As soon as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia has approved the World’s First COVID-19 vaccine (which is named as ‘Sputnik V’) and one of his daughters got vaccinated, a video of a woman getting vaccinated is being shared widely on social media with a claim that the woman in the video is Putin’s daughter.  Let’s fact-check the claim made in the post. Claim: Video of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s daughter getting vaccinated. Fact: The woman in the video is not Russian President Vladimir Putin’s daughter.  The woman in the photo is Natalya.  She is one of the volunteers who got vaccinated in the trials conducted in Russia.  Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE. When the screenshots of the video were run through Yandex Reverse Image Search, many videos with similar visuals were found in the search results.  A similar video was uploaded by a Russian Channel on YouTube in July 2020.  In the description, it was written that the group of volunteers were discharged from Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital after the vaccine trial. The image of the same woman (the earrings are same) can be also found in an article published by ‘Zvezda’ (a Russian state-owned nationwide TV network run by the Russian Ministry of Defence) in June 2020.  On 13 July 2020, ‘Zvezda’ published a video on YouTube regarding the clinical trials in Russia.  In the video, the same woman can be found talking to the channel.  The channel has referred to her as ‘Natalya’, ‘a cadet of the Military Medical Academy named after S. M.  Kirov’ (translated by Google).  The related article can be read here.   So, she is not Putin’s daughter because, as reported by news agencies, the names of Putin daughters are Maria Vorontsova and Katerina Tikhonova. In another article published by ‘Zvezda’, the face of the girl without any mask can be seen.  So, it can be confirmed that the woman in the video is not Russian President Vladimir Putin’s daughter. To sum it up, the woman being vaccinated in the posted video is not Russian President Vladimir Putin’s daughter. Did you watch our new video?


Delhi: Khushboo Sundar meets BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda after joining the party.

She had resigned from Congress earlier today. https://t.co/kqiuGT8Hi6

Actor-turned-politician Khushbu Sundar on Monday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hours after quitting the Congress.  Madan Ravichandran, a political journalist, and former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Saravana Kumar also joined the party along with Sundar.  In her resignation letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Sundar said, “Few elements seated at higher level within the party, people who’ve no connectivity with ground reality or public recognition, are dictating terms. ” People like her who wanted to work for wanted to work for the party sincerely were being pushed and suppressed by such forces, she added.  The grand old party’s former spokesperson from Tamil Nadu had on Saturday tweeted about an “inevitable change” that was going to occur in the coming days, a possible reference to her joining the BJP.  “Many see a change in me.  Well as you age, you evolve n grow, learn n unlearn, perceptions change, likes n dislikes too, thoughts n ideas take a new shape, dreams are new, you understand the difference between like n love, between right n wrong.  Change is inevitable.  Happy eve,” she wrote on Twitter. Her views were seen conflicting from the Congress’ soon after she took a divergent stand on the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 and welcomed it.  Leaders from Tamil Nadu had attacked her over her stance.  She had later apologised to former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, but had insisted she would “rather speak the fact than be a robot or a puppet”.


No case of serious or severe AEFI (Adverse event following immunization) or death is attributable to vaccination till date: Manohar Agnani, Additional Secretary, Union Health Ministry https://t.co/a3QTMj4qbX

India's count of cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is at 10,880,603 after the Union health ministry on Friday said that the country had recorded 9,309 new infections in the preceding 24 hours.  The global tally of cases, meanwhile, is at well over 107 million, as per the Johns Hopkins University tracker, which also shows that the global death toll due to the disease is at over 2. 36 million.  While India has the second-highest tally globally, that of the United States, the highest in the world, is in excess of 27 million, the tracker shows. Click here for full Covid-19 coverageThe world's largest vaccination drive against Covid-19 is currently underway in India and, according to the health ministry's latest figures, more than 7. 5 million healthcare and frontline workers have been inoculated against the disease.  In the first phase of the drive, which commenced on January 16, India aims to vaccinate 30 million workers, who are scheduled to receive their second vaccine shots from February 13 onwards.  Covishield and Covaxin anti Covid-19 vaccines are being used in the country. Follow all the updates here:'All hypotheses remain open', says WHO chief on pandemic's originWorld Health Organization (WHO) director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press briefing on Friday that all 'hypotheses are still open' in the WHO's search for the origins of Covid-19, reported Reuters.  Kuwait records 1,021 new Covid-19 cases, 7 deathsKuwait reported1,021 new Covid-19 cases on Friday, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 176,052.  The Kuwaiti Health Ministry also announced seven more deaths, taking the death toll to 992, reported news agency ANI.  Karnataka records 380 new Covid-19 cases, 8 fatalities Karnataka reports 380 new #COVID19 cases, 405 discharges and 8 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total cases 9,44,437Total recoveries 9,26,234Death toll 12,259Active cases 5925 pic. twitter. com/xfL7DEndd9Maharashtra records 3,670 new cases of Covid-19, 36 fatalitiesMaharashtra records 3,670 new cases of Covid-19 on Friday, taking the state-wide tally to 2,056,575.  36 deaths were also recorded in the last 24 hours, the death toll currently stands at 51,451. Delhi records 141 new cases of Covid-19, 3 fatalitiesDelhi reports 141 new #COVID19 cases, 136 recoveries and 3 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total cases 6,36,670Total recoveries 6,24,728Death toll 10,889Active cases 1053 pic. twitter. com/FmNLdfDWix229. 7 lakh doses of India-made Covid-19 vaccine has been supplied around the world: MEAAnurag Srivastav, MEA, spokesperson said at a press conference that India has supplied a total of 229. 7 lakh doses of India-made Covid-19 vaccines all over the world till date.  Adding that 64. 7 lakh doses have been supplied as a grant while 165 lakh doses have been supplied on a commercial basis. Bosnia starts vaccination drive with Russia's Sputnik VAfter receiving its first batch of Russia's Sputnik V vaccines Bosnia started its vaccination drive on Friday.  So far only healthcare workers have been vaccinated but a mass inoculation drive has also been planned for later this month, reported Reuters. Melbourne placed under lockdown for 5 daysThe second most populous city in Australia has been placed under a snap lockdown for 5 days.  A new and developing Covid-19 cluster linked to a quarantine hotel in Melbourne has forced authorities to declare fresh lockdown in the city, reported Reuters. Mutated Covid-19 strain from UK found in Sri LankaSri Lanka has reported the highly contagious new variant of the coronavirus found in the UK, Dr Chandima Jeewandara, a health official, said on Friday.  Jeewandara added that four mutated samples have been found and all are from different locations, reported PTI. 6 states account for 79. 87% of new cases#IndiaFightsCorona:79. 87% of the new cases are from 6 States. Kerala has reported the highest daily new cases at 5,281.  It is followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu with 652and 481 new cases, respectively. #Unite2FightCorona pic. twitter. com/wNxUqjuMGrRussia reports 15,089 new Covid-19 cases, tally reaches 40,42,837 casesWith 15,089 new Covid-19 cases and 507 new fatalities, Russia's Covid-19 tally reached 40,42,837 cases and 79,194 deaths, reports Reuters. 'Antibodies will develop in about 14 days after second vaccine shot': AIIMS Director Dr R GuleriaHi @ankitashah96, ‘A good amount of antibodies will develop about 14 days after second vaccine shot.  It is not clear how long the protection will last but it is believed that it will last for at least 8 months, or may be longer. ’ – Dr.  R.  Guleria, Director, AIIMS #VaccineVarta https://t. co/PvKy5Dm39HAnswering a question about Covid-19 vaccines, AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria said that "A good amount of antibodies will develop about 14 days after second vaccine shot.  It is not clear how long the protection will last but it is believed that it will last for at least 8 months, or may be longer. "Health ministry says 18 states, UTs reported no deaths in last 24 hours#Unite2FightCorona 18 States/UTs have not reported any new deaths in the last 24 hours.  pic. twitter. com/FxGakhyiMKAccording to the health ministry, 18 states/UTs have reported no Covid-19 related deaths in the last 24 hours. Four states, UTs reports no new Covid-19 cases in last 24 hours: GovernmentDadra And Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Ladakh, Tripura and Andaman & Nicobar Islands have not reported any new cases in the last 24 hours: Government of IndiaGovernment says Dadra And Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Ladakh, Tripura and Andaman & Nicobar Islands have recorded no new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, reports ANI. Odisha health ministry says 2. 73 lakh healthcare workers vaccinated for Covid-19During the first Phase of #COVID19 vaccination that began in the state on 16th January, 2. 73 Lakh registered health care workers have been innoculated till now.  #OdishaCares #LargestVaccineDrive #Unite2FightCorona https://t. co/yuX9lFPRJIOdisha health ministry says 2. 73 lakh healthcare workers have been vaccinated in the state, in the first phase of Covid-19 vaccinations. India's active cases slump to under 140,000India's active Covid-19 caseload at 135,926 while recoveries rise to 10,589,230 with 15,858 new discharges. India records 9,309 new Covid-19 casesIndia's Covid-19 tally reaches 10,880,603 with 9,309 new infections in last 24 hours.  Death toll at 155,447 with 87 new deaths. 5-day 'snap lockdown' imposed in Australia's MelbourneA five-day 'snap lockdown' has been announced in Australia's Melbourne after a Covid-19 cluster linked to a city hotel expanded to 13 cases as of Thursday midnight. Schools to reopen in West Bengal today for class 9-12West Bengal to resume schools for classes 9 to 12 from today, following COVID19 guidelinesVisuals from Siliguri pic. twitter. com/0IZM6Z5ICvWest Bengal to resume schools for classes 9 to 12 from today, following Covid-19 guidelines. Mexico reports 10,677 new Covid-19 casesMexico reports 10,677 new Covid-19 cases and 1,474 deaths.  National tally reaches 1,968,566 cases while death toll at 171,234. US to acquire 200 million more doses of Covid-19 vaccinesPresident Joe Biden has announced that his administration has signed deals for 100 million more doses each of Moderna and Pfizer anti Covid-19 vaccines. Get our daily newsletter Get free access to newsletters, alerts and recommendations


Photo shows protester is AIMIM leader Sabiha Khan

Viral social media posts claiming that a leader from All India Majlis-ul-Ittahedul Muslemeen (AIMIM) - Sabiha Khan - masqueraded as Hindu protester while partaking in  anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protests, are false.  The post shows two pictures side-by-side.  The first is of a protester, holding a Hindi signboard with the words, "I am Swati and I stand with the Constitution of India.  India versus Hindutva.  #NoToCAA #NoToNRC. " The second picture is of Khan.  The comparison can be seen below.    The protester identified as Swati and an official of the AIMIM have confirmed their respective identities, although Khan is currently unaffiliated with the party.     The pictures of the Swati and of Khan is viral with the claim: "अब डरी हुई खातून खुद का फर्जी नाम भी नही रख सकती क्या?  क्या तानाशाही है मान्यवर! "("Can't a scared woman now keep counterfeit names?  What dictatorship is this? ") The claims insinuate that Khan is falsifying her identity as 'Swati' to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act.   BOOM received a link on its helpline (7700906111) which can be accessed here, and it led us to a post that looked visibly on Facebook.   On searching with relevant keywords, BOOM found that this is indeed viral on Facebook.         We used these keywords on Twitter too, and found it to be viral with the same claims there.    अब डरी हुई खातून खुद का फर्जी नाम भी नही रख सकती क्या? क्या तानाशाही है मान्यवर!  Mudi shud resign 🤣🤣🤣 pic. twitter. com/NWmzYNSYcv   अब डरी हुई खातून खुद का फर्जी नाम भी नही रख सकती क्या. . . ? ?  👇👇क्या तानाशाही है मान्यवर . . . .  ! ! #HinduphobicJamia #IsupportCAB2019 pic. twitter. com/aYa94XgMqI  The Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 was passed by Parliament, as was assented by President Ram Nath Kovind last week.  It has been a bone of contention among many, with protests, primarily by students, being held all over India.  The Act permits six non-Muslim religious minorities, who come to India as refugees fleeing religious persecution, expedited access to Indian citizenship.  While opponents of the Act say that it is discriminatory, the government says that it is a humane piece of legislation for helpless refugees with nowhere else to go.    The comparison of Sabiha's picture with that of Swati is not new, as pictures of her with similar claims were viral earlier this year, during the protests against mob lynchings.      This has previously been debunked here.    BOOM got in touch in with Swati from the picture (last name concealed on request), who is based in New Delhi.  She told us that she was aware of her identity being shared as a Sabiha Khan.  Swati also shared a police complaint with BOOM from July 9, 2019, which relays this to the authorities.      BOOM also got in touch with an official with the AIMIM and after sharing a picture of Khan and the comparison, and confirmed to BOOM: Additionally, Khan's activities the picture from the comparison can also been on this unverified Facebook page of, which has more than two lakh likes, and can be seen here.   Requests to Khan for a comment were unanswered till the time of publication.   BOOM has debunked several stories where unrelated people are being linked with protestors in the ongoing anti-CAA agitations.


Goa Congress Committee Pres on Goa CM:Within a day of his meeting with Rahul Gandhi,he was shifted to Delhi over health issues,it looks suspicious.Maybe it has something to do with Rafale issue.We fear for his life.I'm sure all those who come to meet him are screened for security https://t.co/gr9WgcMd5N

The Congress in Karnataka on Tuesday attempted to thwart alleged efforts to derail the coalition government it has with the Janata Dal (Secular) by issuing a whip asking its legislators to not just be present for the Budget session, which will begin on Wednesday, but also to vote in favour of the finance bill.  Chief minister Kumaraswamy is set to present the Budget on Friday, and the session is set to last till February 15.  The coalition has had a turbulent eight months in power, with constant speculation of some of its MLAs being keen to defect to the BJP.  The absence last month of four rebel Congress MLAs from a legislature party meeting called by former chief minister and CLP chief Siddaramaiah had only heightened the speculation .  The four legislators — Ramesh Jarkiholi, Mahesh Kumathahalli, Umesh Jadhav and B Nagendra — had all been issued show cause notices by Siddaramaiah and though they replied, Congress leaders admit that it is highly likely that the four are ready to jump ship.


Department of Education Sec. Betsy DeVos says she did not personally “get involved” in $18 million cut in funding for the Special Olympics: “We had to make tough choices and decisions around the budget priorities.” https://t.co/0yRZd4RLbp https://t.co/rdM6xGaSuk

    Education Secretary Betsy DeVos weathered a storm of criticism this week after she presented a proposal to cut nearly $18 million in funding for the Special Olympics, with athletes and their supporters expressing dismay at the potential slash in funding.

    By Thursday afternoon, the Trump administration had reversed that decision, a move that reflected political and national support for the organization.  For decades, Special Olympics has served intellectually disabled athletes, giving them the opportunity to participate in physical fitness – and in the process, show the world they’re just like everyone else.

    “I truly believe that without Special Olympics I wouldn’t be here, where I am today,” Special Olympian and spokesman Parker Thornton told CNN.  “Special Olympics has helped me grow, it’s helped me mature. ”

    President Donald Trump told supporters on Thursday he had “overridden” his staff on the proposed budget cuts, and said the Special Olympics “will be funded. ”

    Here’s a primer on the Special Olympics, what was potentially at stake and what it means to the athletes who get to compete.

    The Special Olympics traces its origins back to June 1962, when Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded a summer camp in Maryland for children with intellectual disabilities, according to the Special Olympics’ website.

    Shriver – the sister of President John F.  Kennedy – wanted to give people with intellectual disabilities the same opportunities to participate in sports and other physical activities.

    But it eventually expanded beyond Shriver’s camp.

    The first International Special Olympic games were held on July 20, 1968, in Chicago, where about 1,000 athletes from the US and Canada participated in more than 200 events, including track and field, swimming and floor hockey.

    The effort has continued to grow ever since.  International games are held every two years – this year the games took place in Abu Dhabi – but the organization has also branched out to work with schools around the world to offer programs to their students.

The goal of the Special Olympics is simple: It wants to give children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunities to participate in sports, and physical fitness activities to promote the inclusion of all intellectually disabled people around the world.

    “Our athletes find joy, confidence and fulfillment – on the playing field and in life,” the organization says.  “They also inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential. ”

    In a statement Thursday, Devos said she was “pleased and grateful grateful the President and I see eye-to-eye on this issue and that he has decided to fund our Special Olympics grant.  This is funding I have fought for behind the scenes over the last several years. ”

DeVos noted in a statement the day before that the Special Olympics is a private organization and not a federal program.

    She supports the organization’s work, DeVos had said, but it also enjoys “robust support from private donations. ” The education secretary said “budget realities” preclude funding to all worthy organizations.  DeVos told senators on Thursday she was not personally involved in the decision to eliminate funding, but she defended the proposed cut.

    About 6,500 American schools participate in the Special Olympics’ Unified Champions Schools program, which endeavors to integrate intellectually disabled athletes with their peers who don’t have disabilities, according to Special Olympics spokeswoman Rebecca Simon.

    The program brings the mission of the organization beyond the Special Olympic games and into regular athletic seasons and regularly scheduled games.

    It’s also a program that would have been slashed under DeVos’ proposed budget, Simon said.

    “If these proposed budget cuts become reality, our Unified Champion Schools program would be unable to continue,” Simon said, because schools are unable to fund them.

    Thornton, the Special Olympics athlete, told CNN he found it “disheartening” Devos wanted to “take away money that would help us not just in our athletics, but in the way of life to show others that we can move forward and we can be part of society. ”

    “And that the isolation, indifference and the stigma that we all face, must come to an end,” he said.

    Thornton’s father agreed.

    “It would be disappointing to say the least to see any erosion of the underpinning of this organization that has done so much to enhance the lives of athletes,” Mark Thornton said.  “The programs in education and in health have truly moved athletes forward in becoming integrated into society as full-fledged members. ”

    Julie Johnston Cluff said her son has spent most of his life sitting on the sidelines.  But through the Special Olympics, he’s can be a “star. ”

    “It is a big part of his life,” she said.  It also helps him take school more seriously, so he can stay on the team.

Betsy DeVos doesn't know the value of the Special Olympics

    Another Special Olympian, Derek “Tank” Schottle, told CNN’s Kate Bolduan that the Special Olympics were “the biggest thing in my life for the last 18 years. ”

    “I’m blessed to compete in six different sports,” he said.  “I got to communicate with people from around the world. ”

    “It’s a part of my heart and I love it very much,” he said.

    Asked how he felt when he heard about the proposed cut in funding, Schottle said, “It’s a bit of a shock for me.  I have no words. ”

    “All I can do is pray for Special Olympics, and that’s all I can say. ”
  © 2021 Cable News Network.  A Warner Media Company.  All Rights Reserved.   CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network.


Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to address a press conference via video-conferencing today. (file pic) https://t.co/2jqEXuCSt5

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday held a press meet via video-conferencing where he said that government’s testing level for coronavirus is not up to the mark, and is neither strategic.  He also said that lockdown is just a pause button, and not a solution to check the spread of Covid-19. “We are in a very serious situation.  People of India and parties need to work together,” Gandhi said in his opening remarks. “I have been speaking to large number of experts, both in India and abroad, as well as outside the government who have a better understanding of what is going on.  We need to understand that lockdown is a pause button, it’s not a solution to coronavirus,” he further said. “When we come out of the lockdown, the virus will again begins its work.  So we need to have a strategy,” said Gandhi. Speaking on Covid-19 testing in India, he said, there is a need to ramp up your testing facility, to prepare our hospitals.  The biggest weapon in fight against Covid-19 is testing - it will tell us where the virus is moving, so you can understand where it is going, so you can isolate it. ”“Our testing is not enough to understand where the virus is moving, and it has to go from chasing the virus to getting ahead of it,” added the Congress leader. Gandhi has been critical of the Centre’s handling of coronavirus outbreak. On Wednesday, he demanded that emergency ration cards should be issued to those facing a shortage of foodgrains during the lockdown enforced to contain coronavirus. In a tweet, he had said lakhs of people were unable to take benefit of the public distribution system (PDS) as they do not have ration cards. Earlier this month, he had taken a dig at the BJP-led government over the way lockdown was enforced, saying no country with such a huge number of migrant labourers has attempted it without arranging for their stay and food. With 941 more Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, India’s coronavirus tally crossed the 12,000 mark with the tally reading at 12,380 cases, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday.


Why Gujjars in Rajasthan are on protest? All you need to know https://t.co/2oY580qfhb

#GujjarReservation https://t.co/rz3WHmz8q8

The agitation by the Gujjar community demanding five per cent quota in jobs and educational institutes turned violent in Dholpur district on Sunday as shots were fired and three police vehicles torched.  The police said protesters pelted stones, injuring four people.  The police had to lob tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.  Here’s an explainer on the quota stir:Who are Gujjars? It is a pastoral community.  As per the 1931 caste census, Gujjars constitute about 5% of Rajasthan’s population.  They are present in around 21 districts.  Traditionally, they have been BJP supporters. What is their demand? They are demanding 5% reservation under special backwards classes (SBC) category.  The community began its fight for reservation in 2006 when it demanded inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation.  The Gujjars were covered under OBC reservation since 1994.  After the Chopra Committee report said Gujjars could not be given ST status, the community settled for 5% reservation under a new SBC category.  But because this took the total reservation in the state beyond the 50% ceiling set by the Supreme Court, the Rajasthan high court quashed it. Has any government given them 5% SBC quota? Yes.  The Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government in 2008 brought a bill for 5% SBC reservation to Gujjars and four other communities (Banjara/Baldia/Labana, Gadia-Lohar/Gadalia, Raika/Rebari and Gadaria).  The HC stayed the law on December 22, 2010, and asked the state to present quantifiable data to support reservation under SBC. The government later repealed the 2008 Act and introduced a new bill in Assembly in September 2015, called the Rajasthan Special Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutes in the State and of Appointments and Posts in Services under the State) Bill, 2015.  A notification for this was issued on October 16, 2015.  Rajasthan HC struck it down on December 9, 2016 on the ground that the 5% reservation crossed the 50% limit for quota in education and jobs. The Rajasthan government brought a bill in Assembly in 2017 to raise the other backward class (OBC) quota from the present 21% to 26% for granting 5% reservation to Gujjars and other castes.  This, too, was struck down by the high court. Also read | Gujjar quota stir turns violent as agitators open fire, burn vehiclesWhat is the current status of reservation in Rajasthan? Currently, they can avail 1% reservation under most backward class (MBC) category apart from the benefit of OBC reservation.  Reservation in the state stands at 50% – 16% to SC, 12% to ST, 21% to OBC and 1% to Gujjars. Is this the first time Gujjars have blocked train traffic? No.  In May 2008, they laid siege to the Delhi-Mumbai rail route at Pilukapura near Bayana in Bharatpur district.  They lynched a cop near the rail line leading police firing that claimed 15 lives.  The next day, more Gujjars were killed in police firing in Sikandara in Dausa district. They blocked the tracks in Pilukapura in December 2010 and May 2015 also but there was no violence. In May 2007, Gujjars blocked Agra-Jaipur national highway at Peepalkheda and Patoli.  28 people were killed in police firing. So far, the Gujjars have lost more than 70 people to police firing and clashes with the Meenas, who were opposing their demand for ST status in 2007. Who is leading them? Colonel (retd) Kirori Singh Bainsla has been leading the community since 2006 when they uprooted railway tracks in Hindaun City in Karauli district.  Colonel Bainsla, 85, contested 2009 Lok Sabha election on BJP ticket and lost by 317 votes.  In February 2019, his son Vijay Singh Bainsla also became part of the agitation as his deputy.  Also read | Gujjars reject government’s invitation for talks


Our plan of action for northeast is very much there. Our capability in northeast, in terms of ability of airpower to dictate what will happen in case of any scenario or conflict in that situation would be very strong: IAF chief RKS Bhadauria on 'how strong is IAF in northeast?' https://t.co/NiFsHUhiS4

Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, the Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, said on Monday India was fully capable of handling any threat from China over the border standoff along the Line of Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and that there was no question of the neighbouring country besting us in any conflict scenario.  Bhadauria acknowledged the strength of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) saying their air force includes surface-to-air systems in the Ladakh theatre, air-launched long-distance weapons and Chengdu J-20, which is a fifth-generation fighter with advanced sensors and weapons but does not have advanced engine tech. He, however, said China has its own areas of strength but “we have catered for all scenarios and are fully capable of handling any threat. ”Watch: ‘No question of China getting the better of us’: IAF Chief on LAC standoff When asked about the progress on disengagement talks with China in the Ladakh sector, Bhadauria said, “The talks towards disengagement, followed by de-escalation, are on.  We hope that the talks will progress along the lines that are expected. ” The current progress, he said, was slow and there is an increase in the effort to dig-in for winter in terms of forces on ground and deployment of air assets in airfields close by.  “Defence forces see the ground reality after that.  Our further action will depend on ground realities,” he told reporters.  The IAF chief assured that forces were firmly deployed and were ready to handle any contingency along the border.  “We have deployed to all relevant operational locations, required to access this area,” Bhadauria said. India and China will hold the seventh round of corps commander-level talks on October 12 to discuss the way forward on the situation in Ladakh.


India-Republic of Korea consultations on disarmament and non-proliferation were held virtually today. The two sides exchanged views on global developments and contemporary issues of mutual interest in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation: Ministry of External Affairs https://t.co/Lf6pLQjPHw

The stalemate between India and China at four points in Eastern Ladakh continues with the withdrawal of troops by both sides virtually coming to a stop after the June 15 escalation in the Galwan sector. While divisional military commanders from the two sides are in continuous conversation in the Galwan sector, intelligence inputs reveal that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has hardly moved as per the de-escalation matrix laid down by Corps Commanders on the two sides on June 6. It is now evident, experts say, that the resolution of the India-China stand-off at patrolling point 14 (Galwan), patrolling point 15 (Kongka La) and patrolling point 17 (hot springs) may take weeks of intensive deliberations.  The stand-off at Pangong Tso will take even more time. There were, however, some positive indicators in Eastern Ladakh with the Chinese PLA Air Force not undertaking any night fighter operations on Thursday and the two armies scrupulously obeying the rules of engagement.  The strict adherence to laid down military protocols by the two armies has also reduced chances of any vertical escalation. Even though the situation is stable after the violent scrap of June 15, the Chinese PLA is fully deployed in Xinjiang and Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) with air, artillery and missile support.  The PLA Air Force has activated its bases in both Xinjiang and TAR with fighter aircraft making a show of strength in Aksai Chin area in the night.  The basic idea is to pressure Indian military to back off in Eastern Ladakh. Also read: India tells China to stick to its side, says no soldier missingWhile a section of the Indian military establishment was elated after the two generals worked out the June 6 dis-engagement process, Indian diplomats and intelligence operatives said it was imperative that this be translated on the ground.  It was quite evident to both, people familiar with the matter said, that China was not showing any signs of intent of withdrawing from the stand-off without achieving its political objectives.  The Chinese military build-up and aggressive intention of the PLA was evident after surface-to-air missile batteries and armed drones were moved to Aksai Chin after Indian Su-30 MKIs made a sortie near Pangong Tso in early May after the skirmish at the salt water lake.  The movement of large numbers of armoured personnel carriers and heavy calibre guns made the Indian national security establishment uneasy about the military intentions of its northern Asian neighbour.  It was only because of this alertness that Indian Army was able to foil PLA’s Galwan game plan to capture the entire river valley and make the Darbuk Shyok Daulet Beg Oldi road at the confluence of Galwan-Shyok come under the intense gaze of the Chinese artillery. Also read: Behind Galwan’s bloody face-off, China’s plan to interdict gateway to KarakoramWhile Indian forces are fully deployed along the 3,488km Line of Actual Control to blunt any Chinese PLA offensive, experts said conversations between military commanders must yield result soon or else the possibility of a military accident cannot be ruled out.


Punjab: Night curfew imposed in Amritsar, the city which reported 230 fresh cases of COVID-19 on March 18.

"The chief minister has ordered curfew in the city between 11 pm and 5 am," says ACP (Central) Parvesh Chopra. https://t.co/eEVD7GhXGc

Nine districts in Punjab, which have been reporting more than 100 cases of the coronavirus disease every day, will be put under extended curfew from Thursdduring the night as one of the measures to stop the spread of Covid-19.  Night curfew will now be in place from 9pm to 5am, instead of 11pm to 5am, in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Mohali, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala and Ropar. Chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday also warned of other tough measures and restrictions over the next few days as Punjab’s daily Covid-19 cases shot up to 2039 and the state saw 35 related deaths on Wednesday.  Singh, while addressing a press conference to mark the completion of four years of his government, said the situation in the state was critical and he was going to be tough. “I won’t be easy on the people.  People may not like it, but it’s my duty,” he said, adding that he hoped the daily caseload won’t cross 3000, as projected by some experts.  He also expressed the hope that all residents will cooperate and adhere to the restrictions.  “For God’s sake, save the lives of Punjabis,” he urged citizens. Also read | Focus back on Punjab’s high death rate, worries mountHe said several stringent measures, including restrictions on gatherings, will be announced after discussions with the state government’s expert Covid team over the next couple of days.  A decision about restrictions on political gatherings will be taken as per the medical expert team’s advice, he added. The chief minister also urged people to go to the doctor and get themselves tested even if they feel slightly unwell, saying citizens were going to hospitals too late.  He appealed to all citizens to wear masks and maintain social distance, warning that penalties may also be enhanced if needed. Also read | Covid-19 positivity rate in Punjab has doubled, says health ministryMeanwhile, with 35,871 Covid-19 cases and 172 related fatalities, the highest single-day rise in more than 100 days, India’s disease tally rose to over 11. 47 million and its death toll mounted to 159,216, according to the Union ministry of health and family welfare on Thursday morning.  As many as 36,011 infections were recorded on December 6 last year. India, which is now the third worst-hit country after the United States and Brazil, has an active caseload of 252,364.  The country’s recovery rate is 96. 41 per cent, the health ministry’s data updated at 8am showed.


President Trump responds to Joe Biden's criticism that Trump "doesn't want to talk about the substantive issues": "That's a typical political statement ... I'm not a typical politician. That's why I got elected." #Debates2020 https://t.co/3RkG5o2oJC https://t.co/j96PTXtU8V

An ABC News/Washington Post poll found Biden and Trump near even among seniors. President Trump and Joe Biden battle for the senior voteMarcelo Montesinos voted for President Donald Trump in 2016 because he said he saw "a man who would bring a lot of change. "Four years later, after losing a family member to the coronavirus, Montesinos, 72, is one of many seniors who now say they can no longer support the president because of his handling of the pandemic. "He knew everything all the way back in February and he didn't take the precautions . . .  he didn't believe in science.  He doesn't believe in doctors," Montesinos said.  "He always tries to blame somebody else, like a little kid. "Montesinos, who is from West Palm Beach, Florida, said he still plans to vote for Republicans in other races. "It hurt me so much" to hear the president recently dismiss the pandemic by saying Americans were "pandemic-ed out," Montesinos added.  "He was going to be the best president the U. S.  ever had if he had taken care of the coronavirus. "Trump is attempting a repeat of his first stunning victory by banding together a base that's still mostly white, largely male, less educated and older. Underpinning Trump's success in 2016 was, in part, an army of seniors that made up a large slice of the electorate and backed him by 7 percentage points over Hillary Clinton, according to national exit poll data.  Older voters are among the most likely to vote and have sided with Republican nominees in every presidential election since 2004, reinforcing Trump four years ago and helping tilt key battleground states in his favor. But this cycle, former Vice President Joe Biden is cutting into Trump's coalition, making significant gains with older voters across the U. S. , particularly in must-win states for Trump.  A recent ABC News/Washington Post poll found the two men running even among likely voters 65 and older nationally -- 48% to 49%. In Florida and North Carolina, two states Trump narrowly won in 2016 and considered crucial for him to win in 2020, the president's advantage over Biden with seniors is slightly better than his national standing but still well short of his margins over Clinton. Trump leads Biden by 8 points in Florida and 10 points in North Carolina among likely voters over 65, according to a pair of ABC News/Washington Post polls -- margins slashed by roughly half compared to 2016 when he carried this demographic by 17 points and 23 points, respectively, in the two states. Trump campaign aides have grown weary of the president's declining support among older Americans, a group they know is critical to his reelection chances, especially in states like Florida and North Carolina, sources told ABC News.  Perhaps the most telling sign of concern in Trump circles over seniors is the president's campaign schedule, with a rally set for Friday in The Villages, a sprawling mecca for retirees in a conservative pocket of central Florida. "With the President at the helm," Trump campaign spokesperson Ken Farnaso said in a statement, "seniors can rest assured their voice will be heard in Washington. "In follow-up interviews with more than a dozen independent and Republican voters over 65 who participated in recent ABC News/Washington Post polls in Florida and North Carolina, including some who voted for Trump in 2016, most said they're repelled by the president after four years.  His fumbled response to the pandemic and derogatory rhetoric outweigh his much-touted economic gains, the voters said. "It was a really hard decision to make.  From an economic perspective, I would be better served by President Trump," said Cindy Cook, an independent voter in North Carolina.  "I have trouble respecting President Trump.  I find him to be offensive to many people.  . . .  He takes advantage of people -- [Dr.  Anthony] Fauci is one of them. "The 68-year old from Durham, where Biden stopped last weekend for a campaign event, voted a mixed ballot, she said, but at the top of the ticket she chose Trump's rival. Al, a Republican living in Broward County who is now voting for Biden after backing Trump in 2016, said he took particular issue with how Trump has targeted Fauci, the country's leading expert on infectious diseases, amid the pandemic. "No reason for it.  [Trump's] wrong.  Fauci knows what's going on.  Trump just wants to get reelected and make everything he does terrific, but he hasn't done anything," he said. The president has ramped up attacks on Fauci in the final days before the election, blasting the leading member of his own coronavirus task force at rallies and as a "disaster" on a recent all-staff campaign call. "I believe Fauci.  I don't believe anything Trump says unless somebody of substantial means can verify it.  Because he just lies all the time," said Al, who noted that while he's supporting the Democratic nominee this election he will still be "a Republican now and a Republican after Trump. "A path to victory for the president runs through the Sunshine state.  In 2016, Trump won Florida by just over 100,000 votes, after Florida voted for Obama twice, solidifying its reputation as a swing state. Trump's path to victory also winds through North Carolina -- a bellwether known for split-ticket voting after electing both Trump and Democratic Gov.  Roy Cooper in 2016 -- where changing demographics and polarization between urban and rural areas have helped maintain the state's purple hue. It's a state that got behind Obama only once in 2008.  In 2016, Trump edged out Clinton by fewer than 4 percentage points, offsetting Democrats' strength in the cities and suburbs by running up the score in whiter, more rural stretches. Arlie Thompson of exurban Union County, North Carolina, outside of Charlotte, told ABC News he's voting for Biden, believing Trump's response to the defining crisis of his first term eclipsed any progress made with an economy he inherited from Obama. "He certainly dealt himself a blow by not dealing with the pandemic like he should have," said Thompson, 77.  "The economy is a mess now. "Throughout the election, Trump and his campaign have made targeting Biden, who turns 78 shortly after Election Day and would be the oldest sitting president if elected, as mentally inept and merely a feeble puppet of the "radical left. "Trump has relentlessly attacked Biden as mentally "shot," mocked his memory, and used campaign gaffes to paint the former vice president to be in mental decline -- efforts that have turned off some older voters. Trump, 74, is only three years younger than Biden. "With my age, of course I get insulted," said Olive Norwell, 93, when asked about the president targeting Biden's age and mental health.  Norwell, an independent who's voting for Biden from Vero Beach, Florida, a ruby red area along the eastern shore, added, "but [Trump] himself is 74 -- he's not that far behind. "Days after testing positive for coronavirus, and with polls showing his support among older Americans slipping, Trump released a video targeting seniors that looked to reassure them the pandemic was under control.  The president called seniors "my favorite people in the world," even casting himself as one. Just hours later, though, the president posted an edited photo mocking Biden by depicting him in what appears to be a nursing home, sitting in a wheelchair, with the "P" in the former vice president's campaign logo crossed out to read, "Biden for Resident. ""It's the pot calling the kettle black," said Rick, 76, a Biden supporter from Wake County, a Democratic stronghold in North Carolina that contains Raleigh and its suburbs, and boasts the highest population of any county between the two Carolinas. "President Trump is the same age I am," said Dianne Wilkes, 74, who lives in Raleigh.  "Those remarks that he's making, it's showing discrimination.  . . .  It's not going to help him one iota. ""[Voters] also are going to be looking at how he's handled and what he says about COVID-19 and the ludicrous remarks that are not scientifically-based," she continued.  "I think he shot himself in the foot. "Wilkes, a more than 50-year independent voter who backed Clinton in 2016, said she's voting for Biden.  She's also supporting Republican Sen.  Thom Tillis, saying she changed her mind about Cal Cunningham, Tillis' Democratic challenger and an Army veteran, after his extramarital relationship was revealed earlier this month. With an opportunity to peel off some of Trump's base, the Biden campaign has made a concerted effort to court seniors, both in their advertising strategy and travel itinerary.  His team has been running multiple ads in battleground states casting the former vice president as the true protector of Medicare and Social Security, and he made multiple trips to Florida in October. The candidate's most recent visit to Florida focused almost entirely on his pitch to seniors, hitting heavily Democratic Broward County and honing in on Trump's declaration at a recent campaign rally that COVID-19 affects "virtually nobody," mostly "elderly people with heart problems and other problems. ""He was talking about seniors.  He was talking about you," Biden said, speaking at a senior center in Pembroke Pines, Florida.  "You deserve respect and peace of mind, but you're not getting it because to Donald Trump, you're expendable.  You're forgettable. "In Johnston County, North Carolina, which is considered Trump country having voted for the president by 30 points four years ago, one voter is still uncommitted, vacillating between Trump, who he supported before, or Biden. "I think Joe fits the mold of a person I would most likely want to see as a leader," Dan, 77, who declined to give his last name, said.  "Trump makes a lot of smoke. "Asked if the election were held today and he had to choose, he said, "I'd vote for Joe. "ABC News' John Verhovek contributed reporting. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events


Assam: Severe water-logging in parts of Dibrugarh following heavy rainfall in the area https://t.co/cqePQ1dbW5

India’s tea production in the first half of 2020 fell 26. 4% from a year ago to 348. 26 million kilograms (kg) as heavy floods and coronavirus movement restrictions curbed output in the main producing region, the state-run Tea Board said in a statement. Tea growing areas, notably Assam - which accounts for more than half the country’s production - suffered flooding in May, June and July. Domestic prices have risen to a record high as a result, which may limit exports by the world’s second-biggest producer, potentially enabling Kenya and Sri Lanka to ship more, multiple trade sources said. In June, India produced 138. 52 million kilograms of tea, down 8% from a year ago as plucking was affected by floods in north-eastern state of Assam, the Tea Board said. Sujit Patra, secretary at Indian Tea Association said a recovery in the crop was unlikely in the second half of the year. In July, weekly auction prices jumped to a record of 232. 60 rupees ($3. 12) per kg, up 57% from a year ago, according to the Tea Board. India’s tea exports in the first five months of 2020 fell 26. 6% from a year ago to 74. 40 million kilograms, it said. The country exports CTC (crush-tear-curl) grade mainly to Egypt, Pakistan and the United Kingdom, with the orthodox variety shipped to Iraq, Iran and Russia.


120 new #COVID19 cases reported in the state today, taking the total number of positive cases to 3952 including 2678 recovered cases and 98 deaths: Punjab Health Department https://t.co/JbQsrQ9gSH

Coronavirus cases in the country near a grim milestone as the number of infections near the 4 lakh-mark.  On Saturday, the number of Covid-19 cases in the country jumped to 395,048 with 213,830 people who have been cured from the disease or have been discharged from the hospitals.  The Covid-19 death toll in the country stands at 12,948. Haryana could soon become the ninth state with over 10,000 coronavirus cases.  On Saturday, the state Covid-19 tally here jumped to 9,743.  Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal are the states where Covid-19 cases are over 10,000.  Here’s looking at the statewise breakup of Covid-19 numbersTop 10 worst hit statesMaharashtraCovid-19 tally here jumped to 124,331 on Saturday.  As many as 5,893 people have died of coronavirus in Maharashtra while 62,773 have recovered.  Also read: India reports more than 14,000 Covid-19 cases in a day for first timeTamil NaduCovid-19 cases have jumped to 54,449 in the southern state.  Six hundred and sixty-six people have died of Covid-19 in the state, over 30,271 people have recovered.  DelhiIn the national capital, the Covid-19 tally rose to 53,116 on Saturday, 23,569 patients have recovered here while 2,035 have died due to Covid-19.  Gujarat PM Modi’s home state saw the Covid-19 rise to 26,141 on Saturday.  The state has seen 18,159 people recover from coronavirus while 1,618 people have died. Uttar PradeshThe state has reported 15,785 cases of coronavirus so far.  As many as 9,638 people have recovered in the state while the death toll stands at 488. Rajasthan Coronavirus cases in Rajasthan have jumped to 14,156.  The state Covid-19 death toll stands at 333 while over 10,997 people have recovered from the deadly contagion here.  West BengalThe state Covid-19 tally zoomed to 13,090 on Saturday.  West Bengal has seen 529 coronavirus deaths till date while 7,303 people have recovered here.  Madhya Pradesh The state has seen its Covid-19 tally jump to 11,582 on Saturday.  As many as 8,748 people have recovered from Covid-19 in Madhya Pradesh while 495 people have died.  HaryanaThe state has over 9,700 coronavirus cases and will soon become the ninth in the country to have more than 10,000 coronavirus cases.  Over 4,000 people have recovered from the deadly contagion here while 144 people have died.  KarnatakaThe southern Indian state has witnessed over 8,200 coronavirus cases till date with 124 fatalities.  The number of Covid-19 patients who have recovered in the state has jumped to 5,210. Situation in other statesCovid-19 cases in Bihar stand at 7,181 while Andhra Pradesh has reported 7,961 Covid-19 cases till date.  Telangana has 6,526 coronavirus cases while in Jammu and Kashmir the tally has crossed the 5,600-mark.  In Odisha, cases stand at 4,677 while Assam has reported 4,904 cases till date.  Punjab’s Covid-19 tally has crossed the 3,800-mark.  States with less than 3,000 casesStates and Union territories where coronavirus cases are less than 3,000, but more than 500, include Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Kerala, Jharkhand, Tripura, Manipur, Goa and Himachal Pradesh.  Chandigarh, Nagaland, Puducherry, Mizoram have reported under 500 Covid-19 cases or less.  Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Dadra Nagar Haveli have less than 100 Covid-19 cases.  Note: Figures are from official data released by the Ministry of Health, and may differ from realtime numbers released by various state governments subject to confirmation from the Centre.


Yogi Adityanath says he will kill “TMC goondas” one by one

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra falsely claimed on Tuesday that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that he would 'kill TMC goondas one by one' if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in West Bengal.   BOOM went through the speeches made by CM Adityanath on March 16, 2021 where he addressed three rallies at different places in West Bengal and found that Moitra's claim is false.  Moitra in her tweet wrote, "So Yogi CM comes to WB today, says he will kill "TMC goondas" one by one.  Gudduji - listen up - your thok do culture may work in the vanar sena commune you ruled, doesn't work here. " (sic) So Yogi CM comes to WB today, says he will kill "TMC goondas" one by oneGudduji - listen up - your thok do culture may work in the vanar sena commune you ruled, doesn't work here.  Click here to view an archive.  Campaigning for the West Bengal assembly elections is ongoing in the state which will go to polls in eight phases starting from March 27, 2021, to April 29, 2021 and the counting of votes will take place on May 2, 2021.  Viral on Facebook On searching with the same caption on Facebook, we found that the false claim is being shared.  Also Read: Explained: Why Swapan Dasgupta Quit Rajya Sabha Post TMC's Objection Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath had addressed three rallies in West Bengal on March 16, 2021.  BOOM found that in none of them did he say that he would kill TMC goons.  Instead in his speeches, he mentions TMC 'goondas' while criticising the TMC government for law and order in the state and said that the BJP would punish TMC goons if brought to power in the state.  Balarampur, Purulia   While referring to the kin of three slain BJP workers present on the dais at the election rally in Purulia and criticising the Mamata Banerjee led TMC government, Yogi Adityanath at 5. 12 mark says, "these TMC goons, do not believe in law and order, and remember after May 2, when the BJP government will come to power, these goondas will be one by one punished. . "  (In Hindi - Yeh TMC ke gunday, yeh kanoon ko nahi maanta, jab BJP ki sarkar aayegi to in goondon ko chun chun ke saza dilwayi jayegi) We did not find the word 'kill' or any reference where he mentions that 'TMC goondas' would be killed.    A news report on the chief minister's speech in Purulia also stated that he had mentioned that TMC goons would be brought to book under a BJP government.    Raipur, Bankura    In this speech at a rally in Bankura, Adityanath while criticising the TMC government for law and order and refers to them TMC goondas, however, no where in the speech we found him mentioning that he would 'kill' TMC goondas.  Belda, West Medinipur In this speech, Adityanath mentions that after the BJP government comes to power after May 2, 2021, whoever has targeted and attacked BJP workers, for them law will take its course after May 2.  (At 16. 00 timestamp).  In this speech also we did not find any mention of Adityanath stating that TMC goons would be killed.    Also Read: Morphed Image Viral As Mamata Banerjee Faking Injury


Kerala: Police personnel check passes of people in Thiruvananthapuram, amid the complete lockdown that is being observed across the state today to contain the spread of #COVID19. https://t.co/CMkahgi8ZM

Australia’s Victoria state will toughen its social distancing measures in the coming days as the country’s second-most populous state struggles to contain the novel coronavirus, media reported on Sunday. Victoria’s capital of Melbourne is already under a reimposed six-week stay-home order and reported record numbers of new infections last week.  Authorities warned of more restrictions ahead. Melbourne newspapers reported that plans going into effect on Wednesday would restrict movement for six weeks and close all but essential businesses. Australia has fared far better than many other countries in keeping the coronavirus from spreading, at a high economic cost.  The country has recorded around 17,300 cases total and 200 deaths, but the recent surge in Victoria has proven difficult to contain. At present, Melbournians are allowed to go out for work, essential shopping, medical care and exercise, but under the new restrictions they would have to stay within 5 kilometers (3 miles) of their homes, with only one person from each household allowed to go to grocery shopping. The measures would limit public transport options and restaurants, which allow now for delivery and take-away options would be limited to contactless pick-up orders, the newspapers reported. Movement restrictions and business operations would also be limited in the rest of the state, but not to the same level as in Melbourne. The Age newspaper reported, citing sources, that Victoria officials and politicians worked late into Saturday on the details of the next stage of the restrictions, which could be announced Sunday or Monday. The state’s media office was not immediately available to comment, but Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews was expected to hold his daily briefing later on Sunday.


Bihar reports 12,359 new #COVID19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the count for active cases to 81,960 https://t.co/Y44oxlfwja

Kerala on Saturday reported another high of 26,685 new Covid-19 cases with a test positivity rate of 20. 35% even as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan sent another letter to Prime Minister Modi requesting him to make vaccination free of cost in the present scenario. Addressing the media in the state capital, the CM said the three-tier price mechanism ( ₹150 for Centre, ₹400 for state government and ₹600 for private hospitals) will lead to exploitation and it will weaken the ongoing fight against the pandemic.  Citing some reports he said ₹600 (equivalent to 8 USD) per shot is the highest in the world and the vaccine firm was distributing the same to neighbouring Bangladesh for half of the cost. “I have written another letter to the Prime Minister citing these facts.  Vaccine pricing is quite high, some studies show.  We want the government to stick to its age-old policy of giving vaccine free of cost,” the CM reiterated.  He said he had a meeting with private hospital managements on Saturday and asked them to increase their bed capacity to maximum. “We will have to learn a lesson from the trauma of the some of the states in north India.  We have enough stock of oxygen but we may need more beds.  There is no need to panic but we have to be vigilant,” he said adding the weekend 48- hour curbs were successful.  “It is good that people responded well.  We may have to tighten it further going by the caseload,” he said.  Many busy roads and markets remained empty because permission was granted to only emergency services. For the third consecutive day, the viral caseload crossed 25,000-- out of 1,31,155 tests 26,685 were positive clocking a high TPR of 20. 35%.  The state also reported 25 fatalities taking the death toll to 5080.  The active caseload is about to touch 2 lakh (1,98,576).  Among those infected, 75 are health workers and 30 policemen, according to the data released by the state health ministry.


Vijay Mallya extradition: India refutes grounds to appeal

(reports @PrasunSonwalkar)

https://t.co/p3F5dSPer6 https://t.co/vQxWoxa93d

The now defunct Kingfisher Airlines owned by controversial businessman Vijay Mallya “knowingly misrepresented” its profitability while seeking bank loans in 2009, India submitted in the high court of England and Wales hearing his extradition appeal on Wednesday. Besides, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on behalf of India insisted that there is “overwhelming” evidence of fraud and deception on the part of Mallya and his airlines, whose legal team mounted a forensic challenge to the Westminster Magistrates Court’s 2018 judgement that cleared his extradition to India face charges of major financial offences. Mark Summers, CPS lawyer, reminded Justice Irwin and Justice Elisabeth Laing of the high court of England and Wales that in extradition cases, British courts are solely required to establish whether the person requested has a prima facie case to answer, not to establish the truth. To that extent, he argued, the magistrates court had taken into account all relevant evidence and had ruled that Mallya had a prima facie case to answer and that he needed to be extradited to India to face trial. “There was concealment of material while seeking loans from IDBI.  Funds were disbursed contrary to the purposes the loans were given. . . Kingfisher Airlines was knowingly misrepresenting its profitability”, Summers said, seeking to counter specific arguments of Mallya’s team by citing business plans, “optimistic” projections and brand evaluation by consultants Grant Thornton and others. India’s case rests on what was mentioned in the lower court as “three chapters of dishonesty” by Mallya—misrepresentations to various banks to acquire loans, the misuse of the loans and his conduct after the banks recalled the loans. Mallya’s lawyer, Claire Montgomery, on Wednesday morning continued her forensic arguments against the magistrates court’s judgement.  The case, she said, is “dense”, involving thousands of documents, mentioning dates, internal emails and figures ti substantiate the appeal. According to her, judge Emma Arbuthnot of the magistrates court had made “multiple errors” after misunderstanding accounts and other documents related to IDBI, SBI and Kingfisher Airlines (KFA). “She is confused, it is nonsense to come to the conclusions she did on accounts and loss of KFA. . . The judge got it wrong on figures”, she insisted.  Summers refuted her contention that several witness statements were inadmissible. The appeal hearing will continue on its last day on Thursday, with Summers setting out further arguments in support of India’s charges against Mallya.  The judgement is expected next week.


A photo of a road full of potholes is being shared on social media with the claim that it is from Uttar Pradesh.  The claim takes a dig at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Union government's 'Smart Cities Mission'.  It must be noted that Uttar Pradesh was adjudged the best state this year under the 'Smart Cities Mission' in the contest organised by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.  However, we found that the photo of the road shows the condition of a national highway that is under construction in Madhya Pradesh.   CLAIM A Twitter user shared the photo and the claim in Hindi reads, "योगी आदित्यनाथ जी को इस सड़क का नाम भी बदलकर #स्मार्ट_सड़क रख देना चाहिए कि नही आपकी राय चाहती हूँ दोस्तो. " (Translation: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath must also change the name of this road and rename it to 'Smart Road'. ) Several social media users have shared the photo along with the same claim and the archived versions can be accessed here, here, and here.  WHAT WE FOUND OUT We looked at the comments of the tweet and found one comment that said that it is from Madhya Pradesh.   Next, we ran a reverse image search and found one tweet by the National President of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) Srinivas BV who mentioned that the image was from Madhya Pradesh.   Taking keywords from his tweet we came across a news report by Hindi daily 'Dainik Bhaskar' published on 18 August 2021.  The report read that the only national highway joining Ujjain-Agra-Kota is in a pathetic condition.  The 52-kilometre road from Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain to Tanoriya village in Shajapur district has around 427 potholes in the road.   It further read that the 52-km stretch is under the jurisdiction of five Member of Parliaments and two MLAs, yet the condition of the road is such.  We also got in touch with the Dainik Bhaskar reporter Kamal Chauhan who confirmed to us that the photos for the exclusive story were taken near the Ghosla bus station in Ujjain by the daily's photo journalist Ashok Malviya.   We also compared both the images and matched several elements.  Clearly, a photo from Madhya Pradesh is being falsely shared as from Uttar Pradesh.


Central government jobs available under the Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Scheme by Urbancroptc.org, which works with the Agriculture Ministry.

A screenshot of an offer letter from ‘Urbancroptc. org’ was received on FACTLY’s WhatsApp helpline number.  The sender asked us to check the authenticity of the letter as they were issuing the job offers in the name of Agriculture Ministry, Government of India.  Another screenshot was also received where a job applicant was complaining in a consumer complaint forum (complaint 1 and complaint 2) that he paid money to ‘Urbancroptc. org’ and received an offer letter, but they are not responding to his calls thereafter.  Let’s try to check the authenticity of the offer letters being sent in the name of Agriculture Ministry.  Claim: Central government jobs available under the Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Scheme by Urbancroptc. org, which works with the Agriculture Ministry. Fact: There is no central government scheme with the name, ‘Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Scheme’.  There is a scheme called ‘Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme’ but it comes under the Ministry of Rural Development and guarantees only unskilled work for a specific period (at least 100 days) in a financial year, not for 14 years.  Also, there are a lot of spelling and grammatical mistakes in the offer letter and on the company’s website.  Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE. Scheme:In the offer letter, it can be found that ‘Ministry of Agriculture’ was written on the letterhead.  But, the Agriculture Ministry in India is called as “Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare”, not “Ministry of Agriculture”.  It was also written in the letter that the salaries and other benefits to the selected candidates would be provided under the ‘Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Scheme’ for fourteen years.  So, when you search for the scheme, it was found that there is no scheme with that name.  There is a scheme called ‘Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme’ but it is under the Ministry of Rural Development and guarantees only unskilled work for a specific period (at least 100 days) in a financial year for people in rural areas, not for 14 years. Company: In the offer letter and on the company’s website, it can be seen that there are a lot of spelling and grammatical errors.  No genuine reputed company, which works with the government, will have such errors. The Company Registration Number is also given in the offer letter at the bottom.  So, when searched for the company on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs website with the name ‘urbancroptc’, it was found that no such company was registered with the government. Also, none of the phone numbers and social media hyperlinks given on their website are working.  The address of the office is given as ‘3rd Floor-Kohinoor Plaza-Mumbai’, which does not exist and is a modified version of the name of an iconic building – ‘Kohinoor Square’ (Mumbai). FACTLY has also contacted relevant officials in the Ministry and the screenshots of the letter were sent to them.  This article will be updated once they respond. To sum it up, ‘Urbancroptc. org’ is a dubious organization and the
‘central government job offers’ from them are fake. Did you watch our new Episode of the DECODE series on Indian Rivers?


#LokSabhaElections2019: Voting underway at a polling station in Berhampur in Odisha https://t.co/Vc6WExDuf6

Voting for the first phase of election in four Parliamentary and 28 Assembly constituencies in Odisha ended Thursday with 66 per cent of the six million eligible voters casting their votes by 5 pm, officials. said. Simultaneous elections are being held in the state to the 147-member Assembly and 21 Lok Sabha constituencies. The first phase of polling started from 7 am across 7,233 booths with thousands of first-time voters thronging the polling booths.  Of the six million voters, 2. 97 million were male and 3. 03 million were female.  The Election Commission deployed central paramilitary forces in 2,375 ‘Critical Polling Stations’.  While 26 candidates were in the fray for 4 Lok Sabha seats, there were 191 candidates for the 28 Assembly seats in the first phase of the elections.  Of the 26 Lok Sabha candidates, only two are women while there are 16 women among 191 Assembly candidates. There was also a large turnout of voters in Maoist-affected Malkangiri district despite a call by the rebels to boycott the elections. “We have been successful in conducting the first phase of polls in a free, fair and peaceful manner.  There has been no untoward incident whatsoever reported in the polls.  The failure rate of EVMs has been under 1%,” ANI quoted Odisha’s chief electoral officer Surendra Kumar as saying.  Unlike the 2014 polls which were held in a much-colourful and racuous setting, the 2019 election was almost dull.  With Election Commission closely watching the election campaign, very few banners or posters were seen in the first phase.  Instead parties held more rallies to attract the voters. Like 2014, the fighting is triangular in the 28 assembly and four Lok Sabha constituencies in the first phase.  In Nabarangpur and Kalahandi Lok Sabha constituencies, BJD, BJP and Congress were engaged in a close fight while in Koraput Lok Sabha constituency, BJP and BJD were locked in an intense struggle.  In Berhampur Lok Sabha seat, BJD and Congress were engaged in close fight. Union petroleum and natural gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the election in Odisha is being fought in the name of Modi.  “There is no governance in Odisha and atrocities against women are going up.  Lakhs of Odia youths are forced to migrate to metro cities for jobs.  Corruption is rampant in the government.  People of Odisha are in a mood for change,” said Pradhan. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik brushed off the allegations saying BJP never had any concern for Odisha.  “The BJD would do very well.  The BJP leaders are here only during elections.  In times of cyclone or other natural disasters, no central leaders are visible,” said Patnaik. The election campaign was dominated by issues of farm distress and women’s reservation.  As rising farm distress toppled the BJP governments in Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan last year, chief minister Patnaik started Rs 10000 a year cash assistance scheme for small, marginal and landless farmers of the State.  In a clear message to women voters, Patnaik also gave tickets to women in 33 per cent of Lok Sabha seats.  Congress on the other hand, talked about Rs 2600 maximum support price for paddy and assured of loan waiver.  Prime Minster Narendra Modi, who led the BJP campaign in the State, invoked nationalism and spoke about India’s air strike in Balakot to woo first-time voters. While Congress did not have any rally involving either Rahul or Priyanka Gandhi, BJP held more than two dozen rallies including at least half-a-dozen rallies by PM Modi and party chief Amit Shah.  BJP which has been focussing on Odisha in the last two years as part of its Mission East programme has set its sights on winning at least a dozen of the 21 Lok Sabha seats.  The BJD on the other hand stuck to its pet theme of central neglect as chief minister Patnaik went around holding roadshows in a specially-designed high-tech bus.  Patnaik, who is battling anti-incumbency after ruling the State for four consecutive terms, is banking on Kalia scheme, a Rs 10180 crore direct cash assistance scheme for farmers and Mission Shakti, a women self help group programme to see him though.  To quell rumours about Patnaik’s health, last week BJD released a small video clip of the CM exercising in his gym and jogging in the corridors his home in Bhubaneswar. In their manifestos, the BJP and the Congress focussed on farmers, women and the unemployed in the state.  BJP promised a corruption-free, dynamic government, Rs one lakh crore investment in irrigation, zero interest rate loans to farmers, and said all vacant government jobs would be filled up in five years.  The Congress in its manifesto promised farm loan waiver and minimum support price of Rs 2,600 for paddy.  The party also promised 33 per cent quota for women in Parliament, state assembly and all government jobs. When the Election Commission halted the disbursal of money under Kalia scheme citing violation of model code of conduct, Patnaik said it was the handiwork of BJP and warned that farmers will give the saffron party a befitting reply in the polls. Congress, which is the main opposition party, was hobbled by intense infighting as many of its leaders including the president of its women’s wing quit the party protesting ticket distribution.  Many candidates even returned their tickets expressing deep dissatisfaction over the way the tickets were distributed at the last moment.


Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the 68th Plenary Session of North Eastern Council, in Guwahati: Article 371 of the Indian Constitution is a special provision. BJP government respects Article 371 & will not alter it in any way. #Assam https://t.co/Bkbn6824Wf

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is in Assam for the first time since the release of NRC final citizens’ list, on Sunday assured the people of the state that the BJP “will not alter Article 371” in any way.  “Article 371 of the Indian Constitution is a special provision.  The BJP government respects Article 371 and will not alter it in any way,” said the Home Minister in Guwahati.  Ever since the Central government moved a Presidential order on August 5 scrapping Article 370, which gave Jammu and Kashmir its special powers, and divided the state into two Union Territories, Article 371, which has special provisions for other States, mostly from the Northeast, has invited some attention. Most of the States that have been accorded special provisions under Article 371 are in the northeast and the special status aims to preserve their tribal culture. Article 371B deals with special provision with respect to the state of Assam. There is already churning in Assam as around 1. 9 million people in the state found themselves excluded from the final list of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) that was published last week.  The move aimed at ending a four-decade long movement against the presence of illegal immigrants. The BJP, the ruling party in Assam, too, opposed the NRC, saying genuine Indians had been left out while illegal immigrants had made it to the list because of “anomalies”. Last month, RN Ravi, who took charge as Nagaland’s new governor, assured the people of the state not to worry about removal of Article 371 (A) following developments related to Jammu and Kashmir after the Centre scrapped Article 370. Allaying “apprehensions”, the governor, who was the Centre’s interlocutor for the Naga peace process, told the people that they “don’t have to worry at all”.


Image shows the Pakistani national flag being waved during a Congress rally. It is better to pay more money for fuel than voting for a party that raises anti-India slogans and waves the Pakistani flag.

An image of a green flag being waved in a political rally has gone viral with a claim that it is the Pakistani national flag waved during a Congress rally. Multiple users have shared this image on Facebook.  The caption in Hindi to one such claim translates as, “It is far better to bear the extra cost of petrol rather than voting to a party that raises anti-India slogans and waves Pakistani flags in their rallies. ”The claim comes in the backdrop of rising fuel prices across the country.  Fuel prices witnessed a hike for the 10th consecutive day on Thursday with the rate of petrol touching Rs 89. 88 per litre in Delhi. India Today Anti-Fake News War room (AFWA) has found that the claim is mostly false.  The green flag among the Congress flags seen in the viral image is not a Pakistani flag but the party flag of The Indian Union Muslim League ( IUML), a political party from Kerala.  The image is taken during a political rally in North Belgaum before the Karnataka Assembly election in 2018. The archived versions of the posts are saved here, here and here. With the help of reverse image search, we found that the same image is a screengrab from a video of a Congress rally in North Belgaum that went viral in 2018 and 2019 as well on social media. The green flag with a white star and crescent in the viral image is the party flag of The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).  India Today had debunked misinformation about the IUML flag on other occasions as well, which can be read here. The Pakistan national flag has a white vertical band on the left side and is strikingly different from an IUML flag. IUML flag Pakistan flag It was during the Karnataka Assembly election in 2018 that this video of the Congress rally had gone viral.  As per a newspaper report, the Kerala-based IUML party had supported Congress in the Karnataka election. Multiple fact-checkers had debunked similar misinformation that claimed that the Pakistan flag was shown during a Congress rally. Hence, it is confirmed that it was not the Pakistani flag but a party flag of IUML that was waived during the Congress rally in Karnataka, 2018. READ | Fact Check: Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were not sentenced to death on February 14READ | Fact Check: The man who was playing double role of Naseeruddin Shah and Rakesh Tikait on TwitterThe number of crows determines the intensity of the lie.


Stepping up efforts to check the spread of coronavirus, thermal scanning for recording body temperature is being conducted in Parliament

(reports @smritikak)

https://t.co/502o7uGJpN

Stepping up efforts to check the spread of coronavirus, thermal scanning for recording body temperature is being conducted in Parliament.  Rajya Sabha chairperson M Venkaiah Naidu also underwent the scan on Wednesday. Tracking Coronavirus Outbreak: Live UpdatesAccording to officials, Naidu was scanned for temperature by a security person with contactless infrared thermal scanner and his body temperature was found normal.  “He (Naidu) was not in favour of being photographed while scanning, but the secretariat officials convinced him to do that pointing out that the Vice President submitting himself to such scanning will send a right message to public whose cooperation is necessary in containing spread of virus,” said an official. Naidu later told the Upper House that all arrangements have been made to sanitise the complex and hand santisiers have also been provided for MPs. When the House convened, some members were seen wearing masks, and refused to take them off after Naidu said Members cannot sit inside with covered faces.  Congress MP P Chidambaram said it should be left to the judgement of individual members as they may feel vulnerable enough to wear face masks. Naidu accepted his argument but said the House was setting a precedent.  If members feel vulnerable, they can make preventive arrangements, he said, adding, it was upto the members to take a call. Congress MP MV Rajeev Gowda urged the government to either curtail or defer the ongoing budget session, and fellow parliamentarian Anand Sharma said the government was preaching social distancing but is not following it in Parliament. Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, however, said Parliament should not show panic by adjourning early and instead show the fighting spirit.


Punjab: The Sixth Special train carrying 1201 migrant workers left for Chhapra in Bihar from the SAS Nagar Mohali railway station today.   #COVID19Lockdown https://t.co/q2hd3BNf13

The first special train between Rajendra Nagar terminal station and New Delhi amid lockdown departed from Patna on Tuesday evening with 1,060 passengers. The Rajendra Nagar-Delhi special will run everyday. Most of the passengers travelling by the train have either business- related work or personal engagements at the national capital and were stuck at home since they came during the holidays for Holi festival. Darbhanga resident Anand Kumar said, “I have business in Noida.  I have been stranded at my home since March 18. ” Kumar, who booked three tickets and came from Darbhanga after getting permission from district officials. Dhiraj Kumar Jaiswal, who works at a private company at Ghaziabad and was travelling back to Delhi with six family members, said that with offices opening he had no alternative but to return.  Jaiswal was stuck at his Patna City residence since May 6. There were many passengers from different districts who arrived at the station much before the scheduled departure of the train and waited outside the station as no one was allowed inside the premises. The East Central Railway (ECR) and Danapur rail division had made elaborate arrangements as per the Centre’s orders.  No visitors except those having genuine tickets were allowed to enter the platform.  Passengers were asked to maintain social distancing and stand in queue at stipulated places. Besides, passengers of AC-3, 2 and 1 were allowed entry from separate points.  Railway personnel scanned the passenger before allowing them to board the train.  Announcements were being made on the public address system about the do’s and don’ts.  All the passengers were wearing masks and following the guidelines.  Spaces were marked for the passengers to stand so that there was no violation of social distancing norms. MORE MIGRANTS ARRIVENearly 26,970 migrants reached Bihar on Tuesday by 21 trains from different parts of the state.  According to government sources, 24 trains would be reaching the state on May 13, including six from Maharashtra with 30,348 passengers. Chief minister Nitish Kumar had said on Monday that in the next seven days, 179 more trains will come and it is expected that close to 2. 5 lakh people will reach state.  He had requested the Centre to provide more trains as more and more people are requesting to come back.


Steph Curry, Ayesha Curry and their two daughters have a candid conversation at the #DemConvention.

"Do you know what the president's job is?"

"To keep the environment safe." https://t.co/nSzvnrMfRV https://t.co/8rr3XSSCj1

By Maeve Reston and Stephen Collinson, CNNUpdated 12:24 AM ET, Fri August 21, 2020  (CNN)Joe Biden formally accepted the nomination of his party Thursday night, arguing that America will choose hope over fear, facts over fiction and fairness over privilege as he cast President Donald Trump as a failed leader who has shirked responsibility while stoking hate and division. CNN's Arlette Saenz contributed to this report.


Tejashwi Yadav, RJD at a rally in Gurugram: People who speak the truth are being punished. When you ask questions, then ppl in power instead of answering your questions spread venom in society. PM is forgetting if he is ‘chowkidaar’, then ppl of country are ‘thanedaar’. #Haryana https://t.co/b11cWR8Pfj

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a fresh attack on the opposition parties over their attempt to present a united front against the BJP-led NDA government in the upcoming Lok Sabha election saying “they are scared” because “I am fighting corruption”.  But minutes later, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee shot back at PM Modi saying his tenure will end in a month but he “doesn’t seem mentally prepared to go. ”Referring to opposition parties’ rally in Kolkata last month, PM Modi said, “This chaiwala has stopped the illegal income of the high and mighty…This is why all kinds of people were taking vows in Kolkata to remove this chowkidar. ”“Look at their photographs…They look so scared,” PM Modi said taking a dig at the opposition leaders, who had attended the United India rally organised by Trinamool Congress president and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in January. Watch| Huge crowd at rally shows why Mamata resorted to violence: PM Modi  He said, “Those who did not even see each other four years ago assembled in Kolkata… They are abusing me because I am working against corruption. ” On January 19, the TMC had organised a rally in Kolkata where leaders of 24 parties including the Congress shared the stage with Banerjee. Responding to PM Modi’s charge, Banerjee said, “In true fascist style, he is trying to encircle everyone with agencies…The Union government will last for a month at the most.  But it seems he is not mentally prepared for going out of power. ”The prime minister attacked Mamata Banerjee accusing her of preventing the officials of central government agencies from carrying out probe in West Bengal.  “Didi, if you have not done anything wrong, why are you scared.  What is that you are afraid of,” said PM Modi adding he was made to “sit for nine hours in Delhi” during the UPA rule when the CBI probe cases against him when he was the chief minister of Gujarat. “I never attacked agencies…I said you can bring more agencies to probe cases against me…I am honest.  I am not scared…But they are so scared that they don’t want the BJP president to land in West Bengal,” said PM Modi.  PM Modi targeted Banerjee saying people of West Bengal have to pay “Trinamool Tolabaji Tax” for college admission and recruitment of teachers as there is a “syndicate raj” in the state.  “Her exit is certain”At his second public rally of the day in West Bengal, PM Modi accused the Mamata Banerjee government of withdrawing from the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme of the central government for “political reasons. ” “The poor were getting benefits from Ayushman Bharat…Didi lost her sleep as she feared what will happen to her if every ailing person would get treatment and chant Modi-Modi,” he said. “Such a heartless governmnt must not stay in power any longer,” PM Modi said adding, “her exit is certain”. The prime minister also made a strong defence of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM Kisan) scheme introduced in the interim budget amid criticism by the opposition.  PM Modi said the BJP-led government introduced “the biggest ever scheme for the benefit of the farmers without doing any drama like the Congress did in 2008. ”“PM Kisan is a Rs 75,000 crore scheme.  We could have done the drama of loan waiver like the Congress…But we have brought a permanent scheme…This is not a one-time scheme…It will stay with the farmers for years,” he said. The prime minister said, “The Congress brings loan waiver every ten years… They came up with a Rs 52,000 crore loan waiver scheme 10 years ago.  Our scheme will offer Rs 7. 50 lakh crore to farmers in the next years.  Their scheme was aimed at benefitting 2-3 crore farmers while ours will benefit 12 crore.  Isn’t it a bigger scheme? ”Earlier, PM Modi addressed a rally at Thakurnagar in 24 North Parganas district in an apparent attempt to reach out to influential Matua community, which originally hails from Bangladesh and migrated to West Bengal during 1950s following religious persecution in that country.


President Donald Trump said he intends to nominate the current American ambassador to Canada to be the new US ambassador to the United Nations.
https://t.co/YRxB9xMSzM https://t.co/YIwq5AlviB

Kelly Knight Craft is currently the ambassador to Canada.  President Donald Trump has named a new pick for U. S.  ambassador to the United Nations, tapping Kelly Knight Craft, the current U. S.  ambassador to Canada, to fill the role. A senior administration official told ABC News that Craft was at the White House earlier Friday when President Trump offered her the job. Craft, a native of Glasgow, Kentucky, becomes the second nominee the president has selected to replace former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, who resigned in October. https://abcnews. go. com/Politics/trump-touts-big-announcement-nikki-haley/story? id=58382121] text=[(MORE: Nikki Haley resigns as UN ambassador, will leave at end of the year, Trump says)]/>Her nomination was applauded by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who personally recommended Craft to the president for the post. “The President made an exceptional choice for this critical post," McConnell, R-Ky. , said in a statement.  "Kelly Craft is a strong advocate for American interests and will be a powerful representative of our great nation at the U. N.  She has a long record of service to her state and the nation and I’m confident she will continue to serve with distinction as America’s voice to the world at the United Nations.  I was proud to recommend this remarkable Kentuckian to President Trump. ”Trump’s first nominee, Heather Nauert, the former State Department spokeswoman, withdrew her name from consideration last Saturday after problems arose in her background related to an undocumented nanny she had employed at her home. Trump quickly resumed interviews, and Craft’s name had emerged as a frontrunner for the post. Before Nauert was nominated, Trump had interviewed Craft for the post on Oct.  2. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for additional comment. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events


The White House distanced itself -- but did not disavow - claims made in an op-ed by the president's top trade adviser, Peter Navarro, trashing the nation's foremost infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci. https://t.co/JrmoHokcHJ

By Paul LeBlanc, CNNUpdated 3:10 PM ET, Wed July 15, 2020  (CNN)Top White House trade adviser Peter Navarro openly attacked Dr.  Anthony Fauci in an op-ed on Tuesday, after the White House repeatedly insisted there has been no effort to undermine the nation's leading infectious disease expert.  CNN's Kevin Liptak and Kaitlan Collins contributed to this report.


Delhi: Gyms reopen in the national capital following government guidelines and #COVID19 norms.

A gym owner says, "We are happy that Delhi govt has allowed gyms to reopen, as we were struggling to earn livelihood during lockdown amid the pandemic." https://t.co/t0qHRjNynh

A select few gymnasiums resumed their services on Monday morning because owners either were making the necessary arrangements to ensure proper sanitisation and hygiene following the raging coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak, or were unaware of any such order being passed by the Delhi government that has also allowed yoga centres to operate. In a late night order on Sunday, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) allowed gymnasiums and yoga institutes to reopen with immediate effect on condition that they strictly follow all the Covid-19 safety protocols that have been put in place by the government. Also Read: Delhi govt permits gyms and yoga centres to open under Unlock 4On Monday morning, a few small gymnasiums in the national capital reopened, but most of them largely remained shut. Sunil Kumar Tonk, the owner of Black’s Gym, which has 16 fitness centres across Delhi-national capital region (NCR), said he would need up to three days to reopen all his gymnasiums. “The order came so late on Sunday night that most gymnasiums owners still do not know about it.  On Monday and Tuesday, I shall hold meetings with the heads of my fitness centres to ensure that all the safety measures are in place.  We will reopen the fitness centres after taking all precautions,” Tonk said. But, Spartan’s Gyms and Aerobics centre at Vikaspuri reopened at 5am and by 8:30am at least five members had used the facility. Lucky Wasan, the owner of the gymnasium, said he was ready with all the preparations.  “We have sanitised our premises and equipment.  Everyone is wearing a mask while working out.  However, our changing rooms are shut for now,” Wasan said. Aditi Rai, a member of the gymnasium who came for a workout session, said the Delhi government’s decision is a big relief for her.  “Working out is like meditation for me.  For all these days, I somehow adjusted with home workouts, but there’s nothing like sweating it out in the gymnasium with your peers and trainers to pump you up.  However, a drawback is that high intensity workout gets difficult while wearing masks.  The breathing pattern is somewhat compromised,” she said. There are over 6,000 gyms and fitness centres across the national capital that employ more than 100,000 people. Sunday’s order stated that gymnasiums and yoga centres would be allowed to operate with immediate effect only if they strictly follow the standard operating procedures (SOP) laid down by the Union ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW).  “In case of any violation, owner and manager of the premises shall be liable for persecution under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides sealing of such premises forthwith,” the order, seen by HT, stated.  It also directed all district disaster management authorities to ensure that gymnasiums and yoga centres comply strictly with the SOPs in a bid to prevent the spread of Covid-19.  The SOPs for gyms issued by the Centre on August 3 had restricted yoga and workout sessions to only such activities that do not require trainers to touch members and not more than 10 people per 1,000 square (sq) feet (ft) of space. Facilities such as sauna, shower, body massage and spas were also not be available until further orders.  All other social distancing and preventive measures such as hand hygiene and thermal screening at the entrance were to be strictly followed by members and gymnasium and yoga organisers. Face masks will be mandatory at all times within gymnasium and yoga centre premises.  Gymnasiums and yoga institutes must ensure a minimum distance of six feet between individuals.  They should try and utilise outdoor space by relocating or offering online training classes wherever possible.  Specific entry and exit pathways to be created by floor and wall markings and precautionary instructions on posters to be placed within closed spaces are some of the rules issued by the Centre as part of the SOPs. The Central government under its unlock 3:0 guidelines issued on July 29 had allowed gymnasiums and yoga centres to reopen across the country from August 5.  But the DDMA, headed by Lieutenant- Governor (L-G) Anil Baijal, did not allow the resumption of these services owing to a spike Covid-19 cases in the national capital.  On August 6, the Delhi government had sent a file to the L-G’s office to reopen hotels, weekly markets, gymnasiums and yoga centres in the national capital. The DDMA on August 19 had allowed the reopening of hotels and weekly markets, but gymnasiums and yoga centres were prohibited until Sunday’s order overturned it.


Six people -- two each in Kozhikode & Alappuzha & one each in Kottayam & Kannur -- have tested positive for new mutated strain of coronavirus: Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja https://t.co/21lgdoKEjn

Two districts in Kerala, Alappuzha and Kottayam, have been put on high alert after bird flu cases have been confirmed in ducks, said state animal husbandry minister K Raju.  He said at least 50,000 ducks will be culled to check the spread of the virus and the government will compensate farmers. Fresh cases were detected after ducks started dying in large numbers, said Alappuzha district veterinary officer K Lekha.  Later tests at the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal confirmed the presence of the virus in dead birds.  The minister has called a meeting tomorrow to coordinate steps to contain the outbreak. In 2016, bird flu was reported in Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts and at least 2 lakh chicken and ducks were culled to control the outbreak.  Highly contagious vet experts said all rearing birds in the vicinity will have to be culled to contain the disease.  In the two districts, chicken prices have plummeted after the news surfaced. Bird flu, also known as avian flu, is a variety of influenza caused by a virus in birds.  It can spread to humans and can trigger a person to person transmission, experts say.  There are many varieties of viruses and H7N9 is considered dangerous among them, they say.  According to the World Health Organization, there are many subtypes of avian influenza virus and only some of them will be dangerous to humans.  Winged guests are reported to be the main carriers of the virus.