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Fri, 15 January 2021
Yogi contributes Rs 2 lakh towards Ram Temple
Timeline Refresh
23:47 Yogi contributes Rs 2 lakh towards Ram Temple
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday contributed Rs 2 lakh for the construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya as the nationwide drive to collect donations kicked off on Friday.
A cheque of Rs 2 lakh payable for 'Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra' signed by the chief minister was shared by the Uttar Pradesh information department.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), part of the RSS-led ideological family, was at the forefront of the Ram Mandir construction movement.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust has mandated the VHP to collect funds for the temple's construction. -- PTI
23:36 Court grants bail to 3 people in Delhi riots cases
A Delhi court Friday granted bail to three people in two cases related to the riots in north-east Delhi in February last year, saying identification of the accused by the police witnesses was hardly of any consequence due to the delay.
Additional Sessions Judge Vinod Yadav granted the relief to Mohd Tahir, Shebu Khan and Hamid on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 20,000 with one surety of like amount each.
While Tahir was granted bail in the case related to vandalism and torching or a shop allegedly by a riotous mob in Gokalpuri area, Khan and Hamid were granted the relief in the case of torching of a sugarcane godown during the riots in Dayalpur area.
The identification of applicants (Khan, Tahir and Hamid) by police official (who was posted as Beat Officer in the area in question at the relevant time) is hardly of any consequence, as this court is not able to comprehend as to why the Beat Officer waited till the recording of his statement...when he had categorically seen and identified the applicants indulging in riots on the date of incident ie February 24, 2020.
This casts a serious doubt on the credibility of said police witness, the court said in its similar order passed in the two cases.
It further noted that the accused persons were neither named in the FIR nor there were any specific allegations against them.
It said Tahir was also not visible in any CCTV footage.
The court said several co-accused in both the matters were already enlarged on bail whose roles were similar to the three persons.
During the trial, the accused claimed they have been falsely implicated in the matters.
The police's Special Public Prosecutor opposed the bail pleas saying the accused persons were allegedly involved in rioting in the area.
Communal violence had broken out in northeast Delhi on February 24 last year after clashes between citizenship law supporters and protesters spiralled out of control leaving at least 53 people dead and around 200 injured. -- PTI
Photograph: Kind courtesy @munawar0018/Twitter
23:24 Lack of case diary extends comedian's bail hearing in MP HC
The hearing on the bail petition of comedian Munawar Faruqui, arrested after a Bharatiya Janata Party leader's son alleged that he had made objectionable comments on Hindu gods and goddesses during a stand-up act, in Madhya Pradesh high court was extended on Friday in the absence of a case diary.
A single bench of the HC of Justice Rohit Arya has summoned the case diary and has fixed the next date of hearing tentatively on January 25.
Faruqui's lawyer Anshuman Shrivastava told PTI that Tukoganj police station officials were unable to produce the case diary for the hearing.
Since his arrest after the comedy show in question on January 1 in Indore's 56 Dukan area, Faruqui's bail plea has been rejected by the chief judicial magistrate and the sessions court, after which he approached the HC.
Eklavya Singh Gaud, 36, son of local BJP MLA Malini Laxman Singh Gaud, had filed a police complaint claiming he had been to Faruqui's show and that it contained 'indecent' comments on Hindu gods and goddesses as well as Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Faruqui has been booked under IPC sections 295A (outraging religious feelings), 269 (unlawful or negligent act likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life) among others. -- PTI
23:20 Dr Reddy's gets nod for Ph 3 trials of Sputnik V
Dr Reddy's Laboratories on Friday said it has received approval from the Drugs Control General of India (DCGI) to conduct phase 3 clinical trial for the Sputnik V vaccine for COVID-19.
The phase 3 study of Sputnik V will be conducted on 1,500 subjects as part of the randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study in the country, the Hyderabad-based firm said in a regulatory filing.
Earlier this week, the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) reviewed the safety data from the phase 2 clinical trial of the vaccine and recommended the phase 3 recruitment.
In its report, the DSMB had concluded that no safety concerns were identified and the study met the primary endpoints of safety.
"This is an important milestone in the progress of this pivotal clinical trial of the vaccine. We expect to commence the phase III study within this month and will continue to fast-track our efforts to bring in a safe and efficacious vaccine for the Indian population," Dr Reddy's Laboratories Co-chairman and Managing Director G V Prasad said.
In September 2020, the drug major had partnered with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to conduct the clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine and for its distribution rights in India.
Sputnik V, developed by the Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, was registered by the Ministry of Health of Russia and became the world's first registered vaccine against COVID-19 based on the established human adenoviral vector platform.
The vaccine's efficacy is confirmed at 91.4 per cent based on data analysis of the final control point of clinical trials in Russia.
Currently, the vaccine's clinical trials are underway in the UAE, Egypt, Venezuela and Belarus, while it has been registered in Algeria, Argentina, Belarus, Bolivia and Serbia for inoculation. -- PTI
22:10 Maha schools for Classes 5-8 to reopen from Jan 27
After remaining closed for over 10 months amid the COVID-19 pandemic, schools will reopen for Classes 5 to 8 in Maharashtra from January 27, state Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad said on Friday.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), however, said that schools and colleges in Mumbai will stay shut 'till further orders'.
Schools and junior colleges for Classes 9 to 12 had reopened in parts of the state earlier this month based on the COVID-19 situation in respective areas.
"I have informed Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray that schools can be reopened for Classes 5 to 8 from January 27," the minister said.
Local authorities including district collectors, municipal commissioners and district civil surgeons will have to assess the ground situation before taking a call on reopening schools and colleges, Gaikwad added.
"Earlier, schools for Classes 9 and 10 commenced after all teachers underwent RT-PCR tests and premises were sanitized. Similar measures will be taken before reopening schools for Classes 5 to 8," she said.
The civic body in Mumbai issued a fresh circular stating that all schools and colleges of various mediums will remain shut till further orders in view of a second wave of the virus in other countries and in some states.
Earlier, the BMC had decided to keep all schools and colleges in the city shut till January 15.
Earlier this week, the civic body permitted all the state, national and international boards to conduct their scheduled examinations physically as per the timetable. -- PTI
21:24 Govt notifies over 3,500 jobs for persons with benchmark disabilities
The government has notified 3,566 posts in the central government establishments as suitable for persons with benchmark disabilities.
These posts have also been identified suitable for new categories of persons with disabilities such as dwarfism, acid attack victims, muscular dystrophy, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, specific learning disability, mental illness and multiple disability have been added.
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities notified 3,566 posts on January 4 in central government establishments as suitable for persons with benchmark disabilities (disability of 40 per cent and above) under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in a statement, said this notification will broaden the scope for employment for persons with benchmark disabilities in government establishments.
A list of 2,973 posts identified suitable for persons with benchmark disabilities was last notified in 2013 in terms of the repealed Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunity, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.
As compared to the earlier notified list, 593 new posts have been added. -- PTI
21:21 Kangana accused of copyright violation
Author Ashish Kaul, who has written the book Didda: The Warrior Queen of Kashmir, on Friday accused Kangana Ranaut of copyright infringement after the actor announced a film on the warrior queen.
Ranaut and producer Kamal Jain on Thursday announced a sequel to her 2019 release, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, titled Manikarnika Returns: The Legend of Didda.
The sequel will reportedly tell the true story of Didda, who was the Queen of Kashmir and defeated Mehmood Ghaznavi twice. Despite being struck by polio in one leg, she was one of the greatest warriors.
Kaul said not much has been written about Didda in the history and he believes Ranaut has based the new film's story on his book Didda: Kashmir Ki Yodha Rani.
He said he was commissioned by Rupa Publications to write the book about Didda in 2018 and it was published in English language.
Kaul claimed that he had approached Ranaut to write a foreword for the Hindi version of the book in September last year.
"I wrote a mail to her giving her the entire story that she has quoted yesterday. I had asked her if she would be associated with the book for foreword, there was no talk for the film then. But we didn't receive any reply from her. "Whatever she is saying about the story is available only in my book only. She could have asked me if she wants to do a film based on my book but she didn't approach me," Kaul told PTI.
When he took the matter with Ranaut and the film's producer, they denied that they are using his story for the movie, he said, adding that he will be seeking legal counsel to 'protect my rights'.
"I will do whatever it takes to protect my rights and consult legal experts in coming days," he said.
When contacted, Ranaut and Jain were not available for a comment.
Manikarnika Returns: The Legend of Didda is scheduled to go on floors in January 2022. -- PTI
21:11 Somnath Bharti gets bail in one case, hearing on another tomorrow
A special court in Sultanpur on Friday granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party MLA Somnath Bharti in one of the two cases lodged against him for allegedly making objectionable remarks against Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and the state's hospitals.
The cases were registred against him in Rae Bareli and Amethi after he made the objectionable remarks on Saturday.
Bharti will have to remain in jail as the hearing on another complaint lodged against him at Rae Bareli will be held on Saturday.
Bharti's lawyer Rudra Pratap Singh said the MP-MLA court granted him bail on personal bonds with a condition that he will not try to threaten witnesses and remain present during hearings.
The court warned action against Bharti under relevant sections of the CrPC if he violated the bail conditions.
Bharti on Monday had ink hurled at him in Rae Bareli and was arrested later.
He was arrested for criminal intimidation and promoting enmity between groups, police said.
Bharti was remanded in a 14-day judicial custody at the Amhat jail in Sultanpur district.
According to a purported video clip, the Delhi AAP MLA had said on Saturday, "Children are being born in hospitals, but they are of dogs."
Shortly after ink was hurled at him, Bharti was heard arguing with policemen around him, telling them that he would strip them of their uniforms.
Bharti also retweeted a video clip in which he is heard using a derogatory term for Adityanath while talking about 'atrocities on women' in the state. -- PTI
20:41
India's services trade from April to November 2020.
20:40 Nepal approves Covishield for emergency use
Nepal has granted emergency approval for AstraZeneca's India-made Covishield vaccine against the novel coronavirus that has claimed nearly nearly 1,950 lives in the country.
The decision to grant the approval for the vaccine was taken on Friday, Nepal's Department of Drug Administration (DDA) said in a statement.
'Conditional permission has been granted for emergency use authorisation of Covishield vaccine against COVID-19 in Nepal,' the statement said.
Drug major AstraZeneca has partnered with the Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII), the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, for the supply of the vaccine to the Indian government and also to a large number of low and middle-income countries.
The vaccine, developed with the University of Oxford, is made from a virus which is a weakened version of a common cold virus (adenovirus), that has been genetically changed so that it is impossible for it to grow in humans.
Issuing a notice on Friday, the DDA asked manufacturers or importers to get approval for registration to bring COVID -19 vaccines in Nepal.
Three importers submitted applications, said the officials at the DDA.
Nepal on Friday detected 270 new coronavirus cases, taking the national COVID-19 tally to 266,816. Of the total cases reported so far, 260,567 people have recovered, whereas 1,948 have died, according to the Ministry of Health.
In the past 24 hours, 390 people have been discharged from isolation centres after their recovery, while five new deaths have been reported.
As of now, Nepal has 4,301 COVID-19 active cases, it said. -- PTI
20:22 Cong leaders laugh at Rahul's remarks: Tomar
Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday for his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the ongoing farmers' protest at Delhi's borders and said even the leaders of his own party do not take the Gandhi scion seriously and laugh at his remarks.
Tomar, along with two other Union ministers, met the farmers protesting against three recent farm laws for the ninth round of talks on Friday but the discussions did not reach a decisive stage.
While the deliberations were on between the ministers and the farmers, Gandhi met his party MPs from Punjab, who were protesting against the three farm laws, and alleged that the prime minister does not respect farmers.
He said Modi wants to tire out the protesting farmers and the talks with them are part of the government's delaying tactics.
Addressing the media after the meeting with the farmers, Tomar said Gandhi's statements and actions are laughed at even within his own party.
"The Congress manifesto in 2019 itself had promised these reforms and therefore, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi should tell us whether they were lying then or are lying now," he said.
Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, are protesting at various border points of Delhi since November 28 last year against the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, the Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. -- PTI
19:42
India's merchandise trade in December 2020.
19:28 Beginning of end of Covid: Vardhan on vaccination
A day before a massive countrywide vaccination drive against coronavirus is set to commence, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday said the step is 'probably the beginning of the end' of COVID-19.
Speaking at the 146th India Meteorological Department (IMD) foundation day, he, however, cautioned that even if the vaccination drive is on, there should not be lowering of guard and people must follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour.
"Tomorrow is an important day...it is the last phase of the battle against coronavirus. I say, this is probably the beginning of the end of COVID now which is going to start tomorrow," Vardhan, who is also Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Minister, said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch India's COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 via video conferencing.
This will be the world's largest vaccination programme covering the entire length and breadth of the country and all preparations are in place to initiate the programme.
A total of 3,006 session sites across all states and Union territories will be virtually connected during the launch and around 100 beneficiaries will be vaccinated at each session site on the first day.
The vaccination programme is based on principles of priority groups to be vaccinated first.
Healthcare workers, both in the government and private sectors, including Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) workers, will receive the vaccine during this phase.
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) had earlier this month approved Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute, and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country, paving the way for a massive inoculation drive. -- PTI
18:52 300-400 terrorists waiting to cross LoC: Army chief
Around 300-400 terrorists trained in camps across the Line of Control (LoC) are ready to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir, Army chief General M M Naravane said on Friday.
In his speech during the Army day parade, he also said that there has been 44 per cent increase in ceasefire violations that reflects Pakistan's sinister design.
Pakistan often provides cover fire to help terrorists sneak into Jammu and Kashmir.
Gen Naravane said India's active operations and strong counter-infiltration grid not only inflicted heavy losses on the enemy but they contained infiltration attempts as well.
He said the Army killed over 200 terrorists in counter-terror operations and on the LoC last year, adding these measures have provided people of Jammu and Kashmir relief from terrorism.
"Strong response is being given to the enemy on the other border. Pakistan continues to provide safe haven to terrorists. In the training camps, across the LoC around 300-400 terrorists are ready to infiltrate," he said.
"There was an increase of 44 per cent in the ceasefire violations last year which is proof of Pakistan's sinister plans. There were also attempts to smuggle weapons using drones," he added.
There were efforts to smuggle weapons into India from across the border using drones and tunnels, he mentioned.
Gen Naravane said the Indian Army is working towards reorganisation and modernisation in order to increase its war fighting capability. It is working with top education institutions like IITs on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, block chain, quantum computing, unmanned systems, directed energy weapons and swarm drones, he said.
Under the Make in India scheme of the central government, 29 modernisation projects worth Rs 32,000 crore have been awarded by the Indian Army.
Gen Naravane said more than 5,300 soldiers of the Indian Army are part of the UN peacekeeping forces in extremely challenging areas of more than eight countries.
He also dedicated the Indian Army mobile app to the country, stating that it will give immense information to people of this country, especially the younger generation.
-- PTI
18:08 Let farmers come with concrete proposals: Tomar
Urging farmer unions to form an informal group among themselves to prepare concrete proposals to be discussed in the next meeting, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said on Friday detailed discussions took place at the ninth round of talks but could not reach a decisive stage.
The two sides, therefore, decided to meet again on January 19 at 12 noon, Tomar told reporters after the end of the meeting that lasted for nearly five hours.
"Talks took place over three farm laws in a cordial atmosphere and detailed discussions took place on some issues, but couldn't reach a decisive stage," he said. "We suggested they can form an informal group of people who can understand the laws better and prepare some concrete proposals, detailing what are farmers' expectations and what clauses are problematic for them, which the government can consider with an open mind," the minister said.
He further said the government is hopeful of discussions reaching some decisive stage at the tenth round of talks on January 19.
On the direct talks between the government and farmers continuing despite the Supreme Court appointing a panel, Tomar said everyone is fully committed to the apex court and the government will also present its side before the committee panel when invited.
"Unions want to continue the dialogue with the government and we have no problem with that. The SC-appointed panel will also work for the welfare of farmers," he said.
The minister said solution can emerge from the government-farmers talks as well as from the SC-appointed panel's deliberations.
"Our effort is to resolve the issue through dialogue and we want the protest to end at the earliest given the adverse weather conditions and the Covid-19 pandemic situation," he said.
On Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's allegations against the government with regard to the farm laws, Tomar said, "Rahul Gandhi's statements and actions are laughed at within his own party also."
"The Congress manifesto in 2019 itself promised these reforms and therefore Sonia and Rahul Gandhi should tell us whether they were lying at that time or are lying right now," he said.
-- PTI
18:05 Farmers won't go to SC-appointed panel: Tikait
As the ninth round of talks between farmers and the central government over farm laws remained inconclusive on Friday, national spokesperson of Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) Rakesh Tikait said the farmers will not go to the Committee constituted by the Supreme Court, they will talk to Centre only.
"Our demands of repealing of the three farm laws and MSP (minimum support price) guarantee remain. We will not go to the Committee constituted by the Supreme Court. We'll talk to Central government only," said Tikait after the meeting ended.
The Supreme Court had on Tuesday stayed the implementation of three farm laws until further orders and formed a four-member committee.
Harpal Singh Sangha, Azad Kissan Committee, told reporters, "Not even a single issue was resolved in today's talk as well. The Centre said it will talk about MSP later on."
The next round of talks will be held on January 19.
Meanwhile, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the Centre is positive to reach a solution through talks.
"Today's talks with farmers' unions were not decisive. We will hold talks again on 19th January. We are positive to reach a solution through talks. The government is concerned about the farmers protesting in cold conditions," he added.
Farmers have been protesting on the different borders of the national capital since November 26 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
17:27 Sensex slumps 549 pts on profit booking
Equity indices sank deep into the red on Friday as concerns over stretched valuations and a bearish trend in global markets triggered across-the-board selling. Investors preferred to book profits at higher levels despite a good start to the earnings season, traders said.
The 30-share BSE Sensex slumped 549.49 points or 1.11 per cent to finish at 49,034.67. The broader NSE Nifty tumbled 161.90 points or 1.11 per cent to 14,433.70. Tech Mahindra was the top loser in the Sensex pack, shedding 4.35 per cent, followed by HCL Tech, ONGC, Asian Paints, UltraTech Cement, HDFC and HUL.
Only four Sensex components closed with gains -- Bharti Airtel, ITC, Bajaj Auto and Bajaj Finance, spurting up to 3.84 per cent. During the week, the Sensex advanced 252.16 points or 0.51 per cent while the Nifty rose 86.45 points or 0.60 per cent. -- PTI
17:22 Govt-farmer meeting ends; next round on Jan 19
Protesting farmer unions stuck to their demand for a complete repeal of three contentious farm laws at their ninth round of talks with three central ministers but while the government asked them to be more flexible in their approach and expressed willingness for necessary amendments, as the two sides decided to meet again on January 19.
Farmer leader Joginder Singh Ugrahan said told reporters after the meeting that the unions urged the government to repeal the three laws, but the Centre was unwilling to do so. "We decided to meet again on January 19 at 12 pm," he said.
Ugrahan said the union leaders also raised the issue of NIA raids on transporters in Punjab who are supporting farmers' protests and were providing logistic support for the agitation.
At the meeting that lasted for nearly five hours, including a lunch break, farmers unions said they are committed to continuing holding direct talks to resolve the over-one-month-long deadlock over three agri laws, even as a committee has been formed by the Supreme Court to resolve the deadlock. In his opening remarks, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar urged farmer leaders to be flexible in their approach as has been done by the government. -- PTI
The BMC dispatches Covishield to vaccination centres in Mumbai
17:14 Nepal approves emergency use of Covishield vaccine
Nepal Government on Friday approved the emergency use of 'Covishield' vaccine, which is being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII).The decision for the usage of the vaccine was taken by the Department of Drug Administration (DDA).
"It is to notify to all concerned that the conditional permission has been granted for emergency use authorisation of Covishield vaccine against COVID-19 in Nepal as per the departmental decision dated 15th Jan 2021," the DDA said in a notice.
16:50 NDTV's Nidhi Razdan victim of phishing attack
Former NDTV senior journalist Nidhi Razdan's shocker of tweet to say that the Harvard job that she had quit the channel for, in fact, did not exist and that she was the victim of a phishing attack.
"I have been the victim of a very serious phishing attack. I'm putting this statement out to set the record straight about what I've been through. I will not be addressing this issue any further on social media.
"In June 2020 and after 21 years with NDTV, I decided ta mave on and said that I would be joining Harvard University as on Associate Professor of Journalism.
"I had been given to believe that I would be joining the University in September 2020. While I was making preparations to take up my new assignment, I was later told that due to the ongoing pandemic, my classes would commence in January 2021. Along with these delays, I began noticing a number of administrative anomalies in the process being described to me. At first, I had dismissed these anomalies as being reflective of the new normal being dictated by the pandemic, but recently the representations being made to me were of on even more disquieting nature. As a result, I reached out to senior authorities at Harvard University for clarity. Upon their request, I shored some of the correspondence that I believed I had received from the University."
Read the rest of it alongside.
16:18 Guj govt examining UP's anti-conversion laws
The Gujarat government is examining laws enacted by Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to curb "forced religious conversions by marriage", said Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel on Friday. Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, both ruled by the BJP, have brought religious freedom laws to stop conversion through marriage or by any other fraudulent means.
These laws against inter-faith marriages as an alleged ploy for conversion provide for long prison terms and hefty fines for violators. "Some people indulge in trapping or alluring or cheating Hindu girls to marry them. But we have seen that most of the time such girls regret taking this step as they and their families are never happy in such situations. "This also creates division in the society," Patel said in reply to a question.
16:07 Siraj racially abused again, called 'grub'
India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was targetted for abuse by a section of the crowd on the opening day of the fourth Test against Australia, a newspaper reported, claiming that he was called a "grub" by some spectators.
The reported incident happened a few days after Siraj was racially abused by spectators at the Sydney Cricket Ground on the third and fourth day of the drawn third Test. That had led to an expulsion of six people from the stands and an unreserved apology from Cricket Australia to the visiting team.
On Friday, a report in the 'Sydney Morning Herald' quoted a spectator as saying that a section of the crowd at the Gabba targetted Siraj. "The guys behind me have been calling - shouting - both Washington and Siraj grubs," a spectator named Kate was quoted as saying by the newspaper. "It started targeted at Siraj and it was a chant similar to the SCG one (in which fans sung to the tune of Que Sera, Sera but substituted the lyrics with Que Shiraz, Shiraz).
"But this time it was Siraj. I suspect it's not a coincidence that it's Siraj being targeted post the SCG stuff." According to the newspaper, at one point, a man in the crowd was heard yelling, "Siraj, give us a wave, give us a wave, give us a wave. Siraj, you bloody grub." Play was halted during the Sydney Test for about 10 minutes after Siraj complained of racial abuse from a section of the crowd.
The BCCI had also lodged a complaint with the match referee against the abuse. CA had promised strongest possible action against the offenders, which included the possibility of them being banned for life from the SCG. The ICC had condemned the incidents of Indian players being subjected to racial abuse by the spectators and had sought an action-taken report from CA. Former cricketers and current players like India captain Virat Kohli, Australia skipper Tim Paine and coach Justin Langer had also condemned the incidents at the SCG. PTI
15:59 No resolution at farmers meet with govt so far
The 9th round of talks between the government and the farmer unions which is on going at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, has not reached any resolution before lunch break. The MSP Guarantee act will be discussed after the break.
The latest meet comes after the Supreme Court stayed the implementation of the three central laws till further orders and announced the formation of a committee to hear the grievances of the farmers and the opinion of the government.
Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at the border of Delhi for several weeks, demanding the repeal of the laws they say will lead to the weakening of the minimum support price system.
15:13 Murdered IndiGo airlines manager's family demands CBI probe
Three days after Rupesh Kumar Singh, a manager with IndiGo airlines, was shot dead by unidentified bike-borne men in the Punaichak area of Patna, his family on Friday said the probe should be transferred from Bihar police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Talking to media, Nandeshwar Singh, brother of the deceased said that despite Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's assurance of arresting the culprits within 48 hours, there have been no arrests.
"Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had given an assurance that culprits will be arrested within 48 hours. But there's been no arrest. We feel that the Patna administration is unable of making the arrests. So, the Chief Minister should hand over the probe to CBI," said Nandeshwar Singh.
14:36 Farmers-govt talks break for lunch
The talks between farmer leaders and the government at Vigyan Bhawan temporarily halted for the lunch break. The 9th round of talks between the government and the farmer unions is on at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
14:29 Govt to use EC data for Covid vaccination drive
The Election Commission will extend "full assistance" to the government in identifying targeted beneficiaries at the polling station level for the COVID-19 vaccination drive, but wants health authorities to delete the data once the inoculation exercise is over, sources privy to the development said on Friday.
On December 31 last year, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora requesting the commission's help in identifying people above 50 years of age at the polling station level, the sources said. On the issue of data security, the home secretary wrote that the government is complying with the current best practices for ensuring cyber security. He has assured the poll panel that the data will be used only for the purpose of vaccination, the sources said.
The Election Commission (EC), after detailed deliberations, wrote back to the home secretary on January 4, saying it has decided to render "full assistance" in the vaccination drive. But asked the government to ensure that the data is strictly used for the limited purpose for which it has been sought, the sources said.
The commission also said that the data should be deleted by health authorities once the vaccination exercise concludes, they said. Some senior EC officials will be in touch with nodal officers of the Union home ministry and the Union health ministry to settle day-to-day issues, the sources said. Last month, officials of the Union health ministry and the Niti Aayog had met the EC top brass seeking their help in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccine given the poll panel's robust network at the booth level. -- PTI
13:55 Guess the superstar at Army Day parade today?
Drones of the Indian Army carried out mock kamikaze attacks and first-aid delivery exercises as the service showcased its latest assets during the Army Day parade at the Cariappa ground in New Delhi on Friday.
This is for the first time drones featured at the parade that also had detachments of the upgraded anti-aircraft weapon system Schilka, BrahMos missile system, infantry fighting vehicle BMP-2, T-72 bridge laying tanks and multi-rocket launcher system Pinaka.
Army Chief Gen M M Naravane conferred gallantry awards and unit citations at the event, which was also attended by Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat.
Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year in recognition of Field Marshal K M Cariappa's taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander in 1949. Around 75 drones of the Indian Army carried multiple mock operations, including kamikaze attacks, first-aid delivery and parachute payload delivery exercises, at the event.
13:27 TMC MP Satabdi Roy hints at 'decision' tomorrow
Amid an ongoing exodus from the TMC, Birbhum MP Satabdi Roy hinted that she is having problems with the ruling party in West Bengal and may take a "decision" on Saturday. The actor-turned-politician, in a Facebook post, claimed that she is not being informed about party events in her constituency and this has caused "mental pain" to her.
The three-time Birbhum MP, who is on her way to New Delhi, said she will inform the public at 2 pm on Saturday if she takes any "decision". Her post has created ripples in the TMC, which promised to reach out to Roy. As per party sources, Roy is having differences with Birbhum district TMC chief Anubrata Mondal.
"I have a close connection with this constituency. But recently many people have been asking me why I am missing from several party programmes. "I want to tell them that I want to attend all programmes. But I don't get to know about many programmes and if I am not even informed about events in my constituency, then how can I attend. I was mentally pained because of this," the post on Satabdi Roy Fans' Club page read.
Roy said she has spent more time with the people of her constituency than her own family in the last 10 years and even her enemies can't discredit her on this account.
"So, this year I am trying to take some decisions so that I can spend the entire time with you. I am grateful to you. You have been supporting me since 2009. Hope you will support me in the coming days too," the post read.
"If I take any decision, will let you know on January 16, Saturday at 2 pm," it added.
When contacted, Roy confirmed that the post was indeed made by her. "I have tried to reach out to the leadership but it has been of no use. If I am not able to work for the masses then what is the use of continuing in the post," she told reporters.
Roy had twice given resignation from the Tarapith Unnayan Parishad but those were not accepted, sources said. She is presently on her way to New Delhi, they said.
When asked whether there are chances of joining the BJP, she refused to reply. Responding to a query whether she will meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Roy said, "There are always chances of meeting people you know but there is no such possibility." Roy was seen with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a roadshow in Bolpur on December 29.
13:19 Kangana on Masand's pasand
Kangana Ranaut holds forth on film critic Rajeev Masand joining Karan Johar's film company as the COO. @KanganaTeam tweeted: "Rajeev wrote the most poisonous blind items about Shushant and me, he openly licked mediocre star kids and gave negative reviews to genuinely good films, even as a journalist he was always KJO minion. Good he left jurno facade and joined KJO officially."
Nothing changes for the lady with the poison pen.
13:08 Indian-origin man kills daughter, mother-in-law in US
An Indian-origin man in the US shot and killed his 14-year-old daughter and his mother-in-law before turning the gun on himself, police said. Bhupinder Singh, 57, shot his teen daughter, Jasleen Kaur, and 55-year-old Manjeet Kaur inside his home in the town of Schodack, about 19 kms south of Albany.
"Preliminary investigation has determined that 14-year-old Jasleen Kaur and 55-year-old Manjeet Kaur, both of Castleton on the Hudson, died as a result of gunshot wounds sustained during a domestic incident that occurred at their residence at approximately 9:30 pm on Wednesday," New York State Police said.
A fourth resident, 40-year-old Rashpal Kaur, sustained a gunshot wound to the arm but was able to flee the residence. She is being treated at Albany Medical Center and her wounds are non-life-threatening, it said.
The wounded woman was taken to Albany Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries with troopers waiting to interview her. Neighbour Jim Lundstrom said that he was resting that night when he heard his doorbell ring nonstop, according to the Times Union, a daily newspaper in the area.
Help me! Help me! he said he heard someone scream. When Lundstrom checked outside his window, he saw someone walk away from his home and stumble her way up the street to another house. Then he opened his door. There was blood everywhere, Lundstrom said. PTI
12:44 9th round of farmers-govt talks begins
The 9th round of talks between the government and the farmer unions has started at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
The latest meet comes after the Supreme Court stayed the implementation of the three central laws till further orders and announced the formation of a committee to hear the grievances of the farmers and the opinion of the government.
Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at the border of Delhi for several weeks, demanding the repeal of the laws they say will lead to the weakening of the minimum support price system.
The three contentious laws are the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020 and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020.
12:11 Why Mann recused himself from SC committee
Bhupinder Singh Mann, National President of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Mann), who recused himself from the 4-member committee appointed by Supreme Court over the new farm laws, on Friday said that there was no point in being a part of the committee as farmers had announced that they will not appear before it.
"The people we are supposed to listen to (farmers) are saying that they won't appear before the committee. What is the point?" Mann told ANI. When asked what took him two days to recuse himself, Mann said that he had not been intimated about the appointment till the 14th.
"On January 12 when the decision was taken by the SC, I was contacted by several people asking me if I was the one who was appointed in the committee. I had no idea about this. I told reporters that till I am officially communicated to about it, I cannot say anything. I only received communication on January 14," he said.
He added that after receiving the appointment letter, he spoke to the Chief Justice and informed him about his position in the matter."I spoke to the Chief Justice and told my position and informed him that I want to recuse myself," he said. -- ANI
11:51 Ex-IAS officer is BJP candidate for UP polls
BJP fields former IAS officer AK Sharma in Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections. Sharma joined BJP in Lucknow yesterday.
11:44 400 Pak terrorists waiting at border: Army chief
Army Chief MM Naravane speaking at the Army Day Parade: "You all are aware of ongoing tension with China on northern borders. Regarding conspiracy to unilaterally change status quo on borders, a befitting reply was given. I want to assure the country that sacrifice of bravehearts of Galwan would not go in vain.
"We are committed to finding the resolution of our disputes through discussions and political efforts but no one should commit the mistake of testing our patience.
"Around 300-400 terrorists are sitting in training camps near the border to infiltrate into the Indian territory. Number of ceasefire violations went up by 44 per cent last year, which shows the nefarious intentions of Pakistan.
Last year, the Army eliminated over 200 terrorists near LoC and in counter-terrorism operations."
11:28 Salute to our braves
At Army Day parade 2021, five Army personnel awarded the Sena Medal posthumously for their acts of gallantry in different operations. Naik Sandeep of 10 Para Special Forces unit awarded the Sena Medal for gallantry posthumously for eliminating two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir and saving the life of his squad commander.
11:25 Should you watch Tandav?
Tandav is as mainstream and contrived as it gets, but not completely without its moments of charisma and drama, observes Sukanya Verma.
Read the review here
11:12 Kumbh Mela: 7L devotees take a dip in Haridwar
Marking the beginning of the auspicious Kumbh Mela on Thursday, over 7 lakh devotees took a holy dip in the bank of river Ganga in Haridwar, said the Information Department of the Uttarakhand government.
As many as 7,11,000 devotees performed rituals at Har ki Pairi during the time of aarti. The government said that all COVID-19 health protocols were followed on the first day of the Kumbh and 974 people were fined for flouting the guidelines.
"The soldiers of Uttarakhand's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Pradeshik Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Central Paramilitary Force (CPF) and five teams of the Bomb Disposal Squad are deployed in Haridwar for the safety of devotees during the Kumbh Mela 2021," the state government said.
In addition to the radio communication system, concerned authorities have installed over 1,000 CCTV cameras to keep a strict vigil on the entire fair.
Due to the pandemic, this year the Kumbh Mela will be held for 48 days in Haridwar instead of three-and-a-half months. -- ANI
10:37 Navdeep Saini complains of groin pain, goes off field
The injury-plagued Indian team took another hit on Friday when pacer Navdeep Saini was forced off the field during the fourth and final Test against Australia here due to groin pain.
The 28-year-old Saini had bowled five balls of his eighth, and the innings 36th, over during the second session when he had to walk off the field because of the pain.
"Navdeep Saini has complained of pain in his groin. He is currently being monitored by the BCCI medical team," read a short statement from the BCCI giving an update on the one-Test-old bowler's condition.
Vice-captain Rohit Sharma completed Saini's over. India have lost several key players, such as pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, to a spate of injuries that has marred their overall gutsy show against Australia.
The series is currently tied 1-1 after both sides won a game each, followed by an engrossing draw in the third Test in Sydney. Saini had made his Test debut in Sydney and picked up four wickets in the match. -- PTI
10:27 Sensex steps down from all-time highs, ditto Nifty
Equity benchmark Sensex dropped over 200 points in early trade on Friday tracking losses in index majors Infosys, HDFC Bank and TCS amid weak cues from global markets.
The 30-share BSE index was trading 246.16 points or 0.50 per cent lower at 49,338. Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty fell 67.65 points or 0.46 per cent to 14,527.95 in opening deals. Profit-booking at higher levels is keeping benchmark indices volatile, traders said.
UltraTech Cement was the top loser in the Sensex pack, shedding around 2 per cent, followed by Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Asian Paints, IndusInd Bank, Dr Reddy's, HCL Tech and TCS. On the other hand, Bharti Airtel, NTPC, Titan, Nestle India and ONGC were among the gainers.
In the previous session, Sensex ended at its new lifetime high of 49,584.16, up 91.84 points or 0.19 per cent, and Nifty rose 30.75 points or 0.21 per cent to finish at a record 14,595.60. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) were net buyers in the capital market as they purchased shares worth Rs 1,076.62 crore on Thursday, as per exchange data.
According to Binod Modi Head-Strategy at Reliance Securities, domestic equities do not look to be encouraging at the moment. "While the underlying strength of the market remains intact, it appears to be a bit tiring from the last couple of days and may see some amount of pullback in coming days.
"However, announcement of higher fiscal stimulus in the US and soft stance of global central bankers about their monetary policies along with a weak dollar will continue to attract FPIs to Indian equities," he said.
US markets ended with modest correction in the final hour of trade ahead of the announcement of the coronavirus relief plan by President-elect Joe Biden. Elsewhere in Asia, bourses in Shanghai, Seoul and Tokyo were in the red, while Hong Kong was trading in the positive zone. -- PTI
10:12 More than 100 individuals arrested for Capitol Hill riots, says FBI
US security agencies have arrested more than 100 individuals for their criminal activities in last week's siege of the Capitol and are monitoring an extensive amount of concerning online chatter ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration on January 20, FBI Director Christopher Wray said.
The violence on January 6 by outgoing President Donald Trump's supporters temporarily halted the counting of Electoral College votes and resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including a police officer. "We and our partners have already arrested more than 100 individuals for their criminal activities in last week's siege of the Capitol and continue to pursue countless other related investigations," Wray said during a meeting with Vice President Mike Pence. "And those help not only prevent those individuals from any effort to repeat that kind of activity but also should serve as a very stern warning to anybody else who might be inclined to try to engage in that activity," he said.
Wray also said that law enforcement was aware of and monitoring an extensive amount of concerning online chatter ahead of President-elect Biden's inauguration next week, but added that authorities were having to sift through what's aspirational versus what's intentional.
The FBI, he said, is looking at individuals who may have an eye toward repeating that same kind of violence that was seen at the Capitol Hill last week. "I mean, from January 6 alone, we've already identified over 200 suspects. So we know who you are, if you're out there, and FBI agents are coming to find you," he said. It was Wray's first public appearance since rioters stormed the Capitol.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar has allowed Munde to continue
10:03 Despite rape charges Munde to continue as minister
In a relief for Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde, who is facing rape allegation by a woman, his party NCP has decided to let him continue in the cabinet post for now, sources said on Friday.
According to the sources, the decision was taken considering the complaints of harassment made against the woman by some leaders from the opposition BJP and the MNS.
Top NCP leaders, including party president Sharad Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Water Resources Minister Jayant Patil and senior leader Praful Patel, met late Thursday night to discuss the issue. The meeting was held at Patel's residence.
Munde (45), the social justice minister in the Shiv Sena-led MVA government, has refuted the rape charges and dubbed them as blackmail attempt.
BJP leader Krishna Hegde on Thursday claimed that the Mumbai-based woman had been harassing him for several years. An MNS politician, too, has made similar allegations against her. Munde had levelled blackmailing charges against the woman. Now other party politicians, too, have levelled such charges against the woman concerned. The allegation by BJP and MNS leaders somewhere seems to strengthen Mundes claims. A police probe is going on in a case relating to Munde.
"We will need to wait for its conclusion. So, it was decided that Munde will continue in the post for now, the sources said. On Thursday, NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar said that the allegation against Munde was serious and added the party will discuss the issue and decide on it "as soon as possible. Pawar told reporters that Munde met him on Wednesday and explained his side of the episode. -- PTI
09:58 BSF kills Pak intruder near Punjab border
One Pakistani intruder was shot down by troops of the Border Security Force on Thursday after suspicious movement was detected near the international border in Punjab's Gurdaspur district.
As per the BSF, troops detected movement of the intruder ahead of the fence at the border outpost (BOP) Wadhai Cheema and Kotrazda inside Indian territory. Sensing an imminent threat, BSF troops fired and shot the intruder dead. -- ANI
09:35 Farm laws significant step for agri reforms: IMF
The International Monetary Fund believes the farm bills passed by the Indian government have the potential to represent a significant step forward for agricultural reforms, a spokesperson of the organisation said.
There is, however, a need to strengthen the social safety net for those who might be adversely affected by the transition to the new system, Gerry Rice, Director of Communications at IMF, said at a news conference in Washington on Thursday.
"We believe the farm bills do have the potential to represent a significant step forward for agricultural reforms in India," Rice said.
"The measures will enable farmers to directly contract with sellers, allow farmers to retain a greater share of the surplus by reducing the role of middlemen, enhance efficiency and support rural growth," he added.
"However, it is crucial that the social safety net adequately protects those who might be adversely impacted during the transition to this new system," the spokesperson said responding to a question on the ongoing protests by farmers against the laws in the country.
This can be done by ensuring that the job market accommodates those that are impacted by the reforms, he said.
"And of course, the growth benefits of these reforms will depend, critically, on the effectiveness and the timing of their implementation, so need to pay attention to those issues as well with the reform," Rice said. -- PTI
09:29 Prez Kovind, PM Modi extend greetings on Army Day
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday greeted soldiers on Army Day.
"On Army Day, greetings to the valiant men and women of the Indian Army. We remember the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation. India will remain forever grateful to courageous and committed soldiers, veterans and their families. Jai Hind!," Kovind tweeted.
In a tweet, Modi lauded the Indian Army, saying it is strong, brave and resolute.
He also said that Indian soldiers have made the country proud as he wished them on behalf of the people.
Army Day is celebrated to mark the first Indian general taking over the command of the Indian Army from a British officer in 1949.
09:16 Indian-American Garima Verma named digital director in Office of the First Lady
Incoming First Lady Jill Biden has named Indian-American Garima Verma as her digital director and Michael LaRosa press secretary, the Biden transition team said.
Biden also announced additional members to the Office of the First Lady, picking Rory Brosius to be the new executive director of the Joining Forces initiative.
Verma, who was born in India, grew up in Ohio and the Central Valley of California.
She served as an audience development and content strategist on the Biden-Harris campaign, the transition team said on Thursday.
Before joining the campaign, Verma was a volunteer with the content team, designing graphics for distribution to Biden-Harris volunteers across the country, it said in a statement.
She previously worked in the entertainment space, marketing films at Paramount Pictures and television shows at The Walt Disney Company's ABC Network, and media agency Horizon Media.
Verma has also served as an independent consultant in marketing, design and digital for a number of small business and non-profit clients, the statement added.
LaRosa was the travelling press secretary and chief spokesperson for Dr Jill Biden on the Biden-Harris campaign and transition. Prior to joining the campaign, LaRosa was the communications director for the House Democratic Policy Communications Committee in the Office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, it said.
Other appointments include Liz Hart as deputy social secretary, Gina Lee as director of Scheduling and Advance, Vanessa Lion as deputy policy director, and Jordan Montoya as director of Advance and Trip Director.
"With their varied and diverse backgrounds, these dedicated and accomplished public servants bring a shared commitment to building an administration that lifts up all Americans," the incoming First Lady said.
"Together, we will work to open the White House in new, inclusive and innovative ways, reflecting more fully the distinct beauty of all our communities, cultures and traditions. I am proud to announce these individuals and look forward to working alongside them each and every day," she added.
These impressive and experienced appointees will work closely with incoming First Lady Dr Jill Biden and play a critical role in supporting the operations of the First Lady's office, the Biden transition team said.
"The incoming Biden-Harris administration has a bold vision for our country that will build our nation back better than before. These skilled, diverse and incredibly talented and committed appointees to the First Lady's Office will work tirelessly for American families. I am proud to have them join our White House team," said Julissa Reynoso, incoming Chief of Staff to the First Lady. -- PTI
08:34 Follow Mann's suit: Farmers to panel members
Members of the committee appointed by the Supreme Court to resolve farm laws deadlock should follow the suit of Bhupinder Singh Mann and not be on the "wrong side of history", a farmers' union said on Thursday.
Mann, the national president of Bharatiya Kisan Union, on Thursday expressed gratitude over his nomination into the four-member committee but recused himself saying he would give up any position to prevent farmers' interests from being compromised.
"Mann's decision is a welcome move. The other three members of the panel, who have shown pro-new farm laws stance should also follow Mann's suit. This ongoing agitation for rollback of the three agri laws is history in the making, and we urge they should not be on the wrong side of history," Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lok Shakti) spokesperson Shailesh Kumar Giri said.
Apart from Mann, Shetkari Sanghatana (Maharashtra) president Anil Ghanwat, International Food Policy Research Institute's Pramod Kumar Joshi and agriculture economist Ashok Gulati were appointed on the panel.
BKU (Lok Shakti) members have been camping at the Dalit Prerna Sthal in Noida since first week of December to demand withdrawal of the three new contentious laws. Besides BKU (Lok Shakti), members of BKU (Bhanu) are also staying put at Chilla at Noida-Delhi border over the issue.
Meanwhile, scores of farmers belonging to the two BKU factions stayed put in Noida on Thursday night after celebrating 'Makar Sankranti' at the protest sites and burning symbolic copies of the new laws.
Support also poured in for the BKU (Lok Shakti) as five of its members from Odisha joined the protest which already has farmers from various districts of Uttar Pradesh.
"Among those who joined from Odisha are the union's Odisha unit chief Sangram Pillai," Giri said.
BKU (Bhanu) and BKU (Lok Shakti) are not a part of the Sanyukta Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of 40 farmers unions, which are leading the charge at Delhi's border points in Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur, but have extended their support to the cause.
Thousands of farmers are currently staying put at Delhi's borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in protest against the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. -- PTI
00:11 Covid-19: UK bans flyers from South America
Travel to the UK from anywhere in South America, as well as Portugal, has been banned due to fears over a new coronavirus variant first identified in Brazil.
The UK government's COVID-19 operations committee met to discuss the issue of the Brazilian variant and announced that the ban on travellers from these countries will come into effect from 4 am on Friday.
"I've taken the urgent decision to ban arrivals from Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Cenezuela, from tomorrow, 15 Jan at 4 am following evidence of a new variant in Brazil," UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said in a Twitter statement.
"Travel from Portugal to the UK will also be suspended given its strong travel links with Brazil � acting as another way to reduce the risk of importing infections. However, there is an exemption for hauliers travelling from Portugal (only), to allow transport of essential goods," he said.
"This measure does not apply to British and Irish Nationals and third country nationals with residence rights, but passengers returning from these destinations must self-isolate for 10 days along with their households," he added.
Travel bans have previously been introduced for those coming from Denmark and South Africa, in response to other new variants that have been detected in those countries.
The discovery of a highly transmissible variant of coronavirus in the UK prompted many countries around the world, including India, to introduce travel bans for arrivals from the UK in December last year.
The latest move comes as mandatory pre-departure negative COVID test requirements come into effect for anyone travelling into the UK, by boat, plane or train, from early on Monday.
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