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Fri, 27 November 2020
J-K DDC Ph-1 polls tomorrow, 7L eligible to vote
Timeline Refresh
23:50 Trump loses Pennsylvania 'election fraud' appeal
In a blow to Donald Trumps spurious legal campaign to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election, a federal appellate court has rejected his emergency appeal in a Pennsylvania lawsuit.
The 3-0 rejection in the case, seeking another attempt to overturn the results in the state after a lower court had tossed out the suit last week, follows yet another loss in his campaigns attempts to undermine president-elect Joe Bidens victory in the 2020 race. Mr Biden won the state by roughly 80,000 votes, according to Pennsylvania secretary of states office.
A blistering ruling from the Third Districts Stephanos Bibas a Trump-appointed judge said free, fair elections are the lifeblood of our democracy.
Charges of unfairness are serious, he said in his ruling on Friday. "But calling an election unfair does not make it so. Charges require specific allegations and then proof. We have neither here."
23:30 J-K DDC Ph-1 polls tomorrow, 7L eligible to vote
The first phase of the DDC election and panchayat bypolls will be held in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, with 1,427 candidates in the fray and seven lakh voters eligible to exercise their franchise, officials said.
State Election Commissioner K K Sharma said 2,146 polling stations have been set up for the smooth conduct of elections of phase-I.
"As many as 7 lakh voters shall use their right to vote in phase I of polling tomorrow. Out of 7 lakh voters, more than 3.72 lakh are from the Kashmir division and 3.28 lakh are from the Jammu division," Sharma told reporters here.
On the District Development Council elections, the SEC said a total of 280 constituencies are in the Union Territory of J&K (14 in each district), out of which voting will be conducted in 43 constituencies from 7 am to 2 pm in phase-I.
He said 296 candidates are in the poll fray, comprising 207 males and 89 females for DDC elections in Phase- I.
Sharma said the sarpanch election will be conducted in 94 constituencies and a total of 279 candidates (203 males, 76 females) are contesting in the first phase.
Similarly, in panchs bypolls, which are going to be held in 368 constituencies, 852 candidates are in the electoral fray out of which 635 are male and 217 are female, he added.
Sharma said all arrangements have been completed besides manpower, election material and adequate deployment of security forces have been put in place.
-- PTI
23:08 WHO Europe chief calls for political engagement to ensure effective COVID-19 vaccination
World Health Organization Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge on Friday called on member states of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States Council to be more politically engaged to ensure the effective vaccination against COVID-19.
"To protect our society as much as possible, we need well-designed laws... As the prospect of a COVID-19 vaccine becomes a reality, I urge you to use all available tools to ensure effective and transparent implementation of strategic vaccination," Kluge said at a meeting of the IPA CIS Council.
The official added that the WHO Regional Office for Europe would continue to provide necessary assistance both during and after the pandemic.
"To support the work in your countries on this front in the current crisis, WHO has provided more than 600 recommendations, attracted expert groups, provided medical workers, medical equipment," Kluge noted, adding that political engagement was also essential for successful health investments.
At present, there are 48 candidate vaccines on the World Health Organization's list. Some manufacturers have already begun releasing the interim results of the phase three trials of their candidate vaccines. Russia's Sputnik V, as well as candidate vaccines produced by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna, have all reported over 90 percent efficacy, according to the preliminary data. The average efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine totals 70 percent, interim analysis shows.
-- ANI
22:32 Brazil's Bolsonaro rejects COVID-19 shot, calls masks taboo
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro says he won't take any working COVID-19 vaccine himself and calls the use of masks to limit the spread of the disease 'the last taboo to fall'.
Bolsonaro's comments, broadcast on his social media channels Thursday night, alarmed health experts who said they could undermine efforts to achieve vaccination levels essential to halting the pandemic and might scare off vaccine makers negotiating with local authorities.
Bolsonaro also said, however, that any shot that is certified by Brazil's health agency will be available for free to the public.
The Brazilian president, who contracted the virus in July, has long resisted the advice of most scientists and health experts to restrict social and economic activity, arguing that damage from a lockdown would be worse than the pandemic.
22:11 Don't take Covid-19 lightly: Nitin Gadkari
Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, who had contracted the coronavirus disease in September, said on Friday people must take preventive measure like wearing masks and maintaining distance, seriously to keep Covid-19 away.
First of all using masks is very important. My only suggestion to people is that be serious. Don't take it lightly. On a flight, going to the market, on the road, take these preventive measure. Life is very important," the Union minister for road transport and highways and MSMEs said while speaking with Zakka Jacob, managing editor of CNN-News18, at the 18th Hindustan Times Leadership Summit.
Gadkari had tested positive for the coronavirus disease in September after he attended the monsoon session of Parliament. "Yesterday, I was feeling weak and consulted my Doctor. During the course of my check up, I have been tested COVID-19 positive," Gadkari had tweeted. "I am at present doing well with the blessings and good wishes of all. I have isolated myself," he had said.
21:43 Iran's top nuclear scientist assassinated near Tehran
Iran's most senior nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has been assassinated near the capital Tehran, the country's defence ministry has confirmed.
Fakhrizadeh died in hospital after an attack in Absard, in Damavand county.
Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, has condemned the killing "as an act of state terror".
Western intelligence agencies view Fakhrizadeh as being behind Iran's covert nuclear weapons programme.
"If Iran ever chose to weaponise (enrichment), Fakhrizadeh would be known as the father of the Iranian bomb," one Western diplomat told Reuters news agency in 2014.
News of the killing comes amid fresh concern about the increased amount of enriched uranium that Iran is producing. Enriched uranium is a vital component for both civil nuclear power generation and military nuclear weapons.
21:35 1,074 new coronavirus cases in Mumbai, 17 deaths
Mumbai reported more than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases on the third day in a row on Friday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) said.
The city reported 1,074 new cases during the day, taking the tally to 2,80,811, while the death toll rose to 10,756 with 17 fresh fatalities, the BMC said.
The city had recorded 1,144 new cases on November 25 and 1,147 cases on November 26.
According to the civic body, the number of recovered patients in the city is now 2,54,465, about91 per cent of the
caseload, with 313 patients discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours.
The number of active patients increased to 12,588, despite removal of 2,200 duplicated and outside cases from data.
Over 18.54 lakh COVID-19 tests have been conducted in the city so far.
The city's average doubling rate of COVID-19 cases is 195 days, while the average growth rate is 0.36 per cent.
The city has 407 containment zones and 4,790 sealed buildings.
-- PTI
21:13 Mamata gets scared when BJP leaders come: Ghosh
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee gets scared when our leaders come from Delhi, alleged Bharatiya Janata Party state president Dilip Ghosh on Friday, adding that Banerjee was conspiring to turn West Bengal into West Bangladesh.
The BJP president's comments came after Banerjee said that there was no place for outsiders who come to the state during elections and incite violence.
"Mamta Banerjee becomes so nervous when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah come here from Delhi. Amit Shah ji has been coming to Bengal for over five to six years. He has formed the party here with his own hands. He is popular among the workers at the grassroots and people want to meet him. What is the need to be scared of this?" Ghosh said.
"When Bapu (Gandhiji) comes from Gujarat you revere him. Why fear when Modi Ji and Amit ji come from the same Gujarat?" the part chief added.
Ghosh further said, "There is a conspiracy to turn West Bengal into West Bangladesh and several terror groups are active here. The BJP wants to improve it and add it to the mainstream of the whole country. The BJP's influence makes Mamata Banerjee nervous and our workers are being blamed for politicising tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda."
Mamata Banerjee had said on Thursday, "There is no place for outsiders in Bengal who come only during elections to incite violence. They (BJP) are giving statements that the COVID-19 vaccine will be given but don't know when. I say this place is not for outsiders. They only come here to do politics during elections."
Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress leader and Minister in the Chief Minister's Cabinet, Suvendu Adhikari resigned from his ministerial post earlier on Friday ahead of the state Assembly elections scheduled to be held in 2021.
With 294 seats, a keen contest awaits the state as Bharatiya Janata Party tries to wrest power from Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress.
-- ANI
20:38 Under PM Modi, India's economy in recession first-time ever: Rahul
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country's economy is in recession for the first time ever.
He said this after India's GDP growth contracted by 7.5 per cent in the July-September quarter. The GDP had contracted by 23.9 per cent in the April-June quarter.
"Under PM Modi, India's economy is officially in a recession for the first time ever," he said on Twitter.
"More importantly, 3 crore people are still looking for work under MNREGA. Economy cannot be ordered to grow by diktats. PM needs to first understand this basic idea," he also said.
India's economy showed a GDP contraction 7.5 per cent in July-September quarter and held out hopes for further improvement on better consumer demand.
The gross domestic product had contracted by a record 23.9 per cent in the first quarter of the 2020-21 fiscal (April 2020 to March 2021) as the coronavirus lockdown pummelled economic activity.
The GDP contraction of 7.5 per cent in July-September compares with a growth of 4.4 per cent in the same quarter last year.
China's economy grew by 4.9 per cent in July-September this year, faster than the 3.2 per cent growth in April-June 2020.
Though the contraction in July-September pushed India into its first technical recession, based on records going back to 1996, a sharp recovery held out hopes for the economy turning around before the end of the fiscal year.
-- PTI
20:15 BJP names Sushil Kumar Modi as RS candidate
The BJP has named former Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi its candidate for Rajya Sabha bypoll in state.
He had been denied a berth in the new state cabinet after the recently concluded elections.
The Rajya Sabha seat fell vacant after the October 8 demise of Ram Vilas Paswan, founder of the Lok Janshakti Party that is currently headed by his son Chirag Paswan. The Election Commission has fixed December 14 for the bypoll and counting of votes. Incidentally, the winner will be the third occupant of this Rajya Sabha berth in its current tenure.
The BJPs Ravi Shankar Prasad was the first to be elected to this seat in 2018. He resigned after being elected to the Lok Sabha in 2019. In June 2019, Ram Vilas Paswan was elected with the support of the BJP and the JD(U) after a by-election was held. Now, a bypoll is to be held for the third time.
19:26 Maha: Existing lockdown restrictions extended till Dec 31
The Maharashtra government on Friday extended thelockdown on account of coronavirus in the state till the midnight of December 31, 2020, an official release said.
In the last couple of months, the government has eased several lockdown restrictions.
Revised guidelines have been issued from time to time by, allowing resumption of various activities as part of the "Mission Begin Again", the release said.
Earlier this week, the government allowed reopening of places of worship. Schools for students from Std 9th to 12th have also reopened in some parts of the state this week.
Hotels and bars have been already allowed to reopen.
-- PTI
19:15 Agri minister invites farmers for talks on Dec 3
JUST IN: Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has appealed to farmers to end their protest, and invited them for talks on December 3.
"The government has always been ready to discuss issues with farmers. We have invited farmers' organisations for another round of talks on 3rd December. I appeal to them to leave agitation in view of COVID-19 and winter," Tomar said. -- ANI
19:05
COVID-19 pandemic: A look at top 10 countries.
18:55 Delhi Metro services resume on all lines
Delhi Metro services resumed on all lines on Friday evening after they were disrupted for a few hours at multiple places because of the 'Delhi Chalo' march by farmers against the Centre's new farm laws.
'Services normal at all corridors from 5:35 pm onwards,' the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) tweeted, adding that the services will be regular on all lines on Saturday.
The Delhi Metro on Friday morning announced the closure of exit and entry gates at six metro stations on the Green Line due to security reasons.
'Entry & exit gates of Brigadier Hoshiar Singh, Bahadurgarh City, Pandit Shree Ram Sharma, Tikri Border, Tikri Kalan and Ghevra stations on Green Line are now closed,' the DMRC tweeted.
The Delhi Metro authorities had earlier announced that services from neighbouring cities will remain suspended on Friday.
'As advised by Delhi Police, Metro services will be available only from Delhi towards the NCR sections. However, services from the NCR stations towards Delhi will not be available due to security reasons till further notice. However, metro services will be available from Delhi towards the NCR sections,' DMRC had said.
Delhi Police used tear gas shells to disperse a group of farmers who had reached the Singhu border as part of the protest march.
The shells were fired at the border point which connects Delhi with Haryana.
Security was strengthened at the border and sand-laden trucks and water cannons were stationed.
Barbed wire was also being used for fencing at the Singhu border to prevent the protesters from entering the city.
Punjab farmers, representing over 30 farm bodies, have announced they will go to Delhi through several routes -- Lalru, Shambhu, Patiala-Pehowa, Patran-Khanauri, Moonak-Tohana, Ratia-Fatehabad and Talwandi-Sirsa.
The tension was escalating at all the border points.
Farmers had assembled near the borders in tractor-trolleys laden with rations and essentials for their proposed Delhi march.
The farmers' bodies have said they will hold a dharna wherever they are stopped from moving towards the national capital to demand the repeal of the new farm laws, which, they said, should be replaced with another set of legislations framed after wider consultation with the stakeholders. -- PTI
18:35 Farmers from west UP also headed to Delhi
Hundreds of western Uttar Pradesh farmers on Friday headed to the national capital in response to a Delhi Chalo call to protest against the three central farm laws.
On a Bharatiya Kisan Union call to join the protest in Delhi, the farmers belonging to Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat, Gautam Buddh Nagar and other western Uttar Pradesh districts reached the Eastern Peripheral Expressway in Greater Noida on Friday afternoon, when they were stopped by the police.
Shortly later, they left the Peripheral Expressway as the announcement came that the protestors have been allowed to march to Delhi.
"We have started our onward march. But our route to Delhi is yet to be decided by our union leaders. We may take the UP Gate route (via Ghaziabad) or the Kalindi Kunj route (via Noida)," BKU's UP unit spokesperson Pawan Khatana told PTI.
The BKU has lent its support to the 'Dilli Chalo' call of Punjab and Haryana farmers protesting against the new farm laws, he said.
"These laws are anti-farmer and should be taken back or changed. There should be a new law on minimum support price of crops to benefit farmers," Khatana told PTI.
Gautam Buddh Nagar's Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Love Kumar said the protest was peaceful and the security was stepped up to ensure that the situation does not aggravate.
"The situation at the expressway is peaceful and under control. There has been no violence or untoward situation. The police are making efforts to ensure there is no law and order situation," Kumar said.
Farmers have been protesting against the Centre's farm laws fearing that they would lead to the dismantling of the minimum support price mechanism, leaving them at the 'mercy' of big corporates.
They have been demanding the repeal of the new laws. -- PTI
17:54 Economy rebounds: GDP contracts 7.5% in July-Sept
India's gross domestic product (GDP) contracted 7.5 per cent in the July-September period, as the economy rebounded from a record slump of 23.9 per cent in the previous quarter due to a slowdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
"Today's data confirms the economy's first technical recession - which is two consecutive quarters of contraction in GDP - since 1996, when the country began quarterly records. GDP at constant (2011-12) prices in Q2 of 2020-21 is estimated at Rs 33.14 lakh crores, as against Rs 35.84 lakh crores in Q2 of 2019-20, showing a contraction of 7.5% as compared to 4.4% growth in Q2 of 2019-20," the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, said.
"Quarterly GVA at basic prices at constant (2011-12) prices for Q2 of 2020-21 is estimated at Rs 30.49 lakh crores, as against Rs 32.78 lakh crores in Q2 of 2019-20, showing a contraction of 7%."
17:49 Courts to begin regular functioning from Dec 1
New SOPs have been announced for courts in Maharashtra and Goa, and the union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli in view of the unabated rise in Covid numbers. Take a look
17:30 Haryana police begin removing barricades
Haryana police remove barricades at Shambhu border with Punjab, near Ambala, as farmers have been allowed to enter Delhi. "Nobody will be stopped, commuters can travel with ease," says Rajesh Kalia, Ambala SP.
The Centre should not have waited so long to allow farmers to mark their protest at the three laws they feel is unjustly skewed in favour of big businesses.
17:18 24 hours go by, missing MiG pilot yet to be found
Search is underway to locate the pilot, who went missing after a MiG-29K fighter trainer jet of the Indian Navy was lost over Arabian sea on Thursday, Navy spokesperson said. Another pilot, who went missing after the incident has been found. The Navy said that search is being carried out for the missing pilot by air and surface units.
"MiG-29K trainer aircraft operating at sea ditched at about 1700 hrs on 26 Nov 20. One pilot safely recovered, search for the second pilot Cdr Nishant Singh, by air and surface units is in progress. An enquiry to investigate the incident has been ordered," Navy spokesperson said in a tweet.
The Indian Navy has a fleet of over 40 MiG-29K fighter aircraft based out of Goa and also operated from the INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier. -- ANI
17:05 Mother-of-all traffic jams en route to Delhi
Massive traffic congestion at the Delhi-Gurugram border due to checking of vehicles by police, in view of farmers' Delhi Chalo march protest.
A groom, along with his wedding party was seen walking on the road in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh due to road blockade amidst ongoing farmers' protest on Friday.
Police have placed barricades on roads to stop the farmers heading towards Delhi as part of their protest march against Centre's Farm Laws.The Delhi Police has enhanced deployment of security personnel, stationed sand-laden trucks and water cannons and used barbed wire for fencing at the Singhu and Tikri border points (Delhi-Haryana border) to prevent the protesters from entering the city.Farmers have been protesting against the Centre's three farm laws and expressed apprehension that they would pave the way for the dismantling of the minimum support price system, leaving them at the "mercy" of big corporates.
They have been demanding that the new laws should be repealed. The Centre has invited several Punjab farm bodies for talks in Delhi on December 3. -- PTI
17:02 3 dead, several injured in bus accident
Three people have died and and several others have been injured after a bus they were travelling in caught fire allegedly after coming in contact with a low-lying high voltage wire on Delhi-Jaipur Highway. Injured admitted to hospital.
16:00 Children won't be allowed to travel in Mumbai trains
Amid a continued surge of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, the Railways today reiterated that children will not be allowed on local trains and only women will be allowed to board these.
"Railway Board has only permitted the ladies passengers to travel in local trains during the stipulated hours over Mumbai Metropolitan region," the directive issued by DRM/MMCT stated.
The decision came after it was noticed that a large number of women passengers were seen travelling with children in the trains.
"Railway Board has only permitted the ladies passengers to travel in local trains during the stipulated hours over Mumbai Metropolitan region. However, it has been noticed that women passengers are travelling with their children," DRM Mumbai Central, WR said in a tweet.
Railway Protection Force personnel will be deployed at each entry gate of stations to stop women who are with children to board the local trains.
BJP Bengal president Dilip Ghosh
15:55 TMC MLA to join BJP
Disgruntled TMC MLA Mihir Goswami, who had expressed his desire to quit the party has joined the BJP. "We thank Mihir da for his decision to join BJP. He is expected to join us within an hour," BJP MP Saumitra Khan said. Goswami is the MLA from Coochbehar. Goswami had left for New Delhi with BJP MP Nisith Pramanik, fuelling speculations over his next move.
BJP Bengal president Dilip Ghosh commented, "Mamata ji is scared when our leaders come from Delhi. When Bapu comes from Gujarat you revere him, why fear when Modi Ji & Amit ji come from same place? There's conspiracy to make West Bengal into West Bangladesh, terror groups are active here, we want to improve it."
Protesting farmers have entered Delhi
15:42 1 farmer dead, 2 injured after truck rams tractor
Farmers enter the national capital through the Tikri border after being given permission to hold their demonstrations at the Nirankari Samagam Ground in the Burari area.
"We've crossed about 10 barriers on our way. We're thankful to the administration for giving us permission to protest. We're happy and only want a peaceful resolution to the issue," says a farmer at Tikri border area.
Haryana Police has registered a case against a truck driver who hit a tractor-trolley from behind in Mundhal, Bhiwani leading to the death of a protesting farmer going to Delhi. Two others were also injured in the incident.
15:19 Farmers allowed entry, but teargassing continues
Thousands of farmers were allowed to enter Delhi today for a planned protest against new farm laws after a morning of clashes with the police at the border with Haryana.
The Delhi police requested the farmers groups to maintain peace and allowed them to hold protests at North Delhi's Burari ground. But according to reports, even after the farmers were given the go ahead to assemble in Delhi, the Delhi Police continued teargassing them and used water sprays, allegedly to control crowds.
Groups of farmers from six states, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Kerala and Punjab, are heading to Delhi, with tractors carrying stocks of food and essential supplies, to last them through what they say could be a month-long standoff with the government on the Farmer Laws.
The police have been preventing them from their peaceful march by putting up barricades, installing barbed wire obstacles and even digging up roads to make trenches to prevent the farmers' tractors from coming through.
15:19 LIVE! Farmers allowed entry, but teargassing continues
Thousands of farmers were allowed to enter Delhi today for a planned protest against new farm laws after a morning of clashes with the police at the border with Haryana.
The Delhi police requested the farmers groups to maintain peace and allowed them to hold protests at North Delhi's Burari ground. But according to reports, even after the farmers were given the go ahead to assemble in Delhi, the Delhi Police continued teargassing them and used water sprays, allegedly to control crowds.
Groups of farmers from six states, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Kerala and Punjab, are heading to Delhi, with tractors carrying stocks of food and essential supplies, to last them through what they say could be a month-long standoff with the government on the Farmer Laws.
The police have been preventing them from their peaceful march by putting up barricades, installing barbed wire obstacles and even digging up roads to make trenches to prevent the farmers' tractors from coming through.
Sanjay Chandra, the face to Unitech
15:04 HC declines to extend Unitech promoter Ajay Chandra's interim bail
The Delhi High Court has refused to extend the interim bail of one month granted to Unitech Ltd promoter Ajay Chandra due to the illness of his wife who was suffering from COVID-19.
The high court noted that the Supreme Court is seized of the matter and there was no ground to extend the interim bail. Considering the orders passed by the metropolitan magistrate where the petitioner (Chandra) has been granted interim bail on ground of his wife being suffering from COVID-19; was on interim bail since last one month and hence there is no ground to extend the interim bail on submissions made, considering the fact that the Supreme Court is seized of the matter, Justice Yogesh Khanna said on Thursday. -- PTI
15:01 You've allowed them to enter Delhi, now talk to them: Amarinder
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh reacts: I welcome Centre's decision to allow farmers to enter Delhi to exercise their democratic right to protest. They should also now initiate immediate talks to address farmers' concerns on the farm laws and resolve the simmering issue.
Farmers prepare a meal on the road to Delhi
14:38 Farmers told they can enter Delhi
Punjab farmers' bodies protesting against the Centre's farm laws on Friday claimed that the Union government has allowed them entry into Delhi with a permission to hold their agitation at the Burari ground. "We have been allowed safe passage to Delhi," claimed Krantikari Kisan Union president Darshan Pal.
He said that officials of the Union home ministry had allowed them a place at Burari in Delhi to hold the agitation.arrying flags and shouting slogans, thousands of farmers gathered at various entry points into the national capital in a determined bid to push their way through as part of their Delhi Chalo' march against the new farm laws while police blocked them with barricades, teargas shells and batons.
Clashes broke out at multiple places and Delhi's borders resembled a virtual battle zone with restless crowds of farmers, mostly from Punjab and Haryana, milling around and a sea of police personnel keeping them at bay. Drones circled the air and plumes of smoke from teargas shells could be seen from far.
14:28 Phase 3 trials of Covaxin begins in Ahmedabad
Phase-3 trial of COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin begins at Sola Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad. "Volunteers who've been vaccinated have yet not complained of any health issues/symptoms. More will be vaccinated today," says Sola Civil Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Parul Bhatt
14:01 PM to visit Serum Institute tomorrow
PM Narendra Modi will visit Serum Institute of India in Pune tomorrow to review the vaccine production.
Vaccine major Serum Institute of India on Thursday said the COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University is safe and effective, and the Indian trials are progressing smoothly with strict adherence to all protocols.
The comments came after AstraZeneca and Oxford University acknowledged a manufacturing error that is raising questions about preliminary results of their experimental COVID-19 vaccine.
Asking people to be patient and not panic, the Serum Institute of India said in a statement, 'The AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is safe and effective. Even the lowest efficacy results are at 60-70 per cent, making it a viable vaccine against the virus.'
That said, varied age groups with different dosage forms will result in slight variations and efficacy.
'We must be patient and not panic,' it added.
SII is conducting clinical trials of AstraZeneca-Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine candidate in India.
13:44 TMC minister quits, another MLA likely to join BJP
Senior Trinamool Congress leader Suvendu Adhikari tenders resignation as West Bengal transport minister. Earlier today, disgruntled TMC MLA Mihir Goswami, who had expressed his desire to quit the party, Friday left for New Delhi with BJP MP Nisiht Pramanik, fuelling speculations over his next move. Goswami along with Pramanik left for New Delhi this morning. According to state BJP sources, Goswami might join the saffron camp this evening. The TMC leadership declined to comment on the development.
13:38 Pipe dream? Will the Centre blink on farm laws?
At Modinagar, around 60 km from Delhi, members of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh block Meerut-Modinagar highway, in protest against Centre's Farm laws. A hookah in a cold winter morning keeps spirits high.
Police barricaded national highways to Delhi
13:29 Hold talks with farmers NOW: Amarinder to Centre
Amid the farmers-police face-off over the 'Delhi Chalo' protest over farm laws, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday said the voice of farmers cannot be "muzzled" and asked the BJP-led Centre to hold talks immediately with peasants to defuse the situation.
Singh questioned as to why the Centre was waiting for December 3 for holding talks with farmers when the situation is getting out of control now. "The voice of farmers cannot be muzzled indefinitely. Centre should immediately initiate talks with Kisan Union leaders to defuse the tense situation at the Delhi borders. Why wait till December 3 when the situation is getting out of hand now?" said Singh in a tweet.
Delhi Police on Friday used tear gas shells and water cannons to stop farmers from entering the national capital as part of their 'Delhi Chalo' march to protest against the Centre's new farm laws. Despite heavy security deployment, groups of farmers from Punjab managed to reach near two Delhi border points on Friday morning after breaking police barricades in Haryana.
Singh further asked the Centre to show statesmanship and accept the farmers' demand for assured minimum support price. "Central govt needs to show statesmanship and accept the farmers' demand for assured MSP, which is the basic right of every farmer. If they can give verbal assurance I fail to understand why they can't make it a legal obligation of the GoI," said the Punjab chief minister.
Singh also called those people who alleged that the Congress was instigating farmers, as blind and said that farmers were fighting for lives and livelihood. "Those claiming it's @INCIndia that's instigating the farmers are blind not to see the lakhs of farmers trying to enter Delhi from across the country. It's a fight for their lives & livelihoods & they don't need any backing or provocation", he said in another tweet.
Farmers have been protesting against the Centre's three farm laws. They have expressed apprehension that the new laws would pave a way for the dismantling of the minimum support price system, leaving them at the "mercy" of big corporates.
13:26 Guess who was staying at Kangana's hotel in Hyderabad!
More news on Kangana. The actress met megastar Sanjay Dutt after she realised that they were staying in the same hotel in Hyderabad. The 'Queen' actor later shared an image of them with a sweet note on her social media handle. Kangana, who is currently filming in Hyderabad for 'Thalaivi', put out an image on her Twitter handle with the caption, "When I got to know we were staying in the same hotel in Hyderabad, I went to see Sanju sir this morning to check on his health and was pleasantly surprised to see him look even more handsome and healthy. We pray for your long life and good health."
Kangana Ranaut and Sanjay Dutt have previously worked together in a number of movies like 'Rascals', 'Ungli', 'Double Dhamaal', 'No Problem', among others.
Sanjay Dutt who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year in August had announced recently that he is now cancer-free after being treated and is currently shooting in Hyderabad for 'KGF 2'. -- ANI
13:19 Kangana order: Mumbai mayor to hold meet with legal team
Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar to hold a meeting with the BMC legal team to assess the Bombay High Court's order in the Kangana Ranaut case. "What we did was according to municipal rules. I haven't seen court order, will go through it," she says.
The Bombay high court today held that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's action of demolishing part of actor's bungalow in Mumbai smacks of malafide and was done to cause substantial loss to the actor. It has also directed that a valuer be appointed to assess the damage to her property.
13:13 Army jawans killed in Pak ceasefire violation
Pakistan Army resorted to ceasefire violation in Sunderbani Sector, Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir today. Two jawans of the Indian Army - Naik Prem Bahadur Khatri and Rifleman Sukhbir Singh - got critically injured and later succumbed to injuries: PRO Defence, Jammu
13:06 Victory of democracy: Kangana on HC order
Actor Kangana Ranaut has responded after the Bombay high court held that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's action of demolishing part of actor's bungalow in Mumbai smacks of malafide and was done to cause substantial loss to the actor
Kangana thanked her followers for their support and wrote, "When individual stands against the government and wins, its not the victory of the individual but its the victory of the democracy. Thank you everyone who gave me courage and thanks to those who laughed at my broken dreams. Its only cause you play a villain so I can be a HERO."
Representational image
12:47 RDIF, Hetero agree to produce over 100 mn doses of Sputnik V vaccine in India
Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and pharma firm Hetero have agreed to produce over 100 million doses per year in India of the Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19, Russia's sovereign wealth fund said in a statement. The parties intend to start the production of Sputnik V in the beginning of 2021, it added. Currently Phase III clinical trials are approved and are ongoing in Belarus, the UAE, Venezuela and other countries. Phase II-III trials are taking place in India, RDIF said. PTI
12:44 My blood will spill for revolution, farmers' raise slogans
Farmers raise slogans against the Centre's Farm laws, at Singhu border (Delhi-Haryana border). Punjab farmers, representing over 30 farm bodies, have announced they will enter Delhi through several routes -- Lalru, Shambhu, Patiala-Pehowa, Patran-Khanauri, Moonak-Tohana, Ratia-Fatehabad and Talwandi-Sirsa. Traffic has been diverted at several places along the national capital's border in view of the protest. Checking of vehicles has also been intensified at the Delhi-Gurgaon border leading to heavy traffic jams. CISF personnel have also been deployed on the Delhi-Gurgaon border.
Farmers have breakfast on the march
12:37 Can't turn stadiums to jails for farmers: AAP govt
Delhi government refuses permission to police for converting stadiums into temporary jails for protesting farmers. The Delhi Police has asked for permission to turn nine stadiums in the city into makeshift "jails" to detain protesting farmers. Farmers from six states, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Kerala and Punjab, are heading to Delhi and plan to converge at Ram Lila Maidan in the heart of the city for a massive, but peaceful protest.
12:30 Won't harm people, our protest peaceful: Farmers
In Punjab, protesting farmers jump barricades in Sirsa, say they're going to Delhi for their rights. "Whatever we do will be peaceful. We won't harm any person or property. Even if we have to stay for a month, we will. Even if we have attain martyrdom, we will," says a farmer.
The Delhi Police on Friday used tear gas shells to disperse a group of farmers who had reached the Singhu border as part of their 'Delhi Chalo' march to protest against the Centre's new farm laws, a senior police officer said.
The shells were fired at the border point at Narela which connects Delhi with Haryana. The police officer said, "We are using tear gas to disperse protesting farmers. We are also informing them that in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, any kind of rally and dharna is not allowed." "They have been denied permission and legal action will be taken against them if they still try to enter Delhi," the officer further said. -- PTI
12:14 Graffiti in support of terror groups surfaces in Mangaluru on anniversary of Mumbai attack
An inflammatory graffiti hailing terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba surfaced here on the occasion of 12th anniversary of the 2008 Mumbai attack, prompting the police to launch an investigation to find out the culprits behind it.
The (anonymous) graffiti that appeared on the wall of an apartment said international terror organisations would be brought to the country if 'provoked'.
"Do not force us to invite Lashkar-e Toiba and Taliban to deal with Sanghis and Manuvadi. #Lashkar Zindabad," it read. On being informed about it, police went to the spot and erased the graffiti. An investigation has also been launched. A case has been registered for allegedly promoting enmity between different communities and causing damage to property. -- PTI
12:06 Punjab farmers wait at Haryana border
Farmers from Punjab wait at the Shambhu border between Haryana and Punjab, near Ambala, to cross into Haryana to proceed to Delhi to protest against farm laws. Security deployed, barriers and water cannon vehicle placed at the border to prevent farmers from entering Haryana.
Kangana surveys the demolished interiors of her bungalow. File pic
11:52 Kangana bungalow demolition smacks of malice: HC
The Bombay High Court on Friday said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's action of demolishing part of Kangana Ranauts bungalow here smacks of malafide and was done to cause substantial loss to the actor, and quashed the demolition order. The court also said it does not approve of authorities using "muscle power" against any citizen.
A division bench of Justices S J Kathawalla and R I Chagla noted that the action undertaken by the civic body leaves hardly "any manner of doubt" that it was unauthorised. The bench was hearing Ranaut's petition challenging the demolition carried out by BMC at her Pali Hill bungalow in suburban Bandra on September 9.
The civic body has proceeded to act wrongfully and illegally against the rights of a citizen," the bench said. Ranaut had sought Rs two crore in damages from the BMC and urged the court to declare BMC's action illegal.
On the issue of compensation, the bench said it was appointing a valuer who would hear the petitioner and the BMC on monetary damages caused to her due to the demolition.
"The valuer shall by March 2021 pass appropriate orders on compensation," the court said. The civic body had opposed the plea and said the actor had brazenly and unlawfully carried out extensive alterations and additions to the bungalow in breach of its approved plan.
Ranaut had filed the petition on September 9 when the demolition process was initiated by BMC. The court had in an interim order on September 9 stayed the demolition work. -- PTI
11:44 SC extends Arnab's bail, warns against harassment
The Supreme Court on Friday said the interim bail to journalist Arnab Goswami and two others in an abetment to suicide case will continue till the Bombay High Court disposes of their plea, and stated that the judiciary should ensure criminal law does not become a weapon for selective harassment.
The apex court had granted interim bail to Goswami on November 11, saying it will be ''travesty of justice'' if personal liberty is curtailed. A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud on Friday gave reasons for granting relief to the TV anchor and two others in the case.
It said Goswami's interim bail shall be operative for another four weeks from the day the high court decides his pending plea in the 2018 abetment to suicide case.
The bench also said the Supreme Court, high courts and lower courts must be alive to the misuse of criminal law by the state machinery. They should ensure criminal law does not become a weapon for the selective harassment of citizens, it said.
"Doors of this court cannot be closed to citizen who has prima facie showed state has misused its power," it said, adding that deprivation of personal liberty even for a single day is too much. There is pressing need for courts to remedy institutional problems of delay in dealing with bail applications, it said.
Referring to the facts of the case, it said prima facie there is disconnect between FIR and ingredients of offence of abetment to suicide. The top court had granted interim bail to two others in the case -- Neetish Sarda and Feroz Mohammad Shaikh -- on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 each and directed that they shall not tamper with the evidence and shall cooperate in the probe.
The accused were arrested by Alibaug police in Maharashtra's Raigad district on November 4 in connection with the suicide of architect-interior designer Anvay Naik and his mother in 2018 over alleged non-payment of dues by companies of the accused. PTI
Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik
11:33 ED summons Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik's son
Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik's son Vihang Sarnaik on Friday, in connection with raid conducted at Pratap Sarnaik's residence.
He did not appear before the agency yesterday despite summons issued to him.
ED on Tuesday raided the office and residence of Pratap Sarnaik, during which they also detained his son Vihang Sarnaik, in connection with an alleged money laundering case.
Meanwhile, ED also arrested a close aide of Pratap Sarnaik named Amit Chandole, in an alleged money laundering case related to private company Tops Security.
Chandole, who is the promoter of Top Securities Group, was arrested after ED conducted searches at around 10 places in Mumbai and Thane on November 24 including Top Securities Group promoters and some politicians.
ED has found some evidence of suspicious transactions between the Tops Group and Pratap Sarnaik.
11:32 Gates to some metro stations closed in Delhi
The Delhi Metro on Friday announced the closure of exit and entry gates at six metro stations on the Green Line in view of the 'Delhi Chalo' march by farmers against the Centre's new farm laws.
"Entry & exit gates of Brigadier Hoshiar Singh, Bahadurgarh City, Pandit Shree Ram Sharma, Tikri Border, Tikri Kalan and Ghevra stations on Green Line are now closed," the DMRC tweeted. The Delhi Metro authorities had earlier announced that services from neighbouring cities will remain suspended on Friday.
"As advised by Delhi Police, Metro services will be available only from Delhi towards the NCR sections. However, services from the NCR stations towards Delhi will not be available due to security reasons till further notice. However, metro services will be available from Delhi towards the NCR sections," DMRC had said.
The Delhi Police on Friday used tear gas shells to disperse a group of farmers who had reached the Singhu border as part of the protest march. The shells were fired at the border point which connects Delhi with Haryana. Security has been strengthened at the border and sand-laden trucks and water cannons have been stationed. Barbed wire is also being used for fencing at the Singhu border to prevent the protesters from entering the city.
Punjab farmers, representing over 30 farm bodies, have announced they will go to Delhi through several routes -- Lalru, Shambhu, Patiala-Pehowa, Patran-Khanauri, Moonak-Tohana, Ratia-Fatehabad and Talwandi-Sirsa. Tension was escalating at all the border points. Farmers have assembled near the borders in tractor-trolleys laden with rations and essentials for their proposed Delhi march. -- PTI
Shivangi, a commuter, was stuck in Panipat
11:01 Farmers march: Harrowing time for commuters
Commuters heading to the national capital from various parts of the country are facing problems after getting stuck on the Delhi-Panipat Highway due to road blockade amid the ongoing 'Delhi chalo' protest march by farmers.
Farmers from Haryana and Punjab are heading to the national capital as part of the protest march against the Centre's farm laws.
"I am coming from Jammu and was supposed to reach Delhi yesterday evening. We have no updates so far," said Shivangi, a commuter stuck in Panipat.
Another commuter said:" We are stuck here. We have small kids with us. We will not be able to move unless the truck is moved in front of our bus."
Police deployed on the Delhi border in view of the farmers' movement and all vehicles heading towards the national capital are being checked. Apart from the presence of personnel, barricading laced with barbwires was placed to stop the approaching protestors.
Also, vehicles are not allowed towards Singhu Border. "Vehicles are not allowed towards Singhu Border. Interstate vehicles may take Western/Eastern peripheral expressway," said Delhi Traffic Police.At the border Singhu border (Haryana-Delhi border) the security officials urged the protests to head back given the risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, one of the protesters responded by saying that "Was there no coronavirus during the Bihar election. Lakhs and lakhs of people gathered during polls. Where was CoVID-19 then?" -- ANI
The Rajkot hospital
10:59 Pained by Rajkot hospital deaths: PM (not a word on farmers' march)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed his deep pain at the loss of lives due to a fire in a Rajkot hospital and said administration is ensuring all possible assistance to those affected.
Five coronavirus patients were killed after a fire broke out in the ICU of a designated COVID-19 hospital in Gujarat's Rajkot in the early hours of Friday, a fire brigade official said.
"Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to a hospital fire in Rajkot. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate tragedy. Praying for a quick recovery of the injured. The administration is ensuring all possible assistance to those affected," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted quoting Modi. PTI
10:50 A government geared to halt, not the Chinese but farmers
The might of the State was unleashed to prevent protesting farmers entering Delhi on a day dedicated to the Constitution, which begins with "we the people', triggering a political slugfest and calls for intensification of the agitation against the new farm laws.
Haryana police used heavy construction equipment on Thursday to position boulders as protection for their barricades, and employed crowd-control vehicles to prevent the farmers approaching Delhi.
This, after drenching the marching farmers from Punjab with water cannons on a cold and bleak Wednesday.
A collective of farmers' organisations has given a "Dilli chalo' call to press the Centre to repeal the three new farm laws and introduce a bill that guarantees a minimum support price (MSP) for the farmers. Read more
10:46 I've been detained again, says Mehbooba
PDP leader & former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti says she has been detained again. "I've been illegally detained yet again. Since two days, J&K administration has refused to allow me to visit party leader Waheed Ur Rehman's family in Pulwama. He was arrested on baseless charges. Even my daughter has been placed under house arrest."
10:42 Kamala Harris' sister shares this
US Vice-president elect Kamala Harris' sister, Maya, tweets this throwback picture of Thanksgiving day in 2004. It's Thanksgiving weekend in the US now. Maya wrote, "Some things never change... (me and my big sister, Thanksgiving 2004)"
10:36 Farmers march: Delhi stadiums may be made prisons
Delhi Police seeks permission from Delhi Government to convert nine stadiums into temporary prisons, in view of the farmers' march.Heavy presence of security personnel was seen at Singhu border (Haryana-Delhi border) on Friday, in the wake of farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' protest march.
Apart from the presence of police personnel, barricades with barbwires were placed to stop the approaching protesters.
Earlier, farmers heading towards Delhi against the Centre's recently passed farm laws halted near the Panipat toll plaza at the National Highway.
10:36 Farmers carry month's essentials for Delhi march
Amid the farmer's 'Delhi chalo' protest march, Police used tear gas shells to disperse protesting farmers at the Singhu border (Haryana-Delhi border) on Friday. Farmers were heading to Delhi as part of their protest march against the Centre's Farm laws.
Members of Kisan Mazdoor Sangarsh Committee prepared in Amritsar for their tractor rally towards Delhi by stocking up essentials in trolleys.
"We have loaded food material for a month and cooking utensils in our trolleys. We're all headed towards Delhi now," says a farmer.
"It is expected that more than 50,000 farmers will be standing at the Delhi border by today evening. The numbers are expected to swell through the night as thousands of tractors and trolleys are carrying farmers, women and children from interior areas of Punjab," read a statement from Samyukt Kisan Morcha and All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee
"Farmers from Punjab and Haryana are approaching Delhi for our program organised in Ram Lila maidan. Khattar government tried to stop us on the Punjab-Haryana border. They used water and cannon and tried to stop us. But we managed to surpass that. We are protesting the farm laws which are against the interest of farmers and the interest of the country," said Saddu Singh Aggrawal, one of the protestors heading towards the national capital.
Police have been deployed on the Delhi border in view of farmers' movement and all vehicles heading towards Delhi are being checked. Apart from the presence of personnel, barricading laced with barbwires was placed to stop the approaching protestors.
-- PTI and ANI
10:08 India's Covid tally crosses 93 lakh
The Covid-19 tally is here> With 43,082 new COVID19 infections, India's total cases rise to 93,09,788 With 492 new deaths, toll mounts to 1,35,715. Total active cases at 4,55,555 Total discharged cases at 87,18,517 with 39,379 new discharges in last 24 hours.
10:02 Equity indices open flat, Sensex up by 7 points
Equity benchmark indices opened flat on Friday with Sensex up by 7.09 points and Nifty up by 6.45 points. The market had a sloppy opening today amid renewed doubts about a highly-anticipated coronavirus vaccine and concerns surrounding the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At 9:18 am, the 30-scrip BSE Sensex was up by 7.09 points or 0.02 per cent at 44,325.03.Similarly, 50-scrip NSE Nifty was trading at 12,993.45, at 9:18 am, up by 6.45 points or 0.05 per cent. -- ANI
09:46 1 pilot missing as MiG-29K jet crashes into sea
Indian Navy's MiG-29K trainer aircraft crashed into the sea on Thursday after which one pilot has gone missing and one pilot has been recovered, news agency ANI reported.
The naval force on Friday confirmed that the accident occurred at 5 pm on Thursday.
"One pilot recovered and search by air and surface units in progress for the second pilot," the Indian Navy said in a statement.
An inquiry has been ordered to investigate the incident, the navy said.
The Indian Navy has a fleet of over 40 MiG-29K fighter aircraft based out of Goa and also operated from the INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier.
09:39 Tarun Gogoi's ashes to travel across Assam, says son
The ashes of former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, who was cremated earlier on Thursday, would be first taken to Titabor assembly constituency, which he had represented for four terms, and then to other parts of Assam, his son Gaurav Gogoi said.
During his final days at the hospital, the state's longest-serving chief minister had told the doctors that he wanted to visit Titabor, and then the other parts of the state, and call a press conference to tell people about the
dreams that he had nurtured, Gaurav told reporters after performing the last rites of his father.
"He had a strong desire to visit his constituency, which he had not been able to do due to the illness, and then travel across the state to meet people and to understand their problems," the Lok Sabha MP from Kaliabor said.
The veteran leader's family has decided to "fulfil his last wish by taking his ashes to Titabor and then to Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys, Upper and Lower Assam and the North Bank", he said.
"My father may not be present with us but his ideals, dreams and aspirations for the youth, for the bright future of rural people and the well-being of all sections will continue to be with us. As a son, it will be my responsibility
to fulfil the dreams that he had," the Lok Sabha Deputy Leader of the Congress said.
He thanked the people of the state for showering their love on his father and coming out in such large numbers to pay their last respects to him.
He also expressed his gratitude to party chief Sonia Gandhi for her letter of condolence, leader Rahul Gandhi for personally coming to pay his homage and meeting his mother, AICC General Secretary and in-charge of Assam for attending the last rites, and everyone who helped ensure that necessary arrangements were made and rituals conducted smoothly.
There comes a time in one's life, "when we lose our guardians and this is the truth of life. In my case, I am not feeling sad but my heart and mind is at peace. I am sure that with all the love, honour, respect and blessings showered on my father by the people of the state, his soul will rest in peace," he added.
The 84-year old three-time chief minister and six-time Lok Sabha MP died on November 23 after a nearly-four-month battle with coronavirus infection and post-COVID complications. -- PTI
09:11 Farmers headed to Delhi amid heavy security
Heavy presence of security personnel was seen at Singhu border (Haryana-Delhi border) on Friday, in the wake of farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' protest march.
Apart from the presence of personnel, barricades with barbwires were placed to stop the approaching protestors.
Earlier today, farmers heading towards Delhi against the Centre's recently passed farm laws halted near the Panipat toll plaza at the National Highway.
Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the farmers who broke barricades in some places in Haryana.
After the night halt at Panipat, the protesting farmers have resumed the march this morning.
Amandeep, a farmer, while speaking to ANI said: "The main demand is that they should listen to us. They have brought farm laws and still they are not hearing us. If the minimum support price and Arhtiyas system (middlemen or service providers) are removed then what will the farmers do?"
While the government said the three laws will do away with middlemen, enabling farmers to sell their produce in the commercial markets, protesters fear that this could lead to the government not buying produce at guaranteed prices, thereby disrupting their timely payments.
"We have brought enough ration to sustain for five to six months in Delhi. We are conducting peaceful agitation. Gurudwaras are sending us food supplies as well," he added.
He further said: "In Kurukshetra, police chased away the elderly farmers by beating them. Will we not be offended by these acts of the state? The farmers will break the barricades. We know how to satisfy the hunger of people so we can overcome any obstacle to meet our demands."
Another farmer Robindeep Singh said: "We have arranged food supplies to conduct our protests. We have also arranged warm clothes to face the cold. We are going to stay here in the night."
Moreover, heavy security has been deployed at the Rohtak-Jhajjar border, Delhi-Gurugram and Delhi-Jammu highway near Karna Lake in Karnal.
08:49 Rahul to review Cong's poll preparedness in WB today
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday will hold a virtual meeting with the senior Congress leaders to take stock of the preparations for the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections.
The meeting will be attended by the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, All India Congress Committee in-charge Jitin Prasada, Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly and former MPs from the state.
"Senior leaders will be giving their ideas and views to Rahul Gandhi, who will also interact with party cadres and will brief them about the poll strategy," a source told ANI.
This will be the first high-level meeting after the state Congress unit announced that the party will formulate an alliance with the Communist Party of India-Marxist for the assembly polls.
08:22 Will leave WH if Biden win confirmed: Trump
United States President Donald Trump has said he would leave the White House if the Electoral College declares Joe Biden the winner of the November 3 elections, even as he reiterated unsubstantiated claims about widespread voter fraud.
In his Thanksgiving Day remarks, he, however, said it will be a mistake if the Electoral College were to elect Biden.
"It's going to be a very hard thing to concede," Trump told reporters on Thursday when asked during a press call at the White House what he will do if the Electoral College elects Biden.
"If they do, they made a mistake," he said.
Asked if he would leave the White House, he said, "Certainly, I will, and you know that."
On his plans for his last Thanksgiving in the White House, Trump said, "You can't say what's first or last."
It might be the "first one of the second term," he said.
Biden won the presidential election over Trump, who is continuing his legal efforts to upend his victory.
Trump has allowed the official start of Biden's transition to power this week but has not yet conceded defeat.
However, election officials in key battleground states have declared Biden the winner, giving him an unofficial 306-232 edge in the Electoral College that determines the outcome of US presidential contests.
"This was a massive fraud," Trump said of the election.
"We are like a Third World country," he said, referring to the voting infrastructure.
"No one wants to see the kind of fraud this election has come to represent," he added.
State officials have said they do not have any evidence of large-scale voter fraud.
"I don't know what is going to happen. I know one thing, Joe Biden did not get 80 million votes," Trump said, adding that Biden didn't beat former president Barack Obama's vote total with black voters.
Trump's efforts to challenge the results in key states in courts have so far failed.
Biden is set to be approved by the Electoral College when it meets on December 14.
02:27 SC to pronounce reasons for bail to Arnab
The Supreme Court is scheduled to pronounce on Friday its detailed reasoning for granting interim bail to journalist Arnab Goswami and two others in the 2018 abetment to suicide case.
On November 11, the top court had granted interim bail to Goswami saying it will be travesty of justice if personal liberty is curtailed.
A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud will pronounce its reasoning in its verdict on Friday.
While expressing concern over State governments targeting some individuals on the basis of ideology and difference of opinion, a vacation bench headed by Justice Chandrachud had said that the submissions of the lawyers appearing in the matter before it would be evaluated in the judgment for which reasons shall follow.
It had said that if state governments target individuals, they must realise then that there is an apex court to protect the liberty of citizens.
The top court had granted interim bail to two others in the case -- Neetish Sarda and Feroz Mohammad Shaikh -- on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 each and directed that they shall not tamper with the evidence and shall cooperate in the probe It had said that the Bombay high court was in error in rejecting the pleas filed by Goswami and these two persons seeking interim bail in the case.
We are of the considered view that the high court was in error in rejecting the applications for the grant of interim bail.
We accordingly order and direct that Arnab Manoranjan Goswami, Feroz Mohammad Shaikh and Neetish Sarda shall be released on interim bail, subject to each of them executing a personal bond in the amount of Rs 50,000 to be executed before the Jail Superintendent, the bench had said in its order.
The top court had directed the accused in the case to cooperate in the investigation and shall not make any attempt to interfere with the ongoing investigation or with the witnesses.
The apex court had passed the order on the appeals against the high court's November 9 order rejecting the pleas, including that of Goswami, for grant of interim bail.
Goswami, Editor-in-Chief of Republic TV, has challenged the high court order refusing to grant interim bail and asking him to move the trial court for relief.
The accused were arrested by Alibaug police in Maharashtra's Raigad district on November 4 in connection with the suicide of architect-interior designer Anvay Naik and his mother in 2018 over alleged non-payment of dues by companies of the accused.
Apart from seeking the interim bail, the journalist and other accused had also sought a direction from the high court for staying the investigation into the case and quashing the FIR against them.
The high court will hear their pleas seeking to quash the FIR on December 10.
Goswami was arrested on November 4 from his Lower Parel residence in Mumbai and taken to Alibaug in neighbouring Raigad district.
He and the two other accused were later produced before a magistrate who refused to send them in police custody and remanded them in judicial custody till November 18. -- PTI
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