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Feb 01, 2021 ,  8:09AM Mumbai local trains to resume operations for all from today File Pic In a major relief for commuters, the local train services in Mumbai will resume for the general public from today after a gap of more than 10 months. Travel by local trains, a lifeline for millions of people living in Mumbai and surrounding satellite towns, was severely restricted after the coronavirus outbreak in March 2020.   The trains will be available in three time slots: from the start of the day's services to 7 am; 12 noon to 4 pm; and 9 pm to the end of the day. The timing has been restricted to avoid crowding during the Covid-19 pandemic.   The local train services for the general public, which was shut on 23rd March last year, has resumed  from today. However, for the time being, the common men can avail the services in non- peak hours in specific time slots only. The services of the local trains were resumed for the emergency and essential servic...

Feb 01, 2021 ,  8:02AM New farm laws do not affect current MSP system & Mandis, reiterates Narendra Singh Tomar File Pic (@nstomar) Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has reiterated that the new farm laws do not affect the current Minimum support price (MSP) system and Mandis. He said, under the new ecosystem, mandis will be more competitive and cost effective in terms of services and infrastructure and both the systems will synergistically co-exist for the common interest of farmers.  Responding to NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, who criticized the new farm laws, the Minister said, new laws facilitate promotion of additional choice channels for farmers to sell their produce to anyone and anywhere with hassle free movement in and outside the state to realize competitive and better net price for their produce. He said, Mr Pawar is a veteran leader and it appears that the NCP Chief was genuinely misinformed of the facts.  The Minister expressed hope that...

Feb 01, 2021 ,  7:55AM GST Revenue collection for January 2021 almost touches Rs 1.20 lakh crore AIR Pics The Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue collection for January 2021 has almost touched 1.2 lakh crore rupees. The Finance Ministry said, the gross GST revenue collected in January this year is 1 lakh 19 thousand 847 crore rupees of which CGST is 21 thousand 923 crore rupees, SGST is  29 thousand 14 crore rupees, IGST is 60 thousand 288 crore rupees including 27 thousand 424 crore rupees collected on import of goods. Cess is  8 thousand 622 crore rupees including 883 crore rupees collected on import of goods. The total number of GSTR-3B Returns filed for the month of December up to 31st January this year is 90 lakhs. In line with the trend of recovery in the GST revenues over the past five months, the revenues for the month of January this year are 8 per cent higher than the GST revenues in the same month last year, which in itself was more than 1.1 ...

Jan 31, 2021 ,  8:19PM FM Nirmala Sitharaman to present Union Budget for 2021-22 in Lok Sabha tomorrow @nsitharamanoffc Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the union budget for 2021-22 tomorrow at 11 AM in the Lok Sabha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday had  expressed confidence that the Budget would be seen as part of the packages announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over the past 10 months to offset the impact of Covid-induced lockdowns. The Economic Survey for 2020-21, pegged the real GDP to be at 11 per cent in the next fiscal. This year for the first time, the Union Budget will only be available in the digital format and can also be accessed through mobile app UNION BUDGET both on android and iOS platforms.  

Jan 31, 2021 ,  8:03PM Around 89 lakh children administered polio drops on National Immunisation Day today @AIRNEWSS Government today said that around 89 lakh children were given polio drops under National Polio Immunisation drive across the country. Union Health Ministry said, Vaccination were conducted at seven lakh booths.   Today is the Polio National Immunization Day, also known as Polio Ravivar. The booth activity will be followed by house-to-house surveillance over the next two to five days to identify and vaccinate children under five years, who missed getting vaccinated at the booths. The Ministry said, vaccination teams have also been deployed at bus terminals, railway stations, airports and ferry crossing to vaccinate children in transit to ensure no child misses the life-saving dose.   All measures have been taken to ensure safety during the times of the pandemic by maintaining COVID-19 appropriate practices, such as preventing overcrowding...

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Made in India vaccine is a symbol of India’s self-reliance and  self-pride. The  Prime Minister said he gets messages praising India from Presidents and Prime Ministers from different countries of the world. Mr Modi recalled the recent tweet of Brazil President thanking India. Mr. Modi stated that India is able to serve the world today, since it is capable and self-reliant in the field of medicines and vaccines. He said the same thought underpins the Atmanirbhar Bharat Campaign. He added that the world will benefit more with India becoming more and more capable. The Prime Minister said the beginning of this year marks the completion of almost one year of India's battle against Corona. He said it was a joyful time as many festivals like Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Bihu were celebrated in different parts of the country. On 23rd January, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was observed as Parakram Diwas and the ...

Jan 31, 2021 ,  1:59PM Centre allows cinema halls to operate with 100% seating capacity from Feb; Issues new SOPs @PrakashJavdekar In a major relief to the cinema and entertainment industry, the centre has allowed cinema halls to operate with their full capacity starting from next month. In its new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cinema halls and theatres, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting said that the auditorium of the cinemas, theatres and multiplexes have been allowed to operate with 100 per cent of their seating capacity. It said that the states and union territories may however consider proposing additional measures as per their field assessment. Exhibition of films has not been allowed in the containment zones. Informing about the decision, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said that the relief is a significant step towards return of normalcy after the pandemic. He said that the cinema hall and multiplex oper...

Jan 31, 2021 ,  7:59AM Countrywide Pulse Polio Programme for 2021 to begin today @rashtrapatibhvn The countrywide Pulse Polio Programme for 2021 began today. President Ram Nath Kovind launched the programme on the eve of the Polio National Immunization Day by administering polio drops to children less than five years old at Rashtrapati Bhawan yesterday. The day is also popularly known as Polio Ravivar. Speaking on the launch of the programme, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said, Polio-free certification of the entire South-East Asia Region of WHO including India on the 27th of March 2014 was a huge accomplishment in the history of India and Global Public Health. However, the Union Health Minister stressed on the  need to remain vigilant and maintain the population immunity against polio with sensitive surveillance till global polio eradication happens. He said,  poliovirus is still circulating in other parts of the world including our neighbouring...

Jan 31, 2021 ,  7:57AM Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu calls all party meeting today for smooth conduct of the House @VPSecretariat In view of the Budget Session of Parliament, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu has called a meeting of leaders of all parties in the Upper House today. The meeting will be held to seek support of the political parties to ensure smooth conduct of business in the Rajya Sabha. The Budget Session began on Friday with President Ram Nath Kovind's address to the Joint Sitting of both the Houses of Parliament. On Friday, Lok Sabha Speaker On Birla also held a meeting with the  leaders of the political parties in the Lok Sabha to ensure smooth functioning of the House. AIR correspondent reports that the Union Budget 2021-22 will be presented in Parliament at 11 AM tomorrow. During the Budget Session, discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address, Financial Business relating to Union Budget, essential legislative and...

Jan 31, 2021 ,  7:53AM BJP to contest upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in alliance with AIADMK @JPNadda BJP will contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in alliance with AIADMK and other like-minded parties. The announcement was made by BJP national president JP Nadda at a public meeting in Madurai yesterday. Earlier, Mr Nadda visited the Meenakshi Temple and offered prayers. BJP President also paid his respects to freedom fighter Deivathiru Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar Ayya. The BJP chief is on a three-day visit to Tamil Nadu. This is the second time this month that Mr Nadda visited the state. He had travelled to the poll-bound state on 14 January. Tamil Nadu is among the five states where assembly elections will be held this year.

Jan 31, 2021 ,  7:51AM Prime Minister to address 125th Anniversary celebrations of Prabuddha Bharata this afternoon File Pic Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the 125th Anniversary celebrations of Prabuddha Bharata at 3.15 PM today. The event is being organized by Advaita Ashrama situated at Mayavati, Uttrakhand. Prabuddha Bharata, a monthly journal of the Ramakrishna order started by Swami Vivekananda in 1896. The journal ‘Prabuddha Bharata’ has been an important medium for spreading the message of India’s ancient spiritual wisdom. Its publication was started from Chennai where it continued to be published for two years after which it was published from Almora. Later, in April 1899, the place of publication of the Journal was shifted to Advaita Ashrama and it has been continuously published from there since then. Some of the greatest personalities have left their imprint on the pages of ‘Prabuddha Bharata’ through their writings on Indian culture, spiritu...

Jan 30, 2021 ,  8:21PM 14 new minor forest produce items included under MSP scheme to provide fair prices to tribal gatherers AIR News The government has decided to include 14 new minor forest produce items under the mechanism for marketing of minor forest produce through minimum support price scheme to provide remunerative and fair prices to tribal gatherers of forest produces. Newly included items are Tasar Coccoon, elephant apple dry, bamboo shoot, malkangani seed and wild dry mushroom among others. The Central government had introduced a minimum support price for a selected list of minor produce items through mechanism for marketing of Minor Forest Produce through Minimum Support price and development of Value Chain of MFP Scheme in 2011. It aims to provide a social safety net to these underprivileged forest dwellers, and to aid in their empowerment.

Jan 30, 2021 ,  8:16PM PM to share his thoughts with people in 'Mann Ki Baat' programme 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. It will be the 73rd 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.  

Jan 30, 2021 ,  1:55PM Over 35 lakh frontline health workers administered Covid-19 vaccines in country so far; Recovery rate improves to 96.98 per cent File Pic More than 35 lakh frontline health workers have been administered Covid-19 vaccines in the country so far. The Health and Family Welfare Ministry has informed that a total number of five lakh 71 thousand 974 people have been inoculated with Covid-19 doses in the last 24 hours. Uttar Pradesh stands at top in the vaccination drive with over four lakh 63 thousand jabs followed by Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Meanwhile, the country's COVID-19 recovery rate reached 96.98 per cent with the total recovery of more than 14 thousand eight hundred patients within 24 hours. The Ministry said, more than one crore four lakh patients have already been recovered from this disease. Active cases of Covid-19 are on a continuous declining trajectory in the country. According to the Health and Family ...

Jan 30, 2021 ,  1:49PM Bihar government decides to reopen schools of Class 6 to 8 from February 8 File Pic Bihar government has decided to reopen schools of Class 6 to 8 from 8th of next month. This decision was taken at a crisis management group  which was chaired by Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar. Schools were closed since March14 last year  due to the corona pandemic. Schools have to follow covid protocols and detailed standard operating procedures ( SOPs) have been issued in this regard. The SOPs include compulsory wearing of face masks, social distancing and fifty percent attendance. All government school teachers have been instructed to remain present at their respective schools.

Jan 30, 2021 ,  1:48PM Nation pays homage to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 73rd death anniversary Tweeted by AIR The nation pays homage to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 73rd death anniversary today. The day is also observed as Martyrs' Day. He was assassinated on this day in 1948. President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his Samadhi in Rajghat on the occasion of his death anniversary.   Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Army Chief General Manoj Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria were among those who offered tributes the father of nation at Rajghat on Martyrs Day. An inter-religious prayer meeting was organized on this occasion.The nation also observed...

Jan 30, 2021 ,  8:13AM External affairs Minister and his US counterpart discuss ways to strengthen ties between two countries FILE PIC External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has had a telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. Dr Jaishankar warmly congratulated Secretary Blinken on his appointment and wished him success in his new responsibilities. Both leaders expressed their commitment to consolidate and expand the multi-faceted strategic partnership. They appreciated the robust defence and security ties, growing economic engagement, productive health-care collaboration and strong people-to-people linkages as its important pillars. Recognising the challenges of a post-Covid world, they agreed to work together to address global issues, including safe and affordable vaccine supply. They also reiterated their commitment to peace and security, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.   

Jan 30, 2021 ,  7:57AM Supreme Court panel holds talks with 17 farmer organisations from 11 states over Centre Farm Laws File PIC A Supreme Court-appointed panel held talks with 17 farmer organisations over Centre's farm laws. Farmer unions from 11 States and Union Territories participated in the deliberations with the 3-member committee yesterday.   The organisations from Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh gave their frank views and detailed suggestions on the farm laws. The committee comprises agricultural economists Ashok Gulati and Dr Pramod Joshi, and Shethkari Sangathana President Anil Ghanwat. The apex court had on January 12 set up the committee to give a report to the court on the farm laws following consultations with all stakeholders. The Supreme Court had also stayed the implementation of three farm laws.

Jan 30, 2021 ,  7:53AM Centre asks states to initiate COVID-19 vaccinations of frontline workers from 1st week of Feb File Pic The Union Health Ministry has asked all states and union territories to initiate vaccination of frontline workers against COVID-19 from the first week of February. Vaccination of healthcare providers that began on January 16 to continue simultaneously, the ministry said in a letter to states and union territories. In the letter, Health Ministry Additional Secretary Manohar Agnani said the database of frontline workers is being d by states and UTs in collaboration with the respective line ministries. As on date, the database of more than 61 lakh frontline workers has been uploaded on Co-WIN portal. A pan-India COVID-19 vaccination drive initiated on January 16 aims to cover healthcare and frontline workers in the initial phase. The letter mentions that the required doses of both vaccines - Covishield and Covaxin - have been allocated to th...

Jan 30, 2021 ,  7:04AM PM Modi to chair all-party meeting today to put forth government's legislative agenda for Budget Session File Pic Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair an all-party meeting today to put forth the government's legislative agenda for the Budget Session of Parliament. The meeting will start at 11:30 AM through video conferencing. The centre has invited all political parties from both the Houses to attend this meeting. This time the customary all-party meeting is being held after the beginning of the session. The Budget Session began yesterday with President Ram Nath Kovind addressing the joint sitting of the both Houses. Usually such all-party meetings are held ahead of parliamentary sessions to ensure smooth functioning of both the Houses. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla hosted an all party meeting of the floor leaders of various parties yesterday and sought their cooperation for smooth functioning of the Lower House. Rajya Sabha Chairman M...

Jan 29, 2021 ,  8:18PM Maha govt allows general public to travel in local trains in Mumbai from Feb 1 during non-peak hours File Pic Keeping in view crowd management in the wake of COVID-19 situation, the Maharashtra Government has decided to allow the general public to travel in local trains in Mumbai from 1st of February  during non-peak hours in fixed time slots. The decision was taken after Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's review meeting on the issue of resumption of suburban train services, considered as the lifeline of Mumbai. In order to avoid overcrowding in the local trains, the State Government has decided that the general public will be allowed to travel during non-peak hours from the start of services for the day to 7 a.m., between 12 noon and 4 p.m. and then again from 9 p.m. to the closure of the services for the day. At present, in wake of the Corona virus pandemic, only some categories of commuters, such as women and those providing essential ...

Jan 29, 2021 ,  8:18PM J&K: Three terrorists killed in gunfight with Security Forces in Tral area of Pulwama File Pic In the Union Territory of Jammu and kashmir, three terrorists were killed in a gunfight with the security forces in Mandoora village in Tral area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district this afternoon. After a brief exchange of gunfire, joint teams of Jammu Kashmir Police and Army were able to gun down the hiding terrorists. Addressing a press conference this evening, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar said that the slain terrorists were locals and have been identified as Arif Shiekh, Waaris Bhat and Ehtishamul Haq-all from different areas of Pulwama district. He said that the trio was associated with the Hizbul Mujahideen outfit. Speaking about the IED blast in which one Army soldier died and three others were injured on 27th of January in Kulgam district, the IGP said that they have identified the person who had planted the IED. T...

Economic Survey 2020-21 has projected  GDP growth for the next financial year at 11 per cent. It has suggested that the growth recovery will be driven by government consumption. The Economic Survey  2020-21, tabled by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Lok Sabha today suggested that the net exports and government consumption have cushioned the growth from further plunge. It says that the GDP for the current financial year is estimated to contract by 7.7 per cent. It further says that the nominal GDP for the next fiscal is expected to grow at 15.4 per cent. The Economic Survey gave a detailed analysis of India's V-shaped economic recovery after the shadow effect of the corona pandemic. It says that the mega vaccination drive supports the V-shaped recovery. The survey also highlights that the Agriculture sector has remained the silver lining in the growth trajectory even during these tough times. It says that the contact based services including manufacturing and co...

Jan 29, 2021 ,  1:43PM Centuries old military tradition Beating Retreat to be held today @DDNews The Beating Retreat ceremony which marks the culmination of the four-day long Republic Day celebrations will be held at the historic Vijay Chowk in New Delhi today. The Defence Ministry said, this year, Indian tunes will be the flavour of the ceremony. As many as 26 performances will enthrall the spectators with captivating and foot-tapping music of the bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Central Armed Police Forces, CAPF. The entry band will be Massed Band with Swarnim Vijay theme. It will be a Special new composition to commemorate 50 years of victory of India in the 1971 war against Pakistan. This will be followed by Pipes and Drums Band, CAPF Bands, Air Force Band, Naval Band, Army Mil Band and Massed Bands. The event will come to a close with the ever-popular tune of Sare Jahan se Acha. The Ministry said, this year, 15 Military Bands and 15 Pipes and Drums ...

Jan 29, 2021 ,  11:56AM PM Modi says, this decade is very important for bright future of India Tweeted by @AIR Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said this decade is very important for India's bright future and this decade should be fully utilised and there should be discussions in this session related to this decade which is expected by the nation. The Prime Minister was speaking to the media at the commencement of the Budget Session today. Mr. Modi said, the first Session of the parliament of this decade commences today and this year's budget will be seen as a part of those four to five mini budgets which were presented in the form of different packages by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the last year. The Prime Minister said this is for the first time in Indian history that the Finance Minister had to present four to five mini budgets during 2020. He expressed confidence and hope that all the parliamentarians will fulfill the aspiration of the peop...

Jan 29, 2021 ,  8:27AM CBSE datesheet for 10th and 12th exams to be announced on Feb 2 @DrRPNishank Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has said that the CBSE exam datesheet of 10th and 12th class will be announced on 2nd February. Interacting with Presidents and Secretaries of CBSE Sahodaya School Complexes through video conference, Mr Pokhriyal said, Computerized affiliation system to be based on data analytics and self-disclosure of schools. The Minister said, the records of all CBSE students who enrolled in the span of the last 45 years will be digitized. This will help citizens who enrolled after 1975 to get certificates easily. He said, CBSE will train 10 lakh teachers in the coming year to meet the goals of National Education Policy 2020.

Jan 29, 2021 ,  7:53AM UN chief says India's vaccine production capacity is the best asset for today's world @antonioguterres United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called upon India to play a major role in the global Corona vaccination campaign. Talking to reporters, UN Chief termed the vaccine production capacity of India as the best asset the world has today.  He said, in India, there is a very high level of production of Indian developed vaccines. The UN Chief said, India has all the instruments that are necessary to play a major role in making sure that a global vaccination campaign is made possible. UN chief's statement comes as India has gifted over 55 lakh doses of coronavirus vaccine to neighbouring countries. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, India plans to gift vaccines doses to Oman, CARICOM countries, Nicaragua, Pacific Island states.   Mr Srivastava said, New Delhi plans to supply 1 crore vaccine...

Jan 29, 2021 ,  7:50AM DGCA extends travel restrictions on scheduled international commercial flights till Feb 28 dgca.gov.in The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has extended the ongoing travel restrictions for scheduled international commercial passenger services till 28th February. This restrictions will not apply to international all cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA. However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India offers predictable and friendly tax regime and FDI norms. Addressing the World Economic Forum’s Davos Dialogue through video conferencing, he said, there have been continued emphasis on reforms and incentive based stimulus. Prime Minister said, structural reforms during Corona times have been supported by production linked incentives. Mr Modi said, India is also matching its growth with the goals of climate change. The Prime Minister assured the forum that India’s Aatamnirbhar Bharat movement is committed to global good and global supply chain as India has capacity, capability and reliability to strengthen the global supply chain. Mr Modi said, its massive consumer base will further grow and help the global economy. The Prime Minister cautioned that technology should become a tool of ease of living not a trap. He said, India is focussing on sustainable urbanization with focus on ease of living, ease of doing business and climate sensi...

Jan 28, 2021 ,  8:00PM Uttar Pradesh adjudged best tableau among 32 tableaux that participated in Republic Day Parade @KirenRijiju Uttar Pradesh was adjudged the best tableau among the 32 tableaux that participated in the Republic Day Parade this year. The tableau of Uttar Pradesh was based on the theme Ayodhya: Cultural Heritage of Uttar Pradesh. Tableau of Tripura was adjudged the second best, which depicted promotion of eco-friendly tradition for achieving self-reliance in socio-economic parameters. Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju today gave away awards and prizes to participants. Among the nine tableaux from various Ministries, Departments and Paramilitary Forces, the Department of Biotechnology tableau won the top honour. The tableau depicted Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: COVID, the process of vaccine development through various processes. The tableau of Central Public Works Department, CPWD, with the theme Amar Jawan, bagged the special prize for...

Jan 28, 2021 ,  7:58PM Health Minister Harsh Vardhan says, India flattens COVID-19 Curve as 146 districts have no new cases since last seven days @drharshvardhan Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan chaired the 23rd meeting of the high-level Group of Ministers on COVID-19 by video-conference today. He said that less than 12,000 cases were reported in the last 24 hours and the Active Caseload has reduced to just 1.73 lakhs. Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, India has flattened its COVID19 Curve and 146 districts have no new cases since the last seven days. He added that 18 districts have no new cases since 14 days, six districts since 21 days and 21 districts since the last 28 days. This has been achieved with pro-active testing of which more than 19.5 crore have been conducted so far. The current testing capacity rests at 12 lakhs per day. He added that out of the total active cases, a meagre 0.46 per cent are on ventilators, 2.20 per cent are in ICU and just ...

Jan 28, 2021 ,  2:10PM PM Modi lauds role of National Cadet Corps in Service of Nation @PMOIndia Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the role of National Cadet Corps (NCC) in the service of the nation adding that from floods to any other natural disasters, the cadets have helped the people during such calamities.    Addressing the NCC Rally in New Delhi today, he said, during the COVID-19 period, lakhs of cadets worked with the administration and society across the country. Mr. Modi said, the country has seen effective results of people taking their responsibilities during COVID and India fought the pandemic well due to their efforts.   Mr Modi said, around one lakh NCC cadets are being trained by Army, Navy and Air Force for a new responsibility in nearly 175 districts in the coastal and border areas of the country.The government has made efforts to see that the role of NCC Cadets is further expanded. He said, with a view to strengthen t...

Jan 28, 2021 ,  1:55PM Country's COVID-19 recovery rate reaches 96.94 per cent @MoHFW_INDIA A total of over 23 lakh 55 thousand people have been administered COVID-19 vaccines in the country so far. Nearly three lakh 25 thousand people were vaccinated during the last 24 hours.    Meanwhile, the country's COVID-19 recovery rate reached 96.94 per cent with the total recovery of more than 14 thousand patients in the last 24 hours. The Health Ministry said that more than one crore three lakh 73 thousand patients have already recovered from this disease. The number of COVID-19 active cases is on a continuously declining trajectory in the country.    Presently, the total number of active cases in the country is one lakh 73 thousand 740 which comprises only 1.62 per cent of the total positive cases. The Health Ministry said, 123 deaths were reported during the last 24 hour taking the toll to one lakh 53 thousand 847 across the country.   The ...

Jan 28, 2021 ,  1:48PM Face off events in eastern Ladakh disturbed relationship between India and China, says EAM S Jaishankar Screen Grab (DD NEWS ) External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar today said that the face off events in eastern Ladakh last year have profoundly disturbed India’s relationship with China. He said, the incident at LAC, not only signalled disregard for commitments on minimizing troops, but also showed willingness to breach peace and tranquility.   Delivering the keynote address at the 13th All India Conference of China Studies through video conferencing, the Minister said, with all the difference and disagreements on boundary issue with China, the border areas still remained fundamentally peaceful. The last loss of life at Indo-China boarder before 2020 was way back in 1975. He said, that is why the events in eastern Ladakh last year have profoundly disturbed the relationship. He added that India is yet to receive a credible expla...

Jan 28, 2021 ,  1:43PM Budget Session of Parliament to begin tomorrow; first budget in history to be in paperless form parliamentofindia.nic.in Union Budget 2021-22 which will be presented on 1st of February will be the first budget in the history of India in the paperless form. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has also launched a mobile application named Union Budget Mobile App for hassle-free access of Budget documents by Members of Parliament and the general public using the simplest form of digital convenience.   The mobile App facilitates complete access to 14 Union Budget documents, including the Annual Financial Statement, commonly known as Budget, Demand for Grants and Finance Bill. The App has a user-friendly interface with embedded features of downloading, printing, search, zoom in and out, table of contents and external links. It is bilingual- English and Hindi and will be available on both Android and iOS platforms.   The App can also be...

Jan 28, 2021 ,  8:10AM Five lakh doses of India made Covishield vaccine to be delivered to Sri Lanka today @DrSJaishankar (FILE PIC) India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations will witness a momentous occasion today when a consignment containing 5 lakh doses of COVISHIELD vaccines manufactured by the Serum Institute of India will reach Colombo. This gift of Covid-19 vaccines to Sri Lanka is a part of India’s “Vaccine Maitri” initiative under which India has gifted vaccines to seven other countries in the region.   This humanitarian gesture amid the pandemic showcases India’s commitment to its “Neighbourhood First” Policy and SAGAR doctrine in which Sri Lanka has a prominent place. The delivery of the Covid-19 vaccines to Sri Lanka is a fulfillment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment made to his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa during the virtual bilateral summit held in September last year. Sri Lanka approved emergency use of the vaccine on 23 Janua...

Jan 28, 2021 ,  8:08AM India provided medical supplies to more than 150 counties during COVID-19 pandemic, says EAM S Jaishankar @DrSJaishankar (FILE PIC) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that India provided medical supplies and equipment to more than 150 nations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the 14th Annual Conference of Institute for National Security Studies, Israel, he said, even as Indian began mass vaccination at home, supply of Indian vaccine to our immediate neighbours started.   Dr Jaishankar said, this is expected to cover other partner countries in the coming days. He said, the world can only benefit from a more collective effort to deal with the serious issues confronting us. Dr Jaishankar said, combating pandemics will naturally dominate the global agenda in the coming days. On the issue of climate change, External Affairs Minister said, an American return to upholding global commitments will be widely welcomed. He said,...

Jan 28, 2021 ,  7:59AM WHO experts set to begin investigations into origin of Covid-19 from Chinese city of Wuhan @WHO A team of 13 World Health Organization experts is set to start its field visits and conduct investigations into the origin of Coronavirus pandemic from Chinese city of Wuhan. The investigators will technically complete its 14-day quarantine today and begin a long-awaited investigation into the origin of the pandemic. Wuhan was the epicenter of the global COVID-19 outbreak last year.   Whole world will be looking at the team's work as they try to unravel how the virus first emerged in late 2019 especially after the investigation was delayed several times. Over the past two weeks, the team has been interacting with each other and Chinese scientists through video calls.   A WHO team first visited China in February 2020 and said that the COVID-19 virus appeared to have zoonotic origin, with the likely first outbreak at a seafood market in ...

Jan 28, 2021 ,  7:56AM PM Modi to address World Economic Forum’s Davos Dialogue today PMO India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the World Economic Forum’s Davos Dialogue this evening through video conferencing. More than 400 top industry leaders from across the globe will attend the session, wherein the Prime Minister will be speaking on the Fourth Industrial Revolution - using technology for the good of humanity.   Mr Modi will also interact with the CEOs during the event. In a tweet, Mr Modi said, he is looking forward to speaking on a wide range of subjects relating to India’s reform trajectory, increased usage of technology and other issues.   The Davos Dialogues agenda marks the launch of the World Economic Forum’s Great Reset Initiative in the post COVID world.

Jan 28, 2021 ,  7:49AM Three more Rafale fighter jets join Indian Air Force Tweeted by @IAF_MCC Country’s Rafale squadron added third batch of three fighter jets which arrived last night after flying non-stop from France. Indian Air Force said the third batch of three Rafale aircraft landed at an IAF base a short while ago. They flew over 7,000 Km with in-flight refuelling. The aircraft got airborne earlier in the day from France.   The new jets will bolster the strength of the Indian Air Force’s only Rafale squadron which is based in Ambala. This is the third set of deliveries of the aircraft to the IAF. India ordered 36 warplanes from France in September 2016 for 59,000 crore rupees under a government-to-government deal. With the new jets, the number of Rafales in the IAF’s inventory has increased to 11.

Jan 27, 2021 ,  2:20PM IMF revises growth projection for India to 11.5 per cent in 2021 @IMFNews International Monetary Fund, IMF projected an 11.5 per cent growth rate for India in 2021. It makes India only major economy of the world to register double-digit growth this year amidst the coronavirus pandemic. With the latest projections, India regains the tag of the fastest developing economies of the world.   Revising its figures, the IMF said that in 2020, the Indian economy is estimated to have contracted by eight per cent. In its latest World Economic Outlook Update, China is next with 8.1 per cent growth in 2021 followed by Spain (5.9 per cent) and France (5.5 per cent).    IMF said India's economy is projected to grow by 6.8 per cent in 2022 and that of China by 5.6 per cent. Earlier this month, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva had said that India actually has taken very decisive action, very decisive steps to deal with the pandemic...

Jan 27, 2021 ,  2:03PM US asks its citizens to reconsider travelling to Pakistan, Bangladesh and not visit Afghanistan due to COVID-19, terrorism & conflicts @AmericanAir Updating its travel advisory for three South Asian countries, the US has urged its citizens to reconsider their travel to Pakistan and Bangladesh and not to visit Afghanistan.   The state department issued separate travel advisories for the three countries  yesterday Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to COVID-19, terrorism and sectarian violence, it said. It also asked its citizens not to travel to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces due to terrorism and kidnapping. .   Urging its citizens to reconsider travel to Bangladesh due to COVID-19, the state department asked them to "exercise increased caution" in the country due to crime, terrorism and kidnapping.   In another advisory, the state department asked Americans not to travel to Afghanistan due to COVID-19...

Jan 27, 2021 ,  1:55PM Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu calls meeting of all party leaders on Jan 31 ahead of Budget session parliamentofindia.nic.in In view of Budget Session of Parliament, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu has called a meeting of leaders of all parties in the Upper House on 31st of this month. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is also expected to hold an all party meeting on 29th of this month. The meetings will be held to ensure smooth functioning of both the Houses of Parliament during the session.   The Government has also convened an all party meeting on 30th of this month to seek support of political parties to ensure smooth conduct of business in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.   The Budget Session will begin on 29th of this month with President Ram Nath Kovind's address to the Joint Sitting of both the Houses of Parliament.   The Union Budget will be presented on 1st of next month. In view of COVID-19 pandemic, the...

Jan 27, 2021 ,  1:49PM India says engagement with multiple stakeholders important to spread right information & dispel rumors about COVID-19 vaccination programme @drharshvardhan Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harshvardhan said that engagement with multiple stakeholders is important to spread the right information and dispel rumors about the vaccination programme. He said, 2020 was the year of discovery for COVID-19 vaccines and this year's challenge before the world is to inoculate the people who most need it. While chairing the 148th session of WHO Executive Board yesterday, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, it is encouraging that tremendous progress has been made despite all the problems in the world. He said, ever since the COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, a valiant fight was fought against the disease with collective efforts to suppress transmission, prevent illness and reduce deaths. Appreciating the role of all the member States for acting with speed and ...

Jan 27, 2021 ,  8:59AM Italian PM Giuseppe Conte resigns following criticism over spending in coronavirus crisis @GiuseppeConteIT Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has resigned - and it is not clear if he will be able to form and lead a new coalition government.   Parties are divided over spending in the coronavirus crisis, in which more than 85,000 Italians have died.   Mr Conte met President Sergio Mattarella, who may ask him to form a stronger government. Last week he lost his Senate majority.   However media reports said, someone else could become Italy's PM, or a snap election could be called.

Jan 27, 2021 ,  8:54AM UK becomes first European nation to surpass over one lakh Covid-19 deaths @10DowningStreet In United Kingdom, more than one lakh people have died with COVID-19. The toll has risen by an average of over 1,000 per day for the past seven days. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he took "full responsibility" for the government's actions, saying they truly did everything they could. He said he is deeply sorry for every life lost.  A total of 100,162 deaths have been recorded in the UK, the first European nation to pass the landmark. Mr Johnson told at the Downing Street news conference that it was hard to compute the sorrow contained in this grim statistic. The UK is the fifth country to pass 100,000 deaths, coming after the US, Brazil, India and Mexico. Schools are shut and have moved online, disrupting the lives of students and working parents alike. All but essential shops are closed. In England, socializing, even outdoors, is banned, ...

Jan 27, 2021 ,  8:47AM India records lowest daily Covid-19 death in eight months @drharshvardhan India has crossed a crucial milestone in its fight against the global pandemic. The daily new cases have touched a new low. With a sustained, pro-active and calibrated strategy of the Centre based on ‘whole of government’ and ‘whole of society’ approach, the daily new cases have seen a consistent decline. This has ensured a steady fall in daily fatalities too. The country has recorded less than 120 fatalities after more than 8 months (8 months 9 days). India’s active caseload has fallen to 1,77,266 . The share of Active Cases in the total Positive Cases has further compressed to 1.66 percent of the cumulative caseload. Active cases per million population is lowest in the world (128). Germany, Russia, Brazil, Italy, UK and USA have much higher cases per million population. 

Jan 27, 2021 ,  8:43AM Over 84 lakh paddy farmers benefited from Kharif Marketing Season Procurement Operations: Govt @AgriGoI (FILE PIC) Government has said that more than 84 lakh paddy farmers have been benefited from current Kharif Marketing Season Procurement Operations with Minimum Support Price, MSP value of over one lakh ten thousand crore rupees. Agriculture Ministry said the government continues to procure Kharif crops at its Minimum Support Price from farmers as per its existing schemes. Around 587 lakh tonnes of paddy have been procured from various states. This is an increase of 20.28 per cent against the last year corresponding purchase of 488 lakh tonnes.   Government through its nodal agencies has also procured over three lakh tonnes of Moong, Urad, Groundnut Pods and Soybean benefitting around one lakh 62 thousand farmers.

Jan 27, 2021 ,  8:41AM Delhi police registers cases against offenders following violence during farmers' protest in national capital uniindia Following the violence during farmers' protest in the national capital, Delhi Police has registered nearly two dozen cases of violation of lawful directions, rioting, damage to public property and assault on public servant with deadly weapons. The city police is keeping a close watch on the situation.   During the farmers' tractor rally, the confrontation between the police and farmers continued all through yesterday. Most of the incidents were reported from Mukarba Chowk, Ghazipur, ITO, Seemapuri, Nangloi T-Point, Tikri Border and the Red Fort. So far, 86 policemen have reported injured and several public and private properties have been damaged in this act of vandalism by the rioting mob. Delhi Police said, a section of the crowd also managed to climb atop the rampart of the Red Fort where they hoisted their organi...

Jan 26, 2021 ,  10:24PM Republic Day celebrated with patriotic fervour across country & globe AIR Pics The Republic Day was celebrated in all the states capitals with gaiety and fervour. Ladakh celebrated Republic Day with great zeal and enthusiasm. Several functions were organised to mark the occasion. The main function was organised at Polo Ground in Leh. Lieutenant Governor R K Mathur hoisted the tricolour National flag and saluted the march past. In the Kashmir Valley, the 72nd Republic Day Celebrations concluded peacefully amid tight security and high vigil. The main event was held at Srinagar’s Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, where Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Khan unfurled the tri-colour and took salute of the ceremonial march past. Contingents of Jammu Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, besides others participated in the march past. Following the Covid-19 related protocol, participation of locals was limited. The...