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Mon, 15 June 2020
US SC backs protection for LGBT workers
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23:43 US SC backs protection for LGBT workers
America's top court has ruled that employers who fire workers for being gay or transgender are breaking the country's civil rights laws.
In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court said federal law, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, should be understood to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
The ruling is a major win for LGBT workers and their allies.
And it comes even though the court has grown more conservative.
23:14 Sonakshi slams 'people trying to garner publicity' from Sushant's death
Without naming anyone, actor Sonakshi Sinha on Tuesday in a social media post lashed out at "certain people trying to garner publicity" from the demise of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
The 'Dabangg' girl took to Twitter and posted a statement where she is seen urging people not to spread negativity using the death of the 'Kai Po Che!' actor. "The problem with wrestling with pigs is that you get dirty and the pig enjoys it. To certain people trying to garner publicity and highlight THEIR issues using the death of a member of our fraternity... PLEASE just stop," wrote Sinha.
"Your spewing negativity, hate, and toxicity is really not required right now. Have some respect for the departed. Really," she added.
The 33-year-old actor did not name or address the post to any specific person.
"Certain people are just disgusting and will always be," she wrote along with the note.
Sushant Singh Rajput committed suicide at his Bandra residence in Mumbai on Sunday.
His last rites were performed earlier today at Mumbai's Vile Parle amid heavy downpours.
-- ANI
22:57 WHO calls COVID cluster in Beijing 'significant'
The World Health Organization called a coronavirus cluster of more than 100 cases in Beijing a significant event.
Dr Mike Ryan, executive director of WHOs Health Emergencies Program, said, In China, when you spend over 50 days without having any significant local transmission the cluster like this is a concern, and it needs to be investigated and controlled.
In that sense, it is big news. Within the grand scheme of things around the number of cases per day around the world, it's not, but it is significant event, Ryan said.
We're always concerned for clusters, said Maria Van Kerkhove, a WHO infectious disease epidemiologist.
Van Kerkhove said every single case needs to be addressed, But clusters are a special condition, because in any country we need to understand why is there the clustering?
Ryan said now is the time to investigate whats driving the new infections. It's important for us to hypothesize. It's important for us to make models about what might be happening. But the answer is lay in careful, careful, systematic, exhaustive investigation of disease clusters, to really look at what is happening in these situations," he said.
If we get that, we will build up a much better picture of the public health advice we need to give our communities -- on what behaviors to avoid, and what places to avoid, and what circumstances to avoid, Ryan added.
22:17 Record 178 COVID-19 deaths in Maha in one day
Maharashtra on Monday reported 178 more deaths, the highest spike in a single day, due to COVID-19, taking the number of fatalities to 4,128, a health official said.
With 2,786 new detections, the total number of cases jumped to 1,10,744, the official said.
Maharashtra COVID-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases 1,10,744, new cases 2,786, deaths 4,128, discharged 5,071, active cases 53,017, people tested so far 6,69,994.
-- PTI
22:12 US revokes emergency use of HCQ for Covid-19
The US Food and Drug Administration is revoking its emergency authorisation for malaria drugs promoted by President Donald Trump for treating COVID-19 amid growing evidence they don't work and could cause deadly side effects.
The agency said Monday that the drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are unlikely to be effective in treating the coronavirus. Citing reports of heart complications, the FDA said the drugs pose a greater risk to patients than any potential benefits.
The decades-old drugs, also prescribed for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause heart rhythm problems, severely low blood pressure and muscle or nerve damage.
The move means that shipments of the drugs obtained by the federal government will no longer be distributed to state and local health authorities.
The drugs are still available for alternate uses, so US doctors could still prescribe them for COVID-19 -- a practice known as off-label prescribing.
21:40 Will probe professional rivalry angle: Maha min
Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Monday said Mumbai police will take into account actor Sushant Singh Rajput's reported clinical depression while conducting a probe into his death.
Rajput, 34, who was found hanging in his Bandra apartment on Sunday, was cremated on Monday in the presence of family members and close friends from the film and TV industry.
"While the post mortem report says actor @itsSSR committed suicide by hanging himself, there are media reports that he allegedly suffered from clinical depression because of professional rivalry. @MumbaiPolice will probe this angle too," the minister tweeted.
Sushant starred in films such as Shuddh Desi Romance, Raabta, Kedarnath and Sonchiriya. But his most prominent role came as cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni's in the 2007 biopic, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story.
-- PTI
21:15 UK coronavirus death toll rises by 38 to 41,736
The United Kingdom death toll from coronavirus has risen by 38 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 41,736, the government announced.
20:34 Indian officials released by Pakistan police
After India strongly rebuked Pakistan over the disappearance of two staffers from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, local police have now released the two officials.
According to reports in Pakistani media, the two junior employees of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad were arrested after they were involved in a hit-and-run accident earlier today which left a pedestrian injured.
The Islamabad police have released the two CISF officials as they have been charged under bailable offences.
India on Monday summoned the Pakistan charge d'affaires and lodged a strong protest to him over the reported arrest of two officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
In the demarche, it was made clear to the Pakistani CDA that there should be no interrogation or harassment of the Indian officials and the responsibility for their safety and security lay squarely with the Pakistani authorities, they said.
The sources said the Pakistan side was asked to return the two officials along with the official car to the High Commission immediately.
In the morning, the two staffers in Islamabad went missing following which India took up the matter with the Pakistan Foreign Office.
20:10 Maha govt hiding 950 COVID-19 deaths from Mumbai: Fadnavis
The Maharashtra government has not reported as many as 950 COVID-19 deaths from Mumbai, which amounts to violation of the ICMR guidelines, senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis alleged on Monday.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Fadnavis said, "Some 950 deaths due to COVID-19 are still not reported (in Mumbai). It is a very serious matter and risky as well".
As on June 14, the number of COVID-19 fatalities in worst-hit Mumbai stood at 2,182, as per the state government.
Fadnavis claimed 500 of the 950 deaths that had occurred in various hospitals in Mumbai were not even referred to the death audit committee.
-- PTI
19:56 Maha: Class 9, 10, 12 to begin from July 1
Classes for standards IX, X in schools located in non-red zone areas and junior college for XII would begin in Maharashtra from July 1, the state government said on Monday.
Classes of 6th to 8th standards would begin from August, as per the government.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and attended by School Education
Minister Varsha Gaikwad and officials.
A circular issued on Monday stated that "schools not located in red zone can commence classes of Standard 9, 10 and
12 from July 1" while "classes of 6th to 8th standards would begin from August".
"Though in some areas schools could not be opened, the process of teaching cannot be stopped. The use of digital
technology to reach out with students should be adopted," it said.
"Classes of Standard 1 and 2 are exempted from online teaching. However, for remaining standards certain hours per week have been defined by the government. We are trying to use All India Radio network as well to reach out to students with the curriculum," Gaikwad said.
Some of the teaching can be broadcast, she added.
However, some teachers' and principals' unions have demanded that all school in the state open from August.
-- PTI
19:45 India offered foreign secretary-level talks but Oli govt did not respond
Debunking Kathmandu's claim that India did not come forward for talks on the table, sources said that to the contrary, "India had offered talks as recently as the day Oli government passed constitution amendment in the lower house".
Sources confirmed that India did offer Foreign Secretary-level talks virtually and also a visit, but Nepal did not respond and Oli government went ahead with the constitutional amendment. The sources termed the constitutional amendment, which backs the revised map of Nepal, as a unilateral act without historical evidence.
Sources said that India 's assistance to Nepal will continue, including all connectivity projects even during testing times, and as far as talks are concerned, the onus is on Nepal to create a conducive environment as it has taken unilateral action without evidence and created a difficult situation.
Oli government did not reveal about India's offer of talks to people of Nepal and hastily passed constitutional amendment due to political reasons, said a source.
Sources termed as "false and distorted" Prime Minister Oli's claim that COVID-19 is spreading because of Indians coming without proper checking.
"It is a false and distorted claim. People of Nepal had gone there after lockdown with full knowledge. Both countries agreed on the number of citizens to be taken in. Once a person crosses the border, it is the responsibility of the respective government to take care of quarantine and follow up. We are seeing a surge in the number of cases in Nepal recently due to inadequate testing. Oli government is facing ire of the opposition. There are many Nepali citizens returning from all over the world. India also facilitated their return and gave clearances.
Singling out India for COVID-19 spread is surprising and politically motivated," a source said.
On the killing of Indian citizen at border, sources said that India has taken up the matter with Nepal's Home Ministry in Kathmandu and their mission in Delhi and a formal response from Nepal is awaited. After strong intervention by the Indian mission in Nepal, an Indian national who was detained during the firing incident was released on June 13.
-- ANI
19:14 India has now 901 labs for COVID-19 testing
The government of India on Monday informed that the number of labs for COVID-19 testing has increased to 901 including 653 government and 248 private labs while the recovery rate has risen to 51.08 per cent.
"ICMR's testing capacity for detecting the novel Coronavirus in infected persons is continuously being ramped up. The number of government labs has been increased to 653 and private labs have been increased to 248 (a total of 901)," according to a release by the ministry of health and family welfare.
As per the government's data, there are 534 Real-Time RT PCR based testing labs (347 government and 187 private), 296 TrueNat based testing labs (281 government + 15 private) and 71 CBNAAT based testing labs (25 government + 46 private).
During the last 24 hours, 7,419 COVID-19 patients were cured and overall a total of 1,69,797 patients recovered so far.
-- ANI
19:11 Rahul slams govt as fuel prices hiked for 9th straight day
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday targeted the government over increase in petrol and diesel prices, saying the middle class and the poor pay for the "gifts crony capitalists get".
He also used a graph to show that prices of petrol and diesel were low in May 2014 under the UPA despite high crude cost globally, but the NDA government raised the excise duty on petrol by 258.47 per cent and on diesel by 819.94 per cent as on June 15, 2020.
The statement came on a day oil companies raised petrol and diesel prices by 48 paise per litre and diesel by 23 paise a litre. This is the ninth daily increase in rates in a row since oil companies on June 7 restarted revising prices in line with costs.
"Middle class and the poor pay for the gifts the crony capitalists get," Gandhi said on Twitter.
He also used a hashtag in Hindi that translates to "Shame on a government that loots".
Gandhi also said that on May 16, 2014, when the Congress-led UPA was in power, the international crude oil price was USD 107.09 per barrel, while it is USD 40.66 on June 15, 2020, when the NDA is in government.
Despite the crude costing USD 66.43 less per barrel, petrol and diesel prices now are higher than what they were in 2014, he said.
The Congress has been demanding that petrol and diesel prices be brought under the ambit of GST.
The opposition party has also demanded a rollback of excise duty hikes on petrol, diesel to bring down their prices.
The Congress has said the government is earning out of the pockets of the poor by imposing high taxes on petrol and diesel, depriving the common man the benefit of lower crude oil prices. -- PTI
18:36 Racketeers selling fake sanitiser using methanol: CBI alerts police
The Central Bureau of Investigation has alerted the police in all the states and Union territories and other law-enforcement agencies about an Interpol input warning about racketeers selling fake hand sanitiser, manufactured using the highly-toxic methanol, and another gang posing as PPE and other COVID-19-related medical suppliers, officials said on Monday.
After getting the input, the CBI immediately alerted the police authorities to remain vigilant about gangs using the modus operandi to make quick money, the officials said.
Agency sources said some criminals are approaching hospitals and health authorities posing as representatives of manufacturers of PPE kits and other COVID-19-related protective gear.
Exploiting the shortage of such articles, they take online advance payments from authorities and hospitals but after the receipt of payments, no deliveries are made.
Interpol has also given inputs about fake hand sanitiser being made using methanol, a highly-toxic substance, as the base, the officials said.
Instances have been reported from other countries of use of spurious hand sanitiser during the COVID-19 pandemic, they added.
"Methanol can be highly toxic and dangerous for the human body," an official said. -- PTI
18:34 Average fare on Shramik trains is Rs 600: Railways
The Indian Railways on Monday said the average fare per person on Shramik Special trains was Rs 600 and indicated that by carrying 60 lakh migrant workers home since May 1, it has generated a revenue of around Rs 360 crore.
The transporter has run 4,450 Shramik trains so far, Railway Board Chairman VK Yadav said.
"The average fare of Shramik Special trains is Rs 600 per passenger. One has to keep in mind that these are normal fares and not fares for special trains which are higher. We carried 60 lakh passengers, so the revenue can be calculated. We however, managed to recover only 15 per cent of cost of operations," said Yadav.
Officials said the cost of operating a migrant special was between Rs 75-80 lakh.
Yadav also reiterated that the cost of operating these trains is being shared by the Centre and the states in a 85-15 per cent formula respectively. -- PTI
18:25 India lodges protest over arrest of 2 officials in Pak
India on Monday summoned the Pakistan charge d'affaires and lodged a strong protest to him over the reported arrest of two officials of the Indian high commission in Islamabad.
Pakistani media reported that two Indian staffers, who went missing on Monday morning, were arrested by Pakistani authorities for their alleged involvement in a "hit and run accident".
Official sources said the Pakistan charge d'affaires was summoned to the ministry of external affairs and a demarche was issued to him over the reported arrest of the two officials.
In the demarche, it was made clear to the Pakistani CDA that there should be no interrogation or harassment of the Indian officials and the responsibility for their safety and security lay squarely with the Pakistani authorities, they said.
The sources said the Pakistan side was asked to return the two officials along with the official car to the high commission immediately.
In the morning, the two staffers in Islamabad went missing following which India took up the matter with the Pakistan foreign office.
The two staffers went out of the High Commission in a vehicle for official duty at around 8:30 Am (IST), but did not reach their destination, the sources said.
The incident comes two weeks after India expelled two Pakistan High Commission officials here on charges of espionage.
India had declared Abid Hussain and Muhammad Tahir as 'persona non grata' after they were found obtaining sensitive documents relating to movement of Indian Army troops from an Indian national, according to authorities here.
Following their expulsion, Pakistani agencies started harassing a number of Indian High Commission officials in Islamabad including charge d'affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia.
Ahluwalia's car was aggressively tailed by Pakistani agencies on at least two occasions following which India lodged a strong protest with the Pakistan Foreign Office.
After the expulsion of the two Pakistani officials, it was expected that Pakistan would also resort to a tit-for-tat response, going by similar episodes in the past.
India's expulsion of the two Pakistani officials and subsequent harassment of Indian High Commission staffers in Islamabad by Pakistani agencies came in the midst of frayed ties between the two countries over the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir by India.
Pakistan had downgraded diplomatic ties by expelling the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad following India's decision to withdraw special status of Jammu and Kashmir in August last year. -- PTI
18:01 Sushant Singh Rajput cremated
Actor Sushant Singh Rajput on Monday was cremated at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai in the presence of family members and close friends from the film and TV industry.
Rajput was found hanging in his Bandra apartment on Sunday.
He was 34.
The actor's body reached the crematorium in Vile Parle from Cooper Hospital around 4.15 pm.
Though it poured heavily, friends joined the actor's final journey.
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra, who helmed Rajput's upcoming Dil Bechara, was among the first ones to arrive at the venue along with actor Kriti Sanon.
Sanon worked with Rajput in 2017's Raabta.
Rajput's friend Rhea Chakraborty also attended the cremation after visiting the hospital.
The actor's Chhichhore co-stars Shraddha Kapoor and Varun Sharma, along with filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor, who directed him in his big-screen debut Kai Po Che! and Kedarnath, were also present.
They were joined by others from the film fraternity, including producer Ekta Kapoor, actors Vivek Oberoi, Randeep Hooda, Prateik Babbar and singer Udit Narayan.
According to a source, only close family members and select friends from the industry were allowed to go inside the crematorium in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. -- PTI
Sushant Singh Rajput's sister outside Cooper Hospital yesterday
17:04 Family cries murder, forensics at Sushant's house
A day after actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Mumbai residence, a team of forensic experts reached the actor's Bandra residence on Monday. Sushant's provisional post mortem report has revealed that the provisional cause of death was asphyxia due to hanging,
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abhishek Trimukhe said on Monday.But his family has alleged that the Bollywood actor was rather murdered, and demanded an investigation into the death of the 34-year-old actor.
Sushant's family arrived at the Mumbai airport today to perform his last rites.
The 'Kai Po Che' actor had allegedly died of suicide earlier on Sunday at his Bandra residence, the police had said.
"Actor Sushant Singh Rajput committed suicide at his Bandra residence by hanging himself in Mumbai on Sunday," Additional Commissioner of Police Dr Manoj Sharma confirmed.However, no suicide note has been recovered from Rajput's residence, as per the police. Further investigation is underway.
16:51 Guidelines for the upcoming 12-day lockdown in Chennai
Update on the 12-day lockdown for Chennai.
1) Shops will be closed
2) Essential shops including vegetables, fruits, groceries, and fuel stations will be allowed between 6 am to 2 pm.
3) Autos, Taxis will be allowed only for emergency
4) Eateries are allowed function between 6 am and 8 pm, Only takeaway is allowed.
5) Food Delivery allowed. Delivery representative should have proper Emp ID.
6) E pass to go out from Chennai will be given only with proper supporting documents for marriage, death and health emergency.
7) Operation of trains, flights will continue.
8) 21st June and 28th June are the two Sundays will undergo complete lockdown without relaxations. Only emergency and essential services will be allowed.
9) 33% of employees except people from containment zone may come for work
10) No relaxations in containment zone
11) Tea shops should be closed throughout the lock down.
12) Amma Canteens will be kept open
13) Construction works can be carried out. Construction workers should be facilitated to stay near the construction spot. One time testing is essential for them.
14) Banks, Courts, Media can function.
16:29 If players test negative, we can think of allowing use of saliva: Agarkar
Former India pacer Ajit Agarkar understands that saliva-ban is a "safe option" in prevailing situation but urged the custodians of the game to be flexible if players test negative before the start of any series. Underling the importance of saliva in the game, Agarkar said saliva is as important for bowlers as bat for a batsman. The ICC's ban will be effective from the first international series between England and West Indies, starting July 8.
"My only contention is that players who will play, will eventually be tested before the game starts. If they are found to be COVID-19 negative then I can at least consider that it will be then safe to put saliva on the ball," Agarkar told PTI during an interaction. "This is my opinion and probably someone from the medical field can give us a broader view on the subject," the 42-year-old added. -- PTI
16:24 Chennai will return to lockdown for 12 days: CM
Chennai and adjoining areas will be under lockdown from June 19 to 30 sans present relaxations and a full scale shutdown on two Sundays, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said on Monday. After a meeting with an expert panel and amid rising coronavirus cases, Palaniswami said the lockdown will be applicable in Chennai and several areas that fall under the jurisdiction of Greater Chennai Police and situated in Tiruvallur, Chengelpet and Kancheepuram districts.
During the 12 day period, only essential services will be allowed with restrictions, he said. The proposed lockdown, sans present relaxations, will be implemented from June 19 to 30 and on two Sundays (June 21 and 28) there shall be a full scale shutdown without any relaxations, he said. -- PTI
16:09 Where's your mask, Mr health minister?
Karnataka Health Minister B Sriramulu was seen without face mask at the wedding ceremony of former minister Parameshwar Naik's son at Hagaribommanahalli in Davanagere earlier today. Sriramulu had also reportedly attended a procession in Chitradurga area where no social distancing norm was followed. Karnataka has nearly 7,000 cases of Covid-19.
16:00 Man tests positive post marriage; bride, 63 others quarantined
A 22-year-old man who got married three days ago tested positive for novel coronavirus on Monday leading to the bride and 63 others who attended the function being quarantined in Palghar district in Maharashtra, an official said. Jawhar Tehsildar Santosh Shinde said the man is a laboratory assistant.
"He got tested before marriage and the report had returned negative. However, his samples tested positive after marriage. The bride and 63 others who attended the ceremony have been quarantined," he told PTI. Palghar currently has 1,911 COVID-19 cases and 61 people have died of the infection so far.
15:59 Hong Kong Disneyland to reopen this week
The Hong Kong Disneyland will reopen to the public later this week, becoming the second Disney-branded theme park to reopen. The park had been closed due to the coronavirus outbreak since the last week of January. The resort's hotels had remained open throughout, and some restaurants reopened in May.
According to Variety, the park will open with limited public attendance from Thursday (June 18, 2020). It will implement social distancing requirements in queues, restaurants, attraction vehicles and at other facilities, and will increase the frequency of sanitization and disinfection in high-guest contact areas. Visitors will be required to make prior bookings and wear masks on site.
The information was announced Monday morning (local time) and came a few days after the Hong Kong government announced that both Disneyland and the city's other theme park Ocean Park would soon reopen. The government is the majority owner of both facilities.Ocean Park is limiting admissions to a quarter of its maximum capacity and its tickets have already been sold out for its first two weekends. -- ANI
15:49 Jaishankar to hold talks with Chinese, Russian foreign ministers on June 22
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to join his Chinese and Russian counterparts at a virtual conference of the Russia-India-China trilateral on June 22, against the backdrop of a tense border standoff between Indian and Chinese militaries, diplomatic sources said on Monday. The meeting, being convened at the initiative of Russia, is expected to deliberate on a range of key issues like ways to collectively tackle the coronavirus pandemic and address common security threats, they said.
It is unlikely that the the border standoff between India and China will figure in the meeting as bilateral issues are usually not discussed under the trilateral format, the sources said, citing convention.
15:41 Pak shells forward areas along LoC in Rajouri
The Pakistani army on Monday violated ceasefire by unprovoked firing and shelling on forward areas along the Line of Control in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said. The firing with small arms and mortar shelling started from across the border in Sunderbani sector at around 2.30 pm, drawing a befitting retaliation from the Indian army, the spokesman said. He said the cross-border firing between the two sides was going on when the last reports were received.
There has been a spurt in Pakistani shelling along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir this year with over 2,027 ceasefire violations reported till June 10. Three army personnel have been killed in Pakistani firing in the twin sectors of Rajouri and Poonch in the past two weeks. -- PTI
15:02 HC permits flights with middle seats occupied
The Bombay High Court on Monday permitted all flight operators to allow passengers to occupy middle seats in flights, but said they should strictly comply with guidelines of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation on measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
A division bench of Justices S J Kathawalla and S P Tavade refused to accept the contentions raised in a petition filed by Air India pilot Deven Kanani, who said the middle seats of all international and domestic flights should be kept vacant to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
"We are of the prima facie view that the safety and health of passengers on board the aircraft qua (with regard to) COVID-19 virus is adequately taken care of even if the middle seat of the aircraft is not kept vacant on account of passenger load and seat capacity, the court said.
The court permitted air carriers to allow passengers to occupy the middle seat in flights, but said they should strictly comply with DGCA's guidelines on measures to be taken to prevent spread of the coronavirus. The DGCA in its May 31 circular said flight operators should try to keep the middle seat vacant but if it has been booked, then the passenger shall be provided with a wraparound gown in addition to the mask and face shield. If possible, passengers from one family or those travelling in one group could be allotted seats along with the middle seat, it said in the circular.
The court in its order said it has not seen any material to show wrongdoing on part of the Air India and Air India Express or violating circulars issued by the DGCA on March 23 and endangering the lives of passengers travelling back to India from abroad in the Vande Bharat flights.
The bench noted that all precautionary measures, as stipulated with regard to passengers and the crew, are complied with by all flight operators. Upon disembarkment, thermal screening of all passengers is again carried out and they are thereafter compulsorily placed under institutional quarantine for seven to 14 days. It is not established till date that any passenger, who tested positive, has been infected on board an aircraft, the court said. -- PTI
14:58 India has fewer nukes than China, Pak: Report
India enriched its nuclear arsenal by adding 10 more weapons to the stockpile over the last year, but the country possesses a fewer number of warheads than China and Pakistan, according to a report released by a leading Swedish think-tank on Monday. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) states in its report that both India and China increased their nuclear arsenals in 2019.
While China has a total of 320 warheads in its arsenal, Pakistan and India are estimated to have 160 and 150 weapons, respectively. "China is in the middle of a significant modernisation of its nuclear arsenal. It is developing a so-called nuclear triad for the first time, made up of new land- and sea-based missiles and nuclear-capable aircraft," the report warned.
"India and Pakistan are slowly increasing the size and diversity of their nuclear forces, while North Korea continues to prioritise its military nuclear programme as a central element of its national security strategy," it said.
In its 2019 report, SIPRI had said that China's nuclear arsenal contained 290 warheads while India's had 130-140. Pakistan's nuclear arsenal was calculated at 150-160, a number which remains the same in this year's assessment. According to the report, the US tops the table with 5,800 warheads, followed by Russia with 6,375 and the UK with 215 warheads. The figures have been updated till January 2020.
"The nine nuclear-armed states -- the US, Russia, the UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea together possessed an estimated 13,400 nuclear weapons at the start of 2020. This marked a decrease from the 13,865 nuclear weapons that SIPRI estimated these states possessed at the beginning of 2019," the report said.
"The decrease in the overall number of nuclear weapons in the world in 2019 was largely due to the dismantlement of retired nuclear weapons by Russia and the USA -- which together still possess over 90 per cent of global nuclear weapons," it said.
The SIPRI Yearbook, which assesses the current state of armaments, disarmament and international security, said that despite an overall decrease in the number of nuclear warheads, nuclear powers continue to modernise their arsenals, warning that tensions were rising and the outlook for arms control was "bleak". -- PTI
14:44 No plans of another lockdown in Delhi: Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday clarified that no lockdown will be imposed in the national capital in the coming days. "Many people are speculating whether another lockdown in Delhi in being planned. There are no such plans," a tweet by the Delhi CM read.
Earlier in the day, AAP MP Sanjay Singh had attended the all-party meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in which proposals regarding increasing the numbers of beds in hospitals that come under the Delhi and central governments had been raised.
Representatives from BJP, Congress, AAP, among other parties and senior officials took part in the meeting held at the MHA today. -- ANI
File pic
14:14 India-China hold meet on Ladakh standoff
India and China holding Brigadier and Colonel-level talks to resolve the ongoing stand-off in Eastern Ladakh at Galwan River area and Hot Springs. There has been limited disengagement of troops at more locations: Indian Army sources.
The Chinese Army has deployed its troops all along the over 4,000 kilometre-long Line of Actual Control after which India has also rushed its fighting formations to forward locations in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
14:07 Hospital beds in Delhi to be increased: AAP
AAP leader Sanjay Singh on Monday said that a proposal regarding increasing the number of beds in Delhi, and Central government hospitals was discussed in the all-party meeting held to review the COVID-19 situation in the national capital.
"A proposal to increase 1,900 beds in state government and 2,000 beds in Central government hospitals was received. 1,178 beds will be increased in private hospitals and 8,000 thousand beds will be increased through 500 (train) coaches and then further 8,000 in the coming days, bringing the total number to 16,000," Singh said.
The Rajya Sabha MP from AAP further said that talks regarding 'appointment of IAS officers to monitor Central, state and private hospitals' were also held in the all-party meeting.
He confirmed that the Delhi government will start conducting 18,000 COVID-19 tests per day by June 20.
Representatives from BJP, Congress, AAP, among other parties and senior officials took part in the meeting held at the MHA today.Union Home Minister Amit Shah had called the meeting after chairing one along with Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Sunday in which Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal were present.
--ANI
13:38 Sushant under medication for depression: Police
Actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who was found hanging in his Bandra apartment on Sunday, was battling depression, police said on Monday. According to the police official, Mumbai Police found out during the probe that the 34-year-old actor was under medication for depression. No suicide note was found from the spot, the official added.
Mumbai Police as well as the crime branch officials visited his rented flat on Sunday, but nothing suspicious was found. Rajput had been living with two cooks and a house help. The medical report in the case is awaited. PTI
13:19 Missing Indian officials: MEA questions Pak
India's Ministry of External Affairs has taken up the matter of missing Indian High Commission officials with Pakistan, sources said on Monday.
The two officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad have been missing and untraceable for last few hours.
Recently, ANI had reported how Pakistan's spy agency ISI had been tailing and harassing Indian officials in Pakistan and had also increased their presence around the Islamabad residence of Gaurav Ahluwalia, the acting High Commissioner of India to Pakistan.
The incident came days after two Pakistani officials at Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi were deported for espionage activities in India.South block is closely watching the developments, sources added.
The Indian mission in Islamabad has also lodged a complaint with local authorities and taken up the matter with Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This incident is likely to cause a further dip in the already tenses India-Pakistan relations. -- ANI
13:00 India will sort out misunderstanding with Nepal: Rajnath
Asserting that the road built by India till Lipulekh Pass is very much in its territory, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday that his government believed in sorting out the "misunderstanding" in relations with Nepal through dialogue.
In a virtual rally for Uttarakhand, Singh underscored the deep ties between the two countries, saying they were bound together by "roti and beti", and no power in the world can break it.
"Our rations are not only historical and cultural, but also spiritual, and India can never forget it," he said. "How can relations between India and Nepal break!" Nepal's Parliament had on Saturday unanimously voted to amend the Constitution to update the country's new political map, laying claim over three strategically key areas along the border with it. If the road built by India has caused any misunderstanding among the people of Nepal, then it will be sorted out through dialogue, the senior BJP leader said, asserting Indians could never have any bitterness about Nepal.
In his address, Singh said the Modi government had delivered on a host of promises like abrogation of Article 370 and prohibiting instant triple talaq. Gap between politicians' promises and their work had caused a "crisis of credibility", but the Modi government has triumphed over it by delivering on the party's manifesto, he said. PTI
12:29 No plan to reimpose lockdown in Gujarat: Rupani
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Monday said his government does not plan to impose lockdown again in the state. Dismissing speculations being made on social media platforms about the lockdown, the chief minister urged people not to get carried away by such "unfounded rumours".
Since June 1, curbs have been eased in the state following which industries, offices, shops, bus and auto- rickshaw services have resumed in non-containment zones. "Following the unlock from June 1, daily life is gradually becoming normal. Business and trade-related activities have also picked up in the state. In such a scenario, the state government does not have any plans to impose the lockdown again," Rupani said in a statement.
He said while the battle against COVID-19 pandemic is on, people are also learning to live with it. Rupani's statement came after rumours on the social media that his government may impose restrictions again as COVID-19 cases are not decreasing in the state. Since the last one month, on an average 400 new coronavirus cases are emerging in the state every day. Till Sunday, Gujarat reported 23,590 COVID-19 cases and 1,478 deaths due to the viral infection. PTI
12:23 Wipro served 2.97 meals during lockdown
Rishad Premji, chairman, Wipro, tweets: "We finished the last of the cooked meals from our Wipro kitchens as part of our relief work. We served 2.97 millions meals over 74 continuous days. Thanks to the entire Wipro team behind this effort. Your commitment, resilience and humanity is greatly appreciated."
11:56 Shah holds all-party meet on COVID-19 situation in Delhi
Update: Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a meeting with the leaders of all political parties of Delhi on Monday to discuss about the novel coronavirus situation, officials said.
The meeting was held in the wake of rising novel coronavirus cases in Delhi. Shah apprised the leaders of four major political parties of Delhi on the steps taken to check the coronavirus pandemic and sought their views on the issue, a Home Ministry official said. Leaders of the BJP, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and the BSP have attended the meeting. Over 41,000 people were infected with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Delhi and it has claimed more than 1,300 lives so far. The number of COVID-19 cases in Delhi is the third highest in the country after Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
On Sunday, the home minister held two high-level meetings with Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, mayors and commissioners of Delhi's three municipal corporations to strengthen the strategy to fight the coronavirus. Shah had announced that COVID-19 testing will be doubled in Delhi in the next two days and subsequently tripled.
Announcing a slew of measures after the meeting, Shah said COVID-19 tests would be started at every polling station in the containment zones and a comprehensive house-to-house health survey would be conducted in the hotspots for contact tracing.
In view of shortage of beds for coronavirus patients in Delhi, the Modi government has decided to immediately provide 500 railway coaches, which will be equipped with all facilities, Shah said. He added that a committee had been constituted under the chairmanship of NITI Aayog member V K Paul to ensure the availability of 60 per cent beds by private hospitals at lower rates and fix the rate of tests and treatment. PTI
11:51 Two Indians at India's Islamabad Mission missing
Update: Two officials working with the Indian High Commission in Islamabad have reportedly gone missing, sources told ANI. The two officials are untraceable for the last few hours. Recently ANI reported on how Pakistan 's spy agency ISI has been tailing and harassing Indian officials and also increased their presence at the residence of Acting High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia.
This incident came in the backdrop when two Pakistani officials were caught red-handed and sent back trying to collect classified information and spying in Delhi.
South block is watching the developments closely, the Indian mission has also launched a complaint with local authorities and taken up the matter Pakistan Foreign Ministry.This incident can cause a further dip in the already tense India-Pakistan relations.
Earlier in the month, India deported two Pakistani officials for espionage activities in India. -- ANI
Rashmi with her husband Uddhav and son Aaditya in a file pic
11:42 Uddhav Thackeray's father-in-law dead
Madhav Patankar, the father-in- law of Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, died at a private hospital in Mumbai on Monday, an official from the medical facility said. A senior Shiv Sena leader also confirmed the news of death of 76-year-old Patankar after prolonged illness. His daughter Rashmi Thackeray is the wife of the state chief minister and is also the editor of Shiv Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana'. -- PTI
11:38 HM's all party meet on Covid begins
The all-party meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, over management of COVID-19 situation, is underway at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
11:30 Sushant's autopsy report: Asphyxia due to hanging
Postmortem of actor Sushant Singh Rajput has been conducted at Dr RN Cooper Municipal General Hospital. Details of the postmortem report awaited. The actor committed suicide at his residence yesterday.
The provisional postmortem report has been submitted by doctors at Bandra Police Station. A team of 3 doctors have conducted the autopsy of Sushanth Singh Rajput and the provisional cause of death is asphyxia due to hanging: Abhishek Trimukhe, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Mumbai.
11:23 Two Indian officials working with Indian High Commission in Pakistan go missing
Two Indian officials working with Indian High Commission in Islamabad (Pakistan) are missing, according to sources. This comes weeks after the vehicle of India's Charge d'affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia was chased by an Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) member. A bike-borne man was seen following Ahluwalia's car.
In March, the Indian High Commission in Pakistan sent a strong protest note to the foreign ministry in Islamabad protesting against the continuing harassment of its officers and staff by Pakistani agencies.
According to the note, India cited 13 instances of harassment in the month of March itself and asked Pakistan to stop such incidents and investigate the matter.
India had asked Pakistani authorities to "investigate these incidents urgently and instruct the relevant agencies to ensure that similar incidents do not recur". -- ANI
11:18 29 more Covid cases in CRPF, tally 620
29 more COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Monday, taking the count of positive cases in the security force to 620.
"29 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in CRPF, taking the total number of positive cases to 620, of which 189 are active and 427 have recovered," said CRPF.So far, 4 people have died in CRPF due to the infection. -- ANI
11:00 Kerala CM condoles Sushant Singh Rajput's death, recalls his support to state during 2018 floods
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has condoled the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput and recalled his support to the state during the floods in 2018. The 34-year old Bollywood actor was found hanging at his apartment in Mumbai on Sunday. "We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sushant Singh Rajput. His early demise is a great loss to the Indian Film industry. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and supporters," Vijayan said in a Facebook post.
"We take a moment to remember his support during the time of Kerala floods During the deluge in August, 2018, a fan had tagged him in a comment on his Instagram post and said, he don't have the money, but wanted to donate some food. The actor, who spotted the comment, replied that he will donate Rs 1 crore in his fan's name. Rajput donated Rs 1 crore to CMDRF in the name."
10:56 Family launches search for missing 'Covid' patient
A man, whose family says that he is likely infected with COVID-19, has been allegedly missing since last 15 days. Family claims that he was admitted at Gandhi Hospital on May 30 from where he went missing. His brother says, "His phone is switched off since last 15 days."
"A missing complaint was filed on 6 June. He is not a COVID-19 positive patient. He has not been found yet. Search for him is still underway," says G Ranveer Reddy, Inspector of Mangalghat Police Station in Hyderabad.
10:39 Sensex tumbles over 300 points in opening session
Equity benchmark Sensex tumbled over 300 points in early trade on Monday dragged by losses in financial stocks amid weak cues from global markets and persistent foreign fund outflow.
After touching a low of 33,384.75, the 30-share index was trading 362.96 points, or 1.07 per cent, lower at 33,417.93. Similarly, NSE Nifty dropped 96.90 points, or 0.97 per cent, to 9,876.
IndusInd Bank was the top laggard in the Sensex pack, tumbling around 4 per cent, followed by Tata Steel, Bajaj Finance, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, NTPC, SBI, HDFC Bank and SBI. On the other hand, Sun Pharma, Infosys, Nestle India and Asian Paints were among the gainers. In the previous session, the BSE barometer settled at 33,780.89, up 242.52 points, or 0.72 per cent, and the Nifty rose 70.90 points, or 0.72 per cent, to end at 9,972.90.
On a net basis, foreign institutional investors sold equities worth Rs 1,311.49 crore in the capital market on Friday, provisional exchange data showed. According to traders, negative cues from global markets on fears of a second wave of coronavirus cases and foreign fund outflow hit domestic sentiment.
10:24 Moderate rain expected in Mumbai
Rainfall in Mumbai and adjacent areas in the last 24 hours indicates activity picked up after 1 am towards city side with maximum rainfall going above 50 mm at isolated places. Moderate rain is expected in Thane and in west Mumbai: IMD
10:18 China begins mass testing in Beijing as 67 new cases appear
China has begun the mass testing of hundreds of people who had visited a Beijing wholesale market which sparked a fresh bout of coronavirus cases even as the country reported 67 new COVID-19 infections including 42 in the capital. In a bid to stem the spread of the contagion, the authorities in Beijing have conducted the nucleic acid test on 29,386 people who had visited the Xinfadi wholesale market since May 30, Gao Xiaojun, spokesman for the Beijing Health Commission, said on Monday.
The market became a hotspot after it reported several new COVID-19 cases. Out of all the samples, 12,973 came negative and the rest are awaiting results, Gao told the media. The National Health Commission (NHC) in its daily report on Monday said that 49 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and 18 asymptomatic cases were reported on Sunday. As of Sunday, 112 people with asymptomatic symptoms were still under quarantine. Asymptomatic cases, also known as silent spreaders, are the patients who have tested COVID-19 positive but develop no symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat.
However, they pose a risk of spreading the disease to others. The Beijing Municipal Health Commission on Monday said that the city reported 36 new confirmed domestically-transmitted COVID-19 cases and six new asymptomatic cases. The official media on Sunday said that eight people tested positive in the capital.
By Sunday, Beijing has reported 499 confirmed domestically-transmitted COVID-19 cases since January, including 411 who have been discharged from hospitals after recovery and nine deaths, the commission said. There were still 79 patients receiving medical treatment and seven asymptomatic cases under medical observation, the state run-Xinhua news agency reported. -- PTI
10:07 Sushant Singh's father leaves for Mumbai
Sushant Singh Rajput's father (in blue t-shirt) and other family members leave from their residence in Patna for airport. They'll be leaving for Mumbai today. BJP MLA Niraj Kumar Singh Babloo (in white shirt) who is also a relative of Sushant, is accompanying the family. The postmortem report of the actor is expected today.
Mumbai's Marine Drive on Sunday
09:59 India reports a whopping 3,32,424 Covid cases
There have been 325 death and 11,502 new COVID-19 cases reported in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in the country are now at 3,32,424 including 1,53,106 active cases, 1,69,798 cured/discharged/migrated and 9520 deaths: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Meanwhile, the ICMR says testing (Molecular based) as on 15th June at 9 am was carried on out on 57,74,133 samples. At least 1,15,519 samples were tested in the last 24 hours.
09:49 Only 50% occupancy allowed in Mumbai local trains
Update on local train travel in Mumbai: Against a seating capacity to accommodate about 1,200 persons, only about 700 are to be allowed per train. The partial resumption of suburban train services is expected to benefit around 1.25 lakh employees of essential services of the state government.
Entry will be given at stations through ID cards of the employees, the official said. The Western Railway will run 73 pairs of suburban services including 8 pairs between Virar and Dahanu Road.
The Western Railway and Central Railway have decided to run the trains from 5.30 am to 11.30 pm with interval of around 15 minutes. Maharashtra on Sunday recorded 3,390 new coronavirus cases, taking the tally to 1,07,958, while 3,950 people have lost their lives due to COVID-19 so far.
09:23 Sushant's post-mortem over, report at 10 am
The postmortem of actor Sushant Singh Rajput has been conducted at Dr RN Cooper Municipal General Hospital. The details of the postmortem report is awaited. The actor committed suicide at his Bandra residence yesterday. As per the latest information, a postmortem of the body has been conducted but the report will be released today at 10 am.
Jan Adhikar Party Chief Pappu Yadav said on Monday that a CBI inquiry should be ordered into Sushant Singh Rajput's death. "I think there is a 'deep conspiracy' behind this. I can not imagine how this happened. I request the government to launch a CBI inquiry. I think there is a deep conspiracy behind his death. Sushant cannot commit suicide," Pappu Yadav told reporters."I want a CBI inquiry in the matter. Sushant was a workaholic and a good man, not the kind of person that would commit suicide. He rose from the bottom. Made Bihar proud. Now the state of Bihar is in mourning," he added.
Yadav even went on to claim that it could be a case of homicide.Actor Sushant allegedly committed suicide at his Bandra residence by hanging himself in Mumbai on Sunday, the police said.
However, no suicide note has been recovered from Rajput's residence, as per the police. Further investigation is underway. -- ANI
09:22 Petrol price hiked by 48 paise/litre, diesel by 23 paise
Petrol price on Monday was hiked by 48 paise per litre and diesel by 23 paise a litre as oil companies for the ninth day in a row adjusted retail rates in line with costs since ending an 82-day hiatus in rate revision.
Petrol price in Delhi was hiked to Rs 76.26 per litre from Rs 75.78, while diesel rates were increased to Rs 74.26 a litre from Rs 74.03, according to a price notification of state oil marketing companies. Rates have been increased across the country and vary from state to state depending on the incidence of local sales tax or VAT. This is the ninth daily increase in rates in a row since oil companies on June 7 restarted revising prices in line with costs, after ending an 82-day hiatus.
In nine hikes, petrol price has gone up by Rs 5 per litre and diesel by Rs 4.87 a litre. The freeze in rates was imposed in mid-March soon after the government hiked excise duty on petrol and diesel to shore up additional finances. Oil PSUs Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd instead of passing on the excise duty hikes to customers adjusted them against the fall in the retail rates that was warranted because of fall in international oil prices. -- PTI
09:06 Local trains begin with conditions
A tiny step towards normalcy. A local train leaves from Nallasopara railway station in suburban Mumbai. Western Railway has resumed their selected suburban services from today only for movement of essential staff as identified by the state government.
08:58 Mumbai local trains resume for essential staff
A local train left Nallasopara railway station on Monday morning as Western Railway resumed their selected suburban services from today only for movement of essential staff as identified by the state government.
The Railways said that general passengers are not allowed in these trains and asked people not to crowd at stations.
'Western Railway have decided to resume their selected suburban services over WR w.e.f. Monday, 15th June, 2020 with defined protocol & SOP, only for movement of essential staff as identified by the State Government,' the railways tweeted.
The trains will run from 5.30 am to 11.30 pm with an interval of 15 minutes.
'Maximum services will run between Churchgate and Virar, but few will also run up to Dahanu Road,' the railways said.
More details HERE
08:19 Bihar netas seek CBI probe into Sushant's death
Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum in Bihar on Sunday following the demise of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who was the latest among those who hailed from the state and made it big in Bollywood.
Governor Fagu Chauhan and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar came out with condolence messages expressing anguish over the death of Rajput, who was found hanging from the ceiling of his house in Mumbai.
Senior Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha, the original 'Bihari Babu' of the tinsel town, came out with a couple of tweets expressing grief and shock over the news and remarked, 'suicide is not the answer'.
A condolence message was also issued by the leader of the opposition in the state assembly Tejashwi Yadav. His elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav also expressed his condolences in a tweet.
'Dear Sushant, was it an appropriate age for bidding adieu to the world? Cannot believe the news! The ever smiling face, so full of life!' Tej Pratap tweeted.
Condolence messages were also issued by Lok Janshakti Party chief Chirag Paswan and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Union minister Nityananda Rai.
Former MPs Lovely Anand and Pappu Yadav, both of whom hail from the Kosi Seemanchal region which the Rajputs family hails from, visited the actors residence here and consoled his grieving father, and suspecting foul play also demanded a 'CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) inquiry'.
The demand was seconded by the state unit of the Aam Aadmi Party, which issued a statement to the effect and alleged that 'hostility against Biharis in the film industry' drove the actor to suicide at a young age of 34.
Condoling Rajput's death, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said it is an 'irreparable loss' not only to the film industry but also for the entire society as well.
"The sudden death of the actor has caused irreparable loss not only to the film industry but also for the entire society as well," Khattar said in Chandigarh. -- PTI
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