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Fri, 07 August 2020
Flight overshot runway in rainy conditions: Puri
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23:39 Flight overshot runway in rainy conditions: Puri
An Air India Express flight from Dubai with 191 people onboard overshot the runway at Kozhikode airport on Friday in rainy conditions and went down 35 feet into a slope before breaking up into two pieces, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said.
The minister said he is deeply "anguished and distressed" at the accident and relief teams from Air India and Airports Authority of India are being immediately dispatched from Delhi and Mumbai.
"All efforts are being made to help passengers. A formal enquiry will be conducted by AAircraft Accident Investigation Bureau," the minister said on Twitter.
The Director General of Civil Aviation said the flight -- IX 1344 -- continued running to the end of the runway amid heavy rain and "fell down in the valley and broke down in two pieces".
Scheduled international passenger flights continue to remain suspended in India since March 23 amid the coronavirus pandemic.
However, since May 6, special repatriation flights have been operated by Air India and Air India Express under the Vande Bharat Mission to help stranded people reach their destinations. Private carriers have also operated a certain number of flights under this mission.
A spokesperson for the Air India Express said that help centres are being set up at Sharjah and Dubai for affected people.
-- PTI
23:20 Kerala CMO shares helpline numbers
Helplines are open. These numbers will assist you in providing information about passengers who were on the Air India Express1344
Airport Control Room - 0483 2719493
Malappuram Collectorate - 0483 2736320
Kozhikode Collectorate - 0495 2376901
23:13 Rain hampers rescue efforts at Kozhikode
The rescue efforts for the Air India Express flight which crashed at Kozhikode airport at 7.40 pm are being hampered by incessant rains.
The region has been lashed with heavy rains for three days now.
It might have also caused the tragedy as the plane crashed after skidding off the runway.
The plane overshot the runway and nose-dived 30-40 people into the valley at the end. The plane split in two and smashed into the airport's compound wall.
Both pilots were killed in the crash. The casualty figure has been pegged at 16 as of now.
Almost all passengers have been pulled out of the debris and have suffered injuries.
As per sources, 45 passengers are in critical condition.
22:55 Air India deceased pilot DV Sathe was ex-IAF
The shocking accident of the Air India Express flight, which crashed and split in two while landing at Kozhikode
International Airport, has claimed the life of the pilot and co-pilot.
The pilots of the ill-fated Air India Express Flight No IX 1344 from Dubai to Kozhikode has been identified as
Captain Deepak Vasant Sathe and First Officer Akhilesh Kumar.
Captain Sathe was a former Indian Air Force Test pilot. He was commissioned into service in 1981 and served in the
force for 22 years.
According to his colleagues, he was a wonderful pilot and a great human being.
22:30 14 dead, 123 injured in Kozhikode plane crash
According to the Malappuram SP, who is present at the airport after the plane skidded off the runway and split into two, 14 people have died.
He also added that 123 others have been injured and 15 are seriously injured in the tragedy.
An NDRF team has been rushed to the spot to aid in search and rescue operations.
22:05 Modi speaks to Kerala CM after AI plane crash
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on phone after an Air India Express plane coming from Dubai overshot the runway at the Kozhikode airport on Friday. He was informed by the chief minister that a team of officials including Kozhikode and Malappuram district collectors and IG Ashok Yadav have arrived at the airport to participate in the rescue operation.
A pilot and two passengers were killed in the crash and at least 35 people have been reported injured and shifted to various hospitals.
"Deeply distressed to hear about the Air India Express tragedy at Kozhikode. Prayers are with the bereaved families and those injured. We are ascertaining further details," said External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
21:52 Shashi Tharoor on Kozhikode air mishap
Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerela tweets after the plane skidded off Kozhikode runway.
He writes, "Tragic day for Kerala. First the deaths in Munnar & now this: I hear both pilots have died. Hope rescue efforts will succeed in saving all the passengers."
21:36 Amit Shah directs NDRF to rush to crash site
Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed the National Disaster Response Force on Friday night to rush to the spot at Kerala's Kozhikode, where an Air India Express aircraft crashed, to assist in the rescue-and-relief operations.
The Air India Express plane coming from Dubai overshot the runway at the Kozhikode airport.
"Distressed to learn about the tragic accident of Air India Express aircraft in Kozhikode, Kerala.
"Have instructed NDRF to reach the site at the earliest and assist with the rescue operations," Shah tweeted.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also tweeted his condolences. He wrote on Twitter, "Devastating news from Kozhikode, Kerala. I am deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to an accident carrying several passengers on Air India flight. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."
Congress' Rahul Gandhi too reacted to the news, writing, "Shocked at the devastating news of the plane mishap in Kozhikode. Deepest condolences to the friends and family of those who died in this accident. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured."
21:35 Amit Shah directs NDRF to rush to crash site
Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed the National Disaster Response Force on Friday night to rush to the spot at Kerala's Kozhikode, where an Air India Express aircraft crashed, to assist in the rescue-and-relief operations.
The Air India Express plane coming from Dubai overshot the runway at the Kozhikode airport.
"Distressed to learn about the tragic accident of Air India Express aircraft in Kozhikode, Kerala.
"Have instructed NDRF to reach the site at the earliest and assist with the rescue operations," Shah tweeted.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also tweeted his condolences. He wrote on Twitter, "Devastating news from Kozhikode, Kerala. I am deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to an accident carrying several passengers on Air India flight. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."
Congress' Rahul Gandhi too reacted to the news, writing, "Shocked at the devastating news of the plane mishap in Kozhikode. Deepest condolences to the friends and family of those who died in this accident. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured."
21:27 Helpline numbers set up
The Consulate General of India, Dubai has put out helplines for those who want information and help regarding the Air India Express Flight No IX 1344, which skidded off the runway.
Please call:
056 546 3903, 0543090572, 0543090572, 0543090575
21:24 Pilot dead as plane skids off Kozhikode runway
An Air India Express plane with 184 people on board from Dubai skidded off the runway while landing at Kerala's Kozhikode on Friday. Rescue operations are underway.
The plane didn't catch fire when it landed, that refers that there may be a substantial number of survivors out of the confirmed 184 people who were onboard.
However, it had been reported that the pilot of the plane has died.
In a tweet on Friday, former Union Minister KJ Alphons confirmed news of the plane skidding off the runway. Alphons wrote, "Second tragedy of the day in Kerala : Air India Express skids off the run way at Kozhikode, front portion splits, pilot dies and lots of passengers injured. All passengers evacuated. Very lucky the aircraft didnt catch fire."
21:12 Air India flight skids at Kozhikode airport
An Air India Express plane coming from Dubai overshot the runway at Kozhikode airport in Kerala on Friday evening, an airline spokesperson said.
The flight -- IX 1344 -- landed at the airport around 7.40 pm.
The airline spokesperson said the aircraft apparently overshot the runway.
Further details were not immediately known.
20:44 US imposes sanctions on Hong Kong chief executive
The US Treasury has imposed sanctions on Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam, and 10 other top officials from Hong Kong and mainland China.
The sanctions were used to target those undermining Hong Kong's autonomy, said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
"The United States stands with the people of Hong Kong," Mnuchin added.
The move comes weeks after China imposed a controversial national security law on Hong Kong, which critics say threatened its freedoms.
US-China tensions continue to escalate - only a few hours ago, the Trump administration moved to ban US transactions with the Chinese owners of the WeChat and TikTok apps..
Among those sanctioned are Hong Kong's police commissioner and several political secretaries.
The US Treasury directly accused Lam of "implementing Beijing's policies of suppression of freedom and democratic processes".
20:28 Ravi Shankar Prasad tests negative for COVID-19
Minister for IT and Communications Ravi Shankar Prasad on Friday said he has tested negative for COVID-19.
Prasad, who is also the law minister, had earlier this week gone into self-isolation as per protocol, after he met Home Minister Amit Shah on August 1 evening.
In a tweet on Friday, Prasad said, "Friends! My COVID test is negative. The report came today. I was in isolation for the last one week because I had attended a meeting with Amit Shah Ji a day before he was found positive".
He thanked his friends and well wishers for their support. Prasad said he had been fine throughout, and following his daily routine, exercise and also working from home.
In another tweet, he said, "Many friends and well wishers sent their overwhelming messages of support. I was fine throughout, following my daily routine, exercise and also working from home. My sincere gratitude and thanks to all. God bless".
Shah, on Sunday, had said he had tested positive for coronavirus and was getting admitted to a hospital following the advice of doctors.
-- PTI
20:03 OCIs from US, UK, Germany can visit India
Overseas Citizen of India card holders from the US, UK, German and France, with whom India has signed 'air bubble' arrangements, will be allowed to visit the country, the Home Ministry announced on Friday.
Other foreigners from these countries have also been allowed to avail Indian visa facility for business, medical and employment purposes.
According to a home ministry notification, Indian citizens have also been allowed to travel to these countries on any type of visa.
"Ministry of Home Affairs has permitted to enter India OCI card holders who belong to countries with which 'air bubble' arrangements have been finalised by Ministry of Civil Aviation," a home ministry spokesperson said.
India so far has bilateral air travel arrangements or 'air bubbles' with the US, UK, Germany and France during the coronavirus pandemic-related international travel restrictions.
Other countries may be included under this scheme in future, the notification said.
-- PTI
19:51 Shiromani Akali Dal MP Naresh Gujral Tests Positive for Covid-19
Shiromani Akali Dal MP Naresh Gujral tested positive for the novel coronavirus today.
India's coronavirus tally breached the 20 lakh-mark on Thursday, while recoveries surged to 13.7 lakh, according to data provided by the states and Union Territories. India is only the third country after the United States and Brazil to have hit this grim milestone.
19:18 Centre seeks to be a party in Rhea's plea in SC
The Centre on Friday moved the Supreme Court seeking to make itself a party to actress Rhea Chakraborty's plea for transferring to Mumbai a first information report, lodged against her in Patna, in connection with actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death.
The Centre has said that transfer of Patna FIR to the Central Bureau of Investigation in the case makes it 'a necessary and proper party' to Rhea's plea pending in the apex court.
The plea has been filed through DoPT's under secretary Satya Prakash Ram Tripathi.
The Centre had earlier informed the top court that it has accepted the recommendation of Bihar government for CBI probe into the FIR lodged at Patna by Krishna Kishor Singh, father of Rajput, accusing Rhea and six others of various offences including abetment of suicide.
Rajput, 34, was found hanging from the ceiling of his apartment in suburban Bandra in Mumbai on June 14. -- PTI
19:11 Did not tap phone of any MLA: Rajasthan Police
The Rajasthan Police on Friday clarified that it did not tap the phone number of any legislator, after a social media message alleged that at least six MLAs holed up in a Jaisalmer hotel have been put under surveillance.
The Congress had shifted the MLAs backing Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to the Jaisalmer's Suryagarh hotel while accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of the bid to topple its government in the state.
It has been claimed in the WhatsApp message that phone numbers of around half a dozen MLAs staying at the hotel are being illegally tapped.
The message is being circulated with a list of phone numbers.
Reacting to it, the state police in a statement said, No unit of the Rajasthan Police did phone tapping of any MLA or MP, neither in the past nor in present.
The state police said the allegations are 'imaginary and false'.
The Rajasthan Police always acts to prevent criminal activities and illegal taping is a criminal act, the statement said.
The BJP had earlier accused the state government of illegal phone tapping after the Congress cited some audio clips allegedly unraveling the plot to topple its government in the state. -- PTI
18:54 New rules for intl arrivals from tomorrow
The revised guidelines issued by the Union health ministry on Sunday for international arrivals will be effective from tomorrow.
As per the new guidelines, passengers flying to India can skip institutional quarantine if they submit COVID-19 negative test reports.
According to the guidelines, this test should have been conducted within 96 hours prior to undertaking the journey.
'The travellers can also seek exemption from institutional quarantine by submitting a negative RT-PCR test report on arrival. This test should have been conducted within 96 hours prior to undertaking the journey. The test report should be uploaded on the portal www.newdelhiairport.in for consideration,' the guidelines stated.
As of now, all international passengers had to undergo mandatory seven days institutional quarantine at their own cost, followed by seven days isolation at home.
'The travellers can also seek exemption from institutional quarantine by submitting a negative RT-PCR test report on arrival. This test should have been conducted within 96 hours prior to undertaking the journey. The test report should be uploaded on the portal www.newdelhiairport.in for consideration,' the guidelines stated.
As of now, all international passengers had to undergo mandatory seven days institutional quarantine at their own cost, followed by seven days isolation at home.
Read the full set of updated guidelines HERE
18:15 7 more bodies found, Kerala landslide toll 15
The death toll in Idukki landslide rises to 15, says Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. At least 15 people were killed and over 50 others feared trapped in debris after a landslide triggered by heavy rains flattened a row of dwelling units of tea estate workers at Pettimudi in this high-range district in Kerala early Friday, police and officials said.
The incident is said to have occurred in the wee hours when a huge mound of earth fell on the "row houses" and two children and five women were among the deceased, most of whom were plantation workers from neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
Twelve people have been rescued and efforts were underway amid continuing rains to locate at least 52 others missing in the first major rain-related mishap since the onset of South West monsoon last month that brought back memories of havoc caused by floods in the previous two years in the state.
The state government said teams of National Disaster Response Force personnel have been deployed for the rescue operations and also sought an Indian Air Force helicopter. The death toll in rain-related incidents since June 1 this year has risen to 51.
One person died in a house collapse in Palakkad on Friday, officials said. Cooking utensils buried in mud, asbestos and tin sheets strewn around were all there to be seen at the area, which was the habitation of around 80 odd workers at the picturesque area near a tea plantation, about 30 kms from the tourist town of Munnar.
Big boulders are also scattered around the site. Idukki DistrictCollector H Dinesh said that the bodies of the victims had been retrieved and 12 have been rescued with injuries and shifted to hospital. "Most of the people are plantation workers and from neighbouring Tamil Nadu", he said.
18:04 Siddaramaiah clinically stable, responding to COVID-19 treatment
The condition of former Chief Minister and leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly Siddaramaiah, who recently tested positive for COVID-19, is clinically stable and he is responding to COVID-19 treatment, the hospital authorities said on Friday.
"Leader of the opposition and former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is clinically stable and responding to COVID-19 treatment. He is comfortable and his appetite has improved. Our team of experts will continue to monitor him closely," Manipal Hospital said in a health bulletin.
Siddaramaiah had informed on Twitter on August 4 that he tested positive for COVID-19 and admitted himself to a hospital.
Since then, he had been active on twitter and attacked the BS Yediyurappa government in Karnataka over their handling of COVID-19 and heavy rainfall situation.
Earlier on Friday morning, Siddaramaiah remembered Nobel laureate and poet Rabindranath Tagore on his death anniversary.
The former Chief Minister of Karnataka also condoled the demise of Karnataka State Wakf Board chairman Dr Mohammed Yusuf on Friday. -- ANI
Rahul tweeted this graph showing a dip in people's confidence levels
17:44 Expect more bad news on jobs, warns Rahul
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed on Friday that the RBI has revealed the "mood of the nation" saying people's confidence is at an "all-time low" and insecurity high. He also said one can expect more bad news on jobs and the country's economy.
"RBI reveals the real 'Mood of the Nation': People's confidence at all time low. Fear and insecurity are at all time high. Expect more bad news on the economy and jobs front," the former Congress chief wrote on Twitter.
He also tagged a graph showing a dip in people's confidence levels. The Reserve Bank of India kept the interest rates unchanged on Thursday to help tame the inflation that in recent times has surged past the six per cent-mark and said the economy is in an extremely weak condition following the COVID-19 pandemic. -- PTI
17:33 UCO Bank reduces MCLR by 10 bps
State-owned UCO Bank on Friday announced reduction in its marginal cost of funds-based lending rates (MCLR) by 10 basis points across all the tenors. The revised lending rates will be effective from August 10. "As a result, all MCLR linked loans will become cheaper now," the lender said in a statement. The revised one-year MCLR stands at 7.40 per cent as against 7.50 per cent earlier, the bank said. The three-month and six-month MCLRs have been cut to 7.05 per cent and 7.30 per cent, respectively. PTI
17:31 Ex-gratia of Rs lakh for kin of dead in landslide: PMO
PM Narendra Modi said he was pained by loss of lives due to the landslide in Rajamalai, Idukki. "In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly. NDRF and the administration are working on the ground, providing assistance to the affected." The PMO also announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the PMNRF (Prime Minister's National Relief Fund) would be given to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to a landslide in Rajamalai, Idukki (Kerala). Rs. 50,000 each would be given to those injured due to the landslide.
17:12 Disabled man dies in hospital, wounds over-run by ants
A story of horrifying neglect and apathy: A 35-year-old disabled man lay dead in a government hospital in Morena in Madhya Pradesh with ants all over his wound but staff at the facility only found out several hours later after other patients alerted them to a stink emanating from his bed, a doctor said on Friday.
Devendra Verma, a resident of Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh turned unresponsive on Wednesday night but staff found out he had died only after patients in the ward complained of an odour on Thursday morning. The hospital's civil surgeon, Dr Ashok Gupta, admitted that staff at the facility do not know when Verma died, and also agreed that patients alerted them. Gupta said he came to know about the death at around 8 am on Thursday, and Verma, who had complained of frequent bowel movements, may have died much earlier.
He said police were informed when Verma was admitted in the hospital but his kin could not be traced, and relatives reached the hospital only after news about his death went viral on social media.
"Verma, a disabled person, was admitted on July 21, and we later found out his sister stays in Ganeshpura area of Gwalior. He had a wound on his back which was overrun by ants post his death," Gupta said. However, nursing staff at the hospital alleged they had informed the civil surgeon about the rapid deterioration in Verma's condition and that he be shifted for treatment to Gwalior, but in vain. Police said a case had been registered and probe was underway in the incident. -- PTI
17:06 57 still missing, 9 dead in Kerala landslide
At least nine people have lost their lives in the landslide occurred in Rajamala of Kerala's Idukki district on Friday. At least 57 people are still missing and the rescue work is underway.
In the early morning hours today, 4 workers' quarters with 30 rooms were completely destroyed.
Gamdjiraj (48), Sivakami (38), Vishal (12), Ramalakshmi (40), Murugan (46), Mayil Swamy (48), Kannan (40), Annadurai (44) and Rajeshwari (43) have lost their lives.
A 50-member strong special task force team of the fire force has been dispatched to Rajamalai in Idukki for rescue efforts. They have been equipped for night-time rescue activities, said Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala Chief Minister.
Another team of the National Disaster Response Force arrived at the landslide site in Rajamala, Idukki district.Pinarayi Vijayan said the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed to rescue the landslide victims in Rajamala.
The Chief Minister's Office has contacted the Indian Air Force to provide helicopter services to Rajamala for rescue operations. It is expected to be available soon.
Heavy rains in several parts of Kerala have triggered floods and landslides which have wreaked havoc in the region over the past few days.
The India Meteorological Department issued a red and orange alert for heavy rainfall for various districts in Kerala.It issued red alert in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki and Wayanad districts for today. -- ANI
Image: Water from the Muthirapuzha river enters low lying areas, following heavy rainfall in Munnar on Thursday. Pic: ANI
16:43 Rape-accused bishop gets bail with conditions
A trial court in Kottayam on Friday granted bail to Bishop Franco Mulakkal, accused of raping a nun in Kerala, with stringent conditions and directed him to be present on the dates of hearing of the case.
The Additional Sessions Court had cancelled the bail granted to the Bishop on July 13 for failing to appear for the trial and issued a Non Bailable Warrant against him. Mulakkal was present in the Court on Friday when it considered the matter.
Granting bail, the Court directed him not to leave the state till the chargesheet is read out to him on August 13 and to be present court on the dates of hearing of the case. The Court also directed him to offer fresh sureties and bail bonds. On July 13, Mulakkal's counsel had informed the court that his client could not appear as he had been in self quarantine due to his primary contact with a COVID-19 infected person.
The next day, the former Jalandhar Bishop had tested positive for coronavirus. The prosecution informed the Court that Mulakkal had not produced the COVID negative certificate, to which the Court observed that the state Health Department can take necessary action on this issue.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday had directed Mulakkal to face trial as it dismissed his plea seeking discharge in the rape case lodged against him by the nun belonging to a congregation under Jalandhar diocese, saying there was no merit in his petition.
A bench of Chief Justice S A Bobde, A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian had told the counsel for Bishop that the court is not saying anything on merit, but is dismissing the plea on the issue of discharge from the case. -- PTI
File pic
16:34 6 civilians injured as Pak violates ceasefire in J&K's Kupwara
Six civilians were injured as Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Naugam and Tangdhar sectors of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday by resorting to unprovoked firing towards Indian positions, an army official said.
Pakistan initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation along the LoC in Naugam and Tangdhar sectors in Kupwara (district of north Kashmir) by firing mortars and other weapons, the official said. He said six civilians were injured due to Pakistani shelling in Tangdhar sector while no casualties had been reported from Naugam sector so far. He said a "befitting response" was given to the Pakistani aggression by the Indian Army. -- PTI
16:32 UP CM offers Ramayana, Hanuman Chalisa to Army Chief as Ayodhya's 'prasad'
The Army Chief called on the Uttar Pradesh at his residence on Friday. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath gave Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane a Ramayana, Hanuman Chalisa and a coin to as Ayodhya's 'prasad' (holy offering).
On the other hand, Army Chief presented a memento to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took part in the 'bhoomi pujan' at Ram Janambhoomi site in Ayodhya.Besides, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat among several others were present at the ceremony in Ayodhya. -- ANI
16:13 Bihar cop says Sushant's death probe 'quarantined'
Bihar IPS officer VinayTiwari, who came to Mumbai for a probe in the high profile Sushant Singh Rajput death case and was quarantined by the BMC in the city, leaves for Patna. Speaking to the press, Tiwari said, "I would say I wasn't quarantined, the investigation was quarantined. Investigation of Bihar Police was obstructed."
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on Friday said it has allowed Bihar IPS officer Vinay Tiwari, quarantined in Mumbai after arrival to oversee probe in actor Sushant Singh Rajput death case, to return to his home state.
Tiwari, Superintendent of Police of Central Patna, has been exempted from quarantine protocols and allowed to return to his home state, an official said.
On Thursday, Bihar Police ADG wrote a letter to the Mumbai municipal commissioner, seeking the IPS officer's exemption from quarantine protocols and facilitate his return to Patna to resume his duty.
15:55 Sushant: SC junks 'strangers' PIL for CBI probe
The Supreme Court Friday dismissed a PIL seeking a CBI or NIA probe into the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, saying "strangers" are "unnecessarily" coming when his father is pursuing already pursuing the case. Rajput, 34, was found hanging from the ceiling of his apartment in suburban Bandra in Mumbai on June 14.
Mumbai police has been probing the case and recorded statements of 56 people including Bollywood directors like Aditya Chopra, Mahesh Bhatt and Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
A bench comprising Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian junked the PIL filed by Mumbai-based law student Dwivendra Devtadeen Dubey on the issue.
"Deceased father is pursuing the case. There is no reason that he will not pursue it properly. You are an stranger in this matter and you are unnecessarily coming in this. We will not permit this," the bench said. "Don't waste our time. Dismissed," it said.
During the brief hearing conducted through video conferencing, the apex court was informed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that the CBI has taken over the investigation in Patna case. "One case is lodged in Mumbai and other in Patna. The Bihar government had requested for CBI probe and we agreed," he said, adding that the Mumbai case has not been transferred to the CBI so far. -- PTI
15:32 Sibling love
A couple of days late, but a warm post, nevertheless. Javed tweets, " Farhan, Zoya and a Rakhi."
15:16 Sushant's former business manager arrives at ED office
Shruti Modi, former business manager of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput has arrived at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office on Friday for questioning in the case.
After getting the notification from the Government of India, the Central Bureau of Investigation on Thursday registered case against Rhea Chakraborty, Indrajit Chakraborty, Sandhya Chakraborty, Showik Chakraborty, Samuel Miranda, Shruti Modi, and others in connection with Sushant Singh Rajput's death case.
The investigating agency booked six accused and others in sections including criminal conspiracy, abetment of suicide, wrongful restrain, wrongful confinement, theft, criminal breach of trust, cheating and criminal intimidation. CBI said it is also in touch with Bihar Police.Sushant was found dead at his Mumbai residence on June 14. -- ANI
15:09 Be careful who you mess with: Sushant's sis tweets
Actor Sushant Singh Rajput's sister Shweta Singh Kirti on Friday posted a cryptic quote on her social media platforms saying people should think about the consequences before messing up with someone.
Sushant was found dead at his Bandra residence on June 14.
The post featured an image of Lord Shiva and read, "Someone said be careful who you mess with because you don't know who protects them in the spiritual world."
She captioned the picture with #justiceforsushant. Shweta shared the post hours before the late actor's girlfriend, Rhea Chakraborty appeared in front of the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the money laundering case lodged by it.
Sushant's untimely demise was followed by a high-profile investigation by Mumbai Police during which many big names from Bollywood, including filmmakers Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Aditya Chopra, recorded their statements.
While the Mumbai Police had registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) into the death of Sushant, the Patna police had last month registered a case on a complaint from the actor's father K K Singh against Rhea, her parents Indrajit Chakraborty and Sandhya Chakraborty, brother Showik Chakraborty, and common friends Samuel Miranda and Shruti Modi.
The Patna police had filed the FIR under the IPC sections related to criminal conspiracy, abetment to suicide, wrongful confinement, criminal breach of trust, theft and criminal intimidation which was forwarded to the Centre for a CBI probe on Thursday. Rhea had initially refused to appear in front of the ED, citing her appeal pending before the Supreme Court. PTI
Image: Sushant Singh Rajput's sister Shweta Singh Kirti. Pic courtesy her Twitter account.
15:03 Sushant case: Rhea's brother joins her at ED office
Showik Chakraborty (in maroon t-shirt), brother of actor Rhea Chakraborty, leaves Enforcement Directorate office. He is named in the FIR registered by CBI in Sushant Singh Rajput's death case. Rhea's statement is being recorded by the agency.
14:55 As a Hindu, won't attend mosque opening: Yogi
The Samajwadi Party on Friday sought an apology from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over his remark that he would not attend the inauguration of the mosque to be built in Ayodhya, replacing the demolished Babri Masjid.
In an interview to a television channel Thursday, Adityanath said he couldn't go for the mosque inauguration as a yogi and as a Hindu.
Reacting to the remark, the opposition SP said he should seek an apology from the people of the state.
When contacted, a UP Congress spokesperson, however, refused to comment on the chief minister's remarks over the mosque.
"If you ask me as a chief minister, I have no problem with any belief, religion or community. If you ask me as a yogi, I will definitely not go because as a Hindu I have the right to express my 'upasana vidhi' (way of worship) and act accordingly," Adityanath had said.
"I am neither 'vaadi' or 'prativadi' (petitioner nor respondent). That is why neither will I be invited, nor will I go. I know, I won't be getting any such invitation," he said. "The day they invite me, secularism of many will be in danger. That's why I want that their secularism should not be in danger and I continue to silently work to ensure that everyone benefits from government scheme without any discrimination." -- PTI
13:55 'Plasma therapy works in early stages of Covid'
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain told mediapersons on Friday that when AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria said that plasma therapy on COVID-19 patients did not show much clinical benefit in reducing fatality risk caused due to the virus, he did not mean plasma therapy was ineffective.
"He [Dr Guleria] did not say that plasma therapy was not effective. He said that it is not effective after an advanced stage of the infection. If given on time, before the patient needs a ventilator, then it is effective," Jain said.
Satyendar Jain, who recovered from Covid-19, underwent Convalescent Plasma Therapy (CPT) last week a procedure that the Indian Council of Medical Research still categorises as experimental.
Any hospital or doctor using it on a patient can do so expressly for the purpose of a trial and with the approval of the hospital ethics committee.
A total of 1,299 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in New Delhi on Friday, taking the total number of cases to 1,41,531, including 10,348 active cases, he said.
13:25 Can't rush into hearing pleas on Sushant case: HC
The Bombay High Court on Friday said it cannot rush into hearing pleas seeking transfer of probe in the Sushant Singh Rajput death case to the CBI as the Supreme Court is seized of the matter as the Centre questioned the way the Maharashtra government was handling the case. The CBI has already taken over probe into the 'abetment to suicide' case filed with the Bihar police by Rajput's father.
The Mumbai police are separately probing a case related to the death of Rajput (34), who was found hanging in his suburban Bandra apartment on June 14. A division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice A S Gadkari was hearing two petitions raising concerns over the manner in which the Mumbai police were investigating the case and the media reporting on it.
13:20 US issues Level 4 (don't travel) advisory for India
The United States has issued a fresh travel advisory for its citizens visiting foreign countries, including India and China, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. India has been placed under Level-4 category (Do not travel) -- the highest in the advisory -- while China, the epicentre of COVID-19, is also designated in the same category in view of the COVID-19 restrictions.
"Travellers to India may experience border closures, airport closures, travel prohibitions, stay at home orders, business closures and other emergency conditions within India due to COVID-19," the State Department said in its advisory.
"With health and safety conditions improving in some countries and potentially deteriorating in others, the Department is returning to our previous system of country-specific levels of travel advice (with Levels from 1-4 depending on country-specific conditions), in order to give travellers detailed and actionable information to make informed travel decisions," it stated.
"This will also provide US citizens with more detailed information about the current status in each country. We continue to recommend US citizens exercise caution when travelling abroad due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic," the advisory said. --PTI
13:04 Manoj Sinha takes oath as new LG of Jammu and Kashmir
Former Union minister Manoj Sinha was on Friday was sworn in as the new lieutenant governor of Jammu and Kashmir, the first political leader to take charge of the union territory. The 61-year-old, who is known for his connect with people, particularly in rural areas, was administered the oath of office by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Justice Gita Mittal in Raj Bhavan, at the foothills of the Zaberwan range.
Sinha succeeds former IAS officer Girish Chandra Murmu, who resigned on Wednesday night and was appointed Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) on Thursday. -- PTI
12:41 Can 4G internet service be provided in certain areas, SC asks J-K
The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Jammu and Kashmir administration to explore the possibility of whether 4G services can be restored in certain areas.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration sought time to take instructions on the restoration of high speed internet service, saying a new Lt Governor has been appointed in the Union Territory.
Manoj Sinha has been appointed the new LG of Jammu and Kashmir after G C Murmu resigned from the post. High speed Internet service in J-K has been suspended since August last year when the Centre had announced revocation of its special status and bifurcation of the state into two UTs -- Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.
The top court told the administration that with the change of LG, nothing changes as the special committee is there to look into the issue. A bench of Justices N V Ramana, R Subhash Reddy and B R Gavai adjourned the hearing for August 11, on the contempt plea filed by an NGO seeking restoration of 4G internet service in the UT.
The apex court was hearing a plea of the NGO seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against the Union Home Secretary and Chief Secretary of J-K for their alleged "wilful disobedience" in complying with the court's May 11 order.
At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the J-K administration told the bench that he needs to take instructions as the LG has changed there and new LG has taken over yesterday.
The bench said that with the change of LG, nothing changes as the high powered committee is there to look into the issue. It said that the court cannot say what the situation is on the ground level but the issue is that the matter should not be delayed. -- PTI
12:36 Army chief visits UP CM
Lucknow: Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane meets Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the latter's residence. The Army Chief is in Lucknow to visit Army's Central Command Headquarters.
12:29 Sushant: Rhea arrives for questioning at ED office
Sushant Singh Rajput death case: Rhea Chakraborty arrives at the Enforcement Directorate office in Mumbai. The ED rejected her earlier request that the recording of her statement be postponed till Supreme Court hearing.
She was seen arriving minutes after the Enforcement Directorate's deadline of 11.30 am. Rhea Chakraborty had asked for her questioning to be deferred citing an ongoing Supreme Court hearing on her petition.
"Rhea Chakraborty is a law abiding citizen. In view of the fact that Enforcement Directorate has informed the media that the request to postpone the attendance is rejected, she has appeared in the ED at the appointed time and date," Rhea Chakraborty's lawyer Satish Maneshinde said.
12:02 HC quashes orders putting curbs on elderly film, TV artistes
The Bombay High Court on Friday quashed two government resolutions issued by the Maharashtra government that barred film and TV artistes and crew members above 65 years of age, from going to work to studios or outdoor sets during the COVID-19-induced lockdown.
A bench of Justices SJ Kathawalla and RI Chagla set aside the GRs (government resolutions) issued on May 30 and June 23 by the stat government. The bench, however, said that "all other advisories applicable for all persons above 65 years of age, will be applicable for those above 65 years of age working in the film and TV industry."
The bench's judgement came in two petitions, one by film and TV artist Pramod Pandey (70), and another by the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association, filed through advocate Ashok Saorogi. Both petitioners had challenged the state resolutions issued under its ;Mission Begin Again' initiative that barred TV and film cast and crew from sets and studious. -- PTI
11:59 Edu policy stresses 'how, not what, to think: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that it is a matter of happiness that no section of the country has stated that the National Education Policy (NEP) has any bias. The Prime Minister said that the goal of the NEP should be to empower the present and future generations to be future-ready.
"After the National Education Policy came, no section of the country said that the policy has any bias. It is a matter of happiness," Prime Minister Modi said while addressing a 'Conclave on Transformational Reforms in Higher Education under National Education Policy', via video conferencing.
"Every country equates education to its national interest and moves forward. The goal is that the education system should keep the present and future generation future-ready. NEP's basis in India is similar. NEP's goal is to enable the youth of the country for future challenges," he added."NEP was approved after extensive discussions over 3-4 years and deliberation over lakhs of suggestions," the Prime Minister added.
"National Education Policy is being discussed across the nation today. People from different fields and ideologies are giving their views and reviewing the policy. It's a healthy debate. The more it is done, the more it will be beneficial to the education system of the country," he added.
"Our education system focussed on 'What to think' so far. New policy emphasises on 'How to think'. There's no dearth of information and content in the time in which we're today. The effort is to lay emphasis on inquiry based, discovery based and analysis based ways to help children learn."
11:47 Aurobindo Pharma working on COVID-19 vaccine
Aurobindo Pharma Limited is working on developing several viral vaccines including one for COVID-19 even as the candidate was approved for funding by the Department of BioTechnology, the company said in its latest annual report.
During the year (FY20), we have further strengthened our presence in the vaccines segment through the acquisition of R&D assets from Profectus Biosciences through Auro Vaccines. Using those R&D assets, the team is working on developing several viral vaccines, including a vaccine for COVID-19," it said.
In November 2019, Aurobindo Pharma said its subsidiary Auro Vaccines LLC entered into a pact to acquire certain business assets from Profectus BioSciences Inc USA for an upfront cash consideration of USD 11.29 million (around Rs 80 crore) with potential earn-outs on achieving certain milestones. -- PTI
11:22 Will eat grass to raise army budget: Shoaib Akhtar
Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, known for his blistering deliveries on the cricket field, recently baffled many with a deadly off-field bouncer by claiming he is willing to eat grass if it enabled an increase in budget for his country's Army! "If Allah ever gives me the authority, I will eat grass myself but I will increase the budget of the army," said Akhtar in an interview with ARY News.
The 'Rawalpindi Express', considered the fastest bowler in history said he does not understand why the civilian sector cannot work in collaboration with the Armed forces."I will ask my army chief to sit with me and make decisions. If the budget is 20 per cent, I will make it 60 per cent. If we insult each other, the loss is ours only," the once feared fast-bowler said.
Akthar had also claimed to ARY News interview that he was willing to take a bullet for his country and had turned down a county stint just because he wanted to fight the 1999 Kargil War.
Ties between India and Pakistan have been strained in the recent months over several issues, the latest being Pakistan's attempt to broach in the UNSC the issue of Kashmir on the first anniversary of the India's move to scrap the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and to split the erstwhile state into two union territories. -- ANI
11:04 US Covid-19 death toll crosses 1,60,000
The United States has recorded over 160,000 deaths due to coronavirus till now, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. With 4,881,974 positive cases, the US continues to be the worst-affected country followed by Brazil.So far, 2,912,212 COVID-19 cases have been reported in Brazil.
Globally, over 19 million cases of coronavirus have been detected and about 713,813 people have died from the disease since December last year.
The World Health Organisation declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11. The US remains the worst-hit nation, both in terms of the number of cases and fatalities. -- ANI
10:58 Vanished: Red-hot document on China
An official document acknowledging China had transgressed into eastern Ladakh was quietly removed from the defence ministry website on Thursday.
Ministry officials said this was done as the document contradicted Prime Minister Narendra Modis June 19 assertion that none had entered Indian territory or captured Indian posts.
Uploaded on Wednesday, it was the first government document to admit to Chinese intrusion across the Line of Actual Control, which happened in early May and snowballed into a clash in the Galwan Valley on June 15, killing 20 Indian soldiers.
Read the full report here
10:56 Vehicle carrying 200 cases of liquor crashes in Chhattisgarh
A vehicle carrying 200 cases of liquor crashed on the National Highway in the Ranisagar area of Chhattisgarh's Kawardha on Thursday, Nimesh Singh, police station incharge, Kawardha said.
"A vehicle carrying 100 cases of beer and 100 cases of whiskey, with a possibly drunk driver crashed after losing control of the vehicle. The driver received minor injuries and has been admitted to the district hospital in Kawardha for treatment," he said.
According to Nitin Khanduja, the Excise Inspector of Kawardha, the liquor was worth over Rs 20 lakhs.
"We believe that the liquor came from Raipur and was to be emptied in the Kaura liquor shop in Kawardha. About Rs 20 lakh worth of liquor has been damaged. The police did not allow the village people to come to take the liquor bottles from the site but many managed to rob what was left of the haul." -- ANI
10:39 BSF seizes 126 kg of Hilsa fish at India-B'desh border
The Border Security Force (BSF) apprehended one person for allegedly smuggling 126 kilograms of Hilsha fish to India from Bangladesh through the ICP Petrapole, India-Bangladesh border.
The BSF personnel also seized the large quantities of fish worth approximately Rs 11,26,000, along with the truck in which the fish was being smuggled.
During a routine operation on Wednesday, BSF troops searched a suspicious vehicle coming from Bangladesh, and during the search found Hilsha Fish in nine white bags inside the cabin of the truck. These items were being illegally carried without custom clearance, according to a press release by BSF.According to BSF, the accused identified as Biplab Shil, is a resident of North 24 Paraganas district of West Bengal. The accused went to Bangladesh on August 4 with an export truck and returned with the Hilsha fish, for which he was promised Rs 5,000.
The accused was then handed over to the Petrapole Police Station along with the seized items. An FIR has been lodged, and further investigation into the case is underway. -- ANI
10:22 Modi govt missing: Rahul on India's Covid crisis
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday slammed the Central government as India crossed the 20 lakh COVID-19 positive cases.
Taking to Twitter, the Congress leader reiterated his earlier tweet, sent out on July 17, which stated "The 10,00,000-mark has been crossed. With the rapid spread of COVID-19, by August 10, more than 20,00,000 will be infected in the country. The government must take concrete, planned steps to stop the epidemic."
"20 lakh-mark has been crossed, Modi government is missing," the Congress leader tweeted today. -- ANI
10:22 India records highest spike of 62,538 Covid cases
Brace yourself for this: India's COVID-19 case tally crosses the 20-lakh mark with a highest single-day spike of 62,538 cases. The COVID-19 tally rises to 20,27,075 including 6,07,384 active cases, 13,78,106 cured/discharged/migrated & 41,585 deaths: Ministry of Health. The recovery rate stood at 67.98 per cent this morning. The positivity rate stood at 10.88 per cent.
10:06 CBI investigation in SSR case illegal, says Rhea's lawyer
Unless Maharashtra Government consents to CBI investigation in the Sushant Singh Rajput's death case, it would be illegal, affecting the federal structure of the country, said actor Rhea Chakraborty's lawyer. The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered and continued the illegality which was perpetrated at the hands of Bihar Police in connection with the case, he added.
"The Bihar Government transferred a case with which it had no jurisdiction to investigate, to CBI instead of the Mumbai Police which is the legal position. The Supreme Court is seized of the issue pursuant to the transfer petition filed by Rhea Chakraborty," said Satish Maneshinde Chakraborty's lawyer.
The Supreme Court has directed all parties to file their replies and Mumbai Police is directed to place the report of investigations, he added."Pending the said proceedings the CBI has registered and continued the illegality which was perpetrated at the hands of Bihar Police. CBI being a premier investigative agency in the country should desist from taking any further steps pending the SC proceedings. Apart from the same unless the Maharashtra Government consents to CBI investigating the case ... it would be totally illegal and beyond any known legal principles, affecting the Federal Structure of the Nation," said Maneshinde.
The Special Investigation Team of the CBI that is probing high profile cases of Vijay Mallya and AgustaWestland cases will now investigate the Sushant Singh Rajput's death case.
The investigating agency has registered a case against six accused including Bollywood actor Rhea Chakraborty and others in connection with the Rajput's death. -- ANI
Patna Superintendent of Police Vinay Tiwari
09:57 Quarantined Bihar cop to leave for Patna today
Bihar Police investigation officer in Sushant Singh Rajput death case, Vinay Tiwari, who was quarantined in Mumbai, will leave for Patna today after four other officers of Bihar Police returned to Patna yesterday. "Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has informed me, through a text message, that I can go out of quarantine. I will be leaving for Patna now," said Patna Superintendent of Police Vinay Tiwari.
Earlier, a team of four officers of Bihar Police probing the Sushant Singh Rajput death case in Mumbai reached Inspector General Central office in Patna to submit a report on the case on Thursday.
The officers refrained from speaking about the findings of the case.One of the police officers, on arrival at the Bihar airport, said that BMC never called to support us but have received great support from their seniors.
"Now when the case is with CBI, we will be sharing our findings with them," a police officer said.Meanwhile, the Central government gave a nod to the Central Bureau Of Investigation to probe the death case of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput. -- ANI
09:42 Railways to end colonial-era khalasi system
The railways is set to end a colonial-era practise of appointing khalasis or 'bungalow peons' who worked at the residences of senior officials, following an order from the Railway Board barring any new appointment to the post.
In an order issued on August 6, the Railway Board has said the issue regarding telephone attendant-cum-dak khalasis (TADKs) is under review.
"The issue regarding the appointment of TADK is under review in Railway Board. It has, therefore, been decided that any appointment of fresh face substitutes as TADK should not either be processed or made with immediate effect.
"Further, all cases approved for such appointments since 1st July 2020 may be reviewed and position advised to Board. This may be complied with strictly in all Railway establishments," the order said. -- PTI
09:36 Tharoor takes a dig at PM over his Ayodhya speech
Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said the PM congratulated 130 crore Indians during the Ram temple 'bhoomi pujan' but India's population is over 138 crore and the omission of 8 crore people was worrying to many after the Citizenship Amendment Act and talk of National Register of Citizens.
He also said that if the "omission" was inadvertent, "a correction would be reassuring".
"PM Modi congratulated 130 crore Indians when he spoke at the Ram Mandir yesterday. But India's population is estimated at 1,38,00,04,385 in mid-2020, according to UN data," Tharoor said in a tweet on Thursday.
"An omission of 8 crore people is worrying to many, after CAA/NRC. If inadvertent, a correction would be reassuring," he said.
In his address on the occasion of laying of the foundation stone of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Modi said on Wednesday that several generations have made self-less sacrifices for several centuries for the construction of the Ram Temple.
"I, on behalf of the 130 crore people of the country, salute them and bow before them for their sacrifices which have led to the foundation of the Ram Temple," he had said.
09:22 Bhojpuri actress commits suicide in Mumbai
Bhojpuri film actress Anupama Pathak allegedly committed suicide in north Mumbai's Dahisar suburb, police said on Friday.
Pathak, 40, was found hanging at her rented flat on Sunday, police said.
Hailing from Purnea district in Bihar, she had moved to Mumbai and worked in Bhojpuri films and TV shows.
A day before taking the extreme step, she had shared in a Facebook video that she was cheated and was unable able to trust anyone.
In the video, she spoke about trust issues and and not having friends who can be of help.
Pathak's death comes at a time the entertainment industry is reeling from the shock of the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who was found hanging at his apartment in suburban Bandra on June 14.
On June 9, Rajput's former manager Disha Salian jumped from a high-rise building.
The month earlier, on May 15, TV actor Manmeet Grewal had hanged himself at his Mumbai home.
Television actor Samir Sharma, 44, best known for his roles in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Left Right Left, was on Wednesday found dead at his home in suburban Malad where he lived alone. -- PTI
09:08 Mahinda Rajapaksa-led SLPP registers landslide victory in Sri Lanka poll
Sri Lanka's strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa staged a political comeback on Friday as his party registered a landslide victory in the twice-postponed general elections, according to the final results released by the elections commission.
The official results declared showed that the Sri Lanka People's Party alone had won 145 seats and with its allies have 150 seats, a two thirds majority in the 225-member parliament.
The party led by the prime minister won all but 4 of the 22 electoral districts on offer.
The victory margins in the South, dominated by the majority Sinhala community, were in the high 60 per cent mark in most areas.
The party polled 6.8 million votes at 59.9 per cent.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first world leaders to congratulate Rajapaksa on the outcome of the elections and said the two sides will work together to further advance all areas of bilateral cooperation and to take their special ties to ever newer heights.
"Thank you PM @narendramodi for your congratulatory phone call. With the strong support of the people of #SriLanka, I look forward to working with you closely to further enhance the long-standing cooperation between our two countries. Sri Lanka & India are friends & relations," Rajapaksa tweeted.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who won the November presidential election on the SLPP ticket, had called a snap election six months ahead of the schedule.
In the parliamentary election, he was seeking 150 seats mandatory to execute constitutional changes in the main to repeal the 19th amendment to the Constitution which had curbed presidential powers while strengthening the role of parliament.
The biggest casualty from the result was the United National Party of former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The UNP managed to win only one seat and that too came thanks to the cumulative votes polled nationally.
The country's grandest political party failed to win a single seat from any of the 22 districts.
Its leader and a four-time prime minister was unseated for the first time since he entered parliament in 1977.
Wickremesinghe failed to win from Colombo district as his party finished fourth in most constituencies.
The UNP only polled 249,435 votes or just 2 per cent of the vote and was relegated to the fifth position nationally. -- PTI
08:40 Jaishankar, Pompeo talk over phone; discuss COVID-19, Indo-Pacific
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his American counterpart Mike Pompeo have spoken over phone and discussed the bilateral and multilateral cooperation on issues of international concern, including efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and the Indo-Pacific region, a senior US official has said.
The two leaders reiterated the strength of the India-US relationship to advance peace, prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific and around the globe, Cale Brown, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the State Department said on Thursday.
India and the US have explored ways to boost cooperation in the resource-rich Indo-Pacific region where China has been trying to spread its influence. The issue was discussed extensively during the third round of the India-US Maritime Security Dialogue which took place in Goa in 2018.
The US has been pushing for a broader role by India in the strategically important Indo-Pacific region.
India, the US and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China's rising military maneuvering in the region.
"Both leaders agreed to continue close cooperation on a full range of regional and international issues and look forward to Quadrilateral consultations and the US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue later this year," Brown said.
In November 2017, India, the US, Australia and Japan had given shape to the long-pending Quadrilateral coalition to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of Chinese influence.
The first 2+2 dialogue was held in New Delhi in September 2018 after the mechanism was approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.
During the call, Jaishankar and Pompeo discussed the ongoing bilateral and multilateral cooperation on issues of international concern, including efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, support the peace process in Afghanistan, and address recent destabilising actions in the region, Brown said in a readout of the telephonic conversation.
The two leaders have been in regular communication during the coronavirus pandemic that has claimed over 7 lakh lives and infected nearly 19 million people worldwide. -- PTI
08:05 Trump signs executive orders banning TikTok, Wechat
United States President Donald Trump has signed executive orders banning popular Chinese apps like TikTok and WeChat, terming them a threat to the national security and to the country's economy.
The ban comes into effect in 45 days, Trump said in his two separate executive orders signed on Thursday.
India was the first country to ban TikTok and WeChat, citing national security concerns. I
ndia has banned as many as 106 Chinese apps, a move welcomed by both the Trump administration and the US lawmakers.
In a communique to the Congress, Trump said the spread in the United States of mobile applications developed and owned by the companies in China continues to threaten the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the country.
"At this time, the order takes action to address one mobile application in particular, TikTok," he said.
TikTok, a video-sharing mobile application owned by the Chinese company ByteDance Ltd, automatically captures vast swaths of information from its users, Trump said.
This data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans' personal and proprietary information - potentially allowing China to track the locations of federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage, he alleged.
TikTok also reportedly censors content that the Chinese Communist Party deems politically sensitive, such as content concerning protests in Hong Kong and China's treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities. TikTok may also be used for disinformation campaigns that benefit the Chinese Communist Party, the president said.
"To deal with this threat, the order prohibits, beginning 45 days after the date of this order, to the extent permitted under applicable law, any transaction by any person, or with respect to any property, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, with ByteDance Ltd. (a.k.a. Zijie Tiaodong), Beijing, China, or its subsidiaries, in which any such company has any interest, as identified by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary)," Trump said.
He delegated power to the Commerce Secretary to take such actions, including adopting appropriate rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by International Emergency Economic Powers Act as may be necessary to implement the order.
The order also directs all department and agencies to take all appropriate measures within their authority to implement the order, Trump said.
In separate executive order, Trump said WeChat, a messaging, social media, and electronic payment application owned by the Chinese company Tencent Holdings Ltd., reportedly has over one billion users worldwide, including users in the United States.
"Like TikTok, WeChat automatically captures vast swaths of information from its users - threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans' personal and proprietary information," he said.
WeChat also captures the personal and proprietary information of Chinese nationals visiting the United States, thereby allowing the Chinese Communist Party a mechanism for keeping tabs on Chinese citizens who may be enjoying the benefits of a free society for the first time in their lives, he alleged.
"WeChat, like TikTok, also reportedly censors content that the Chinese Communist Party deems politically sensitive and may also be used for disinformation campaigns that benefit the Chinese Communist Party," Trump said. -- PTI
00:06 US deaths predicted at nearly 300,000 by Dec 1
A widely cited University of Washington model predicts US deaths from COVID-19 will reach nearly 300,000 by December 1.
The forecast of 2,95,011 deaths is 137,000 more than the roughly 1,58,000 US deaths reported so far.
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation model assumes that many states will impose new stay-at-home orders as deaths climb.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention monitors the model along with forecasts from about 30 other modeling groups. Combined, the models predict from 1,68,000 to 1,82,000 total COVID-19 deaths by August 22.
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