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Sep 01, 2020 ,  8:29AM Students appearing for JEE, NEET exams allowed to travel in special suburban trains in Mumbai File Pic: PTI Students appearing for JEE and NEET exams have been allowed to travel by special suburban services over the Mumbai Suburban network of Central and Western Railways. This will benefit over 50,000 students residing in Mumbai and its nearby areas to reach for the exams safely and on time. The Admit Card of candidates for JEE and NEET exams will be considered as authority to enter suburban stations with companions, parents/guardians on exam days. Station and Security officials at stations have been instructed suitably to allow the students on the exam days. Additional booking counters will be opened at important railway stations and frequency of suburban services will be increased accordingly for their convenience. Railways has appealed that except for essential category staff and students with companions appearing in JEE and NEET exams, ot...

Sep 01, 2020 ,  8:22AM JEE main exam for admission to top engineering colleges in country begins today File Pic Joint Entrance Examination (JEE-Main) for admission to top engineering colleges in the country will commence today with unprecedented preparations. About 9.58 lakh aspirants have registered for the exam to be conducted from September 1 to 6 across 660 centres. Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh governments have arranged free transportation for candidates. A group of IIT alumni and students have also launched a portal to provide transport facility to exam centres for needy aspirants. Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has appealed to chief ministers to support the candidates. Director General of National Testing Agency Vineet Joshi said that a comprehensive standard operating procedure for the candidates and centre staff has been put in place to ensure social distancing and secured delivery of the test.

Sep 01, 2020 ,  8:14AM Unlock-4 guidelines in COVID non-containment zones come into force mha.gov.in The guidelines issued by the government for Unlock 4 will come into force today. It will remain in force till September 30. The Home Ministry on Saturday issued new guidelines for opening up of more activities in areas outside containment zones, as a part of Unlock 4. According to the guidelines, metro services across the country will resume from September 7 while schools and colleges will remain shut. The Centre has also allowed religious, political, social and sports congregations, with 100 people, to take place from September 21 with the mandatory wearing of face masks and social distancing. International air travel, except as permitted by the government, will remain suspended. There shall also be no restriction on inter-State and intra-State movement of persons and goods including those for cross land-border trade under Treaties with neighbouring countries. No ...

Sep 01, 2020 ,  8:09AM Monsoon Session of Parliament from September 14 to October 1 File Pic: PTI Monsoon Session of Parliament will begin from 14th of this month and continue till October 1. A notification issued by Lok Sabha Secretariat said that President Ram Nath Kovind has called the Lower House of Parliament to meet on Monday, 14th September at 9 AM. Rajya Sabha will also meet at a different time on the same day, as it has been decided to stagger the sitting of the two houses due to the COVID-19 guidelines. Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs had earlier recommended that Parliament's Monsoon session be held from 14th September 14 to 1st October. Hectic preparations are underway for the session with several first-time measures because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The measures include testing of all MPs, staggered sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and use of both chambers and galleries to accommodate members while following physical distancing norms. ...

Aug 31, 2020 ,  8:29PM Govt. declares 7-day State mourning as a mark of respect to departed leader Tweeted by @AIR As a mark of respect to former President Pranab Mukherjee, seven day State mourning will be observed throughout India from today till 6th September.  During the period of State Mourning the National Flag will fly at half mast on all buildings throughout India, where it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment.

Aug 31, 2020 ,  8:12PM Health Ministry decides to depute Central teams to 4 States that are witnessing sudden surge in COVID cases Tweeted by @AIR The Health Ministry has decided to depute high level Central teams to Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. These four states are seeing a sudden surge in the number of COVID cases and some of them are also reporting high mortality.    The teams will support the State efforts towards strengthening containment, surveillance, testing and efficient clinical management of the positive cases. They will also guide the States in effectively managing the challenges related to timely diagnosis and follow up. Each of the multi-sectoral teams will comprise an epidemiologist and a public health expert.   Of these States, Uttar Pradesh has the maximum number of active cases pegged at 54,666, followed by Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. In terms of total cases till date, Uttar Pradesh has 2,25,632, an...

Aug 31, 2020 ,  8:11PM President, Vice President and Prime Minister express grief on demise of veteran leader File Pic President Ramnath Kovind has condoled the death of former President Pranab Mukherjee. Mr. Kovind said, his demise is the passing of an era. A colossus in public life, he served Mother India with the spirit of a sage.  President Kovind said, the nation mourns losing one of its worthiest sons. He said, endowed with perspicacity and wisdom, Bharat Ratna Mr. Mukherjee combined tradition and modernity. In his 5 decade long illustrious public life, he remained rooted to the ground irrespective of the exalted offices he held. He endeared himself to people across the political spectrum. Mr. Kovind said, as the First Citizen, Mr.Mukherjee continued to connect with everyone, bringing Rashtrapati Bhavan closer to the people. He opened its gates for public visit. Mr. Kovind described Mr. Mukherjee's decision to discontinue the use of the honorific 'His Exce...

Aug 31, 2020 ,  6:28PM Former President Pranav Mukherjee passes away at 84 @CitiznMukherjee Former President Pranab Mukherjee is no more. He breathed his last at Army Hospital in New Delhi this evening. His son Abhijit Mukherjee informed this through Twitter.  He said, Mr Pranab Mukherjee passed away in spite of the best efforts of Doctors of Army R&R Hospital and prayers, duas and prarthanas from people throughout the country.   The medical condition of 84-year old Mukherjee declined yesterday after he went into septic shock due to lung infection. He was admitted to the hospital on 10th of this month and was operated for removal of a clot in the brain.

Aug 31, 2020 ,  2:38PM No genuine citizen will be left out in NRC: Assam Govt @cmpatowary (FILE PIC) The Assam Government said that no illegal persons would be included in the National Register of Citizens, NRC list.  Replying to a question in the first day of the four-day State Assembly Session today, Industry and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said that, the State Government has already made its stand clear on the NRC.  He said that no genuine citizens to be left out and no name of illegal resident to be included in the NRC.  Mr. Patowary said that the State Government favoured 20 per cent verification of NRC list in the districts neighbouring Bangladesh and 10 per cent verification in other districts.   Mr. Patowary said that the State Government is committed to fulfill all the clauses of the Assam Accord.  He further said that despite a section of people opposed the Citizenship Amendment Act, not a single Bangladeshi...

Aug 31, 2020 ,  1:49PM DGCA extends ban on scheduled international commercial flight ops till Sept. 30 mygov.in Director General of Civil Aviation, DGCA has extended the ban on scheduled international commercial flight operations till 30th September.  In a circular issued today, DGCA said, the restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by it. The aviation regulator said, however, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on case to case basis.

Aug 31, 2020 ,  1:37PM Brigade Commander-level Flag Meeting between Indian Army & China’s PLA underway at Chushul REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGE A Brigade Commander-level Flag Meeting between Indian Army and People's Liberation Army of China is in progress at Chushul to discuss PLA troops provocative military movements.   Indian Army today said that PLA troops violated the previous consensus arrived at during military and diplomatic engagements during the ongoing standoff in Eastern Ladakh.   Chinese troops carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo in the intervening night of 29th August and 30th August.    However, Indian troops pre-empted this activity on the Southern Bank of Pangong Tso Lake.   Army undertook measures to strengthen its positions to thwart Chinese intentions to unilaterally change facts on ground.   The Indian Army said, it is committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity th...

Aug 31, 2020 ,  9:42AM Festival of Onam being celebrated across country today AIR Pics Amid Covid 19 pandemic, Keralites across the globe is celebrating Thiruvonam today, the biggest cultural festival of the State.   AIR correspondent reports, Thiruonam is the most auspicious day of Onam festival. This annual harvest festival of the State celebrates the visit of mythical and righteous King Mahabali.   Onam is being celebrated by all Keralaites irrespective of religion symbolising secularism and harmony.   Onam marks the season of plenty, but this time the Covid pandemic had taken the sheen out of the festivities.   As authorities had urged to follow strict guidelines for a safer onam, people at large will be celebrating the festival in their homes.   As large gatherings are prohibited onapookalam, onakalikal, onasadhya, will all be restricted to one's own home, as safety r...

Aug 31, 2020 ,  8:36AM PM Modi emphasizes on importance of self-reliance for all round growth & development of nation Screen Grab (PMO India) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a clarion call to citizens of the country to become self-reliant in every area. Addressing the nation in his Mann Ki Baat program on All India Radio, Prime Minister stressed on the importance of Atmanirbhar Bharat for all round growth and development of the nation. He said, Indians especially generation next  have a lot to offer in terms of innovation and solutions and that we should harness this potential for a better tomorrow. The Prime Minister cited how at the beginning of this month, the nation's youth participated enthusiastically in the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat App innovation challenge. He said, around 7 thousand entries were received out of which two thirds were from youth of tier two and tier three cities.   The Prime Minister called upon young talent in the country ...

Aug 31, 2020 ,  8:31AM Haryana lifts 2-day weekly lockdown of markets after Unlock-4 guidelines @ROBChandigarh Haryana government has withdrawn an order shutting markets in non-containment zones of urban areas in the state on Mondays and Tuesdays.   The withdrawal of the order comes after the Centre revealed guidelines for Unlock 4, the fourth phase of easing of national Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.   Earlier on Friday, Haryana government had ordered that malls and shops in marketplaces of urban areas will remain closed on Mondays and Tuesdays instead of weekends as instructed earlier.   This order, however, was not for shops dealing with essential goods and services.   Under the guidelines for Unlock 4, state governments have been directed not to impose localised lockdowns outside containment zones without prior consultation with the centre.   Unlock 4 guidelines, which will come into force tomorrow, include the re-opening of m...

Aug 31, 2020 ,  8:25AM Series of relaxations announced for Unlock 4 in Tamil Nadu @CMOTamilNadu In Tamil Nadu, a series of relaxations have been announced for unlock 4 which will come into effect tomorrow.   State chief minister Edappadi Palaniswamy said that the e-Pass system for travel within the state is dispensed with.   For inter-state travel, the ePass will be auto-generated immediately after applying through the portal.   AIR correspondent reports, a large scale relaxations are being seen in the new announcement on the lockdown, which is extended till the end of next month.   Public and private transport is allowed from Tuesday within the districts including in Chennai.   The Chennai Metro train service will resume operation from the 7th September.   However, the Suburban train service will remain suspended till the 15th.   Shopping malls are allowed to reopen on the First, though cinema halls in them will rema...

Aug 31, 2020 ,  7:51AM India, Russia declared joint winners of 2020 Online FIDE Chess Olympiad @FIDE_chess India and Russia were declared joint winners of the 2020 Online FIDE Chess Olympiad after the final was marred by internet disconnection last night.   Russia were initially declared winners after two Indian players, Nihal Sarin and Divya Deshmukh, lost out on time in the final after suffering a disconnection with the server.   India had appealed against the controversial decision.  However, the international chess federation Fide's president Arkady Dvorkovich decided to award the gold medal to both the teams.   This was the first time Fide was holding the Olympiad in an online format.  India had reached the finals of the FIDE Chess Olympiad for the first time. 

Aug 30, 2020 ,  8:24PM Finance Ministry asks banks to refund charges collected on electronic transactions after 1st Jan, 2020 File Pic The Finance Ministry has asked banks to immediately refund the charges collected after 1st of January this year on transactions carried out using the electronic mode prescribed under the IT act.  The Ministry also advised banks not to impose charges on any future transaction carried out through the electronic mode. It said, Central Board of Direct Taxes, CBDT had issued notification in this regard on 30th December last year.  The notification says that if the transactions were carried out through RuPay card, BHIM - UPI,  UPI QR Code and BHIM- UPI QR code, no banks or system providers will impose charges. The Ministry said, a new provision has been ed in the Payment and Settlement System, PSS Act, which provides that no bank or system provider will impose any charge on a payer making payment or a beneficiary receiving ...

Aug 30, 2020 ,  8:23PM In 'Maan Ki Baat' programme, Mr Modi highlights importance of public participation in Nutrition movement AIR Pics During the programme, Mr Modi said, a Bharatiya Krishi Kosh is being set up which will have complete information about the crops that are grown in each district and their related nutritional value. Stating that September will be observed as Nutrition Month in the entire nation, he called for an increased focus on the value of quality nutrition. Mr. Modi highlighted the importance of public participation in the Nutrition movement. The Prime Minister also lauded the role of farmers in the trying times of the Corona pandemic. He said, sowing of kharif crops has increased by 7 per cent compared to last year in the country.

Aug 30, 2020 ,  8:22PM PM Modi stresses importance of Atmanirbhar Bharat for all round growth, development of nation; Urges Startups to make India world hub for Toy production AIR Pics Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a clarion call to citizens of the country to become self-reliant in every area. Addressing the nation in his 'Mann Ki Baat' program on All India Radio, Mr Modi stressed the importance of Atmanirbhar Bharat for all round growth and development of the nation.  He said, Indians especially the generation next that has a lot to offer in terms of innovation and solutions and that we should harness this potential for a better tomorrow. The Prime Minister cited how at the beginning of this month, the nation's youth participated enthusiastically in the Atma Nirbhar Bharat App innovation challenge. He said, around 7 thousand entries were received out of which two thirds were from the youth of tier two and tier three cities. The Prime Minister cal...

Aug 30, 2020 ,  8:18PM PM exhorts students and teachers to bring to fore stories of unsung heroes of freedom struggle AIR Pics The Prime Minister said, Teacher's Day will be celebrated in a few days from now on the 5th of September. He expressed happiness that not only have teachers accepted the challenges posed by the pandemic, but have also turned it into an opportunity. The Prime Minister highlighted that National Education Policy is bringing about a tectonic shift in the nation and teachers will play a significant role in disseminating its benefits to the students. India will celebrate its 75th year of independence in 2022. Mr Modi said that it is imperative that today’s generation remains familiar with the heroes of India's freedom struggle. He asked students to research about the freedom struggle in their own districts and areas. The Prime Minister said, this period is full of festivals, fairs and religious ceremonies. He said it is heartening to see peop...

Aug 30, 2020 ,  2:12PM PM lauds farmer's contribution during covid-19 pandemic; Says Kharif crops increased by 7% compared to last year Screen Grab (PMO India) The Prime Minister lauded the role of farmers in the trying times of Corona pandemic. He said sowing of kharif crops has increased by 7 percent compared to last year in the country. He said the sowing of paddy has increased by approximately 10 percent while the sowing of pulses have gone up by around 5 percent. In the same period, sowing of coarse cereals has gained by almost 3 percent, oilseeds around 13 percent and cotton nearly 3 percent.   Mr Modi said a Bharatiya Krishi Kosh is being set up which will have complete information about the crops that are grown in each district and their related nutritional value. Stating that September will be observed as Nutrition Month in the entire nation, he called for increased focus on the value of quality nutrition. He said nation has the maxim -  "Yatha ...

Aug 30, 2020 ,  2:08PM India conducts over 10 lakh covid-19 tests in single day; Recovery rates improves to over 76 percent PTI India achieved the milestone of conducting highest number of COVID tests by testing over 10 lakh 50 thousand samples in the last 24 hours. The country has witnessed significant stepping up in it's COVID testing capacity in the last 5 months. So far, with an overall testing figure of nearly 4 crore 14 lakh 61 thousand, the nation has also been able to maintain a remarkably low positivity rate of around 8.5 per cent.   Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh have recorded a positivity rate even lower than 5 per cent. In another remarkable feat, all States and Union Territories have surpassed the 140 tests per day per million population as advised by the WHO.   The national average of tests conducted per million of the population on a single day scaled a new peak of being at nearly 545. Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi and ...

Aug 30, 2020 ,  2:04PM PM Modi urges Startups to team up and manufacture toys to make India world hub for toy production AIR Pics The Prime Minister urged the Start Ups to team up and manufacture toys to make India a hub for toy production. The Prime Minister underlined the need to promote local toys and said it is time to go Vocal for Local Toys. He lauded the rich tradition of manufacture of local toys in the country and the skill, talent and expertise of our artisans in making good toys. Mr. Modi cited the examples of places like Channapatna in Ramnagaram in Karnataka, Kondaplli in Krishna in Andhra Pradesh, Thanjavur in Tamilnadu, Dhubari in Assam, and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh which are developing as toy clusters.   PM said the Global Toy Industry is more than 7 lakh crore rupees but India's share is very little in this. He called upon the cottage industries, small industries, MSMEs, big industries and private entrepreneurs to join hands to enhance India...

Aug 30, 2020 ,  1:53PM India, ASEAN countries agree to review free trade agreement to make it simple, facilitative FILE PIC (DD NEWS) India and ASEAN countries have agreed to review the free trade agreement to make it more user friendly, simple and facilitative. The review will make the ASEAN India trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) modern with contemporary trade facilitative practices, and streamlined customs and regulatory procedures.   Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal while co-chairing the 17th ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Consultations said the Free Trade Agreement has to be mutually beneficial and a win-win for all sides.   He expressed the need to strengthen the Rules of Origin provisions, removal of non-tariff barriers and better market access in the region. Mr. Goyal asserted that India and ASEAN shared close friendship and strong ties along with historical, cultural and traditional bonds. He affirmed that the relationship wil...

Aug 30, 2020 ,  8:07AM India withdraws from multilateral military exercise in Russia next month REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGE India has announced that it is withdrawing from multilateral Military Exercise Kavkaz 2020 to be held in Russia next month. Defence Ministry said, Russia and India are close and privileged strategic partners and at Russia's invitation India has been participating in many international events.   However, in view of Pandemic and consequent difficulties in exercise, including arrangements of logistics, India has decided not to send a contingent this year to Kavkaz-2020. The Ministry said, the decision has been conveyed to the Russian side.   India had earlier planned to send around 150 Indian Army troops, 45 Indian Air Force personnel and a number of Navy officers to the multilateral military exercise to be held in the Astrakhan region in southern Russia from 15th to 26th September.

Aug 30, 2020 ,  8:00AM Odisha government lifts lockdown in seven cities where JEE and NEET exams to be held @Naveen_Odisha (FILE PIC) Odisha government has said there will be no lockdown in the entire state for 12 days till September 14 in two phases to ensure smooth conduct of JEE and NEET exams. State government said that there will be no lockdown or shutdown in force from August 30 to September 7 in the first phase and from September 12 to 14 in the next phase.   The move is aimed at facilitating free movement of candidates and their guardians, examination personnel andstaff/re presentatives of the service providers for the smooth conduct of the exams. However, COVID-19 protocols will have to be strictly followed, it said.   The JEE is scheduled to be held between September 1 and 6, and the NEET on September 13.   Chief Secretary AK Tripathy has announced that the state government will provide free transport and accommodation to students appe...

Aug 30, 2020 ,  8:00AM Health Minister says India has one of the lowest COVID fatality rates in world @DrHVoffice Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has said that India has one of the lowest global COVID fatality rates. Chairing the 20th Meeting of the high-level Group of Ministers (GoM) on COVID-19 in New Delhi, he said, the country’s case fatality rate is at its lowest 1.81 per cent.   Dr Harsh Vardhan said, the recovery rate of COVID cases in the country has reached to 76.47 per cent. He said, only 0.29 per cent of cases are on ventilators, 1.93 per cent on ICU and only 2.88 per cent of cases are on oxygen.   The Minister informed the GoM that more than 338 lakhs of N-95 masks, nearly 135 lakh of PPEs and about 27 thousand ventilators have been provided by the centre to the States and Union Territories.   Health Minister instructed officials to develop Standard Operating Procedures for the Members of Parliament and the Legislative Assembly Sess...

Metro rail will be allowed to operate with effect from 7th September in a graded manner, by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Railways in consultation with the Home Ministry. Standard Operating Procedure, SOP in this regard will be issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Social, academic, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious, political functions and other congregations will be permitted with a ceiling of 100 persons, from 21st of September. However, such limited gatherings can be held with mandatory wearing of face masks, social distancing, provision for thermal scanning and hand wash or sanitizer. Open air theatres will be permitted to open with effect from 21 st  of September. The Home Ministry said, after extensive consultation with States and UTs, it has been decided that Schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions will continue to remain closed for students and regular class activity up to 30th September. Online or dista...

Aug 29, 2020 ,  8:14PM PM to share his thoughts in 'Mann Ki Baat' programme on AIR on Aug 30 AIR Pics Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share his thoughts with the people in the country and abroad in the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme on All India Radio tomorrow at 11 A.M. It will be the 68th episode of the monthly radio programme. It will be broadcast on the entire network of AIR and Doordarshan and also on AIR News website  www.newsonair.com  and newsonair Mobile App. It will also be streamed live on the YouTube channels of AIR, DD News, PMO and Information and Broadcasting Ministry. AIR will broadcast the programme in regional languages immediately after the Hindi broadcast. The regional language versions will be repeated at eight in the evening.  

Aug 29, 2020 ,  2:04PM Three out of five Khel Ratna awardees are women; President expresses confidence with collective efforts, India will emerge as a sporting superpower Screen Grab President Ram Nath Kovind said, it is noteworthy that among the five sportspersons who have received the Khel-Ratna award, are three daughters - Manika Batra, Vinesh and Rani and a para-athlete. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Kovind said that excellence and achievements in sports are not only the responsibility of the government. He said, the culture of sports can be promoted only by the participation of people of every class and region. The President expressed happiness that sports and fitness are now becoming a part of the thinking and routine of the youth. He said, parents-guardians and teachers are also changing their attitude towards sports. Mr Kovind expressed confidence that with everyone's collective efforts, India will emerge as a sporting superpower. He said, India has the goal...

Aug 29, 2020 ,  1:58PM Govt enhances prize money in Khel Ratna, Arjuna and Dronacharya awards Screen Grab The prize money in four of the seven categories of the National Sports and Adventure Awards has been enhanced. Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju announced the enhancement  on the occasion of the National Sports Day today. The prize money for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award has been increased to 25 lakh rupees from the previous amount of 7.5 lakh rupees.  Arjuna Award has been enhanced to 15 lakh rupees from 5 lakh. The Dhronacharya (Lifetime) awardees, who were earlier given 5 lakh rupees will now be given 15 lakh rupees as cash prize, while Dhronacharya (Regular) will be given 10 lakh instead of  5 lakh rupees per awardee. Dhyanchand Awardees will be given 10 lakh rupees instead of 5 lakh rupees. Speaking about the decision, Mr. Rijiju said, the prize money for the Sports Awards was last reviewed in 2008. He said these amounts sho...

Aug 29, 2020 ,  7:58AM President Ram Nath Kovind to confer National Sports and Adventure Awards 2020 today @rashtrapatibhvn President Ram Nath Kovind will virtually confer the National Sports and Adventure Award 2020 on the occasion of National Sports Day today. Mr Kovind will present Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award, Dhyan Chand Award, Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award and Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar. Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, President of Indian Olympic Association Narendra Dhruv Batra and several other dignitaries will attend the ceremony from Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The Sports Ministry said, 65 awardees are expected to attend the ceremony. The Ceremony will begin at 11 AM and will be broadcast live on AIR News, Doordarshan and Government's webcast portal.

Aug 29, 2020 ,  7:57AM Jharkhand govt extends current lockdown in Corona containment zones till September 30 AIR Pics In an attempt to contain COVID-19 outbreak, Jharkhand government has extended the current lockdown in containment zones up to September 30. State government said that all economic activities, not specifically prohibited, will be permitted outside the containment zones. Large congregations including, social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious functions or processions will remain banned during the period. Educational institutions, including schools, colleges, training and coaching institutions will continue to remain closed. Swimming pools, gymnasiums, cinema halls, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places will remain closed. Interstate transport by bus will also remain prohibited. Religious places/places of worship shall remain closed to the general public barring those specifi...

Aug 29, 2020 ,  7:55AM Centre to develop three Bamboo Clusters in Jammu, Katra and Samba areas of J&K @DrJitendraSingh Minister of  Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr Jitendra Singh has said that three Bamboo Clusters will be developed in Jammu, Katra and Samba areas for making of Bamboo basketry, Agarbatti and Bamboo Charcol. He said it will provide direct employment  to nearly 25 thousand people. Dr Singh said, apart from this a Mega Bamboo Industrial Park at Ghati near Jammu and Bamboo Technology Training Centre will also come up in the region. The Minister said this while addressing a review meeting of the Ministry of DoNER on further steps to be taken for augmenting infrastructure and promoting entrepreneurship in the Bamboo sector in the region after the signing of MoU.   Dr Singh said, a team from his Ministry will soon visit Jammu and explore a field training programme for Bamboo farming in the region. The Minister said, o...

Aug 29, 2020 ,  7:54AM Government launches contest “Chunauti” to promote startups in small towns @rsprasad Minister for Electronics and Information Technology  Ravi Shankar Prasad has launched “Chunauti”- Next Generation Startup Challenge Contest to further boost startups and software products with special focus on Tier-II towns of the  country. The government has earmarked a budget of over 95  crore rupees over a period of three years for this programme. It aims at identifying around three hundred startups working in identified areas and providing them seed funds of upto 25 lakh rupees and other facilities. Under this challenge the Ministry of Electronics and IT will invite startups in the areas of work including Edu Tech, Agri Tech and FinTech solutions for masses, Supply Chain and Logistic management, Infrastructure, Medical Healthcare as well as jobs and skilling. The Ministry said, the startups selected through Chunauti will be provided vario...

Aug 29, 2020 ,  7:52AM PM Modi to inaugurate new building of Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University in Jhansi through video conferencing File Pic Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the College and Administration Buildings of the Rani Lakshmi Bai (RLB) Central Agricultural University through video conference today. The RLB Central Agricultural University is located in Jhansi and is a prominent institute of the Bundelkhand region. The University has started its first academic session in 2014-15 and is offering Under Graduate and Post Graduate courses in Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry. It is currently operating from the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi as the main buildings are getting ready. The Prime Minister also interacts with students of the university during the event.

Aug 28, 2020 ,  8:28PM Four terrorists killed in encounter in south Kashmir's Shopian district AIR In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, FOUR terrorists were killed in an encounter between the security forces and terrorists in Kiloora area in the south Kashmir's Shopian district today. According to police, a joint team of Shopian police, Army's 44 Rashtriya Rifles and Central Reserve Police Force based on an intelligence input, laid a Cordon-and-Search-Operation (CASO) in Kiloora village. As the team approached towards the suspected spot, the terrorists fired upon them.The joint team of security forces retaliated and killed FOUR terrorists. The identity of the slain terrorists is being ascertained. The joint operation was going on till the reports came in last.  

Aug 28, 2020 ,  8:27PM Shinzo Abe resigns on health grounds; PM Modi wishes him speedy recovery @narendramodi Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that he is pained to hear about the ill health of his dear friend Shinzo Abe. Mr Abe today resigned from the post of Prime Minister of Japan. In a tweet, Mr Modi said, in recent years, with the wise leadership and personal commitment of Mr Abe, the India-Japan partnership became deeper and stronger than ever before. The Prime Minister wished and prayed for the speedy recovery of Shinzo Abe.  

Aug 28, 2020 ,  8:21PM SC upholds UGC decision to hold final year exams by Sep 30 PTI The Supreme Court today upheld the July 6 circular of the University Grants Commission (UGC) to hold university final year exams by 30th of September, in its verdict today. The Apex Court was pronouncing its verdict on the pleas challenging the decision of the University Grants Commission (UGC) asking universities and colleges to conduct final year exams amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The verdict was pronounced by a bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan. The Supreme Court said states can postpone final year exams under Disaster Management Act but fresh dates have to be fixed in consultation with UGC. States are required to hold final year exams as per UGC guidelines and for any exemption they will have to seek permission. The bench had reserved its verdict on the issue on 18th of August. The UGC had told the top court that states cannot take the decision to confer degrees without ho...

Aug 28, 2020 ,  2:41PM EAM S Jaishankar calls for comprehensive convention on terrorism @DrSJaishankar (FILE PIC) External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar has said that there is a lack of comprehensive convention on terrorism. Speaking at the 19th Darbari Seth Memorial Lecture organized by The Energy and Resources Institute today, Dr Jaishankar said, terrorism is a cancer that affects everyone just as pandemics potentially impact all humanity.   United Nations Chief Antonio Guterres delivered the 19th Darbari Seth Memorial lecture, organized by TERI, a global think-tank. The think tank is focusing on a broad range of sustainable development and climate-related issues.   

Aug 28, 2020 ,  2:14PM PMJDY is foundation stone for people-centric economic initiatives: FM @FinMinIndia (FILE PIC) On the sixth anniversary of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana scheme, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has been the foundation stone for the Modi government’s people-centric economic initiatives.  Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar has said that over 63 per cent of the account holders are from rural areas. In a tweet, Mr Javadekar said, over 40 crore 35 lakh bank accounts have been opened under the scheme since its inception.

Aug 28, 2020 ,  2:08PM PMJDY completes six years today; PM says it’s a game changer initiative Tweeted by @narendramodi Central government's flagship financial inclusion programme Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has completed six years today. The scheme was launched on 28th of August in 2014 with an aim to provide universal access to banking facilities to the people in the country. While launching the programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had described the occasion as a festival to celebrate the liberation of the poor from a vicious cycle. Over 40 crore 35 lakh bank accounts have been opened under the scheme since its inception and One lakh 31 thousand crore rupees have been deposited in these accounts. About eight crore PMJDY account holders are receiving Direct Benefit Transfer from the Government under various schemes.   Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana initiative has been a game-changer and serving as the foun...

Aug 28, 2020 ,  1:56PM Arunachal Pradesh assembly passes resolution to bring state under Sixth Schedule @aplaofficial The Arunachal Pradesh Assembly has passed a resolution to bring the state under the ambit of Sixth Schedule of the Constitution besides amending Article 371(H) by ing provisions to safeguard tribes of the state. The resolution which was moved by Legislative Affairs Minister Bamang Felix yesterday on behalf of the State Government was passed by voice vote following a marathon discussion in the house.   Participating in the discussion, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said, it is a historic resolution moved by the State Government. Stating that it is a long-time exercise, the Chief Minister appealed to everyone for their cooperation as and when required. Chief Minister Pema Khandu answering to a question on the Assam-Arunachal boundary issue, said that Arunachal Pradesh Government would soon initiate talks to resolve the boundary dispute with the neig...

Aug 28, 2020 ,  8:06AM Cooperation, collaboration & commitment will guide India, ASEAN partnership: Piyush Goyal @PiyushGoyal Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said, Cooperation, Collaboration and Commitment, will guide the strategic partnership between India and ASEAN countries. Addressing the ASEAN-India Business Council virtual meet yesterday, Mr Goyal said the COVID-19 pandemic period provided a unique opportunity to India to demonstrate itself as the trusted partner to the world, particularly in times of stress. The Minister also extended a hand of friendship to the ASEAN region, which he described as deep and valuable partners and partners in the progress. Mr Goyal said that Aatamnirbhar Bharat connotes a self-reliant country which is ready to engage with the world from the position of strength and confidence, and on equal and fair terms.  He said India and ASEAN have not been able to harness the full trade potential, for various reasons...

Aug 28, 2020 ,  7:59AM COVID-19 recovery rate improves to 76.24 percent PTI The recovery rate of patients from COVID-19 in the country has reached 76.24 per cent yesterday. The total number of patients recovered has almost reached 3 and a half times the number of active cases. The country also registered more than 100 per cent increase in the recoveries in the last one month. With sustained, pre-emptive and timely interventions, India achieved another milestone of over 25 lakh recoveries. Over 56 thousand patients have successfully recovered from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. Out of the total active Corona cases in the country only 0.29 per cent are on ventilator and 2 per cent of the total patients are in the ICU. The case fatality rate also continues to show steady decline and now stands at 1.83 per cent. The Health Ministry said that over 75 thousand  new cases of Covid- 19 have been registered in the country in the last 24 hours taking the cumulative figu...

Aug 27, 2020 ,  8:24PM Govt approved 78 new routes under 4th round of Regional Connectivity Scheme -UDAN @ushapadhee1996 Government has approved 78 new routes under the 4th round of Regional Connectivity Scheme - Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik, UDAN to further enhance the connectivity to remote and regional areas of the country.   Civil Aviation Ministry said, North East Region, Hilly States and Islands have been given priority in the approval process for the new routes.   It said, 29 served, eight unserved and two under-served airports have been included in the list for approved routes.   The Ministry said, overall 766 routes have been sanctioned so far under the UDAN scheme.   Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Usha Padhee said, the Ministry had launched the 4th round of UDAN in December last year with a special focus on North-Eastern Regions, Hilly States and Islands.   She said, the awarding of these 78 routes under UDA...

Aug 27, 2020 ,  8:14PM Govt advises States, UTs to proactively take steps towards reducing case fatality to less than one per cent @PIB_India · Government has advised the States and Union Territories to proactively take steps towards reducing case fatality to less than one per cent.   Cabinet Secretary today reviewed the COVID situation with nine States and Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir with high case fatality.   The States are Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.   It was observed that out of the total deaths in the country in the last two weeks, 89 per cent of deaths are in these States and UT.   During the meeting, States and UT were advised for effective containment, contact tracing and surveillance.   They were also advised to ensure that at least in 80 per cent of new positive cases, all close contacts should be traced a...

Aug 27, 2020 ,  8:11PM Indian Railways set to meet all it's energy needs of over 33 billion units by 2030 @RailMinIndia Indian Railways is set to meet all it's energy needs of more than 33 billion units by 2030. The current annual requirement is about 21 billion units. Railways Minister Piyush Goyal said, Railways have developed a mega plan for installing solar plants of 20 Gigawaat capacity by utilizing its vacant land by 2030. He said, the use of solar power will accelerate the mission to achieve conversion of Indian Railways to Net Zero Carbon Emission Railway. He said, Railway is committed to utilize solar energy for meeting its traction power requirement and become a complete Green mode of transportation. Railway has adopted a multi-pronged approach towards decarbonization which will be fulfilled by the solar projects, making it the first transport organization to be energy self-sufficient. This will help in making Indian Railways green as well as Atma-...

Aug 27, 2020 ,  6:31PM Govt committed to boost defence manufacturing in country: PM Modi @narendramodi Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reiterated that the government is committed to boost defence manufacturing in the country.  Addressing a webinar, Mr Modi said efforts are being made to develop new technology and give big role to private players in defence sector. He said, for many years, India has been one of the biggest defence importers. Mr Modi said, when India got independence, it had great capability in defence manufacturing and an ecosystem of defence manufacturing established over 100 years. Mr Modi bemoaned, that unfortunately, this subject couldn't get requisite attention. Prime Minister highlighted a decision to permit up to 74 per cent FDI in the defence manufacturing through automatic route.   Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also stressed on the need for reforms in the defence sector.   Mr Singh said, the focus is on Atmanirbhar...

Aug 27, 2020 ,  2:15PM Over three crore 85 lakh 70 thousand COVID-19 tests done so far @COVIDNewsByMIB India is continuously stepping up it's COVID testing capacity. In the last 24 hours, nearly 9 lakh 25 thousand samples were tested taking the cumulative testing numbers till date to over 3 crore 85 lakh 76 thousand. The positivity rate continues to record decline despite increased testing and stands at a weekly average of around 8 percent of the total samples tested. Tests done per million of the population in the country has also scaled a new peak of being over 27 thousand. The Union Health Ministry informed that the remarkable feat has been achieved by rigorously following the “Test, Track and Treat” strategy. The week-wise average daily tests conducted in the country has also witnessed a sharp increase from around 2.3 lakh in the first week of July to over 8 lakh in the current week. Government said that the strong determinant of this milestone has been a sust...