LIVE
Fri, 11 December 2020
Delhi mayors to run offices from outside CM home
Timeline Refresh
23:46 Covid spread: Guruvayur temple to be closed for 2 weeks
Devotees will not be allowed inside the famed Lord Krishna temple Guruvayur for two weeks from Saturday with the area around it being declared a COVID-19 containment zone by the Thrissur district administration.
The decision to bar darshan for devotees for two weeks was taken at an urgent meeting of the Guruvayur Devaswom Administrative Committee on Friday, authorities said.
According to temple sources, as many as 22 employees of the Devaswom tested positive for the infection on Friday.
Thrissur district in which Guruvayur is located reported 272 fresh COVID-19 cases on Friday and 393 on Thursday.
Announcing the decision to close the temple for public darshan, a Devaswom press release said all regular pujas and basic rituals will be performed in the temple complex as usual.
Staring from December 12, virtual queue and direct darshan as well as darshan from near 'deepasthambham' and 'Thulabharam' and other offerings have been cancelled, the release stated.
Marriage parties who have already reached the temple for wedding scheduled on Saturday will be allowed to conduct the ceremony adhering to strict COVID-19 protocol.
However, after Saturday, no marriages would be allowed for two weeks,the temple authorities said.
The meeting also decided to subject all Devaswom officials to antigen or RT-PCR test in the next three days and after which such a test would be conducted for them once a month.
Temple sources said a total of 153 employees of the Guruvayur Devaswom took antigen test on Friday and 22 of them were found positive for the viral infection.
The Lord Krishna temple, which draws large number of devotees from across the state and outside, was first closed for darshan on March 24 in view of the nation-wide lockdown.
It was re-opened for five days in June but closed again in view of spike in COVID-19 cases in Thrissur district then.
Devotees were being allowed from September 10 with strict COVID-19 protocol after online registration for the darshan. -- PTI
22:52 Delhi mayors to run offices from outside CM home
Upping the ante against the Aam Aadmi Party government, the three mayors of Bharatiya Janata Party-run municipal corporations in Delhi, who have been staging a sit in outside Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence for the last five days, said they would 'run offices' from the protest site from Monday.
The three mayors have claimed that Rs 13,000 crore in total was due to the north, south and east corporations from the Delhi government.
The AAP, however, said, "Even the mayors of BJP-ruled MCD know that their protest is only an excuse by their high-command to harass CM Arvind Kejriwal and distract from the issue of nationwide farmers protests."
On Thursday, North Delhi Mayor Jai Prakash, South Delhi Mayor Anamika and East Delhi Mayor Nirmal Jain held a joint press conference at the sit-in site and said the protest 'will continue democratically, so that we can pay salaries to corporation employees on time'.
On Friday, they held another joint press conference and said, "All the three mayors will run their offices from the dharna site outside Chief Minister's residence from Monday."
Prakash said till the chief minister of Delhi 'does not release the dues of Rs 13,000 crore to all the three corporations, we will continue to sit on the dharna outside his residence'.
In its statement, the AAP retorted the mayors were well aware that the Delhi government has 'given all the funds due' and alleged it was because of their 'corruption and inefficiency that the municipal corporations are facing financial ruin'.
'Since they have decided to only protest rather then govern, it is best that they resign and let the AAP run the municipal corporations. We will run the MCD efficiently and within the same budget,' it said.
Earlier in October, the three mayors had staged a sit-in outside the CM residence on Flagstaff Road in Civil Lines, with the same demand.
"On behalf of CM Arvind Kejriwal, his minister Satyendar Jain had assured us to release the dues in 10 days, but till date the outstanding money has not been given. We ended our dharna by believing Minister Satyendar Jain, but the Kejriwal government betrayed us," the North Delhi Mayor alleged.
"This time we will not end the dharna until the corporation gets the money for its its rightful fund," he said.
Meanwhile, the wedding anniversary of a senior civic leader was marked at the protest site with a poster. -- PTI
IMAGE: Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) mayors and others stage a protest outside Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's residence, in New Delhi. Photograph: Shahbaz Khan/PTI Photo
22:10 Khalsa Aid sets up foot massagers at Singhu border for farmers
Sahil Pandey/ANI
The international NGO Khalsa Aid on Friday set up a foot massage centre in makeshift spaces for the farmers who continue their protest against the farm laws at the Singhu border (Delhi-Haryana border).
"We are at Singhu border and we have taken initiative and set up a facility of foot massage for old farmers as they are protesting for a very long time and they must be tired," Amarpreet, managing director of Khalsa Aid India, told ANI in New Delhi .
The NGO has installed 25 machines and they plan to extend the services further.
Talking about other initiatives of the NGO, Amarpreet said, "We have set up 400-bed waterproof tent house and washrooms. Geysers have also been set up."
A volunteer Tajinder Pal Singh said, "We have been providing langar from day 1 and have fulfilled the requirement of the farmers as we also focussed on essential items. We provided blankets and mattresses and for that 10 trucks have been used."
Talking about the response of the foot massage service which started today, he said, "The response of the foot massager service has been great and many people were in tears because they couldn't believe this kind of service could be availed here. Many people are tired of travel and it provides them relief."
According to footfall measured in the massagers, approximately 500 farmers used this service.
A farmer from Punjab, Channa Ram, who used the service, said, "We have travelled a long way and we are happy with the services which have been provided here."
A fellow farmer from Punja, Sucha Singh said, "This is a great service for us and this relief will help us get rejuvenated for the fight ahead."
According to their Facebook page, Khalsa Aid India has also opened stalls at the Singhu Border.
They said that they are providing aid to the farmers.
The stall was also visited by the Punjab and Haryana Bar Council chairman and his delegation.
A thousand blankets and 500 mattresses were handed over to Khalsa Aid India as well.
The ongoing protest of the farmers against the three new agriculture laws enters 16th day with the farmers' unions now threatening to block railway tracks.
According to their earlier plan of blocking Delhi-Jaipur, Delhi-Agra highway by December 12, more farmers are likely to join the protests on Friday.
21:44 Farmers to block Delhi-Jaipur road tomorrow
In a bid to intensify the ongoing protests at Delhi borders, farmers will block the Delhi-Jaipur road on December 12.
While talking to the media on Friday, Bharatiya Kisan Union-Rajewal chief Balbir Rajewal said, "We will block Delhi-Jaipur road on December 12."
The farmers' union chief also announced that they will 'stage a sit-in protest in front of District Collector offices, houses of Bharatiya Janata Party leaders'.
He said they will not stop trains.
The farmer leader also claimed that the number of farmers coming to New Delhi is increasing.
Meanwhile, the Bhartiya Kisan Union-Bhanu has approached the Supreme Court against the three farm laws passed by the central government, claiming the laws will make farmers 'vulnerable to corporate greed'.
The farmers' group has challenged the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, and Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.
Hundreds of farmers are protesting on different borders of the national capital since November 26 against the three newly enacted farm laws.
Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Friday said that the Central government has sent their proposal to the farmers union, adding that they have discussed it but have not responded to the same. -- ANI
21:08 India's first mRNA vaccine gets nod for trials
The country's first indigenous mRNA vaccine candidate developed by Gennova, Pune has received approval from drug regulators to initiate Phase 1/2 human clinical trials, the Department of Biotechnology said on Friday.
The novel mRNA vaccine candidate, HGCO19, is supported with seed grant under the Ind-CEPI mission of the Department of Biotechnology.
The mRNA vaccines do not use the conventional model to produce immune response.
Instead, they carry the molecular instructions to make the protein in the body through a synthetic RNA of the virus.
The host body uses this to produce the viral protein that is recognised, thereby, making the body mount an immune response against the disease. -- PTI
20:44 TMCP, ABVP clash in Bengal college; several students injured
Several students were injured in a clash between supporters of the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad at a college in North 24 Parganas district on Friday, an official of the institute said.
The TMCP and the ABVP accused each other of using rods and hockey sticks during the clash at Gobardanga Hindu College.
The injured, belonging to both the groups, were rushed to local hospital by the respective student bodies, they said.
An altercation began with TMCP members when ABVP supporters were going to submit a memorandum to the college authorities, over a recent incident, culminating in the clash, the college official said.
The union room and common room of the college were also ransacked after the clash.
The TMCP alleged that the ABVP was trying to 'disrupt' the peaceful academic atmosphere of the college even during the pandemic when classes are not taking place.
The ABVP countered the charge, saying the TMCP does not believe in democracy and were dissuading students from joining the right wing students organisation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
Policemen from Habra and Gobardanga police stations are on the spot. -- PTI
20:12 Ladakh standoff result of Chinese actions: MEA
India on Friday said the military standoff in eastern Ladakh in the last six months has been a result of the actions by China which sought to effect a 'unilateral change' in the status along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The comments by External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava came at a media briefing when asked about the fresh comments by the Chinese foreign ministry blaming India again for the border situation in eastern Ladakh.
"Our position has been very clear and has been articulated several times in the past. The situation that we have seen since the last six months has been a result of the actions of the Chinese side which has sought to effect a unilateral change in status along the LAC in eastern Ladakh," he said.
"These actions are in violation of the bilateral agreements and protocol on ensuring peace and tranquillity along the LAC in the India-China border areas," Srivastava added.
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Thursday blamed India again for the border standoff in eastern Ladakh.
"We have taken note of the Chinese side's statement that it observes 'strictly the agreements between the two sides and is committed to resolving the border issue through dialogue and safeguarding peace and tranquillity' in the border areas. We expect that the Chinese side will match its words with actions," Srivastava said.
The armies of India and China are locked in a tense border standoff in eastern Ladakh since early May.
Both sides have held multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks.
However, no breakthrough has been achieved yet.
Srivastava said the two sides have continued to maintain communication through diplomatic and military channels.
"It is our expectation that the further discussions will help both sides to achieve an agreement on a mutually acceptable solution for ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points along the LAC in the Western sector and full restoration of peace and tranquillity as early as possible," he said. -- PTI
19:18 Anti-CAA protests begin in Assam
Fresh agitation against the Citizenship Amendment Act was launched by 18 organisations in Assam on Friday demanding repeal of the legislation and release of jailed KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi who was taken into custody during the protests last year.
Protest rallies were taken out across the state by the organisations, including Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, All Assam Students Union, Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad, Lachit Sena, besides students, and youth organisations of ethnic communities.
The agitation began from Sivasagar, where it was launched last year before it was halted due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Mentioning that the CAA was against the identity, language and cultural heritage of the indigenous people of the state, the protestors were demanding that the act be rolled back.
They were also seeking immediate release of KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi.
Addressing the rallies, leaders of the organisations said, the people will give a "fitting reply" to the BJP-led dispensation in Assam in the Assembly elections for allegedly "betraying the people by imposing the CAA upon them despite protests, since its introduction in Parliament till its enactment".
The state assembly polls are due in March-April next year.
The AASU, that had launched the six-year long anti- foreigners Assam Movement (1979-1985), has called for a 'Rono Hungkar' (clarion call for war against CAA) from Saturday on the first 'anniversary' of the anti-CAA agitation.
The AASU hoisted black flag at its headquarters in Guwahati and displayed such flags in seven northeast states under aegis of the North East Students Organisation demanding roll back of the CAA, AASU chief advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya told reporters.
"The government has to repeal the anti-Assam law that has claimed the lives of five Assamese citizens, including innocent students. The families of the deceased people and the AASU will continue to seek justice," an AASU press release, issued jointly by its president Dipanka Kumar Nath and general secretary Shankar Jyoti Baruah, said.
Five persons had lost their lives during the anti-CAA protests in Guwahati last year.
The objective of the CAA is to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities -- Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian -- from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan
People from these communities who had come to India till December 31, 2014 due to religious persecution in these countries will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship. -- PTI
19:03 Posters from Neena Gupta's The Last Color up on Times Square billboards
As Michelin Star chef and director Vikas Khanna's The Last Color releases in India today, there's an echo from distant US of A.
A few years ago, Khanna had made a promise to actress Neena Gupta, who stars in his film, that a poster from the film will be up on billboards on Times Square in NYC.
And as the film releases in India today -- it premiered at the 30th Palm Springs International Film Festival, USA, in January 2019 -- the billboards are up in Times Square!
Written and directed by Vikas Khanna, The Last Color is based in Benaras, and tells the story of promises, resilience, love and friendship against the backdrop of the Ganga, says a press release.
While Neena Gupta plays the protagonist Noor, a 70 year widow, debutant Aqsa Siddiqui plays the role of Chhoti, a 9 year old tightrope walker, the release added.
Vikas Khanna said, "I had promised Neenaji that when The Last Color comes out, her picture in the beautiful pink colour will be on New York Times Square billboards. Today, as we release the film for everyone to witness this story of hope and promise, I, too, am going back to fulfil my promises and share with everyone this story with the ever-talented Neenaji."
18:54 No jeans or slippers: Dress code for Maha govt employees
Jeans and t-shirt may mean stress-free wear for some, but they are no longer suitable 'office attire' for government employees in Maharashtra.
And the government may do a policy 'flip-flop' once in a while, but the employees are not allowed to wear the humble slippers to the office as per the new dress code.
Also, all government employees must wear khadi clothes at least on Fridays to encourage the use of handspun, a circular issued on December 8 stated.
"It has been observed that several officials/staff (mainly contractual staff and advisers engaged for government work) do not wear attire suitable for government employees. Hence, the image of government staff gets sullied among people," it said.
People expect "good behaviour and personality" from all government officials and employees, it reminded.
"....if the attire of officials and employees is unsuitable and unclean, it also has an indirect impact on their work," the circular said.
The attire should be "proper and clean", it said.
Women employees can wear sarees, salwars/chudidars kurtas, trouser pants and shirts alongwith dupattas if necessary, it said.
For men, there is less choice: they can wear shirts and "pants or trouser pants".
"Clothes with deep colours and strange embroidery patterns or pictures should not be worn. Besides, employees and staff should not wear jeans and t-shirts in offices," the circular ordained.
Women employees should wear chappals, sandals or shoes while men should wear shoes or sandals, it was stated. -- PTI
18:48 BJP govt ignoring farmers; SP to organise sit-ins on Dec 14 : Akhilesh
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday accused the BJP of adopting a "heartless attitude" towards the demands of farmers and said the global response to their protest has "deeply" hurt the image of India worldwide.
His party has been backing the farmers' protest against the Centre's three new farm laws.
"The BJP government is ignoring farmers by adopting a heartless attitude towards the justified demands of the agitators shivering on the streets. The global response that is coming to this has deeply hurt the democratic image of India worldwide. The BJP government should stop exploiting those who feed us," Yadav said in a tweet.
The Samajwadi Party president has asked party workers to organise peaceful sit-ins at district headquarters on December 14 in support of the farmers' agitation, a party statement issued here said.
The party is already taking out 'yatras' since December 7 in the state in their support, it added.
Farmer leaders on Wednesday vowed that they would intensify their agitation by blocking key highways linking Delhi and a nationwide protest on December 14.
Yadav on Thursday had said that the farmers' stir was also a movement to restore democratic values and that is why people are "emotionally connected" with it to save democracy.
The SP leader was detained by police on Monday after party workers led by him broke through a security cordon to sit on a dharna in the heart of the city in support of farmers. -- PTI
18:24 Raj: BJP, Cong join hands, ditch own allies
In unlikely collaborations, rivals Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party came together at two places in Rajasthan to thwart local Bhartiya Tribal Party and Rashtriya Loktantrik Party leaders in the elections for zila pramukhs and panchayat samiti pradhans.
The BTP, a Congress ally which supported chief minister Ashok Gehlot during the revolt in his party earlier this year, is upset that the ruling party candidates chose BJP over it in the tribal Dungarpur district, where the small outfit is trying to expand its influence.
On Friday, it threatened to snap ties with the Congress in the state.
Similarly, the opposition BJP did not help its ally, Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal's RLP, bag a village head's post in Nagaur district. Instead, its candidates went for an independent nominee, supported also by the Congress.
In Dungarpur zila parishad, the newly elected Congress members voted Thursday for the BJP nominee for the pramukh's post in the district board, thwarting a BTP-backed candidate's bid.
Thirteen of the 27 seats in Dungarpur zila parishad were won by BTP-supported independent candidates.
The BJP got six seats and the Congress eight.
The BTP needed just one Congress member's vote for a nominee backed by it for the district board head's post. Instead, its ally supported BJP member Surya Ahari, who had filed her nomination papers as an independent candidate for the zila pramukh's post.
The state assembly has two BTP MLAs, who went with the Congress in the last Rajya Sabha election.
The tribal-dominated party had fielded its members as independent candidates in the elections for panchayat Samiti and zila parishad members.
BTP state president Velaram Ghoghra said the party is now set to snap its links with the Congress over the development.
"We had supported the Congress government at the time of need and now we were expecting reciprocation in zila pramukh elections. We just needed one member to form the board but the Congress surprisingly ditched us and joined hands with the BJP," Ghoghra said.
"The party is now going to cut ties with the Congress government. A party executive meeting will be held in a couple of days and a formal decision will be announced," he told PTI.
Rajasthan BJP president Satish Poonia claimed that it was local politics playing out. -- PTI
17:50 Convoy attack: WB chief secy, DGP to skip MHA meet
West Bengal chief secretary and police chief will not visit New Delhi over the attack on Bharatiya Janata Party president J P Nadda's convoy, the state government said in a letter to the Union home ministry.
The MHA had summoned West Bengal's chief secretary and police chief on December 14 for an explanation on the law and order situation in the state, following governor Jagdeep Dhankhar's report on the attack on
Nadda's convoy.
Nadda's cavalcade was on Thursday attacked by alleged TMC supporters, who threw stones and rained lathi blows on vehicles and BJP workers accompanying him.
Several BJP leaders including general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya were injured in the attack.
17:31 Punjab extends night curfew to January 1
Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh orders extension of night curfew and curbs on number of people at gatherings till January 1, 2021, with directives to the state police to ensure strict compliance, especially at marriage palaces.
The CM asked DGP Dinkar Gupta to strictly enforce the restrictions of maximum of 100 people at indoor gatherings and 250 outdoors at marriage palaces and other places, with penalties to be imposed on the hosts in case of deviance.
17:28 Choreographer Remo D'Souza suffers heart attack
Filmmaker-choreographer Remo D'Souza was admitted to a hospital in Mumbaion Friday after he suffered a heart attack. According to sources close to the family, the 46-year-old director is in the Intensive Care Unit of the Kokilaben hospital.
"He had a heart attack. There was a blockage. For now, doctors have done angiography and he is currently in the ICU," sources told PTI.
The hospital sources said the "Race 3" director was admitted today afternoon. "He's stable now and under observation," sources added.
D'Souza is one of the leading choreographers working in Bollywood, after having worked on films such as "Tum Bin", "Kaante", "Dhoom", "Rock On" and "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani". As a director, he has made movies such as "F.A.L.T.U", "ABCD", "A Flying Jatt", "Race 3" and most recently "Street Dancer". -- PTI
17:11 Covid test must for visiting Nainital, Mussoorie
The Uttarakhand High Court has ordered mandatory COVID-19 test of tourists visiting Nainital and Mussoorie. In an order dated December 9, Acting Chief Justice Ravi Kumar Malimath and Justice Ravindra Maithani of the high court said tourists visiting the two popular tourist towns be tested for coronavirus at the time of entry.
The order to resume testing of tourists comes ahead of Christmas and New Year holidays when large inflow of tourists is expected in Nainital and Mussoorie. COVID-19 cases have risen in Uttarakhand after the compulsory requirement for tourists to produce a negative RT-PCR report while entering the state was removed in September to boost tourism. PTI
SP MP Jaya Bachchan
16:59 BJP minister woos Jaya Bachchan's mother
Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra said on Friday that he has invited Indira Bhaduri, the mother of actor-politician Jaya Bachchan, to an event organized by the BJP to reach out to the local Bengali community.
Jaya Bachchan is a Samajwadi Party MP.
As assembly elections will be held in West Bengal next year, the party is trying to woo the people from that state. "Tapan Bhowmik, a BJP leader, has convened a meeting of people from Bengal Bhopal. I have requested her (Bhaduri) to attend if her health permits," Mishra told reporters after meeting her.
Bhaduri, 90, has been living in Bhopal for several decades. "We will appeal to the people in Bhopal to associate with (prime minister Narendra) Modi-ji on the issue of nationalism and join the mainstream," the BJP leader added.
When asked if they discussed anything about West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee during the meeting, Mishra said, "I told her about the deteriorating situation in West Bengal. "I also told her about the attack on our national president (J P Nadda) and general secretary (Kailash Vijaywargiya) and also the unemployment and hunger in that state," he said. "The only solution to these issues is Modi," Mishra added. PTI
16:51 Winter session: Supplementary demands, Shakti Act in focus
A two-day winter session of the Maharashtra legislature, starting here from Monday, will focus on passage of supplementary demands and see tabling of bills related to the Shakti Act that aims to curb crime against women and children with strict provisions, including the death penalty.
The opposition BJP will seek to corner the Shiv Sena- led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government with a leader saying on Friday the party will raise issues related to COVID-19 "mismanagement" and inadequate relief to flood and cyclone-hit hit farmers. -- PTI
16:19 Repeal all 3 laws and we'll go home: Farmers
With the farmers' protest in and around Delhi against the recently enacted farm laws entering 16th day, the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) on Friday reiterated that the agitation would not be withdrawn till the three Acts are repealed.
"There is only one way to end the stand-off between the Centre and the farmers. Both have to back down. The Centre will have to repeal the laws and the farmers will go home," said BKU spokesperson Rakesh Tikait, adding that they don't want the amendments suggested by the central government.
Asked about the possibility of further dialogue with the government, the BKU spokesperson said that if the government sends an invitation for talks, the farmers will deliberate on the prospects of the further dialogue.
After rejecting the government's proposals on December 9, the protesting farmer unions said they will intensify their protest.
The union leaders said that there will be sit-ins near BJP offices on December 14, adding that the Delhi-Jaipur highway will be blocked on December 12, giving a call to the farmers from other parts of the country to reach Delhi.
The farmers are protesting against the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020; and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. -- ANI
15:56 It's MS Subbulakshmi's death anniversary today
The All India Mahila Congress shared this image on Carnatic classical singer, the legendary, MS Subbulakshmi on her death anniversary, writing, "@AIMCHistory Two Bharat Ratnas: The M.S Subbulakshmi with Indira Gandhi. Today is the former's death anniversary."
Small omission, though. There are three Bharat Ratnas in this image. That's Satyaji Ray, in the row at the back, if we aren't mistaken.
Spot the Khalistani in this pic. The BJP has likened the farmers protest to a terror organisation
15:39 Farmers' union moves SC over Farm Laws
The Bhartiya Kisan Union approaches the Supreme Court against the three Farm Laws passed by the Parliament, claiming the laws will make farmers "vulnerable to corporate greed."
The government, meanwhile hasn't blinked even as the farmers' protests enter the 16th day.
Agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar today said on the demand of farmers that the laws be revoked and not amended, "Laws made by the Govt have been formed after a lot of deliberation - to bring a change in lives of farmers, to remove the injustice that was being done to them for years. It was done to ensure that farmers could live better lives and indulge in beneficial agriculture.
"We agree that we are not the over-ruling power and unions might also have something in their mind. So, government is ready to make reforms in the laws after talks.
"The PM had spoken about this and I had assured on the floors of both the Houses. If it's being said in Parliament, it is a recorded document. It expresses the intention of Govt. There can be no document more powerful than that. MSP will continue. No one should doubt it."
15:23 BJP to launch three-pronged farm law tutorials
Amid ongoing farmers protest on Delhi border areas against agri laws, the Bharatiya Janata Party has decided to organise series of measures including press conferences, 'chaupals' and Jan Sampark, in all the districts of the country on the issue of the new farm laws from Friday onwards.
As many as 700 press conferences, hundreds of 'chaupals' and Jan Sampark will be organised in the coming days. BJP General Secretary discussed the issue through video conferencing with state 'prabharis' and state president on Thursday.
The BJP led government have brought the laws with the aim to benefit the farmers, but the party says that farmers have been misguided by the opposition. Therefore, the party is starting the programmes to educate and inform farmers about the benefit of the laws.
BJP leaders are saying that opposition parties are spreading rumours regarding the reforms. In a bid to clear the rumours on the new laws, the BJP workers and leaders would be explaining the importance of the agriculture reforms.
The farmers' protest entered 16th day today. They have also planned to intensify the agitation over the next few days in which they have planned to block highways leading to Delhi, gherao BJP leaders and offices and bring out another 'Dilli Chalo' march on December 14.
14:56 Dharmendra in 'extreme pain' to see farmers suffering
Veteran actor Dharmendra on Friday said he was pained to see farmers suffering and urged the central government to find a solution to their protests over the farm laws. The tweet comes a week after the 84-year-old actor put out a similar post on Twitter.
"I am extremely in pain to see the suffering of my farmer brothers. Government should do something fast," Dharmendra wrote.
Last week, the actor had urged the government to resolve the protests soon, citing the growing number of coronavirus cases in Delhi.
"I request the government... please quickly find a solution the farmers' problems... the number of corona cases are on a rise in Delhi... it is painful," Dharmendra had written in a post.
The veteran actor, however, soon deleted the post, without any explanation. When a user posted the screenshot of the tweet, wondering what prompted the actor to delete the tweet, Dharmendra said, "I deleted the tweet because I felt saddened by comments like these. You can abuse me to your heart's content, I am happy that you are happy. "Yes, I am sad for my farmer brothers... The government should find a solution fast, nobody is listening to us," he wrote. -- PTI
14:36 Talk show queen Ellen DeGeneres contracts Covid
Popular American TV host Ellen DeGeneres has been diagnosed with coronavirus. The 62-year-old comedian and host shared the news of her diagnosis in a statement posted on Twitter on Thursday.
"Hi Everyone, I want to let you all know that I tested positive for Covid-19. Fortunately, I'm feeling fine right now. Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all proper CDC guidelines," she wrote.
"I'll see you all again after the holidays. Please stay healthy and safe," she added. According to Variety, that DeGeneres' "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" has paused production till January as a result of her diagnosis. The ratings of her show recently improved due to the annual "12 Days of Giveaways" series. Season 18 of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show premiered on September 21 after months of controversy involving an internal investigation after allegations of racism, sexual misconduct and other workplace problems.
Three top producers were fired in August after employees raised complaints about poor communication, pay reductions and mistreatment. PTI
14:25 India not responsible for climate change: Govt
Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday said that climate change is a result of historical actions and India is not responsible for it, asserting that the country has only 3 per cent of all historical emissions.
Speaking on the eve of five years of Paris Agreement, he said that India's present emission levels are just 6 per cent today and the country has nearly achieved targets of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).
"Climate change isn't an overnight phenomenon. It has taken the last 100 years. Historically the USA has 25 per cent of all emissions, Europe has 22 per cent whereas China has 13 per cent and India only 3 per cent. We are in no way responsible for this climate change. But as a responsible participant in world affairs, India chose to take part in combating climate change," Javadekar said.
"Our present emission levels are just 6 per cent today. India has behaved more responsibly than many countries in mitigating this climate change challenge. We have nearly achieved our targets of NDC much before the beginning of the Paris Agreement implementation," he said.
The Minister said that India is one of the few countries which are Paris Agreement compliant. "Our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) will lead to less than 2-degree rise in temperature," he said.
"Five years back at Paris agreement, we had committed to reduce emission intensity of GDP by 33-35 per cent by 2030, of which we have already achieved 21 per cent and remaining will be achieved in next 10 years. Paris Agreement was signed in 2015 but its implementation will begin from January 1, 2021," he said.
Javadekar said that India's has 8 per cent biodiversity and total forest cover is around 25 per cent.
13:59 BJP's big plans to spread awareness on agri laws
Amid the widespread farmers agitation, BJP plans campaign in favour of the farm reform bills.
BJP will be starting a counter campaign against the farmers protests.
The party is drawing an elaborate plan to spread awareness about the farm laws. BJP will hold Kisan Sammelans and chaupals at 100 locations across the country to talk about the farm laws.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Kisan Union has moved Supreme Court challenging the three farm reform laws passed by the Parliament recently that are now at the Centre of the massive protests.
The farmers have also planned to intensify the agitation over the next few days in which they have planned to block highways leading to Delhi, gherao BJP leaders and offices and bring out another Delhi Chalo march on December 14.
13:44 Rohit Sharma declared fit ahead of Oz Test
Senior India batsman Rohit Sharma on Friday cleared an eagerly-watched fitness test at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru ahead of the four-Test series against Australia starting December 17.
Rohit had sustained a hamstring injury during the Indian Premier League, which led to him missing the white-ball leg of the ongoing tour. He is also out of reckoning for the first two Tests but can now be there for the last two games.
"Rohit has cleared the fitness Test and will soon be flying out to Australia," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
13:37 The commando who looked terrorists in the eye
"When I recall that night inside the Taj Hotel room, of my encounter with the terrorists, I feel triumphant.
The moment the bullets were fired at me in that unlit room, I had decided to go full throttle.
'I was injured and was a sitting duck for the well-armed jihadis, but I decided that if I had to die, I shall die fighting, if I have to fail, I shall fail while daring greatly.
Ex-marine commando Praveen Kumar Teotia, who was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his valour at the Taj Mahal hotel in the 26/11 terror attack, tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih how that night changed his life for the better. Read the story here.
13:15 Dangerous game of insider-outsider in WB: Governor
West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar Friday said he has sent a report to the Centre against the backdrop of the violent attack on the convoy of BJP chief J P Nadda. Castigating the Mamata Banerjee government over the attack, allegedly by TMC supporters, Dhankhar said a dangerous game of insider and outsider is going on in the state. He said it is shameful that such an incident occurred on International Human Rights Day.
"I have sent my report to the central government whose contents cannot be shared on account of propriety," he told a press conference at Raj Bhawan. He alleged the violators of law in Bengal have the protection of police and administration.
"The Governor will vindicate his oath, come what may," he asserted, adding it was his duty to protect the Constitution. "Accountability will be enforced," he said, and asked Banerjee "not to play with fire". -- PTI
12:55 European air transport recovery to be worse than other regions: IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released new estimates for the impacts of COVID-19 on air transport and economies in Europe in 2020, indicating a further deterioration in revenues, job prospects and economic activity across the entire continent.
IATA's latest economic forecast shows that in 2021 Europe is expected to be the worst-hit global region in terms of airline losses (minus USD 11.9 billion) and EBIT margin (minus 9.5 per cent).
Passenger traffic measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) is estimated to have fallen 70 per cent this year, the worst performance of any region with the exceptions of Africa (minus 72 per cent) and the Middle East (minus 73 per cent).
RPK growth next year is expected to be a weak 47.5 per cent, trailing the comparable regions of Asia Pacific (50 per cent) and North America (60.5 per cent).
"Our projections for this year and next are little short of a disaster for European air transport. Border restrictions and quarantine measures have brought demand to a halt and the region has been affected even worse than most other parts of the world," said Rafael Schvartzman, IATA's Regional Vice President for Europe.
"There is optimism over a vaccine but as our forecast for next year shows, this is unlikely to come in time to prevent hundreds of thousands more job losses in the industry unless governments take immediate action." -- ANI
The damaged windscreen of a vehicle in JP Nadda's convoy
12:48 MHA summons West Bengal chief secy, DGP on Dec 14
A day after BJP president J P Nadda's convoy was attacked in West Bengal, the Union home ministry on Friday summoned the state's chief secretary and director general of police on December 14.
West Bengal Chief Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay and Director General of Police (DGP) Virendra have been called by the home ministry, an official said.
The chief secretary and DGP are expected to be asked to explain the law and order situation in West Bengal, the steps taken to prevent political violence and other crimes in the state, another official said.
The two top-most civil and police officers of West Bengal were called by the home ministry within hours of receiving a report from West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on the law and order situation in the state.
Dhankhar was asked to submit a report after Nadda's convoy was attacked on Thursday when he was travelling to Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district to address a rally there. The home ministry is yet to receive a report from the state government on the "serious security lapses" during Nadda's two-day visit to the state. -- PTI
Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat
12:32 India deploys 120 warships in Indian Ocean
Highlighting the importance of the India-Pacific region, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat on Friday said there are over 120 warships of extra-regional forces deployed in the Indian Ocean Region in support of various missions.
"Most of the countries in the region are seeking to reap the economic dividends through improved connectivity and harnessing blue economy for which infrastructure is a pre-requisite. Residents' powers and extra-regional power have shown a renewed interest in investing in infrastructure development in these countries to maintain and increase geopolitical influence," General Rawat said while delivering a keynote address at the Global Dialogue Security Summit.
Speaking on the theme of "Contesting the Indo Pacific for Global Domination", CDS Rawat said that presently there are over 120 warships of extra-regional forces deployed in the Indian Ocean Region in support of various missions.
"In recent years, China's economy and military rise coupled with competition to increase the influence in the region has attracted a great deal of interest. At present, there are over 120 warships of extra-regional forces deployed in the Indian Ocean Region in support of various missions. Till now, the region, by and large, has remained peaceful albeit under contestation," CDS Rawat said.
"In the military field, technology must be a means of deterrence not a source of destruction. Our approach to security hence needs to shift from unilateral to the multilateral mode which mandates increasing training engagements with partner nations in order to fortify future," he said.
He further said governance and security are under constant threat of being undermined by non-state actors and also naval competition among the states.
"Governance and security are under constant threat of being undermined by non-state actors and also naval competition among the states. To protect peace, prosperity and sovereignty it is important for us to keep a sea line of communication secure at all times with a stronghold on the security dimension of this region," General Rawat said. -- ANI
12:05 NDA ally Chautala ready to quit over farm laws
Will JJP follow SAD and part ways with the BJP over the farm laws? This is what JJP leader, Dushyant Chautala, said today, "Our party's national president already made it clear MSP must be assured to farmers. The written proposals given by Central govt yesterday included MSPs. I'll work to secure MSP to farmers as long as I'm Deputy CM. I will resign when I'm unable."
The JJP and its chief Dushyant Singh Chautala are part of the coalition government in Haryana. And like the Sukhbir Badal-led SAD in Punjab, the JJP has a formidable rural base in the neighbouring state.
11:50 There is too much bureaucracy, laments Chidambaram
Taking a veiled dig at NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant's reported comments on the issue of democracy, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Friday said there is too much "bureaucracy" in the country.
"There is too much democracy, laments a senior bureaucrat. There is too much bureaucracy, says an anguished democrat," said Chidambaram in a tweet.
In a series of tweets, he slammed the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government for making a law on 'love jihad' and asserted that the foundation of a new Parliament building was laid on the 'ruins of a liberal democracy'.
"The foundation for a new Parliament building was laid on the ruins of a liberal democracy," said tweeted lead by tweet demanding 'Nobel Prizes' for UP government in the field of Literature (fiction) and Peace."UP's creativity deserves two Nobel Prizes -- for Literature (fiction) and Peace," he tweeted.
"UP is the most creative state in law-making and in the application of the law. Who else could have invented a crime called 'love jihad'?" the Congress leader asked in another tweet.
Chidambaram alleged that Yogi Adityanath-led state government is misusing the new law. -- ANI
11:47 Sound system fall on children in UP, two killed
Slapstick moment, but unfortunately ends in tragedy.
Two children were killed and two others injured when a sound system installed on a tractor trolley fell on them in Basai village in Badau, UP, police said.
The incident took place on Thursday night when a 'shobha yatra' was being taken out during which the tractor trolley rammed into a raised structure outside a house and the box fell on the children dancing before it, police said on Friday.
Four children were injured and rushed to a hospital where the doctors declared a 10-year-old dead, police said, adding that three others were being taken to Bareilly for treatment when a nine-year-old succumbed to injuries. SP, Rural, Siddhart Verma, said permission was not taken for the 'yatra' and police came to know of it only after the incident. Investigations are on and strict action will be taken against those found responsible for it, he said. -- PTI
11:43 Met Astad, watched him dance? Send your experience online
Dancer, icon, a humane being, Astad Deboo passed away yesterday at the tender age of 73. A wiry bundle of energy, positivity, and well, a good soul, he has touched the lives of millions around the world, some for expansive decades, some fleetingly.
If you want to pay tribute to Astad, this is how you can do it.
Record a video of your tribute and send it to Narthakionline@gmail.com.
This is what Narthaki.com posted on Insta: Join us and friends from around the world.
If you wish to record a short video tribute of how #AstadDeboo influenced you, when you first saw his performance, a moment, a meeting or a memory.. record a video and send it to us Narthakionline@gmail.com.
Do it for Astad, do it for yourself.
11:28 Cong weak, opposition needs to unite: Sena
Asserting that the Congress, which leads the UPA, has become weak now, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Friday suggested the opposition needs to come together and strengthen the alliance.
"We will be happy if (Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad) Pawar sir becomes the UPA chairman. But I have heard that he refused it. We will support him if such a proposal comes to the fore officially. Congress is weak now so the opposition needs to come together and strengthen the UPA," said Raut whose party was earlier part of the National Democratic Alliance.
He added the Congress is a big party and that these are big things to decide. "Just like MVA was formed here (Maharashtra), it needs to be seen if such a front can be formed (nationally)...," he said. -- ANI
11:14 Domestic passenger vehicle wholesales rise nearly 13 pc in Nov on festive demand: SIAM
Passenger vehicle wholesales in India increased by 12.73 per cent to 2,85,367 units in November as against 2,53,139 units in the same month last year riding on the back of festive demand, auto industry body SIAM said on Friday.
According to the latest data by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), two-wheeler sales rose 13.43 per cent to 16,00,379 units, compared with 14,10,939 units in the same month last year. Motorcycle sales were at 10,26,705 units as against 8,93,538 units in November 2019, up 14.9 per cent. Scooter sales were also up by 9.29 per cent at 5,02,561 units from 4,59,851 units in the same month last year. Three-wheeler sales, however, declined by 57.64 per cent to 23,626 units last month as against 55,778 units in November 2019.
"We have witnessed an increase in wholesale numbers in the month of November, where passenger vehicles grew by 12.73 per cent and two-wheelers by 13.43 per cent over the corresponding month of last year, primarily on account of the festive season," SIAM Director General Rajesh Menon said.
The retail sales of two-wheelers lag behind the wholesale sales numbers but would even out over a period, as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) engage with their dealers, he added.
"While the festive season brought back some fervor in specific segments, the overall economic scenario would determine the industry's performance going forward," Menon noted. -- PTI
10:50 Biden-Harris named Time magazine's 2020 person of the year
US President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have been named by the prestigious TIME magazine as '2020 Person of the Year' for changing the American story, showing that the forces of empathy are greater than the furies of division and sharing a vision of healing in a grieving world.
The publication named the Democratic leaders for its annual prestigious honour, choosing them over other finalists - Frontline Health Care Workers and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr Anthony Fauci, the Movement for Racial Justice and US President Donald Trump.
For changing the American story, for showing that the forces of empathy are greater than the furies of division, for sharing a vision of healing in a grieving world, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are TIME's 2020 Person of the Year, it said on Thursday.
If Donald Trump was a force for disruption and division over the past four years, Biden and Harris show where the nation is heading: a blend of ethnicities, lived experiences and worldviews that must find a way forward together if the American experiment is to survive, the publication added. PTI
10:44 Farmers' stir: 700 tractors head to Delhi
Members of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangarsh Committee begin their journey to Delhi to join the ongoing farmers protest against the new agriculture laws "Around 700 tractor trolleys are moving towards Delhi's Kundli border," says SS Pandher, Kisan Mazdoor Sangarsh Committee.The farmers' stir has entered day 15 today, with neither side blinking.
Yesterday, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Thursday said that the government is open for more discussions with farmers and they should give a date for the same and leave their agitation.
The minister said at a press briefing that the government had sent proposals to farmer unions. He said the government is ready for open-minded discussion on provisions farmers have an objection against.
"We gave a proposal to farmers. We have expressed ourselves. If they want to discuss further, we are ready to talk to them. I had asked that they should leave agitation. And when discussions are on they should not have called further agitation," he said.
"We sent a proposal to farmers. They wanted the laws to be repealed. The government is ready for open-minded discussion on provisions they have an objection against. Laws do not affect Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees (APMCs) or MSP. We tried to explain this to farmers," he added.
The minister said that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) will not be affected by the farm laws recently enacted by the Centre. -- PTI
10:29 DMK chief MK Stalin hospitalised
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president MK Stalin was hospitalised in Chennai on Friday morning following complaints of sweating and high blood pressure. Details soon.
10:20 Anne Frank memorial in Idaho vandalised
A memorial dedicated to Anne Frank was desecrated with stickers showing swastikas. CNN reported that the museum which is managed by the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights was vandalised on Tuesday (local time), with swastika signs reading, "We are everywhere."
"These stickers were plastered throughout the Memorial yesterday. I fear for what is happening to our community," the organisation's post on Facebook.
"Frankly, it's a sad day," Wassmuth Center Executive Director Dan Prinzing told CNN and added, "The Memorial is located in the heart of the capital city; we are the heart of the city. Such a blatant act of hate, directed in such a fashion, emboldened to occur, is just sad. We also recognize that now we must fundraise to add a security system in the Memorial."
According to the US media, the memorial includes a life-size bronze statue of the teenager depicting her holding her diary 'peering out the window of the secret annex' in which she and her family spent over 700 days hiding from the Nazis before they were found and sent to concentration camps in 1944.
The executive director said that 'luckily' there was no damage done to the memorial and added that extra cleaning was required to remove the sticky residue. However, the police did not comment on the incident. -- ANI
10:18 Such a long journey... Pranab's daughter pays tribute
Pranab Mukherjee's daughter pays tribute to him on his death anniversary today. "From the flicker of a lamp in a remote village in Bengal to the chandeliers of Rashtrapati Bhavan', it was a long journey for you. You've travelled beyond, we don't know anything about your journey now. But wherever you are, you & Ma will always remain with me."
10:02 Sensex jumps over 250 pts in early trade
Equity benchmark Sensex rose over 250 points in early trade on Friday tracking gains in index majors Reliance Industries, HDFC and ICICI Bank amid persistent foreign fund inflows. After touching its record intra-day high of 46,212.53 in the opening session, the 30-share BSE index was trading 249.43 points or 0.54 per cent higher at 46,209.31.
Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty rose 73.20 points or 0.54 per cent to 13,551.50. It hit a high of 13,553.80. ONGC was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rallying around 6 per cent, followed by SBI, NTPC, Bajaj Finance, Tata Steel, Bajaj Finserv, HDFC and Reliance Industries. On the other hand, Asian Paints, Tech Mahindra, Infosys and Nestle India were among the laggards.
In the previous session, Sensex settled 143.62 points or 0.31 per cent lower at 45,959.88. The broader NSE Nifty fell 50.80 points or 0.38 per cent to 13,478.30. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) were net buyers in the capital market as they purchased shares worth Rs 2,259.98 crore on a net basis on Thursday, according to provisional exchange data.
"Domestic equities look good at the moment. FPIs continue to remain as a key driving force for the markets. Given the dovish tone of global central bankers, improved prospects of sound earnings growth and weak dollar index, we believe FPIs flow should remain benign in subsequent periods," said Binod Modi Head-Strategy at Reliance Securities. However, a sharp rise in Brent price and input prices can pose a near-term threat for earnings recovery, he said. -- PTI
09:49 29,398 cases in a day, Covid tally 97.96 lakh
The Covid tally is here. With 29,398 new COVID-19 infections, India's total cases rise to 97,96,770. With 414 new deaths, toll mounts to 1,42,186 .Total active cases at 3,63,749 Total discharged cases at 92,90,834 with 37,528 new discharges in the last 24 hours.
01:16 No-deal Brexit 'strong possibility': Boris
United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said on Thursday that there is a 'strong possibility' that his country and the European Union will fail to conclude a free trade agreement before the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31.
During an interview at Downing Street that was screened by UK broadcasters, the prime minister said there was a 'strong possibility' that both sides would fail to resolve their differences, and urged citizens and businesses to step up preparations for a no-deal Brexit.
The prime minister said that the EU's proposals were 'not, at the moment, right for the UK', citing concerns over the bloc's desire to establish a set of rules and procedures to prevent businesses in one country from undercutting their rivals in another country, also known as the level playing field.
Johnson also cited the ongoing disagreements over fisheries as another major issue preventing a deal being reached. -- ANI/Sputnik
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances