MGWire

Dec 01, 2020 ,  8:09AM US President elect Joe Biden names Jenett Yellen as Treasury Secretary & Neera Tanden as Director of Office of Management & Budget Tweeted by @JoeBiden US President-elect Joe Biden has named ex-Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen as his nominee for treasury secretary. If confirmed by the Senate, she will be the first woman ever to hold the post. She is among several women chosen for top economic positions. The Biden transition team said others were set to break racial barriers if confirmed.   Indian American Neera Tanden has been named as director of the Office of Management and Budget. Mr Biden also named Wally Adeyemo, a former Obama administration official and the first CEO of the former president's nonprofit foundation, as his nominee for deputy treasury secretary. He also unveiled his White House economic team, consisting of economists Cecilia Rouse, Jared Bernstein and Heather Boushey.

Dec 01, 2020 ,  8:03AM Health Ministry issues new COVID-19 guidelines for market places @MoHFW_INDIA Health Ministry has issued new Covid-19 guidelines for market places. These include fines for not wearing masks and discounts for shopping during lean hours. The SOPs outlined that market places in containment zones shall remain closed.   The guidelines also suggest closing of markets if large number of coronavirus cases are reported. The SOPs said that online booking of groceries and doorstep delivery of those must be encouraged.   The SOPs outlined that market places in containment zones shall remain closed. Shop owners and employees living in containment zones shall not be allowed entry into marketplaces, it stated.   According to the SOPs, COVID-appropriate behaviour in marketplaces may be regulated by market associations through a number of measures. It also suggested setting up mask dispensing kiosks at government-approved rates at entry po...

Dec 01, 2020 ,  7:58AM Voting underway for 2nd phase of DDC elections in J&K AIR Pics In Jammu and Kashmir, polling is underway for the second phase of District Development Council elections. Voting is taking place for 43 DDC constituencies in this phase. More than 7 lakh 90 thousand voters will decide the fate of 321 candidates.   Out of 43 DDC constituencies going to polls in this phase, 25 are in Kashmir valley and 18 in Jammu division. The polling commenced amid severe cold at 7 in the morning. It is expected to pick up as the day progresses and temperature improves. All arrangements are in place for peaceful and smooth polling.   The first phase of 8-phased DDC election in the UT saw 52% voter turnout on Saturday. Bypolls to 83 vacant Sarpanch seats and 331 panch seats are also going on with today's DDC polls. It may be mentioned that DDC election is the first ever electoral process post nullifying of Article 370 and reorganization of the Stat...

Dec 01, 2020 ,  7:56AM Centre invites farmer leaders for talks in New Delhi @nstomar (FILE PIC) Centre has invited farmers for talks with high level ministerial committee today. In a letter addressed to the protesting farmers, Secretary, Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare Ministry, Sanjay Agarwal invited farmer leaders for talks at 3 PM at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.   Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has said that farmer leaders present in the first round of talks have been invited for the dialogue. The invitation came after consultations among senior BJP leaders over ways to reach farmers’ leaders in order to end the stalemate. Farmers’ organisations are agitating against the new farm laws.   Home Minister Amit Shah has urged protesting farmers to move to Nirankari Samagam ground in Burari area of Delhi, the site earmarked for their protest.

Nov 30, 2020 ,  7:52PM Jammu&Kashmir: All arrangements in place for phase-2 of DDC Elections AIR Pics In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, State Election Commissioner K.K Sharma said that all the arrangements are being done to conduct the DDC elections and Panchs/Sarpanchs by-polls in smooth and peaceful manner. AIR Jammu Correspondent reports that out of the total 280 constituencies in the UT (14 in each district) voting will be conducted in 43 constituencies, including 25 from Kashmir and 18 from Jammu Division from 7 AM to 2 PM in Phase II tomorrow. There are total 321 candidates in the electoral fray including 196 from Kashmir and 125 from Jammu division for DDC elections in Phase II. Meanwhile, as for as the by-elections of Panches and Sarpanchs are concerned, the Sarpanch elections will be conducted in 83 constituencies and total 223 candidates are contesting including 151 male and 72 female in Phase II. Similarly, in Panchs by-poll elections, whi...

Nov 30, 2020 ,  5:07PM PM assures farmers that new Agricultural reforms will give new options and new legal protection AIR Pics Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the farmers of the country that the new farmer laws are introduced for their benefit and the government not just wants to provide them new market opportunities but also wants to strengthen the Mandi system. He said that the Government is working with pure intentions and the Farmers of the country will lead the Atmnirbhar Bharat campaign.   He was speaking at a gathering in Varanasi during his visit to his parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh. The Prime Minister alleged that miscommunication is being spread about the reforms and said that a new trend has come up recently where opposition to any reform by his government is being done merely on speculations and misconception.   Talking about the farmer laws, the Prime Minister said that farmers must get a chance to sell their farm ...

Nov 30, 2020 ,  2:03PM HM Amit Shah says, Covid-19 pandemic time was utilised in making major policy decisions & latest GDP figures show encouraging results Tweeted by @BJP4Gujarat Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has anticipated the adverse impact of Covid 19 pandemic on the economy and utilised this difficult time in making decisions of policy making.   Virtually inaugurating two flyovers in Ahmedabad Mr. Shah said that Government has taken a series of long term policy decisions whether it is farm sector, electricity or tax reforms. He said that latest GDP figures are encouraging and hopefully it will be in positive territory in the coming days.   Union Home Minister said that Gujarat has already achieved the electricity consumption and GST collection of pre-covid level. He said that Gujarat is also leading the country in getting the highest GDP number despite Covid-19 pandemic. Mr. Shas said that Gujarat h...

Nov 30, 2020 ,  9:05AM Guru Nanak Jayanti being celebrated with traditional fervour across the country & abroad Tweeted by @DDNewslive Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab is being celebrated with religious fervour across India and the world today. It marks the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak, who laid the foundation of Sikhism. This year marks the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.   On this day, devotees around the world offer prayers. The Golden temple in Amritsar celebrates Gurpurab with much aplomb.   President Ram Nath Kovind has extended his greetings and best wishes to all the citizens living in India and abroad, especially the brothers and sisters of the Sikh community on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.   In his message, Mr Kovind has said that the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev are an inspiration for all human-beings. He showed people the path of unity, harmony, fraternity, comity and servi...

Nov 30, 2020 ,  8:20AM PM to interact with 3 teams involved in developing COVID-19 vaccine Screen Grab (PMO India) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with three teams involved with developing a COVID-19 vaccine via video conferencing today. In a statement, Prime Minister's Office said, Mr Modi will interact with the teams of the Gennova Biopharma, Biological E, and Dr Reddy's, who are involved in developing the vaccine. Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister had visited Serum Institute of India in Pune as part of efforts to get a first-hand perspective of the preparations, challenges, and roadmap in India's endeavour to vaccinate its citizens against COVID-19.   Mr Modi had also visited Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad and Bharat Biotech facility at Hyderabad as part of his three-city visit to personally review the vaccine development and manufacturing process.   In his Mann Ki Baat yesterday, Prime Minister stressed the need for developing vaccine...

Nov 30, 2020 ,  8:17AM India to host SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting today AIR Pics India will host Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government Meeting in virtual format today. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu will chair the meeting.   In a statement, External Affairs Ministry said, it will be the first time that a Summit-level Meeting will be held under India’s Chairmanship, since it gained full membership of the organization in 2017.   This Summit is held annually at the level of Prime Ministers of SCO and deals primarily with the trade and economic agenda of the organization. India assumed the Chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government on 2nd November last year as per rotation from the previous Chair - Uzbekistan and will complete its year-long tenure on 30th of this month.   India considers the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as an important regional organization to promote cooperation in th...

Nov 30, 2020 ,  8:10AM PM to take part in world famous Dev Deepawali festival in Varanasi today Screen Grab (PMO India) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit his parliamentary constituency Varanasi today and take part in the world famous Dev Deepawali festival in the evening. During his day-long visit the Prime Minister will take part in many functions.   Mr Modi will dedicate to the nation the six-lane widening project of the Handia (Prayagraj) - Rajatalab (Varanasi) section of National Highway 19. The 73 Km stretch of the newly widened and six laned NH-19, made with a total outlay of 2447 crore rupees, is expected to reduce the travel time between Prayagraj and Varanasi by one hour. He will address a gathering also. During the tour, the Prime Minister will undertake a site visit of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor Project and also visit the Sarnath Archaeological Site.   AIR correspondent reports this will be the first time that a Prime Minister is...

Nov 30, 2020 ,  8:04AM Rajasthan govt decides to close schools, colleges, cinema, entertainment parks in state till Dec 31 @ashokgehlot51 Rajasthan government has said that schools, colleges, cinema, entertainment parks etc will remain closed in the state till December 31. The move comes after  sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in the state.   The state reported 18 coronavirus deaths yesterday, taking the total number of fatalities to 2,292. State also reported 2,518 fresh cases. The maximum number of 555 fresh cases were detected in Jaipur, followed by 395 cases in Jodhpur. A total of 2 lakh 34 thousand 336 patients have recovered from the infection in the state and the number of active cases is at 28,758.

Nov 29, 2020 ,  8:28PM In his Mann ki Baat Programme, PM emphasizes on strengthening cultural bonds in times of pandemic; Appeals to people not to lower guard against COVID-19 AIR Pics Mr Modi said, culture helps a lot during crises and plays a major role in facing and handling it. He added that even with the help of technology, culture works like an emotional recharge. Mr Modi stressed on the importance of taking cultural heritage to the maximum number of people through the medium of technology.   Prime Minister Modi also expressed delight that the heritage and art of Ajanta caves is also being digitised and restored. The Prime Minister expressed happiness that a very old idol of Goddess Annapurna is coming back to India from Canada. Mr Modi said Dr. Salim Ali's 125th Jayanti Samaroh began from 12th of this month. Doctor Salim had done remarkable work in the field of bird watching. This has also attracted bird watchers of the world towards India. The Pri...

Nov 29, 2020 ,  8:21PM Govt. announces Rs 900 crore package for COVID-19 Vaccine Development Mission dst.gov.in The Centre has announced the third stimulus package of Rs 900 crore for the Mission COVID Suraksha- The Indian COVID-19 Vaccine Development Mission. This grant will be provided to the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for Research and Development of Indian COVID-19 vaccines with end-to-end focus from preclinical development through clinical development and manufacturing and regulatory facilitation for deployment. It would consolidate all available and funded resources towards an accelerated product development.  The Ministry of Science and Technology said that this will help accelerate development of approximately 5 to 6 vaccine candidates. This will also ensure that these are brought closer to licensure and introduction in the market for consideration of regulatory authorities for introduction in public health systems, to combat further spread of CO...

Nov 29, 2020 ,  8:09PM 30 security personnel killed in a car bomb blast in Ghazni province in Afghanistan AIR Pics In Afghanistan, 30 Afghan security force members were killed and 24 injured in a car bomb blast in the central province of Ghazni today. Officials said, casualties could increase given the intensity and location of the blast. The blast targeted a compound of the public protection force, a wing of the Afghan security forces, local officials said. It damaged civilian residences around the compound and there could be more casualties from there, they said. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. In another bombing targeting a top provincial official, at least one person was killed and 23 injured in the eastern province of Zabul today. Afghanistan has seen a spate of car bombings over the last few months, despite peace talks being under way between negotiation teams of the insurgent Taliban and the government in the Qatari capital Doha.

Nov 29, 2020 ,  8:37AM Serum Institute of India to apply for emergency authorisation of COVID-19 vaccine in next two weeks AIR Pics Serum Institute of India (SII) will apply for emergency authorisation of COVID-19 vaccine in next two weeks. This was stated by the chief executive of the Institute, Adar Poonawalla in Pune yesterday. Serum Institute of India is the world's largest vaccine manufacturer by volume. Pune based drugmaker partnered with global pharma giant AstraZeneca to produce COVID-19 vaccine by University of Oxford for low-and-middle income countries. Dubbed as Covishield, the COVID-19 vaccine is currently in the Phase III clinical trial in India. Mr Poonawalla said Covishield is a highly effective vaccine against novel coronavirus. AstraZeneca and Oxford University earlier said that their drug had proved on average 70% effective at stopping the virus after trying it on 23,000 people. Mr Poonawalla said, India will be given first priority for the deliv...

Nov 29, 2020 ,  8:34AM Delhi govt orders work-from-home for 50% of its employees associated with non-essential services AIR Delhi government has issued work-from-home orders for 50 per cent of its employees associated with non-essential services amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in the national capital. It has also advised private establishments to follow the same practice as far as possible. Delhi chief secretary and DDMA executive committee chairman Vijay Dev said, all Delhi government offices, autonomous bodies, public sector undertakings, corporations, local bodies will function with officers of grade-one level or equivalent and above to the extent of 100 per cent. He said, the remaining staff will attend up to 50 per cent as per requirement to be assessed by heads of the departments concerned. The remaining 50 per cent of the staff will work from home till December 31, or till further orders whichever is earlier. Private offices have been advised to stagger the ...

Nov 29, 2020 ,  8:31AM EPFO extends deadline for submission of life certificate till 28th February next year epfindia.gov.in Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has extended the time limit for pensioners upto 28th February next year for submission of Jeevan Pramaan Patra (JPP). Around 35 lakh pensioners with EPFO will benefit from this. This has been done in view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the vulnerability of elderly population to Corona Virus. Presently, a Pensioner can submit Jeevan Praman Patra anytime during the year upto 30th November, which is valid for a period of one year from the date of issue. All such pensioners can now submit Life Certificates till 28 February next year. Multiple modes for submission of JPP including 3.65 lakh Common Service Centres, Branches of Pension Disbursing Banks 1.36 lakh post offices, Postal Network of 1.90 lakh Postmen and Grameen Dak Sevaks under the Department of Post can be availed by pensioners. Durin...

Nov 29, 2020 ,  8:23AM PM Modi to share his thoughts in Mann ki Baat programme at 11 this morning @airpic 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 at 11 this morning. It will be the 71st 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. In a tweet yesterday evening, the Prime Minister asked people to tune in to Mann Ki Baat.  

Nov 28, 2020 ,  8:34PM Govt ready to deliberate on every problem of farmers: Home Minister @AmitShah Home Minister Amit Shah has appealed protesting farmers that government is ready to hold talks. Talking to media, Mr Shah said Agriculture Minister has invited them on 3rd December for discussions. He said government is ready to deliberate on every problem and demand of the farmers.  

Nov 28, 2020 ,  8:33PM FDI surges to 30 billion dollars in Apr-Oct this year Representational Pic Total Foreign Direct Investments inflows into India during the second quarter of financial year 2020-21 is 28,102 million dollars, out of which FDI equity inflows is 23,441 million dollars. This takes the FDI equity inflows during the financial year 2020-21 upto September this year to 30,004 million dollars which is 15 percent more than the corresponding period of 2019-20. In rupee terms, the FDI Equity inflows of  2 lakh 24 thousand 613 crore rupees are 23 percent more than the last year. August this year has been the significant month when 17,487 million dollars FDI equity inflows were reported in the country.  

Nov 28, 2020 ,  6:16PM PM visits Serum Institute, inspects vaccine production process Screen Grab Prime Minister Narendra Modi visted the Serum Institute in Pune this evening. During the 50-minute visit, Prime Minister Modi inspected the vaccine production process. Later, he had a discussion with the scientists and officials. The Prime Minister today reviewed the production process of Covid 19 vaccines across the country. After visiting Zydus Biotic in Ahmedabad in the morning and later Cadilla Pharmaceuticals in Hyderabad he reached Pune to review the production process of Covishield vaccine in Serum. After concluding the hour-long program, Prime Minister Modi will leave for Delhi shortly.  

Nov 28, 2020 ,  2:00PM PM to visit Serum Institute in Pune to take stock of production of corona vaccine COVISHIELD @airnewss Prime Minister is expected to fly to Pune, to visit the Serum Institute to get a first hand perspective of the production of corona vaccine COVISHIELD.   AIR correspondent reports that Mr. Modi will discuss with the concerned officials about the overall supply and distribution system after the successful testing of this vaccine.   According to the schedule, after arrival at Lohegaon airport, the Prime Minister will be flown directly to Serum Institute by a special helicopter and will be at the institute for about an hour. The Prime Minister will then leave for NewDelhi from Lohegaon Airport.   It may be noted that the Phase-1 clinical trial of Zydus Cadilla’s vaccine candidate ZyCoV-D is over and the pharma company has commenced Phase-2 clinical trials from August.    Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin is undergoing Pha...

Nov 28, 2020 ,  10:05AM India, United Kingdom look forward to enhance cooperation & partnership in post-COVID and post-BREXIT era @airnewss India and United Kingdom have reiterated their shared desire to impart a quantum jump to the partnership in the post-COVID, post-BREXIT era. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s telephonic conversation with his British counterpart Boris Johnson yesterday, the two leaders exchanged thoughts about the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The two leaders reviewed the promising cooperation between India and UK in the area of vaccine development and manufacturing. The leaders agreed that there was tremendous potential for enhancing collaboration in trade and investment, scientific research, mobility of professionals and students, and defence and security. They laid particular emphasis on India and UK joining hands in the fight against Climate Change, and appreciated their collaboration under platforms like the Internation...

Nov 28, 2020 ,  8:09AM PM Modi speaks to Tamil Nadu CM; Central teams being rushed to state to assist in rescue & relief work in wake of Cyclone Nivar @airnewss Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and discussed the situation in the wake of the cyclone and heavy rainfall in parts of the state.  In a tweet, Prime Minister's Office yesterday said, Central teams are being sent to Tamil Nadu to assist in rescue and relief work. Mr Modi expressed condolence on the loss of lives and prayed for a quick recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia of two lakh rupees each would be given to the next of kin of the persons deceased and 50 thousand rupees each to the injured, from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.  

Chief Economic Advisor  K V Subramanian today said that  India's Gross Domestic Product of the second quarter of 2020-21 is quite encouraging in comparison to the first quarter. He said, manufacturing has recorded a positive growth of 0.6 per cent , and utility has grown by 4.4 per cent and Agriculture grew by 3.4 per cent in the second quarter.  Mr Subramanian said that the broad recovery is underway . India's Gross Domestic Product  contracted by 7.5 per cent in the second quarter from July to September of 2020-21.According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Gross Value Added (GVA) came in at minus 7 per cent. It said, Gross Domestic Product, GDP  at Constant (2011-12) Prices in second quarter of 2020-21 is estimated at  33.14 lakh crore rupees  as against  35.84 lakh crore rupees in same quarter  of 2019-20. It shows  a contraction of 7.5 per cent as compared to 4.4 per cent growth in the second quarter of ...

Nov 27, 2020 ,  8:10PM Union Minister Prakash Javadeker launches India Climate Change Knowledge Portal @PrakashJavdekar Minister of Environment,Forest and Climate Change  Prakash Javadekar today launched the India Climate Change Knowledge Portal. The portal will have all the major steps the Government is taking at both national and international levels to address  the climate change issues. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Javadekar said,it will be a single-point information resource that provides information on the different climate initiatives taken by various Line Ministries enabling users to access d status on these initiatives. With regard to climate actions after the Paris Agreement, Mr Javadekar said, India has practically achieved  its  pre-2020 climate action targets. He said, though India is not  responsible for  climate change but  it is taking responsible action to mitigate the challenge. Mr Javadekar also demanded that o...

Prime Minister  Narendra Modi will embark on a three city visit tomorrow to personally review the COVID-19 vaccine development and  manufacturing process. The Prime Minister's Office in a tweet said that Mr  Modi will visit the Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad, Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad and  Serum Institute of India in Pune. It said, as India enters a decisive phase of the fight against COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's  visit to these facilities and  discussions with the scientists will help him get a first hand perspective of the preparations, challenges and  roadmap in India’s endeavour to vaccinate its citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will first visit the Zydus Cadila Pharmaceutical’s vaccine development facility at Zydus Biotech Park near Ahmedabad tomorrow morning to personally review the Covid vaccine development process. AIR Ahmedabad correspondent reports that the Zydus plant which is working on ZyCoV-D, a Covid19 vaccine cand...

Nov 27, 2020 ,  2:04PM India & UAE review comprehensive strategic partnership, agree to continue coordination on various multilateral issues @DrSJaishankar External Affairs Minister, Dr.S.Jaishankar and his United Arab Emirate counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan have held discussions on the entire range of bilateral issues. Dr. Jaishankar who was on a two day visit to the UAE, briefed him on the progress made by India in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, both on the health and economic front. Both sides reviewed their cooperation on various facets of their comprehensive strategic partnership including trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, food security and defence. The two foreign ministers also discussed recent regional and international developments and agreed to continue coordination on various multilateral issues.   Dr.Jaishankar also called on Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and conveyed greetings from ...

Nov 27, 2020 ,  2:02PM All arrangements in place for first phase of DDC elections in J&K AIR In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, all arrangements are in place for the first phase of District Development Council (DDC) elections to be held tomorrow. In the first phase voting will take place in 25 constituencies in Kashmir Division and 18 in Jammu Division. The State Election Commissioner Mr K K Sharma said elections are being held in eight phases.   The State Election Commissioner said the necessary COVID-19 Protocols have also been put in place for ensuring the forthcoming elections in a safe environment.   AIR Jammu Correspondent reports that 2,644 polling stations have been set up and voting will take place from 7 AM to 2 PM.     The DDC elections, the first major political activity since the abrogation of Article 370 provisions on August 5 last year, will be held in eight phases from November 28 to December 19. The...

Nov 27, 2020 ,  1:52PM Nitin Gadkari inaugurates Highway projects worth over Rs 7400 Cr in Uttar Pradesh @OfficeOfNG Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of 16 National Highway projects worth 7477 crore rupees in Uttar Pradesh yesterday.   Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present at the virtual function. These road projects worth 505 kilometers will enhance better connectivity, convenience and economic growth in the state.   Speaking on the occasion, Mr Gadkari said that National Highways works worth two lakh crore rupees are being undertaken in UP. Thanking the Central government, the Chief Minister said that National Highways works done in the state in the last 6 years is more than what was done in 65 years after independence.  

Nov 27, 2020 ,  1:49PM COVID-19 recovery rate reaches 93.65% AIR With 43 thousand 82 new COVID-19 infections, the country's total cases went up to 93 lakh 9 thousand 7 hundred 88. The Health Ministry said, with 492 new deaths, the death toll has gone up to 1 lakh 35 thousand 7 hundred 15. Total active cases now stand at 4 lakh 55 thousand 5 hundred 55. Total discharged cases reached 87 lakh 18 thousand 5 hundred 17 with 39 thousand 3 hundred 79 new discharges in the last 24 hours. Recovery rate has reached 93.65 per cent.     Over 11 lakh 31 thousand COVID samples were tested in the country in last 24 hours. With this, the cumulative testing figure has crossed an important milestone of 13 crore 70 lakh. The Central Government and ICMR have scaled up the TESTING infrastructure in a calibrated manner.   The Health Ministry has said that very high levels of testing lead to early identification, prompt isolation and effective treatment of COVID-19 ca...

Nov 27, 2020 ,  8:26AM India extends ban on commercial international flights till December 31 @DGCAIndia The Director General of Civil Aviation has extended the ban on international flights till December 31 in view of the coronavirus. However, it said that international scheduled flights may be allowed on certain routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis.   The DGCA ban on the scheduled international flights was to end on the 30th of this month.   India has established air bubble agreements with about 18 countries, including US, UK, France, UAE, Qatar and the Maldives, Kenya and Bhutan. This pact allows the operation of special flights between the countries.   The scheduled flights - both domestic and international flights were suspended on 23rd of March due to the pandemic.   The Centre allowed domestic flight services to resume on May 25, but at only one-third capacity. The cap was later increased to 45% and then to 60%....

Nov 27, 2020 ,  8:14AM Economic recovery in country is stronger than expected: RBI Governor @RBI Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das has said that the Indian economy exhibited a stronger than expected pickup in recovery after the first quarter of the current fiscal. Mr Das, however, warned that downside risks to growth continue due to a surge in Covid-19 infections. He was speaking at the annual day event of Foreign Exchange Dealers' Association of India yesterday.   RBI Governor said, even as the growth outlook has improved, we need to be watchful about the sustainability of demand after festivals and a possible reassessment of market expectations surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine.   The sharp rise in Covid cases in eight states, which include key economic and business hubs, has prompted the Ministry of Home Affairs to issue fresh guidelines for states to contain the spread of Coronavirus.   Over the last two months, the government announced t...

Nov 26, 2020 ,  8:15PM Government is ready to hold talks with farmers, discuss issues: Narendra Singh Tomar @nstomar Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar today said, government is ready to hold talks with farmers and discuss issues. Talking to media, the Minister said, the new farm laws were the need of the hour and are going to bring revolutionary changes in the future. He appealed to the protesting farmers to not agitate. He said, they have invited farmers for talks on 3rd December and expressed hope that the dialogue will have a positive result.

Nov 26, 2020 ,  8:11PM India to take on Australia in opening ODI of three-match series at Sydney tomorrow @BCCI Indian Men's Cricket team will take on Australia in the opening One-Day International (ODI) of the three-match series tomorrow at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Indian team is returning to action after staying away from international cricket for more than eight months due to COVID-19 pandemic.  Virat Kohli will continue to lead the Men in Blue in the 50-over format, while KL Rahul will serve as his deputy in the absence of injured Rohit Sharma. Aaron Finch will lead the Australian side, with Pat Cummins serving as the vice-captain.   All India Radio, Delhi will broadcast live commentary of the tomorrow's match alternately in Hindi and English from 0830 hrs till the end of the match. It will be available on FM Rainbow, Rajdhani, PB You Tube and other channels.   India will play three 3 ODIs, three T20s,  and four Tests during t...

Nov 26, 2020 ,  11:02AM COVID-19 recovery rate in country reaches 93.66 pct AIR India has leaped across a significant milestone in its fight against COVID. The number of new daily cases has been below the 50 thousand mark for 19 consecutive days. In the last 24 hours, nearly 44 thousand new confirmed cases were reported while over 36 thousand people recovered successfully in the same time span.    With cumulative recovery of more than 86 lakh 79 thousand people so far, the national recovery rate has reached at 93.66 per cent. The recovered cases in the country stand at nearly 20 times the number of active cases.   The active caseload of the country also continues to remain below 5 per cent. The total active cases in the country today stands at four lakh 52 thousand 344 which comprises merely 4.88 per cent of the total reported cases. The Health Ministry has informed that nearly 77 percent of the new covid cases are concentrated in 10 states and Un...

Nov 26, 2020 ,  8:52AM Constitution Day being celebrated across country @airnewss Constitution Day is being celebrated today across the country to mark the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly. The day is also known as National Law Day and commemorates the adoption of the Constitution in India. On 26th November in 1949, the Constituent Assembly of the country formally adopted the Constitution of India which came into force on 26th January 1950.   Constitution Day was first celebrated in 2015, when NDA Government decided to mark the day as a tribute to Dr B R Ambedkar who played an important role in its framing as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.   The constituent assembly took two years, eleven months and seventeen days to accomplish the stupendous task of drafting the historic document. It had many members who fought for the freedom of the country and came from different regions, religions, communities reflecting the ...

Nov 26, 2020 ,  8:51AM PM to inaugurate Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet & Expo today FILE PIC Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the 3rd Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet   and Expo (RE-INVEST 2020) today. During the three-day virtual conference, all the leading companies will display their latest technological development in the field of renewable energy and discuss various options available for energy transition.   Several world leaders, Energy Ministers of 75 countries and 200 eminent speakers will take part in the event. The summit is organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. It aims to accelerate the worldwide effort to scale up development and deployment of renewable energy and connect the global investment community with Indian energy stakeholders. The theme for RE-Invest 2020 is ‘Innovations for Sustainable Energy Transition’.  

Nov 26, 2020 ,  8:51AM PM to address concluding session of All India Presiding Officers Conference today @narendramodi Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the concluding session of the 80th All India Presiding Officers Conference today via video conferencing. The two-day conference began yesterday at Kevadia in Gujarat. President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurates the conference which is being attended by Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, the state's Chief Minister Vijay Rupani among others. Speaker Om Birla is also the chairperson of the conference.  The All India Presiding Officers Conference began in 1921, and the Gujarat event marks its centenary year. The theme for this year's conference is Harmonious Coordination between Legislature, Executive and Judiciary - Key to a Vibrant Democracy. AIR correspondent reports, All India Presiding Officers’ Conference discussed ...

Nov 26, 2020 ,  8:49AM Legendary Argentine footballer Diego Maradona passes away FILE PIC Legendary Argentine footballer, Diego Maradona, widely regarded among the greatest football players of all time passed away yesterday following a heart attack. The 60-year-old had been hospitalised at the start of November, days after celebrating his birthday. Maradona was hospitalised after he complained of regularly being fatigued. His tests at the La Plata clinic revealed a blood clot in Maradona's brain, which doctors later revealed was operated on successfully.   Maradona was also released from the hospital, but in the early hours yesterday, Maradona suffered cardiac arrest, and paramedics at the scene failed to revive him. Maradona had begun his professional career with Argentinos Juniors at the age of 16 and he went on to become one of the greatest players to ever play the game of football. The ace footballer represented Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla, a...

Nov 26, 2020 ,  8:44AM Very severe cyclone Nivar crosses Tamil Nadu coast near Marakkanam; heavy rain lashes coastal areas @IMDWeather Very Severe Cyclone Nivar hit the coast late last night and its landfall was completed early today morning. It crossed the shores near Marakkanam in Tamil Nadu, close to Puducherry. While crossing, the cyclone triggered fierce winds of speed ranging from 120 to 130 kilometers per hour, gushing to 140 km per hour. It also led to torrential rainfall in many coastal areas including in Chennai. The sea has been ferocious during the landfall. Several rivers and rivulets and water bodies are receiving copious waters.   The Met Department has said the cyclone will start weakening in about six hours after the landfall. However, the rain activity under its impact will continue for more than 15 hours. AIR correspondent reports that over 1.2 lakh people were shifted from vulnerable areas in coastal districts ahead of the cyclone’s landfa...

Nov 25, 2020 ,  8:11PM New Zealand's Greg Barclay elected as new chairman of International Cricket Council @airnewss New Zealand's Greg Barclay has been elected as the new independent chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). The head of the New Zealand Cricket team, NZC, Barclay beat Imran Khwaja in the second round of voting. Imran was interim chairman after Shashank Manohar stepped down from the post in July this year. In the first round of voting last week, Barclay had 10 votes to Khwaja's six, and needed 11 votes for a two-thirds majority of the 16-person ICC Board. That vote arrived from Cricket South Africa in a second round of voting. Barclay is the second independent chairman of the world body, after Shashank Manohar of India. A commercial lawyer by trade, Barclay has served as a director of NZC since 2012. He was a director of 2015 Men's World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand. He is also an experienced company director holdin...

Union Cabinet has approved equity infusion by Government of  6000 crore rupees in NIIF Debt Platform sponsored by National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, comprising Aseem Infrastructure Finance Limited and NIIF Infrastructure Finance Limited. This was one of the twelve key measures made by the Finance Minister as part of Government's stimulus to the economy, under AatmaNirbhar Bharat 3.0 on 12th November. NIIF Infrastructure Debt Financing Platform is expected to contribute nearly one lakh crore rupees in debt to the infrastructure sector over the next five years. This will act as a catalyst in attracting more investments into the infrastructure sector as envisaged in the National Infrastructure Pipeline. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi about Cabinet decisions, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar informed that Cabinet has approved Scheme of Amalgamation of Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB) with DBS Bank India Limited. He said  with this, there will be no f...

The Home Ministry has issued an Order today with Guidelines for Surveillance, Containment and Caution, which will be effective from 1st December and remain in force upto 31st December. The main focus of the Guidelines is to consolidate the substantial gains that have been achieved against the spread of COVID-19 which is visible in the steady decline in the number of active cases in the country. Further, keeping in view the recent spike in new cases in few states and UTs, it has been emphasised that there is a need to maintain caution and strictly follow the prescribed containment strategy. Local district, police and municipal authorities shall be responsible to ensure that the prescribed Containment measures are strictly followed. States and UTs, based on their assessment of the situation, may impose local restrictions, with a view to contain the spread of COVID-19. According to the guidelines, States and UTs must ensure careful demarcation of Containment Zones by the district autho...

Nov 25, 2020 ,  2:01PM Vijay Kumar Sinha elected as Bihar Assembly Speaker @VijayKrSinhaBJP Senior BJP leader and NDA nominee Vijay Kumar Sinha was today elected as the new speaker of Bihar Assembly. Protem Speaker Jitan Ram Manjhi announced the election result of Assembly speaker. Mr Manjhi said Vijay Kumar Sinha got 126 votes while Grand Alliance candidate Awadh Bihari Choudhary got 114 votes.   Opposition parties were demanding secret voting for election of assembly speaker. They were protesting the presence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his two cabinet colleagues as they are not members of the assembly. Chief Minister and two ministers Ashok Choudhary and Mukesh Sahni are members of the upper house. New Bihar Assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Sinha  is four time MLA from Sheikhpura constituency. In the previous Nitish Kumar led  government Mr Sinha was labour minister.Chief Minister Nitish Kumar,Deputy Chief Ministers Tarkishore Prasad and Renu...

Nov 25, 2020 ,  8:24AM PM to virtually attend celebration of Centennial Foundation Day of University of Lucknow File Pic Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually attend the celebration of Centennial Foundation Day of University of Lucknow today at 5:30 PM. On the occasion, the Prime Minister will unveil the University’s Centennial Commemorative Coin. He will also release a special Commemorative Postal Stamp issued by India Post and its Special Cover during the event.   University of Lucknow was established in the year 1920 with a vision of striving to be among leading educational institutions of the world by consistently engaging in it’s endeavour through quality teaching, research and innovation rooted in the Indian value system, and working towards building an intellectual infrastructure that serves the country, its society and humanity.

Nov 25, 2020 ,  8:00AM President Kovind to inaugurate All India Presiding Officers’ Conference in Kevadia, Gujarat @rashtrapatibhvn A two-day All India Presiding Officers' Conference will begin at the Statue of unity in Kevadia Gujarat from today. The theme of this year's conference is Harmonious Coordination of Legislative, Executive and Judiciary - Key to a Vibrant Democracy.   The Conference will be inaugurated by the President Ram Nath Kovind this morning. Vice President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha M. Venkaiah Naidu will be present on this occasion. Lok Sabha speaker and Chairperson of the Conference Shri Om Birla will grace the two day conference.   Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the valedictory session of the conference on 26th to mark the celebration of the constitution day. Governor of Gujarat Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and other dignitaries will also attend the conference. AIR correspondent reports that the Presidi...

Nov 24, 2020 ,  9:29PM Cyclone Nivar likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm; NDRF teams deployed in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Andhra Pradesh @IMDWeather India Meteorological Department, IMD today said that Cyclone Nivar is presently concentrated at 370 Kilometer East Southeastwards of Puducherry. It is expected to move West-North Westwards for next 12 hours and then North Westwards to cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram. Addressing media, IMD Director General Dr M Mohapatra said that the Cyclone is likely to intensify into a severe cycloic storm by tonight and tomorrow morning into a very severe cyclonic storm. He said, Cyclone Nivar was formed at a Low Pressure area of Eastern Indian Ocean and South East Bay of Bengal on 21st of November and further developed into low pressure area on 22nd  November and then developed into a depression yesterday and  into a cyclonic storm in the early hours today.   D...

Nov 24, 2020 ,  8:05PM Govt blocks access to 43 mobile apps engaging in activities prejudicial to sovereignty & defence of country @DDIndialive Government today blocked access to 43 mobile apps. This action was taken based on the inputs regarding these apps for engaging in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity, defence, security of state and public order. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has issued the order for blocking the access of these apps by users in India based on the comprehensive reports received from Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center.   Earlier on 29th June Government had blocked access to 59 mobile apps and on 2nd September, 118 more apps were banned under section 69A of the Information Technology Act.