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Nov 01, 2020 ,  8:03AM Uttar Pradesh government to reopen its national parks and safaris from today @UPGovt In order to boost tourism amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Uttar Pradesh government will reopen its national parks and safaris from today, 15 day ahead of the regular schedule. Forest Minister of State Dara Singh Chauhan will inaugurate the new tourist season virtually today. Earlier, the national parks and safaris of the state used to open on the 15th November every year and the tourist season used to conclude on June 15. However, the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown imposed thereafter led to the closure of the national parks in March. This time, special arrangements have been made in the wake of the pandemic. Only those tourists clearing thermal scanning and having no symptoms of Covid-19 infection would be allowed to enter the park premises. Each and every person entering the national parks or reserve, whether they are tourists, guides or visitors, wo...

Nov 01, 2020 ,  8:01AM NMC notifies Minimum Requirements for Annual MBBS Admissions Regulations nmc.org.in In a significant step towards affordable medical education, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has notified the Minimum Requirements for Annual MBBS Admissions Regulations (2020). The notification replaces the “Minimum Standard Requirements for Medical Colleges, 1999 of the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI).  According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the new Regulation will be applicable to all new medical colleges proposed to be established, and to the established medical colleges proposing to increase their annual MBBS intake from the academic year 2021-22. During the transitory period, the established medical colleges will be governed by the relevant regulations existing prior to the current notification. The new standards allow optimization and flexibility in utilizing available resources, and harnessing modern educational tec...

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that India will approach the world in a more proactive way in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic. Delivering Sardar Patel Lecture organised by All India Radio yesterday evening, Dr Jaishankar said, some of them will be driven by a global vision of its interests that it has developed steadily over the years. He said, whether it is a deeper commitment to Africa that underlines our historical solidarity or initiatives from Caribbean to South Pacific that drive our developmental vision, this is a statement of our own evolution. The Minister said, the pressures of the pandemic will naturally impart a different urgency to such engagements. He said, in terms of harnessing global capabilities, diplomacy abroad will match the boldness of reforms at home. Dr Jaishankar said, we will take a much more holistic approach to policy challenges and their delivery prospects. He said, Indian diplomacy will be more integrated with the defence and security n...

Oct 31, 2020 ,  7:57PM Campaigning for 2nd phase of assembly elections in Bihar reaches feverish pitch @ECISVEEP In Bihar, with just one day left for electioneering for the second phase of assembly elections, campaigning has reached feverish pitch. Campaigning for 94 assembly seats spread over 17 districts will conclude tomorrow evening.   In this phase, polling will be held in the constituencies mostly spread over districts of North Bihar. Polling will be held on 3rd NOVEMBER.   Political fate of 1,463 candidates, including 146 woman candidates will be decided in this phase. One transgender candidate is also in the fray.   In the last leg of campaigning, star campaigners and senior leaders are making a last ditch effort to woo the voters.  AIR Correspondent reports, the BJP President JP Nadda addressed a rally in Sonpur in Saran district, where he hit hard on Congress and RJD.   Mr. Nadda alleged that the statements of Co...

Oct 31, 2020 ,  2:24PM Prime Minister pays tribute to Iron Man of India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 145th Birth Anniversary Screen Grab (PMO India) Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel on his 145th birth Anniversary at the Statue of Unity- the world's tallest statue at Kevadia in Narmada district of Gujarat today. The Prime Minister also witnessed the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade. The Police forces of Gujarat and Central Armed Police Force, Border Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Central Industrial Security Force and National Security Guards took part in the Parade. The Prime Minister also administered the Ekta Pledge on this occasion.  Indian Air Force performed a Fly-past on this occasion. The Prime Minister also witnessed a Rifle drill by female officers of CRPF. President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal today paid floral tributes to S...

Oct 31, 2020 ,  2:13PM Campaigning for second phase of Bihar Assembly Elections gain momentum @ECISVEEP In Bihar, the campaigning for the second phase of assembly elections will come to an end tomorrow evening. In the Second phase, 94 constituencies spread over 17 districts will go to polls on 3rd of November. In view of this, leaders of various political parties including NDA and grand alliance are leaving no stone unturned to woo voters. Leaders are holding a series of election meetings and road shows throughout the state. Our correspondent reports that  bollywood and Bhojpuri stars are attracting huge crowds in election meetings. Enthusiastic young cheers following presence of bollywood stars in election meetings. Bhojpuri star turned politician Manoj Tiwari ,Ravi Kishan and Nirahua are addressing a series of meetings in different constituencies every day. A huge crowd came to these meetings to watch them. Exhorting people to vote in favour NDA these stars ...

Oct 31, 2020 ,  2:10PM Prime Minister tells Civil Service probationers to connect themselves with people and become responsive Screen Grab (PMO India) Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the Civil Service probationers to connect themselves with the people and become responsive. Interacting with the young officers through videoconferencing from the Statue of Unity under Arambh 2020, Mr. Modi said that our government is responsive and that young officers should connect themselves with the common people. He also appealed to the Civil Service probationers to achieve the Atma Nirbhar Bharat and go for "the local for vocal".The Civil Service probationers under training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie had joined with the Prime Minister through video conferencing. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has launched the country's first seaplane service connecting Statue of Unity in Kevadia with Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedaba...

Oct 31, 2020 ,  8:15AM PM Modi to lead nation in paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary today from Kevadia in Gujarat File Pic Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation in paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 145th birth anniversary today from the Statue of Unity at Kevadia in Gujarat. The day is also observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas across the country. Mr Modi will also take part in Ekta Diwas Parade and administer a pledge for national unity. Mr Modi will also address 428 Officer Trainees belonging to various Civil Services currently undergoing the Foundation Course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie through video conference.The Prime Minister will also launch the seaplane service connecting Statue of Unity in Kevadia with Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will deliver this year's Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture at 9.30 PM today.  It wil...

Oct 31, 2020 ,  8:09AM Prime Minister to launch seaplane service connecting Statue of Unity with Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad File Pic Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the seaplane service connecting Statue of Unity in Kevadia with Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad today. Mr Modi yesterday inaugurated a cruise service near the Statue of Unity. The 40-minute cruise will cover six kilometres. The prime minister also inaugurated Ekta Mall, an emporium spread over 35,000 square feet, where handicrafts from all over the country will be up for sale. A Nutrition Park and a Safari Park are among the several other attractions that he threw open yesterday. The Safari Park is spread over 375 acre and has 1100 species of birds from India and abroad and about 100 animals. Mr Modi also launched an application whereby information about Kevadia will be available in six languages. Key areas of the developed region have been lit by LED lights. The Prime Minister arrive...

Oct 31, 2020 ,  8:08AM Govt all set to procure a record 742 Lakh metric tonnes of paddy in ongoing Kharif season File Pic Food Minister Piyush Goyal has said Food Corporation of India and state agencies are all set to procure a record quantity of 742 Lakh Metric tonnes of paddy during the ongoing Kharif crop season as against 627 Lakh Metric Tonnes paddy last year. Virtually briefing the media in New Delhi , Mr Goyal said, the number of purchase centres for Kharif 2020-21 have also been increased from 30 thousand 7 hundred nine to 39 thousand 1 hundred 22. Speaking on onion, Mr Goyal said, on 14th September, the Government had banned the export of onions. The Minister said, onion seed export was banned so that there is no shortage.

Oct 31, 2020 ,  8:06AM Centre decides to import 10 lakh tonnes of potatoes to check rising prices Representational Pic The Centre has decided to import 10 lakh tonnes of potatoes to stem rising prices. The government will be importing 30,000 tonnes of potato from Bhutan without license. Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Piyush Goyal said that the government is taking active steps to moderate inflating potato prices. The minister informed that import duty on potato has been reduced to 10 percent from 30 per cent earlier. Now, quota of 10 Lakh Metric Tonnes of potato will be imported at 10 percent import duty till January 31st next year. The Centre has also planned to import 25,000 tonnes of onions before Diwali. This will be in addition to the 7,000 tonnes of onions that NAFED has already procured through private importers.

Oct 30, 2020 ,  1:56PM Eid Milad-un-Nabi being celebrated with religious fervour across the country DD NEWS (FILE PIC) Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, the Birthday of Prophet Muhammad is being celebrated with religious fervour across the country today. Various organizing committees have decided not to take out Milad processions in view of COVID-19 pandemic. However, highlighting the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad 'Milad Mehfils' and online 'Seerat Conferences' are being held.   President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu & PM Modi have greeted people on the occasion.   In a message, Mr Kovind said Prophet Muhammad gave the message of love and brotherhood and led the world to the path of humanity. He said Prophet Muhammad wanted to build a society based on equality and harmony. The President asked everyone to work for the well-being of society and peace and harmony in the country according to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad compiled ...

Oct 30, 2020 ,  1:50PM Campaigning gains momentum for 2nd phase of Bihar assembly elections @CEOBihar In Bihar, campaigning for the Second Phase of State Assembly Elections is in full swing while it is picking up for the Third Phase. In the Second phase, 94 constituencies spread over 17 districts will go to polls on 3rd of November. For the Third and Final Phase, polling will be held on 7th of November in remaining 78 constituencies. Leaders of both National Democratic Alliance and Grand Alliance are addressing a series of election meetings and rallies in different parts of the state.   BJP President J. P. Nadda will hold public meetings in Siwan and Begusarai today. Senior party leader and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also address election rallies in Pirpainti, Kesaria, Raghopur and Begusarai.   AIR correspondent reports, Union Ministers Ravishankar Prasad, Ashwini Kumar Choubey and Nityanand Rai are also leading the poll campaign of NDA. BJP l...

Oct 30, 2020 ,  1:49PM India's COVID-19 cases drop below six lakhs; recovery rate improves to 91.15 pct @MoHFW_INDIA India's active COVID-19 cases has dropped below six lakh today. Presently, the total number of active cases in the country is five lakh 94 thousand. Health Ministry said, the constantly increasing recoveries have ensured that the actual caseload of the country is reduced and currently comprises only 7.35 per cent of the total positive cases. The country's recovery rate among the COVID-19 patients has improved to 91.15 per cent. More than 57 thousand COVID patients recovered during the last 24 hours. The total number of recoveries has reached over 73 lakh 73 thousand.   In the last 24 hours, 48 thousand 648 new cases were reported taking the total number of positive cases in the country so far to over 80 lakh 88 thousand. The Ministry said, effective implementation of Centre's strategic and graded Test,Track and Treat approach has led to ...

Oct 30, 2020 ,  8:49AM PM to inaugurate Arogya Van& Arogya Kutir at Kevadia in Gujarat today File Pic Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to Gujarat from today. He will pay tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the 'Statue of Unity' near Kevadiya in Narmada district tomorrow on the occasion of 145th birth anniversary of this great leader.   Prime Minister Modi will pay homage to former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel at 10 AM in Gandhinagar today. At 12 noon, he will inaugurate Arogya Van and Arogya Kutir at Kevadia.   Later, he will inaugurate Ekta Mall Children Nutrition Park. Mr. Modi will then inaugurate Jungle Safari and Geodesic Dome Aviary and lay the foundation stone for various projects before reaching the Statue of Unity.   Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity on his birth anniversary tomorrow. He will also participate in Ekta Diwas Par...

Oct 30, 2020 ,  8:28AM EAM S Jaishankar stresses need for diversification & resilience of supply chain in post-Covid world @DrSJaishankar External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said the pandemic has laid bare the economic consequences of geopolitics and the risks associated with attempts at concentration of power. Speaking at IFRI in Paris on India's Foreign Policy in post covid world, Dr Jaishankar said the pandemic has also highlighted the importance of ensuring supply chain diversification and resilience. He said, the world needs more trusted and capable players now and India fulfils both attributes.  The Minister said India has always been guided by its ancient philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'.  Even during the pandemic, India ramped up its pharmaceutical production - especially of hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol - to respond to growing global demands. Dr Jaishankar said India supplied medicines to 150 countries, more than half on a non...

Oct 30, 2020 ,  8:19AM US economy registers record growth of 33 % in third quarter of current fiscal @DDNewslive The US economy grew at its fastest pace ever in the third quarter as a nation battered by an unprecedented pandemic started to put itself back together. Third-quarter gross domestic product, a measure of the total goods and services produced in the July-to-September period, expanded at a 33.1% annualized pace. Markets reacted positively to the news, with Wall Street erasing a loss at the open and turning mostly positive. Increased consumption along with sold gains in business and residential investment as well as exports fueled the third-quarter rebound.

Oct 30, 2020 ,  8:16AM Finance Ministry extends I-T exemption under LTC cash voucher scheme to non-central government employees File Pic Government has decided to extend the income tax exemption available under leave travel concession (LTC) cash voucher scheme to non-central government employees also to boost consumer spending. Non-central government employees will include employees of state governments, public sector enterprises, banks and private sector.   The move will allow non-government employees also to claim tax free cash allowance from their employers if a LTC scheme similar to one in the government sector is included in their working contract.   The goods and services should be purchased only from GST registered vendors through digital mode. Employees should make this payment during October 12, 2020 to March 31, 2021.   The government on October 12 announced giving out cash vouchers to central government employees this year in lieu LTC...

Oct 30, 2020 ,  8:14AM Pakistan Minister admits Islamabad's role in Pulwama terror attack doordarshannews.com Pakistani minister Fawad Chaudhry has admitted his country’s role in the Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. He told Pakistan Parliament that 2019 Pulwama terror attack was a major success for Imran Khan government.     This is for the first time a Pakistan minister has admitted what India has long maintained that Islamabad directly and indirectly encourages and supports terror groups that target India.   In reprisal for the Pulwama attack, Indian Air Force planes bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot, Pakistan. Pakistan-based JeM had claimed the responsibility for the attack.   During the external affairs ministry’s weekly news briefing yesterday, spokesperson Anurag Srivastava again criticized Pakistan for failing to curb terrorism directed against India.

Oct 29, 2020 ,  8:41PM Govt procures Kharif 2020-21 crops at its MSP from farmers for over Rs. 33,951 crore Representational Pic Government continues to procure Kharif 2020-21 crops at its MSP from farmers as per its existing MSP Schemes in the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season.  Paddy procurement for Kharif Marketing Season 2020-21 is continuing smoothly in the procuring States and UTs of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala and Gujarat. Purchase of over 179.827 LMTs of paddy has been done upto yesterday against last year's corresponding purchase of 143.47LMT.  This is an increase of 25.34 percent over last year. Out of the total purchase of 179.83 LMT,  Punjab alone has contributed 122.22 LMT which translates to 67.97 percent of total procurement.  About 15.12 lakh farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing KMS procurement operations with MSP value of over 33,951 crore rupees...

Oct 29, 2020 ,  8:33PM Govt extends last date for submission for Air India bids to Dec. 14th @DDNewsHindi Government has extended the last date for submission for Air India bids to 14th December.   The deadline for submission of bids was ending tomorrow.   Briefing the media in New Delhi Thursday evening, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, the bidding parameter for Air India has been revised and it has been decided to invite bids at enterprise value.   He said, the decision was taken by the Air India Specific Alternative Mechanism, AISAM on Wednesday following a meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs.  

Oct 29, 2020 ,  8:29PM Cabinet approves Mechanism for procurement of ethanol by Public Sector Oil Marketing Cos Screen Grab The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, CCEA today approved Mechanism for procurement of ethanol by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies under Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme.  Briefing media in New Delhi, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said, earlier, there used to be one rate for ethanol but now there will be different prices.  He said new Price fixed for Ethanol produced from sugar will be 62 rupees 65 paise per litre, ethanol manufactured from B heavy molasses will be 57 rupees 61 paise per litre and ethanol manufactured from C heavy molasses will be 45 rupees 69 paise per litre.   Additionally GST and transportation charges will also be payable.  Oil Marketing Companies have been advised to fix realistic transportation charges so that long distance transportation of ethanol is not disince...

Oct 29, 2020 ,  2:00PM PM Modi says he is optimistic that India will achieve target of five trillion dollar economy by 2024 despite COVID-19 Screen Grab (PMO India) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Indian economy is getting back on track faster than expected and the recent reforms  are  signal to the world  that  new India  believes in markets and market forces. Mr. Modi  expressed  confidence  that  recent labour reforms undertaken  by the government will help in increasing the growth rate and returns in both the manufacturing and agriculture sectors. In an interview to an English Daily, Mr Modi  said, the government has  laid strong foundations to make India the foremost manufacturing destination and it will continue  its reforms.  He added that according to Moody’s, 154 greenfield projects from the US have come to India in 2020, compared to 86 in China, 12 in Vietnam and 15 in Malaysia. This is ...

Oct 29, 2020 ,  1:56PM Campaigning in full swing for second & third Phase of Bihar assembly elections REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGE In Bihar, campaigning is in full swing for the Second and Third phase of assembly elections. For the second phase, polling will be held on 3rd November in 94 assembly seats while for the Third phase polling will take place on 7th November in 78 constituencies.    Leaders of all political parties are holding public meetings and rallies in support of their candidates. Star campaigner of BJP and CM of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath addressed a rally in Daraunda in Siwan. He claimed that only NDA can give corruption and crime free governance in Bihar. Mr Adityanath appealed to people before casting their votes they should remember the track record of RJD led past government.   Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Nitya Nand Rai are also holding rallies in support of NDA candidates.   BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minis...

Oct 29, 2020 ,  1:56PM India calls for strengthening of economic & trade cooperation among SCO countries Tweeted by @PiyushGoyal Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has urged SCO countries to leverage their economic strength and explore partnerships that enhance trade and investment in the region. He was speaking yesterday at the 19th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Ministers responsible for Foreign Economy and Foreign Trade Activities through video conferencing. He said that cooperation should be continued to enhance intra-SCO trade and investment which would be critical in ensuring the speedy recovery from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to an official release, the Minister said that every nation's world view is shaped by its civilization and philosophical tradition and India's ancient wisdom sees the whole world as one family -   Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Hardeep Si...

Oct 29, 2020 ,  7:57AM President promulgates ordinance to constitute Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & adjoining areas FILE PIC (DD NEWS) President Ram Nath Kovind has promulgated an ordinance to constitute a Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and adjoining areas. The commission will work towards better coordination, research, identification and resolution of problems surrounding the Air Quality Index in the NCR and adjoining areas. It will consist of a Chairperson, a representative from the Ministry of Environment, members from the state of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, technical experts from Central Pollution Control Board and Indian Space Research Organization among others.   The commission will have the powers to take all such measures, issue directions and entertain complaints in order to protect and improve the quality of air in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas. It will...

Oct 29, 2020 ,  7:49AM Foreign Ministers of Central Asian Countries welcome one billion dollar Line of Credit by India for development in region Tweeted by @DrSJaishankar The Foreign Minister of Central Asian Countries welcomed the provision by India of one billion US dollar Line of Credit for priority developmental projects in fields such as energy, IT, healthcare, education and agriculture in the region. The second meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue was held in the digital video-conference format yesterday under the chairmanship of the External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.   Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as well as First Deputy Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic participated in the meeting. According to the Joint Statement of the meeting, the Ministers emphasized the need to continue close cooperation between the Sanitary and Epidemiological Services of India and the Central Asian countries in t...

Oct 28, 2020 ,  8:25PM Defence Minister appreciates role of Indian Army handling current security situation @rajnathsingh Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that the government is committed to facilitating the Army in their forward movement on the road to reforms and will help them in achieving advantages in all areas.   Addressing the Army Commanders' Conference in New Delhi today, he said, the initiatives undertaken by the Indian Army in the current security environment makes him proud. Mr. Singh asserted that the government will leave no stone unturned to strengthen the Armed forces.   He said, the Indian Army has been successful in addressing several challenges to the security and sovereignty of the country since Independence. The Defence Minister added that the Army has played a significant role in neutralising threats of terrorism, insurgency or external attacks.

Oct 28, 2020 ,  8:22PM Delhi University VC Prof. Yogesh Tyagi suspended for dereliction of duty File Pic The Vice Chancellor of Delhi University Professor Yogesh Tyagi has been suspended in connection with the allegations of dereliction of duties. President Ram Nath Kovind in his capacity as Visitor of the Delhi University has also ordered an enquiry into the allegations of dereliction of duties and lack of commitment and devotion to duty against Professor Tyagi. All the orders issued by or issued with the approval of Professor Tyagi during the period of his absence on medical ground after Pro Vice Chancellor Professor P C Joshi assumed the charge of Vice Chancellor of Delhi University on 17th July ,2020 have been set aside. Ministry of Education in its order also said that the Vice Chancellor Prof Tyagi is not administering the university in accordance with statutory provisions which has caused mis-governance and malfunctioning of the University.

Oct 28, 2020 ,  2:02PM Campaigning picks up for second phase of Bihar Assembly polls AIR Pics In Bihar, campaigning has gained momentum for the Second Phase of State Assembly Elections. Polling will be held in 94 segments on 3rd of November for Second Phase while in the Third Phase 78 seats will go to polls on 7th of November. Star campaigners and senior leaders of various political parties are addressing public meetings and election rallies.   Grand Alliance Chief Ministerial candidate and RJD leader Tejaswi Prasad Yadav addressed rallies in Kuchaikote and Kateya in Gopalganj district. Mr Yadav reiterated in his public meetings that if voted to power employment will be provided to 10 lakh people.He alleged that the incumbent government led by Nitish Kumar has failed to meet the expectations of people.   Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) President Upendra Kushwaha held road shows and public meetings in Motihari and Jhanjharpur in support of candidates o...

Oct 28, 2020 ,  1:43PM Air services between Bangladesh & India resume under air bubble arrangement AIR The air-connectivity between Bangladesh and India resumed on Wednesday with two flights leaving Dhaka under the air-bubble arrangement between the two countries. The service was inaugurated at the Hazrat Shahjalal airport in Dhaka by the High Commissioner of India in Bangladesh Vikram Doraiswami and the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Air Vice Marshal Mafidur Rahman. The first two flights operated by the US Bangla airlines left for Kolkata and Chennai from Dhaka on the morning of Wednesday. The opening of the flights has come as a big relief to people travelling between the two countries. It has been welcomed specially by the people who needed urgent medical support in India. Thanking the Civil Aviation Ministry for the start of the air-bubble service, High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami said that it will be especially useful for...

Oct 28, 2020 ,  8:20AM Two terrorists killed in J&K’s Budgam district Representational Pic (DD News) In Jammu and Kashmir, two terrorists were killed in an encounter that broke out between terrorists and security forces last night, at village Aribagh in Manchowa area of central Kashmir's Budgam district.   According to police, a joint team of security forces launched a cordon and search operation (CASO) in Aribagh  following intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the village.   As the joint team approached towards the suspected spot, the terrorists fired upon them and security forces retaliated, killing two terrorists. The identity of the slain terrorists is being ascertained. Further details are awaited.

Oct 28, 2020 ,  8:18AM Covid-19 recovery rate in country improves to 90.62 pct @MoHFW_INDIA The Covid-19 recovered cases in the country have crossed 72 lakhs and the recovery rate stands at 90.62 per cent yesterday. Briefing media in New Delhi Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said, India's cases per million population is among the lowest in the world which stands at 5 thousand 7 hundred 58, while the global average is 5 thousand 5 hundred and four. Mr Bhushan said, India's deaths per million population is also among the lowest in the World, at 86 deaths per million population. He said the national recovery rate is continuously increasing and has further grown to 90.62 per cent yesterday. The Health Secretary stressed that this is a satisfactory sign that within 13 days the recoveries have increased from 60 lakh to 70 lakh and now have crossed 72 lakhs. He said there is continuous decline in Case Fatality Rate in the country and today CFR stands at 1.50 per ...

Oct 28, 2020 ,  8:17AM India, US committed to uphold territorial integrity & sovereignty of all nations: Rajnath Singh @rajnathsingh India and US yesterday held the 3rd bilateral two plus two Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi and signed the landmark defence pact, the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement, BECA. The signing of BECA is significant as it allows India to use global geospatial maps of the United States for accuracy of stand-off weapons like cruise and ballistic missiles. From the Indian side, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar led the delegation. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defence Mark Esper led the US delegation. India and US signed five agreements in total. The Defence Minister said both sides also agreed that upholding the rules based international order, respecting the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the international seas and upholding the territorial integrity and ...

Oct 27, 2020 ,  8:34PM 71 assembly constituencies go to polls tomorrow in first phase amid tight security in Bihar @ECISVEEP In Bihar, elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure free and fair polls in the first phase of State Assembly Elections tomorrow. 71 constituencies spread over 16 districts will go to polls in this phase. Over 2.14 crore electorates will decide fate of 1,066 candidates. 114 women and 406 independent candidates are in the fray. Voting will be held from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.   Chief Electoral Officer H.R. Srinivasa said, out of 71 constituencies, 35 are in Naxal-affected areas where voting will be held in staggered manner. Polling will be held upto 3 p.m. in four Naxal-affected constituencies of Chainpur, Nabinagar, Kutumba and Rafiganj while in other five Naxal-affected constituencies polling will be upto 5 p.m. In the remaining 26 Naxal-affected constituencies, voting will be held upto 4 p.m.   Additional Chief Electoral...

Oct 27, 2020 ,  1:56PM Country's COVID-19 recovery rate crosses 90.62%: Govt FILE PIC (DD NEWS) Union   Government today said that the country's COVID-19 recovery rate has crossed 90.62 per cent.   More than 63 thousand COVID patients recovered during the last 24 hours.   Health Ministry said, the total number of recoveries has gone up to over 72 lakh.   Actual caseload currently comprises only 7.88 per cent of the total positive cases.   Presently, the total number of active cases in the country is six lakh 25 thousand.   During the past 24 hours, 36,469 new cases were reported taking the total number of positive cases in the country to over 79 lakh 46 thousand.   The Ministry said, that effective implementation of the strategic and graded Test, Track and Treat approach has led to higher recoveries and lower fatality.   Currently, India’s Case Fatality Rate is at 1.50 per cent, which is one of the lowest globall...

Oct 27, 2020 ,  1:55PM Elaborate polling arrangements made for 1st Phase of Assembly Elections in Bihar REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGE In Bihar, elaborate polling arrangements have been made for the First Phase of State Assembly Elections. In all, 71 constituencies spread over 16 districts will go to polls in this phase tomorrow. This election is the first in the country amid COVID pandemic situation.   Keeping in mind the COVID-19 situation, Election Commission has issued guidelines to be followed during the polling. Every person has been instructed to wear mask during election-related activities. Thermal screening of all persons will be carried out and sanitizers will be made available at all locations during polling.   All Polling Booths have been sanitized. Only 1,000 voters will exercise their franchise at each booth, instead of 1,500. Polling parties along with Electronic Voting Machines have been dispatched for their concerned polling stations. In Naxal...

Oct 27, 2020 ,  8:09AM IPL: Kings XI Punjab beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 8 wkts in Sharjah @IPL In IPL Cricket, Kings XI Punjab beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 8 wickets in Sharjah last night.   Punjab achieved the victory target of 150 in 18.5 overs after losing two wickets.   Mandeep Singh with 66 not out off 56 balls and Chris Gayle with 51 off 29 balls guided Punjab to register a fifth consecutive victory in the IPL.   Last night's win lifted them to fourth in the standings. Earlier, put into bat, Kolkata made 149 runs for nine wickets in their stipulated 20 overs.   Shubman Gill was the highest for KKR with 57 from 37 balls.   For Kings XI Punjab, Mohammad Shami was the most successful bowler bagging three wickets. In today's fixture, Sunrisers Hyderabad will clash with Delhi Capitals in Dubai. 

Oct 27, 2020 ,  8:06AM Vigilance Awareness Week begins across country today AIR Pics The Vigilance Awareness Week, 2020 will be observed from today till 2nd of November.  This year the theme is -  Satark Bharat, Samriddh Bharat (Vigilant India, Prosperous India). Vigilance Awareness Week is observed every year during the week in which the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel falls on 31st of October. The CBI is hosting a 3-day national conference on vigilance and anti-corruption beginning today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the conference via video conferencing this evening.   The CBI organizes this national conference coinciding with ‘Vigilance Awareness Week.   The three day conference will discuss series of issues including the challenges in investigation in foreign jurisdictions, Preventive Vigilance, Systemic improvements for financial inclusion and prevention of bank frauds, Effective Auditing,  Latest amendments t...

Oct 27, 2020 ,  8:05AM PM Modi to interact with beneficiaries of PM SVANidhi Scheme from UP via video conferencing today Screen Grab (PMO India) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with the beneficiaries of PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme from Uttar Pradesh today via video conferencing.   Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh will also be present on the occasion. PM SVANidhi scheme was launched on 1st of June this year to help poor street vendors, impacted by COVID-19, resume livelihood activities.   Till date, a total of more than 24 lakh applications have been received under the scheme, out of which more than 12 lakh have been sanctioned and about 5.35 lakh loans have been disbursed. In  Uttar Pradesh, more than six lakh applications have been filed, out of which about 3.27 lakh have been sanctioned and 1.87 lakh loans have been disbursed.   The interaction will be witnessed by beneficiaries of the Scheme from ...

Oct 27, 2020 ,  7:58AM Third India-US 2 plus 2 Ministerial Dialogue to be held in New Delhi today Tweeted by @rajnathsingh The third India-US 22 Ministerial Dialogue will be held in New Delhi today. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper are on a two day visit to India to participate in the Dialogue. From the Indian side, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will lead the delegations. Secretary Pompeo and Secretary Esper will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi this afternoon after the 2 plus 2 Ministerial meeting. The first two 22 dialogues were held in New Delhi in September 2018 and in Washington DC in 2019. The agenda for the third Dialogue will cover all bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.   AIR correspondent reports, the third annual India-US, 2 plus 2 Ministerial Dialogue  will focus on advancing the Indo-US comprehensive global strategic pa...

Oct 26, 2020 ,  8:03PM Self-reliant India a force multiplier for world economy: PM Modi @narendramodi Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India's energy will energize the world. Inaugurating the Fourth India Energy Forum by CERAWeek, Mr Modi said that energy security is at the core of our efforts and country's energy future is bright and secure.   The Prime Minister said that a self-reliant India will also be a force multiplier for the world economy. Mr Modi said, with a smaller carbon footprint, our energy sector will be growth-centric, industry-friendly and environment-conscious.   He said, that is why India is one of the most active nations in furthering renewable source of energy. He said, India's energy plans aims to ensure energy justice while fully following our global commitments for sustainable goals.   Mr Modi said, India is the third largest and the fastest growing aviation market in terms of domestic aviation. He sai...

Oct 26, 2020 ,  12:59PM Defence Minister, EAM to meet their US counterparts in New Delhi today ahead of 2 plus 2 talks File Pic Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will meet their US counterparts Mark Esper and Mike Pompeo today in New Delhi ahead of the 2 plus 2 Ministerial Meeting tomorrow. The US Foreign Minister and Defence Minister are on a two day scheduled visit to India and will be arriving this afternoon. Mr. Singh and Dr. Jaishankar will also host a dinner for the visiting dignitaries. Secretary Pompeo and Esper will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow afternoon after the  2 plus 2 Ministerial meeting. The leaders will also be making a visit to the War Memorial in the National Capital tomorrow morning for a wreath laying ceremony. The third annual India-US 2 plus 2 Ministerial Dialogue will focus on advancing the Indo-US comprehensive global strategic partnership and further stren...

Oct 26, 2020 ,  8:25AM Counting of votes for Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council- Leh polls to be taken up today Tweeted by @AIR The counting of votes for Ladakh Àutomous Hill Development Council LAHDC Leh general council elections will be taken up this morning. Authorities have put in place all arrangements to ensure smooth counting which will begin at 9 this morning. Counting of votes for 6th LAHDC Leh general council elections begin at 9 this morning. Final randomisation of counting staff completed just before the counting began. As the Election authority used EVMs for the first time in the Hill Council Elections, results are expected by the afternoon. In each round, votes of Seven territorial constituencies will be counted.  Polling for LAHDC Leh Elections completed on 23rd of this month, where  54 thousand 257 voters have cast their votes. Apart from this, 2538 postal ballots and 1635 EDC votes are also for counting today, to decide the fate o...

Oct 26, 2020 ,  8:01AM More than 70 lakh people recover from COVID-19 in the country @MoHFW_INDIA The Health Ministry today said that India has crossed landmark milestones in its fight against COVID-19. In a tweet, the Ministry said, more than 70 Lakh patients have been cured and discharged so far. It said, this has led to a surge in the national Recovery Rate, which has leaped past 90 per cent.

Oct 26, 2020 ,  8:00AM 32 Maoists surrender in Dantewada district of Chattisgarh Representational Pic (doordarshannews.com) In Chhattisgarh, 32 Maoists have surrendered at Dantewada in Bastar division. Six of them were carrying rewards on their head. Dantewada SP Abhishek Pallava said, the surrendered Maoists were influenced by the ‘Lon Varratu’ campaign being carried out by the police in the district. 'Lon Varratu' means 'Return Home' in the local tribal dialect Gondi. Under this campaign, the police have earmarked about 50 hypersensitive Maoist-affected villages, where pamphlets have been put up with an appeal to surrender. The SP said, so far 150 Maoists have surrendered under the ‘Lon Varratu’ campaign.

Oct 26, 2020 ,  7:51AM Campaigning for first phase of assembly elections in Bihar to end this evening @ECISVEEP Campaigning for the first phase of assembly elections in Bihar will end this evening. 71 constituencies spread over 16 districts will go to polls in this phase on Wednesday. Several constituencies going to the polls in this phase are in naxal affected areas. Leaders of various political parties are making their last ditch efforts to woo the voters. They are addressing public meetings and road shows. Candidates are also resorting to door-to-door campaigns. 

Oct 26, 2020 ,  7:47AM PM Modi to interact with CEOs of leading Global Oil and Gas Companies today @NITIAayog Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with CEOs of leading Global Oil and Gas Companies in the annual event organized by NITI Aayog and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas today through video conferencing. India is an important player in the global oil and gas sector being the 3rd largest consumer of crude oil and the 4th largest LNG importer. Realizing the need for India to graduate from a passive consumer to an active and vocal stake-holder in the global Oil and Gas value chain, NITI Aayog initiated the first roundtable of global Oil and Gas CEOs with the Prime Minister in 2016. The growth of the event was apparent as around 45 to 50 global CEOs and key stakeholders who shape the global Oil and Gas sector assembled every subsequent year to interact and discuss the issues and opportunities with the Prime Minister. The impact of the annual global CEO...

Oct 25, 2020 ,  8:33PM India celebrates the festival of Dussehra Tweeted by @DDNewslive The festival of Vijaya Dashmi and Dussehra, which marks the triumph of good over evil was celebrated today amid COVID-19 restrictions. In the National Capital Delhi, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarna and Meghnad were burnt in different places but with a very little attendance of people due to restrictions. Navratri festivities also came to an end today. This year, amid the pandemic, Delhiites participated in virtual Pushpanjali for Durga Puja and celebrated festivities in a scaled-down manner from home. The grounds where Ramlilas are staged and the Durga Puja Pandals wore a deserted look. The Durga Puja  festivities will conclude tomorrow with the immersion of  idols. President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu have greeted the people on the occasion. In a message, Mr Kovind said, the festival strengthens the cultural unity of India and in...

Oct 25, 2020 ,  8:26PM Govt. says paddy procurement during ongoing Kharif Marketing Season has shown an increase of 23 per cent over last year @AgriGoI Government today said that paddy procurement has gained momentum during the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season showing an increase of 23 per cent over last year. The Agriculture Ministry said, government continues to procure Kharif crops at its MSP from farmers as per MSP schemes.  The Ministry said, over 144 lakh tonnes of paddy was procured till yesterday against the last year's corresponding purchase of around 117 lakh tonnes in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat and Kerala. Of the total procurement Punjab alone  contributed more than 65 per cent. About 12 lakh 41 thousand farmers have already been benefitted with MSP value of Rs 27 thousand 298 crore. Agriculture Ministry said, the approval was accorded for procurement of over 45 lakh tonnes of p...