Daily Current Affairs: February 2021

No video-conference links on WhatsApp: Supreme Court

New Delhi, February 27

Days after the Centre announced the tightening of rules governing social media and streaming companies, the Supreme Court on Saturday decided to stop sharing video-conference links for court hearings with WhatsApp groups.

"It is notified for the information of the advocates-on-record/party-in-persons that the creation of groups in WhatsApp for sharing of VC links for hearing of their matters is restricted/barred due to new guidelines or regulations issued by the Government of India pertaining to social media apps and OTT platforms," the SC announced.

It said with effect from March 1, video-conference links would be shared through registered email IDs as well as by SMS on registered mobile numbers of the advocates-on-record/party-in-persons.

The court has partially modified its July 4, 2020, SOP for advocate/party-in-person for e-filing, mentioning, listing and video-conferencing hearing. The decision has been taken in view of the newly notified IT Rules, 2021. — TNS

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Raunchy song at CPM rally raises eyebrows

New Delhi, February 27

Gone are the days when Sukanta Bhattacharya's poem was played by Left parties to mobilise crowd for rallies in Kolkata. Instead, "Tumpa Sona", a recent raunchy number released on a web platform, has been turned into a parody by the CPM to draw crowd for the rally jointly organised by the CPM-led Left Front, Congress and Indian Secular Front at Kolkata's Brigade Ground on Sunday.

Justifying the song, Shubha Prasad Nandi Majumdar, cultural activist of the CPM, said turning a popular song into a parody and then singing it at Communist Party events had taken place in Bengal in the past too. "The use of 'Tumpa Sona' by the CPM for drawing crowd for the rally shows how desperate they are to impress voters," Saptarshi Biswas, award winning Bengali poet, said. — TNS

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Tribute to Guru Ravidas

The BJP and Congress paid tributes to Guru Ravidas as the country marked the poet-saint's birth anniversary on Saturday on Magh Purnima.

Priyanka Vadra said, "Guru Ravidas preached equality, service and compassion for all. May the entire humanity benefit from his teachings." TNS

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Election Commission halts transfers by Assam government

New Delhi: Citing the poll code, the Election Commission has stayed the transfer of 12 IPS and six Assam Police Service officers ordered by the government. — TNS

AG's no to contempt case against Gogoi

New Delhi: Attorney-General KK Venugopal has refused sanction to initiate contempt proceedings against ex-CJI Ranjan Gogoi for his alleged remarks against the judiciary. — TNS

Nikki: Boycott Winter Olympics in China

Washington: Accusing China of human rights abuses, Republicans, including Indian-American politician Nikki Haley, want the US to boycott the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. — PTI

Ram Temple: Chirag donates Rs 1.11 lakh

Patna: Lok Janshakti Party president Chirag Paswan on Saturday donated Rs 1.11 lakh for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, asking everyone to contribute. — PTI

Bumrah to miss fourth Test

Ahmedabad: Pacer Jasprit Bumrah will miss the fourth and final Test against England as he was released from the Indian squad due to 'personal reasons'. The BCCI said no addition to India's squad would be made for the final Test at Motera, Ahmedabad.

Hockey: Germany beat Indian women

Dusseldorf: World No. 3 Germany defeated the Indian women's hockey team 5-0 in their first match of the four-match tour here on Saturday. The five goals for the winners were scored by Pia Maertens, Lena Micheel, Pauline Heinz and Lisa Altenburg. PTI

Trafficking: NIA names four in chargesheet

New Delhi: The NIA has filed a supplementary chargesheet against four human traffickers from Jharkhand under IPC, Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act and Juvenile Justice Act. TNS

Bizman quizzed in coal scam

New Delhi: The CBI on Saturday interrogated a Kolkata-based businessman in connection with its probe into the multi-crore coal pilferage scam. Randhir Kumar Barnwal was quizzed a day after the agency raided his office and residence. — TNS

IAF marks 2nd anniv of Balakot

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force carried out a long-range precision strike against a practice target to mark the second anniversary of the Balakot Operation, sources said on Saturday. The strike was carried out by members of the squadron which conducted the air strikes on terror launch pads in Balakot, Pakistan. — PTI

Kuldiep gets addl charge of CRPF DG

New Delhi: The government on Saturday gave the charge of "looking after" the office of CRPF Director General (DG) to senior IPS officer Kuldiep Singh following retirement of incumbent chief AP Maheshwari on Sunday. Singh currently holds the post of special DG, CRPF's central zone. TNS

Bajaj given addl charge of Revenue Secretary

New Delhi: The government on Saturday issued an order giving additional charge of Revenue Secretary to Tarun Bajaj, who is currently heading the Department of Economic Affairs in the Finance Ministry. Bajaj will take charge from Revenue Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey. TNS

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Party weakening, we’ll strengthen it: Rebels

Tribune News Service

New Delhi/Jammu, February 27

In a massive jolt to the party, Congress dissenters on Saturday publicly called the party weak and claimed they were marshalling forces to strengthen it. The Congress reacted gently, describing the dissenters as family respectables and asking, "If they care so much about the party, why don't they canvass in poll-bound states?"

Ghulam Nabi Azad at Jammu function

Retired from RS, not from politics: Azad

We will continue our fight for restoration of statehood. Every party in Jammu, from the BJP to RSS, National Conference to PDP and Panthers Party, wants statehood back.

Led by Congress veteran Ghulam Nabi Azad, six rebels, sporting saffron turbans, appeared together at an event in Jammu. Former law and HRD Minister Kapil Sibal led the offensive against his own party, saying it was time to speak the truth.

"Why are we assembled here? The truth is we can all see the Congress is weakening. We had assembled earlier too because we believe together we have to strengthen the Congress," said Sibal in the presence of former minister Anand Sharma, former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Punjab MP Manish Tewari, Raj Babbar and Vivek Tankha, all members of a group of 23 leaders who wrote to party chief Sonia Gandhi in August 2020 to initiate a comprehensive party overhaul. The event, organised by Gandhi Global Family, was meant to facilitate Azad, who recently retired as Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha after his term ended. Azad said he had retired from Parliament but not from public service. Sibal however said: "No one wanted Ghulam nabi Azad to leave Parliament. I cannot fathom why the party is not using the experience of a person like Ghulam Nabi Azad?" Sibal asked, inviting a rebuttal from the Congress which listed the several party posts Azad had held in his 40-year political career.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said, "We are proud and so is Mr Azad that he has held the Congress flag aloft for more than seven terms in Parliament, five in the Rajya Sabha and two in the Lok Sabha. We are both proud that Congress president Sonia Gandhi nominated Mr Azad as CM of Jamp;K where he had a successful tenure. Mr Azad has been a respected Union Minister for over three decades and over the same period he has been AICC general secretary exercising supervision over more than 20 states." The Congress also said the best contribution to the Congress cause would be "to get active in the various campaigns ongoing every day in the five states where the Congress is fighting elections."

Anand Sharma said: "I have not given anyone the right to tell me if we are Congress men or not. We will build the party and strengthen it."

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Imran Khan: Ready for talks on all issues

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 27

Pakistan's civilian leadership has backed the ceasefire agreement on the border, but said the onus of creating an "enabling environment" for further progress in bilateral relations rests with New Delhi.

Anti-terror ops to go on: Lt Gen Joshi

The Army's northern commander Lt Gen YK Joshi on Saturday said the understanding to strictly adhere to the ceasefire pact would have no bearing on the counter-terrorism operations in Jamp;K.

In his first comments since the militaries of both countries on Thursday agreed to enforce the ceasefire along the LoC, Pakistan PM Imran Khan said they were ready to move forward to resolve "all outstanding issues" with India through dialogue.

"I welcome restoration of ceasefire. The onus of creating an enabling environment for further progress rests with India. It must take steps to meet the long-standing demands of the Kashmiri people according to UNSC resolutions,'' Khan tweeted.

Though India also maintains that the onus of initiating talks lay with Pakistan by cracking down on terror launch pads, the MEA was yet to react on Khan's statement.

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Covid vaccine capped at Rs 250/dose in private hospitals

Price break-up

Rs 250/shot

Rs 150 vaccine cost

Rs 100 service charge

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 27

Ahead of the phase-2 Covid vaccinations beginning Monday for 60-plus people and those aged 45 to 59 years with specific comorbidities, the Centre today capped the cost of inoculation in private hospitals at Rs 250 a dose while it will be free for people visiting government facilities.

Also read: 2nd wave? 1,200 cases, 27 deaths in 2 days

The government also listed 20 conditions (see box) to prioritise those aged 45 to 59 years for Covid jabs. The people with any of the listed conditions would need to get a proforma signed by doctors as a certificate of eligibility, which would have to be produced at the time of registration for vaccination.

The details were shared with the states at a virtual meeting chaired by Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, who said more than 1.5 core vaccinations of health and frontline workers had been done in phase-1 that began on January 16.

"The states have been explained that the private hospitals functioning as Covid vaccination centres can charge beneficiaries subject to a ceiling of Rs 250 per person per dose. User names and passwords will be provided to private facilities for effective use of CoWin-2," the Health Ministry said.

To expand vaccination capacities, the states can use as vaccination centres around 10,000 private hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat Prime Minister Jan Aarogya Yojana, over 600 hospitals empanelled under the Central Government Health Scheme and other hospitals empanelled under state health insurance schemes. The government has shared a list of empanelled private hospitals with states. From March 1, eligible beneficiaries can self-register on Co-Win-2, register on site or attend state-led camp vaccination drives.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary Rajeev Gauba held a review meeting with the Chief Secretaries of Maharashtra, Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Telangana and Jamp;K. These states have been reporting a high active caseload since a week.

20 health conditions for shots

Intellectual disabilities, muscular dystrophy, acid attacks affecting respiratory system, deafness and blindness
Heart failure, post-cardiac transplant; significant left ventricular dysfunction
Moderate-severe heart disease, congenital heart disease; coronary artery disease
Hypertension, diabetes; angina, kidney and liver transplant; end-stage kidney disease, HIV
People on steroids and immunosuppressants; those with cirrhosis, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, thalassemia
Diagnosed with cancer on or after July 1, 2020, or currently on cancer therapy

Those eligible for vaccination

People aged 60 and above and those in the age group of 45 to 59 with 20 specific comorbidities
Healthcare, frontline workers left out in first phase

Ban on international flights extended till March 31

With the MHA extending February Covid guidelines by a month, aviation regulator DGCA has decided to continue the ban on international commercial flights till March 31.

Punjab: 2 days, 1,200 cases

With almost a three-fold increase in cases in two weeks, Punjab seems to be heading towards second wave. The state, which recorded 60,000 cases in September, has seen 1,200 cases and 27 deaths in two days.

20 monks positive

Twenty monks have tested positive at the Gyuto Tantric Monastery of Karmapa at Sidhpur in Dharamsala. Seventy of the 400 monks at the monastery were tested for Covid.

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Social media cos with 50L users to be accountable under new IT rules

New Delhi, February 27

The government has fixed 50 lakh registered users as the threshold for defining "significant social media intermediary", which will have to adhere to additional obligations and compliance under the new IT rules that seek to crack down on misuse of social media platforms.

Abhishek Singhvi, Cong spokesman

Rules non-statutory

I do not find any restraint in this governmenthellip; Vast powers have been granted to bureaucracy without statute, without parliamentary assent or scrutiny.

The new rules, announced earlier this week, require "significant social media intermediaries" to follow additional due diligence, including the appointment of a chief compliance officer, nodal contact person and resident grievance officer. All three officials will have to reside in India. They will have to publish a monthly compliance report and details of the contents removed proactively.

"The Central Government hereby specifies 50 lakh registered users in India as the threshold for a social media intermediary to be considered a significant social media intermediary," the notification said.

At present, the country has 53 crore WhatsApp users, 44.8 crore YouTube users, 41 crore Facebook subscribers, 21 crore Instagram clients, while 1.75 crore account holders are on microblogging platform Twitter. — PTI

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ISRO launches Brazilian satellite today

Bengaluru, February 27

An Indian rocket will launch a Brazilian satellite for the first time from Sriharikota spaceport on Sunday, the mission being Indian Space Research Organisation's first in 2021.

Subject to weather conditions, the blastoff is scheduled at 10.24 hours from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

PSLV-C51 rocket, the 53rd mission of PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), will launch Amazonia-1 of Brazil as primary satellite and 18 co-passenger payloads from the first launch pad of the Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore district.

These co-passenger satellites include Satish Dhawan Sat (SD SAT) from Chennai-based Space Kidz India (SKI). A picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been engraved on the top panel of this spacecraft.

"This is to show solidarity and gratitude for his (PM's) Aatmanirbhar initiative and space privatisation," said SKI, adding it would also send 25,000 names on board SD SAT. It's also a big day for Bengaluru-headquartered ISRO's commercial arm NewSpace India Limited. PSLV-C51/Amazonia-1 is the first dedicated commercial mission of NSIL, which is undertaking it under an arrangement with Seattle, US-based satellite rideshare and mission management provider, Spaceflight Inc. — PTI

First mission of the year

637 kg the Brazilian satellite weighs

10.24 hours blastoff time

18 co-passenger payloads to take-off too

Digital Gita, Modi pic to go into space

Co-passenger satellites include Satish Dhawan Sat from Chennai-based Space Kidz India (SKI)
It has a picture of PM Modi engraved on the spacecraft panel as a mark of gratitude for the PM's Aatmanirbhar initiative
The SKI is also sending up Bhagavad Gita in SD (secured digital) card

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17-yr-old boy confronts sister’s stalkers, stabbed

New Delhi, February 27

A 17-year-old boy was beaten up and stabbed for allegedly opposing three boys who were stalking his sister and passing "indecent remarks" in southeast Delhi's Kalkaji area, the police said today.

The incident took place near a school on Friday. The injured boy was taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment. Sources said he was not in a condition to get his statement recorded.

The victim's sister said she was with her brother on Friday when three boys followed them and passed indecent remarks. When her brother objected to that, they all started beating him up and one of them stabbed him in the abdomen and fled, the police said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) RP Meena said, "We have registered a case under Sections 307, 354-D, 509 and 34 of the IPC." — PTI

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Rakesh Tikait: Meet demands or face ‘kisan hartal’

Tribune News Service

Ghazipur, February 27

National spokesperson of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) Rakesh Tikait has raised the spectre of "kisan hartal" in the coming days.

Tikait, who returned to the Ghazipur protest site after attending a panchayat in Baghpat, said the farmers might take the extreme step if their demands were not met.

Also read: Lakha Sidhana's Facebook page disabled in India

"Kisan hartal may well happen if the situation doesn't improve soon," Tikait told The Tribune on Saturday.

"Farmers can decide to sow less in their fields, if the situation regarding prices stays the same. Suppose if someone owns 12 bighas, he will only sow on 10 or less," he said.

Tikait also made a fresh plea to farmers to not destroy their crops. "Please don't destroy your crops. That will not help," he said.

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The perfect coworker

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US authorizes J&J Covid vaccine for emergency use

The United States on Saturday authorized Johnson & Johnson's Covid vaccine for emergency use, giving the nation a third shot to battle the outbreak that has killed more than 500,000 Americans. The single-shot vaccine is highly effective in preventing severe Covid-19, including against newer variants, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said before giving it a greenlight.

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Arrest warrant issued for suspect in murder of Yale student

Kevin Jiang, a 26-year-old graduate student at the Yale School of the Environment, was shot and killed outside his car on Feb. 6

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/arrest-warrant-issued-for-suspect-in-murder-of-yale-student/article33952478.ece

Saudi-led coalition says it thwarted Houthi missile attack on Riyadh: State TV

The coalition also said it had detected the launch of a number of explosive-laden drones from Houthi territory.

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/saudi-led-coalition-says-it-thwarted-houthi-missile-attack-on-riyadh-state-tv/article33952475.ece

Covid vaccine capped at Rs 250/dose in private hospitals

Price break-up

Rs 250/shot

Rs 150 vaccine cost

Rs 100 service charge

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 27

20 health conditions for shots

Intellectual disabilities, muscular dystrophy, acid attacks affecting respiratory system, deafness and blindness
Heart failure, post-cardiac transplant; significant left ventricular dysfunction
Moderate-severe heart disease, congenital heart disease; coronary artery disease
Hypertension, diabetes; angina, kidney and liver transplant; end-stage kidney disease, HIV
People on steroids and immunosuppressants; those with cirrhosis, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, thalassemia
Diagnosed with cancer on or after July 1, 2020, or currently on cancer therapy

Those eligible for vaccination

People aged 60 and above and those in the age group of 45 to 59 with 20 specific comorbidities
Healthcare, frontline workers left out in first phase

Ban on international flights extended till March 31

With the MHA extending February Covid guidelines by a month, aviation regulator DGCA has decided to continue the ban on international commercial flights till March 31.

Punjab: 2 days, 1,200 cases

20 monks positive

Twenty monks have tested positive at the Gyuto Tantric Monastery of Karmapa at Sidhpur in Dharamsala. Seventy of the 400 monks at the monastery were tested for Covid.

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Imran Khan: Ready for talks on all issues

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 27

Anti-terror ops to go on: Lt Gen Joshi

The Army's northern commander Lt Gen YK Joshi on Saturday said the understanding to strictly adhere to the ceasefire pact would have no bearing on the counter-terrorism operations in Jamp;K.

Though India also maintains that the onus of initiating talks lay with Pakistan by cracking down on terror launch pads, the MEA was yet to react on Khan's statement.

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Party weakening, we’ll strengthen it: Rebels

Tribune News Service

New Delhi/Jammu, February 27

Ghulam Nabi Azad at Jammu function

Retired from RS, not from politics: Azad

We will continue our fight for restoration of statehood. Every party in Jammu, from the BJP to RSS, National Conference to PDP and Panthers Party, wants statehood back.

Anand Sharma said: "I have not given anyone the right to tell me if we are Congress men or not. We will build the party and strengthen it."

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Social media cos with 50L users to be accountable under new IT rules

New Delhi, February 27

Abhishek Singhvi, Cong spokesman

Rules non-statutory

I do not find any restraint in this governmenthellip; Vast powers have been granted to bureaucracy without statute, without parliamentary assent or scrutiny.

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ISRO launches Brazilian satellite today

Bengaluru, February 27

An Indian rocket will launch a Brazilian satellite for the first time from Sriharikota spaceport on Sunday, the mission being Indian Space Research Organisation's first in 2021.

Subject to weather conditions, the blastoff is scheduled at 10.24 hours from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

First mission of the year

637 kg the Brazilian satellite weighs

10.24 hours blastoff time

18 co-passenger payloads to take-off too

Digital Gita, Modi pic to go into space

Co-passenger satellites include Satish Dhawan Sat from Chennai-based Space Kidz India (SKI)
It has a picture of PM Modi engraved on the spacecraft panel as a mark of gratitude for the PM's Aatmanirbhar initiative
The SKI is also sending up Bhagavad Gita in SD (secured digital) card

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It looks like a galaxy

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Meet Parpov, our friendly neighborhood Rotty. All he wants is pets, and he sad howls when you stop.

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Biden urges quick Senate action on huge stimulus package

The House vote came just days after the COVID-19 death toll surpassed 500,000 in the United States, the world’s worst total.

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/biden-urges-quick-senate-action-on-huge-stimulus-package/article33952474.ece

Class IV employees take Covid samples at Rajpura hospital

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, February 26

Non-medical workers — the Class IV employees — were found collecting Covid samples of hundreds of people at the Rajpura Civil Hospital.

Despite having got a host of medical officers, lab technicians and nurses, who were imparted training for Covid-19 testing, the collection of samples by Class IV employees is putting the lives of people at risk. The collection of samples by inexperienced staff may cause serious internal injuries to people, experts said. Moreover, it was a breach of trust, they added.

Short of staff

We are extremely short of health staff. However, we will rectify the mistake immediately. — Dr Jagpal Inder Singh, SMO, Rajpura

The Class IV employees are said to have been taking the samples with the consent of senior doctors at the hospital.

The Tribune, during its investigation, found that Class IV employees were brazenly taking samples at the Rajpura Civil Hospital on Thursday morning. It has been learnt that the practice had been going on for the past few months. The sources said medical officers, to avoid the risk of getting infected, had asked these employees to take samples.

A doctor, pleading anonymity, said, "The practice has been going on for months. Nobody recognises who is taking the sample as they wear PPE kits."

When questioned about the laxity by health officials, Patiala Civil Surgeon Dr Satinder Singh said Class IV employees were only assisting and not taking samples. He said, "I am informed by the SMO of Rajpura that they were only assisting medical officers. However, I will still ask the SMO to look into the issue."

Dr Sumeet Singh, district epidemiologist, said, "Class IV employees cannot collect Covid samples at all. No one is allowed to collect these samples except the experts."

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4 states, UT go to polls from March 27

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 26

The Election Commission today announced the schedule for the Assembly elections in four states and a UT with voting to begin on March 27 and the votes to be counted on May 2. West Bengal will have maximum eight phases, Assam three while Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry will go for single-phase voting.

The elections are expected to witness a determined attempt by the BJP to put up a strong show, including in Assam where it is already in power, as well as in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry where the party has been pushing hard in recent years.

Covid jab mandatory for those on election duty

At a media briefing to announce the poll dates, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said two special observers would be appointed for West Bengal while a third could also be sent if required. He was responding to queries on whether enough arrangements were in place in the state where questions were being raised about political violence. The elections in Assam will be conducted in three phases on March 27, April 1 and April 6, while polling in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will take place in a single phase on April 6. The elections in West Bengal will be held in eight phases, up from seven last time, beginning with polling for 30 seats on March 27.

Responding to questions on the increased number of phases in West Bengal, the CEC said, "The elections to West Bengal (Assembly) in 2016 were in seven phases. The Lok Sabha was in seven phases. So, seven to eight phases is not such a big deal because we also have to see the movement of forces, we also have to see the current charges and counter-charges (by political parties)." To keep a watch on the use of money power in Tamil Nadu, the EC has appointed two special expenditure observers. In Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, there will be single observer.

Arora said arrangements would be put in place for candidates to file their nominations online. Also, webcasting arrangements will be in place at polling stations in critical and vulnerable areas, while adequate paramilitary deployment would be ensured, he said. All critical and vulnerable areas had been identified and advance teams had already been deployed across the four states and the UT, he said.

Arora said the nationwide vaccination drive had made the situation more conducive for conducting elections and the Health Ministry had declared everyone on poll duty as frontline workers for vaccination purposes.

5 cars for roadshow

Door-to-door campaigning will be restricted to five persons, including the candidate, while roadshows will be allowed with a maximum of five vehicles.

Online nomination

There will be a provision to file nominations online. Voting will be allowed for an additional hour in view of Covid.

CEC retires on apr 13

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora will demit office on April 13. "The challenge of the Bihar elections was indeed a watershed moment. It proved to be a litmus test," he said.

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India, China agree to set up hotline for sorting out issues

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 26

India and China have agreed to set up a hotline between their Foreign Ministers to sort out issues even as New Delhi told Beijing that disengagement of troops at all friction points was a must for de-escalation in eastern Ladakh.

The new hotline will be in addition to the agreed-upon military hotline between the Army's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) and Chinese PLA's Western Theatre Command.

LAC normalcy the key

Normalcy at LAC basis for restoring bilateral ties, Foreign Minister Jaishankar says
But Chinese counterpart Wang differs. "Border issue is not the whole story of China-India relations," he claims

The two nations had initially signed an agreement in 2010 to set up a hotline between the two Premiers, but it failed to materialise. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said both sides had agreed to set up a communication hotline to exchange opinions in a "timely" manner.

Releasing details of the 75-minute telephonic talk between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, the MEA said the two "discussed the situation along the LAC in eastern Ladakh and issues related to overall India-China tiess".

Jaishankar was upfront about China's "provocative behaviour and unilateral attempts to alter the status quo. "It is necessary to disengage at all friction points to contemplate de-escalation of forces in this sector. That alone will lead to restoration of peace and provide conditions for progress of bilateral relationship," he said.

Wang's observations released by the Foreign Office quoted him as saying that the "border issue is not the whole story of China-India ties, and should be placed in a proper position in their relationship". Wang also said India had "vacillated and even moved backward over its policy on China, affecting pragmatic cooperation".

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V-shaped recovery, GDP back to positive post 2-quarter decline

Sandeep Dikshit

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 26

Riding on a good showing by farm, services and construction sectors, the Indian economy entered the positive territory with a growth of 0.4 per cent in the Q3 (October-December) quarter after contracting for two quarters in a row.

With this, the economy has returned to the pre-pandemic level of positive growth and is also a reflection of a further strengthening of a V-shaped recovery that began in Q2 (July-September) of 2020-21. According to data released by the National Statistical Office, the farm sector recorded a growth of 3.9% in Q3, up from 3.3% in Q1.

Lukewarm response to 'Bharat Bandh'

The 'Bharat Bandh' called by traders evoked a lukewarm response. Most of the shops remained open on Friday. PTI

The recovery in manufacturing and construction augurs well for the support these sectors are expected to provide to the growth in FY2021-22. The real GVA in manufacturing has improved from a contraction of 35.9% in Q1 to a positive growth of 1.6% in Q3. In construction, the recovery has been from a contraction of 49.4% (Q1) to a positive of 6.2%.

The trade and hotel industry registered a contraction of 7.7%, the sectors continuing to bleed due to Covid. After a large GDP contraction in Q1 (April-June) had followed one of the most stringent lockdowns in the world. The second advance estimates the contraction of GDP at 8.0 per cent in 2020-21.

SENSEX TANKS 1,939.32 POINTS Biggest 1-day fall in 10 mths closes at 49,099.99

The economy, the government warned, was not yet out of the woods and the figures appeared to tally with the "foresight of an imminent V-shaped recovery".

The recovery has been driven by rebounds in both Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) and Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF). While the GFCF has improved from a contraction of 46.4% in Q1 to a positive growth of 2.6% in Q3, the PFCE has recovered from a contraction of 26.2% in Q1 to a much smaller contraction of 2.4% in Q3.

The high GFCF in Q3 was also triggered by Capex in Central Government that increased year-on-year by 129% in October, 249 per cent in November and 62% in December 2020.

These sectors are vital to the economy to achieve a growth of 11% or more in 2021-22 as they will be impacted most by the counter cyclical fiscal policy that budgets fiscal deficit at 6.8% of GDP.

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Special cell ready to lodge Nirav at Arthur Road Jail

Mumbai, February 26

With a UK court ruling in favour of Nirav Modi's extradition, Mumbai's Arthur Road jail authorities have kept a special cell ready to lodge him.

A jail official said once Nirav was brought to Mumbai, he would be kept in one of the three cells of barrack number 12. "Preparations for lodging Nirav in the jail have been completed and the prison cell is ready for him, whenever he is extradited," he said.

Nirav is wanted in India in connection with the Punjab National Bank scam. — PTI

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Damaging reputation of spouse amounts to mental cruelty: Supreme Court

New Delhi, February 26

Defamatory complaints against spouse and damaging his reputation amount to mental cruelty, the Supreme Court said on Friday while granting divorce to an Army officer.

A Bench headed by Justice SK Kaul said the Uttarakhand High Court was in error in describing the broken relationship as normal wear and tear of middle-class married life.

"It is a definite case of cruelty inflicted by the respondent against the appellant and as such enough justification is found to set aside the impugned judgment of the High Court and to restore the order passed by the family court," the Bench observed.

'Error in HC judgment'

An apex court Bench, headed by Justice SK Kaul, says Uttarakhand High Court erred in describing the broken relationship as normal wear and tear of middle-class married life.
Rules appellant Army officer entitled to dissolution of marriage.

"The appellant is accordingly held entitled to dissolution of his marriage and consequently the respondent's application for restitution of conjugal rights stands dismissed. It is ordered accordingly," it said.

The apex court was hearing a plea filed by the Army officer seeking divorce alleging mental cruelty by his wife who is holding a faculty position in a government PG College.

They got married in 2006 and lived together for a few months, but differences cropped up and they have lived apart since 2007.

The wife also filed a petition against the husband for restitution of conjugal rights and for resumption of matrimonial life.

The Bench, also comprising Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Hrishikesh Roy, said: "The degree of tolerance will vary from one couple to another and the court will have to bear in mind the background, the level of education and also the status of the parties, in order to determine whether the cruelty alleged is sufficient to justify dissolution of marriage, at the instance of the wronged party."

"For considering dissolution of marriage at the instance of a spouse who alleges mental cruelty, the result of such mental cruelty must be such that it is not possible to continue with the matrimonial relationship," the Bench added

The court said the allegations were levelled by a highly educated spouse and they do have the propensity to irreparably damage the character and reputation of the appellant.

The apex court noted that materials in the present case reveal that the wife had made several defamatory complaints to the appellant's superiors in the Army for which, a Court of Inquiry was conducted by the Army. — PTI

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Will study new rules on social media: Facebook

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 26

The Facebook on Friday said it would carefully study the new social media regulations notified by the government adding that the company has always welcomed regulations and guidelines that seek to address challenges on the Internet.

A day after the government published amended rules governing intermediaries in India apart from over the top platforms and digital news media, a Facebook spokesperson said the company was India's ally and the agenda for internet user safety was important.

'Ally of India'

A Facebook spokesperson says the company is India's ally and the agenda for internet user safety was important
A day before, the government published amended rules governing intermediaries in India apart from over the top platforms and digital news media

"We have always been clear that we welcome regulations that set guidelines for addressing today's toughest challenges on the Internet. The details of rules like these matter and we will carefully study the new rules that were just published. We acknowledge and appreciate the recognition from the minister on the positive contributions of social media to the country," a spokesperson for the US-based digital behemoth said today.

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From March 1, pick centre for jab

New Delhi, February 26

Starting March 1, beneficiaries eligible for Covid vaccination would be able to book appointments for inoculation and select the centre of choice once they get on to digital portal Co-Win-2, tailor-made for the next phase of the drive.

The government is in advanced stages of finalising modalities for vaccinating people aged 60 years and above and those aged 45 to 59 with specific co-morbidities. These two population groups will be targeted from March 1.

The Centre today held a virtual meeting with state health secretaries and National Health Mission directors. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said no vaccinations would be scheduled on February 27 and 28, the days to be used for transition from Co-Win-1 to Co-Win-2.

"The fundamental shift in this phase is that citizens in the identified age groups, and healthcare workers and frontline missed in the first phase, can select vaccination centres of choice. Secondly, the private sector hospitals will be involved for vaccination," said Bhushan.

Those opting for private facilities will pay a pre-fixed cost for vaccines. The beneficiaries will be able to get inoculated through three routes — advance self-registration by downloading Co-Win-2 app, through other apps such as Aarogya Setu and state government drives. — TNS

India covid-19 vaccination

Total 1,37,56,940
Day's count 2,84,297
Adverse events 0

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Now, lower airfare if no check-in luggage

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 26

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an order asking airlines to offer concession on air fare to passengers who do not carry check-in luggage. The move is seen as a step towards making flying more affordable and accessible to passengers. According to the current rules, passengers are permitted to carry up to 7-kg cabin baggage and 15-kg check-in baggage.

The DGCA has said if a passenger with a discount ticket turns up with baggage, "he/she will be charged as applicable".

"Scheduled airlines will be allowed to offer free baggage allowance as well as 'zero baggage/no check-in baggage' fares," it said. This would be subject to "the condition that the passenger booking ticket under such fare scheme is made aware of the charges that shall be applicable if he turns up with the baggage at the time of check-in," it added.

The DGCA has also allowed unbundling of other services, including preferential seating, meal-snack-drink, sports equipment and musical instrument charge etc.

"Considering the fact that unbundling of services has the potential to make basic fare more affordable, it has been decided to allow these services to be charged separately on opt-in basis," the aviation regulator said.

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World's Happiest Dog!

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Shivaram Karanth Layout: Committee to accept documents for buildings on notified land

They can be submitted online or by visiting help centres

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/shivaram-karanth-layout-committee-to-accept-documents-for-buildings-on-notified-land/article33944884.ece

International flight curbs till March 31

Aviation regulator DGCA on Friday extended the suspension of international commercial passenger flight services till March 31. Scheduled international

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/international-flight-curbs-till-march-31/article33945759.ece

D.J. Halli violence: ‘Chargesheet prejudiced’

SDPI says NIA misused by BJP

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/dj-halli-violence-chargesheet-prejudiced/article33944788.ece

Amid rise in temperature, Odisha to start morning shifts in schools

The daytime temperature soared past 40 degree Celsius for the first time ahead of summer

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/amid-rise-in-temperature-odisha-to-start-morning-shifts-in-schools/article33945732.ece

Curious little kittens

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Another Year Gone

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Eyebrows, two eye colors, and little round ears, I can't handle it

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I can't 🧡

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Lockdown saw 27 lakh exiting EPF scheme during April-June

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 25

The Covid-19 induced lockdown and restrictions not only devastated employment avenues in the unorganised sector but also dealt a blow to job indicators in the formal sector.

11 lakh added in first quarter

7.37L subscribers exited in April last year

9.30L subscribers opted out in May 2020

9.98L exited in june; 11 lakh added

The first signs of formal employment recovery emerged in July 2020 when new EPF subscriber numbers started rising

New sets of government data mapping employment in the formal sector have revealed that almost 1 million Employees Provident Fund (EPF) subscribers exited the system every month through April, May and June 2020 when the aftermath of the Covid lockdown was most pronounced.

The economic activity started picking up thereafter peaking in September last when more than a million new subscribers joined the EPF, which is one of the principal government schemes indicating formal employment trends.

The subscribers exiting the system started witnessing a decline since July 2020, once the economic activity picked up and pain inflicted by restrictions eased.

"Payroll reporting in India: An Employment Perspective" document finalised today showed continuous stress on EPF subscriptions in the first quarter of 2020-21 when almost 2.7 million (27 lakh) employees ceased to subscribe to EPF contributions. While in April last year 7.37 lakh subscribers exited the EPF contribution net, the number rose to 9.30 lakh in May 2020 and 9.98 lakh in June last.

During the first quarter of this fiscal when 2.7 million exited EPF subscriptions only 1.1 million new subscribers were added. The number of new EPF subscribers was 1.92 lakh in April last followed by 3.25 lakh in May and 5.72 lakh in June last. The first signs of formal employment recovery emerged in July 2020 when new EPF subscriber numbers started rising and the numbers of those ceasing to pay their contributions began to plummet. September 2020 saw a major jump of 11.65 lakh new EPF subscriptions as against 7.39 lakh ceasing to pay their contribution.

The formal job sector recovery sustained growing trends thereafter with 7.89 lakh new subscribers joining in October 2020 and December 2020 witnessing 8.04 lakh new subscriptions. Subscribers exiting the EPF scheme was down to 6.29 lakh in October with a further drop in December when only 2.95 lakh subscribers ceased to make their EPF contribution. From April to December, 59.68 lakh new subscribers joined and 64.95 lakh left.

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Shringla visit sets tone for India-Russia talks

New Delhi, February 25

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla's visit to Moscow last week helped strengthen India-Russia partnership as well as set the tone for high level exchanges during the year, said MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava at the weekly media briefing today.

Invites Russian Foreign Minister

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla handed over a letter of invitation to visit India to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The latter has accepted the invitation.

Russia has expressed keen interest in investing in new technologies. Shringla also inaugurated a digital online library in the Indian Embassy in Moscow.

This was the Foreign Secretary's first visit abroad this year which `"reaffirms the importance" that India attaches to its partnership with Russia, he added.

In an indirect rebuttal of the impression that India-Russia ties are nose-diving after no summit meeting was held last year, the MEA pointed out that there were four telephonic conversations during 2020 between PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Putin.

The Foreign Secretary's visit was preceded by India-Russia Consultations on UNSC issues and policy planning

dialogue at the Joint Secretary level. Earlier, Secretary (West) Vikas Swaroop

had visited Moscow for consultations with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vershinin Sergey Vasilievich on UNSC issues. — TNS

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India, Pak agree on strict observance of LoC pacts

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 25

India and Pakistan have agreed to strictly observe all existing ceasefire agreements along the Line of Control (LoC) and other sectors in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

4,645

Ceasefire violations in 2020

3,168

Such incidents at border in 2019

Peace initiative

Both sides signed a peace pact in 2003, but it was hardly adhered to

A similar initiative in May 2018 had failed to yield desired results

India said its position on counter-terror operations won't change

A joint statement issued on Thursday said the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries held discussions over hotline and reviewed the situation along the border.

"Both sides agreed on strict observance of all agreements and understandings on ceasefire with effect from the midnight of February 24/25," the statement said.

The agreement was reached on February 22 but announced today, ironically on the eve of the second anniversary of the Balakot airstrikes when Indian Air Force jets bombed terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan.

The two countries had signed a ceasefire agreement in 2003, but it was hardly adhered to over the past several years with more violations than observance of the pact. A similar statement on following the pact was issued in May 2018 after the neighbours exchanged some serious firing following which the DGMOs spoke to each other.

The DGMOs and their officials had been talking as the civilian population on either side was getting hit due to the cross-LoC firing.

Indian officials said the agreement did not mean that counter-terrorism operations in Jamp;K or action to check infiltration along the border would stop. The agreement was only about not firing across at civilian population, they said.

"In the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the border, the DGMOs agreed to address each other's core issues and concerns, which have propensity to disturb peace and lead to violence," the Defence Ministry in India said.

Both sides reiterated that existing mechanisms of hotline contact and border flag meetings would be utilised to resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding.

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Tough norms for social media, OTT platforms

New Delhi, February 25

The government on Thursday announced regulations for social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter as well as OTT players such as Netflix, requiring them to remove any content flagged by the authorities within 36 hours and set up a complaint redressal mechanism with an officer based in the country.

Grievance redressal system a must, Govt tells firms

Firms will have to set up a complaint redressal mechanism with an officer based in the country

Publish a monthly compliance report disclosing details of complaints received and action taken

OTT platforms to self-classify content into five age-based categories; move by govt weeks after spat with Twitter

Will curb fake news

Concerns have been raised over rampant abuse of social media platforms and fake news. — Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister

As part of the norms, titled Digital Media Ethics Code, the government can ask the social platforms to reveal the originator of a message the authorities consider to be anti-national and against the security and sovereignty of the country. This is the first time such rules have been framed for digital and online media. The development comes weeks after a spat between the government and Twitter over certain messages around farmers' protests that the government saw as inciting violence. "There has been rampant misuse of social media. The medium is being used by terrorists and criminals, even those sitting across the border," said Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

The government has proposed voluntary verification of users and asked the firms to have a compliance officer, grievance officer and a nodal officer, all based in India.

The digital news media has been brought under the purview of Information Technology Act. OTT platforms will have a self-regulating body and classify content based on viewers' age. — TNS

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Don’t think of using force, warn unions

New Delhi/Jhajjar, Feb 25

The protesting farmers are upset with the government and the police over closure of main roads at the Ghazipur border and the notices sent to several protesters for their 'role' in the January 26 violence.

Relief for Shantanu

New Delhi: A Delhi court granted protection from arrest till March 9 to Shantanu Muluk, an accused along with Disha Ravi. in Toolkit case. PTI

Farmers' leader Jagtar Singh Bajwa alleged: "The government is working to suppress the movement." Notices have been sent to 1,700 farmers across the country for inciting violence. A panel of lawyers from Punjab is on its way to the Ghazipur border.

Dharmendar Malik, a BKU member of the UP Krishak Samriddhi Aayog, on Thursday resigned from the commission. Terming former minister Ram Bilas Sharma's remark that no farmer would be seen near Delhi by Holi as "provocative", BKU's Joginder Nain at Tikri warned: "The government will have to pay a heavy price if it tries to use force against the farmers." — TNS/Agencies

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UK court allows fugitive Nirav Modi’s extradition

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 25

The government would liaise with the UK authorities for early extradition of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi after the Westminster Magistrate's Court in London pronounced today that he could be sent to India to stand trial.

Can appeal in HC

Nirav Modi can appeal in HC if UK Govt clears his extradition

Court said no proof to suggest he won't get fair trial in India

Nirav's mental health affected, but suicide risk low, it said

Dismissing the mental health concerns raised by Nirav Modi, the judge observed that he had conspired to destroy evidence and intimidate witnesses. The court has now recommended Nirav's extradition to the UK Home Secretary, Priti Patel.

Patel is authorised to order an extradition under the India-UK extradition treaty and has two months to make the decision.

Technically, Nirav has two weeks to appeal to the High Court in case Patel decides to extradite him. The UK Home Ministry rarely goes against a court ruling like this unless there is a risk of the person being awarded the death penalty. At the same time, the judge lashed out at the Indian agencies for "poorly presented" documentation and hoped that New Delhi would take "these observations on board in relation to future requests". The judge also pointed out that those Indian agencies had submitted 16 volumes of evidence, including 16 bundles of expert reports and defence evidence and 32 folders of documents.

The judge had ruled that Nirav not only had a case to answer in the Indian courts but that there was no evidence to suggest he would not receive a fair trial in India. He is wanted on charges of fraud and money laundering in the estimated Rs 15,000-crore PNB scam case.

District Judge Samuel Goozee also ruled that there were no human rights concerns following several assurances from New Delhi.

Modi appeared via video link from his London prison wearing a formal suit and sporting a thick beard. He showed no emotion as excerpts of the judgment were read out in court. However, the judge did acknowledge that Modi's mental health had deteriorated in prison but his risk of suicide was low.

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Alarm as daily cases highest since Jan 29

New Delhi, February 25

Active infections in the country went beyond 1.5 lakh for the first time after four days today, while the number of daily fresh cases rose to the highest since January 29.

Edit: Vaccination booster

Most new cases from 7 states

Data show 89.57% of the new cases are from seven states, including Punjab

Cabinet Secretary Rajeev Gauba held a review meeting with the chief secretaries and principal health secretaries of seven states, including Punjab, that are contributing hugely to daily infection spike.

The 24-hour new infections across the country were 18,855 on January 29. Since then, the country saw the highest daily case count of 16,738 today.

"India's active caseload is 1,51,708 today — 1.37 per cent of the total positive cases," sources said. — TNS

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HC seeks details of cases pending against sitting, former lawmakers

Saurabh Malik

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 25

The Punjab and Haryana High Court today made clear its intent to fast-lane cases involving sitting and former MPs and legislators of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh by not only seeking details of pending matters, but also issuing directions for their expeditious disposal.

Of Vohra committee amp; special courts

The suggestion for special courts flows from recommendations of a committee set up in 1993 under the chairmanship of NN Vohra, then Union Home Secretary, to take stock of info on activities of crime syndicates having links with govt functionaries/political personalities. The panel had suggested a 'nodal cell' for the purpose.

The Bench of Justice Rajan Gupta and Justice Karamjit Singh made it clear that the information to be furnished would include details of cases pending with the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate and other central agencies. "In spirit of the order passed by the Supreme court titled 'Ashwani Kumar Upadhyay versus the Union of India and another,' an officer of the rank of IGP shall be present on the next date of hearing to furnish the requisite information of all cases pending against MPs/MLAs, sitting or erstwhile, in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh," the Bench said.

The District Judges of the two states and the Union Territory too were directed to furnish details of all such cases. "They shall also send a report regarding the stage of such trials," the Bench added. As the suo motu case, "In Re: Special Courts for MPs/MLAs", for monitoring the progress of cases pending against the lawmakers came up for resumed hearing, amicus curiae (friend of the court) Rupinder Khosla, citing the information provided by the Registry, submitted that two matters were pending before a Single Judge. He said information may also be required from the Union of India, the CBI, the ED and other central investigating agencies. This, he added, was necessary as the operative part of the Supreme Court order specifically mentioned monitoring the trial of all criminal cases instituted by the state. The Registry was asked to examine the possibility of listing the matter for physical hearing.

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Lockdown saw 27 lakh exiting EPF scheme during April-June

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 25

The Covid-19 induced lockdown and restrictions not only devastated employment avenues in the unorganised sector but also dealt a blow to job indicators in the formal sector.

11 lakh added in first quarter

7.37L subscribers exited in April last year

9.30L subscribers opted out in May 2020

9.98L exited in june; 11 lakh added

The first signs of formal employment recovery emerged in July 2020 when new EPF subscriber numbers started rising

The subscribers exiting the system started witnessing a decline since July 2020, once the economic activity picked up and pain inflicted by restrictions eased.

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

Shringla visit sets tone for India-Russia talks

New Delhi, February 25

Invites Russian Foreign Minister

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla handed over a letter of invitation to visit India to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The latter has accepted the invitation.

Russia has expressed keen interest in investing in new technologies. Shringla also inaugurated a digital online library in the Indian Embassy in Moscow.

This was the Foreign Secretary's first visit abroad this year which `"reaffirms the importance" that India attaches to its partnership with Russia, he added.

The Foreign Secretary's visit was preceded by India-Russia Consultations on UNSC issues and policy planning

dialogue at the Joint Secretary level. Earlier, Secretary (West) Vikas Swaroop

had visited Moscow for consultations with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vershinin Sergey Vasilievich on UNSC issues. — TNS

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Oh lawd, he comin'

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Owners of illegal resorts begin farming along notified elephant corridor

‘It is illegal to change land-use along the elephant corridor and in all TNPPF Act notified lands’

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/owners-of-illegal-resorts-begin-farming-along-notified-elephant-corridor/article33938016.ece

Call for Bharat Bandh on Friday: Trucks will not ply, may block highways in Karnataka

Traders to extend only moral support

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/call-for-bharat-bandh-on-friday-trucks-will-not-ply-may-block-highways-in-karnataka/article33935526.ece

Inscription on Vijayanagar king’s death discovered

He died on October 17, 1529

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/inscription-on-vijayanagar-kings-death-discovered/article33937892.ece

Anti Corruption Bureau in Karnataka scores poorly in convictions

Data reveals only 3 convictions in five years

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/anti-corruption-bureau-in-karnataka-scores-poorly-in-convictions/article33927265.ece

Manipur newspapers, news channels to strike work again

Newspapers and news channels in Manipur will once again refrain from printing and broadcasting news indefinitely. This is one of the eight resolutions

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/manipur-newspapers-news-channels-to-strike-work-again/article33936599.ece

Dhaka assures Meghalaya safety of minority communities

Rights group wants Jaishankar to take up with Dhaka issue of eviction of Garo and Mro people in Bangladesh

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/dhaka-assures-meghalaya-safety-of-minority-communities/article33936503.ece

Coronavirus | India sent over 361 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses to various countries: MEA

It includes 67.5 lakh doses supplied under grant assistance and 294.44 lakh doses under various commercial contracts, says Anurag Srivastava

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-sent-over-361-lakh-covid-19-vaccine-doses-to-various-countries-mea/article33936811.ece

Doggo Protects His Blind Little Brother.

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bunny enjoying his new bed

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Minister rejects MLA’s request

Forest Minister Dindigul C. Srinivasan on Thursday rejected the request by an MLA for hunting of hare on the occasion of folk deities’ festival in the

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/minister-rejects-mlas-request/article33936786.ece

Coronavirus | Brazil COVID-19 death toll passes a quarter million

Brazil had distributed 13 million to 14 million vaccine doses and the government plans to have inoculated half of the country's 210 million residents by midyear, says Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/coronavirus-brazil-covid-19-death-toll-passes-a-quarter-million/article33937624.ece

PNB scam | U.K. court's judgement in Nirav Modi case significant, should serve as reminder to all fugitives: CBI

‘The judgement is a significant achievement in the context of CBI's efforts to curb corruption’

source https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pnb-scam-uk-courts-judgement-in-nirav-modi-case-significant-should-serve-as-reminder-to-all-fugitives-cbi/article33936808.ece

Mistrust hits pullback, troops not yet back at home bases

Ajay Banerjee
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, February 24

Even as there has been visible disengagement of Indian and Chinese troops along a section of the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, the de-escalation and deinduction — which means pulling back troops and war equipment to the pre-April 2020 home bases — have not yet begun in the area.

At the commander-level meet on Saturday, the two sides did discuss phased de-escalation and deinduction, but there has been no forward movement on the two issues, sources told The Tribune, adding that "it could take more talks as a lack of trust exists for now".

Catering for redeployment

The two sides don't want to pull back to locations from where redeployment, in case of an exigency, could take time, say sources.

The first phase of the disengagement process commenced on February 10 with simultaneous withdrawal by both sides from both banks of the Pangong Tso, a 135-km-wide glacial lake. The matters of disengagement at Depsang, Gogra or Hot Springs are likely to come up in subsequent talks.

Army Chief Gen MM Naravane, speaking at an event of a think tank in New Delhi on Wednesday, sounded a word of caution: "We still have a long way to go. We now have to go on to the stage of de-escalation, then deinduction of troops. We have to be wary and cautious."

A senior functionary explained that it was a clear case of lack of trust, hence the two militaries didn't want to pull back to locations from where redeployment, in case of an exigency, could take time.

The present positions of troops, tanks or guns are not face to face but they are within striking range of artillery fire and from where rapid redeployment is possible.

General Naravane too spoke about the lack of trust, saying that "there is trust deficit with China and we will be watching Chinese moves closely".

Some of mistrust stems from statements of the Chinese Ministry of Defence as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, which tried to wrongly blame India for the Galwan clash on June 15 last year. The statements had come on February 19, indicating that China was under pressure from its domestic audience, which has no access to international media or opinion.

China is in the habit of creeping and making very small incremental changes along the LAC where each change by itself doesn't appear to be very big or worthy of a strong reaction, said the Army Chief.

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Phase 2: Free jab for 60+ in govt centres

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, February 24

From March 1, all elderly aged 60 years and above and the 45 plus with underlying health conditions will get free Covid vaccination at designated government health facilities as the country commences the second phase of the inoculation drive that started on January 16.

The Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi today decided to bear the cost of jabs for these categories, provided they seek doses at the 10,000 designated facilities in the government sector.

States told to speed up inoculation

Centre has written to high-burden states to escalate inoculation in districts reporting a rise in cases

Punjab's SBS Nagar, Kapurthala and Muktsar as well as Jamp;K's Pulwama are among districts of worry

Announcing the decision, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said: "There are 10 crore people in the 60-plus segment. The Health Ministry will soon clarify which comorbidities will be covered for those aged 45 and above. If vaccines are taken at the 20,000 private facilities, people will have to pay."

The Health Ministry is working out the vaccine cost and will announce it soon, said the government, which had borne the cost of vaccination for health and frontline workers covered in the first phase. India has so far administered 1,23,66,633 doses with an overall coverage of eligible beneficiaries hovering at 60 per cent.

The government further clarified that the efficacy of Indian vaccines Covaxin and Covishield had been firmly established worldwide and several countries had received these vaccines.

The government is aiming to speed up vaccinations to ensure early herd immunity and minimise any adverse impact of a second wave with infections rising in some states.

The Centre has sent teams to 10 states, including Punjab, Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, MP and Jamp;K, to detect the reason behind the surge and guide local governments in containment.

Punjab, Maharashtra, Haryana and Jamp;K are among the states that reported an increase in active cases over yesterday while Kerala reported a drop. The Centre has also written to high-burden states to escalate inoculation in districts reporting a rise in cases and the positivity rate.

Punjab's SBS Nagar, Kapurthala and Muktsar as well as Jamp;K's Pulwama are among districts of worry.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/3qYT0F6

Union Cabinet for President rule in Puducherry

New Delhi, February 24

Puducherry is set to see a brief spell of President's rule ahead of the Assembly elections in April-May this year. The Union Cabinet approved a recommendation in this regard today. Chief Minister V Narayanasamy had resigned on February 22 after failing to win the "trust vote" in the Assembly. Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said no other political party had come forward to form a government. — TNS

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Tomar sets terms for talks with farm unions

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, February 24

The government is ready to resume talks with the protesting farmers if they respond to its offer to put the three farm laws on hold for one and a half years and iron out differences through a joint committee, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said.

MSP spike historic

We ushered in a historic increase in MSP. We are doing everything possible to double farm income. PM

"The government had been sympathetically holding discussions with the farmers. Even now, if their response comes, we are ready to talk," he said on the sidelines of an event to mark the second anniversary of PM-Kisan.

He was replying to a query on BKU leader Rakesh Tikait's threat to march to Parliament on 40 lakh tractors if the laws were not repealed.

Tomar announced estimates, according to which foodgrain production in 2020-21 is slated to touch a record 303.34 million tonnes (MT).

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Row as Patel stadium renamed after Modi

Tribune News Service amp; PTI
Ahmedabad, February 24

In a controversial development, the reconstructed Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera, near Ahmedabad, was rechristened as Narendra Modi Stadium. The cricket stadium, which is now the world's largest having a seating capacity of 1,32,000, was inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday.

Soon after the inauguration, social media was flooded with remarks, including by leaders of the Congress and other parties, who termed the move as an "insult" to Sardar Patel.

World's largest with 1.32L seating capacity

Built at a cost of Rs800 crore, Narendra Modi Stadium near Ahmedabad is now the world's largest cricket stadium with 1.32 lakh seating capacity

The venue is spread over 63 acres comprising 11 pitches and possessing a unique system that helps drain the wet ground in 30 minutes

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor tweeted: "Maybe they just realised the stadium was named after a Home Minister who had banned their parent organisation! Or is this the beginning of a legacy-creation-through-labelling spree?"

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, without directly talking about the stadium, tweeted a Hindi quote of Sardar Patel.

Hitting back, the government released a list containing names of 22 sports stadia, a national sports award (Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna) and 17 tournaments and trophies named after late Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju said the list of national institutions and complexes named after the Gandhis was "very long". Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said only the Motera Stadium had been renamed and the complex continued to be named after Vallabhbhai Patel.

Earlier addressing the gathering after the ceremony, the President said: "The vision to build such a world-class stadium was set when Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat." He said good sports facilities and performance in this field were the yardsticks of a nation's development.

He along with First Lady Savita Kovind also performed the bhumi pujan of the upcoming Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave. The facility will have a cycling velodrome, aquatic centre, indoor sports centre, tennis centre and an athletics-cum-football stadium. Located at the Sabarmati riverfront, the multi-sports facility will also include hotels, retail and food courts.

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