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Mon, 11 January 2021
Sonia in touch with oppn leaders for Parl strategy
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23:40 Sonia in touch with oppn leaders for Parl strategy
Ahead of the Budget Session of Parliament this month, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi is in touch with leaders of various opposition parties who will soon meet to chalk out their joint strategy to corner the government on farm laws, sources said on Monday.
Gandhi is learnt to have started talking to opposition leaders for holding a joint meeting of various parties ahead of the session.
The sources said Gandhi has spoken to some opposition leaders on Monday and will talk to some others on Tuesday to chalk out a joint strategy to corner the government on the farm laws and the state of the economy.
Opposition parties, especially the Congress, are pressing upon the government to repeal the three farm laws, against which the farmers have launched an agitation.
The Budget Session is slated to start from January 29 with the address of President Ram Nath Kovind to the joint sitting of both the houses.
The Winter Session of Parliament was not convened due to the pandemic situation. -- PTI
Naik being treated at a hospital after mishap. ANI Photo
22:38 Union Minister injured in road mishap, wife dead
Union Minister for Ayush and Defence Shripad Y Naik was injured and his wife Vijaya and personal assistant killed when their car overturned at Ankola in Uttara Kannada district on Monday night, police said.
The minister's condition was stable, they said.
Police said Naik, along with his wife, personal assistant Deepak, his close confidante Sai Kiran, gunman and the driver were heading from Yallapur to Gokarna on Monday night.
On the way, the driver lost his control over the car near Hosakambi village in Ankola Taluk of Uttara Kannada and the vehicle overturned.
"It was not a collision between vehicles. Prima facie it appears to be the case of the driver losing control of the car," a police officer told PTI.
Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa expressed shock over the accident and condoled the demise of Naik's wife.
'Shocked to know that the car which Union Minister Shripad Naik ji was travelling met with an accident in Uttara Kannada and the death of his wife. My heartfelt condolences on the tragic death of Smt Naik and prayers for the speedy recovery of Shri Naik and those injured,' Yediyurappa tweeted. -- PTI
22:05 BJP now says AIADMK will pick CM candidate
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday said its 'major' partner in Tamil Nadu, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam would decide its chief ministerial candidate for the Assembly elections, due during April-May 2021.
After maintaining that the National Democratic Alliance leadership would announce the Chief Ministerial candidate, following poll notification, the Saffron party appeared to have made a climbdown.
"They are the major partners. In Tamil Nadu state, AIADMK is the major partner. They will decide who their next Chief Ministerial candidate is. They will decide," BJP national general secretary and in-charge of Tamil Nadu C T Ravi said in Tiruchirappalli.
Though the BJP had maintained that the CM candidate, would be from the largest constituent (AIADMK), it had said a formal decision and its announcement shall be made by the NDA Coordination Committee.
The Tamil Nadu unit chief of the BJP, L Murugan had all along said an announcement on CM candidate would be made by the party top leadership and did not come forward to explicitly endorse the candidture of incumbent Chief Minister and AIADMK CM nominee, K Palaniswami.
During the intervening period, when the BJP stuck to its stand, the AIADMK twice (on December 27 at its first poll rally and at its general council meet on January 9) made it clear that Palaniswami was the CM candidate.
At its poll rally, the AIADMK said its partners had to accept its choice of CM candidate so as to be part of the alliance led by it in Tamil Nadu.
Senior ruling party leader K P Munusamy also had spoken repeatedly that national parties had no sway in state politics. -- PTI
21:59 PM should apologise to farmers after SC rap; repeal farm laws: Cong
The Congress on Monday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to the farmers of the country and repeal the three farm laws which are being opposed by them, after the Supreme Court rapped the Centre over the handling of the agitation.
Chief Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also urged the apex court to register cases against Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and chief ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and Yogi Adityanath after taking note of their actions that caused damage to public property.
He said the central and state governments have dug up roads and caused blockades on the national highways around the national capital.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi should apologise not only to the families of 65 farmers who have sacrificed themselves, but also to the 62 crore farmers of the country. The prime minister should thereafter talk to the agitating farmers himself and nothing short of it is acceptable to the 'annadatas'," he told reporters.
Surjewala said the prime minister should come forward and wipe the tears of farmers, he should shed his support for crony capitalists and announce the repeal of the three farm laws immediately.
He held the prime minister, the home minister and chief ministers of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh directly responsible for the current agitation, saying they stopped the farmers from coming to Delhi and expressing their anger and opposition to the farm laws in a Gandhian manner.
"The Supreme Court is the protector of laws and the Constitution and we all have faith in it. If someone opposes the laws in a Gandhian manner, then the court will also support such an opposition, as protesting peacefully is a basic right enshrined in the Constitution.
"The prime minister and home minister are responsible for the current situation. We are confident that the Supreme Court will take note of the anti-national action of the prime minister and the home minister as well as the chief ministers of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and register cases against them," he added.
He said the Supreme Court should take note of the actions of the prime minister, Shah, Manohar Lal Khattar, Dushyant Chautala and Adityanath whose governments dug up roads and blocked roads by putting up barriers, and register cases against them for causing losses to the state exchequer and damage to public property.
He also noted that when the Modi government is ready to do 18 amendments in the laws, it shows that the laws are not right, and then why does it not repeal these laws.
"Today, the Supreme Court expressed its anguish and its disappointment over repeated failure of talks and on failure of the government in being able to find a solution," he alleged.
Surjewala said never in the 73-year history of this country had a government been exposed in this fashion for its arrogance, its intemperate behaviour and insensitivity towards 62 crore farmers.
The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the Centre's vehement opposition to its suggestion that the implementation of three new farm laws be held back for the time being so as to help find an amicable solution to the ongoing farmers' protest against them at Delhi borders.
While rapping the Centre for its handling of farmers' protest against the new laws, the apex court said that either the implementation of these statutes be held back or the top court itself will proceed to do so on the recommendation of a court-appointed committee which is to be constituted. -- PTI
Representative image
20:51 No cash rewards for Amshipora encounter: Army
The Defence Public Relations Office (PRO) on Monday refuted media reports that cash rewards were given for killing of terrorists in Amshipora encounter action.
"Media reports that Amshipora encounter actions were driven by Rs 20 lakh award for the killing of terrorists are malafide," Defence PRO, Srinagar stated.
"Indian Army has no system of cash awards for its personnel for any acts in combat situations or otherwise in the line of duty," it added.
Three terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces at Amshipora area of Shopian on July 18, 2020. -- ANI
20:48 NHRC notice to Maha govt over death of 10 infants
The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC has issued notices to the chief secretary and director general of police, government of Maharashtra calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks regarding the deaths of 10 infants due to fire in Bhandara District General hospital.
'The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that ten infants were killed in a fire that swept through the Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) at Bhandara District General Hospital in Maharashtra on 09.01.2021,' read a press statement from NHRC.
'The fire reportedly broke out at around 1.30 am and the hospital administration could rescue only seven out of the seventeen children kept in the ward.
'A relief of Rs.5 lakhs has been announced by the state government from the Chief Minister's Fund to each bereaved family and a state wide fire audit has also been announced.
'A case of accident has been reportedly registered and further investigation is being conducted,' it said.
'The Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and DGP, Government of Maharashtra calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks.
'The Director General of Police is also expected to inform the Commission about the outcome of the investigation being conducted by the police authorities.
'The report must contain the fire audit reports of various hospitals in the state as well as what measures have been taken or contemplated to be taken by the state against the erring or negligent officers/officials so that they cannot go with impurity,' the press statement read.
It further read, 'Issuing the notices, the Commission has observed that the victim babies were in the custody of a state run hospital where they lost life.
'Hence, the state cannot escape its responsibility. This is a serious issue of violation of human rights for which the accountability of the negligent officers/officials is required to be fixed, with retrospective effect. The monetary relief alone is not sufficient to compensate.'
'Further, it is imperative to ensure that the support systems in various hospitals in the state must provide adequate care and attention to the patients for protection of their human rights,' it said.
'According to the media reports, prima facie, the fire perhaps originated from the Air Conditioner and the victim babies died due to suffocation caused by the smoke.
'Reportedly, a committee headed by the Health Director will probe the incident and submit its report within three days. Electrical Department officials are reportedly investigating into the exact cause of the fire as reported by quoting the Superintendent of Police of Bhandara district,' the statement added. -- ANI
20:29 China moves back 10,000 troops from depth areas
In a significant development, the Chinese Army has moved back around 10,000 troops from the depth areas near the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh.
However, the deployment in the frontline areas has remained the same and the troops from both sides remain in an eyeball to eyeball situation at several locations in that sector.
Government sources told ANI that the Chinese Army has moved back around 10,000 troops from its traditional training areas opposite Eastern Ladakh sector and areas near it.
The Chinese traditional training areas are around 150 kilometres and beyond the Indian side of LAC.
The Chinese had maintained these troops there since April-May timeframe last year.
The heavy weaponry brought in by the Chinese Army in the deployment close to Indian border has also remained in the area, the sources said.
Sources said the reason for moving troops away from the depth areas may be due to the extreme winters and they may be finding it difficult to deploy a large number of troops in that extremely cold region.
It is difficult to say whether they will bring back the troops once there is a rise in temperature after February-March this year, the sources said.
Since April-May timeframe in 2020, the Chinese army had deployed close to 50,000 troops opposite Indian boundary there in Eastern Ladakh sector in aggressive posturing.
The Indian side had responded rapidly and deployed almost the same number of troops there to prevent any further misadventure by the People's Liberation Army.
The Chinese started transgressing into Indian areas in the garb of an annual training exercise in the area opposite India after which multiple clashes took place between the two forces.
Indian Army has been keeping a track of their activities closely and preempted them in southern Pangong lake area by capturing the Rezang La and Rechen La strategic heights there along with some on the northern bank too. -- Ajit K Dubey/ANI
20:11 TRP case: No interim bail for former BARC CEO Dasgupta
A sessions court in Mumbai on Monday refused to grant interim bail to Partho Dasgupta, former CEO of Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) andan accused in the TRP manipulation case.
The court will hear arguments in the case to decide onDasgupta's bail plea on January 15.
In his plea seeking bail, Dasgupta told the courthe was 55 years of age, and a diabetic, and that he sufferedfrom other medical ailments.
He also said the allegations against him were basedon 'conjecture'.
His counsel Shardul Singh told sessions courtJudge MA Bhosale that no offence of cheating, as alleged bythe prosecution, was made out against Dasgupta.
He also said since a charge sheet and a supplementarycharge sheet had already been filed in the case, Dasguptadeserved to be let out on bail, adding that several of theco-accused in the case had already been granted bail.
Special public prosecutor Shishir Hiray, however,told court the police had filed a voluminous supplementarycharge sheet on Monday of over 5,000 pages, and that he wouldneed time to go through it.
Singh then said Dasgupta must be granted interim bailsince the supplementary charge sheet too had been filed, but Hiray opposed the argument and said the court must not grantinterim bail to Dasgupta without hearing the prosecution'sarguments.
Judge Bhosale said he was not inclined to grant bailwithout hearing all parties.
The TRP scam came to light in October last year whenBARC filed a complaint through Hansa Research Group, one of BARC's vendors on engagement with panel homes, alleging thatsome channels were rigging television rating points. -- PTI
19:32 14-yr-old injured in Pak shelling across LoC
A 14-year-old boy was seriously injured on Monday in Pakistani shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
Mohammad Jehangir was hit by splinters when a mortar shell exploded near his house in Shahpur sector during intense shelling by Pakistan Army, the officials said.
The injured boy is being shifted to hospital, the officials said.
The Shahpur sector witnessed heavy mortar shelling by the Pakistan side twice during the day, prompting strong retaliation by the Indian Army, the officials said.
Pakistan Army first targeted the forward posts and villages in the sector at 11.30 am and the exchange of firing between the two sides lasted till 12.50 pm, the officials said.
Pakistani troops again resorted to unprovoked firing and shelling at around 4 pm and the cross-border firing was going on when last reports were received. -- PTI
19:29 No new KYC norms for jewelry purchases, clarifies finmin
No new KYC disclosures have been mandated for cash purchase of gold, silver or precious gems and stones and only high-value cash transactions continue to require the filing of documents such as income tax PAN or biometric ID Aadhaar, finance ministry have sources said.
Clarifying a December 28, 2020, notification, the department of revenue in the ministry said cash purchase of jewellery, bullion and precious gems and stones of value more than Rs 2 lakh is not allowed without KYC in the country for the past few years. This continues.
The notification issued under the PML Act, 2002, on December 28 stated that only persons or entities buying gold, silver, jewellery or precious stones 'in cash transactions' worth Rs 10 lakh or above need to fill know your customer or KYC documents.
This is a requirement of FATF (Financial Action Task Force) -- the global money laundering and terrorist financing overseer -- they said.
FATF is an inter-governmental body that sets international standards aimed to prevent illegal activities on terror funding and money laundering. India is a member of FATF since 2010.
Since in India, cash purchase of jewellery above Rs 2 lakh is not allowed without KYC, so no new category is created under this notification.
However, it is a requirement to be fulfilled under FATF, they said. Sources said no new category for disclosure has been created through the notification.
-- PTI
19:12 Covid vaccination: AP HC suspends panchayat poll schedule
The Andhra Pradesh high court on Monday suspended the schedule announced by the State Election Commission for conducting elections to gram panchayats in four phases next month, observing it would hamper the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
The order was issued on a petition by the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy government, challenging the schedule, citing the vaccination programme,to be taken up from January 16.
'The SEC has not objectively considered the view of the government and has approached the subject matter in its own domain,' a vacation bench of the high court observed.
The court said the gram panchayat elections would hamper the (coronavirus) vaccination programme and, as such, suspended the SEC orders 'in the interests of public health'.
The court order is seen as a morale boosting victory for the state government, which has been having a tussle with the SEC N Ramesh Kumar since March last year.
He was reinstated as SEC in May after the high court struck down an ordinance of the state government curtailing the tenure of the poll body from five to three years.
Overruling the objections raised by the government, the SEC on Friday night announced the schedule for the polls to be held on February 5, 9, 13 and 17.
Ramesh Kumar had announced the schedule hours after his meeting with Chief Secretary Aditya Nath Das and other top officials.
Reacting to the announcement, the government had said it was unilateral and amounted to violation of the Supreme Court orders.
"The SEC has adamantly announced the poll schedule without considering the state governments views. It is a brazen display of arrogance of power," Panchayat Raj Principal Secretary G K Dwivedi had said in a statement. -- PTI
19:02 SC to pronounce orders on Tuesday on farm laws
The Supreme Court will pronounce orders on Tuesday on various issues related to the new farm laws and the farmers' ongoing protest at Delhi borders and may take a call on setting up of a committee headed by a former Chief Justice of India to find ways to resolve the impasse.
A bench, headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, which indicated during the hearing that it may pass orders in parts on the issues concerning farm laws and farmers' protest, later uploaded the information on the website.
"List these matters tomorrow i.e. 12.01.2021, for orders," said the bench which also comprised justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian.'
The bench on Monday heard a clutch of pleas challenging the new farm laws as well as the ones raising issues of citizens' right to move freely during the ongoing farmers' stir.
It pulled up the Centre for its handling of the farmers protest against the new farm laws saying it is 'extremely disappointed' with the way negotiations between them were going.
It also indicated amply that it may go to the extent of staying the implementation of the contentious farm laws and refused to grant extra time to the Centre to explore the possibility of amicable solution saying it has already granted the government a 'long rope'.
-- PTI
18:59 Work on Ayodhya Ram temple to begin in January
Work on the foundation for the Ram temple at Ayodhya would begin this month and construction of the temple complex is expected to conclude in about three-and-a-half years, Swami Govinda Dev Giri ji Maharaj, Treasurer of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust, said on Monday.
"How the foundation shall be built, that has been decided just now. The excavation has begun but the actual foundation construction has not begun.It will start ithis
January," he said.
He was asked if the formal construction of the temple has begun, and if not, when it is going to begin.
Asked about the total cost of the project, he said he "guessed" that the cost of the main temple within the boundary should be between Rs 300 crore to Rs 400 crore.
The total cost could be over Rs 1,100 crore, which includes the Rs 300 crore to Rs 400 crore for the main temple and the development of 67 acres (at the complex), he said.
He said the construction of the temple is likely to be completed in three to three-and-a-half years.
-- PTI
18:16 'Galwan heroes' likely to be honoured on R-Day
Colonel B Santosh Babu and some of the other Indian Army personnel, who were killed while valiantly fighting Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh in June last year, are expected to be honoured with gallantry awards on Republic Day, sources said on Monday.
Col Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar regiment, was among 20 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the fierce hand-to-hand combat on June 15 in the Galwan Valley, an incident that marked one of the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in decades.
China is yet to disclose the number of its soldiers killed and injured in the clash though it officially admitted to having suffered casualties. According to an American intelligence report, the number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35.
The Galwan Valley clash had escalated the border row in eastern Ladakh and resulted in a large deployment of troops and heavy weaponry by both the armies in the friction points.
"Some of the Army personnel including Col Babu who displayed extreme courage during the Galwan clash are expected to be honoured on Republic Day," said a source.
The Indian Army has already built a memorial for the 'Gallants of Galwan' at Post 120 in eastern Ladakh.
The memorial mentioned their heroics under operation 'Snow Leopard' and the way they evicted the Chinese People's Liberation Army troops from the area while inflicting "heavy casualties" on them.
-- PTI
17:45 UK now at worst point of COVID-19 pandemic, warns senior UK health official
The UK will go through the "most dangerous time" as it enters "the worst" weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, England's Chief Medical Officer said on Monday as he urged the public to strictly follow the stay-at-home lockdown to help curb the transmission of infections.
Professor Chris Whitty, who is also the face of a series of awareness campaigns about following lockdown rules, said the only way to help an already overwhelmed National Health Service is to minimise all unnecessary contact with other people while the vaccination programme is accelerated in parallel.
"I think everybody accepts that this is the most dangerous time we've really had in terms of numbers into the NHS. The next few weeks will be the worst of the pandemic for the NHS," Prof Whitty told the BBC.
"This is everybody's problem. Any single unnecessary contact you have with someone is a potential link in a chain of transmission that will lead to a vulnerable person," he said.
He said there were over 30,000 people in England hospitals with COVID-19, compared to about 18,000 at the peak last April. He added that "anybody who is not shocked" by the number of people in the hospital "has not understood this at all".
"This is an appalling situation," he said, pointing to the more than 80,000 coronavirus deaths since the start of the pandemic and an estimated one in 50 people infected in the UK.
His latest warning comes as the UK's new mass vaccination centres opened their doors to vulnerable categories, with eligible over-80 individuals being informed by letters from the NHS.
-- PTI
17:25 30 cr people to be vaccinated in few months: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on meeting with CMs on COVID19 vaccine roll-out: Excerpts:
"From 16th January we are starting the world's largest vaccination program. Two 'Made in India' vaccines have been given emergency use approval.
"Health workers - govt as well as private - will be vaccinated first of all. Sanitation workers, other frontline workers, defence forces, police and other paramilitary forces will also be vaccinated in the first phase.
"Around 3 crore healthcare workers and frontline workers will be vaccinated in the first phase of vaccination.
"In the 2nd phase, those above 50 years and those under 50 years with co-morbid conditions will be vaccinated. We aim to vaccinate 30 crore people in the next few months.
"If you look at the number of health and frontline workers across all states, it stands at around 3 crores. It has been decided that state govts will not have to bear the expenses of vaccination of these 3 crore people in the first phase. Govt of India will bear these expenses."
16:51 SII's Covishield vaccine to cost Rs 200 a vial
Serum Institute of India (SII) has received a purchase order from the Government of India, SII officials, said. The vaccine would be available at the price of Rs 200 per vial.
The drug is expected to roll out of SII's Pune facilities tonight or tomorrow morning.
"A few million doses of Covishield will be supplied every week. 11 million doses may be supplied in the initial lot," they added.
The process of administering the vaccine will start on on January 16, the government said on the weekend.
The SII vaccine developed by Oxford-AstraZeneca was cleared for emergency use along with Bharat Biotech's indigenous "Covaxin" earlier this month.
Virat pampered Anushka during her pregnancy
16:41
Update: "We are thrilled to share with you that we have been blessed with a baby girl this afternoon. We thank you all for your love, prayers and good wishes. Anushka and the baby are both healthy and we are feeling beyond blessed to start this new chapter of our lives. We hope that you can respect our privacy at this time. Love, Virat."
Last year in August, the Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma had announced that they were expecting their first child in January 2021. The ethereal couple got married in a fairytale wedding which was only attended by the couple's family and friends on December 11 in 2017. Post their nuptials in Italy, the couple hosted grand receptions in Delhi and Mumbai. Kohli, who holds the top spot in ICC's ODI batting rankings, made his debut in the format in August 2008.
The Indian skipper has scored 12,040 runs in 251 ODIs at an average of 59.31. Kohli has represented India in 87 Test matches, scoring 7,318 runs with the highest of 254*. In T20I cricket, he has played 85 matches, piling 2,928 runs at a strike rate of 138.43. Skipper Kohli played just the first Test of the ongoing four-match Test series and then returned to India for the birth of his first child.
The Ajinkya Rahane-led team put up an inspired show against Australia in the third Test to eke out a draw at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Monday. This after they won the second Test at the MCG. The fourth Test between India and Australia will begin on January 15 at The Gabba.
16:38 BJP will retain power in Assam: Nadda
BJP national president J P Nadda on Monday asserted that his party will return to power in Assam in the upcoming elections, bagging over 100 of 126 assembly seats, as the Sarbananda Sonowal-led government has worked for the all-round development of the state.
Nadda, during his address at 'Vijay Sankalp' rally here, said that the saffron party, since its victory in 2016 Assam assembly polls, has gone on to win all elections in the state -- be it zilla parishad, panchayat, territorial or autonomous council. The party has given due recognition to Assam's culture, language and identity, the top BJP leader said.
"The BJP has been working peacefully for the development of Assam, taking into consideration the interests of all communities. It has fulfilled their demands without harming others.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah resolved the 50-year old Bodo issue by signing a peace accord and bringing the militants to the mainstream. All stakeholders were taken into confidence and the accord ensured that their demands were given due recognition," he stated.
The BJP chief, who arrived here on Monday on a two-day visit, is set to leave later in the day for Guwahati, where he will hold meetings with members of the party's state unit core committee, election committee and other office bearers. -- PTI
16:20 It's a baby girl for Anushka, Virat!
Breaking news: Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli are parents to a baby girl. Both mother and baby are doing fine, Kohli posted. Details in a bit
15:52 Sensex rallies to all-time high of 49,269
Sensex rallies 486.81 pts to end at all-time peak of 49,269.32; Nifty surges 137.50 points to record 14,484.75. The S&P BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty 50 indexes ended at record highs for eleventh session in trade on Monday led by strong gains in auto, information technology, FMCG and pharma stocks. The benchmarks staged a gap up opening and extended gains in last hour of trade on the back of partial recovery in banking stocks. The Sensex rose as much as 521 points to hit an all-time high of 49,303.79.
15:45 Refrigerated trucks await vaccine disbursal
Kool-ex Cold Chain Ltd in Pune prepared to transport the COVID19 vaccines from Serum Institute of India to other parts of the country. Kunal Agarwal, Director Kool-Ex says, "We've been doing this for over 12 years. Our trucks can be temperature controlled from -25 to +25C. Every truck is tech-enabled. Various state govts have given security cover for trucks where they'll get police escort till they reach destination. Preparations began a month ago, now we're ready. We've been asked to prepare for vaccine transportation anywhere in India. We have 300-350 vehicles and a back up of 500-600. As soon as we get orders, we can start loading vaccine from consigner in 3-4 hours."
15:15 IMA asks docs to get vaccinated, prove safety
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has requested all its 3.5 lakh members in 1800 local branches to voluntarily come out to get vaccinated first to show to the world that the vaccines are safe and efficacious.
With less than a week before India kickstarts the world's biggest inoculation drive, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a virtual meeting with chief ministers of all states and union territories on Monday and review the preparedness for Covid-19 vaccine administration across the nation.
In India's vaccination drive, set to start on January 16, priority will be given to about 3 crore frontline workers, followed by around 27 crore people above the age of 50 and others with co-morbidities. The country has also conducted two dry runs to understand the best way to administer vaccine shots and plug loopholes in logistics and training.
15:07 Can't call myself a Republican anymore: Colin Powell
In the wake of Capitol riots on Wednesday, Former United States Secretary of State Colin Powell said that he no longer considers himself a Republican. Speaking to CNN's Fareed Zakaria on Sunday, he said that "this is a moment for accountability" adding that this is a moment to "place blame" on those who have done on people who have done people who have done things that are wrong, while referring to the President Donald Trump supporters who stormed Capitol Hill to halt certification of the electoral college vote. While many world leaders have expressed concerns over the events that took place on Wednesday, the former secretary of state under President George W. Bush said that the US "will come out of this".
"I have no fear for our country -- we will come out of this. We will get out of this okay but we have got to get Mr Trump out of this entirely. He is going to be gone one way or another next week (January 20 -- President-elect Joe Biden's swearing-in ceremony)," he said.
"The big challenge we are going to have is how do we convince all of our citizens. How do we convince our citizens that we need to convince our society," Powell asked while citing a challenge to convince those who voted for Trump in the Presidential election in November. The former Secretary of State said that he is not a fellow of anything right now.
"I'm just a citizen who has voted Republican, voted Democrat throughout my entire career, and right now I'm just watching my country and not concerned with parties," Powell said.
"I do not know how he was able to attract all of these people. They should have known better, but they were so taken by their political standing and how none of them wanted to put themselves at political risk. They would not stand up and tell the truth or stand up and criticize him, or criticise others," he continued as quoted by The Hill. -- ANI
14:59 Dalai Lama, Greta Thunberg discuss climate feedback loops
The Dalai Lama has posted the pic alongside on Instagram and wrote: 'Climate activist Greta Thunberg listens to HHDL make a point during their conversation about climate feedback loops at his residence in Dharamsala, HP, India on January 10, 2021. Photo by Tenzin Jamphel.'
14:42 SAT directs NDTV's Roys to deposit 50% of disgorged amount
The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) has directed NDTV's promoters Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy to deposit 50 per centof the disgorged amount before markets regulator Sebi within four weeks. It further said if NDTV deposits the amount, the balance amount will not be recovered during the pendency of the appeal before SAT.
In two separate orders passed on January 4, the tribunal noted that the appeals filed by the Roy couple needed consideration and directed the appeals to be listed before the tribunal for final disposal on February 10, 2021.
This comes following appeals filed by the couple against a Sebi order passed in November, whereby the markets regulator had barred them from the securities market for two years and also directed them to disgorge illegal gains of Rs 16.97 crore for indulging in insider trading more than 12 years ago.
However, the charges were denied by the company. Sebi noted that the duo together made the gains by indulging in insider trading in the shares of New Delhi Television Ltd (NDTV) while in possession of UPSI relating to the proposed reorganization of the company.
Prannoy Roy was the chairman and whole time director and Radhika Roy was the managing director during the period under investigation and were part of the decision making chain that had led to crystallization of the UPSI. Discussions pertaining to reorganisation of the company started on September 7, 2007 and the disclosure was made on April 16, 2008. Hence, September 7, 2007 to April 16, 2008 was unpublished price sensitive information (UPSI) period.
The couple sold shares on April 17, 2008, when the trading window for them was closed and made a profit of Rs 16.97 crore, as per the Sebi order. By doing so, they violated Prohibition of Insider Trading (PIT) norms and also acted in contravention of NDTV's code of conduct for prevention of insider trading which prohibited them from trading at least till 24 hours after the information was disclosed to the stock exchanges, itadded. PTI
14:33 Budget docs won't be printed for first time
For the first time since 1947, Union Budget papers will not be printed.
The government has received permission from both the Houses of Parliament.
The finance ministry said that it cannot keep over 100 people in the printing press for a fortnight due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation, sources added. Soft copies to be made available.
The Union Budget will be presented on February 1. The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs had said that the Budget Session of Parliament will be held in two parts from January 29 to April 8. The first part of the Budget session would be held from January 29 to February 15, and Part 2 from March 8 to April 8.
File pic
14:16 27 birds dead in AIIMS Rishikesh campus
Amid the spreading scare of bird flu across many parts of the country, 26 crows and one pigeon were found dead at the premises of AIIMS in Rishikesh on Sunday in Uttarakhand. According to the AIIMS' Public Relation Officer Hem Bhat, "The officials of Forest Division Range and Animal Husbandry Department have reached the spot and collected the samples of dead birds. Later, samples were sent for examination."
Earlier, there were sporadic reports of the sudden death of birds in other areas of the state. A large number of crows were found dead in Bombay Bagh area in Dehradun following that six in Gandhigram, one in Bengali Kothi area and 10 crows in Doiwala in the state. "165 birds died in a single day in Dehradun. The samples of birds have been sent to Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) Bareilly," said state Chief Wildlife Warden JS Suhag. Meanwhile, the PPE kits are being provided to the employees of the Forest Department and Animal Husbandry Department.
The severity of bird flu in the state can be estimated only after reports are announced.
14:13 96 people test +ve for UK Covid variant in India
The number of people who have tested positive for the new UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 in India has climbed to 96, the health ministry said on Monday. Till Saturday, the number of such people was 90.
"The total number of persons found infected with the mutant UK strain of COVID-19 is 96," the ministry said.
All these people were kept in single-room isolation at designated healthcare facilities by the respective state governments, it had earlier said. Their close contacts have also been put under quarantine and a comprehensive contact-tracing exercise has been initiated for the co-travellers, family members and others, the ministry said, adding that the genome sequencing of other specimens is going on.
The situation is being monitored and regular advice is being given to the states for enhanced surveillance, containment, testing and dispatch of samples to INSACOG laboratories. The presence of the new UK variant of the coronavirus has been reported by several countries, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, Lebanon and Singapore. PTI
13:56 Pandemic slowed India's race to $5tn economy: HM
Though the ongoing pandemic has slowed down the pace of realising USD 5 trillion economy, but India will certainly achieve it, said said Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday.
"Reforms have been done in many sectors including the pharma, infrastructure and space sectors during COVID-19. The pandemic may slow down the speed to realise the dream of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy but we will certainly achieve it," Shah said.
The Union Minister was speaking during the launch of the 'Single Window Clearance System', an online platform to obtain clearances for smooth operationalisation of coal mines.
He said the coal sector of the country needed transparency and utilisation of its full potential and under Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government the much-needed push was given to the sector.
"The coal sector of the country needed transparency and utilisation of its maximum potential. Looking at the coal sector from a distance, there used to be a feeling that the contribution of the coal sector to the country's economy is not getting even a third of its contribution. There were many hurdles, but policy changes started from the time the government was formed under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, which gave momentum to the sector," Shah said.
He explained that removing inconsistency in the coal sector and bringing transparency was the aim of PM Modi. Union Minister of Coal Pralhad Joshi was also present on the occasion.
13:43 LIVE! WHO's probe team for Covid origin heads to China
An international expert team from the World Health Organization (WHO) is set to arrive in China on Thursday to conduct joint scientific research with Chinese scientists on the origin of the novel coronavirus, the National Health Commission said on Monday.
China Daily reported that further details have not been disclosed in the brief statement released on the commission's website. Zeng Yixin, the vice-minister of the commission, said at a news conference on Saturday that China has attached high importance to tracing the origins of the novel coronavirus and supports cooperation between China and the WHO on the issue.
This comes after the World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed disappointment over China not finalising the permissions for the arrival of the team that was to investigate the origin of the coronavirus last week.
He added, "I am very disappointed with this news given that two members had already begun their journeys and others were not able to travel at the last minute. But I have been in contact with senior Chinese officials and I have once again made clear that the mission is a priority for WHO and the international team."
While China has dismissed criticism of its handling of early cases that emerged in late 2019, some leaders including US President Donald Trump have questioned Beijing's actions during the outbreak. Trump has often called it the 'ChinaVirus' and has repeatedly called for the Chinese government to be held accountable for "this plague". US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has also slammed the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for continuing to spread disinformation regarding COVID-19 and obstructing the investigation of the World Health Organization (WHO) in finding out the origin and spread of the virus.
13:36
Maharashtra: Bird flu has been confirmed in Mumbai, Thane, Parbhani, & Beed districts as well as in Dapoli of Ratnagiri district.
13:26 Kangana gets relief from arrest till Jan 25
The Bombay High Court on Monday extended the interim relief of no coercive action against actor Kangana Ranaut and her sister Rangoli Chandel till January 25 in connection with an FIR registered against them under sedition and other charges. The HC also directed the city police not to summon the duo for questioning till then.
Ranaut and her sister appeared before Bandra police in Mumbai on January 8 for recording their statement in the case, pursuant to an assurance given to HC in November last year.
The FIR, under sedition charges and for allegedly "trying to create hatred and communal tension" through their posts on social media, was registered pursuant to orders passed by the Bandra magistrate's court, directing the police to carry out an inquiry against Ranaut and her sister following a complaint lodged against them.
A division bench of Justices S S Shinde and Manish Pitale was hearing a petition filed by the sisters, seeking to quash the FIR and the order passed by the magistrate on October 17 last year. Public prosecutor Deepak Thakare informed the court on Monday that the petitioners appeared before the police on January 8 from 1 pm to 3 pm.
"She (Ranaut) left even before we could complete the interrogation, claiming she has professional commitments. We will call her again for interrogation. What is wrong in cooperating," Thakare said. To this, Justice Pitale said, "She (Ranaut) was there for two hours. Is this not enough? How many more hours do you (police) need for cooperation?" Thakare then said the police want to question her for three more days.
Advocate Rizwan Merchant, appearing for complainant Sahil Ashraf Ali Sayyed, sought time to file an affidavit in response to the petition. The court then adjourned the matter till January 25.
13:10 Arjun Rampal's sister Komal reaches NCB office for questioning
Komal Rampal, sister of Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal has reached the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) office in Mumbai on Monday for interrogation in an ongoing drug case. She was last summoned on Wednesday in connection to a drug-related case but had informed the investigation agency through her lawyer that she would be unable to appear.
"Arjun Rampal's sister Komal Rampal, through her lawyer, had informed NCB on Wednesday that she would be unable to appear before them. Also, she has not sought any further date to appear," an NCB source told ANI.
The NCB has also summoned Mumbai's renowned Muchchchad Panwala after 200 kilograms of ganja and other drugs were seized from Karan Sajnani and Rahila Furniturewala on Saturday.
On Saturday, the NCB had conducted raids in the Bandra and Jhar areas of Mumbai and arrested UK Citizen Karan Sajnanai and Rahila Furniturewala, ex-manager of a Bollywood actress and her sister Shaista Furniturewala. Rampal who was probed in a drug-related case. He was questioned by the NCB on November 13, after raids were conducted at his residence on November 9. His girlfriend Gabriella Demetriades was later questioned for six hours on the same day.
12:51 Don't want blood on our hands: SC on farmers' stir
Update: Some compassion from the Supreme Court even as the Centre refuses to blink on the farm laws. Attorney General KK Venugopal says that there are Supreme Court precedents saying that the Courts cannot stay legislation.
"Each one of us will be responsible if something goes wrong. We don't want anybody's blood on our hands," says CJI SA Bobde hearing the batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the three farm laws.
"The Union of India must take responsibility for all this. You (Centre) are bringing the laws and you can do it in a better manner. Each one of us will be responsible if something goes wrong. We don't want anybody's blood on our hands, " says the CJI hearing batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the three farm laws.
"Some people have committed suicide, old people and women are a part of the agitation. What is happening?" says the CJI, and added that not a single plea has been filed that said that the farm laws are good.
"Farmers are protesting against laws, let them tell their objections to committee; we may accept its recommendations," says the SC. "We are not experts on economy; you tell us whether govt is going to put on hold farm laws or we will do this. We don't know whether people are observing social distancing but we are concerned about them (farmers) getting food and water," says SC.
12:38 Stay farm laws or we'll do it: CJI to Centre
Hearing a clutch of petitions challenging the new farm laws as well as the ones raising issues related to the ongoing agitation at Delhi borders, the Supreme Court Monday said it is disappointed with the way the process is going.
We dont know what negotiations are going on? Can the farm laws be put on hold for some time?, asks CJI while hearing a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the three farm law, Chief Justice of India S A Bobde said.
The bench comprising CJI Bobde Bobde and Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian further said, Some people have committed suicide, old people and women are a part of the agitation. What is happening?, says CJI, and added that not a single plea has been filed that said that the farm laws are good.
Talks between the Centre and farmer unions on the new agriculture laws failed to make any headway even after the eighth round of talks. The Centre and the farmer leaders are scheduled to hold their next meeting on January 15.
During the last hearing, the top court, which had observed that there is no improvement on the ground regarding farmers protests, was told by the Centre that healthy discussions were going on between the government and the unions over all the issues and there was a good chance that both sides may come to a conclusion in the near future.
While hearing the pleas on the issue of farmers protest, the top court had on December 17 said that the agitation should be allowed to continue without impediment and this court will not interfere with it as the right to protest is a fundamental right.
12:04 India returns Chinese soldier who crossed LAC
A Chinese soldier, who was apprehended by the Indian Army at the southern bank of Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh on Friday, has been handed back to China at Chushul sector.
The soldier was apprehended after he transgressed across the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control.
South Pangong Tso is one of the areas where only a few hundred metres separate troops of the two countries.
The capture of the soldier comes amid a massive deployment of troops by the Indian Army and the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army in eastern Ladakh in view of the tense border standoff that erupted following a clash between the two sides in the Pangong lake area in early May.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Indian Army said: During early hours of 08 January, 21, a Chinese soldier was apprehended on the Indian side of the LAC, in Ladakh, in area South of Pangong Tso lake. The PLA soldier had transgressed across the LAC and was taken into custody by Indian troops deployed in this area. Troops from either side are deployed along the LAC since friction erupted last year due to unprecedented mobilisation and forward concentration by Chinese troops. The PLA soldier is being dealt with as per laid down procedures and circumstances under which he had crossed the LAC are being investigated. Further details are awaited, the Army stated.
Rohit Datta
11:54 Get vaccinated, urges Delhi's 1st Covid patient
Days ahead of the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination roll-out, the city's first coronavirus patient urged people on Monday to get immunised without hesitation and listen to the scientific community, and not get swayed in by naysayers or those "spreading misconception" about it.
The massive drive, whose first phase will begin from January 16 with healthcare workers to be the top priority group to receive the dose, will comprise 89 vaccination centres in Delhi. With final preparations underway and the vaccine set to arrive in the national capital in the next couple of days, Rohit Datta, who was the first person to be diagnosed with coronavirus infection on March 1, said "it feels surreal".
"Till a few months ago, we were struggling, people were dying in large numbers and fear of an unknown virus was at its peak. But our doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers fought a tough battle in 2020. And the first dose is rightfully to be given to all those corona warriors," he said. Datta, 46, a businessman and resident of east Delhi's Mayur Vihar, praised the scientists who have worked tirelessly in labs to make these vaccines a reality.
"When I had been detected with COVID-19, a lot of lay people had sort of become self-proclaimed medical experts, giving their opinions on the new virus, many spread misinformation and wrong information about it, even though the scientific community was struggling to understand this novel virus. Now, same thing is happening about the COVID vaccine too," he said.
"Many are spreading misconceptions about it even before the roll-out. Let us give our scientists a chance," the leather businessman said.
India's drugs regulator has approved Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute, and the indigenously-developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country.
11:47 After fans' rally Rajini repeats: No politics
Tamil superstar Rajinikanth has reiterated his decision to not enter politics following Sunday's gathering in Chennai by his fans demanding that he enter politics.
In a press release in Tamil, Rajini said: To my fans who are like God to me:
A few people joined hands with some of those who were removed from the Rajini Makkal Mandram and organised an event in Chennai to force me to reconsider my decision to not enter politics.
While I appreciate them for holding this event with discipline and sincerity, I am also pained that they overruled the leadership's direction to not hold such an event.
To those who accepted the leadership's request and stayed away from the event, my heartfelt gratitude to you.
I have already explained in detail my reasons for not entering politics.I have made my decision known.
Therefore I request everyone to please not cause me more pain by holding such events to request me to enter politics.
Long live Tamil, may Tamil Nadu grow, Jai Hind!
With affection
Rajinikanth
11:25 64% fall in terror incidents in 2020 in J-K: MHA
The number of terrorist incidents in 2020, up to November 15, decreased by 63.93 per cent as compared to the corresponding period in 2019 in Jammu and Kashmir, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The Ministry informed that there was also a decrease in fatalities of Special Forces Personnel by 29.11 per cent and a decrease in casualties of civilians by 14.28 per cent in 2020 (up to November 15, 2020) as compared to the corresponding period in 2019.
The home ministry while giving a brief about annual achievements also said that Adaptation of Central Laws and State Laws in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh is one of the key achievements of the Central government.
"Orders were notified for adaptation of 48 Central Laws and 167 State Laws in respect of UT of J&K. Orders relating to adaptation of 44 Central Laws and 148 State Laws in UT of Ladakh were also notified," MHA said.
"The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2020 was notified on 31.03.2020. It removes difficulties with regard to section 75 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 for administering oath to new judges appointed to the common High Court for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
A Bench of Central Administrative Tribunal was established at Jammu on 08.06.2020," MHA has said. The MHA also said that one-time financial assistance of Rs 5.5 lakh per family provided to 36,384 displaced families from Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Chhamb under the Prime Minister Development Package.
One-time financial assistance at the rate of Rs 5.5 Lakh per family for the 5,764 families of West Pakistan Refugees (WPRs) in Jammu and Kashmir is also being provided at par with displaced persons of PoJK and Chhamb, it said.
In 2019, the Central government revoked Article 370 which gave special provisions to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The government bifurcated Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. -- ANI
A recovered Covid patient leaves Kaushalya hospital, Thane
11:15 Maha: 411 new COVID-19 cases in Thane, 8 more deaths
With the addition of 411 new COVID-19 cases, the infection count in Maharashtra's Thane district has reached 2,47,113, an official said on Monday. Eight more people have also succumbed to the viral infection, raising the death toll in the district to 6,028, the official said.
The COVID-19 mortality rate in the district is 2.44 per cent, he said. So far, 2,36,931 patients have recovered from the infection in the district and the recovery rate currently stands at 95.88 per cent.
At present, there are 4,154 active COVID-19 cases in the district, the official said. In neighbouring Palghar district, the COVID-19 case count has gone up to 44,604, while the death toll has reached 1,192, he said. PTI
11:04 Karnataka Cabinet reshuffle on Jan 13/14
Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Monday said the much-awaited expansion or reshuffle of his cabinet will take place on January 13 or 14, and BJP National President J P Nadda will be invited for the swearing-in. Though the Chief Minister indicated that seven new faces will be inducted, he did not make it clear whether it will be cabinet expansion or reshuffle.
"On January 13 or 14 according to convenience of our national President J P Nadda and Karnataka in-charge (general secretary Arun Singh), by inviting them, swearing in ceremony will be organised," Yediyurappa said. Speaking to reporters after paying tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his death anniversary, he said, about seven members will be inducted. Asked whether it will be cabinet expansion or reshuffle, he said, "let's see, you will get to know." -- PTI
10:38 Now, Delhi too confirms bird flu; 9 states in all
Testing of eight samples sent to a Bhopal-based laboratory has confirmed bird flu in Delhi, officials said on Monday. All eight samples -- four from a park in Mayur Vihar Phase 3, three from Sanjay Lake and one from Dwarka -- have been found positive for avian influenza, Dr Rakesh Singh from the animal husbandry unit of the Development Department said.
The report of the test results arrived on Monday morning, he said. Officials earlier said that around 50 crows had died in Central Park, Mayur Vihar Phase 3 in a span of three to four days. Ten ducks were found dead in the Sanjay Lake recently. A few samples were also sent to a lab in Jalandhar and their results are awaited, Singh said. PTI
09:52 Maharashtra confirms bird flu, 800 chickens dead
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will chair a meeting to review the bird flu situation in the state, today. Maharashtra is the eighth state to confirm bird flu.
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Three days ago, 800 chickens in Murumba village died due to bird flu. District administration had sent blood samples of dead chickens to National Laboratory. Reports confirm that the chickens died of bird flu, Deepak Mughlikar, District Collector, Parbhani, said.
"All birds in poultry farms within a one-kilometer radius of Muramba village, will be culled. Sale and purchase of birds within a 10-km radius is suspended. All people in the village are being tested for the virus and a medical team is present," the Collector said.
Delhi and Maharashtra have confirmed bird flu amid nationwide efforts to contain spread. Seven other states - Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat - earlier confirmed Avian Influenza as the cause of the recent bird deaths.
09:34 Sensex pares gains after touching 49K
Sensex rallies 312.97 points to new life-time high of 49,095.48; Nifty surges 81 points to 14,428.25. However, the both indices pared gains thereon. Indian indices pared some gains after hitting record high in early deals after the banks, pharma and metal sectors turned red. However, gains in IT, FMCG and auto sectors continued to lead the benchmarks. The IT index jumped nearly 2 percent on positive sentiment after TCS' Q3 earnings beat analysts expectations.
09:29 1.51L Indians have died of Covid-19
India reports 16,311 new Covid-19 cases, 19,299 discharges, and 161 deaths in last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry. The total cases stand at: 1,04,66,595, of which, the breakup is as follows: Active cases: 2,22,526, Total discharges: 1,00,92,909, Death toll: 1,51,160.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with chief ministers of all states today to discuss the COVID-19 situation and the vaccination roll-out in the country.
This will be Modi's first interaction with chief ministers following the recent approval of two coronavirus vaccines for restricted emergency use by India's drug regulator.
09:10 Pence to attend Biden's inauguration: US media
United States Vice President Mike Pence will attend the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on January 20, an event the outgoing President Donald Trump has decided to skip.
According to US media outlets, word of Pence's intention to watch Biden take his oath of office in person spread after the first major break between him and Trump -- when the Vice President defied the President by performing his constitutional duty to certify the November 3 election results.
Trump, a Republican, announced on Twitter, before his account was suspended, that he would not be attending Biden's inauguration.
Pence will attend the inauguration of President-elect Biden, CNN reported, quoting a source familiar with the plans.
Biden, a Democrat, said on Friday that he was glad President Trump decided not to attend and that Vice President Pence is "welcome to come. I'd be honoured to have him there."
"It's a good thing, him not showing up," Biden said on Friday in Wilmington, Delaware, at a news conference.
"He exceeded even my worst notions about him. He's been an embarrassment to the country, embarrassed us around the world. He's not worthy to hold that office," Biden said.
The decision is Pence's second high-profile split from Trump, after standing loyally behind him for years. Despite pressure from Trump, Pence affirmed Biden's victory when the US Congress finished tallying Electoral College votes early on Thursday.
Trump had called for Pence to show "extreme courage" by rejecting the certification process. -- PTI
09:06 PM to meet CMs today over Covid vaccine roll-out
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with chief ministers of all states today to discuss the COVID-19 situation and the vaccination roll-out in the country.
This will be Modi's first interaction with chief ministers following the recent approval of two coronavirus vaccines for restricted emergency use by India's drug regulator.
The prime minister has often spoken with state chief ministers following the pandemic's outbreak in the country.
India will launch its COVID-19 vaccination drive from January 16 with priority to be given to nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers.
After healthcare and frontline workers, priority will be given to those above 50 years of age and the under-50 population groups with co-morbidities, together numbering around 27 crore, a government statement said.
08:21 No talks possible with India until...: Imran
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday that no dialogue is possible with India until New Delhi restores the autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir.
Khan said this while respondng to a question about any possibility of a dialogue with New Delhi during his interactions with the representatives of the digital media in Islamabad.
"No talks possible with India until they restore the autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir," he said
"We don't have adversarial relations with any country except India which is trying to destabilise Pakistan," he claimed.
Ties between India and Pakistan nosedived after a terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016 by terror groups based in Pakistan.
Subsequent attacks, including one on Indian Army camp in Uri, further deteriorated the relationship.
The relationship further dipped after India's war planes pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terorrist training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26, 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed
Withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir's special powers and bifurcating the state into two union territories in August last year also evoked a strong reaction from Pakistan, which has been unsuccessfully trying to rally international support against India on the Kashmir issue
India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda. -- PTI
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