LIVE! Biden says White House co-operation 'sincere'

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Wed, 25 November 2020

Biden says White House co-operation 'sincere'

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23:52 Biden says White House co-operation 'sincere'

US President-elect Joe Biden says the White House has so far been "sincere" in helping his transition to power.

"It has not been begrudging so far, and I don't expect it to be," he told NBC News in an interview.

He spoke as he unveiled his choice of top officials for when he takes over from Donald Trump in January.

Trump finally agreed to allow the formal transition process to begin on Monday, nearly three weeks after the presidential election.

Yet he still refuses to admit defeat, repeating unsubstantiated claims that the 3 November vote was "rigged".

23:30 Tributes for Maradona

While UEFA confirms there will be a minute's silence at all UCL games tonight to remember Diego Maradona, the president of Argentina has announced 3 days of mourning following the legend's demise.

Cyclone Nivar makes its landfall 30 km north of Puducherry.

Centre of Cyclone Nivar to cross coast near Puducherry within 3 hours with wind speed of 120-130 kmph gusting to 145 kmph, says IMD.

Tamil Nadu has declared a public holiday to prepare for Cyclone Nivar, which is expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram on November 26.

China's official CGTN broadcaster says China has given assurances to the World Health Organization that the body will be able to send a team to investigate the origins of the coronavirus "as soon as possible".

Many experts think Covid-19 likely originated in the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, which has been linked to early confirmed cases. While not a wet market in the strictest sense, reports suggest the market was selling wildlife, including snakes, porcupine and deer.

After an initial cluster of cases connected to the market, the virus began spreading dramatically inside China, before reaching much of the world. The origins of the novel virus are unknown, but it most likely emerged in a bat, then made the leap to humans via another wild animal host.

But Chinese media have increasingly been amplifying suggestions that the virus might have been in other countries before reaching China.

The country has sought to deflect blame for the outbreak from countries like the US, and has often shared a message that the WHO views China as taking an "active response" in handling Covid-19.

22:39 Rahul to attend Ahmed Patel's funeral

The body of senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel was taken to Ankleshwar in Bharuch district of Gujarat on Wednesday where it will be kept at a hospital for night before his funeral in his native village Piraman on

Thursday morning, party leaders said.

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi will pay his last respects to Patel in Piraman village on Thursday morning, Congress in-charge for Gujarat Rajeev Satav told reporters.

The mortal remains of Patel were brought to Vadodara by air in evening and were taken to Ankleshwar in an ambulance by road, leaders said.

The body will be kept at a hospital in Ankleshwar in the night. It will be taken to Piraman village in morning for the funeral, a party leader said.

Patel (71), the top strategist and troubleshooter of the Congress party, died in a Gurugram hospital in the early hours of Wednesday following complications related to COVID-19.

Many senior leaders of Gujarat Congress turned up at Vadodara airport to pay their last respects to Patel late evening.

"Ahhmed Patel who played a big role in giving a direction to the Congress is no more with us. It is a great loss to the Congress party as well as for Gujarat and rest of the country. He worked on all posts of the All India Congress Committee. He knew every worker by his name. Whenever we faced any issue, we would go to him for guidance," said Satav.

He said Rahul Gandhi will reach Patel's native village to pay hislast respects on Thursday morning.

-- PTI

22:22 US reports 1 Covid death every 40 seconds

The daily coronavirus death toll in the US reached 2,157 on Tuesday one person every 40 seconds. It was the first time since May that deaths from Covid-19 had passed 2,000 in 24 hours.

The deadliest day in more than six months was still short of the record of 2,806 deaths on 14 April, the Reuters news agency said, citing its own tally of official data.

Also on Tuesday, 170,000 new infections were reported, while hospitalisations reached 87,000. Experts say the numbers of infections may grow with millions of Americans disregarding official warnings and traveling for Thursdays Thanksgiving holiday

Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, stressed the need to hang in there a bit longer on wearing masks, maintaining distance and avoiding crowds, especially indoors.

If we do those things, were going to get through it. So thats my final plea before the holiday, Fauci told the ABC News programme Good Morning America on Wednesday.

22:07 Football legend Diego Maradona passes away

Diego Maradona has died at the age of 60 after suffering a cardiac arrest, according to multiple reports.

The football legend had a heart attack at his home just two weeks after leaving hospital where he underwent surgery on a blot clot in his brain.

Maradona, regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, helped Argentina win the World Cup in 1986, the pinnacle of an illustrious career.

He played club football for Boca Juniors, Napoli and Barcelona among others and was adored by millions for his brilliant skills.

Maradona was responsible for the infamous 'Hand of God' that eliminated England from the 1986 tournament.

A driver in a station wagon with white hand-printed letters crashed into a gate outside German Chancellor Angela Merkel's office on Wednesday morning, but could not get past the barrier and was later detained.

The police said a 54-year-old man was taken in custody over Wednesday's crash, reported New York Times.

The message "You damned murderers of children and old people" was painted on one side of the car, while the other side read, "Stop the politics of globalisation," according to pictures of the crash site.

The police tweeted that the security measures had worked, and at no point were Merkel or other government workers in danger.

Hartmut Paeth, a spokesman for the Berlin police, said that officers were in the process of clarifying with the elderly gentleman, whom they have in custody as a driver, and how this situation came about.

Although the driver's motive was unclear, the incident bore similarities to another crash outside Merkel's office over six years ago, according to New York Times.

In 2014, a car, also adorned with hand-painted white letters, crashed into a gate outside Merkel's office. The message on the car urged a stop to climate change.

The messages on the car on Wednesday initially raised questions over whether the action was connected to protests in past weeks over widespread restrictions to public life to slow the spread of the coronavirus in Germany, reported New York Times.

Last week, protesters were forbidden to gather in front of the Reichstag building, a couple of hundred yards away from Merkel's building, as the authorities feared that they could hinder or endanger lawmakers and government workers.

-- ANI

21:42 Assam braces for final journey of Tarun Gogoi

The Assam government is making preparations for around 1,000 people to attend the last rites of former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, to be performed with full state honours at the Nabagraha cremation ground on Thursday, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Sarma told reporters all arrangements will be ready by late tonight and the three-time former chief minister will be given a befitting farewell by the people of the state.

"I have directed the authorities to prepare the venue in a manner fit for the occasion," the minister said.

Gogoi died on Monday after a four-month battle with COVID-19 and related complications.

The cremation ground is being spruced up with a fresh coat of paint and workers of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation are also at the venue.

Gogoi's final journey will begin from Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, where his mortal remains have been kept for people to pay their last respects, at 9 am on Thursday.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, his cabinet colleagues, family members of Gogoi, leaders of opposition parties, senior officials and Congress party workers would be present on the occasion.

Traffic would be restricted in the area for a few hours till his body reaches the venue around 11 am.

-- PTI

Delhi recorded 5,246 fresh COVID-19 cases in a day as the positivity rate declined 8.49 per cent, while 99 more fatalities pushed the city's death toll to 8,720 on Wednesday, authorities said.

It was after five days that the national capital recorded single-day death toll below 100.

As many as 61,778 tests, including 26,080 RT-PCR ones, were conducted on Tuesday for the detection of COVID-19, according to a bulletin by the Delhi health department on Wednesday.

Delhi had recorded its highest single-day spike of 8,593 cases on November 11. The same day 85 deaths linked to the disease were also registered.

In the last 13 days, at least seven times the daily number of deaths had crossed the 100-mark. Authorities reported 109 deaths on Tuesday, 121 on Monday and Sunday, 111 on Saturday, 118 on Friday, 131 on November 18 -- the highest till date -- and 104 fatalities on November 12.

According to the bulletin, the total number of cases climbed to 5,45,787 on Wednesday, of which 4,98,780 have recovered. The tally of active cases in Delhi was 38,287 down from 38,501 on Tuesday.

The number of COVID-19 containment zones in Delhi rose to 4,980 on Wednesday from 4,708 the previous day.

-- PTI

The BJP-led government in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday said it is proposing a jail term of 10 years for anyone found guilty of using marriage to force someone to change religion.

The announcement by state Home Minister Narottam Mishra came a day after Uttar Pradesh government approved a draft ordinance to curb forcible or 'dishonest' religious conversions including those for the sake of marriage, which could land violators in jail for up to 10 years.

In recent weeks, BJP-run states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh have revealed plans to enact laws to counter alleged attempts to convert Hindu women to Islam in the guise of marriage, which party leaders often refer to as love jihad.

Mishra told reporters that the state government has proposed a 10-year jail term for luring, threatening and forcing someone into marriage for religious conversion, in the proposed Dharm Swatantrya (Religious Freedom) Bill 2020.

The bill draft will be presented before the cabinet in the second week of December and subsequently tabled in the state assembly during its session from December 28, he added.

He said the bill will provide a five-year jail term for gurus, priests, maulvis and kazis who will conduct such marriages, and registration of organisations conducting such marriages will be cancelled.

-- PTI

20:50 Navy on standby as 'Nivar' approaches

Indian Navy ships, aircraft, helicopters, diving and disaster relief teams are currently on standby as cyclonic storm Nivar approaches the coast of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

The cyclone is expected to make landfall at around midnight or the early hours of November 26.

Chennai is witnessing a spell of heavy rainfall and strong winds ahead of Cyclone Nivar's landfall, expected in the early hours of November 26.

Social media users are conveying their solidarity and support for Meghan Markle, after she revealed in a moving essay for the New York Times that she had suffered a miscarriage earlier this year.

The Duchess of Sussex stated that she felt something was wrong while she was holding her first child with Prince Harry, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.

After changing his diaper, I felt a sharp cramp, she wrote. "I dropped to the floor with him in my arms, humming a lullaby to keep us both calm, the cheerful tune a stark contrast to my sense that something was not right. I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second.

Losing a child means carrying an almost unbearable grief, experienced by many but talked about by few, she describes.

Women have since taken to Twitter with their support and appreciation of the Duchess for sharing her story.

Best-selling Australian author Nikki Gemmell praised the Duchesss honesty on a devastating loss too rarely discussed. Helping others whove gone through it.

Podcaster, author and journalist Elizabeth Day has also spoken out in support of Meghan and Prince Harry, while also stating how grateful she was to the Duchess and Chrissy Teigen for talking openly about their experience of miscarriage.

Chrissy Teigen and the Duchess of Sussex speaking openly about something that historically has given women so much pain, shame and trauma, is a game-changing step, she posted on Twitter.

Author and travel writer Monisha Rajesh commended Meghans decision to speak out in the face of online abuse. That Meghan Markle could write about her miscarriage knowing that it would add fuel to the fire of the demons who want her demise, makes her even more of a queen, she tweeted.

Some have criticised Meghans move to open up about the truth of her miscarriage, tweeting that they dont care and calling her attention-seeking and a professional victim, suggesting that she lacks a soul or that the piece was written by her aides.

20:06 China's Xi finally congratulates Biden

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory message to US President-elect Joe Biden, more than two weeks after US media called the race for the Democratic candidate.

"Promoting the healthy and stable development of China-US relations is not only in the fundamental interests of both peoples, but also meets the common expectation of the international community," state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Xi as saying in the message.

"I hope to see both sides uphold the spirit of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, and focus on cooperation while managing and controlling disputes," Xi added, according to Xinhua.

On Nov 13, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, without naming Xi, offered Beijing's congratulations to Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris almost a week after they delivered victory speeches.

But the spokesperson noted at the time that the outcome of the US election would be "ascertained in accordance with US laws and procedures."

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan on Wednesday sent a congratulatory message to Harris, according to Xinhua.

19:36 Top 10 losers in today's Sensex crash

Snapping a three-day winning streak, the 30-share BSE Sensex on Wednesday slumped 694.92 points, or 1.56 per cent, to finish at 43,828.10, that too after touching a lifetime high of 44,825.37 in the opening session.

So who were the top losers in this market correction?

The graph alongside gives a clear picture.

19:31 Cyclone Nivar may make landfall after 2 am

NDRF DG SN Pradhan has said that Cyclone Nivar may make landfall after 2 am on November 26.

He added that over one lake people have been evacuated across Tamil Nadu and more than 1,000 people have been evacuated across Puducherry.

Earlier, Pradhan had said that the NDRF has deployed several teams to help with relief and rescue operations.

Meanwhile, the BJP Tamil Nadu has cancelled the last leg of Vel Yatra due to Cyclone Nivar. The final event will happen on December 5 in Tiruchendur.

Delhi Police on Wednesday asserted it has rejected requests received from various farmer organisations to protest in the national capital against the Centre's new farm laws on November 26 and 27.

The police had on Tuesday said that legal action would be taken against the protesting farmers if they come to the city for any gathering amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The farmers will reach Delhi on November 26 through five highways connecting the city as part of their 'Delhi Chalo' march call.

Taking to Twitter, the city police said requests have been rejected for any such gathering in the city.

"REGARDING FARMER ORGANIZATIONS MARCH TO DELHI ON 26&27 NOVEMBER. All the requests received from various Farmer Organisations regarding protest in Delhi on 26 and 27 November have been rejected and this has already been communicated to the organisers," the Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) tweeted.

"Please co-operate with Delhi Police in ensuring no gathering in Delhi amid coronavirus, failing which legal action will be initiated as per law," it said.

Delhi Police PRO Eish Singhal said, "Various farmer organisations have requested for permission for protest in Delhi on November 26 and 27. We have conveyed to them in writing and through various media also that the protest is not permitted in view of the latest DDMA guidelines."

"When the condition is good, they can seek due permission and exercise their right to protest in Delhi. For now, they are requested to cooperate with Delhi Police and not indulge in any kind of protest. If despite our appeal they turn up to Delhi, the required legal action will be taken against them," Singhal said.

The All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee, Rashtriya Kisan Mahasangh and various factions of the Bharatiya Kisan Union have joined hands and formed a 'Samyukta Kisan Morcha' to press the central government to scrap the three farm laws.

-- PTI

18:53 Pondy govt declares Thursday as public holiday

The territorial administration declared on Thursday a public holiday for all departments and educational institutions in Puducherry and Karaikal regions.

Already, Wednesday was a public holiday. With the cyclonic weather continuing, the administration declared Thursday too as a public holiday for departments and educational institutions.

The holiday is declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act.

However, staff engaged in cyclone related to disaster management and COVID-19 work would not have the holiday.

The government also declared through a notification that December 19 would be a working day to compensate the holiday on Thursday.

-- PTI

Ambassadors come and ambassadors go, but they are seldom known to go on a bicycle tour ahead of their retirement.

And that's exactly what Venu Rajamony, India's ambassador to the Netherlands, did, going on a farewell bicycle tour of The Hague along with mayor Jan van Zanen, former deputy mayor Rabin Baldewsingh, and member of Parliament Sven Koopmans.

You can see the video of the bicycle tour here.

Rajamony, who has been ambassador to Netherlands since June 2017, retires on Monday after more than three decades of serving on the diplomatic corps.

Among the highlights of his career was serving as the press secretary to President Pranab Mukherjee, and paid a glowing tribute to him on Rediff.com, here.

18:11 Cyclone Nivar: Chennai airport suspends ops

Due to Cyclone Nivar aircraft operations at AAI Chennai Airport will remain suspended from 1900hrs of 25.11.2020 (today) to 0700hrs of 26.11.2020 (tomorrow), reports ANI.

The decision has been taken considering the safety aspect of passengers and the severity of approching Cyclone.

About more than 30,000 people have been evacuated from Tamil Nadu and 7,000 people have been evacuated from Puducherry.

The cyclone is expected to take more time to make landfall as it is moving slower than usual. A report by The Times of India has quoted a former IMD official as saying that cyclones usually move at 10-20 kmph but Nivar is moving at an average speed of 5-6 kmph.

The twelfth anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks will be observed on Thursday, with the city police organising an event to pay homage to the martyred security personnel, to be attented by only a limited

number of people in view of the pandemic, an official said.

The ceremony will be held at the newly-built memorial at the police headquarters in South Mumbai. It will be attended by the family members of the martyred police and security personnel, the official said on Wednesday.

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, DGP Subodh Kumar Jaiswal, Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh and other senior officers will pay their respects to the martyrs, he said.

-- PTI

JNU student leader Umar Khalid

17:36 Umar Khalid executed crimes against humanity: Cops

The accused persons in the recent Delhi riots allegedly committed a crime against humanity carried out in an extremely brutal, grotesque and dastardly manner, police has said in its supplementary charge sheet filed in a case in a court here.

The charge sheet, which names former JNU student leader Umar Khalid and JNU student Sharjeel Imam as accused, said there was a tacit understanding between the accused persons to carry out an illegal act.

It stated that by a sustained and well-oiled campaign, they created an acute sense of fear and insecurity in the minds of the minority community.

"All the accused persons came together in pursuit of an unlawful object. The offences have been committed by the accused persons in an extremely brutal, grotesque and dastardly manner. Innocent victims and helpless were targeted of this ghastly, horrendous and horrifying crime. Precious lives were lost. Accused persons are charge sheeted for commission of grave, serious and heinous offences. It is pertinent to mention here that their acts and commissions have shocked the collective conscience of the society. The accused persons' conduct exhibits total disregard for human values and shows a totally depraved, brutal and scheming mind. The accused persons have committed a crime against humanity," police claimed in the charge sheet filed on Sunday.

Equity markets' record run screeched to a halt on Wednesday as investors pocketed gains in banking, finance and IT counters amid a mixed trend overseas.

Snapping a three-day winning streak, the 30-share BSE Sensex slumped 694.92 points or 1.56 per cent to finish at 43,828.10. The index touched a lifetime high of 44,825.37 in the opening session.

Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty touched a record intra-day peak of 13,145.85, before ending 196.75 points or 1.51 per cent down at 12,858.40. Kotak Bank was the top loser in the Sensex pack, skidding 3.22 per cent, followed by Axis Bank, Sun Pharma, HDFC Bank, Bajaj Finance, Asian Paints, Bharti Airtel, Infosys and Tech Mahindra.

Only three index components closed in the green -- ONGC, PowerGrid and IndusInd Bank, jumping up to 6.25 per cent. Global equities were mixed after the US' Dow Jones Industrial Average breached the 30,000-mark for the first time in the overnight session on COVID-19 vaccine optimism. Reports that US President-elect Joe Biden would appoint former Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen as Treasury Secretary also cheered investors. -- PTI

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will arrive in Kathmandu on Thursday on his maiden official visit to Nepal during which he will hold talks with his Nepalese counterpart and other top leaders and discuss wide ranging areas of bilateral cooperation.

Shringla is visiting Nepal at the invitation of Foreign Secretary Bharat Raj Paudyal, amid a strain in bilateral ties following a bitter border row between the two countries. This will be a continuation of the regular exchange of high level visits between the two friendly neighbours, the Nepalese Foreign Ministry said in a statement this week.

"During the visit, Shringla will hold bilateral meeting with his Nepali counterpart and discuss wide ranging areas of cooperation between Nepal and India," it said. "The Indian Foreign Secretary will also call on the high-level dignitaries of Nepal, the statement said, without identifying them. He will also hand over COVID-19 related support to the Government of Nepal before wrapping up his two-day visit on Friday.

17:19 India may deploy Predator drones along LAC

In a sign of growing closeness between India and the United States amid conflict with China, the Indian Navy has inducted two Predator drones from an American firm on lease for carrying out surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region and which can also be deployed along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh.

The American-origin drones have been inducted by the Navy under the emergency procurement powers granted by the Defence Ministry in view of the India-China border conflict.

"The drones arrived in India in the second week of November and were inducted into flying operations on November 21 at Indian Navy base at INS Rajali," top government sources told ANI.

The drones have already started flying operations and with an endurance capability of being in the air for over 30 hours, they are proving to be a big asset for the maritime force, they said.

An American crew from the vendor is also accompanying the equipment and would help the Navy to operate the machines, the sources said.

The drones are flying in Indian colours and would be on lease with India for one year even as the three services are preparing the case for acquiring 18 more such drones from the US, the sources said.

India and America have been working very closely during the ongoing conflict against Chinese aggression in Eastern Ladakh including help in surveillance and information sharing in all domains, the sources said.

Sources said the option of leasing weapon systems has been provisioned under the Defence Acquisition Procedure-2020 and the Defence Procurement Manual -2009 and helps in saving funds and the responsibility of maintenance also lies with the vendor, the sources said.

Under the lease agreement, the American support staff will only help in the maintenance and technical issues whereas the sortie planning and the joystick control would be with the Indian Navy personnel, the sources said.

17:17

Kerala Governor Arif Muhammad Khan signs ordinance revoking amendments to Kerala Police Act.

17:02 We are not afraid of a probe: Raut over ED raids

A day after the Enforcement Directorate raided Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik's properties, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Wednesday said they were not afraid of investigation. Talking to reporters, he said the ED's raids on Sarnaik was "political vendetta".

Raut also said that he will send a list of 120 BJP leaders to the ED and wait to see if they are called for questioning by the central agency. "We are not afraid of investigation. Sarnaik has already clarified that his family has nothing to do with the case that the ED is probing. The rulers in Delhi feel that the Marathi-speaking people shouldn't do business and entrepreneurship, and if they do, they will be finished through the ED," he alleged.

The ED on Tuesday conducted raids at the premises linked to Sarnaik in Mumbai and neighbouring Thane in connection with a money-laundering case being probed against a security service provider company and others. -- PTI

In view of Cyclone Nivar, the Southern Railway on Wednesday has cancelled seven trains scheduled for November 26.

Southern Railway in a communication said it had cancelled six pairs of trains and one more train has been cancelled, which was scheduled for Thursday.

"Earlier, Southern Railway has fully cancelled two trains for today (November 25), three for tomorrow (November 26) and one for November 28. A total of five trains partially cancelled," stated Chief Public Relation Officer, B Guganesan.Meanwhile, IndiGo flights to or from the southern region, mainly Chennai, have been disrupted.

"A total of 49 flights that were scheduled for Wednesday have been cancelled. We will monitor the situation and decide on the further course of action for November 26. We are accommodating passengers on next available flights at no additional charges, waiving off cancellation fee and refunding full ticket amount," Indigo said in a statement.

Cyclone Nivar is likely to cross between Mamallapuram and Karaikal during midnight of Wednesday and early hours of November 26, as per India Meteorological Department. -- PTI

Ministry of Home Affairs issues fresh guidelines for surveillance, containment and caution from December 1 to contain the spread of Covid19.

MHA's fresh guidelines will be effective from December 1 to 31.

Main focus is to consolidate substantial gains achieved against COVID19. Further, keeping in view recent spike in cases in few States/UTs, it is emphasised that there is need to maintain caution, says MHA.

States/ UTs mandated to strictly enforce containment measures, SOPs on various activities and COVID-appropriate behavior and exercise caution and regulate crowds.

Only essential activities allowed in Containment Zones. Local district, police and municipal authorities shall be responsible to ensure that prescribed containment measures are strictly followed and State/UT Govts shall ensure accountability of concerned officers.

Details awaited

Severe cyclone 'Nivar' would intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and it is likely to cross the coast between Tamil Nadu and Puducherry before dawn on Thursday, the India Meteorological Department said.

Chief Minister K Palaniswami, meanwhile, declared Thursday a public holiday for 13 districts including Chennai, Vellore, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Chengelpet and Kancheepuram considering the safety of people in view of the cyclone. Wednesday has already been declared a holiday. In its latest bulletin, the IMD said Nivar would cross over betwen Karaikal and Mamallapuram "during the midnight of November 25 and early hours of 26 November."

The storm, 250 km off Chennai and 190 km and 180 km from Puducherry and Cuddalore respectively is very likely to move northwestwards and cross coasts as a "very severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 120-130 kmph gusting to 145 kmph."

Under the influence of the cyclone, coastal and north interior Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kariakal regions are likely to receive rainfall on Wednesday at most places with heavy to very heavy showers at a few places and extremely heavy rains at isolated places.

South coastal Andhra Pradesh is also likely to witness showers at most places today. Rainfall is expected to continue in many places in these regions Thursday too with heavy rainfall at some places. Surplus water was released from Chembarambakkam lake, one of the key drinking water sources to the city, since it almost neared its capacity, the government said.

PDP leader Waheed Parra

15:52 PDP youth wing leader Parra arrested by NIA in connection with terror case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday arrested PDP youth wing president Waheed Parra in connection with a terror case, officials said. Parra, who recently filed his nomination for the District Development Council (DDC) elections from Pulwama in South Kashmir, was being questioned at the NIA headquarters in New Delhi since Monday for his alleged involvement with the Hizbul Mujahideen terror group.

The name of Parra, who was instrumental in the revival of the PDP in south Kashmir, especially in militancy-infested Pulwama, surfaced during the probe into the suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police Davinder Singh case.

"Today NIA arrested Waheed Ur Rehman Parra, the youth wing leader of People's Democratic Party, in connection with the Naveed Babu-Davinder Singh case for supporting Hizbul Mujahideen in conspiracy with the other accused persons," NIA's spokesperson said. On Monday, talking to PTI, Parra had expressed ignorance about the case for which he was being questioned. PTI

15:42 Malayalam film is India's Oscar entry

Malayalam film 'Jallikattu' India's official entry at Oscars in International Feature Film category: Film Federation of India.

15:40 Govt lifts moratorium on Laxmi Vilas Bank

Union Cabinet approves Scheme of Amalgamation of Lakshmi Vilas Bank with Development Bank India Ltd, a private bank. With this, there will no further restrictions on the depositors regarding the withdrawal of their deposits, says Union Minister Prakash Javadekar.

The government last week placed Lakshmi Vilas Bank under one-month moratorium, superseded its board and capped withdrawals at Rs 25,000 per depositor.

The step was taken by the government, on the advice of the Reserve Bank, in view of the declining financial health of the private sector lender.

In a statement, the RBI said in the absence of a credible revival plan, with a view to protect depositors' interest and in the interest of financial and banking stability, there was no alternative but to apply to the central government for imposing a moratorium under Section 45 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

15:25 Rahul pays tribute to Ahmed Patel

Congress leaders condoled the demise of senior party leader Ahmed Patel on Wednesday, with Sonia Gandhi mourning the loss of an "irreplaceable comrade" and Rahul Gandhi saying he "lived and breathed Congress" and stood with the party through its most difficult times.

Rahul Gandhi with Tarun Gogoi's wife, Dolly

15:08 Rahul meets Tarun Gogoi's wife in Guwahati

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday paid last respects to party leader and former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in Guwahati. Terming the demise of Gogoi as a personal loss for him, the Wayanad MP said that Gogoi treated him like his own son.

"Tarun Gogoi treated me like his own son. It is a personal loss for me. Today we have also lost Ahmed Patelji, another pillar of the Congress party," Rahul Gandhi told reporters.

"It is a tragic day for us. Tarun Gogoi always discussed with me about Assam and its people. He brought different religions and cultures of Assam together," he added.

Gogoi, 84, died on Monday evening at Guwahati Medical College where he was on ventilation after suffering a multi-organ failure. He had tested positive for COVID-19 in August.

The cremation will be conducted on November 26.He was the 13th chief minister of the state and held office between 2001 and 2016. -- ANI

15:01 Night curfew in Punjab from Dec 1: Amarinder

Update: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday said a night curfew will be imposed in the state from December 1 to fight coronavirus. The chief minister in a statement said the night curfew will remain in force from 10 pm and 5 am, amid apprehension of a second wave of coronavirus in the state.

Announcing a series of fresh restrictions, the CM also ordered doubling of fine for not wearing masks or following social distancing norms from December 1. The fine for not wearing masks and not following social distancing norms has been hiked from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000.

The curbs, which will be reviewed on December 15, also restrict operation timings for all hotels, restaurants and marriage palaces till 9.30 pm. PTI

Image: Police deploy water cannon to disperse farmers who have gathered on Chandigarh-Delhi Highway to proceed to Delhi for staging a demonstration. Spot masks? This is why the CM has imposed a curfew to combat rising Covid numbers

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami visits Chembarambakkam Lake to review the situation ahead of the landfall of Cyclone Nivar.

Calling the BJP "garbage of lies" and "biggest curse of the nation", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday dared the saffron party to arrest her and asserted she will ensure TMC victory in the upcoming elections even from the jail. Election to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly is due in April-May.

Accusing the BJP of trying to poach TMC MLAs by attempting to bribe them, Banerjee, without naming anyone, said some people are acting as fence-sitters who are under the illusion that the saffron party might come to power in the state.

"The BJP is not a political party but garbage of lies. Whenever the election arrives, they bring up the issue of Narada (sting operation) and Saradha (scam) to intimidate TMC leaders. "But let me tell them very clearly, I am not afraid of the BJP or its agencies. If they have the guts, they can arrest me and put me behind the bars. I will fight elections from jail and ensure the victory of the TMC," Banerjee said in her first major public rally in post-COVID times.

Referring to the recently-concluded Bihar elections, Banerjee said even RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav has been put behind the bars but still he ensured his party's good performance. "Even Lalu Prasad Yadav has been put behind bars but still he has ensured his party's good performance. The victory of the BJP (in Bihar) is through manipulation and not through popular mandate," she said. -- PTI

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh orders night curfew in all towns and cities from 10 pm to 5 am and doubles fine for flouting Covid-19 appropriate behaviour to Rs 1000, with effect from December 1.

TMC MP Nusrat Jahan who married a Hindu said love and jihad are not synonymous

14:20 Love jihad is demographic aggression: VHP

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) affiliate Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Wednesday welcomed Uttar Pradesh Government's new law against forced religious conversion done using marriage as a tool. Alok Kumar, International Working President of VHP, told ANI that the law is not against inter-faith marriages but has been brought in to safeguard the rights and interests of minor girls trapped in marriages using a fake religious identity.

He also said that 'love jihad' word hasn't been used in the law but is a reality that perpetuates demographic aggression.

"Love jihad is about demographic aggression and done with an aim to increase the population of a community. It is a reality. And behind it is not love but an intention to increase population and done under religious instructions," claimed Kumar.

"The new Uttar Pradesh legislation does not stop interfaith marriages. Neither it stops conversion but it is for keeping a check on deceitful conversions done under pressure. Everyone should support it," added the VHP leader.

He pointed out that the states that first made laws against conversions were non-BJP ruled states, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. -- ANI

TMC MP Nusrat Jahan has received fatwas for being dressed as Ma Durga

14:18 Love jihad is demographic aggression: VHP

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) affiliate Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Wednesday welcomed Uttar Pradesh Government's new law against forced religious conversion done using marriage as a tool.

Alok Kumar, International Working President of VHP, told ANI that the law is not against inter-faith marriages but has been brought in to safeguard the rights and interests of minor girls trapped in marriages using a fake religious identity.

He also said that 'love jihad' word hasn't been used in the law but is a reality that perpetuates demographic aggression.

He pointed out that the states that first made laws against conversions were non-BJP ruled states, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. -- PTI

14:07 Sensex plummets after morning high

After hitting a fresh high, the Indian equity benchmark indices nosedived and were trading in the red on Wednesday afternoon. The market indices reversed trend after three days of consecutive gains on the back of the progress made on the COVID-19 vaccine and the prospects for a speedy global economic revival.

The trend reversed due to heavy selling in IT, pharmaceuticals and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors.

The 30-scrip BSE Sensex opened at 44,749.73 and was trading at 44,293.99 (at 12:36 pm), down by 229.03 points or 0.51 per cent.

BSE Sensex traded at a low of 44,191.04 points and high of 44,825.37 points so far in the trading session.

Similarly, 50-scrip NSE Nifty was trading at 12,994.20 points (at 12:36 pm), down by 60.95 points or 0.47 per cent.

During the trading session, the sectors trading high were -- oil and gas up by 0.86 per cent, energy increased by 0.63 per cent and utilities increased by 0.40 per cent.

The sectors, which were trading lower were -- healthcare down by 1.22 per cent, information technology plummeted by 1.09 per cent and capital goods lower by 1.07 per cent. -- ANI

Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Vijay Kumar Sinha was on Wednesday elected as Speaker of the Bihar assembly by a majority vote.

Sinha, who was the candidate of the ruling National Democratic Alliance, got 126 votes as against 114 polled in favour of Rashtriya Janata Dal's Awadh Bihari Chaudhary who was fielded by the opposition Grand Alliance.

The voting was marred by rumpus caused by opposition members who protested presence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on the floor of the House on the ground that he was a member of the legislative council.

The chair, however, overruled the objection saying being leader of the house the chief minister's presence is legitimate.

The opposition also demanded voting by secret ballot which was turned down by pro tem Speaker Jitan Ram Manjhi who went ahead with headcount after dissatisfaction was raised by the opposition over voice vote.

Later, the chief minister, Deputy Chief Ministers -- Tara Kishor Prasad and Renu Devi -- and opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav escorted Sinha to the Speaker's chair. -- PTI

Intermittent snowfall and rains continued at most places in Kashmir for the third day on Wednesday, officials said. The weather office has forecast mainly dry weather from Thursday till next week. Officials said most places in the valley experienced rains/light snowfall which continued when last reports came in.

The famous ski-resort of Gulmarg, in north Kashmir, recorded four inches of fresh snowfall during the night, while Pahalgam tourist resort in south Kashmir, recorded around one inch of snow.

There are reports of snowfall in other areas in the higher reaches, including the Sonamarg-Zojila axis on the Srinagar-Leh road which connects the valley with Ladakh, they said. The road was closed for traffic on Monday. Many areas in the plains, including Srinagar, were lashed by rains.

The officials said there is a gradual decrease in the precipitation since Wednesday morning and significant improvement in weather is expected from the afternoon.

The weather is most likely to remain dry till December 3 but isolated light rain or snow cannot be ruled out, they said. They advised people, especially those living in snow-bound areas, to be cautious against any possible avalanches. PTI

Congress flag at half mast at the party HQ

13:10 Cong flag at half mast at all party offices

Following the demise of party leader Ahmed Patel, Congress asks all state units to fly party flag at half-mast for the next three days and observe condolence meetings today at state and district headquarters.

Faisal with his father, Ahmed Patel

13:09 Rahul's heartfelt message to Ahmed Patel's son

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote a condolence message to deceased senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel's son Faisal on Wednesday saying, the party has lost the leader who dedicated his life to the Congress.

"Dear Faisal, I am saddened by the passing of your father, Shri Ahmed Patel Ji. We have lost a leader who dedicated his life to the Congress party," said Gandhi. Ahmed Patel epitomised courage and loyalty in public life," he added.

"He stood by the Congress party through its most difficult times. I will miss his wisdom, his intellect and his unwavering commitment to the Congress party. He will continue to guide us and inspire every Congress worker to carry forward our mission. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your family in this difficult time," he added.

Patel, who was undergoing treatment at a Gurugram hospital after testing positive for COVID-19, breathed his last after multi-organ failure in the wee hours of Wednesday, his son Faisal confirmed.

Patel, also the Treasurer of the Indian National Congress, had tested positive for the COVID-19 on October 1 and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on November 15.

Born on August 21, 1949, Patel pursued BSc at Shree Jayendra Puri Arts and Science College, Bharuch, South Gujarat University. -- ANI

13:00 China slams India for banning more apps

China has firmly opposed India's move to ban more Chinese mobile applications and expressed hope that the Indian side would provide a "fair, impartial and non-discriminatory business environment" for all market players.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Chinese embassy said it opposes the Indian side's repeated use of national security as an "excuse" to prohibit some mobile apps with a Chinese background. It added that China and India are opportunities for development to each other rather than threats.

China's response comes a day after India banned 43 apps included many of Chinese origin. AliExpress, Alibaba Workbench, WeWork China, CamCard, and SnackVideo are among those apps banned in the latest instance.

The banned applications, which include a few dating apps, were a threat to the "sovereignty and integrity of India", the Indian government said in a statement.

"We firmly oppose the Indian side's repeated use of 'national security' as an excuse to prohibit some Mobile APPs with a Chinese background. The Chinese government has always required overseas Chinese companies to abide by international rules, operate in compliance with laws and regulations and conform to public order and good morals," the Embassy said.

"We hope the Indian side provides a fair, impartial and non-discriminatory business environment for all market players from various countries including China, and rectify the discriminatory practices violating WTO rules," it added.

The Chinese embassy further said that both sides should bring bilateral economic and trade relations back to the right path for mutual benefit and win-win results on the basis of dialogue and negotiation. -- PTI

12:50 Winter marches into Himachal

Solang in Kullu district shrouded under a thick blanket of snow.

12:45 Bengal has become 2nd Kashmir: BJP state chief

West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh on Wednesday said the state has turned into "second Kashmir" as terrorists are being arrested every day and illegal bomb-making factories are being unearthed every next day.

The ruling TMC slammed Ghosh for his comments and asked him to direct his attention to BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, where the "rule of law has ceased to exist".

"West Bengal has turned into second Kashmir. Everyday terrorists are being arrested and illegal bomb-making factories are being unearthed every next day. The only factory that is working here is the bomb-making factory," Ghosh said while addressing a 'Cha-Chakra' (chat over a cup of tea) programme in Birbhum district. His comments drew sharp reactions from the Trinamool Congress, which accused Ghosh of trying to malign the state's image.

"Dilip Ghosh in collusion with outsiders is trying to malign West Bengal's image. Before commenting on the situation in the state, he should direct his attention to BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, where the rule of law has ceased to exist," senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said. PTI

Thane has added 592 new COVID-19 cases, taking the tally in the Maharashtra district to 2,24,814, an official said on Wednesday. The death toll in the district has gone up to 5,619 with an addition 10 more fatalities due to the viral infection, he said.

Thane city did not report any death due to COVID-19 on Tuesday, a spokesperson of the local civic body said. "It is a good sign," Thane Municipal Commissioner Vipin Sharma said. Out of the total COVID-19 cases in the district, Kalyan has reported the maximum number so far at 52,971, followed by Thane city-50,252, Navi Mumbai-47,370 and Mira Bhayander-23,828, a district administration official said. Among the total number of fatalities, Thane city has recorded-1,217, Kalyan-1,047, Navi Mumbai-964 and Mira Bhayander- 753,he said.

Currently, there are 6,600 active COVID-19 cases in the district, while 2,12,595 patients have recovered. The COVID-19 recovery rate in district is 94.56 per cent, while the mortality rate is 2.50 per cent.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and NCP president Sharad Pawar on Wednesday condoled the demise of senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, lauding him as a "guiding light" and hailing his contribution towards the Congress.

Thackeray said Patel played a prominent role in the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress, which came to power in Maharashtra last year. Patel, who served as the Congress's backroom strategist for years, died at a Gurugram hospital in the early hours of Wednesday. He was suffering from complications related to COVID-19.

Thackeray in a statement said, "The Congress party has lost its Chanakya in Patel's demise, while the MVA government has lost a guiding light." "I got help from his experience and guidance when the MVA government was formed," the chief minister said.

Ahmed Patel was active not only on the political front but was also involved in several social activities, he added. Pawar said he was deeply saddened to know about the demise of veteran Congress leader Ahmed Patel.

"His contributions to the Congress party will always be remembered. My sincere condolences to the members of his family," he said.

File pic

11:29 PM likely to visit Chennai in December

PM Narendra Modi is likely to visit Chennai next month at the invitation of Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi Palaniswami. There are four major central and state projects which the PM will be inaugurating. In principle, the PMO has accepted Palaniswami's invitation but the date of the PM's visit will be decided after discussions with the Tamil Nadu government.

Palaniswami had sent an emissary to personally deliver the invitation letter to the PM.

This comes soon after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to the state. In fact, when the HM visited Chennai, both EPS and his deputy OP Panneerselvam met him and asked him to intercede on their behalf with the PM to visit Tamil Nadu. Shah is also said to have kept his promise.

Sources say that during the PM's visit a poll campaign will will be discussed. The state is heading to the polls next year.

Prabhu Chawla is heading back to the India Today group, which he quit 10 years ago to join the New Indian Express.

Chawla, who began his journalistic career with the Aroon Purie-helmed publication, rose to become group editorial director and editor (languages) with India Today, before moving on as editorial director of the New Indian Express and Sunday Standard in 2010.

His new assignment as editorial consultant with the TV Today Network begins on December 1.

Welcoming Chawla back, Kalli Purie, vice chairperson, India Today group, said, "I am looking forward to seeing his no-holds-barred style and working with a much valued colleague."

According to Purie, Prabhu, who was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2003, will once again be seen weekly on Aaj Tak, interviewing the most prominent personalities of the nation. He will also lend his expertise to political debates on Aaj Tak as and when required.

Rahul Gandhi pays last respects to Congress leader and former CM of Assam Tarun Gogoi, in Guwahati. "He treated me like his own son. It is a personal loss for me. Today we have also lost Ahmed Patelji, another pillar of the Congress party. It's a tragic day for us," he says.

Like a scene from Hitchcock's Birds, Chennai yesterday. Pic: ANI

11:07 Severe cyclonic storm Nivar to hit TN in 12 hours

Severe cyclonic storm 'Nivar' will intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm over the next 12 hours and cross the coast between Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Wednesday midnight or early Thursday, the India Meteorological Department said.

Meanwhile, water will be released from Chembarambakkam lake, one of the key drinking water sources to the city, since it was nearing capacity, by noon, the government said. In its latest bulletin on Wednesday, the IMD said NIVAR over southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 07 kmph during past six hours and lay centred at 0530 hrs of today at about 290 km east-southeast of Cuddalore, about 300 km east southeast of Puducherry and 350 km south southeast of Chennai.

"It is very likely to intensify further into a very severe cyclonic storm during next 12 hours. It is very likely to move northwestwards and cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram around Puducherry during mid-night of November 25 and early hours of November 26 as a very severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 120-130 kmph gusting to 145 kmph," it said.

Chennai and its suburbs received heavy overnight rains, with low-lying areas getting inundated and water entering houses in such localities.

South Korean sensation BTS is one step closer to their dream of winning a Grammy Award as the band has been nominated in the best pop duo/group performance category by the Recording Academy for their chartbuster track "Dynamite".

The nominations for the 63rd Grammy Awards were announced on Tuesday night, according to Recording Academy's official website. "Dynamite", which released on August 21, is the group's first full-fledged English language single and their career's first Billboard Hot 100 No 1 hit. BTS, whose full name is Bangtan Sonyeondan (Bulletproof Boy Scouts) or Beyond The Scene as they are known to global audiences, also became the first pop act from South Korea to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart with "Dynamite".

The septet -- comprising RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook -- thanked the ARMY, a term for the band's fans, for their support in this journey to earning a Grammy nod.

"Thank you to everyone who listened to and sympathized with our music during the difficult times. Above all, it is ARMYs who made the miracle of being a Grammy candidate. We always appreciate and love you. Thank you @RecordingAcad for this great honor!" a tweet on the group's official Twitter account read. BTS has often described "Dynamite" as a song full of zest, positive vibes and dealing with life one step at a time as one feels "heavy" amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

10:52 He was a brother, friend, colleague: Azad

Ghulam Nabi Azad on Ahmed Patel's death: "I have lost a brother, friend and colleague. He was a strong pillar for the Congress Party. His passing away is an irreparable loss for the party."

Kapil Sibal on Ahmed Patel's death: "He was a kind, generous and thoughtful man. He kept the Congress Party together when in difficult times. He never demanded a post or a ministry. The commitment he had towards the party cannot be seen in anyone else."

Reactions on Congress leader Ahmed Patel's death.

Hardik Patel, Congress: "He helped my family when I was in jail for the movement I was leading. For four decades he was at helm of major political affairs but was never a minister. His absence will definitely leave a huge void in the lives of Congress people."

HDFC twins showed marked gains

10:33 Sensex higher than lifetime high in early trade

Equity benchmark Sensex rallied over 300 points in opening trade on Wednesday, tracking gains in index-heavyweights HDFC twins, Reliance Industries and ICICI Bank amid largely positive cues from global markets and persistent foreign fund inflows.

After touching a lifetime high of 44,825.37 in the opening session, the 30-share BSE index was trading 242.76 points or 0.55 per cent higher at 44,765.78. Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty touched a record intra-day peak of 13,145.85, before trading 76.25 points or 0.58 per cent up at 13,131.40.

ONGC was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, surging around 5 per cent, followed by SBI, ICICI Bank, Bajaj Auto, HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries and Axis Bank. On the other hand, Tech Mahindra, Asian Paints, Bajaj Finance and Infosys were among the laggards.

In the previous session, Sensex ended 445.87 points or 1.01 per cent higher at a record high of 44,523.02, and Nifty rose 128.70 points or 1 per cent to close above the 13,000-mark for the first time at 13,055.15.

Foreign institutional investors remained net buyers in the capital market as they purchased shares worth Rs 4,563.18 crore on a net basis on Tuesday, according to provisional exchange data. Domestic equities continued to look good at the moment on favourable global cues, said Binod Modi, Head-Strategy at Reliance Securities.

Testing being done at Mumbai Central Railway Station

10:30 Covid tests begin for incoming passengers to Mumbai

Covid tests being done on passengers arriving from Delhi, Goa, Rajasthan and Gujarat. "Passengers who have Covid negative certificates are allowed to go while rest are checked for symptoms and tested accordingly," says a BMC doctor.

Remembering her trusted lieutenant Ahmed Patel as a faithful colleague and a friend, Congress president Sonia Gandhi said she lost a colleague, whose entire life was dedicated to the Congress Party.

Patel passed away from post-Covid related complications early Wednesday morning. He was admitted to the Medanta hospital in Gurugram on November 15. Patel's son Faisal announced on Twitter that after testing positive for Covid-19 around a month ago, his health worsened further due to multiple organ failures.'

Sonia Gandhi said Patel's 'faithfulness and dedication, his commitment to his duty, his always being there to help, his generosity were rare qualities that distinguished him from others'.

"I have lost an irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend. I mourn his passing and I feel deeply for his bereaved family to whom I offer my sincere feelings of empathy and support," she said.

Remembering her trusted lieutenant Ahmed Patel as a faithful colleague and a friend, Congress president Sonia Gandhi said she lost a colleague, whose entire life was dedicated to the Congress Party.

Sonia Gandhi said Patel's 'faithfulness and dedication, his commitment to his duty, his always being there to help, his generosity were rare qualities that distinguished him from others'.

Senior politicians from Gujarat, including Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, on Wednesday condoled the death of Congress Rajya Sabha member Ahmed Patel, and lauded his intelligence and perseverance as well as his role in strengthening the Congress party.

Patel (71), the Congress's top strategist, died in a Gurugram hospital early Wednesday morning. He was suffering from complications related to COVID-19.

Rupani in a tweet said he was saddened by the demise of the senior Congress leader. "His role in strengthening the Congress party and his social work will always be remembered. I pray to God to give peace to his soul and strength to his family members to endure this suffering," the BJP leader tweeted.

Former Gujarat chief minister Shankersinh Vaghela, who quit the Congress in 2017, called Patel "a leader with intelligence and perseverance". "His absence will be profoundly felt. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and party workers. May his Soul Rest in peace," he tweeted.

Vaghela had left the Congress before the 2017 Gujarat Assembly polls, after he and a few MLAs supporting him voted against Ahmed Patel, the then Congress candidate for the Rajya Sabha election, and backed BJP nominee Balwantsinh Rajput. Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda said he was saddened beyond words by Patel's demise. -- PTI

09:47 Rahul: Ahmed Patel tremendous asset of Cong

Veteran Congress leader Ahmed Patel was paid rich tribute by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, hours after he died at a Gurgaon hospital. He was 71.

"It is a sad day. Shri Ahmed Patel was a pillar of the Congress party. He lived and breathed Congress and stood with the party through its most difficult times. He was a tremendous asset. We will miss him. My love and condolences to Faisal, Mumtaz & the family," Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also condoled the demise of Patel and appreciated his loyalty and dependability.

"Ahmedji was not only a wise and experienced colleague to whom I constantly turned for advice and counsel, he was a friend who stood by us all, steadfast, loyal, and dependable to the end. His passing away leaves an immense void. May his soul rest in peace," she tweeted.

Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala said Patel transcended party lines and touched everyone's hearts.

"I am speechless. For a person whom all friends and opponents used the epithet - 'Ahmed Bhai'. He always performed his duty and remained committed. He always considered the party as his family. He transcended party lines and touched everyone's hearts. I still cannot believe it. Alvida Ahmed ji," he tweeted.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said the demise of Patel is an irreparable loss for Congress, Gujarat and the entire country.

"The news of the demise of the valuable gem of the party Ahmed Bhai, who was steadfast in his commitment to the Congress ideology, is shocking for all of us. His passing away is an irreparable loss for Congress, Gujarat and the entire country. God may provide his family members strength. Om Shanti," Baghel tweeted.

Samples obtained from passengers for a COVID test in Delhi

09:36 India's Covid tally crosses 92 lakh

With 44,376 new Covid-19 infections, India's total cases rise to 92,22,217 With 481 new deaths, toll mounts to 1,34,699 . Total active cases at 4,44,746 Total discharged cases at 86,42,771 with 37,816 new discharges in last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, read this: India Has Not Reported 3.4 Million Covid Cases

09:20 An astute Parliamentarian: Prez on Ahmed Patel

President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday expressed grief over the passing away of senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, calling him 'an astute Parliamentarian'.

'Distressed to know that veteran Congress leader Ahmed Patel is no more. An astute Parliamentarian, Shri Patel combined the skills of a strategist and the charm of a mass leader. His amiability won him friends across party lines. My condolences to his family and friends,' Kovind tweeted.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also condoled the death of Patel, saying the leader had goodwill from the leaders from all parties.

'The demise of Ahmed Patel, senior politician and Rajya Sabha MP is sad.

'He was a person who had a cordial relationship with all, who had goodwill from the leaders of all parties.

'The void created by his death is impossible to fulfill. My condolences to the bereaved family,' Lok Sabha Speaker tweeted.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu also tweeted, paying his respect to the late leader.

'Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of Rajya Sabha MP, Shri Ahmed Patel. He was an able parliamentarian and always maintained cordial relations with leaders across the political spectrum. My condolences to the bereaved family members. May his soul rest in peace,' Naidu tweeted.

Condolences have also poured in from across the political spectrum for the late leader. -- ANI

08:52 Lost an irreplaceable comrade: Sonia

Congress president Sonia Gandhi condoled senior party leader Ahmed Patel's demise on Wednesday, saying she has lost an 'irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend' whose entire life was dedicated to the party.

Patel, 71, passed away at a Gurugram hospital in the early hours of Wednesday due to multiple organ failure more than a month after he tested positive for COVID-19.

In her condolence message for Patel, who served as her political secretary for years, Gandhi said, 'In Shri Ahmed Patel, I have lost a colleague, whose entire life was dedicated to the Congress Party.'

His faithfulness and dedication, his commitment to his duty, his always being there to help, his generosity were rare qualities that distinguished him from others, she added.

'I have lost an irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend. I mourn his passing and I feel deeply for his bereaved family to whom I offer my sincere feelings of empathy and support,' the Congress president said. --- PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed his condolences over the demise of veteran Congress leader Ahmed Patel in the wee hours of Wednesday.

The prime minister said that Patel's role in strengthening the Congress party would always be remembered.

In a tweet, the prime minister said that he has spoken to Patel's son Faisal and expressed condolences.

'Saddened by the demise of Ahmed Patel Ji. He spent years in public life, serving society. Known for his sharp mind, his role in strengthening the Congress Party would always be remembered.

'Spoke to his son Faisal and expressed condolences. May Ahmed Bhai's soul rest in peace,' PM Modi tweeted.

Senior Congress leader Patel, who was undergoing treatment at a Gurugram hospital after testing positive for the COVID-19, breathed his last after multi-organ failure in the wee hours of Wednesday, his son Faisal confirmed.

In a tweet, Faisal said that the Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat died at 3.30 am on Wednesday. -- ANI

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has joined a growing list of public figures targeted by pranksters posing as climate activist Greta Thunberg.

An audio recording of Trudeau speaking to pranksters Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexey Stolyarov has been released by the pair.

The prime minister apparently fielded questions from the fake Thunberg, on Nato, world peace and Donald Trump.

His office did not respond to a request for comment.

A spokesperson for the prime minister told iPolitics that when Trudeau realised he was not speaking to the real Thunberg, he ended the call.

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