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Covid-19 update: 16,946 new cases push India’s tally past 1.05 crore

By
Shivani Negi
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India has recorded 16,946 fresh coronavirus cases and 198 deaths in the last 24 hours, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Thursday. With the new additions, the overall covid-19 toll and fatality toll due to covid-19 have reached 1,05,12,093 and 1,51,727 respectively.

Currently, there are 2,13,603 active cases in the country. After 17,652 discharges in a span of 24 hours, the cumulative recoveries reached 1,01,46,763, as per the Health Ministry.

The recovery rate stands at 96.51 per cent, while the fatality rate is 1.44 as per cent.

The total number of samples tested up to January 13 were 18,42,32,305, including 7,43,191 tested on Wednesday, the Indian Council of Medical Research said.

Here’s some more updates:

*Pan-India vaccination drive is scheduled to begin from January 16 with two approved vaccines. Earlier, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has said: “After one dose, or even after two doses, Covid-appropriate behaviour has to be followed. I am requesting you with folded hands. Please don’t think I have got one dose or two doses… now nothing can happen to me.”

*Around 3 crore healthcare workers will be inoculated at 2,934 sites across the country on the first day of the massive nationwide Covid vaccination drive.

*About 70 per cent of the daily new cases are reported from seven states — Kerala, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.

*A study conducted by a local Brazilian health department revealed that the presence of IgG antibodies, specific for SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes Covid-19, was detected in serum samples back in December 2019.

* Brazil’s vaccination campaign against the novel coronavirus will begin at the end of January in pandemic hotspot Manaus, capital of northern Amazonas state, Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello said.

Meanwhile,  the overall global coronavirus caseload has topped 92 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 1.97 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

Muralitharan: Ashwin can take 800 Test wickets

By
Harshit
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India vs Australia, Ashwin, Muralitharan

Legendary Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan lauds Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and said he can take 800 wickets in Test cricket.

“Ashwin has a chance because he is a great bowler,” Muralitharan said while speaking to former England captain Michael Vaughan for the UK Telegraph, as per Fox Sports. “Other than that, I don’t think any younger bowler coming in will go to 800.”

“Maybe Nathan Lyon is not good enough to reach it. He is close to 400 but he has had to play many, many matches to get there,” he added.
Australian off-spinner Nathon Lyon will play his 100th Test match in the fourth Test match which will be played at Brisbane.

Lyon is close to complete his 400 wickets in the Test format. Currently, he has 396 Test wickets while Ashwin is with 377 wickets.

Meanwhile, legendary Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne has recently written in his column that Lyon can scalp 600-650 wickets if he remain injury free.

PM Modi to virtually inaugurate covid-19 vaccination drive: Reports

By
Shivani Negi
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India is all set to begin its much-anticipated vaccination drive against coronavirus from Saturday, that is, January 16. Now, according to reports, PM Modi is expected to inaugurate the pan-India inoculation while video conferencing.

The reports added that PM will most likely virtually interact with health workers at some sites of the launch of the vaccine drive and for the same, hospitals in states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi have been asked to prepare.

In the first phase of vaccination drive, 30 crore people, including three crore healthcare and frontline workers, along with people Army and Police personnel, people above 60 and those with co-morbidities will be vaccinated.

According to reports, frontline and healthcare workers of Delhi’s Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital, which is one of the country’s biggest Covid hospitals, will be the first to administer covid-19 vaccine. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Health secretary Satyendra Jain will also attend the inaugural event in person, an NDTV report said.

India has two vaccines that have received regulatory approval from Drug General Controller of India(DCGI). While Covishield is Oxford’s vaccine made by SII in India, Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech is country’s first indigenous vaccine against the novel coronavirus.

India has seen a declining streak in coronavirus cases in last few months with the country reporting only 12k cases on Tuesday this week. While 1.05 crore people have been infected with the virus in the country, over 1.5 lakh people have lost their lives due to the virus.

Who can get chance in the Indian squad for the final Test match?

By
Harshit
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India vs Australia, Gabba Test,

The fourth Test match between India and Australia is all set to start from tomorrow. Both India and Australia will announce their playing 11 today.

Till now six players have been ruled out of the series till now and there are speculations on the participation of 3 more players which include Cheteshwar Pujara, Mayank Agarwal, and wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant.

In the absence of veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar might get a chance to play in the final Test match. Sundar was initially not in the squad but after the white-ball series, he was asked to stay back for the Test series as a backup.

Indian team is forced to make anyone of Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw to play in the middle order and include both Rishabh Pant and Wriddhiman Saha in the eleven.

The series stands level at 1-1 and the last match at Gabba will be the series decider.

Google blocking political ads, until at least day after inauguration

By
Jyoti B
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Alphabet Inc’s Google will pause political ads on all of its platforms until at least January 21, following last week’s violence at the U.S. Capitol, according to an email to advertisers seen by Reuters.

The email said the action was taken “following the unprecedented events of the past week and ahead of the upcoming presidential inauguration,” which takes place on January 20.

In a statement, Google said it would “temporarily pause all political ads in addition to any ads referencing impeachment, the inauguration,  or protests at U.S. Capitol”.

The move, to take effect on Thursday, will make no exceptions for news organizations or merchandisers running ads.

On Dec. 10, Google had lifted a temporary ban on election-related advertisements, which took effect after polls closed in the November U.S. presidential election and aimed to curb misinformation and other abuses on its platforms.

Meanwhile, YouTube suspended President Trump from uploading new videos to his official account for at least a week, making the decision days after fellow social media giants Twitter and Facebook shut the president out of his accounts because of concerns his posts will incite violence.

Until now, YouTube had been the only remaining major social media platform not to have suspended Trump in some fashion. Facebook has suspended Trump’s account “indefinitely,” while Twitter has banned Trump completely.

BYJUS may spend billion dollars on physical coaching centres

By
Jyoti B
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Bloomberg reports that the Bangalore-based startup has agreed to buy Aakash Educational Services, which owns and operates more than 200 physical tutoring centres across the country aimed at students preparing to qualify for top engineering and medical colleges.

According to the publication, Byju’s will pay $1 billion to buy Aakash Educational Services, which was founded in 1988 and serves more than 250,000 students. Aakash sold 37.5% stake to Blackstone in late 2019 in a deal that valued the Indian firm at about $500 million.

By 1996-97, Aakash Institute had started exploring the franchise model to set up coaching centres. Chaudhry soon realised that his institute was ready for expansion nationally. From 2003 onwards, centres started coming up in Ranchi, Guwahati, Bhubaneshwar, Kolkata, Dehradun and Lucknow. Company insiders said that all the push and ideas came from Chaudhry, who started aspire for a nationwide expansion.

Interestingly, Aakash Educational Services in November 2020 had appointed Abhishek Maheshwari as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company. And before joining Aakash, Maheshwari was the President of International Business for BYJU’S, where he was responsible for BYJU’S global growth.

While BYJU’S declined to comment on the matter, Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL) confirmed that it is in talks with Byju’s for building a strong partnership. However, the company said that the founders JC Chaudhry and Aakash Chaudhry remain committed and will continue to run Aakash Educational Services along with its management team with the same passion and commitment.

“Putting these speculations to rest, we would like to state that AESL is on a mission to build India’s largest digitally-enabled, omni-channel education company. We will accelerate our digital transformation and deliver phenomenal value to our students. We will rapidly expand our omni channel & digital offerings, as we embark on the next trajectory of quality education & growth. We remain true to our Founder’s motto of ‘Student First,’ enabling us to deliver long-term value to our students, employees, investors and other stakeholders,” said the company.

Karnataka Cabinet expansion

By
Jyoti B
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Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa expanded his Cabinet on Wednesday with the induction of seven new ministers who were sworn in. Governor Vajubhai Vala administered the oath of office and secrecy to the Ministers at a ceremony at the Raj Bhavan.

The new ministers are MLAs Umesh Katti (Hukkeri), S Angara (Sullia), Murugesh Nirani (Bilgi) and Arvind Limbavali (Mahadevapura), and MLCs R Shankar, MTB Nagaraj and CP Yogeshwar.

While ministers’ portfolios are yet to be allocated, there were indications of a possible reshuffle following requests by some ministers to change their posts. 

Minister H. Nagesh, Independent MLA, was dropped to keep one slot vacant, for political exigencies. An upset Mr. Nagesh, who resigned from the Cabinet, was pacified and appointed as chairperson of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation, as per his request with a Cabinet Minister rank, later in the day.

Recently elected MLA Muniratna — among those who resigned from the Congress-JD(S) coalition after being assured of a Cabinet berth — was left disappointed. Though he was among the favourites to be inducted, the BJP leadership decided against it as a case of electoral irregularities was pending.

The Cabinet expansion has led to discontent among a long list of ministerial aspirants. A group of those unhappy with the outcome are expected to meet and air their grievances with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, when he visits the State on January 16-17.

Air Force to get 83 Tejas aircraft, government approves 48 thousand crore deal

By
Neha Kumari
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Indian Air Force fleet will soon comprise 83 Tejas aircraft. The 48 thousand crore deal of the fighter aircraft Tejas has been approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security . The CCS has approved the deal under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has given a statement on the deal. He said that this decision has been taken to strengthen the Air Force. Rajnath Singh said that this deal will prove to be a game changer in the defense sector.

Tejas can launch missiles in air-to-air and air-to-ground. Antiship missiles, bombs and rockets can also be placed in it. Tejas is made from 42% carbon fiber, 43% aluminum alloy and titanium. The Tejas is an indigenous fourth generation tailless compound delta wing aircraft. It is the lightest and the smallest of the group of fourth generation supersonic fighters. The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) has been deployed by the Indian Air Force close to the Pakistan border on the western border.


It is superior to the Thunderbirds in almost all respects by China and Pakistan pak imitating the MiG-21.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh made several tweets after the approval of the cabinet on this proposal. In which he told that this entire fleet is going to be the backbone of the Indian Air Force. He said that this deal will prove to be a game changer for defense manufacturing.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh wrote the tweet that, the CCS headed by PM Modi has today historically approved the biggest indigenous defense deal. This deal is worth 48 thousand crores. This will strengthen the strength of our Air Force fleet through the indigenous ‘LCA Tejas’. The deal will prove to be a game changer for India’s defense manufacturing. Tejas aircraft are going to be the ‘backbone’ for the Indian Air Force in the coming years.

Farmers burn copy of three farm law and celebrated Lohri

By
Neha Kumari
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Farmers protesting for nearly 50 days on the borders of Delhi celebrated Lohri by burning copies of three farm laws .

Paramjit Singh of United Kisan Morcha said that one lakh copies of agricultural laws were burnt on the Singhu border alone.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, a farmer from Haryana who participated in the demonstration, said, the festivities can wait. The day the Center accepts our demand to withdraw these black laws, we will celebrate all the festivals on the same day.

Farmers of Punjab also expressed their opposition to these laws by burning copies of three farm laws. The farmers also raised slogans against the BJP-led central government for not accepting their demands. They also demanded the repeal of new agricultural laws.

Farmer leader Darshan Pal Singh said, “We have sent a message to the government by burning copies of 3 laws that in the same way, these bills will one day get angry with us and the government will have to withdraw the law.” He said, on 18th, women will protest in markets across the country, in SDM offices, district headquarters.

The farmers said that in a day or two, this strike of Mewat will become huge like the Indus border. Thousands of farmers will come from Rajasthan in tractor-trolleys. The government is dogged under pressure from industrialists. The farmers did not demand the laws, so why is the government forcibly imposing these laws. He said that till the withdrawal of the three laws, they will stand on the front and make the farmers of the area aware. He warned the Central and Haryana Government not to take patience for the farmers.


He said that for one and a half months, farmers have been agitating around Delhi and now sitting in Mewat, but the government is determined to be arbitrary.

Army decides to induct women pilot in aviation wing

By
Jyoti B
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In a major move, the Army has decided to induct women as pilots in its aviation wing and the first batch is likely to be admitted for training in July.

Army Chief Gen M M Naravane on Tuesday said that about a month ago he had ordered entry of women in the flying branches in the Army Aviation Corps that currently operates multiple types of helicopters for combat support, search and rescue and humanitarian operations.

According to the plans, the Army hopes that a few women officers would be selected for the flying branch and after one year of training they would be eligible for flying in operational missions.

The Indian Air Force has 10 women fighter pilots. In the Indian Navy, women pilots are flying the Dornier aircraft and also as observers onboard helicopters and P8I surveillance aircraft. Other than the 10 fighter pilots, the IAF has 111 women pilots who fly transport planes and choppers.

The Indian Army raised the Army Aviation Corps on November 1, 1986 and it comprises helicopters that fly in conflict and peace zones.

The Aviation Corps is critical for the Indian Army as it is pressed into action for the evacuation of injured troops during operations or health emergencies in high altitude areas.

Chennai Corporation Sacks 700 Sanitation Workers Without Notice

By
Jyoti B
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Over 700 sanitation workers who diligently extended their services throughout the pandemic were reportedly sacked in Tamil Nadu, by the Greater Chennai Corporation, without any notice period on Tuesday.

The move comes ahead of the most awaited festival Pongal. The state government drew flak from various quarters with enraged frontline workers holding protests, reported The News Minute.

Incidentally, the move comes a few months after the Chennai Corporation handed over the solid waste management in various zones to private players. The solid waste management at zones such as Adyar, Teynampet, Kodambakkam, Alandur, Valasaravakkam, Sholinganallur and Perungudi will be handled by private companies.

Speaking to the media, many of the workers said that they had been working for 10 to 12 years with the civic body. Others pointed out that they had even contracted COVID-19 on the job, but came back to work immediately after recovery.

DMK senior leader and MP Kanimozhi on social media said, “Covid warriors are celebrated across the state but the EPS government has decided to terminate the services of 700 sanitary workers in Chennai.”

“Firing them without even a notice period, especially when unemployment is rife, is cruel given we depended on them during the pandemic,” said Kanimozhi further taking a jibe at the state government, “This is the gratitude they get, specifically on the eve of Pongal,” she added.

Indian players back on field for practice session amid injury scare

By
Harshit
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India vs Australia, Gabba Test,

Jasprit Bumrah is still with the Indian team for the training session. Yesterday, an official statement of BCCI has stated that Bumrah is out of the final Test but a source if BCCI has said that he will play even if he is 50 percent fit. The series stands level at 1-1 with the decisive match will be played from Friday.

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Captain Ajinkya Rahane and others were seen with their training kit at Gabba.

The Cricket Board of India (BCCI) posted the practice shots on their Twitter handle, ‘Time to reunite after showing great spirit in Sydney. We have started our preparations for the final test in Gaba,” BCCI tweeted.

Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav was seen bowling in the net for long. It is expected that he can be selected for the match, as all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin will not play due to injuries.

Hanuma hits back at BJP leader by correcting the spelling of his name

By
Harshit
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Hanuman Vihari, India vs Australia,

The third Test played in Sydney was between India and Australia. Injured Hanuma Vihari was the biggest contributor to the Sydney Test draw. Battling the hamstring injury, Hanuma Vihari hit the Australian bowlers with an unbeaten 23-run innings in 161 balls.

After this innings, where Hanuma Vihari’s innings was praised everywhere, BJP leader Babul Supriyo strongly criticized Hanuma Vihari for playing more balls. Now Hanuma Vihari has hit back at the BJP leader. He has written his name while replying on Babul Supriyo’s tweet.

“Playing 109 balls to score 7 !That is atrocious to say the least•Hanuma Bihari has not only killed any Chance for India to achieve a historic win but has also murdered Cricket.. not keeping win an option, even if remotely, is criminal.
PS: I know that I know nothing abt cricket,” Babul writes on his twitter.

Hanuma replied to his tweet and corrected the spelling of his name.

Australian coach Justin Langer blames IPL for injury concerns

By
Harshit
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Justin Langer, India vs Australia,
Justin Langer, India vs Australia,

Australian coach Justin Langer has questioned the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the continuous injury in the international cricket. He said that the league also contributed to the injuries of so many cricketers from India and Australia.

The IPL was played in the UAE between September and November amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Many players from India have been injured since the IPL and Australia’s team is also struggling with fitness problems.

“It’s really interesting how many injuries there have been throughout this summer,” said Langer.

“We suffered through it during the white-ball series and (India) through the Test series. “We’ll review this, but I can’t help think that the IPL this year probably wasn’t ideal timing for anyone, certainly for such a big series like this.”

Langer said in a virtual press conference, “The list of injuries this season is long. I think the timing of IPL 2020 was not right. Especially not before such a big series.”

The fourth Test of the series will start in Brisbane from 15 January, and currently the series is stands at 1-1.

Farm Protest- Are four members from committee elected by SC is already supporting three farm law?

By
Neha Kumari
-

The Supreme Court has constituted a committee, consisting of four members, to resolve the dispute between the farmers’ organizations and the central government, withholding the new agricultural laws till further orders. These four members are supporters of the new agricultural laws of the central government.

One of them is Anil Ghanwant, who is the president of the centenary organization. He is a strong supporter of agricultural reforms brought by the Narendra Modi-led central government.

The other member of the committee is Bhupinder Singh Mann. Bhupinder Singh Mann, a former Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab and national president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (MAN), had written a letter to PM Narendra Modi in September last year suggesting amendments in agricultural laws to address farmers’ concerns.

In its order, the SC said, ‘The committee will listen to the grievances of the farmers related to agricultural laws and will also know the views of the government and give its recommendations.’ According to the Supreme Court, this committee will be part of the judicial process. The committee will tell which provisions should be removed, then it will deal with the laws. We want that a knowledgeable person (committee) should meet the farmers and debate according to the point where the problem lies.

“Farmers will have to be assured about MSP and APMC that they will stay. He said, “First the farmers will have to listen, if they have any misunderstanding then they will remove it. Farmers will have to be assured that MSP and APMC will remain. Whatever happens will be in the interest of the farmers of the entire country. “
Anil Ghanwat, member of the committee formed by the Supreme Court

A member of the Supreme Court committee said, “We cannot start the work till the Supreme Court guidelines come to us. After the guidelines come, we will meet all the farmer leaders and know what they want. And how can that be done. “

Farmer leaders have raised questions on this four-member committee of the Supreme Court and have described them as supporters of the laws. Farmer leader Dr. Darshan Pal said that all these people have been writing articles in support of agricultural laws for the last several days. Farmer leaders also said that the members of the committee have been trying unsuccessfully to create an atmosphere in favor of these laws for the last several months. It is a matter of regret that no fair person has been kept in this committee created to help in the Supreme Court of the country. Apart from the farmers, the Congress has also raised questions about the members of the committee.

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