Daily Current Affairs: October 2020

Election Commission rebukes BJP general secretary

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 30

Cracking whip on political leaders in Madhya Pradesh for their role and utterances, the Election Commission (EC) today censured BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya for his "Chunnu-Munnu" remark and revoked the "star campaigner" status of former MP CM Kamal Nath for repeated violations of the model code of conduct during campaign for the byelections in 28 Assembly constituencies in the state.

Taking cognisance of Vijayvargiya's "Chunnu-Munnu" remark against Congress' Digvijaya Singh and Nath, the EC had issued a notice to the BJP leader on October 26 seeking his reply, as the BJP leader had also dubbed them as "gaddaars (traitors)".

Vijayvargiya said the remark quoted in the notice was misunderstood and was completely out of context.

Poll code violation

Vijayvargiya rapped over 'Chunnu-Munnu' remark against Congress men and Nath for 'breaching dignified behaviour'

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/35KLPH0

Will import potato, onion: Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 30

In an effort to boost domestic supply and check price rise of onion and potato, private traders have imported 7,000 tonnes of onion and another 25,000 tonnes is expected to arrive before Diwali.

Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal today said Nafed too would start importing onion, adding that 30,000 tonnes of potato were being imported from Bhutan without licence to improve local supply and control the prices of the key commodity.

"Retail onion prices have been stable for the past three days at Rs 65 per kg. The government has taken proactive measures to check the price rise. Exports were banned timely. The government relaxed fumigation norms for import of onion till December," he said.

Reining in prices

The govt has allowed import of potato from Bhutan without licence, a move aimed at boosting domestic supply and controlling the prices of the commodity.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/31ZseBR

Get ready for vaccine rollout, govt tells states

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 30

The Centre today began preparations for the introduction of potential Covid-19 vaccines, asking states to create three-tier mechanism to facilitate the process. In a letter to chief secretaries, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said Covid-19 vaccine introduction would most likely span over a year with multiple groups being included sequentially starting from healthcare workers.

He said the vaccine would initially be available in limited quantities. "It is anticipated that initially the supply of vaccine will be limited in view of huge demand, hence prioritisation of socio-demographic groups will be done for vaccination and subsequently other groups will be included," states the Health Secretary's letter. Every state has been asked to set up a steering committee under the chief secretary (must meet every month); state task force under the principal secretary (must meet fortnightly) and district task force under the district magistrate (must meet weekly) to oversee preparation of vaccination priority lists and cold storage facilities.

Active cases below 6L

The country witnessed a record fall in the number of active cases on Friday. The count fell below 6 lakh (5,94,386) for the first time in 85 days. The national recovery rate crossed 91 per cent.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/3oL9obc

7.5% NEET quota for govt schoolkids

Chennai, October 30

Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit has assented to a Bill envisaging 7.5 per cent reservation to government school students who have cleared the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) in admission to undergraduate medical courses.

A day after the state government took the executive route to implement the quota regime from the current 2020-21 academic year itself and issued a government order to facilitate it, the Raj Bhavan said "this is to inform the people of Tamil Nadu that the honourable Governor has given his assent to the Bill".

The Governor sought legal opinion from the Solicitor General of India (SGI) on September 26 and the opinion was received on October 29, the release said.

"As soon as the opinion was received, honourable Governor gave assent to the Bill," the statement said.

Chief Minister K Palaniswami said efforts were afoot to implement the reservation from the current year. DMK president MK Stalin claimed Purohit gave his assent to the quota Bill as he was left with no other choice and thanked him for his approval.

He said his party's protest and the hope expressed by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court were behind Purohit's "change of heart". In a Twitter post, Stalin said the approval came after 45 days and when the time for medical counselling was nearing. Hearing a batch of public interest litigation petitions, a division bench had on Thursday hoped that the Governor would take a decision at the earliest. — PTI

Was passed by assembly on Sept 15

The Tamil Nadu Admission to Undergraduate Courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy on preferential basis to students of Government Schools Bill, 2020, was passed on September 15 by the Assembly and sent to Governor Banwarilal Purohit for approval.

OBC quota in Sainik Schools from 2021-22

New Delhi: Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar on Friday said 27 per cent seats in Sainik Schools will be reserved for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from the academic session 2021-22. The Sainik Schools Society, which works under the Ministry of Defence, manages 33 such residential schools in the country. Kumar said on Twitter, posting images of an October 13 circular sent to principals of all Sainik Schools across the country. pti

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/37W3ePH

India to ensure Pak doesn’t win IPU poll

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 30

India will be maneuvering to ensure that Pakistan does not win the elections to the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) that will take place in a virtual session during the meeting of its governing council from November 1 to 4.

Governing council to elect new president

The governing council is the main policy-making body of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), which is mandated to elect new chief
Each member parliament of the IPU is represented by three parliamentarians in the governing council and accordingly has three votes, provided the delegation has both men and women

The candidates for the election of the new IPU president through a remote electronic secret ballot include Muhammad Sanjrani (Pakistan), Akmal Saidov (Uzbekistan), Salma Ataullahjan (Canada) and Duarte Pacheco (Portugal). But for the Uzbek nominee, the others are formidable public figures in their own right.

Sanjrani is the chairman of the Pakistan senate and has headed the international affairs committee. This means that as per protocol, he has interacted with all major figures who have visited Pakistan. Ataullahjan is a candidate reluctantly put up by the liberal Ottawa government, for she belongs to the conservative camp but has had long innings in public life. Pacheo is well versed with the politics in the IPU, Geneva, and has in the past headed the "12 plus geopolitical group" of the IPU. The term of the new president of the IPU will be from 2020-23.

From India, a delegation led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Poonamben Hematbhai Maadam (BJP, Lok Sabha) and Swapan Dasgupta (nominated in Rajya Sabha) will participate in the virtual session and cast their votes. The session will also be attended by the Secretary General, Lok Sabha, Snehlata Shrivastava and Secretary General, Rajya Sabha, Desh Deepak Verma.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/2TG9mDq

India, US not on same page over new WTO chief

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 30

Despite India's excellent security and defence ties with the US, trade continues to act as an irritant. The latest is the US spanner in the election of Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the new Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

What would have been the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO has been stymied by the US although India along with the EU, Japan and China had opted for the Nigerian over her South Korean rival.

However, this will not be the first time the WTO election has become politicised. In 1999, a similar stalemate led to the two candidates sharing three-year terms.

The job is tough and will require perseverance and outstanding negotiating skills after the previous DG Robert Azevecirc;do quit the post prematurely because of the stalemate in talks to reform the WTO, said sources.

Sources said Washington's objection to her selection had led the WTO postpone the election to November 9.

UK, Canada's virtual meets to boost biz

New Delhi: The UK and Canada are utilising the virtual format to look for opportunities in India as it seeks to revive its economy after two quarters of poor growth. UK Minister for Investment, Lord Gerry Grimstone, has released the UK-India Business Council's 'Doing Business in India Report 2020' at a roundtable with Indian industry captains during virtual interactions. TNS

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/37XAZQw

Plea wants symbols removed from EVMs

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 30

A Delhi BJP leader has moved the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Election Commission to remove symbols from ballot and EVMs and replace it with 'name, age, educational qualification and photograph' of candidates, contending it would end corruption and criminalisation of politics in India.

BJP leader and advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, who has filed several PILs for electoral reforms and de-criminalisation of politics, urged the top court to declare the use of party symbols on EVMs illegal and unconstitutional.

He said the best solution to weed out corruption and criminalisation in politics was to replace political party symbols on ballot papers and EVMs with name, age, educational qualification and photograph of the candidates.

SC gives 11-yr-old's custody to NRI father

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has given custody of an 11-year-old child to his NRI father after the minor expressed his desire to live with him. The child has a "strong and deep bond with his father", a Bench of Justice UU Lalit, Justice Indu Malhotra and Hemant Gupta said in a 2:1 verdict. TNS

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/2JcF3SH

My longhaired german shepherd is an absolute unit

https://ift.tt/2HMylCr via /r/aww https://ift.tt/2TFSLzu

I’m a Starbucks barista. Last week, I met a little girl with an Elsa doll, and I told her Elsa is my favorite Disney princess and she said:”me too”! She came back today and brought me a Halloween goodie bag and a card🥺🤍

https://ift.tt/37T608t via /r/aww https://ift.tt/3eceWGT

Get ready for vaccine rollout, govt tells states

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 30

Active cases below 6L

The country witnessed a record fall in the number of active cases on Friday. The count fell below 6 lakh (5,94,386) for the first time in 85 days. The national recovery rate crossed 91 per cent.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/3oL9obc

Will import potato, onion: Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 30

In an effort to boost domestic supply and check price rise of onion and potato, private traders have imported 7,000 tonnes of onion and another 25,000 tonnes is expected to arrive before Diwali.

Reining in prices

The govt has allowed import of potato from Bhutan without licence, a move aimed at boosting domestic supply and controlling the prices of the commodity.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/31ZseBR

Election Commission rebukes BJP general secretary

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 30

Vijayvargiya said the remark quoted in the notice was misunderstood and was completely out of context.

Poll code violation

Vijayvargiya rapped over 'Chunnu-Munnu' remark against Congress men and Nath for 'breaching dignified behaviour'

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/35KLPH0

Faridabad cops to reopen 2018 case

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 30

The Faridabad police have decided to reopen the 2018 kidnapping case against Tausif, who allegedly shot 21-year-old Nikita outside her college in Ballabgarh on Monday. Nikita's family claims to have been forced to withdraw the case then owing to "political and social pressure".

On the complaint of Mool Chand Tomar, Nikita's father, Tausif was booked under Section 365 (kidnapping) on August 3, 2018. Nikita was traced the following day. Subsequently, the family withdrew the complaint, submitting an affidavit to the police mentioning it did not want to pursue the case any further.

Nikita's maternal uncle, advocate Adal Singh Rawat, said the family was under immense pressure as Tausif's family wielded much influence in the area. His cousin was a Congress MLA and an uncle a BSP leader.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/35ODQJ9

Himachal slips to 3rd position

Shimla, October 30

Even as Himachal Pradesh remains the only state from North to have been ranked third best in the small category in Public Affairs Index 2020, the fact that the hill state has slid from the top and second position in the last two years can be a cause of concern.

The report was released by the Public Affairs Centre, Bengaluru-based not-for-profit organisation, today. Having remained the best governed state in the small category in 2018 and the second best in 2019, this year the state has slid to the third position. Last year, Himachal was at No. 2 with a score of 0.985 as compared to Goa, which held the top position with a score of 1.1.

In 2018, HP was adjudged the best governed state in the small category with a score of 0.513, followed by Goa at 0.487 and Sikkim at 0.484.

The hill state has in the past performed well on themes like support to human development, essential infrastructure, social protection, women and children, crime and law and order. "Even though we will be reviewing our performance sector wise to see how our ranking has come down, but the fact remains that most of the indices and criteria cannot be applied to a hill state like Himachal on the same analogy for other states like Goa," said Prabodh Saxena, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance.

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

Poor pupils shun school for odd jobs

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, October 30

Karamjeet Singh, a Class 10 student of Government Senior Secondary School, Kakrala, is working as a labourer these days. He has not attended even a single class ever since schools reopened for Classes IX to XII on October 19 after a Covid-induced lockdown in the state.

"Now, I am employed full-time with a tile-installation contractor and helping my family earn some extra income," he said. Lakhvir Singh (15), a student of government school, Ghagga, has started working at a tractor-repair shop on the Patiala-Patran highway. "I have been working here for months now and have started earning. I won't go to school again," he said. "Since the lockdown, many parents have approached me to train their children at my salon," said a barber shop owner.

Teachers say the attendance in most schools is only about 20 per cent even after 10 days of reopening. Hardeep Toderpur, a member of the teacher union, said, "Majority of the schoolchildren are from poor families. As many of them have started working to supplement their families' income, they may not return to school again." District Education Officer Harinder Kaur said, "I will direct school principals to ensure that no student drops out from government schools."

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/35ODQsD

7.5% NEET quota for govt schoolkids

Chennai, October 30

The Governor sought legal opinion from the Solicitor General of India (SGI) on September 26 and the opinion was received on October 29, the release said.

"As soon as the opinion was received, honourable Governor gave assent to the Bill," the statement said.

Was passed by assembly on Sept 15

OBC quota in Sainik Schools from 2021-22

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/37W3ePH

India to ensure Pak doesn’t win IPU poll

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 30

Governing council to elect new president

The governing council is the main policy-making body of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), which is mandated to elect new chief
Each member parliament of the IPU is represented by three parliamentarians in the governing council and accordingly has three votes, provided the delegation has both men and women

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/2TG9mDq

India, US not on same page over new WTO chief

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 30

However, this will not be the first time the WTO election has become politicised. In 1999, a similar stalemate led to the two candidates sharing three-year terms.

Sources said Washington's objection to her selection had led the WTO postpone the election to November 9.

UK, Canada's virtual meets to boost biz

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/37XAZQw

Plea wants symbols removed from EVMs

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 30

SC gives 11-yr-old's custody to NRI father

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/2JcF3SH

I put in 6 months of this guy hating me before I finally won him over. Then I adopted him :)

https://ift.tt/2Johnen via /r/aww https://ift.tt/35TpxTH

Someone can’t wait to go for her first walkies!

https://ift.tt/37Rvt22 via /r/aww https://ift.tt/2JfHoMI

My tortoise Halloween costume for 2020

https://ift.tt/2HUbXqs via /r/aww https://ift.tt/31ZobFF

In Trump and Biden, a choice of teetotalers for President

from US News Headlines, Latest USA News, US Election 2020 news on Times of India https://ift.tt/3e90foc

ICMR sees potential in ‘immunity-booster’ BCG

New Delhi, October 29

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), the 1921 anti-tuberculosis vaccine, could have potential utility in Covid-19 management as it enhances immunity among the elderly, a new research has found.

The study by the ICMR followed 86 healthy elderly individuals aged 60 to 80 years a month after BCG vaccination and found the jab enhanced all kinds of antibodies in the target group. A section of researchers cites BCG shots as a contributing factor for lower Covid mortality among Indians. — TNS

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

3 wks on, Rohtak farmers await payment for bajra

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, October 29

Farmers in Rohtak district are yet to receive payment for the bajra procured from them by the government agencies around three weeks ago.

"I sold five quintals of bajra at MSP of Rs 2,150 per quintal on October 1, but the payment has not been released so far," said Rakesh Hooda from Khidwali village.

Sunil of Madhodhi village, who sold 27 quintals of bajra on October 5 and 19, has also not received his payment. "I need money to buy seeds etc. for the next crop," he said.

Arhtiya Harsh Girdhar confirmed that the payment of a large number of farmers had not been released even after three weeks.

All-India Kisan Sabha district president Preet Singh said the payment of over 60 per cent farmers had not been released so far. "We have submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner who assured us of resolving the issue," he said.

Haryana State Warehouse Corporation District Manager Parmod Gupta said they send cases to the head office for payment on the same day of procurement.

"So, only the officers at the head office can tell why there has been a delay in the release of payment to farmers," the Haryana State Warehouse Corporation District Manager said.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/2HNOC9W

Confession before IO not admissible: Supreme Court

New Delhi, October 29

Maintaining that officers of the Central and state agencies appointed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act are police officers, the apex court today ruled that statements recorded by them were not admissible as evidence during trial.

"The officers who are invested with powers under Section 53 of the NDPS Act are 'police officers' within the meaning of Section 25 of the Evidence Act, as a result of which any confessional statement made to them cannot be taken into account in order to convict an accused under the NDPS Act," a three-judge Bench led by Justice RF Nariman said in a 2:1 verdict. The majority verdict was delivered by Justice Nariman and Justice Navin Sinha, while Justice Indira Banerjee delivered a dissenting judgment. — TNS

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

Himachal High Court: Married daughter eligible for jobs on compassionate basis

Vijay Arora

Shimla, October 29

There can be no artificial classification between a married son and a married daughter only on the basis of sex, as it will be equivalent to gender discrimination, which is specifically prohibited under the Constitution of India.

The HP High Court held this while dealing with an issue/ provision of debarring married daughters of deceased government employees from seeking appointment on compassionate grounds.

Taking exception to this provision, the High Court has allowed a petition filed by a married woman, seeking appointment on compassionate grounds after the death of her father and directed the state government to give compassionate employment to her, if she is eligible and fulfills the criteria.

A division Bench comprising Justice Sureshwar Thakur and Justice Chander Bhusan Barowalia passed this important judgment on a petition filed by Mamta Devi contending that her father, who was a Class IV employee in the office of District Ayurvedic Officer, Kullu, died in harness. Her sister and mother are the only survivors of her father and there is no male member in their family. She stated in the petition that she applied for appointment on compassionate grounds but the same was rejected on the grounds that there is no provision in the policy for the grant of employment assistance to a married daughter of a deceased government employee.

While allowing the petition, the court observed, "Marriage neither alters the relationship between a married daughter and her parents, nor creates severance of relationship. A son remains a son and his marriage does not alter or severe his relation with his parents. Likewise, a daughter is always a daughter to her parents, her marriage also does not alter or severe her relation with her parents".

The Bench said, "If a married son has the right to compassionate appointment, then a married daughter also stands on the same footing and her exclusion does not have any plausible basis or logic. So, her exclusion has no justifiable criteria. In fact, marriage does not have a proximate nexus with identity and even after marriage, a daughter continues to be a daughter".

The court also said, "The object of compassionate employment is not only social welfare, but also to support the family of the deceased government servant, who dies in harness, and by excluding a married daughter(s) from the sweep of the family, the real purpose of social welfare cannot be achieved".

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

Centre hikes ethanol price to boost farmers’ income

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 29

The government today raised the price of ethanol, which is blended with petrol by state-owned Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), including Indian Oil Corp. Ltd, Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd, and Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd.

A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Nod for second, third phases of dam project

The Cabinet approved the Phase II and Phase III of the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) which aims at strengthening 736 existing dams in 19 states. The project, the cost of which is Rs 10,211 crore, includes 12 dams in Punjab.

Briefing the media after the meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said, "Prices have been raised from Rs 59.48 per litre to Rs 62.25 per litre for ethanol derived from sugar juice. Also, the price of ethanol derived from 'C' heavy and 'B' heavy molasses has been increased by Rs 1.94 and Rs 3.34 per litre to Rs 45.69 and Rs 57.61 per litre, respectively."

"These revised prices are for the supply of ethanol to public sector OMCs for 2020-21 and is aimed at boosting farmers' income. This comes in the backdrop of the government reaching out to financially weaker sections, migrant workers and farmers," said the minister, maintaining that the GST and the transportation costs would also be borne by the OMCs.

The government also said that 100 per cent of the foodgrain and 20 per cent of the sugar should be packed in diversified jute bags. — TNS

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/3e8ZDPc

EC removes DM, SP as mob attacks Munger police stations

Patna/Munger, October 29

The Election Commission (EC) has removed the District Magistrate (DM) and the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Munger over the violence during a Durga Puja event early this week, even as a group of protesters went on the rampage in the town on Thursday, setting some police stations and outposts on fire and ransacking the SP and the SDO offices.

The poll panel on Thursday also ordered an inquiry into the firing and stone-pelting during the immersion of an idol of goddess Durga late Monday night in which one person had died and several others were injured. The Election Commission has asked Magadh Divisional Commissioner Asangba Chuba Ao to complete the probe within a week.

Hours later, the Bihar government named Rachna Patil as the DM and Manavjit Singh Dhillon as the SP. During the day, a mob, alleging that no action was taken against the erring cops, torched muffasil and women police stations in the town. They also allegedly set police outposts at Purab Sarai and Basudeopur on fire, and ransacked the SP office and several other police stations. — PTI

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/3kU1eLH

Imran minister admits to Pulwama; another proof of Pak terror: MEA

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 29

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said a Pakistan minister terming the Pulwama attack a success for the Imran Khan government was yet another statement by its leaders supporting terrorism.

The MEA also dismissed Pakistan's objections to India issuing rules for the purchase of land in the UTs of Ladakh and Kashmir. This step was among a number of measures being taken for socio-economic development and improving the livelihood of people. "Such things are India's internal affairs and no country has the right to ask such questions," said MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava at a media briefing today.

Fawad Chaudhry, Pak Federal Minister

Shocking admission by Pakistan Minister

We attacked India in its own territory... and Pulwama was an achievement. All of us are stakeholders (including Oppn) in that success.

In what amounted to ownership for the Pulwama suicide attack that killed over 40 Indian security personnel, Pakistan Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Thursday termed it a great achievement under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Apparently riled by a parliamentarian from the Nawaz Sharif camp charging the Pakistan army chief of quaking in his boots after India had served an ultimatum for releasing Wg Cdr Abhinandan Varthaman, Chaudhry said in Urdu: "We attacked India in its own territory... and Pulwama was an achievement under the leadership of Imran Khan. You all (Opposition) are also a stakeholder in that success, all of us are stakeholders in that success."

Ayaz Sadiq, PML (Nawaz) MP

Abhinandan case: Bajwa was quaking

When Army chief Gen Bajwa came to meet FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi, his legs were shaking and there was sweat on his forehead. Qureshi told him for God's sake, let Abhinandan go as India was about to attack Pakistan at 9 pm.

Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) parliamentarian Ayaz Sadiq, while speaking in the Pakistan National Assembly, had said: "When Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa came to meet Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi for a meeting, his legs were shaking and there was sweat on his forehead. Qureshi told him for God's sake, let Abhinandan go as India was about to attack Pakistan at 9 pm."

Wrong map by Saudi, India files protest

In another Kashmir-related development, India has conveyed serious concerns to Saudi Arabia, both to its Ambassador in New Delhi and in Riyadh, for excluding the undivided Jamp;K and Ladakh from India in its global map on a bank note released to celebrate its presidency of G-20.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/34HKl13

Kangana to be probed over ‘hate’ posts

Mumbai, October 29

A court in Mumbai on Thursday asked the police to initiate an inquiry against actor Kangana Ranaut and her sister Rangoli Chandel for allegedly posting “hateful” and “derogatory” statements against a particular community on social media.

Advocate Ali Kashif Khan Deshmukh said the Amboli police hadn’t taken action on the complaint. Chandel had reportedly posted a hate speech on Twitter in April, following which her account was suspended. — PTI

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/37USpNQ

CPM leader’s son held for money laundering

Bengaluru, October 29

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday arrested Bineesh Kodiyeri, the son of Kerala CPM leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, in a money laundering case related to drugs seizure, official sources said.

They said Bineesh was arrested under relevant sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the agency wants to put him through custodial interrogation for "financing a drugs network". The agency later produced him before a local court that is stated to have sent him to four days' ED custody, they added.

Cong, BJP attack Left

Thiruvananthapuram: The Opposition Congress and the BJP in Kerala on Thursday lashed out at the LDF government over the arrest of Bineesh Kodiyeri, alleging anti-national activities were being carried out under the Left front rule in the state. The LDF said Bineesh was not a CPM leader. PTI

Sources said the central probe agency had thrice questioned Bineesh about his alleged links with an accused, M Anoop, arrested in a narcotics seizure case sometime ago.

Before his arrest, Bineesh was grilled by the ED at its zonal office in the Shanthinagar area here after he appeared around 11 am on Thursday. — PTI

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

SC notice on PIL against Covid drugs

New Delhi, October 29

The Supreme Court on Thursday sought response from the Centre on a PIL alleging that two medicines being used for treatment of Covid19 — Remdesivir and Favipiravir — didn't have the necessary approvals.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde asked the Centre to respond in four weeks to the PIL filed by advocate ML Sharma petitioner who alleged that the WHO's October 15 report said that these medicines were not designated officially as medicines for Covid treatment. The notice was only to make the Union Government aware of it, the Bench added.

Remdesivir and Favipiravir are antiviral drugs and their efficacy in treating Covid patients has been a matter of debate in the medical fraternity.

During the hearing of a petition seeking registration of an FIR by the CBI against 10 Indian pharmaceutical firms for manufacturing and selling these two medicines for treating Covid19 patients allegedly without valid licences, the top court had on September 16 said that there was an approval by the Union Government on use of Remdesivir and Favipiravir to treat Covid19. — TNS

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

Kerala IAS officer in 7-day ED custody

Kochi, October 29

A court here on Thursday granted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seven-day custody of suspended IAS officer M Sivasankar, arrested by the agency probing the money trail in the Kerala gold smuggling case.

Sivasankar, who was arrested by the ED on Wednesday night, was produced before the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court on Thursday morning. The ED had sought 14-day custody of Sivasankar.

Earlier in its arrest order, the agency has claimed that Sivasankar has been guilty of an offence punishable under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The ED had arrested him on Wednesday night. — PTI

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

ICMR sees potential in ‘immunity-booster’ BCG

New Delhi, October 29

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), the 1921 anti-tuberculosis vaccine, could have potential utility in Covid-19 management as it enhances immunity among the elderly, a new research has found.

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

Ordinance to curb pollution in Delhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 29

The Centre on Thursday told the SC that it had brought an ordinance to deal with air pollution in Delhi-NCR, which turns into a virtual gas chamber during October-November due to stubble burning by farmers in Punjab, Haryana, UP and Delhi.

Story Highlights

Jail for violators
Non-compliance with the commission's orders will attract maximum jail term of 5 years or fine up to Rs1 crore or both.
Shun cars, says SC

"All of you should stop using the beautiful cars and start using bicycles now," CJI SA Bobde suggested.
Delhi air 'severe'

During hearing on PILs on air pollution, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed a Bench headed by CJI SA Bobde that the President had promulgated an ordinance to set up a commission on air quality management in Delhi-NCR. "We would like to look at the ordinance before passing any orders. Even the petitioners would like to see. Let's hear it next Friday," the CJI said.

Headed by a secretary-rank officer, the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance 2020 will have jurisdiction over the NCR. According to the ordinance, the commission will supersede all other bodies on air quality management. It will function under the Central Government and replace the Environment Pollution Control Authority constituted by the Supreme Court more than two decades ago.

Any non-compliance with directions of the commission will attract a maximum jail term of five years or fine up to Rs 1 crore or both.

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

US may scrap lottery system for H-1B visas

Washington, October 29

The Trump administration has proposed to scrap the computerised lottery system to grant H-1B work visas to foreign technology professionals and replace it with a wage-level-based selection process, a move that is expected to counter the downward pressure on the wages of US workers.

A notification on the new system is being published in the Federal Register on Thursday. Stakeholders have 30 days to respond to the notification, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on Wednesday, less than a week before the US presidential election.

The H-1B visa, most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

If finalised as proposed, US Citizenship and Immigration Services would first select registrations generally based on the highest Occupational Employment Statistics prevailing wage level that the offered wage equals or exceeds for the relevant Standard Occupational Classification code and areas of intended employment. — PTI

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/34HLO7z

US may scrap lottery system for H-1B visas

Washington, October 29

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

Mahathir justifies killings in France as world flays attack

Nice (France), October 29

A few hours after a knife-wielding man shouting "Allahu Akbar" beheaded a woman and killed two other people in a suspected terrorist act at a church in the French city of Nice on Thursday, former Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad said Muslims had the right to punish the French.

The Nice attack was condemned by India, Turkey, Britain, the Netherlands, the Vatican and the European Commission. PM Narendra Modi tweeted, "Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the people of France. India stands with France in the fight against terrorism."

In a tweet, Mahathir wrote, "Muslims have the right to be angry and kill millions of French for the massacres of the past. The French should teach their people to respect other people's feelings."

In another incident, a man wielding a handgun in Montfavet was shot dead by the police. Europe 1, a radio station, reported, "He was also shouting Allahu Akbar (God is the greatest)."

In Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, state television reported that a Saudi man had been arrested in the Red Sea city of Jeddah after attacking and injuring a guard at the French consulate there.

Nice's Mayor Christian Estrosi said the attack was similar to the beheading earlier this month near Paris of teacher Samuel Paty, who had used cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad in a civics class. "Enough is enough. Now, it's time for France to exonerate itself from the laws of peace in order to definitively wipe out Islamo-fascism from our territory," he said. It was not immediately clear if Thursday's attack was connected to the cartoons, which Muslims consider blasphemous.

Prime Minister Jean Castex raised France's security alert to its highest level and said the government's response would be firm and implacable.

In Paris, lawmakers in the National Assembly observed a minute's silence in solidarity with the victims. — Reuters

Attacks that rattled Paris

October 16: Schoolteacher Samuel Paty beheaded in Paris and the assailant killed.
September 25: Two injured in stabbing in Paris near Charlie Hebdo's former office.
October 3, 2019: A man kills 3 cops and one civilian before being shot dead.
March 23, 2018: A gunman kills three in a supermarket before falling to cops' bullets.
July 26, 2016: Two attackers kill a priest and injure another in a church. They were shot dead.
July 14, 2016: A gunman drives a truck into a crowd, killing 86 people.
June 14, 2016: A man of Moroccan origin stabs a police officer to death.
November 13, 2015: Multiple gun and bomb attacks rattle France, killing 130 and injuring 368.

Don't insult religion: Russia

It is unacceptable to kill people, but also wrong to insult the feelings of religious believers. Russia

Turkey stands in solidarity with the French people against violence and terrorism. Turkish Foreign ministry

Pope Francis is praying for the victims. He has expressed solidarity with the Catholic community in France. Vatican

I am appalled. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. The UK stands with France against terror and intolerance. UK PM

In the fight against extremism you are not alone. The Netherlands stands beside you. Dutch PM Mark Rutte

It's an odious and a brutal attack. Europe stands with France and remains united in the face of barbarism. EU President Ursula Von Der Leyen

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/31V0sWW

3 die in France knife attack inside church

Nice (France), October 29

A knife-wielding attacker shouting "Allahu Akbar" beheaded a woman and killed two other persons in a suspected terrorist act at a church in the French city of Nice on Thursday.

Attack in Jeddah too

In Jeddah, a Saudi man was arrested for attacking and injuring a guard at the French consulate.

In another incident, occurring within hours of the Nice attack, the police killed a man who had threatened passersby with a handgun in Montfavet, near the southern French city of Avignon. He was also shouting "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest).

A defiant President Emmanuel Macron, declaring that France had been subject to an Islamist terrorist attack, said he would deploy thousands more soldiers to protect key French sites, such as places of worship and schools. He said France had been attacked "over its values". — Reuters

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/37WTRzc

No touchy!

https://ift.tt/3kGNPq2 via /r/aww https://ift.tt/2TAW3nB

Trump and Biden converge in Florida, an elusive prize still up for grabs

from US News Headlines, Latest USA News, US Election 2020 news on Times of India https://ift.tt/31V8Ypg

Shop Owner Installs Glass Ceiling For Cats So They Could Stare At Him While He Works

https://ift.tt/3jF8oli via /r/aww https://ift.tt/3oEgs9M

Life's good

https://ift.tt/2HPyrcw via /r/aww https://ift.tt/2TxuVWK

This little guy!

https://ift.tt/34Dee2k via /r/aww https://ift.tt/3oF4bC4

Today is his birthday. Here’s a picture of Bob Ross bottle-feeding a baby raccoon.

https://ift.tt/2HN5ON9 via /r/aww https://ift.tt/3myNs1d

PM invokes Ayodhya at rallies

Vibha Sharma
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, October 28

Sharing the stage with 'mitra' (friend) Nitish Kumar at a series of public meetings in Bihar, which saw the first phase of elections today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked the Ram temple at Ayodhya to underscore the NDA's commitment towards its poll promises at a rally in Darbhanga.

RJD raises Munger

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav demanded an HC-monitored probe into the Munger incident in which one person was killed. "Who gave permission to Munger cops to act like Gen Dyer," he asked.

Later in Muzaffarpur and Patna, in a scathing attack on RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, he cautioned voters against "jungle raj ka yuvraj".

As he went on to list achievements of the NDA and Nitish Kumar government, the PM said: "Bihar had two challenges: One from coronavirus and the other from those who wanted to make it 'bimar' (sick) again."

"Your one vote for the NDA can save Bihar from becoming sick again.... The NDA is creating jobs through reform, could Bihar dream of IT hubs in jungle raj? Can 'yuvraj of jungle raj' take the state forward? When I say the NDA, it means four parties: BJP, JD(U), HAM (S) and VIP," he said, seeking votes for the coalition led by Nitish.

Meanwhile, LJP leader Chirag Paswan fired yet another salvo at the JD(U) supremo, claiming that the latter was preparing to dump the BJP after the results and join the RJD, as done in the past. Chirag also claimed that Bihar would get a BJP-LJP government because the LJP would win more seats than the JD(U). "A single vote given to Nitish Kumarji will not only weaken and ruin Bihar, but will also strengthen the RJD and Mahagathbandhan," he said.

Sources said amid the negative perceptions mounting against the incumbent Chief Minister, the Prime Minister's meetings were crucial for the NDA. Ground reports mention "less enthusiasm" at NDA rallies as compared to those by Tejashwi, who was targeted unsparingly by the PM in Muzaffarpur and Patna. "Consider what would happen if those who promote 'jungle raj' come to rule Bihar amid this pandemic, it will be a double whammy for Bihar," the Prime Minister said.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/31PdVjm

Map row: JPC rejects Twitter explanation

New Delhi, October 28

A joint parliamentary committee (JPC) on Wednesday rejected as "inadequate" Twitter's explanation for showing Ladakh as part of China, saying it amounted to treason.

The committee said an explanation must be tendered by the US-based parent of the social media platform in the form of an affidavit, sources said.

Appearing before the JPC on the Data Protection Bill, chaired by BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi, representatives of Twitter India "begged apology", but they were told that it was a criminal offence that questioned the sovereignty of the country and an affidavit must be submitted by Twitter Inc, not by its 'marketing arm'

Twitter India, sources added. They were questioned for more than two hours.

Sources said some members also raised questions about Twitter's transparency policy and its actions during elections, especially vis-a-vis their policies in other countries.

A Twitter spokesperson said, "The recent geo-tagging issue was swiftly resolved by our teams. We are committed to openness, transparency around our work and will remain in regular touch with the government to share timely updates." — PTI

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/35GdRmY

Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh ‘best’ in keeping tabs on pollution

Vibha Sharma
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, October 28

Among the 23 states/UTs listed in the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), only three — Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab — recorded above average PM10 readings (104 readings are required in a year) in past three years, reveals an analysis of the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme.

While this does not mean that pollution has gone down (rather it remains a concern), the rankings indicate that monitoring is better in Chandigarh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh as compared to others on the list.

Chandigarh recorded the maximum number of 136 readings. It has five monitors and witnessed a slight improvement in the PM10 level from 105 micrograms/cubic metre in 2016 to 102 in 2018.

With three monitors, Himachal Pradesh recorded three-year average PM10 readings of 125.

In Punjab, Jalandhar and Ludhiana have four manual monitors each, Amritsar has three, Khanna, Patiala, Dera Bassi and Naya Nangal have two each and Mandi Gobindgarh and Dera Baba Nanak have one each. Punjab's average PM10 readings for 2016-18 remained at 107, which is higher in comparison to West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. With Punjab at a three-year average PM10 level of 133, Himachal Pradesh 125 and Chandigarh 102, pollution levels here continue to be much higher than acceptable norm of 60 micrograms/cubic-metre. Among the 122 non-attainment cities, Ghaziabad topped with the worst three-year PM10 level at 253.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/34zLSGj

At Bihar rallies, Rahul raises employment, migration issues

Aditi Tandon
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, October 28

Starting the second leg of his campaign in Bihar today, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked PM Narendra Modi over the BJP's economic and agricultural policies, saying people would chase away the PM if he were to again promise them jobs.

Gandhi addressed two rallies in the state that witnessed phase 1 polling today and will go for the second phase polling on November 3.

Tejashwi compares Nitish with Gen Dyer

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Congress' Randeep Surjewala on Wednesday slammed CM Nitish Kumar over the Munger firing in which a person was killed. The two compared the CM with Gen Dyer, who had opened fire on innocent people in the Jallianwala Bagh, and demanded a High Court-monitored probe into police shooting on a gathering of devotees out to immerse Goddess Durga's idols.

Addressing crowds at Valmiki Nagar in West Champaran and later at Darbhanga, Rahul said the Congress knew how to stand with the farmers and the labourers, but did not know how to lie.

Striking a rapport with the voters, he hurled "chai- pakoda" jibes at the PM.

The Congress chief termed "unfortunate" that Punjab's farmers had to burn effigies of PM Modi over farm laws.

"The PM did across the nation what Nitish did in Bihar in 2006 by launching the pilot project for the three Central farm laws. Now, farmers of Bihar are not getting the fair price for their produce," Rahul said, alleging that the NDA partners were in no position to create jobs and had "turned a blind eye to migrants as they walked back home miles during the lockdown when no buses were arranged for them."

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

India, UK to set up bilateral sustainable finance forum

New Delhi, October 28

The UK and India inked agreements on financial services, infrastructure and sustainable finance on the sidelines of the 10th Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) between Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

The agreements reached today include a new strategic partnership to accelerate the development of Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City as an international financial centre — including regulatory capacity building support for the new International Financial Services Centre Authority.

There will be a new UK-India partnership on infrastructure policy and financing to support the indian national infrastructure pipeline with UK commercial expertise and financing.

"This partnership will involve experience sharing, knowledge exchange and technical assistance to support India's National Infrastructure Pipeline, including setting up a project preparation support facility-cum-centre of excellence for PPP projects," said a joint statement after the talks between the two ministers.

During the talks, Sunak championed UK markets as a source for Indian companies to raise international capital and welcomed the decision to allow Indian companies to list on the London Stock Exchange —the UK being one of only seven jurisdictions permitted, according to a UK news release. — TNS

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/2Ty3SdP

Male leopard found dead

A five-year-old male leopard was found dead with an improvised projectile lodged in one of its hind limbs near Pandalur on Tuesday. The leopard was fo

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/male-leopard-found-dead/article32968992.ece

Waste processing plants to get mentors

Experts from the Technical Guidance Committee will be assigned to ensure scientific disposal of waste

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/waste-processing-plants-to-get-mentors/article32966164.ece

U.K. under pressure as COVID-19 epidemic doubling every 9 days

Scientists estimate that there are about 96,000 new cases every day

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/uk-under-pressure-as-covid-19-epidemic-doubling-every-9-days/article32968943.ece

Bail for IMA founder in money laundering case

High Court kept in mind his heart ailments, and his return from abroad and voluntary surrender

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/bail-for-ima-founder-in-money-laundering-case/article32965956.ece

Uproar as Ukraine constitutional court blocks anti-corruption laws

The court ruled that criminal punishment for putting false information on state officials’ asset declarations was “excessive”.

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/uproar-as-ukraine-constitutional-court-blocks-anti-corruption-laws/article32968299.ece

One dead, three injured in explosion in restaurant

Initial investigations point to overheating of a steamer in the kitchen

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/one-dead-three-injured-in-explosion-in-restaurant/article32966639.ece

EU to allow Britain, U.S. in on future joint defence projects, envoys say

While the United States, the world’s biggest military power, has 30 weapons systems, the EU has 178. The bloc has 17 types of battle tank, compared to just one in the United States.

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/eu-to-allow-britain-us-in-on-future-joint-defence-projects-envoys-say/article32967815.ece

Ward-wise population of SC/ST to be announced before Nov. 10

The Local Administration Department has promised to prepare the notification announcing the population of SC, ST, SC(W) and General(W) ward, municipal

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/ward-wise-population-of-scst-to-be-announced-before-nov-10/article32968720.ece

Five sentenced to life for rape, murder

4 get same prison terms in another case

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/five-sentenced-to-life-for-rape-murder/article32968710.ece

‘Govt. not serious about welfare of students’

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader in the Assembly A. Anbalagan on Wednesday said if the Congress was really concerned about students

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/govt-not-serious-about-welfare-of-students/article32968682.ece

Child-friendly zones set up in six all-women police stations

Facility will take care of children accompanying their mothers

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/child-friendly-zones-set-up-in-six-all-women-police-stations/article32968657.ece

U.T. begins post-COVID survey among recovered patients

Efforts to identify after-effects that will need medical, psychological intervention

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/ut-begins-post-covid-survey-among-recovered-patients/article32968618.ece

Puducherry logs 102 new cases, the lowest in over 5 months

Focus on patients in home isolation, says Health Minister

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/puducherry-logs-102-new-cases-the-lowest-in-over-5-months/article32968591.ece

Belarus minister says police could use guns during protests

In a YouTube interview released Wednesday, Interior Minister Yuri Karayev said he thinks that police have been too tolerant of protesters and that they will take a tougher line.

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/belarus-minister-says-police-could-use-guns-during-protests/article32967800.ece

U.S. unseals charges over 2008 kidnapping of American journalist

The department added that Najibullah, 44, was arrested and transferred to the United States from Ukraine where he will face trial.

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-unseals-charges-over-2008-kidnapping-of-american-journalist/article32967779.ece

Hathras: Allahabad High Court to monitor case

Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 27

The Supreme Court on Tuesday handed over the monitoring of the Hathras rape case to the Allahabad High Court and made it clear that all aspects, including alleged illegal cremation of the victim, would be considered by the high court.

However, a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde kept open the issue of shifting of trial to Delhi in view of the ongoing investigation. It took note of the submissions made by victim family's counsel Seema Kushwaha that the need for transfer would arise after the investigation was complete.

The Bench ndash; which had on October 6 termed the incident as "shocking, extraordinary and horrible" ndash; made it clear that the CBI would file its reports before the high court, which would look into all aspects of the case.

It also directed that the security to the victim's family and the witnesses shall be provided by the CRPF within a week from today.

It asked the UP Chief Secretary to bring its order to the notice of the competent officer of the CRPF forthwith with a request to provide adequate security to the victim's family and the witnesses. The CRPF would take steps to provide the same and report it to the high court, it said.

Accepting Solicitor General Tushar Mehta's suggestion, the top court asked the Allahabad High Court to remove the victim's name from its orders.

There were as many as 16 petitions and applications filed by various individuals and NGOs demanding a fair court-monitored CBI/SIT probe, protection and legal aid for the victim's family and shifting of trial to Delhi.

The CBI is already investigating the matter after the Uttar Pradesh Government recommended the probe into the case to be taken over by the Central agency.

The UP Government had told the top court that the CBI investigation would be conducted under the court's supervision in a time-bound manner even as it denied that the 19-year-old Dalit woman was raped by four men in Hathras on September 14.

The woman had died on September 29 at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital during treatment and her body was cremated at night near her home on September 30.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/34y3Mch

Cases below 40K first time in 3 mths

New Delhi, October 27

Barring Kerala, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi, which accounted for half of the new cases in last 24 hours, the Covid pandemic is declining across India when most countries in Europe and the US are witnessing a severe second wave.

VK Paul, Member, Health, NITI Aayog, said India's new cases fell to 36,470 for the first time in three months and active cases stood at 6,25,857, the lowest in 11 weeks.

"The active cases are now merely 7.88 per cent of the total cases... This week, we will meet the states reporting higher daily new cases," said Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan.

Paul said the vaccine situation was dynamic and the world still had no single vaccine licensed for use after phase-3 trials.

Meanwhile, ICMR DG Balram Bhargava said a US study had shown the presence of the virus on particulate matter, which proved that there could be linkages between pollution and Covid mortality. — TNS

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

Facebook’s India policy head quits

New Delhi, October 27

Ankhi Das, the controversial India policy head of Facebook who allegedly opposed blocking of right-wing hate content, has quit the company.

Over two months ago, Das faced allegations of opposing enforcement of hate-speech rules against BJP and other right-wing leaders. She was also accused of posting messages in support of the BJP for years on a Facebook group of the company's employees. A US journal had reported that Das had trained the BJP for its social media campaign for 2012 Assembly polls. — PTI

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/2Je0OSg

HP Cabinet nod to regular classes from November 2

Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 27

The regular classes for colleges and school students from classes IX to XII will resume after more than seven and a half months from November 2, subject to strict adherence to standard operating procedures and guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The decision was taken by the state Cabinet today after getting a green signal from the Department of Higher Education. The department maintained that about 60 per cent of the parents favoured resumption of regular classes at the virtual parent-teacher meetings.

The Cabinet also gave its nod to promote students enrolled in the first and second year of undergraduate courses for the academic session 2019-20. It decided to raise the honorarium of IT teachers outsourced by the education department by 10 per cent from April 1, 2020. This will benefit 1,345 IT teachers.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/2G52cFv

Modi: Dynastic corruption a major challenge for country

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 27

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said "dynastic corruption" is a major challenge for the country and lamented that it has become a part of political tradition in many states.

Addressing a national conference on vigilance and anti-corruption, organised by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), he said, "Corruption which goes on from one generation to another makes the country hollow like a termite."

"Today, I am going to mention another big challenge before you. This challenge has been gradually growing in the past decades and has taken a formidable shape and form in the country. This is the challenge of dynastic corruption (bhrashtachar ka vanshwaad), that is, corruption which is carried forward by one generation after another," the PM said.

"In the past decades it has been seen that when one generation involved in corruption escapes punishment, the next generation tends to be more brazen in committing such acts," PM Modi noted while saying: "He sees that when nothing has happened to the one who earns crores at home, then his confidence is further enhanced."

The PM impressed upon the fact that there was "a need to have systemic checks, effective audits, capacity building and training against corruption". He said, "Fighting corruption is not a job of a single agency but is a collective responsibility."

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/3e16pGI

Riding on Hero MotoCorp, majestic Harley makes India comeback

Vijay C Roy

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 27

The US motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson makes a comeback in India, after discontinuing sales and production operations in September. The New Delhi-based legendary Hero MotoCorp, world's largest maker of motorcycles and scooters in terms of unit volumes, today announced that the two will ride together in India.

The agreement comes against the backdrop of Harley announcing its business overhaul under "The Rewire" plan in September to change its working model in India.

"Hero MotoCorp will sell and service Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It will sell parts and accessories and general merchandise riding gear and apparel through a network of Harley-Davidson dealers and Hero's existing dealership network in India," Hero MotoCorp said in a regulatory filing today.

According to industry sources, Harley's around 30 existing dealerships will also come under the Hero MotoCorp fold. Also, as part of a licensing agreement, Hero MotoCorp will develop and sell a range of premium motorcycles under the Harley-Davidson brand name.

Hero typically sells motorcycles with engine capacities of around 200 cc and a deal with Harley will help speed up its entry into the mid and high engine segments, which are most sought after by bike enthusiasts. Hero MotoCorp sold around 6.4 million two-wheeler scooters and motorcycles in 2019-20, while Harley sold around 2,470 motorcycles during that period, largely assembled from imported knock-down kits at its plant near New Delhi.

Harley, known for its heavy touring motorcycles, struggled in India mainly because of high import duties. After 11 years of operations in India, Harley announced in September it was discontinuing sales and production operations in India as part of a global restructuring plan.

Market for premium bikes

Nearly 20,000 bikes costing above Rs 3 lakh are sold in the country every year
Northern region, including Delhi, UP, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, HP and Jamp;K, contributes 25-30% to total sales

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/2Hz2wNI

Riding on Hero MotoCorp, majestic Harley makes India comeback

Vijay C Roy

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 27

The agreement comes against the backdrop of Harley announcing its business overhaul under "The Rewire" plan in September to change its working model in India.

Market for premium bikes

Nearly 20,000 bikes costing above Rs 3 lakh are sold in the country every year
Northern region, including Delhi, UP, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, HP and Jamp;K, contributes 25-30% to total sales

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/2Hz2wNI

HP Cabinet nod to regular classes from November 2

Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 27

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/2G52cFv

Centre amends laws, allows outsiders to buy land in JK

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 27

More than a year after the nullification of Articles 370 and 35A of the Constitution, the Centre today paved the way for people from outside Jammu and Kashmir to buy land in the union territory by amending several laws.

The government issued a notification repealing 12 laws enacted by the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and brought about changes in 14 other Acts.

UT's up for sale

The amendments are unacceptable. Jamp;K is now up for sale and the poor with small land holding will suffer. — Omar Abdullah, NC

In the notification, the Centre omitted the phrase "permanent resident of the state" from Section 17 of the Jammu and Kashmir Development Act that deals with disposal of the land in the union territory.

Before repeal of Article 370 and Article 35-A in August last year, non-residents could not buy any immovable property in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the fresh changes have paved the way for non-residents to buy land in the union territory.

Amending the domicile law, the government has allowed "spouse of a domicile to be deemed as domicile". The norm was earlier applicable only to the children of Union Government officials posted in Jamp;K for a period not less than 10 years.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha told reporters that the amendments did not allow transfer of agricultural land to non-agriculturists. However, there are several exemptions in the Act which enable transfer of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes, including setting up of educational or healthcare facilities.

A new body--Jamp;K Industrial Development Corporation--has been set up and if it is unable to acquire land, the government can invoke the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation Act and acquire the land on behalf of the corporation for public purposes. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), 2016, will now also be applicable in the UT.

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said the amendments were "unacceptable". "Even the tokenism of domicile has been done away with when purchasing non-agricultural land and transfer of agricultural land has been made easier," he tweeted.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/37MUVFZ

Modi: Dynastic corruption a major challenge for country

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 27

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said "dynastic corruption" is a major challenge for the country and lamented that it has become a part of political tradition in many states.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/3e16pGI

Facebook’s India policy head quits

New Delhi, October 27

Ankhi Das, the controversial India policy head of Facebook who allegedly opposed blocking of right-wing hate content, has quit the company.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/2Je0OSg

Punjab Bills will harm farmers’ interests, claims Agri Ministry

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 27

The three farm Bills passed by the Punjab Assembly recently will "limit" the farmers' competitiveness, "disincentivise" private investment and "hinder" the overall growth of the agriculture sector, claims an assessment by the Union Agriculture Ministry.

It said provisions in the Punjab Bills were in contradiction with the central Acts. The Bills suggest that implementation of the central Acts will depend on the notification in the official gazette by the state despite these being already in force. "Such a change in the date of implementation of the central Acts with a retrospective effect is unlawful," it adds.

There is a clause in the Punjab law suggesting that no sale or purchase of wheat and paddy will be valid unless the price paid is equal to or greater than the MSP announced by the Union Government, whereas the Acts do not deal with the MSP at all, it says.

"The Acts provide for mutual agreement on the price between the buyer and the seller based on market forces and independent of the MSP. This will allow farmers to mutually finalise prices with buyers based on quality, variety etc. in addition to continued access to MSP procurement by the government," it adds. The analysis by the Agriculture Ministry is expected to be included in Centre's observations on the Bills.

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

India, US ink key defence pact BECA

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 27

India and the US today signed the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), a military pact reserved for close Pentagon allies, and resolved to jointly undertake development and infrastructure projects abroad to counter Chinese aggression in security and economic domains.

BECA allows access to US generated satellite imagery that is used in precision strikes by armed drones and long-range missiles. The geospatial mapping of the land mass will be available to India in real time. The contours of the landmass need to be known accurately to launch precision strikes at long distances.

China anti-democracy
Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is no friend to democracy, rule of law, transparency and a prosperous Indo-Pacific. —Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State

In a joint statement at the end of the third Indo-US 2+2 summit, the four ministers—Rajnath Singh, S Jaishankar, Mike Pompeo and Mark Esper—welcomed the signing of BECA and the move to enhance maritime information sharing and domain awareness.

Later, the two visiting US ministers called on PM Narendra Modi. They also met NSA Ajit Doval.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in their several public statements on Tuesday indicated that the purpose of the Indo-US 2+2 went beyond the China threat.

It is in the interest of major countries like India and the US to give security a greater salience in their foreign policy, Jaishankar said.

Terror unacceptable

We reiterated the importance of peace amp; stability for all countries in this region... and that cross-border terror is completely unacceptable. — S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister

Pompeo began by assailing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which, he said, was "no friend to democracy, rule of law, transparency and a prosperous India Pacific".

Dwelling on his trip in the morning to the martyr's memorial, he pointedly noted that he paid respects to all those who had laid their lives including "the 20 who died in the Galwan Valley" to defend the world's largest democracy.

During talks, the two sides discussed a wide array of issues, including deeper partnership in health, space, nuclear energy, supply chains, trade and energy fields, besides people-to-people ties.

The meeting took place a week before the US poll and a month before India and the US would be joined by Japan and Australia for a combined show of naval strength under the Malabar series of war games.

Welcoming Quad cooperation, the four ministers resolved to impart economic content through a dialogue among the development organisations of the four countries.

The ministers emphasised the need for concerted action against all terrorist networks and called on Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators and planners of all attacks, including Mumbai, Uri and Pathankot.

The joint statement devoted considerable space to the fine print of defence cooperation as well as formulations on the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific. The two countries also resolved to jointly build deterrence capacity of regional countries.

2+2 summit takeaways

Military: BECA allows India access to geospatial data needed to fire long-range missiles and fly armed drones

Energy: MoU's term extended for cooperation with India's Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership

Health: Discussing an MoU between ICMR and US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to collaborate on infectious diseases, including Covid

Narcotics: An India-US counter-narcotics working group to be set up, first virtual meeting later this year

Earth sciences: MoU signed for technical cooperation in earth observation and earth sciences

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/3kyUK4E

Hathras: Allahabad HC to monitor case

Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 27

It also directed that the security to the victim's family and the witnesses shall be provided by the CRPF within a week from today.

Accepting Solicitor General Tushar Mehta's suggestion, the top court asked the Allahabad High Court to remove the victim's name from its orders.

The CBI is already investigating the matter after the Uttar Pradesh Government recommended the probe into the case to be taken over by the Central agency.

The woman had died on September 29 at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital during treatment and her body was cremated at night near her home on September 30.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/34DZlgt