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Fri, 14 August 2020
Govt afraid to face China in Ladakh: Rahul
Timeline Refresh
23:40 Govt afraid to face China in Ladakh: Rahul
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi again criticised the government on the Ladakh situation on Friday, and claimed that the country will have to pay a "huge price".
In a tweet, he said, "The government of India (GOI) is scared to face up to Chinese intentions in Ladakh. Evidence on the ground indicates that China is preparing and positioning itself," but did not elaborate.
He also said lack of courage and the media's silence will result in India paying a "huge price".
Gandhi has been criticising the government and the prime minister on the border situation in Ladakh. -- PTI
23:26 LJP may withdraw support to Nitish govt in Bihar
The Lok Janshakti Party may withdraw its support to the Nitish Kumar-led government in Bihar, its sources said on Friday after the party accused senior Janaat Dal-United leader Lalan Singh of "insulting" Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
LJP chief Chirag Paswan met Bharatiya Janata Party president J P Nadda on Thursday and discussed the matter among other issues, they said.
Paswan has called a meeting of party leaders at party's Patna office on Saturday over the issue, they said.
Lalan Singh had recently taken a swipe at Paswan, saying that like Kalidas he was cutting the branch of a tree on which he was sitting.
The LJP has said Singh's dig was aimed at a tweet of Paswan in which the party president had lauded Modi for his call to several chief ministers, including Kumar, to ramp up COVID-19 tests.
"Lalan Singh has insulted the prime minister. We may withdraw our support from the Nitish Kumar government," a LJP leader said.
The LJP has two MLAs in the 243-member Bihar assembly.
Even if it withdraws the support, it will make no material difference to the government but the development highlights worsening of the ties between the two BJP allies in the state. -- PTI
23:01 You have so much to be proud of: Netanyahu to India
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday congratulated his Indian counterpart and a "very good friend" Narendra Modi and the people of India on the eve of the country's Independence Day, saying "you have so much to be proud of".
"Wishing my very good friend@PMOIndia@narendramodi and all the people of #IncredibleIndia a joyful #IndiaIndependenceDay. You have so much to be proud of," the Israeli Prime Minister tweeted a day ahead of India's Independence Day and just before the onset of Sabbath when official work generally comes to a standstill in this Jewish country.
The Sabbath is Judaism's day of rest and the seventh day of the week.
"Swatantra Diwas ki haardik shubhkamnayen", he added in Hindi.
The tweet also carried a photo of Modi and Netanyahu. -- PTI
22:45 Pak confers award on Kashmir separatist Geelani
Pakistan conferring its highest civilian award on hardline Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani clearly shows that Islamabad supports separatism in Kashmir, a senior BJP leader said on Friday.
Pakistan President Arif Alvi conferred Nishan-e-Pakistan on 90-year-old Geelani in abstentia as the country celebrated its 74th Independence Day on Friday.
"This award clearly shows Pakistan supports terrorism and separatism in Kashmir," senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Kavinder Gupta said.
"It also establishes that terrorism and anti-national elements in Kashmir are funded by Pakistan. It would be advisable that those receiving such honours from Pakistan should stay in that country only," Gupta said. -- PTI
22:43 Official who led govt's Covid briefings tests +ve
Lav Agarwal, joint secretary of Union health ministry, has tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday.
In a tweet, Agarwal informed that he has detected positive for the virus and said that he is under home isolation as per COVID-19 guidelines.
"Dear All, Just to inform that I have tested positive for COVID-19 and initiating home isolation as per guidelines. Requesting all my friends, colleagues for self-monitoring. Contact tracing will be done by the Health Team. Hoping to see everyone soon," he said in a tweet.
Agarwal was leading the team for giving updates on the COVID-19 situation in the country. -- ANI
22:06 Amid row, India, Nepal to hold talks on Aug 17
India and Nepal will hold talks on August 17 under their "oversight mechanism'' for reviewing all bilateral economic and developmental projects in the Himalayan nation, the ministry of external affairs said on Friday.
This would be the first major engagement since bilateral ties came under strain after the Himalayan nation came up with a new political map in May.
Asked about reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart K P Sharma Oli could have a telephonic conversation on August 15, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "I have no information on this, I need to check."
On whether the issue of floods in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar could come up for discussion in the upcoming bilateral "oversight mechanism" talks and if any high level dialogue between the two countries is proposed, he said, "On the scheduled oversight mechanism, I think you are referring to the meeting which is to take place on August 17."
This "oversight mechanism" was set up in 2016 to review all bilateral economic and developmental projects in Nepal, he said.
This meeting will review all such projects across Nepal, Srivastava said.
Earlier this week, official sources said Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Nepal's Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi are scheduled to hold talks on August 17 in Kathmandu under the oversight mechanism.
Asked about Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali's reported remarks that the 1947 agreement among India, Nepal and the United Kingdom that deals with the military service of Gorkha soldiers has become "redundant", Srivastava said, "We are aware of the remark, but we have no information on any official communication in this regard."
Srivastava also asserted that he has made India's stance clear several times and had nothing more to add.
In June, Nepal's Parliament approved the new political map of the country featuring areas which India maintains belong to it.
In its reaction, after Nepal's lower house of Parliament approved the bill, India termed as untenable the "artificial enlargement" of territorial claims by the neighbouring country.
India had said Nepal's action violates an understanding reached between the two countries to resolve the boundary issues through talks. -- PTI
22:02 Mumbai's COVID-19 death toll crosses 7,000-mark
The COVID-19 death toll in Mumbai crossed the 7,000-mark after 47 new fatalities were reported on Friday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said.
So far, 7,035 people have died due to the infection in the city, it said.
The number of coronavirus patients in the metropolis increased to 1,28,550 with the addition of 979 cases during the day, it said.
The BMC said that the number of recovered patient went up to 1,01,861 after 907 patients were discharged from hospitals on Friday.
Mumbai's COVID-19 recovery rate is 79 per cent, the civic body said, adding that there are only 19,354 active cases in the city now.
Out of the 47 patients who died during the day, 37 suffered from various co-morbidities.
According to the BMC, the city's average growth rate of COVID-19 cases in the last seven days was 0.80 per cent, while the case doubling rate is 84 days.
The civic body said that it has conducted 6.37 lakh COVID-19 tests so far. -- PTI
21:55 Maha reports 12,608 new Covid cases, 364 deaths
With a single-day rise of 12,608 cases on Friday, Maharashtra's COVID-19 count rose to 5,72,734, the state health department said.
The death of 364 patients during the day pushed the fatality count to 19,427, it said in a statement.
As many as 10,484 patients were discharged on Friday following their recovery, the department added.
With this, a total of 4,01,442 COVID-19 patients have recovered in the state till now.
There are 1,51,555 active cases in Maharashtra as present, it said, adding that 30,45,085 people have been tested so far. -- PTI
21:35 Pak can't tolerate peace in J-K: DGP on attack
Pakistan and its proxies cannot tolerate the peaceful atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir, Director General of Police Dilbag Singh said on Friday after terrorists shot dead two policemen and wounded another on the outskirts of Srinagar.
Singh, however, asserted that the efforts to strengthen peace in the union territory would continue.
The DGP was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a wreath-laying ceremony of the two police personnel killed when militants fired indiscriminately upon a police party in Nowgam area here earlier in the day.
"We have placed extended deployments at many places in the city and outside it for the August 15 (Independence Day) function. We were also increasing the deployment on the outskirts (of the city). It is unfortunate that a deployment team was attacked on the outskirts of the city in Nowgam and two jawans were killed and another injured," Singh told reporters.
The DGP said Pakistan and its proxies cannot tolerate the peaceful atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir and often create hurdles in the path towards peace.
"We are all aware of the situation in Kashmir where the terrorists regularly try to target civilians, police and forces and sometimes they succeed, but at the same time, the police and forces keep on taking actions to improve the situation," he said.
"We will intensify the (anti-militancy) operations in the coming days, but such incidents take place because Pakistan and its proxies cannot tolerate the peaceful atmosphere here. Such conspiracies are hatched from across the border and they try to create hurdles in the way to peace. However, I am confident that our efforts to strengthen peace will continue," he added.
Singh said the security forces are focused on strengthening security in the valley for the Independence Day function on Saturday. -- PTI
21:18 India's Covid recovery rate best in world: Govt
Union health minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday said that India has done its best in mitigating the effects of COVID-19 pandemic and that its recovery rate for coronavirus patients is highest in the world, whereas the fatality rate is the lowest.
Starting with only one laboratory for testing coronavirus samples, there are now more than 1,400 laboratories in the country, Vardhan said as he virtually joined the 106th foundation day celebrations of the Delhi Medical Association, an official statement said.
"We have done our best in mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our recovery rate is the highest in the world whereas the fatality rate is the lowest," Vardhan was quoted as saying in the statement.
He paid tributes to 245 doctors, nurses and paramedical workers (corona warriors) who lost their lives while doing their duty.
Vardhan further stated that India is committed to eliminate TB from India by 2025, five years ahead of the global target set up by the WHO.
He added that the government is committed to commission 1.5 lakh wellness centers under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY programme in the country by the end of 2022.
Vardhan also expressed his gratitude to the members of Delhi Medical Association for their sincere contribution in making the first 'Pulse Polio Campaign' successful in 1994.
Recalling DMA's contribution which helped in making India polio-free, the minister said, "There has not been even a single case of polio during the last nine years." -- PTI
21:15 AI officials go to US to receive custom-made B777 plane for VVIP travel
Senior officials of Air India have gone to the US to receive from Boeing a custom-made B777 aircraft that will be used to fly Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top Indian dignitaries, senior officials said on Friday.
"Some senior officials of the central government are also part of the team that has gone to the US to receive the plane from Boeing," said an official of the national carrier.
Another custom-made B777 plane is likely to be received from Boeing in September, the official added.
It was expected that the delivery of these two planes, which are earmarked for VVIP travel only, would be done by July.
However, due to COVID-19, their delivery has been delayed by a few weeks.
During the travel of the VVIPs, the two B777 aircraft will be operated by pilots of the Indian Air Force and not of Air India, said another official.
Currently, the prime minister, the president and the vice president fly on Air India's B747 planes, which have the call sign ''Air India One''.
Air India pilots fly these B747 aircraft for the dignitaries and the Air India Engineering Services Limited maintains them.
When these B747 aircraft are not flying the dignitaries, they are used by the Indian national carrier for commercial operations. -- PTI
20:28 Kerala CM tests negative for COVID-19: CMO sources
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday tested negative for COVID-19, hours after he went into self-quarantine as he came in the primary contact list of an official who has contracted the virus, sources in his office here said.
Vijayan's antigen test was negative, the Chief Minister's Office sources told PTI.
The antigen test of health minister K K Shailaja also returned negative for the virus, they said.
20:16 India urges China to complete LAC disengagement
India on Friday said it expects China to sincerely work with it towards the objective of achieving "complete disengagement" of troops and de-escalation of tension in the border areas in eastern Ladakh.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said full restoration of peace and tranquility in the border areas as agreed to by the two sides is essential in the context of overall development of the bilateral relationship.
"As the external affairs minister had noted in a recent interview 'the state of the border and the future of our ties, cannot be separated'," Srivastava said at an online media briefing.
He said both sides have reached an agreement on broad principles of disengagement and based on it, some progress had been earlier made.
"I must add that translating these principles on ground is a complex process that requires re-deployment of troops by each side towards their regular posts on their respective sides of the LAC (Line of Actual Control)," Srivastava said.
"It is natural that this can be done only through mutually agreed reciprocal actions. While we would like the ongoing disengagement process to be completed at the earliest, it is important to bear in mind that achieving this requires agreed actions by both sides," he added.
The MEA spokesperson said India expects that the Chinese side to sincerely work with India towards the objective of complete disengagement and de-escalation and full restoration of peace and tranquility in the border areas as agreed by the Special Representatives of the two countries.
The formal process of disengagement of troops began on July 6, a day after a nearly two-hour telephonic conversation between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on ways to bring down tensions in the area. -- PTI
19:52 India believes in peace but: Prez's message to China
In a veiled message to China amid the border standoff, President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday asserted that while India believes in peace it is also capable of giving a befitting response to any attempt of aggression as he said "some in our neighbourhood" tried to carry out "misadventure of expansion".
Without taking China's name during his address to the nation on the eve of the 74th Independence Day, the President said "while the world community needs to fight together against the greatest challenge(COVID-19) before humanity, some in our neighbourhood tried to carry out their misadventure of expansion."
He saluted the brave soldiers who laid down their lives defending the country's borders.
"Those worthy sons of 'Bharat Mata' lived and died for national pride. The entire nation salutes the martyrs of Galwan Valley. Every Indian feels grateful to their family members," he said. Twenty personnel of the Indian army were killed during clashes with the Chinese PLA in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on June 15.
"Their bravery in combat has demonstrated that while we believe in peace, we are also capable of giving a befitting response to any attempt of aggression. We are proud of the members of our Armed Forces, paramilitary forces and police personnel who protect the borders, and ensure our internal security."
19:22 Nation is indebted to all Corona Warriors: Prez
President Ram Nath Kovind is addressing the nation on the eve of 74th Independence Day.
Here are some key highlights of his speech:-
- It gives me great pleasure to greet all the people of India, living in the country and abroad, on the eve of the 74th Independence Day. Youth of India should feel special pride of being citizens of a free nation
- On this occasion, we remember with gratitude the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. Due to their sacrifice, all of us are residents of a free country today.
- We are fortunate that Mahatma Gandhi became the guiding light of our freedom movement. His quest for equality and justice is the mantra for our Republic. I am glad to see the younger generations re-discover Gandhiji
- The nation is indebted to all the doctors, nurses and other health workers who have been frontline warriors in this fight against the corona virus
19:01 Navy to urgently buy 10 ship-based drones
Aiming to boost surveillance capabilities against enemy warships operating in the Indian Ocean region, the Indian Navy has moved a proposal to urgently acquire 10 shipborne drones which can keep a close eye on activities of the adversaries.
"A proposal has been moved in fast track mode by the Indian Navy before the defence ministry under which it plans to buy 10 Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems for over Rs 1,240 crores," government sources told ANI.
As per the plans of the navy, the drones would be deployed on big size warships of the force and would help them in the detection of activities of the Chinese as well as other adversaries in and around Indian territorial waters, they said.
The navy is likely to acquire these drones through an open bid and then deploy them on its warships for surveillance and reconnaissance activities.
The Indian Navy is working separately on a project to acquire Sea Guardian drones from the United States for expanding its surveillance in the country's areas of interest from Madagascar to Malacca Straits and beyond.
The navy is also getting its existing drones upgraded as part of an upgrade programme which was recently taken up for discussion in the defence ministry.
18:49 4 defence personnel get Shaurya Chakras
On the eve of Independence Day, President Ram Nath Kovind approved gallantry awards for defence personnel, including Shaurya Chakra to three from the army for counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir, the defence ministry said on Friday.
Wing Commander Vishak Nair from the Indian Air Force was also awarded the Shaurya Chakra.
Those from the army who have been awarded the Shaurya Chakra are Lt.Col. Krishan Singh Rawat from the elite Special Forces, Major Anil Urs and Havildar Alok Kumar Dubey.
Thirty-one army personnel too have been awarded the Sena (gallantry) medal. -- PTI
18:42 India believes in winning hearts, not land: Rajnath
India will give a befitting reply if an enemy country attacks it, defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday, in an oblique message to China in the midst of the border row in eastern Ladakh.
In a message to the armed forces on the eve of Independence Day, he said India believes in winning hearts and not land.
"But it does not mean we will let our self-esteem be hurt," he said in the message.
The defence minister said whatever India does in the realm of national security is always for self-defence and not to attack other countries.
"If enemy country attacks us, then we will give a befitting reply like every time," he said.
"History is a witness to the fact that India never attacked anyone or tried to capture land of another country," Singh added.
The defence minister also assured the armed forces that government is doing all that is required to maintain their operational requirement. -- PTI
18:34 Beirut blast: India sends medical, food supplies to Lebanon
India has sent 58 metric tonnes of emergency humanitarian aid, including crucial medical and food supplies, to Lebanon whose capital Beirut was rocked by a deadly explosion.
"India demonstrates solidarity with the people of Lebanon in the aftermath of the tragic explosions in Beirut. 58 MT of emergency humanitarian aid, including crucial medical and food supplies, is on its way to Beirut in IAF C17 aircraft," external affairs minister S Jaishankar said in a tweet on Friday.
The August 4 blast, which killed more than 170 people, wounded thousands and left tens of thousands homeless, is believed to have been caused when a fire touched off a stockpile of 2,750 tonnes of highly explosive ammonium nitrate, according to reports.
The ministry of external affairs had said last week that India has sought from the Lebanese government an assessment of damage caused by the blast, based on which it will decide on the nature of assistance it will extend to the West Asian country. -- PTI
18:13 Kerala CM to self-isolate as official tests +ve
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and three other ministers went into self-quarantine on Friday after they came in the primary contact list of Malappuram district collector who tested positive for the coronavirus infection,official sources said.
Malappuram collector K Gopalakrishnan had coordinated the search and rescue operations at the Karipur International Airport after an Air India Express flight had veered off the tabletop runway and crashed into a valley and broke into pieces on August 7.
Eighteen people were killed and several others were injured in the mishap.
The collector, deputy collector and assistant collector, superintendent of police were among 20-odd people who have tested positive on Friday.
"I have been tested positive today and I am asymptomatic," Gopalakrishnan said.
Ministers K K Shailaja, A C Moideen, E Chandrashekharan are the three ministers who have gone into self-quarantine after they came in the primary contact list of the collector.
DGP Loknath Behera has also gone on quarantine.
The chief minister, ministers, the chief secretary and other officials had visited the site and the injured a day after the accident. -- PTI
18:00 Covid +ve singer S P Balasubrahmanyam critical
Veteran playback singer S P Balasubrahmanyam, who has tested positive for Covid, was in a "critical" condition after his health deteriorated, the private hospital treating him said on Friday. The 74-year old singer was on life support in the Intensive Care Unit and currently under observation by a team of experts from critical care, a health bulletin issued by MGM Healthcare, where he was admitted on August 5, said.
"There has been a setback in the health of Thiru (Mr) S P Balasubrahmanyam.... in a late night development on August 13, his condition had deteriorated," MGM Healthcare Assistant Director of Medical Services Dr Anuradha Baskaran said.
The hospital had on Thursday said he was "stable." "... based on the advice of the expert medical team attending to him, he has been moved to the ICU and he is on life support and his condition remains critical," Baskaran added. -- PTI
17:59 Maha: Railways to run Ganapati special trains for Konkan
The Central Railway and the Western Railway on Friday announced that they will operate special trains from Mumbai to Konkan in Maharashtra for the coming Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
The CR said in a release that it will run 162 special trips starting August 15 to clear the extra rush, while the WR promised to run 20 special trips from August 17.
The booking for special trains "with special charges" will start from Saturday, a CR release said.
Passengers will have to adhere to all the norms and standard operating procedures related to COVID-19 during the travel, it said.
Eight special trains will ply on four routes (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Sawantwadi, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) to Kudal, LTT to Ratnagiri and LTT to Sawantwadi) from August 15 to September 5, it said.
The Western Railway announced that it will run 20 special services from August 17 to August 27.
"Western Railway will run 20 trips of five Special trains -- two from Mumbai Central to Sawantwadi Road, two from Bandra Terminus to Sawantwadi Road and one from Bandra Terminus to Kudal on special fare," it said in a release.
Notably, on Thursday the CR had claimed in a statement that it was ready to run Ganapati special trains for Maharashtra's coastal area, but the state government had not given a final go-ahead.
Every year, lakhs of people travel to their native places in Konkan from Mumbai for Ganesh Chaturthi (which falls on August 22 this time).
In view of the pandemic, the state government has made 10-day home quarantine mandatory for the visitors on reaching their destinations. -- PTI
17:41 WPI inflation falls 0.58% in July, food prices spike
The wholesale price-based inflation stood at (-)0.58 pc in July, remaining in the negative zone for the fourth straight month even as vegetables and other food items turned costlier. WPI inflation in June was (-) 1.81 per cent, while for the month of May and April it was (-) 3.37 per cent and (-) 1.57 per cent respectively.
"The annual rate of inflation, based on monthly WPI (Wholesale Price Index), stood at (- 0.58 per cent) (provisional) for the month of July, 2020 as compared to 1.17 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year," the commerce and industry ministry said in a statement. Inflation in food articles was at a four-month high level of 4.08 per cent in July, mainly due to sharp rise in vegetable prices.
Inflation in vegetables stood at 8.20 per cent, against (-) 9.21 per cent in June. Pulses saw inflation of 10.24 per cent, while for potato it was 69.07 per cent in July. Protein rich items like egg, meat and fish saw hardening of prices with inflation at 5.27 per cent.
However, onion prices softened and inflation fell 25.56 per cent, while in fruits it was (-) 3.03 per cent. Inflation in fuel and power basket fell 9.84 per cent in July, compared to 13.60 per cent drop in the previous month.
Image: KBK Graphics
17:36 Shah tests -ve for Covid, to be home quarantined
Home Minister Amit Shah, on Friday, tested negative for the Coronavirus after 12 days of being infected. Thanking the Hospital staff at Gurugram's Medanta Hospital, Shah informed that he will remain in home isolation for a few more days on the advice of doctors. Shah had tested Coronavirus positive on August 2.
17:34 11 FIRs in Bengaluru violence case
Update on the Bengaluru violence case: A total 11 FIRs have been registered till now, of which seven are registered at the DJ Halli police station in Bengaluru, in connection with August 11 violence: Bengaluru City Police.
17:05
Home Minister Amit Shah tests negative for Covid.
17:02 Bande mataram! The Song
The story goes that sick and tired of hearing God Save the Queen at all official events and functions, 19th century writer Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay decided to pen the lyrics of Bande Mataram. Those days Bankim was serving as the deputy collector of Howrah. After attending one such ceremony in his homestead, Kanthalpara, 40 kilometres north of Calcutta, the rationalist and patriot hurried home and composed 12 lines at one go. (The part of the story that concerns the 12 lines is endorsed by Sabyasachi Bhattacharya's research in his book, Vande Mataram: The Biography of a Song.) They begin -- "Sujalam suphalam/Malayaja-sitalam/Sasya-syamala /Mataram/ Bande Mataram...' Bankim had used highly Sanskritised Bengali to describe his mother country in all her splendour. The English translation by Aurobindo Ghose goes, "I bow to thee, Mother,/Richly-watered, richly-fruited,/Cool with the winds of the south,/Dark with the crops of the harvests."
Read the column here
16:43 I have faith on promised road map for me: Pilot
Former deputy CM of Rajasthan Sachin Pilot speaks to the media after the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government won the trust vote in the assembly.
"The vote of confidence which was brought by the govt has been passed with a very good majority today in the Rajasthan Assembly. Despite various attempts by the opposition, the result is in favour of the government. This has put a full stop on all suspicions that were rising. A road map has been prepared for all the issues that were being raised. I have complete faith, that the road map will be announced in time."
On his seat being changed in the Assembly: "Earlier, I was part of the government, but now I am not. It is not important where one sits, but what is in the hearts and minds of people. As far as the seating pattern is considered, it is decided by speaker and party and I don't want to comment on it."
The Ashok Gehlot government won a confidence vote in the Rajasthan Assembly on Friday, ending the threat triggered by a rebellion within the Congress ranks in the state.
The motion of confidence moved by the Congress government was passed by voice vote, an expected win after the return of the 19 dissident MLAs led by Sachin Pilot to the party-fold.
Replying to the debate on the motion, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot criticised the BJP, accusing it again of trying to bring down his government.
"I will not let the government topple at any cost even if you make all attempts," he said.
16:16 Rajasthan CM wins trust vote in Assembly
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot-led Rajasthan Government wins vote of confidence in the State Assembly. Gehlot said it would be "a victory of truth" during the assembly session that began on Friday.
"Are agencies like ED, CBI and Income Tax department not being misused in the country? When you hold a conversation on the telephone, don't you tell the other person to join you on FaceTime and WhatsApp. Is this good thing in a democracy," he asked the Assembly.
The Congress government has said Gehlot will seek a vote of confidence after the opposition BJP said it will move a motion of no confidence against it. The session comes after a month-long political crisis in the state which started with the rebellion by Sachin Pilot and 18 other Congress MLAs. With the disgruntled MLAs back in the party-fold, following the intervention of the top leadership, the Congress is likely to pass the floor test.
16:11 Do gaz ki doori marks I-Day celebrations tomorrow
Over 4,000 people including diplomats, officials and media personnel have been invited for the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort and it is being organised maintaining a balance between dignity of the event and factoring in COVID-19 protocols, the defence ministry said Friday. It said the seating arrangement has been made under the guiding principle of "Do Gaz ki Doori' (maintaining distance of two yards) between any two guests. It said members of the guard of honour have been under quarantine.
"With an eye on safety, NCC (National Cadet Corps) cadets have been invited to witness the event (instead of young school children) and they will be seated at Gyanpath," it noted. All invitees have been requested to wear masks, it said, adding that an adequate number of masks are being kept handy for distribution at various points of venue.
"Similarly, availability of hand sanitizers at pre-defined locations has been done. Display boards are placed discreetly to attract the attention of invitees," the ministry said. In order to facilitate people's seamless movement and to avoid crowding, seating enclosures and walkways have been laid with wooden flooring and carpeting, it said. Additional door frame metal detectors with adequately spaced markings have been provided to avoid queuing and to ensure smooth passage for all the invitees, it mentioned.
"Most of the parking areas have been brick lined and paved in order to ensure smooth entry and exit of vehicles to the maximum feasible extent," it said. Thermal screening at all entry points for the invitees has been planned, it mentioned. It said a thorough sanitization of the premises inside and outside the Red Fort is being carried out on a regular basis. The ministry said the participation is only through invitation and those who do not have formal invites should "refrain from coming to the venue". "About 4000 plus invites have been issued to officials, diplomats, members of public, media etc," it added.
Ceremonial drills, it said, have also factored in due social distancing norms as well as other precautionary measures. The ministry said, "Adequate medical booths at four locations, one near the Rampart, one in Madhavdas Park and two in 15 August Park have been set up to cater to any attendee who is detected having any symptoms related to COVID-19 during entry." Ambulances would also be stationed at these four locations, it added. -- PTI
15:38 Former Congress MP from Ghaziabad dies of Covid
Former Congress MP Surendra Prakash Goel passed away on Friday morning due to COVID-19 complications, his family said. He was 74. He had tested positive for coronavirus and was admitted for treatment on July 27 in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. His son Shushant Goel told PTI that his father breathed his last on Friday morning around 6.30 am.
15:17 LIVE! Sachin Pilot reacts to changed seat in assembly
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said it would be "a victory of truth" during the assembly session that began today. The Congress government has said Gehlot will seek a vote of confidence after the opposition BJP said it will move a motion of no confidence against it. The session comes after a month-long political crisis in the state which started with the rebellion by Sachin Pilot and 18 other Congress MLAs.
Congress MLA Sachin Pilot finds he has been allotted a different seat in the assembly. Pilot who returned to the fold and met the Rajasthan CM at the CLP meet at his residence yesterday, stood before the assembly today and said, "I was safe on the seat I used to sit on earlier. Then I thought why have I been allotted a different seat. I saw that this is the border -- ruling party on one side, opposition on other. Who is sent to border? The strongest warrior.
"Be it me or any friend of mine, we consulted the 'doctor' and all 125 of us are standing in the House today after 'treatment'... There may be bombardment at this border but we will be the armour and keep it everything safe."
15:02 That's Kerala govt's Onam goodie bag
And while on Kerala, the state govt has begun distribution of Onam special food kits to ration cardholders. Food kits will be distributed till August 29. A shop owner in Nanthancode says, "First, we are giving to yellow cardholders then pink, blue and at last to general cardholders."
Kerala health minister KK Shailaja
14:45 Covid-model Kerala will see 20,000 cases a day
Kerala is likely to witness a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in the months of August and September with daily infections expected to touch between 10,000 to 20,000, State Health Minister K K Shailaja said.
"Experts have opined that during the months of August and September we may witness a surge in COVID-19 cases. We may report between 10,000 to 20,000 cases per day," she said in a video campaign urging the youth to join the "Covid Brigade" to halt the pandemic spread.
Noting that the death rate graph will start rising if the positive cases shoot up, the Minister said it should be stopped. "We must also understand that the death toll will increase with the rise in the number of cases. So, we need to put a hold on the rise in cases. For that the people must cooperate. They should strictly follow the health protocol of wearing masks, handwashing and social distancing in order to break the chain of virus from spreading," Shailaja said.
India's first Covid-19 case was reported from the southern state on January 30 when a woman medical student tested positive on her return to the state from Wuhan in China, the epicentre of the novel coronavirus. The second and third cases in the country were also Wuhan returnees.
On May 5, the state had 500 cases, which doubled to 1000 by May 27. On July 4, Kerala reported 5000 cases, by July 16 the state breached the 10,000 mark and by July 28, over 20,000 cases were reported. On Thursday, Kerala recorded 1,564 cases, taking the total infection tally to 39,708. Three deaths were also reported yesterday taking the toll to 129.
Appealing to the youth to join the 'Covid Brigade,' which will become a model to the world, she said thousands of health workers and other personnel are fighting the pandemic. There is a need for more volunteers -- both medical and non medical -- to come forward and join the war against the disease. Practitioners of modern medicine as well as ayurveda, homeo, dental along with lab technicians, pharmacists and nurses can join the brigade.
14:33 Trump campaign dubs Harris as 'morally and intellectually bankrupt'
Launching a frontal attack on Indian-origin Senator Kamala Harris, the Trump campaign has dubbed the Democratic vice-presidential nominee as "morally and intellectually bankrupt".
Democratic presidential nominee 77-year-old 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.
"Not only is Kamala morally and intellectually bankrupt, she is a phony," alleged Kimberly Guilfoyle, national chair of Trump Victory Finance Committee, who is considered to be the most powerful individual in the Trump campaign.
Born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, California Senator Harris is the first ever black to be selected for a vice presidential position by either of the two major political parties -- the Democratic and the Republican. She is also the first ever Indian-American and African-American to be nominated for the second highest elected office in the US. -- PTI
14:29 Envoy meets chief of China's top military body
India reaches out to China's Central Military Commission, the topmost military body in the country, to resolve the border standoff. Vikram Misri, Indian Ambassador to China met Major General Ci Guowei, Director of Office of International Military Cooperation of Central Military Commission, China and briefed him on India's stance vis-a-vis the situation on eastern Ladakh UT borders, the Embassy of India in China, said.
13:57 National flag sales drop by 50%
A day ahead of Independence Day, sales by Karnataka Khadi Gramodyog Samyukta Sangh, that manufactures national flag of India, has gone down due to Covid-19 pandemic. Its secretary says, "We're BIS certified. We're suffering due to COVID. We are not getting many orders. Sales have gone down by almost 50%."
13:41 I want my mommy
Pari, a tigress gave birth to three cubs last night at the Gandhi Prani Udyan Zoo in Gwalior. They have been kept under isolation for 30-40 days, in the wake of the Covid pandemic.
13:33 Nurse plunges to death in accident on flyover
A nurse plunged from a flyover ramp and died after her scooter was hit by a rashly-driven SUV here in Maharashtra, a police official said on Friday. The incident took place near Kalpana Talkies square in the Sadar area on Thursday, when the nurse, Manjusha Maroti Dalal (36), was on way to her workplace, a private hospital in Panchasheel square, he said.
Fearing mob attack, the driver of the SUV fled, abandoning his vehicle at the accident spot. The deceased was climbing the ramp of Chhaoni flyover when the speeding car hit her two-wheeler, the police official said. The impact of the crash was so severe that she was tossed over the sidewall railing of the flyover ramp, he said.
Passers-by rushed Dalal to a nearby private hospital where doctors declared her brought' dead, he said. The police seized the killer vehicle. Eyewitnesses told the police the driver dragged the scooter for nearly 20-25 metres and later fled the spot, leaving behind the SUV.
13:16 Condition of Pranab Mukherjee has not worsened, confirms daughter
The health condition of former President of India Pranab Mukherjee continues to remain very critical, but it hasn't worsened, confirmed his daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee here on Friday morning.
She further said there is a little improvement in his eyes' reaction to light. Sharmistha also expressed her gratitude towards well-wishers.
"Without getting into medical jargons, whatever I could understand from last two days is that though my dad's condition continues to remain very critical, it hasn't worsened. There's little improvement in his eyes' reaction to light," she said in a tweet this morning.
"I strongly believe in collective energy of prayers. Deepest gratitude to all for standing by us in these difficult times. Would request to continue with your prayers. May God bless us all," she added. -- PTI
13:10 Gehlot govt moves trust vote in Raj assembly
Rajasthan's Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shanti Kumar Dhariwal tables proposal for a trust vote, in the state assembly. -- ANI
Rajasthan Speaker C P Joshi
12:57 Cong chief whip submits trust vote notice
Congress' chief whip in Rajasthan Assembly Mahesh Joshi submits a notice to Speaker C P Joshi for a trust vote.
The Speaker to take a decision on the notice at 1 pm. -- ANI
Sushant Singh Rajput
12:52 Sushant was also our son, want truth to come out: Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Friday said that his party wants to know the reason behind the death or suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput as he is also like "our son" and asserted that there is no "political" interfere in Mumbai Police's investigation in the case.
"We have full sympathy for Sushant Singh Rajput's family. Yesterday I just said that they should have some patience but it was shown that I have threatened them. Was that a threat? Trust Mumbai Police. If you think they are not doing a good job then go to CBI. They can also approach the UN and CIA," Raut told ANI.
"Sushant Singh Rajput was also our son. He lived in Mumbai. He was an actor. Bollywood is Mumbai's family. What enmity will we have? Even we want his family to get justice. We want the secret behind his death or suicide to come out. There is no political affair in the investigation of Mumbai Police," he said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Anish Jha, lawyer of BJP MLA Niraj Kumar Singh, a relative of the deceased actor, said Raut has been given 48 hours to apologise for his recent statements in connection with actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case.
-- ANI
12:28 It will be victory of truth in assembly: Gehlot
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said it would be 'a victory of truth' during the assembly session that began on Friday.
The Congress government has said Gehlot will seek a vote of confidence after the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party said it will move a motion of no confidence against it.
The session comes after a month-long political crisis in the state which started with the rebellion by Sachin Pilot and 18 other Congress MLAs.
With the disgruntled MLAs back in the party-fold, following the intervention of the top leadership, the Congress is likely to pass the floor test.
Pilot was sacked as the state's deputy chief minister and Gehlot referred to him as useless, using the Hindi term nikamma.
At a CLP meeting Thursday, Gehlot urged Congress MLAs to forget the acrimony of the past month and move on.
'As the Legislative Assembly session begins today, It would be the victory of the people of Rajasthan and the unity of our Congress MLAs, it would be a victory of truth: Satyamev Jayate,' Gehlot tweeted on Friday.
The House, which began at 11 am, has been adjourned till 1 pm.
In a House of 200, the party has 107 MLAs and the support of independents and allies.
The BJP has 72 members. Special seating arrangements have been made in the House because of the pandemic. -- PTI
11:59 Sudiksha case: Police announce Rs 20,000 for info on Bullet or riders
A day after it ruled out "harassment" angle in Sudiksha Bhati's death case, Bulandshahr police on Friday announced a reward of Rs 20,000 to anyone with credible information on the motorcycle or its riders involved in the August 10 road crash.
"There is this information that there was a Bullet motorcycle with two riders which applied an emergency brake and Sudikha's two-wheeler then crashed into it from behind. She died due to injuries in the accident," Senior Superintendent of Police Santosh Kumar Singh said.
"We are putting in all efforts and tracking every Bullet registered in the district, analysing them. In pursuance of the case, we have announced a reward of Rs 20,000 to any person who could lead us to the Bullet involved in the case or the riders of the Bullet,' Singh told reporters.
The district police chief said if the information provider wishes, their identity would be kept confidential. He said the investigation in the case is underway and the effort is to not put any innocent person behind the bars but identify the actual culprits and bring them to justice.
"The effort is also to bring out all facts and truth in the case,' Singh said. Sudiksha (20), who hailed from Deri Scanar village in Gautam Buddh Nagar's Dadri, died on Monday in a road crash in Bulandshahr district while she was pillion riding a motorcycle with her younger cousin, a minor. An academically bright student, she was pursuing a graduation course in entrepreneurship at the Babson College, Massachusetts (US), on a scholarship and was scheduled to go back on August 20.
Her family has alleged that the road crash took place because two unidentified motorcycle-borne men were "following' her two-wheeler and harassing her. "It appears that after the body reached her Deri Scanar village, some people tried to twist the narrative of the incident. Since the girl had got a huge scholarship package (for studying in the US), there could have been a thought of demand (for compensation) in the people,' Singh said Thursday. -- PTI
11:38 Prashant Bhushan guilty of contempt of court: SC
The Supreme Court holds lawyer Prashant Bhushan guilty of contempt of court for his alleged tweets on CJI and his four predecessors. The Court to hear the arguments on sentence against him on August 20.
The top court on August 5 had reserved its verdict in the matter after Bhushan defended his two alleged contemptuous tweets saying they were against the judges regarding their conduct in their personal capacity and they did not obstruct administration of justice.
On July 22, the top court had issued a show cause notice to Bhushan after initiating the criminal contempt against him for his two tweets.
While reserving the order in the contempt case, the top court had dismissed a separate petition filed by Bhushan seeking recall of the July 22 order by which the notice was issued against him in a contempt proceeding initiated for his alleged contemptuous tweets against the judiciary.
The top court had not agreed to the contention of senior advocate Dushayant Dave, representing Bhushan, that the separate plea had raised objection against the manner in which the contempt proceedings were started without the opinion of Attorney General K K Venugopal and it be sent to another bench.
Bhushan had sought a direction to declare that the apex court's secretary general has allegedly 'acted unconstitutionally and illegally' in accepting a 'defective contempt petition' filed against him, which was initially placed on the administrative side and later on the judicial side.
11:32 Pilot, Raje arrive for session, trust vote today
Update: A key session of the Rajasthan assembly in which the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government will move a vote of confidence began Friday. The session comes after a month-long political crisis in the state which started with the rebellion by Sachin Pilot and 18 other Congress MLAs. The chief minister chaired a CLP meeting on Thursday where the decision to move the vote of confidence was taken. The CLP meeting was also attended by the 18 MLAs who had revolted along with Pilot, a party leader had said.
However, the Opposition BJP said on Thursday that the party will move a motion of no confidence against the government. With the disgruntled MLAs led by Pilot back in the party-fold following the intervention of the top leadership, the Congress is likely to pass the floor test. In a House of 200, the party has 107 MLAs and the support of independents and allies. The BJP has 72 members. In view of the coroanvirus pandemic, special arrangements have been made in the House. --PTI
11:22 Pilot, Raje arrive for Assembly session
Congress leader Sachin Pilot and former Rajasthan CM and BJP leader Vasundhra Raje arrive at Rajasthan Assembly. The assembly session begins today. The Congress has revoked the suspensions of MLAs Bhanwarlal Sharma and Vishvendra Singh, who were suspended from the party's primary membership last month over their alleged involvement in a conspiracy to topple the Congress government in the state.
The BJP in Rajasthan on Thursday said it will move a no-confidence motion against the Gehlot-led Congress government in the state assembly.
11:01 Pranab Mukherjee's vital parameters stable
Update on former President Pranab Mukherjee's hospitalisation: "His condition remains unchanged this morning. He is under intensive care and continues to be on ventilatory support. His vital parameters are presently stable: Army Research & Referral (R&R) Hospital, Delhi.
10:53 2 cops killed, 1 injured in terrorist attack in J-K's Nowgam
Two police personnel were killed and one other suffered injuries in the attack by terrorists near Nowgam bypass on Friday ahead of the Independence Day.The incident took place after terrorists started firing indiscriminately upon the police party on the outskirts of Srinagar city.
"Terrorists fired indiscriminately upon police party near Nowgam Bypass. 03 police personnel injured. They were shifted to hospital for treatment where 02 among them attained martyrdom. Area cordoned off. Further details shall follow," Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.
Earlier on Thursday, security forces busted three hideouts of terrorists in Awantipora in South Kashmir's Pulwama district during a raid conducted by Jammu and Kashmir Police along with Army's 50 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and 130 Battalion of CRPF. -- ANI
10:41 71% of Covid patients in India recover: Govt
Even as India's COVID-19 caseload surpassed 24 lakh on Friday after 64,553 people tested positive in a day, recoveries rose to over 17 lakh, the Health Ministry said. With 17,51,555 people defeating the disease, the recovery rate has surged to 71.17 per cent. The caseload increased to 24,61,190, while the death toll climbed to 48,040 with 1,007 people succumbing to the disease in 24 hours, the ministry data updated at 8 am showed. The fatality rate has declined to 1.95 per cent.
There are more than 6.60 lakh active cases, which is 26.88 per cent of the total cases. India had crossed the 20 lakh mark on August 7. According to ICMR, more than 2.76 crore samples have been tested, with 8,48,728 being tested on Thursday, the highest in a day. PTI
10:13 Govt must define vaccine strategy NOW: Rahul
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that India will be one of the nations to produce a vaccine for coronavirus and the process will require a "clearly-defined" strategy. He further said that the Centre will need a vaccine access strategy that is inclusive and equitable, ensuring availability, affordability and fair distribution.
"India will be one of the COVID-19 vaccine-producing nations. It needs a clearly-defined, inclusive and equitable vaccine access strategy ensuring availability, affordability and fair distribution. GOI must do it now," he tweeted.
The statement from the Congress leader came a day after he tweeted a graph showing country's upward-moving COVID-19 curve describing it as "frightening not flattening". -- ANI
10:05 Sensex surges over 200 points in early trade; RIL leads gains
Domestic equity benchmark Sensex jumped over 200 points in early trade on Friday led by gains in index-heavyweights Reliance Industries, Infosys and L&T amid sustained foreign fund inflow.
The BSE Sensex was trading 206.45 points or 0.54 per cent higher at 38,516.94; while NSE Nifty was up 56.10 points or 0.50 per cent at 11,356.55. L&T was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rising around 2 per cent, followed by Sun Pharma, Reliance Industries, UltraTech Cement, NTPC, Asian Paints, TCS and Infosys.
On the other hand, HCL Tech, PowerGrid, ONGC, ITC, Axis Bank and Maruti were among the laggards. In the previous session, the Sensex had settled 59.14 points or 0.15 per cent lower at 38,310.49, and the Nifty slipped 7.95 points or 0.07 per cent to finish at 11,300.45. Exchange data showed that foreign institutional investors bought equities worth Rs 416.28 crore on a net basis on Thursday. -- PTI
09:56 60 more including corporator's husband arrested in Bengaluru violence
Sixty more people have been arrested in connection with violence in Bengaluru over a derogatory social media post earlier this week, said Sandeep Patil, Bengaluru Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime).Among those who were arrested include Kaleem Pasha, the husband of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) corporator from Nagwara ward - Irshad Begum. The police have arrested 206 people so far in connection with the violence, Patil 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 social media post made allegedly by Congress MLA Srinivas Murthy's nephew Naveen.Accused Naveen has also been arrested now.Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai has said that a district magistrate will hold an inquiry into the violence. -- PTI
09:48 Biden, Harris to formally file for Democratic nomination
Former US vice president Joe Biden and Indian-origin Senator Kamala Harris will formally sign the required documents on Friday for receiving the Democratic nomination for president and vice president, the Democratic Party has announced.
On Wednesday, 77-year-old Biden scripted history by selecting Harris, 55, as his running mate in the US presidential election on November 3. Harris, whose father is an African from Jamaica and mother an Indian, is the first ever Black vice-presidential nominee. Often called a trailblazer, Harris is also the first ever African-American and Indian-American to be selected by one of the two major American political parties for the second highest elected office.
"On Friday, August 14, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will sign required documents for receiving the Democratic nomination for President and Vice President of the United States," the Biden campaign said in a statement on Thursday. Harris herself was a presidential aspirant until last year before she dropped out of the race because of lack of popular support. "It's been great," Biden told reporters on Thursday when asked how was his first day with his running mate. "We had a great, great day," he added. -- PTI
09:44 Heavy rains likely in Mumbai today: IMD
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at isolated places in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg on Friday, said India Meteorological Department (IMD).
'Heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at isolated places in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at isolated places in Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg today,' IMD said.
Many places in and around Mumbai experienced water-logging due to very heavy rains during the last week. -- ANI
09:40 India's Covid tally 24,61,191 with 48,040 deaths
The Covid tally is here. There has been a spike of 64,553 cases and 1007 deaths reported in India, in the last 24 hours. The Covid tally in the country rises to 24,61,191 including 6,61,595 active cases, 17,51,556 discharged/migrated and 48,040 deaths, says the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Image: The pandemic has affected livelihoods across India in all socio-economic brackets. These pineapple farmers in Dimapur's Molvum village say their sales have dropped by 50% due to the pandemic. A local seller Hatneilang Thadou says, "I'm not earning much now since there are no travellers on the highway, I use to earn Rs 1000-1500/day earlier."
08:31 BSP again asks Raj MLAs to vote against Cong
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Thursday issued a whip for the second time to six of its MLAs in Rajasthan to vote against the Congress in any no-confidence motion or any other proceedings in the state Assembly.
BSP National General Secretary Satish Chandra Mishra issued the whip to the MLAs.
'All six MLAs have been directed under para 2(1)(a) of the Xth Schedule to vote against the Congress Party in any No-Confidence motion or any other proceedings to be held during the Assembly session of Rajasthan Assembly and if they violate the same they will face disqualification under para 2(1)(b) of the Xth Schedule,' a press note by BSP stated.
The Rajasthan Assembly will convene its session on Friday.
01:13 Draft EIA 2020 anti-democratic: Jairam Ramesh
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Thursday termed the draft environment impact assessment notification, 2020, "anti-democratic" and "fascist in nature".
Speaking at a webinar organised by the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Development Studies, he said the draft has exempted a large number of projects from environment impact assessment.
"This draft environment notification is very anti-democratic. It's fascist in nature. It says the people affected by projects cannot complain to the government about environmental violations. Only government departments, government agencies can bring violation of environmental laws to the notice of the central government," Ramesh said.
He said there was no place for local communities, NGOs, civil society bodies, social activists or political representatives and described it as "deeply anti-democratic".
The draft EIA notification, which involves the procedure of issuing environmental clearances to various projects, was issued by the Environment Ministry in March this year and has received thousands of suggestions from the public.
Ramesh said the draft has reduced the period for public hearings on objections which was anti-democratic.
"Large number of projects have been exempted from the environment impact assessment... The draft EIA notification is both anti-health and anti-democracy," Ramesh said.
Former Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy, who also took part in the webinar, demanded that the draft be published in all local languages and the opinion of the public be sought in the matter. -- PTI
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