2012 Delhi gang-rape case: We are not inclined to entertain the plea Supreme Court observes. https://t.co/HNs5dwXeuQ

Well past Thursday midnight, three judges of the Supreme Court held a special sitting to hear a petition by one of the four 2012 Delhi gang-rape convicts to stop their execution scheduled to be held a few hours later, at 5. 30 am, at Tihar jail.  AP Singh, the lawyer of the convicts, had approached the top court’s senior official to seek the late night hearing. Singh got his request but little else.  “We are not inclined to entertain the plea,” the bench comprising Justices R Banumathi, Ashok Bhushan and AS Bopanna, remarked just 20 minutes into the hearing.  Singh cited school certificates of Pawan Gupta to claim that he was a juvenile in December 2012.  But the judges told him off, reminding him that he had already made this argument and it had been rejected. He next asked the judges for a reprieve for the death-row convicts that would not stretch for more than 1-2 days, according to news agency PTI.  Just enough time for Pawan Gupta to record his statement to the police in the FIR registered when he was assaulted in jail, Singh told the judges.  The judges weren’t impressed. “We are of the opinion that there is no merit in the case”, Justice Bhanumati said, dictating the order after a 45-minute hearing, according to Live Law .  The consistent view of this court is that scope for review of President’s decision in mercy petitions is very limited,” the bench ruled, according to PTI. This was the second late night hearing held at Singh’s request.  Three of the four convicts had approached the Delhi High Court late Thursday evening with a similar request to stop their execution.  Justices Manmohan and Sanjeev Narula heard AP Singh and other lawyers for close to 90 minutes but did not find any reason to suspend the death warrant. Soon after, AP Singh declared that he would approach the top court before the four convicts were taken to the gallows to be hanged, simultaneously at 5. 30 pm.  Also read: Delhi gang-rape convicts to hang, rules high court after 90-minute hearing“I will go to the Supreme Court when I get the copy of the order.  I have spoken to the (SC) Registrar.  I will go to him,” he told reporters. AP Singh reached the top court’s official’s residence in central Delhi by 1. 30 am to request for a special hearing. “We are seeking an urgent hearing and stay on the death warrant.  We are filing the petition in the Supreme Court… The court is open and working,” he told reporters. Lawyers for the four convicts had been rushing in and out of courts through the day, right from the one presided by Delhi judge Dharmendra Rana to the Supreme Court’s six-judge bench. Before the top court closed for the day, the six-judge bench led by Justice NV Ramana had rejected convict Pawan Gupta’s curative petition that claimed he was a juvenile at the time of commission of offence in December 2012.  Another bench comprising three judges then took up two other petitions filed by convict Mukesh Singh and rejected them. Asha Devi, mother of 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim who waited for years to see the men who brutalised her 23-year-old daughter, was confident that the last-minute appeals would be rejected by the Supreme Court.  The convicts, she told reporters, had already been given a lot of time and had managed to delay their execution. “We are also going to the Supreme Court, it will be dismissed there too.  Convicts will be hanged this morning,” Asha Devi told reporters before heading to the top court. Back in Tihar where the four men - Mukesh Singh, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma - will be hanged, jail officers along with the hangman Pawan Jallad have inspected the hanging courtyard late on Thursday one last time before the execution. The 10 pieces of rope that were brought from Bihar’s Buxar and tied to the beams at the gallows were checked.  The rope has been dipped in butter or wax by prisoners of Buxar Jail in a way that it does not decapitate convicts during the hanging. Executioner Pawan Jallah checked the lever by performing a dummy hanging using a sandbag. The execution process is expected to be complete before 6. 30 am.


The Boy Scouts of America believe more than 7,800 former leaders were involved in sexually abusing children, thousands more than previously known https://t.co/NzlsOVjcmJ https://t.co/Rbs3owZqyu

Reports of sex abuse in the organization isn't new but the scope is.  More than 12,000 Boy Scout members were victims of sexual abuse, expert saysAn expert who has been working with the Boy Scouts revealed that there may have been as many as 7,819 allegedly sexually abusive troop leaders and volunteers in the storied organization, according to newly released court documents. More than 7,800 individuals allegedly abused 12,254 victims, according to the court testimony. These figures were released Tuesday by attorney Jeff Anderson, whose firm regularly represents victims of sexual abuse and has been involved in numerous clerical sexual abuse cases. The new testimony was entered into the court record as part of a January trial about child sex abuse at a Minnesota children's theater company. One of the expert witnesses who testified was Dr.  Janet Warren, who is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia’s medical school. Warren testified that she has been "on private contract" with the Boy Scouts of America for the past five years, evaluating its handling of sexual abuse within the organization from 1944 through 2016. Warren testified that she and her team worked with the group's ineligible volunteer files, which have sometimes been referred to as perversion files. In her January court appearance, Warren said that she and her team have coded through all of those files, determining that there were "7,819 perpetrators who they believe were involved in sexually abusing a child. ""From reviewing all these files, we identified 12,254 victims," Warren said. Anderson publicly released those numbers at a news conference Tuesday, saying 130 of those perpetrators are in New York and could face legal repercussions.  Earlier this year state lawmakers passed the Child Victims Act, which allows claims of sexual abuse from any time period to be brought forth in spite of existing statutes of limitations for one-year period starting in August. “The disclosure made by Dr.  Janet Warren really sounded the alarm to us,” Anderson said. The Boy Scouts of America released a statement after the disclosure, expressing sympathy for the victims and noting the work the organization has done to protect children. “We care deeply about all victims of child abuse and sincerely apologize to anyone who was harmed during their time in Scouting.  We believe victims, we support them, and we have paid for unlimited counseling by a provider of their choice,” the organization said in a statement to ABC News.  “Nothing is more important than the safety and protection of children in Scouting and we are outraged that there have been times when individuals took advantage of our programs to abuse innocent children. ”The organization confirmed it has maintained the Volunteer Screening Database since the 1920s and “at no time have we ever knowingly allowed a perpetrator to work with youth, and we mandate that all leaders, volunteers and staff members nationwide immediately report any abuse allegation to law enforcement. ”In the statement, officials also confirmed that Warren has worked with the Boy Scouts of America since 2013 to conduct ongoing research about the database and provide recommendations for improvement. The existence of the abuse database is not new but the scope of the abuse is.  In 2012, more than 14,000 pages of documents relating to abuse by 1,247 scout leaders was released in connection to a case in Oregon.  That same year, The Los Angeles Times created a database detailing about 5,000 men and a small number of women tied to the Boy Scouts who were expelled in connection to sexual abuse. Warren’s number shows a significant jump in that number and Anderson is calling for the Boy Scouts of America to make the list public. “This is information that the Boy Scouts has and has had for several years. . .  [and is still] keeping secret today,” Anderson said. The Boy Scouts said "every instance of suspected abuse is reported to law enforcement. ""Additionally, all of the names on the 'Anderson List' are publicly available; all of these individuals were removed from Scouting and reported to law enforcement," the Boy Scouts said in a statement. Critics, like Anderson, urge the Boy Scouts of America to be more transparent with the information they hold about the individuals facing allegations. “The Boy Scouts of America have never actually released these names in any form that can be known to the public . . .  they never alerted the community that this teacher, this coach, this scout leader . . .  is known to be a child molester,” Anderson said. The Boy Scouts did not respond to a request for comment on Anderson's claims that the entire list of 130 previously disclosed alleged abusers in New York should be made public. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events


#UPDATE 5 terrorists killed in an encounter in Sugoo area of Shopian district, no collateral damage. Identification and affiliation of the killed terrorists is being ascertained: Jammu & Kashmir Police https://t.co/KymQ6pesPQ

Five terrorists were killed in a gunbattle between the security forces and terrorists at a village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district on Wednesday. The encounter began around 1. 30 am when Army Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) began an operation on specific input about presence of militants in the village. These terrorists were believed to be trapped inside a house in Sugoo village, according to police. This is the third encounter in Shopian district since Sunday.  Fourteen militants have already been killed in these encounters. More details are awaited.


PM Modi to deliver the inaugural address at National Metrology Conclave on 4 Jan via video conferencing. PM to dedicate National Atomic Timescale & Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya to the nation. PM to also lay the foundation stone of National Environmental Standards Laboratory: PMO https://t.co/cOt0ZoO62q

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the Kochi-Mangaluru natural gas pipeline to the nation on Tuesday via video conferencing. The event will mark an important milestone towards the creation of ‘one nation, one gas grid’, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement on Sunday. The 450-km-long pipeline has been built by Gail (India) Ltd.  It has transportation capacity of 12 million metric standard cubic metres per day and will carry natural gas from the liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification terminal in Kochi to Mangaluru, passing through Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, the PMO noted.  The total cost of the project was about Rs 3,000 crore and its construction created over 12 lakh man-days of employment.  The pipeline will supply environment friendly and affordable fuel in the form of piped natural gas (PNG) to households and compressed natural gas (CNG) to the transportation sector.  It will also supply natural gas to commercial and industrial units across the districts along the pipeline, the statement said, adding that the consumption of cleaner fuel will help in improving air quality by curbing air pollution.


Prime Minister @narendramodi to shortly interact with students, teachers, and parents during his ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020’ programme

"Interesting discussions on stress free exams, life after exams and more awaits," The PMO tweeted

Follow live updates: https://t.co/KfsDrB4LPX https://t.co/FUq865b6Ug

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with students, teachers and parents in the Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) 2020 programme.  This is the third edition of PPC 2020. The programme was held in Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi.  PM Modi answered to the questions of students, teachers and parent about beating exam stress ahead of the Board exams.  Around 2,000 students are participating from all over India in the programme. ”The HRD Ministry in partnership with MyGov launched a ‘short essay’ competition on five different themes for students of classes 9 to 12 for the programme, a government press release said.  Among all the students attending the event, 1,050 students have been selected through an essay competition. ”To make this programme more student-centric, first-time students will moderate the one-hour long program of Prime Minister.  This year, four Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) schools students will conduct the programme,” it read.  READ HIGHLIGHTS HERE:PM Modi asks students to read his book ‘Exam Warriors’Prime Minister Narendra Modi while answering a student’s question on failures in competitive exams like UPSC, JEE, NEET said that every student should read the book ‘Exam Warriors’ to deal with failures and exam pressures.  The book exam warriors is written by PM Narendra Modi. PM Modi talks about how to know your hidden potentialPM Modi said that it is difficult to know self, but if we come out from our comfort zone a challenge ourselves, we come to know if we can do that.  ‘Start with an easy question’ : PM ModiWhile attempting the questions during the exam, we should start with an easy question.  This makes other question easier to attempt.  Study at the time you feel you are more comfortable: PM ModiPM Modi said, “I believe that morning is a very good time to study.  But according to me you should do what you are comfortable at.  One’s mind is calm in the morning which is why it is said that morning is the ideal time to study, but you should study at the time you feel you are more comfortable.  But we should not make excuses for not studyingPM Modi advises parents to deal with exam pressureIf u pull a spring to a certain level it works, but if we pull it beyond a point it will become a wire and not remain useful.  Help your child to grow all through their life.  we should pursue but not pressurise our childrenWhen India celebrates 100 years of its Independence, students of today will be in leadership position: PMPM Modi said that when India celebrates 100 years of its Independence, students of today will be in leadership positionPM Modi asks students to manage ‘technology - free hours’PM Modi asked the students to take out one or two hours from their daily lives and talk to their family members in the ‘technology- free hours’. Life has become tech- driven, but utilise technology for your benefit: PMIn last years of last century and early years of this century, life has become technology driven.  We should try to be tech friendly.  We should think how we can use tech in our work.  Technology should not be able to steal our time, rather we should keep tech in our control. Extra- curricular activities become a fashion statement for parents: PMPM Modi said that extra-curricular activities of our child has become a fashion statement for some parents. Extra curricular activities are important: PM ModiOur whole education gives us an opportunity to learn or do something.  If you do not do any extra activity, u become like a robot.  We should manage our time but not stop from doing extra- curricular activities. Board exams should be considered important, but only exam is life is not correct: PM“Exams are a part of life.  Board exam is a milestone in one’s academic journey but it is not necessary to focus only on getting good grades. Board exams should be considered important, but only exam is life is not correct,” PM said. PM cites 2001 India vs Australia match at KolkataPM Modi also talked about India vs Australia match at Kolkata.  Citing the example of Anil Kumble who was injured during the match but still played and won the match he said that it depends on us how we deal with the troubles. PM Modi talks about Chandrayaan 2 says we can find lessons for success even in our failuresPM Modi while talking about failure and disappointment, said that failures are a part of life.  “Take the case of Chandrayaan 2.  Even I was disturbed by the failure of Chandrayaan 2, but then I went to talk to the scientists and motivated them.  We can find lessons for success even in our failures. ”PM says students should not get upset at the mention of Board examPrime Minister Narendra Modi advised the students not to get upset and nervous for the board examPM Modi says we will talk with #Without FilterPM Modi begins interacting with students.  He said let’s begin with hashtag without filter that is trending nowadays on social media.  PM Modi says that Pariksha Pe Charcha is very close to my heart“I have to take part in several programmes regularly but the Pariksha Pe Charcha programme is very close to my heart.  I feel very happy to interact with such talented and creative students,” PM Modi said. Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020 begins, PM Modi congratulates the studentsPM Modi starts interacting with students in Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020.  He congratulated the students to be the generation of this new decade. HRD minister says India has become the first country to include artificial intelligence in school syllabusHRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ while praising the development in education sector in the Modi government said, “India has become the first ever country to include artificial intelligence in the school syllabus. HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ interacts with the studentsUnion HRD minister Ramesh Pokriyal ‘Nishank’ arrives at the stage.  “Students registration up by 2. 5 times as compared to last year for the PPC programme,” he said. Over 2 crore students watched the Pariksha Pe Charcha 2019 via live telecastLast year, over 2 crore students had watched the previous edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2019 via live telecast across India. Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020: Students, teachers and parents waiting for the PM ModiStudents, teachers and parents are waiting for the Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020 to begin, at Talkatora indoor stadium. Students display various paintings and art work to PM ModiStudents are displaying the paintings and artworks to PM Modi.  The paintings depict messages like say no to plastic, Fit India campaign, plant more trees, save water. PM Modi arrives at Talkatora StadiumPM Narendra Modi has arrived at the Talkatora Stadium.  He is interacting with the students at Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020 programme. PM Modi to talk about beating exam stress ahead of board examsPM Modi will talk about beating exam stress ahead of board exams.  He will advise the students on how teachers and parents help the students dealing with the exam pressure. Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020: PM Modi to arrive soon at Talkatora StadiumPrime Minister Narendra Modi will soon arrive at the venue i. e.  Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi.  Students, teachers and parents are waiting eagerly for the programme to begin. Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020: PM Modi to interact with 2000 students shortlyPrime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with around 2000 students, teachers and parents shortly.


Former Delhi Chief Minister and Congress leader #SheilaDikshit cremated with state honours, hundreds pay homage

Read more: https://t.co/XRQ7EMpBnR

(📸: ANI) https://t.co/SpUszSww1t

Former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, who died of cardiac arrest at a Delhi hospital on Saturday, was cremated with state honours at the Nigambodh Ghat on Sunday afternoon.  She was 81. Hundreds of people turned up to pay homage to former three-time Delhi CM as her body was brought to the Congress headquarters. Congress workers jostled to have a glimpse of their leader as the body was brought in a glass casket from her Nizamuddin residence to the party headquarters.  The truck carrying the casket moved slowly as the road was packed with supporters who chanted ‘Jab tak suraj chand rahega Sheila ji ka naam rahega’.  Several top Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Ahmed Patel and chief ministers Ashok Gehlot and Kamal Nath, paid their last respects to Dikshit at the Congress office. “She was a friend. . . almost like an elder sister.  This is a big loss to the Congress party,” Sonia Gandhi told reporters. Dikshit’s body was also taken to the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee’s office for the last time, the place that was central to her politics since 1998. Earlier in the day, leader form the BJP such as L K Advani and former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj visited Dikshit’s residence and paid homage.


#WATCH Congress President Rahul Gandhi holds a roadshow in Wayanad after filing nomination. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Ramesh Chennithala also present. #Kerala https://t.co/lVxKhDxGrZ

Congress president Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination papers from the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala, the second constituency he is contesting apart from his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday morning. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee will be addressing a public meeting in Cooch Behar’s Mathabhanga and BJP chief Amit Shah will be addressing four rallies in Telangana. Follow Highlights here:Sujay Vikhe Patil has filed nomination from Ahmednagar Lok Sabha constituencyMaharashtra: Dhanshri Patil- wife of BJP candidate from Ahmednagar Lok Sabha Constituency, Sujay Vikhe Patil (in file pic)-has also filed nomination from the constituency.  His office says,’ It’s just a precautionary measure if any technical objection comes in Sujay Vikhe Patil’s nomination.  Maha: Dhanshri Patil- wife of BJP candidate from Ahmednagar LS Constituency, Sujay Vikhe Patil (in file pic)-has also filed nomination from the constituency.  His office says,' It's just a precautionary measure if any technical objection comes in Sujay Vikhe Patil's nomination.  pic. twitter. com/JGOkoLI06KOdisha government has accepted resignation of Dr Budhan MurmuOdisha government has accepted resignation of Dr Budhan Murmu, BJP’s candidate from Saraskana Assembly Constituency in Mayurbhanj district. BJP delegation met Odisha Chief Secretary demanding that resignation of Dr Budhan Murmu be acceptedBhubaneswar: A BJP delegation met Odisha Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi, earlier today, demanding that resignation of Dr Budhan Murmu (BJP’s Assembly candidate) be accepted.  He was working at a Primary Health Center in Mayurbhanj.  Bhubaneswar: A BJP delegation met Odisha Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi, earlier today, demanding that resignation of Dr Budhan Murmu (BJP's Assembly candidate) be accepted.  He was working at a Primary Health Center in Mayurbhanj.  pic. twitter. com/eakkWOg3HxCongress fields Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath’s son Nakul from Chhindwara Lok Sabha seatCongress fields Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath’s son Nakul from Chhindwara Lok Sabha seat, Kamal Nath to contest Chhindwara assembly bypoll. Congress releases list of 12 candidates from MPCongress releases list of 12 candidates from Madhya Pradesh.  Chief minister Kamal Nath’s son Nakul to contest from Chhindwara, Ajay Singh Rahul to contest from Sidhi and Arun Yadav to contest from Khandwa : ANI Congress releases list of 12 candidates from Madhya Pradesh.  CM Kamal Nath's son Nakul to contest from Chhindwara, Ajay Singh Rahul to contest from Sidhi and Arun Yadav to contest from Khandwa #LokSabhaElections2019 pic. twitter. com/XQOW381zYt‘Will never allow NRC in Bengal: Mamata Banerjee“We will never allow NRC in Bengal; Modi is no one to decide who will stay and who will leave, “ says Mamata Banerjee in Cooch Behar : PTI Chaiwallah has turned into chowkidar to fool masses: Mamata on PM ModiAttacking PM Modi, Mamata Banerjee said: “Chaiwallah, who failed to fulfil promises, has now turned into a chowkidar to fool masses. ” : PTI Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee addresses election rally in Cooch BeharWest Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee addressed an election rally in Cooch Behar.  She said.  “It was Bengal government and not Modi government which solved issue of enclave transfer with Bangladesh: Mamata Banerjee at Cooch Behar. ” : PTI PM Modi to address two poll rallies in Kerala on April 12Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address two election rallies on April 12 in Kerala -- one in Kozhikode and another in Thiruvananthapuram.  Union Ministers Sushma Swaraj, Nithin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, Smriti irani and Piyush Goyal and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also join the campaign for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA candidates in the state: IANSMaval LS seat to have maximum polling booths in MaharashtraMore than half-a-dozen Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra will have over 2,000 polling booths, with the Maval constituency in Pune district set to have maximum 2,504 booths, according to official data: PTI Rahul Gandhi helps journos injured during his road showThree journalists, including ANI reporter, sustained minor injuries after a barricade broke down in Rahul Gandhi’s roadshow in Wayanad.  The injured were helped to the ambulance by Rahul Gandhi: ANI Wayanad: Three journalists, including ANI reporter, sustained minor injuries after a barricade in Rahul Gandhi's roadshow broke.  The injured were helped to the ambulance by Rahul Gandhi.  #Kerala pic. twitter. com/JviwAgWX5h‘He won’t let you down’: Priyanka Gandhi to Wayanad votersPriyanka Gandhi tweets about Rahul Gandhi contesting from Wayanad LS seat.  Says, he won’t let (Wayanad voters) down. My brother, my truest friend, and by far the most courageous man I know.  Take care of him Wayanad, he wont let you down.  pic. twitter. com/80CxHlP24TWon’t say a word againt CPM: Rahul GandhiRahul Gandhi: “I understand that my brothers and sisters in CPM will now speak against me and attack me, but I am not going to say a word against the CPM in my entire campaign. ” Assault by RSS, BJP in north and south, so wanted to give a message: Rahul GandhiRahul Gandhi says in Wayanad: I felt there is an assault taking place by RSS and BJP on northeast and south, Kerala.  So I wanted to give a message.  The way the govt is working, the RSS and Modi are working, people feel there is an attack on their language and culture.  I have come to Kerala to send a message that India is one, be it North,South,East or West.  So I wanted to give a message of unity that I will contest from both north and south India.  Priyanka Gandhi’s road show in Ghaziabad tomorrowAICC East UP in-charge Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will hold a roadshow in Ghaziabad on Friday in support of Dolly Sharma, Congress candidate from the Ghaziabad Lok Sabha seat.  Rahul Gandhi’s road show endsRahul Gandhi’s road show ends.  The Congress president was accompanied by his sister and AICC East UP general secretary Priyanka Gandhi and Kerala Congress leaders during the one-and-a-half hour long road show in an open vehicle after he filed nomination papers for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat.  Nishad Party leader Praveen Nishad joins BJPNishad Party leader and Lok Sabha MP from Gorakhpur, Praveen Nishad joins Bharatiya Janata Party.  Nishad Party will support BJP in Uttar Pradesh in Lok Sabha elections.  He had walked out of the SP-BSP alliance last month.  Delhi: Nishad Party leader and Gorakhpur (UP) MP Praveen Nishad joins Bharatiya Janata Party.  Nishad Party to support BJP in Uttar Pradesh in upcoming Lok Sabha elections.  pic. twitter. com/Aqk5X2ZeAuSecurity personnel have tough time managing crowds for Rahul’s road showAs the massive crowd of supporters gathered on both sides of the road to watch Rahul Gandhi’s road show, security personnel had a tough time controlling the workers to clear the way for the vehicle. Rahul Gandhi’s road show continues in WayanadAs the vehicle inched forward, Rahul Gandhi was seen shaking hands with many elated supporters.  Rahul Gandhi was seen was seen shaking hands with many elated supporters.  People were seen clicking photos on their mobile phones and waving flags of the Congress party and its ally Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). #WATCH Congress President Rahul Gandhi holds a roadshow in Wayanad after filing nomination.  Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Ramesh Chennithala also present.  #Kerala pic. twitter. com/lVxKhDxGrZCongress’ Mallikarjun Kharge files nomimation from GulbargaCongress’ Mallikarjun Kharge, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, files nomination from Gulbarga parliamentary constituency in Karnataka. Former RS MP Rapola Anand Bhaskar Rao joins BJPFormer Rajya Sabha MP from Telagana ,Rapola Anand Bhaskar Rao joins BJP in presence of JP Nanda in New Delhi.  He had resigned from the Congress last month.  Vehicular traffic comes to halt in WayanadAs the road show proceeds, vehicular traffic comes to a halt in Wayanad.  Voting in Wayanad and in the rest of Kerala will be held on April 23. Kerala: Congress President Rahul Gandhi holds a roadshow in Wayanad after filing nomination.  Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Ramesh Chennithala also present pic. twitter. com/kAW08X22u0Congress president accompanied by Priyanka GandhiRahul Gandhi is accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi and other party leaders, they wave to the crowd of supporters and party workers on the way.  The Congress president is pitted against CPM candidate PP Suneer and NDA’s Thushar Vellapally in Wayanad.  Rahul Gandhi’s road show beginsCongress president Rahul Gandhi begins his road show after filing nomination papers for the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency at the collectorate.  ‘Historic day for the state’: Oommen ChandyOommen Chandy says, “Historic moment for the state,” after Rahul Gandhi files papers.  Rahul Gandhi files nomination papers for Wayanad LS seatFormer Kerala CM Oommen Chandy, senior party leader Ramesh Chennithala, and two AICC general secretaries accompany Rahul Gandhi.  Four sets of papers submitted before district collector AR Ajayakumar.  Only five leaders were allowed to enter collectorate.  Rahul’s roadshow after filing papersRahul Gandhi is scheduled to hold a road show in Wayanad which will begin after he files nomination papers.  Congress flags, Rahul’s posters in WayanadSupporters carrying Congress flag and posters of party president Rahul Gandhi can be seen in Wayanad. Rahul proceeds towards Wayanad collectorate to file papersRahul and Priyanka Gandhi board an open SUV, ignoring warning of security agencies.  There are celebrations all around as the duo proceed to Wayanad collectorate for Rahul Gandhi to file nomination papers from the Wayanad LS seat.  Rahul-Priyanka’s helicopter lands in Wayanad#WATCH Congress President Rahul Gandhi and General Secretary UP-East Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrive at Wayanad, Kerala.  pic. twitter. com/XqcskiaoajRahul, Priyanka Gandhi land in WayanadCongress president Rahul Gandhi with his sister and AICC east UP general secretary Priyanka Gandhi reach Wayanad.  They are received by a huge crowd at the helipad.  Workers swarm from neighbouring states to greet Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi in WayanadWorkers are swarming from neighbouring states to greet Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi in Wayanad.  Wayanad is a tri-junction constituency sharing borders with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. ‘This is an insult of Amethi’: Smriti Irani on Rahul Gandhi filing nomination from Amethi“He (Rahul Gandhi) enjoyed a position of power for 15 years because of the support from Amethi, but now he is going to file nomination from elsewhere. This is an insult of Amethi and people here will not tolerate this,” said Union minister Smriti Irani. Rahul Gandhi to embark on a two-hour road show before filing nomination“The Congress chief will embark on a two-hour road show before filing the nomination papers at 11am,” Kerala opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala said.


EPA nominee Andrew Wheeler, the current acting administrator, said he considers climate change an "eight or nine" on a one-to-10 scale of concern, but he wouldn't call it the greatest crisis; "I consider it a huge issue that has to be addressed globally" https://t.co/53eMtuBYQE https://t.co/XHMJtQQ5l7

Andrew Wheeler has been acting chief at the agency since Scott Pruitt resigned. Who is Andrew Wheeler? President Donald Trump's nominee to take over the federal agency charged with protecting human health and the environment  faced questions about the impact of the government shutdown on EPA and his views on climate change in a Senate hearing on Wednesday. Andrew Wheeler took over the helm of Environmental Protection Agency in July after Scott Pruitt, the previous administrator, resigned amid increasing ethical questions and controversy.  Wheeler had previously been confirmed as deputy administrator in April. Wheeler has been working as acting administrator for several months and Trump nominated him to officially take over the post earlier this month. Years before he was nominated as acting administrator, Wheeler worked for the committee considering his nomination -- the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee -- and worked in the EPA Office of Pollution and Toxics as a career employee. “There is no more important responsibility than protecting human health and the environment.  It is a responsibility I take very seriously,” he said in his opening statement.  “Since becoming acting administrator, I have focused our efforts on providing greater certainty to the American public: certainty in our EPA programs; certainty to the states, tribes, and local governments; and certainty on how we communicate risk. ”Democrats on the committee pressed Wheeler on whether he considers climate change an urgent issue and whether he's studied recently released climate reports from the United Nations and U. S.  government that emphasize the need for more dramatic action. Sen.  Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, asked Wheeler is he agrees with findings from the majority of the scientific community that climate change "is one of the great crises facing our planet. ""I would not call it the greatest crisis, no sir, I consider it a huge issue that has to be addressed globally," Wheeler responded, adding that Americans can have confidence in his leadership because EPA is moving forward on proposals he says will reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Wheeler said EPA is continue to pursue policies like the replacement for the Clean Power Plan and fuel efficiency rules that the agency says will continue to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Wheeler said experts at the agency tell him the plans will reduce emissions, though senators referenced analysis by agency experts that found pollution could increase as a result of the rules. Democratic Sen.  Jeff Merkley pressed Wheeler to say how concerned he is about climate change "on a scale of 1 to 10," to which Wheeler responded "8 or 9. "Democratic Sen.  Ed Markey also told Wheeler he was "100 percent wrong" that climate change isn't a crisis and later called it "unacceptable" he would seek confirmation as EPA administrator while saying he hasn't had time to fully evaluate the scientific reports on climate change.  When asked, Wheeler did not say if he agrees with the broader conclusions of a major government climate report released in November, saying he was briefed once on the report but additional briefings scheduled in January were postponed because of the government shutdown. "That's unacceptable, you're looking to be confirmed as the head of the environmental protection agency and we're having a hearing on your worthiness for this job and you very conveniently haven't had enough time yet to review whether or not there's an extra level of urgency to this problem," Markey said. Later in the hearing, Markey said not having read the report was "a disqualification" for a candidate for EPA administrator.  But Wheeler pushed back saying, "I didn't say I didn't read it -- I said I haven't finished being briefed on it by my staff. "Wheeler also pushed back on criticism that the agency rolled back Obama-era rules, including the Clean Power Plan, intended to dramatically reduce carbon dioxide emissions.  Wheeler said the plan was blocked by the Supreme Court and never took effect. Environment and public health groups have said they're alarmed that any rollback of a rule on mercury emissions from power plants because the pollutant and other toxic substances covered by the rule are harmful to children and developing babies. "Under our preferred option I do not believe there will be a weakening in the mercury standards at all as far as equipment that has already been deployed and implemented across the board," he said. "I get accused of rolling back the Clean Power Plan, I don't think you can roll back a regulation that never took effect.  And on (the Mercury and Air Toxics Standard) I don't think you can roll back a regulation that's been fully implemented. "Democrats on the committee, led by Ranking Member Sen.  Tom Carper of Delaware, also raised concerns that the nomination is being rushed during the government shutdown even though Wheeler could continue to work in an acting capacity for much of the year. "I do not believe that giving the acting administrator a speedy promotion is more urgent and more important than protecting the public from contamination to our air and water and lands.  Our priority should be reopening EPA and the other closed federal agencies," Carper said in his opening statement. A protester stood up as Wheeler began his remarks to "object" the hearing was being held during the shutdown.  More could be heard in the hallway outside the hearing room chanting: "Shut down Wheeler, not the EPA. "Wheeler confirmed in the hearing that some EPA policies have been delayed because of the shutdown, including a management plan to deal with a class of chemicals known as PFAS that contaminate groundwater and drinking water in some parts of the country.  Wheeler said a plan to manage the chemicals and set limits for drinking water was set to be announced next week but will now be delayed. Last May, the EPA said the management plan would be released in fall 2018 and that the agency would move to officially label the chemicals as "hazardous. "He also told senators the agency will have to bring back staff to meet court-ordered deadlines on other rules like regulations on lead in dust. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events


Total number of #Coronavirus positive cases rise to 471 in India: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) https://t.co/lNUMDzrroQ

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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The fight against coronavirus shifted towards the western hemisphere as Italy, United States and Spain continued to report higher numbers of new cases.  The US reported 8,373 fresh Covid-19 cases while US president Trump announced that federal support will be provided to New York, California and Washington.  The global toll from coronavirus has crossed 14,000. Italy police recycle oxygen canisters from virus victimsItaly coronavirus deaths rise by 602 in a day, lifting total death toll to 6,078Turkish Banks Suspend Loan Payments to Ease Virus FalloutIMF warns coronavirus recession could be worse than 2009German Chancellor Angela Merkel negative in 1st coronavirus test9 dead, 468 infected due to coronavirus, says Health MinistryVistara removes reading material from flights to curb coronavirusTwo more doctors die from coronavirus in France: ReportTotal coronavirus positive cases rise to 97 in Maharashtra: Health Minister, PRO'Abide by govt guidelines, state leaving no stone unturned in tackling Covid-19,' tweets Bengal CM Mamata BanerjeeGermany's economic output to shrink by 'at least 5%' in 2020, says economy ministerTripura under complete lockdown from 2 pm on March 24Nepal announces nationwide lockdownFirst coronavirus death in Brussels's EU institutionsLok Sabha gives standing ovation to foot soldiers in coronavirus battleFresh coronavirus cases rose steadily in the US, Spain and Italy as the virus continued to put entire nations in lockdown.  Spain imposed emergency until April 11 as the nation reported struggles to control Europe's second-worst outbreak of Covid-19.  Italy saw 651 new fatalities over the last 24 hours.  The country with 5,476 covid-19 deaths has crossed China in terms of death-toll.  India has reported 7 deaths due to coronavirus.  New Delhi and Mumbai along with several other state capitals are observing a lockdown as coronavirus affected numbers touched 468 across the nation.  Over 330,000 people continue to be affected by coronavirus across the world, of which 99,003 have recovered. Here are the LIVE updates from the coronavirus outbreak:Italy police recycle oxygen canisters from virus victimsPolice in the Italian city of Bergamo have brought much-needed help to people suffering from the coronavirus by redistributing oxygen cylinders used by people who did not survive the virus, reports AFP. Italy coronavirus deaths rise by 602 in a day, lifting total death toll to 6,078The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in Italy has grown by 602 to 6,078, the head of the Civil Protection Agency said on Monday, an 11% increase but the smallest rise in numerical terms since Thursday, suggesting a clear downward trend, reports Reuters. Turkish Banks Suspend Loan Payments to Ease Virus FalloutTurkish banks on Monday offered customers some relief from debt repayments and pledged more cash, the latest steps in the campaign to limit the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak, reports Bloomberg. IMF warns coronavirus recession could be worse than 2009The world economy is facing "severe" economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic that could be even more costly than in 2009 and will require an unprecedented response, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said Monday, reports AFP. German Chancellor Angela Merkel negative in 1st coronavirus testChancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman said Monday that the German leader has tested negative for the new coronavirus.  Merkel went into quarantine at home on Sunday evening after being informed that a doctor who had administered a vaccination to her had tested positive for the new coronavirus, reports AP. 9 dead, 468 infected due to coronavirus, says Health MinistryThe Ministry of Health said that 9 people have died and a total of 467 people have been infected in India due to the coronavirus. Vistara removes reading material from flights to curb coronavirusAs a precautionary step to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Vistara Airlines on Monday announced temporary fleet-wide removal of all reading material from seatback pockets, including the in-flight magazine and newspapers in passengers' interest, reports ANI. Two more doctors die from coronavirus in France: ReportTwo more doctors have died after contracting the coronavirus in France, officials said on Monday, a day after the country reported the first death of a doctor treating COVID-19 patients, reports AFP. Total coronavirus positive cases rise to 97 in Maharashtra: Health Minister, PROTotal coronavirus cases in the state of Maharashtra has gone up to 97, the Health Minister, PRO said, reports ANI. 'Abide by govt guidelines, state leaving no stone unturned in tackling Covid-19,' tweets Bengal CM Mamata BanerjeeWest Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted that all citizens should abide by the government guideline.  She also said that the West Bengal Government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure safety & precautions for its citizens in combating COVID-19 efficiently. It is my sincere request to all the fellow citizens to abide by Government guidelines.  Until and unless an emergency, please don’t step out of your homes.  We will fight this together.  Only we can help keep everyone around us safe (2/2)Germany's economic output to shrink by 'at least 5%' in 2020, says economy ministerGermany's economy minister said that the country's economy will shrink by at least 5% in the year 2020, reports AFP. Tripura under complete lockdown from 2 pm on March 24Tripura's chief minister Biplab Deb a complete lockdown in the state from 2 PM tomorrow till 31st March in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak in the country, reports ANI. Nepal announces nationwide lockdownNepal government announced a nationwide lockdown from 6 AM on 24th March in the wake of coronavirus.  One more positive case was reported in the country today, taking the total number of positive cases here to 2, reports ANI. First coronavirus death in Brussels's EU institutionsA male employee at the European Parliament has become the first person in the main EU governing institutions in Brussels to die after contracting the new coronavirus, reports AFP. Lok Sabha gives standing ovation to foot soldiers in coronavirus battleThe Lok Sabha gave a standing ovation and members clapped to express their appreciation for people who are rendering services to deal with the spread of coronavirus including members of the medical community, police personnel and those engaged in cleanliness work, reports ANI. First published: Mar 23, 2020 05:39 IST


Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Neta Ji Bhawan
in Kolkata, West Bengal on the occasion of #NetajiSubhashChandraBose birth anniversary. https://t.co/UUwgYvfX8t https://t.co/mZd6uAvgEj

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bid to celebrate Subhas Chandra Bose’s birthday in Kolkata as Parakram Diwas, or day of valour, ran into a political debate on Saturday with chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressing anger at Bharatiya Janata Party supporters present at the PM’s main event raising the Jai Sri Ram slogan hours after she accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of not showing respect to the iconic freedom fighter. With political tension rising in the state where elections are due in March-April, the tussle between the saffron camp and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) intensified, with the Left and Congress, who are now electoral partners, not missing the opportunity to take potshots at their rivals. Some leaders and political experts even described Modi’s visit as an exercise to woo Bengali voters on whom Bose’s ideology has great influence even after 76 years of his mysterious disappearance. Sparks started flying in the afternoon when Banerjee, after leading a roadshow sans any TMC flag through the heart of Kolkata, said that if the Centre really wanted to show respect to Bose it would not have dissolved the Planning Commission of India that Bose conceived.  She even questioned large central spending on aircrafts (she did not specify which one) and a new Parliament building but not on a monument dedicated to Bose. She demanded revival of the Planning Commission and a national holiday on January 23. Without naming the BJP or Modi, whose flight was yet to arrive, Banerjee said, “They want to celebrate the day as Parakram Diwas (day of valour).  Kiya hai Parakram?  (What is parakram? ).  They could have consulted us on use of the right word.  We are celebrating Desh Nayak Diwas (day of the national hero).  Netaji does not need anyone’s favour.  We will set up a monument dedicated to the Azad Hind Bahini (Indian National Army that Bose led).  We will show proper respect to Netaji. ”Banerjee even demanded that India should have four capitals in four corners of the country where Parliament sessions can be held on rotation.  “A one party, one government system will not work in this country.  States have equal rights.  Netaji believed that the nation belongs to Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and people from all religions and class,” she said. A few hours later, Modi’s main event at the Victoria Memorial Hall pushed politics to the fore when Banerjee lost her temper on hearing the Jai Sri Ram slogan while she was about to address the audience. “I feel a government programme must have some dignity.  This is not a political programme but a government programme and it is for the public and all political parties.  I am grateful to the Prime Minister that this event is being held in Kolkata.  But you have no right to invite someone to a government programme and insult that person.  In protest, I am not saying anything,” said Banerjee before raising her own slogan Jai Hind, Jai Bangla, which is meant to project Bengal’s identity against her repeated assertion that the BJP is “a party of outsiders. ”Speaking after her, Modi said the Centre’s Atmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India project, which focuses on indigenous production of all products, would have made Bose proud had he been around. “The nation is following the path Netaji showed.  I often think how Netaji would feel seeing India surging ahead, its army getting modern weapons and planes like Rafale guarding the nation.  How proud he must have felt seeing India giving vaccines to other nations,” said Modi. All political parties, including the CPI(M), as well as eminent intellectuals of Kolkata condemned the sloganeering.  Some BJP leaders tried to play down the incident while others argued that it is a way of greeting people and does not carry any political message. “Modi’s speech made the purpose of his visit before the polls quite apparent.  But it misfired.  It will have no impact on voters,” TMC Lok Sabha member and party spokesperson Saugata Roy told HT while condemning the raising of the slogan. Kolkata-based political science professor and election analyst Udayan Bandopadhyay too felt Modi’s visit will not impact voters.  “Netaji’s real followers believe in his secular and all-inclusive nationalism.  These people will not vote for the BJP.  If the BJP wants to reach out to them it has to alter its approach,” Bandopadhyay told HT. “Banerjee’s demand for multiple capitals, however, will not work in India as we have a federal structure,” he added. Former Tripura governor and BJP leader Tathagata Roy was present at the Victoria Memorial Hall grounds when the Jai Sri Ram slogan was heard.  “Some people were simply teasing Banerjee since she had chased at people in the past for raising it in her presence.  I don’t read any politics into this,” Roy told the media.


Accused of hitting a civic officer with a cricket bat, BJP MLA Akash Vijayvargiya was on Sunday released from jail.

Read more here: https://t.co/UJ0ktfuJ0R https://t.co/Y4HuI35QQE

BJP MLA Akash Vijayvargiya, who was arrested four days ago for assaulting a civic official here in Madhya Pradesh with a cricket bat, was released from a local jail on Sunday morning.  He was released after his bail order from a court in Bhopal reached Indore. The Bhopal-based court of additional sessions judge Suresh Singh on Saturday granted bail to the MLA, who is son of BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya, in the case of assault and in an earlier case where he was accused of staging an illegal protest. He was asked to furnish a personal bail bond of Rs 50,000 in the case of assault and of Rs 20,000 in the other case. Akash Vijayvargiya (34), a first-time MLA who represents Indore-3 Assembly segment, was caught on TV cameras assaulting municipal officer Dhirendra Singh Bais with a cricket bat last Wednesday while opposing demolition of a dilapidated house. A magistrate’s court here had sent him in judicial custody till July 11 after his arrest, denying him bail.


Prime Minister @narendramodi received by West Bengal CM @MamataOfficial on arrival at Kolkata Airport.

The PM will be conducting an aerial survey of the areas affected by #CycloneAmphan

Updates: https://t.co/QlryLA3OFh https://t.co/UNNHlyVyiT

Sep 05, 2021-Sunday

Metro cities -  Delhi, Mumbai,
											Chennai,
											Kolkata

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

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Saddened to hear about Cyclone Amphan hitting coasts of India, Bangladesh: Afghan PresidentTelecom networks operating at 65-70% capacity in affected districtsBengal staring at record agri-loss due to Cyclone Amphan: MinisterNation stands in solidarity with West Bengal and Odisha: PM ModiCyclone Amphan effect on Nagapattinam; fishing harbour wall damagedPM Modi said Odisha has made a good name for itself in rescue, relief nd restoration measure: Odisha Chief SecretaryPM Modi announces ex-gratia of  ₹2 lakh to next of kin of deceased in OdishaMy prayers, thoughts and love to those affected by Amphan: Shah Rukh KhanPM Modi announces advance assistance of  ₹500 crore for cyclone-hit OdishaEuropean Union announces $5,45,000 aid for India in wake of Cyclone AmphanPM Modi holds review meeting in Bhubaneswar over Cyclone AmphanNepal expresses grief over loss of lives in West Bengal due to Cyclone Amphan22 opposition parties resolve to call upon Centre to provide urgent help in view of Cyclone AmphanDeath toll in Bangladesh reaches 22Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina speaks to Bengal chief Minister Mamata Banerjee amid cyclone crisisCyclone Amphan, which hit India’s eastern coast yesterday with winds gusting up to 185 kmph has affected 4. 5 million people across 1,500 villages of Odisha.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee conducted aerial survey of the areas that have suffered the wrath of the cyclone.  Banerjee said that so far 80 people have lost their lives due to the cyclonic storm in the state.  While Odisha government said that no death has occurred so far due to the storm.  Bangladesh has recorded 22 deaths and many have been left displaced in the country's coastal areas.  The Prime Minister also went to Odisha after leaving from West Bengal and carried out an aerial survey of the areas affected in the state.  Cyclone Amphan is the most powerful cyclone to strike eastern India and Bangladesh in over a decade. Here are the latest updates on Cyclone AmphanSaddened to hear about Cyclone Amphan hitting coasts of India, Bangladesh: Afghan PresidentStating that he was saddened to hear about cyclone Amphan hitting coastal regions in India and Bangladesh, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Friday expressed his 'heartfelt condolences to the two friendly nations'. Telecom networks operating at 65-70% capacity in affected districtsTelecom networks continued to operate at 65-70% capacity on the third day after super cyclone Amphan wreaked havoc in coastal districts of West Bengal, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) said on Friday. Continuous power outages, frequent fibre cuts and electricity wires on roads have made restoration of telecom networks a challenging task, COAI said. Bengal staring at record agri-loss due to Cyclone Amphan: MinisterCyclone Amphan has ravaged the farming sector in at least 14 of the 23 districts in West Bengal and the loss incurred may create an all-time record, state Agriculture Minister Ashish Banerjee said on Friday. Nation stands in solidarity with West Bengal and Odisha: PM ModiThe nation stands in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in West Bengal and Odisha.  The Central Government assures all possible support as well as assistance towards the rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction efforts: PM ModiCyclone Amphan effect on Nagapattinam; fishing harbour wall damagedHigh tides due to the 'Amphan' cyclone that played havoc in West Bengal have caused damage to the rubble mound wall in the fishing harbour under construction at a cost of  ₹120 crore at Tarangambadiin Nagapattinam district. PM Modi said Odisha has made a good name for itself in rescue, relief nd restoration measure: Odisha Chief SecretaryThe road forward for us is to strengthen our infrastructure (like power and housing) and make it cyclone resilient.  PM Modi said Odisha has made a good name for itself in rescue, relief nd restoration measures: Chief Secretary of Odisha Asit Kumar TripathyPM Modi announces ex-gratia of  ₹2 lakh to next of kin of deceased in OdishaExpressing solidarity with the people of Odisha and deep sorrow for the lives lost, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of  ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and  ₹50,000 to the seriously injured in the cyclone in the state: Government of IndiaMy prayers, thoughts and love to those affected by Amphan: Shah Rukh KhanBollywood superstar and West Bengal brand ambassador Shah Rukh Khan has expressed concern for those affected by the super cyclone Amphan which has devastated the state, and also affected parts of Odisha. PM Modi announces advance assistance of  ₹500 crore for cyclone-hit OdishaGovernment of India announces  ₹500 crore for Odisha, as a measure in advance.  Government will further help Odisha government and make rest of the arrangements to come out of this crisis, after the complete survey and the formation of a rehabilitation plan: PM Narendra ModiEuropean Union announces $5,45,000 aid for India in wake of Cyclone AmphanThe EU is determined to start helping people in need with no further delay and provides initial funding of €500. 000 for India and €1. 100. 000 to support the immediate response in Bangladesh: Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management (European Union), reports ANI. PM Modi holds review meeting in Bhubaneswar over Cyclone AmphanOdisha: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a review meeting with senior officials and minister of the state in Bhubaneswar after his aerial survey of the areas affected due to Cyclone Amphan.  CM Naveen Patnaik, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Pratap Sarangi are also present, reports ANI. Odisha: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a review meeting with senior officials and minister of the state in Bhubaneswar after his aerial survey of the areas affected due to #CycloneAmphan.  CM Naveen Patnaik, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan & Pratap Sarangi are also present.  pic. twitter. com/MZEHtn4wxtNepal expresses grief over loss of lives in West Bengal due to Cyclone AmphanNepal government is grieved over loss of lives and destruction of properties in West Bengal by Cyclone Amphan.  Government extends its heartfelt condolences to bereaved families of deceased as well as to Indian Govt.  It also wishes speedy recovery of injured: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal22 opposition parties resolve to call upon Centre to provide urgent help in view of Cyclone Amphan22 opposition parties resolve to call upon Centre to provide urgent help to fellow citizens in view of Cyclone Amphan.  The parties call upon Centre to declare Cyclone Amphan as national calamity: Resolution. , reports PTI. Death toll in Bangladesh reaches 22Bangladesh began assessing the damage caused by Cyclone Amphan that killed at least 22 people and left many displaced in the country's coastal areas.  It was the most powerful storm since cyclone 'Sidr' killed nearly 3,500 people in 2007, reports PTI. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina speaks to Bengal chief Minister Mamata Banerjee amid cyclone crisisSheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh had a telephonic conversation with West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee to enquire about the damages caused due to Cyclone Amphan, reports ANI. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has spoken to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over phone to enquire about the damages caused by extremely severe #CycloneAmphan: Bangladesh media (file pic) pic. twitter. com/HpBMYSQH7FFirst published: May 22, 2020 09:24 IST


TONIGHT: 10 Democratic candidates take the stage for night two of the second Democratic debate. Join @ABC News for complete live coverage from Detroit. https://t.co/4gck192NgF #DemDebate

💻: https://t.co/b4PftwG96n
📱: ABC News app
📺: Roku / Hulu https://t.co/BpIVfOM7zy

Updated 11:54 PM ET, Tue July 30, 2019 (CNN)As the first group of candidates took the stage for the CNN Democratic debate, we tracked speaking times by candidate.  Sen.  Elizabeth Warren led the pack with more than 18 minutes of speaking time, followed closely by Sen.  Bernie Sanders.


#UPDATE: Rescue operation for stranded passengers of #MahalaxmiExpress has been called off by all agencies. https://t.co/WFfXQZmJRe

Heavy rains continued to lash Mumbai on Saturday leading to waterlogging and traffic snarls across the city.  Intermittent spells of heavy to very heavy showers are expected throughout the day, India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said.  On Friday, at least 11 flights to and from the Mumbai airport were cancelled, however, flight operations are normal as of Saturday morning. Read highlights here:400 shifted to safer place after waterlogging inside chawl“400 people, living in a chawl, at KBK Nagar, Shelu (Raigad) have been shifted to a safe place following waterlogging inside their houses creating flood like situation.  Adequate police force has been deployed there,” said Public Relations Officer (PRO), Raigad Police.  :ANIRescued passengers of Mahalaxmi Express leave for CSMTBadlapur: Rescued passengers from Mahalaxmi Express left for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) via a special train.  :ANIPeople on petrol pump roof, resort near Kalayan rescued: DGIPR Brijesh Singh“People on the petrol pump roof and in the resort near Kalayan have also been rescued now, said Maharashtra’s Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR), Brijesh Singh.  :ANI‘Express gratitude to Railway, Defence official on behalf of home minister’: Nityanand Rai“On behalf of the Home Minister, I express my gratitude to Railway officers, Defence officials - especially the Air Force officers, and everyone who helped in rescuing the passengers on-board the train,” said Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai on Mahalaxmi Express rescue operation. ‘Home Minister himself monitored situation’: Nityanand Rai“Home Ministry contacted Air Force officials, Railway officials and Maharashtra government officials.  We were in constant touch with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis.  The Home Minister himself monitored the operation,” said Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai. 900 saved thanks to effective management of PM, HM: Nityanand Rai“Under guidance of PM, NDRF has made such advancement in its resources that it works successfully in any part of country when a situation arises.  900 people were saved today due to effective management of PM and HM,” Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, on Mahalaxmi Express rescue operation. People chest-deep in water in Ulhasnagar of Thane districtPeople were seen wading through chest-deep water in Ulhasnagar of Thane district.  Several parts of the state are flooded due to heavy rainfall.  :ANIStreets in Bhiwandi region floodedStreets in Bhiwandi have been flooded due to heavy rainfall in the region.  :ANISpecial train to leave passengers in KolhapurA special train with 19 coaches will leave from Kalyan to Kolhapur with the passengers of Mahalaxmi Express, Central Railways has said.  All passengers aboard Mahalaxmi Express rescued: Thane district collectorAll passengers aboard Mahalaxmi Express have been rescued safely, Thane district collector Rajesh Narvekar said in a statement.  The passengers are being provided food and medical aid, he added.  There were nine pregnant women in the train who were safely rescued.  One of them is admitted to a nearby hospital for check-up. ‘Don’t worry’: Maharashtra CM to stranded passengersMaharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed the citizens stranded in Mahalaxmi Express to not worry and has ensured that all measures to rescue them are taken care of by expert teams from NDRF, Army, Navy, Local administration, Police, and the Railway Ministry. Over 500 people, including 9 pregnant women, rescued so farOver 500 passengers, including 9 pregnant women, have been rescued so far by the NDRF teams.  Ambulances with 37 doctors with gynaecologist have been deployed for emergency. Necessary arrangements like food etc made at Sahyadri Mangal Karayalay. At least 14 buses and three tempos have been arranged for further movement of passengers.  Arrangements for shelter, food at nearby villageTowards the left of the railway tracks where Mahalaxmi Express is stranded, there is a village where all the rescued passengers are being moved.  Administration has made arrangements for shelter and food, and transport out of there.  500 passengers rescuedCentral Railway said that around 500 passengers have been rescued till now. Woman goes into labour in stranded trainA woman in D1 coach of the Mahalaxmi Express went into labour while the train is still stranded between Badlapur and Wangani stations.  The woman identified as Reshma Kamble was nine months pregnant.  The state disaster management cell said that Kamble has been moved to a nearby hospital.  Situation under control: CMOSeven Navy teams, two helicopters of Indian Airforce, and two Military columns have been deployed for rescue operations along with the local administration. Two more military columns are on the way. Situation is under control, the chief minister’s office tweeted.  Fadnavis instructs Chief Secy to monitor rescue opsMaharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed the Chief Secretary to personally monitor Mahalaxmi Express rescue operations that is stranded with almost 500 people still on-board.  At least 217 people have been rescued so far.  Four teams of NDRF have reached and they are evacuating passengers with the help of eight boats, the chief minister’s office tweeted.  Train services hit on Mumbai Goa routeTrain services on Mumbai-Goa route of Konkan Railway have been halted since 10 am after flood water of a river crossed danger mark and touched a rail bridge.  As Konkan Railway waits for water to recede to resume operations, several trains stuck enroute are stranded.  Rescue ops likely to get over in 2 hoursTwo NDRF teams from Pune and two from Mumbai with 45 personnel each are involved in the rescue operations that are likely to finish in two hours.  The rescue teams first evacuated ladies and children from the Mahalaxmi Express.  They are now evacuating senior citizens.  At least seven people are being rescued and taken in one boat by two NDRF personnel per boat.  2 trains cancelled, 13 divertedDue to heavy rainfall and overflowing Ulhas river that has caused water logging at Ambernath, 13 trains have been diverted while six have been short-terminated and two have been cancelled, news agency ANI quoted Sunil Udasi, Chief Public Relations Officer, Central Railway as saying.  150 passengers rescuedOf the 700 people on board, 150 have been rescued from Mahalaxmi Express which is stranded between Maharashtra’s Badlapur and Vangani stations owing to flooded tracks, Central Railways said.  Mahalaxmi Express stranded for 15 hoursAs rain continued to lash Mumbai and the surrounding areas for the third consecutive day, tracks between Maharashtra’s Badlapur and Vangani stations are flooded and this stranded the train Mahalaxmi Express with 700 passengers on-board for over 15 hours now, reported news agency IANS.  Landslide at Bhor Ghat between Mumbai and Pune stationsEarly Saturday morning a landslide took place between Mumbai and Pune stations, which has affected train operations.  Navy sends 8 rescue teamsTo rescue passengers on board Mahalaxmi Express, in all eight rescue teams from the Navy that include three diving teams have been sent to the spot with rescue material, inflatable boats and life jackets, news agency ANI reported.  A Seaking Helicopter has also been sent with divers for deployment in the area as advance assessment party, according to ANI. Navy chopper reaches for rescue opsAlong with a team of NDRF, a navy chopper has also reached the site for rescue operations where Mahalaxmi Express is stranded with 700 people on board, news agency ANI reported.  NDRF team at spotAn NDRF team and has arrived to rescue passengers on board Mahalaxmi Express, which is stranded between Badlapur and Vangani stations due to flooded rail tracks, reported news agency ANI.  NDRF team to reach stranded train shortlyEight NDRF boats with personnel are only a few hundred metres away from site where Mahalaxmi Express is stranded with 700 passengers on board.  The team will shortly reach the train, Central Railways tweeted.  Passengers asked not to step out of stranded train“We have requested the passengers of Mahalaxmi Express to not get down from train.  Train is at a safe place and railway staff, RPF and the city police are present at the location to look after their well-being.  Hence we request them to wait for advice from the NDRF and other disaster management authorities,” said Sunil Udasi, chief public relations officer of Central Railway. Train service between Kalyan-Karjat-Khopoli suspendedThe train service between Mumbai’s Kalyan-Karjat-Khopoli have not resumed yet.  It was suspended since last night due to flooded tracks between Ambernath to Vangani stations.  Central Railway said that the tracks are still flooded at Vangani though there is no water on tracks at other locations.  Therefore, some outstation trains have been diverted via Karjat-Panvel-Diva alternate route. Police Force reaches to help passengers on stranded trainRailway Police Force and city police have reached the site where Mahalaxmi Express is held up.  They are distributing biscuits and water to the stranded passengers.  NDRF team will be reaching in shortly for evacuation , said the Central Railways. Westerly winds draw moisture, thick cloud cover along Mumbai coast“Under the influence of an upper air cyclonic circulation over south Gujarat, strong westerly winds continue to draw moisture and thick cloud cover along the Mumbai coast leading to active monsoon conditions with short bursts of heavy rain,” said Bishwambhar Singh, director, regional meteorological centre, India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mumbai.  Heavy to very heavy showers expectedAccording to the India Meteorological Department, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to lash Mumbai through the day.  Train services hitWith around 700 passengers on board, Mahalaxmi Express is held up between Badlapur and Wangni stations near Mumbai.  Central Railway has asked for help from local municipal disaster manager cell.  “A team of 40 NDRF personals are reaching the spot with boats and other equipment to rescue the passengers.  We have also asked the local civic bodies to send in help,” said Sunil Udasi, chief public relation officer of Central Railways.


Photo shows Arvind Kejriwal met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to seek his blessings before the Delhi Elections

Photos of Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan visiting Arvind Kejriwal at his Delhi residence in 2016 have resurfaced with claims that the two met ahead of the Assembly elections in Delhi, that will be held on February 8.   The posts have been doing the rounds with the narrative that Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is backed by Pakistan and that Khan exchanged greetings with him before Delhi went to polls.  The caption when translated in English, "Kejri taking blessings from Imran Khan ahead of Delhi elections. " (Original text in Hindi: "दिल्ली चुनाव से पहले इमरान से आशीर्वाद लेते हुए केजरी।")  Below is a screenshot of one such post.   The post is archived  here.  Also Read: Did Kanhaiya Kumar Take A Dig At Arvind Kejriwal?  Another post speculates the reason why Kejriwal had to team up with Khan to win the election.  It has been captioned as, "Why did Kejriwal have to shake hands with Pakistan to win Delhi's election? " (Original Text in Hindi:  ''केजरीवाल को दिल्ली चुनाव जीतने के लिये पाकिस्तान से क्यो हाथ मिलाना पड़ा ? '') The post is archived here.  While another post has used multiple photos of Khan with Kejriwal and a screenshot of an old tweet to falsely claim that the Pakistan government has publicly appealed to people to not vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).  (Original  text in Hindi: पाकिस्तान सरकार  ने दिल्ली विधानसभा चुनाव में bjp को हराने के लिए  लोगों से अपील की है  ताकि पाक परस्त केजरीवाल फिर से cm बन सके. . . .  #पाकिस्तान_का_हाथ_केजरीवाल_के_साथ) You can see the post here.  The post is archived here.  Also Read: Did AAP Distribute 'Magic' Blankets To The Differently-Abled?  A Fact-Check    Fact Check Upon relevant keyword searches, BOOM found that Imran Khan had met Kejriwal in May, 2016, during his visit to Delhi.  The two met at Kejriwal's residence in Flagstaff Road in the capital and had tweeted about the same.  Met Imran Khan and we shared our experiences in politics.  Both challenging status quo in respective countries pic. twitter. com/XsFuT8AYjD An extended clip of their meeting can be  seen below, which was uploaded by the Delhi Government's YouTube channel.  Khan however has not met Kejriwal in the recent times.        In fact Kejriwal recently took on Pakistan's federal minister of science and technology, Ch Fawad Hussain who called on people to defeat the BJP in the Delhi elections.  Kejriwal said that a Pakistan minister should not "meddle with India's internal matters. " नरेंद्र मोदी जी भारत के प्रधानमंत्री है। मेरे भी प्रधानमंत्री है। दिल्ली का चुनाव भारत का आंतरिक मसला है और हमें आतंकवाद के सबसे बड़े प्रायोजकों का हस्तक्षेप बर्दाश्त नहीं। पाकिस्तान जितनी कोशिश कर ले, इस देश की एकता पर प्रहार नहीं कर सकता। https://t. co/E2Rl65nWSK The photos had resurfaced in 2018, when The Quint debunked them.  Read the fact-check here.     Minister's fake tweet to claim Pakistan supports AAP        A screenshot of a tweet by an unverified handle of Hamid Gul, former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) DG of Pakistan Army has been used in Facebook posts to claim that Pakistan has urged Indian netizens to vote for AAP.   BOOM found that the tweet was shared by the handle @GenHameedGul in May, 2015.  Gul died in August, 2015.  The account appears to be fake as tweets were shared even in December that year.   . @GenHameedGul rofl are u tweeting from your grave https://t. co/bSwfIGzl9a  Tweet shared by the post.   Also Read: Fake Newspaper Clip Claims Arvind Kejriwal Was Accused Of Rape In College


From Latin America to East Africa, nuclear-capable rogue states to revanchist regional powers, the Biden administration is sure to face foreign policy crises as it tries to address pressing domestic issues. https://t.co/o1Y2TOVorI

By Kate Sullivan and Arlette Saenz, CNNUpdated 6:07 PM ET, Tue December 29, 2020  (CNN)President-elect Joe Biden said Tuesday that the Trump administration's plan to distribute Covid-19 vaccines across the country has fallen "far behind. "


Voting underway in Rajkot and Surat for Gujarat local body polls

#ElectionsWithHT

Read : https://t.co/Ycvo6r04FR https://t.co/qm8zYG4lsK

Polling for elections to municipal corporations of six major cities in Gujarat began at 7am on Sunday amid tight security and adherence to Covid-19 norms.  The polling will end at 5pm.  The six municipal corporations that are going to the polls include Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Jamnagar and Bhavnagar.  These elections are being seen as a test for Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani as the state will go to assembly polls next year.  The counting of votes will be held on Tuesday. Here’s everything you need to know about Gujarat civic polls:1.  There are 575 seats with each ward having four corporators and 2,276 candidates, comprising 577 from the BJP, 566 from the Congress, 470 from AAP, 91 from NCP, 353 from other parties and 228 Independents who are in the fray in these elections. 2.  The total number of voters in the six cities is 11. 4 million, comprising 6. 06 million men and more than 5. 4 million women. Read more: PM Modi to address top military brass in Gujarat in March3.  The are 11,121 polling booths for the elections, out of which 2,255 have been designated as sensitive and 1,188 have been designated as very sensitive.  Extra forces have been deployed in sensitive polling booths.  Authorities have also created 97 checkposts along the state's borders in view of the polls. 4.  The counting of votes will be conducted on February 23 after which polls to 31 districts, 231 taluka panchayats and 81 municipalities will be held on February 28. 5.  More than 43,000 police personnel have been deployed for maintaining law and order during the polling process.  Of this 25,000 personnel are from regular units, 15,000 are home guards, and 3,000 are from the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF). 6.  Union home minister Amit Shah will be in Gujarat on Sunday to cast his vote in the Naranpura ward of Ahmedabad municipal corporation.  Chief minister Vijay Rupani, who is currently undergoing treatment for Covid-19, will cast his vote in a polling booth in Anil Gyan Mandir School in his hometown Rajkot. (With agency inputs)


Tamil Nadu: RS Thirumugam, president of the Tamil Nadu Rekla Club, campaigned yesterday on a bullock cart in Coimbatore in support of AIADMK alliance for #LokSabhaElections2019 https://t.co/a5KTFXM7Qh

The Reserve Bank of India imposed a number of restrictions on the Punjab and Maharashtra Co-operative Bank (PMC Bank) on Tuesday, leading to chaotic scenes outside most of its branches in Mumbai.  The regulatory restrictions imposed on the bank will be in place for the next six months with effect from September 23.  The RBI monitors the financial health of banks and issues such directions in case there are concerns over the economic health of a bank.  A multi-state cooperative banking entity, the PMC Bank has branches in Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, Goa, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.  Founded in 1984 in a small room in Mumbai, it has now grown to a network of 137 branches in six states and ranks among the top 10 cooperative banks in the country. Here are some of the restrictions imposed by the apex bank:1.  Withdrawals have been capped at Rs 1,000 per account for all account holders. 2.  The Punjab and Maharashtra Co-operative Bank will not be allowed to make any fresh loans.  It cannot grant or renew any loans and advances, nor can the bank make any investment, without the prior approval of the RBI. 3.  The bank cannot incur any liability including borrowing of funds and acceptance of fresh deposits or disburse any liabilities, without a nod from the apex bank. 4.  The new directions by the Reserve Bank in connection with the PMC bank, which has a presence in multiple states are not an indication of the cancellation of its banking licence. 6.  The regulatory restrictions will be in force for the next six months. 7.  If account holders have any liability towards the bank, the amount in their bank accounts will be first used to adjust the relevant borrowing account. 8.  The bank can renew any existing term deposit only on maturity and in the same name and same capacity only. 9.  The RBI has allowed the bank to make investments only in government or SLR approved securities which mainly include cash and gold.


Dalit Bhabhi of Hathras has become a farmer.

An image of members of Bharti Kisan Union (BKU) posing with Shaheen Bagh protesters in February this year is viral with netizens misidentifying one of the woman in the photograph as Rajkumari Bansal, a doctor from Jabalpur who was given the infamous moniker 'Hathras Bhabhi' or 'Naxal Bhabhi'.  The narratives further state that Bansal, whose presence at the house of a victim of alleged gangrape and murder in Hathras (Uttar Pradesh) had stirred up a controversy in September, was seen at the ongoing farmers' protest in Delhi; and thus undermined the protests.    BOOM found that the viral image was taken in Shaheen Bagh during the four-month long anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests.  We also reached out to Bansal, who  denied having attended the farmers' protest, which is on its fifth day today.   A 'Delhi Chalo' march was organised by the farmers of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh in order to protest the Central government's contentious farm laws from November 26.  For the past few days, farmers from the northern states have been marching towards the national capital to mount pressure on the government against the new agricultural laws.  Also Read:Pro-Khalistan Slogans From Cricket World Cup Peddled As Farmers' Protest The image is viral with netizens taking a dig at the protests and accusing it to be politically driven.  Shefali Vaidya, who has been fact-checked earlier by BOOM for sharing misinformation, quote tweeted the photo with the caption 'Is this true'.  The original tweet has been captioned in Hindi as: "Identified her?  She is the Dalit bhabhi from Hathras. . now she has become a farmer. . . " Is this true?  https://t. co/EJVqPyCOQs Gaurav Tiwari, a BJP leader and district general secretary of Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha, Indore, also shared the image misidentifying the woman as Bansal and accusing her of being a disguise to join political protests.   इन #इच्छाधारी मोहतरमा को पहचानने वाले और इनकी प्रसिद्धि में रीट्वीट कर चार चांद लगाने वालों को आज #फॉलो करूंगा. . .  pic. twitter. com/U4zZ4CBYSA  Click here for an archive.   हाथरस वाली भाभी आज किसान बन गई क्या धंधा खोल रखा हैं इन सबने ग़ज़ब 😄 pic. twitter. com/05MuECDRXa  हाथरस वाली "दलित भाभी" भी किसानबनकर आई हैं. .  अब भी कुछ समझे की नहीं? ? #भक्तों. ? ?  pic. twitter. com/1qKNj2rGmH The same picture is viral on Facebook with a similar claim which translates to: "Dalit sister-in-law from Hathras has become a farmer. .  Do you still not understand anything ? ?  #भक्तों. ? ? " (In Hindi: "हाथरस वाली "दलित भाभी" भी किसान बनकर आई हैं. .  अब भी कुछ समझे की नहीं? ?  #भक्तों. ? ? ") Posts can be seen below and their archived versions here and here.  Also Read:No, Woman In Farmers' Protest Photo Is Not Shaheen Bagh's Bilkis Dadi We reached out to Rajkumari Bansal, who denied being present in the ongoing farmers' protest.  Bansal told BOOM, "It is not me in the image.  I have not gone out of Jabalpur lately. " Taking cue from the flags of Bharti Kisan Union (BKU) held by the protesters in the image, BOOM reached out to Harinder Kaur Bindu, the Mahila Morcha president of BKU.   Bindu confirmed that the image is from Shaheen Bagh and taken during the anti-CAA protests when BKU members took turns to cook langar for the protesters.  "The BKU members would visit Shaheen Bagh often during January and February this year to cook langar for the protesters.  This is from one such visit.  The elderly people are holding our flag. " While Bindu was not able to identify the woman who has been misidentified as Bansal, she confirmed that it is not from the ongoing farmers protest.   We were also able to independently verify the location of the image and found that it was shot in Shaheen Bagh.     Further, taking cue from Bindu's comments, we looked up the official Facebook page of BKU-Bharti Kisan Union Ekta Ugrahan / ਭਾਰਤੀ ਕਿਸਾਂਨ ਯੁਨੀਅਨ ਏਕਤਾ ਉਗਰਾਹਾਂ and found the same image, which was uploaded on the page on February 10, 2020.    BOOM could not identify the woman in the viral photograph.  However since the photograph was taken during the Shaheen Bagh protests, links of it to the farmers protest are false.


453 new #COVID19 positive cases have been reported from Jammu and Kashmir of 101 from Jammu division and 352 from Kashmir. Total number of cases rise to 15711: J&K Govt https://t.co/Jh4xB8KoIc

Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday recorded nine Covid-related deaths and 608 positive cases, taking the UT’s tally to 15,258, officials said.  The UT has crossed the 15,000 mark in 145 days. Of the new positive cases, 502 are from Kashmir and 106 from Jammu division.  Among these, 87 patients have a travel history to affected regions.  Officials said nine more people had succumbed to the disease, all of them in Kashmir.  With this, the death toll in the UT has risen to 263, with 243 fatalities reported in Kashmir and 20 in Jammu division till date. The UT, particularly Kashmir valley, is witnessing an increase in death toll and infections for the past one month.  As many as 162 people have died in the last 21 days alone.  The J&K government has collected 14,002 samples of labourers arriving at Qazigund toll post between July 14 to 20 for Covid-19 testing.  Of these, as per official sources, 113 non-local labourers have tested positive for the novel coronavirus so far while reports of thousands of people are still awaited.  The influx of labourers has triggered concern among health officials.  They say the influx will stretch the already overburdened health services and infrastructure in the Valley. Kashmir divisional commissioner Pandurang K Pole on Tuesday said all incoming migrant labourers will undergo Covid-19 testing in their respective districts from July 23. Three-member team formed“The laborers will be tested in the respective districts of work,” he said and has directed all DCs to constitute three-member teams and train them for smooth conduct of antigen testing of all laborers. Active cases in the UT stand at 6,540 after 181 more patients recovered on Tuesday.  A government spokesperson said 36 people were discharged in Jammu division and 145 in Kashmir.


#COVID19 | West Bengal records 18,102 new cases, 17,073 discharges and 103 deaths in the last 24 hours

Total cases: 9,16,635
Total recoveries: 7,82,916
Active cases: 1,21,872
Death toll: 11,847 https://t.co/1we4Fze5h0

West Bengal on Tuesday reported its highest single-day deaths of 107 COVID patients taking the toll to 11,744, the health department said in a bulletin. The tally also went up to 8,98,533 after the state recorded its highest one-day spike of 17,639 cases, it said. In the last 24 hours, 16,547 patients recovered from the disease, taking the total number of cured people to 1,06,58,094. Click here for full Covid-19 coverageThe number of active cases has risen to 1,20,946, the bulletin added. Out of the 107 deaths, 53 were due to comorbidities where COVID-19 was incidental.  North 24 Parganas district and Kolkata reported 33 and 31 fresh fatalities respectively.  The remaining deaths were registered in several other districts.  The 17,639 fresh positive cases included 3,954 from North 24 Parganas district and 3,914 from Kolkata, the bulletin said. Since Monday, 57,748 samples were tested in West Bengal for the virus, taking the total number of such tests to 1,06,58,094. The total number of people inoculated in West Bengal on Tuesday was 1,34,819. The inoculation process for people belonging to the 18-44 years age bracket started at two private hospitals in Kolkata on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the state health department dismissed rumours regarding the shortage of Remdesisir and said that companies "should allocate the drug to clinical establishments on the basis of CCU bed strength and the rate of occupancy there". Companies would not be able to sell them to individuals against any doctor's prescription, the department said issuing a similar advisory for the usage of Tocilizumab drug.


Leeds: Indian fans arrive at the stadium in Headingley ahead of India vs Sri Lanka. #INDvSL #CWC19 https://t.co/WWrzJP7oZb

India’s squad for the ICC World Cup 2019 was announced on Monday and majority of the names included in the list of 15 are on expected lines.  The management has gone in with a squad which has tried and tested players, who have been performing consistently for the team in the 50-over format. All-rounder Vijay Shankar was expected to make the squad but to be seen as the choice for the number 4 slot came in as a huge surprise.  The other hotly debated decision was the exclusion of the dynamic wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant as Dinesh Karthik was chosen as the back-up wicket-keeper in the squad. With little over a month to go for the big tournament to begin, let’s take a look at the form guide of the players since January 2018. Virat Kohli The Indian captain has left records and comparisons behind to emerge as one of the greatest run-getters in the history of ODI cricket.  Kohli went past the 10,000-run mark in ODI cricket last year and is the fastest to the landmark by a mile.  The consistency at which he scores centuries in 50-over cricket is another aspect of his game which has stood out since 2016.  Kohli is a player who believes in momentum and good form with the bat rubs off on his captaincy skills as well.  India would hope that their talisman hits top gear early in the tournament. Since Jan 2018 - Matches: 25, Runs: 1813, Average: 90. 65, 50/100: 4/9ALSO READ: India’s reserves for showpiece event revealedRohit SharmaThe India vice-captain has been the team’s second most prolific run-getter in ODIs since January 2018 and is a force to reckon with at the top of the order.  Rohit’s ability to bat deep and get big hundreds has been a hallmark of his meteoric rise as a top order batsman in the 50-over format.  One aspect of the game that Rohit needs to work on is closing out games when chasing, something he can take a leaf out of the book of his skipper. Since Jan 2018 - Matches: 32, Runs: 1586, Average: 58. 74, 50/100: 7/6Shikhar DhawanThe southpaw has been a pivotal figure in India’s campaign in ICC tournaments since 2013 and an in-form Dhawan will be a handful for opposition bowlers.  His record in England in white-ball cricket raises hopes of another tournament full of runs.  What he needs to focus on is a bit of consistency and Dhawan could well be a game-changer for the team. Since Jan 2018 - Matches: 32, Runs: 1317, Average: 43. 90, 50/100: 4/4ALSO READ: Former India skipper not happy with Dinesh Karthik’s selection over Rishabh PantKL RahulPicked in the squad as a back-up opener first and middle order option later, KL Rahul is a batsman who oozes talent and class.  Unfortunately though he has not been able to make the most of opportunities in international cricket in the 50-over format.  Picked up ahead of the Ambati Rayudu, who have a superior record in ODIs, Rahul will look to take his impeccable IPL form into the big tournament and prove his detractors wrong if given an opportunity. Since Jan 2018 - Matches: 4, Runs: 95, Average: 31. 66, 50/100: 1/0MS DhoniMahendra Singh Dhoni has turned the clock back as a batsman this year and that is the biggest positive India is taking into the tournament.  For some years now, Dhoni’s inability to play the big strokes from the word go was causing problems for the team in the slog overs but the former captain has now thrown caution to the winds and is striking it neat and far like the good ol’ days.  Another aspect where Dhoni has regained his consistency is finishing off chases.  Add to that his electric wicket-keeping skills and leadership ability in crunch games, and you have a complete package that captain Kohli can safely rely on. Since Jan 2018 - Innings: 21, Runs: 602, Average: 40. 13, 50/100: 4/0Dinesh KarthikAfter making a stupendous comeback to India colours in the T20 format, Dinesh Karthik found a steady role in the side through last year as a dependable middle order bat.  But the team management’s preference for Rishabh Pant closer to the tournament meant expectations of making it to the squad were low.  But the seasoned campaigner was chosen because of his wicket-keeping skills and a role in the playing XI as a specialist batsman isn’t a likely possibility. Since Jan 2018 - Innings: 10, Runs: 242, Average: 40. 33, 50/100: 0/0ALSO READ: Ambati Rayudu posts cryptic tweet after ICC World Cup 2019 snubKedar JadhavThe pocket-dynamite from Maharashtra has been a match-winner with the bat and ball.  Kedar Jadhav’s ability to guide the team home in difficult chases makes him an invaluable player in the middle order.  He though is not ideal for the finisher’s role when batting first and that is a responsibility which needs to be shared by someone else.  As a part-time bowler, Jadhav has a knack of picking up wickets of top-order batsmen and that is a huge plus for skipper Kohli, who can rely on the off-spinner to come in and change the course of the game. Since Jan 2018 - Innings: 10, Runs: 377, Average: 47. 12, Wickets: 11, Econ: 5. 11Hardik PandyaHardik Pandya has not had a great time since last year, as he was first sidelined due to an injury and then got involved in a controversy (Koffee with Karan), which led to him being out of the Indian team for a while.  Pandya though is back with a bang in the IPL and his form with the bat is encouraging as India needs a player who can go hammer and tongs from ball one.  Could be a match-winner if he keeps a cool head. Since Jan 2018 - Innings: 13, Runs: 129, Average: 18. 42, Wickets: 9, Econ: 5. 48Vijay ShankarThe man who made all the headlines after the squad for the World Cup was announced.  Vijay Shankar’s reputation as a batsman has grown over the past year but he still remains untested in international cricket.  To see him as a number 4 choice was a bold statement by chief selector MSK Prasad.  It will be interesting to see how Shankar is used by captain Kohli and the team management. Since Jan 2018 - Innings: 9, Runs: 165, Average: 33, Wickets: 2, Econ: 5. 61ALSO READ: Virat Kohli’s squad thin on batting, middle-order a concernKuldeep YadavHis rise in international cricket has coincided with the fall from the perch of Ravichandran Ashwin in white-ball cricket.  Kuldeep Yadav’s variations and ability to pick wickets has given India an edge in the 50-over format and the chinaman will be expected to deliver the goods in the World Cup.  He has been the most prolific wicket taker in ODIs over the past 2 years and is an important member of Virat Kohli’s army.  If conditions are hot and dry, then expect Kuldeep to spin a web around opposition batsmen. Since Jan 2018 - Matches: 30, Wickets: 65, Average: 20. 72, Econ: 4. 96, BB: 6/25Yuzvendra ChahalThe leg spinner has often lost out to Kuldeep whenever Virat Kohli had to pick one over the other but Chahal is a wily customer and his ability to keep a lid on runs when not picking wickets often results in a breakthrough from the other end.  Chahal too has been among wickets and scores over Kuldeep when it comes to keeping batsmen quiet. Since Jan 2018 - Matches: 24, Wickets: 45, Average: 24. 33, Econ: 5. 04, BB: 6/42Ravindra JadejaJust like Ravichandran Ashwin, many though Ravindra Jadeja’s chances of making it to the World Cup team were all but over, until he was brought back into the ODI set-up during the Asia Cup.  Jadeja made an immediate impact as he not only picked wickets but also managed to keep the batsmen quiet.  Add to it his fabulous fielding skills and ability to bat lower down the order and Jaddu is a package tailor-made for white ball cricket.  Not the first choice in the playing XI but could make an impact if and when played. Since Jan 2018 - Matches: 15, Runs: 121, Average: 17. 28, Wickets: 19, Econ: 4. 75Jasprit BumrahIndia’s pace spearhead over the last two years across all formats, Jasprit Bumrah will be Virat Kohli’s X-factor in the World Cup.  Bumrah, who has developed a wide repertoire of variations, will hold the key on placid pitches in England, both with the new and old ball.  Kohli can also use him in the middle phase of the innings and Bumrah, over the last two years, has emerged as a bank for the Indian team.  The number 1 bowler in ODI cricket, Bumrah has picked up 29 runs in 19 matches since 2018 at a frugal economy rate of 4. 07.  Can he do what a certain Zaheer Khan did for the Indian side back in 2011? Since Jan 2018 - Matches: 18, Wickets: 29, Average: 21. 03, Econ: 4. 07, BB: 4/35Bhuvneshwar KumarIf Bumrah has the pace and variations, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has accuracy and a relentless ability to keep pegging away outside that off stump.  Also, if conditions do favour him, he can the ball to hoop around, which is a great bonus to have in ODI cricket, when the odds are stacked heavily in favour of the batsmen. Since Jan 2018 - Matches: 24, Wickets: 30, Average: 32. 06, Econ: 5. 28, BB: 4/45Mohammed ShamiThe biggest positive for the Indian side after the Australia Test series has been the form of Mohammed Shami in white ball cricket.  Fast, accurate and decisive, Shami’s form is a massive shot in the arm for Virat Kohli.  Also, his ability to nail Yorkers in the death overs will be a great addition to the Indian arsenal at the World Cup.  Since Jan 2018 - Matches: 13, Wickets: 22, Average: 29. 18, Econ: 5. 45, BB: 3/19