2007, Virender Sehwag, Robin Uthappa and Harbhajan Singh outbowled Pakistan bowlers, with the help of MS Dhoni, to win the first bowl-out in the 2007 T20 World Cup.





India win bowl out against Pakistan in 2007 T20 World Cup. Pic: Reuters


HIGHLIGHTS

• MS Dhoni helps Indian bowlers win bowl out against Pakistan
• India register their first win in the T20 World Cup
• India went on win the inaugural T20 World Cup

Team India appeared in its 1st ever T20 International match in December 2006 when they played South Africa in Johannesburg. Under Virender Sehwag's captaincy, India won the thriller of a game by 6 wickets (and 1 ball remaining) with Dinesh Karthik being awarded the Man of the Match for his unbeaten 31 off 28 in finishing the game.

India went on to play their next game only in the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in 2007 under MS Dhoni's captaincy. The first scheduled game for India in the ICC tournament, which was against Scotland, was washed out after the toss. However, on September 14, India met their biggest rivals in the competition. Robin Uthappa had scored a splendid half-century to help India post a total of 141/9. In reciprocation to that, Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq scored a brave 53 off 34 up until the final delivery, when the scores were level, and Pakistan needed a single run to win. Sreesanth, who had conceded 11 runs off the final over, helped India orchestrate the run out of Misbah and the match ended in a Tie.

First bowlout in 2007 T20 World Cup
ICC's rule to break the Tie was a Bowl Out competition with six rounds. MS Dhoni took his place behind the stumps to guide the Indian bowlers as soon as Sehwag came in to bowl the first round with a grin on his face. India took a lead of 1-0 as Sehwag hit the stumps and his Pakistan counterpart, Yasir Arafat, bowled a full stop only to miss the off stump. The same thing repeated in the next couple of rounds between Harbhajan Singh-Umar Gul and Robin Uthappa-Shahid Afridi. As India were ahead by 3-0 after Round 3 of Bowl out, the competition ended right there and India were declared the winners of the match. All that while, it the genius of MS Dhoni that was the one guiding the bowlers and showing them where exactly to aim to hit the ball.





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IPL 2020: Gautam Gambhir highlights the 'biggest difference' between MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli's captaincy


IPL 2020: Gautam Gambhir offered a piece of advice for Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli, urging him to show more faith in his players and stitch with them for longer periods in the upcoming season in the UAE.



Gautam Gambhir highlighted the difference between MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli's captaincy (Courtesy by BCCI)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gautam Gambhir said Virat Kohli needs to refrain from shuffling the XI too much
• Gambhir said the ability to back their players is the major difference between Dhoni and Kohli's captaincy
• Even if the start is not good, they should persist with their playing XI: Gambhir

Former India opener and Kolkata Knight Riders captain, Gautam Gambhir has offered a piece of advice to Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli, insisting him to persist with the same team for longer in the upcoming campaign in the UAE.

Gautam Gambhir said the biggest difference between MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli's captaincy styles is the ability to trust players and give them more opportunities. Gambhir pointed out that RCB tend to shuffle their playing XI a bit too much, leading to inconsistency.

Gambhir urged Kohli to give his players at RCB a longer run at IPL 2020. Gambhir said it's important that the RCB skipper sticks with his players if he feels he has a 'balanced squad' at his disposal.

""What Virat Kohli has said, when you are happy with your squad as a captain, you would have already planned which playing XI you want to play. If you are satisfied, then the calmness also comes along. Because there are times that you do not come to know your best XI in the entire tournament and that is why you make a lot of changes," Gambhir said during the latest episode of Star Sports Cricket Connected.

"The biggest difference between Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni is that MS Dhoni persists with his players for 6-7 matches. If you see RCB's trend, they make changes very quickly because they have a doubt that their playing XI does not have a proper balance."

"So I would want to see from RCB that even if the start is not good, they should persist with their playing XI and give them 6-7 matches. Because then only the players will give you performances and not if you give one or two matches.


"If they start with Moeen Ali, they should give him 6-7 matches. If he doesn't perform in the beginning, they should not get in another player. So if Virat Kohli has calmness in his mind that this is the most balanced squad, the important thing will be how they perform and how much he persists with these players."

Gambhir's comments come after Virat Kohli said RCB's current outfit is their 'most-balanced' since the 2016 campaign wherein the side reached the final before losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Gambhir's piece of advice for RCB
Meanwhile, Gambhir opined that RCB still looks a bit-batting heavy but that their bowlers can come up with an improved show, considering they will be playing at bigger grounds in the UAE and not on the 'flattest wicket and India's smallest' M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

"I still feel that RCB look a little batting-heavy. But one thing that you will see a little different is that the bowlers will be happy because they will not have to play 7 matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

"You will be playing in Dubai and Abu Dhabi which probably have bigger grounds, wickets are not as flat as Chinnaswamy. It is always difficult to judge the bowlers from Chinnaswamy's point of view. India's smallest ground and the flattest wicket is in Chinnaswamy, so bowlers will be happier and you might see a better performance from bowlers like Umesh Yadav and Navdeep Saini."



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BJP MP Ravi Kishan raises Bollywood drug cartel issue in Parliament, asks govt to save India's youth


BJP MP Ravi Kishan urged the Centre to take strict action and apprehend culprits as he raised the problem of drug addiction in film industry in the Lok Sabha.





BJP MP Ravi Kishan raised the issue of drug trafficking and its link with Bollywood, in Lok Sabha on Monday. The MP added the NCB, which has arrested Rhea Chakraborty in a drugs case, is doing good work.


Bollywood's alleged links with drug cartel reached Parliament on Monday as BJP MP Ravi Kishan raised the issue and spoke about the impact of narcotics on the film industry.

Speaking in Lok Sabha on Day 1 of the Monsoon Session, the BJP MP from Gorakhpur, Ravi Kishan, said the problem of drug trafficking and addiction is on a rise. "Conspiracy is being hatched to destroy country's youth, our neighbouring countries are contributing," the Bhojpuri star said.

"Smuggling of drugs from Pakistan and China is done every year...it is brought via Punjab and Nepal," Ravi Kishan alleged.


Alleging that drug addiction is prevalent in the film industry too, Ravi Kishan said, "Several people have been apprehended, NCB is doing very good work. I urge the central government to take strict action, apprehend the culprits soon, give them befitting punishment and bring an end to conspiracy of neighbouring countries."

Ravi Kishan's remarks came on the first day of the Monsoon Session which is being held amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The comments came at a time when the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is probing a drug case linked to Sushant Singh Rajput. The NCB has already arrested actor Rhea Chakraborty in a drugs case linked to the death of Sushant Singh Rajput.

After Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Bandra apartment on June 14, his death sparked a massive controversy in the media. The case is currently being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

The top official of NCB had earlier confirmed to India Today that they had prepared a list of 25 top Bollywood celebrities who were related to drug cartels in the industry.

These names were reportedly given by Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik Chakraborty, who is also under arrest.

The NCB is likely to issue summons to these Bollywood celebrities. The list has been sent to top officials of the NCB, sources had said.



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Australia-New Zealand women's series to be attended by limited number of fans in Brisbane


The series between Meg Lanning's Australia and Sophie Devine's New Zealand will consist of 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is from September 26 to October 7.



Reuters Photo

HIGHLIGHTS

• The ODI and T20I series will be played from September 26 to October 7 in Brisbane
• 50 per cent of the stadium's capacity will be allowed to be filled
• Fans only allowed to sit in the section specified on their ticket

The upcoming women's ODI and T20I series between Australia and New Zealand will see a limited number of fans inside the stadium in Brisbane. The series will be played from September 26 to October 7 Albion's Allan Border Field.

QLD Health and Government guidelines caps the attendance at 50 per cent of the venue's capacity. The ground will be split into six zones with fans only allowed to sit in the section specified on their ticket.

The series between Meg Lanning's Australia and Sophie Devine's New Zealand will consist of 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is. It will also mark the return of international cricket in Australia after March when the coronavirus pandemic forced the stoppage of all sports all over the world.

Squads:

Australia: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Molly Strano, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Belinda Vakarewa.

New Zealand: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Natalie Dodd, Deanna Doughty, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Holly Huddleston, Hayley Jenson, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin, Hannah Rowe, Amy Satterthwaite, Lea Tahuhu, Jess Watkin.



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IPL 2020: Don't consider myself a 'lucky charm' for MS Dhoni in CSK squad, says Piyush Chawla


Chennai Super Kings recruit Piyush Chawla, who was a part of the 2007 and 2011 World Cup-winning Indian squads, has claimed that he does not consider himself a lucky charm for skipper MS Dhoni ahead of IPL 2020.



Piyush Chawla excited about his reunion with captain MS Dhoni. Pic: Reuters

HIGHLIGHTS

• Piyush Chawla does not consider himself as a lucky charm for Ms Dhoni
• The ex KKR spinner is excited to reunite with Dhoni after 8 years
• Chawla was roped in by CSK for a hefty Rs 6.75 crores

Chennai Super Kings are smart buyers in the Indian Premier League but they went on to place their biggest bid of the IPL 2020 auction, worth of Rs 6.75 crores, on Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla. Eventually, a lot of questions arose as CSK paid such a hefty amount to sign Chawla and head coach Stephen Fleming had clarified the recruitment of the seasoned legspinner. "Chawla is rated very highly and certainly the captain (Dhoni) has a great relationship with him. He's proven that he's a quality leg-spinner which we value very highly," Fleming had said.

"If a captain is believing in you, what more do you want?" an elated Chawla said.

Chawla, who last represented the Indian national cricket team in 2012, is excited about his reunion with MS Dhoni after 8 years. The right-arm leg-spinner was the part of the winning squads of the 2007 World T20 and the 2011 World Cup but he does not consider himself as a lucky charm for the captain.

"It's not about lucky charm, because I wasn't the only one who was in the 2007 and 2011 WC squad both. There were eight more players. So it's not that's it's happened because of me alone. It's just about how much cricket you play, how hard you work, it depends on that," Chawla told First Post.

"Definitely (excited about the reunion with Dhoni). Koi bhi leg spinner ko chahiye ke unko accha captain mile (Any leg spinner would want a good captain). I am getting Dhoni bhai, world's best captain, aur kyaa chahiye (what more do you want)?"



The former KKR spinner has credited his ex captain at the Kolkata-based franchise, Gautam Gambhir, for the freedom that he got. Chawla is confident that he will enjoy the same kind of freedom with Dhoni in the CSK camp.

"It's always the same with Dhoni bhai as well. He gives freedom to the bowler, whatever you feel, go with it. He is always helping you out. And when he feels, this kind of thing might happen, then he gives suggestions to the bowler that let's do this. Whenever he thought that the bowler would need something in the game, he would advise from behind the wickets. So that is a very big help," he added.



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Covid-19 virus made in Wuhan laboratory: Chinese virologist claims she has proof


In a stunning claim, a Chinese virologist has said the coronavirus was manufactured in a lab in Wuhan, China.




Chinese virologist Li-Meng Yan (Screen grab from YouTube video)


In a stunning claim, a Chinese virologist has said the coronavirus was manufactured in a lab in Wuhan, China. She also claimed to have proof for the same.

As reported in an article by News 18, Li-Meng Yan, who has supposedly fled China after becoming a whistleblower in the case, claimed to have proof to show that the deadly virus was made in a Wuhan lab.

Li claimed she has proof that the virus came from a virology lab in the city and not from the wet-food market.

"The genome sequence is like a human fingerprint," she said in the video released on YouTube.

ITV's Loose Women described Dr. Li-Meng Yan as "a scientist who was working at the Hong Kong School of Public Health when she turned whistleblower on the Chinese Government, after she alleged they knew about the spread of the coronavirus before publicly acknowledging the outbreak."

Li joined the Loose Women talk from a secret location. It was said on the show, "Dr Li claims she had to flee to the US for her own safety and is now determined to spread her findings to the world. She joined the Loose Women from a secret location to tell us why she felt compelled to speak out, even if it meant putting her life on the line."

Li, stated that while she was working at Hong Kong's School of Public Health, she was asked by her supervisor first to investigate a new "SARS-like" virus in Wuhan on December 31 - but that her efforts were later stifled.


She also claimed that she was asked to keep silent and careful when she reported that cases appeared to be rising exponentially

"Based on this you can identify these things. "I will [use this] evidence to tell people why this has come from the lab in China, why they are the ones who made it," she adds. "Anyone, even if you have no biology knowledge, will be able to read it, and check and identify and verify it yourself," she said as quoted in the article.

Accusing the Chinese authorties of dismissing her even before she fled the country, she said, "They deleted all my information and also they told people to spread rumours about me."

However, The Chinese National Health Commission, World Health Organisation and University Of Hong Kong have disputed her claims, according to The Sun



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Covid-19 vaccine race: Need to fund the underdogs if front-runners fail to deliver


The trial hiccup in the Oxford-developed Covid-19 vaccine has revived fear about possible failure or short of desired success for front-runner candidates. Some experts have called for funding of what are being called underdog vaccine candidates.



A section of health experts have called for funding underdog Covid-19 vaccine candidates as backup plan if the front runners stumble in the final lap of vaccine development. (Photo for representation: Reuters)

HIGHLIGHTS

• To allay doubts over Covid-19 vaccine, Harsh Vardhan said he is ready to take the first shot
• Some health experts have warned against hurried development process for Covid-19 vaccines
• A section of experts have called for funding 'underdog' vaccine candidates

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has apparently announced a "delay" in the Covid-19 vaccine rollout in India. He said the Covid-19 vaccine "may be ready by the first quarter of next year". Most people, going by frequent announcements by the developers, believed that one or the other Covid-19 vaccine would be available by the year-end.

Breakneck speed at which Covid-19 vaccine development programmes are underway across the world is unprecedented. The record for fastest vaccine development belongs to mumps vaccine. It took four years.

Developers of some of the leading Covid-19 vaccine candidates have promised end-of-the-year deadline for a vaccine to be available. The vaccine race has been highly competitive -- at times along national lines -- with skeptics expressing doubts over efficacy of the vaccine candidates given the "hasty" nature of their development.

The purported push given by the Donald Trump administration of the US for launching a vaccine before the presidential Election Day in November has also added weight to the doubt-cloud. In between came the report of a person developing severe illness after he/she was inoculated the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University scientists.

It was in this backdrop, Harsh Vardhan said a Covid-19 vaccine may be available for India by March-end next year, signaling that the government does not want to rush for a vaccine that may create fresh unseen health problems. Second significant part of his Sunday Samvaad was that Harsh Vardhan said he was ready to take the first shot of the vaccine that would be rolled out for the country -- another indication that the government is keeping safety as its top priority.


FRONT-RUNNERS

According to Norway-based Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI), a fund created to finance and coordinate vaccines for outbreaks, there are more than 320 Covid-19 vaccine candidates under various stages of development.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is tracking the development of around 180 Covid-19 vaccine candidates, which are in pre-clinical or clinical trials phases. At least 35 of them are in clinical trial phases with eight in the phase-III or the final phase of human trials.

India is involved in the development of eight Covid-19 vaccine candidates. Two of them are in phase-II trials. The Covid-19 vaccine candidates that have generated maximum interests are:

- AstraZeneca/Oxford University

- Moderna

- Pfizer/BioNTech

- Russian vaccine, developed by Gamaleya Insttiute in Moscow

- Chinese vaccine, Sinovac

CLOUD OF DOUBTS

Oxford vaccine trial had to be halted last week in the UK following report of one person developing serious complications. Trial in India was also halted two days later. Now, trial has resumed but it has created a doubt on its success.

Russian vaccine, whose arrival was announced by President Vladimir Putin, is getting acceptance now after earlier reservations particularly over its small sample size (of 70 only). However, skeptics are still not confident about its data.

Most promising Chinese Covid-19 vaccine candidate, Sinovact too lacks universal credibility in the wake of suspicion raised by some experts due to alleged lack of transparency about its methodology. The clandestine push by the Chinese government too has not helped its cause.

Health experts across the world including some at the WHO have warned that the Covid-19 vaccine race -- prompted by overenthusiastic pharmaceutical giants and some of the governments -- may not necessarily yield an early success. They warn against going for a hurriedly developed Covid-19 vaccine.

UNDERDOGS CAN WIN RACE

Meanwhile, some health experts have called for funding "underdog" Covid-19 vaccine candidates. According to a report published in the Nature, several promising Covid-19 vaccine candidates -- which may have more sound bio-technological logic -- have struggled to get fund for next-level trials.

One such vaccine candidate is being developed by acclaimed American virologist Peter Palese. The Nature report says the Covid-19 vaccine candidate has shown complete protection from Covid-19 in mice in an experimental model.

This Covid-19 vaccine candidate consists of a genetically modified bird virus, which has been programmed to make a protein found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. This protein helps SARS-CoV-2 to infect human cells.

According to a research paper, yet to be peer reviewed, this vaccine candidate fully protected mice from Covid-19 during experiment. Details of the experiment can be seen here.

This bird virus also grows in chicken eggs making this Covid-19 vaccine candidate cost-effective like most flu-vaccines in manufacturing compared to vaccine candidates being developed by multi-national giants. The vaccine production can be ramped up using tried-and-tested technology, the Nature report says.

The report underscores -- what experts at the WHO and across the world have warned about -- that early favourites could fail, confer only partial protection or work poorly in certain age groups. Addionally, the cost could be high for some of the front-runners, as the pharma giants have pumped in billions of dollars.


A high-cost Covid-19 vaccine may become unsuitable for wide-scale deployment in lower-income countries.

Given the nature of the SARS-CoV-2 and considering the fast spread of Covid-19 from a mere outbreak in Wuhan to becoming a pandemic in about three months, the world would be unsafe if there is a single coronavirus carrier. This may be an occasion for the governments and international agencies to look beyond the obvious candidates and fund a diverse selection of Covid-19 vaccine candidates in their development.



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ZEE5 original 'Forbidden Love' pushes boundaries to deconstruct emotions & explore the edgy side of 4 love stories


The first chapter of the series, which entails two films 'Arranged Marriage' and 'Anamika', is out and we can't get over how brilliant these two films are. The second chapter will premiere on 24th September on ZEE5.




Love is a complicated emotion, and it is rarely explored realistically in Indian entertainment. That is exactly what ZEE5 original 'Forbidden Love', an anthology divided into four feature films, brings to the table. It pushes the boundaries of viewer expectations and ideas of a love story with a thrilling twist. Directed by four award winning directors Pradeep Sarkar, Priyadarshan, Anniruddha Roy Chaudhary and Mahesh Manjarekar, this 4-part collaboration is like a dream come true.



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Hyderabad-based Saptagir partners with Jubliant Generics to manufacture antiviral drug Remdesivir


Hyderabad-based Saptagir Laboratories has announced an exclusive agreement with Jubilant Generics to manufacture intermediates and API for intravenous-administered drug Remdesivir.



API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) and intermediates innovator Saptagir Laboratories is based in Hyderabad. (Photo: Ashish Paandey/India Today)

Hyderabad-based API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) and intermediates innovator Saptagir Laboratories - part of the 900 crore Saptagir Group -- has announced an exclusive agreement with Jubilant Generics, a Jubilant Life Sciences company, to manufacture intermediates and API for intravenous-administered drug Remdesivir.

The drug will be produced at Hyderabad WHO GMP-certified sterile drug product manufacturing plant acquired at an investment of Rs 75 crores.

Fresh investments in the WHO-GMP certified pharma plant gives Saptagir a strong entry into an adjacent pharma vertical.

"The strategy is to accomplish USFDA certification for the plant and develop strong partnerships with a target to achieve 500 KL capacity in the coming few years," said Shilpa Reddy, Promoter and Managing Director, Saptagir Laboratories.

Saptagir Group has several successes in product development in molecules that were previously manufactured only in China.

"This partnership meets the need of our multinational customers who approve India as a strong second source for products beyond China. With the new investment of Rs 75 crore in the pharma plant at Hyderabad, we will further grow our presence in the health and wellness business," said Mahesh Reddy, Promoter and Chairman of the company.

Remdesivir is an experimental antiviral drug developed by Gilead Sciences, Inc. as a course of treatment for Covid-19. Gilead entered into a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Jubilant Life Sciences for distribution to 127 countries.

Following this, Jubilant Life Sciences, through its subsidiary Jubilant Generics, has entered an exclusive agreement with Saptagir Laboratories to manufacture Remdesivir.

Currently, Remdesivir is the only drug that has received an Emergency Use Authorisation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and has been approved for emergency use in countries such as Singapore, the USA and India. It is also permitted for use in severe cases in Japan, the EU, and Australia, for the treatment of the novel coronavirus.


The market for Remdesivir, according to Gilead Life Sciences -- the holder of the patent -- is estimated to be USD 2.3 Billion for this year and the fiscal year based upon their understanding of the situation.

Given that the world continues to register an increase in the number of new coronavirus cases, there is an acute need for availability of life-saving products anti-Covid drugs.

Saptagir Camphor, the Flagship Group company of Saptagir Laboratories, is the largest manufacturer of Camphor in India and second-largest globally as well as several other aromatic ingredients that serve the largest flavor and fragrance manufacturers in the world.



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No data on deaths, job losses among migrant workers during lockdown: Government


The Government of India on Monday told Parliament that there is no data available on the deaths and job losses among migrant workers due to the imposition of lockdown duripeg?ng coronavirus pandemic.




Image for Representation


The Government of India on Monday told Parliament that there is no data available on the deaths and job losses among migrant workers due to the imposition of lockdown during coronavirus pandemic. The Ministry of Labour and Employment, in a written reply, also said the government has not maintained state-wise break-up of distribution of free ration to migrant workers.

To a question, whether thousands of migrant labourers have died during coronavirus lockdown, the government responded saying, "No such data is available."

When asked if the government failed to assess problems faced by migrant labourers during the lockdown, it said, "India, as a nation, has responded through the central government, state governments, local bodies, self-help groups, resident welfare associations, medical health professionals, sanitation workers as well as large number of genuine and bonafide nongovernmental organisations in the nation's fight against the unprecedented human crisis due to the outbreak of Covid-19 and country-wide lockdown."

The government was also asked for details about its free ration distribution scheme during the lockdown. In its reply, the government said, "State-wise details are not available.

However, 80 crore people are being provided additional 5 kg wheat or rice and 1 kg of preferred pulses, free of cost every month till November 2020 to empower millions of migrant workers/labourers working in various organized and unorganised sectors to seamlessly receive their food security entitlements under National Food Security Act (NFSA), irrespective of their physical location."

"The government has started the implementation of One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) Plan. With the implementation of this plan the migrant beneficiary can get food security from any fair price shop of his choice anywhere in the country."



When asked about the other steps being taken by the government during the Covid-19 pandemic, it said, "The central government has issued comprehensive advisory guidelines on 27.07.2020 to all the States/UTs for the welfare of the migrant workers returning to the destination states in the backdrop of Covid-19."

"The States/UTs have been advised to take adequate steps to streamline the migration of the workers to mitigate the hardships of migrant workers returning to the destination States/UTs," the government added.



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Negative in follow-up test, I am healthy: MP Hanuman Beniwal after report of Covid reinfection


After testing positive for coronavirus in the test at Lok Sabha premises, Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal has tweeted that his Covid report has come negative in the third test.



Image for Representation

After testing positive for coronavirus in the test at Lok Sabha premises, Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal has tweeted that his Covid report has come negative in the third test.


He had first contracted the virus on July 26, following which he was admitted to Rajasthan University of Health Sciences Hospital, Jaipur for a month. He recovered 25 days back.

India is witnessing a steep rise in the number of coronavirus cases.

India's coronavirus tally on Monday crossed the 48-lakh mark with 92,071 cases and 1,136 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry.

The total case tally stands at 48,46,428 including 9,86,598 active cases, 37,80,108 cured/discharged/migrated and 79,722 deaths.

India has been witnessing over 90,000 cases for the past few days. On Sunday, the data released by the Ministry of Health showed that India recorded a total of 94,372 new cases in the past 24 hours, pushing the country's total tally to over 47 lakh.



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Sandalwood drug racket: Ragini Dwivedi and Sanjjanaa Galrani to be produced in court today


Kannada actors Ragini Dwivedi and Sanjjanaa Galrani, who were arrested by Central Crime Branch (CCB) in the drug menace, will be produced in court this afternoon.



Ragini Dwivedi (L) and Sanjana Galrani to be produced in court today via video conference.

Kannada actors Ragini Dwivedi and Sanjjanaa Galarani will be produced in court through video conference today (September 14) afternoon. The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Bengaluru recently arrested Ragini Dwivedi and Sanjjanaa Galrani in connection with Kannada film industry's ongoing drug racket case. Ragini has been under CCB custody for almost 11 days now and was hoping to be out on September 11. However, the bail hearing was pushed to September 14.

Now, according to reports, Ragini Dwivedi and Sanjjanaa Galrani will be produced in the ACMM court via video conferencing this afternoon. Both the actors were recently taken to KC General Hospital in Bengaluru for a check-up. A day ago, Ragini was made to undergo a dope test. Sources in the police department revealed that Ragini initially tampered with the sample. She had mixed water in her urine sample and made it unfit for testing.

The officials also took hair follicle samples of Ragini Dwivedi and Sanjjanaa Galrani. Their samples were sent for testing to a lab in Hyderabad. According to the police, the specific test can detect if a person had consumed drugs in the last four to five months.

In the first week of September, Additional Commissioner Sandeep Patil revealed that they have nabbed another accused named Niyaz in connection with the Sandalwood drug racket case. Niyaz hails from Kerala, but he has been living in Bengaluru for five years now.

The Central Crime Branch (CCB) has arrested seven people out of the 12 accused. Ragini Dwivedi, Niyaz, Ravi, Shankar, Rahul, Viren Khanna, Loom Pepper and Prateek Shetty have been arrested so far by the CCB.



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Payment of fine doesn't mean I have accepted SC verdict: Prashant Bhushan on contempt case



Prashant Bhushan said he paid the Re 1 fine but that does not mean he has accepted the Supreme Court verdict in the contempt case.






Activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan at press conference in New Delhi (Image: PTI)


Activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan has said that the payment of Re 1 as fine that was imposed on him by the Supreme Court in the contempt case does not mean he has accepted the verdict. Prashant Bhushan also said that he would file a review petition against the SC judgment.

Prashant Bhushan had deposited the Re 1 fine with the Supreme Court Registry over his two tweets seen as contempt of court.

Prashant Bhushan also announced that a "truth fund" will be created out of the contributions he had received from several corners of the country for paying the fine. The "truth fund" will be used to provide legal aid to those who are prosecuted for dissenting opinions.

"Just because I'm paying the fine does not mean I have accepted the verdict. We are filing a review plea today. We have filed a writ petition that there must be an appeal procedure created for conviction under contempt," Bhushan told the media before submitting the fine.

"The State is using all means to silence voices of dissent. The 'truth fund' will be used to protect the personal liberty to those persons who face the State's persecution", said Bhushan who was accompanied by a group of people from Rajasthan.

The lawyer also spoke on the arrest of former Jawaharlal Nehru University student Umar Khalid for his alleged role in the Delhi riots and said the government is using all sorts of tactics to shut down criticism.

The activist-lawyer had earlier said his tweets were not intended in any way to disrespect the Supreme Court or the judiciary, but they were an expression of his anguish at what he felt was the court's deviation from its sterling record.



A bench headed by Justice (retired) Arun Mishra asked Bhushan to deposit the fine by September 15, failing which he would have attracted a jail term of three months and debarment from law practice for three years.

Bhushan in his statement had refused to offer an apology to the Supreme Court for the tweets, saying what he had expressed represented his bona fide belief which he continued to hold.



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Indoo Ki Jawani teaser out: Kiara Advani sets a date on September 16


The makers released the teaser of Indoo Ki Jawani today. The film stars Kiara Advani and Aditya Seal in lead roles.



Kiara Advani plays the lead role in Indoo Ki Jawani.

The teaser of Kiara Advani-starrer Indoo Ki Jawani is out. It features Kiara Advani in a bubbly avatar. The film also stars Aditya Seal, who was last seen in Student Of The Year 2, in a lead role.

In the teaser, Kiara introduces herself as Indoo Gupta from Ghaziabad. She says that she wanted to do something exciting and which is why she set a date for herself on September 16. Kiara shared the teaser on Instagram and wrote, "Main toh time se aa jaungi, date ke liye aap late mat hona! Wait just a little more to meet Indoo! #IndooKiJawani (sic)."


Indoo Ki Jawani is directed by Abir Sengupta and produced by Bhushan Kumar and Nikkhil Advani. The film is about a girl from Ghaziabad who tries to find love through dating apps. It will be released on OTT platform.

Indoo Ki Jawani was originally set to hit theatres on June 5 but it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Last year, makers released Kiara's first look in Indoo Ki Jawani.

Take a look:


Talking about her character in the film, Kiara had earlier said, "Indoo is edgy, lovable and quirky. The dialect is completely new." While Kiara said she has never been on these apps in her life, she heard stories from her friends about their experiences. "I have friends using these apps and have heard a lot of fun stories of their experiences. But nothing compared to what we have for you," the actress had said.



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Sushant death case: NCB reveals Rhea Chakraborty used her mother's mobile phone, chatted about drugs


The NCB has seized the mobile phone of Rhea Chakrbaorty's mother, Sandhya Chakraborty, which was being used by the actress.



Rhea Charaborty is currently staying at Byculla jail.


India Today has accessed an exclusive information from the Narcotics Control Bureau that Rhea Charkaborty was using her mother Sandhya Chakraborty's mobile phone and chatted about drugs. The agency has seized the phone and retrieved data from it. The NCB said that Rhea didn't give this phone to the Enforcement Directorate when she was asked to submit her mobile phones.

The NCB seized the phone during the search of Rhea Chakraborty's home. Rhea was connected with her friends and other people through this phone. The actress was part of many WhatsApp groups on this phone. Many people of these groups are under the NCB radar now.

Rhea Chakraborty's mobile phones were seized by the Enforcement Directorate for money-laundering investigation. The agency released many chats of the actress during the probe. Rhea's WhatsApp chats with Jaya Saha, Shruti Modi, Samuel Miranda and Gaurav Arya indicated at a drug controversy in the case. The NCB then started investigating the case.

After three days of questioning, Rhea was arrested for allegedly arranging drugs for Sushant Singh Rajput. Rhea's brother, Showik Chakraborty, Sushant's house manager, Samuel Miranda, his employee, Dipesh Sawant and drug peddlers, Zaid Vilatra and Basit Parihar, have also been arrested by the NCB. The agency made many raids in the case after on the basis of information from Showik Chakraborty. He revealed names of many drug peddlers who used to supply him drugs. He had confessed to the NCB that he arranged hash and curated marijuana for Sushant Singh Rajput.

The bail pleas of Rhea Chakraborty and Showik Chakraborty, along with that of Samuel Miranda, Zaid Vilatra, Basit Parihar and Dipesh Sawant, were rejected by the Mumbai Sessions Court on Friday (September 11). They are under NCB custody till September 22.



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Amitabh Bachchan becomes Alexa's first celebrity voice in India


Amazon on Monday announced its partnership with Amitabh Bachchan to create a unique experience for Indian users.






HIGHLIGHTS

• Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has been roped in as Alexa's first celebrity voice in India.
• To speak to the 77-year-old Bollywood star, users will have to say "Alexa, Say Hello to Mr. Amitabh Bachchan".
• In 2019, Samuel L Jackson became the first-ever celebrity voice to collaborate with Amazon.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has been roped in as Alexa's first celebrity voice in India. Amazon on Monday announced its partnership with Amitabh Bachchan to create a unique experience for Indian users. To speak to the 77-year-old Bollywood star, users will have to say "Alexa, Say Hello to Mr. Amitabh Bachchan" on any Alexa-enabled devices.

Talking about the collaboration, Amitabh Bachchan said in a statement, "Technology has always given me an opportunity to adapt to new forms. Be it in movies, TV shows, podcasts and now, I am excited to create this voice experience in partnership with Amazon and Alexa. With voice technology, we are building something to engage more effectively with my audience and well-wishers."

While Amitabh becomes the first Indian celebrity to lend his voice to Alexa, he isn't the first celebrity to do so. In 2019, Samuel L Jackson became the first-ever celebrity voice to collaborate with Amazon. However, his version is only available to the users in the United States while Bachchan's Alexa will only be limited to Indian users. Alexa users in India can listen to popular offerings like jokes, weather, shayaris, motivational quotes, advice, and more in his voice. "The Amazon Alexa team will work closely with Bachchan to capture the iconic voice from the Shehenshah of Bollywood and deliver a unique voice experience to customers. It will include popular offerings like jokes, weather, shayaris, motivational quotes, advice, and more," the Amazon blog read.

The feature will be launched by 2021 and once it is rolled out users can experience his voice simply by asking Alexa to say hello to Amitabh Bachchan. "Millions of Indian customers use Alexa, the voice service which powers the Echo range of devices. Alexa is also available on the Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote, Fire TV Edition, the free Alexa app as well as the Amazon shopping app (Android only). In addition, several third-party devices like mobile phones, Bluetooth speakers, headphones, wear.ables and smart TVs also come with Alexa built-in. Customers in India will be able to access Mr Bachchan's iconic voice on Alexa by purchasing the Amitabh Bachchan voice experience. This feature will only be available next year," the official release said



"Cricket and Bollywood are integral to Alexa's unique Indian personality. Mr. Bachchan's voice is truly memorable for any Indian who has grown-up with Bollywood. This combination delivers a perfect pitch to further delight and simplifies the lives of our customers. We are excited to see how our customers will respond when they use Alexa and hear his voice," said Puneesh Kumar, Country Leader for Alexa, Amazon India



Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has been roped in as Alexa's first celebrity voice in India. Amazon on Monday announced its partnership with Amitabh Bachchan to create a unique experience for Indian users. To speak to the 77-year-old Bollywood star, users will have to say "Alexa, Say Hello to Mr. Amitabh Bachchan" on any Alexa-enabled devices.

Talking about the collaboration, Amitabh Bachchan said in a statement, "Technology has always given me an opportunity to adapt to new forms. Be it in movies, TV shows, podcasts and now, I am excited to create this voice experience in partnership with Amazon and Alexa. With voice technology, we are building something to engage more effectively with my audience and well-wishers."

While Amitabh becomes the first Indian celebrity to lend his voice to Alexa, he isn't the first celebrity to do so. In 2019, Samuel L Jackson became the first-ever celebrity voice to collaborate with Amazon. However, his version is only available to the users in the United States while Bachchan's Alexa will only be limited to Indian users. Alexa users in India can listen to popular offerings like jokes, weather, shayaris, motivational quotes, advice, and more in his voice. "The Amazon Alexa team will work closely with Bachchan to capture the iconic voice from the Shehenshah of Bollywood and deliver a unique voice experience to customers. It will include popular offerings like jokes, weather, shayaris, motivational quotes, advice, and more," the Amazon blog read.

The feature will be launched by 2021 and once it is rolled out users can experience his voice simply by asking Alexa to say hello to Amitabh Bachchan. "Millions of Indian customers use Alexa, the voice service which powers the Echo range of devices. Alexa is also available on the Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote, Fire TV Edition, the free Alexa app as well as the Amazon shopping app (Android only). In addition, several third-party devices like mobile phones, Bluetooth speakers, headphones, wear.ables and smart TVs also come with Alexa built-in. Customers in India will be able to access Mr Bachchan's iconic voice on Alexa by purchasing the Amitabh Bachchan voice experience. This feature will only be available next year," the official release said



"Cricket and Bollywood are integral to Alexa's unique Indian personality. Mr. Bachchan's voice is truly memorable for any Indian who has grown-up with Bollywood. This combination delivers a perfect pitch to further delight and simplifies the lives of our customers. We are excited to see how our customers will respond when they use Alexa and hear his voice," said Puneesh Kumar, Country Leader for Alexa, Amazon India



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Parliament Live Updates: Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson election shortly


Monsoon Session Day 1 news: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan told Lok Sabha on Monday that the nationwide lockdown which was announced in March prevented up to 29 lakh cases in India. Briefing the Lok Sabha on the first day of the Monsoon Session on Monday, Harsh Vardhan said India managed very well. The 18-day Monsoon Session of Parliament began with PM Narendra Modi congratulating MPs on choosing duty over coronavirus. Separated by plastic shields installed in front of their benches, members of Lok Sabha attended the first day of the 18-day Monsoon session being held amid the Covid-19 pandemic. While the Lok Sabha has been adjourned for the day, Rajya Sabha has assembled. For the latest from the Parliament, stay tuned to IndiaToday.in.


Parliament Session Live Updates: MPs during the opening day of Monsoon Session amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, at Parliament House in New Delhi. (Photo:PTI)

New members of Rajya Sabha take oath
Newly elected members of the Rajya Sabha, including JMM's Shibu Soren, take oath.


Rajya Sabha assembles
The 18-day Monsoon Session of Parliament began on Monday. The Rajya Sabha has now assembled. The houses are to sit in shifts without any break. Lok Sabha sat sitting in the morning from 9 am to 1 pm.


Sabha adjourned till tomorrow
Speaker Om Birla has adjourned the Lok Sabha till 3pm tomorrow.



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Rhea-drug probe, govt-Opposition faceoff over Question Hour, NEET: What happened in Lok Sabha on Day 1


The Monsoon Session of Parliament began on Monday under the shadow of coronavirus. From BJP MP Ravi Kishan raising issue of Bollywood's alleged link with drugs to government-Opposition faceoff over cancellation of Question Hour, here is what happened on Day 1 in Lok Sabha.



Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla conducts proceedings during the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, at Parliament House in New Delhi. (Photo:PTI)

The 18-day Monsoon Session of the Parliament kicked off on Monday amid the coronavirus pandemic. With unprecedented measures in place in the wake of pandemic with MPs following social distancing protocol, the Lok Sabha assembled first on Monday morning.

Ahead of the start of the Monsoon Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with media and hoped that parliamentarians would stand behind soldiers guarding India's borders.

The first day of the Monsoon Session saw the Opposition raising issues of India-China standoff, the cancellation of Question Hour and suicides by NEET aspirants among other issues. The government, meanwhile, maintained that it isn't running away from any discussion. The Lok Sabha also passed two Bills on Monday.

Here are top developments from Monsoon Session 2020:

1. In a first, some Lok Sabha members attended the House proceedings on Monday while seated in the Rajya Sabha chamber as Parliament met for the Monsoon Session. While Lok Sabha met between 9 am and 1 pm, Rajya Sabha will assemble between 3 pm and 7 pm. When the House met at 9 am, the number of members present was less. But the numbers went up when the House reassembled at around 10.20 am after a one hour adjournment after paying tributes to former president Pranab Mukherjee, a sitting MP and 13 former members who died in the recent past.


2. Glass-like plastic shields of varied sizes were installed in front of benches to protect members from coronavirus. The shield also covered part of the members' sides. All members were wearing masks. Some were also seen wearing face shield. As proceedings started, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla asked members to remain seated while speaking in the House and follow social distancing norms in view of the "extraordinary situation" amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

3. Lok Sabha adopted a motion to do away with Question Hour and private members' business. Criticising the move, the opposition led by the Congress said that Question Hour is the "golden hour of the House". Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, said the Question Hour is recognised as an essence of parliamentary democracy and executives are accountable and answerable during the Question Hour. "We get chance to raise issues of common people. Question Hour is simply a golden hour of the House," he said, adding by doing way with this, the government is trying to suppress this democratic practice which has been followed since Independence.


4. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said before arriving at this decision, deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to almost all leaders of various parties. "It's an extraordinary situation. When Assemblies aren't ready to meet for a single day, we -with around 800-850 MPs- are meeting here. There are so many ways to question the govt, govt isn't running away from the discussion. We're ready for discussion," Pralhad Joshi said.


The defence minister said he has discussed the matter with several leaders and noted that this session is being held in an extraordinary situation, "We need support from all" as the House will run only for four hours. If somebody wants to ask a question, they can do during the Zero Hour," he said, adding most of the leaders have agreed on the issue of doing away with the Question Hour. "I would urge all members to extend their support...You can raise issues through unstarred questions, ministers will reply. If members are not satisfied from that reply, then you can seek clarifications during Zero Hour also," Singh said.

5. BJP member Ravi Kishan raised in Lok Sabha the issue of drug menace in Bollywood and asked the government to take strict action against those involved in drug trafficking. Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Ravi Kishan said drugs come to the country from China and Pakistan and there is a conspiracy by the neighbouring countries to destroy the youth. "We know the problem of drug trafficking and drug addiction is increasing. In this conspiracy, our neighbouring countries are involved... Drugs come to this country via China and Pakistan. Our film industry too is affected," he said. Kishan also praised the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for doing a good job in unearthing the drug mafia which is trying to spread the menace among youth.


6. The DMK raised concern over suicide by NEET aspirants in the country. DMK MP TR Baalu raised the issue of NEET examination in Lok Sabha on Monday after his party members staged a protest against the Centre's decision to conduct the examination.


"I'd like to draw the attention of this House and the government to the plight of 12 students who had committed suicide - all from rural background - because of NEET exam. They had passed Plus II through state board and NEET is conducted only in CBSE syllabus," DMK MP TR Baalu said.



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Covid-19 vaccine race: Need to fund the underdogs if front-runners fail to deliver


The trial hiccup in the Oxford-developed Covid-19 vaccine has revived fear about possible failure or short of desired success for front-runner candidates. Some experts have called for funding of what are being called underdog vaccine candidates.



A section of health experts have called for funding underdog Covid-19 vaccine candidates as backup plan if the front runners stumble in the final lap of vaccine development. (Photo for representation: Reuters)

HIGHLIGHTS

• To allay doubts over Covid-19 vaccine, Harsh Vardhan said he is ready to take the first shot
• Some health experts have warned against hurried development process for Covid-19 vaccines
• A section of experts have called for funding 'underdog' vaccine candidates

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has apparently announced a "delay" in the Covid-19 vaccine rollout in India. He said the Covid-19 vaccine "may be ready by the first quarter of next year". Most people, going by frequent announcements by the developers, believed that one or the other Covid-19 vaccine would be available by the year-end.

Breakneck speed at which Covid-19 vaccine development programmes are underway across the world is unprecedented. The record for fastest vaccine development belongs to mumps vaccine. It took four years.

Developers of some of the leading Covid-19 vaccine candidates have promised end-of-the-year deadline for a vaccine to be available. The vaccine race has been highly competitive -- at times along national lines -- with skeptics expressing doubts over efficacy of the vaccine candidates given the "hasty" nature of their development.

The purported push given by the Donald Trump administration of the US for launching a vaccine before the presidential Election Day in November has also added weight to the doubt-cloud. In between came the report of a person developing severe illness after he/she was inoculated the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University scientists.

It was in this backdrop, Harsh Vardhan said a Covid-19 vaccine may be available for India by March-end next year, signaling that the government does not want to rush for a vaccine that may create fresh unseen health problems. Second significant part of his Sunday Samvaad was that Harsh Vardhan said he was ready to take the first shot of the vaccine that would be rolled out for the country -- another indication that the government is keeping safety as its top priority.


FRONT-RUNNERS

According to Norway-based Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI), a fund created to finance and coordinate vaccines for outbreaks, there are more than 320 Covid-19 vaccine candidates under various stages of development.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is tracking the development of around 180 Covid-19 vaccine candidates, which are in pre-clinical or clinical trials phases. At least 35 of them are in clinical trial phases with eight in the phase-III or the final phase of human trials.

India is involved in the development of eight Covid-19 vaccine candidates. Two of them are in phase-II trials. The Covid-19 vaccine candidates that have generated maximum interests are:

- AstraZeneca/Oxford University

- Moderna

- Pfizer/BioNTech

- Russian vaccine, developed by Gamaleya Insttiute in Moscow

- Chinese vaccine, Sinovac

CLOUD OF DOUBTS

Oxford vaccine trial had to be halted last week in the UK following report of one person developing serious complications. Trial in India was also halted two days later. Now, trial has resumed but it has created a doubt on its success.

Russian vaccine, whose arrival was announced by President Vladimir Putin, is getting acceptance now after earlier reservations particularly over its small sample size (of 70 only). However, skeptics are still not confident about its data.

Most promising Chinese Covid-19 vaccine candidate, Sinovact too lacks universal credibility in the wake of suspicion raised by some experts due to alleged lack of transparency about its methodology. The clandestine push by the Chinese government too has not helped its cause.

Health experts across the world including some at the WHO have warned that the Covid-19 vaccine race -- prompted by overenthusiastic pharmaceutical giants and some of the governments -- may not necessarily yield an early success. They warn against going for a hurriedly developed Covid-19 vaccine.

UNDERDOGS CAN WIN RACE

Meanwhile, some health experts have called for funding "underdog" Covid-19 vaccine candidates. According to a report published in the Nature, several promising Covid-19 vaccine candidates -- which may have more sound bio-technological logic -- have struggled to get fund for next-level trials.

One such vaccine candidate is being developed by acclaimed American virologist Peter Palese. The Nature report says the Covid-19 vaccine candidate has shown complete protection from Covid-19 in mice in an experimental model.

This Covid-19 vaccine candidate consists of a genetically modified bird virus, which has been programmed to make a protein found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. This protein helps SARS-CoV-2 to infect human cells.

According to a research paper, yet to be peer reviewed, this vaccine candidate fully protected mice from Covid-19 during experiment. Details of the experiment can be seen here.

This bird virus also grows in chicken eggs making this Covid-19 vaccine candidate cost-effective like most flu-vaccines in manufacturing compared to vaccine candidates being developed by multi-national giants. The vaccine production can be ramped up using tried-and-tested technology, the Nature report says.

The report underscores -- what experts at the WHO and across the world have warned about -- that early favourites could fail, confer only partial protection or work poorly in certain age groups. Addionally, the cost could be high for some of the front-runners, as the pharma giants have pumped in billions of dollars.


A high-cost Covid-19 vaccine may become unsuitable for wide-scale deployment in lower-income countries.

Given the nature of the SARS-CoV-2 and considering the fast spread of Covid-19 from a mere outbreak in Wuhan to becoming a pandemic in about three months, the world would be unsafe if there is a single coronavirus carrier. This may be an occasion for the governments and international agencies to look beyond the obvious candidates and fund a diverse selection of Covid-19 vaccine candidates in their development.



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Cost of freedom will only be blood: Kangana Ranaut targets Sonia, Sena over 'free Kashmir' placard controversy


Referring to the 'free Kashmir' placard controversy during one of the protests in Mumbai against the JNU violence, Kangana Ranaut targetted Sonia Gandhi and Shiv Sena, saying "today the cost of the freedom is only your voice" and "there will be a day when it would only be blood".




Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut (Photo: PTI)

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who is locked in a bitter dispute with the Shiv Sena, targetted Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut over the 'free Kashmir' placard controversy during a protest against the violence at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in January.

Following an eventful week in Mumbai, Kangana Ranaut reached her hometown Manali in Himachal Pradesh.

Soon after arriving, Kangana Ranaut took to micro-blogging site Twitter and said people greeted her with joy and her security was reduced significantly.

Referring to the 'free Kashmir' placard controversy during one of the protests in Mumbai against the JNU violence, Kangana Ranaut targetted Sonia Gandhi and Shiv Sena, saying "today the cost of the freedom is only your voice" and "there will be a day when it would only be blood".

"Dilli ke dil ko cheer me wahan is saal khoon baha hai, Sonia Sena ne Mumbai mein Azad Kashmir ke naare lagwaaye, aaj azaadi ki keemat sorf aawaaz hai, mujhe apni aawaaz do, nahin toh who din door nahi jab aazaadi ki keemat sirf aur sirf khoon hogi," Kangana Ranaut said.

Rough translation: "...Sonia's army shouted slogans of 'Azad Kashmir' in Mumbai, today the price of freedom is only voice, give me your voice, otherwise, the day is not far when the price of freedom will only and only be blood.



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17 MPs Test Positive For Covid As Parliament Monsoon Session Begins


New Delhi: Seventeen members of Parliament have tested positive for coronavirus in the mandatory tests carried out before the monsoon session started this morning. Among the infected MPs, the BJP has a maximum number -- 12. The YRS Congress has two MPs, the Shiv Sena, DMK and RLP one each.
The Lok Sabha members were tested at the Parliament House on September 13 and 14, sources said. 

One of the infected MPs, the BJP's Sukanta Majumdar, tweeted his positive status yesterday.

The rest of the results came in since. Around 200 of the 785 MPs are above the age of 65 years, the population vulnerable to coronavirus.   

Earlier, at least seven Union ministers and around 25 MPs and MLAs had contracted the disease. Among them was Union home minister Amit Shah, who underwent a thorough medical examination before the parliament session started.


The parliament session is being held amid huge safety measures that include staggered seating of the MPs in chambers of both Houses to maintain physical distancing. A mobile app has been introduced to register their attendance and seats in the house have been separated with poly-carbon sheets.   

Ahead of the session, all members were requested to get themselves tested for COVID-19.



Source : Google News

Politicians won't care about economy if people don't: Chetan Bhagat


In an exclusive conversation with India Today TV, author and columnist Chetan Bhagat criticised the country's citizens including the youth who seem busy "solving Bollywood cases" and are not concerned about the economy at all.




Author and columnist Chetan Bhagat. (Photo: India Today)


At a time when India is going through an unprecedented financial crisis, author and columnist Chetan Bhagat said that the country will suffer more if citizens continue to ignore the present economic situation.

In an exclusive conversation with India Today TV, author and columnist Chetan Bhagat criticised the country's citizens including the youth who seem busy "solving Bollywood cases" and are not concerned about the economy at all.

"Any government which knows that people do not care of the economy will not spend time on solving the crisis," he said.

Also Read | S&P expects India's economy to contract 9% in fiscal 2021

"People don't care about the economy. Why should a politician care?" Bhagat asked.

He went on to say that the economy will remain stagnant if people do not demand the government to fix issues that are plaguing the Indian economy.

Bhagat expressed concern over the declining job situation in the country and asked how batches that are graduating next year will secure jobs. "Should they be solving Bollywood cases or should they spend time figuring how they can get a job?" Bhagat asked.

During the interview, the author elaborates on a column he wrote a few days ago on the ongoing economic crisis. He said common Indians will become poorer if the situation is not fixed.

Bhagat urged the youth to stop looking at their phones and start talking about the economy.

"At the moment, the youth in India is ignoring what's happening around them," he said.


Bhagat also spoke about how the strict nationwide lockdown impaired India's economy, leading to massive job losses and demand crisis. Bhagat in his recent column wrote that such a "draconian lockdown was unnecessary".

Elaborating on what he wrote, Bhagat said, "We (India) can't afford it. We are a mid-income to low-income nation by global standards. We are a developing country."

He said it is easy for a rich man to spend six months at home without working but added that a poor man does not have the same privilege.

"We cannot afford this crazy lockdown," said Bhagat and added that it has resulted in the 23.9% GDP contraction.



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IPL 2020: Royal Challengers Bangalore the team to look out for in this season, says Dav Whatmore


Former Australia cricketer and experienced coach Dav Whatmore is confident of Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore to shine in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League.



Dav Whatmore predicts good IPL 2020 for RCB. Pic: AFP

HIGHLIGHTS

• Dav Whatmore has predicted a good IPL 2020 season for RCB
• Whatmore believes Virat Kohli will shine against all odds
• Virat Kohli's RCB are yet to win an IPL title

After a long wait, of almost 6 months, a delayed season of the Indian Premier League is finally set to commence on September 19. With the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League being held in the UAE, former Australia cricketer and Baroda cricket team head coach has predicted that the spinners will have a crucial role to play in the marquee T20 league. However, the experienced coach has backed pacers with ample variations to also shine in the cash-rich event of the BCCI. According to Whatmore, the team with the most balanced attack is none other than Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore, who are yet to win an IPL title.

"Spinners will always have an important part to play. But smart pacers with good variations will also be effective," said Whatmore, as quoted by News India Express.

"There are a few [teams with a good attack], but RCB has a better balance in this edition of the IPL," he added.

In light of the coronavirus-induced pandemic, all sports are being held behind closed doors. Many believe it might impact the performances of big players, given that they are used to the live support of their fans on the stadium. However, when the Baroda head coach was asked
About the IPL coping without a crowd, Whatmore attested that he believes that the tournament will be as exciting even in front of empty stands. Further on, he revealed that he believes that the absence of crowd won't affect the performance of RCB skipper Virat, who he expects to shine in IPL 2020.
"I am sure the IPL will be exciting even without the crowd. Players will be playing after a long time so they will give their best," Whatmore added.


"I doubt it. Virat Kohli is a class player. He plays to win, crowd or no crowd, he will shine."



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Hyderabad: Osmania hospital doctors threaten to boycott emergency duties if demands aren't met


The heritage building was vacated and locked after rainwater entered the premises of the Osmania hospital. The junior doctors say they are facing difficulties in performing surgeries due to lack of healthcare facilities.



Members of Junior Doctors Association stage a protest at Osmania General Hospital in Hyderabad (Photo: PTI/file)

The junior doctors of Osmania General Hospital in Telangana's Hyderabad, who went on an indefinite strike on Wednesday, have threatened to boycott emergency duties from Saturday if the old building is not reopened or a temporary facility for surgery is not set up.

As a protest, 120 postgraduate doctors held a mock surgery on an effigy on Friday.

The heritage building, which houses close to 350 in-patients, 2 operation theatres, and 8 wards, was vacated and locked after rainwater entered the premises of the Osmania hospital following a sewage pipe blockage in July.

The junior doctors say they are facing difficulties in performing surgeries due to a lack of healthcare facilities.

Demanding that the old building be reopened or a temporary facility for surgeries is set up, Osmania General Hospital's junior doctors have been boycotting OPD, elective surgeries and ward duties indefinitely until their demands are met.

In a strike notice, the doctors said, "Our issue regarding operation theatres, wards, fully equipped ASC and post-operative wards have still not been solved in spite of repeated representations."



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China announces new restrictions on US diplomats working in mainland China, Hong Kong


The Chinese government has announced new restrictions on US diplomats working in mainland China and Hong Kong in response to similar measures taken by the Trump administration.



China has imposed new restrictions on US diplomats. (AP photo)

China has announced new restrictions on the activities of US diplomats working in mainland China and Hong Kong, in what it called a justified response to similar measures imposed on Chinese diplomats in the US last year.

In a statement posted online late Friday, a foreign ministry spokesperson said the rules would apply to senior diplomats and all other personnel at the American Embassy in Beijing and consulates throughout China.

However, the spokesperson said China supported "normal exchanges and cooperation between all sectors of the two countries" and said the restrictions could be lifted if the US were to revoke the measures it imposed last October.

"Once again we urge the US side to immediately correct its mistakes and lift the unreasonable restrictions imposed on the Chinese Embassy and consulates and their staff. China will make reciprocal responses to US actions," the spokesperson, who wasn't identified, said.

No details were given about the new restrictions. US diplomats already face limits on what parts of the country they can visit and even access to college campuses. The US rules require Chinese diplomats to report travel and meetings in what was seen as an attempt to prevent interference within the overseas Chinese community and foreign students.

Washington has also complained about a lack of reciprocity in access to media, saying Chinese diplomats are able to put their views across US outlets while America's representatives are shunned by Chinese state media.

Most recently, the State Department protested over the refusal by the Communist Party's flagship newspaper People's Daily to publish an op-ed by Ambassador Terry Branstad. The paper responded that the piece did not meet its editorial standards.

China-US tensions over trade, technology and a multitude of other issues have increasingly spilled over into the areas of diplomacy and media, with the US ordering the closure of the Chinese Consulate in Houston in July.

China responded by ordering the closure of the US Consulate in the southwestern city of Chengdu, a double blow because of the mission's key role in monitoring activities in the restive Himalayan region of Tibet.

The US also capped the number of Chinese citizens working for state media outlets in the US, leading to the effective expulsion of 60 reporters, and has reduced the length of visas for others from one year to three months.

That has brought renewed pressure on US outlets in China, and Beijing has delayed renewing credentials for several of their journalists pending a positive response from Washington.



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Delhi Police busts cybercrime gang after man duped of Rs 7 lakh


Delhi Police arrested two people in Rajasthan who were working in connivance with a cyber crime gang of Jamtara and duped a man of Rs 7 lakh.



The main gang was operating from Jamtara, Jharkhand. (Photo for representation)

The cyber wing of Delhi Police arrested two people of a cybercrime gang who were operating from Rajasthan after a Delhi resident was duped of Rs 7.09 lakh. The two accused Radhey Gopal and Rahul Saini are active members of a gang who were working in connivance with another such gang in Jharkhand's Jamtara. The police also recovered two ATM debit cards, one credit card and three mobile phones used in the crime.

According to the police, Chattarpur resident got a call from a fraud posing as the executive of Vodafone and asked him to upgrade his services. After the call, he received an SMS saying that his account was debited by Rs 7.09 lakh in multiple transactions.

As the police started investigating the case, it was revealed that the cheated amount was initially transferred from a Paytm account of the complainant and further used for multiple transactions to pay electricity bills at Jaipur, Rajasthan and Punjab. Further, it was revealed that some amount was transferred to multiple e-wallets and subsequently transferred in multiple bank accounts.

After getting the details, the team started analyzing all the transactions made in e-wallets and electricity bill payments in different states. With the help of technical investigation, two suspects were identified and apprehended from Jaipur, Rajasthan.


During interrogation, the accused disclosed that they worked on a commission basis with a gang of cyber cheats who operated from Jamtara, Jharkhand. Further, they disclosed that they have duped many innocent people by using the same modus operandi.



The cyber fraud gang was found to be operating from Jamtara, Jharkhand. Initially, a cyber cheat called the victim and represented himself as an executive of Vodafone Telecom Company and asked the victim to upgrade his services like internet speed, voice quality & reduction of connectivity time etc. without any charge. Once the complainant showed his interest in upgrading the services then the cheater asked him to transfer service up-gradation request messages & OTP received on the mobile number of the victim.

The cheaters generated a request for virtual e-SIM of complainant's number to the telecom service provider & on the basis of messages & OTP transferred by the victim, he generated a virtual e-SIM. After that, the cheater had access to SIM card of the complainant. The cheater downloaded Paytm with the Virtual e-SIM of the complainant and immediately changed the login ID of Paytm account of the complainant. Accounts of the complainant got connected to this Paytm wallet and cheaters made a number of electronic transactions to e-wallets and payments of electricity bills through E-Mitras (an online payment service). The Group of cyber cheats also got connected with e-Mitras on the basis of profit share.



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India's Industrial output contracts 10.4% in July, indicating slight recovery


Data shows India's contracted 10.4 per cent in July, 2020 as compared to the same month last year.



[REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE] File photo of an edible oil factory in Jammu (Photo Credits: PTI)

India's industrial output contracted 10.4 per cent in July from a year earlier, government data showed on Friday, as a monthly measure indicated some recovery in the sector that was hit by lockdowns imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Analysts polled by Reuters had expected an industrial output contraction of 11.5 per cent in July.



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UN assembly approves resolution on dealing with the pandemic


The Prime Minister of France Jean Castex has said that there will not be any new lockdown in the country over surging coronavirus cases.



In the resolution, the UN Assembly calls for intensified international cooperation and solidarity to contain, mitigate and overcome the pandemic and its consequences (Photo: PTI)

The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a wide-ranging resolution on tackling the coronavirus pandemic Friday over objections from the United States and Israel, which protested a successful last-minute Cuban amendment that strongly urged countries to oppose any unilateral economic, financial or trade sanctions.

The 193-member world body adopted the resolution by a vote of 169-2, with Ukraine and Hungary abstaining. It was a strong show of unity by the U.N.'s most representative body, though many countries had hoped for adoption by consensus.

The resolution, which is not legally binding, is the third and most extensive adopted by the General Assembly. A resolution adopted April 2 recognized "the unprecedented effects" of the pandemic and called for "intensified international cooperation to contain, mitigate and defeat" the new coronavirus. A Mexico-sponsored resolution approved April 20 urged global action to rapidly scale up development, manufacturing and access to medicine, vaccines and medical equipment to confront the pandemic.

In Friday's resolution, the General Assembly says the pandemic poses "one of the greatest global challenges in the history of the United Nations," and calls for "intensified international cooperation and solidarity to contain, mitigate and overcome the pandemic and its consequences."

The resolution urges U.N. member states "to enable all countries to have unhindered timely access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable diagnosis, therapeutics, medicines and vaccines as well as equipment for the COVID-19 response."

And it recognizes "the role of extensive immunization against COVID-19 as a global public good for health in preventing, containing and stopping transmission in order to bring the pandemic to an end, once safe, quality, efficacious, effective, accessible and affordable vaccines are available."


Afghan Ambassador Adela Raz, who coordinated the drafting of the resolution with Croatian envoy Ivan Simonovic, told the assembly the resolution is not only a response to the disease "but a tribute to the victims," noting that more than 900,000 people worldwide have died and over 25 million have been infected.

"The world is experiencing the worst economic recession since World War II, and equality and poverty are increasing, and more people are experiencing hunger," she said. "We are indeed facing the most significant global catastrophe since the founding of this important organization, the United Nations."

Raz said adoption of the resolution shows the world's nations are ready to respond, despite failing to reach consensus, and are committed to U.N. goals for 2030 including ending extreme poverty, preserving the environment and achieving gender equality "for building back better after the pandemic."

The resolution calls on all countries "and other relevant stakeholders to advance, with determination, bold and concerted actions to address the immediate social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, while striving to get back on track" to achieve the 2030 goals.

It calls on governments and international financial institutions "to provide more liquidity in the financial system, especially in all developing countries." It supports recovery plans that "drive transformative change towards more inclusive and just societies including by empowering and engaging all women and girls."

And it urges U.N. member nations "to adopt a climate- and environment-responsive approach to COVID-19 recovery efforts" including by aligning investments and domestic policies with the U.N. goals and the 2015 Paris agreement to combat climate change.

Cuba succeeded in changing a paragraph in the resolution that originally called for "the urgent removal of unjustified obstacles in order to ensure the universal, timely and equitable access to, and fair distribution of, all quality, safe, efficacious and affordable essential health technologies and products, including their components and precursors that are required in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic."

By a vote of 132-3, the assembly amended the resolution to have the assembly strongly urge all countries "to refrain from promulgating and applying any unilateral economic, financial or trade measures not in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations that impedes the full achievement of economic and social development, particularly in developing countries."

The United States, in addition to rejecting the language on sanctions, opposed all references to the World Health Organization, which the Trump administration stopped funding, accusing the U.N. agency of failing to do enough to stop the virus from spreading when it first surfaced in China.



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Into The Wild With Bear Grylls and Akshay Kumar: A piece of cake for International Khiladi


Akshay Kumar got to try some interesting stunts on Into The Wild With Bear Grylls. The episode will premiere on Discovery Channel on September 14.



Akshay Kumar and Bear Grylls in Bandipur Tiger Reserve on Into The Wild With Bear Grylls.

Akshay Kumar's adventurous journey on Into The Wild With Bear Grylls got interesting with inclusions of crocodiles and elephants. However, we've seen him perform much more dangerous stunts in his films. Akshay shot in the same Bandipur Tiger Reserve where Rajinikanth shot for the show. The terrain was similar but watching Akshay on the show was different. As Akshay himself said on the show that he is jealous of Bear Grylls, who gets to explore different places on a regular basis. Akshay had a kid-like enthusiasm while learning new tricks from Grylls.

The episode began with Akshay trying to find Bear Grylls with the help of a compass, map and co-ordinates. Akshay Kumar tried to look for Grylls and climbed trees while doing so. Akshay climbed a tree and shouted, "Oh bhalu, oh Bear."

Soon the survivalist and Akshay Kumar met and greeted each other and climbed a truck. After reaching their starting point, the duo came down from the moving truck. They had to navigate through thick bushes to find a river. Down the river was their extraction point.

While walking through the thick bushes, Akshay Kumar spoke about his parents and childhood memories. Khiladi Kumar talked about the time he and his family lived in a small house with 24 other people. Akshay also shared that he got into sports because of his father, who was a wrestler and in the army.

Speaking about his days in Thailand, Akshay said, "People in Thailand didn't have much money to give tips so women used to come there and peck me or kiss me. That was the tip I got and I miss that."


He also spoke about his children and shared that he would want them to learn on their own. He shared that his son Aarav wants to stay away from the limelight.

Apart from Akshay Kumar and Bear Grylls, the show featured three more celebs - Twinkle Khanna, Suniel Shetty and Katrina Kaif, who had special messages for Akshay Kumar. Akshay's wife Twinkle had a sweet message for him, "If there's one man I could bet would survive in the wild, I would put my money on you. I know how much you love challenges. So, here's to you climbing to greater heights. Make me proud," said Twinkle in her message.

After walking for some time, Bear told Akshay that they will have to climb a tree to check the direction of the river. He asked Akshay Kumar to get on to one of the tallest trees and get the river's direction.

Bear Grylls taught Akshay to make a harness from a rope. With the help of an improvised harness, he climbed the tree and got the direction of the river. The duo stopped for some time and rested under a shade of a tree where Akshay Kumar offered Ayurvedic laddoo, made of apricot tree gum to Grylls.


Bear Grylls was also enjoying the journey with Akshay and even said, "It's great for me doing this journey who is physically capable and strong." Akshay then revealed how from being a martial arts teacher he became an actor.

They crossed the river by pulling themselves across with the help of the improvised harness. However, they had to be careful, as there could have been crocodiles in the river. After crossing the river, they came across elephant dung. They collected the dry one for fire and wet ones for making the tea. Bear Grylls had the tea and said it's not that great, while Akshay Kumar said, "It's nice."


As revealed by Akshay during a live chat, having cow urine did help him in liking the elephant-poop tea. The actor has had cow urine for Ayurvedic reasons. Apart from Akshay's physical strength, viewers will get to know him personally.

The duo also saw a group of elephants by the river. However, Grylls asked Akshay not to disturb them as they can get violent to protect their younger ones. They successfully reached their extraction point without disturbing the elephants, where they had climbed up a rope ladder.

Akshay Kumar was quite thrilled about his journey. He said, "This whole adventure, I'll remember it for the rest of my life now. We came down from a moving truck, went to the jungle, climbed a tree, learnt a new way of tying a harness. This is what I love to do."


The 43-minute episode was a piece of cake for Khiladi Kumar, who performs his stunts in his films and is seen hanging from a helicopter and doing daredevil stunts. However, this episode was a little more adventurous than Bear Grylls' other episodes with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rajinikanth. And we also got to see a few animals as well.

Into The Wild WIth Bear Grylls and Akshay Kumar is currently streaming on Discovery Plus app and will premiere on television on September 14 at 8 pm. It will air on 12 Discovery channels including Discovery Channel, Discovery HD, DTamil, Animal Planet, Animal Planet HD, TLC, TLC HD, Discovery ID, Discovery ID HD, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, and Discovery Kids.



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Angelina Jolie gives donations to two boys trying to raise money for Yemen


Angelina Jolie made surprise donations to two boys who run a lemonade stand to raise money for people of Yemen.



Angelina Jolie.

Angelina Jolie recently made a surprise donation to two British children, who are running a lemonade stand since July in London to raise money for providing assistance to those suffering from the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actress sent an undisclosed amount of money to the six-year-old Ayaan Moose and Mikaeel Ishaa.

The two kids took to the online photo-sharing platform Instagram to thank Angelina. "Hi Angelina, I'm Ayaan. And I'm Mikaeel. And we're the LemonAid boys. We just wanted to say thank you for donating to our cause. It's really helped us raise more money and awareness for Yemen," the two wrote on Instagram.


In a conversation with CNN, Ayaan Moose's father Shakil Moose said that Angelina had contacted the family in August and had offered a donation.



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9/11: 20 years on, trial is yet to begin


Twenty years ago, 19 terrorists hijacked four passenger planes to target four destinations in the US. Around 3,000 people were killed. Five plotters were later arrested. But trial has not yet begun in the case, which is still in the pre-trial hearing stage.



Scene at the World Trade Center about a half hour after the first twin tower collapsed in September 11 terror attack in 2001. (Photo: Reuters)

Exactly 20 years ago, around 6 pm IST on September 11, the US came under the worst terror attack. Terrorists hijacked four passenger planes and used them as live missiles aimed at four targets. The attack killed around 3,000 people in New York City, Washington DC and Pennsylvania of the United States.

These planes had been hijacked by 19 al-Qaeda terrorists. They all were killed in the fidayeen mission. But the plotters, financiers and organizers have not yet been served justice.

The reason is that even as the US and people in other parts of the world commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attack, the US military commission court has not yet started trial in the case.

The US agencies captured five alleged 9/11 plotters in an international counter-terror operation. They have been charged with war crimes including terrorism, murder of around 3,000 people, providing logistical support to the act of terror, and hijacking of planes.

If the military commission, which combines elements of both civilian and military laws, finds them guilty, the five men could be awarded the death penalty. All the five accused are lodged at the Guantanamo Bay base of the US military located in Southeast Cuba.

The five accused are Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who is the self-proclaimed mastermind of the 9/11 attack. He was captured from Pakistan and brought to the Guantanamo Bay base three years later.

Walid bin Attash is another accused who allegedly ran an al-Qaeda training camp in Afghanistan where at least two of the hijackers received training. The third accused is Ramzi bin al-Shibh, a Yemeni national who allegedly organised logistics for the attack.


The fourth accused is Ammar al-Baluchi who is said to be a nephew of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and organised fund for the terror operation.

The fifth accused is a Saudi Arabian national, Mustafa Ahmad al-Hawasawi, who is known as the "fixer" of 9/11 attack and who supplied whatever else was required for the terror operation -- cash, credit card and clothing.

The accused were first charged in 2008 -- seven years after the terror attack. The proceedings of the military commission could, however, begin only in 2012 -- a year after al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden was killed in an operation by the US commandos, and 11 years after the terror attack.

Around three dozen pre-trial hearings have been held since then by the military commission at the Guantanamo Bay base. It has set a date of January next year for the selection of a jury for the trial.

Once the pre-trial hearings are complete and jury selection is done, the trial in the world's worst terror incident may begin, expectedly sometime next year -- in the 21st year of the tragedy.

Several witnesses are reported to have died expecting the trial to begin sooner. Families of the victims and the world at large are still waiting for justice being served to the perpetrators of terror.



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China's reusable spaceplane lands at secret airstrip in Lop Nur desert


The Chinese experimental spaceplane can be used for both civil and military purposes. China had said earlier that it would carry out reusable technology verification as planned to provide technical support for the peaceful use of space.



China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation's experimental reusable spaceplane (Photo Credits: Chinese Weibo)

China is in the spaceplane club now. The China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation -- the country's main space contractor -- had been toying with the idea of a spacecraft for the last five years, and on September 4 launched an experimental reusable spaceplane on a two-day orbital mission.

The first scaled-down model of a spaceplane was tested in February 2018 which was confirmed by scientists Ye Youda and Liu Gang. The spaceplane can be used for both civil and military purposes. It can carry a payload that can either be placed in the space orbit or delivered to the Earth's surface as and when required.

The possible Chinese spaceplane project comes as the US Air Force is working on its own reusable spaceplane called the X-37B. After launching the vehicle, China had said "it will carry out reusable technology verification as planned to provide technical support for the peaceful use of space."

Back in 2017, China said it aimed to test a reusable spaceplane in 2020.


China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation's experimental reusable spaceplane (Photo Credits: Chinese Weibo)

The US spaceplane X-37B has created a record flight time of 780 days in space, indicating a new era of space weaponisation.

China jumped into the fray in 2018 and has managed to test a prototype possibly named Tengyun. The details of the experimental spacecraft such as size, weight, payload and whether manned or unmanned have not been revealed as of yet.

Jiuquan Lift-off

The Chinese news agency Xinhua had reported that the experimental spaceplane took off from the main launch pad No. 921, Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre (JQSLC), on a Long March series of rocket CZ-2F on September 4, 2020 around 1530h.


Satellite image shows China's Jiuquan launch pad renovated (Photo Credits: India Today)

The latest satellite images of this main launch pad at JQSLC indicate that the launch pad, umbilical tower and mobile launcher were renovated recently possibly to accommodate the large hammer head fairing of CZ-2F for launch of the spaceplane.

The lift-off ground pictures show a phenomenally large fairing of the rocket, indicating that the spacecraft is possibly 8 tonnes, almost double the size of US X-37B.

Such a massive-sized spaceplane with a retractable arm could easily pick up an adversary's spy satellite and bring it back to the Earth. It was a successful lift-off on the 14th mission of CZ-2F carrier rocket.

Space Flight

China has not yet revealed any data about space flight, although it has been studied by US state agencies and space enthusiasts alike.


Satellite image shows Chinese secret airstrip near Lopnur (Photo Credits: India Today)

The space flight was studied very diligently by Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer with the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. The study indicates that China had launched a space shuttle type of craft which made orbital paths, strongly suggesting that it was an unmanned flight.

The Chinese social media rumours also suggest that the spaceplane put two payloads in the space orbit. The spacecraft moved in a low earth orbit of 348km X 318km. The astronomer claimed that it was much smaller in size than the US X-37B.

Landing near Lop Nur

The Chinese spaceplane landed on a secretive airstrip close to China's oldest nuclear test area of Lop Nur.


Satellite image shows features of Chinese secret airstrip near Lopnur (Photo Credits: India Today)

The flight path and time of landing suggests that this was the airstrip on which the spacecraft landed. The Planet Labs has captured the spacecraft on high-resolution satellite imagery which has not yet been made public.

Secretive Airstrip in a Nutshell

China's secretive airstrip has now become quite well-known with the landing of the reusable spaceplane there on September 6, 2020 at around 1000h local time.


Satellite image shows Chinese secret airstrip near Lopnur (Photo Credits: India Today)

The airstrip is 5km long, 60m wide and has 2.5km of overshoots on either side. The total length thus is 10km. There are two more dirt strips of 5km with 500m overshoots on either side forming a triangle.

The formation is probably for the spaceplane to identify from a longer distance so that accurate landing can be made at the correct airstrip.


Satellite image shows radar at Chinese secret airstrip near Lopnur (Photo Credits: India Today)

There are two large launch pads with one 15m X 30m and another 20m X 20m. There is a small antennae field of 15m X 15m size and solar panels for electricity supply to the facility.

There are three staff barracks and a large tall hangar of 25m X 50m size possibly for temporary storage of test articles.


Satellite image shows Chinese secret airstrip near Lopnur (Photo Credits: India Today)

Some monitoring equipment has also been noticed at various places on this massive airfield. There are some buildings and some dugouts possibly for monitoring equipment to be placed during launch and landing.

A possible meteorological radar is visible at the north-eastern side of the main runway halfway down the overshoot.

(Col Vinayak Bhat (Retd) is a consultant for India Today. A satellite imagery analyst, he served in the Indian Army for over 33 years)



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Covaxin vaccination found effective in non-human primates


Covaxin, the indigenously developed Covid-19 vaccine, developed by the ICMR and Bharat Biotech International, has been found to be effective in non-human primates, according to Phase 1 of its cliical trials in India.



Adverse events were not seen in animals immunized with a two-dose vaccination regimen. (File photo: Reuters)

Covaxin has demonstrated protective efficacy and immunogenicity in non-human primates in Phase I clinical trials in India. Covaxin, the indigenously developed Covid-19 vaccine, developed by the ICMR and Bharat Biotech International, is being tested at 12 institutes across India. The results of the first phase of testing are encouraging

A two-dose vaccination regimen of inactivated coronavirus vaccine candidates was administered in 20 rhesus macaques (divided into four groups equally).


One group was administered with placebo, while three groups were immunized with 3 different vaccine candidates at 0 and 14 days. All the macaques were exposed to viral challenge 14 days after the 2nd dose.

The results showed protective efficacy, increasing coronavirus specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies, reducing replication of the virus in the nasal cavity, throat, and lung tissues of monkey.


No evidence of pneumonia was observed by histopathological examination in vaccinated groups, unlike the placebo group.

Adverse events were not seen in animals immunized with a two-dose vaccination regimen.

"To summarize, the vaccine candidate was found to generate robust immune responses. Thus, preventing infection and disease in the primates upon high amounts of exposure to live coronavirus," said a researcher.



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Major reshuffle in Congress: Ghulam Nabi Azad gets the axe, Randeep Surjewala biggest gainer


In a major reshuffle in Congress, senior party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad has been axed from his post of general secretary, while Randeep Surjewala has been included in the six-member committee that advises Congress president.



Major reshuffle in Congress: Ghulam Nabi Azad gets the axe, Randeep Surjewala biggest gainer (File photos)

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who had rebelled against party interim chief Sonia Gandhi at the recent Congress Working Committee team, has been sacked from the general secretary position in a major reshuffle, announced on Friday.

Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was in charge of Haryana, has been replaced by Vivek Bansal.

The biggest gainer from the reshuffle is Rahul Gandhi loyalist Randeep Surjewala, who has been inducted in the high-power six-member panel that advises the Congress president.

However, Jitin Prasad has received a promotion despite being a signatory on the controversial letter to Sonia Gandhi. Prasad has been appointed as the in-charge for West Bengal, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.


Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will continue to be in charge of Uttar Pradesh, while Rahul Gandhi loyalist Manickam Tagore will be the new secretary in-charge for Telangana.

Pawan Kumar Bansal will be the secretary in charge administration, Harish Rawat to be general secretary in-charge Punjab, Tariq Anwar to be in-charge for Kerala and Lakshadweep, Jitendra Singh in-charge Assam, and Oommen Chandy will be in-charge for Andhra Pradesh.

New members of the Congress Working Committee will be - Digvijay Singh, Rajiv Shukla, Manickam Tagore, Pramod Tiwari, Jairam Ramesh, HK Patil, Salman Khurshid, Pawan Bansal, Dinesh Gundurao, Manish Chatrath and Kuljit Nagra.

Apart from Azad, Ambika Soni, Motilal Vora and Mallikarjun Kharge have also been removed from their posts of AICC general secretaries. However, Ambika Soni has been included in the special committee formed to assist Sonia Gandhi in organisational matters.



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Kia Sonet 1.5 diesel automatic first drive review: The only car in the segment to get a diesel auto variant


The compact SUV market has a lot of offerings including the Hyundai Venue, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon and the Ford EcoSport among others. In this crowd Kia is entering with the Kia Sonet. It is also the only one in this crowd to offer a diesel engine mated to an automatic transmission. We drive it to find out how good it is.



What Kia has smartly done is to have different states of tune for the 1,493cc diesel engine for the manual and automatic powertrains.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The design of the Kia Sonet mimics the one seen on the Kia Seltos.
• It offers a lot of features including ventilated seats and an air purifier.
• The Kia Sonet is the only one to offer a diesel automatic variant.

In a segment which is already crowded with SUVs like the Hyundai Venue, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon and the Ford EcoSport among others, it is very important to offer things which the competition is not. To this note, Kia has loaded the Sonet with a plethora of features. But most importantly it is also being offered with a diesel automatic variant. We drove the Kia Sonet 1.0 iMT along with the diesel automatic to find out how these SUVs fare. But this story here is all about the diesel automatic. So here goes.


Having six gears means that there is not a huge difference in the engine speed after shifting gears and so the overall experience is quite satisfying.

Exterior Design

There is little to doubt that new age Kia designs are rather ravishing. The Kia Seltos looked amazing and the Sonet does so too. The tiger nose grille is very detailed and the chrome bit adds to the overall look. The sharp headlights along with the 'wild' DRL design, make the Sonet look rather sporty. We loved the stance of the Sonet especially in profile. Quite clearly the black cladding and red accents all around on this GT Line variant make the Sonet look brilliant. At the back the LED tail light cluster and the reflective panel joining the two add to the overall theme. It will also be apt to tell you now that both the Sonet and Hyundai Venue are based on the same platform. However all the touch points are different and they even have their own drive characteristics. We shall get to that a little later.


The top of the line diesel automatic variant gets a plethora of options including wireless charging, a 10.25in infotainment system and even a sunroof. (Image: Nishant Jhamb)

Interior Design

While the exteriors are all about being wild, the interiors are no less sporty. The Sonet comes with a dash design which mimics the bigger Seltos. There is a large slab which houses the large 10.25in touch screen infotainment system which blends into the instrument panel. The IP looks smart too and offers a digital readout for speed and other on the go information. The symmetry in design is what impressed us. Things like the climate control buttons placed in a proper symmetric design, the digital read out smack bang in the middle all talk about the care taken in deigning the Sonet. We also liked the stowage dedicated for smart phone. The rubber lined tray also offers wireless charging. There are plenty of clever spots created for knick knacks and there even is an umbrella holder. Other features which offer comfort includes ventilated seats, remote start and a smart air purifier. The rear section of the Sonet feels spacious and the boot too at 392 litres can hold a decent bit of kit.



The automatic version runs on a different state of tune. 115bhp of max power instead of the 100bhp on the manual Sonet and peak torque of 250Nm instead of the 240Nm on the manual.(Image: Nishant Jhamb)

Engines and Transmissions
The Kia Sonet is being launched with a plethora of engine options. There is a 1.0-litre turbo charged petrol followed by a 1.2-litre petrol. Then there is a 1.5-litre diesel too. As far as transmissions are concerned, one can choose between the automatic DCT, the iMT and also a 5-speed manual. The diesel engine can be paired with a 6MT or a 6AT! Phew! Now that's a long list.

Drive and Handling
What Kia has smartly done is to have different states of tune for the 1,493cc diesel engine for the manual and automatic powertrains. While the manual gearbox is paired with the engine in the same state of tune as what we have seen on its sibling, the Hyundai Venue, the automatic variant gets the same engine but in a different state of tune, like the one on the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta. This translates to 115bhp of max power instead of the 100bhp on the manual Sonet and peak torque of 250Nm instead of the 240Nm on the manual.

The gearbox is the same 6-speed automatic with a torque convertor that we have seen and liked on numerous Hyundai cars as well as the Seltos and having the same powertrain as on the bigger cars gives the Sonet great driveability. The torque convertors is not as quick as the DCTs that both Kia and Hyundai have been using on their turbocharged petrol engine cars but is smooth and jerk free. Having six gears also means that there is not a huge difference in the engine speed after shifting gears and so the overall experience is quite satisfying. Add to it the fact that Kia has taken great pains with NVH on the Sonet and we have a relaxed and stress free driving experience.



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JEE Main 2020 result out: Check toppers, final answer key, what after JEE Main


The JEE Main 2020 result has been released by NTA on the official website soon. Check the direct link to see your JEE Main result, the toppers list, and to know about what to do after the exam.



The JEE Main 2020 result has been released by NTA on the official website. Check for the direct link to check the JEE Main result and to know about cut-offs in top institutes.

The JEE Main 2020 result for Paper 1 or BTech has been released on the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in. Candidates can check the results released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on the website or scroll down to click on the direct link to the JEE Main September 2020 result as soon as it is activated.

NTA has released the toppers list and 24 candidates have secured a 100 percentile.

There is no expected date yet for the JEE Main Papers 2 and 3, for BArch and BPlanning. NTA was expected to release the JEE Main September result 2020 between 3 pm to 5 pm today but there has been a delay.

The JEE Main score will determine if the candidate is among the top 2,50,000, in which case they can appear for JEE Advanced to get admitted to the IITs. Even if you are not able to get one of the top ranks, you can use the JEE Main score for admission in various other engineering colleges.

The second session of JEE Main was held this year from September 1 to 6 after a lot of protests against holding the exam amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. But the major engineering entrance exam was finally held with all safety measures to prevent Covid-19 in place.

How to check JEE Main 2020 Result

Step 1: Visit the official website of JEE Maini: jeemain.nta.nic.in

Step 2: Click on the JEE Main September 2020 Result

Step 3: Complete the login process

Step 4: Your JEE Main result 2020 will be displayed on the screen

Step 5: Download and save your scorecard for future reference.


Direct link to check JEE Main 2020 result

JEE Main 2020 final answer key released

The final answer key for JEE Main 2020 has been released. You can check the JEE Main 2020 answer key here.

The JEE Main 2020 scorecard will contain the candidate's rank and score details with subject-wise marks. It will also carry personal information such name, category, parent's name, gender, date of birth, and other details such as application and roll numbers.

To know more about the counselling and seat allotment process, read here.

JEE Main 2020 Paper 1 toppers list

Here's the full list of JEE Main 2020 Paper 1 toppers as released by NTA:




What after JEE Main?

If you haven't received a good score in JEE Main, don't worry. Many engineering colleges such as the NITs, GFTIs, IIITs, state-level engineering colleges, and many private engineering colleges take admissions based on the JEE Main score. You can apply for counselling and admission to those colleges or try your luck again next year.

Note that due to the Covid-19 circumstances, the criterion of minimum 75% marks in Class 12 board exams for admission to NITs and CFTIs has been done away with and admissions will be solely based on JEE Main 2020 marks.

You may also discover that your JEE Main January score is better than your JEE Main September score in that case, you can go ahead for admissions based on your JEE Main January marks.



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Mumbai Police arrests six, including Shiv Sena members for attack on ex-Navy officer


A Shiv Sena shakha pramukh and another party worker are among the six accused that have been arrested by Maharashtra Police for allegedly attacking a retired naval officer for forwarding a cartoon that mocked Uddhav Thackeray.



A screengrab from video of the alleged attack on the retired naval officer

The Mumbai Police on Friday arrested six people, including a shakha pramukh and one member of Shiv Sena, accused of an attack on a former Navy officer in Kondivali East.

Shiv Sena's shakha pramukh Kamlesh Kadam and another party worker Sanjay Manjre are among the six arrested. According to the FIR filed by the retired naval officer, he was attacked by Shiv Sena workers earlier in the day for sharing a cartoon that mocked Maharashtra Chief Minister and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.

The FIR was filed at the Samta Nagar police station. At the time, Additional Commissioner North Region Dilip Sawant had assured that the action will be taken against those responsible for the attack.

Within a few hours, the Samta Nagar police arrested Kamlesh Kadam, a local shakha pramukh of Shiv Sena, and Sena worker Sanjay Manjre, who is suspected to have participated in the attack.

BJP MLA Atul Bhatkalkar has shared a video on social media that shows six men barging inside a residential property. They drag Madan Sharma out by the collar and can be seen slapping him in the face multiple times.



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ZEE5 original 'Forbidden Love' pushes boundaries to deconstruct emotions & explore the edgy side of 4 love stories


The first chapter of the series, which entails two films 'Arranged Marriage' and 'Anamika', is out and we can't get over how brilliant these two films are. The second chapter will premiere on 24th September on ZEE5.




Love is a complicated emotion, and it is rarely explored realistically in Indian entertainment. That is exactly what ZEE5 original 'Forbidden Love', an anthology divided into four feature films, brings to the table. It pushes the boundaries of viewer expectations and ideas of a love story with a thrilling twist. Directed by four award winning directors Pradeep Sarkar, Priyadarshan, Anniruddha Roy Chaudhary and Mahesh Manjarekar, this 4-part collaboration is like a dream come true.

The first chapter of the series, which entails two films 'Arranged Marriage' and 'Anamika', is out and we can't get over how brilliant these two films are. The second chapter, that will include 'Rules of the Game' and 'Diagnosis of Love', will premiere on 24th September on ZEE5. Here's what you can expect:

Arranged Marriage

The story titled 'Arranged Marriage' is directed by Pradeep Sarkar, who is the winner of many prestigious awards such as the Abby award, Rapa award, and the National Film award. It stars Ali Fazal, Omkar Kapoor, and Patralekha in lead roles. The story revolves around the trials and tribulations of a homosexual couple and the tightlipped experiences of being one.



The story begins with Neil (Omkar Kapoor) and Dev (Ali Fazal) seated at a dinner table with Neil's family, where his mom is pestering him to get married. The exchanged glances between Dev and Neil and their conversations clue you in on their complicated relationship. Tired of familial pressure, Neil agrees to get married and ends up getting married to Dev's cousin, Kiya (Patralekha).



Unable to capture the attention of her husband, Kiya takes help from her aunt, a psychiatrist who believes homosexuality is a disease. As the story progresses, suspicion and jealousy rise, putting love and dignity to the test. The beautiful background score rises and falls with the story and adds to the intensity. The cinematography is seamless. Ali Fazal, Patralekha, and Omkar Kapoor are incredible in their respective roles and make you question what you stand for.

Watch it here.

Anamika

The second story titled 'Anamika' explores the age dynamic between lovers. It tells the story of a woman who is unhappy with her marriage and falls for a younger, mysterious guy. It is directed by Priyadarshan, who is well known in the Hindi and Malayalam film industries for his thriller, comedy, and period films. He has also successfully adapted many Malayalam films into Bollywood hits such as Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, etc. Priyadarshan's direction is rich and his years of directing experience shines through. The screenplay is detailed and crisp, and doesn't let you off the hook even for a second.

'Anamika' stars Aditya Seal as Ishan, Pooja Kumar as the titular character Anamika and Harsh Chhaya as Anamika's inattentive husband. In a desperate attempt to be happy again, Anamika decides to elope with her young lover. Their love story is told through flashbacks.



Before she elopes, Anamika discovers a piece of news that turns her world upside down, revealing that she was, in fact, just a pawn in a bigger, sinister game. Pooja Kumar's portrayal of a desperate woman clinging on to hope of love is brilliant. Aditya Seal does justice to Ishan and Harsh Chaya is effortless.

Watch it here.

The stories further explore unadulterated jealousy, passion, possessiveness, sex, boundaries, and how far they can be pushed. 'Forbidden Love' is an intriguing, rocky ride. So, leave your inhibitions at the door.



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China to hand over missing Arunachal men to Indian Army at Wacha border point on Sept 12


China had on September 8 conveyed to the Indian Army that the five men who went missing from Arunachal Pradesh had been found on the Chinese side of the border.



[REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE] File photo of an Indian Army convoy moving in Ladakh (Photo Credits: PTI)

China will hand over five Indian nationals who went missing from Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday. The handoff will take place at Wacha near Kibithu border personnel meeting point, a source in the Indian Army said.

Earlier on Friday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju had also hinted at a similar exchange. In a tweet, he had said, "The Chinese PLA has confirmed to Indian Army to hand over the youths from Arunachal Pradesh to our side. The handing over is likely to take place anytime tomorrow i.e. 12th September 2020 at a designated location."


In a hotline message on September 8, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) had informed the Indian Army that five men who went missing from Arunachal Pradesh were found in China. "Further modalities to handover the persons to our authority is being worked out," Union Minister Rijiju had said in a tweet at the time.

The matter was first brought to the attention of authorities when family members of the missing men claimed in social media posts that their kin had been taken by the Chinese Army while hunting near the border. In fact, two of the men who were part of the same group had managed to escape and immediately alert local police in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Subansiri district.


The missing men have been identified as Toch Singkam, Prasat Ringling, Dongtu Ebiya, Tanu Baker and Ngaru Diri. All of them hail from Nacho area of Arunachal's Upper Subansiri district. Nacho is the last administrative circle along the McMahon Line.

This exchange comes at a crucial time when India and China are engaged in an intense military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Both countries have been actively holding military and diplomatic dialogue to achieve disengagement in the region in the aftermath of PLA's bid to alter the status quo in that part of Ladakh in May of this year.



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JEE Main 2020 result declared: 24 candidates get 100 percentile


The JEE Main 2020 result has been released by NTA on the official website. A total of 24 candidates have gotten 100 percentile marks.



The JEE Main 2020 result has been released by NTA on the official website. A total of 24 candidates have gotten 100 percentile marks.

The result for JEE-Mains was announced on Friday with 24 students scoring 100 percentile in the engineering entrance exam which was postponed twice in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Joint Entrance Exam (JEE)-Mains for admission to engineering colleges was conducted from September 1 to 6, amid stringent precautions and social distancing measures in view of COVID-19 pandemic.

Which states havethe most JEE Main 2020 toppers?

While Telangana has maximum 100 percentile scorers at 8, Delhi is at the second spot with 5 hundred percentile scorers followed by Rajasthan (4), Andhra Pradesh (3), Haryana (2 ) and one candidate each from Gujarat and Maharashtra.

A total of 8.58 lakh candidates had registered for the JEE-Mains exam for admission to engineering courses in IITs, NITs and Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs) while only 74 percent of them had appeared for the exam.

Direct link to check JEE Main 2020 result

JEE Main 2020 Paper 1 toppers list
Here's the full list of JEE Main 2020 Paper 1 toppers as released by NTA:






To know what options you have after JEE Main, read here.

To know more about the JEE counselling and seat allotment process, read here.

Measures taken to hold JEE Main 2020 during Covid-19
Staggered entry and exit for candidates, sanitisers at the gate, distribution of masks and maintaining distance as candidates queued up, were among the scenes witnessed at the exam centres across the country.

Increasing the number of examination centres, alternate seating plans, fewer candidates per room and staggered entry and exit were among the steps taken by the National Testing Agency for safely conducting the crucial exam.



While the governments of Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh had assured students that they would provide transportation to candidates, a group of IIT alumni and students also launched a portal to provide transport facilities to exam centres for the candidates in need.

There had been a growing chorus for postponing JEE-Mains and medical entrance exam NEET amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

The Supreme Court had earlier dismissed a plea seeking postponement of the two exams amid a spurt in the number of COVID-19 cases, saying a "precious year" of students cannot be wasted and life has to go on.

Based on the results of the JEE-Mains Paper 1 and Paper 2, the top 2.45 lakh candidates will be eligible to appear for the JEE-Advanced exam, which is a one-stop exam to get admission into the 23 premier Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). JEE-Advanced is scheduled to take place on September 27.



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Delhi Metro reopens all routes, trains now running on pre-Covid timings


Delhi Metro has resumed services on all of its routes across Delhi-NCR and the trains are back to running on the pre-pandemic timings.



Delhi Metro has now reopened all its routes with the old timings. (PTI)

Delhi Metro resumed services on all routes with the reopening of Airport Express Line on Saturday after a hiatus of over 170 days due to the coronavirus pandemic. All corridors of Delhi Metro network are now running with the original timings being followed from the pre-pandemic schedule of 6 am to 11 pm.

"With the resumption of service on the Airport Express Line, all lines of the Delhi Metro network are now open! Remember to follow the guidelines when travelling. #MetroBackOnTrack," the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) tweeted.

This comes days after Delhi Metro restarted operations with the Yellow Line after being shut for over 5 months. The Metro services were shut on March 22 to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had recently issued guidelines allowing the Delhi Metro to resume operations in a graded manner, following which the DMRC had said it would be done in three stages from September 7-12.

Under stage one, Yellow Line or Line 2 and Rapid Metro were made operational with restricted service hours. Stage two kicked in from Friday with extended service hours, and stage three came into effect from Saturday onwards with Metro services going back to pre-COVID-19 time schedule of 6 am to 11 pm.



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UN assembly approves resolution on dealing with the pandemic


The Prime Minister of France Jean Castex has said that there will not be any new lockdown in the country over surging coronavirus cases.


In the resolution, the UN Assembly calls for intensified international cooperation and solidarity to contain, mitigate and overcome the pandemic and its consequences (Photo: PTI)

The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a wide-ranging resolution on tackling the coronavirus pandemic Friday over objections from the United States and Israel, which protested a successful last-minute Cuban amendment that strongly urged countries to oppose any unilateral economic, financial or trade sanctions.

The 193-member world body adopted the resolution by a vote of 169-2, with Ukraine and Hungary abstaining. It was a strong show of unity by the U.N.'s most representative body, though many countries had hoped for adoption by consensus.

The resolution, which is not legally binding, is the third and most extensive adopted by the General Assembly. A resolution adopted April 2 recognized "the unprecedented effects" of the pandemic and called for "intensified international cooperation to contain, mitigate and defeat" the new coronavirus. A Mexico-sponsored resolution approved April 20 urged global action to rapidly scale up development, manufacturing and access to medicine, vaccines and medical equipment to confront the pandemic.

In Friday's resolution, the General Assembly says the pandemic poses "one of the greatest global challenges in the history of the United Nations," and calls for "intensified international cooperation and solidarity to contain, mitigate and overcome the pandemic and its consequences."

The resolution urges U.N. member states "to enable all countries to have unhindered timely access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable diagnosis, therapeutics, medicines and vaccines as well as equipment for the COVID-19 response."

And it recognizes "the role of extensive immunization against COVID-19 as a global public good for health in preventing, containing and stopping transmission in order to bring the pandemic to an end, once safe, quality, efficacious, effective, accessible and affordable vaccines are available."


Afghan Ambassador Adela Raz, who coordinated the drafting of the resolution with Croatian envoy Ivan Simonovic, told the assembly the resolution is not only a response to the disease "but a tribute to the victims," noting that more than 900,000 people worldwide have died and over 25 million have been infected.

"The world is experiencing the worst economic recession since World War II, and equality and poverty are increasing, and more people are experiencing hunger," she said. "We are indeed facing the most significant global catastrophe since the founding of this important organization, the United Nations."

Raz said adoption of the resolution shows the world's nations are ready to respond, despite failing to reach consensus, and are committed to U.N. goals for 2030 including ending extreme poverty, preserving the environment and achieving gender equality "for building back better after the pandemic."

The resolution calls on all countries "and other relevant stakeholders to advance, with determination, bold and concerted actions to address the immediate social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, while striving to get back on track" to achieve the 2030 goals.

It calls on governments and international financial institutions "to provide more liquidity in the financial system, especially in all developing countries." It supports recovery plans that "drive transformative change towards more inclusive and just societies including by empowering and engaging all women and girls."

And it urges U.N. member nations "to adopt a climate- and environment-responsive approach to COVID-19 recovery efforts" including by aligning investments and domestic policies with the U.N. goals and the 2015 Paris agreement to combat climate change.

Cuba succeeded in changing a paragraph in the resolution that originally called for "the urgent removal of unjustified obstacles in order to ensure the universal, timely and equitable access to, and fair distribution of, all quality, safe, efficacious and affordable essential health technologies and products, including their components and precursors that are required in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic."

By a vote of 132-3, the assembly amended the resolution to have the assembly strongly urge all countries "to refrain from promulgating and applying any unilateral economic, financial or trade measures not in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations that impedes the full achievement of economic and social development, particularly in developing countries."

The United States, in addition to rejecting the language on sanctions, opposed all references to the World Health Organization, which the Trump administration stopped funding, accusing the U.N. agency of failing to do enough to stop the virus from spreading when it first surfaced in China.



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Bihar election: Digvijaya Singh's offer to Paswans opens up fresh possibilities


The LJP of Ram Vilas and Chirag Paswan is unhappy with the JDU of Nitish Kumar, which is asserting its dominance on the ruling coalition in Bihar. Digvijaya Singh of the Congress has extended an offer to Paswans to join the Opposition alliance for Bihar election.



Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has given a fresh twist by offering LJP leader and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan to quit NDA and join the rival Mahagathbandhan ahead of Bihar Assembly election. (File photos)

HIGHLIGHTS

• In his virtual poll rally, Digvijaya Singh offered Ram Vilas Paswan to join RJD-Congress alliance
• Paswan's party, the LJP is unhappy with the JDU over seat-sharing issues
• There has been a war of words between Chirag Paswan and JDU leaders

The wily politician that he is, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has attempted setting the cat among the grumbling NDA pigeons ahead of the Bihar Assembly election. Addressing a virtually rally, he offered Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan, the patron of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) the opportunity to join the Mahagathbandhan -- the grand-alliance of the RJD and the Congress in Bihar.

The offer comes ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly election for which the ruling NDA finds itself in a difficult spot over maintaining a coalition balance. The LJP is unhappy with the Janata Dal United of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

LJP president Chirag Paswan, the son of Ram Vilas Paswan, has been unrelenting in his attack on Nitish Kumar over the issues of governance, corruption, law and order, employment and development.

MANJHI-STROKE

His constant barbs at the government forced Nitish Kumar to bring estranged Jitan Ram Manjhi of the Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) back into the coalition fold.

Both Paswans and Manjhi drive their political strength from Dalit politics. Dalits have a significant 17 per cent share in Bihar's electorate.

If both Paswans and Manjhi stay in the NDA fold, the ruling alliance appears strong on paper. But this pits them against one another as both vie for the same vote bank, and hence find the option of staying together puts a "limit" to their growth, especially for the Paswans.

The LJP and the HAM were part of the NDA in 2015 Bihar Assembly election. But those polls were dictated by the coming together of Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad. The LJP and HAM both had enough space to get as many seats to contest as they wanted.


PASWAN'S LOYALTY

The Bihar Assembly election 2020 is different. Ram Vilas Paswan got his son appointed as the LJP president in November last year to give him enough time to campaign for the Bihar election.

The LJP has stayed with the BJP since 2014 -- an alliance that happened due to a strong push by Chirag Paswan -- unlike Nitish Kumar who had quit the NDA ahead of 2014 Lok Sabha polls opposing Narendra Modi's prime ministerial candidature before combing back into the fold in 2017. The Paswans hope their "loyalty" will pay greater dividends in Bihar Assembly election 2020.

With this understanding, the LJP is understood to have demanded 43 -- of the total 243 -- seats to contest in Bihar Assembly election. This is in the line with the Lok Sabha election formula where the BJP and the JDU contested on an equal number of seats and the rest went to the LJP's kitty.

The JDU is reportedly pressing for implementing the 2010 formula -- 1.4:1 -- with the BJP. This means, the JDU lays claim to 140-plus seats and leaving around 100 for the BJP.

With HAM coming to the NDA fold, the JDU is ready to field HAM candidates from its own quota and expects the BJP to accommodate the LJP. This is a very disadvantageous situation for the LJP.

WHAT PASWANS BRING TO TABLE

To send a stronger signal of disapproval, Chirag Paswan held a meeting of the LJP earlier this week when the party said it is preparing to field candidates on 143 seats - against the JDU and HAM nominees.

The BJP does not want the LJP to walk out of the NDA as the party helps it neutralise the perception of being an upper caste-baniya party.

The Narendra Modi government has in the past six years worked very hard to present itself as pro-poor and pro-Dalit. But at the same time, the BJP cannot afford to antagonize Nitish Kumar one more time. Once bitten twice shy.

DIGVIJAYA OFFER AND NEW POSSIBILITIES

In the middle of this internal fight among coalition partners, Digvijaya Singh has gone for the NDA jugular. The RJD without Lalu Prasad hitting the ground, and a Congress with no charisma or organisation left, don't present a winning coalition on paper even with the help of parties such as the CPI, the RLSP and the VIP.

Theoretically, the LJP can tilt balance in its favour. If Dalit vote bank divides over Paswan-Manjhi fight, the LJP has a better chance of winning. There is another vote bank that may help the Mahagathbandhan - the 17-18 per cent Muslim voters.

Arithmetically, Dalit and Muslims bring together 34-35 per cent vote to any alliance. With the Mahagathbandhan still enjoying substantial support of the Yadavs - who make up around 14 per cent of voters in Bihar, the RJD-Congress-LJP alliance suddenly starts looking formidable against the NDA.

The Dalits and Muslims are among the biggest blocs of migrants from the state, and naturally a large number of them have returned home during coronavirus pandemic.


Many of them have come back with the slogan of Bhim-Meem unity they heard at their work places. The coming together of Dalit-Muslim vote bank may build a new perception for wider electoral audience in Bihar.

But the question is, do Paswans foresee enough benefits to switch sides?

Ram Vilas Paswan has been in on both sides in the past - he was a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government as well as in the Manmohan Singh's government. There is an age factor that may push Ram Vilas Paswan to consider Digvijaya Singh's offer.

He turns 75 next year and faces the prospect of vacating the ministerial berth in the Narendra Modi government. He stands to lose if Chirag Paswan has to be focused on Bihar for a long-term gain. A loss of ministry at the Centre may be good enough inducement for Ram Vilas Paswan.

For Chirag Paswan, if the LJP joins the RJD-Congress bloc, and the coalition wins the election, he may be in contention for deputy chief minister's post. Along with Tejashwi Yadav, Chirag Paswan can paint his campaign even better on the plank of youthful future of Bihar.



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I am not dead, tweets Kushal Tandon after Karanvir Bohra mistakes him for late Kushal Punjabi


Karanvir Bohra writes Kushal Tandon's name instead of Kushal Punjabi while tweeting on Suicide Awareness Week.



Karanvir Bohra apologised to Kushal Tandon for writing his name instead of late actor Kushal Punjabi.

Karanvir Bohra shared Kushal Tandon's name instead of late actor Kushal Punjabi on suicide prevention day. Karanvir Bohra's friend and actor Kushal Punjabi died by suicide on December 26, 2019. Karanvir has started an initiative for mental health awareness and while sharing information on the same, he wrote Kushal Tandon instead of Kushal Punjabi.

Karanvir Bohra wrote, "And I'm glad that @reenajabran and I started on day like today #SuicidePreventionDay . I loved #KushalTandon so much. Would like to mention #chetanhansraj & @MeetBrosHarmeet too, very thought of starting something like this & each of us are doing our bit for a cause like #SuicideAwareness."


Kushal Tandon shared the tweet and wrote, "Main zinda hoon. I am not dead."


Instead of deleting his tweet and replacing it with a new one, Karanvir Bohra apologised to Kushal Tandon and wrote that it was a typo. He also blamed Nikitin Dheer for sharing the tweet with Kushal. He wrote, "Sorry sorry bro, it was a typo...I love you too and you know that. That @nikitindheer is the chingari, I'm sure he sent it to you (sic)."

Later Arjun Bijlani also corrected him and wrote, "You mean #KushalPunjabi. To which Karanvir Bohra said, "Kamino..... @Thearjunbijlani @KushalT2803 @nikitindheer bakshdo mujhe .... I'VE SAID SORRY. IT WAS A TYPO (sic)."


Kushal Punjabi was found hanging in his residence in Mumbai on December 26. According to reports, the actor was suffering from depression. Karanvir Bohra was the first one to share the news of his death on social media.



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European Commission to propose more ambitious 2030 climate goal: Document


The European Commission will propose that the European Union sets a 2030 target of cutting its net greenhouse gas emissions by 'at least 55%' against 1990 levels, according to an internal document seen by Reuters.



A Greenpeace activist releases smoke after rolling down a banner outside the European Union headquarters to protest against the ongoing damage to the Amazon rain forest, in Brussels, Belgium, on Friday. (Photo: Reuters)

The European Commission will propose that the European Union sets a 2030 target of cutting its net greenhouse gas emissions by "at least 55%" against 1990 levels, according to an internal document seen by Reuters.

Already well on the way to meeting its current climate target of a 40% cut by 2030, the EU wants to set a more ambitious near-term target in order to achieve its flagship goal of net zero emissions by 2050 and cement its status as a global leader in efforts to curb catastrophic climate change.

The document, which could still be amended further before publication, says the Commission will propose a target for the EU's net emissions in 2030 to be at least 55% below 1990 levels.

The EU executive, asked about the new target, said it did not comment on leaked documents.

It will propose the new 2030 climate target next week. The goal needs the approval of national governments and the European Parliament who are split over how ambitious it should be.

A "net" emissions target can be achieved both by cutting greenhouse gas output from sectors such as industry and power generation, and using forests or carbon capture technologies to remove emissions from the atmosphere.

The EU's 2050 'net zero' goal means that, by that date, most sectors would have slashed their greenhouse gas output to near zero, and emissions removals would be used to balance out any remaining emissions production.

Researchers and climate campaigners have said that in the near term, using emissions removals to meet targets should be a last resort, and the priority should be to stop producing planet-warming gases in the first place.


"Due to questions of permanence and accounting, avoiding emissions is better for the climate than removing carbon," German think-tank Agora Energiewende said in a report last month.

Greenpeace policy adviser Sebastian Mang said using removals would be an "accounting trick" that could make the goal sound more ambitious than it actually is.



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New Education Policy aims to make young minds practical


National Education Policy approved by the Union Cabinet is set to bring about a humongous change in the Indian academic curriculum at school and university level. It aims to enhance the students' caliber for facing the global and indigenous challenges in the future.



NEP is laying the roadmap for a flexible all-round growth in the academics | Representaional image

National Education Policy approved by the Union Cabinet is set to bring about a humongous change in the Indian academic curriculum at school and university level. The policy was long overdue and has been made official after 34 years. Looking at the rapid changes happening around us in the world so closely connected via World Wide Web, it is all the more important to foster the learning of our developing young minds with the capacity to continuously adapt and excel.

The practical learning aspect is rooted for in the new education policy, based upon the experiences drawn from previously implemented policies. It aims to enhance the students' caliber for facing the global and indigenous challenges in the future.

The educational resources in the recent past have undergone a transformational change owing to the pandemic and online learning replacing the traditional pen and paper. NEP addresses the concerns of not just students but also teachers, making them more equipped in terms of research, technology and innovation.



NEP addresses the concerns of not just students but also teachers, making them more equipped in terms of research, technology and innovation | Representational image .


Goal of NEP

The ultimate goal of NEP is to propose a revamped system of education regulation and governance. It strengthens the roots of young minds with their culture and heritage by the inclusion of regional languages and simultaneously prepares them for being self-reliant and competent enough to handle the practical industry challenges.

NEP is laying the roadmap for a flexible all-round growth in the academics.

The liberty provided to the learners in terms of choice of their preferred field of study, professional inclinations and interests is a novel approach in stark contrast to the rote learning methodologies which India has always been known for.


Internships in early classes

The vision for this policy is to promote smart work that bores results which are a value addition in the future endeavors taken by the budding learners. Internships in early classes will be a mirror for the students at the early stages of the outcomes and expectations of businesses and industries outside.

It will be a carefully planned reinforcement exercise by education authorities directed to facilitate competitive spirit and skill enhancement.

NEP- Openness to the new ideas

The challenge for this policy remains in its implementation. As the teaching and knowledge disseminating the spirit of experienced educators need not just reform, but upskilling and openness to the new ideas. Also, the Indian education system has always been driven more towards the English language. To break this stereotype for regional languages being less contributing towards a student's progress will be a milestone.

Only a realistic execution framework is needed at each educational institution's level that ensures a balance between the transition to online learning, grasping abilities of students and the pedagogical ideas discussed in NEP.

-Authored by Pallavi Upadhyaya, Principal, DPS RajNagar Extension, Ghaziabad



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NASA sets out to buy moon resources mined by private companies


NASA said it views the mined resources as the property of the company, and the materials would become "the sole property of NASA" after purchase.



Under NASA's Artemis program, President Donald Trump's administration envisions a return of American astronauts to the moon by 2024. (Photo: Reuters)

NASA on Thursday launched an effort to pay companies to mine resources on the moon, announcing it would buy from them rocks, dirt and other lunar materials as the U.S. space agency seeks to spur private extraction of coveted off-world resources for its use.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine wrote in a blog post accompanying the announcement that the plans would not violate a 1967 treaty that holds that celestial bodies and space are exempt from national claims of ownership.

The initiative, targeting companies that plan to send robots to mine lunar resources, is part of NASA's goal of setting what Bridenstine called "norms of behavior" in space and allowing private mining on the moon in ways that could help sustain future astronaut missions. NASA said it views the mined resources as the property of the company, and the materials would become "the sole property of NASA" after purchase.

Under NASA's Artemis program, President Donald Trump's administration envisions a return of American astronauts to the moon by 2024. NASA has cast such as mission as a precursor to a future first human voyage to Mars.

"The bottom line is we are going to buy some lunar soil for the purpose of it demonstrating that it can be done," Bridenstine said during an event hosted by the Secure World Foundation, a space policy organization.

Bridenstine said NASA eventually would buy more types of resources such as ice and other materials that may be discovered on the moon.

NASA in May set the stage for a global debate over the basic principles governing how people will live and work on the moon, releasing the main tenets of what it hopes will become an international pact for moon exploration called the Artemis Accords. This would permit companies to own the lunar resources they mine, a crucial element in allowing NASA contractors to convert the moon's water ice for rocket fuel or mine lunar minerals to construct landing pads.



Under the initiative disclosed on Thursday, NASA offered to purchase limited amounts of lunar resources and asked companies to offer proposals. Under contracts whose terms would vary, a company mining on the moon would collect lunar rocks or dirt to sell to NASA without having to bring the resources back to Earth.

"This is one small step for space resources, but a giant leap for policy and precedent," Mike Gold, NASA's chief of international relations, told Reuters.

"They are paying the company to sell them a rock that the company owns. That's the product," Joanne Gabrynowicz, former editor-in-chief of the Journal of Space Law, said in an interview. "A company has to decide for itself if it's worth taking the financial and technological risk to do this to sell a rock."



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Chennai businessman claims innocence after Harbhajan Singh files cheating case, moves HC for anticipatory bail


Chennai businessman claims innocence after Harbhajan Singh files cheating case, moves anticipatory bail Harbhajan Singh had filed a case against the businessman in Chennai, claiming that the latter had cheated him of Rs 4 crore.



File photo of Harbhajan Singh (Courtesy by BCCI)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Chennai businessman claims innocence after Harbhajan Singh accused him of cheating
• Harbhajan Singh had lent Rs 4 crore to the businessman in 2015
• Harbhajan filed the chase after one of the cheques given to him bounced due to lack of insufficient funds

An anticipatory bail has been moved by G Mahesh, a businessman to whom cricketer Harbhajan Singh had lent Rs 4 crore in 2015. The petition which was filed by Mahesh's counsel K Surendar on August 31, says the petitioner is filing the "petition under section 438 of Cr.P.C., seeking to enlarge him on bail in the event of arrest."

In a detailed brief about the incident, Mahesh's counsel has submitted in the court that, "During the year 2015, the petitioner, along with one, Mrs. Prabha Sekar had availed a loan for a' sum of Rs.4,00,00,000/- from one, Mr. Harbhajan Singh, who is a professional cricketer. At the time of availing the said loan, the original title deeds of an immovable property situated at Thalambur, Chennai was deposited with the said Mr. Harbhajan Singh as security for the loan. Further, as requested by the said Mr. Harbhajan Singh, a General Power of Attorney Deed with respect to the said property was also executed in his favour, which has been registered as Document No. 3635 of 2015, on the file of the Sub Registrar, Thiruporur."

They have further said that Mahesh has repaid a sum of Rs.4,05,00,000/- (Rupees four crores and five lakhs only) to Harbhajan Singh and now the repayment of interest to the taken loan is going on.

'Ulterior motive to harass'

It is also stated that Mahesh had given Harbhajan Singh 8 blank signed cheques as further security towards repayment of the interest component in February 2020. However,, there was a delay in the repayment of the amount due to the lockdown restrictions in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.



The counsel said, "In such circumstances, despite the fact the entire principal amount has been repaid and original title deeds of immovable property are also lying as security, the said Harbhajan Singh had filled up one of the blank signed cheques issued by me for a sum of Rs.25,00,000/- and had presented the same for encashment on 17.08.2020. Since I had issued stop-payment instructions to my banker, the said cheque was duly returned on 18.08.2020."

The counsel in its petition has said that the case moved by Harbhajan Singh is done with an ulterior motive to harass Mahesh.

"Harbhajan Singh has preferred a complaint before the police as against the petitioner as if he was cheated, which is contrary to truth. The transaction between the petitioner and the defacto complainant, Mr. Harbhajan Singh is pure and simple loan transaction and a major portion of the liability has already been cleared. Thus, the question of cheating the defacto complainant does not arise and as such the complaint as against the petitioner is a sheer abuse of process of law."

Harbhajan Singh had filed a cheating case against the businessman in Chennai after one of the cheques given to him to a tune of Rs 25,00000 bounced due to insufficient funds. Neelankarai assistant commissioner of police Visveshvaraiah is doing a detailed probe in the case and has summoned Mahesh for inquiry.



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Sushant Singh Rajput death case: Court rejects Rhea Chakraborty and Showik's bail plea


Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik Chakraborty's bail pleas have been rejected by the court.



The bail pleas of Showik Chakraborty and Rhea Chakraborty have been rejected by the court.

The Mumbai Sessions Court on Friday rejected Rhea Chakraborty and Showik Chakraborty's bail pleas. The actress had filed a bail plea after her arrest by the Narcotics Control Bureau on Tuesday The bail pleas of Samuel Miranda, Dipesh Sawant, Zaid Vilatra and Basit Parihar have also been rejected by the court. Rhea will continue to live in Mumbai's Byculla jail till September 22.

Rhea Chakraborty's lawyer, Satish Maneshinde, said that they will decide on the course of action ahead next week. He said that they will contemplate on moving Bombay High Court.

After three days of questioning, Rhea was arrested for allegedly arranging drugs for Sushant Singh Rajput. Rhea's brother, Showik Chakraborty, Sushant's house manager, Samuel Miranda, and staff, Dipesh Sawant, have also been arrested by the NCB.

While the NCB claimed that Rhea Chakraborty confessed to arranging drugs for Sushant Singh Rajput, the actress in her bail plea had stated that she is innocent and accused the NCB of "falsely implicating" her in the case. She also stated that she was "forced into making self-incriminatory confessions" on the day of her arrest.

The NCB arrested Rhea after recording her statement and confronting her with Showik Chakraborty, Samuel Miranda and Dipesh Sawant. In his statement to the NCB, which had been accessed by India Today, Showik confessed arranging weed, hash and bud for Sushant Singh Rajput.

Showik revealed that her sister Rhea Chakraborty paid for the buds supplied to Sushant Singh Rajput's house using credit cards. He said, "Yes, I have arranged manicured marijuana for Sushant Singh Rajput on several occasions. Sushant used to take buds and weeds and this was confirmed to me by Samuel Miranda and Siddharth Pithani." He added that the drug peddlers, Basit Parihar and Suryadeep Malhotra, who were also arrested by the NCB, used to provide the drugs to him.



Samuel Miranda and Dipesh Sawant also said that Rhea was involeved in the drugs controversy.

Rhea Chakraborty was in a live-in relationship with Sushant Singh Rajput. After having an argument with the late actor, she left his house on June 8. After that, Sushant's sister, Meetu Singh, lived with him from June 8 to June 13. Sushant was found hanging at his Mumbai home on June 14.

The Central Bureau of Investigation is currently investigation the Sushant Singh Rajput death case.




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Vijay Sethupathi and Aishwarya Rajesh's Ka Pae Ranasingam to stream on ZeePlex


Vijay Sethupathi and Aishwarya Rajesh's upcoming film Ka Pae Ranasingam will skip theatrical release and will directly stream on ZeePlex.





Vijay Sethupathi and Aishwarya Rajesh's upcoming film, Ka Pae Ranasingam is the latest Tamil film to skip theatrical release. According to the official Twitter handle of ZeePlex, the film will directly release on the OTT platform in five Indian languages. ZeePlex is a pay-per-view initiative from Zee. However, the streaming platform has not revealed the release date of Ka Pae Ranasingam.

Apart from releasing in five Indian languages, Ka Pae Ranasingam has been subtitled in over 10 international languages. Ka Pae Ranasingam will be streamed in over 150 countries.

ZeePlex took to Twitter and wrote, "Stay home, stay safe, we're bringing #KaPaeRanasingam HOME TO YOU on @ZeeplexOfficial. Releasing in 5 Indian languages, subtitled in over 10 International languages, streamed in over 150 countries! It's going to be MASSIVE! (sic)."

Here's the post:


On May 23, the teaser of Ka Pae Ranasingam was unveiled by the makers. So far, the teaser has garnered over 4 million views on YouTube and is still going strong on the video-sharing platform. An announcement regarding Ka Pae Ranasingam's release date will be made in the coming days.

Directed by Virumandi, Ka Pae Ranasingam focusses on the struggle of farmers and how the corporate sector exploits the natural resources. In the film, Vijay Sethupathi and Aishwarya Rajesh's characters are fighting for farmers and standing up for themselves.



As reported earlier, Ka Pae Ranasingam is based on true incidents and will shed light on world politics and the ruling class. The social drama has journalist-turned-actor Rangaraj Pandey, Abhishek and Arunraja Kamaraj in prominent roles. Produced by KJR Studios, the film has music scored by Ghibran, cinematography by NK Ekhambaram and editor Shivanandeeswaran.



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How China has been erasing the identities of land and people it conquers


China has changed the names of places they have forcefully occupied to make them part of Chinese diction. Not only this, the Chinese have also banned Islamic names 'to assimilate Muslims' into Chinese culture.



The Chinese Communist Party has understood the power of Internet that can be effectively influenced with a controlled access to the world's most populated country. (Photo:Reuters)

Be it a person or a piece of land, the Chinese have their own names for everything. They have changed the names of places they have forcefully occupied to make them part of Chinese diction, they have banned Islamic names 'to assimilate Muslims' into Chinese culture, and they have changed religious scriptures to suit their purpose.

Even India's foreign minister S Jaishankar and United States President Donald Trump were not spared. Chinese media and press releases often refer to them as Su Jiesheng and Tangnade Telangpu, transliterating their actual names. The idea here is to own the subject.

Areas occupied by China were given new names to change their history. This was observed in the 1950s and 1960s in the case of Tibet, whose name was changed to Xizang (Western Tsang), and East Turkestan, which was renamed Xinjiang (New Frontier).

Tibet's name was changed after almost 13 years of its annexation by China. The name Xizang is often used to deride Tibetans by simply changing the phonetics that turns it into a derogatory meaning, 'western dirt'.

After changing the name of an area, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) propagandises to promote absurd claims to the land. One of the most ludicrous claims that have been heard in India through the Chinese diplomatic community is that Tibetan Buddhism originated in Inner Mongolia.

The CCP's intentions are clear to change history so Tibetan people get weaned away from Indian influence in the occupied land.

Banning Islamic names

China has banned 29 Islamic names in the country to eradicate the influence of Islam from the restive areas of East Turkestan, now called Xinjiang. Under these names, no birth can be registered and no death can be reported, making claims to ancestral property impossible.


Students with banned names had to change their names officially for admission into schools, colleges and universities. These individuals cannot apply for government jobs and official vacancies in semi-government establishments. The aim of such drastic steps is to achieve complete subjugation of the Uyghur society.

Effective use of Internet

China's population of 1.42 billion comprise a fifth of the world's total population. CCP has understood the power of Internet that can be effectively influenced with a controlled access to the world's most populated country.

CCP uses the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) cybercrime brigade such as Shanghai's Unit 61398 very effectively to influence opinions on the domestic and global fronts in favour of China's foreign policies.

The PLA General Staff Department's Third Department uses artificial intelligence, and signals intelligence and informatisation to gain ascendency, if not control, over the global cyber space.

Translating scriptures and texts

China has also begun translation of all Buddhist scriptures in so-called theological institutes to force the Tibetan population to read the scriptures in Chinese language.

The burning of Lhasa's Jokhang temple in February 2018 was an attempt to burn down all old Buddhist scriptures in the most sacred and revered sites in Tibetan Buddhism.

With old scriptures destroyed and new books published in Chinese, the newer generation of monks in occupied Tibet find themselves closer to Beijing and under the influence of CCP.

With such acts, China is striking at the very identity of communities and lands it occupies. The motive is clear wipe everything out other than the Han society and the middle kingdom of Zhongguo.



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Kamath Committee's relief plan | India Today Insight


What the RBI can do to stop the looming avalanche of non-performing assets



K V Kamath at a panel session in Russia in 2018. (Getty Images)


It took the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) less than 24 hours to broadly accept all the recommendations of the expert group headed by veteran banker K.V. Kamath. The group of experts suggested short term relief measures to the banks and to corporate borrowers, and laid down rules for the debt restructuring plan. Taking a cue from the central government, the RBI asked all lending institutions to offer a time-out to all term loan borrowers, who, otherwise, would have defaulted on repayments scheduled amid lockdown.

On August 31, the moratorium that the RBI had given on bank loans for individuals and corporates ended and there was a threat of an avalanche of non-performing assets (NPAs) hitting the banks again. The committee was set up by the RBI on August 7 to recommend financial parameters for a one-time restructuring of loans affected by the pandemic.

Since August 6, the committee, which included former vice-president of World Bank Diwakar Gupta, former Canara Bank chairman T.N. Manoharan, banking consultant Ashvin Parekh and Indian Banks Association CEO Sunil Mehta, was working out a resolution plan to recast debt for all accounts where the exposure is more than Rs 1,500 crore. In the past, the RBI used multiple loan recast mechanisms, including Corporate Debt Restructuring (CDR), Joint Lenders Forum (JLF), and Strategic Debt Restructuring (SDR), but saw limited success. Plus, most of the restructured debt turned bad in later stages. This forced the RBI to withdraw all restructuring plans, with stringent Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) to resolve stressed assets.


That banks didn't want to walk the same path again was made very clear to the committee members. The naysayers still fear that, given the impaired ability of firms to generate cash flows, if Covid cases don't come down over the next few months, many of the restructured debts might also turn into NPAs. When the loan repayment time-out gets over, the economic recovery will still be in its nascent stages. The corporate houses have been asked to work out a deal with their lenders by December end, with a maximum grace period of two years to restructure debt. In the next four months, the corporate houses will be in a better position to foresee the recovery trajectory, whether the economy is taking the V-Shape recovery model or not, how their sector is behaving, the demand trajectory etc.

RBI officials have made it very clear to borrowers that this recast is a temporary relief measure for both banks and borrowers to buy time and get the recovery back on track. And while both banks and borrowers hope that recovery happens quickly, the pain of banks is much deeper. The RBI's recent financial stability report notes that about 80 per cent of retail borrowers who had taken loans from public sector banks had availed of the moratorium. For NBFCs and small banks, that figure was 45.9 per cent and 73.2 percent, respectively. Lenders are worried that with a contraction projected for this quarter and the next, and with job losses and salary cuts likely to continue, many borrowers will be unable to repay their debt, leaving balance sheets highly stressed. This has led to an urgent conversation over a recapitalisation plan for public and private sector banks. The private banks have already started recapitalising, but PSBs still have to look at the finance ministry for these funds.

The committee laid down the financial ratios for 26 complex and sensitive sectors which could be factored in by lending institutions while finalising a resolution plan for a borrower. Nearly 72 per cent of the corporate debt is in these sectors, which include trade, metal, textiles, NBFCs, infrastructure, construction, power, real estate and auto. Lenders have been asked to use five key metrics, including debt to EBITDA ratio, which shows how capable a company is to repay loans; average debt service coverage ratio, which is again a measure of whether an entity is capable of servicing debt; and debt service coverage ratio, which is the total outstanding liability divided by adjusted net worth which indicates how vulnerable a firm is with regards to paying off its debt, and current ratio, which compares a firm's current assets to its liabilities.

The RBI has laid down strict conditions for the restructuring exercise, to understand the possibility of recovery and the financial capacity of the borrower to make a comeback. For cases outside these 26 sectors, lending institutes can make their own assessment. The move also will set the stage for a possible 'festival time' stimulus being worked out by the central government to push investments in some of the sectors.



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The cost of protecting Kangana | India Today Insight


CRPF personnel have been deployed to protect the actress from the Shiv Sena after a verbal spat with party leader Sanjay Raut



Kangana Ranaut became the first Bollywood personality to get protection from the Central Reserve Police Force.

Following an argument with Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut over the demolition by the BMC of a portion of her office in Mumbai, actor Kangana Ranaut became the first Bollywood personality to get protection from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Actor Amitabh Bachchan gets protection from the Mumbai Police and almost all other celebrities have private security.

Ranaut, who has acted in over 35 films and who charges Rs 10-12 crore per film, joined an elite group of just 60 VVIPs to receive CRPF cover. The list includes Chief Justice of India Sharad Bobde, Union home minister Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and BJP MP Subramanian Swamy. The Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna, however, criticised the Centre's decision to provide her with CRPF security.

The home ministry, under whom the central police organisation operates, provided her with the "Y" category security on September 7. Shiv Sena MP Raut had accused Ranaut of making derogatory remarks on Mumbai. In a reply to Raut's comment on September 4, in which he said that Ranaut should not be allowed to come to Mumbai if she criticises the city police, the actress asked whether Mumbai was like Pakistan Occupied Kashmir where a free individual is not allowed. Soon after, Pratap Sarnaik, Shiv Sena MLA from Thane, said that the party will not be responsible if its women workers harm Ranaut for equating Mumbai with PoK.

The BMC had demolished an "unauthorised" portion of Ranaut's office in Pali Hill, Bandra, before the 35-year-old landed in Mumbai on September 9 amid tight security. The Bombay High Court stayed the demolition, questioning the urgency when Ranaut had been asked to submit documents justifying the altercations in the office of her production house, Manikarnika Films. A furious Ranaut called the Shiv Sena "Babar Sena" and slammed chief minister Uddhav Thackeray for demolishing the office which she labelled as a "Ram temple". In a video message she said, "Uddhav Thackeray, what do you think? My house was demolished today. Your arrogance will crumble tomorrow."


As part of the CRPF's Y category security, Ranaut will have two personal security officers and armed guards at her residence round the clock, plus at least 11 jawans will be present in shifts. As CRPF is a central force, the local police need to communicate with them whenever a CRPF protected person moves in the state or out of the state. As per the security protocol, officers with the intelligence wing of the local police inspect the areas where the protected person, in this case Ranaut, is scheduled to visit. Their inspection is aimed to check the entry and exit points and also the points for emergency exit in case of a danger situation.

Normally, the government, both Union and state, pays for the security cover to the VIPs. The expenses are incurred on the personnel's' salary, stay, travel and food. With an annual budget of Rs 26,000 crore, the CRPF deploys 7.5 per cent of its force for VIP security. It is not clear whether Ranaut will pay for her security cover like Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries, does. Ambani pays the government Rs 15 lakh per month for the Z category security cover.

The CRPF was established as Crown Representative's Police on July 27, 1939. It became CRPF in December 28, 1949. According to the CRPF Act, the mission of the CRPF shall be to enable the government to maintain rule of law, public order and internal security, preserve national integrity, promote social harmony and uphold supremacy of the Constitution. The CRPF is also deployed at the time of elections and riots.

The home ministry takes a call on providing CRPF security to an individual based on the inputs from intelligence agencies about a possible threat to the specific person. There are four types of security covers: X, Y, Z, Z-plus and Special Protection Group (SPG). Z-plus is accorded to VVIPs. Only the prime minister gets SPG protection.



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Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury as Bengal PCC chief, Congress's last gambit for 2021 polls


Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, gets a new responsibility in Bengal. He has been appointed Bengal Congress chief as the party eyes the Bengal Assembly election 2021.



Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury after his appointment as West Bengal PCC chief on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI)


HIGHLIGHTS

• Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury appointed Bengal Congress chief
• Appointment comes as Congress starts preparation for 2021 state polls
• Congress is likely to contest Bengal election in alliance with the Left Front

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury makes a comeback as the West Bengal Congress chief at a critical time. His appointment, announced on Wednesday, was a little surprising as he is the leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha and through his antics has pushed the BJP on defensive a number of occasions in the House.

However, the appointment of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury as the Bengal Congress chief, despite his Lok Sabha burden, indicates the confidence that he enjoys with the Gandhis.

Incidentally, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was one of the most vocal and aggressive opponents of the 23 party leaders who criticised the Congress leadership recently.

While some of the dissenters have found themselves being ignored in post-dissent reshuffle in the party, Adhir Ranjan Choudhury has got the responsibility to steer the party through the upcoming Bengal election. West Bengal Assembly election due in April-May next year could be the first state polls in a Covid-19-free atmosphere in the country.

Though election will also take place in Assam around the same but for its greater impact on national politics, Bengal Assembly election assumes political centrality.

The Congress has been out of power in Bengal since the 1970s. It partnered with an emerging Trinamool Congress in 2009 - after the Left Front withdrew support to the Congress-led government at the Centre - and contested the 2011 West Bengal Assembly election together. They won the polls but fell out in 2013.

In 2016, the Congress tied up with the Left Front but failed to create any serious impact in the Bengal election that year as Mamata Banerjee's TMC romped home with a bigger majority. Abdul Mannan was the Bengal Congress president then.



This time around, it was Abdul Mannan who wrote a letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi requesting her to appoint Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury as the Bengal unit chief. The appointment was necessitated due to the demise of Somen Mitra, the previous state chief, in July.

In 2016, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had played the instrumental role along with Mannan and Mitra, in convincing the Congress's central leadership - particularly Rahul Gandhi - to tie up with the Left Front.

Though the alliance collectively lost 16 seats compared to their 2011 tally and failed to reach a seat-sharing agreement in 2019 Lok Sabha election, the Congress and the Left Front are on the course to contest Bengal election 2021 together. They reached an agreement in June this year. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury again played the key role.

Now, he has up his sleeves the task of realising the dream that he sold to the Gandhis. The Congress's own performance in various elections in Bengal has not been inspiring.

In 2011, when it fought with the TMC it got 46 seats. In 2016, its tally reduced to 44. However, its vote share increased by over three per cent but then it contested nearly 50 more seats.

The Congress's decline in vote share was more pronounced in the Lok Sabha elections. From 2014 to 2019, the Congress lost over seven per cent vote share in Bengal, and its tally came down from four to two.

To win the Bengal election for the Congress - in alliance with the Left Front - Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury needs a swing of around seven per cent votes compared to the 2016 Bengal Assembly election. Back then, the combined vote share of the Congress-Left Front stood around 38 per cent while Mamata Banerjee's TMC polled almost 45 per cent of votes.

Another challenge to Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury would be the saffron surge in Bengal. The BJP's vote share reached double figures for the first time in Bengal in the 2016 assembly election.

Three years later, the BJP added another 30 per cent vote share to secure 40.3 per cent of votes polled in 2019 Lok Sabha election in Bengal. The Congress got only five per cent votes in 2019 Lok Sabha election, and two MPs. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury is one of them.

Read | Adhir Chowdhury to head Bengal Congress again


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Coronavirus tracker: State-wise data, daily trends, patients recovered, deaths and more


India Today Covid-19 tracker: Get latest update on Covid-19 cases, geographical spread of coronavirus, state-wise numbers, daily trends, active cases, patients recovered and deaths.


Follow India Today's Covid19 tracker for latest updates on novel coronavirus cases in India and state-wise data. (Cover designed by: Nishwan Rasool/IndiaToday)


HIGHLIGHTS

• The number of Covid-19 cases in India has crossed 44.65 lakh
• Maharashtra, Gujarat & Tamil Nadu continue to be the worst-affected states
• Maharashtra alone accounts for around 22% of Covid-19 cases in India

Coronavirus India tracker: The number of people who have tested positive for Covid-19 in India has crossed 44.65 lakh and the country has the third highest coronavirus cases in the world, besides being the biggest epicenter of Covid-19 cases in Asia. For the past 10 days, more than 69,900 cases have been reported in India every day. On September 10, India saw its highest single-day spike with 95,735 new cases being reported. Thirty-five of the country's 36 states and Union Territories have reported Covid-19 cases so far. Only Lakshadweep has not reported any case so far.

However, despite all this, the central government continues to maintain that community transmission has yet not taken place in India.

According to the latest data put out by the Union health ministry, as on September 10, the number of Covid-19 cases in India was 44,65,863 of which 34,71,783 have recovered and 75,062 have died so far.

Among states, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are the hotspots for Covid-19 cases. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Karnatka have also reported the highest number of Covid-19 deaths, accounting for more than 65 per cent of the country's Covid-19 toll.

The scale of this health emergency is such that a country inhabited by nearly 1.3 billion people had been under a severe lockdown from March 25 till May end. This was by far the biggest lockdown in the world. However, with cases continuing to rise, states after states have gradually started going back to the lockdown phase to restrict the spread of the viral infection.

This health emergency has put immense pressure on the country's healthcare system and the economy has been severely disrupted. The International Monetary Fund has predicted that India's GDP growth for 2020-21 will fall to 1.9 per cent, while the global economy is expected to suffer a loss of $9 trillion.


To help explain the scale of the coronavirus outbreak in India, IndiaToday.in brings to you this daily tracker on Covid-19 cases in India.

(Figures and charts used in this report are updated daily and are based on the data displayed on the website of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Individual state governments may have different numbers. (Read footnote for details on our methodology.))



Coronavirus cases: The national picture

The geographical spread of coronavirus outbreak in India has now extended to 35 states and Union Territories with Sikkim being the latest to report a Covid-19 case.

The first Covid-19 case in India was reported on January 30 in Kerala's Thrissur district. The patient, a student studying in Wuhan, China (the epicentre of the novel coronavirus pandemic), had returned home on account of the Lunar New Year festivities in China.

In a span of four days, two other cases were reported in Kerala--in Kasaragod and Alappuzha districts--prompting the state government to declare a state-level emergency on February 3. These two patients were also students who had returned from China.

Following detection, the three patients were immediately put in isolation at state medical facilities and over 3,400 people who were suspected to have come in their contact were quarantined and observed for novel coronavirus-related symptoms. Days later, the three patients were discharged upon recovery.

The second batch of Covid-19 cases was reported in the first week of March in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Bengaluru.





How Covid-19 cases are rising in India

As mentioned above, the first Covid-19 case in India was reported on January 30 in Kerala's Thrissur district and by February 3, India had three confirmed Covid-19 cases.

India did not see any new case for nearly a month, until March 2 when two positive cases were reported, one each in Delhi and Hyderabad. Both the patients had a travel history to countries already affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The graph below shows the trend that Covid-19 cases have followed in India.





Good news! People are recovering too

While the number of new Covid-19 cases in India have been rising rapidly with tens of new cases being reported, there is also some positive news.

Some of the patients who were admitted and put in isolation after they tested positive for Covid-19, have recovered and been discharged.

The first three cases in India were reported in Kerala between January 30 and February 3 and were put under isolation. However, later in February they recovered and were discharged.

Since then, more patients have recovered in India.



India's first 50 Covid-19 cases

While most patients in India have had a travel history to countries that have reported a high number of Covid-19 cases, of late there have also been many cases where local transmission (i.e. people contracting the disease in India) has been reported.


IndiaToday.in had earlier analysed travel histories of the first 50 Covid-19 patients in India. Our analysis showed that 39 of them had a travel history to a country that was already affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The remaining 11 contracted the disease through local transmission in India.



These first 50 Covid-19 cases were reported from: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, J&K and Ladakh.

The global picture

The interactive dashboard below has been prepared by the World Health Organisation and monitors Covid-19 cases on a daily basis. You can explore the dashboard to find global trends and developments in regards to the coronavius pandemic.



(NOTES ON METHODOLOGY:

How we collect data?

The figures used in this report are based on the numbers put out by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The ministry collects data from individual states and keeps updating the tally on its website multiple times in a day. But since there is no fixed time when these numbers are updated, we don't update our numbers throughout the day. Instead, we take the numbers that are available on the ministry's website at 11.59pm every day. Besides this, at times the ministry's website releases an overall figure with a note saying state-wise details are awaited. For our report, we DO NOT take the overall figure unless it matches with the state-wise breakup.

*Since May 6, the Union Health Ministry has decided to issue only one daily bulletin on Covid-19. It is released at 8 am every day.

Any limitations in this?

While this method helps us track Covid-19 cases in an ordered manner with state wise numbers for each date, it has certain limitations. Unlike the World Health Organisation that releases a daily situation report, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare doesn't.

Besides this, it is possible that a case that was declared positive by a state government on Monday, was not reflected in the central government's numbers for that day because there was a delay in the state submitting its report to the Centre. (There have been such instances. Example: The first case in West Bengal was reflected in the Centre's list one day after the state government announced it.)

In such cases, the case would be reflected in the Centre's list on the next day (i.e. Tuesday, a day after it was actually detected). For the sake of uniformity, in this report we are strictly following the numbers put out by the central government. However, despite this limitation (in terms of occasional delayed reporting), the methodology we have adopted ensures all cases that have been detected are added in our figures.




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India, China reach 5-point consensus to ease border tensions, no real headway on disengagement at LAC


External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held crucial talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the border standoff in Ladakh. They have reached a 5-point consensus on the issue, according to a joint statement released by MEA.



The meeting between EAM S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi lasted nearly two hours. (Photo: India Today)

Amore than four-month long border standoff, with numerous levels of diplomatic and military conversations culminated in the in-person bilateral meeting between the foreign ministers of India and China on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ministerial meeting in Moscow, Russia on Thursday (September 10).

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart held an almost two-hour-long discussion reaching a "five-point" consensus to ease the ongoing border tensions. The Indian delegation included Indian envoy to China Vikram Misri.

Despite unprecedented levels of escalations leading to gunshots being fired at the LAC for the first time since 1975, the joint statement issued by both the ministries said, "Both Ministers had a frank and constructive discussion on the developments in the India-China border areas as well as on India-China relations."

While the consensus document emphasised on the aspect of dialogue and engagement, sources told India Today that Dr Jaishankar highlighted the "strong concern at the massing of Chinese troops with equipment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The presence of such large concentration of troops was not in accordance with the 1993 and 1996 Agreements and created flashpoints along the LAC."

He told Wang Yi that the Chinese side "has not provided a credible explanation for this deployment. The provocative behavior of Chinese frontline troops at numerous incidents of friction along the LAC also showed disregard for bilateral agreements and protocols."

Wang Yi, according to a statement released by the Chinese foreign ministry, "outlined China's stern position on the situation in the border areas, emphasising that the imperative is to immediately stop provocations such as firing and other dangerous actions that violate the commitments made by the two sides."


"It is also important to move back all personnel and equipment that have trespassed. The frontier troops must quickly disengage so that the situation may de-escalate," the Chinese foreign minister told his Indian counterpart.

The five-point consensus between India and China is as follows:

1. The two Ministers agreed that both sides should take guidance from the series of consensus of the leaders on developing India-China relations, including not allowing differences to become disputes.

2. The two Foreign Ministers agreed that the current situation in the border areas is not in the interest of either side. They agreed therefore that the border troops of both sides should continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions.

3. The two Ministers agreed that both sides shall abide by all the existing agreements and protocol on China-India boundary affairs, maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas and avoid any action that could escalate matters.

4. The two sides also agreed to continue to have dialogue and communication through the Special Representative mechanism on the India-China boundary question. They also agreed in this context that the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC), should also continue its meetings.

5. The Ministers agreed that as the situation eases, the two sides should expedite work to conclude new Confidence Building Measures to maintain and enhance peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

While both sides have decided to not allow "differences" to become "disputes", the two sides have not moved from their earlier position on the reality of the ground situation.

India continues to maintain the need for restoration of status quo ante to what it was in April of this year.

"The immediate task is to ensure a comprehensive disengagement of troops in all the friction areas. That is necessary to prevent any untoward incident in the future. The final disposition of the troop deployment to their permanent posts and the phasing of the process is to be worked out by the military commanders," say Indian government sources.

Interestingly, the Chinese believe, "The Indian side does not consider the development of India-China relations to be dependent on the settlement of the boundary question and India does not want to go backwards",

The Indian External Affairs Minister before leaving for Moscow, during an interaction on Monday had said in no uncertain words, "The state of the border cannot be de-linked from the state of the relationship. We have an understanding on border management which goes back to 1993... If peace and tranquility at the border is not a given then the rest of the relationship cannot be on an upward trajectory. Peace and tranquility is the basis for the relationship."

In a changed environment, the two sides have agreed to expedite work to conclude "new Confidence Building Measures" to maintain and enhance peace and tranquillity in the border areas.


But, without immediate de-escalation and complete disengagement in sight, confidence and trust are at a nadir.

With winters approaching, returning to normalcy should be the need of the hour. A long drawn quest for confidence building measures would mean that the troops should prepare for a long, cold, winter at the border and a chill in other aspects of bilateral ties.



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Kangana Ranaut's mother calls Shiv Sena coward, says daughter's life at risk in Mumbai

Speaking exclusively to Aaj Tak, Kangana Ranaut's mother Asha Ranaut called the Shiv Sena coward and thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "protecting" her daughter.



Kangana Ranaut with her mother Asha Ranaut.

Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for "protecting" and "supporting her daughter, Kangana Ranaut's mother said that the Bollywood actor's life is at risk in Mumbai.

"I thank Amit Shah and [PM] Narendra Modi who have protected my daughter," Kangana Ranaut's mother Asha Ranaut said.

Speaking exclusively to Aaj Tak, Asha Ranaut called the Shiv Sena coward. "India supports my daughter. Why this injustice? This is not Bal Thackeray's Shiv Sena. It [Shiv Sena] is coward. What type of government is this?"

Taking a dig at Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Asha Ranaut said that Kangana Ranaut's life is "threatened" in the state. " India is watching how things are being done with a motive of taking revenge," she said while attacking the state government.

FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES ON KANGANA RANAUT VS SHIV SENA ROW HERE

Referring to Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut's comments on Kangana, Asha Ranaut said: "Kangana is my daughter. How can he [Raut] talk like this about her? Kangana never lies. I want to appeal to Shiv Sena not to do anything like this."



"Kangana will stay here [in Maharashtra]. She has spent 15 years there, half of her age. Maharashtra is for all," Asha Ranaut further said.

Asha Ranaut's comments come at a time when the war between Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut and the ruling Shiv Sena in Maharashtra is showing no signs of simmering down as both sides are stepping up their attacks and counter-attacks.

A day after Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished a part of her bungalow at Pali Hill in Bandra, Kangana Ranaut accused CM Uddhav Thackeray of selling his father and Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology for power. Kangana accused CM Thackeray of turning Shiv Sena into 'Sonia Sena' and sending 'goons of BMC' to demolish her home.

Shiv Sena, on the other hand, has shrugged on Kangana incident and has said that the action was taken by the BMC and not the state government. However, a Mumbai-based advocate filed a complaint against Kangana Ranaut for allegedly using foul language against Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. The advocate is also likely to move the court with a defamation case against Kangana Ranaut.

A complaint was filed against Kangana Ranaut by a Mumbai-based lawyer for her remarks on CM Uddhav Thackeray. However, the Mumbai Police refused to file an FIR in the matter.

In yet another big development in Kangana Ranaut vs Shiv Sena row, the Bombay High Court, while hearing the actor's petition against the BMC over the demolition of her office, posted it for further hearing on September 22. While, Kangana Ranaut's lawyer Rizwan Siddiqui claimed that the BMC had damaged the property, leading to water and electricity connections getting disrupted, the BMC denied that it undertook the demolition of 'illegal' alterations at actor Kangana Ranaut's bungalow with ulterior motives.




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Corona is over! Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh declares at rally


At a rally in West Bengal's Hooghly district ahead of the 2021 assembly elections in the state, Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh claimed that the coronavirus pandemic is over.



At his rally, Dilip Ghosh claimed that the West Bengal government had imposed a lockdown so that the BJP could not hold rallies. (Photo: Indrajit Kundu/India Today)


Corona is over!" Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh has declared. The Bengal BJP president made the sensational claim while addressing supporters at a rally in Hooghly on Wednesday.

Visibly happy with the crowd that had gathered to hear him speak, Dilip Ghosh said, "Didi's [CM Mamata Banerjee] brothers are feeling unwell seeing the crowd here...not due to fear of coronavirus but due to the fear of BJP! Corona is over! Didi is uselessly imposing a lockdown so that BJP cannot hold meetings and rallies."


"But friends, where ever we go out it automatically turns into a rally," the BJP MP said while the crowd cheered.

Dilip Ghosh's remarks come on the heels of India recording 95,735 fresh Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours -- the highest single-day spike in the world.

On Wednesday, Bengal recorded 3,107 new cases of coronavirus and 53 Covid-19 deaths in the state. Over the past several weeks, the state has been recording around three thousand cases of coronavirus every day.


Social distancing goes for a toss at BJP rally. (Photo: Indrajit Kundu/India Today)
So far, 3,730 people have died of the virus in the West Bengal while the total number of Covid-19 infections in the state stands at 1.9 lakhs. The district in which Ghosh was addressing his public rally has the fifth-highest number of Covid-19 cases in West Bengal. The rally saw huge crowds gathering in violation of social distancing guidelines with most attendees as well as political leaders not wearing masks.



As per the West Bengal Health Department data, the Hooghly district has recorded 9,293 cases and 158 Covid-19 deaths till September 8.

At Wednesday's rally, Dilip Ghosh was flanked by Hooghly BJP MP Locket Chatterjee, who was herself infected by the virus in July.

The ruling Trinamool Congress, which has been conducting most of its public events on virtual platforms reacted sharply to Ghosh's remarks. Former Bengal minister Madan Mitra said Ghosh was simply "living in denial".

"He is mad. Let me remind him that his party boss [Amit Shah] was infected by Covid-19 recently. Mamata Banerjee does not need a pandemic to gain political points. Coronavirus is very much here and the Bengal government has not received the support of the Central government. The people of Bengal are witnessing how Mamata Banerjee is trying to keep them safe without any central help. They have money but we have people's support," Mitra said.

Despite restrictions on political gatherings due to coronavirus, the BJP had organized demonstrations across Bengal last Friday in protest against the recent deaths of its party workers.

Senior BJP leaders like national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya, Mukul Roy, Rahul Sinha and others took part in the "Save Democracy" campaign organised by the party's state unit.


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US Open 2020: Victoria Azarenka hopes she, Serena Williams inspire mothers to go after dreams


US Open 2020: 2-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka stunned 3rd seed Serena Williams after coming back from behind in the women's singles semi-final in New York on Sunday.



Victoria Azarenka stunned Serena Williams in US Open 2020 semi-final (Reuters Photo)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Victoria Azarenka reached her 3rd US Open final after stunning Serena Williams
• Azarenka, who gave birth to a son in 2016, hopes to inspire mothers around the world
• I want to go after my dreams, my personal dreams. Inspire my child: Azarenka

Former World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka is back in the US Open final 7 years after her 2nd appearance at the Flushing Meadows women's singles title match. The 31-year-old stunned 3rd seed and 23-time champion Serena Williams after coming back from behind in the semi-final on Friday.

Victoria Azarenka and Serena Williams became the first set of mothers to reach the semifinals of the same Grand Slam tournament. There were nine mothers in the field at US Open 2020.

Azarenka, who gave birth to a son in 2016, hopes she and Serena can inspire mothers to pursue their dreams. The 2-time Grand Slam champion said being a parent is a tough job and balancing it gives a great deal of satisfaction and motivation.

"I am so grateful to be able to play such a champion in the semi-final. The road to the final, you have to beat the best players, today was that day," Azarenka said at during the on-court interview at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Asked what it means to the world to see 'mothers' Serena and herself play at the highest level, Azarenka said: "Well, I hope it inspires women to go after their dreams. I feel like you can't always identify yourself as just one thing, you have many things you can do in your life.

"Being a parent, to me, is the most important thing in my life. But I am a tennis player on the court, a fighter on the court. I want to go after my dreams, my personal dreams. Inspire my child.



"I hope women around the world can go out and do anything because being a parent is a tough thing, once you can balance that, you can do anything."


On the eve of the semi-final, Azarenka said there's no secret to beating Serena and the only way to go about it is to fight until it's over. The Belarusian did exactly that in her women's singles semi-final as she came back from 0-4 down in the 1st set to beat her fancied opponent 1-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Azarenqka raised her game after conceding the 1st set and hit winners at will while reducing her unforced errors to put pressure on Serena. She needed an hour and 56 minutes to cause the biggest upset in the women's singles bracket.

Azarenka will have a go at her 3rd Grand Slam title and 1st US Open title when she faces 4th seed Noami Osaka in the final on Saturday. Osaka reached the final after beating Jennifer Brady in 3 sets in the 1st women's singles semi-final on Friday.




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Jane Fraser to become Citi CEO; 1st woman to lead major bank


Citigroup's Jane Fraser will become the first woman to ever lead a Wall Street bank when she succeeds CEO Michael Corbat in February. The New York bank announced the succession on Thursday.



Jane Fraser is currently head of Citi's global consumer banking division, a major part of the bank that oversees checking and savings accounts but also Citi's massive credit card business. (Photo: AP)

Citigroup's Jane Fraser will become the first woman to ever lead a Wall Street bank when she succeeds CEO Michael Corbat in February.

The New York bank announced the succession on Thursday.

Fraser is currently head of Citi's global consumer banking division, a major part of the bank that oversees checking and savings accounts but also Citi's massive credit card business. She's been with Citi for 16 years and had recently been tasked with leading the clean up of the bank's troubled Latin American banking business.

Fraser will be the first woman to lead one of Wall Street's big six banks, a major accomplishment in an industry long dominated by men. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has had two women as his second-in-command for years — Marianne Lake and Jennifer Piepszak — but shows no signs of stepping down.

In a Congressional hearing last year, the CEOs of the Wall Street banks were asked whether they expected to be succeeded by a woman in their roles, and no man raised his hand at the time.

When Fraser does take over for Corbat in February, it's almost certain the U.S. and global economies will still be dealing with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Since early this year, banks have set aside billions to cover potential loan losses as businesses and customers alike have fallen behind on payments. With a vaccine still months away at least, and the U.S. economy in a deep recession, the problems for borrowers are expected only to get worse as the country heads into the fall and winter.



Corbat led Citigroup for eight years, rebuilding the company after it nearly collapsed during the Great Recession and 2008 financial crisis. The federal government had to step in to buy a stake in Citi to keep it afloat, and the bank had some of the most toxic assets on its books of all the major banks during this time.

Corbat turned Citi into a much smaller and stable entity, focusing on its credit card businesses and its international banking franchise. The bank was able to pass the Federal Reserve's "stress tests", which test a bank's resiliency, and is considered a much healthier institution now than it ever was before the financial crisis.

Citi declined to make Fraser available for interviews. In a prepared statement, Fraser said, "Citi is an incredible institution with a proud history and a bright future. I am excited to join with my colleagues in writing the next chapter."




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India raises concern over army deployment, violation of pact by China in Jaishankar-Wang Yi talks


During the bilateral talks between Jaishankar and Chinese minister Wang Yi, India conveyed its strong concerns over the massive troop deployment made by China in Ladakh over the recent months.



Jaishankar and Wang Yi met on the sidelines of the SCO meet in Russia. (File photo)

As the tension in Ladakh border refuses to die down even after several months, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised India's concerns on the massive Chinese military deployment in his bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of a summit in Russia.

India conveyed its concerns during the talks between S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow, government sources said on Friday.

Army sources have said India is matching the 50,000-strong troop deployment made by China in the Ladakh border region following the recent escalation in tension since end of August. The large number of troops is aided by similar equipment deployment as well.

The Indian delegation has raised the issue of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) massing troops in eastern Ladakh as the two foreign ministers reached a five-point agreement that will guide the two countries in resolving the border standoff in eastern Ladakh. The meeting in Moscow on Thursday evening lasted two-and-a-half hours.

Jaishankar and Wang were in the Russian capital to attend a meeting of foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

At the talks, the government sources said the Indian side conveyed to the Chinese delegation that the presence of a large concentration of the PLA troops was not in accordance with the bilateral pacts of 1993 and 1996 on border affairs.

The Indian delegation also conveyed to the Chinese side that the provocative behavior of the PLA at friction points on the LAC showed its disregard for bilateral agreements and protocols.


"The Indian side clearly conveyed that it expected full adherence to all agreements on management of border areas and would not countenance any attempt to change the status quo unilaterally. It was also emphasized that the Indian troops had scrupulously followed all agreements and protocols pertaining to the management of the border areas," said a source.

Jaishankar told Wang that maintenance of peace and tranquility on the border areas was essential to the forward development of ties, the government sources said.

The external affairs minister also conveyed to his Chinese counterpart that the recent incidents in eastern Ladakh inevitably impacted the development of the bilateral relationship.

Therefore, he told Wang that an urgent resolution of the current situation was in the interest of both the nations, the sources said.

The Indian side insisted that the immediate task should be to ensure a comprehensive disengagement of troops in all the friction areas and that it was necessary to prevent any untoward incident in the future, the sources added.

The sources said a final disposition of the deployment of troops to their permanent posts and the phasing out process is to be worked out by the military commanders of the two sides.



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North Korea issues shoot-to-kill orders to prevent coronavirus spread: US


According to the commander of US forces, North Korean authorities have issued shoot-to-kill orders to prevent the coronavirus entering the country from China.



Pyongyang closed its border with China in January to try to prevent the coronavirus from entering. (Photo: AFP)

North Korean authorities have issued shoot-to-kill orders to prevent the coronavirus entering the country from China, according to the commander of US forces in the South.

The impoverished North -- whose crumbling health system would struggle to cope with a major virus outbreak -- has not confirmed a single case of the disease that has swept the world since first emerging in China, the North's key ally.

Pyongyang closed its border with China in January to try to prevent contamination, and in July state media said it had raised its state of emergency to the maximum level.

US Forces Korea (USFK) commander Robert Abrams said that the border shutdown had increased demand for smuggled goods, prompting authorities to intervene.

The North introduced a new "buffer zone, one or two kilometers up on the Chinese border," Abrams told an online conference organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington on Thursday.

"They've got North Korean SOF (Special Operations Forces) out there. ... Strike forces, they've got shoot-to-kill orders in place."

The border closure had effectively "accelerated the effects" of economic sanctions imposed on the North over its nuclear programs, he added, with imports from China plunging 85 percent.

The isolated country is also grappling with the aftermath of Typhoon Maysak, with its state media reporting more than 2,000 houses have been destroyed or inundated.

As a result, Abrams did not expect to see any major provocations from Pyongyang in the near future, although he said it might show off a new weapons system at next month's celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the founding of Kim Jong Un's ruling party.


"The regime right now -- the military -- is focused principally on getting their country recovered and to help mitigate the risk of Covid-19," he said.

"We're not seeing any indications right now of any sort of lashing out."

But CSIS published on its website a satellite image of North Korea's Sinpo South naval shipyard, which its experts believe shows activity that could indicate preparations for a test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile.

A new North Korean missile test would be yet another sign of the lack of progress in denuclearization talks between the US and Pyongyang, which have been stalled despite multiple meetings between Kim and US President Donald Trump.

Trump, who is seeking reelection in November, was the first sitting US leader to meet a member of the Kim dynasty, which has ruled North Korea since its founding.

On Thursday, Trump tweeted, without further explanation: "Kim Jong Un is in good health. Never underestimate him!"



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ZEE5 original 'Forbidden Love' pushes boundaries to deconstruct emotions & explore the edgy side of 4 love stories


The first chapter of the series, which entails two films 'Arranged Marriage' and 'Anamika', is out and we can't get over how brilliant these two films are. The second chapter will premiere on 24th September on ZEE5.




Love is a complicated emotion, and it is rarely explored realistically in Indian entertainment. That is exactly what ZEE5 original 'Forbidden Love', an anthology divided into four feature films, brings to the table. It pushes the boundaries of viewer expectations and ideas of a love story with a thrilling twist. Directed by four award winning directors Pradeep Sarkar, Priyadarshan, Anniruddha Roy Chaudhary and Mahesh Manjarekar, this 4-part collaboration is like a dream come true.


The first chapter of the series, which entails two films 'Arranged Marriage' and 'Anamika', is out and we can't get over how brilliant these two films are. The second chapter, that will include 'Rules of the Game' and 'Diagnosis of Love', will premiere on 24th September on ZEE5. Here's what you can expect:

Arranged Marriage

The story titled 'Arranged Marriage' is directed by Pradeep Sarkar, who is the winner of many prestigious awards such as the Abby award, Rapa award, and the National Film award. It stars Ali Fazal, Omkar Kapoor, and Patralekha in lead roles. The story revolves around the trials and tribulations of a homosexual couple and the tightlipped experiences of being one.




The story begins with Neil (Omkar Kapoor) and Dev (Ali Fazal) seated at a dinner table with Neil's family, where his mom is pestering him to get married. The exchanged glances between Dev and Neil and their conversations clue you in on their complicated relationship. Tired of familial pressure, Neil agrees to get married and ends up getting married to Dev's cousin, Kiya (Patralekha).



Unable to capture the attention of her husband, Kiya takes help from her aunt, a psychiatrist who believes homosexuality is a disease. As the story progresses, suspicion and jealousy rise, putting love and dignity to the test. The beautiful background score rises and falls with the story and adds to the intensity. The cinematography is seamless. Ali Fazal, Patralekha, and Omkar Kapoor are incredible in their respective roles and make you question what you stand for.

Watch it here.

Anamika

The second story titled 'Anamika' explores the age dynamic between lovers. It tells the story of a woman who is unhappy with her marriage and falls for a younger, mysterious guy. It is directed by Priyadarshan, who is well known in the Hindi and Malayalam film industries for his thriller, comedy, and period films. He has also successfully adapted many Malayalam films into Bollywood hits such as Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, etc. Priyadarshan's direction is rich and his years of directing experience shines through. The screenplay is detailed and crisp, and doesn't let you off the hook even for a second.

'Anamika' stars Aditya Seal as Ishan, Pooja Kumar as the titular character Anamika and Harsh Chhaya as Anamika's inattentive husband. In a desperate attempt to be happy again, Anamika decides to elope with her young lover. Their love story is told through flashbacks.



Before she elopes, Anamika discovers a piece of news that turns her world upside down, revealing that she was, in fact, just a pawn in a bigger, sinister game. Pooja Kumar's portrayal of a desperate woman clinging on to hope of love is brilliant. Aditya Seal does justice to Ishan and Harsh Chaya is effortless.

Watch it here.

The stories further explore unadulterated jealousy, passion, possessiveness, sex, boundaries, and how far they can be pushed. 'Forbidden Love' is an intriguing, rocky ride. So, leave your inhibitions at the door.



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How years of jobless growth have come back to haunt India during Covid-19 pandemic


Millions of Indians have lost jobs in the formal sector since April due to the economic stress caused by novel coronavirus. However, the pandemic is not the only reason behind the ongoing job crisis in the country.



While economic growth in India had been falling since the beginning of last year, the coronavirus shock in 2020 had an overwhelming impact on India's economy and jobs. (Photo: Reuters/Representational image)

When India's growth was blooming in 2016-17, it earned the tag of the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Even as the country kept clocking impressive growth numbers for successive quarters, economists were worried about one anomaly — jobless growth.

India's rate of jobless growth had emerged as a top concern among economists who had repeatedly questioned how jobs were not growing as fast as the country's GDP.


They warned that the rate of jobless growth could severely impact India's economy which depends heavily on the middle class population, engaged primarily in salaried jobs and entrepreneurship.

While GDP growth in India had been falling since the beginning of last year, the coronavirus shock in 2020 had an overwhelming impact on India's economy and jobs.

The pandemic and consequent lockdown laid bare the fragility of India's formal job market, which has collapsed.


INDIA'S JOBLESS GROWTH HURDLE

Five months into the lockdown, India has witnessed a sharp decline in the number of jobs in the formal sector — the largest source of salaried employment in the country.

Even after unlocking the economy, there has been no improvement in the salaried jobs space. The government has cited the unprecedented economic crisis behind the job situation in the country.

However, the coronavirus pandemic may not be the only reason why salaried jobs — one of the most secure forms of employment — are losing prominence in India.

Unemployment in the country had been a problem since 2017-18. A government job survey, whose publication was delayed just ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha election, showed how the country's unemployment reached a four-decade high of 6.1 per cent in 2017-18.

The report noted that unemployment was higher in urban areas in comparison to rural areas — an indication that salaried jobs have been dwindling in India for at least three years.



FAILED ENTREPRENEURSHIP WAVE

An entrepreneurship wave that started in India a few years ago could be another reason why there has been no growth in salaried jobs in the country, noted the Centre For Monitoring India Economy (CMIE), a Mumbai-based economic think tank.

"Salaried jobs do not seem to grow in tandem with economic growth, or even with an increase in entrepreneurship. But, they are suffering the most during the current economic meltdown," according to a recent article written by CMIE MD and CEO Mahesh Vyas.

"This structure of the working population does not behove a country that has often boasted of being the fastest-growing major economy in the world," he added.

Data show that despite India's rapid growth before 2019, salaried jobs grew at a snail's pace. Salaried jobs grew from 21.2 per cent in 2016-17 to just 21.6 per cent in 2017-18. It inched to 21.9 per cent in 2018-19. India was clocking a real Gross Value Added (GVA) rate of 6-8 per cent per annum all this while.

But the period of jobless growth hit a roadblock in 2019-20 when salaried employment fell to 21.3 per cent. The CMIE explained that the stagnation in the salaried job market in spite of India's economic growth in recent years is not the only anomaly. The CMIE found it "equally odd" that India has been witnessing a rapid increase in entrepreneurship without any increase in salaried jobs.

It is no secret that entrepreneurship has been rising in India over the past years. By FY20, India had over 7.8 crore entrepreneurs. But surprisingly, the increase in entrepreneurship did not add more salaried jobs which remained steady at 8.6 crore.

This indicates that much of the entrepreneurship growth in India was self-employed and consisted only of very small-scale businesses.

The government after coming to power in India had introduced several schemes to promote entrepreneurship in the country including the flagship 'Make in India'. PM Modi had on many occasions encouraged India's growing youth population to become entrepreneurs.

While entrepreneurship did see a rise in India, it is not the kind that helps sustain economic growth, evident by the low job creation. Besides, most startups and entrepreneurs in India struggle to stregthen their base due to a host of challenges, according to a 2019 Observer Research Foundation study.



THE URBAN JOB MELTDOWN

The fact that all salaried jobs put together account for just 21-22 per cent of total employment in India is worrying as it directly impacts a large share of private consumption.

"There are many more farmers than salaried jobs. And, there are even more daily wage labourers. Farmers and daily wage earners together account for nearly two-thirds of the Indian working population," said CMIE.

It indicates that a large part of India's workforce is employed by the informal sector, where it is easy comparatively easier to get jobs. However, such form of employment heavily depends on demand originating from the urban economy, comprising mostly of salaried jobs.

With the sudden meltdown of salaried jobs in India, the informal economy is also feeling the heat with thousands of small-scale traders and hawkers shutting shop.

Only the rural economy has seen a steady rise during the lockdown period as farming became the last resort for those who lost their urban jobs. Most daily wage labourers who were forced to return to their native places were the main reason behind a 14 million rise in farm employment.

However, rural growth is not enough for an economy which needs at least 10 lakh formal jobs to be created every year to support the country's rising youth population.

Salaried job holders working in urban areas are among the worst-hit workers during the coronavirus pandemic in India.

This is a key to understand why private consumption numbers are so poor. Indiatoday.in earlier reported how the sharp dip in demand is directly related to the falling income among middle class households in India.

India lost 2.1 crore salaried jobs by the end of August, down from 8.6 crore in 2019-20 to 6.5 crore last month. "[Around] 21 million salaried job losses cannot be confined to only of the support staff among salaried employees. The damage is likely to be deeper, among industrial workers and also white collar workers," the CMIE said.



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Do not limit education to classroom walls: Prime Minister Narendra Modi


Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the conclave on 'School Education in 21st Century' under the NEP 2020 through video conferencing today.



PM Modi on National Education Policy 2020.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the conclave on 'School Education in 21st Century' under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 through video conferencing today, September 11. While addressing, PM Modi emphasized the National Education Policy and how it will bring changes in the education system of the country. The NEP is the beginning of the new era, and now we will have to ensure its implementation, says PM.



PM Modi mentioned that the Indian Education System had remained unchanged in the last three decades. Therefore, it was critical to bring a new education policy. however, proper implementation needs to be ensured,

"India's education system had remained unchanged in the past three decades. It was critical to bring a new education policy, however, proper implementation needs to be ensured. Questions relating to the implementation and execution are important and critical." PM Modi while addressing the nation.
Important highlights from PM Modi's speech:
PM Modi further added that to ensure better learning, we need to ensure that study is not just limited to the walls of the classroom only. It should be interlinked with the outside world as well. This will impact the lives of students as well as the entire society.

We have to increase easy and innovative methods. Our experiment should be the core of New Age Learning- Engage, Explore, Experience, Express, and Excel.

Mathematical thinking and scientific temperament should develop in children, it is very necessary. And Mathematical thinking does not only mean that children solve Mathematics problems rather it is a way of thinking.


Students should be sensitized and should ask questions, as this will leads to the growth of their curiosity. If a student will look at the practical aspect of their knowledge, they will learn better.

NEP will reduce the syllabus and make learning a fun-based and complete experience. It is also a means of fulfilling new India, new expectations, new requirements.



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No mention of status quo in India-China talks, Rahul Gandhi, Owaisi ask have we given up territory


India and China held bilateral talks amid the bitter standoff between forces of the two country in Ladakh. Despite reaching a consensus, the plan reached by the two countries have failed to mention restoring 'status quo ante'.



Jaishankar and Wang Yi met on the sidelines of the SCO meet in Russia. (File photo)

India and China held bilateral talks amid the ongoing tension in Ladakh border and have reached a consensus for disengagement of troops. However, the five-point roadmap reached by S Jaishankar and Chinese minister Wang Yi has failed to mention 'status quo ante', which has now triggered angry reactions from the Opposition.

India and China have been engaged in a bitter standoff since May along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh and have consistently failed to resolve the dispute despite several rounds of military-level talks. On Thursday, as the two ministers met in Russia, both agreed that the present border situation goes against the interests of India and China.

India and China have agreed on a five-point plan that includes quick disengagement of troops and avoiding any action that could escalate tensions in order to resolve the prolonged faceoff in eastern Ladakh.

However, the detailed roadmap has failed to mention 'status quo ante', which is restoration of the LAC to its previous state in April before the confrontation started with Chinese deployment of forces.



Government sources have said that India "would not countenance any attempt to change the status quo unilaterally", but has failed to talk on the restoration of status quo, which has been a demand throughout the conflict.

Reacting to the non-mention, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, "The Chinese have taken our land. When exactly is GOI planning to get it back? Or is that also going to be left to an 'Act of God'?"


AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also raised multiple questions saying, "We have seen the joint statement of the foreign ministers. Why has @DrSJaishankar not asked for a return to the status quo ante as of April, on the LAC in Ladakh? Or does he agree with his boss, the @PMOIndia that no Chinese soldier is on our side of the LAC?"



"What new has been agreed upon in the meeting that will allow the talks between military commanders to succeed now? The government should clarify this. Military talks have not led anywhere so far and they should not be made to bear the burden of political failure @rajnathsingh," said Owaisi in another tweet.

In the talks between Jaishankar and Wang Yi, India raised its concerns regarding the massive troop deployment made by China along the borders in Ladakh and has also pointed at the violations in the agreements it has caused. The Chinese side could not provide a credible explanation for the troop buildup, sources said on Friday.




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9/11 anniversary: In a year of restrictions, coronavirus pandemic changes September 11 too


The 19th anniversary of the terror attacks will be marked by dueling ceremonies at the Sept. 11 memorial plaza and a corner near the World Trade Center, reflecting a divide over the memorial's decision to suspend a cherished tradition of relatives reading victims' names in person.


In New York, the double beams of light that evoke the fallen twin towers were nearly canceled in the name of virus safety, until an uproar restored the tribute. (File photo: AP)

In a year when the coronavirus pandemic has reshaped countless American rituals, even the commemoration of 9/11 could not escape unchanged.

The 19th anniversary of the terror attacks will be marked by dueling ceremonies at the Sept. 11 memorial plaza and a corner near the World Trade Center, reflecting a divide over the memorial's decision to suspend a cherished tradition of relatives reading victims' names in person. Vice President Mike Pence is expected at both those remembrances in New York, and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden at the observance on the memorial plaza.

President Donald Trump and Biden both plan to go to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania - at different times. Trump is speaking at a morning ceremony, with Biden paying respects in the afternoon.

Read: 18 years after 9/11 terror attacks, are we in a safer world?

In New York, the double beams of light that evoke the fallen twin towers were nearly canceled in the name of virus safety, until an uproar restored the tribute. The Fire Department has cited the virus in urging members to skip observances of the 2001 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people, among them almost 350 firefighters.

Some victims' relatives say they understand the ground zero observance had to change in a year when so much else has. Others fear the pandemic is making plain what they have feared was happening unspoken: that the commitment to "Never Forget" is fading.

"It's another smack in the face," says Jim Riches, who lost his son Jimmy, a firefighter.

The father is staying home on the anniversary for the first time this year because he doesn't want to take chances with the coronavirus after a prior illness. But he feels others should have the option of reciting the names of the dead on the memorial plaza, instead of listening to a recording.



Memorial leaders said they wanted to avoid close contact among readers, who are usually paired at the podium. But to Riches, a retired fire battalion chief and frequent critic of the memorial organization, the decision sounds like an excuse for sidelining the families' role in commemorating 9/11.

"I wish they wouldn't forget, but they're trying to," he says.

But Anthoula Katsimatides sees the differences this year as an effort to ensure victims' relatives feel comfortable attending - including her mother, who hasn't left home since March because health issues make her especially worried about the virus. But she is determined to go in honor of her son John, a bond trader, her daughter said.

While many events have been called off this year, "this wasn't canceled. It's just been changed in such a way where we still get to pay tribute to our loved ones in a respectful and safe way," said Katsimatides, who's on the memorial board. She says the change wasn't motivated by anything except a public health emergency.

"Who expected COVID-19? ... It was completely unforeseen. As was 9/11," she said.

This year's plans have been a balancing act at the sites where hijacked planes piloted by al-Qaida terrorists crashed on Sept. 11, 2001: New York, the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The Flight 93 memorial near Shanksville is trimming its usual 90-minute ceremony, partly by eliminating musical interludes. Memorial spokeswoman Katherine Cordek said victims' names would be read, but by one person instead of multiple family members.

Military leaders will conduct the Pentagon's ceremony without victims' families in attendance, and their loved ones' names will be recited by a recording, rather than readers on-site. Victims' relatives can visit the Pentagon's memorial in small groups later Friday.

In New York - where the nation's deadliest coronavirus spike happened early this spring but has since been fairly well contained - leaders of the National Sept. 11 Memorial & Museum said their plan for a no-reading ceremony would honor both virus precautions and 9/11 families' attachment to being at ground zero on the anniversary.

But another 9/11-related organization, the Stephen Stiller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, quickly arranged its own simultaneous ceremony a few blocks away, saying victims' relatives could recite names while keeping a safe distance.

"We need to keep letting America know what happened 19 years ago. And they need to see that emotion of the day, not a recording," says chairman Frank Siller. He says he may attend both observances to honor the brother he lost, firefighter Stephen.

Meanwhile, Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro told current firefighters in a memo last month that the department "strongly recommends" members not participate in 9/11 observances. The department did hold a limited-attendance ceremony Wednesday to add names to a memorial wall recognizing members who died after exposure to toxins unleashed in the wreckage.



Tensions over anniversary plans flared anew when the memorial announced last month it was nixing the Tribute in Light, twin blue beams that shine into the night sky over lower Manhattan. While there's no official gathering to view the lights, the memorial cited virus risks to the installation crew.

The cancellation outraged some victims' relatives, police and fire unions and politicians, who noted that construction sites around the city were deemed safe to reopen months ago. After the Tunnel to Towers foundation said it would organize the display on its own, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and former Mayor Mike Bloomberg, the memorial's billionaire chairman, stepped in to keep the memorial-sponsored lights on. (Tunnel to Towers is now stationing lights at the Flight 93 memorial and the Pentagon.)

Memorial President Alice Greenwald later said the organization "should have approached this issue differently."

Still, the memorial's moves fanned mistrust among some 9/11 victims' relatives who wonder how long the name-reading and other observances will continue.

Katismatides, the board member, foresees the ceremony returning to normal next year.

Debra Epps has been to the ground zero ceremony every year. She said it means a lot to her to read names and add a few words in tribute to her brother Christopher, an accountant.

Still, she thinks the memorial was right to forgo the live name-reading this year. The virus has her concerned enough that she's not planning to attend.

"It really is a hard decision to make, but I know that we're still in this pandemic," said Epps, who works in health care.

"I will remember my brother, no matter what," she said.



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Covid-19 possible second wave as India unlocks: How ready is healthcare system?


The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has emerged at a time when India is almost fully unlocked from coronavirus restrictions. The cases are likely to rise further. Is healthcare system ready to deal with second wave situation?



A health worker in Delhi holding blood sample for coronavirus antibody test in Delhi as the city witnesses a second wave of Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo: PTI)

India is witnessing a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Randeep Guleria, the director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), ended speculation over the existence of a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in an interview to India Today.

"Yes, we are seeing a resurgence of cases. We can say that we are seeing some sort of a second wave in certain parts of the country," Dr Guleria told India Today TV's Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai.

This statement assumes significance in the wake of a fresh sharp jump in confirmed cases of Covid-19 from states such as Maharashtra, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Odisha, among others. The second wave is a reality at least in some parts of India.

Delhi's coronavirus situation is more pronounced with the city reporting the highest single-day spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in almost two months. The fresh spike in cases across worst-affected states has pushed the country's daily Covid-19 caseload to over 90,000 placing India on the second position in the world in terms of total recorded coronavirus infections.

Dr Randeep Guleria said the trend of rising cases indicates that the Covid-19 curve may not flatten very soon. He expects cases to rise further over the next few months and continue into early next year.

COVID-19 PLUS FINANCIAL PANDEMIC

India is a facing a dual challenge. Along with the Covid-19 pandemic, the country is also battling a financial pandemic. India's GDP has crashed at the worst rate in several decades.


Unemployment is high, which reflected in the continued worrying consumption level. Inflation has shot up. Private investment is negligible. The government does not have enough money to spend. And, it is not willing to risk increasing the fiscal deficit further.

Following the "strictest" coronavirus lockdown from March-end to early May, India has been unlocking itself as a policy response to Covid-19. The unlock policy banks on the principle that "we need to learn to live with Covid-19". Now, with Unlock-4, almost the whole of India is open. The only restricted areas are containment zones.

Under Unlock-4, the only public places shut are cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks and theatres (excluding open air theatres). The new unlock phases coincides with a certain lockdown fatigue being seen among the population - people appear tired of compulsorily wearing a mask, and following social distancing and personal hygiene norms.

UNLOCK-4 MAY FUEL COVID-19 FURTHER

Such an unlock position offers fertile ground for further spread of infection during a pandemic situation. Incidentally, the second wave has come at a time when unlock phases have expanded the scope of increased public activity.

Just like the first wave, a question is being asked again: Is India's healthcare system ready to deal with the Covid-19 situation?

For record, India has a weak healthcare system despite medical tourism being one of the selling points over the past few years. The healthcare facilities in India are largely concentrated in big urban centres, and in private hands.

The problem now is the Covid-19 pandemic is spreading to rural areas of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Kerala.


A health worker collecting swab sample from a homeless person in Delhi for Covid-19 test in the wake of second wave of the pandemic in the city. (Photo: PTI)
IS INDIA'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM READY?

Based on numbers, India does not produce enough doctors. During the pre-Covid-19 era, India faced a shortage of 5 lakh doctors. The World Health Organisation (WHO) prescribes a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:1,000. But India has a doctor-patient ratio of 1:1,596.

This means for every 1000 people seeking medical treatment there is less than one doctor (0.62). The situation is worse in rural areas.

If only government hospital doctors are included, India has one allopathic government doctor for every 10,926 people, according to the National Health Profile 2019 of the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI).

It is estimated that about 70 per cent of all patients in India approach private doctors, clinics or private hospitals for treatment. However, private sector healthcare has not been of much help in dealing with the Covid-19 challenge, certainly not in the rural areas.

The government invoked the National Disaster Management Act of 2005 to deal with the medical situation arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country. The Act empowers it to take over management of private institutions - something that several state governments did in the early phases of the spread of Covid-19. Many such private premises were later released as unlock phases progressed.

Now, there is pressure on the available healthcare infrastructure in the country to tackle the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic. In its mid-pandemic report, the Fitch Solutions Country Risk and Industry Research - a unit of the Fitch Group - warned that sudden increase in funding may not be enough to strengthen India's healthcare system.

It said, "The continued lack of medical funding and healthcare infrastructure inform out view for the potential pandemic to be worse in India if it is not adequately contained." The current state of Covid-19 pandemic in India affirms what was suspected.

THE WAY FORWARD

The strict coronavirus lockdown - which was apparently based on a now-proven erroneous theory that a complete lockdown will stop spread of the virus - was a success in itself. Economic activities came to a halt and people followed the restrictions more religiously than it was anticipated. But the lockdown only delayed the oncoming of the bigger Covid-19 crisis.

Now that India is grappling with the second Covid-19 wave experts suggest that the government should focus on three basic aspects of pandemic protocol.

One, the government should strengthen the mechanism for early detection and containment of patient and disease.

Two, healthcare capacity should be built factoring in the need for a strategic reserve of healthcare professionals, medical supplies including PPE kits and strong service delivery systems for containment zones, particularly in rural India.

Three, massive awareness campaigns should be undertaken to enforce preventive measures of wearing a mask, social distancing protocol and maintaining person hygiene, and ensure compliance at reopening public places including public transport.




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China targets press cards for some US media: Reports


China has suspended full renewal of press cards for some journalists at US media outlets, a report has claimed.



(Photo for represnetation)

China has reportedly suspended full renewal of press accreditation for some journalists at US media outlets in apparent retribution for Washington's targeting of Chinese reporters working in the United States.

The moves are the latest manifestation of the deteriorating state of U.S.-China relations that have fallen to their lowest level in decades.

Atlanta-based CNN said in a story on its website that China correspondent David Culver was among those told of the new arrangement while applying to renew his foreign ministry-issued press credentials.

CNN said he was given a letter authorising him to continue reporting for the next two months instead of the usual one-year press card. He was told the move was unrelated to his reporting but was merely a reciprocal measure in response to the actions of the Trump administration toward Chinese media.

There was no immediate response from China's foreign ministry.

CNN and The New York Times reported that other U.S. media have also been targeted. China's move comes after the U.S. capped the number of Chinese citizens who could be employed by some Chinese media outlets at 100 and placed all on 90-day visas.

China first responded in March by expelling reporters from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. Those affected have been both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens.

The U.S. moves were fed by complaints that Chinese journalists working for state media acted more as propagandists and agents for the Communist Party than as genuine reporters. The U.S. had already required those outlets to register as foreign entities with the U.S., similar to consulates and embassies.


They also come against the backdrop of worsening U.S.-China relations on a range of issues, including human rights, trade, technology, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the South China Sea and Chinese treatment of its Muslim minority in the northwestern region of Xinjiang.

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https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/sites/all/themes/itg/logo.png?v=1.3

The Centre owes the states Rs 3 lakh crore in GST compensation for 2020-21. Unable to pay its dues, it says it will 'allow states to borrow' the funds from the market, leaving many state governments outraged 



Nirmala Sitharaman chairs the GST Council meeting on August 27. (ANI Photo)

The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime was fraught with contradictions and confrontations—it took 17 years of work to draft the law and get it implemented. And even in the final stages, just before the GST became a reality, there were many meetings that went on for hours as the then finance minister, Arun Jaitley, spoke to chief ministers and state finance ministers about the 'spirit of cooperative federalism', convincing them to make the 'one nation-one tax' a reality. Nonetheless, the GST remains a contentious issue, with the latest problem relating to compensation owed by the Centre to state governments.

In signing on to the GST, state governments gave up the power to levy indirect taxes, on the promise that the Centre would compensate them for any revenue shortfall caused by the shift to the new tax regime. This was an essential part of the agreement, with fears of a revenue shortfall leading to much resistance from state governments. The shortfall was to be assessed according to a revenue projection assuming a growth rate of 14 per cent in GST revenues—this assumed some GST buoyancy and nominal GDP growth.

Three years on, GST tax collections have not been buoyant, and the GST cess, which was to finance the revenue compensation to the states, has also failed to garner enough funds, a result of the economic slowdown that had set in even before the pandemic, as well as the result of the Covid-lockdown. Indirect taxes—comprising union excise duties, service tax, customs duty, central GST, union territory GST, integrated GST and GST compensation cess—showed a sharp contraction of -52.5 per cent in the April-May quarter of this fiscal year, compared to a contraction of -4 per cent in the same period last year. The compensation owed by the Centre to the states for 2020-21 is estimated at about Rs 3 lakh crore. Of this, the Centre says it can pay only about Rs 65,000 crore via the GST compensation cess funds, and that it cannot pay the remaining Rs 2.35 lakh crore.


The Centre also claims that of the Rs 2.35 lakh crore shortfall, only Rs 97,000 crore can be claimed as GST compensation, with the remaining Rs 1.38 lakh crore being losses arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, which it terms as an 'act of God'. In the GST council meeting held on August 27, the Centre offered state governments two options to 'make up the shortfall'. Under the first option, states will be allowed to borrow Rs 97,000 crore from the market by issuing debt via a special window coordinated by the ministry of finance. This borrowing will not be counted as part of the states' debt for debt calculations, and the repayment of both principal and interest charges will be done from the GST compensation fund. This option also involves the states accepting the Centre's position that it is only liable for Rs 97,000 crore of additional payments. Under the second option, in which states demand the full Rs 2.35 lakh crore, the Centre will permit them to borrow the full amount from the market, but only the principal amount will be paid from the compensation fund—states will have to bear the interest costs on their own.

This decision by the GST council has sparked fierce protests from state governments, who say that it is the Centre's responsibility to make up the shortfall. The arm-twisting by the Centre on its unpaid bill has also led many to review what 'cooperative federalism' really means. Immediately after the GST council meeting, Punjab finance Minister Manpreet Badal shot off a letter to Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, rejecting the Centre's two borrowing options outright and asking her to reconsider the decision announced by the GST council. Punjab has among the highest GST-deficits in the country, with compensation worth Rs 6,500 crore due from the Centre. Even so, many other state finance ministers followed with protests of their own, including West Bengal's Amit Mitra, Delhi's Manish Sisodia, Chhattisgarh's T.S. Singh Deo and Kerala's Thomas Isaac publicly opposing the Centre's plan. Even finance ministers from BJP-ruled states privately say that the two borrowing options are 'impractical'. "States don't have capacity to take on additional debt," argues a finance minister from a BJP-ruled state, requesting anonymity.

Even economists argue that—leaving the question of how much states are actually owed aside—the Centre is in a better position to mobilise funds. "This is not the time to further burden the states," says an economist, requesting anonymity, pointing out that states might as a result be forced to cut back on capital expenditure or borrow at higher interest rates. "The GST compensation amount they are claiming is what they were promised by the Centre, unless there was a pandemic clause. Forcing the states to borrow rather than paying them their dues will make their financial position more critical."


"Monetisation of state debt is not exactly possible in the current circumstances," said Soumya Kanti Ghosh, chief economic advisor at the State Bank of India. "It is better if the Centre monetises the debt and gives it to the states. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will also be [more] comfortable dealing with the Centre, rather than dealing with close to 30 sub-national entities." (While the RBI is the banker for all states, it doesn't invest in state government loans either in primary issues or in the secondary market.)

As a result of revenue shortfalls, state budgets are already in a precarious position. In April, to ease the financial pressure, the RBI had extended the limits for Ways and Means Advances (a loan facility that allows governments to borrow from the RBI to make up for temporary mismatches in revenue and expenditure) by 60 per cent. However, this is expressly a short-term measure—the funds have to be returned within 90 days. Experts say that unless the terms of these loans are changed, by increasing the borrowing period to a year and making the loans interest free, state governments are unlikely to make much use of this option. RBI data shows that only 13 states had availed of this facility, with the accounts of 10 going into overdraft. Most states want funding right away, to restart stalled infrastructure projects once the monsoon season comes to an end, around September 15.

Describing the GST council's decision on August 27 as a violation of the GST Act, Punjab finance minister Badal described the Centre's two borrowing options as 'a betrayal of the spirit of cooperative federalism', asking for the issue to be discussed again at the next meeting of the GST council. He also suggested that a Group of Ministers be constituted to study the issue and recommend solutions in a time-bound manner.

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Vodafone Idea launches unified brand 'Vi'; shares zoom over 4%


Vodafone Idea announced the launch of a new unified brand 'Vi' after the two telcom giants merged in 2018.



Shares of the telecom company rose by over 2 per cent after the rebranding plan was made public. (Photo: Reuters)

Vodafone Idea on Monday announced a unified brand identity to strengthen its position as a major telecom provider in India. Following the rebranding, Vodafone Idea will be known as 'Vi' (pronounced as We) and will also sport a new logo.

The unified brand identity marks the culmination of the largest telecom integration in the world, said a press release by the company. The unified brand is likely to focus on a digital-first environment to target India's growing mobile user base.

Commenting on the development, Ravinder Takkar, MD and CEO, Vodafone Idea Limited said, "Vodafone Idea came together as a merged entity two years ago. We have, since then focused on integrating the two large networks, our people and processes. And today, I am delighted to present Vi."

Read | Why SC order on adjusted gross revenue dues is a temporary reprieve for telecom firms

Takkar went on to explain that the unified brand will focus on improving digital services for customers in India.

Shares of the telecom company rose by over 4 per cent after the rebranding plan was made public.

It is worth mentioning that the rebranding was announced amidst increased compititon and stress in the country's telecom sector.

The development comes soon after the telecom firm's board agreed to raise Rs 25,000 crore through share sale and other strategic measures, aimed at clearing AGR dues as directed by the Supreme Court.

The companies move is likely aimed at creating a single brand to reduce costs and pose a bigger challenge to the two other major telecom companies in the country.


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Malaika Arora tests coronavirus positive after Arjun Kapoor


Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor took to social media to inform their fans that they've tested positive for the novel coronavirus.



Both Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor have tested positive for Covid-19. Photo: Instagram

Malaika Arora has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The actress took to Instagram today (September 7) to inform her fans that she has tested positive for Covid-19, is asymptomatic and is currently home-quarantined. On September 6, Malaika's boyfriend Arjun Kapoor took to social media to inform that he has tested coronavirus positive.

Malaika Arora shared a note on Instagram that read, "Today I have tested positive for coronavirus but I want to inform you all that I am feeling fine. I am asymptomatic and following all the required protocols and will be quarantined at home as instructed by my doctor and authorities. I request all of you to stay calm and safe. Thank you for all you support. Much love, Malaika."

Here's the post:




According to reports, the shoot of India's Best Dancer has been halted after Malaika Arora tested coronavirus positive. Malaika is a co-judge on India's Best Dancer.

Earlier, a few staff members of Arjun Kapoor's father Boney Kapoor were also tested positive for the coronavirus.




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Video of man and little girl enacting a dolphin to make it laugh goes viral


A video of a man and a little girl making a dolphin laugh has gone viral on the internet. Netizens are in love.



Snips from the viral video. Photo: Twitter/ Nature Is Lit

Have you ever wondered how does a dolphin laugh? No, right. But a video that shows a dolphin laughing in an aquarium is creating all the rage on the internet right now.

The video that we are talking about was shared by Twitter account, Nature Is Lit with the caption, "Toddler making a dolphin laugh (sic)." And it is exactly that.


The 24-second video that has been shot in an aquarium, shows an adult picking up a toddler and moving the baby like a fish in the air. The dolphin that is looking at the duo, laughs as the man moves the baby in the air.

Every time the man moves the baby, the dolphin has a hearty laugh. All three can be seen having a gala time in the video.

This is the most adorable thing on the internet and Twitter agrees with us. The video became a sensation as soon as it was shared and was viewed over 102.4k times. Have a look at some of the comments gushing about the video.



The clip had more than 8.3k likes and more than 1.6k retweets.




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Sanjay Raut: Those saying Shiv Sena insults women have themselves insulted Mumbai, Mumba Devi


Sanjay Raut said Shiv Sena will continue to fight for the pride of women, while adding that those making allegations against the party have themselves insulted Mumbai, Mumba Devi.



Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut. (Photo: PTI)

Amid the continuing face-off between actor Kangana Ranaut and Shiv Sena, MP Sanjay Raut on Monday alleged that some with malicious intent are spreading misinformation that the party insulted women.

In a veiled attack on actor Kangana Ranaut, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut posted a photo of a statement on Twitter on Monday in which he claimed that attempts are being made to defame the party.

"Shiv Sena follows the ideology of great Hindutva icons Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Great Maharana Pratap. They have taught us to respect women. But some malicious intent are spreading misinformation that Shiv Sena has insulted women," Sanjay Raut said in a statement. "But one should not forget the fact that those making these allegations have themselves insulted Mumbai and our deity Mumba Devi," Sanjay Raut wrote.

Saying the Shiv Sena will continue to fight for the pride of women, Sanjay Raut said, "This is what our great Shiv Sena supremo has taught us."


This came a day after he Kangana Ranaut slammed Sanjay Raut for "abusive" remarks.

Kangana Ranaut posted a video on Twitter with caption "Sanjay Ji, I have full freedom of expression, I have the freedom to go anywhere in my country. I am free". "Sanjay Raut Shiv Sena leader has given me an open threat and asked me not to come back to Mumbai after Aazadi graffitis in Mumbai streets and now open threats, why Mumbai is feeling like Pakistan occupied Kashmir (sic)?" Kangana Ranaut said in a tweet.

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Kangana Ranaut on Sunday said, "You abused me. You are a political leader, you must be very well aware that, in this country, how many girls are being raped and exploited every hour".


"Acid is thrown on them, their bodies are cut, they are abused at their workplaces, their own husbands assault them. Do you know who is responsible for all of this? It is this mentality of yours that you have brazenly displayed in front of the entire society," Kangana Ranaut said.

"Daughters of this country will not forgive you, Sanjay Ji," the actor said.

The bitter spat between Kangana Ranaut and Sanjay Raut begun when the Sena MP Sanjay slammed Kangana in Shiv Sena's mouthpiece Saamana and wrote that the Ranaut's 'treachery' was shameful, considering that she criticises the Mumbai Police despite making a living in the city. "We kindly request her not to come to Mumbai. This is nothing but an insult to Mumbai police. The Home Ministry should take action over it," Sanjay had written.

Y-puls security for Kangana Ranaut

Kangana Ranaut, meanwhile, has been given Y-plus category security by central security agencies.

The decision was taken in view of a renewed threat to the actor after Kangana Ranaut spoke about drug use among a section in the film industry following the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

The Union Home Ministry decided to accord Kangana Ranaut Y-plus category security through one of the paramilitary personnel, a home ministry official said.

The Y-plus category central cover entails deployment of about 10 armed commandos with the protectee, the official said.




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Coronavirus tracker: State-wise data, daily trends, patients recovered, deaths and more


India Today Covid-19 tracker: Get latest update on Covid-19 cases, geographical spread of coronavirus, state-wise numbers, daily trends, active cases, patients recovered and deaths.



Follow India Today's Covid19 tracker for latest updates on novel coronavirus cases in India and state-wise data. (Cover designed by: Nishwan Rasool/IndiaToday)

HIGHLIGHTS
The number of Covid-19 cases in India has crossed 39.36 lakh
Maharashtra, Gujarat & Tamil Nadu continue to be the worst-affected states
Maharashtra alone accounts for around 21% of Covid-19 cases in India

Coronavirus India tracker: The number of people who have tested positive for Covid-19 in India has crossed 39.36 lakh and the country has the third highest coronavirus cases in the world, besides being the biggest epicenter of Covid-19 cases in Asia. For the past 10 days, more than 60,900 cases have been reported in India every day. On September 3, India saw its highest single-day spike with 83,883 new cases being reported. Thirty-five of the country's 36 states and Union Territories have reported Covid-19 cases so far. Only Lakshadweep has not reported any case so far.

However, despite all this, the central government continues to maintain that community transmission has yet not taken place in India.

According to the latest data put out by the Union health ministry, as on September 4, the number of Covid-19 cases in India was 39,36,747, of which 30,37,151 have recovered and 68,472 have died so far.

Among states, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are the hotspots for Covid-19 cases. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Karnatka have also reported the highest number of Covid-19 deaths, accounting for more than 65 per cent of the country's Covid-19 toll.

The scale of this health emergency is such that a country inhabited by nearly 1.3 billion people had been under a severe lockdown from March 25 till May end. This was by far the biggest lockdown in the world. However, with cases continuing to rise, states after states have gradually started going back to the lockdown phase to restrict the spread of the viral infection.

This health emergency has put immense pressure on the country's healthcare system and the economy has been severely disrupted. The International Monetary Fund has predicted that India's GDP growth for 2020-21 will fall to 1.9 per cent, while the global economy is expected to suffer a loss of $9 trillion.

To help explain the scale of the coronavirus outbreak in India, IndiaToday.in brings to you this daily tracker on Covid-19 cases in India.

(Figures and charts used in this report are updated daily and are based on the data displayed on the website of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Individual state governments may have different numbers. (Read footnote for details on our methodology.))



Coronavirus cases: The national picture

The geographical spread of coronavirus outbreak in India has now extended to 35 states and Union Territories with Sikkim being the latest to report a Covid-19 case.

The first Covid-19 case in India was reported on January 30 in Kerala's Thrissur district. The patient, a student studying in Wuhan, China (the epicentre of the novel coronavirus pandemic), had returned home on account of the Lunar New Year festivities in China.

In a span of four days, two other cases were reported in Kerala--in Kasaragod and Alappuzha districts--prompting the state government to declare a state-level emergency on February 3. These two patients were also students who had returned from China.

Following detection, the three patients were immediately put in isolation at state medical facilities and over 3,400 people who were suspected to have come in their contact were quarantined and observed for novel coronavirus-related symptoms. Days later, the three patients were discharged upon recovery.

The second batch of Covid-19 cases was reported in the first week of March in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Bengaluru.





How Covid-19 cases are rising in India

As mentioned above, the first Covid-19 case in India was reported on January 30 in Kerala's Thrissur district and by February 3, India had three confirmed Covid-19 cases.

India did not see any new case for nearly a month, until March 2 when two positive cases were reported, one each in Delhi and Hyderabad. Both the patients had a travel history to countries already affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The graph below shows the trend that Covid-19 cases have followed in India.





Good news! People are recovering too

While the number of new Covid-19 cases in India have been rising rapidly with tens of new cases being reported, there is also some positive news.

Some of the patients who were admitted and put in isolation after they tested positive for Covid-19, have recovered and been discharged.

The first three cases in India were reported in Kerala between January 30 and February 3 and were put under isolation. However, later in February they recovered and were discharged.

Since then, more patients have recovered in India.



India's first 50 Covid-19 cases

While most patients in India have had a travel history to countries that have reported a high number of Covid-19 cases, of late there have also been many cases where local transmission (i.e. people contracting the disease in India) has been reported.

IndiaToday.in had earlier analysed travel histories of the first 50 Covid-19 patients in India. Our analysis showed that 39 of them had a travel history to a country that was already affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The remaining 11 contracted the disease through local transmission in India.



These first 50 Covid-19 cases were reported from: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, J&K and Ladakh.

The global picture

The interactive dashboard below has been prepared by the World Health Organisation and monitors Covid-19 cases on a daily basis. You can explore the dashboard to find global trends and developments in regards to the coronavius pandemic.



(NOTES ON METHODOLOGY:

How we collect data?

The figures used in this report are based on the numbers put out by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The ministry collects data from individual states and keeps updating the tally on its website multiple times in a day. But since there is no fixed time when these numbers are updated, we don't update our numbers throughout the day. Instead, we take the numbers that are available on the ministry's website at 11.59pm every day. Besides this, at times the ministry's website releases an overall figure with a note saying state-wise details are awaited. For our report, we DO NOT take the overall figure unless it matches with the state-wise breakup.

*Since May 6, the Union Health Ministry has decided to issue only one daily bulletin on Covid-19. It is released at 8 am every day.

Any limitations in this?

While this method helps us track Covid-19 cases in an ordered manner with state wise numbers for each date, it has certain limitations. Unlike the World Health Organisation that releases a daily situation report, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare doesn't.

Besides this, it is possible that a case that was declared positive by a state government on Monday, was not reflected in the central government's numbers for that day because there was a delay in the state submitting its report to the Centre. (There have been such instances. Example: The first case in West Bengal was reflected in the Centre's list one day after the state government announced it.)

In such cases, the case would be reflected in the Centre's list on the next day (i.e. Tuesday, a day after it was actually detected). For the sake of uniformity, in this report we are strictly following the numbers put out by the central government. However, despite this limitation (in terms of occasional delayed reporting), the methodology we have adopted ensures all cases that have been detected are added in our figures.



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When Novak Djokovic hit back at reporter for asking questions on his on-court outbursts


Novak Djokovic's temper resulted in his disqualification from US Open 2020 on Sunday after he accidentally hit a line judge with a tennis ball during his round 4 match.




HIGHLIGHTS

• Novak Djokovic got disqualified from US Open 2020 for hitting a line judge with the ball
• Novak Djokovic has been fined on numerous occasions for his on-court outbursts
• Leaving the court was the toughest moment in Novak Djokovic's career: Boris Becker

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic venting out his frustration on tour during matches is not new. The world number one has a long history of smashing racquets on court particularly during Grand Slam tournaments.

On Sunday, Djokovic's temper resulted in his disqualification from US Open 2020 after he accidentally hit a line judge with a tennis ball in frustration during his round 4 match at Flushing Meadows.

The incident could have turned ugly but thankfully, the female line judge recovered from the blow on her throat. Djokovic apologised for his behaviour and pleaded that he didn't do it intentionally but the tournament officials were having none of it.

The Grand Slam rules state: "Players shall not at any time physically abuse any official, opponent, spectator or other person within the precincts of the tournament site.

"The referee, in consultation with the Grand Slam chief of supervisors may declare a default for either a single violation of this code."

Djokovic later issued an apology on social media. But fact of the matter is that this was long due.

Djokovic has always been in the news for his on-court outbursts and it was about time something like this happened.

Djokovic had done something similar in 2016 during the French Open in Paris but fortunately for him, he escaped getting defaulted after smashing his racquet on court which fell very near a line judge.


He was later questioned about the incident by a reporter after the match which further infuriated Djokovic.


Even his former coach Boris Becker accepted that Djokovic has this reputation of hitting tennis balls in anger and called the US Open 2020 moment the worst of the 17-time Grand Slam champion's career.

"Thankfully there were no people, no spectators, but he has a habit sometimes of hitting the ball in the stands. Frustrations started boiling up," Becker said.

"Maybe leaving the court at the end was the toughest moment in Novak Djokovic's career," Becker, a former U.S. Open champion, said.



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Chandrayaan-3 to be launched in 2021 sans orbiter, images suggest Moon rusting along poles


Unlike its predecessor, Chandrayaan-3 will only have a lander and a rover but not an orbiter. At the same time, ISRO is also preparing for its first ever human space mission Gaganyaan.



File photo of Chandrayaan-2 (Photo Credits: PTI)

Chandrayaan-3 is likely to be launched in early 2021 instead of the second half of 2020 as suggested by the government. Union Minister Jitendra Singh made the announcement on Sunday while adding that India's mission to Moon will include a rover and a lander but not an orbiter like its predecessor.

Following the hard landing of Chandrayaan-2 in September of last year, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had mentioned its plans of launching another mission to the moon by the end of 2020. However, the novel coronavirus pandemic has led to a delay in the launch of Chandrayaan-3.

Aimed at the Moon's South Pole, Chandrayaan-2 was launched on July 22, 2019. The Vikram hard-landed on the lunar surface on September 7. Officials have confirmed that despite the setback, the orbiter is in working condition and is able to transmit data back to earth.

Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (MoS) for Department of Space said Chandrayaan-1 which was ISRO's maiden mission to the Moon has transmitted images suggesting Moon may be rusting along the poles.

"The sign of this finding is that even though the surface of the Moon is known to have iron-rich rocks, it is not known for the presence of water and oxygen, which are the two elements needed to interact with iron to create rust," Jitendra Singh said.

This could also be a sign that the Earth's atmosphere is sheltering the moon as well, scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said. They further added, "Thus, the Chandrayaan-1 Moon data indicates that the Moon's poles are home to water, this is what the scientists are trying to decipher."



At the same time, India is also gearing up for its first-ever Human Space mission Gaganyaan for which training processes and other procedures are currently underway.

Minister Jitendra Singh said, "Constraints due to the COVID pandemic led to some disruptions in the plan for Gaganyaan but efforts are going on to stick to the timeline of around 2022."



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Earthquake of 3.5 magnitude hits Mumbai


An earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter Scale hit Mumbai city in Maharashtra on Monday at around 8 am. The earthquake tremors were felt 102 km north of Mumbai.



Earthquake of magnitude 3.5 hit Mumbai on Monday morning (Photo: seismo.gov.in)

Amild earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter Scale hit Mumbai on Monday at around 8 am. The earthquake tremors were felt 102 km north of Mumbai, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). There was no report of loss of life or injuries due to the earthquake that hit Mumbai city on Monday morning.

"Earthquake of Magnitude:3.5, Occurred on 07-09-2020, 08:07:19 IST, Lat: 19.99 & Long: 72.80, Depth: 5 Km ,Location: 102km N of Mumbai, Maharashtra," the NCS said.

On Saturday, four low-intensity earthquakes were experienced in Palghar district of Maharashtra. The tremors were recorded from Friday night till the early hours of Saturday, an official said.

The first earthquake of 4.0 magnitude was felt in Dahanu tehsil at 11.41 pm, while the second one of 3.6 magnitude was recorded at 12.05 am in Talasari tehsil and the last one measuring 2.7 on Richter scale was record at 6.36 am, chief of Palghar district disaster control cell Vivekanand Kadam said.



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Sons leave 82-year-old mother in fields after she tests coronavirus positive in Telangana


As coronavirus cases rise in Telangana, an 82-year-old woman was forced to live in an isolated makeshift shed in a field after she tested positive for Covid-19 and was abandoned by her sons in Warangal.



Telangana has reported over 1,800 new coronavirus cases. (PTI)

As coronavirus cases rise in Telangana, an 82-year-old woman was forced to live in an isolated makeshift shed in a field after she tested positive for Covid-19 and was abandoned by her sons in Warangal.

Lacchamma is the mother of four sons and a daughter and is unable to move without a walker. She was found passing her days near an agricultural well in Peechara village of Veleru Mandal.

The old woman developed symptoms of coronavirus and later she was found infected with the virus. Fearing the spread, her four sons abandoned her near the well on Saturday.

Her daughter later learnt about the condition of her mother and the inhuman behaviour of her brothers and rushed to the village to take care of her ailing mother.

Telangana reported 1,802 new coronavirus cases and 9 deaths in the past 24 hours. Total cases in the state has gone to 1,42,771 while 895 people have died so far. Telangana has 31,635 active cases till Monday.




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OPPO F17 Pro Brings a trailblazing sleekest design and 6 AI-Camera Setup in a device tailor-made for trendsetters


With the sleekest design in the market and a mind-blowing 6 AI camera setup, the OPPO F17 Pro promises to be the trendsetter of 2020.



OPPO's F series is renowned for its blend of amazing design and functionality that gives you bang for your buck. The trendsetting series came into existence in 2016, and ever since then, it has been laying the foundation of era-defining smartphones that are simply one-of-their-kind. The F17 Pro adds a new dimension to this legendary series, making high-class design and cutting-edge technology available at a most compelling price point.

Casting just a glance at the F17 Pro is impossible. Because its brilliant features just shines through and converts every glance into a stare. This being an OPPO phone, the F17 Pro comes with the best-of-its-class cameras. There are six of them in all- four at the back and two in that dual punch hole. On the back are a 48-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, and a pair of 2MP mono sensors. In the front are a 16-megapixel main camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. All of them combine with OPPO's AI muscle to deliver some brilliant images, irrespective of whether it is night or day.

Portraits, in particular, move to the next level with AI Colour Portrait which allows you to retain colour in some parts of a picture while removing it from others; AI Super Night Portrait that lets you take fantastic portrait shots even at night; AI Night Flare Portrait which brightens up images shot even in low light; and Dual Lens Bokeh that allows you to add bokeh to images even with multiple people and yes, even in videos. There is also AI Super Clear Portrait that uses AI to even clear up blurry shots and AI Beautification 2.0 that is customized for Indian beauty preferences, preserving natural skin tones. Add to that the truckload of preferences that are part and parcel of the camera app of every OPPO device and the F17 Pro emerges as one of the best cameras in its segment.

The phone's sleek look is simply incomparable. The front is dominated by a bright and colourful 6.43-inch Super AMOLED FHD+ display with a dual punch hole. The bezels have been kept to a minimum and the punch holes have been made as small as possible to make the F17 Pro as much an all-screen front as possible. Videos, games, and even text are a joy to see on this screen, and well, it is a smart display as well - beneath it lies an In-Display Fingerprint Unlock 3.0 that can unlock the phone in less than half a second. Flip the F17 Pro and get ready to be dazzled by the shiny matte texture that reflects and refracts light in different patterns, making the phone a delight to behold and nothing quite like anything we have seen. The best part is that it actually comes with a fingerprint-resistant finish that uses a new optical coating technique that increases the coating depth from 250 nanometers to 400 nanometers, increasing the interplay of light on it.


It is not just about the front and back, though. Even the sides of the F17 Pro have been meticulously crafted. The phone is incredibly slim at 7.48 mm, but unlike other smartphones which end up having sharp sides while making their bodies thinner, the F17 Pro comes with an

Industry-first 220° rounded edge design technique, which allows a phone to be thin even while providing a comfortable grip. Above all the phone just weighs gm. Available in Magic Blue, Metallic White, and Matte Black, the F17 Pro is one of those rare phones that not only looks great but feels great too.

Right from the incredible camera setup, to the design, the OPPO F17 Pro is a surely a trendsetter for millennials.

To know more about the sleekest power-packed device of 2020, click here.



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Campus placements go virtual as universities adapt


Adapting to the new challenges, Amrita Vishwa Vidhyapeetham began its on-campus placement drive by inviting companies to conduct recruitments online. Amrita School of Engineering is now inviting applications for aspiring students wanting to pursue engineering for its academic session beginning this year




Since the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the globe, life as we knew it has changed irrevocably for all of us. The last few months, especially, have altered our way of life. Today we yearn for the little things we took for granted, and each of us is dealing with the changes to the best of our capabilities.

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, too, has taken this change in their stride. The institute has tried to reduce the hassle and complexity that the students might face in the light of an uncertain future. As an institution, Amrita has always been pathbreakers and innovators in the Indian education space. This year also, they have placed their engineering students in good firms, albeit virtually.

As a varsity, they have done our best to keep their students' anxiety at the minimum, while continuing to deliver values despite the challenges and uncertainties. They have also put a streamlined process in place that has helped them adapt to the changing times. As a result, the 2020 placement cycle saw 90 percent of their students recruited by esteemed corporations including tech giants such as Microsoft and Cisco.

This year's recruitment process for Amrita's B.Tech and M.Tech started in the virtual mode. Like most of the world, Amrita also adopted virtual processes to comply with social distancing norms and reduce the risk of coronavirus infection. The recruitment process commenced with US multinational technology conglomerate Cisco selecting B.Tech / M.Tech students from their engineering campuses. More than 50 companies participated in their virtual placement process. Their students were recruited from the campus for internships with stipend of Rs. 60,000 per month. B.Tech students received salary offer starting at Rs. 14.37 lakhs per annum. The highest salary offered through this virtual on-campus recruitment is Rs 52 Lakh per annum by the Australian enterprise software multinational Atlassian.


Some of the leading start-ups recruiting from Amrita in the 2020 virtual recruitment drive were ZAPR Media Labs, WhatFix, Mad Street Den, Payoda (AppViewX), Enquer Global, PathPartner, IQVIA, Solutions, Broadridge, Providence Global Center, Yatra.com, Square Yards, No Broker, YARA.

The other leading companies who participated in the placement drive are Atlassian, Microsoft, Cisco, Amazon, SAP Labs India, Intuit, Caterpillar, Vmware, Sabre, Informatica, American Express, Ingersoll Rand, Rockwell Collins, Philips, Intel, Volvo, Micro Focus, OptumInsight, HSBC, Mckinsey, Saint-Gobain, Hyundai Motors, Mr.Cooper, IBM-CIO, Oracle, ThoughtWorks, [24]7 Innovation Lab, GE Healthcare & GE Aviation, Sony India Software Centre, TCS (R&I), Microchip Technology, Thermofisher, Synopsys, L&T Ltd. L&T Construction among others.

This goes ahead in proving that engineering as a career is now witnessing a paradigm shift. In the future, where the pandemic has been overcome, more opportunities are expected for engineers especially in manufacturing, healthcare, robotics, AI, and IoT. As we move towards a 'new normal' people are getting more used to technology. This means there will be ample opportunities for future engineers.

Amrita School of Engineering is now inviting applications for the 2020 academic year. Office of Admissions, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Coimbatore has been engaging prospective applicants through Telegram Channel, with dedicated chat sessions every week. Candidates and parents can reach out to their admission counsellors the channel or during their live webinars.

Amrita's Office of Admissions has pledged to support all candidates attending AEEE 2020 in every possible way. A dedicated team of admission counsellors, sufficient helpline numbers, and staff will be deployed to ensure that applicants get to appear for the examination sitting at home. The university will also try to offer another chance, in case if an applicant is unable to attend/complete the examination successfully because of unforeseen circumstances.


Source :

Religion, caste, politics- MX Player's Aashram is a social commentary that should not be missed


The world of shady godmen interspersed with the evils of the caste system and exploitation of women in the name of religion, Aashram makes for a heady cocktail that is not only a social commentary, it also makes one sit up and take notice.




In this pandemic world, movie theatres have taken a backseat and OTT platforms have emerged as the god of entertainment. With big movies and series now releasing on these platforms, one just cannot have enough. Veteran director Prakash Jha's first web series has now dropped on MX Player and has everything you would need to binge-watch over the weekend. The world of shady godmen interspersed with the evils of the caste system and exploitation of women in the name of religion, Aashram makes for a heady cocktail that is not only a social commentary, it also makes one sit up and take notice. With Bobby Deol, Chandan Roy Sanyal, and Darshan Kumar being prominent names in the star cast, supported by Aaditi Pohankar, Anupriya Goenka, Adhyayan Suman, Sachin Shroff, and Tridha Choudhury, this series is trademark Prakash Jha.

The series opens with a scathing commentary on the caste system in India and takes us back to various incidents from around the country of Dalit bridegrooms beaten up by upper caste men because he dared to sit on a horse in his wedding procession. While the Dalits are not easily bogged down, thanks to young wrestler Pammi who refuses to allow this blatant injustice to happen, the upper castes are shown having an upper hand, in collusion with the police that treats them with kid gloves. And then enters Baba Nirala. Or as his devotees call him Kashipur Waale Baba. Baba Nirala opens up a twisted world of shady godmen who take advantage of the religious sentiments of people to con them. You enter an ashram that not only takes advantage of young women who had entered it immersed in their bhakti, little knowing that they would never be allowed out again, you also see how it is a hub of illegal activities that include drug smuggling, all carefully hidden behind a façade of respectability and piousness. Where there is power, there are politicians. Helping Baba Nirala weave this delicate web of lies, deceit, thuggery, and smuggling are none other than the top two politicians of the state- the sitting CM as well as the ex-CM. The bureaucracy, of course, is implicit, so much so that murders are hidden and pieces of evidence are brushed under the carpet. Pammi, who enters Baba's ashram as his newest devotee after he helps her family get justice and fight the caste system, making her feel more equal than others is a gullible young girl, fooled by the devious Baba like many others. She introduces her brother also to the Aashram, little knowing what is in store for all of them. We do see a glimpse of Pammi taking on the Ashram's men, using her wrestling skills to pin them down but then we are taken into a flashback to see where it all started. The first season ends on a crucial note, leaving us hanging, wondering whatever happened to Pammi after, and eagerly waiting for the next season.



From the moment it opens, the series bombards us with questions after questions on the various evils of the Indian society that just refuse to go. Made in typical Prakash Jha style, the series not only entertains, it also educates and creates awareness. Bobby Deol's comeback has been as explosive as could be expected from the polished actor. Not only does he perform the role of the devious and corrupt Baba Nirala effortlessly and with extreme finesse, he also keeps the viewer entranced with the range of his acting. Chandan Roy Sanyal is the quintessential bad guy, Baba Nirala's closest aide who does all his dirty work. The muscle behind the brains. Darshan Kumar of Mary Kom and NH24 fame is as masterful as ever, playing the cynical cop who takes on the entire system and expose the -godmen-politician nexus while exposing the fraud baba- all this at a great personal cost to himself. Aditi Pohankar who made her debut with Love, Sex Aur Dhokha plays the angry Pammi who fights the caste system injustice tooth and nail and is bold and courageous yet a simple girl. The young actress is like a breath of fresh air in the series.

Considering the many layers the series has and the many issues that try to question, the storyline is intricately woven and the script masterful, keeping you wanting more and burning for justice to happen till the very last episode. In this series, Prakash Jha has given enough food for thought and some serious soul searching. After a spate of super successful MX originals like Queen, Raktanchal, and Times Of Music that opened to rave reviews, Aashram is going to be another winner for the platform, a must binge-watch for the weekend. You wouldn't want to miss this one.



Source :

India to become a 'Knowledge Economy' in 21st century: PM Modi on NEP 2020


Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Conference of Governors on the National Education Policy 2020 today.



PM Modi talked about the changes that the NEP 2020 will bring in the education system. (Photo Credits- PTI)

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, addressed the conference of governors on the topic of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 today i.e. September 7 at 10:30 am. During his speech, PM Modi addressed a lot of key pointers regarding the new education policy.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 was approved by the Union Cabinet and became the newest policy to be passed in the education system in 34 years. Today, PM Modi talked about transforming India into a 'Knowledge Economy' during his speech.

PM Modi said, "To fulfill the aspirations of the nation, the education policy and the education arrangement is extremely important. The arrangement of education is the responsibility of the state, central and local bodies of the country."
He further added that though the involvement of the government is required in the education sector, politics should never be dragged into it.


International campuses in India
While talking about the new education policy, the Indian Prime Minister also said that there are attempts from the government to transform India into a 'Knowledge Economy' in the 21st century by providing a lot of opportunities to the students.


He said, "Provisions will also be made to tackle the brain drain of NEP 2020 and to provide the students from most families with the opportunity to experience the best international institutions in their campuses."

He also said, "Be it a teacher from rural India, or a learned academician, everyone has gladly accepted the new education policy. Everyone wants to see the change in our existing education system, which has made the acceptance of this policy easier."



During his speech, the Prime Minister also talked about the jobs and careers of the students, as well as certain ways to empower the students.



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Novak Djokovic apologises after hitting line judge with ball at US Open: I'm so sorry for my behaviour


Novak Djokovic was kicked out of the US Open 2020 for accidentally hitting a line judge in the throat with a tennis ball after dropping a game in his fourth-round match.



AP Photo

HIGHLIGHTS

• Novak Djokovic was trailing 5-6 in the 1st set when he accidentally hit a line judge
• Tournament referee Soeren Friemel and US Open officials decided to default Djokovic
• The Grand Slam rules state: "Players shall not at any time physically abuse any official"

World number one Novak Djokovic issued an apology for his behaviour on Sunday after getting disqualified from the US Open 2020 for hitting a line judge with the tennis ball during his Round 4 match.

Djokovic was trailing 5-6 in the first set during his match against Pablo Carreño Busta when he took out his frustration by smacking a tennis ball, which went and hit a female line judge on her throat.

With the line judge screaming out in pain as she fell to the ground, a horrified Djokovic ran over to her and apologised.

It was purely an accident from the Serbian but the officials were in no mood to let Djokovic off with a warning or fine.

Tournament referee Soeren Friemel, Grand Slam supervisor Andreas Egli and chair umpire Aurelie Tourte had a discussion with Djokovic, who pleaded that he didn't hit the line judge intentionally, after which they decided to default the 17-time Grand Slam champion.

"This whole situation has left me really sad and empty. I checked on the lines person and the tournament told me that thank God she is feeling ok. I'm extremely sorry to have caused her such stress. So unintended. So wrong.

"I'm not disclosing her name to respect her privacy. As for the disqualification, I need to go back within and work on my disappointment and turn this all into a lesson for my growth and evolution as a player and human being.

"I apologise to the @usopen tournament and everyone associated for my behavior. I'm very grateful to my team and family for being my rock support, and my fans for always being there with me. Thank you and I'm so sorry," Djokovic wrote on his Instagram account.

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The Grand Slam rules state: "Players shall not at any time physically abuse any official, opponent, spectator or other person within the precincts of the tournament site.

"The referee, in consultation with the Grand Slam chief of supervisors may declare a default for either a single violation of this code."

Djokovic eventually walked over to shake hands with a stunned Carreno Busta.

Also Read | Reactions to Djokovic's disqualification from US Open



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Thermal guns, sanitisers, touch-free checks: Metro train services resume across country with strict norms


Metro train services resumed across the country, except Maharashtra, on Monday after being closed for over five months with officials and commuters exercising caution amid the new normal.



The Delhi Metro resumed services Monday morning with strict safety and social distancing measures in place. (Photos:PTI/Twitter @OfficialDMRC)

Metro train services resumed in a graded manner across the country today, except in Maharashtra, after being closed for over five months due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

In accordance with the Centre's guidelines, the Metro train services resumed in Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Noida, Lucknow and Noida on Monday with safety measures in place to check the spread of Covid-19.

The Home Ministry had recently issued guidelines allowing Metro services in the country to resume operations in a graded manner -- over five months after services were suspended as the lockdown was imposed in India.

Delhi Metro

In Delhi, the Metro resumed services with curtailed operation of the Yellow Line after being closed for over five months. The Yellow Line connects Samaypur Badli in Delhi to the HUDA City Centre in Gurgaon.

Under stage one, Yellow Line or Line 2 and Rapid Metro were made operational with restricted service hours, a DMRC official said on Monday.

Trains will operate in batches of four-hour each from 7-11 am in the morning and 4-8 pm in the evening in the first stage, Delhi Metro officials said.


As the day began, some riders wearing protective masks were seen entering the premises of key stations like Kashmere Gate and Hauz Khas on the Yellow Line, which connects Samyapur Badli in Delhi to HUDA City Centre in Gurgaon.



On the station premises, passengers were permitted to enter the concourse only after temperature checks with thermal guns and sanitisation of hands.

Hundreds of Delhi Metro ground staff and Central Industrial Security Force personnel wore face shields, masks and gloves as preventive measures against the pathogen.

Read: Delhi Metro guidelines: All you need to know

Noida Metro

The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) on Monday resumed its operations on the Aqua Line with strict guidelines in place. The Aqua Line connects the twin cities of Noida and Greater Noida in Gautam Buddh Nagar, over a distance of 29 km through 15 stations.

The trains will run from 7 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 9 pm with a frequency of 15 minutes from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays the services will start from 8 am.

The NMRC had suspended the rail service in March amid Covid-19 outbreak and had announced a slew of guidelines including social distancing and face covers/masks for commuters.

Commuters have also been warned of a fine of Rs 500 if found without face mask and Rs 100 for spitting in trains and on metro premises.


Chennai Metro

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) also resumed services on Monday after being closed for over five months due to the pandemic. As per the guidelines, the Chennai Metro will be operational from 8 am to 8 pm. The timings will be increased gradually.

As part of stage one, the CMRL commenced services on the Blue Line -- between Airport Metro Station and Washermenpet Metro Station. The Metro services will resume from September 7 with peak hour (8.30 am to 10.30 am and evening: 5 pm to 8 pm) headway of five minutes and non-peak hour headway of 10 minutes, the CMRL had said earlier.

Chennai Metro operations on the Green Line (between St Thomas Mount and Puratchi Thalaivar Dr MG Ramachandran Central Metro) will resume on September 9.


Bengaluru Metro

The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) resumed operations on Monday. While the Purple Line resumed Metro train services, the trains on Green Line will operate from September 9.

Officials said the trains will operate from 8-11 am and 4.30-7.30 pm in the first phase. From September 11, trains on the two lines of the Benagluru Metro will operate from 7 am to 9 pm.

The BMRCL has said a maximum of 400 passengers will be permitted to travel in each train. Alternate seats in the train will be kept vacant and people will be allowed to stand only at marked areas.


Strict norms in place



Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri last week said Metro train services will resume in a graded manner from September 7 across the country, except in Maharashtra, and passengers will have to follow preventive measures against Covid-19 such as maintaining social distancing and wearing face mask.

The minister, however, said that if the government finds that resumption of Metro services does not result in social distancing or leads to crowding and trains getting congested, it might have no option but to review the decision.

The minister said that Metro stations in Covid-19 containment zones will remain closed when services resume from September 7.

Use of smart card and cashless or online transactions will be encouraged. Tokens and paper slips of ticket will only be used with proper sanitisation.

The ministry had said adequate dwell time at stations will be provided to enable smooth boarding and deboarding ensuring social distancing, adding that Metro rail corporations may also resort to skipping of stations to ensure proper social distancing.

The minister advised passengers to travel with minimum luggage and avoid carrying metallic items for easy and quick scanning.

Intake of fresh air in air-conditioning system will be increased to the extent possible.



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WhatsApp messages with crash codes are affecting users across the globe


The messages are usually long and are written using special characters which WhatsApp is not able to decode.




HIGHLIGHTS

• WhatsApp users across the globe have complained of getting messages that crash the app or freezes it.
• As per reports, the messages contain weird characters that make no sense.
• These messages are also being sent in the form of virtual cards or vcards.

WhatsApp users across the globe have complained of getting messages that crash the app or freezes it. The messages are usually long and are written using special characters which WhatsApp is not able to decode. This further leads to an indefinite crash. As per reports, several users from Brazil had reported the issue.

A Wabetainfo report states that the messages contain weird characters that make no sense. "A contact might send a message that contains many weird characters. If you read them entirely, they have no sense, but WhatsApp might interpret the message in the wrong way. Sometimes WhatsApp is also unable to render the message totally because its structure is so weird: the combination of these characters creates a situation where WhatsApp isn't able to process the message, determining an infinite crash," the report read.

Now, these kinds of messages can completely cripple the app as WhatsApp cannot process such messages. This would lead to an indefinite crash that would prohibit users from opening the app. If you try to close the app repeatedly and try to open the app, again and again, your WhatsApp would still not function. Although this issue has been reported by several users across the globe, it is prevalent in Brazil.

The WhatsApp features tracker reports that a lot of WhatsApp groups are being operated where users scare such kind of messages that are designed to crash specific platforms. The moment these messages are accessed, it makes the app, non-functional.

These messages are also being sent in the form of virtual cards or vcards. "If you open the vcard, you can verify that there might be like 100 associated contacts. Every contact has a very long weird name, that contains a crash code. Sometimes the vcard is also altered, editing/injecting something called Payload that makes the situation worse," the report stated.



However, if you receive any such messages with special characters you should try to block the contact from WhatsApp Web. Upon blocking the contact, set your group privacy settings to "My Contacts" or "My Contacts except..". Then you should try removing the messaging containing the crash codes from WhatsApp web, if you are able to access the messaging app. However, if nothing works, you can uninstall the app and reinstall it but in this process you might lose your chat history.



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No gain for India in holding back stimulus measures for future: Raghuram Rajan


Noted economist Raghuram Rajan said the government needs push additional stimulus measures quickly to help stabilise the ailing economy.



Raghuram Rajan. (Photo: Reuters)

Noted economist and former Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan has expressed serious concern over the historic fall in India's GDP in the first quarter of 2020-21.

Rajan said the -23.9 per cent GDP recorded in the first quarter of the year is alarming for the country and added that economic growth may further worsen after revised GDP data accounts for losses in the informal sector.

The 57-year-old economist opined in an article that India's GDP fall is far worse in comparison to other economies that have been severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

GOVT-PROVIDED RELIEF ESSENTIAL

Raghuram Rajan said the ongoing pandemic-induced economic crisis is likely to worsen in India as it has taken a toll on discretionary spending. He explained that spending by Indians is likely to remain low till the pandemic is contained.

Rajan said that "government-provided" relief measures are essential for helping the Indian economy stabilise.

He went on to say that government-provided relief, which included free food grains to poor households and credit-guarantees to banks for loans to MSMEs, has been meagre.

The former RBI governor said the government needs to change its approach and added that it should not be reluctant to announce more fiscal measures. He said the strategy of conserving resources for a possible fiscal stimulus in future is "self-defeating".

Read | Coronavirus pandemic may dent India's growth for years

Rajan highlighted scenarios of how India's middle class may further cut down spending to tackle the crisis if help is not provided. He went on to add that SMEs such as small restaurants will stop paying workers, let debt pile up and may even shut shop if stimulus is not provided directly.


"Without relief measures, the growth potential of the economy will be seriously damaged," wrote Rajan. He gave the example of Brazil which has spent significantly on relief measures.

He also advised government officials — who claimed that India is heading for a V-shaped recovery — to take a hard look into the situation.

Giving an example of the US economy, he asked India's government officials to wonder why the biggest economy in the world continues to worry about growth despite spending 20 per cent of GDP in fiscal and credit relief measures.

PESSIMISTIC MINDSET

Raghuram Rajan said government officials in India are holding back on additional stimulus measures as they are worried about the government's strained financial condition. However, he feels the mindset is "too pessimistic".

Rajan wrote that the government will need to spend "as cleverly as possible" to have a positive impact on the economy. He added that the government has to take "every action that can move the economy forward" without additional spending.

"All this requires a more thoughtful and active government. Unfortunately, after an initial burst of activity, it seems to have retreated into a shell," Rajan opined.

Also Read | GDP at historic low: Looking beyond the coronavirus shock

Rajan said India could boost confidence in the bond markets by announcing measures to show that it serious about restoring fiscal stability.

But the economist said government spending holds the key to India's economic stability. He said the government needs to put more cash in the hands of poorest households in the country, especially those in urban areas, where there is no access to MNREGA.

He also advised the government and public sector firms to clear their payables quickly so there is no disruption in liquidity to corporations.

Small firms should also be helped through increased tax rebates, according to Rajan. He added that the government will also have to set aside resources to recapitalise public sector banks.

In fact, Rajan suggested that major private sector companies in India, including major cash-rich platforms like Reliance, Amazon and Walmart could help small suppliers find their footing.

He went on to say that the government also needs to increase investments in specific job-creating sectors like infrastructure. This will not only create jobs but also increase demand for all manner of inputs like cement and steel.

Rajan also added that the Centre should "replenish" the coffers of state governments, which generally spend more on infrastructure. He said there is a need to boost current investor sentiment and announcing some future reforms could help in the process.

Exports, too, could help India regain lost growth momentum, added Rajan. However, for that to happen, the government has to lower tariffs so inputs can be imported at a lower cost.

In conclusion, Rajan said India needs strong growth just to satisfy the aspirations of its vast population of youngsters.


He again warned that India's recovery in certain sectors in not a sign of a V-shaped recovery and only reflects pent-up demand, which is likely to fade away if the economy remains battered.

Rajan now hopes that the dismal GDP figures will be a wake up call for the government, which has to act quickly to prevent the economic crisis from deteriorating further.

Also Watch | Indian economy in tatters, annualised GDP hit hard by coronavirus pandemic



Source :

Campus placements go virtual as universities adapt


Adapting to the new challenges, Amrita Vishwa Vidhyapeetham began its on-campus placement drive by inviting companies to conduct recruitments online. Amrita School of Engineering is now inviting applications for aspiring students wanting to pursue engineering for its academic session beginning this year




Since the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the globe, life as we knew it has changed irrevocably for all of us. The last few months, especially, have altered our way of life. Today we yearn for the little things we took for granted, and each of us is dealing with the changes to the best of our capabilities.

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, too, has taken this change in their stride. The institute has tried to reduce the hassle and complexity that the students might face in the light of an uncertain future. As an institution, Amrita has always been pathbreakers and innovators in the Indian education space. This year also, they have placed their engineering students in good firms, albeit virtually.

As a varsity, they have done our best to keep their students' anxiety at the minimum, while continuing to deliver values despite the challenges and uncertainties. They have also put a streamlined process in place that has helped them adapt to the changing times. As a result, the 2020 placement cycle saw 90 percent of their students recruited by esteemed corporations including tech giants such as Microsoft and Cisco.

This year's recruitment process for Amrita's B.Tech and M.Tech started in the virtual mode. Like most of the world, Amrita also adopted virtual processes to comply with social distancing norms and reduce the risk of coronavirus infection. The recruitment process commenced with US multinational technology conglomerate Cisco selecting B.Tech / M.Tech students from their engineering campuses. More than 50 companies participated in their virtual placement process. Their students were recruited from the campus for internships with stipend of Rs. 60,000 per month. B.Tech students received salary offer starting at Rs. 14.37 lakhs per annum. The highest salary offered through this virtual on-campus recruitment is Rs 52 Lakh per annum by the Australian enterprise software multinational Atlassian.


Some of the leading start-ups recruiting from Amrita in the 2020 virtual recruitment drive were ZAPR Media Labs, WhatFix, Mad Street Den, Payoda (AppViewX), Enquer Global, PathPartner, IQVIA, Solutions, Broadridge, Providence Global Center, Yatra.com, Square Yards, No Broker, YARA.

The other leading companies who participated in the placement drive are Atlassian, Microsoft, Cisco, Amazon, SAP Labs India, Intuit, Caterpillar, Vmware, Sabre, Informatica, American Express, Ingersoll Rand, Rockwell Collins, Philips, Intel, Volvo, Micro Focus, OptumInsight, HSBC, Mckinsey, Saint-Gobain, Hyundai Motors, Mr.Cooper, IBM-CIO, Oracle, ThoughtWorks, [24]7 Innovation Lab, GE Healthcare & GE Aviation, Sony India Software Centre, TCS (R&I), Microchip Technology, Thermofisher, Synopsys, L&T Ltd. L&T Construction among others.

This goes ahead in proving that engineering as a career is now witnessing a paradigm shift. In the future, where the pandemic has been overcome, more opportunities are expected for engineers especially in manufacturing, healthcare, robotics, AI, and IoT. As we move towards a 'new normal' people are getting more used to technology. This means there will be ample opportunities for future engineers.

Amrita School of Engineering is now inviting applications for the 2020 academic year. Office of Admissions, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Coimbatore has been engaging prospective applicants through Telegram Channel, with dedicated chat sessions every week. Candidates and parents can reach out to their admission counsellors the channel or during their live webinars.

Amrita's Office of Admissions has pledged to support all candidates attending AEEE 2020 in every possible way. A dedicated team of admission counsellors, sufficient helpline numbers, and staff will be deployed to ensure that applicants get to appear for the examination sitting at home. The university will also try to offer another chance, in case if an applicant is unable to attend/complete the examination successfully because of unforeseen circumstances.



Source :

Religion, caste, politics- MX Player's Aashram is a social commentary that should not be missed


The world of shady godmen interspersed with the evils of the caste system and exploitation of women in the name of religion, Aashram makes for a heady cocktail that is not only a social commentary, it also makes one sit up and take notice.




In this pandemic world, movie theatres have taken a backseat and OTT platforms have emerged as the god of entertainment. With big movies and series now releasing on these platforms, one just cannot have enough. Veteran director Prakash Jha's first web series has now dropped on MX Player and has everything you would need to binge-watch over the weekend. The world of shady godmen interspersed with the evils of the caste system and exploitation of women in the name of religion, Aashram makes for a heady cocktail that is not only a social commentary, it also makes one sit up and take notice. With Bobby Deol, Chandan Roy Sanyal, and Darshan Kumar being prominent names in the star cast, supported by Aaditi Pohankar, Anupriya Goenka, Adhyayan Suman, Sachin Shroff, and Tridha Choudhury, this series is trademark Prakash Jha.

The series opens with a scathing commentary on the caste system in India and takes us back to various incidents from around the country of Dalit bridegrooms beaten up by upper caste men because he dared to sit on a horse in his wedding procession. While the Dalits are not easily bogged down, thanks to young wrestler Pammi who refuses to allow this blatant injustice to happen, the upper castes are shown having an upper hand, in collusion with the police that treats them with kid gloves. And then enters Baba Nirala. Or as his devotees call him Kashipur Waale Baba. Baba Nirala opens up a twisted world of shady godmen who take advantage of the religious sentiments of people to con them. You enter an ashram that not only takes advantage of young women who had entered it immersed in their bhakti, little knowing that they would never be allowed out again, you also see how it is a hub of illegal activities that include drug smuggling, all carefully hidden behind a façade of respectability and piousness. Where there is power, there are politicians. Helping Baba Nirala weave this delicate web of lies, deceit, thuggery, and smuggling are none other than the top two politicians of the state- the sitting CM as well as the ex-CM. The bureaucracy, of course, is implicit, so much so that murders are hidden and pieces of evidence are brushed under the carpet. Pammi, who enters Baba's ashram as his newest devotee after he helps her family get justice and fight the caste system, making her feel more equal than others is a gullible young girl, fooled by the devious Baba like many others. She introduces her brother also to the Aashram, little knowing what is in store for all of them. We do see a glimpse of Pammi taking on the Ashram's men, using her wrestling skills to pin them down but then we are taken into a flashback to see where it all started. The first season ends on a crucial note, leaving us hanging, wondering whatever happened to Pammi after, and eagerly waiting for the next season.

From the moment it opens, the series bombards us with questions after questions on the various evils of the Indian society that just refuse to go. Made in typical Prakash Jha style, the series not only entertains, it also educates and creates awareness. Bobby Deol's comeback has been as explosive as could be expected from the polished actor. Not only does he perform the role of the devious and corrupt Baba Nirala effortlessly and with extreme finesse, he also keeps the viewer entranced with the range of his acting. Chandan Roy Sanyal is the quintessential bad guy, Baba Nirala's closest aide who does all his dirty work. The muscle behind the brains. Darshan Kumar of Mary Kom and NH24 fame is as masterful as ever, playing the cynical cop who takes on the entire system and expose the -godmen-politician nexus while exposing the fraud baba- all this at a great personal cost to himself. Aditi Pohankar who made her debut with Love, Sex Aur Dhokha plays the angry Pammi who fights the caste system injustice tooth and nail and is bold and courageous yet a simple girl. The young actress is like a breath of fresh air in the series.

Considering the many layers the series has and the many issues that try to question, the storyline is intricately woven and the script masterful, keeping you wanting more and burning for justice to happen till the very last episode. In this series, Prakash Jha has given enough food for thought and some serious soul searching. After a spate of super successful MX originals like Queen, Raktanchal, and Times Of Music that opened to rave reviews, Aashram is going to be another winner for the platform, a must binge-watch for the weekend. You wouldn't want to miss this one.



Source :

Steroids confirmed to help severely ill coronavirus patients


Steroids reduced the risk of death in the first month by about one-third compared to placebo treatment or usual care alone in these seriously ill patients who needed extra oxygen.



This Tuesday, June 16, 2020 file photo shows a bottle and box for dexamethasone in a pharmacy in Omaha, Neb. (File photo: AP)

New studies confirm that multiple types of steroids improve survival for severely ill COVID-19 patients, cementing the cheap drugs as a standard of care.

An analysis of pooled results from seven studies, led by the World Health Organization and published Wednesday by the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that steroids reduced the risk of death in the first month by about one-third compared to placebo treatment or usual care alone in these seriously ill patients who needed extra oxygen.

"This result opens up more choices" of steroids, said Dr. Martin Landray of the University of Oxford, who led one of the studies. "The more options there are in terms of availability, the better."

Dr. Anthony Gordon of Imperial College London called the result "a huge step forward," but added, "as impressive as these results are, it's not a cure."

Steroid drugs are inexpensive, widely available and have been used for decades. They reduce inflammation, which sometimes develops in coronavirus patients as the immune system overreacts to fight the infection. This overreaction damages the lungs and can prove fatal. These drugs are not the same type of steroids that are used or misused for athletic performance.

In June, a large study led by the University of Oxford found that a steroid called dexamethasone cut deaths by up to 35% in hospitalized COVID-19 patients who needed treatment with breathing machines and by 20% in those only needing extra oxygen. It did not help less sick patients and might even have even been harmful at that stage of illness.



The results changed care immediately and prompted many other studies that were testing steroids to stop, so more people could be given the drug. The new analysis looked at results from six of those studies that were stopped early plus severe patients in the Oxford study to see if all types of steroids were similarly effective, and concluded they are.

There were 222 deaths among the 678 patients given a steroid and 425 deaths among the 1,025 patients given placebos or just usual care.

"I'm delighted," said Dr. Derek Angus, critical care chief at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, who helped lead one of the studies. ""It's incredibly reassuring that the other trials all were lining up in the same direction. It's the most solid news we've had yet on how to take care of patients with COVID-19."

Mark Shannon, a 61-year-old retired bank teller from Pittsburgh who spent 11 days on a breathing machine, received the steroid hydrocortisone in the study and recovered. His doctor told him "that was pretty stupendous" to recover from so long on a ventilator, he said.

"I realize how close I came to losing my life," he said.

The WHO issued treatment advice Wednesday recommending steroids for patients with severe COVID-19 and suggested not using them for less sick patients.

Treatment guidelines in the U.S. now recommend dexamethasone or others only when it's not available for hospitalized COVID-19 patients needing extra oxygen, but that could change with the new information.



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Adipurush: Saif Ali Khan to play Ravan in Prabhas-Om Raut 3D film


Saif Ali Khan has been roped in to play the menacing Ravan in Prabhas and director Om Raut's mythological 3D film Adipursh.



Saif Ali Khan (L) to play Ravan in Prabhas's upcoming film, Adipurush.

Saif Ali Khan is the latest addition to director Om Raut's 3D film Adipurush and he will be essaying the role of menacing Ravan. As reported earlier, Adipurush is a mythological film in which Prabhas will be playing the role of Lord Ram. Today (September 3), the team of Adipurush released a new poster revealing Saif Ali Khan's character name, Lankesh.

Director Om Raut shared the latest poster on Twitter and wrote, "7000 years ago existed the world's most intelligent demon! #Adipurush (sic)." The second-look poster has the 10-headed Ravan all set to take revenge.

Here's the poster:





Adipurush is at a pre-production stage and will go on floors in 2021. The rest of the cast and crew will be finalised in the coming months. Adipurush is a mythological adaptation of Ramayana, which focuses on the concept of good over evil.

In a statement, Saif Ali Khan said that he is thrilled to work with Om Raut again. He said, "I'm thrilled to be working with Omi dada again. He has a grand vision and the technical knowledge to really pull it off. He has taken me beyond the cutting edge of our cinema in the way he shot Tanhaji and this time he is taking us all further. It's a phenomenal project and I'm super thrilled to be a part of it. I look forward to clashing swords with the mighty Prabhas and to play a role that is electrifying and demonic."


Prabhas, who plays Lord Ram in Adipursh, extended a warm welcome to Saif Ali Khan. "I am super excited to work with Saif Ali Khan and I am eager to share screen space with a great actor," he stated.

Saif Ali Khan recently played the antagonist named Udhayban in Ajay Devgn-starrer Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, directed by Om Raut.

Adipurush will hit the theatres in 2022. The film will be shot in Hindi and Telugu simultaneously. The 3D flick will be dubbed in Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and several foreign languages.



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PUBG ban in India: What happens next, can you play PUBG, other key details you need to know


India on Wednesday banned PUBG Mobile, a very popular mobile game in the country. The ban came as India banned another 118 Chinese apps.




HIGHLIGHTS

• India on Wednesday banned PUBG Mobile in the country.
• It is estimated that in India there are over 50 million PUBG users.
• Along with ban on PUBG the government also banned an additional 117 Chinese apps.

There were rumours of it, and now it has happened. India on Wednesday announced a ban on additional 118 Chinese apps, including PUBG Mobile. For now the details are scarce but we do know why the apps have been banned and some educated guess can be made as to what happens next.

Here is quick summary of the details around PUBG ban in India. According to App Annie, an agency that monitors use of mobile apps, PUBG has over 50 million users in India of which close to 35 million are active users.

PUBG Banned in India because of China connection

This is first thing you need to know. India has banned the PUBG Mobile because of its Chinese connection and because India and China are currently in middle of border dispute China is trying to encroach on Indian territory in Ladakh India is hitting back by banning use of Chinese apps in the country. Earlier government had banned a number of apps, including TikTok. Now, there are additional 118 apps banned, including PUBG.

In a statement, Indian government said, "Using the sovereign powers, the Government of India has decided to block the usage of certain Apps, used in both mobile and non-mobile Internet enabled devices. These apps are listed in the attached appendix. This move will safeguard the interests of crores of Indian mobile and internet users. This decision is a targeted move to ensure safety, security and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace."

Here is the full list of apps that have been banned:


https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/pubg-mobile-among-latest-chinese-apps-banned-in-india-full-list-here-1717882-2020-09-02

PUBG Ban in India: What happens next

What is going to happen in the case of PUBG Mobile is going to be story similar to what has happened to TikTok. In the next few hours, or a day or so, when Apple and Google receive government notification, they will remove PUBG from their app stores for Indian users. People who have already installed PUBG will continue to have the app on their phones, but it may not work because telecom companies like Jio and Airtel will block PUBG connection to servers after they receive notice from the government.

As for PUBG Mobile allowed in India again, it is not going to happen anytime soon. This is because the ban is direct result of India's struggle against Chinese aggression on border and until that is not resolved, India is unlikely to allow the use of banned Chinese apps in the country.

PUBG ban in India: Can you still play it

Yes and no. when we talk of PUBG, we miss that there are two PUBG apps. Originally the game was made for computers by a South Korean company. This game remains available in India. But it can run only on desktop computers and laptops. The PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile Lite are the games made Tencent, a Chinese company, under licence from the Korean company. These two apps have been banned.

What it means in simple words is that you can still play PUBG in India on a computer desktop or laptop. But you can no longer play it on the mobile phone.



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