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Construction Of New Parliament Building starts today

The construction work of the new Parliament building started on Friday, over a month after Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the project under the government’s ambitious Central Vista redevelopment plan.

The new building will replace the existing Parliament House which was built by the British. Its foundation stone was laid on February 12, 1921. After the new building is ready, the present Parliament House will be turned into a museum.

The new Parliament building project is estimated to cost ₹971 crore and is expected to be completed by the 75th anniversary of India’s independence in 2022.

The new building is being constructed by Tata Projects Ltd.

The redevelopment project of the Central Vista – the nation’s power corridor – envisages a new triangular parliament building, a common central secretariat, revamping of the three-km-long Rajpath from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, new Prime Minister Residence and PMO, and a new Vice-President Enclave.

Sources said that Tata Projects started mobilising machinery and other items required to start construction work of the government’s ambitious project.

On January 5, the Supreme Court cleared the decks for the ambitious Central Vista Project by upholding the environmental clearance and the notification for change in land use.

Mayawati: BSP to fight alone in 2022 UP Polls

Mayawati, BSP, UP Election 2022,

The BSP supremo Mayawati made a big announcement on her 65th birthday today by saying her party will not forge alliance with any party in next year’s UP Election.

She stated last time the vote share of BSP was affected with the mega-alliance and the party stake-holders didn’t want to repeat the same mistake.

“Our party will contest alone on its own strength in all Vidhan Sabha seats in these two States with full preparation and force,” Ms. Mayawati said.

Meanwhile, she also targetted the central government over the ongoing farmers protest.

Gabba Test: Australia takes Day 1, What India can expect on Day 2?

India vs Australia, Marnus Labuschagne,

The opening day of the fourth Test match has ended at Gabba. Australian team took the charge in the latter half of the day with a spectacular century from Marnus Labuschagne.

Labuschagne scored 108 runs and he was helped well with Mathew Wade, Captain Tim Paine, and Steven Smith.

The Indian team will be looking to bowl-out Australia below 300 but it will be difficult for the Rahane and company and that too with an inexperienced bowling line-up.

The series stand level at 1-1 and this the final game of the tour. India has never won a game in Brisbane and Australia has never lost any game in Brisbane since 1988.

Marking the Inception of Basketball-Google doodle celebrates Dr Naismith’s accomplishment to the world

Google is remembering Dr. James Naismith today.
But it is not his birthday today. On 15 January 1891, the game of basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith. Naismith was a teacher, professor, doctor and coach. Naismith was born on 6 November 1861 in Canada. Since childhood Naismith showed interest in sports and physical education. He maintained his interest and received a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from McGill University in 1888, and later began his career there as a Physical Education Teacher.

Basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith. In 1891, Naismith Springfield was employed as a physical teacher at the YMCA International Training College. Students were unable to play outdoor games due to snowfall during the winter season, which led Naismith to develop indoor games. After which the basketball game started.

Naismith discussed the game of basketball and its rules through The Triangle newspaper. It is said that this game was started in a gym which is played today on a global level. Basquetball is a sport played in more than 200 countries.

Dr. James wrote the actual 13 rules of basketball and outlined the entire game within 14 days. After obtaining a medical degree in 1898, Naismith joined Kansas University as a faculty. Here he became Jayhawk’s first basketball coach. Nearly a decade after Naismith’s basketball was invented, basketball was displayed as a demo game for the first time at the 1904 Olympics. It then became an official event at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Naismith retired from his duty in 1937 and died of brain hemorrhage two years later at the age of 78. The NBA’s Hall of Fame, based in Springfield, Massachusetts, has also been named in his honor. Now basketball is played in about 200 countries around the world.

PM Modi to inaugurate COVID-19 vaccination drive at 10: 30 am via video conference on Saturday

India is all set to begin its vaccination drive against novel coronavirus from Saturday, that is, January 16. Ahead of the development, a statement released by Prime Minister’s Office has stated that PM Modi will inaugurate the pan-India vaccination drive against covid-19 at 10:30 am on Thursday via a video conference.  

“Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will launch the pan India rollout of COVID-19 vaccination drive on 16th January, 2021 at 10:30 AM via video conferencing,” the statement said.

Around 3,000 session sites, where the vaccination will take place, across the country will be virtually connected during the inaugural event, the statement added. A total of 3006 session sites across all States and UTs will be virtually connected during the launch. Around 100 beneficiaries will be vaccinated at each session site on the inaugural day,” PMO said.

India plans to inoculate around 3 crore health workers and frontline workers, people aged above 50 and those with co morbidities in the first phase.

The vaccination programme will use CO-WIN, an online digital platform that will track the information and provide the realtime updates about the status of vaccination process. It will also keep a record of people who have been vaccinated and who are yet to be vaccinated. The app has been developed by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

“A dedicated 24×7 call centre – 1075 – has also been established for addressing the queries related to COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine rollout and the Co-WIN software,” the ministry said.

“All preparations are in place to initiate the programme on the principles of Jan Bhagidari,” PMO added.

India currently has two approved vaccines against coronavirus – Covishield by Serum Institute of India and Covaxin by Bharat Biotech. The supply of vaccines have started since Monday with many vials reaching to the sites. “Adequate doses of both Covishield and Covaxin have already been delivered across the country to all States/UTs with the active support of the ministry of civil aviation,” PMO said. “These have been further delivered by the State/UT governments to the districts,” it mentioned.

T Natarajan completes ‘Perfect Treble’ in ongoing Australia tour

India vs Australia, Natarajan,

The Brisbane Test between Indian and Australia is underway at Gabba. The Indian team has made four changes in their side with two new players making their debut. T Natarajan and Washington Sundar received their Test caps.

T Natarajan was presented his Test cap by the bowling coach Bharat Arun. Natarajan is also India’s 300th player to play Test cricket. It’s been a decisive story for Tamil Nadu’s fast bowler. Since last year’s IPL his journey has been spectacular. He made his T20I, ODI, and Test debut in the ongoing Australia tour.

https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1349857847983525890?s=20
https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1349859136717025280?s=20

Washington Sundar becomes the 301st player to represent India in the longest format. Sundar was in the contention of Indian eleven for the Test format over the years and finally, he got the opportunity to play and that too against Australia.

Centre lists precautions for Covid-19 vaccine use

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the nationwide COVID-19 Vaccine campaign on January 16. This will be the largest vaccination campaign in the world.

1.65 crore doses of Covishield and Covaxine vaccines purchased by the government have been allocated to the states and union territories according to the data of their health workers. The Union Health Ministry has informed all the states and union territories about the vaccine.

The center said that only people over the age of 18 are allowed vaccinations. Women who are pregnant and whose pregnancy is not fixed, and women who breastfeed should not get corona vaccine.

With this, the central government said that if a person has symptoms of corona, then that person should be vaccinated after 4-8 weeks of recovery.

Along with this, people have also been told not to swap in two vaccine doses at all. The ministry, in a letter to all states and union territories, outlined their use in emergency situations, saying that Kovid-19 vaccines are only for people 18 years or older. An interval of at least 14 days can be taken between Covid-19 vaccines and other vaccines if required.

A letter sent by Manohar Agnani, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health, said, ‘Exchange of Covid-19 vaccines (one vaccine separately, another separately) is not allowed. The second dose will also have to be taken for the same vaccine as the first vaccine.

The letter stated, ‘Pregnant and lactating women have not yet been made part of any vaccine clinical trial. So pregnant or unsure of their pregnancy, women should not get Covid-19 vaccine this time.

Explaining contraindication, the letter said, “A person with a history of an anaphylactic or allergic reaction to a previous dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Immediate or delayed onset anaphylaxis or allergic reaction to vaccine or injection able therapies, pharmaceutical products, food items etc.”

Gabba Test: Australia ahead with Labuschagne’s ton

India vs Australia, Marnus Labuschagne,

India made 4 changes in their lineup for the last Test match which being played at Gabba. Indian team brought-in Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Mayank Agarwal, and T Natarajan.

Australia has won the toss and elected to bat first. They lost their opener early but later they fought back and Marnus Labuschagne is moving forward with a positive approach and scored a century. Meanwhile, Labuschagne is well supported by Mathew Wade and they crossed the hundred partnership mark.

The series stands level at 1-1 and this is the final Test and the series decider as well. India has never won a Test match at Gabba and the Australian team is unbeaten at the venue since 1988.

Amitabh Bachchan voiced Covid caller tune to be replaced with female voice

Starting today, mobile subscribers will no longer hear Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan’s baritone as a caller tune. The caller tune lists precautionary measures to avoid catching the coronavirus.

It sends out a message to the public to have faith in Indian vaccines and not believe in rumours. It also requests people to adhere to all the COVID-19 safety precautions even though vaccinations have begun.

According to sources in the health ministry, a female voice will be used for letting people know about the COVID-19 vaccination drive.

Last week, a petition was filed in the Delhi High Court regarding Bachchan’s voice as the caller tune. The petitioner argued that the voice of Amitabh Bachchan should be removed from the caller tune because he and his family members were among the ones who were infected with COVID-19. 

The petition requested the court to direct the government to have the announcement replaced by famous coronavirus warriors who were willing to give their services for free.

The new message comes amid growing concerns regarding the government-backed Covid-19 vaccine ‘COVAXIN’ which has not yet completed Phase 3 trials and yet is being rolled out along with Oxford University & AstraZeneca’s Covishield. It appeals to the citizens to have faith in the vaccine and not believe in rumours.

With the use of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new slogan “Dawaai bhi, kadaai bhi (medicine and caution both)”, it also urges people to continue with Covid-19 precautions even though vaccinations have begun.

Indian Army Day: Remember bravehearts for supreme sacrifice

When it comes to the security and the pride of motherland, contribution and achievement of Indian Army is uncountable. The Indian Army is land-based branch known for its selfless service. The history of the Indian army dates back to several decades, and its journey is full of brave incidents and a celebrated future. 

While taking about courageousness and excellent discipline Indian Army is the most suitable example for it. On the occasion of Army Day remember the bravehearts for their gallantry and  supreme sacrifice for the nationa.

Every year January 15, marks Indian Army day. Army Day celebrations take place across India, but the main parade is held at Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi cantonment. 

To mark the 73rd Army Day in 2021, the Indian Army has organised a marathon – Vijay Run – to “commemorate Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations of India’s resounding victory over Pakistan in 1971, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, Indian Army, informed via a tweet.

History of January 15:

January 15 is observed as Army Day as it was the day in 1949 when Field Marshal Sir Kodandera “Kipper” Madappa Cariappa took over the charge of Indian Army from British General Sir Francis Butcher. Field Marshal Cariappa, was the first officer of the Indian Army to hold a five-star rank, who had led his troops in the World War II and the first Indo-Pak war of 1947. He was known for his bravery and ability to lead troops from the frontline.

Cariappa was among the first Indians to be selected for the military training. Following his training in Indore, he joined the British Indian Army shortly after the end of World War I. Later he was commissioned into the Carnatic Infantry. 

Here are some quotes by the bravehearts of olive gree fraternity:

“If death strikes before I prove my blood, I swear I’ll kill Death”
– Capt Manoj Kumar Pandey

“We fight to win and win with a knock out, because there are no runners up in war.”
– General JJ Singh

“Quartered in snow, silent to remain. When the bugle calls, they shall rise and march again.”

“Either I will come back after hoisting the Tricolor (Indian flag), or I will come back wrapped in it, but I will be back for sure.”
– Captain Vikram Batra

This had been the motto of the armed forces of India and they followed it through life and death. And a recent one during the rescue operations of Uttarakhand floods.
– Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne

If anyone tells you he is never afraid, he is a liar or he is a Gurkha.
– Indian Army’s Gurkha Regiment

Our helicopter rotors will not stop churning till such time we get each one of you out.
– Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne

Powerful message by General Manoj Mukund Naravane 73rd Army Day:

On the occasion of Army Day-2021, I convey my felicitations and warm wishes to all ranks of the Indian Army, civilians our veterans and their families. Today, we salute the valour of our bravehearts, whose supreme sacrifice in the line of duty shall always inspire us. I also reaffirm our unstinted support to our ‘Veer Nair’ and their families.

Acknowledging that it has been a year of challenges, the Army Chief upped the spirit of the troops and said that the force has stood steadfast in safeguarding the security and territorial integrity of the nation.

“Our brave officers, JCOs and soldiers have given a befitting reply to our adversaries, many laying down their lives in the highest traditions of the Indian Army,” he said.

Indian Army Day wishes 2021:

On Indian Army Day, allow us to salute all the saints who brought us a chance and every one the legends who are making certain it. Happy Indian Army Day 202!

Let us come together to celebrate National Army Day to honor our brave soldiers who are the reason behind our pride, our smiles. Happy Indian Army Day 2021!

Let us celebrate Indian Army Day by saluting all the army men for their bravery, dedication and patriotism. Happy Indian Army Day!

Let us celebrate Indian Army Day by saluting all the army men for their patriotism, dedication, and bravery. Happy Indian Army Day 2021!

A big salute to our braveheart Indian soldiers for standing tall in every condition for the country. Happy Indian Army Day!

A nation is often free within the event that its men guarding it with adoration for the country in their souls. Happy Indian Army Day!

Allow us to observe Indian Army Day by saluting all the military men for their valor, devotion, and energy. Happy Army Day 2021!

We tend to are secure on the grounds that we’ve our Army keeping our country secured every single minute. Salute to our Army and every one the simplest on Indian Army Day. Happy Indian Army Day 2021!

It is their love for the nation and the people of the nation that inspires the Indian Army to be such a strong and inspiring force. Happy Army Day 2021!

Indian Army Day always reminds us of all our heroes who stand strong to keep us safe. Hail our soldiers on this special occasion.

On this Indian Army Day, we as a nation should pray for the safety of our soldiers from the enemies. Happy Indian Army Day!

Let us come together to celebrate National Army Day to honor our brave soldiers who are the reason behind our smiles, safety, and pride. Happy Indian Army Day 2021!

On the event of Indian Army Day, allow us to convey the Indian Army to their devotion and security. Happy Army Day 2021!

‘Covid-19 vaccine can not cause infertility’: Health Minister denies rumours

Ever since vaccines against covid-19 infection were approved in a hope to turn the tide of the virus, several rumours, as expected, have been making rounds on social media platforms. By far, ‘Vaccine can make you infertile’ remains the most absurd rumour one can come across. As India gears up for its mass-vaccination drive against the novel virus, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has come forward to clarify the myths surrounding the inoculation process which will kick-start from tomorrow.

Vardhan took to Twitter to answer some questions about the vaccines and said that there is no scientific evidence to support that administering vaccine can cause infertility in men or women. In a series of tweets, the health minister also opened up about various side effects of vaccine and chances of infections even after administering vaccine.

“After being administered #COVID19Vaccine, some individuals may have side effects like mild fever, pain at injection site & bodyache. This is similar to the side effects that occur post some other vaccines. These are expected to go away on their own after some time,” he said.

“You cannot contract #COVID19 because you have been inoculated with a #COVID19Vaccine Temporary side effects such as mild fever should not be confused as having contracted #COVID,” he added in another tweet.

As revealed by the Prime Minister’s office, vaccination drive in India will commence from January 16, that is, tomorrow at 10:30 am. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event with a virtual ceremony, it added.

India has two vaccines which have been granted regulatory approval by the Drug Controller of India. While Covishield, developed by Serum Institute in the country is Oxford and AstraZeneca’s vaccine, Covaxin is India’s indigenous vaccine prepared by Bharat Biotech.

In the first phase, India plans to inoculate 30 crore people including 3 crore health workers and frontline workers, Police and Army personnel, people aged above 50 and those with comorbidities. The vaccination process across the country will be tracked by an app called COWIN.

Joe Biden proposes plan worth $1.9 trillion to revive US economy hit by pandemic

US President-elect Joe Biden will most likely be proposing a $1.9 trillion plan against coronavirus which has claimed hundreds of thousands lives in the country and across the world. The aim of the new plan is to combat the pandemic by introducing new measures such as tightening restrictions, speeding up inoculation, providing financial help to individuals, states and local government suffering due to the multiple lockdowns.

Coined as the “American Rescue Plan,” the development comes just days ahead of Biden’s inauguration process. According to several media reports, the legislative proposal would fulfill Biden’s aim of administering 100 million vaccines by the 100th day of his administration beginning from January 20 in a hope to get back to the life as we knew it with schools reopening and small businesses reviving.

In the proposal, Biden has also urged to raise federal minimum wage to $15 an hour and size of stimulus checks Congress had approved last month. It also consists of $1,400 checks for most US citizens and if you add $600 more as suggested by the most recent covid-19 bill, the overall amount would mount to the $2,000 mark. Further, the plan would also add to the benefits of unemployed by extending a temporary boost in unemployment benefits.

“We are in a race against time, and absent additional government assistance, the economic and public health crises could worsen in the months ahead; schools will not be able to safely reopen; and vaccinations will remain far too slow,” a campaign document stated.

Democrat Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi welcomed Biden’s idea and said that they would be happy to present it before the lawmakers.

“We will get right to work to turn President-elect Biden’s vision into legislation that will pass both chambers and be signed into law,” they said in a joint statement.

Notably, Biden had earlier announced a covid-19 special task force which will solely work in curbing the covid-19 spread across the US which remains world’s most affected country by the pandemic. The special task force will come into effect from January 20, after Biden takes over White House duties.

So far, more than 385,000 people have died of coronavirus in the US while over 23.2 million people have been infected.

U&i appoints John Abraham as brand ambassador

U&i, the gadget accessory and consumer electronics brand, has appointed Bollywood actor John Abraham as its new brand ambassador. 

With the brand new collaboration, the brand aims to reach to the masses and enhance its reach by establishing a trustworthy bond with its customers. As a part of the alliance, John will feature in a number of campaigns for the brand’s range of mobile batteries.

Paresh Vij, founder and director, U&i, said, “Selecting the right brand ambassador plays a major role in building the brand image. Our qualities are similar to that of John Abraham, hence, this association will definitely bring out the best of U&i and will help us gain more recognition and popularity.”

“It feels great to be associated with U&i. Today’s youth are highly enthusiastic about the brands that they use and U&i have proven its mettle by pushing the boundaries of innovation and offering its users a quality experience,” said John.

Bhupinder Singh Mann backs out of SC panel on Farm Laws

Bhupinder Singh Mann, one of the four members if the panel appointed by the Supreme Court to break the deadlock between farmers and the government has rescued himself from the panel.

Maan, is also the head of Bhartiya Kisan Union. He said that he will always stand with farmers but can’t be the member of the panel.

BKU president Mann released a statement that read: “As a farmer myself and a Union leader, in view of the prevailing sentiments and apprehensions amongst farm unions and the public in general, I am ready to sacrifice any position offered or given to me so as not to compromise the interests of Punjab and farmers of the country.”

The apex court had rejected the government’s attempt at the implementation of the farm laws and today the protest has completed its 50th day. The Supreme Court has however put a stay on the implementation of the farm laws and slammed the central government over their stand on the ongoing protest in the entire country especially in the national capital.

Parineeti Chopra starrer ‘The Girl On The Train’ heads for OTT, watch teaser

After much anticipation, Parineeti Chopra finally made the announcement on Wednesday that her film ‘The Girl On The Train’ is going to be released on Netflix. She also shared the first teaser of the film which also stars Aditi Rao Hydari, Kirti Kulhari and Avinash Tiwary in pivotal roles. It is directed under the guidance of Ribhu Dasgupta.


The film is based on Paula Hawkins’ 2015 bestseller which was also adapted for a Hollywood version with Emily Blunt in the lead, and directed by Tate Taylor.


In the teaser, we can see that Parineeti as an alcoholic woman who is also our narrator. The teaser came with no action or dialogue, and also see Parineeti’s degenerating moods and physical condition as a herald of things to come in the film.


In the film, Parineeti plays the role of Meera Chopra who watches a couple from the open window of their house while travelling on a train every day to work. One day something did happen which shock her and brought her obsession with the couple to the following.


Dasgupta told Hindustan Times, “I always wanted to explore this genre and loved this unique story. There is plenty to relate to both in terms of the emotions and mysteries that I was able to delve into in this thriller – rejection, loneliness, voyeurism, daily commutes on which we see and don’t see things.”


Shibasish Sarkar, group chief executive officer, Reliance Entertainment also said: “The Girl On The Train marks our first film collaboration with Netflix, with many more to come. We are very excited about this suspense thriller, Ribhu’s directorial sensibilities and the extremely talented cast.”


The film was supposed to release in May 2020 but due to coronavirus, it was postponed. The film will be available on Netflix from February 26, 2021.