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Wed, 12 August 2020
Complete failure of law: Cong on Bengaluru riots
Timeline Refresh
23:47 Complete failure of law: Cong on Bengaluru riots
The Congress on Wednesday hit out at the BJP government in Karnataka over the violence in Bengaluru in which three people were killed after police opened fire to quell a mob that went on a rampage irked over a social media post, and said it was a "complete failure of law and order machinery".
Scores, including around 50 policemen, were injured in the violence that erupted on Tuesday night and continued till the wee hours of Wednesday, apparently triggered by the online post.
Bengaluru violence, riots and arson are "reprehensible, condemnable and unacceptable", Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.
"It is complete failure of law and order machinery and rule of law. Was (B S) Yediyurappa government sleeping or waiting for violence to happen?" Surjewala said in a tweet.
"Why did police not act in time? Who is responsible for 3 deaths?" he asked.
Congress general secretary in-charge organisation, K C Venugopal, said the violence in Bengaluru is "unfortunate and condemnable".
"Strict action should be taken against those behind the derogatory post and those who indulged in rioting," he said on Twitter.
"Taking law into their hands and destroying public property shouldn't be tolerated. Let peace prevail and let law take its course," Venugopal said.
Three people were killed after police opened fire to quell a mob that went on a rampage in a Bengaluru locality irked over a social media post allegedly put out by a Congress legislator's relative.
-- PTI
23:08 No curbs on immersion of Ganpati idols at Mumbai beaches: BMC
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on Wednesday clarified that there were no restrictions on immersion of idols at the city's beaches
during the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
The civic body issued a statement to this effect after some messages started doing rounds on social media that immersion of idols will not be allowed at beaches in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The BMC also urged citizens to immerse their idols in 167 artificial ponds, which will be set up at various locations in the city for the 10-day festival.
"Devotees living one or two km away from the beaches can immerse their idols in the sea. However, others who live far away should preferably immerse their idols at home or in artificial ponds," the civic body appealed in the release.
The BMC has already issued guidelines that no public immersions will be allowed at COVID-19 containment zones in the city.
Considering the viral outbreak, the civic body has already appealed to citizens to celebrate the festival in a simple manner, avoid crowds and take adequate precautions.
-- PTI
22:35 India in eco crisis due to govt policies: Cong
The Congress on Wednesday attacked the BJP-led government over the state of the economy, alleging that its policies had put India in an "economic crisis".
The BJP government's promise of creating a $5 trillion economy has also proved to be a "jumla", the opposition party alleged in a tweet on its official Twitter handle.
"The unplanned lockdown and the failed economic policies of the BJP has destroyed our economy," the party said in a series of tweets with the hashtag "India in economic crisis".
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy flagging fears that the country's GDP growth may even touch its lowest since independence in the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic.
"Modi hai toh mumkin hai (If Modi is there, it is possible)," he tweeted along with a media report quoting Murthy.
-- PTI
22:15 Pranab Mukherjee continues to be critical: Hospital
The condition of former president Pranab Mukherjee continues to be critical and he remains on ventilator support, the Army's Research and Referral Hospital said on Wednesday.
He was admitted to the hospital in Delhi Cantonment on August 10 and underwent a surgery for removal of a clot in his brain. The 84-year-old had also tested positive for COVID-19 prior to the surgery.
"Shri Pranab Mukherjee's health condition continues to remain critical. Presently, he is haemodynamically stable and on a ventilator," a statement from the hospital said.
The condition of the former president had worsened on Tuesday and he had not shown signs of improvement, the doctors attending on him said.
The former president's daughter and Congress leader Sharmistha Mukherjee prayed for her father saying may God do whatever is best for him.
"Last year August 8 was one of the happiest days for me as my dad received Bharat Ratna. Exactly a year later on August 10 he fell critically ill. "May God do whatever is best for him and give me strength to accept both joys and sorrows of life with equanimity. I sincerely thank all for their concerns," she said on Twitter.
A powerful orator and scholar, Mukherjee was President of India from 2012 to 2017.
-- PTI
21:37 'Biden may insult men by picking woman for VP'
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that some men may feel "insulted" by his Democratic rival Joe Biden's committment to choose a woman as his vice presidential candidate.
"He roped himself into a certain group of people," Trump told Fox Sports Radio in an early morning phone-in interview.
"Some people would say men are insulted by that and some people would say it is fine," Trump said.
Declaring that he wants a government as diverse as the country itself, Biden committed early in his campaign, in March, that he would name a woman on the ticket. He is expected to announce his choice this week.
Only two other women have been nominated vice presidential candidates -- Sarah Palin by the Republican party in 2008 and Geraldine Ferraro by the Democrats in 1984 -- and neither made it into the White House. No woman has won the presidency either.
In the radio interview, Trump praised his own vice president, Mike Pence, but said bluntly: "people don't vote for the vice president, they really don't."
21:10 Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot face-to-face tomorrow
Three days after the Congress declared an end to its Rajasthan government crisis, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot will meet Sachin Pilot, who revolted against him. The bitter rivals are expected to come face-to-face at a Congress Legislature Party meeting scheduled for tomorrow, a day before the special session of the Rajasthan assembly.
Sachin Pilot returned to Jaipur yesterday, ending his month-long rebellion after a meeting with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who reassured him that his grievances would be addressed. But he arrived to a cold reception from Mr Gehlot, who chose to fly to Jaisalmer, where he had put up 100-odd MLAs to guard his flock for a possible trust vote on Friday.
Mr Gehlot said Congress MLAs are "naturally upset" about the truce but everyone has to move on. "Forget and forgive," he declared while meticulously avoiding any chance of a "reunion" photo-op with Mr Pilot.
"It is natural for the MLAs to be upset. The manner in which this episode occurred and the way in which they stayed for a month, it was natural. I've explained to them that sometimes we need to be tolerant if we have to serve the nation, state, people and save the democracy," the Chief Minister told reporters.
"We have to forgive mistakes and be united for the sake of democracy. More than 100 MLAs stood by me. That in itself is remarkable."
The MLAs on Team Gehlot returned to Jaipur today and were driven straight to Fairmont, the same resort they had stayed in during the rebel crisis. They are likely to stay there till the Friday session, a sign that Mr Gehlot is not dropping his guard.
20:50 Maha registers over 12,700 new COVID cases
Maharashtra on Wednesday reported 12,712 new coronavirus patients and 344 deaths which took the case tally to 5,48,313 and death toll in the state to 18,650, a health official said.
13,804 patients were discharged from hospitals which took the number of recovered coronavirus patients to 3,81,843.
There are 1,47,513 active cases in the state, the official added.
State capital Mumbai reported 1,132 new cases and 50 deaths during the day. The number of COVID-19 cases in the city thus rose to 1,26,356 and death toll to 6,943.
The number of active cases in Mumbai is 19,047.
Pune city reported 1,665 new cases along with 19
deaths. The total number of cases in Pune city is now 74,305
and death toll is 1,881, the official said.
So far 29,08,887 coronavirus tests have been carried out in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra's COVID-19 figures are as follows:
Positive cases 5,48,313, new cases 12,712, total deaths 18,650, recoveries 3,81,843, active cases 1,47,513 and people tested so far 29,08,887.
-- PTI
20:19 Congress spokesperson Rajiv Tyagi passes away
Congress spokesperson Rajiv Tyagi passed away on Wednesday due to cardiac arrest.
20:00 146 arrested in Bengaluru violence
Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai has said that a district magistrate will hold an inquiry into Tuesday's violence in Bengaluru and said so far 146 people have been arrested.
Congress MLA Srinivas Murthy's nephew was arrested for allegedly sharing a 'derogatory' post on social media that triggered last night's violence in which two persons died and around 60 police personnel sustained injuries.
The police said that accused Naveen has been arrested allegedly for posting derogatory posts.
Murthy's house was also vandalised by miscreants following the social media post by his nephew Naveen.
-- ANI
19:32 Maha slashes costs for COVID tests by Rs 300
The Maharashtra government has reduced by Rs 300 the rates of COVID-19 tests conducted by laboratories, bringing them in the range of Rs 1,900 to Rs 2,500.
State Health Minister Rajesh Tope said this in a statement on Wednesday.
"The maximum charges for testing now stand at Rs 1,900, Rs 2,200 and Rs 2,500. No laboratory can charge above these prescribed rates," he said.
"This decision was taken by the state-appointed committee to regulate the COVID-19 testing charges so that patients do not face any financial burden," the minister said.
The test charges vary depending on the collection of swabs from home or through viral transport media from hospitals.
On the cost of PPE kits as well as other necessary equipment, Tope said, "The prices of these items have gone down as well thanks to the increased supply."
-- PTI
19:20 Kamala Harris says her mom's advice drives her every single day
"Don't sit around and complain about things, do something."
This was the mantra given to Kamala Harris by her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, who was born in Chennai and immigrated to the US to attend a doctoral programme at UC Berkeley.
And today the 55-year-old Indian-orign Senator from California who on Tuesday became the running mate of Democratic Party's presidenital nominee Joe Biden, says, her mother's advice is what drives her every single day.
Her father, Donald Harris, a retired professor of Stanford University, immigrated to the US from Jamaica to study economics.
Kamala's mother told her growing up, "Don't sit around and complain about things, do something," which is what drives Kamala every single day, according to the Biden-Harris joint campaign website.
-- PTI
18:52 MoS for AYUSH Shripad Naik tests Covid positve
Union Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Y Naik announces he has tested positive for Covid-19.
In a tweet, the minister of state said, "I underwent Covid-19 test today & it has turned out assymptomaically positive. My vitals are within normal limits and I have opted for home isolation.
Those who have came in contact with me in last few days are advised to get tested for themselves and take required precautions."
India's COVID-19 tally went past 23 lakh on Wednesday with a single day increase of 60,963 cases, while the recoveries surged to 16,39,599 pushing the recovery rate to 70.38 per cent, according to data by the Union health ministry.
18:36 'Baahubali' director SS Rajamouli, family test negative for COVID-19
Filmmaker SS Rajamouli on Wednesday said he and his family members have tested negative for coronavirus, two weeks after completing quarantine at home.
The director, best known for his epic fantasy hit "Baahubali" series, had revealed on July 29 that they underwent the test for COVID-19 after developing mild fever.
In a Twitter update today, Rajamouli, 46, said the family will now wait for three weeks to check if they can donate plasma as advised by doctors.
"Completed two weeks of quarantine! No symptoms. Tested just for the sake of it. It is negative for all of us. Doctor said we need to wait three weeks from now to see if we've developed enough antibodies for plasma donation," the director wrote.
Before the coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown was announced in March, Rajamouli was working on his upcoming period action drama "Rise Roar Revolt".
The Telugu film, featuring top stars Ram Charan and NTR Jr in the lead, is a fictional tale based on the lives of two freedom fighters in the early 20th century.
-- PTI
18:18 Mamata gets second office amid Covid concerns
With West Bengal registering a sharp spike in Covid-19 cases and the virus taking a toll at Nabanna the 14-storey building which houses the state secretariat - chief minister Mamata Banerjee will get a second office at an adjacent building named Upanna.
The three-storey annexe building will not just house the second office of the chief minister, but also the offices for the chief secretary and home secretary. Banerjee had inaugurated the building on July 22 and is likely to start using the new office from this month, senior officials said.
More than a dozen employees, including police personnel posted at Nabanna, have already tested positive for Covid-19 and many employees had to be sent on home quarantine. The entire high-rise has to be shut down regularly for sanitisation, said a senior official.
The Nabanna would remain closed for sanitisation on August 13 and 14. Earlier it was closed on August 3 and 4 for sanitisation.
It was in mid-March that the Covid-scare gripped the Nabanna building for the first time when a bureaucrat, whose son had tested positive, attended office and held meetings. The state home secretary had to stay in home quarantine and Banerjee was seemingly peeved with the bureaucrat.
18:12 Former Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh isolates after wife tests positive
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today said he has gone into isolation and will get tested after his wife tested positive for the coronavirus.
Singh said the rest of his family is also in isolation and will take tests.
He also urged those who had come in contact with him over the past week to get themselves tested.
Russian president Vladimir Putin
17:54 Won't use Russian Covid vaccine: Scientists
Responding with scepticism to Russia's approval of a COVID-19 vaccine, several scientists around the world, including in India, suggest it hasn't been tested properly given the time constraint and there may not be enough evidence to prove its efficacy. Announcing the breakthrough on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putinvouched for the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, named Sputnik V, and said one of his daughters has already received a shot. While the country hopes to start mass-producing the vaccine by October and plans to offer the first doses to essential workers, many in the science community seem unimpressed.
The announcement should be taken with a pinch of salt, said Indian immunologist Vineeta Bal. Unless some data are out in the open for people to see, including clinical trial phases and numbers, it is hard to believe that vaccine efficacy studies are successfully conducted between June 2020 and August 2020, Bal, an immunologist from the Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research in Pune, told PTI.
"Are they talking about controlled human challenge studies? If yes, that evidence is also useful to examine protective efficacy," she noted.
Florian Krammer, a professor at the US-based Mount Sinai's Icahn School of Medicine,questioned the safety of the vaccine.
"Not sure what Russia is up to, but I certainly would not take a vaccine that hasn't been tested in phase 3. Nobody knows if it's safe or if it works. They are putting HCWs (health care workers) and their population at risk," Krammer said on Twitter. Indian immunologist Satyajit Rath agreed with Krammer.
"Russian authorities seem to be depending on the generation of 'neutralising' antibodies in Phase 2 clinical trials for deciding that the vaccine candidate works, he said. A neutralising antibody defends a cell from an infectious particle by neutralising any effect it has biologically.
While this is useful initial information, although even this is not really available in the public domain, it is not evidence of protective efficacy. So effectively they are bringing vaccine candidates into use without actual evidence of efficacy, the immunologist from New Delhi's National Institute of Immunology told PTI.
Describing the vaccine announcement as worrisome, Rath said it may not provide protection and may interfere with subsequent vaccine responses while causing problems for the recipients.
Vaccine testing typically begins with lab and animal model studies before going on to different stages of human trials. The human testing phase comprises many phases. Phase 1 trials are small-scale, usually involving a few participants, to assess whether the vaccine is safe for humans.
Phase 2 trials often involve several hundred subjects, and mainly evaluate the efficacy of the vaccine against the disease. The final, Phase 3, involves thousands of people to further assess the efficacy of the vaccine over a defined period of time, and can last several months. According to virologist Upasana Ray, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has asked vaccine developers to follow set guidelines. -- PTI
Sudiksha Bhati
17:41 UP cops hunt for bike with 'Jat Boys' number plate
Over 15 motorcycles were brought to a police station here on Wednesday and their owners questioned over the death of a 20-year-old woman, who was visiting home from the US, in a Bulandshahr road accident, police said. Information has also been sought on all Bullet motorcycles registered in the district from the assistant regional transport officer (ARTO), they added. The police said 15-20 bike owners were questioned.
The woman, Sudiksha Bhati, died Monday morning near Aurangabad when she was riding pillion on a motorcycle with her younger brother. She was pursuing a graduation course in entrepreneurship at the Babson College, Massachusetts (US), and was scheduled to go back on August 20.
Her family has alleged that the accident happened because two motorcycle-borne men were following her two-wheeler and harassing her. In a purported video that has surfaced on social media, Bhati's brother said, "We were on a motorcycle at a speed of 30 km per hour. The men on the Bullet were riding near us and applied brakes on their vehicle suddenly...The Bullet had 'Jat Boys' inscribed on its number plate and its number started with UP-13."
The Bulandshahr Senior Superintendent of Police has constituted a three-member SIT, led by Circle Officer (city) Diksha Singh, to probe the matter. The district police has filed an FIR against two unidentified people on the basis of a complaint by Sudiksha's father Jitendra Bhati. -- PTI
Charred remains of a vehicle in north-east Delhi during the riots
17:10 Caravan magazine says 3 scribes assaulted in northeast Delhi
The police on Wednesday said it has received a complaint from a news magazine that three of its journalists, including a woman, were assaulted by a mob in northeast Delhi, where they had gone to report on the riots that had taken place in February. The Caravan magazine alleged that the incident took place on Tuesday afternoon.
"We have received complaints from both the sides (magazine and locals) and are looking into them," Joint Commissioner of Police (eastern range) Alok Kumar said.
The magazine, in a series of tweets on Tuesday, said, "Today afternoon, in the Subhash Mohalla locality in north-east Delhi, a group of men and women assaulted three staffers of @thecaravanindia @Prabhtalks @shahidtantray and a third staff member to stop them from reporting."
The magazine alleged that the mob physically assaulted the staffers, threatened to kill them and also used communal slurs. The three journalists were later rescued by the police and taken to the nearbly Bhajanpura police station, the magazine said.
Communal violence had broken out in northeast Delhi on February 24 after clashes between citizenship law supporters and protesters spiralled, leaving at least 53 people dead and around 200 injured. PTI
Saif, Kareena and Taimur
17:06 Saif, Kareena announce arrival of second baby
Bollywood star couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan on Wednesday said they are expecting their second child. The duo announced the pregnancy in an official statement, thanking well wishers for their support. "We are very pleased to announce that we are expecting an addition to our family! Thank you to all our well wishers for all their love and support," they said in a joint statement.
Kareena, 39, delivered their first child, son Taimur on December 20, 2016. The toddler has been an Internet sensation ever since his birth and is followed by the paparazzi round-the-clock. Back then, soon after the baby boy was named Taimur, people on social media had started questioning the origins of the name.
Saif, 49, tied the knot with Kareena in October 2012 after a five-year courtship. He was previously married to actor Amrita Singh, with whom he shares actor-daughter Sara and son Ibrahim. -- PTI
16:53 India records 56,110 Covid recoveries in 24 hours
India's COVID-19 recovery rate soared past 70 per cent on Wednesday with 16,39,599 people having recuperated from the disease so far in the country, while active cases comprise 27.64 pc of the total caseload, the Union Health Ministry said. The case fatality rate has further declined to 1.98 per cent, it said.
The highest single-day recoveries at 56,110 are the result of the successful implementation of effective containment strategy, aggressive and comprehensive testing coupled with standardised clinical management of the critical patients based on holistic standard of care approach, the ministry said.
The coordinated efforts of the central, state and UT governments have resulted in continuously increasing average daily recoveries, it said. "In the first week of July, the daily average recovered cases were at 15,000 which jumped to more than 50,000 in the first week of August," the health ministry said. "With more patients recovering and being discharged from hospitals and home isolation (in case of mild and moderate cases), the total recoveries have crossed the 16 lakh-mark and recovery rate has reached another high of 70.38 per cent," it added.
There are 6,43,948 active cases of coronavirus which is "actual caseload" of COVID-19 in the country and currently comprise 27.64 per cent of the total positive cases. They are under active medical supervision. With a consistent and sustained increase in recoveries, the gap between recovered patients and active COVID-19 cases has reached nearly 10 lakh, the ministry stated. -- PTI
16:43 Kejriwal visits ISKCON
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal offers prayers to Lord Krishna on the occasion of Janmashtami at ISKCON temple.
16:40 Refunds more than ticket sales for railways
Perhaps for the first time in its 167-year-long history, the Indian Railways has refunded more than it has earned from ticket bookings, registering a negative passenger segment revenue of Rs 1,066 crore in the COVID-19-hit first quarter of 2020-21, an RTI query has found. The freight earnings, however, during the period managed to hold ground, according to the RTI reply provided by the Railways to Chandra Shekhar Gaur, a Madhya Pradesh-based activist.
The first three months of this financial year, when the Railways had to suspend all its regular passenger services due to the coronavirus travel restrictions, the national transporter's revenue was in the negative -- Rs 531.12 crore in April, Rs 145.24 crore in May and Rs 390.6 in June (all in negative), the RTI reply said.
"The minus figures are being shown due to the fact that the value of refunds is more than the value of tickets booked, said Railway spokesperson DJ Narain. An official explained that due to the suspension of services, tickets booked for travel in April, May and June were offered refunds, while fewer tickets were booked during these three months due to the restrictions.
The Railways has cancelled all regular passenger services indefinitely. In the first quarter of the 2019-20 fiscal, the Railways had earned Rs 4,345 crore in April, Rs 4,463 crore in May and Rs 4,589 crore in June. The Railways has said that due to the pandemic, it is envisaging a loss of around Rs 40,000 crore this financial year. Passenger revenues of Railways are naturally expected to be low this year due to suspension of most of the services due to COVID-19 pandemic, Narain said.
However, freight traffic seems to have recovered somewhat since the Railways has been the preferred mode of transportation for ferrying essential during these months. In April 2020, the freight earning was Rs 5,744 crore, in May it was 7,289 crore and in June the number stood at Rs 8,706 crore. In the first quarter of last fiscal year, it earned Rs 9,331 crore in April, Rs 10,032 crore in May and Rs 9,702 crore in June.
16:23 Mumbai: 3 arrested for raping minor in moving car
Three people have been arrested in connection with the gang-rape of a minor girl in a moving car on Mankhurd-Ghatkopar Link Road in Mumbai, informed the Mankhurd police on Wednesday.
As per Mankhurd police, "A case of gang-rape of a minor girl (15-year-old), in a moving car on Mankhurd-Ghatkopar Link Road in Mumbai, has come into the light, in which case 3 people have been arrested under the Section 376 (D) of the India Penal Court (IPC) and the POCSO Act."
The police further informed that all the arrested accused have been presented in the court and the court has sent them into the police custody till August 17. -- ANI
16:20 NCP distances itself from Memon's 'Sushant more famous after death' remark
NCP leader Majeed Memon on Wednesday said actor Sushant Singh Rajput was not as famous during his lifetime as he is after death, a remark which did not go down well with his party which quickly distanced itself from it. The NCP said it was Memon's personal opinion and not of the party.
Memon, who is a former Rajya Sabha member and a prominent lawyer, also said the media space that the late actor is occupying nowadays is perhaps more than India's Prime Minister and the US President.
As reactions came in on the social media following his post, Memon said his comments do not insult the late actor in any way.
Rajput, 34, was found hanging at his apartment in Bandra area here on June 14. A tug of war has been going on between the governments of Bihar and Maharashtra over the case. Maharashtra has been contending that Bihar had no jurisdiction in the matter since the death took place in Mumbai.
16:09 Won't oppose CBI probe in Sushant case: Pawar
Sushant Singh Rajput death case: NCP chief Sharad Pawar tells news agenc ANI, that he will not oppose a CBI probe. "I've seen Maharashtra and Mumbai police for last 50 years and I trust them. I don't want to comment on what others have accused them of. If someone thinks that CBI or any other agency should probe the matter then I won't oppose it."
The Maharashtra government on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that the Bihar Police lacks jurisdiction in the Sushant Singh Rajput case, while the late actor's father claimed that Mumbai Police was not probing the matter "in the right direction."
The Bihar government told the top court that the FIR lodged in Patna in the case is legal and valid and alleged that there is non-cooperation from Maharashtra.
It said that even Rajput's post-mortem report was not given to Patna Police by Mumbai Police, and refuted the allegation of political pressure in the case.
15:41 Gunjan Saxena: IAF miffed at 'undue -ve portrayal'
The Indian Air Force has written to the Central Board of Film Certification complaining against its "undue negative portrayal" in the movie Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl', which is scheduled for a release on Netflix today.
The Air Force in its letter to the censor board, and sent to Netflix and Dharma Productions, has stated that as per initial understanding, "Dharma Productions had agreed to represent Indian Air Force with authenticity and make all efforts to ensure that the film helps to inspire the next generation of IAF officers.
"However, when the trailer of the movie was released recently, it was observed that "certain scenes and dialogues in the movie and its trailer, which was forwarded to this office for viewing, have been found to portray the IAF in an undue negative light."
The letter written by the IAF and accessed by ANI, read "In the aim to glorify the screen character of 'Ex-Fit Lt Gunjan Saxena', M/s Dharma Productions presented some situations that are misleading and portray an inappropriate work culture especially against women in the IAF.
"The story of the Dharma Productions movie is based on the first Indian Air Force woman pilot who was part of the 1999 Kargil conflict.
Saxena, who is one of the first female pilots to fly in combat, played an important role in rescuing injured soldiers during the Kargil War in 1999 and was awarded the gallantry Shaurya Vir Award for displaying courage during the war.In the communication, the Air Force said that as a service, it has ensured "that the organisation is gender neutral and has always provided an equal opportunity to both male and women personnel."
IAF has also annexed the summary of the scenes and dialogues of the script, which are considered objectionable due to the presentation of incorrect gender bias with the letter.
15:19 Rishi Sunak admits hard times are here as UK plunges into recession
The UK economy plunged into a deep recession as it shrank 20.4 per cent between April and June at the height of the coronavirus lockdown, according to new figures released on Wednesday. Reacting to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak admitted that it indicated that the hard times had warned about are here and that many more jobs will be lost.
"I've said before that hard times were ahead, and today's figures confirm that hard times are here," Sunak told 'Sky News'. "Hundreds of thousands of people have already lost their jobs, and sadly in the coming months many more will. But while there are difficult choices to be made ahead, we will get through this, and I can assure people that nobody will be left without hope or opportunity," he said.
It marks the first time in 11 years that the UK has tipped into a recession, which is defined by two consecutive three-month periods of falling GDP. The latest GDP figures released by the ONS showed that it fell by 20.4 per cent between April to June, following a drop of 2.2 per cent between January to March.
"The recession brought on by the coronavirus pandemic has led to the biggest fall in quarterly GDP on record, said Jonathan Athow, Deputy National Statistician at the ONS. "The economy began to bounce back in June, with shops reopening, factories beginning to ramp up production and house-building continuing to recover. Despite this, GDP in June still remains a sixth below its level in February, before the virus struck," said Athow. "Overall, productivity saw its largest-ever fall in the second quarter. Hospitality was worst hit, with productivity in that industry falling by three-quarters in recent months, he said. -- PTI
15:14 COVID-19 patient jumps off AIIMS building, dies
A 65-year-old COVID-19 patient undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences allegedly committed suicide by jumping off the second floor of the building in Chhattisgarh's capital Raipur, police said on Wednesday. The incident took place in the C-block of the institute located under Amanaka police station area on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, said Bharat Bareth, station house officer of Amanka police station.
A resident of the city's Lalpur locality, the sexagenarian was admitted to AIIMS on August 7 and on finding some behavioural abnormalities, the patient was sent for psychiatric consultancy, he said. The patient allegedly jumped from the window of a bathroom on the second floor of the building and was rushed for emergency treatment, following which he succumbed to his injuries at around 2 am, the SHO said.
No suicide note has been recovered so far and probe is underway to ascertain the reason behind the extreme step, the official said. An accidental death report has been registered in this connection, he added. Last week, a COVID-19 patient had allegedly hanged himself inside a toilet at a COVID-19 care centre in Janjgir- Champa district of the state. PTI
15:13 Kozhikode plane crash: 85 injured passengers discharged from hospitals
Air India Express on Wednesday informed that 85 passengers injured in the plane crash in Kozhikode have been discharged from hospitals after "obtaining complete fitness".
"As on date, 85 injured passengers have been discharged from various hospitals after obtaining their complete fitness. AIR INDIA EXPRESS LIMITED will release further information as soon as it is available," the letter from the organisation read.
The Air India Express flight carrying 190 passengers including 10 infants skidded while landing at Karipur airport in Kozhikode on August 7.
Earlier, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that an inquiry has been ordered under the Aircraft Act, black boxes of flight IX-1344 have been recovered and added that the findings of this investigation will be made public. -- ANI
Image: Tulsiram, father of co-pilot Akhilesh Kumar who died in the Air India Plane crash on Friday night, mourns during the funeral, in Mathura on Sunday. Pic: ANI
14:57 Russia's Covid vaccine to be released in 2 weeks
The first batch of the Russian vaccine against COVID-19 is expected to be released within two weeks, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Wednesday. On Tuesday, the Russian Health Ministry registered the first coronavirus vaccine in the world. The vaccine, named Sputnik V, was developed jointly by the Gamaleya Research Institute and the Russian Defense Ministry.
"Within two weeks, the first batch of the vaccine will be released," Murashko said at a press conference. "The vaccination will be voluntary anyway. Some of those doctors who already have immunity against the coronavirus, there are around 20 per cent, ... think they do not need vaccination, it will be up to them to decide," Murashko assured.
"While covering Russians' needs is a priority, the vaccine could also be exported abroad, the health minister added."
The vaccine certainly has some export potential, and we will certainly offer it [to foreign countries], but the domestic market needs are our priority," Murashko said. -- ANI
14:54 Sushant s MLA cousin slaps Sanjay Raut with legal notice
A Bihar MLA and close relative of Sushant Singh Rajput sent a legal notice to Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Wednesday, threatening action over a piece written by him in the party mouthpiece about the deceased actor's strained relations with his father, his lawyer said.
In his column for Saamana a few days ago, Raut had alleged that the actor, whose death is being probed by the CBI, was not on good terms with his own family and had strained relations with his father after his second marriage. "Sanjay Raut is an honorable member of Parliament and a responsible spokesman of the party. My client Neeraj Kumar Bablu has contended that he should apologise within 48 hours for his baseless comments. If he does so, we will proceed no further. If he does not, we will seek legal remedy, Anish Jha, the BJP MLAs counsel," said.. Bablu, who is a cousin of Rajput, had rubbished the allegation that the actors septuagenarian father, Krishna Kishore Singh, had tied the knot again after the death of his wife in 2002.
14:51 Congress MLAs return to Jaipur from Jaisalmer
Rajasthan Congress MLAs who were staying in Jaisalmer for the past few days arrived in Jaipur on Wednesday. The legislators reached the city by air and are being taken to Hotel Fairmont in Kukas on the Jaipur-Delhi highway. "We are going to Hotel Fairmont, and the next strategy will be decided by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot," Transport Minister Pratap Singh said. PTI
Image: Congress MLAs in Ashok Gehlot's camp on their way to Jaisalmer last month.
14:41 My niece, the US Senator
'Whatever Kamala is today, it is because of my sister.
''My sister inculcated South Indian cultureand values in her," Dr Sarala Gopalan, US Senator-elect Kamala Harris' aunt, tells Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier in Chennai. Read the interview here
14:36 Don't believe rumours on Sanju's health: Maanayata
A day after actor Sanjay Dutt's announcement of taking a short break from work for his medical treatment, wife Maanayata Dutt has released a statement sharing an update about his health, and urged people to not "fall prey to speculations and unwarranted rumours".
On August 11, the 'Kalank' actor shared on his Twitter handle about taking the small break for medical purposes. The announcement came after Dutt was admitted to Mumbai's Lilavati hospital, on August 8, after complaining of breathlessness. However, he was discharged from the hospital on Monday.
His wife, Maanayata Dutt in her statement extended her thanks to everyone for the scores of well-wishes that triggered on social media for Dutt's speedy recovery."We need all the strength and prayers to overcome this phase. There is a lot that the family has gone through in the past years but I am confident, this too shall pass," read her statement.
In addition to this, she also made a heartfelt request to his legion of fans to "not fall prey to speculations and unwarranted rumours, but to just help us with their ongoing love, warmth, and support."
"Sanju has always been a fighter, and so has our family. God has yet again chosen to test us to overcome the challenges ahead. All we seek is your prayers and blessings, and we know we will emerge as winners on the other side, as we always have. Let us use this opportunity to spread light and positivity," the statement read.
On August 8, the 'Munnabhai MBBS' actor, soon after hospitalisation issued a statement on Twitter assuring his followers that he is "doing well" and his reports for COVID-19 were negative. -- ANI
13:53 Will think about it: Raut on apology over Sushant
Update on the Sushant Singh Rajput death case: Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut on the late actor's family demanding an apology from him. "If there has been any kind of miss on our part, we'll think about it. But I'll have to look into it. What I've said so far is based on the information I have. Sushant's family is speaking on the basis of the information they have."
In his column in the Shiv Sena's paper, Saamna, Raut claimed that the actor didnt share good relations with his father K K Singh. I have received such information. How many times did Rajput visit his father in Patna in the last few years? he asked.
Raut also went on to say Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey was working for a political party and alleged he tried to contest an election on a BJP ticket. What can you expect from such a police force? he asked.
The Rajput family's lawyer says, "Siddharth Pithani is extremely dubious. He is a very intelligent criminal. What he did was, until FIR was registered by family he was talking to them regularly and trying to help them. The moment FIR was registered, he started helping Rhea.
"The way he has behaved after registration of FIR, the way he is writing email to Rhea when she's a named accused. Helping a named accused in this manner shows complicity between Rhea and him. It is only upon custodial interrogation that the real truth will come out."
Pitani was a friend of Rajput's.
13:39 Pranab Mukherjee still critical
Update: Former President Pranab Mukherjee's health condition continues to remain critical. Presently he is haemodynamically stable and on a ventilator: Army Research & Referral (R&R) Hospital, Delhi. Pranab Mukherjee underwent emergency surgery for a brain clot on 10th August.
13:12 SC may begin few physical courts from next week
A Committee of seven judges, constituted by the Chief Justice of India, convened a meeting on Tuesday, and discussed several issues, including whether physical courts can start or not, the Supreme Court Advocates On Records Association (SCAORA) said.
"The judges' Committee is seriously considering to start at least 2-3 physical courts from the next week and in the meantime, the Registry would take necessary steps to prepare the courts for physical functioning," the SCAORA said in a statement.
The Presidents of SCBA (Supreme Court Bar Association), SCAORA and Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman, had also attended the Committee meeting held yesterday.
SCAORA President Shivaji M Jadhav, and SCBA President and senior Supreme Court lawyer Dushyant Dave urged the judges to start physical courts at the earliest, after taking required measures suggested by medical experts, keeping in view the COVID-19 pandemic.
The SCAORA said that the physical courts, if possible to start, will be in addition to the now existing virtual courts and people would have the option to do virtual hearing as well.Matters from the final hearing list published before the lockdown would be listed before the physical Courts. The final decision would be taken by the Judges committee in a day or two, the SCAORA said.
This comes as physical court hearings are halted in the Supreme Court in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus. -- ANI
13:10 K'taka minister accuses SDPI of 'planned riot'
Karnataka Minister CT Ravi on Wednesday termed the violence in Bengaluru as a "planned riot" and alleged that the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) is behind the incident that claimed 3 lives.
"I think it was a planned riot. Within an hour of a post on social media thousands of people gathered and damaged 200-300 vehicles and the MLA's residence. We will take serious action," Ravi told ANI.
"Congress party is indulging in appeasing these people as they are its vote bank. This is not the first incident. During CAA protests, a riot was carried out in Mangaluru. It was an organised incident, not an isolated incident. SDPI is behind it. They provoked people. SDPI is famous for rioting," he said.
Three people were killed and several others suffered injuries after violence erupted in the eastern part of the city on Tuesday night over a Facebook message posted allegedly by Congress MLA Srinivas Murthy's nephew Naveen. 110 persons accused of arson, stone-pelting and assault on the police have been arrested in connection with the violence. Accused Naveen has also been arrested now. -- ANI
Pranab Mukherjee with his daughter Sharmishta
12:48 May God do whatever is best for him: Pranab Mukherjee's daughter
Sharmishta Mukherjee, the daughter of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who had undergone a life-saving surgery and is on ventilator support, posted an emotional message on Twitter on Wednesday morning stating that she hopes God chooses the best path for him and gives her the strength to accept whatever comes ahead.
She also recalled that last year around the same time her father was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the country and this year, he is critically ill.
"Last year 8 August was 1 of d happiest day 4 me as my dad received Bharat Ratna. Exactly a year later on 10 Aug he fell critically ill. May God do whatever is best 4 him & give me strength 2 accept both joys & sorrows of life with equanimity. I sincerely thank all 4 their concerns" her Tweet said.
The condition of former President Pranab Mukherjee (84), worsened after undergoing life-saving emergency surgery and remains on ventilator support, the Army Hospital, where is admitted, informed on Tuesday.He underwent an emergency life-saving surgery for a brain clot. The former President has also tested positive for COVID-19. -- PTI
12:35 Planned incident: K'taka Cong chief on violence
Karnataka Congress on Wednesday called a meeting of party legislators at 12 noon today over the violence in Bengaluru that claimed three lives and left 60 police personnel injured. Speaking to reporters, Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar said that his party will give full support to the government in maintaining peace and harmony.
"I strongly condemn the incident and our party also condemns whatever happened last night. It happened because of a person's tweet on social media. I am getting to know through media that it was a well-planned incident. But at this point of time it is important to maintain peace," he said.
"I have called a meeting of legislators over the violence. I have spoken to our CLP leader Siddaramaiah. We will give full support to the government to maintain peace and harmony," he added.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has demanded immediate arrest of those who instigated the violence.
"The riots at Kavalabhairasandra last night and the riot that triggered it were both reprehensible. I appeal to both Hindu and Muslim communities to act with restraint and maintain peace," he tweeted.
"Immediate arrest and prosecution of the evildoers who instigated riots and responded with violence. I have informed the Bangalore Police Commissioner. Our party is fully cooperating to the state government's attempt to establish peace," Siddaramaih said in another tweet.
He said that the attack on the police station is reprehensible and the police should act promptly and take action against the guilty.
110 persons accused of arson, stone-pelting and assault on the police have been arrested in connection with the violence.
The police said that accused Naveen has been arrested allegedly for posting derogatory material on social media.Residence of Congress MLA Akhanda Srinivasamurthy was also attacked after the violence broke out.Section 144 has been imposed in the entire Bangalore city while curfew has been imposed in DJ Halli and KG Halli police station limits. -- PTI
12:30
Fielding coach of Rajasthan Royals, Dishant Yagnik tests positive for Covid-19. He is now quarantining himself for 14 days, in line with BCCI protocols.
The vandalised DJ Halli police station
12:06 Bengaluru violence: SDPI leader arrested
Muzamil Pasha, an SDPI leader has been arrested by the Bengaluru police in connection with DJ Halli police station limits violence, an Social Democratic Party of India, spokesperson said.
Three people were killed in police firing in Bengaluru and 60 police personnel injured as violence broke out in the city on Tuesday night over a Facebook message posted allegedly by a relative of a Congress MLA.
110 people have been arrested for violence, stone-throwing and assault on police personnel.
Protesters set many vehicles on fire and surrounded MLA Srinivas Murthy's house in the city. Murthy's nephew Naveen, who allegedly posted the message on Facebook, has been arrested.The police lathi-charged and tear gassed the crowds.
Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said the 'attack on the residence of MLA Akhanda Srinivasa Murthy and the DJ Halli police station and riot are condemnable'.
'Already given directions to initiate stringent action against the criminals (and) the government has initiated all the measures to contain violence,' he said.
The attack on police, media persons and common citizens was unpardonable. The government will not tolerate such instigation and mischief, he added.
On Tuesday night, irked by the social media post, hundreds of people went on a rampage and set DJ Halli police station on fire.
11:55 Visually impaired woman clears UPSC exam
Tamil Nadu: Poorna Sundari, a visually impaired woman from Madurai secured 286th rank in UPSC civil services exam 2019. She says,"My parents have supported me a lot. I would like to dedicate my success to them. This was my 4th attempt, I devoted 5 years to this exam."
11:49 PM to honour honest tax payers on Thursday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a platform for honouring the country's honest taxpayers on Thursday. The 2020-21 Budget unveiled on February 1, had announced a 'taxpayer charter', which is expected to have statutory status and will empower citizens by ensuring time-bound services by the Income Tax department.
"The upcoming launch of the platform for 'Transparent Taxation Honoring the Honest' by the Prime Minister will further carry forward the journey of direct tax reforms, the Finance Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Ministry said the Central Board of Direct Taxes has carried out several major tax reforms in direct taxes in recent years. Last year the Corporate Tax rates were reduced from 30 per cent to 22 per cent and for new manufacturing units the rates were reduced to 15 per cent. Dividend distribution Tax was also abolished.
"The focus of the tax reforms has been on reduction in tax rates and on simplification of direct tax laws. Several initiatives have been taken by the CBDT for bringing in efficiency and transparency in the functioning of the I-T Department," it said.
In the Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced that CBDT will adopt a "taxpayer charter" which will ensure trust between a taxpayer and the administration and reduce harassment, as well as increase efficiency of the department. CBDT, which is the apex decision making body in direct tax matters, administers personal income tax and corporate tax.
"Wealth creators will be respected in this country," she had said in her 2020-21 Budget speech. "We wish to enshrine in the statutes a "taxpayer charter" through this budget. Our government would like to reassure taxpayers that we remain committed to taking measures so that our citizens are free from harassment of any kind," she had said. -- PTI
11:43 Indian-Americans hail historic selection of Kamala Harris
Leading Indian-American groups and individuals, including former Pepsico chief Indra Nooyi, have hailed the nomination of Indian-origin Senator Kamala Harris as Democratic vice presidential candidate, saying it was a "great choice" and a "moment of pride" for the entire community in the US.
However, there were also some community members who questioned Harris' contribution towards the Indo-US ties and said they would not be swayed by identity politics. Presumptive Democratic party presidential nominee Joe Biden on Tuesday named 55-year-old Harris as his vice presidential running mate, making history by selecting the first black woman to compete on a major party's presidential ticket.
Harris, whose father is an African from Jamaica and mother an Indian, is currently the US Senator from California. "This is a great choice for our country," tweeted Nooyi, who is seen as a role model by millions of women across the world. Harris herself was a presidential aspirant until last year before she dropped out of the race because of lack of popular support.
"What an electric moment for the Indian-American community! Indian-Americans are now truly a mainstream community in the national fabric, M R Rangaswami, an eminent Indian-American and the founder of Indiaspora, told PTI. Welcoming the decision, IMPACT, a leading Indian-American advocacy group and a Political Action Committee, said it will raise USD 10 million for the campaign. "Kamala Harris' story is the story of a changing, inclusive America...Her candidacy is historic and inspiring, not only for Black Americans, but for millions of Asian American voters, the fastest growing voting bloc in the country," IMPACT's executive director Neil Makhija said.
Harris' supporters on Tuesday announced to launch a nationwide campaign 'America mein Khila Kamal (Lotus blooms in the US). California-based Indian-American entrepreneur Ajay Bhutoria told PTI that he is planning to release graphic and social media posts around this slogan in the run up to the November 3 presidential elections.
Bhutoria is also the creator of a multi-language campaign, including in Hindi, which says, "America Ka Neta Kaisa Ho, Jo Biden Jaisa Ho!! (How America's leader should be, like Biden)", as part of the efforts to reach to the Indian-American community. -- PTI
11:01 Fight to save democracy will continue: Gehlot
Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot in Jaisalmer: "The fight is to save democracy and it will continue. All our MLAs stayed together for such a long time. This is a victory of the people of Rajasthan. It is our duty to serve the people of the state. It's natural for MLAs to be upset. The manner in which this episode occurred and the way in which they stayed for a month, it was natural. I've explained to them that sometimes we need to be tolerant if we have to serve the nation, state, people and save democracy."
Former Rajasthan Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, whose rebellion against the Congress party plunged the Ashok Gehlot government in a month-long crisis, has returned to the party fold.
After meeting Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi and on being assured by the party that the issues raised by him and his camp of MLAs will be resolved, Sachin Pilot returned to Congress and said he had never hankered for any post and was only raising ideological issues.
CM Ashok Gehlot reacting to Sachin Pilot's truce with the Congress said that it is his duty as the chief minister to address the grievances of his MLAs and party members and will listen to the problems raised by those who are miffed with him.
Representational image
10:34 50% world's youth in Covid-induced depression
Half of the world's youth population are subject to anxiety or depression-causing circumstances and more than a third are uncertain of their future career prospects due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey by the International Labour Organization. The ILO's 'Youth and COVID-19: impacts on jobs, education, rights and mental well-being' survey found that if urgent action is not taken, youths are at the risk of suffering severe and long-lasting adverse impacts from the pandemic.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted every aspect of our lives. Even before the onset of the crisis, the social and economic integration of young people was an ongoing challenge. Now, unless urgent action is taken, young people are likely to suffer severe and long-lasting impacts from the pandemic, the report said on Tuesday. The ILO survey aimed to capture the immediate effects of the pandemic on the lives of youths (aged 18 to 29 years) with regard to employment, education, mental health, rights and social activism. Over 12,000 responses were received from 112 countries, with a large proportion coming from educated youths with access to the Internet.
The survey found that one in two (i.e., 50 per cent) young people across the world are possibly subject to anxiety or depression, while 17 per cent are probably affected by it. "Severe disruption to learning and working, compounded by the health crisis, has seen a deterioration in young people's mental well-being," the survey said. -- PTI
DJ Halli Police Station in Bengaluru vandalised last night.
10:13 Bengaluru violence: CM assures strict action
Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Wednesday informed that directives have been issued to take strict action against accused of Bengaluru violence and asserted that the government has taken all possible steps to curb the situation.
While appealing people to maintain peace, he also said that violence against journalists, police and people last night was unacceptable.
'The miscreants in the DJ Halli police station has led to the assault and rioting at MLA Akhand Srinivasa's house and police station. Already, directives have been issued against the perpetrators and the government has taken all possible steps to curb the situation,' he tweeted (roughly translated from Kannada).
'The attack on journalists, the police and the public in the riot last night was unacceptable. The government will not tolerate such provocations and rumours. Strict action against perpetrators is certain. I appeal to people to maintain peace and act with restraint and without panic,' the chief minister said in another tweeted.
Congress MLA Srinivas Murthy's nephew was arrested for allegedly sharing a 'derogatory' post on social media that triggered violence in Bengaluru last night. 110 accused of arson, stone-pelting, and assault on the police have been arrested.
Residence of Congress MLA Akhanda Srinivasamurthy was also attacked after the violence broke out.
Section 144 has been imposed in the entire Bangalore city while curfew has been imposed in DJ Halli and KG Halli police station limits. -- ANI
10:11 60,963 new cases, India's Covid tally tops 23L
JUST IN: Single-day spike of 60,963 COVID-19 cases and 834 deaths reported in India, in the last 24 hours, says the ministry of health and family welfare.
The COVID-19 tally rises to 23,29,639 including 6,43,948 active cases, 16,39,600 cured/discharged/migrated and 46,091 deaths, the ministry said.
Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research said 2,60,15,297 samples were tested up to August 11 for COVID-19.
'Of these, 7,33,449 samples were tested yesterday,' the ICMR said. -- ANI
'Of these, 7,33,449 samples were tested yesterday,' the ICMR said. -- ANI
10:01 5 killed as bus catches fire in Karnataka
At least five people, including three children, were charred to death and many others sustained burns when a Benglauru bound bus they were travelling in caught fire on a national highway in Chitradurga district on Wednesday morning.
"Five people have died after a bus caught fire on National Highway 4 at about 3.30 am. The bus was on the way from Bijapur to Bengaluru," a police officer said.
The deceased have not been identified, he said adding a few others have been hospitalised.
He suspected that the vehicle was parked by the road side when it caught fire. -- PTI
Image only for representation
09:10 Terrorist, soldier killed in Pulwama encounter
An unidentified terrorist and a soldier were killed, while another jawan was injured in a gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Wednesday, officials said in Srinagar.
Security forces launched a search operation in an orchard in Kamrazipora village of Pulwama in the early hours of the day on receiving information about the presence of terrorists there, they said.
The officials said the search operation turned into an encounter after the terrorists opened fire, injuring two soldiers.
The injured security personnel were rushed to an Army hospital, where one of them succumbed, they said.
One terrorist was also killed in the gunfight, the officials said, adding that an AK rifle and a few grenades were recovered from the encounter site.
The identity and affiliation of the slain militant are being ascertained, they added. -- PTI
08:57 3 firms qualify for submission of financial bid for new Parliament building
Three construction companies have qualified for submission of financial bid for the contract to build a new Parliament building, according to CPWD records.
These companies are L&T Ltd,Tata Project Ltd and Shapoorji Pallonji and Co Pvt Ltd.
A total of seven firms, including the Uttar Pradesh Rajkiya Nirman Nigam Limited, had submitted pre-qualification bids for the ambitious project.
As part of the Central Vista redevelopment project, the construction of the new Parliament building, close to the existing one, is expected to be completed in 21 months at an estimated cost of Rs 889 crore, the CPWD's notice inviting pre-qualification bids stated.
The Central Public Works Department (CPWD), a prime construction agency of the central government, said the new building will be constructed at plot number 118 of the Parliament House Estate.
The proposed new Parliament building shall be a reinforced cement concrete framed structure, the CPWD said in the notice.
The agency said, 'The plinth of the building shall match with the plinth of the existing building, which is approximately 1.8 meters above the ground level.'
'The total plinth area of the proposed building is approximately 65,000 sqm, including the basement area of approximately 16,921 sqm. The building will be ground plus two storeyed with one basement,' it said.
The CPWD said the existing Parliament building will continue to function during the entire period of execution of this project. -- PTI
08:45 BJP leader shot dead in Baghpat; SHO suspended, SP shifted
A Bharatiya Janata Party functionary was shot dead in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district on Tuesday morning, police said.
Sanjay Khokhar, 52, former district unit president of the BJP, was out for a morning walk when the incident took place, they said.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condoled Khokhar's death and directed officials to take action against the guilty within 24 hours.
"Sanjay Khokhar, a resident of Tilwara area of the district was going towards his tubewell in the morning when he was shot at by some criminals. He died on the spot," Baghpat Superintendent of Police Ajay Kumar Singh said.
"A police team rushed to the spot upon getting the news. So far, no complaint has been registered. Prima facie it (reason behind the killing) seems to be enmity. Khokhar was hit by bullets on the head and in the chest. Police teams have been formed to crack the case," he said.
Khokhar was the district president of the BJP for three years and was removed from the post before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
In view of the incident, opposition Congress attacked the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government over the law and order situation, dubbing it as jungle raj.
A BJP politician out for morning walk killed. Jungle raj. A morning begins with the news of murder in UP. And the liar CM claims the state has become crime-free, the UP Congress tweeted in Hindi.
According to officials, the body has been sent for postmortem and an first information report registered at the Chhaprauli Police Station in Baghpat in this connection.
Meanwhile, Director General, UP Police, H C Awasthy said the Station House Officer (SHO) of the local Chhaprauli Police Station has been suspended in the wake of the incident.
'In view of the murder of former district president of the BJP Sanjay Khokhar, instructions have been issued to suspend SHO Chhaprauli with immediate effect for inability to stop crime,' the state police chief tweeted in Hindi.
It was followed by a late night reshuffle wherein the state government transferred Baghpat Additional SP Aneet Kumar, according to an official order.
Manish Mishra, currently SP City Ghaziabad, will replace Kumar immediately, the order stated. -- PTI
08:18 Surprised that Biden picked Kamala Harris: Trump
US President Donald Trump has said he is surprised that his Democratic party challenger for the presidential elections Joe Biden has named Indian-origin Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate despite knowing how nasty and disrespectful she has been to him.
Biden on Tuesday named Harris as his Vice-Presidential running mate, making history by selecting the first black woman to compete on a major party's presidential ticket.
Harris, 55, whose father is an African from Jamaica and mother an Indian, is currently the US Senator from California.
"We'll see how she works out. She did very, very poorly in the primaries as you know. She was expected to do well. She ended up at right around two per cent," Trump told reporters at a White House news conference.
"She had a lot of things happening and so I was a little surprised that he (Biden) picked her. I've been watching her for a long time, and I was a little surprised," Trump said soon after Biden announced that he has picked Harris as his running mate.
Responding to questions, Trump said that Harris has been nasty to Biden.
"As far as Kamala is concerned, she's a big tax raiser. She's a big slasher of funds for our military. And she's got a lot of difficult things that she's going to have to explain. Plus she was very, very nasty to--one of the reasons it surprised me--she was very--she was probably nastier than even Pocahontas to Joe Biden. She was very disrespectful to Joe Biden," Trump alleged.
"It's hard to pick somebody that's that disrespectful when she said things during the debates--during the Democrat primary debates that were horrible about sleepy Joe. And I would think that he wouldn't have picked," Trump said.
Commenting about Vice President Mike Pence, Trump said he has been fantastic at his work.
"I will take him over Kamala and the horrible way she, again, treated Justice Brett Kavanaugh. That was a horrible event. I thought it was terrible for her, I thought it was terrible for our nation. I thought she was the meanest, the most horrible, most disrespectful of anybody in the US Senate," Trump said.
Pence said that he was not surprised by this.
"As you all know, Biden and the Democratic Party have been overtaken by the radical left. So given their promises of higher taxes, open borders, socialised medicine, and abortion on demand, it's no surprise that he chose Senator Harris," Pence said at a speech in Arizona.
The vice-presidential debate between him and Harris is on October 7. -- PTI
Biden on Tuesday named Harris as his Vice-Presidential running mate, making history by selecting the first black woman to compete on a major party's presidential ticket.
Harris, 55, whose father is an African from Jamaica and mother an Indian, is currently the US Senator from California.
"We'll see how she works out. She did very, very poorly in the primaries as you know. She was expected to do well. She ended up at right around two per cent," Trump told reporters at a White House news conference.
"She had a lot of things happening and so I was a little surprised that he (Biden) picked her. I've been watching her for a long time, and I was a little surprised," Trump said soon after Biden announced that he has picked Harris as his running mate.
Responding to questions, Trump said that Harris has been nasty to Biden.
"As far as Kamala is concerned, she's a big tax raiser. She's a big slasher of funds for our military. And she's got a lot of difficult things that she's going to have to explain. Plus she was very, very nasty to--one of the reasons it surprised me--she was very--she was probably nastier than even Pocahontas to Joe Biden. She was very disrespectful to Joe Biden," Trump alleged.
"It's hard to pick somebody that's that disrespectful when she said things during the debates--during the Democrat primary debates that were horrible about sleepy Joe. And I would think that he wouldn't have picked," Trump said.
Commenting about Vice President Mike Pence, Trump said he has been fantastic at his work.
"I will take him over Kamala and the horrible way she, again, treated Justice Brett Kavanaugh. That was a horrible event. I thought it was terrible for her, I thought it was terrible for our nation. I thought she was the meanest, the most horrible, most disrespectful of anybody in the US Senate," Trump said.
Pence said that he was not surprised by this.
"As you all know, Biden and the Democratic Party have been overtaken by the radical left. So given their promises of higher taxes, open borders, socialised medicine, and abortion on demand, it's no surprise that he chose Senator Harris," Pence said at a speech in Arizona.
The vice-presidential debate between him and Harris is on October 7. -- PTI
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