The White House has rejected a request from Congressional Democrats for a slew of documents related to Pres. Trump's phone calls and meetings with Vladimir Putin. https://t.co/kG3PSkOpyM

  House Oversight Chairman Elijah Cummings said Thursday his committee has obtained new information that several senior White House officials have used personal email and messaging accounts to conduct government business, asserting that President Donald Trump’s son-in-law communicated with foreign leaders through a private messaging application that appears to lack adequate safeguards.

  In a Thursday letter to the White House, the Maryland Democrat alleged that Jared Kushner, who is also a senior White House adviser, had been using WhatsApp, a popular messaging application, to “communicate with foreign leaders” – something he said that Kushner’s attorney had confirmed in a private meeting.  He also contended that Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump, also a senior adviser, may be in violation of the Presidential Records Act by her use of private emails.

  The allegations from Democrats that some of Trump’s closest confidants – as well as former officials Steve Bannon and K. T.  McFarland – used personal email come as Trump continues to attack Hillary Clinton for using a private email system when serving as secretary of state.

What does Ivanka Trump do?

  In the letter, Cummings revealed that his panel learned the new information in a private meeting in December with Abbe Lowell, an attorney for both Kushner and Ivanka Trump.  Lowell referred inquiries to the White House and National Security Council about whether Kushner communicated classified information through WhatsApp, something that Cummings said would constitute a “major security breach. ”

  “For example during a meeting with Mr.  Kushner’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, Mr.  Lowell confirmed that Mr.  Kushner has been using the messaging application WhatsApp as part of his official White House duties to communicate with foreign leaders.  Mr.  Lowell could not answer whether Mr.  Kushner’s communications included classified information,” Cummings wrote.

  According to Cummings, when pressed how Kushner was backing up his communications in order to assure that he wasn’t violating the Presidential Records Act, Lowell responded that Kushner took “screenshots” and forwarded them to his official White House email account or to the National Security Council.  According to Cummings, when Lowell was asked if Kushner ever communicated classified information on WhatsApp, Lowell responded, “That’s above my paygrade. ”

  The Oversight Committee began looking into the use of personal email at the White House in March 2017, when Republicans still controlled the committee.  The committee launched a bipartisan investigation into the use of “personal email and messaging accounts” by “non-career officials at the White House,” but Cummings says in the letter that even after he followed up in December 2018 requesting documents on the cusp of becoming chairman, “the White House failed to produce any additional documents”  and “failed to provide the promised briefing during this timeframe. ”

White House rejects Dem requests for info on Putin communications

  “As you know, the White House has not produced a single piece of paper to the Committee in the 116th Congress – in this or any other investigation,” Cummings wrote.

  Lowell responded Thursday to Cummings’ letter, which he said is “not completely accurate about what was said. ” Lowell said that he “never” said at their December meeting that Kushner’s communications on WhatsApp were with foreign “leaders” or “officials. ”

  “I did not specify who they were,” Lowell said.  “For example, he has numerous friends and contacts abroad. ” He acknowledged referring questions about Kushner’s contacts through WhatsApp to the White House, and argued that Kushner “follows the protocols,” including over classified information.

  Lowell also denies that he revealed that Ivanka Trump continues to receive official emails to her private account that she does not forward to her government account, in potential violation of the Presidential Records Act.

  Lowell says he told Cummings their discussion was in regard to a period before September 2017.  Now, he said, she “always” forwards emails to her official account.

  A White House official confirmed to CNN that the White House has received the letter and is reviewing it.  Bannon could not be reached for comment.  An attorney for McFarland declined to comment.

  In the same letter, Cummings also said Lowell told the Oversight Committee that Ivanka Trump “continues to receive emails relating to official business on her personal email account and that she does not forward emails received through her personal account unless she responds (to) the email, even if the subject matter of the email relates to her official duties. ”

Why Trump suddenly says public should see Mueller's report

  Cummings argues in his letter it could be a violation of the Presidential Records Act, which prohibits White House staff from using private email to conduct government business unless the individual forwards the message to the official account within 20 days.  He also said that the Oversight Committee learned that McFarland “conducted official business on her personal AOL. com account” when she was deputy national security adviser and that they had “also obtained a document that appears to show that Bannon, former White House Chief Strategist, received documents” related to transferring US nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia.

  Cummings says that he expects to hear back from the White House or will be forced to pursue other avenues to obtain the information he has requested.

  “The White House’s failure to provide documents and information is obstructing the Committee’s investigation into allegations of violations of federal records laws by White House officials.  The Committee requests that you confirm by March 28, 2019, whether you intend to comply voluntarily with its request or whether the committee should consider alternative means to obtain the information it needs to conduct its investigation,” Cummings wrote.

CNN’s Pamela Brown, Katelyn Polantz, Kara Scannell and Sara Murray contributed to this report.
© 2021 Cable News Network.  A Warner Media Company.  All Rights Reserved.   CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network.


The popular tourist destination was struck by an exceptionally high tide, which peaked at 187 centimeters (73.6 inches). It is the worst flooding in Venice since 1966. https://t.co/HNNxeSO5DE

Venice mayor says the city is on its knees after the record flooding. Flooding emergency in VeniceRome -- High tides and lashing rain struck Venice Tuesday night bringing the water level in some areas close to a 50-year record high and causing inestimable damage to the centuries-old city. Close to midnight Tuesday -- at its night-time peak -- the city recorded a high of 187 centimeters, just short of the famous 1966 flood when the tide reached 194 centimeters. Barges, boats and gondolas were stripped from their moorings as historic squares were submerged with water and restaurants, shops and hotel lobbies flooded. In a surreal scene, Italian TV showed a person swimming in St.  Mark’s square last night as well as other bizarre images of water gushing out of toilets and electrical sockets in homes. As the waters receded in the morning -- with a peak of about 144 centimeters mid-morning -- Venetian emergency services dealt with hundreds of emergency calls while some phone lines remained down and schools closed. Some tourists stood up to their knees in the water in St.  Mark’s square taking selfies. The mayor who has been monitoring the flooding throughout the night said the situation was dramatic.  “Venice is on its knees.  The Basilica of Saint Mark has suffered grave damage as has the whole city and the islands’’ he tweeted. “We need everyone’s help to get through this day which is seriously testing us.  ‘’Italian news agency ANSA reported that a 78-year-old man was electrocuted by a short-circuit caused by the flooding of his home on the Venetian lagoon island of Pellestrina. The damage to the city and its precious art works and buildings is hard to estimate at this point but sea-water damage is known to be catastrophic for their preservation. An initial survey of the damage of St.  Mark’s Basilica, which is in one of the lowest parts of the city, revealed the crypt with its famous mosaics totally submerged in water. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro blamed climate change for the flooding and said his council was asking for the government to declare ‘’a state of emergency’’ for Venice . In a tweet he told local people and businesses to collect photographic and video evidence of the damage suffered for future claims for compensation. Flooding is not new to the romantic city built centuries ago in the Venetian Lagoon.  High waters in Venice, known as ‘’acqua alta’, periodically affect Venice and its surrounding islands during the fall to spring period when a combination of weather and tides raise the level of the sea water. The city monitors water levels attentively and customarily prepares for the high tides.  Temporary walkways on platforms are placed in the historic squares and along canals to be used during the flooding and buildings and shops set up barricades against the water ahead of its rise. A project to protect the city from acqua alta using floating gates was launched in 2003 but still remains incomplete following soaring costs and endless delays and scandals. The President of the region, Luca Zaia, told Italian Mediaset TV ‘’We are faced with total, apocalyptic devastation. ’’.  He went onto say ‘’I’m not exaggerating; 80% of the city is under water, the damage is unimaginable. "He attended a press conference in Marghera this morning with the mayor of Venice and Angelo Borelli, the head of Civil Protection, to request more aid for Venice.  The Prime Minister is expected to visit Venice later today. Following the hottest October ever recorded in the world and the hot summer months, a wave of bad weather over the last week has brought much of Italy to a standstill with schools and subway stations closed in many cities. The torrential rains are moving off the mainland today with many regions left surveying the damage.  Weather experts however are forecasting further storms and more heavy rainfall in the coming weeks.  . 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events


Photo of a dead woman is being shared on social media claiming her to be the 50-year-old woman who was allegedly gang-raped and murdered inside a temple in Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh.  On 03 January 2021, a 50-year-old woman was allegedly gang-raped and murdered by three men including a priest inside a temple in Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh.  Let’s verify the claim made in the post. Claim: Photo of the 50-year-old rape victim in Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh. Fact:  The photo shows the dead body of a young woman who was brutally murdered in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh in 2018.  This photo has nothing to do with the recent incident of a 50-year-old woman who was allegedly gang-raped and murdered in Badaun.  Hence, the claim made in the post is False. On reverse image search of the photo shared in the post, a similar photo of the dead woman was found in a tweet posted by a user on 24 December 2018.  In the post, he claims that Goldie Yadav, a resident of Maurawan village in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh was found dead in the farm fields on the morning of 24 December 2018.  When another user shared this incident on his Twitter page, Unnao district police responded saying that Maurava police took immediate action soon after they got the information about this murder.  उक्त घटना की सूचना मिलते ही थाना मौरावां पुलिस मौके पर पहुँच शव को कब्जे में लेकर शव का पंचायतनामा भरकर पीएम हेतु भेजा गया हैै अभियोग पंजी० कर कार्यवाही की जा रही है।When we searched for more details of the murder using these keywords, we found an article published in ‘Gaon Connection’ media website about this incident.  In the article, it is reported that Goldie Yadav, resident of Maurawan village in Unnau district found dead in bushes on 24 December 2018.  In the article, it is mentioned that Satish Yadav, a local from the same village killed Goldie Yadav for rejecting his love proposal.  Reporting the same, ‘24 Surya News’ uploaded a video on their YouTube channel. Goldie Yadav cleared the Uttar Pradesh Constable Examination and was getting ready to join the post.  News reports about Goldie Yadav’s death can be read here and here.  Samaj Wadi Party Leader Shivpal Yadav has also tweeted about Goldie Yadav death on his official Twitter handle. उन्नाव में एक बेटी गोल्डी यादव की हत्या दुःखद व शर्मनाक है, हाल ही में यूपी पुलिस की परीक्षा पास करने वाली इस बेटी के साथ दुष्कर्म की भी आशंका जताई जा रही है। क्या इस सरकार के तथाकथित "राम-राज" व "बेटी बचाओ अभियान" का कुल जमा हासिल यही है ? To sum it up, 2018 photo of the dead young woman is being shared as the photo of the 50-year-old woman who was allegedly gang-raped and murdered by three men in Badaun


Karnataka: People in large numbers out on the streets to buy essential commodities in Hubli, amid lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus https://t.co/PCDRWV5Sti

“I almost died,” recalls Indian-origin Ria Lakhani, still struggling to breath normally, days after surviving a severe case of coronavirus that has killed over 7,000 people in the UK. “It (breathing) used to be such a natural action but now I have to remember how to inhale and exhale,” the BBC quoted her as saying from her home in north-west London. In self-isolation, she still cannot hug her husband, or see her parents and siblings.  She still wakes up at night struggling to breathe. Lakhani, a sales executive, started to show symptoms of Covid-19 while in hospital, where she was admitted for an operation. Seven years ago, she was diagnosed with a rare condition which makes swallowing difficult.  The surgery was designed to help her manage this oesophageal disease, called achalasia, the report said. Though her admission to hospital was supposed to be a routine one, the situation became serious very soon.  She began to struggle with her breathing and then developed a temperature. While everyone hoped it was just a side-effect of her surgery, a Covid swab test was taken as a precaution.  But to the surprise of all, it turned positive for coronavirus. Soon her room was cordoned off and the rest of the ward evacuated. As her condition deteriorated, she required more oxygen.  She was then shifted to one of London’s major Covid-19 treatment centres. “Things went from bad to worse - taking a breath became as hard as climbing a mountain,” she wrote on Facebook. “I almost died,” she says, speaking from home to the BBC. “I almost didn’t come out of there.  There was a point when I actually started to write difficult messages to my family.  I almost died now I’m alive.  How can life go back to normal after that? ” Lakhani is still not clear whether she developed pneumonia but says even now, from her recovery bed at home in Harrow she can hear a “crackling sound” in her lungs”. According to the World Health Organisation, most people (about 80 per cent) recover from the disease without needing special treatment.  Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Lakhani said her recovery has been slow.  In hospital she could barely move at first and was given morphine on top of the oxygen because of the pain.  She praised the medical staff who treated her.  They are “true heroes,” she said. “It was the small wins and things like the nurses making sure Iris had a constant supply of hot tea and a sneaky extra slice of cake that made me smile. ” At home, she has to maintain a distance from her husband and continues to be besieged by coughing fits. But she’s relieved that she was able to fight the virus, especially considering how many people have died. The UK’s death toll in the coronavirus pandemic continues to rise and hit 7,097 on Wednesday - a record increase of 938 in a day.  The government has urged the public to continue to follow strict social distancing rules before a decision to review the measures can be taken. The UK also has over 55,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, putting immense pressure on the country’s medical system. “I can’t explain the moment I left the hospital, I’ll never take anything for granted again,” she added.  PTI AKJ AKJ


Maharashtra: National Defence Academy holds passing out parade of 140th course.

Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh was also present. https://t.co/AdsuuJYV42

In a picture that went viral on social media, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh was seen doing push-ups along with young cadets at the National Defence Academy (NDA) located in Khadakwasla of Maharashtra’s Pune.  Admiral Singh was at the NDA to review the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 140th course of the academy.  The picture in which the 61-year-old admiral was seen doing the push-ups along with the cadets of the Hunter Squadron garnered widespread attention on social media.  The Hunter Squadron is also the parent squadron of the admiral. “The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh doing Squadron Type Push Ups at NDA.  Giving serious competition to the young cadets! ” the public relations officer (PRO) of the ministry of defence in Udhampur tweeted on Friday. The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh doing Squadron Type Push Ups at NDA.  Giving serious competition to the young cadets!  #FitnessGoals pic. twitter. com/tniHbU2BEcThe public relations officer of the ministry of defence in Kohima also gave a brief account of the incident at NDA.  “Admiral Karambir Singh, #CNS visited “Hunter Squadron,”National Defence Academy #NDA on 28 May 2021.  Admiral said,”let’s do push-ups! ” to his question of “How many? ” CSM Hunter answered “As many”,” PRO Kohima tweeted on Saturday afternoon. Admiral Karambir Singh, #CNS visited “Hunter Squadron,”National Defence Academy #NDA on 28May 2021. Admiral said,”let’s do push-ups! ” to his question of “How many? ”CSM Hunter answered “As many”@indiannavy @IAF_MCC @ANI @DefenceMinIndia @EastMojo @SpokespersonMoD @rahulsinghx pic. twitter. com/ZaXBs7mscJIn the image shared widely on Twitter, some cadets of the squadron could be seen doing the push-ups with their knuckles.  The admiral’s staff, NDA commandant and other officers present at the scene also joined him in the exercise, news agency PTI reported on Saturday, citing an official statement.  “It was the CNS who initiated the push-ups with cadets and we all joined in,” PTI quoted NDA commandant Lt Gen Asit Mistry as saying. On Saturday, after his review of the POP, the admiral said that the jointness of the three defence forces is more important as the nature of war is changing.  “The nature of war is changing and it is important to engage in all adversaries in all domains, like land, sea, air, space and cyber.  It is for this reason that the jointness amongst the three services is far more important than in the past,” Admiral Singh was quoted as saying by PTI. He also visited the Hunter Squadron at the NDA and interacted with the young cadets and presented them a memento, PRO Kohima of the ministry of defence said on Saturday.


More than half of the United States has signed on to a proposed "28th amendment" to the Constitution.

A forwarded-email-turned-social-media-post about a proposed “28th amendment” to the United States Constitution pops up periodically as a viral rumor.  There are variations, but the gist of it goes something like this: Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States.  The email then asks readers to forward the message, a demand that should always spur further fact-checking.  The Truth: There is no official campaign for a 28th amendment beyond its being proposed in this forwarded email (or social media post. ) Some versions of this rumor were lent credence by phony numbers, when they began circulating with the allegation that 35 states have filed sued against the government while proposing a “28th amendment. ” That number is not accurate.  States had actually filed suit against the Affordable Care Act, known colloquially as Obamacare, claiming at the time that the health care law was unconstitutional and violated the rights of individuals by forcing them to buy health insurance by 2014 or face penalties, as articles from 2011 explained: There have been at least 26 federal lawsuits seeking to overturn the health reform law.  In the six biggest decisions, three panels of judges have supported the constitutionality of the law, and three have ruled against it — with one major appellate decision expected any day from an appeals court in Richmond, Va.  Both sides pledge to take the issue all the way to the Supreme Court, which may decide to take up the case as early as this fall.  The 11th Circuit Court sided with 26 states — mostly led by conservative governors and attorneys general — who are asking for the law to be blocked in its entirety.  Their primary argument is that that forcing Americans to buy health insurance oversteps the bounds of the Commerce Clause in the Constitution, which allows the government to regulate economic activity.  But the decision to forgo health insurance is not an economic activity and can’t be regulated, they say.  Somewhere along the line, the reportage about the ACA was folded in with this chain email, likely to lend it more weight and spread it farther.  However, the two issues are not related.  The viral posts and chain emails begin by claiming that members of Congress do not pay into Social Security.  As we have previously reported, that is a rumor so outdated as to attain full “hoax” status.  The email also said that congressional members would exempt themselves from any proposed healthcare reform package.  Members of Congress and most government full time workers already have a healthcare package.  The proposed healthcare reform began with the purpose of offering healthcare for those not already covered.  For all these reasons, we rate this claim Not True.  Article Sources +PBS NewsHour.  "Americans Can’t Be Forced to Buy Insurance, 11th Circuit Rules. "WJLA.  "28th Amendment to the Constitution is a fallacy, Internet rumor. "FactCheck. org.  "Members of Congress Pay Social Security Taxes. "NOLA. com.  "Obama health care lawsuit now has 26 states participating, including Louisiana. "


Man arrested for allegedly sending a series of graphically violent and threatening emails to a college professor who has advocated for abortion rights. https://t.co/vUtcS3LlvC https://t.co/UNq9XOw11A

  Former Texas Rep.  Beto O’Rourke joined some of his fellow Democratic presidential candidates on Wednesday by signaling a willingness to “rethink” voting rights for prisoners.

  O’Rourke, taking questions from the press while at the She the People forum in Texas, began his response on the issue by pointing to low voter participation rates in his state and broader rollbacks of voting rights Democrats have railed against around the country.

  He noted that the prison population was “disproportionately comprised of people of color” and said while he was willing to consider expanding voting rights to non-violent offenders behind bars, he was opposed to extending the right to violent offenders in prison.

  “I would think especially for non-violent offenders that we rethink removing the right to vote and allow everyone, or as many as possible, to participate in our democracy,” O’Rourke said.  “For violent criminals, it’s much harder for me to reach that conclusion. ”

  Elaborating on his point, O’Rourke said violent offenders deserved to feel a consequence in “civic life,” in contrast to people behind bars for marijuana, which he has said he wants to legalize.

  O’Rourke’s comments stopped short of his competitor Vermont independent Sen.  Bernie Sanders, whose state, along with Maine, allows prisoners to vote while serving their sentences.

  Sanders said earlier this week at a CNN town hall he supported expanding the right to vote to all prisoners during their sentences, including non-violent and violent offenders.

  Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julián Castro also told reporters at the She the People event that he was open to allowing non-violent offenders being able to vote while incarcerated, but also differentiated for violent felons.

  “I agree with those who have said that incarceration should not necessarily strip somebody of the right to vote, that there’s a history in this country, especially in the south, of African Americans being disenfranchised because they were overincarcerated and that we need to change that,” Castro said.  “Where I would draw the line is with violent felons.  If somebody has committed a particularly heinous crime, then I believe that’s in a different category. ”

  California Democratic Sen.  Kamala Harris said in a separate CNN town hall that she thought it was a conversation worth having, but did not weigh down definitively.  She said the following day that she felt “there has to be serious consequence for the most extreme types of crimes,” but would think about it and talk to experts before deciding.

  South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg unequivocally said felons should not be allowed to vote while serving their sentences.

  “No,” he said during his CNN town hall Monday.  “I do believe that when you are, when you have served your sentence, then part of being restored to society is that you are part of the political life of this nation again and one of the things that needs to be restored is your right to vote. ”

  He went on to say losing the right to vote is part of the punishment when someone is convicted of a crime.

  “You lose your freedom and I think during that freedom, it does not make sense to have an exception for it the right to vote,” Buttigieg said.

  CNN’s Jasmine Wright, Kyung Lah and Veronica Rocha contributed to this report.
© 2021 Cable News Network.  A Warner Media Company.  All Rights Reserved.   CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network.


An Azerbaijani MiG-25 was shot down from the Armenian defenses by the Shilka weapon. In Nagorny Karabakh, the Azerbaijani pilot did more than one maneuver to strike the ground defenses of the Armenian air defense forces ... a fierce war. (sic)

Video Editor: Ashutosh Bhardwaj A video of a plane being shot down by an on-ground ‘weapons system’ is being shared as Armenian defence shooting down an Azerbaijani MiG-25 in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.  The video, however, is an old simulation of a fighter jet in action in the video game, ARMA 3.  CLAIM The video was shared with the claim, “An Azerbaijani MiG-25 was shot down from the Armenian defenses by the Shilka weapon.  In Nagorny Karabakh, the Azerbaijani pilot did more than one maneuver to strike the ground defenses of the Armenian air defense forces . . .  a fierce war.  (sic)” Hindi news channel TV9 Bharatvarsh also ran a bulletin on 9 October with the viral video, and a panel of experts.  The video is also viral on Facebook.  A post by a page called, ‘Federal Government Employees’ had amassed over 71,000 views at the time of writing this article.  WHAT WE FOUND OUT The video is actually a video game simulation and not from the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict, as claimed.  A reverse image search on Yandex, of keyframes from the video, led us to a YouTube video with the caption, ‘Phalanx CIWS Shoots Down Tomahawk Cruise Missile. ’ A keyword search of the same led us to similar YouTube videos, which stated that they were not real, but a simulation from the game ARMA 3.  Amid the YouTube recommendations for similar videos, we found the original video uploaded by a Japanese channel, with the caption, “A-10 Thunderbolt Warthog Thunderbolt CRAM Sius ARMA3 Arma 3 (sic). ” The video was uploaded on 22 August 2020, and hence, could not have been of a recent attack on Armenia.  Evidently, a video game simulation has been falsely shared by social media users and reported by TV9 Bharatvarsh as Armenia shooting down an Azerbaijani fighter jet.  (With inputs from SM HoaxSlayer)


Ghulam Nabi Azad,Congress in Rajya Sabha: Shameful that you have turned J&K into a non entity by making a Lt Governor there, so that you can appoint even a peon or a clerk, sitting here(Delhi). #Article370 https://t.co/aIjKu3Ju5n

Political tensions, in the aftermath of revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and state’s bifurcation into two Union Territories, continued on Thursday after senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad’s comment that “anyone can be brought along with money” referring to NSA Ajit Doval’s Wednesday mingling with locals in valley invited sharp criticism from the BJP.  Azad’s visit to the valley was later cut short at the Srinagar airport, and he was told to return to Delhi.  Azad’s colleague and Congress leader in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, stirred the pot by comparing the J&K security clampdown to a “concentration camp”.  However, Congress veteran and J&K statesman Karan Singh objected to a blanket condemnation of the government’s move on Jammu and Kashmir, saying UT status for Ladakh and restoration of women rights for J&K women were some positives worth taking note of.  Earlier on Thursday, India asked Pakistan to reconsider its decision to scale down diplomatic ties with New Delhi and stated that Islamabad’s posturing to present an alarming picture to the world would not deter India from taking decisions on its internal matters including Jammu and Kashmir.  Follow highlights here:‘Whole world is waiting to see what happens when curfew is lifted’: Imran KhanPakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted about Jammu and Kashmir and India nullifying Article 370The whole world is waiting to see what happens to oppressed Kashmiris in IOK when curfew is lifted.  Does the BJP govt think by using greater military force against Kashmiris in IOK, it will stop the freedom movement?  Chances are it will gain momentum. All educational institutions in Kashmir to reopen from 9th August, 2019Also, the chief secretary of Jammu and Kashmir ordered all government employees ranging from sub-divisional to district levels to report back to their duties.  Jammu and Kashmir Government asks all employees to rejoin servicesThe Chief Secretary asked all government employees to report back to their duties.  The office of the Chief Secretary further conveyed that smooth and secure arrangements have been made by the state administration.  ‘Pray that no one gets a neighbour like we have’, says Rajnath SinghAfter Pakistan announced to cut trade and downgrade diplomatic relation with India after New Delhi abrogated special status to Jammu and Kashmir granted under Article 370, Union Minister Rajnath Singh said that it is not in India’s hands to change Pakistan.  He further added, one can change friends but not neighbours.  Army Chief General Bipin Rawat briefs Defence Minister Rajnath SinghDefence Ministry issued a statement where it said that the situation is under control & the Armed forces are in a state of high alert & closely monitoring the situation in Kashmir, according to ANI.  Defence Ministry: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat today briefed Defence Min Rajnath Singh on developments in Jammu&Kashmir and on Indo-Pak border.  Overall the situation is under control & the Armed forces are in a state of high alert & closely monitoring the situation.  (File pic) pic. twitter. com/H85k4itXLJSamjhauta Express arrives from PakistanThe driver from the Pakistani side has refused to come to IndiaDefence Ministry: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat today briefed Defence Min Rajnath Singh on developments in Jammu&Kashmir and on Indo-Pak border.  Overall the situation is under control & the Armed forces are in a state of high alert & closely monitoring the situation.  (File pic) pic. twitter. com/H85k4itXLJHelpline numbers announced helpline numbers for J-K residents residing outside the state“DC Office #Srinagar has established two helplines 9419028242, 9419028251.  Residents/Students outside state can contact.  Families back home are also using these lines to reach out,” tweeted Srinagar District Magistrate Shahid Choudhary.  J-K Governor Malik asks officials to help students return home for EidThe Governor has also sanctioned 1 lakh each to designated liaison officers for organising Eid festivities for J&K students who are studying in other states along with issuing directions to officials to facilitate return of outside students to their states who wish to go to their homes for Eid. Samjhauta Express departed from Wagah railway stationSamjhauta Express has departed from Wagah railway station, said the station master.  The train is expected to reach at Attari railway station in in few minutes. ‘Got message from Pak that Samjhauta crew members refused to take the train into Indian territory’: Attari railway station masterStation master of Attari railway station, Arvind Kunar Gupta said, “We got a message from Pakistan railways that the crew members and guards of Samjhauta Express refused to take the train into Indian territory.  They allowed us to send our driver and staff to take the train from Wagha. ”Indian train engine to bring Samjhauta Express from WaghaAfter the Pakistani driver, crew members and guards of Samjhauta Express refused to enter India, Indian Railways is sending a train engine with its driver to Wagha railway station in Pakistan to bring the train to India. Islamabad has stopped the Samjhauta Express train service linking India and PakistanIslamabad has stopped the Samjhauta Express train service linking India and Pakistan, its Railway minister Sheikh Rasheed informed foreign office, reports Reuters, amid tension in relations between the two nations with Islamabad downgrading diplomatic ties with India and stopping trade ties. Pakistan railways minister says has decided to ‘shut down’ train linking India and PakistanPakistan railways minister says has decided to ‘shut down’ train linking India and Pakistan: Sources ReutersIndian Railways crew members escort Samjhauta Express from Wagah to Attari borderIndian Railways crew members escort Samjhauta Express from Wagah to Attari border: Sources PTI‘No Indian movie to be screened in Pakistani cinemas’‘No Indian movie to be screened in Pakistani cinemas,’ says Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Special Assistant to Pakistan Prime Minister on IandB: Geo EnglishPM Modi to address the nation on television at 8 pmPrime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation will be a television broadcast and will be played out at 8 pm. PM Modi will be addressing the nation at 8 pm todayPrime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the nation at 8 PM today.  Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi will be addressing the nation at 8 PM today. ‘Pakistan suspends Samjhauta Express services’: Pakistan mediaPakistan suspends Samjhauta Express services, says Pakistan media, ANI reports. ‘DC Office has established 2 helplines’‘Development Commission Office has established 2 helplines 9419028242, 9419028251.  Residents/students outside the state can contact.  Families back home are also using these lines to reach out,’ says Shahid Chaudhary, Development Commissioner (DC) SrinagarGhulam Nabi Azad is being sent back to DelhiCongress MP and leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad is being sent back to Delhi.  Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Ghulam Ahmed Mir and he were stopped at Srinagar airport today, reports ANI. ‘Work on Kartarpur Sahib Corridor will be continued by Pakistan’:MEA Pakistan‘Work on Kartarpur Sahib Corridor will be continued by Pakistan,’ says Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan. ‘Kashmir is our internal matter and Pak’s decision to downgrade diplomatic ties is a knee-jerk reaction’Chief Minister of Punjab, Amarinder Singh tweets Kashmir is our internal matter & Pakistan’s decision to downgrade diplomatic ties is a knee-jerk reaction.  Both countries must take adequate steps to ensure progress of #KartarpurCorridor isn't jeopardized in light of @pid_gov decision to downgrade diplomatic relations with IndiaCongress MP Ghulam Nabi Azad and J-K Cong chief Gulam Ahmed Mir, stopped at Srinagar AirportCongress MP and leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Gulam Ahmed Mir have been stopped at Srinagar Airport.  More details awaited. ‘Anyone can be brought along with money’: Ghulam Nabi Azad


Two criminals have been arrested by Jafrabad Police for robbing three persons including an ANI journalist in Laxmi Nagar area of Delhi on the intervening night of December 20-21: Delhi Police https://t.co/2ZkD8lq5A6

A Delhi court on Friday ordered the Special Cell of Delhi Police to produce the entire video footage of the raid conducted at the office of Mehmood Pracha, a lawyer associated with multiple cases in connection with the north-east Delhi riots who has alleged that the police action was aimed at preventing him from getting justice for those affected by the violence.  The court also directed the Investigating Officer (IO) to submit a status report on investigations against Pracha, who is being probed in an FIR relating to the alleged use of forged documents on judicial record in one of the riots matters.  Citing a victim’s statement, police have also accused Pracha of tutoring victims to give false statements in riot-related cases – a charge he denies.  Pracha is representing nearly 80 people in the Delhi riots cases. Several senior legal experts members have contended that the action by the police could amount to a breach of attorney-client privilege given the related cases Pracha is appearing in, and described it as an attempt to create pressure on lawyers fighting for the rights of several riots victims and accused. On Friday, Duty Magistrate Anshu Singhal took up two applications by Pracha, who contended that the Special Cell officials did not only breach the attorney-client privilege by taking away the entire data from the computers in his office but also violated the court order which specifically ordered the police to produce “forthwith” any evidence, if found, before the court.  The lawyer further relied upon Section 165(6) of the Criminal Procedure Code to assert that he was entitled in law to get a copy of the records, collected as evidence by the police.  Admitting his application, the magistrate sought production of record of the evidences taken during the raid and posted the matter for further hearing on December 27, and asked the Special Cell IO to come before it with the detailed footage. Pracha also pressed for a court-monitored probe of the FIR against him, pointing out that the FIR was registered way back in August but the raid conducted now is with an ulterior design to deter him from appearing in riots cases.  On this, the magistrate asked the Special Cell IO to present a status report before the court concerned on January 5.  Speaking to HT after the hearing, Pracha said that the police have displayed an egregious example of lawlessness and illegalities under the guise of investigation into a forgery FIR registered against unknown persons.  “I am not even aware if I have been named as an accused or not in this FIR.  It has been almost four months since registration of the FIR and there is no charge sheet till date.  They took away details of all the cases and clients, which are privileged communication between a lawyer and his clients.  If this is not a witch-hunt what else can be?  I was assaulted but I am now being told that another FIR is lodged against me at the instance of the raiding team,” he said.  Meanwhile, Delhi Police on Friday confirmed that they have registered a case at Hazrat Nizamuddin police station against Pracha on charges of obstructing government officials from doing their duty.  The police raid on Pracha’s office began around noon on Thursday and continued till 2. 30am on Friday. In response to Pracha’s allegation of assault by police personnel during the raid, deputy commissioner of police (special cell) Manshi Chandra denied the allegations.  The officers said that police had a search warrant from the court to search locations of two lawyers.  Police said that while the process went off smoothly at the premises of advocate Javed Ali in east Delhi, they faced stiff resistance at Pracha’s office.  Former additional solicitor general Indira Jaising condemned the raid at Pracha’s office, saying such actions will lead to a denial of justice to various accused and victims in the Delhi riots cases who are entitled to a free and fair trial.  “The omnibus raid is also an attack on the attorney-client privilege that Mr Pracha is entitled to, especially for those being represented by him in connection with the February riots cases.  What has now happened with Mr Pracha appears to be a continuing trend of attacking the basic right of legal representation by attacking their lawyers,” added Jaising.  Advocate Rizwan, who represents suspended councillor Tahir Hussain, said that the raids conducted at Pracha’s office is unfortunate and is a deliberate attempt to create pressure on the lawyers representing the accused and victims of the Delhi riots.  “Today, it is Pracha, tomorrow it can be someone else,” he said.


Nusrat Jahans revealing photo is enough for people to vote

A photoshopped image of Bengali actress and model Nusrat Jahan, has been revived on Facebook less than 24 hours after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) named her as a candidate to contest polls from the Basirhat, North 24 Parganas constituency in West Bengal.    The image, which has morphed Jahan's face on a woman’s body with tattoos, is being shared with a derogatory caption in Bengali.  BOOM has chosen not to translate it.   You can view the archived version of Facebook posts here, here and here.   At the time of writing the article, the post had already been shared more than 100 times.   Though the post was deleted by the Facebook group হিন্দু সংগঠন(R. S. S), an hour after it was shared in it, the photoshopped picture found its way to other Facebook pages which mocked the candidature of the Bengali actresses.  The Facebook group is not officially linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.    A cursory look shows that Jahan’s head appears to be larger than the rest of the body, in the image.  BOOM ran a reverse image search and found the image of the tattooed woman is originally of a model whose image has been shared appears on the website indulgy. com with the caption ‘Inked Girl by Jeanine. ’  The website in turn has credited tats-and-lingerie. blogspot. com for the picture.  The difference of the photoshopped and original image is quite clear.   BOOM also found that Jahan's photoshopped image is old and has been used as a thumbnail image for websites with pornographic content.  Nusrat Jahan is among the 17 women who will be representing Trinamool Congress in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.  Apart from Nusrat, Mimi Chakraborty, another Tollywood actress will also be contesting the polls from Jadavpur constituency.


A customer attacked an employee at McDonald’s after an argument about plastic straws. He was taken into custody when officers responding to reports of an unarmed robbery recognized him from this video. He faces two charges of simple battery. https://t.co/XjmbWJUCib https://t.co/5KeChtM9OT

    A new plastic straw law had unexpected consequences when a man lashed out at a worker at a fast food chain.

    The Florida man had just gotten his order Monday evening at a McDonald’s in St.  Petersburg.  He got upset when there weren’t any plastic straws out at the condiment station, witness Brenda Biandudi told CNN.

    He walked back to the counter and got in a heated argument with an employee about the straws, Biandudi said.  Then, video shows him reaching over the counter and grabbing the employee, Yasmine James.

    By the end of the night, Daniel Taylor, a 40-year-old homeless man, would be arrested on two charges of simple battery, according to an arrest affidavit from the St.  Petersburg Police Department.  A lawyer for Taylor could not be reached Wednesday night.

    A city ordinance went into effect on January 1 that requires customers to ask for straws.  It’s a way for businesses to adjust before a ban on single-use plastic straws takes effect in January 2020.

    Taylor said the employees weren’t doing their jobs.  “She told him we’re not allowed to have (straws) in the lobby but he can get one upon request.  He said there was no such law.  He started exchanging words laced with profanity, which I won’t repeat,” Biandudi, 62, said.

    “I looked at my camera and I thought I may need to record this since there were so few people in the store.  As soon as he approached her, I hit record.  He reached across and tried to grab her and hit her,” she said.

    James and her attorney, Michele Rayner-Goolsby, spoke out about the attack on HLN on Friday.

    “I didn’t know if he had a gun, a knife or what was he going to do to me.  I felt very alone because no one helped me or anything,” James told HLN on Friday.  “I was very overwhelmed and stressed because a man just grabbed me and tried to attack me. ”

    “He was upset about the straw, but I don’t think that the conversation that we had was enough to lead up for him to grab me,” she said.

    Rayner-Goolsby said James was “lucky” she wasn’t hurt in the attack, but said more needs to be done to protect employees from these situations.

    “She never should have been in this position in the first place,” Rayner-Goolsby said.  “One of the things that she is very passionate about as a result of this is ensuring that violence against women and violence against workers stops.  For her, this is the last straw. ”

    Biandudi had gone into the McDonald’s to use the restroom and buy a drink when she heard the yelling begin.  It was early in the evening on New Year’s Eve and her daughter was in the drive-through, picking up an order.

    As seen in the video, Taylor leaned over the counter and quickly grabbed James, who was working the register, by the shirt collar.  He pulled her close to his face.

    Seconds later, James started whaling on the man, punch after punch.  They gripped onto each other as the woman defended herself.  Fists flew and so did expletives.

    People could be heard saying “stop” and “let her go” in the background.  It took employees almost 15 seconds to separate them.

    After being pulled from Taylor’s grip, James yelled and cursed at the man as she was led away by a colleague.  Taylor flagged a male McDonald’s employee to ask a question.

    James returned to look for her phone, and Taylor shouted, “I want her a** fired right now. ”

    “No, you’re going to go to jail.  You put your hands on me first,” she yelled, clapping her hands together.

    Taylor hurled more profanities at her, saying he was just trying to ask a question.  Another McDonald’s employee asked him to leave.

    Before leaving the restaurant, St.  Petersburg Police said, the man kicked another employee in the stomach as she stood near the exit.

    James was not injured, according to the affidavit.  Tateona Bell, the employee who was kicked, complained of pain afterward.

    By that time, Biandudi had gotten her order and gone outside to her daughter.  She said she watched as another employee was finally able to escort the man outside.

    “I knocked on the door and pointed to my phone and said I have a video and they let me in.  They had locked the door when they got the man out of the store,” Biandudi said.

    When police arrived, she talked to officers and gave them the video of the incident.

    Soon after the incident, Taylor called the police from a couple miles down the road to complain that he’d been hit repeatedly in the head, police spokeswoman Sandra Bentil told CNN.

    “When the officers arrived, they recognized Taylor from the video at McDonald’s and took him into custody,” police said in a statement.

    Bentil said the motive behind the attack is still under investigation.

    McDonald’s is aware of the incident and cooperating with police.

    “Our highest priority is always the safety and well-being of our employees and customers at our restaurants.  We have been in contact with the police department and are fully cooperating with their investigation,” Khim Aday from McDonald’s corporate communications told CNN in a statement.

    James is on paid leave and is still employed, the company said Friday.

    “Given the nature of the situation, we offered Ms.  James paid time off until Sunday,” Aday told CNN.

    Biandudi said she was “very reluctant” about her children posting the video online.  It had more than 4 million views on Facebook as of Friday.

    “I felt it was so disrespectful to talk to an employee like that and belittle her like that,” Biandudi said.

    “I want all the employees at McDonald’s to be safe.  I think they acted appropriately,” she said.  “I want peace.  I want them to keep their jobs and the man to get some help.  We all need to learn how to talk to people in public and show them some respect. ”
  © 2021 Cable News Network.  A Warner Media Company.  All Rights Reserved.   CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network.


I've expressed concern about the Mahadayi river issue to Amit Shah ji. All proofs related to Karnataka's diversion of the river has been submitted to the Supreme Court. I'm not interested to have a one-to-one dialogue with any Karnataka minister on the issue: Goa CM Pramod Sawant https://t.co/hb0n5zWRmr

Union home minister Amit Shah has been admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi again on Sunday after undergoing treatment for coronavirus disease for a complete medical check-up before the upcoming Parliament session, hospital authorities said. The monsoon session of Parliament begins on Monday. “Union Home Minister Amit Shah was discharged from AIIMS after post-Covid care on August 30.  As per advice given at discharge, he has now been admitted for a complete medical checkup before the parliament session for 1-2 days,” the hospital’s media and protocol division said in a statement. Shah, 55, was admitted to the hospital at 11 pm on Saturday.  He was earlier admitted to AIIMS on August 18 for post-coronavirus care.  He had tested positive for Covid-19 on August 2. Shah had announced his health status on Twitter after testing positive for the virus, and urged those who came in contact with him in recent days to isolate themselves and get tested. The home minister tested negative for the disease on August 14.


President Donald Trump has sent a message to Kim Jong Un in an early morning tweet, saying North Korea could be "thriving" like Vietnam -- if it denuclearizes https://t.co/6v6GsTbtxq https://t.co/0reNLggeQv

Before meeting North Korea's Kim, Trump oversees big Vietnamese plane deal and other trade agreementsTrump hails Kim Jong Un as 'great leader' at summitHANOI, Vietnam -- President Donald Trump and Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong presided over the signing of several trade deals in Hanoi on Wednesday, including agreements to sell the booming Southeast Asian country 110 Boeing planes worth billions of dollars. The deals give Trump a tangible economic win ahead of meetings expected for later in the day with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the Vietnamese capital.          Those talks , which follow an initial summit in Singapore last year, are focused on North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons and peace on the Korean Peninsula.  Trump has sought to downplay expectations of a breakthrough at the summit. "Hopefully great things will happen later on with our meeting but a lot of good things are happening before, and that's the signing of trade deals with the United States, and we appreciate it very much," Trump told Nguyen as the trade agreements were being unveiled. In the biggest of the deals, Chicago-based aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co.  said it is selling 100 of its 737 MAX planes to Vietnamese low-cost carrier Vietjet.  The privately owned carrier operates domestic and regional flights using Airbus planes. Boeing and Vietjet said their deal was worth $12. 7 billion at list prices.  Airlines typically negotiate discounts for bulk orders. Vietjet is doubling down on its bet for the 737 MAX, which is an updated version of the workhorse single-aisle 737 model.  It already had 100 of the planes on order following a 2016 deal, though none have been delivered so far. The deal marks a major confidence boost for Boeing, which has faced questions about the plane's safety since a 737 MAX 8 operated by Indonesia's Lion Air plunged into the Java Sea just minutes after taking off from Jakarta on Oct.  29, killing everyone on board. Boeing sealed a second sale to Bamboo Airways of 10 787 Dreamliner, which they valued at $3 billion.  The startup airline was founded in 2017 and began operating domestic flights in January.  It is owned by Hanoi-based conglomerate FLC Group and already had 20 Dreamliners on offer. U. S. -based aviation technology company Sabre also inked a deal with Vietnam Airlines during Trump's visit.  It said the memorandum of understanding has a "potential value" of $300 million. The deals follow a determination by the Federal Aviation Administration earlier this month that Vietnam now meets international standards for aviation safety.  That decision, which follows an assessment by the agency in August, would allow Vietnamese airlines to fly to the United States and to cooperate with U. S.  carriers. There are currently no direct flights between the countries. ———Associated Press writer Elaine Kurtenbach in Bangkok contributed to this report.  Follow Schreck on Twitter at @adamschreckFollow all of AP's summit coverage: https://apnews. com/Trump-KimSummit24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events


Video shows women lathicharged by Assam Police

A video from Jharkhand where police can be seen heavily cracking down on Anganwadi workers is being falsely shared on social media as proof of police excesses in Assam, in wake of violent protests in the state against the Citizenship Amendment Bill.   The five-second video, shows a police officer raining blows with his baton on a woman in a pink sari.  The clip is being shared amidst widescale protests in the Northeast, particularly in Assam over the passing of the Citizenship Amendment Bill in both houses of parliament this week.    At the time of writing this fact-check, at least two protesters were killed in anti-citizenship bill demonstrations in Assam.  However, the below video is unrelated to the protests against CAB and was shot in September this year.    Click here to view, and here for an archive Viral on Twitter The same video is viral on Twitter with several users claiming that the woman was protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB).  This is what a women deserve while protesting for the unconstitutional bill #CAB just for saying jai aai assam she was brutally lathi charged by Assam police.  Save us. Assam police murdabad Amit shah murdabad @narendramodi @himantabiswa @realDonaldTrump @UN @sarbanandsonwal pic. twitter. com/rpgCL1H3Pa Click here to view, and here for an archive.   FACT-CHECK In the comments several users pointed out that the video was unrelated to protests in Assam.  One of the comments pointed out that the clip was from Jharkhand and shared the original video reported by the Times of India in September this year.   The video is of the police resorting to brutal lathicharge on Anganwadi workers as they hit the streets demanding a salary hike in Jharkhand, reported TOI on September 25, 2019.  One can spot the same visuals from the 11 second timestamp in the clip uploaded by TOI on YouTube.  The Anganwadi scheme is a rural child care programme as part of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme to combat hunger and malnutrition in children and pregnant women.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised a hike in wages, which was to be implemented from October 1, 2018, however, no such increase has been paid to the workers, TOI reported.    BOOM has previously debunked unrelated videos being falsely shared as crackdown by police in Assam.


ISIS operative arrested with IEDs after an encounter in Delhi

https://t.co/Gr7bwfBIdd

A suspected operative of the Islamic State, a “lone wolf who had planned an attack in the national capital” was arrested by Delhi Police after a shootout in Dhaula Kuan area late on Friday, officials said on Saturday. Nearly two dozen National Security Guard (NSG) officials along with bomb detection and defusal teams arrived near the Buddha Jayanti Park from where the suspected ISIS operative, who has been identified as Abdul Yusuf Khan, was caught.  Delhi Police’s special cell recovered two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the possession of the man. “There was an exchange of fire after which he was arrested.  He was a lone wolf who had planned an attack in the national capital.  We have recovered a pistol and two IEDs from him,” Pramod Kushwaha, deputy commissioner of police (special cell), said. The security personnel cordoned off the entire area as the NSG team defused the two IEDs recovered from the arrested ISIS operative.  The team used a remote-controlled vehicle to lift and contain the IEDs in a specially designed vehicle where they were defused by bomb experts.  The defusal operation last for nearly three hours, an official privy to the development said, requesting anonymity.  #WATCH Delhi: National Security Guard (NSG) commandos deployed near Buddha Jayanti Park in Ridge Road area, from where one ISIS operative was arrested with Improvised Explosive Device, earlier today.  pic. twitter. com/9n7KGfOXZCThe arrested ISIS operative has not been cooperating during the interrogation and is misleading them by changing his statements.  Special cell officials said they are yet to establish the exact residential address of the person, as he has given them three addresses -- Balrampur and Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh and another in Uttarakhand.  “We are verifying the addresses he has given,” DCP Kushwaha sais, adding that the pistol recovered from the arrested man is of . 30 bore. Officials said they have learnt about an associate of the arrested man.  The information is also being verified. A police team had received information about Khan’s movement in the ridge area between Dhaula Kuan and Karol Bagh, following which it laid a trap.  The suspected ISIS operative was on a motorcycle when he was intercepted by the police, ANI reported citing an official.  Searches underway at several locations, ANI added. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh police sounded a statewide alert on Saturday after the arrest of the suspected ISIS operative in Delhi, Prashant Kumar, additional director general (ADG) of police (law and order), said.  Kumar said all district police chiefs have been asked to intensify vigil and carry out extensive drives to check the movement of suspicious people. A senior police official of UP Anti Terror Squad (ATS) said a team has been sent to Delhi to collect inputs about plans of the arrested man.


LIKE MOTHER, LIKE SON: Prince Harry follows in the footsteps of his mom, the late Princess Diana, visiting Angola to put a spotlight on de-mining. https://t.co/8YXtLudfxS https://t.co/1VezMk2zVb

By Max Foster, Brent Swails and Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNNUpdated 1341 GMT (2141 HKT) September 27, 2019 Huambo, Angola (CNN)Britain's Duke of Sussex has made "a particularly significant and poignant journey" during his 10-day tour of southern Africa, when he honored his mother's legacy on Friday by returning to the exact site of his mother's famous minefield walk.


Britains former Prime Minister Tony Blair says Indias future is safe in the hands of Rahul Gandhi

A post claiming former British Prime Minister Tony Blair praised Indian National Congress President Rahul Gandhi by saying India's future is safe in Gandhi's hands, appears to be fake.  The post, shared over 1500 times on the Facebook page Viral In India, is accompanied with a message in Hindi, that says, 'Britain's former Prime Minister Tony Blair meets Rahul Gandhi, says India's future is safe in his (Rahul Gandhi's) hands. '    While the meeting between the two political leaders did take place in New Delhi on January 8, 2019, the claim made by the Viral in India in its post appears to be false.  Blair met Gandhi on the sidelines of the annual conference 'Raisina Dialogues' hosted in Delhi.   In this conversation between Blair and Samir Saran, President, Observer Research Foundation, Rahul Gandhi was not the topic of conversation.  As was the case in the panel discussion at the Raisina Dialogue.  Here's what Congress' official Twitter handle shared about Rahul and Blair's meeting.    Rahul Gandhi also posted about the interaction on his verified Facebook page.   While none of the newspapers which reported the meeting between Blair and Gandhi commented on the 'praise' heaped by former on the latter, they did mention the former British prime minister praised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.   Also, while the twitter handle Tony Blair Institute tweeted excerpts of Blair's speech at Raisina Dialogue, no mention was made about the former PM meeting Gandhi.    The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change is a non-profit organisation founded by Blair.  The handle handle tweets about programmes attended by him.  Tony Blair was prime minister from 1997 to 2007.  BLAIR ENDORSED RAHUL GANDHI IN 2008 BOOM also looked for other news articles which mentioned Blair and Gandhi.  We found a news article from News18 dated March 21, 2008 when the channel was called 'CNN IBN'.  'Blair endorses Rahul Gandhi, calls him PM material' (archived link) In an interview to CNN IBN's Vidya Shankar Aiyar Tony Blair was reported to have said, "I think he (Rahul) is one of the most talented, able and insightful of the younger generation of politicians worldwide, but how he ends up in your politics again, that's for you, for him and for his party to decide.  But I think he has got first class mind and great commitment to India. " However, the recent statement claimed by Viral In India in 2019 does not appear anywhere else online besides its own Facebook page.  BOOM's Hindi website has fact-checked Viral In India for posting fake posts and articles several times in the past as well.  Read here.


Kolkata: Fire breaks out at a building on Pollock Street; six fire tenders rushed to the spot. More details awaited. https://t.co/x4atjfT7JT

A fire broke out on the third floor of a multi-storey building on 18 Brabourne Road in central Kolkata on Monday afternoon.  No reports of any death or injury has been reported so far.  At least 20 fire tenders have been pressed into action after the fire brigade was alerted around 5:30 pm.  The fire,till the evening, was yet to be brought under control.  Fire brigade officials have started dousing the flames by pouring water from adjacent buildings.  The flames could be seen on the second and third floor and smoke was billowing out of the windows.  Senior fire officials have been rushed to the spot.


A photo of Rahul Gandhi with a lady claiming to be his wife is going viral on social media.  The text along with the image reads –“विकीलीक्स ने खुलासा किया है कि राउल विंची शादीशुदा है| इसके 2 बच्चे हैं जो लन्दन में रहते हैं| इसकी बीबी कोलंबियन है| पहली संतान 14 वर्ष का लड़का नियाक है और दूसरी सन्तान माइनक 10 साल की लड़की है| अविवाहित कहकर राहुल गांधी देश को गुमराह कर रहा है” English translation: “WikiLeaks has revealed that Rahul Gandhi is married.  He has two kids who reside in London.  His wife is Colombian.  His first child is a 14-year-old son Niyak and the second child is 10-year-old daughter Mainak.  Rahul Gandhi is misleading the country claiming that he is unmarried”.  Chandra Shekhar Phophalia‘s facebook post has more than 21400 shares  Following tweet had more than 1000 retweets क्या यह सच  है कि राउल विंची शादीसुदा है,,इसके 2 बच्चे हैं जो लन्दन में रहते है,, इसकी बीबी कोलंबियन है,,पहली संतान 14 वर्ष का लड़का नियाक है और दूसरी सन्तान माइनक 10 साल की लड़की है अविवाहित कहकर राहुल गांधी देश को गुमराह कर रहा है! ! !  pic. twitter. com/T2ZfEJRGCq — भक्त Ravindra Fauzdar 🗨 (@RSFBLB) April 22, 2019  While it’s viral message claims Wikileaks exposed this, it’s no where to be found on Wikileaks. org  SMHoaxSlayer ran a simple google reverse image search and found that the image is that of a Spanish actor and political scientist Nathalia Ramos and is not a Colombian as claimed in the post.  On 14 September 2017, the actor posted a photo in her own Twitter account with Rahul Gandhi.  The image is same with the image that went viral with a false claim.  Last night with the eloquent and insightful Rahul Gandhi…. .  pic. twitter. com/3w27FBb0Pa — Nathalia Ramos (@nathalia73) September 14, 2017  Moreover, in Rahul Gandhi’s affidavit submitted for the Lok Sabha 2019 elections, the spouse section says “Not Applicable. ”
Here is the screenshot of the Rahul Gandhi affidavit submitted to CEO Uttar-Pradesh.   Ramos also posted the same image in her Instagram account too.    Last night with the eloquent and insightful @rahulgandhi.  I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to meet and listen to so many brilliant thinkers from all parts and perspectives of the world.  It is only with an open mind and open heart that we can really make the world a better place.  Thank you @berggrueninst for opening mine.  #IdeasMatter A post shared by  Nathalia Ramos (@nathaliaramos) on Sep 14, 2017 at 12:12pm PDT  विकीलीक्स ने खुलासा किया है कि राउल विंची शादीशुदा है। इसके 2 बच्चे हैं जो लन्दन में रहते है। इसकी बीबी कोलंबियन है। पहली संतान 14 वर्ष का लड़का नियाक है और दूसरी सन्तान माइनक 10 साल की लड़की है। अविवाहित कहकर राहुल गांधी देश को गुमराह कर रहा है!  pic. twitter. com/jalkq8Wx7C — चौकीदार विजय पाण्डेय (@VijayPa83773042) April 22, 2019
Archived version of the post
http://archive. is/Sr91f विकीलीक्स ने खुलासा किया है कि राउल विंची शादीशुदा हैइसके 2 बच्चे हैं जो लन्दन में रहते हैंइसकी बीबी कोलंबियन हैपहली संतान 14 वर्ष का लड़का नियाक है और दूसरी सन्तान माइनक 10 साल की लड़की है अविवाहित कहकर राहुल गांधी देश को गुमराह कर रहा है pic. twitter. com/mNoegKmm9z — शाश्वत🤠 (@A_Nirgun) April 23, 2019  ब्रेकिंग न्यूज़ विकीलीक्स ने खुलासा किया है कि राउल विंची शादीसुदा है,,इसके 2 बच्चे हैं जो लन्दन में रहते है,, इसकी बीबी कोलंबियन है,,पहली संतान 14 वर्ष का लड़का नियाक है और दूसरी सन्तान माइनक 10 साल की लड़की हैअविवाहित कहकर राहुल गांधी देश को गुमराह कर रहा है! ! !  pic. twitter. com/kMHiik9Qx5 — RASIKA RANAA(🌟)🇮🇳 (@Rasika_ranaa) April 22, 2019  ⬇विकीलीक्स ने खुलासा किया है कि राउल विंची शादीसुदा है,,इसके 2 बच्चे हैं जो लन्दन में रहते है,, इसकी बीबी कोलंबियन है,,पहली संतान 14 वर्ष का लड़का नियाक है और दूसरी सन्तान माइनक 10 साल की लड़की है अविवाहित कहकर राहुल गांधी देश को गुमराह कर रहा है! ! ! ⬇ pic. twitter. com/wY6gcePD2V — Chowkidar tikam  nariani (@tikam53) April 23, 2019  विकीलीक्स ने खुलासा किया है कि राउल विंची शादीसुदा है,,इसके 2 बच्चे हैं जो लन्दन में रहते है,, इसकी बीबी कोलंबियन है,,पहली संतान 14 वर्ष का लड़का नियाक है और दूसरी सन्तान माइनक 10 साल की लड़की है 👺 अविवाहित कहकर राहुल गांधी देश को गुमराह कर रहा है! ! !  pic. twitter. com/MuGaFosgbF — अब. कब. तक.  (@raj_ind76) May 1, 2019  विकीलीक्स ने खुलासा किया है कि राउल विंची शादीसुदा है,,इसके 2 बच्चे हैं जो लन्दन में रहते है,, इसकी बीबी कोलंबियन है,,पहली संतान 14 वर्ष का लड़का नियाक है और दूसरी सन्तान माइनक 10 साल की लड़की है 👺 अविवाहित कहकर राहुल गांधी देश को गुमराह कर रहा है! ! !  pic. twitter. com/ONpsykz1nO — Chowkidar Raksa Bishnoi (@BishnoiRaksa) April 30, 2019


A video showing Union Home Minister Amit Shah falling off a stage is being shared on social media platforms with a claim that the incident took place in a rally organised in Kolkata.  However, we found that the video, that could be traced back to 2018, was from Madhya Pradesh and not Kolkata.  CLAIM The video was viral with a caption that read, “कलकत्ता रैली में, अमित शाह ने किसानों को भागते देखा और मंच से गिर गए। सूत्रों के अनुसार |” [Translation: At the Calcutta rally, Amit Shah saw the farmers running and fell off the stage, according to sources. ] The video was shared on Twitter and Facebook with the same claim.  WHAT WE FOUND OUT We conducted a keyword search using ‘Amit Shah stage broke rally’ and came across a news report on The Times of India from November 2018 which carried the same video.  The description mentioned that the video was from Madhya Pradesh and it showed the then BJP President Shah falling off a vehicle during an election rally in the state.  We also came across another NDTV report which, too, mentioned the same details and added that the incident took place at Tulsi Park in Ashoknagar.  Evidently, an old video has been revived on the internet on the back of the elections in West Bengal.


FACT CHECK: Pres. Trump claimed in his national address that "more Americans will die from drugs this year than were killed in the entire Vietnam war." His prediction is consistent with the law enforcement official’s expectations. https://t.co/dzblG7LBIF https://t.co/5ht7aQUbQO

By Veronica Rocha, Brian Ries, Meg Wagner and Amanda Wills, CNNFrom CNN's Maegan VazquezPresident Trump claimed "more Americans will die from drugs this year than were killed in the entire Vietnam War. "Some 58,220 Americans died as a result of the Vietnam War.  In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the number of total drug overdose deaths was 70,327. Trump’s assertion is misleading: He is conflating the drugs coming across the US-Mexico border with total drug deaths in the US.  In addition, it’s not currently known whether overdose deaths will increase or decrease when the CDC releases 2018 data later this year. Trump’s figures do not distinguish between deaths caused by drugs smuggled into the country versus those prescribed by US doctors. The majority of hard narcotics seized by Customs and Border Protection come through ports of entry either in packages, cargo or with people who attempt to enter the US legally.  The only drug that is smuggled in higher numbers between legal entry points is marijuana, according to information from Customs and Border Protection and the Drug Enforcement Administration. From CNN's Jeremy DiamondPresident Trump claimed that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer "has repeatedly supported a physical barrier in the past. "Trump is right: But the context is key. Schumer has previously supported legislation to build physical barriers on the US-Mexico border.  Most notably, Schumer and other Democrats supported the 2006 Secure Fence Act that authorized the construction of several hundred miles of fencing along the border -- but not a wall.  However, as long as the government remains shutdown, Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have refused to offer any funding for a border barrier. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, speaking moments after President Trump's prime-time address, said the solution for the shutdown is obvious: "Separate the shutdown from the arguments over border security. "He went on to say that no president should demand "he gets his way or else the government shuts down. ""No president should pound the table and demand he gets his way or else the government shuts down.  Hurting millions of Americans who are treated as leverage. "Pelosi added: “President Trump must stop holding the American people hostage, must stop manufacturing a crisis, and must re-open the government. ”From CNN's Priscilla AlvarezTrump acknowledged the violence migrants face in transit to the U. S.  during his address when he stated, "One in three women are sexually assaulted on the dangerous trek up through Mexico.  Women and children are the biggest victims by far of our broken system.  This is the tragic reality of illegal immigration on our southern border. " Indeed, the trek to the U. S. -Mexico border has been reported to be violent.  According to data from Doctors Without Borders, 68. 3 percent of migrants and refugees "entering Mexico reported being victims of violence during their transit toward the United States," and nearly one-third of women said they'd been sexually abused. But some perspective: This very violence is why women choose to travel in caravans, to achieve safety in numbers.  Trump has offered no specifics about how his policies would address the scourge of sexual violence faced by migrants. The administration has argued in the past that by building the wall, migrants will be deterred from making the journey. From CNN's Kevin LiptakPresident Trump stopped short of declaring a national emergency in a nationally televised address to the nation on Tuesday. Speaking from the Oval Office, the President cast the border issue as a crisis and railed against crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. But he did not declare the matter a national emergency, which could have allowed him to fund his promised border wall without congressional approval. The President has openly weighed taking that step in the past days, and the White House counsel's office continues to assess its legality. Instead, Trump said he would continue negotiating with Democrats at a Wednesday meeting. From CNN's Katie LoboscoTrump claimed, "The wall will also be paid for indirectly by the great new trade deal we have made with Mexico. "Even if the United States Mexico Trade Agreement ends up raising tax revenue, there's nothing earmarking that money for a wall.  Income and corporate taxes are general revenue that would have to be appropriated by Congress. Another way trade could bring money into the Treasury is through tariffs -- which are paid by American importers when they buy foreign goods.  But like the original North American Free Trade Agreement, the new deal aims to keep trade between the three countries largely tariff-free. From CNN's Kevin LiptakPresident Trump on Tuesday put the onus of an 18-day partial government shutdown on Democrats, saying the matter could be easily resolved if his political opponents cede to his demands on border funding. Democrats have expressed support for border security steps like enhanced technology, but have refused to provide support for a border barrier. Trump said he would resume talks with Democrats on Wednesday. "This situation could be resolved in a 45 minute meeting," he said.  "I have invited congressional leadership to the White House tomorrow to get this done. "From CNN's Priscilla AlavarezPresident Trump said, “All Americans are hurt by uncontrolled illegal immigration. ” It’s very difficult to know exactly how much or little undocumented immigrants cost the United States.  Many experts contest the notion that undocumented immigrants are a strain on the economy.  A 2017 analysis noted that undocumented immigrants “make considerable tax contributions,” for example. Similarly, a 2018 study by the libertarian Cato Institute, which reviewed criminal conviction data from the Texas Department of Public Safety, found that immigrants—legal or illegally—are less likely than native-born Americans to be convicted of a crime.  Throughout the country, there is also generally a decrease in the number of violent crimes, according to the FBI. From CNN's Kevin LiptakPresident Trump opened his first Oval Office address to the nation warning of "a growing humanitarian and security crisis at our southern border," one that most experts say is at odds with facts. The immigration matter, Trump said, is "a crisis of the heart, a crisis of the soul. " Speaking from behind the Resolute Desk, Trump said the US could no longer accommodate immigrants who enter the country illegally. "All Americans are hurt by uncontrolled illegal migration," Trump said "It strains public resources and drives down jobs and wages. "Please enable JavaScript for a better experience.


Odisha school students to rate teacher’s performance

https://t.co/DJJQEwfdYr https://t.co/gXvK4kH83w

In a role reversal of sorts, teachers could be graded on the basis of their performance in class and their appraisals and increments linked to feedback given by students. Aiming to improve learning outcome in schools and performance of the state’s teachers, the Odisha government is working to put in place a system which enables students to give feedback to their teachers after every class. The teachers appraisal will be done according to their performance which will be based on the feedback given by the students.  The students will give feedback about the class on the basis of 10 points. The School and Mass Education Department of Odisha has already introduced the system in some government school on a pilot basis to collect feedback. School and Mass Education Minister Sameer Ranjan Das said, “We’ll take feedback from students.  In every classroom, there’ll be a register in which teacher will have to enter the time of their entry and exit, topics that they taught in the class, and how many students were present. ”“We also have an exercise for the students after every class students will give their feedback about the teachers, and students can write them if they found the class difficult, which will help to the teacher to improve their teaching,” he said. The department is also planning to ban the use of mobile phones by the teachers during the classes.  Errant teachers will face action.


Sen. Amy Klobuchar tells AG Barr that his 4-page letter was "clearly a summary and that's why Director Mueller called it a summary."

"We must hear from Director Mueller." https://t.co/6ZpX4pELwy https://t.co/tRF5qAqIQe

    Special counsel Robert Mueller expressed concerns in a letter to Attorney General William Barr that Barr’s four-page letter to Congress summarizing the “principal conclusions” of Mueller’s findings didn’t fully capture his 448-page report, according to a source with knowledge of Mueller’s letter.

    Later, Barr and Mueller spoke by phone and while Mueller didn’t think Barr’s letter was inaccurate, the special counsel believed his report was more nuanced on the obstruction of justice issue, according to Justice Department officials.  Mueller was frustrated by media coverage, and wanted more of the report to come out, those officials told CNN.

The Mueller report: A catalog of 77 Trump team lies and falsehoods

    Barr’s position was he wasn’t going to do so in a piecemeal way, so he was pushing the special counsel’s office to finish the redactions of the full report as soon as possible.  At the same time, senior Justice officials have been puzzled by Mueller’s decision not to reach a conclusion on the obstruction issue and Barr felt he needed to provide finality on the matter as the attorney general.

The Washington Post first reported Mueller’s letter.

    The White House has so far not commented on the letter, but Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, referring to the obstruction questions, told CNN, “Mueller should have made a decision and shouldn’t be complaining or whining now that he didn’t get described correctly. ”

    According to a source familiar with Mueller’s letter to Barr and subsequent call with the attorney general, the letter from the special counsel’s office came in on March 27.  It was first reviewed by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein’s office and is roughly a page in length.

Barr's world view didn't change when he became Trump's top cop

    After reviewing it, Barr called Mueller the following day.  Barr said something to the effect of “we’ve been friends for a long time, let’s talk about this,” according to a source with knowledge of the call.  The call was described to CNN as polite, but there was clear disagreement.

    Justice Department spokesperson Kerri Kupec said in a statement Tuesday that Mueller did not tell Barr that anything in the letter was factually wrong.

    “In a cordial and professional conversation, the Special Counsel emphasized that nothing in the Attorney General’s March 24 letter was inaccurate or misleading.  But, he expressed frustration over the lack of context and the resulting media coverage regarding the Special Counsel’s obstruction analysis,” Kupec said.

    “They then discussed whether additional context from the report would be helpful and could be quickly released.  However, the Attorney General ultimately determined that it would not be productive to release the report in piecemeal fashion.   The Attorney General and the Special Counsel agreed to get the full report out with necessary redactions as expeditiously as possible.  The next day, the Attorney General sent a letter to Congress reiterating that his March 24 letter was not intended to be a summary of the report, but instead only stated the Special Counsel’s principal conclusions, and volunteered to testify before both Senate and House Judiciary Committees on May 1st and 2nd. ”

    As a part of the letter from Mueller’s office, the special counsel’s team enclosed a redacted version of the introduction and executive summaries that appear in the report.  But, at that point, the materials had not been deconflicted with the intelligence community and so Justice officials did not believe they could make them public without further review, according to the source.

    Barr is scheduled to testify in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday in a highly anticipated hearing on the Mueller report.

    Democratic presidential candidate Sen.  Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, a member of that committee, said on CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360” that she will ask about the letter at Wednesday’s hearing.

    “Well, I’m going to ask a question about this because I think it’s just one more example of how this four-page letter that he sent out was political.  And this is not about politics, it’s about protecting our democracy,” Klobuchar said.  “And this is someone who, as was just pointed out, tried out for this job with this 19-page memo that was (an) executive summary of what he thought should be about a broad, broad interpretation of executive power.  He then gets into the job and, no surprise, he is political. ”

    House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler, who is in a standoff with Barr over his scheduled Thursday testimony before the committee, tweeted he has “demanded” Mueller’s letter.  In a statement Tuesday night, the New York Democrat said the letter from Mueller must be delivered to the committee by 10 a. m.  Wednesday.

    “Attorney General Barr also should not have withheld this letter from Congress for as long as he has,” Nadler said.

     “The Attorney General has expressed some reluctance to appear before the House Judiciary Committee this Thursday,” he added.  “These reports make it that much more important for him to appear and answer our questions.  The Department of Justice has also been reluctant to confirm a date for Special Counsel Mueller to testify.  Given this evening’s reports, I will press the Department to schedule that hearing without delay. ”

    Criticism from the Democratic contingent in Congress was swift, including from New Mexico Democratic Rep.  Ben Ray Luján.  He told CNN’s Erin Burnett on “Erin Burnett OutFront” that Mueller’s letter expressing concern to Barr “is both concerning and not surprising. ”

    “This is the problem when Bill Barr acts as the personal attorney to the President as opposed to the attorney general of the United States of America, and tomorrow there is going to be a lot of very important, tough questions that have to be asked and that must be answered,” Luján said.

    Virginia Sen.  Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said Barr should have never been confirmed.

    “At this point he has lost all credibility, and the only way to clear this up is for Mr.  Mueller to testify publicly,” Warner said.

77 lies and falsehoods Mueller called out

    The news comes on the same day as a new CNN-SSRS poll that finds public opinion on Barr’s actions is nearly evenly split.  According to the poll, 44% approve of Barr’s handling of the special counsel’s report and 43% disapprove.  Beyond his handling of the report, 34% have a favorable opinion of Barr and 35% have an unfavorable opinion.

    On March 24, Barr submitted the letter to Congress summarizing the main conclusions from Mueller’s report.  Barr determined there was not enough evidence to establish that President Donald Trump obstructed justice, even though the special counsel did not exonerate the President on that question.

    Earlier this month, Barr held a news conference before the redacted report was released by the Justice Department where he framed Mueller’s report in Trump’s language.  He said the report found no wrongdoing by Trump and framed the report on the premise that its findings were favorable to the President.

    The redacted version of Mueller’s report didn’t find conspiracy or coordination between the Trump campaign and the Russian government.  Mueller did not decide whether Trump obstructed justice in violation of the law, though he investigated it thoroughly and found in several instances both potentially obstructive behavior and motive.

    After the release of Mueller’s redacted report and Barr’s news conference, some Democrats on Capitol Hill called for Barr’s removal as attorney general.  Senators running for president – including Kamala Harris of California, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Cory Booker of New Jersey – all said Barr acted like the President’s defense lawyer, not the attorney general of the United States.

The Mueller report documents at least 77 specific instances where Trump administration officials, family members, campaign staff, Republican backers and the President’s associates lied or made false assertions (sometimes unintentionally) to Congress, the public or authorities, according to a new CNN analysis.

This story has been updated.

  CNN’s Caroline Kelly, Pamela Brown, Manu Raju and Jeremy Herb contributed to this report.
© 2021 Cable News Network.  A Warner Media Company.  All Rights Reserved.   CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network.


The daily new cases have fallen below the 2 lakh mark today after 40 days. The active caseload has now reduced to 25,86,782. Daily positivity rate currently at 9.54%. National Recovery Rate has touched 89.26%: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare https://t.co/i3Inmx7z3d

India crossed a significant milestone on Tuesday, when it recorded 1,96,427 new cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in a 24-hour span.  The number of daily cases have fallen below two lakh-mark after 40 days, the Union health ministry said. India had registered 1,84,372 new coronavirus infections on April 14. The country also reported the lowest death toll in 21 days with 3,511 fresh fatalities, the health ministry data updated at 8am showed.  The fresh fatalities include 592 from Maharashtra, 529 from Karnataka, 404 from Tamil Nadu, 207 from Delhi, 196 from Kerala, 187 from Punjab, 153 each from Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, 122 from Uttarakhand and 103 from Rajasthan. The active cases further reduced to 25,86,782, which is now 9. 60 per cent of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate has improved to 89. 26 per cent. India’s daily recoveries continue to outnumber the daily new cases of the infection for the 12th consecutive day.  The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,40,54,861, while the case fatality rate stands at 1. 14 per cent, the data stated. India's Covid-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16 last year.  It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19 last year.  India crossed the grim milestone of 2 crore on May 4, 2021. According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 33,25,94,176 samples have been tested up to May 24 with 20,58,112 samples being tested on Monday. Meanwhile, the cumulative number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered to beneficiaries has reached 19,85,38,999, the health ministry said.  It also said that 12. 82 lakh vaccination doses were administered for 18-44 age group in last 24 hours. This is the highest since May 1 when the liberalised pricing and accelerated national Covid-19 vaccination strategy was implemented, the ministry said.


Despite testing positive for COVID-19 antibodies, Andy Cohen says he was denied the chance to donate plasma because he is an openly gay man. https://t.co/vUHIdj60BL

By Alisha Ebrahimji, CNNUpdated 2:02 PM ET, Wed July 29, 2020  (CNN)TV host Andy Cohen said he's disappointed that -- even though he's tested positive for "robust" Covid-19 antibodies -- he isn't allowed to potentially help coronavirus patients by donating plasma because he's a gay man.


Uttarakhand reports 20 new #COVID19 cases till 2:30 pm today, taking the total number of cases to 2642: State Control Room COVID-19 https://t.co/pG9MX4E3DA

Sep 08, 2021-Wednesday

Metro cities -  Delhi, Mumbai,
											Chennai,
											Kolkata

Other cities -  Noida,
											Gurgaon,
											Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Bhopal
											, Chandigarh , Dehradun,
											Indore,
											Jaipur,
											Lucknow,
											Patna,
											Ranchi

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Maharashtra's Covid-19 tally reaches 1,24,331 ; death toll at 5,893525 new Covid-19 cases reported in Haryana11 Covid-19 fatalities in Bengal take death toll to 52912,860 tested in Delhi using Rapid Antigen Testing kit: Manish SisodiaICMR asks states to ramp up Covid-19 testing in containment zonesTamil Nadu's Covid-19 count rises to 54,44917 new cases reported in Mumbai's Dharavi: BMCKarnataka reports 337 new Covid-19 cases, tally crosses 8,000-mark118 test Covid-19 positive in Kerala today: State govtCovid-19 patients coming to Puducherry must register with health centresUttarakhand CM sanctions money for 3 Covid-19 testing machinesStates asked to replicate initiatives taken by Karnataka for Covid-19 management10,386 Covid patients recovered in 24 hrs, recovery rate 54% : GovtDelhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain's condition worsens, shifted to another Covid hospital770 new cases in Germany, highest jump in monthAs many as 380,533 people have been infected with coronavirus nationwide.  According to experts, the steep rise in Covid-19 cases in the country is alarming as it points to faster spread of the virus.  While seven of every 100 samples were turning out to be positive a month ago, 31 of 100 are positive now. Click here for full Covid-19 coverageAccording to an analysis published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, breaking the chain of transmission within households and quarantine of close contacts could reduce new infection during the incubation period.  For this, timely tracing is essential. Follow live updates on Covid-19 here:Maharashtra's Covid-19 tally reaches 1,24,331 ; death toll at 5,893With 3,827 new coronavirus cases detected, tally of cases in Maharashtra rises to 1,24,331; death toll reaches 5,893 with 142 deaths: state health dept525 new Covid-19 cases reported in Haryana525 new Covid-19 positive cases have been reported in Haryana today, taking the total number of cases to 9743: State Health Department11 Covid-19 fatalities in Bengal take death toll to 529With 11 Covid-19 fatalities in West Bengal, death toll reaches 529; 355 new cases push tally to 13,090, as per the state health bulletin: PTI12,860 tested in Delhi using Rapid Antigen Testing kit: Manish SisodiaToday, 12,680 people in Delhi were tested for Covid-19 using 'Rapid Antigen Testing' Kit, out of which 951 people were found positive: Delhi Deputy CM Manish SisodiaICMR asks states to ramp up Covid-19 testing in containment zonesDirector General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr Balram Bhargava, has directed all states to ramp up testing for Covid-19 in containment zones and hospitals. Tamil Nadu's Covid-19 count rises to 54,449Tamil Nadu's Covid-19 tally rises to 54,449 with 2,115 fresh cases; death toll reaches 666 after 41 more people succumb to the disease: Officials17 new cases reported in Mumbai's Dharavi: BMCSeventeen new Covid-19 positive cases reported in Dharavi area of Mumbai today, taking the total number of positive cases in the area to 2,151, says Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC): ANIKarnataka reports 337 new Covid-19 cases, tally crosses 8,000-markKarnataka reported 337 new Covid-19 cases and 10 deaths on Friday, according to the state health department.  The total number of cases now stand at 8,281 and death toll is at 124: ANI337 new cases and 10 deaths have been reported in Karnataka today.  Total number of cases stand at 8281 and death toll is at 124: State Health Department pic. twitter. com/Fx1kbv8Eds118 test Covid-19 positive in Kerala today: State govtIn Kerala, 118 persons tested positive for Covid-19 today.  There are 1,380 active cases and 1,509 recovered cases in the state now, as per the state Health Minister's Office: ANICovid-19 patients coming to Puducherry must register with health centresPuducherry government says that Covid-19 positive patients who have arrived in the UT from other states since the beginning of this month, must register themselves with nearest primary health centre (PHC) by June 20.  PTIUttarakhand CM sanctions money for 3 Covid-19 testing machinesUttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat has sanctioned an amount of  ₹11. 25 crore for purchasing three testing machines for Dehradun, Haldwani and Srinagar medical colleges to increase Covid-19 testing in the state: ANIStates asked to replicate initiatives taken by Karnataka for Covid-19 managementThe Centre has asked all states to replicate the best practices implemented by Karnataka, which includes comprehensive contact tracing of Covid-19 cases and physical or phone-based household survey, for better management of the coronavirus pandemic, reports PTI.  The Union Health Ministry on Friday lauded the two initiatives taken by Karnataka that have been developed as part of the ‘whole of government’ approach with the involvement of multi-sectoral agencies and supported by technology-based solutions and interventions. 10,386 Covid patients recovered in 24 hrs, recovery rate 54% : GovtWith 10,386 patients having recovered from Covid-19 in the last 24 hrs, the total number of recovered patients is now 2,04,710.  The recovery rate is 53. 79%: Government of India. Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain's condition worsens, shifted to another Covid hospitalThe condition of Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain, who has tested positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), deteriorated on Friday and he is being shifted to another hospital in the Capital, officials said. Satyendar Jain had tweeted on Wednesday that he has tested positive for the coronavirus disease.  He was admitted to the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGSSH) on Tuesday after he developed high fever and his oxygen saturation levels dropped. 770 new cases in Germany, highest jump in monthGermany's disease control center reported the highest daily increase in Covid-19 cases in a month, as positive tests from an outbreak at a slaughterhouse enter the statistics, reports AP. The Robert Koch Institute listed 770 new cases Friday, taking its total tally since the start of the outbreak to 188,534.  It was the biggest daily increase since May 20. First published: Jun 19, 2020 06:30 IST


The second batch of #Rafale jets landed safely in India after non-stop flight from France with multiple mid-air refuelling: Embassy of India in France https://t.co/NlKVDIWV9Q https://t.co/NjoLHIoFwI

The second batch of Indian Air Force’s three Rafale fighter jets arrived in India directly from France on Wednesday. “Second batch of IAF #Rafale aircraft arrived in India at 8:14 pm on 04 Nov 20 after flying non-stop from France,” the IAF wrote on Twitter.   Second batch of IAF #Rafale aircraft arrived in India at 8:14 pm on 04 Nov 20 after flying non-stop from France. An official had earlier said, “The three jets will not have a stopover on their way.  They will be refueled by French and Indian tankers during the journey.  The jets are expected to reach Ambala after a one-day break at Jamnagar,” the officials said. The first batch of five Rafale jets of the 36 ordered by the IAF had reached the Ambala airbase on July 29 after a stopover at the Al Dhafra airbase near Abu Dhabi, although a formal induction ceremony took place later on September 10. An Indian Air Force team, led by a two-star officer, reviewed the progress of the Rafale project in France last month ahead of the arrival of the second batch of fighters, as reported by Hindustan Times on October 16.  The arrival of more fighters will further boost the IAF’s capability to rapidly deploy the advanced jets amid tensions with neighbouring China and Pakistan, officials had earlier said. The IAF is expecting three to four Rafale jets being delivered every two months, with all the 36 planes likely to join the air force’s combat fleet by the year-end. The Rafale fighters are the first imported jets to be inducted into the IAF in 23 years after the Russian Sukhoi-30 jets entered service in June 1997.  They have significantly enhanced the offensive capabilities of the IAF. Rafale fighter jets are currently being operated in the Ladakh theatre where the military is on high alert to deal with any provocation by China amid the border standoff.  The jets were ordered from France in September 2016 under a government-to-government deal worth Rs59,000 crore.  India-specific enhancements on the Rafales include a helmet-mounted sight, radar warning receivers, flight data recorders with storage for 10 hours of data, infrared search and track systems, jammers, cold engine start capability to operate from high-altitude bases and towed decoys to ward off incoming missiles.