Daily Current Affairs: July 2020

Army commanders to meet again over LAC

Ajay Banerjee
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, July 30

More than two weeks after their last meeting and a deadlocked de-escalation process, Lt General-level commanders of India and China are slated to meet again.

This, even as both sides are taking no chances to let down their guard militarily along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh.

India is mentally ready for a long haul that includes setting up pre-fabricated facilities for housing additional troops that have been rushed in to face the Chinese. Special Indian Air Force flights and helicopters are being pressed into service to carry these pre-fabricated structures.

A meeting of the commanders was held on July 15. It lasted 15 hours. The two sides have met four times since June 6. A meeting was proposed between July 28 and 30, but the plan did not fructify.

A senior functionary said fresh dates for the meeting were being worked out. The aim would be to remind the Chinese that the agreed upon de-escalation schedule must be honoured.

The Tribune was the first to report in its edition dated July 21 that China was dithering on honouring the deal to pull back troops, weapons and equipment.

Since then, India has made it clear that it wants the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China to fully adhere to the agreement on creating a physical buffer zone along the LAC and going back from some specific areas, before any progress could be made. China, despite agreeing to it, has not vacated the area east of Finger-4 on the north bank of Pangong Tso. There are issues of Chinese build-up in the Depsang area, but the prime concern is the Pangong Tso area. The PLA has pulled back its boats from the waters in front of Finger-4, but its troops on ground remain.

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‘Rich’ Sanskrit at primary level

Aditi Tandon
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, July 30

Hailing Sanskrit for its rich body of classical literature, the government is all set to offer the language at all levels of education through schools and colleges.

Read also: A new beginning

The National Education Policy 2020, stressing multilingualism as a force for national integration, provides for introduction of Sanskrit at foundation stage, which covers primary school students, and goes on to recommend the language as a subject till university level.

What it means

The NEP 2020 recommendation on Sanskrit means the language would be offered for learning across all levels of school education by all state school boards and also up to the university level later.

While the new policy retains the long-in-force three-language formula, it provides for it to be implemented from grade 3 through grade 12 instead of the previous system where it was introduced between grades 6 and 8. The policy also allows state governments to sign bilateral agreements to hire teachers for satisfying the three-language formula where two of the three languages have to be Indian languages.

"Sanskrit contains vast treasure of knowledge, written by people of varied religions as well as non-religious people over thousands of years. It will be taught in interesting, experiential and relevant ways," the policy says. Sanskrit textbooks at the foundational and middle school level may be rewritten in "simple standard" Sanskrit to make its study truly enjoyable, it says.

The policy seeks to introduce language learning at the age of two, noting that children pick up languages quickly between ages of two and eight and multilingualism enhances cognitive abilities in young students. Among foreign languages the NEP mentions for offer under the three-language formula are Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, French, German, Spanish or Russian.

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India, China and Russia don’t care for their air, says Trump

Washington, July 30

US President Donald Trump has alleged that India, China and Russia do not take care of their air, while America does, noting that he withdrew from the "one-sided and energy-destroying" Paris climate accord, which would have made it a "non-competitive nation".

Trump, in his address on energy and the Permian Basin in Midland, Texas, on Wednesday, said by imposing these punishing restrictions — and beyond restrictions — "the Washington radical-left, crazy Democrats" would also send countless American jobs, factories and industries to China and to other foreign polluting states.

"They want us to take care of our air, but China doesn't take care of its air. In all fairness, India doesn't take care of its air. Russia doesn't take care of its air. But we do. Not on my watch, it's not going to happen — I can tell you that. Because as long as I'm President, we will always put America first. It's very simple," he said.

"For years and years, we put other countries first, and we now put America first. As we have seen in cities and towns across our nation, it's not just Texas oil that the radical Democrats want to destroy; they want to destroy our country," he said.

Such radical Democrats, he alleged, do not love the country in any way, shape or form.

"There's no respect for the American way of life. There is no way of life ever in history that's been like the great American way of life. There is no respect, but there is by you, and there is by 95 per cent of our people. Our people love our country, and our people love our anthem and they love our flag," he said.

Trump said under the last administration, America's energy industry was under relentless and unceasing attack. "But the day I took the oath of office, we ended the war on American energy and we stopped the far-left assault on American energy workers," he said. — PTI

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Ladakh disengagement not yet complete: MEA

New Delhi, July 30

India today said more meetings at the military level were needed because the process of disengagement of Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) had not been completed.

"We expect that the Chinese side will sincerely work with us for complete disengagement and de-escalation and full restoration of peace and tranquillity in border areas at the earliest," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said at a virtual briefing.

Speaking minutes after the Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong again accused Indian troops of breaking an understanding between military commanders not to transgress the LAC in the Galwan valley, Srivastava said there had been some progress towards disengagement, but the process had not been completed.

The Chinese envoy said Indian troops had been making roads, bridges and infrastructure in the Galwan valley area since April. Following representations from China, India agreed to withdraw its troops and dismantle the infrastructure. On June 15 evening, Indian troops crossed the LAC and attacked Chinese soldiers, leading to a physical clash. — TNS

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3 Assam Rifles men killed in border ambush

Imphal, July 30

Three Assam Rifles personnel were killed and six injured in an attack by suspected militants in Manipur's Chandel district, Army sources said.

The miscreants carried out an IED explosion and opened fire on the Assam Rifles personnel while they were patrolling the Khongtal area in Chandel, near the India-Myanmar border, around 6.30 pm on Wednesday, sources said.

The bodies of three deceased jawans — Havildar Pranay Kalita, Rifleman YM Konyak and Rifleman Ratan Salim — have been sent to Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, Imphal, for autopsy. The injured have been shifted to a military hospital in Manipur's Kangpokpi district.

No outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. "The local administration and intelligence agencies are working to identify the insurgent group that carried out the attack on the patrolling party," said a senior government officer. — Agencies

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Jadhav case: Pak Bench to hear review petition

Islamabad, July 30

The Islamabad High Court on Thursday constituted a two-member Bench to hear a review petition filed by the Pakistan government in the case of retired Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, who is on a death row, reported Pakistani media.

The Bench would take up the plea on Monday. In a unilateral move, Pakistan filed the petition in the IHC on July 22, seeking appointment of a "legal representative" for Jadhav. However, the main parties, including the Government of India, were not consulted ahead of the filing of the application by the Ministry of Law and Justice under an ordinance which was enacted on May 20. — PTI

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4 Navy officers booked over Rs6.76-cr fake bills

New Delhi, July 30

The CBI has booked four Navy officers and 14 others for allegedly generating fake bills amounting to Rs 6.76 crore for supply of IT hardware to the Western Naval Command, officials said.

Captain Atul Kulkarni, Commanders Mandar Godbole and RP Sharma, and Petty Officer LOG (Famp;A) Kuldeep Singh Baghel allegedly prepared seven fraudulent bills of Rs 6.76 crore, they said.

"All these accused naval officers abused their official position to defraud the naval authorities and rob the exchequer of public money, which led to pecuniary gain to themselves," according to the FIR. The probe agency has carried out searches in this connection, sources said.

The bills were allegedly raised between January and March 2016 at the Western Naval Command in Mumbai for supply of Information Technology and networking-related hardware. "None of the items mentioned in the bills was supplied to HQ, WNC (Western Naval Command). No documents pertaining to preparation of the bills i.e. approvals, financial sanction, purchase orders, receipt vouchers, etc. are available at HQ," the FIR said. The agency has also booked four officials of the Controller of Defence Accounts, besides private companies Star Network, ACME Networks, Cyberspace Infovision and Moksh Infosys. — PTI

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Sonia admitted to hospital, will undergo tests

New Delhi, July 30

Congress president Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Thursday for routine tests, hospital authorities said.

She was admitted to the private facility here at 7 pm for "routine tests and investigations", the hospital said in a health bulletin.

"Her condition is currently stable," Dr DS Rana, the chairman of the Board of Management of the hospital, was quoted as saying in the bulletin. Earlier, she chaired a meeting of party Rajya Sabha MPs that went on for more than 3 hours. — TNS

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Record 52K cases; US death toll 1.5L

TNS amp; PTI
New Delhi/Washington, July 30

India registered record 52,123 new Covid-19 cases for the first time and 775 deaths in the past 24 hours, even as the United States recorded over 1,50,000 virus deaths — more than a fifth of the world's recorded fatalities. The US also has over 44,26,000 confirmed cases, making it the world's worst-hit country.

Italy fears 2nd wave

With 200-300 new infections being reported each day, Italy has extended the state of emergency to October 15.

Ayodhya priest +ve

Assistant to the chief priest of Ram Janmabhoomi temple and 16 cops at Ayodhya have tested Covid positive.

While India's caseload touched 15,83,792 and the death toll climbed to 34,968 on Thursday, recoveries rose to 10,20,582. India's average daily recoveries have been steadily rising from an average of 14,852 in the first week of July to 34,230 between July 26 and 30.

OSD to Health Ministry Rajesh Bhushan said testing had also steadily been increased as per the WHO guidelines with collection of 140 samples per 10 lakh people per day. India is testing 324 samples per million per day.

"The WHO guidelines say testing should continue at high levels until the region attains infection positivity rate below 10 per cent and ultimately below 5 per cent," said Bhushan.

Rajasthan, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir had achieved positivity rate of less than 5 per cent. States with positivity rate less than 10 per cent include Jharkhand, Kerala, Assam, Goa, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, he added.

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Herd immunity ‘not an option’

New Delhi, July 30

The government today made it clear that India would have to wait to acquire herd immunity through Covid vaccination and could not look at herd immunity through mass infections as a strategic option or a choice.

OSD to Health Ministry Rajesh Bhushan said herd immunity through the non-vaccination route in which large population has to be infected to become immune to the virus cannot be an option for a country of the size and population of India as it would involve a huge disease and death burden. — TNS

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Coronavirus | Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio goes into home quarantine

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has quarantined himself at his home after a few staffers of his residential complex have tested positive for coro

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/coronavirus-nagaland-cm-neiphiu-rio-goes-into-home-quarantine/article32236412.ece

Brazilian President Bolsonaro says he has 'mold' in lungs

His wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, also tested positive for coronavirus, according to a statement from the presidential palace.

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/brazilian-president-bolsonaro-says-he-has-mold-in-lungs/article32236409.ece

225 COVID-19 cases identified through door-to-door surveillance in Salem

Through the door-to-door surveillance carried out in the Corporation limits as part of COVID-19 preventive measures, health officials identified 225 C

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/225-covid-19-cases-identified-through-door-to-door-surveillance-in-salem/article32235376.ece

Online classes begin for students of Classes 10 and 12

Whatsapp groups organised for each subject and each section provide information on the schedule and the syllabus of the classes in advance

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/online-classes-begin-for-students-of-classes-10-and-12/article32235364.ece

Investments in gold coins up with increasing prices in Coimbatore

The demand for jewellery is less

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/investments-in-gold-coins-up-with-increasing-prices-in-coimbatore/article32235348.ece

Coronavirus | Religious places in Rajasthan will open from September 1

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot reviewed the COVID-19 situation in the State.

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-religious-places-in-rajasthan-will-open-from-september-1/article32235221.ece

3 more Ministers inducted into Himachal Cabinet

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday expanded his Cabinet by inducting three more Ministers. Governor Bandaru Dattatreya adminis

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/3-more-ministers-inducted-into-himachal-cabinet/article32235148.ece

NEP evokes mixed reactions from academicians

While some refer to reforms as groundbreaking, others caution that ‘the devil lies in details’

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nep-evokes-mixed-reactions-from-academicians/article32235112.ece

HC issues summons to HP Inc. on ex-employee’s plea

He had claimed that his services were ‘wrongfully terminated’ after he became a whistleblower

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/hc-issues-summons-to-hp-inc-on-ex-employees-plea/article32234998.ece

Soldier injured in militant attack in Pulwama

A soldier was injured in a militant attack in south Kashmir’s Pulwama on Thursday.An Army spokesman said an Army vehicle, part of an area domination p

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/soldier-injured-in-militant-attack-in-pulwama/article32234950.ece

She turned 6 last week. Everyone still thinks she's a kitten.

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Covid: China's new cases highest since Mar

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S&P dips on worries about earnings, data, elections

The S&P 500 and Dow closed lower on Thursday after data painted a worrying economic picture on a crucial day for corporate earnings reports, while President Donald Trump exacerbated investor nervousness by floating the possibility of delaying the U.S. presidential election.The main earnings focus on Thursday was on reports from high-flyers including Apple Inc, Google parent Alphabet Inc and Facebook Inc and Amazon.com Inc .After the bell, shares in Facebook rose 8% and Amazon climbed 6% following their reports while Alphabet climbed 2%.Investors also worried about the expiration of enhanced employment benefits on Friday as U.S. Congress was no closer to a deal on Thursday to extend or replace the extra $600-per-week in payments to tens of millions thrown out of work by the coronavirus.Early in the day second-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data showed the U.S. economy suffered its steepest contraction since the Great Depression, as business activity came to a halt due to lockdowns aimed at fighting the pandemic.Also jobless claims rose last week, adding to signs the momentum of economic recovery has slowed as coronavirus cases spiraled in southern and western U.S. states.Shortly after the data, Trump, raised the idea of a delay in elections. The idea was immediately rejected by both Democrats and his fellow Republicans in Congress, the branch of government with the power to make that change.But the S&P gained ground as the day wore on and closed well above its session low, which was reached at 1000 EDT (1400 GMT).The market stabilized after "opening the front hall closet and all the stuff comes tumbling out," said Carol Schleif, deputy chief investment officer, Abbot Downing in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She cited the stimulus battle along with election uncertainty on top of weak data and earnings angst.After the initial knee-jerk reaction, Schleif said, people stepped back and focused on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's assurance on Wednesday that the central bank would "do whatever it takes" to support the economy."You open the door it comes piling out, you're frightened and then you settle down and start picking stuff up and putting it back where it belongs," she said.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 225.92 points, or 0.85%, to 26,313.65, the S&P 500 lost 12.22 points, or 0.38%, to 3,246.22 and the Nasdaq Composite added 44.87 points, or 0.43%, to 10,587.81.The market had gained ground on Wednesday even after the Fed also said a surge in virus cases was likely stalling the recovery, which will depend significantly on the virus path.Of the S&P 500's 11 major sectors energy, materials , financials and lagged the most. Technology consumer discretionary and communications services were the only sectors to eke out small gains.The tech-heavy Nasdaq was boosted by Qualcomm Inc, up 15%, after the chipmaker forecast fourth-quarter revenue largely above estimates.But investors were anxious about earnings from the Nasdaq's so called four horsemen - Apple and Amazon, Alphabet and Facebook. Apple was the last to report of the companies which have a combined market value of about $5 trillion."When you have a big earnings day you're going to have volatility in the market," said Joe Saluzzi, co-manager of trading at Themis Trading in Chatham, New Jersey.Still Wall Street's main indexes were headed for their fourth monthly gain in a row, with the benchmark S&P 500 only about 4% below its February record high."The markets have over the past several months been detached from reality and are being fueled by Fed buying and positive momentum," said Phil Toews, chief executive officer of Toews Corp in New York.United Parcel Service Inc, up 14.4%, soared following its quarterly results.Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by a 1.89-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 1.24-to-1 ratio favored decliners.The S&P 500 posted 30 new 52-week highs and no new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 95 new highs and 27 new lows.On U.S. exchanges 10.1 billion shares changed hands compared with the 10.47 billion average for the last 20 sessions.

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France cements its place as key ally

Sandeep Dikshit

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 29

Five Rafale fighter jets that landed today at Ambala do not constitute even half a squadron. But their delivery once again brings back the spotlight on France which has remained India's trusted partner through the Cold War and beyond.

Just two years after India's Independence and a year before US President Dwight Eisenhower's "Atoms for Peace" speech that opened the doors for multi-country civil nuclear collaboration, France and India had collaborated in a project to extract thorium from monazite sand. It was a dead-end, but it in turn led to a partnership that lasted till India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974.

A Step towards stronger maritime partnership

While more Rafale jets will keep arriving and some may be assembled here, the ties between French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi may eventually lead to a stronger partnership in the maritime domain, especially in the Western Indian Ocean, where the Chinese threat is looming and the US is lukewarm about partnering with India.

But when India conducted its second nuclear test in 1998, Russia and France were the only major powers that did not succumb this time to the Anglo-US pressure to cancel military and security exchanges.

A year later, France made emergency supplies of ammunition during the Kargil War that was used by Mirage planes for accurate and debilitating strikes on Pakistani sangars on steep mountainsides. However, French military machines were doing yeoman service for the Indian armed forces much before the Mirages arrived. The Cheetah and the Chetak that feed and equip Indian soldiers in forbidding heights are also of French origin. However, military ties began just seven years after Independence. Over 100 Mystere fighter jets from France that joined the Indian Air Force were able to match the American Starfighters in dogfights during the 1965 Indo-Pak War.

While more Rafale will keep arriving and some may eventually be assembled here, the close personal ties between French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi may lead to a stronger partnership in the maritime domain, especially in the western Indian Ocean where the Chinese threat is looming and the US is lukewarm about partnering with India.

India and France have trodden that path before. Paris had helped install two listening stations on India's western coast. These were to be linked with similar ones in Iran and France for a comprehensive coverage of the western Indian Ocean. But the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran ended that initiative.

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Rafale home, mega boost for air power

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 29

Sukhoi Escort amp; Water Cannon Salute

Two Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets escort 5 Rafales into India
Rafales get water cannon salute on landing in Ambala at 3.10 pm
These will be inducted into No. 17 Squadron, the 'Golden Arrows'
Rs59,000-cr aircraft deal was inked in 2016 for 36 Rafales
5 still in France for training; all 36 to arrive by 2023

Around 3 pm when the first lot of Rafale fighter jets touched down at the Indian Air Force base, Ambala, on Wednesday, it marked an incremental increase in the arc of operations and capability to strike.

The five jets, part of the 36 ordered from Dassault Aviation of France, arrived to a rousing welcome. They are the first step to building up the IAF strength to 42 fighter jet squadrons (16-18 jets in each). The IAF currently has 31 squadrons, including five with MiG-21s, which should have been ideally decommissioned by now.

The Indian forces assess a need for 42 squadrons (some 18 planes in each) to tackle a two-front war with Pakistan and China simultaneously. The remaining 31 Rafales will be delivered progressively till May 2023 or over the next 34 months. Also, 20 LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Tejas will be inducted over the next two years, which will be added to the existing fleet of 20 Tejas fighters.

Besides the Rafales and Tejas, the IAF will be looking for 230 other jets to make good the shortfall.

As an immediate measure, India has gone back to its long-standing military ally Russia to order an additional 33 fighter jets. These will include 21 MiG 29, adding to the existing fleet of 59 jets. The purchase and the upgrade of the existing fleet will cost Rs 7,418 crore ($1billion approx). In addition, New Delhi is buying 12 Sukhoi 30 MKI. India has a sanction from Russia for licensed production of 272 such jets. The additional 12 fighters will meet the immediate shortages and make up for those that have crashed over the past decade.

Will protect territorial integrity

The new capability must be worrying those who want to threaten our territorial integrity. —Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister

A part of the 230-jet requirement will be met by the 83 Tejas Mark1A fighters, which will come with 43 improvements over the existing Tejas. The order is expected to be placed by the end of the year, sources said.

The IAF has expressed an interest to procure another 114 fighter jets under the "strategic partnership" model. In the race for this tender are the Lockheed Martin's F-21, Boeing's F/A-18IN, Eurofighter Typhoon, French Dassault's Rafale, Swedish Saab's Gripen and Russian MiG-35 and Sukhoi 35. But not much has moved on the procurement front.

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10 plus 2 goes, no rigid separation of streams

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 29

The government today approved landmark reforms to school and college education to prepare Indian students for a 21st century world where critical thinking will determine the future of nations.

The National Policy on Education (NPE)-2020 approved by the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi replaces a 34-year-old policy and bids farewell to rote learning. The focus is on new curricular structures to inculcate scientific temper and mathematical thinking in students; allow multiple entry and exit across higher education levels; establish a single higher education regulator replacing UGC, AICTE and NCTE; cap fees in colleges and universities; expand school education to cover 3 to 6-year-olds; and end rigid separation of arts-science and curricular and extracurricular streams at school.

A major decision also is to rename HRD Ministry as the Ministry of Education.

The NPE-2020 makes school education compulsory from 3 years through "early childhood care and education" (ECCE) component for which the NCERT will draft a play-based curriculum. Children aged 3 to 6 years are currently covered by informal anganwaris under the Women and Child Development Ministry.

The new policy replaces 10+2 curricular structure with 5+3+3+4 system corresponding to ages 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years, respectively.

"Three years of pre-primary (covering 3 to 6-year-old) will have an NCERT play- based curriculum focused on foundational literacy; classes 6 to 8 will see subject introduction with multi-disciplinary approach; in classes 9 to 12 there will be no separations between arts and sciences or curricular and extracurricular activities, vocational or academic streams, as we see today. Students can study physics with fashion designing and baking with chemistry. There will be full flexibility," Secretary, School Education, Anita Karwal said, adding that the curriculum will be limited to essential concepts so that children have the time to think and learn. Here the curricular structure is fashioned on the western model of play-based creative learning.

NPE 2020 also introduces coding and vocational courses from Grade 6 at school to ensure each student would have learnt one vocational skill by the time he leaves school. "The new school curriculum and teacher training curriculum will be drafted and the focus would be scientific temper and mathematical thinking," Karwal said. Students will also have the option of self-assessment in a new report card scheme the NPE 2020 provides.

In an ambitious goal, NPE 2020 seeks to expand access to higher education for 50 per cent of high school students by 2035 as against 26.3 pc in 2018.

It allows multiple entry and exits across college through academic credit banks. This means if a student wants to opt out of college after two years of study he can do so and when he returns within a specific time to resume studies, he won't need to repeat the previous two years.

HRD is now edu ministry

National Research Foundation on lines of US National Science Foundation
Single regulator for higher institutions; multiple entry, exit options in degree courses
MPhil discontinued; low-stakes board exams
Common entrance exams for varsities, colleges
Regional language medium of instruction up to Class V
e-courses in 8 languages
Public investment to be raised from 4.43 to 6 pc GDP

Greater Flexibility

5+3+3+4 school curriculum to replace 10+2 system
Formal schooling for kids aged 3 to 6; foundational stage (3-8 year olds) to have play-based learning
Preparatory stage (8-11 years) will see experiential learning
Middle stage (11-14 years) to see subject-oriented learning
Secondary stage (14-18 year olds) will have no separation of streams
Coding and vocational courses from Class VI

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44 nodal officers to crack down on terror-funding

New Delhi, July 29

As many as 44 senior officers of the Central, state and Union Territory governments, besides entities like the RBI and SEBI, have been designated as the nodal authority for seizure of funds and other financial assets held by those supporting or engaged in terrorism, officials said on Wednesday. According to an official memorandum, the nodal officers were designated for the implementation of Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act ( UAPA), 1967.

Section 51A of the UAPA says that for the prevention of, and for coping with terror activities, the Central Government shall have power to: (a) freeze, seize or attach funds and other financial assets or economic resources held by, on behalf of or at the direction of the individuals or entities listed in the Schedule to the Order, or any other person engaged in or suspected to be engaged in terrorism.

(b) Prohibit any individual or entity from making any funds, financial assets or economic resources or related services available for the benefit of the individuals or entities listed in the Schedule to the Order or any other person engaged in or suspected to be engaged in terrorism.

UAPA sec 51a: Power to freeze assets

Section 51A of the UAPA says that for the prevention of, and for coping with terror activities, the Central Government shall have power to freeze, seize or attach funds and other financial assets or economic resources held by, on behalf of or at the direction of the individuals or entities listed in the Schedule to the Order, or any other person engaged in or suspected to be engaged in terrorism.

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Rhea moves Supreme Court; seeks transfer of FIR to Mumbai

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 29

The controversy surrounding the unnatural death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput reached the Supreme Court on Wednesday with actress Rhea Chakraborty filing a petition seeking transfer of an FIR lodged against her in Patna to Mumbai, where probe into his death was on.

This follows filing of a police complaint by Rajput's father KK Singh in Patna against Chakraborty and six others, including her family members, accusing them of abetting the actor's suicide.

Chakraborty has also sought a stay on probe by Bihar Police on the FIR lodged by Rajput's father till disposal of her petition by the Supreme Court.

Rajput (34) was found hanging from the ceiling of his apartment in suburban Bandra in Mumbai on June 14 and since then the Mumbai Police have been probing the case keeping in mind various angles.

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At 2.23%, Covid mortality rate lowest since April

New Delhi, July 29

India's Covid fatality rate today dropped to 2.23 per cent, touching the lowest level since April 1 even as cases crossed 15 lakh and recoveries neared 10 lakh. Overall, the Covid cases today touched 15,31,669, just two days after crossing the 14-lakh mark. Over the last 24 hours, 48,513 fresh cases have been reported.

The death rate has been declining progressively with 35,286 patients getting discharged in the last 24 hours and the total recoveries rising to 9,88,029. The recovery rate has reached a high of 64.51 per cent amongst Covid patients.

With consistent improvement in recoveries, the gap between recovered patients and active cases now stands at 4,78,582.

Meanwhile, with 4,08,855 samples tested in the last 24 hours, the cumulative testing has crossed 1.77 crore. — TNS

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Fresh petition against green nod to Vista project

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed filing of a fresh petition against the environmental clearance given to the Central Vista project that has already been under challenge before it. A Bench headed by Justice AM Khanwilkar allowed senior advocate Shyam Divan to file within a week a fresh plea. TNS

Centre to release Qayoom forthwith

New Delhi: The government on Wednesday agreed to immediately release Kashmir Bar Association president Mian Abdul Qayoom, who has been in detention since nullification of Article 370 on August 5 last year. However, he will remain in the national capital till August 7 and will not issue any public statements till then. TNS

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India to keep engagement with China-led banks

New Delhi, July 29

While the Centre is unlikely to provide China with investment and trade opportunities similar to the last six years, it has not tried to sign off China-led lending institutions after the Galwan valley clash of June 15.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended the annual meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) through video-conferencing. Chinese President Xi Jinping was the star speaker at the meeting. Speaking at a roundtable, Sitharaman indicated India's desire to borrow more from AIIB by asking it to fast-track financial assistance of about $10 billion to its member countries, including India, to combat Covid-19 pandemic.

In May, India had taken a $500 million Covid project from AIIB. It also borrowed $1 billion from the Shanghai-based New Development Bank. — TNS

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/2X97W6l

Governor agrees to Rajasthan session from Aug 14

Jaipur/New Delhi, July 29

The deadlock over convening the Rajasthan Assembly ended today with Governor Kalraj Mishra agreeing to call a session from August 14. This came hours after the Ashok Gehlot Cabinet sent a fourth proposal to the Governor for summoning the session on August 14. This met the 21-day notice requirement on which the Governor was insisting, it said. The government had earlier asked for a July 31 session.

The Governor had turned down three earlier proposals, saying the government should state that it planned to hold a vote of confidence if it wanted the House summoned at short notice. Meanwhile, the Speaker has filed a fresh plea in the SC challenging the HC's July 24 order asking him to maintain status quo on the disqualification proceedings against 19 rebel Congress MLAs. — TNS amp; PTI

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/3hNCcf1

MLAs loyal to Pilot shift to 3rd resort

Sumedha Sharma

Tribune News Service

Gurugram, July 29

Rajasthan MLAs loyal to Sachin Pilot have reportedly shifted to a third luxury resort in Manesar — Heritage Village Resort amp; Spa. They have changed their cellphones to evade the Rajasthan SOG.

A three-tier security is in place outside the resort.

Sources said the SOG, which had been denied access to the rebel MLAs, was able to trace them through their social media updates and by intercepting calls of a resort employee to his family.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan DGP BS Yadav has shot off a letter to his Haryana counterpart, seeking cooperation in the investigation of cases filed against the 'hiding'MLAs.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/3jUwnyc

U.S. Congressional committee passes bill to promote Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr’s legacies

A key Congressional committee on Wednesday passed a bill, written by civil rights icon John Lewis, to promote the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Mart

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-congressional-committee-passes-bill-to-promote-mahatma-gandhi-martin-luther-king-jrs-legacies/article32227354.ece

Academicians hail new education policy

Academicians in the educational hub of Tirupati are all praise for the new National Education Policy (NEP), formulated by the committee headed by K. K

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/academicians-hail-new-education-policy/article32227333.ece

‘Revoke punitive action taken against government staff

Members of Joint Action Committee of Tamil Nadu Teachers Organisation-Government Employees Organisation (JACTTO-GEO) sought the revoking of punitive a

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/revoke-punitive-action-taken-against-government-staff/article32226469.ece

Hummingbird is a bit confused by a guy's hat

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COVID-19 death toll in US surpasses 150,000

from Economic Times https://ift.tt/337sDUb

Nothing to see here, just a turle sleeping on a cat

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hamster with blow-dryer

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Ratatouille anyone?

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Activists stage protest demanding probe into atrocities against Dalits

Activists of the Kula Vivaksha Porata Sangam(KVPS) and Dappu Artistes Association staged a demonstration in front of the statue of Dalit icon Dr. B.R.

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/activists-stage-protest-demanding-probe-into-atrocities-against-dalits/article32217898.ece

Facebook’s Zuckerberg to defend company before U.S. Congress by listing competitors

Zuckerberg's written testimony argues that the social media company became successful “the American way by starting out with nothing and providing products that people find valuable.

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/facebooks-zuckerberg-to-defend-company-before-us-congress-by-listing-competitors/article32217652.ece

Notice to State on plea questioning seat reservation in NLSIU

The High Court of Karnataka has ordered issue of notice to the State government on a petition filed by a 17-year-old student questioning constitutiona

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/notice-to-state-on-plea-questioning-seat-reservation-in-nlsiu/article32217072.ece

Virus curbs tightened over fears of a second wave

More than 100,000 deaths have been recorded since July 9 and the global toll has doubled in just over two months.

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/virus-curbs-tightened-over-fears-of-a-second-wave/article32217053.ece

Horse trading: What moral ground you have to question BJP, H.D. Kumaraswamy asks Congress

Haven’t you lured all BSP MLAs who supported the Congress in Rajasthan, asks Karnataka former Chief Minister

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/horse-trading-what-moral-ground-you-have-to-question-bjp-hd-kumaraswamy-asks-congress/article32216830.ece

Mumbai: 57% slum residents have had COVID-19

from Economic Times https://ift.tt/2Djl8yo

Wall Street falls as pandemic hurts consumer confidence and earnings; stimulus plan underwhelms

Wall Street closed lower on Tuesday as investors fretted about weakening consumer confidence, disappointing financial results and as investors worried about wrangling in the U.S. Congress over a coronavirus aid plan.Weighing heavily on the Dow were industrial conglomerate 3M Co, down 4.8%, after it reported a second-quarter plunge in demand across its businesses and McDonald's Corp, which fell 2.5%, after a surprisingly big drop in global same-store sales.Data released in the morning showed U.S. consumer confidence ebbed in July as coronavirus infections flared up across the country.As they waited on a stimulus package agreement and for quarterly reports in one of the busiest weeks in earnings season, investors were also anticipating the U.S. Federal Reserve's Wednesday wrap-up of its two day policy meeting."It's probably not a bad place to take some profits and rebuild some liquidity because any of those three events could lead to volatility," said Sameer Samana, Senior Global Market Strategist at Wells Fargo Investment Institute in St. Louis.Samana said "its going to be very hard for the Fed to surprise on the positive side."Meanwhile, Florida reported a record one-day rise in coronavirus deaths, and cases in Texas passed the 400,000 mark, stoking fears the United States was losing control of the outbreak.Mark Luschini, chief investment strategist at Janney Montgomery Scott in Philadelphia, called the consumer survey "unsettling" evidence that "individuals are increasingly concerned about the recent surge in coronavirus impacting their finances and their mobility."Feeding the fears, members of congress were sparring over a $1 trillion aid proposal from Senate Republicans announced on Monday, four days before millions of Americans lose unemployment benefits."There has to be tremendous compromise from both parties to get to some agreement," Luschini said, noting a congressional recess scheduled for August adds deadline pressure."It's particularly critical at this time since the market is really feeding off the largess that's been expended by fiscal and monetary authorities," he said.The indexes lost further ground late in the session after U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said no coronavirus bill would be brought to the senate floor without legal liability protections for corporations, a measure opposed by the Democratic majority in the House of RepresentativesThe Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 205.49 points, or 0.77%, to 26,379.28, the S&P 500 lost 20.97 points, or 0.65%, to 3,218.44 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 134.18 points, or 1.27%, to 10,402.09.Materials, energy and consumer discretionary were the biggest percentage decliners of the S&P's 11 major sectors. Defensive real estate, utilities and consumer staples sectors were the only gainers.Another focus this week is results from Wall Street's trillion-dollar market value companies - Apple Inc, Amazon.com Inc and Alphabet Inc - as well as Facebook Inc.Of the S&P 500 companies that have reported earnings so far this quarter, about 80% surpassed significantly lowered profit forecasts, according to Refinitiv IBES data.Pfizer Inc shares rose 3.9% after it raised its full-year forecast a day after it announced a pivotal global study to evaluate a COVID-19 vaccine candidate.Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by a 1.25-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 1.97-to-1 ratio favored decliners.The S&P 500 posted 25 new 52-week highs and no new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 56 new highs and 22 new lows.On U.S. exchanges 9.28 billion shares changed hands compared with the 10.56 billion average for the last 20 sessions.

from Economic Times https://ift.tt/3hLZ6Ug

My grandma had a 10th birthday party for her dog.

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US presidential election | Joe Biden promises economic policies to fight racial inequity

The former Vice-President assailed Mr. Trump for his responses to the pandemic and U.S. protests over racial inequity.

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-presidential-election-joe-biden-promises-economic-policies-to-fight-racial-inequity/article32217127.ece

HC seeks report in Tenkasi farmer’s death case

Alleging that her husband was tortured by the Forest Department personnel in the name of inquiry, she sought a CB-CID probe.

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/cbi/article32217014.ece

Restrict troop movement in Mizoram to prevent COVID spread, says MP

Lalrosanga writes to Amit Shah as security forces personnel account for 46% of positive cases in the State

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/restrict-troop-movement-in-mizoram-to-prevent-covid-spread-says-mp/article32216808.ece

Bi-weekly lockdown in West Bengal extended till Aug. 31

Schools, colleges to remain closed

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kolkata/bi-weekly-lockdown-in-west-bengal-extended-till-aug-31/article32216791.ece

Odisha man appoints district collector as nominee of savings

A man in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district has appointed the district collector as the nominee for his savings, in an act of contributing to the society

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/odisha-man-appoints-district-collector-as-nominee-of-savings/article32216780.ece

Baghjan blowout: panel faults OIL on safety

‘Exploration major operated without consent’

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/baghjan-blowout-panel-faults-oil-on-safety/article32216308.ece

Mahesh Raut shows symptoms of COVID-19, moves HC for a test

The youngest accused in the Bhima Koregaon case, Mahesh Raut, 33, moved the Bombay High Court on Tuesday seeking a direction for a COVID-19 test as he

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mahesh-raut-shows-symptoms-of-covid-19-moves-hc-for-a-test/article32216690.ece

Coronavirus | Punjab sees 19 covid deaths; Haryana 9

The Health department said the active cases are 4,290 and 9,752 patients have so far been cured.

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/coronavirus-punjab-sees-19-covid-deaths-haryana-9/article32216631.ece

On its foundation day, PDP leaders calls August 5 a “black day”

In a joint statement, they vow to fight for restoring the honour and dignity of the people of J&K

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-its-foundation-day-pdp-leaders-calls-august-5-a-black-day/article32216572.ece

Cannot settle for less than restoration of J&K’s special status, says NC leader

Ruhullah resigns as party spokesperson

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/cannot-settle-for-less-than-restoration-of-jks-special-status-says-nc-leader/article32216304.ece

West Bengal Governor takes exception to CM’s remarks

In the letter he has also raised allegations at the “police in the State have finger in every pie — and this does not augur well for democracy”

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/west-bengal-governor-takes-exception-to-cms-remarks/article32216536.ece

Policeman stabs man’s forehead with bike key

A policeman jabbed a key into the forehead of a man after an argument over not wearing a helmet, in Rudrapur area of Uttarakhand late on Monday evenin

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/policeman-stabs-mans-forehead-with-bike-key/article32215217.ece

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Smol kitty

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A senior citizen care facility that really cares.

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47 more Chinese apps ‘blocked’

New Delhi, July 27

The government has banned 47 more Chinese apps, taking the total number of mobile applications banned for being prejudicial to sovereignty, integrity and defence of the country, to 106, said sources.

Sources said the 47 additional Chinese apps that had been banned now were clones and variants of the apps that were blocked earlier. An order to this effect was issued on Friday, sources added.

The list of additional apps that have been banned was not immediately available, and there is no official word on the matter yet. — PTI

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/306CGa9

Pakistan bid to turn gurdwara into mosque, India lodges protest

New Delhi, July 27

India today lodged a strong protest with the Pakistan High Commission over reported attempts to convert a famous gurdwara at Naulakha Bazaar in Lahore into a mosque, a spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

"A strong protest was lodged with the Pakistan High Commission on the reported incident whereby Gurdwara 'Shahidi Asthan', the site of the martyrdom of Bhai Taru Singh ji at Naulakha Bazaar in Lahore, has been claimed as the place of Masjid Shahid Ganj and attempts are being made to convert it into a mosque,"

MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

He said India had expressed its concerns and called upon Pakistan to investigate the matter and take immediate remedial measures. "Pakistan has been called upon to look after the safety, security and well-being of its minority communities, including the protection of their religious rights," he added. — PTI

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/3hID5FS

Daily cases rise by nearly 50K, but fatality rate dips to 2.28%

New Delhi, July 27

The country's Covid case count today climbed to 14,35,453, riding on a daily rise of 49,931 new infections even as recoveries went up to 9,17,567 and death rate dipped to 2.28 per cent.

The toll from the disease is now 32,771 with 708 fatalities over 24 hours. Out of the total caseload, there are 4,85,114 active cases and over 9 lakh recoveries, taking the cure rate to 63.92 per cent.

The cases rose by over 45,000 for the fifth day today but the good news is that recoveries also rose by over 30,000 for the fourth straight day. The testing capacity is rising gradually with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) cumulative sample testing figure touching 1,68,06,803 with over 5.15 lakh samples tested in a day, in a record high.

The fatality rate is 2.28 per cent, one of the lowest worldwide. The death rate was 2.43 per cent on July 21 and 3.36 per cent on June 17.

"Over 24 hours, there were 31,991 recoveries. The recovery rate is nearing 64 per cent. As a result of low mortality and more recoveries, the recovered cases exceed the active cases by 4,32,453 today. Medical attention continues to be provided to all active cases in hospitals and home settings," said the Health Ministry. — TNS

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Ventilators, Covid kits from France on way to India

New Delhi, July 27

France has announced that it will donate high-end ventilators and test kits to India. A French Air Force plane will deliver these on Tuesday.

An expert medical mission on inter-hospital transfers of extremely critical cases will also arrive by the same plane.

In fact, the main focus of the French aid is to enable safe transfer of critically ill Covid patients. The matter was discussed in a letter President of France Emmanuel Macron wrote last week to PM Narendra Modi, said the Embassy of France in a news statement. — TNS

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/2EqFSoI

Private schools collecting fee from students’ homes

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Mahendragarh, July 27

Unable to pay staff salaries amid the Covid lockdown, some private schools in Narnaul are learnt to have told their teachers to visit houses of their students to collect fee so as to get their pending dues cleared.

The visits are being made on the pretext of checking homework even as the number of Covid cases have been spiralling in the district.

Some parents have even clicked pictures while paying fee to the teachers to keep it as "proof". A few such photos have gone viral on social media.

A lawyer whose grandson studies at a prominent school in Narnaul says a female teacher came to their residence and requested for the fee. "I gave her Rs 5,400. What could have we done when the school authorities reached our doorstep and asked for money!" he says.

Another parent, who has a relative employed as a teacher in a reputed school of the area, says the managements have made it clear to their staff that collecting fee from home is the only way left to secure salaries.

Anil Kaushik, president of Progressive Private Schools Association, Narnaul, confirms such a trend is prevailing in the town.

"Teachers visiting students at their houses for fee is not only setting a wrong precedent, but also poses risk of Covid spread. The schools promoting such a practice must mend their ways," adds Kaushik.

A school owner, however, justifies the move claiming they too have been hit hard by Covid.

"Forget profit, we have been struggling to pay salaries to our staff. Whatever savings we had have been exhausted. The government expects us to clear salaries, but turns a deaf ear when we appeal for relaxation in taxes and bills," he maintains.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/3jHeS4B

US to deliver sub-hunting helicopters early next year

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 27

The delivery of US-made submarine hunting helicopter, MH 60-R, will commence early next year. The deal for 24 copters was announced in February. These will form the front-end of tracking the growing presence of Chinese submarines in the Indian Ocean.

William L Blair, Vice-President and Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin India, told The Tribune, "The sale is under the foreign military sales route. The US is working to accelerate the delivery timing. We will be able to do it and intend to start deliveries early next year."

On being asked whether India has an urgency to get the copters due to the ongoing tension with China and resultant pressure in the Indian Ocean, Blair said, "I share the same sense of urgency. The contract was signed in February. This will be a record speed for delivery."

US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a joint press conference this year to announce the copter deal.

Militarily, an anti-submarine warfare-capable helicopter like MH 60-R, with its sea-dunking sonars, is a preferred platform for detecting a submarine. The Indian requirements comprise spare engines, specific missiles and Mk-54 torpedoes among others.

Blair added that his company was looking to move the wing assembly of its famous F-16 fighter jets to Hyderabad. "We have started tooling (at the plant) and later this year we should be on track," he added.

On progress, Kurt Knust, who heads the F-21 fighter jet programme for Lockheed Martin, said, "We have done desktop analysis on 400 companies and on-ground analysis with 200 companies." The F-21, a single-engine jet, is in the race for the 114 jet tender of the IAF.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/32ZDYFK

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Infrastructure push will spur growth: RBI Governor

New Delhi, July 27

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das today assured the industry that the central bank was closely monitoring the economic situation and would not hesitate to take appropriate action, as he underlined the need for stepping up investment in the infrastructure sector to reignite growth hit by the Covid-19 crisis.

Expressways, high-speed rail corridors needed

This (infra push) could begin in the form of north-south and east-west expressways together with high-speed rail corridors, both of which would generate large forward and backward linkages for several other sectors of the economy. —Shaktikanta Das, RBI Governor

Addressing members of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Das said a big push to certain targeted mega infrastructure projects could spur economy, as was done by the Golden Quadrilateral project in the past.

"This could begin in the form of north-south and east-west expressways together with high-speed rail corridors, both of which would generate forward and backward linkages for other sectors of economy and regions around the rail/road networks. Both public and private investment would be key to financing such projects," he said.

Noting that the progress made on physical infrastructure in the country over the past five years needs to be viewed as no less than a dynamic shift, he said India would need around $4.5 trillion for investment in infrastructure by 2030, as per NITI Aayog. — PTI

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/332heVQ

Gehlot petitions President, dials PM Modi

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 27

Rajasthan is staring at a constitutional crisis with the ruling Congress today petitioning President Ram Nath Kovind for intervention after Governor Kalraj Mishra returned the state Cabinet's proposal to summon an Assembly session for the second time in a week.

The Congress Legislature Party in Rajasthan submitted a detailed representation to the President urging him to direct Governor Mishra to perform his constitutional duty by calling the House as advised by the state government.

The Congress also mounted a massive political offensive against Mishra and the ruling BJP today with CM Ashok Gehlot speaking to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue and three former law ministers Ashwani Kumar, Kapil Sibal and Salman Khurshid writing to the Governor, saying that "delay in convening the session has resulted in a constitutional impasse" and urging him to "immediately call a session". They told Mishra that any deviation from the established constitutional principles in the matter would mean "negation of his oath of office and will create constitutional crisis".

Earlier today, the Governor returned the Cabinet proposal for a session, asking categorically if the government wanted to take a floor test, in which case the session could be called at a short notice. The Governor added that for a routine session, a 21-day notice to MLAs was mandatory. He also said in his letter to the Cabinet that the government should agree to telecast the House proceedings live should there be a floor test.

If you want floor test, say so: Mishra

Governor Kalraj Mishra returned the Cabinet proposal, asking if the government wanted to take a floor test, in which case the session could be called at short notice. For routine session, a 21-day notice to MLAs was mandatory, he said.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/3jK2cK4

Pakistan bid to turn gurdwara into mosque, India lodges protest

New Delhi, July 27

MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/3hID5FS

47 more Chinese apps ‘blocked’

New Delhi, July 27

The government has banned 47 more Chinese apps, taking the total number of mobile applications banned for being prejudicial to sovereignty, integrity and defence of the country, to 106, said sources.

Sources said the 47 additional Chinese apps that had been banned now were clones and variants of the apps that were blocked earlier. An order to this effect was issued on Friday, sources added.

The list of additional apps that have been banned was not immediately available, and there is no official word on the matter yet. — PTI

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/306CGa9

Daily cases rise by nearly 50K, but fatality rate dips to 2.28%

New Delhi, July 27

The country's Covid case count today climbed to 14,35,453, riding on a daily rise of 49,931 new infections even as recoveries went up to 9,17,567 and death rate dipped to 2.28 per cent.

The fatality rate is 2.28 per cent, one of the lowest worldwide. The death rate was 2.43 per cent on July 21 and 3.36 per cent on June 17.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/306CF65

Speaker withdraws plea from top court

New Delhi, July 27

In a new twist to the Rajasthan political drama, Assembly Speaker on Monday withdrew his petition before the Supreme Court against the July 21 state high court order restraining him from going ahead with disqualification proceedings against 19 rebel Congress MLAs.

A three-judge Bench allowed Rajasthan Speaker CP Joshi to withdraw his petition. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing him, said after the July 24 order of the high court, the July 21 interim order under challenge had become infructuous. "We will weigh our legal options on what to do next," Sibal told the Bench. — TNS

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/32ZNc4R

US to deliver sub-hunting helicopters early next year

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 27

US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a joint press conference this year to announce the copter deal.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/32ZDYFK

Ventilators, Covid kits from France on way to India

New Delhi, July 27

France has announced that it will donate high-end ventilators and test kits to India. A French Air Force plane will deliver these on Tuesday.

An expert medical mission on inter-hospital transfers of extremely critical cases will also arrive by the same plane.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/2EqFSoI

New Zealand suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong

Australia, Canada and the U.K. all suspended extradition treaties with Hong Kong earlier this month

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/new-zealand-suspends-extradition-treaty-with-hong-kong/article32208823.ece

U.S. Republicans unveil $1 trillion coronavirus aid package

The plan sparked immediate opposition from both Democrats and Republicans. Democrats decried it as too limited compared to their $3 trillion proposal that passed the House of Representatives in May, while some Republicans called it too expensive

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-republicans-unveil-1-trillion-coronavirus-aid-package/article32208812.ece

WHO says COVID-19 by far its worst global health emergency

Resurgences of the coronavirus in various regions, including where nations thought they had controlled the disease, are alarming the world, with deaths nearing 6,50,000.

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/who-says-covid-19-by-far-its-worst-global-health-emergency/article32208805.ece

Covaxin human trial begins in Odisha

According to Dr. Rao, the participants were kept under observation after the administration of vaccine

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/covaxin-human-trial-begins-in-odisha/article32207818.ece

First US presidential debate to be held on Sept 29

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Nothing like a good morning stretch

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After ban on 59 Chinese apps, 275 more on radar; list includes PubG and Resso

Bengaluru | New Delhi: India has drawn up a list of 275 Chinese apps that it will examine for any violation of national security and user privacy, signalling heightened scrutiny and the possibility of more Chinese internet companies being banned in the country, according to people aware of the developments. This follows the high-profile ban of 59 Chinese apps last month, including short video app TikTok, amid simmering geopolitical tensions between the two Asian giants.The list, reviewed by ET, includes gaming app PubG backed by China’s most valuable internet major Tencent, Zili by phonemaker Xiaomi, AliExpress by ecommerce giant Alibaba as well as apps like Resso and ULike from TikTok-owner ByteDance.“The government may ban all, some or none from the list,” said one person cited above.A spokesperson for the union home ministry did not respond to queries from ET on the developments. However, official sources said reviews aimed at identifying more Chinese apps and their funding is underway. “Some of these apps have been red-flagged due to security reasons while others have been listed for violation of data sharing and privacy concerns,” an official explained.This is in addition to examining the alleged flow of data from these apps to China that poses a threat to sovereignty and integrity of India, according to officials who pointed to what they termed as China’s data-sharing norm that requires companies of Chinese-origin to share data with the home country, irrespective of where they operate. Companies With Chinese InvestmentsWhile banning the 59 Chinese apps — following a violent faceoff between the armed forces of the two countries on June 15 — India cited threats to national security and public order. China criticised the move, saying it was “strongly concerned” about the ban.Email queries from ET on the latest developments sent to Tencent, Kuaishou, Xiaomi, Bytedance and Alibaba remained unanswered till press time.77188936Chinese Internet companies have about 300 million unique users in India, indicating that nearly two-thirds of smartphone users in the country have downloaded a Chinese app, according to industry estimates.Among the Chinese apps being scrutinised now are 14 MI apps by Xiaomi as well as lesser-known ones such Capcut and FaceU. Apps from other Chinese internet and tech majors like Meitu, LBE Tech, Perfect Corp, Sina Corp, Netease Games, Yoozoo Global are also present. Also in the list are companies such as Helsinki-based Supercell that have investments by Chinese technology companies. Tencent bought a majority stake in the gaming company last year.Another senior government official told ET that the government is looking to formalise a process for such bans and the concerned ministry has been asked to frame a law or circular or some form of a regulation for constant scrutiny of the apps operating in India. “A set of rules or defined procedures may take time but is the correct process to go about it in the future,” the person said.Responding to queries from ET, an official from the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) said the Indian government will follow due process before undertaking any ban. “There is a process involved, there is a committee in place for such ban orders. If there is such an order, then MeitY will act,” the person said.Meanwhile, a government committee set up to examine the data practices of the 59 Chinese banned apps will review the companies’ responses — the deadline for which expires this week — and initiate further action, officials told ET. The committee has representatives from the ministries of home affairs, electronics and IT, information & broadcasting and law & justice, along with officials from CERT-In. Asia’s fifth-largest economy is now the battleground for Chinese and American internet majors that are vying to dominate one of the world’s largest and most open internet markets, with an estimated base of 450 million smartphone users.ET reported last week that Zili and Snack Video had moved into the top10 list on Google Play, as the two Chinese apps emerge as contenders to replace the banned short video app TikTok. Wildly popular across India’s hinterland, TikTok had snagged 200 million registered users in the country and had been downloaded 660 million times since its launch two years ago, accounting for 30% of its overall global downloads.For PubG, India is its largest market, according to app intelligence firm Sensor Tower estimates, generating about 175 million installs to date, or 24% of the total downloads.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi salutes Kargil martyrs, says Pak was given befitting reply

Tribune News Service amp; PTI

New Delhi, July 26

Hailing the valour of armed forces during the Kargil war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked people to speak and act keeping in mind the morale of soldiers and asserted that wars were fought not just on borders, but on many fronts within the country too.

He said Pakistan "backstabbed" India in Kargil, but its misadventure was given a befitting response by country's armed forces. The world witnessed the valour of India's brave soldiers, he said. India would not forget that betrayal, he said.

In his monthly "Mann Ki Baat" radio address, which coincided with the 21st anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the PM also recalled late Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Independence Day speech after the Kargil war.

"Atalji said, before taking any important decision, we should think whether our step is befitting to the honour of the soldier who laid down his life in those remote mountains," he said.

The PM also spoke of the dangers of social media. "There are times when we forward things out of sheer curiosity. Despite knowing that it is wrong, we keep doing it. These days, wars are fought not just on borders, but on many fronts simultaneously within the country too," he said.

"And every citizen has to decide his or her role in that. We, too, should determine our roles, fully keeping in mind the soldiers fighting on the border in the harshest of conditions," he said.

Pitching for "vocal for local", he urged people to buy locally made goods. To check Covid-19 spread, he urged people to observe physical distancing norms and exercise caution while getting back to normal business.

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Rafale 1st imported jet since 90s

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 26

Rafale fighter jets, India's latest military acquisition, are set to arrive at the Ambala airbase in Haryana on July 29. The jets are fitted with "deadly" missiles and weapons, which are a way ahead when compared with similar capabilities of Pakistan and China.

Features of the war bird

Top speed
1,389 km/h
Range
3,700 km
Weight
9,979 kg

This will be the first induction of the new type of foreign-origin jets since Sukhoi started coming in late 1990s. A total of 272 Sukhoi are on order. Another 12, other than these 272, are to be added. Deliveries of such huge numbers are usually staggered. The only other induction of jets has been LCA Tejas, an indigenous product.

Last week, the Indian Air Force (IAF) had said its pilots and ground crew, after having undergone training, were "fully operational". India and China are locked in a tense stand-off since early May. Owing to Ambala's location, Rafale can take off and fly northeastwards towards the G219 highway of China.

Five of these Rafale jets will be flown in from France by Indian pilots. They will be fuelled mid-air. Pilots will take a break at the base of a friendly country in West Asia before flying into Ambala. Post-arrival, efforts will focus on operationalising the aircraft at the earliest. A formal induction ceremony will take place in the second half of August.

The jets come fitted with weapons and missiles from European missile-maker MBDA. These will include Meteor, a beyond visual range air-to-air missile, that can hit enemy targets in the air 150 km away. The Meteor is powered by a rocket-ramjet motor that gives it far more engine power and much longer range. This means it can travel much farther, giving Meteor the ability to chase down and destroy agile hostile fighters.

India's Rafale fighters will also be equipped with the SCALP deep-strike cruise missile. It can strike at hardened and protected targets deep inside hostile territory without the need for Rafale to enter hostile airspace. SCALP has long range, around 300 km, and it can hit targets in Pakistan and China even if it is hovering over Jalandhar or even Chandigarh.

Importance

Rafale is a medium multi-role combat aircraft that is said to boost India's air dominance exponentially, currently safeguarded by fighter jets like Russia-made Sukhoi Su-30MKI and MiG-29, along with French Mirage-2000 and indigenously built HAL Tejas.

It can fire Meteor missiles to hit targets that are out of visual range
It is a twin engine fighter aircraft
Rafale fighter jets can help out each other mid-air
SCALP missiles can smash on-ground targets 300 kilometres away
It can carry six AASM missiles at a time
It has a holographic cockpit display

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Governor’s queries motivated: Congress; Rajasthan unit won’t protest today

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 26

The Congress today exerted pressure on Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra to notify the Assembly session from July 31 as recommended by the state Cabinet last night and said his queries on the issue were "motivated" and meant to obstruct democracy.

The party has decided to fight the Rajasthan battle politically with leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra today participating in a digital "SpeakUpForDemocracy" campaign which the Congress claimed was top trending in India and number five worldwide.

Tweet: Ppeople will reject deceit

India's democracy will function as per Constitution and people's mandate. They will reject BJP's conspiracy of deceit and deception — Rahul Gandhi

Within the Congress too, there's a dominant view to take on the BJP politically which explains the party's plan to protest outside all Raj Bhawans tomorrow. However, the state Congress today said it would not participate in the protest.

Some party strategists have even advocated withdrawal of a plea Rajasthan Speaker CP Joshi recently filed in the Supreme Court against an earlier HC order that barred the Speaker from acting on disqualification petitions against the rebel MLAs until Friday last. "The HC has now ordered status quo on the disqualification petitions. The matter in the SC has become redundant. We can challenge the HC order later. That is a separate issue," said an AICC leader admitting that the party was debating the legal strategy. The SC will resume the hearing tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot today said he was yet to hear from the Governor about the notification of the session. He tweeted, "The Governor is a seasoned politician. We are sure he will soon direct us to call the Assembly session."

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Ambani orders free Net for HP man’s kids

Ravinder Sood

Palampur, July 26

India's richest man Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries Limited has come to the aid of Kuldip Kumar of Gummer village in Jwalamukhi, facilitating online studies of his children.

Ambani has directed Reliance Jio outlet in Kangra to extend free Internet facility to Kuldip's children. Kumar was forced to sell his cow to buy a smartphone for his kids' online education.

The Tribune had highlighted Kuldip's plight last week, following which people from across the country came forward to help him tide over the situation.

Over Rs 2 lakh has already been deposited in his bank account. An Una NGO said they would provide clothes, bedding and blankets to the family. Civil servants from different states made liberal donations after procuring Kuldip's bank details from The Tribune on Saturday.

The private school today announced fee waiver for Kuldip's kids.

Besides India, queries from countries such as France, Canada, Saudi Arabia and the UAE poured in as Kuldip's story went viral on the Twitter and other social media platforms.

The district administration, on the other hand, is trying to establish whether the man, whose children are studying in a private school, can be treated as poor. Government officials are making enquiries into Kuldip's finances.

A tehsildar today made enquiries pertaining to the source of the amount being spent by Kuldip on the education of his children, purchase of books and mobile phone.

An inventory of textbooks and Kuldip's assets was prepared by the tehsildar in the presence of villagers.

In his statement to the tehsildar, Kuldip said he had borrowed Rs 6,000 from two villagers to buy the smartphone and sold his cow to pay back the money.

Romesh Dhawala, senior BJP leader and Jwalamukhi MLA, said: "The administration must reach out to people like Kuldip so that they can get timely help." He said the money donated to Kuldip with the efforts of The Tribune would be utilised for the construction of his house.

However, the Kangra administration is not ready to admit Kuldip is poor. DC Rakesh Prajapati said he could not be termed "poor" as his children were studying in a private school.

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Record 36K cured in a day; Prime Minister Narendra Modi says Covid war far from over

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 26

With record 36,145 recoveries and 48,661 fresh cases in 24 hours, the Covid cases crossed the 13.85-lakh mark today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 'Mann Ki Baat' today said the Covid war was "far from over". He will launch three Covid facilities with testing capacity of 10,000 samples a day tomorrow. With focus now on testing and treating, the new facilities will aid early detection and treatment, helping control the pandemic.

Edit: Decoding Covid curve

"These testing facilities have been set up strategically at the ICMR's National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research in Noida, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health in Mumbai and National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases in Kolkata. These labs will also reduce the turnaround time and exposure of lab personnel to infectious clinical materials," the Health Ministry said. The CMs of Maharashtra, West Bengal and UP will participate in the event.

Out of the total disease load of 13,85,522, the total number of recovered cases have grown to 8,85,576. The recovery rate is now 63.92%. For the first time, a record number of 4,42,263 tests was conducted in a single day.

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15 goats ‘arrested’ for grazing on saplings

Tribune News Service

Hyderabad, July 26

In a bizarre incident, the MC employees on the directions of the Municipal Commissioner have taken 15 goats into custody for eating the saplings planted on the road divider. Besides, a fine of Rs 3,000 has been imposed on each goat.

The incident took place at Yellandu town in Bhadradri Kothagudem district of Telangana.

Municipal Commissioner Srinivas Reddy recently witnessed the goats damaging the saplings planted as part of the sixth phase "Haritha Haram" (plantation drive) that aims at increasing the green cover in the state to 33 per cent.

During the sixth phase of "Haritha Haram", the state aims at planting 30 crore saplings in various parts of the state.

On the directions of the Municipal Commissioner, the staff concerned detained nine goats on Thursday and Friday and another six on Saturday. All 15 have been confined at the municipality office. The MC staff is giving them feed and water as the owners of the goats have not shown up, possibly apprehending reprimand.

The municipal authorities have sent out several WhatsApp messages, asking the owners to come to the municipal office and get the goats released by Monday after paying the penalty under the provisions of the Municipality Act, 2019. A message has been sent out that in case the goat owners fail to turn up, the animals would be auctioned on Monday.

Telangana records one of the highest numbers of goat and sheep population in the country after the Telangana Rashtra Samithi government distributed free goats and animals to farmers as part of their support system after coming to power. There are about 1.74 crore sheep and goats in 31 districts of Telangana.

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Alibaba founder told to appear in Gurugram court

New Delhi, July 26

A Gurugram district court has summoned Alibaba and its founder Jack Ma on July 29, asking them to appear in court or through a lawyer, in a case in which a former employee in India says he was wrongfully fired after objecting to what he saw as censorship and fake news on company apps.

'Wrongful' sacking

An ex-employee said he was wrongfully fired after objecting to what he saw as censorship and fake news on its apps
He has alleged the company used to censor content seen as unfavourable to China and its apps UC Browser and UC News showcased fake news 'to cause social and political turmoil'

The case comes weeks after India cited security concerns in banning Alibaba's UC News, UC Browser and 57 other Chinese apps after a clash between the two countries' forces on their border. Following the ban, which China has criticised, India sought written answers from all affected companies, including whether they censored content or acted for any foreign government. In court filings dated July 20 and previously not reported, the former employee of Alibaba's UC Web, Pushpendra Singh Parmar, alleges the company used to censor content seen as unfavourable to China and its apps UC Browser and UC News showcased fake news "to cause social and political turmoil". — Reuters

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Villages in 5 Haryana districts inundated, farmers fear damage to crops

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, July 26

Heavy rainfall has left large tracks in 80-100 villages of Hisar, Fatehabad, Bhiwani, Jind and Charkhi Dadri districts inundated. Official sources say cotton crop grown over 6,000 acres in Hisar district may be damaged. Fatehabad's Tohana and Ratia areas too have been affected. The cotton crop is the worst hit as paddy and bajra can withstand water for weeks.

Irrigation officials said they had started draining out water from the fields. Dharampal, the husband of sarpanch Sushma Devi of Sulkhani village, said almost the entire crop in the village had been washed away.

"The panchayat is making arrangements for potable water as the water supply has been disrupted," he said.

"Water has been standing in the fields for the past 15 days. Officials are laying pipes and erecting bandhs," said a farmer, who has lost his cotton crop grown on four acres.

Fatehabad villages adjoining the Ghaggar in Tohana and Ratia are submerged in water. The farmers have installed pumps to drain out the water from their fields. "The paddy will be not be able to withstand another spell of rain," said a worried Gurjeet Singh. Agriculture officials said cotton fields across 6,000 acres in Hisar and 3,600 acres in Fatehabad had been inundated. "The crop could face 25- 70 per cent damage," said an official.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment Anoop Dhanak said he had directed the officials to ensure adequate compensation to the farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna. "Measures are being taken to stop the water from entering residential areas," he said.

According to the Meteorological Department,at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, the region received above average rainfall in July 18-July 24.

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Why no memorial built so far, ask angry Sangrur villagers

Parvesh Sharma

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, July 26

Around 6,500 residents of Kargil martyr Naik Bahadur Singh's native village Banbhaura today expressed resentment against government's failure to construct a memorial to him. Residents have written several times to the authorities concerned, but to no avail.

"We have written letters, met officials and requested for a memorial. We want a memorial so that the village remembers him forever," said Balbir Singh, elder brother of the martyr. Bahadur Singh had joined the Army in 1988.

Sarpanch Kamaljit Kaur said the village had demarcated a piece of land for a statue, but the authorities had done nothing in that regard.

Block Development and Panchayat Officer, Malerkotla, Amandeep Kaur said an application had been received and that she would look into the matter.

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21 yrs on, Himachal braveheart’s family awaits LPG agency

Rajiv Mahajan

Nurpur, July 26

Kargil martyr Havildar Surinder Singh's widow Veena Devi (52), a resident of Dann area in Jawali, has been running from pillar to post for the allotment of an LPG agency as promised to the family after her husband's martyrdom on July 20, 1999.

"The then CM (PK Dhumal) had announced an LPG agency for the family, naming of the local ITI after the martyr and erecting a memorial gate at Keharian Chowk in Jawali. Barring the re-naming of the ITI, no other promise has been kept so far."

Inquiries reveal that the Director Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, had, on September 14, 2017, submitted a proposal to the Chief Manager, IOC, Shimla, to open an LPG agency at Raja Ka Talab in the name of martyr's children, but the proposal was turned down.

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