Photo of a Shivlinga found in Farrukhabad in 2016 is viral claimed to have been found in Ayodhya excavation recently.  Viral: “भगवान श्रीराम जिस शिवलिंग की पूजा करते थे वो मिला अयोध्या की खुदाई में आज जयकारे में कमी ना आए 🚩🐅जय श्री राम🐅🚩” Translation: “The Shivlinga which Lord Rama used to worship was found in the excavations in Ayodhya.  Jai Shree Ram. ” An image of a Shivlinga structure has gone viral with the claims that it was found in the recent Ayodhya excavations, and that Lord Rama used to worship it.  This particular post has been shared for over 800 times, with 12000 reactions.  Archive Archive The post was widely shared on Facebook,     Archive भगवान श्रीराम जिस शिवलिंग की पूजा करते थे,वो मिला अयोध्या की खुदाई में। जयकारे में कमी ना आए 🚩🐅जय श्री राम🐅🚩 pic. twitter. com/L05UtuqpQH — Shama Singh Bisen 🇮🇳🇮🇳 (@kshamaLively) May 24, 2020    Archive भगवान श्रीराम जिस शिवलिंग की पूजा करते थेवो भी मिला है अयोध्या की खुदाई में…. जयकारे में कमी ना आए         जय शिव शम्भू ❤🙏        जय  श्री  राम  ❤🙏 pic. twitter. com/d01pTzeGto — Kajal sudhir mishra (@Kajal_mishr) May 23, 2020  Archive Upon doing a Google Reverse Image Search on the photo in the posts, we came across an article by Amar Ujala which said that the Shivalinga belonged to a temple called ‘Mathiya Devi Mandir’ in UP’s Farrukhabad.  The article was published on 27 July, 2016.       According to the article, the renovation work in the temple in 2016 had brought to light the fact that a part of the Shivalinga had been underground so far.  The Shivlinga is 250 years old.   According to Hindustan Times, land-leveling work has indeed been going on at the Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya, having started on 11 May.  Many artifacts have been found at the site but, the image that has been going viral is not from Ayodhya but Farrukhabad, and of 2016.       Hence it is established that the Shivlinga was not found in the excavation in Ayodhya.  It is to be noted that the Shivlinga in the image belongs to a temple in Farrukhabad, in Uttar Pradesh.


Jammu and Kashmir: Locals protest in Kathua against Pakistan. #PulawamaTerrorAttack https://t.co/o48ZcPo4QA

The diplomatic war between India and Pakistan over New Delhi scrapping Jammu and Kashmir’s special status has spilled over into the cyber world, spawning a spate of fake social media accounts of Indian army officers. At least 50 Twitter accounts masquerading as personal handles of senior generals and commanders including Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh “highlighting alleged atrocities” in Kashmir were shut down at the request of the security agencies, said senior officials in the security apparatus who didn’t want to be named. “In the past 6 days at least 69 of my Indian soldiers have been killed in unprovoked fire by Pakistan Army,” a fake Twitter handle allegedly that of a serving colonel serving in Jammu and Kashmir said. Similarly, a fake Twitter account allegedly that of former Directorate General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lieutenant General Vinod Bhatia said, “according to my intelligence report there is more than 700 Kashmiri has been killed thousands of women were raped there is completely blackout, school colleges are closed.  Shame on Us. ”Likewise, the Twitter handle of former Vice Chief of Army Staff Devraj Anbu said the removal of Article 370 was a big mistake. Interestingly, a fake Twitter account allegedly of Lieutenant Colonel Shrikant Purohit who is an accused in the Malegaon blast case and is now out on bail also carries a tweet against the establishment. Since August 5, there has been a sudden spike in the number of social media accounts, another senior official said.  “These are part of the effort to shape the information environment,” he said. On August 5, the Centre abrogated Article 370 that conferred special status to Jammu and Kashmir and split it into two union territories. Intriguingly, some of the fake Twitter accounts were opened in months in advance but were dormant up till August 2019. “An analysis shows a clear trend, some of these fake accounts posted normal humdrum stuff on and off.  The credibility of the people behind the accounts ensured an organic growth in the number of followers.  An account of serving colonel opened in July 2019 gathered over 1500 followers.  After, August 5, these handles tried to saturate the environment with messages about atrocities in Jammu and Kashmir and Article 370,” a third senior official monitoring the cyber world said. The assault in the cyber world has been so severe that New Delhi has tasked a team comprising security agencies and the military to monitor the cyber world for such messages and counter them.  The messages from the fake accounts of well known individuals create doubt among the people at large, affect the morale of the nation and, at another level they affect the forces as well, said an officer associated with monitoring these messages. “The removal of Article 370 has put the Pakistan Army in a spot which for the last 70 years has claimed to be the saviours of Kashmir.  At another level, they have always used proxies whether in 1947, 1965 and 1999.  The fake social media messaging is aimed at gaining moral ascendency over India by trying to create a fake narrative,” said Major General (Retd) Harsha Kakar.


Bihar: A man says he has planted around 10,000 trees, mostly of Guava, on barren land in Belaganj area of Gaya in past 15 years

"I'm deeply inspired by Dashrath Manjhi. Once he visited my home & asked me to plant trees here. So I took up this task," says Satyendra Manjhi (12.02) https://t.co/gV88BdvvMH

Satyendra Gautam Manjhi from Imaliyachak, a small village in the Belaganj block area of Gaya district, has on his own planted a huge orchard on the wastelands of an island in the Phalgu River. Manjhi said that he started work on his orchard, which consists of 10,000 trees, mostly guava, 15 years ago inspired by the 'mountain man' Dashrath Manjhi. He recounted that Dashrath Manjhi, who singlehandedly carved a path through a mountain, came to his house one day. "Dashrath Manjhi told me to plant an orchard in this area.  At that time this place was barren and deserted and there was only sand everywhere.  It was a lot of trouble in the beginning.  Water had to be brought from the house in a pot for the plants," he further said. Bihar: A man says he has planted around 10,000 trees, mostly of Guava, on barren land in Belaganj area of Gaya in past 15 years"I'm deeply inspired by Dashrath Manjhi.  Once he visited my home & asked me to plant trees here.  So I took up this task," says Satyendra Manjhi (12. 02) pic. twitter. com/gV88BdvvMHTalking to ANI he said, "Animals used to destroy the plants.  I brought thorny bushes from the forest and made a hedge.  The hedge still protects my orchard. ""When Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar came to know about my contribution to environmental protection, I was made a member of the Child Protection Commission," he said. Satyendra Gautam Manjhi holds an MA degree from Magadh University. An erstwhile member of the Child Protection Commission and currently a member of the Senate at the University of Magadh, Manjhi still continues to take care of his orchard. Most of the guavas are of the Allahabad Guava variant which is considered to be of high quality.  He added that he has started making profits by selling guava. "I urge the people of this country to start planting trees," he further said.


Maharashtra: Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad led march against the Supreme Court ruling that states were not bound to provide reservation in government jobs & quota in promotion, in Aurangabad today. He also garlanded a statue of Bhimrao Ambedkar. https://t.co/9f7nUML1J3

Women at Shaheen Bagh protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) have told the Supreme Court in an affidavit filed through former Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) Wajahat Habibullah that the central government has not engaged in any dialogue with them to understand their concerns and that the top court should hear petitions challenging the controversial law at the earliest. Habibullah, who is an intervenor in a plea in the Supreme Court seeking lifting of road blockade by anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protesters at Shaheen Bagh, told the top court in the affidavit last week that the protest is largely peaceful and that the women at the protest site had requested him to place their view point before the court. The affidavit listed the concerns and the views of the women who reaffirmed that they are proud citizens of the country and conveyed their anguish at being labeled as anti-national and Pakistanis. ALSO WATCH | People celebrate as Jamia to Noida road near Shaheen Bagh re-opens“That while they are proud citizens of the country, they are deeply hurt at being abused and labelled as anti-national/outsiders/ traitors/ Pakistanis in various political speeches as well as a section of the media,” the affidavit said. The protesting women were expressing peaceful dissent against the CAA since the controversial law along with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) could sound the “death knell for their survival and existence”, the affidavit stated. They said that they chose the particular site for protest because “it gives them the much required security because it is flanked on both sides by the Shaheen Bagh colony”.  Therefore, the chances of “threatened attacks on them are considerably less than they would have been if the protest had been held at any place away from the present site. ”Besides detailing the concerns expressed by the women protesters, Habibullah in the affidavit also stated that after personal inspection, he found that the police has unnecessarily barricaded roads unconnected to the protest and are “wrongly laying the blame on the protest. ”“It is these barricading of unconnected roads that has led to a chaotic situation”, Habibullah submitted.  Advocate Amit Sahni and BJP leader Nand Kishore Garg had moved the Supreme Court seeking lifting of road blockade on the Shaheen Bagh–Kalindi Kunj stretch. The CAA, which was passed on December 12, 2019, amends Section 2 of the Citizenship Act, 1955, which defines “illegal migrants” by adding a proviso to Section 2 (1)(b).  As per this new proviso, any person belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan, and who have been exempted by the Central Government under the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 or the Foreigners Act, 1946, shall not be treated as “illegal migrant”.  Consequently, such persons shall be eligible to apply for citizenship by naturalisation, which is laid down under Section 6 of the 1955 Citizenship Act. However, the Muslim community did not find a place in the proviso thereby excluding Muslim illegal migrants from availing the opportunity to apply for Indian citizenship, a benefit which was extended to illegal migrants from the other six communities by this amendment.  The exclusion of Muslim community from the CAA has led to widespread protests across the country, as has the linking of citizenship with religion.  There have also been protests against a proposed countrywide NRC and the potential problems if it is carried out in conjunction with the CAA. Shaheen Bagh has been the epicentre of such protests in the national capital. Advocate Amit Sahni in his plea stated that the road closure at Shaheen bagh causes great inconvenience to public at large.  The road closure and the consequent traffic diversion have led to the wastage of precious time energy and fuel besides overburdening the DND flyway, Akshardham and Ashram routes. Sahni stated that while people have the right to protest, the same is subject to reasonable restrictions and protesters cannot be allowed to occupy public roads indefinitely. Last Monday, the Supreme Court tasked senior advocate Sanjay Hegde and advocate Sadhana Ramachandran to mediate with the protesters to find a solution to the issue. The court had remarked that while right to protest is a fundamental right, such demonstrations and protests cannot be held on public roads for indefinite period.


It has been decided that the first meet with farmers will be held on Jan 21st. Physical meeting will be held with those organisations who want to meet us in person. Video conferencing will be held with those who can't come to us: Anil Ghanwat, member of SC-formed committee https://t.co/E35nzwE5Cd

A member of the committee appointed by the Supreme Court to examine the three farm laws, which have triggered protests by farmers, said it will meet farmers on Thursday, after holding its first round of internal consultations, news agency ANI reported on Tuesday.  The news agency cited Anil Ghanwat, one of the members of the committee, as saying that they will hold talks with farmers' organisations which want to meet them in person.  "Video conferencing will be held with those who can't come to us," Ghanwat said, according to ANI. "If the government wants to come and speak with us, we welcome it.  We will hear the government too.  The biggest challenge is to convince the agitating farmers to come and speak with us, we will try our level best," he added. Farmers have been protesting since November last year at Delhi's borders to demand the scrapping of three contentious farm laws, which they say will hurt their livelihoods.  The Supreme Court had on January 12 suspended the pro-reforms farm laws approved by Parliament in September 2020 and also appointed a committee to look into farmers’ grievances over the laws.  The court had named economists Ashok Gulati and Pramod Kumar Joshi and farm activists Bhupinder Singh Mann and Ghanwat as members of the panel.  Mann opted out of the committee a day later, citing the “interests of farmers”. Also read | After row, key farm leader says will not meet political partiesGhanwat, a member of the now three-member panel, had told HT on Monday that the committee will start deliberations on Tuesday, which will include framing of issues before the committee.  “In our first meeting, we will take note of our terms of reference and chalk out processes we will follow,” Ghanwat said.  He said it was up to the Supreme Court to appoint a member in place of Mann, who has recused himself but the committee’s work would continue. Ghanwat has said the committee will examine the three farm laws and draw up a list of stakeholders for consultations, including farm unions, representatives of agribusinesses, scholars, scientists and even the government.  “Our basic terms of reference are to look into the laws and consult stakeholders with the objective of addressing grievances of farmers,” Ghanwat, who heads the Shetkari Sangathan, a farm organisation from Maharashtra that advocates pro-technology and pro-reform agricultural policies, had said. Also read | Decoding fine print of Supreme Court order on farm lawsThe Samyukt Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of farm unions leading protests against the laws, has however said its members would not appear before the committee.  Farm unions have also said that all members of the top court-appointed committee had previously publicly praised the laws that farmers want to be scrapped. The agriculturists have been protesting against the Farmers' (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act 2020, the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act 2020.


"Everyone was in the loop."

Gordon Sondland delivered his opening statement in the impeachment inquiry, testifying that Rudy Giuliani attempted to arrange a "quid pro quo" with Ukraine, and that he was "expressing the desires of the President." https://t.co/QG6nEmhjhD https://t.co/DFWm86NNfY

By Veronica Rocha and Meg Wagner, CNNFrom CNN's Kevin LiptakFiona Hill, who is delivering her opening statement in a thick northern English accent, is the third immigrant to the US to testify in the impeachment inquiry. Marie Yovanovitch, the ousted US ambassador to Ukraine, was born in Canada to parents who fled the Soviet Union and then the Nazis. Lt.  Col.  Alexander Vindman, the top Ukraine expert on the NSC, was born in the then-Soviet Union.  His parents brought him the US with his twin brother when they were young. All three entered government service — Yovanovitch in the foreign service, Vindman in the Army, and Hill in various foreign policy roles. Another witness, Gordon Sondland, is a first-generation American.  He recalled during his testimony Wednesday how his parents fled Europe during the Holocaust. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff noted the immigrant stories the committee has heard as the questioning began today. From CNN's Kevin LiptakOf the dozen impeachment witnesses who have appeared in public so far, more than half have been foreign service officers. There’s a reason Democrats appear to value their testimony: They are poised communicators and experts in the official policies of the United States that appear to have been undermined by outside actors. But perhaps, most importantly, they are copious note-takers by trade.  David Holmes said in his opening statement he was “often called upon to take notes” in meetings with visiting officials or with the ambassador.  He cited multiple episodes when he was assigned as an official note-taker in meetings. Other foreign service officers who have appeared — including Bill Taylor, George Kent, Marie Yovanovitch, Kurt Volker and David Hale — are far more senior than Holmes or Jennifer Williams, the Mike Pence adviser who appeared earlier this week. But because they spent their careers in the foreign service, they also have note-taking in their professional blood. This is useful because it lends credibility to their recollections in ways others have struggled.  Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the European Union, openly acknowledged yesterday that he was not a big note-taker.  The effect on his testimony was noticeable: he was undercut by Republicans as relying on conjecture and recollection rather than actual documentation. Another person not known to appreciate note-taking: President Trump.  He’s questioned why people are taking notes in meetings, including his onetime White House counsel Don McGahn, who used his notes to aid the Mueller investigation. And he has insisted on having no note-taker in certain meetings, including with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Fiona Hill, the White House's former top Russia expert, will give a warning about Russia and its continued efforts to interfere in the US elections, according to her prepared remarks. "Right now, Russia’s security services and their proxies have geared up to repeat their interference in the 2020 election," she testified. She will urge lawmakers to "not promote politically driven falsehoods that so clearly advance Russian interests" during the course of their impeachment inquiry. Watch: Former White House Russia expert Fiona Hill will tell the House Intelligence Committee that the idea that Ukraine meddled in the 2016 US presidential election is a "fictional narrative that has been perpetrated and propagated by the Russian security services. "Here's what she will say, according to a copy of her prepared remarks:"Based on questions and statements I have heard, some of you on this committee appear to believe that Russia and its security services did not conduct a campaign against our country — and that perhaps, somehow, for some reason, Ukraine did," she will say. Hill will continue: Watch: US diplomat David Holmes said that after he read claims that the impeachment inquiry lacked fist-hand knowledge, he realized he "had first-hand knowledge regarding certain events on July 26. "Remember: A lack of first-hand information has been a key talking point for President Trump and other Republicans.  But various witnesses who have testified in the impeachment inquiry have had firsthand knowledge of various components of the Trump administration's dealings with Ukraine. "I also read reports noting the lack of 'first-hand' evidence in the investigation and suggesting that the only evidence being elicited at the hearings was 'hearsay,'" Holmes testified. He continued:Watch more: State Department aide David Holmes described his shock to learn that there was a "demand" for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to announce an investigation into his political rival during a televised interview. Holmes said the top diplomat in Ukraine, Bill Taylor, had been notified of the issue.  He said Taylor told him, "Now they’re insisting Zelenskyy commit to the investigation in an interview with CNN. " The "they," he said, are Ambassador Gordon Sondland; Kurt Volker, the onetime US special envoy to Ukraine; and Rick Perry, the Energy secretary. Holmes continued: "While we had advised our Ukrainian counterparts to voice a commitment to following the rule of law and generally investigating credible corruption allegations, this was a demand that President Zelensky personally commit, on a cable news channel, to a specific investigation of President Trump’s political rival. "Watch: From CNN's Marshall CohenDavid Holmes was kept out of a meeting between Sondland and Zelensky aide, even though Holmes was supposed to take notes during the meeting.  The meeting took place with no note-taker.  That meeting, which happened in Kiev with Zelensky aide Andrey Yermak, occurred one day after Trump’s phone call with Zelensky.  Here's how Holmes described it:It's difficult to know exactly what happened at the meeting because there were no notes and no independent witnesses.  Sondland said in his testimony yesterday, about the meeting: “While I do not recall the specifics of our conversation, I believe the issue of investigations was probably a part of the agenda. ” The saga is reminiscent of Trump’s controversial meeting with Putin at the G20 in 2017.  He spoke for nearly an hour without a US interpreter or note-taker.  There were also reports that official notes of Trump-Putin meetings have been confiscated from US interpreters and notetakers. Watch Holmes explain: David Holmes — the diplomat who overheard US Ambassador to the EU Gordon Sondland's conversation with President Trump — described the July lunch where the call took place. Holmes said he, Sondland and two other staffers went to a restaurant in Kiev, and sat on the outdoor terrance.  "I sat directly across from Ambassador Sondland and the two staffers sat off to our sides," he said, adding that at first, the lunch was mostly social. Eventually, Sondland "said he was going to call President Trump to give an update. " He said that on the phone, Sondland introduced himself several times, and it seems like he was going through several layers to be connected to President Trump. "I then noticed Ambassador Sondland's demeanor change and I understood that he had been connected to President Trump," he said. Sondland eventually told Trump that Ukraine's leader "quote, 'loves your ass,'" he testified. "I then heard the President Trump ask, 'So he's going to do the investigation? ' Ambassador Sondland replied that he's going to do it, adding President Zelensky will do anything you ask him to do. "Watch: David Holmes testified today that he overheard Ambassador Gordon Sondland and President Trump discuss American rapper A$AP Rocky on the infamous July 26 phone call. The rapper was convicted of assault in Sweden in August after spending weeks in jail.  Holmes also said that he heard Sondland tell the President that Sweden “'should have released him on your word," but that "you can tell the Kardashians you tried. "Holmes testified that he could only hear Ambassador Sondland’s side during that part of the conversation. Watch the moment: Please enable JavaScript for a better experience.


14,888 new #COVID19 cases and 295 deaths reported in Maharashtra today. The total number of positive cases now stands at 7,18,711 including 5,22,427 recoveries and 1,72,873 active cases: State Health department https://t.co/Lx857OW4Qv

Sep 08, 2021-Wednesday

Metro cities -  Delhi, Mumbai,
											Chennai,
											Kolkata

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

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Mumbai's Covid count reaches 66,488, death toll at 3,671Maharashtra reports 3,870 new Covid cases, tally past 1. 32 lakhSerological survey on 20k sample to  ascertain scale of Covid spread in DelhiContact tracing to be done for all Covid cases in Delhi: MHAMapping of containment zones in Delhi to be done again: MHAFlight carrying Indians from  Kyrgyzstan arrives in IndoreRajasthan's Covid-19 count rises to 14,930, death  toll  at 349Goa reports 64 new cases, Covid-19 tally rises to 81814 new Covid-19 cases in ITBP in 24 hrsCM Kejriwal discussed with home minister key strategies: AAP on Covid-19 meetingMeeting over Delhi's Covid-19 situation, chaired by Amit Shah, endsNagaland's Covid-19 count at 211 with 10 new casesDelhi reports 3,000 new Covid-19 cases, 63 deathsDelhi prison reports first Covid-19 deathTN records highest single-day spike in Covid-19 cases, tally now at 59,377After over seven months since the first case of coronavirus was reported in China, the outbreak continues to spread.  Countries have tried their best to curb the disease by imposing lockdowns, ensuring social distancing and providing requisite treatment to the infected but the virus still lingers.  India, the fourth most-affected nation in the world, recorded 410,461 cases and 13,254 deaths as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Click here for full coverage on coronavirus Delhi, which has now emerged as the country’s Covid-19 hot spot after Mumbai, was subjected to a controversial order wherein all delhiites who tested positive had to go through a mandatory five-day institutional quarantine.  However, this order was rolled back immediately considering the lack of health infrastructure available to accommodate patients. United States continues to be the worst-affected nation from the outbreak.  The total cases have crossed 2. 3 million in the country, followed by Brazil and Russia. Mumbai's Covid count reaches 66,488, death toll at 3,671Mumbai case count reaches to 66,488 as 1159 cases recorded in a day.  Death toll rises to 3,671 as 41 more deaths registered in a day. Maharashtra reports 3,870 new Covid cases, tally past 1. 32 lakhMaharashtra recorded 3870 Covid-19 cases on Sunday, taking its tally to 1,32,075.  It also saw addition of 101 deaths.  Toll stands at 6170: State Health departmentSerological survey on 20k sample to  ascertain scale of Covid spread in DelhiSerological survey to be done from June 27 till July 10 on 20,000 samples to ascertain the scale of spread in Delhi:MHA. Contact tracing to be done for all Covid cases in Delhi: MHAContact tracing will be done for all COVID-19 positive cases in Delhi with help of Aarogya Setu app: MHAHome Minister Amit Shah chaired a meeting, attended by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan and other senior officials.  The discussion was held on Dr Paul's Committee Report on Containment Strategy on #COVID19 in Delhi: MHA pic. twitter. com/NdOmtfR3SwMapping of containment zones in Delhi to be done again: MHAMapping of containment zones in Delhi will be done again; close watch on activities inside such areas, says MHAFlight carrying Indians from  Kyrgyzstan arrives in IndoreFlight carrying Indians from Kyrgyzstan landed at Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore today.  District Health Department screened the passengers upon their arrival.   The flight was part of the Centre's Vande Bharat Mission. Madhya Pradesh: Flight carrying Indians from Kyrgyzstan landed at Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore today.  District Health Department screened the passengers upon their arrival.  #VandeBharatMission pic. twitter. com/GXPAoAdrY7Rajasthan's Covid-19 count rises to 14,930, death  toll  at 349Rajasthan reports 393 new Covid-19 cases and 12 deaths till 8. 30 pm today.  Total number of cases rise to 14,930 including 2,984 active cases, 349 deaths and 11,355 discharges: State Health DepartmentGoa reports 64 new cases, Covid-19 tally rises to 81864 new Covid-19 cases have been reported in Goa, taking the total number of cases to 818.  There are 683 active cases and 135 recovered cases: Directorate of Health Services, Goa14 new Covid-19 cases in ITBP in 24 hrsFourteen  more personnel of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 24 hours.  There are total 58 active cases & 210 have recovered till date: Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)CM Kejriwal discussed with home minister key strategies: AAP on Covid-19 meetingAAP government is closely monitoring Covid-19 situation in Delhi, CM Arvind Kejriwal & deputy CM Manish Sisodia discussed key strategies with Union home minister Amit Shah on making contact tracing more robust & further strengthening of medical services in severely impacted areas: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)AAP Govt is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in DelhiHon'ble CM @ArvindKejriwal and Hon'ble Dy CM @msisodia discussed key strategies with Hon'ble HM @AmitShah on making contact tracing more robust and further strengthening of medical services in severely impacted areas pic. twitter. com/omyAQxMlsgMeeting over Delhi's Covid-19 situation, chaired by Amit Shah, endsThe virtual meeting, chaired by Union  home minister over the Covid-19 situation in Delhi has ended.  It was attended by the L-G Anil  Baijal, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal,  deputy CM Manish Sisodia, Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, and other senior officials.  Delhi: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Health Secretary Priti Sudan and other senior officials leave from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), after attending the meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, over COVID-19 situation pic. twitter. com/RMJvchIIUpNagaland's Covid-19 count at 211 with 10 new casesTen new Covid-19 cases in Nagaland, tally rises to 211 including 70 active cases: Health Minister S Pangnyu PhomDelhi reports 3,000 new Covid-19 cases, 63 deathsDelhi's Covid-19 tally  rose to 59,746 with 3,000 new cases being reported  on Sunday.  The death toll has risen to 2,175 after 63 deaths were reported today. : ANIDelhi prison reports first Covid-19 deathA 62-year-old inmate lodged in Delhi's Mandoli Jail has died of coronavirus, a first Covid-19 casualty in a prison in the national capital, prompting authorities to test 28 other inmates who were sharing the barrack with the man, officials said on Sunday, according to PTI. Kanwar Singh passed away on June 15 and his Covid-19 test report came out positive on Saturday, they said. TN records highest single-day spike in Covid-19 cases, tally now at 59,377Tamil Nadu reported the highest single-day spike of 2,532 Covid-19 cases on Sunday; 53 deaths reported in the last 24 hours.  The total number of cases stands at 59,377.  There are 25,863 active cases now in the state.  Death toll rises to 757, as per the State Health Department: ANIFirst published: Jun 21, 2020 08:08 IST


Himachal Pradesh: Police make announcement, asking people to clear Ridge area of Shimla as night curfew takes effect from 10 pm.

Night curfew has been imposed in Shimla, Kangra, Mandi & Kullu between 10 pm and 6 am. #NewYear2021 https://t.co/xRygGIRdXr

Sep 07, 2021-Tuesday

Metro cities -  Delhi, Mumbai,
											Chennai,
											Kolkata

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

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Delhi reduces number of dedicated Covid-19 bedsWorldwide coronavirus caseload has surpassed 80 million in a yearBritain's military says its prepared to deliver 100,000 vaccines a dayAll states and union territories to conduct Covid-19 vaccine dry run on Jan 2, reports ANI38 returnees from the UK test positive in Delhi, 4 carrying new strain of coronavirusIndia's Covid-19 recovery rate surpasses 96 per centSouth Korea reported 967 new cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 hoursMangalore city imposes Section 144 from 6 pm on New Year's EveIndia logs 21,821 new Covid cases in last 24 hours, tally climbs to over 10. 26 millionEMA looking into timing of dosage and not size for AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccineDelhi Disaster Management Authority imposes night curfew in DelhiChina gives conditional approval to Sinopharm's Covid-19 vaccine for general public useUS recorded more than 3900 coronavirus deaths in 24 hoursApproval of the AstraZeneca-Oxford University's coronavirus vaccine in Britain bears good tidings for India.  Serum Institute of India, who is tasked with producing the Oxford vaccine in India had applied for emergency approval but the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) had earlier indicated that it would wait for UK's regulator to approve of the vaccine, and had asked for more data on vaccine efficacy and safety of the vaccine, which was duly submitted last week.  With the news of UK's approval India is one step closer to rolling out a vaccination program.  Meanwhile state governments have started to impose night curfews to curb rampant spread of the new variant amid unchecked New Year's celebrations. Click here for complete coverage of Covid-19To combat the spread of the new mutant strain of coronavirus India has suspended flights from the UK till January 7 from December 31, civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Twitter on Wednesday.  The government might also make RT-PCR testing mandatory for all passengers who will fly in from the UK after January 7.  Elsewhere in the US one of the frontline workers who was administered the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus shot tested positive for coronavirus a week after the jab.  Matthew W, a nurse from California, reportedly fell sick on Christmas Eve and tested positive the next day.  He was on-duty at the coronavirus hospital of his local hospital right before he fell sick.  Experts have cautioned that this is not a reason to doubt the efficacy of the vaccine, since it takes around 10-15 days to develop around 50% immunity from the first shot. Follow all live updates here:Delhi reduces number of dedicated Covid-19 bedsDelhi govt has decided to decrease the total number of Covid-19 beds.  The govt said the decision was taken upon reduction of Covid-19 cases across the Capital.  Delhi government reduces number of dedicated beds for COVID-19 patients in Delhi govt hospitals from 4,696 to 2,140.  pic. twitter. com/dgTcjpprEZWorldwide coronavirus caseload has surpassed 80 million in a yearTill date more than 82. 6 mullion people have been infected by the coronavirus, reported Reuters on Thursday.  Since the first cases were reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019, more than 210 countries the world over have witnessed the wrath of the pandemic.  On the last day of the year the global death toll from coronavirus stood at 1,803,423. Britain's military says its prepared to deliver 100,000 vaccines a dayUK's defence secretary Ben Wallace said on Thursday that the country's armed forces are ready to deliver 100,000 vaccines a day, reported Reuters.  He added that around 130 defence personnel have been authorised to work with health care providers to aide the country's vaccination drive, and there is a plan to add more. All states and union territories to conduct Covid-19 vaccine dry run on Jan 2, reports ANINews agency ANI has reported that all states and union territories will conduct a dry vaccination run on January 2, 2021.  The government of India has directed states to conduct these runs in at least 3 session sites, including areas with rough terrain and poor logistical support. Dry run will be conducted by all the State & UT governments on 2nd Jan 2021.  The activity is proposed to be conducted in all State Capitals in at least 3 session sites; some States will also include districts that are situated in difficult terrain/have poor logistical support:GoI38 returnees from the UK test positive in Delhi, 4 carrying new strain of coronavirusA total of 38 individuals among those who have returned from the UK have tested positive for coronavirus, said Health minister Satyendra Jain.  He added that 4 amongst them have been found to be carrying the new strain of coronavirus, he told news agency PTI that people who have come in contact with those 4 individuals have also been tracked down and tested. India's Covid-19 recovery rate surpasses 96 per centThe Union health ministry on Thursday said that India registered a 96. 04 per cent Covid-19 recovery rate, as the total number of recoveries have surpassed 98. 6 lakhs.  The gap between active cases and recovered cases currently stands at 96,02,624, it added. South Korea reported 967 new cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 hoursSouth Korea recorded 967 new cases of Covid-19 on Wednesday pushing the total tally of infections to 60,740.  It continued to maintain its three day streak of daily cases below 1000.  The highest number of cases were found amongst Seoul residents, while 27 cases were imported from overseas. Mangalore city imposes Section 144 from 6 pm on New Year's EveMangalore city in Karnataka has imposed Section 144 from 6 pm on December 31 to 6 am January 1 to to curb the spread of coronavirus, reported news agency ANI.  Pubs, restaurants, clubs, parties will not be allowed in the city as gathering of more than five people in one place is prohibited. India logs 21,821 new Covid cases in last 24 hours, tally climbs to over 10. 26 millionIndia in the last 24 hours recorded 21,821 new cases of Covid-19.  The country registered a total of 257,656 active cases, pushing the nation-wide tally to 10,266,674.  In the same time period the death toll rose by 299 to 148,738. EMA looking into timing of dosage and not size for AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccineEU drug regulator, European Medicines Authority (EMA) is looking into the timing of the doses to be administered and not the size for their review process, reported Reuters.  The EMA has stressed that since the vaccination drive is being carried out in the middle of a pandemic it is important to note how much protection the first shot offers and the waiting period between the first and the second shot.  A source told Reuters that the variations in doses during the trials makes the approval process complex for regulators. Delhi Disaster Management Authority imposes night curfew in DelhiDelhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has imposed night curfew in Delhi.  Not more than five persons to assemble at public place, no new year celebration events, no gatherings at public places permitted from 11pm of 31st December to 6am of 1st January and 11pm of 1 January to 6am of 2nd January. China gives conditional approval to Sinopharm's Covid-19 vaccine for general public useChina has given conditional approval to China National Biotec Group (CNBG), or Sinopharm's coronavirus vaccine candidate for use amongst general public, reported Reuters.  This is the first such kind of approval given to any vaccine candidate in the country. US recorded more than 3900 coronavirus deaths in 24 hoursThe United States saw a disastrously hight number of deaths on Wednesday, when 3,927 people succumbed to the coronavirus before 8:30 pm, reported AFP.  Bringing the total number of fatalities in the country to 341,845.  US is the worst hit country in the world with a total of 19,715,899 cases recorded till date. First published: Dec 31, 2020 07:03 IST


Delhi: Former President Pranab Mukherjee pays tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who passed away today, due to cardiac arrest. https://t.co/DGwf4KCgbF

Sheila Dikshit, three-time Delhi chief minister and a veteran Congress leader, breathed her last in a city hospital late on Saturday afternoon.  As news of her death spread, tributes started pouring in for the senior leader, with a “devastated” Rahul Gandhi hailing Dikshit as a “beloved daughter of the Congress party”.  Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia announced that the government will observe a two-day state mourning in memory of the Congress leader.  Leaders, cutting across party lines, made a beeline outside the late leader’s house to pay their last respects.  Read highlights here:‘Lost an administrator and a fine leader, knew her before she joined politics’: Former President Pranab Mukherjee on Sheila DikshitFormer President Pranab Mukherjee says, it is a great loss for the nation.  Former President Pranab Mukherjee: I knew her (Sheila Diskhit) even before she entered politics, it's a great loss to the nation, they have lost an able administrator and a fine leader.  pic. twitter. com/y1d4zS11wU‘Country will remember her contribution towards the transformation of Delhi’: Manmohan Singh‘It is great loss for the country & Congress party.  Delhi has lost an outstanding leader & administrator who transformed the state beyond recognition.  Country will remember her contribution towards the transformation of Delhi for a long time,’ says former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.  Delhi: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh lays wreath & pays respects to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit at the latter's residence in Nizamuddin.  Dikshit, 81, passed away due to cardiac arrest, earlier today.  pic. twitter. com/N1Vra29yUcActress Sharmila Tagore pays respects to former Delhi CM Sheila DikshitThe actress has reached Nizamuddin to pay her tributeDelhi: Actress Sharmila Tagore pays respects to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit at the latter's residence in Nizamuddin.  Dikshit, 81, passed away due to cardiac arrest, earlier today.  pic. twitter. com/zCMGrfOBAKFormer President Pranab Mukherjee reaches Sheila Dikshit’s residenceFormer President of India and veteran Congress Mukherjee arrives at Sheila Dikshit’s residence to pay his tributes to his former colleagueDelhi: Former President Pranab Mukherjee pays tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who passed away today, due to cardiac arrest.  pic. twitter. com/DGwf4KCgbF‘Her political life was spotless’: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sheila DikshitThe Union Minister called the former Delhi CM ‘among the most seasoned politician of our nation. ’ Defence minister Rajnath Singh pays tribute to Sheila DikshitThe Union Minister has reached the residence of Delhi CM Sheila DikshitDelhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who passed away today, due to cardiac arrest.  pic. twitter. com/CcfGLpZptsDelhi Government to observe two-day mourning to pay tribute to Sheila DikshitManish Sisodia spoke to the media after visiting Sheila Dikshit.  He said, ‘Delhi govt has decided to observe a two-day state mourning as a mark of respect in the memory of former Chief Minister and veteran leader Sheila Dikshit ji.  She will be accorded a state funeral. ’Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma pays tribute to Sheila DikshitThe BJP MLA also said, that her death brings a sudden calmness in the turbulent world of politics.  ‘Whenever, people will talk of a developed & growing Delhi, Sheila ji’s name will be remembered’, says Sandeep Dikshit, Sheila Dikshit’s sonThe three-time Delhi CM’s son speaks to the media.  Sandeep Dikshit, son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit: My mother passed away, it's natural that I'll miss her.  The pain of losing a mother cannot be erased.  Whenever, people will talk of a developed & growing Delhi, Sheila ji's name will be remembered.  pic. twitter. com/hEl9DJiDneDelhi CM Arvind Kejriwal reaches Sheila Dikshit’s residenceAccompanied by deputy CM Manish Sisodia, they pay their tributes to former three-time Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal & Deputy CM Manish Sisodia pay tribute to Sheila Dikshit, who passed away today, due to cardiac arrest.  pic. twitter. com/4Pu5DHQR7rBJP Delhi Chief Manoj Tiwari reaches Sheila Dikshit’s residenceThe BJP MP pays his tribute to the former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit.  BJP MP & BJP Delhi President, Manoj Tiwari pays tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit who passed away today, due to a cardiac arrest.  pic. twitter. com/Tg0affJdMx‘Sheila Dikshit was a motherly figure’: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla‘Sheila Dikshit’s contribution was immense to Delhi’, says the Lok Sabha speaker while speaking to the media.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to former CM Sheila DikshitPM Modi has reached the residence of three-time Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit.   #WATCH Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit who passed away today, due to a cardiac arrest.  pic. twitter. com/YV1YpychEhLok Sabha speaker Om Birla pays tribute to Sheila DikshitSpeaker Om Birla reaches the residence of Sheila Dikshit and meets her family members and pays tribute to the three-time Delhi CMLok Sabha Speaker Om Birla pays tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who passed away today, in Delhi due to cardiac arrest.  pic. twitter. com/skHDEKdh7ICongress Leader Jyotiraditya Scindia reaches Sheila Dikshit’s residenceThe Congress leader pays tribute to the three-time Delhi CM.  Sonia Gandhi reaches Sheila Dikshit’s residenceUPA chairperson pays tribute to the former Delhi Chief MinisterDelhi: UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi pays tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.  pic. twitter. com/FxKxCCT48JBJP MP Gautam Gambhir calls Dikshit - ‘a fierce champion of the people’The former cricketer expressed his grief at Sheila Dikshit’s death.  He said, ‘ A huge loss for the capital.  My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends’BJP Leader Vijay Goel reaches Dikshit’s residenceThe senior BJP leader pays tribute to three three-time former Delhi CM.  Delhi: BJP leader Vijay Goel pays tribute to Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit at her residence in Nizamuddin.  #SheilaDikshit pic. twitter. com/aOJAJEKehYFormer CM Sheila Dikshit’s last rites to be held at Nigambodh GhatHer mortal remains will be kept at her residence in Nizammuddin for people to pay their tributes. ‘Sheila Dikshit personified Delhi’s aspirations’: P Chidambaram“In the passing away of Sheila Dikshit ji, the Grand Old Lady of Delhi, the nation, Delhi and the Congress party have suffered an irreparable lossFor nearly two decades, Sheilaji personified Delhi and the aspirations of its citizens.  She served them with her heart and mind and they gave her their abundant loveEvery resident of Delhi will feel that he or she has today lost a member of his or her familyMay Sheilaji’s soul rest in peace,” senior Congress leader P Chidambaram tweeted.  Delhi govt to declare 2-day state mourning“Delhi government has decided to declare 2-day state mourning over the demise of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit,” said Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia as quoted by news agency ANI.  Sheila Dikshit, the longest serving chief ministerFormer Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit was the longest serving chief minister.  She died today at a private hospital in Delhi, where was admitted for a heart ailment. For three consecutive terms, from 1998 to 2013, senior Congress leader served as the chief minister of Delhi.  ‘We will all miss her’: Mamata BanerjeeWest Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee condoled the death of former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit.  “Deeply saddened at the passing of Sheila Dikshit Ji.  When I became MP, she was the Parliamentary Affairs Minister.  She always maintained good relations with me.  We will all really miss her,” she tweeted.  Mortal remains of Sheila Dikshit brought to her Delhi homeMortal remains of former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit have been brought to her residence in Nizamuddin.  Nirmala Sitharaman condoles Sheila Dikshit’s death“Sorry to know that former Chief Minister of Delhi Smt.  #SheilaDikshit is no more.  Condolences to her family, friends and followers,” tweeted finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.  Sheila Dikshit’s mortal remains to be taken to Cong headquarters tomorrow: Ahmed Patel“The mortal remains of former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit will be taken to her home in about one hour or so.  It will then be decided at what time tomorrow morning they’ll be taken to the Congress headquarters, and will then proceed to Nigam Bodh Ghat for cremation”, said Congress leader Ahmed Patel as quoted by news agency ANI.  Her contribution towards to Delhi is immense: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra“Deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit Ji.  She loved me, whatever she did for Delhi and the country, people will remember it.  She was a big leader of party, her contribution towards party, politics of nation especially to Delhi, is immense,” news agency ANI quoted Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as saying.  Deputy CM of Rajasthan Sachin Pilot expressed his grief at Sheila Dikshit’s deathPilot tweeted that Sheila Dikshit worked tirelessly towards building Delhi into a world class city.  Saddened to hear that Smt Sheila Dikshit has passed away, a true congressperson she worked tirelessly building Delhi into a world class city, yet her heart was always set on working for the people, a loss for India, my condolences to the family & prayers for the departed soul pic. twitter. com/FCugKnMAvN‘She welcomed me like a mother’: Manoj Tiwari“I had met her recently, it is a big shock.  I remember how she welcomed me like a mother.  Delhi will miss her.  May God give her family and her closed ones the strength to bear this loss,” said BJP MP and BJP Delhi president Manoj Tiwari as quoted by news agency ANI.  Sheila Dikshit’s term period of momentous transformation of Delhi: President“Sad to hear of the passing of Smt Sheila Dikshit, former Chief Minister of Delhi and a senior political figure.  Her term in office was a period of momentous transformation for the capital for which she will be remembered.  Condolences to her family and associates,” President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted.  ‘Warm and affable personality’: PM ModiPrime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit.  “Deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit Ji.  Blessed with a warm and affable personality, she made a noteworthy contribution to Delhi’s development.  Condolences to her family and supporters.  Om Shanti. ” the Prime Minister tweeted.  ‘Huge loss for Delhi’: Arvind Kejriwal“Just now got to know about the extremely terrible news about the passing away of Mrs Sheila Dikshit ji.  It is a huge loss for Delhi and her contribution will always be remembered.  My heartfelt condolences to her family members.  May her soul rest in peace,” tweets Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.  ‘Devastated to hear about passing away of Sheila Dikshit: Rahul”I’m devastated to hear about passing away of Sheila Dikshit Ji, beloved daughter of Congress Party,with whom I shared a close personal bond.  My condolences to her family&citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a 3 term CM,in this time of great grief”, tweeted Rahul Gandhi.  Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Anil Baijal called Sheila Dikshit a visionary leaderAnil Baijal also tweeted his tribute saying that the former three-time CM was an able administrator.  ‘Country has lost a dedicated Cong Leader’: EX-PM Manmohan Singh“I am shocked to hear the sudden passing away of Smt Shiela Dixit.  In her death the country has lost a dedicated Congress Leader of the masses.  People of Delhi will always remember her contribution to the development during her tenure as Chief Minister of Delhi,” said former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh.  Sheila Dikshit dies at 81Former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit died at a private hospital in Delhi today.  She was 81.


Delhi Police take Priyanka Gandhi and other Congress leaders into custody.

They were taking out a march to Rashtrapati Bhavan to submit to the President a memorandum containing 2 crore signatures seeking his intervention in farm laws issue. https://t.co/YHBbXmF8nC https://t.co/SBB8BwyJ1P

The farmers protest entered day 29 on Thursday as a stalemate between the government and the farmers continued.  On Wednesday, a meeting was held with nearly 100 farm leaders, during which they decided to continue their protests until the government repeals the contentious farm laws that aim to liberalise the agricultural economy.  They also decided to not resume the negotiations until the Centre draws up a new agenda. Meanwhile, Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar said farm unions should come for talks and that thousands of farmers sleeping out in the bitter cold was a “matter of deep concern” for the government. The farm unions also sent a letter to the agriculture ministry in which they asked the government to come up with “something concrete in writing” instead of “just repeating proposals and amendments. ” “you should offer something concrete in writing so that we can make that the basis of our agenda to resume the dialogue process,” it stated. Experts said this pretty much squashes hopes of negotiations restarting anytime soon. The standoff between the Union government and farmers continues over the passage of new legislation to open up the country’s agricultural sector to private investment, a move the government says will enable farmers better incomes and modernise the farm sector.  Farmers say the reforms will leave them at the mercy of private corporations. Follow all live updates here:Changes need to be made in farm laws: Dushyant Chautala“Changes need to be made in the agriculture laws and in this regard, written suggestions have been made to the central government and the Centre has also agreed to the same,” says Haryana deputy CM Dushyant Chautala. Agriculture minister meets Kisan Sena, thanks them for supporting farm laws21-member delegation of Kisan Sena meets Union agriculture minister Tomar.  “I want to thank you all for supporting three farm laws and coming here for a direct dialogue with us.  I got to know that Kisan Sena farmers were coming to Delhi to protest in support of farm Laws, but then upon intervention, you decided to come here and talk to us,” says Tomar. Demand repeal of agricultural laws: OppositionWe demand that the present Agri Laws be repealed along with the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2020.  Following this, discussions on agrarian reforms must be held by the Central government with the farmers and all stakeholders: Opposition partiesIn joint statement, Opposition lashes out at PM ModiOpposition parties issue joint statement on farm law protests.  “We register our strong protest against baseless allegations being made by PM accusing opposition parties of “repeatedly lying” to farmers about new farm laws and “using them for their politics”.  PM’s accusations are a complete travesty of truth,” the statement says. Even Congress doesn’t take Rahul Gandhi seriously: Narendra Singh Tomar“Watever Rahul Gandhi says, even Congress doesn’t take it seriously.  Today when he went to register his protest with President with signatures, these farmers told me that no one from Congress came to them to get their signature,” says Tomar. Farmers from Baghpat have given letter supporting farm laws, says agriculture minister Tomar“Farmers from Baghpat have given me a letter in support of Centre’s farm laws.  They’ve told me that government shouldn’t buckle under any pressure to make amendments to farm bills,” says agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar. Delegation of 60 farmers from Kisan Mazdoor Sangh meet agriculture ministerA delegation of 60 farmers belonging to Kisaan Majdoor Sangh, Baghpat meets Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar at Krishi Bhawan.  Delhi: A delegation of 60 farmers belonging to Kisaan Majdoor Sangh, Baghpat meets Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar at Krishi Bhawan pic. twitter. com/v1KWxShAKZGovt again urges farmers to decide date of next round of talksGovernment writes to protesting farmers again, urges them to decide date and time for next round of talks.  Govt writes to agitating farmers, asking them to decide the date and time for the next round of talks.  "Govt is committed to reaching logical solutions of the issues raised by you," it reads.  pic. twitter. com/tBglPwi8fs‘There is no democracy in India’: Rahul Gandhi“There is no democracy in India.  It can be in your imagination, but not in reality,” says Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after Delhi Police detains party leaders during their march to Rashtrapati Bhavan. PM Modi is making money for the crony capitalists: Rahul Gandhi“PM Modi is making money for the crony capitalists.  Whoever will try to stand against him will be called terrorist - be it farmers, labourers and even Mohan Bhagwat,” said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Farmers won’t go back until govt repeals farm laws: Rahul Gandhi“I want to tell the PM that these farmers are not going to go back home until these farm laws are repealed.  Govt should convene a joint session of Parliament and take back these laws.  Opposition parties stand with farmers and labourers,” said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Police take Priyanka Gandhi and other party leaders to Mandir Marg Police StationSin to use the kind of names BJP leaders used for farmers: Priyanka Gandhi“It is a sin to use the kind of names they (BJP leaders and supporters) used for farmers.  If government is calling them anti-nationals, then the government is a sinner,” said Priyanka Gandhi. In democracy, we have right to meet the President: Priyanka Gandhi“We’re living in democracy and they are elected MPs.  They have the right to meet the President and they should be allowed.  What is problem with that?  Government is not ready to listen to voices of lakhs of farmers camping at borders,” says Priyanka Gandhi after being stopped by police. Police detain Congress leadersDelhi Police take Priyanka Gandhi and other Congress leaders into custody.  They were taking out a march to Rashtrapati Bhavan to submit to the President a memorandum containing 2 crore signatures seeking his intervention in farm laws issue. Police stop Congress leaders as they march to Rashtrapati BhavanPoloce stopped Congress leaders as they were marching towards Rashtrapati Bhavan.  “Any dissent against this govt is classified as having elements of terror.  We are undertaking this march to voice our support for the farmers,” says Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi meets party leaders ahead of marchCongress leader Rahul Gandhi met senior party leaders ahead of his scheduled march from Vijay Chowk to Rashtrapati Bhavan to submit to the President a memorandum containing 2 crore signatures seeking his intervention in farm laws issues. Delhi’s Chilla, Gazipur borders are closed for traffic comingDelhi’s Chilla and Gazipur borders are closed for traffic coming from Noida and Gaziabad to Delhi due to farmer protests.  People are advised to take alternate route for coming to Delhi via Anand Vihar, DND, Apsara, Bhopra and Loni borders: Delhi traffic police advisoryHaryana police register case against farmers Haryana police register cases against farmers for allegedly blocking CM Manohar Lal Khattar’s convoy in Ambala .  “We have registered cases against 13 farmers under various sections of Indian Penal Code & have initiated a probe into the matter,” news agency ANI reported quoting DSP Ambala Madan Lal. Sikh body donates 700 geysers to protesting farmersThe Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) donates 700 water geysers to the farmers.  “We are doing everything to help the farmers in their struggle.  In view of the severe cold, DSGMC distributed 700 geysers among the protesting farmers at Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders,” said DSGMC president Manjinder Singh Sirsa. Vice President urge farmers to resume dialogueInteracting with a group of progressive farmers on the occasion of Kisan Diwas at his residence in Hyderabad, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said that any issue could be resolved through talks and added that the government has already declared that they are always ready to hold a dialogue with the farmers’ organizations.


LIVE | PM @narendramodi also said that his government brought in the Citizenship Amendment Bill. “I am asking Trinamool to support it”.

Follow live updates here: https://t.co/HNXpdEgqJE

(Picture: ANI) https://t.co/bxFbiFTyu8

Prime Minister Narendra Modi campaigned in West Bengal on Saturday for the coming Lok Sabha election with rallies in the border district of North 24 Parganas and the industrial town of Durgapur. The Durgapur rally of the prime minister will be part of BJP’s ‘Ganatantra Bachao’ (save democracry) programme in the state. The rallies are being held at a time when the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has upped the ante against the BJP-headed government at the Centre and has given the call to oust the Modi government in the next General Election. West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh said apart from Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and many other top leaders will attend several ‘Ganatantra Bachao’ rallies across the state. Follow highlights here:Mamata treading path of erstwhile Communists: PM ModiMamata treading path of erstwhile Communists but she should know throttling democracy did not succeed then, will not succeed now, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Villages neglected for many, many years after Independence: PM ModiVillages neglected for many, many years after Independence, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an event in West BengalMy government took honest steps to improve condition of farmers, working class: PM ModiMy government took honest steps to improve condition of farmers, working class, says PM Modi in West Bengal. TMC killing dreams and aspirations of middle-income group people in Bengal: PM ModiTMC killing dreams and aspirations of middle-income group people in Bengal: PM Modi at BJP rally in Durgapur. West Bengal is first state ever in India where tax (Trinmool Tolabazi Tax) is being imposed on education: PM ModiWest Bengal is the first state ever in India where the tax (Trinmool Tolabazi Tax) is being imposed on education, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi. My fight against black money will continue: PM Modi“My fight against black money will continue.  We are with the people of West Bengal to rid the state of Jagai, Madhai and Syndicate tax,” said PM Modi while concluding his address at West Bengal’s Durgapur rally.  Didi, why fear if you haven’t done anything wrong: PM Modi“If you have not done anything wrong, there is not reason to be afraid, Didi,” PM Modi. “Didi is afraid.  The ground below her feet moves even if the BJP president come to Bengal,” he added.  Bengal govt won’t enforce Centre’s real estate regulations: PM Modi“The Centre has started real estate regulations, but the Bengal govt won’t enforce it here, they constantly swear at me since I have resolved to fight black money,” said PM Modi in Bengal.  Rival coming together to oppose chowkidar: PM ModiReferring to the Opposition rally in Kolkata, PM Narendra Modi said that until 4 years back, those who didn’t even like to look at each other, and used to plan how to send each other to jail are now embracing each other against the chowkidar. PM Modi attacks ‘heartless Trinamool government’: PM Modi“A heartless govt that deprives the poor of benefits should not continue,” said prime minister PM Narendra Modi in Durgapur rally.  PM Modi levies Trinamool Tolabaji Tax -- TTT, and said “so far there was no one to challenge those who levy TTT (Trinamool Tolabaji Tax), but your chaiwala has stopped many from accumulating black money” he added.  Didi loses sleep if poor in Bengal utter Modi’s name: PM Modi“Those playing with the lives of the poor should be punished,” said PM Modi. “Didi loses her sleep if the poor in Bengal utter the name of Modi,” he added.  Bengal govt blocking benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana: PM Modi“TMC govt is preventing the benefits of schemes from reaching the poor for whom these projects are meant,” said PM Modi in Durgapur rally.  “The govt in Bengal is blocking the benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana,” he added.  PM Kisan Yojna permanent unlike Cong loan waiver drama: PMPM accused the Congress of resorting to drama before the polls in 2008-09.  Says Friday’s announcement for farmers is not a one-time benefit but will continue, “In the next 10 years, farmers will get Rs 7. 5 lakh cr following Friday’s announcement, Compares it with the Rs 52,000 cr waived for farmers by the Congress,” he said.  “The cash transfer for farmers is the biggest scheme for farmers in the country,” the prime minister added.  Direct cash transfer of Rs 6,000 per year for farmers: PM ModiPM Modi mentioned about the direct cash transfer of Rs 6,000 per year for farmers announced in Friday’s budgetFriday’s budget illustrates ‘Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas’: PM ModiPM Narendra Modi referred to the budget, with special emphasis on IT reliefs in the budget, and said that “this is just a trailer, the budget after the elections will portray the contours of a new India. ” The prime minister also mentioned the IT relief on rent income announced in the budget and that on interest income on fixed deposits.  State government has an anti-development approach: PM Modi“Projects worth Rs 90,000 crore are moving at snail’s pace because of the attitude of the state government.  They are not cooperating with the Centre, they have an anti-development approach,” said PM Modi referring to infrastructure development in the state of West Bengal.  BJP workers driven by words of Swami Vivekananda: PM Modi“BJP workers are driven by the words of Swami Vivekananda, said PM Narendra Modi in West Bengal’s Durgapur rally.  TMC is certain to go: PM Modi“Ruling TMC is certain to go, I can see clearly that Bengal will usher in parivartan (change),” sai PM Modi in Bengal’s Durgapur rally.  Your fervour is giving Didi sleepless nights: PM to Bengal BJP workersTo Bengal BJP workers, PM Narendra Modi said “Your fervour is giving Didi sleepless nights, and that’s why she is adopting the ways of the Left . ”Your sacrifice won’t go waste: PM Modi to BJP workers“I want to tell the BJP workers of Bengal that your efforts and sacrifice won’t go in vain,” said PM Modi in West Bengal’s Durgapur.  PM apologises for difficulties faced by some people in Thakurnagar rallyPM Modi referred to the surge of enthusiasm in Thakurnagar, and said the crowd was double than that the ground could accommodate.  He also apologises for the difficulties faced by some people, especially women in the Thakurnagar rally.  PM Modi reaches DurgapurPM Modi Saturday reached Durgapur stadium to address his second public rally in West Bengal.  BJP supporters gather for PM Modi’s rally in DurgapurBJP supporters gathered to participate in a political rally of the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi at Durgapur Stadium in West Bengal.  PM Modi to attend address at International Matua MahasammelanPM Narendra Modi will Saturday address at International Matua Mahasammelan in West Bengal’s Thakurnagar.  ‘Government brought in the Citizenship Amendment Bill’: PM ModiPrime Minister Narendra Modi also said that his government brought in the Citizenship Amendment Bill.  “I am asking Trinamool to support it,” PM Modi said as he concluded his speech in Bengal’s Thakurnagar. ‘In Karnataka, farmers who couldn’t repay loans had police let loose on them’: PM ModiPM Modi said that the farmers who did not take loans were also given loan waivers.  “In Karnataka, farmers who could not repay loans had police let loose on him.  And the chief minister of this state is supporting the Karnataka CM,” he said.  ‘Politics of waiver of farmer loans an effort to throw dust in their eyes’: PM ModiPrime Minister Modi also said the politics of waiver of farmer loans is actually an effort to throw dust in their eyes, while addressing a rally in Bengal.  The Prime Minister is campaigning in Bengal for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. ‘You won’t have to pay any syndicate tax’: PM ModiYou won’t have to pay any syndicate tax, the money (to farmers) will be paid directly to your bank account, PM Modi said in Bengal. PM Modi praises Harichand Thakur, Bibhutibhushan BandyopadhyayPM Modi praised the Matua sect founder Harichand Thakur’s for his contribution to society and recalled the contribution of author Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, writer of Pather Panchali.  PM Modi addresses rally in ThakurnagarPM Narendra Modi began addressing a public meeting in Bengal’s Thakurnagar.  PM Modi reaches rally venuePM Modi reached the rally venue in Bengal’s Thakurnagar.  PM Modi visits house of Binapani DebiPM Modi visits the temple at the house of Dalit Matua community matriarch Binapani Debi, better known to community members as ‘Baro-ma. ’PM Modi reaches ThakurnagarPM Modi reaches Thakurnagar, which is about 64 km from Kolkata.  He is about to address a public rally in a ground that is spread over 19 bigha or 2,73,600 sq ft. PM reaches Kolkata airportPM Modi reaches Kolkata airport.  He will proceed to Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas district to address a public meeting.  Durgapur rally part of BJP’s ‘Ganatantra Bachao’ programmeThe Durgapur rally of the prime minister will be part of BJP’s ‘Ganatantra Bachao’ (save democracy) programme in the state. Modi-Mamata poster war in West Bengal ahead of PM’s visitWith elections in the air, the Trinamool-Bharatiya Janata Party political rivalry translated into a poster war ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi first public meeting for the 2019 Lok Sabha campaign in Bengal, a state where his party is targeting at least 22-23 seats out of the total 42. PM expected to speak on Citizenship (Ammendment) BillThe BJP state unit is hopeful that PM Modi will speak on the Citizenship (Ammendment) Bill at Thakurnagar in the circumstances, party sources said.  PM Modi to begin poll campaign in BengalPrime Minister Narendra Modi will campaign in West Bengal on Saturday for the coming Lok Sabha election with rallies in the border district of North 24 Parganas and the industrial town of Durgapur, party sources said.


Traffic police in India put their hands together as they ask commuters to wear masks and  stay at home during a 21-day nationwide lockdown to limit the spreading of the coronavirus. https://t.co/cBzJnYgstc https://t.co/s3hduZ0h8q

By Richard Parr, CNNUpdated 5:20 AM ET, Sat March 28, 2020  (CNN)Postponing Tokyo 2020 will have provided a sense of relief to many Olympians but the delay in the decision will have unnecessarily perpetuated the anxiety levels of athletes, many of whom suffer from clinical Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), according to a leading sports psychiatrist.


‘Talks on to solve border dispute, can’t guarantee anything’: @rajnathsingh

https://t.co/zaKUCxrL18 https://t.co/bsdWD8KoJX

Defence minister Rajnath Singh, who arrived in Ladakh on Friday morning, said that talks are underway to resolve the border dispute with China in Ladakh, but stopped short of giving any guarantees on the resolution.  However, Singh underlined that not an inch of our land can be taken by any power in the world. India and China have held many talks over the past few weeks, even activating the Special Representatives Group to resolve the issue.  “Talks are underway to resolve the border dispute but to what extent it can be resolved I cannot guarantee.  I can assure you, not one inch of our land can be taken by any power in the world.  If solution can be found by talks, there is nothing better,” said Singh. On Thursday, reflecting on the disengagement process between the two armies along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the army said it is an “intricate process” and “requires constant verification”. “The senior commanders reviewed the progress on implementation of the first phase of disengagement and discussed further steps to ensure complete disengagement,” army spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand said yesterday. The disengagement effort involves rival troops pulling back a specified distance from face-off sites, with further retreat taking place in phases as the plan progresses on a verifiable basis on the ground every 72 hours by both sides. The government’s high-powered China Study Group (CSG) on Wednesday reviewed the latest developments in eastern Ladakh, with focus on the next stage of disengagement between the two sides. The tension between the two countries has been going on for months, but flared up after 20 army soldiers were killed in a violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops on June 15. “Recently what happened between troops of India and China at PP14, how some of our personnel sacrificed their lives protecting our border.  I am happy to meet you all but also saddened because of their loss.  I pay my tributes to them,” added the minister.  Singh arrived in Leh as part of his two-day visit to Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.  He will go to J&K on Saturday. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief General MM Naravane are accompanying the defence minister. Singh witnessed para dropping while interacting with the soldiers in Stakna.


Bihar: Voting begins for the third and final phase of #Biharpolls; visuals from polling booth no 149 in Saharsa. https://t.co/VQOQ1qlN7g

Bihar recorded a provisional voter turnout of 57. 91%, the highest in the three-phase assembly polls, as women turned out in large numbers for polling on 78 seats across 15 districts in the final phase on Saturday. The voting was largely peaceful barring an incident of security personnel opening fire to control an unruly mob in Purnia.  The voter turnout was, however, 2. 6 percentage points lower than the 60. 51% recorded in the last assembly elections in 2015.  The first phase of polling on October 28 saw a voter turnout of 55. 68% while 55. 70% of the electorate voted in the second phase of the election on November 3. The results will be declared on November 10.  Security personnel fired five rounds in the air after some voters had a scuffle with them over queuing up and maintaining social distancing at booth number 282 at Dhamdaha in Purnia.  For the same reason, voters also entered into an altercation with security men at two polling booths in Sikti assembly constituency of Purnia, hampering the voting process temporarily.  “Maintaining social distancing with Covid safety measures in Bihar, which has the highest population density, was a challenge,” said Bihar’s chief electoral officer HR Srinivasa during a post-poll presser on Saturday.  Additional director-general of police Jitendra Kumar, who was also present at the joint press conference, said, “Security personnel had to fire in the air to disperse an unruly mob, which refused to queue up at a booth in Dhamdaha.  However, no one was injured in the incident, and voting was resumed soon. ”Click here for full coverage of Bihar Assembly Election 2020. Kishanganj, which has a sizeable Muslim population, recorded the highest provisional voter turnout of 62. 55%, according to data shared by the chief electoral officer, Bihar.  Katihar recorded 61. 57%, Supaul 61. 19%, Saharsa 60. 20%, Purnia 59. 25%, Madhepura 59%, Samastipur 58. 15%, Muzaffarpur 57. 57%, East Champaran 57. 16%, Madhubani 56. 36%, West Champaran 56. 02%, Sitamarhi 55. 84%, Darbhanga 54. 91%, Araria 54. 58%.  Vaishali had the lowest voter turnout at 52. 68%.  The Valmikinagar parliamentary constituency bye-election recorded a voting percentage of 56. 02%.  Repoll at booths 52, 52(A), and 55 under 175-Hilsa assembly constituency of Nalanda district, which went to polls in the second phase on November 3, recorded 55. 09% voter turnout.  A case was lodged against Sarfaraz Alam, RJD candidate from Araria for violation of the model code of conduct when he wore a kurta with a party sticker on it to exercise his franchise at booth number 110 under Jokihat assembly constituency.  The police made 49 preventive arrests during the third phase polls, said additional director general of police Jitendra Kumar.  As many as 439 illegal firearms were also seized in the final phase, he added.  Neeraj Jha, an independent candidate from Benipatti in Madhubani district who contracted the Covid-19 infection, died at the AIIMS-Patna on Saturday.  He was admitted to the hospital 10 days back and undergoing treatment.  He was earlier with the JD(U), but was in the poll fray as an independent, after being denied a party ticket.  Earlier, Srinivasa complimented 5. 5 lakh polling officials and 1. 80 security personnel for the safe and smooth conduct of Bihar assembly elections, the biggest polling exercise in times of the coronavirus pandemic.  He said unprecedented rains, resulting in floods, leading to connectivity issues, besides Covid, posed major challenges for the polling personnel.  “This was not a normal election and we did unprecedented work in the last six months,” he said.  Srinivasa said that 18 lakh voters were enrolled after the final rolls on February 7 that was a record of sorts.  He said 2. 5 lakh eligible migrant workers, out of the total 28-30 lakh who returned to the state during the pandemic, were enrolled in the voter list despite officials being engaged in flood relief work, migrant camps and tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.  “Polling personnel had to be trained as per the new guidelines.  We also distributed gloves, masks, face shields and sanitisers among our polling personnel as part of Covid precautions,” he added.  The fate of 12 ministers in the Nitish Kumar cabinet was sealed among 1,208 candidates in the third and final phase polls, which had 2,35,54,071 registered voters.  Five years ago, the opposition Grand Alliance with JD(U), RJD and Congress as its constituents, won 54 of the 78 seats that voted in the third phase.


Viral picture shows how Antarctica looks from space – a huge white patch on one side of the earth.

Recently, scientists have warned of the rapid melting of Antarctica's Thwaites glacier - also known as "Doomsday glacier" for its collapse could submerge many coastal cities worldwide.  Amid this, a purported view of Antarctica from space is being widely shared on social media. India Today Anti Fake News War Room (AFWA) has found the claim along with the picture to be misleading.  This is actually a computer-generated image of the Earth with full view of the Antarctic region. The post is viral on Facebook  and Twitter.  The archived version can be seen here. AFWA probeWe found that this picture was not taken from space.  Rather, it is a computer-generated image showing the Antarctic region.  We got the initial hint about this from the comment section of the post where some people questioned its authenticity.  A user had commented that it was an artist's rendering, and not an actual photograph. We then conducted a reverse image search.  This led us to a Pinterest post with the title "Antarctica Visualization Wallpaper".  With the help of keyword search, we found this image was created by NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio. The"Scientific Visualization Studio" works with NASA's scientists to create visualisations, animations and images.  Its purpose is to promote a better understanding of the Earth and space research activities at NASA. We found that in 2007, on the occasion of International Polar Year, the "Scientific Visualization Studio" had released some visualizations of the space view of Arctic and Antarctic on September 21, 2005.  These visualizations were created by data visualiser Cindy Starr. Last year, the same picture went viral with the claim that it is part of the first photos taken by the ISRO's lunar mission Chandrayaan-2.  At that time too, several websites had debunked it. Therefore, we can say that the viral picture is not of Antarctica as seen from space, but a computer-generated image created by NASA's "Scientific Visualization Studio". The number of crows determines the intensity of the lie.


Even as he pushed for governors to reopen their states, President Trump on Wednesday criticized the Republican governor of Georgia for his decision to allow several different businesses to reopen Friday amid the coronavirus outbreak. https://t.co/5zejc9E8vN  https://t.co/kmGkogRhlR

By Jim Acosta, Kristen Holmes and Dana Bash, CNNUpdated 1:44 PM ET, Thu April 23, 2020  (CNN)Members of the coronavirus task force had to convince President Donald Trump to change his view on Georgia's Republican governor's decision to reopen businesses in his state later this week, a source close to the task force told CNN.  CORRECTION: This story has been updated to accurately reflect in-person church services were always permitted in Georgia.


There was no consensus arrived on a matter on which differences exist. The GST Council can certainly take a call on cess, collection of cess, extending the period of collecting the cess and so on. That was repeatedly reiterated: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman https://t.co/AgU5Pmy4QG

A meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on Monday once again ended without any conclusion and the deadlock on compensation to states for the shortfall in their share of the indirect tax revenue continues, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said. Nirmala Sitharaman’s comments came after another marathon meeting of the GST Council as she said there is no dispute but “we may have difference over states’ compensation”.  “We were not able to arrive at a consensus.  I appealed to all the states. . .  That is how the GST Council meeting ended today,” Sitharaman said during a press conference. Sitharaman, who heads the Council, said the Centre cannot borrow and pay states for the shortfall as it would lead to rise in bond yields, resulting in rise in borrowing costs for the government and the private sector.  However, this would not be the case if states borrowed against future GST receipts, she said, adding 21 states had agreed to borrow as suggested by the Centre.  However, other states insisted on a decision to be taken by consensus, she said. “The collection of cess is inadequate for paying compensation.  This is absolutely apparent for everyone to see and because it is something which was never envisaged, the shortfall will be now be met by borrowing,” she said. Also read | Eight decisions of the GST Council to impact businesses: EY“The Centre has issued a borrowing calendar, if I go beyond that to borrow, the G-Sec deals which are used as benchmark for every other borrowing will go up, this will hence increase borrowing costs for states and private sector too,” she said. The finance minister said that 12 states had accepted the Centre’s repayment proposal to borrow from the markets on their own account and that nine others stood want the Centre to do the borrowing.  Sitharaman said she has asked for time to consider the demands of these nine states. “We are open to anyone who wants us to facilitate any loan.  A lot of people have chosen Option 1, and some will approach us tomorrow morning.  We are ready to deal with it,” she said. This was the second time after October 5 that the GST Council failed to reach a consensus on the Centre’s proposal of states borrowing against future GST collections to make up for the shortfall.  This was also the third straight meeting during which discussion over the issue of compensation shortfall was held and ended without a decision. In its last meeting on October 5, the GST Council had deferred a decision on the issue of compensating states for the shortfall after 10 states ruled by non-National Democratic Alliance (NDA) parties insisted that the Centre borrow the entire Rs 2. 35 lakh crore and compensate them.  As many as 21 states, which are mostly BJP-ruled or have supported it on various issues, have opted to borrow Rs 1. 10 lakh crore to meet the compensation shortfall.  The Centre has released Rs 20,000 crore to the states towards the compensation shortfall so far in the current fiscal. The Centre had in August given two options to the states to borrow either Rs 97,000 crore from a special window facilitated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) or Rs 2. 35 lakh crore from the market.  It had also proposed extending the compensation cess levied on luxury, demerit and sin goods beyond 2022 to repay the borrowing.  Following demand by some states, the amount of Rs 97,000 crore was increased to Rs 1. 10 lakh crore. Sitharaman had said 21 states have chosen borrowing option 1 for compensation of revenue shortfall due to GST implementation.  She clarified that the Centre is not denying compensation to any state but those which have not chosen any borrowing option have to borrow from the market.


Jharkhand reported its highest single-day spike in #Covid19 cases after 147 people tested positive, taking the state’s tally to 1,290.

https://t.co/LhIohh2fFV

Jharkhand on Monday reported its highest single-day spike in Covid-19 cases after 147 people tested positive, taking the state’s tally to 1,290, according to a bulletin. Click here for full Covid-19 coverageThere are 764 active cases in the state, while 519 people have recovered from the disease, it said. Nearly 5 lakh people from outside have returned to Jharkhand since May 1 and there are 921 migrant workers among the state’s total Covid-19 cases, the bulletin added. Seven people have died of the disease -- three in Ranchi and one each in Bokaro, Giridih, Koderma and Simdega. A total of 113 Covid-19 cases were reported on Sunday.


The pharmaceutical company said it planned to roll out 3.9 million doses to state and local governments based on the size of the local adult population as well as federal distribution sites and select pharmacies. https://t.co/r0v3bLqIQo

By Scottie Andrew and Daniel Wolfe, CNNUpdated 5:14 PM ET, Mon March 1, 2021  (CNN)Millions more Covid-19 vaccines are on the way.  CNN's John Bonifield contributed to this report.


Uttarakhand tableau on Kedarnath temple selected for #RepublicDay parade

https://t.co/DntB7vwBqS https://t.co/aRKNxmwDGf

Uttarakhand’s tableau featuring the Kedarnath temple has been selected by the defence ministry for the upcoming Republic Day parade in New Delhi, informed state government officials on Tuesday in Dehradun.  Uttarakhand’s tableau was among the tableaus of 32 other states and Union Territories which participated in the process out of which the Centre selected only 17.  “The Centre had passed an order for the same on December 31 after which 32 states and UTs sent their tableau samples for the selection process.  In that the one from Uttarakhand has been selected today in an intense process carried out by the defence ministry,” Meharban Singh Bisht, Director General, state information directorate said. Explaining the state’s tableau Bisht said, “The frontal part of the tableau will feature the state animal- musk deer, state bird- Monal and state flower-Brahmakamal.  The rear part will feature the Kedarnath temple. ”Uttarakhand’s tableau has been selected for the 12th time for the Republic Day parade since the formation of the state in 2020.  Before this, the state’s tableau was selected for the Republic Day parade in 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019.


Florida sees 5,500 new coronavirus cases, its highest one-day increase of the pandemic. https://t.co/gMo9M1bRz1

By Leah Asmelash, CNNUpdated 4:10 AM ET, Wed June 24, 2020  (CNN)Despite warnings from public health officials, new research suggests Black Lives Matter protests across the country have not led to a jump in coronavirus cases. CNN's Christina Maxouris and Eric Levenson contributed to this report.


Nita Ambani said Ambani family will give Rs 200 crore to Kangana Ranaut for building a new studio

Facebook posts claiming that the Ambani family has come forward to rebuild   Kangana Ranaut's office, which was demolished by the Brihanmumbai   Municipal Corporation (BMC) on September 9, are false.   BOOM reached out to a   spokesperson of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) who rubbished the claims and   said Nita Ambani has not made any such statement.   BOOM reached out to a RIL spokesperson who said that the Ambani family has not made any such announcement and termed the social media posts as fake.  We also did not find any credible news report that speculated Ambanis donating for the construction of Ranaut's office.  Portions of Ranaut's office were demolished on September 9 by Mumbai's municipal body based on alleged structural violations.  Several have criticised the move, alleging it to be politically motivated.  The actress in a tweet wrote that she will not renovate the office and will leave it in ruins 'as a symbol of a woman's will to rise' after visiting the property and surveying the damage.  Ranaut has locked horns with the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government and has been critical on social media of the Mumbai Police's handling of the case of Sushant Singh Rajput's death.   Also Read: Kangana-Sena Row: Photo Of Madhya Pradesh Mosque Shared As Mumbai


"He's already asked to watch Netflix."

The parents of 3-year-old Casey Hathaway say the North Carolina boy is okay after being found alive three days after he disappeared from his grandmother's home. https://t.co/9n1w9hBQOW https://t.co/La4WxK37CV

    Casey Lynn Hathaway, a 3-year-old boy who went missing from his great-grandmother’s backyard, has been found alive in North Carolina, an FBI spokeswoman said.

    Casey, who is in good health, was found Thursday night by professional search and rescue crews in Craven County, said Shelley Lynch, spokeswoman for the FBI Charlotte field office.

    The boy has been reunited with his family and is being cared for by doctors at Carolina East Medical Center, Lynch added.

    The hospital declined to comment.

    No more details were immediately available.

    Search and rescue teams from across North Carolina had been working on rugged terrain and in cold temperatures for about 48 hours hoping to find Casey.

    More than 100 people, including law enforcement and professional searches, were focusing on up to 1,000 acres of heavily wooded areas on Thursday, Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes said.  Some volunteers had to be turned away because of the difficult conditions search teams are facing.

    The FBI, NCIS and dozens of volunteers initially joined the effort to find the boy, described by authorities as 25 pounds and 2 feet 4 inches tall.

    Casey went missing Tuesday.  He was playing with two other relatives outside his great-grandmother’s home in Craven County and didn’t come inside when the others did, CNN affiliate WTVD reported.

    Hughes had said authorities were treating Casey’s disappearance as a missing child case but asked the community to report anything “remotely suspicious. ”

    Casey’s family searched for 45 minutes before calling 911 on Tuesday, Hughes said.

    “We lost my … grandson,” said Casey’s great-grandmother on the call, CNN affiliate WCTI reported.  “He was walking in the woods back there and we can’t find him. ”

    Authorities employed helicopters, drones and K-9 units, Craven County Emergency Management Director Stanley Kite said.  Divers also are assessing nearby ponds, WTVD reported.

    The US Marine Corps also joined the search effort, Hughes said.

    “Today, hundreds of professional searchers and volunteers walked through rough terrain around the home to try and locate Casey,” the Craven County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday.  “Volunteers were sent home for the night due to safety concerns.  Professionally trained searchers will continue to work overnight.  Additional search assets will return in the morning. ”

    The sheriff’s office had asked residents to check their properties for signs of the missing boy.

    “It’s heartbreaking.  I have two children so I can only imagine what the family is going through and we’re a small community so you don’t really expect anything bad to happen here,” Jonathan Ipock, youth pastor of New Haven Church, told WTVD.

  CNN’s Marlena Baldacci contributed to this report.
© 2021 Cable News Network.  A Warner Media Company.  All Rights Reserved.   CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network.


Here's a look back at some of the movies that have featured the famed Notre Dame cathedral. https://t.co/qgvTERB7sQ https://t.co/0otBzA4FVI

By Brian Ries, Veronica Rocha, Rob Picheta, Euan McKirdy, Jessie Yeung, Gianluca Mezzofiore and Paul P.  Murphy, CNNMany of the most valuable works of art inside Notre Dame Cathedral were saved by firefighters and have been relocated to safety, French Culture Minister Franck Riester told reporters on Tuesday. Items rescued include the Crown of Thorns, which some believe was placed on the head of Jesus and which the cathedral calls its "most precious and most venerated relic. " The linen Tunic of St Louis was also saved, and both items have been moved to Paris City Hall, Riester said. Other works are being taken to Paris' renowned art museum, the Louvre, and relocation will continue throughout Tuesday and Wednesday. "As for the large artwork, the “May de Notre-Dame”, this can be moved from Notre-Dame from Friday morning," he said.  "It seems from a first examination that while the fire has not caused any damage, there is some smoke damage. ""We’ll move these items safely to the Louvre storage facilities, where they will be dehumidified, protected, conserved and restored," he added. Riester also said the famous rose windows at the north and south of the cathedral "do not appear for now to have sustained catastrophic damage. "Billionaires and businesses continue to pledge vast financial sums towards the rebuild of the Notre Dame. The latest commitment has come from French oil and gas company Total.  The company's CEO, Patrick Pouyanné, tweeted it will put €100 million ($113 million) to the reconstruction efforts. That matches the pledge made by French billionaire François Pinault earlier.  The family of Bernard Arnault, the French business magnate who owns luxury goods and fashion house LVMH, has promised to contribute €200 million ($226 million), and tech company Capgemini also said it is contributing €1 million. The total amount pledged by French businesses and business leaders is so far is €401 million ($453 million).  That number doesn't include the €50 million euros ($56 million) put towards the Cathedral by Paris city hall. From CNN's Nic Robertson in Paris, Gianluca Mezzofiore and Sheena McKenzieAmid the smoldering rubble, the candles inside Notre Dame were still burning. CNN has exclusively obtained a series of remarkable photos taken inside the cathedral shortly after a fire partially destroyed large portions of the historic building. They show that some candles -- lit by visitors offering prayers in the hours before the blaze began -- were still burning in the nave in the wake of the devastating blaze. They also reveal blocks of white rubble scattered across the cathedral floor, embers falling from a hole in the roof, and water still issuing from a hose pointed inside the building. The pictures, believed to have been taken in the early hours of Tuesday morning and passed to CNN, paint an eerie picture of one of France's most famous and visited sites.  See them below. Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has sent a message of condolence to French President Emmanuel Macron following the fire at Notre Dame. The monarch said she was "deeply saddened" by the blaze and sent her "sincere admiration" to the firefighters who tackled the fire. Here's the full message:Paris' fire department has released a video documenting their efforts to extinguish the Notre Dame fire on Monday evening and through the night. The footage shows dramatic close-up scenes of the fire, as well as overhead shots which illustrate the extent of the blaze. Firefighters extinguished the fire after battling it for nine hours, the department said earlier.  Around 400 firefighters were involved. Watch the video below. French newspapers are predictably dominated by images of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral ablaze and swathed in smoke on Monday evening. Le Monde released a special edition of its paper as the cathedral -- the name of which translates to "Our Lady" -- became engulfed in fire.  "Our Lady, our history," their front-page headline reads, alongside a poignant picture of a boat passing by on the Seine as the historic building burns. "Our Tragedy" reads the front page of Libération, which features a photograph of the dramatic moment when the Cathedral's gothic spire collapsed. A similar image adorns the front page of local newspaper Le Parisien, alongside the headline "Our Lady of Tears. " The paper is owned by LVMH, the fashion conglomerate whose CEO, Bernard Arnault, earlier pledged a €200 million ($226 million) donation to help fund rebuilding efforts. French Catholic newspaper La Croix also showed the spire's collapse on its front page, accompanied by the moving headline: "The heart in ashes. "Valérie Pécresse, the President of the Île-de-France region in which Paris lies, has told reporters that the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral was an accident.  "This was an accident.  It wasn’t intentional," she said. Pécresse said the region would unlock an emergency fund of €10 million euros ($11. 3 million) to help in the rebuild efforts. The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, says she is planning a "major international conference of donors" to raise money for the effort to rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral -- as multimillionaires continue to pledge vast sums towards its reconstruction. The family of Bernard Arnault, the French business magnate who owns luxury goods and fashion house LVMH, has promised to contribute €200 million ($226 million). The donation comes after French billionaire François Pinault pledged €100 million ($113 million) to the reconstruction of the fire-ravaged cathedral. Hidalgo said on Twitter that she is ready to host a fundraising event at Paris City Hall, adding that the event would attract patrons from "all over the world. "The mayor also said she will mobilize a fund she started for the city in 2015, and noted that the city has a budget of 80 million euros already in place for the restoration of its churches. Firefighters have extinguished the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, after battling the blaze for nine hours, the city's fire brigade said earlier. The fire broke out Monday evening and raged for several hours before 400 firefighters, working with skill and precision to avoid further damage to the medieval landmark, managed to bring it under control. Please enable JavaScript for a better experience.