LIVE! Pak continues to remain on FATF 'grey list'

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Thu, 25 February 2021

Pak continues to remain on FATF 'grey list'

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23:58 Pak continues to remain on FATF 'grey list'

Indicating status quo of being on FATF's 'grey list', the global body against money laundering and terror financing on Thursday said Pakistan will continue to remain on increased monitoring list as there are "serious deficiencies" in checking terror financing and the country lacks an effective system to deal with it.

After its meeting, Marcus Pleyer, president of Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF), said the deadline given to Pakistan has already expired and asked Islamabad to address their concerns "as quickly as possible".

"To date, Pakistan has made progress across all action plan items and has now largely addressed 24 of the 27 action items. As all action plan deadlines have expired," Pleyer said in Paris at the end of its plenary session.

There is serious deficiency on the part of Pakistan in checking terror financing and the country is yet to demonstrate taking action against the UN designated terrorists and their associates, he said.

He said Pakistan courts must give effective, decisive and proportionate punishment to those involved in terrorism, a statement which comes close on the heels of Pakistan Supreme Court acquittal of terrorist Omar Saeed Sheikh, the main accused in the 2002 murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl.

He said that Pakistan must complete three unfulfilled tasks and once it is completed, the FATF will verify and take a decision on its present status in the next plenary to be held in June. -- PTI

A day before Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's roadshow in Gujarat's Surat, sources in the AAP government alleged on Thursday that his security cover has been scaled down, a charge denied by the Union Home Ministry.

Joint Commissioner(Security) of Delhi Police ID Shukla said Kejriwal has a Z+ security cover and his "complete Z+ security" is being maintained.

"The development at the behest of the BJP leadership has come two days after the Aam Aadmi Party's impressive performance in the Gujarat civic body polls," a source claimed.

The number of commandos of the Delhi Police in Kejriwal's security has now been reduced from six to two, the sources alleged.

However, officials at the Home Ministry said no such decision has been taken by it.

According to police, Kejriwal has been provided with Z+ security which comprises of a pilot, an escort, a close protection team, a house guard, spotters, searching/frisking staff and others in form of 47 plainclothes security personnel and 16 personnel from the CRPF.

The security cover provided to the chief minister remains unchanged and there has been no reduction in the number of security personnel provided to him, they said.

Four of the six commandos have been replaced due to administrative reasons, police said, adding that this is a normal procedure as per the Yellow Book.

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj demanded the Centre to clarify the reasons behind the "petty decision" to reduce Kejriwal's security cover.

"The MHA has withdrawn four police commandos from Arvind Kejriwal's security. It's sad and regrettable that the Centre could compromise with someone's security like this," Bhardwaj said.

He said Kejriwal was attacked several times in the past and yet he has a security cover comprising of only six police commandos which is negligible as compared to that of other CMs or central government ministers.

Bhardwaj said the move comes two days after the AAP's "grand" performance in Gujarat civic body polls.

The AAP has won 27 seats in the municipal polls in Surat, where the party convener will attend a roadshow on Friday.

Kejriwal had termed the party's success in Gujarat as the beginning of a new politics in the state. -- PTI

22:31 'Metro Man' E Sreedharan joins BJP

'Metro Man' E Sreedharan formally joined Bharatiya Janata Party in Malappuram today in presence of Union Minister RK Singh.

Read: Projecting the country in a wrong way is sedition, E Sreedharan tells Rediff.com

Well-known poet Vishnunarayanan Namboothiri died in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, family sources said.

Namboothiri, 81, one of the widely acclaimed poets of contemporary Malayalam literature, was awarded the Padma Shri in 2014.

Born in Thiruvalla, in Pathanamthitta district, Namboothiri's works are known for their blend of tradition and modernity.

Family sources said he passed away in the afternoon at his residence in the state capital.

He is also a recipient of several literary honours, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award.

Some of his noted works are are Swaathandhryathe- Kurich Oru Geetham, Bhoomigeethangal, India Enna Vikaram, Aparaajitha, Aranyakam, Pranayageethangal and Ujjayiniyile Rappakalukal, among others.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was "anguished" by the demise of Namboothiri.

"Anguished by the demise of Sri Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri. His pioneering contribution to the world of culture and literature will be remembered. His widely read works reflect compassion and sensitivity. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," Modi tweeted.

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Thursday termed the judgement of a United Kingdom court in the Nirav Modi's case as "significant" and said it should serve as a reminder to all fugitives, who have indulged in large value frauds, that they cannot escape the law merely by changing their countries of residence.

In a statement, the CBI said the court order vindicated the painstaking probe carried out by the agency especially since Modi had raised various issues on admissibility of evidence, fairness of investigation, trial, prison conditions, availability of health facilities in India and extraneous consideration, with a view to divert attention from his own acts.

Earlier, the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London accepted the contention of the Indian government to extradite Modi saying that the evidence against him "is prima facie sufficient to order his extradition to India to face the charges".

The court also upheld the assurances of India and rejected the submissions of defence regarding human rights violations, fair trial and prison conditions and decided to send Modi's case to the Secretary of the State, UK for final decision.

The "judgement is a significant achievement in the context of CBI's efforts to curb corruption and is a reminder that fugitives, who have eluded the process of law after commission of large value frauds, cannot consider themselves above the process merely because they have changed jurisdictions", the CBI said. -- PTI

21:23 Facebook welcomes govt's new guidelines

Social media giant Facebook on Thursday said it has always been supportive of regulations that set guidelines for addressing "toughest challenges on the Internet", and pledged its support to ensuring safety and security of users on the platform.

Calling itself an ally for India, Facebook said it will continue to work towards fuelling the digital transformation of India.

"The details of rules like these matter and we will carefully study the new rules that were just published. We acknowledge and appreciate the recognition from the Minister on the positive contributions of social media to the country," a Facebook spokesperson said commenting on the new intermediary rules announced by the government earlier in the day.

The spokesperson added that the company welcomes regulations that set guidelines for addressing today's toughest challenges on the Internet.

"Facebook is committed to people's ability to freely and safely express themselves on our platforms. Facebook is an ally for India and the agenda of user safety and security is a critical one for our platforms. We will continue to work to ensure that our platforms play an enabling role in fuelling the exciting digital transformation of India," the spokesperson added.

Google and Twitter did not comment on the new intermediary guidelines announced on Thursday.

The government has tightened rules governing social media and streaming companies, requiring them to take down contentious content quicker, appoint grievance redressal officers and assist investigations. This has been done with a view to make social media and OTT companies accountable for "misuse and abuse" of their platforms.

Homegrown microblogging platform Koo said the new guidelines will help clarify the responsibilities of intermediaries.

"Only a small fraction of the social media users are found to be making posts which may be against the laws of the land. The social media guidelines help make addressing these kind of situations uniform across all social media platforms and ensures the safety of the majority social media users across India," a Koo spokesperson said.

It added that enabling and maintaining freedom of speech is core to social media platforms, and that the company will continue to work in the best interest of its users at all times.

"At the same time, we are committed to abide by the laws of the land. This policy will help protect the interest of citizens at large and keep nefarious elements at bay," the spokesperson said.

The United Kingdom judge who handed down his judgment on Thursday in favour of the extradition of Nirav Modi to face charges of fraud and money laundering in India said he had found no evidence of adverse political influence in the case, as claimed by the diamond merchant's legal team.

In support of their claims, Modi's lawyers had deposed retired Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju of whom District Judge Samuel Goozee was highly critical and dubbed the evidence as "less than objective and reliable".

"Albeit, some political commentary could be described as ill-advised, there is nothing in the volumes of media, broadcasting or social media links that have been referred to me in the voluminous defence bundles that gives any indication that politicians are trying to influence the outcome of any trial, let alone NDM's (Nirav Deepak Modi) trial or that the trial process itself would be susceptible to such influence," Justice Goozee notes.

"I reject any submission that the GOI (government of India) have deliberately engineered a media onslaught. I attach little weight to Justice Katju's expert opinion," he said.

With reference to Katju's testimony via videolink last year, Justice Goozee felt it appeared tinged with resentment towards former senior judicial colleagues and described parts of it as "astonishing, inappropriate and grossly insensitive comparisons".

"It had hallmarks of an outspoken critic with his own personal agenda. I found his evidence and behaviour in engaging the media the day before giving evidence to be questionable for someone who served the Indian judiciary at such a high level appointed to guard and protect the rule of law," Goozee notes in his ruling.

Despite being critical of the "trial by media" and its impact on the Modi case, the Westminster Magistrates' Court judge expressed surprise that Katju, who was a Supreme Court judge from 2006 to 2011, took the "astonishing decision" to brief journalists in relation to the evidence he was giving in the UK proceedings, "creating his own media storm and adding to the heightened media interest to date".

Goozee was also critical of former High Court judge Abhay Thipsay's evidence, another defence witness who had been deposed as an expert on how the case would play out in the Indian courts.

The UK judge noted that Thipsay had aligned himself with a political party (Congress) on his retirement and received adverse commentary in the media as a result, but that he also engaged with and courted the media himself.

"Overall, these factors have the effect, in my assessment, of nullifying any weight I would have attached to his evidence," the ruling notes.

The UK judge, who found a prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against Modi in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case, further declared that there was no evidence which allowed him to find that if extradited the jeweller would be at "real risk of suffering a flagrant denial of justice" as pleaded by his lawyers.

He accepted that the accused being a high-profile businessman who made a huge success of the Nirav Modi brand in India and worldwide was the target of sensationalised media reporting, but pointed out that such reporting is not unfamiliar to the courts even in the UK.

"India is governed by its written constitution which has at its core the fundamental principle of the independence of the judiciary by virtue of the separation of powers between judiciary, the executive and the legislature. There is no cogent or reliable evidence that the judiciary in India are no longer independent, or capable of managing a fair trial even where it is a high-profile fraud with significant media interest, the ruling concludes.

The judgment will now go to UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, who has two months to order extradition on the basis of the court's findings. -- PTI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Thursday and discussed the implementation of their 'Moscow Agreement' on the border standoff in eastern Ladakh as well as reviewed the status of disengagement.

A five-point agreement was reached between Jaishankar and Wang at a meeting in Moscow on September 10 on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation conclave.

The pact included measures like quick disengagement of troops, avoiding action that could escalate tensions, adherence to all agreements and protocols on border management and steps to restore peace along the Line of Actual Control.

"Spoke to State Councilor & Foreign Minister Wang Yi this afternoon. Discussed the implementation of our Moscow Agreement and reviewed the status of disengagement," Jaishankar said in a tweet on Thursday.

Last week, armies of the two countries which have been locked in a standoff in eastern Ladakh concluded withdrawal of troops and weapons from north and south banks of Pangong Tso in the high-altitude region. -- PTI

A suspicious vehicle with gelatin, an explosive material, inside was found parked near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's house in Mumbai on Thursday evening, police said.

The vehicle was found on Carmichael Road near 'Antilia', Ambani's residence, a police official said.

A Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad team reached the spot immediately, he said.

It was not an assembled explosive device, he said, adding that further investigation was on.

Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh told newschannels that the vehicle, a Scorpio van, was found some distance away from the multi-storey residence of Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries.

The Crime Branch of Mumbai police is conducting probe, he said. -- PTI

India on Thursday said it has not conceded any territory as part of the disengagement agreement with China and asserted that it has rather enforced observance of the Line of Actual Control to prevent any unilateral change in the status quo.

At an online media briefing, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said there has not been any change in India's position on the LAC and the mutual redeployment as a result of the disengagement process should not be misrepresented.

Asked about the recent agreement on the de-escalation process in Ladakh's Pangong Lake area, he said the factual position has been very well conveyed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and in a Defence Ministry statement, which he said was aimed at setting the record straight in view of certain misleading and misinformed comments that appeared in the media.

"... India has not conceded any territory as a result of this agreement. On the contrary, it has enforced observance and respect for LAC and it has prevented any unilateral change in the status quo," Srivastava said.

However, issues still remain. During the talks, India is learnt to have insisted on a faster disengagement process in areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang to bring down tension in the region.

To a question on a court ruling in the UK on fugitive businessman Nirav Modi's extradition, Srivastava said the government will liaise with the British authorities for his early extradition. -- PTI

Ministers RS Prasad and Prakash Javadekar

20:08 10 things to know about the new social/digital/OTT media policy

Akhilesh Sharma, Sunil Prabhu, Vishnu Som provide a quick ready-reckoner on the new policy unveiled by IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar on Thursday, on ndtv.com, here.

As Indian and Pakistani armies agreed to strictly observe all their ceasefire agreements, the ministry of external affairs on Thursday said India desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan and is committed to resolving all issues bilaterally in a peaceful manner.

"On key issues, our position remains unchanged. I don't think I need to reiterate it," MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava told reporters at a virtual media briefing.

His comments followed a joint statement issued after a hotline discussion between the Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan during which the two sides agreed to strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from Wednesday midnight.

Asked about the development, the MEA spokesperson said, "As regards to the joint statement of the DGMOs and related issues, I would refer you to the Ministry of Defence."

"On relations with Pakistan, as we have said earlier, India desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan. We have always maintained we are committed to addressing issues, if any, in a peaceful and bilateral manner," he said.

India and Pakistan signed a ceasefire agreement in 2003, but it has hardly been followed in letter and spirit over the past several years with more violations than an observance of the pact.

Army officials asserted that there would be no let-up in its fight against terrorism or in its troop deployment along the borders, following the new commitment that they described as a fresh attempt at peace in the region. -- PTI

The opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu on Thursday held talks with its ally the Congress on sharing of seats in the assembly elections for which the schedule is yet to be announced.

Veteran Congress leader and former chief minister of Kerala Oommen Chandy, party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala and AICC Tamil Nadu in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao were part of the delegation which arrived in Chennai to negotiate the seat-sharing with the DMK.

The DMK was represented by its leaders who included general secretary Duraimurugan,Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi and T R Baalu.

"The discussion was good. Both sides exchanged their views and it was decided that we meet again after holding separate talks within the respective parties," Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K S Alagiri, who also participated in the parleys, told reporters later.

To a query, Alagiri replied,"we haven't discussed the numbers (of assembly constituencies to be contested). We conveyed our views and they too expressed their views."

Following the demise of R Doraikannu, who held the agriculture portfolio, on October 31,2020, the ruling AIADMK's strength was reduced to 124, including the Speaker, from 125 in the 234-member House.

The DMK's number too dropped to 97 from 100 owing to the deaths of K P P Samy, S Kathavarayan and J Anbazhagan last year.

The Congress accounts for 7 legislators in the House which also has an independent and a lone IUML member. -- PTI

The daily rise in coronavirus infections in India was recorded above 15,000 after nearly a month taking the country's total tally of Covid-19 cases to 1,10,46,914, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Thursday.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 21,38,29,658 samples have been tested up to February 24 with 7,93,383 samples being tested on Wednesday.

The 138 new fatalities include 80 from Maharashtra, 17 from Kerala, 7 from Punjab and 6 each from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

A total of 1,56,705 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 51,937 from Maharashtra followed by 12,478 from Tamil Nadu, 12,309 from Karnataka, 10,905 from Delhi, 10,256 from West Bengal, 8,721 from Uttar Pradesh and 7,168 from Andhra Pradesh.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the government is committed to providing a level-playing field to all digital media and OTT platforms but they will have to abide by Indian laws.

Shah's comments came hours after the government announced sweeping regulations for social media firms like Facebook and Twitter as well as OTT platforms such as Netflix, requiring them to remove any content flagged by authorities within 36 hours and set up a complaint redressal mechanism with an officer based in the country.

"All social media platforms have to abide by Indian laws. The new rules, announced today, will further empower social media users by institutionalising redressal mechanism and ensuring resolution of their grievances. I applaud @narendramodi ji and @rsprasad ji," the home minister said in a tweet.

He said the Narendra Modi government is committed to providing a level-playing field to all digital media and OTT platforms.

"The Code of Ethics and 3 tier self regulation for digital media is welcome. I congratulate @narendramodi ji and @PrakashJavdekar ji for these much needed rules," Shah said in another tweet, using the hashtag #ResponsibleFreedom.

The government guidelines also make it mandatory for platforms such as Twitter and WhatsApp to identify the originator of a message that authorities consider to be anti-national and against the country's security and sovereignty.

The rules for digital media and OTT platforms focus more on an in-house self-regulatory mechanism, whereby a robust grievance redressal mechanism is provided while upholding journalistic and creative freedom.

-- PTI

Advocating the need for "Akhand Bharat" (undivided India), Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said countries such as Pakistan which broke away from India are now in distress.

Speaking at a book launch in Hyderabad, Bhagwat said "Akhand Bharat" is possible through "Hindu Dharma" but not through force.

"There is a need to make glorious"Akhand Bharat" for the welfare of the universe. That's why there is a need to awaken patriotism...As truncated India has a need to be united (once again), all the divided parts of India which no longer call themselves as India, they need more," he said.

Stressing that the concept of "Akhand Bharat" is possible, Bhagwat said some people had expressed serious doubts before the partition of the country whether it would be divided, but it happened. "If you ask six months before the partition of this country, nobody would have guessed. People asked Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru that there was a new topic coming up about the formation of Pakistan."

"What is it? (Replying to that) he said that it (the partition) was a dream of fools," the RSS chief said. According to him, Lord Wavell (during British rule) also said in British Parliament that God has made India one and who is going to divide it. "But ultimately it (partition) happened. What seemed to be impossible happened, so it cannot be ruled out that "Akhand Bharat" which may seem to be impossible, will not happen..Because, there is a need for Akhand Bharat," he said.

18:37 Kejriwal's security cover reduced: Sources

Sources in the Delhi government alleged on Thursday that the security cover of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been scaled down, a charge denied by the Union home ministry.

"The development at the behest of the BJP leadership has come two days after the Aam Aadmi Party's impressive performance in the Gujarat civic body polls," a source claimed.

The number of commandos of the Delhi Police in Kejriwal's security has now been reduced from six to two, the sources alleged.

However, officials at the home ministry said no such decision has been taken by it.

The AAP has won 27 seats in the municipal polls in Gujarat's Surat, where the party convener will participate in a roadshow on Friday.

-- PTI

18:24 No let-up in troop deployment along Pak border

There will be no let-up in troop deployment or army operations along Pakistan borders to fight terrorism and infiltration, military officials said on Thursday after a ceasefire agreement was announced between the two armies which they called a step towards regional peace.

The officials said the ceasefire does not mean that the army's fight against terrorism has come to a halt and its alertness and vigil will not be lowered. They said they are "cautiously optimistic" on the ceasefire.

The development is likely to give relief to civilians from both the sides. From 2018-2020, 70 civilians were killed and 341 injured in cross-border firings along the International Border and the Line of Control.

As troops remain deployed along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, the sources added that the situation along the northern borders has no bearing on the decisions along the LoC and the western front.

"Our counter infiltration grid continues to be strong. We will continue to undertake counter infiltration and counter terrorist operations. All options remain open to mitigate the threat as deemed by commanders on ground," an official said.

According to the officials, over the last few years, the army's counter-infiltration grid along the LoC has further strengthened and terrorists have found infiltration across the LoC increasingly difficult.

"While there will be no let-up in counter-terrorism and counter infiltration operations in our endeavour is to achieve peace and stability which is beneficial for the region," an official said, adding the armed forces enjoy freedom on operational deployment.

"The Indian Army remains committed to fight the scourge of terrorism. Acts of terror will not be tolerated and a befitting response would await any misadventure," the official said.

On February 22, the Director General of Military Operations held discussions over the established mechanism of hotline contact and reviewed the situation along the Line of Control and all other sectors in a "free, frank and cordial atmosphere".

"In the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders, the two DGMOs agreed to address each other's core issues and concerns which have propensity to disturb peace and lead to violence.

"Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight of February 24/25," the joint statement issued by India and Pakistan said.

-- PTI

The Delhi government on Thursday announced that it will switch its entire fleet of hired cars for electric vehicles within six months.

The government, which has over 2,000 cars in its fleet, said it hopes its decision will inspire other cities in the country and the world to tackle the issues of pollution and climate change with the urgency they deserve.

The announcement came a day after the Aam Aadmi Party-led government launched a campaign, 'Switch Delhi', to encourage private vehicle owners to take a pledge to shift to electric vehicles and install a charging point within their premises in the next three years.

"It's history! Driven by the vision of CM @ArvindKejriwal to make Delhi the 'Electric Vehicle capital', Delhi govt today became the 1st in the world, not just India, to mandate its entire hired car fleet to switch to electric WITHIN a deadline- 6 mths. @SwitchDelhi begins at home," Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted.

"Over 2,000 cars will be impacted by this decision and will transition to EVs in next 6 months. We hope this decision inspires cities and govts around India and the world to tackle the pollution and climate change problem with the seriousness and urgency it deserves," he said.

The Delhi government had in August last year launched an Electric Vehicle Policy to tackle the problem of air pollution. Under the policy, it promised to waive registration fee, road tax, and provide an incentive of up to Rs 1.5 lakh for new cars in the national capital.

Under Delhi's EV policy, 12 four-wheeler models are available and eligible for purchase and scrapping incentives.

-- PTI

Mamata sits astride an electric scooter at Nabanna

17:54 Modi trying to impose 1 nation, 1 thought: Mamata

Raising concerns regarding the Government of India's new guidelines for holding online/virtual international conferences and seminars for educational institutes and universities, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi whether the Centre is trying to impose "one nation, one thought".

In her letter to Prime Minister, Banerjee said, "Our universities must enjoy the highest possible degrees of self-governance and the freedom to conduct their educational activities in regular interactions with their counterpart abroad. Knowledge is neither created by nor belongs to any single country or community."

"Reasonable regulations and restrictions are understandable, however, the restrictions imposed vide the office memorandum under reference further highlighted the intention of the government of India towards centralization of the higher education system of our country. In other words, is it not the attempt of the central government to introduce thought policing in education institutions by trying to impose 'One Nation, One Thought'?" alleged the chief minister.

Banerjee asserted that the digital platforms have proved to be a boon for teachers and students from remote and rural areas as well as from cities to get the benefit of interactions with scholars around the world.

Referring to the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution and sanctity of the federal structure, she said, "It will not be out of place to mention that education is in the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution and any non-consultation by the Government of India with the state governments before issuing any such instructions to the educational institutions will be against the spirits of the federal structure enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Such communication will only be seen as an example of contempt for the constitutional power of the states."

"It may be pertinent to mention here that state governments are duly empowered under law to deal with any act committed by any educational institution, which violates any law or is contrary to the interest to the national security," added Banerjee.

17:48 Priyanka chairs manifesto meeting

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra chairs the meeting of the party's Manifesto Committee for the 2022 UP assembly elections. Members of the Manifesto Committee will visit Bahraich on 27th-28th February.

The price of cooking gas, LPG, was on Thursday hiked by Rs 25 per cylinder across all categories, including subsidised fuel and those availed by Ujjwala scheme beneficiaries.

This is the third increase in rates this month on the back of spiralling international rates as demand recovered.

A 14.2-kg cylinder in Delhi now costs Rs 794 as against Rs 769 at which they were supplied on Wednesday, according to a price notification from state-owned fuel retailers.

The increase is applicable across all categories including subsidised and non-subsidised users.

The graphic alongside shows the new price of LPG in the 4 top metros of the country.

17:19 Top gainers and losers at BSE today

Equity benchmark Sensex rallied 258 points and the Nifty reclaimed the 15,000 mark on Thursday, tracking gains in Reliance Industries, Axis Bank and TCS amid a positive trend in global markets.

The 30-share BSE index ended 257.62 points or 0.51 per cent higher at 51,039.31.

Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty rose 115.35 points or 0.77 per cent to 15,097.35.

ONGC was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rallying around 5 per cent, followed by NTPC, Reliance Industries, IndusInd Bank, Axis Bank and PowerGrid (image alongside).

On the other hand, ICICI Bank, Nestle India, L&T, Kotak Bank and Titan were among the laggards.

Vandalised posters of TMC CM Mamata Banerjee

17:16 Mamata's nephew teaches BJP Bengal history

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee on Thursday wondered how the BJP call the ruling party of West Bengal pro-Bangladesh for chanting "Jai Bangla (hail Bengal)", when its own slogan "Sonar Bangla" (Golden Bengal) is part of the national anthem of Bangladesh. Banerjee, also the youth wing president of the TMC, alleged that water was poured at a helipad to prevent him coming to at Matua stronghold Thakurnaga.

"They (BJP) call us pro-Bangladesh for chanting Jai Bangla slogan. But what about their own slogan 'Sonar Bangla' which is the national anthem of Bangladesh," Banerjee said while addressing a public meeting at Thakurnagar.

"Jai Bangla" was a popular slogan during the Bangladesh liberation war, while the BJP is promising people to make the state "Sonar Bangla" if voted to power in the coming assembly election.

"I am a Bhumiputra of this soil. I am not an outsider like you. The voters of Bengal will reject you," he said apparently referring to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda who held public meetings here recently. PTI

16:44 Sitharaman hails her own budget

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said this year's budget has negated the notion that welfare state is a socialist prerogative, and added that it has given a directional change to the Indian economy, wherein the government trusts wealth creators and citizens. She lauded the reform of faceless assessment for direct and indirect taxes, saying that tax terrorism will be a thing of the past, but also warned that "technology terrorism" will now gain ground.

"This is a budget for new decade. This budget clearly says- private sector we trust you and you are welcome to participate in the development of the country. It's a budget in which we are recognising what a government can do or how far it can do...So it's a budget that gives directional change to the Indian economy," Sitharaman said while addressing a meeting of intellectuals organised by the BJP.

"We inherited a system from the USSR, where glories of socialism were spoken about...That only socialism can take care of the welfare of the entire population. They say welfare state is a socialist prerogative," she said. "So we went for socialism, which could not fit into the Indian ethos. We have lived through this...We have lived through some of the dirty times of the license-quota raj," the minister added.

"The directional change that we are talking about is we have gone through those things (socialism and license-quota raj for industries). Now, we are not suspecting you (citizens and wealth creators) that you are always upto something. We trust you and invite you to participate in the development of

the country," she said.

16:26 Nirav Modi to be extradited to India: UK court

A UK court ruling in the nearly two-year-long legal battle of jeweller Nirav Modi's extradition, who is wanted for fraud and money laundering in the 14,000-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, has said, that Nirav Modi be extradited to India to stand trial. "I am satisfied that there is evidence that Mr Modi could be convicted," the court ruled.

Nirav Modi, 49, is appearing via video conferencing from Wandsworth Prison in south-west London at Westminster Magistrates' Court, where District Judge Samuel Goozee delivering his judgment on whether the jeweller has a case to answer before the Indian courts.

The magistrates' court ruling will then be sent back to UK Home Secretary Priti Patel for a sign-off, with the possibility of appeals in the High Court on either side depending on the outcome.

"Nirav Modi will not be denied justice if he is extradited to India. The Barrack 12 at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai is fit for Nirav Modi," the court ruled.

Rahul Gandhi reiterates his demand for a fisheries ministry.

"Dear PM,

Fisherfolk need an independent and dedicated ministry of fisheries, not just a department within a ministry.

PS- "Hum do Humare do' obviously hurt bad," Rahul tweeted.

Seeking to reach out to the fishing community in poll-bound Kerala, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday interacted with the fishermen at Thangassery beach in the district.

Gandhi, who had been touring the state for the last two days, also ventured into sea with the fisherfolks in their boat.

After beginning his journey from Vadi beach in Kollam by 4.30 am, he spent nearly an hour with them before reaching the venue of interaction.

He also cast the net and engaged in fishing along with them.

Clad in blue T-shirt and khaki trousers, the Congress leader could be seen waving hands to the onlookers from the boat while reaching back to the shores.

The Bombay High Court on Thursday permitted a counsel of poet-activist Varavara Rao, an accused in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, to visit him in the Nanavati Hospital here to obtain his signatures for completion of his bail formalities. Rao, 82, was on Monday granted interim bail for six months by the high court on medical grounds in the case being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The court had asked Rao to deposit a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and two solvent sureties of the like amount, and at that time refused to grant request of his lawyer Anand Grover for permission to the activist's counsels to meet him.

On Thursday, a bench of Justices S S Shinde and Manish Pitale allowed advocate R Satyanarayan to meet Rao to get his signatures on an application seeking permission from the HC to modify his bail conditions.

Cooking gas LPG price on Thursday was hiked by Rs 25 per cylinder across all categories, including subsidised fuel and those availed by Ujjwala scheme beneficiaries. This is the third increase in rates this month on the back of spiralling international rates as demand recovered. A 14.2-kg cylinder in Delhi now costs Rs 794 as against Rs 769 at which they were supplied on Wednesday, according to a price notification from state-owned fuel retailers.

The increase is applicable across all categories including subsidised and non-subsidised users. LPG is available only at one rate, market price, across the country. The government, however, gives a small subsidy to select customers.

However, this subsidy has been eliminated in metros and major cities through successive price increases over the past couple of years. So, in places like Delhi, there is no subsidy paid to customers and all LPG users pay a market price of Rs 794.

An oil company official said a small subsidy is paid to customers in remote and far-flung areas to make up for the higher price arising from freight charges. LPG prices were increased this month first by Rs 25 per cylinder on February 4 and by Rs 50 on February 15. Prices have been on the rise since December and rates have cumulatively gone up by Rs 150 per cylinder.

BJP president J P Nadda had lunch at the residence of a jute mill worker at Naihati in North 24 Parganas district during his day-long visit to the state ahead of the assembly elections. Nadda went to the modest residence of Devnath Yadav at Gouripur locality amid showering of petals by women of the locality. This is part of an outreach programme by top BJP leaders since November last.

The BJP chief had a vegetarian lunch comprising five types of 'bhaja' or fried vegetables, cauliflower curry and mango chutney.

Yadav, worker of a local jute mill, said he had the opportunity to inform Nadda about the ills plaguing the jute mills sector as viewed by him as a worker, and the BJP leader gave him a patient hearing. His wife said Nadda relished the food and told her "you have laid out a delicious spread".

Nadda was accompanied by 20 senior BJP leaders including national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya, state president Dilip Ghosh and Barrackpore MP Arjun Singh. Later, he will be visiting the residence of Bibhutibhusan Bandyopadhyay, author of 'Pather Panchali' and 'Aranyak', in Barrackpore. PTI

RS Prasad adds: "Significant social media to have chief compliance officer-resident in India-responsible for ensuring compliance of Acts, have nodal contact person-resident in India-for coordination with law enforcement agencies, have resident grievance officer for grievance redressal:

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar: "There should be a grievance redressal system in OTT platforms and digital portals. OTT platforms will have to have a self-regulating body, headed by retired Supreme Court or High Court judge or very eminent person in this category.

"There will also be an oversight mechanism at the government level to deal with the case wherein immediate action is needed."

Law and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad enunciates social media, digital media and OTT guidelines:

"Social media platforms upon being asked either by a court order or a govt authority will be required to disclose the first originator of mischievous tweet or message as the case may be.

"This should be only in relation to sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, public order, relations with foreign states, or rape, sexually explicit content etc.

"Concerns raised over the years about rampant abuse of social media... Ministry had widespread consultations and we prepared a draft in Dec 2018 - there'll be 2 categories, Intermediary which can be social media intermediary & significant social media intermediary.

"We shall notify users number for a significant social media intermediary very soon. They will have to have a grievance redressal mechanism, you will also have to name a grievance officer who shall register the grievance within 24 hours and disposal in 15 days.

"If there are complaints against dignity of users, particularly women - expose private parts of individuals or nudity or sexual act or impersonation etc - you'll be required to remove that within 24 hrs after complaint made. This is designed to respect dignity of women."

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar adds: We have decided to have a 3-tier mechanism for OTT platforms. OTT and digital news media will have to disclose their details. We are not mandating registration, we are seeking information.

"The Digital Media platforms have no monitoring mechanism like TV News Media or the print media. Which is why the govt felt that there must be a level playing field. There were 50 questions on the OTT platforms in Parliament."

14:26 Sunday is last day to file GSTR-9

Information kind courtesy CA (Dr) Raj Chawla:

1. Government of India has introduced The Tribunals Reforms (RATIONALISATION and CONDITIONS OF SERVICE) BILL, 2021 regarding Govt. introduces 'Tribunals Reforms' Bill in Lok Sabha, seeks to abolish AAR and 4 other Tribunals. With a view to streamline tribunals, the Tribunals Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2021 is proposed to be enacted to abolish certain tribunals and authorities and to provide a mechanism for filing appeal directly to the commercial court or the High Court, as the case may be.

2. 28.2.21 (Sunday) is last date to file GSTR-9 for turnover above 2 cr & GSTR-9C for turnover above 5 cr for FY 19-20.

3. GSTR 9C offline utility is upgraded: GST Auditors make sure to upgrade latest version tool. Read more here.

4. Ministry of finance has issued a press release dated February 22, 2021 regarding CBIC provides facilitation for exporters having IGST refund issues. CBIC has extended the time limit for sanction of pending IGST refunds in such cases where records have not been transmitted to ICEGATE due to GSTR1 and GSTR3B mismatch error. This overcomes the problem of refund blockage by allowing refunds subject to undertakings/submission of CA certificates by the exporters and post refund audit scrutiny. This facilitation was issued vide circular 04/2021 and would be applicable to all shipping bills filed up to 31.03.2021.

5. Mandatory legal compliances under the Companies Act, 2013 in India.

6. Every company is required for mandatory fulfilling of certain legal compliances under the Companies Act, 2013 in India. Read more here.

7. Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), which has proposed hiving off its oil to chemicals (O2C) business into an independent subsidiary, RIL had received an approval from Sebi and stock exchanges to create this subsidiary. The company now requires the approval of equity shareholders and creditors, regulatory authorities, and the income-tax authority, besides the NCLTs in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. RIL said the approval process had commenced and was expected to be completed by the second quarter of the 2021-22 financial year.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday said that the state government has decided to promote the students of classes 9, 10, and 11 to the next class without any examinations in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Students of classes 9, 10 and 11 will be promoted to the next class without taking exams, in the light of COVID-19 pandemic," said the chief minister, in the state legislative assembly.

Tamil Nadu Government has also increased the retirement age of government employees from 59 to 60.

"Tamil Nadu Government increases the retirement age of government employees from 59 to 60," said Tamil Nadu CM.

As on date, Tamil Nadu recorded 8,49,629 total cases, 12,478 deaths and 8,33,089 discharges. -- ANI

After discussions between the Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan, the two sides have to cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from the midnight of February 24 to 25.

The discussion between the two armies took place at a time when a large number of ceasefire violations were taking place along the LoC and violence levels were going up especially for the villagers living along the LoC on both sides.

"Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight of February 24 to 25," a joint statement issued by the defence ministry said.

In the talks, the two armies reviewed the situation along the Line of Control and all other sectors "in a free, frank and cordial atmosphere".

Both sides held discussions over the established mechanism of hotline contact.

According to the statement, the two DGsMO agreed to address each other's core issues and concerns which have the propensity to disturb the peace and lead to violence in the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders.

During the discussions, both sides reiterated that existing mechanisms of hotline contact and border flag meetings will be utilised to resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding.

The Indian Army has also made it clear that there will be no let-up in its counter-terrorist or counter-infiltration operations against terrorists backed by the Pakistan Army along the LoC and the hinterland in Jammu and Kashmir.

-- ANI

PM Narendra Modi greets BJP workers and supporters at a rally in Puducherry.

"The high command Congress government in Puducherry made it a point to damage every sector of governance. Traditional mills closed. Local industry was troubled. Congress doesn't believe in working for the people.

"Puducherry deserves a government whose high command is the people of Puducherry not a small group of Congress leaders sitting in Delhi. NDA assures Puducherry - the next government will be a people-powered government.

"In 2016, Puducherry didn't get a people's govt. They got a govt that was busy serving the Congress high command in Delhi, their priorities were different. Your former CM was an expert in lifting the slippers of his top party leaders.

"A few days ago the entire nation saw a video. A helpless woman was complaining about Puducherry govt and CM neglect during cyclone and floods. One could see the pain in her eyes. One could hear the pain in her voice.

"Instead of telling the truth to the nation, the former Puducherry CM gave a wrong translation of the woman's words. He lied to the people and his own leader. Can a party whose culture is based on lies ever serve people?"

Representational image of the Covid-19 virus

12:57 Covid mutation that weakens vaccine efficacy found in NYC

A new form of coronavirus variant is spreading rapidly in New York City and it carries a worrisome mutation that may weaken the effectiveness of vaccines, according to The New York Times.

As per the research by two teams, the new variant --B.1.526 -- first appeared in samples collected in New York in November. However, by the middle of February, it appeared in about one in four viral sequences in the database shared by the scientists. According to CNN, the experts have said that it appears in people affected in diverse neighbourhoods of New York City, they said, and is "scattered in the Northeast".

While one group of researchers are from Caltech and the other is by researchers at Columbia University."We observed a steady increase in the detection rate from late December to mid-February, with an alarming rise to 12.7 per cent in the past two weeks," CNN quoted one team, at Columbia University Medical Centre, as saying in a report that has yet to be published, although it is scheduled to appear in pre-print version this week.

While neither of the studies has been published in a scientific journal, the consistency in the results has suggested that the variant's spread is true, the experts have opined.

According to the NYT report, the patients infected with the virus-carrying that mutation were about six years older on average and more likely to have been hospitalised.

"We see cases in Westchester, in the Bronx and Queens, the lower part of Manhattan and in Brooklyn...So it seems to be widespread. It's not a single outbreak," said Dr David Ho, director of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center.

"It's not particularly happy news," said Michel Nussenzweig, an immunologist at Rockefeller University who was not involved in the new research. -- ANI

12:53 Salman to begin 'Pathan' shoot with Shah Rukh

Superstar Salman Khan will start shooting for his extended cameo in Shah Rukh Khan's next, action-thriller "Pathan", from Thursday. Backed by Yash Raj Films (YRF), "Pathan" is helmed by "War" director Siddharth Anand. According to trade sources, the "Bharat" star will join Shah Rukh Khan at Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai for the shoot.

Pathan" marks the 55-year-old actor's first film after 2018 "Zero", in which Salman Khan also had a cameo. Earlier this month, Salman Khan had revealed his line-up of films, that also includes the third instalment of "Tiger" franchise and "Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali", on his show "Bigg Boss". "Life goes on, show goes on. When this show ends, we will move to 'Pathan', then 'Tiger (3)' and later to 'Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali'," Salman Khan had said.

While "Pathan" went on floors in November last year, the third installment of "Tiger" franchise is gearing up to start production next month. Previously, Salman Khan, 55, also had an extended appearance in the 1998 blockbuster "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai", in which Shah Rukh Khan was the leading man. Shah Rukh Khan too has made special appearances in Salman Khan's films, including "Tubelight" (2017) and "Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega" (2000). PTI

12:50 Mumbai's Oval Maidan to be closed from Feb 26

In the wake of resurgence of COVID-19 cases, the Mumbai civic body has decided to shut the iconic Oval Maidan here from Friday, officials said. No sports or other activities will be allowed at the recreational ground in south Mumbai till further orders, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials said.

"We have decided to shut the ground till further order as a preventive measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus," assistant municipal commissioner of the BMC's A-ward, Chanda Jadhav, said on Thursday.

Located in the Churchgate area in south Mumbai, the Oval Maidan, where cricket and football matches are frequently played, witnesses crowds of sport enthusiasts during weekends. A number of walkers and joggers also visit the ground every day.

Following a spike in daily COVID-19 cases in Mumbai from the second week of February, the civic body has intensified its drive against citizens moving out without masks and large social gatherings.

On Wednesday, Mumbai recorded 1,167 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily spike in about four months. The tally of cases in the country's financial capital has gone up to 3,21,698, while the death toll has reached 11,453, as per official figures. PTI

12:39 Direction of wind changing in Puducherry

PM Narendra Modi greets BJP workers and supporters at a rally in Puducherry. "What I am seeing here today -- the energy and enthusiasm -- is wonderful. It shows how the direction of the wind is changing in Puducherry."

The Congress government is Puducherry fell this week.

Screen grab of the video

12:28 Mamata rides pillion on electric scooter to protest fuel price hike

In a unique protest against fuel price hike, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday rode pillion on an electric scooter to state secretariat Nabanna. Banerjee was seen sitting behind state minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, who rode the battery-powered electric scooter.

With a placard protesting against the petrol price hike hanging around her neck, helmet-clad Banerjee waved at people on both sides of the road during the five-km-long journey from Hazra More to the state secretariat. --PTI

The Indian Army has ordered a probe into an alleged case of a data breach in the northern command after a soldier was found to be passing data to Pakistani operatives.

The data breach took place when the soldier from Punjab who was posted under the Northern Command was caught by officials dealing with the alleged issue, Army sources said in Udhampur.

After the incident came to light, a court of inquiry has been ordered to probe how the soldier could get access to the data and the extent to which it was leaked to the operatives of Pakistani agencies.

The data breach took place when the Indian side was deeply engaged in a military stand-off with the Chinese military.

According to the sources, "The probe would also find out how deeply the soldier was engaged with the enemy operatives and how much was he compromised by them."

The Udhampur-based Northern Command is in charge of security on both China and Pakistan borders in the Ladakh sector.

The Chinese intruded into the Indian territory in the April-May timeframe after which a whole of the nation approach helped in making the Chinese go back to the most critical Pangong lake area.

-- ANI

The ongoing avian influenza has been confirmed at a poultry farm in Maharashtra's Palghar following the death of 45 chickens, Palghar Deputy Collector Kiran Mahajan informed on Wednesday.The district administration has also ordered the closure of all poultry farms and shops selling chicken for the next 21 days.

"Bird flu has been confirmed in Palghar, Maharashtra following the death of 45 chickens at a poultry farm. The district administration has ordered the closure of all poultry farms and shops selling chicken for the next 21 days," said Palghar Deputy Collector.

Over the last three days, chickens were dying, following which the samples were sent to a Pune-based laboratory for examination and the bird flu was confirmed. -- ANI

On Wednesday, February 24, the Nifty, after touching a 17 trading day-low of 14,504 closed at 14,982, a whopping 274 point or 1.86 per cent gain, on a day when the National Stock Exchange, the exchange on which Nifty Futures is traded, was halted for trading at around 11.40 am, a good 1 hour 34 minutes after the ticker for the spot Nifty froze at 10.06 am according to some reports.

Much of the action, and a dramatic one at that, was witnessed when the NSE resumed trading post market hours. When trading resumed at 3.45 pm (the NSE on normal days opens at 9.15 am and closes at 3.30 pm) and continued till 5 pm, day-traders who had open positions on the index futures as well as stock futures and cash began covering their positions frantically, given the monthly expiry on Thursday, February 25, the Nifty opened the trade at around 14,760 and rose sharply towards the 15,000 psychological mark within an hour.

Interestingly, and intriguingly -- because the honchos at the NSE and the market regulator SEBI will surely look into this; in fact, the SEBI has asked the NSE for a root-cause analysis (external link) of events that led to a complete trading halt since 11.40 am -- on the Nifty futures, a freak trade printed the 15,524 mark (the exchange will surely throw light on the volume of shares that traded a massive 500 points above the Nifty Futures close of 14996; SEBI too will not let this pass just as easily), before closing below the 15,000 mark.

Gaurav Garg, head of research at CapitalVia Global Research Limited, explains what happened to Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com:

How do retail investors suffer when NSE suffers a glitch like it did on Wednesday and why was trading halted on the NSE from 11.40 am till the market close and the again resumed from 3.45 pm to 5 pm? What would be your advice to day traders?

The glitch was about the NSE not being able to get some feed from their telecom service providers. The spot index price (Nifty 50) was stuck at the same level for more than 90 minutes (according to reports the spot prices stopped moving from 10.06 am and trading was halted at 11.40 am) before they actually decided to halt trading.

These glitches affect intra-day traders more than long-term traders and if you are not ready for these type of risks then retail investors should only enter for the long-term. They should not indulge in day-trading.

Definitely, from sentiment point of view when these things get reported and become bold headlines in newspapers they do scare retail investors who want to enter the markets. Retail investors are obviously scared and left to think twice before they enter when they read about such happenings in the market.

What happened has an impact more on emotions and sentiments of retail investors.

Day-traders were surely a worried lot for they had to worry about their open positions and they did not know till the market closed how they were going to square off their positions.

Thursday is the monthly expiry so there are huge F&O positions that are open; it must really have been a tough day for day-traders.

For long term investors, events like this have a temporary sentimental impact.

What led to the sudden jump in the market after NSE opened for trade post the glitch at 3.45 pm? The markets were not so bullish in the morning when trading halted at 11.40 am...

After five days of losing-streak, short covering action was witnessed due to which Nifty touched 15,000 intra-day (some freak trade was even done at 15524, 500 points away from close on Wednesday) and closed just below that level. Nifty Bank (an index of banking stocks from the public and private sector) which surged more than 1,300 points because of announcement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman that the government is lifting embargo on private banks to participate in the government tax and other revenue collection programmes.

With this, private banks can now be equal partners in development of the Indian economy, furthering the government's social sector initiatives and enhancing customer convenience.

We might see some more positive momentum coming in on Thursday, February 25 as it is monthly expiry (when all futures and options contracts for the given months expire and have to be settled) and a fair bit of short covering can happen.

BJP chief JP Nadda at the launch of the party's Bengal manifesto: "We're making efforts to work towards making 'Sonar Bangla', with inclusion of contributions of Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar in the prestigious history of West Bengal.

"There are around 10 crore farmers in the country, of these around 73 lakhs are in Bengal itself. Seven installments of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi have already been released but the farmers of Bengal have remained deprived of it.

"PM has said that we will provide the previous installments and when our govt is formed in Bengal, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi will be launched here and 73 lakh farmers of the state will be benefitted."

11:21 Rahul swims with Kerala fishermen

Seeking to reach out to the fishing community in poll-bound Kerala, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday interacted with the fishermen at Thangassery beach in the district.

Gandhi, who had been touring the state for the last two days, also ventured into sea with the fisherfolks in their boat.

After beginning his journey from Vadi beach here by 4.30 am, he spent nearly an hour with them before reaching the venue of interaction. He also cast the net and engaged in fishing along with them.

He also went swimming with them.

11:16 Biden revokes Trump-era ban on Green Card

President Joe Biden has revoked a policy issued by his predecessor during the pandemic that blocked many Green Card applicants from entering the US, a move that will benefit many Indians working in America on the H-1B visa.

A Green Card, known officially as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued to immigrants to the US as evidence that the bearer has been granted the privilege of residing permanently.

Indian IT professionals, most of whom are highly skilled and come to the US mainly on the H-1B work visas, are the wort sufferers of the current immigration system which imposes a seven per cent per country quota on allotment of the coveted Green Card or permanent legal residency. The H-1B visa, the most sought after among Indian IT professionals, is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. Reopening the country to people seeking green cards, or legal permanent residence, Biden in his proclamation on Wednesday said that the policy of former President Donald Trump does not advance the interests of the United States.

To the contrary, it harms the United States, including by preventing certain family members of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents from joining their families here, he said. It also harms industries in the United States that utilise talent from around the world. And it harms individuals who were selected to receive the opportunity to apply for, and those who have likewise received, immigrant visas through the Fiscal Year 2020 Diversity Visa Lottery, Biden, a Democrat, said.

Biden said that the proclamation issued by his predecessor last spring has prevented these individuals from entering the US, resulting, in some cases, in the delay and possible forfeiture of their opportunity to receive Fiscal Year 2020 diversity visas and to realise their dreams in the country.

Trump, a Republican, issued the ban last year, saying it was needed to protect US workers amid high unemployment due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, Biden has not revoked the Trump order issued last June that prohibits some foreign citizens from coming to the US on new temporary work visas, including the H-1B visa for specialty occupations. The Trump proclamation, if not renewed, expires automatically on March 31 -- PTI

A court in New Delhi on Thursday granted protection from arrest till March 9to Shantanu Muluk, who is accused along with Disha Ravi of allegedly being involved in sharing a "toolkit" on social media related to the farmers' protest. Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana granted the relief to the activist after the Delhi Police said it needed time to conduct further interrogation before filing a detailed reply to Muluk's anticipatory bail plea. The judge noted the submission and directed the police not to take any coercive action against Muluk till March 9, when court will further hear the matter. Muluk, along with Ravi and Nikita Jacob, was booked for alleged sedition and other charges. -- PTI

10:56 Nadda launches Bengal manifesto in Kolkata

BJP national president JP Nadda launches 'Lokkho Sonar Bangla' (Target golden Bengal) manifesto crowdsourcing campaign', in Kolkata. State BJP chief Dilip Ghosh and party's National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya also present on the occasion.

The Barrackpore City Police in West Bengal has allegedly refused permission for the BJP's Poriborton Yatra rally to be held in the town of Barrackpore on Thursday, 25 February, alleged the party.

BJP's national president, JP Nadda, who is in Bengal, was to be the main leader at the rally, which would be the culmination of the Nabadwip leg of the party's Poriborton yatra.

BJP MP from Barrackpore, Arjun Singh, took to Twitter to say that the party would halt preparations for the rally and take the matter to court.

Representational image

10:41 229 students in Maha hostel test +ve for Covid

In Maharashtra, 229 students and 3 staffers of a hostel in Washim test positive for COVID-19. A total of 327 students from Amravati, Hingoli, Nanded, Washim, Buldhana, Akola reside in this hostel.

As many as 16,738 new COVID-19 cases and 138 deaths were reported in the country in the last 24 hours, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Thursday.

With the new cases, the Coronavirus tally in the country has reached 1,10,46,914 including 1,51,708 active cases and 1,07,38,501 discharges. The death toll has mounted to 1,56,705 with the loss of 138 lives.

As per the Health Ministry, a total of 1,23,66,633 vaccine doses have been given through 2,63,224 sessions till Wednesday evening.

Stop partying, stay home.

Axis Bank was the top gainer in the Sensex pack

10:31 Sensex rallies over 500 pts in early trade

Equity benchmark Sensex rallied over 500 points in the opening session on Thursday tracking gains in index majors HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries and Infosys amid massive buying by foreign institutional investors.

A positive trend in global markets also supported the upmove, traders said. The 30-share BSE index was trading 528.28 points or 1.04 per cent higher at 51,309.97.

Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty was quoting 161.45 points or 1.08 per cent up at 15,143.45. Axis Bank was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rising around 3 per cent, followed by IndusInd Bank, Axis Bank, ONGC, Kotak Bank, SBI, HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries and Infosys. On the other hand, Nestle India, Asian Paints, HUL and Tech Mahindra were among the laggards.

In the previous session, Sensex settled 1,030.28 points or 2.07 per cent higher at 50,781.69, and Nifty zoomed 274.20 points or 1.86 per cent to end at 14,982. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were buyers in the capital market as they purchased shares worth a whopping Rs 28,739.17 crore on Wednesday, as per exchange data.

"In this volatile market, where dips and bounce backs are sharp, the directional trend is upwards. The 'higher highs' and 'higher lows' indicate the long-term bullish trend, said V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

The fundamental reason for this trend, which is global, is the abundant liquidity available in the global financial system and the Fed's declared commitment to keep liquidity flowing and maintaining interest rates at historical lows, he noted.

10:12 16,738 new Covid cases, 138 deaths in 24 hrs

India reports 16,738 new COVID-19 cases, 11,799 discharges and 138 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union health ministry.

As many as 13,742 new infections, and 104 deaths were reported on Wednesday.

Total cases: 1,10,46,914

Total discharges: 1,07,38,501

Death toll: 1,56,705

Active cases: 1,51,708

Total Vaccination: 1,26,71,163

Samyukt Kisan Morcha has written to President Ram Nath Kovind demanding the immediate release of farmers arrested during the ongoing protests against Central agri laws and the removal of 'false cases' against them.

A memorandum or letter to the President on Wednesday by Samkyukta Kisan Morcha read, 'Regarding the unconditional release of innocent farmers lodged in jails during the farmers movement and cancellation of false cases and notices issued.'

'Sir, the humble request is that for the last six months the farmers of the country have been fighting in various ways and at various levels against the three agricultural laws and for some other demands including legal guarantee of MSP.

'Under the leadership of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, for the last three months, the farmers have been protesting indefinitely around Delhi, but hundreds of farmers and supporters of the movement have been jailed by the Government of India and several state governments and false cases have been made,' the letter read.

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha further said, 'Observing 'Daman Virodhi Diwas' (anti-repression day) across the country, we are sending the following demands to you through district and tehsil authorities. We hope that you will take immediate action in this regard.

'The demands include, Police cases lodged against innocent farmers lodged in jails should be dismissed and they should be released unconditionally immediately.

'False police cases filed against farmers and individuals and organisations supporting their struggle should be dismissed. The notice sent by the Delhi Police, NIA and other government agencies to intimidate the farmers involved in the struggle should be stopped immediately and the earlier notice should be cancelled,' it added.

In the name of the police siege of the Kisan Morcha on the borders of Delhi, the closed roads of the common man should be opened, it said.

Farmers have been protesting at the different borders of the national capital since November last year, against the three newly enacted farm laws - Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and farm Services Act 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. -- ANI

Bharatiya Janata Party and other organisations have called for a 12-hour shutdown in Kerala's Alappuzha after a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh worker was allegedly killed by the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) members during a clash in the district on Wednesday night.

"The BJP and other Hindu organisations have called for a hartal in Alappuzha district from 6 am to 6 pm to protest against the incident," said BJP district president M V Gopakumar.

An RSS worker was allegedly killed by SDPI members after a clash erupted between two groups in Cherthala, Vayalar yesterday night.

According to the police, the deceased is identified as Rahul Krishna alias Nandu, a native of Vayalar.

Three RSS workers and six SDPI workers were also injured in the clash that took place around 8 pm.

There is a heavy deployment of police in the area following the incident.

A fund collection by SDPI activists on Tuesday was questioned by RSS workers and both organisations on Wednesday took out separate marches which ended up in the violence. -- ANI

From April 1, the Indian Army is likely to start using SAI (Secure Application for Internet), a messaging platform, for internal communications, Army chief General M M Naravane said on Wednesday.

He said the application, developed by Colonel Sai Shankar, is undergoing the process of getting cyber and security clearance and data testing.

"One of our officers has developed a software application, which is the equivalent of WhatsApp.

"We plan to introduce that throughout the Indian Army. It is undergoing cyber clearance, security clearance and data testing. And maybe from April 1, we will only use that for our internal communications," Naravane said at a webinar organised by the Vivekananda International Foundation.

The application supports end-to-end secure voice, text and video-calling services for Android platforms over the internet.

The model is similar to commercially available messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram, SAMVAD and GIMS, and utilises the end-to-end encryption messaging protocol.

SAI scores over these platforms in terms of security features with local in-house servers and coding, which can be tweaked as per requirements. -- PTI

08:37 PM to inaugurate several projects in TN, Pondy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Thursday and will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of various development initiatives.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the prime minister will lay the foundation stone for 4 laning of NH45-A -- 56 km Sattanathapuram -- Nagapattinam package of Villupuram to Nagapattinam project covering Karaikal district in Puducherry at around 11.30 am.

The capital cost to be incurred in this project is about Rs 2,426 crores.

He will also lay the foundation stone of the Medical College Building at Karaikal New Campus- Phase I, Karaikal District (JIPMER).

The estimated cost of the project is Rs 491 crore.

The prime minister will lay the foundation stone for the development of Minor Port at Puducherry under Sagarmala Scheme.

He will inaugurate the Blood Centre at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, which will function as a research laboratory and a training centre for the short- term and continuous blood bank personnel training in all aspects of transfusion.

The school education department has announced a holiday for government and private schools as traffic in the city has been diverted due to the Prime Minister's visit tomorrow.

In Tamil Nadu at around 4 pm, he will dedicate to the nation the Neyveli New Thermal Power Project.

'It is a lignite-based power plant designed for power generation capacity of 1000 MW and has two units of 500 MW capacity each. Built at a cost of about Rs 8000 crore, the pit head power plant will utilise lignite as fuel from the existing mines of Neyveli, which have sufficient lignite reserves for meeting the lifetime requirement of the project.

'The Plant has been designed for 100 per cent Ash utilisation. The power generated would benefit Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Puducherry, with Tamil Nadu having a major share of about 65 per cent,' read the release.

The prime minister will also dedicate to the nation the 709 MW Solar Power Project of NLCIL, established over an area of about 2670 acres of land across the districts of Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Ramanathapuram and Virudhunagar.

The project has been set up at a cost of over Rs 3,000 crore.

He will lay the foundation stone of the extension, renovation and modernization of the Lower Bhavani Project System.

The extension, renovation and modernisation of the Lower Bhavani System has been taken up at a cost of Rs 934 crore under NABARD Infrastructure Development Assistance.

The prime minister will inaugurate the 8-laning of Korampallam Bridge and Rail Over Bridge (ROB) at V.O.Chidambaranar Port.

He will lay the foundation stone for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of a 5MW grid-connected ground-based solar power plant at V.O.Chidambaranar Port.

He will inaugurate the tenements constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) scheme.

PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for the development of Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCC) in nine Smart Cities including Coimbatore, Madurai, Salem, Thanjavur, Vellore, Tiruchirappalli, Tiruppur, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi. -- ANI

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen supremo Asaduddin Owaisi's first rally in Kolkata, scheduled to be held on Thursday, has been cancelled as the city police denied permission for it, party sources claimed.

Owaisi was scheduled to kick off his party's campaign ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections with the rally in the minority-dominated Metiabruz area of the city.

AIMIM state secretary Zameerul Hasan said the police did not give them permission for the rally.

"We had applied 10 days back for permission. But today we were informed by the police that they will not permit us to hold the rally. We can't be cowed down by such tactics of the ruling TMC. We will discuss and soon announce a fresh date for a programme," Hasan said.

AIMIM has already come up with posters for the planned programme.

The Kolkata police declined to comment on the matter.

The TMC denied any involvement in the cancellation of the rally.

"We have no role in permitting a rally organised by the AIMIM which is nothing but a proxy of the BJP in Bengal," TMC MP Sougata Roy said.

Parties in West Bengal are apprehensive that political equations in the polarised state are set to witness significant changes as the sway of the non-BJP outfits over minorities appears to be set for a stiff challenge with the

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen entry, prominent Muslim leaders in the state claimed.

Owaisi, who after AIMIM's good performance in the 2020 Bihar assembly poll has announced that it will contest the Bengal election, has been discussing a possible alliance with Furfura Sharif cleric Abbas Siddiqui, who had recently floated the Indian Secular Front.

According to a senior leader of the Hyderabad-based party, Owaisi has seen in West Bengal, a fertile ground for his expansion plans, as Muslims constitute around 30 per cent of the state's population.

Elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly are likely to be held in April-May. -- PTI

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