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Aug 01, 2021 ,  8:20AM Jharkhand government recommends CBI probe into alleged killing of Dhanbad Additional District Judge FILE PIC Jharkhand government has recommended a CBI probe into alleged killing of Dhanbad Additional District Judge Uttam Anand. A statement from Chief Minister’s office said that the death incident of the judge Uttam Anand has been transferred to CBI for further probe. Anand died in the coal city on July 28 after being hit by an auto-rickshaw while he was on his morning walk. Jharkhand police filed a murder case in the incident after CCTV footage of the incident showed a vehicle deliberately swerving on an empty road to knock down the judge while he was out for a morning jog. The auto-rickshaw used in the incident, which was allegedly stolen from Dhanbad, was later recovered from the neighbouring Giridhi district. Two persons, identified as Lakhan Kumar Verma and Rahul Verma have been arrested and the auto was seized from their possession. Pol...

Aug 01, 2021 ,  8:19AM Muslim Women Rights Day to be observed across country today to celebrate enactment of law against Triple Talaq @naqvimukhtar Muslim Women Rights Day will be observed across the country today to celebrate the enactment of the law against Triple Talaq. Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that the government enacted the law against Triple Talaq on 1st August, 2019 which has made the social malpractice of Triple Talaq a criminal offense. Mr Naqvi said that there is a significant decline in Triple Talaq cases after the law came into effect. Muslim women across the country have overwhelmingly welcomed this law.   The Minister said, the government has strengthened 'self-reliance, self-respect and self-confidence' of the Muslim women of the country and protected their constitutional, fundamental and democratic rights by bringing the law against the Triple Talaq. Mr Naqvi along with the Minister for Women and Child Development...

Aug 01, 2021 ,  8:14AM Home Minister Amit Shah to visit Uttar Pardesh today to launch several development projects @AmitShahOffice Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Uttar Pradesh today to launch various development projects. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will accompany Mr Shah during his visit to the state. AIR Lucknow correspondent reports that after reaching at Lucknow this morning  Union Home Minister Amit Shah will lay the foundation stone of Uttar Pradesh Institute of Forensic Sciences -UPIFS in Piparsand area  in Sarojini Nagar of the capital city. He is also slated to address people on this occasion.   According to the schedule, after Lucknow programme is over, he will leave for Mirzapur where he will  offer his prayers at  the shrine of Maa Vindhyavasini Devi temple and  also perform Bhoomi Poojan. There after Union Home minister will  lay the foundation stone of Maa Vindhyavasini Corridor project. He will lay fou...

Aug 01, 2021 ,  8:11AM Prime Minister to launch cashless and contactless digital payment solution e-RUPI, tomorrow File Pic Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch e-RUPI, a person and purpose specific digital payment solution tomorrow through video conferencing. Mr Modi has always championed digital initiatives. E-RUPI is a cashless and contactless instrument for digital payment. It is a QR code or SMS string-based e-Voucher, which is delivered to the mobile of the beneficiaries. The users of this seamless one-time payment mechanism will be able to redeem the voucher without a card, digital payments app or internet banking access, at the service provider.   It has been developed by National Payments Corporation of India on its UPI platform, in collaboration with the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Health and  Family Welfare and National Health Authority. Over the years, several programmes have been launched to ensure that the benefits rea...

Jul 31, 2021 ,  8:53PM Vice President Venkaiah Naidu calls for innovative and collaborative efforts to protect and rejuvenate Indian languages @VPSecretariat Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday called for innovative and collaborative efforts to protect and rejuvenate Indian languages. Stressing on the need for preserving languages and ensuring their continuity, he said, it is possible only through a people’s movement. He said people must come together in one voice and pool in efforts to pass on the heritage of language to future generations. He was virtually addressing a conference for ‘Telugu Kootami’ on the protection of mother tongue. Mr. Naidu emphasised the need for quality translations and improving scientific terminology in Indian languages. Stating that people-driven initiatives needed to preserve them, Mr. Naidu advised making ancient literature more accessible and relatable to the youth in plain, spoken languages. He also called for compiling enda...

Jul 31, 2021 ,  8:51PM Centre Reviews COVID Situation in 10 States showing an Upsurge in COVID Cases and Positivity @MoHFW_INDIA The Centre on Saturday reviewed the COVID-19 situation in 10 states which are witnessing rise in daily COVID cases and positivity. The states have been advised to undertake intensive containment measures and active surveillance in clusters reporting higher cases. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan reviewed the COVID situation in ten states of Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh and Manipur. States have been advised that districts reporting positivity rate over 10 per cent need to impose strict restrictions to prevent crowds and intermingling of people. It was underlined that any laxity at this stage will result in deterioration of the situation. It has been suggested that people in home isolation should be effectively monitored to ensure that those who require hospitalization are...

Jul 31, 2021 ,  2:42PM J&K NIA raids 14 locations in connection with cases related to recovery of 5 Kg IED on June 27 @NIA_India In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) today raided 14 locations across the UT in connection with cases related to recovery of 5 Kg IED on June 27 and the arrest of Lashkar-e-Mustafa top commander Hidayatullah Malik. Multiple NIA teams carried out simultaneous raids at 14 locations this morning in connection with two terror cases. The first case is related to recovery of 7 Kg IED near Jammu bus stand in February this year, while the second is related to a conspiracy by terror organisation LeM nearly a month after the arrest of its chief Hidayatullah Malik  was arrested by Anantnag police from Kunjwani area of Jammu on February 6. On June 27, two people were arrested by J&K Police with an IED from Narwal area of Jammu. Their arrest came hours after two explosions rocked the high se...

Jul 31, 2021 ,  2:30PM Two unidentified terrorists gunned down in south Kashmir’s Pulwama AIR In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, two unidentified terrorists were gunned down today morning in a gunfight that broke out between terrorists and security forces in Pulwama district. J&K Police in a tweet said that the location of the encounter site was between Namibian & Marsar of Dachigam forests in Pulwama district of south Kashmir. The identity of the slain terrorists is being ascertained.

Jul 31, 2021 ,  2:27PM Gunfight breaks out between terrorists and security forces in south Kashmir’s Pulwama AIR In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, a gunfight broke out between terrorists and security forces at village Nagberan of Tarsar forest area in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, a short while ago. The operation between the joint team of security forces and the terrorists is underway. Further details are awaited.

Jul 31, 2021 ,  2:26PM Centre provided around Rs 1,828 cr so far to States, UTs under Emergency COVID Response Package @mansukhmandviya Centre has  provided  around 1,828 crore rupees so far to states and  Union Territories  under Emergency COVID Response Package to fight against  the pandemic.  In a tweet,  Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said,  it is  15 percent of the total amount of the package.  He said this package will  be  helpful in the development of health infrastructure across the country.

Jul 31, 2021 ,  2:17PM COVID19: Centre advises States to prioritise vaccination of Vagabonds, Destitutes mohfw.gov.in Centre has again advised the States and Union Territories to prioritize vaccination of vagabonds and destitutes under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive.  In a letter written to the States and Union Territories, Union Health Ministry has exhorted to take up this task on a priority basis. States and Union Territories have been advised to direct their concerned Departments of Social Justice and Empowerment and Health to work together to facilitate vaccination of the destitutes, beggars and vagabonds. Concerned Departments of State Governments have been encouraged to take the help of NGOs, citizens and volunteers in this endeavour. It has been suggested that special sessions may be planned for conducting the vaccination for this group of population. States and Union Territories have been advised to adopt a targeted approach to cover this gr...

Jul 31, 2021 ,  8:48AM 12th round of Corps Commander level talks between India, China to be held today AIR The 12th round of Corps Commander level talks between India and China will be held today. Official Sources said, the talks are scheduled to start at 10.30 AM at the Moldo border point on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control LAC in eastern Ladakh. The Indian delegation at the talks will be led by the Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps, Lieutenant General PGK Menon. The 11th round of the high-level military talks had taken place on 9th April this year at the Chushul border point on the Indian side of the LAC. During the 11th round of talks on 9th April this year,the two sides had a detailed exchange of views for the resolution of the remaining issues related to disengagement along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. The two sides had agreed on the need to resolve the outstanding issues in an expeditious manner in accordance with the existing agreements and pr...

Jul 31, 2021 ,  8:46AM DGCA issues circular announcing Scheduled International Commercial Flights suspension till Aug 31 @DGCAIndia The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a circular yesterday saying that Scheduled International Commercial Flights to remain suspended till 31st of August. However, the restrictions will not be applicable on international cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA. The Director General of Civil Aviation said that international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on case to case basis.

Jul 31, 2021 ,  8:43AM India’s COVID vaccination coverage crosses landmark milestone of 46 crore @COVIDNewsByMIB The Country’s COVID vaccination coverage crossed the landmark milestone of 46 crore yesterday. Union Health Ministry said, more than 44 lakh 38 thousand vaccine doses have been administered yesterday. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st of June. Over 20 lakh 96 thousand vaccine doses were administered as first dose and more than three lakh 41 thousand vaccine doses given as second dose in the age group 18 to 44 years yesterday. Cumulatively, over 15 crore 17 lakh persons across 37 States and UTs have received their first dose and over 80 lakh have received their second dose since the start of Phase-3 of the vaccination drive. Five States – Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have administered more than one crore Cumulative Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine in the age group 18 to 44 years. T...

Jul 31, 2021 ,  8:39AM PM Modi to address IPS probationers at SVPNPA at 11 AM FILE PIC Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the IPS probationers at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), today at 11 AM through video conferencing. The Prime Minister will also interact with the probationers during the event, in which Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai will also be present. It may be recalled that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi while interacting with IPS Probationers, last September, had underlined the importance of police-public relations, the reciprocal attitude of the police and the public to the expected and performed tasks of the police, and to involve general public relations, community services, and community participation. SVPNPA, the premier police training institution in the country is situated at the historic city of Hyderabad. It trains officers of the Indian Police Service, who have been ...

Jul 30, 2021 ,  8:58PM India covers 92.8% seeding of ration cards with Aadhaar numbers File Pic India has covered 92.8 per cent seeding of ration cards with Aadhaar numbers. The States and Union Territories have completed the Aadhaar seeding of about 21.91 Crore ration cards and around 71 Crore beneficiaries at the national level. This information was given by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Friday. She said, nearly four lakh 98 thousand Fair Price Shops in the country are having ePoS devices up to by 23rd of July. An average of about one crore 50 lakh portability transactions are recorded on a monthly basis under One Nation – One Ration Card. It accounts for only about 10 per cent of total Public Distribution System transactions happening in the country. The Minister said, more than 29 Crore portability transactions have been recorded under the pla...

Jul 30, 2021 ,  8:56PM Health Ministry says, govt is consistently supporting states to increase and expand their vaccination coverage and pace @MoHFW_INDIA Health Ministry on Friday said, government is consistently supporting the states to increase and expand their vaccination coverage along with the pace of vaccination. It said, government is providing 75 percent of COVID vaccines to the states free of cost for vaccination of all adult population. The Ministry clarified that some media reports alleging slow pace of COVID-19 vaccination drive in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are misleading. It said, the news report is misleading as it takes into account the average daily vaccination rate from the beginning of the COVID vaccination drive in order to show a low rate of vaccination and then further uses this number to claim that the states will take many years to complete the vaccination drive for its citizens. Health Ministry said, despite large cohort for vaccination and h...

Jul 30, 2021 ,  8:56PM Rajya Sabha passes Coconut Development Board (Amendment) Bill, 2021 Representational Pic The Rajya Sabha on Friday passed the Coconut Development Board (Amendment) Bill, 2021 without the discussion. The bill seeks to make the post of Chairman, Coconut Development Board as Non-Executive one. The number of members of the board has been raised from four to six as after the amendment, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat will be able to nominate their representatives in the Board. The bill will pave the way to appoint a professional persons as a non – Executive Chairman instead of a government official. The step will be beneficial to the Coconut Growers at large. In his very brief reply, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said that the objective behind the amendment to the Coconut Development Board Act, 1979, is to bring more and more areas under coconut cultivation and to provide marketing facilities so that farmers are benefitted. Earlier, Mujibul...

Jul 30, 2021 ,  8:56PM Both Houses of Parliament adjourned for the day following disruptions by opposition over Pegasus snooping, farm laws FILE PIC Both the Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day following disruptions by the opposition over Pegasus snooping, farm laws and other issues. Due to the continued logjam, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha could not transact substantial business this week too. Following the protests and sloganeering of Congress, DMK, TMC and other opposition parties over the issues the proceedings of the Lok Sabha disrupted on the 9th consecutive day of the ongoing Monsoon Session. After the first adjournment when the Lok Sabha met at 12 noon agitating members of opposition parties again trooped into the well over the issues. The Presiding Officer repeatedly urged the agitating members to return to their seats but in vain. He appealed to the members to let the House run on several issues like debate on Covid pandemic and discussion...

Jul 30, 2021 ,  2:26PM Gujarat: Over 50 pct of population receives first dose of Covid-19 vaccines Representational Pic In Gujarat, more than 50 percent of the eligible population has received at least one dose of Covid vaccines. The State Health Department said nearly 3.26 crores people in the state have been vaccinated in the state so far. In Gujarat, A total of 2.48 crore people aged above 18 years old have got their first dose so far that is 50 per cent of their total population. The count of people who have so far received both doses of the vaccine has gone up to 77.57 lakhs. This means, 15.72 per cent of the total eligible population has been fully vaccinated against coronavirus.  Talking to AIR, State Immunization Officer Dr Nayan Jani said In Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Vadodara ,Gandhinagar and Bhavnagar municipal corporations, more than 60 percent of the eligible population received the first dose of anti-covid vaccines.  

Jul 30, 2021 ,  2:15PM Government announces Rs. 25 lakh for NoKs of elected councilors killed in militancy related incidents in J&K AIR In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the government has announced sanction of Rs. 25 lakh in favour of the Next of Kins (NoKs) of the elected councilors of Municipal bodies, who have been killed in militancy related incidents in the Union Territory. An order issued by Principal Secretary to the government in this context reads that sanction is accorded to the payment of Ex-gratia compensation in favour of elected Councilors of Municipal Bodies of the Union Territory of J&K killed in militancy related incidents. The order has been issued in reference to the Administrative Council’s decision of 15-07-2020.

Jul 30, 2021 ,  1:59PM Parliament continues to face disruptions over Pegasus snooping, farm laws, other issues File Pic Both the Houses of Parliament continued to face disruptions over Pegasus snooping, farm laws and other issues. The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day while the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2.30 PM. Following the protests and sloganeering of Congress, DMK, TMC and other opposition parties over the issues the proceedings of the Lok Sabha disrupted on the 9th consecutive day of the Monsoon Session. After the first adjournment when the Lok Sabha met at 12 noon agitating members of opposition parties again trooped in to the well over the issues. The Presiding Officer repeatedly urged the agitating members to return to their seats but in vain. He appealed to the members to let the House run as several issues like debate on Covid pandemic and discussion on important bill are listed in the business. Amid pandemonium The Commission for Air Quality Man...

Jul 30, 2021 ,  8:41AM Centre approves 780 new air traffic routes under UDAN scheme File Pic The Centre said 780 new air traffic routes have been approved under the regional air connectivity scheme UDAN. Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia informed the Lok Sabha that 359 routes have become functional in the country after the inception of the scheme. Mr Scindia said under the UDAN scheme 59 new airports have been established. The Minister said along with increase in civil aviation activities cargo handling services have also been leap frogged. He said during the Covid pandemic period cargo handling through air routes was also increased to 19 percent from 2 percent. The minister further said that the number of cargo operators has been increased to 28 in the country.

Jul 30, 2021 ,  8:13AM Kerala continues to report surge in Corona cases; Central team to visit State today to take stock of situation FILE PIC (DD NEWS) Kerala continues to report a surge in Covid cases as it confirms 22,064 new positive cases yesterday. The test positivity rate has increased to 13.53 percent. 128 deaths were also confirmed due to Covid yesterday taking the total death toll to 16,585.   Bringing respite, 16,649 people recovered from the covid infection. At present, a total of 1 lakh 54,820 people are undergoing covid treatment in the state. Malappuram district has reported the highest number of covid positive cases at 3,679. There are more than 2,000 covid cases being reported in Thrissur, Kozhikode, Ernakulam and Palakkad districts as well. Over one lakh 63,000 samples were tested in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, the lockdown restrictions in Kerala have been extended for another week. The seven-day restrictions  will continue until next...

Jul 29, 2021 ,  8:55PM India closely monitoring developments in Afghanistan, says govt @MEAIndia External Affairs Ministry today said India is closely monitoring developments in Afghanistan. Briefing media this evening, Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India and the world wishes to see an independent, sovereign, democratic and stable Afghanistan which is at peace with itself and its neighbours. He said unilateral imposition of will by any party will not be democratic, cannot lead to stability and cannot provide legitimacy. He stressed that gains over the last two decades should be preserved.

Jul 29, 2021 ,  8:54PM Centre announces 27 % reservation for OBCs, 10 % for EWS in medical and dental courses AIR Pics Government has taken a historic and a landmark decision for providing 27 per cent reservation for OBCs and 10 per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Section in the All India Quota Scheme for undergraduate and postgraduate medical and dental courses from the current academic year 2021-22 onwards. Union Health Ministry said, this decision will benefit every year nearly one thousand 500 OBC students in MBBS and two thousand 500 OBC students in postgraduation. It will also benefit around 550 EWS students in MBBS and around one thousand EWS students in postgraduation. The Ministry said, Prime Minister had directed the concerned Union Ministries to facilitate an effective solution to this long pending issue during the meeting held on 26th of this month. The All India Quota Scheme was introduced in 1986 to provide domicile-free merit based opportunit...

Jul 29, 2021 ,  2:25PM Central Govt to send six-member team to Kerala in view of COVID-19 cases in state AIR Pics The Central Government is sending a six-member team to Kerala in view of the COVID-19 cases in the state. The team will be headed by Director of National Centre for Disease Control Sujeet Kumar Singh. In a tweet, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that as large number of COVID cases are still being reported in Kerala, the team will aid state’s ongoing efforts in COVID-19 management.

Jul 29, 2021 ,  2:22PM Both Houses of Parliament adjourned till 2 PM over Pegasus snooping, farm laws, other issues File Pic Both the houses of Parliament continued to face disruptions over Pegasus snooping, farm laws and other issues. Amid din, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been adjourned till 2 P.M. today. After the second adjournment, when the Lok Sabha assembled at 12.30 P.M. Members of Congress, DMK, TMC, Akali Dal and other Opposition parties trooped into the well over the issues. The Chair repeatedly urged the agitating members to return to their seats and let the house function. As the protest continued, the house adjourned till 2 P.M. In the morning, when the Lok Sabha met for the day, Speaker Om Birla expressed unhappiness over unruly behavior of agitating Opposition members. The Speaker said, hurling of papers on the Chair and treasury benches is not according to the tradition of Parliament and it is contempt of the glorious tradition of the house....

Jul 29, 2021 ,  2:13PM Rs 1756 cr allocated, 272 sports infrastructure projects in pipeline under Khelo India programme, says Anurag Thakur Lok Sabha TV The Union Government today said, it is promoting sports in 13 states which includes Left Wing Extremism (LWE) areas, Jammu and Kashmir and North Eastern states. Replying to supplementaries in the Lok Sabha, Youth Affairs and Sports minister Anurag Thakur said under the Khelo India programme, 1,756 crore rupees has been allocated and 272 sports infrastructure projects are in the pipeline. Across the country, 360 Khelo India Centres have been developed and 24 Centres of Excellence have been identified.  The Minister informed the house, Sports Ministry accepts the proposal for hosting international sports tournaments and events. Mr Thakur said, this time India’s contingent to Tokyo Olympics is largest ever squad in the history.

The Centre has asked States and Union Territories to issue strict directions to the district and all other local authorities concerned, to take necessary measures for management of COVID-19. In a letter to States Chief Secretaries, Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla today said, the officers concerned should be made personally responsible for any laxity in strict enforcement of COVID appropriate behaviour. He said, with the decline in the number of active Covid cases, the States and UTs are re-opening the activities in a gradual manner. Mr Bhalla said, while the decline in the number of Covid cases is a matter of satisfaction, the absolute case numbers are still significantly high. He said, there should be no room for complacency and the process of relaxing restrictions should be carefully calibrated. The Home Secretary said, strictest possible measures should be taken in the districts that are still showing high positivity rates. He said, there is need to ensure Covid appropriate behaviour ...

Jul 29, 2021 ,  8:25AM About 45 crore COVID vaccine doses administered in country so far @MoHFW_INDIA India’s total COVID Vaccination Coverage has achieved a landmark milestone of 45 crore yesterday. The Union Health Ministry has said that more than 35 crore vaccine doses were administered as first dose and nine crore 80 lakh vaccine doses given as second dose so far. The Ministry said, nearly 40 lakh vaccine doses have been administered yesterday.  Overall, 14 crore 66 lakh persons in the age group 18 to 44 years across 37 States and UTs have received their first dose since the start of Phase-3 of the vaccination drive. Five States  - Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have administered more than one crore doses of COVID-19 Vaccine in the age group 18 to 44 years. The Ministry said, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Jharkhand, Kerala, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Uttarakhand and West Ben...

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an interaction with representatives of religious and social organizations, through video conferencing yesterday to discuss the Covid-19 situation. He said that the interaction is yet another example of society and government working together for the benefit of the country. Mr Modi appreciated the work done by these organizations towards meeting the challenges posed by Covid-19. He said, the help provided to people was beyond caste or religious considerations and was a shining example of Ek Bharat-Eknishtha Prayas. He said, Temples, Mosques, Churches and Gurudwaras across the country, doubled up as hospitals and isolation centres, while also helping the needy get food and medicines. The Prime Minister discussed the rapid rollout of the vaccination drive in the country, adding that the ‘Sabko Vaccine Muft Vaccine’ campaign is like a shield in the fight against Corona. He exhorted the religious and community leaders to join the efforts of the governmen...

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch multiple key initiatives  in the education sector today to mark the first anniversary of the National Education Policy, NEP 2020. Mr Modi will also address policy makers in the domain of education and skill development, students and teachers across the country through video conferencing to mark the completion of one year of reforms under the National Education Policy 2020.   Mr Modi will launch the Academic Bank of Credit that will provide multiple entry and exit options for students in Higher education, 1st Year Engineering Programmes in Regional Languages and Guidelines for Internationalization of Higher Education. The initiatives to be launched also include Vidya Pravesh, a three month play based school preparation module for Grade 1 students, Indian Sign Language as a Subject at secondary level and  NISHTHA 2.0 which is an integrated programme of teacher training designed by National Council of Educational Research and Train...

Jul 28, 2021 ,  8:24PM Around 1.13 cr houses sanctioned under PMAY-Urban till date: Govt @PMAYUrban Government has said that around one crore 13 lakh houses have been sanctioned under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban till date. Out of them more than 84 lakh houses are grounded and more than 50 lakh have been completed and delivered to the beneficiaries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched this scheme on 25th June, 2015. This was informed by the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishore in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today. He said, central assistance of one lakh 82 thousand crore rupees has been approved under the scheme so far. Mr Kishore said, more than one lakh crore rupees have been released to States, Union Territories and Central Nodal Agencies.

Jul 28, 2021 ,  8:19PM Parliament passes Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill 2021 @PIB_India Parliament has passed the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill 2021 with Rajya Sabha approving it today amid din. The Lok Sabha has already passed the Bill. The Bill seeks to amend the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The amendments include authorizing District Magistrate including Additional District Magistrate to issue adoption orders to ensure speedy disposal of cases and enhance accountability. Defining eligibility parameters for appointment of Child Welfare Committee members and categorizing previously undefined offences as serious offences are some of the other aspects of the Bill. Replying to the Bill, Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani said that children need support and justice and Child Welfare Committee needs to be strengthened. She said, protection of rights a...

Jul 28, 2021 ,  8:14PM Cabinet clears Deposit Insurance & Credit Guarantee Corporation Bill 2021 Screen Grab Union Cabinet today cleared the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Bill 2021. Briefing reporters in New Delhi after the cabinet meeting, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, it insures all bank deposits such as savings, fixed deposits, current or recurring deposits. She said, it also covers all commercial, public, private sector banks and branches of foreign bank in India. The Minister said, each depositor’s deposits in the banks are insured upto maximum of five lakh rupees in each bank.

Jul 28, 2021 ,  2:22PM Legendary badminton player Nandu Natekar passes away; President, Vice President and Prime Minister express grief FILE PIC Legendary badminton player Nandkumar Mahadev Natekar popularly known as Nandu Natekar passed away today early morning in Pune. In a career spanning 15 years, Natekar won over 100 national and international titles including six times national singles title. Natekar was the first Indian badminton to win an international title in 1956. He was also the first Indian sportsman to receive the Arjuna Award.

Jul 28, 2021 ,  2:04PM Both the Houses of Parliament witness adjournments as opposition creates ruckus on various issues including Pegasus snooping File Pic Both the Houses of Parliament adjourned till 2 PM following continuous protest by the Opposition parties over Pegasus snooping and other issues. When the Lok Sabha met after the first adjournment at 12:30 PM, members from Congress, DMK, TMC and other opposition parties again trooped into the well, raising slogans over the issues. This forced the Presiding Officer to adjourn the House till 2 PM.   Earlier, amid din the Lok Sabha took up Question Hour. The Presiding Officer repeatedly urged protesting members to return to their seats. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi expressed his displeasure over the unruly behavior of protesting members. As the noisy scene continued, the House was adjourned till 12:30 PM.   In the Rajya Sabha, when the House met after the first adjournment at 12 Noon th...

Jul 28, 2021 ,  8:45AM International Monetary Fund projects India's growth rate at 9.5 per cent for current fiscal year FILE PIC International Monetary Fund has projected India's growth rate at 9.5 per cent for the current fiscal year. For the next Financial Year 2022-23, IMF expects economic growth of 8.5 per cent, larger than the 6.9 per cent it had projected in April.   Forecast for the current year 2021-22 is lower than the 12.5 per cent growth in GDP that the IMF had projected in April before the second wave of COVID-19 took a grip. In its latest World Economic Outlook, IMF said, growth prospects in India have been downgraded following the severe second COVID wave during March-May and expected slow recovery in confidence from that setback.    India's economy is gradually recovering from a deep contraction in the fiscal year ended 31st March this year 7.3 per cent and a subsequent severe second wave of COVID-19. However, India's growth prospec...

Jul 28, 2021 ,  8:42AM Basavaraj Bommai to be sworn in as new Chief Minister of Karnataka this morning @BJP4Karnataka Basavaraj Bommai to be sworn in as new Chief Minister of Karnataka this morning. Basavaraj Bommai is the three-time MLA from Shegaon in Haveri district in North Karnataka and was the Home Minister and Parliamentary Affairs Minister in the Yediyurappa Cabinet. Considered a close confidante of Yediyurappa, Bommai joined BJP in 2008 and served as Water Resources Minister between 2008 and 2013.   A Mechanical Engineer, Bommai is son of former Chief Minister S. R. Bommai who was in office between 1988 and 1989.  After his election as Legislative Party leader, Basavaraj Bommai said that he will work under the guidance of outgoing Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa and work towards poverty alleviation.

Jul 28, 2021 ,  8:34AM US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to hold talks with EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar in New Delhi today FILE PIC US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will hold talks with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in New Delhi today. Both sides will review the robust and multi-faceted India-US bilateral relations and potential for consolidating them further. Discussions will focus on regional and global issues of mutual interest including recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indo-Pacific region, Afghanistan and cooperation in the United Nations.   Secretary Blinken arrived in New Delhi last evening on a two- day visit to India. This is his first visit to India after assuming charge as US Secretary of State. He will also call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.He will also meet National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. The US Secretary of State's visit is an opportunity to continue the high-level bilateral dialogue and bolster the India...

Jul 28, 2021 ,  8:31AM Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill to be taken up for consideration and passing in Lok Sabha FILE PIC The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2021 is likely to be taken up for consideration and passing in Lok Sabha today. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021, was promulgated by President Ram Nath Kovind on 4th of April to offer an alternate bankruptcy resolution scheme for small businesses. The Code provides a time-bound process for resolving the insolvency of corporate debtors called the corporate insolvency resolution process.   Rajya Sabha is likely to take up The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill, 2021 for consideration and passing. The Bill provides that instead of a civil court, the district magistrate will issue adoption orders of a child.

Jul 27, 2021 ,  8:47PM Basavraj Bommai becomes New CM of Karnataka DD NEWS Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has announced that BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai is elected by the legislative party in  a meeting held at Bengaluru under the observation of Union Ministers Dharnendra Pradhan and G Kishan Reddy. Basavaraj Bommai  will be the successor of B S Yediyurappa who had stepped down yesterday due to age factor. Basavaraj Bommai is three time MLA from Shegaon in Haveri district in North Karnataka and was the Home Minister and Parliamentary Affairs Minister in the Yediyurappa Cabinet. He is considered a close confidant of Yediyurappa, Bommai will be the 20th Chief Minister of the State.

Jul 27, 2021 ,  8:02PM India gets its 40th World Heritage Site Dholavira, Harappan City in Gujarat inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List @narendramodi Dholavira: A Harrapan City in Gujarat has been inscribed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List today. This has brought the number of World Heritage sites to 40 in India. Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy said, today is a proud day for India, especially for the people of Gujarat. He said, since 2014, India has added 10 new World Heritage sites which is one fourth of our total sites. Mr. Reddy said that this shows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s steadfast commitment in promoting Indian culture, heritage and the Indian way of life.

Jul 27, 2021 ,  7:55PM US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken to arrive in New Delhi today on a two day visit AIR Pics US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will arrive in New Delhi today on a two day visit to India. This is Secretary Blinken's first visit to India after assuming charge as US Secretary of State.   Tomorrow, Mr Blinken will meet the External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Both sides will review the robust and multifaceted India-US bilateral relations and potential for consolidating them further. Discussions will focus on regional and global issues of mutual interest including recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indo-Pacific region, Afghanistan and cooperation in the United Nations. Secretary Blinken's visit is an opportunity to continue the high-level bilateral dialogue and bolster the India-US global strategic partnership.

Jul 27, 2021 ,  7:44PM Parliament passes the Marine Aids to Navigation Bill, 2021 File Pic Parliament has passed the Marine Aids to Navigation Bill, 2021 with the Rajya Sabha approving it today. The Bill was passed after a brief discussion amid din. The Lok Sabha has already passed the legislation. The Bill seeks to provide a framework for the development, maintenance, and management of aids to navigation in India. It defines aid to navigation as a device, system, or service, external to the vessels designed and operated to enhance the safety and efficiency of navigation of vessels and vessel traffic. A vessel includes a ship, boat, sailing vessel, fishing vessel, submersible, and mobile offshore drilling units. The Bill also proposes to impart training and certification to operator of aids to navigation, development of its historical, educational and cultural value. Its objective is also to ensure compliance with the obligation under the maritime treaties and in...

Jul 27, 2021 ,  2:19PM President Kovind addresses convocation ceremony of University of Kashmir in Srinagar @rashtrapatibhvn President of India Ram Nath Kovind addressed the 19th Annual Convocation of the University of Kashmir at Kashmir International Convention Centre (KICC) situated on the banks of world famous Dal Lake in Srinagar today. In his address, President Kovind said that he was delighted to be on in this land of great historical and cultural significance. He said that Kashmir has been called ‘Rishi Vaer’, the land of saints and has always attracted spiritual seekers from far and wide. Mr Kovind said, the University of Kashmir has made remarkable progress as three lakh students received degrees today with more than 2.5 lakh bachelors and more than 1,000 doctorates over the past eight years. He said that the University of Kashmir has added another feather in its cap with the setting up of two centres that are of high importance. One is devoted to glaciolog...

Jul 27, 2021 ,  2:16PM Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to leave for Tajikistan today to participate in SCO Defence Ministers meet Tweeted by @DDNewslive Defence minister Rajnath Singh will leave for Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe today to participate in Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Defence Ministers meet. Main engagement, which is tomorrow, includes a joint call on by the SCO defence ministers with Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon. The SCO as a grouping occupies 60 per cent of the Eurasian continent, which is over 34 million square kilometres. SCO countries is having a population of over three billion, that is almost half of the world’s population.

Jul 27, 2021 ,  2:16PM WCD Minister Smriti Irani launches 24/7 helpline number for women affected by violence @NCWIndia Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani today launched a 24/7 helpline number for women affected by violence. The helpline number is – 7827170170. Speaking at the launch, the Minister congratulated National Commission for Women and said, the helpline gives a message to women that whenever they are in need, their government and Commission will stand by them. The aim of the helpline is to provide round the clock emergency and non-emergency complaints and counseling services to women affected by violence. The helpline will link them with appropriate authorities such as police, hospitals, District Legal Service Authority, psychological services and providing information about women-related government programmes across the country through a single uniform number. The Helpline is in line with several initiatives taken up by the Ministry and Nat...

Jul 27, 2021 ,  2:15PM PM Modi asks BJP MPs to ensure everyone becomes part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to mark 75th Independence Day celebration PMO INDIA ( FILE PIC ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked BJP MPs to work to ensure that everyone becomes a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav which is being celebrated to mark the 75th Independence Day of India. Briefing media after the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal informed that the Prime Minister said, an Action Plan must be created for the next 25 years and ideas must be collected from people on how to achieve the best benchmarks in 2047 when India will complete 100 years of Independence. Mr Modi said, two handpicked party workers will visit 75 villages per Assembly constituency between 15th August 2022 and 15th August 2023. They will spend 75 hours in each village to collect ideas and noteworthy initiatives which will be collated further for developmen...