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Madam Chief Minister trailer: Social media users questions for not casting Dalit actor

By
Jyoti B
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The trailer of Richa Chadha’s much-talked-about film Madam Chief Minister is out now.

The trailer of the movie takes the viewers on a journey of an empowering politician (essayed by Richa) from her humble beginnings to rise in the world of politics.

The clip promises a powerful performance by Richa, hard-hitting dialogues, drama, and an engaging story.

The film’s cast also comprises of Saurabh Shukla, Manav Kaul and Akshaye Oberoi. It is directed by Subhash Kapoor of Phas Gaye Re Obama, Jolly LLB and Jolly LLB 2. Produced by T-Series, the film will be out on January 22.

Madam Chief Minister was shot in Lucknow in a 40-day start-to-finish schedule in 2019. In a press note, the makers had revealed that Subhash Kapoor chose Richa for the role because the actor is an “articulate, politically and socially aware actor”.

Richa had said in a statement last year, “Happy to announce that our labour of love Madam Chief Minister has been announced. My toughest part yet, am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with particularly witty Subhash Sir and with the splendid cast Manav, Akshay Oberoi and Saurabh Shukla.”

Richa Chadha has shared the poster of Madam Chief Minister on January 4, which faced backlash on social media due to its stereotypical representation of a Dalit woman.

The first poster for the film shows Richa Chadha with a broom in her hand, and the text on the poster reads, “Untouchable, Unstoppable.”

Many social media users also asked why a Dalit actor wasn’t cast for the lead role. “Any reason why a person from the effected background has not been casted? It’s exactly how straight men are taken for Gay roles and they turn that into a slapstick fest. Disappointing,” wrote one Twitter user.

There were strong reactions against it – conflating the “untouchable” caste with  the iconography of the broom and dirt, or even the use of the word “untouchable”, considered dated and loaded with the offensive history of upper caste people creating and propagating labels for the lower castes.

Many also noted that while using the instantly recognizable haircut of Mayawati, the first female Dalit chief minister, it axed her education, preferring to use the above mentioned iconography to make the easier, more sensational association with dalits.

David Warner set to play SCG Test, says Captain Paine

By
Harshit
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Australian veteran opener David Warner is set to play the third Test against India at Sydney Cricket Ground confirms Australian captain Tim Paine.

“Obviously with David (Warner) playing and potentially more, there are some conversations that need to be had first. Davey’s been awesome, he brings high intensity and fills guys around him with confidence,” Paine told the media on Wednesday morning as quoted saying by IANS.

“If he gets in and gets away, he puts the pressure back on the opposition better than most particularly the opening batsmen. Regardless of who we are playing against, we are a better team by a margin when David Warner is in it by the runs he scores. He protects our middle-order. We have Marnus (Labuschagne), Steve (Smith) coming in when the bowlers are a bit tired then obviously it is a huge advantage for us. David has got a huge role for us and he has played well throughout his career,” he added.

Warner has been left out of the first two Test matches because of a groin injury that he faced in the preceding ODI series played in November.

“He’s a player that you love having on your side. He’s always got plenty to say, really energetic, very professional and I’ve always loved playing,” said Paine.

“He’s a player in this team guys love to have in the side, so he’s made an instant impact with that energy and intensity that he brings,” he added.

The 36-year-old Australian captain has also said that David Warner will bring a lot of energy to the side and give a perfect balance at the opening slot.

Govt. Sets up Control Room As Thousands of Birds Die Across States

By
Jyoti B
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After confirmation of bird flu in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has set up a control room in New Delhi to take stock on a daily basis of preventive and control measures undertaken by the states, the Centre said on Wednesday, 6 January.

Bird flu or avian flu viruses can infect domestic poultry and several other bird and animal species.

The Punjab animal husbandry department has directed its district-level officials to start surveillance of commercial poultry farms and lakes/wetlands to check unusual sickness and deaths among birds and collect samples for testing.

Over 50 birds including crows and pigeons have died in Baran district of Rajasthan and samples of the birds have been sent to a lab in Bhopal for the test, Baran Additional DM Mohammed Abubakr said on Tuesday.

In Himachal Pradesh as well, 119 samples of poultry have been sent to a lab in Jalandhar for the test. Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Minister Virender Kanwar said, “We are collecting poultry samples from different parts of the state.”

Himachal Pradesh Forest Minister Rakesh Pathania added that as many as 2,403 birds have died so far in the state. “We expect that this number will grow. We are on high alert and monitoring the situation very carefully,” he said.

After at least 12,000 ducks died in the last few days in Kerala, neighbouring states-Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are also on alert.

In Kerala, nearly 36,000 birds are likely to be culled after the H5N8 strain of Avian Influenza was confirmed in Alappuzha and Kottayam. The state has set up control rooms and Quick Response Teams (QRTs) in the two districts.

To prevent disease transmission from affected birds to poultry and humans, the ministry has asked states to follow the general prevention guidelines.

“Coordination with the forest department for reporting any unusual mortality of birds was also suggested to the States. The other states were also requested to keep a vigil on any unusual mortality amongst birds and to report immediately to take necessary measures,” the ministry said in a statement.

No charges in police shooting of African American Jacob Blake in Wisconsin

By
Jyoti B
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No police officer will face charges over the shooting of African American Jacob Blake in August in Kenosha, Wisconsin, which sparked several days of violent protests in the U.S.

Blake, 29, was left paralyzed, without the use of his legs, after being shot several times in the back as he tried to get into a car where his three children were sitting.

The other two police officers at the scene — Brittany Meronek and Vincent Arenas — also will not face charges, according to Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley.

Graveley said Tuesday he “would have to disprove the clear expression of these officers that they had to fire a weapon to defend themselves.”

“I do not believe the state … would be able to prove that the privilege of self-defense is not available,” added Graveley, who said he had informed Blake of the decision not to file charges.

Kenosha, a city of 100,000 people between Milwaukee and Chicago, had braced for the decision, and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers authorized the Wisconsin National Guard to support local law enforcement.

Protests broke out last summer in response to viral cellphone video that showed Blake walking around the front of his car with Sheskey following and opening fire after Blake opened the door.

But investigators said the video was incomplete, failing to reveal that Blake was armed with a knife and that he had resisted arrest when police tried to detain him on a felony arrest warrant.

Good news for central employees, under 7th Pay Commission govt hopeful for DA hike

By
Neha Kumari
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The new year has brought a big gift for the central employees. It is believed that from January 2021, the central government may increase the Dearness Allowance or DA by 5 percent. This increase is expected to be in DA as per the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Commission. Central government employees should note that in March 2020, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister had approved the release of an additional installment of Dearness Relief to them and pensioners from January 2020. There will be a 5 percent increase at the current rate of 17 percent of the basic salary / pension, to compensate for the price increase, the Finance Ministry previously reported.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar announced that the cabinet has approved a five percent increase in DA of employees. He said, ‘Diwali gift will be given to government employees.

The cabinet has approved a five percent increase in DA. 50 lakh government employees and 62 lakh pensioners will get the benefit. He told that this decision will cost the government about Rs 16000 crore. Right now DA has increased from 12 percent to 17 percent.
He also said that under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, the deadline for mandatory seeding of Aadhaar card has been increased to 30 November.

Notably, in March 2020, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had approved to release an additional instalment of DA to central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners with effect from January 1, 2020.

The finance ministry had then informed that there will be an increase of 5 per cent over the existing rate of 17 percent of the Basic Pay/Pension, to compensate for price rise.

Tim Paine advices Australian batsmen to use reverse sweep against Ashwin

By
Harshit
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Tim Paine, India vs Australia,

The third Test between India and Australia is set to start tomorrow at Sydney Cricket Ground.

The Australian team is at the back of the table after suffering defeat in the Melbourne Test. Off-Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin picked 10 wickets in the first two games even there was very little help for the spinner in both the pitches.

Australian batsmen have struggled to play against Ashwin and with the inclusion of Ravindra in the previous match the Indian spinners are at the top of the game.

“We have just spoken about the mindset. We have actually got some decent plans. It is just a matter of going out and having the courage to execute them. So if you are the guy who wants to execute them and hit over the top or if you are the guy who wants to sweep and reverse sweep the spinners when they are bowling then we have been just encouraging guys to do that,” said Australia skipper Tim Paine on the eve of the third Test match.

Captain Tim Paine in his media brief has stated that they have a plan against Ashwin and Jadeja and this time they will be aggressive when it comes to the approach against the Indian spinners.

“Taking the game on and play the way you want to play (has been our advice to batsmen). I think at times we have just let them dictate to us a little bit, let them build pressure, and then with pressure, you lose wickets at times. So it is about being really clear on your plans and about having the courage to execute it and do it your way,” said the Australia captain.

The four-match Test series is leveled by 1-1 after India won the boxing day Test match with the heroics of Ajinkya Rahane.

Manchester City legend Colin Bill passes away

By
Harshit
-

Manchester City legend Colin Bell passed away at the age of 74 after a short illness. The veteran footballer was regarded as one of the finest players for the City and scored 153 goals in his 501 appearances.

His 13-year long journey was inspirational and he achieved a lot in his career.

He was also capped 48 times by England and his appearances would been much more if he haven’t suffered knee injury in 1975.

“Colin Bell will always be remembered as one of Manchester City’s greatest players and the very sad news today of his passing will affect everybody connected to our club,” said Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak while giving tribute to city’s veteran.

“I am fortunate to be able to speak regularly to his former manager and teammates, and it’s clear to me that Colin was a player held in the highest regard by all those who had the privilege of playing alongside him or seeing him play. The passage of time does little to erase the memories of his genius. The fact that we have a stand at the Etihad Stadium named after Colin speaks volumes about the importance of his contribution to this club,” he added.

Top ISRO scientist Tapan Misra claims he was poisoned three years ago

By
Jyoti B
-

A top ISRO scientist on Tuesday claimed he was poisoned more than three years ago.

Tapan Misra alleged he was poisoned with deadly arsenic trioxide on May 23, 2017, during a promotion interview at ISRO headquarters here.

“Fatal dose was probably mixed” with chutney along with dosa, in snacks after lunch, he said through a Facebook post.

At present Misra is working as Senior Advisor at ISRO and is superannuating at the end of this month. In the past, Misra had served as Director of Ahmedabad-based Space Application Centre of Isro.

Tapan Misra made the claims of being positioned three years ago in a Facebook post titled ‘Long Kept Secret’.

In a Facebook post Misra further claimed that in July 2017, Home Affairs security personnelmet him and alerted him of arsenic poisoning and helped doctors to focus on exact remedy.

Mr Misra claimed he later suffered from health issues including severe breathing difficulty, unusual skin eruptions, skin shedding and fungal infections.

He also posted the medical report on the social media platform to claim he has been diagnosed with Arsenic toxication by the AIIMS, New Delhi.

“The motive appears to be espionage attack…to remove a scientist with critical contribution of very large military and commercial significance, like expertise in building Synthetic Aperture Radar,” he alleged.

Talking to PTI, Mr Misra said, “I want the Government of India to investigate it (the incidents).”

There was no immediate response from ISRO on Mr Misra’s claims.

Kapil Dev celebrates his 62nd Birthday

By
Harshit
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Kapil Dev, Kapil Dev Birthday, Happy Birthday Kapil Dev,

Legendary Indian batsman Kapil Dev is celebrating his 62nd birthday. The legendary Indian all-around has been the man for India for over 15 years in his career.

Kapil Dev was the captain of the Indian team in the 1983 World Cup when the Indian team lifted their first-ever World Cup. He performed both as a captain and player in that tournament. It was the match against Zimbabwe when the team lost their top 5 wickets early then the all-rounder came to bat at Number 7 for the team and scored an unbeaten 175 runs which was a record for the Indian team over the years.

Kapil was also the first bowler to pick more than 200 ODI wickets and was one of the most restrictive bowlers in the history of the game.

Meanwhile, Kapil Dev is the only Indian bowler to take 400 wickets in Test cricket. He has scored more than 5000 runs as well in Test cricket.

On his birthday players from all-around, the world extended their warm wishes to the former Indian captain.

https://twitter.com/SDhawan25/status/1346678698997551104?s=20

Four held for waving saffron flags at Taj Mahal complex 

By
Jyoti B
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On Monday, the police arrested four members of a Hindutva group after a video of them waving a flag on the premises of the Taj Mahal in Agra went viral, according to several media reports.

Tajganj police station Inspector Umesh Chandra Tripathi said three people waved flags at the Taj Mahal complex led by a man Gaurav Thakur, who is said to the local head of a right-wing outfit.

“Since it’s a security breach, we have sought a report from the CISF in the next two to three days to understand what happened,” Vasant Swarnkar, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI (Agra Circle), told PTI.

As part of the security protocol, all visitors to the ASI monument are checked using metal-detectors, they cannot carry posters or any writing material. However, the use of selfie-sticks is not banned.

Happy birthday to King of voice – A R Rahman

By
Neha Kumari
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Birthday Special – There is a magic in A R Rahman music that gets down to the soul of the hearer. A R Rahman whose full name is Allah Rakha Rahman was born on 6 January 1966 in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. Rahman turns 51 this year.

Rahman got a big break of his career in 1992 with the film ‘Roja’. Since then he has given great music for hundreds of films like ‘Rangeela’, ‘Taal’, ‘Dil Se’, ‘Jodha Akbar’ ‘Rang De Basanti’ and ‘Rockstar’.

Rahman is also among the Oscar-winning nominees from India- AR for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ Rahman has received two Oscars, Best Music and Best Song (jointly) for ‘Jai Ho’ in the year 2008 itself.

Rahman, who has been honored with world prestigious awards like Oscar, Golden Globe, has millions of fans worldwide. On this a few days ago, Rahman said, “My music is like a seed, you can’t guess it just by looking at the tree, for that you have to take it inside.” I am glad that people feel this from the heart. Music fills us with positivity and if someone gets positive from my music, then it is a good thing. To get the benefit of music, you have to listen to it from the heart. “

AR Rahman did not like his name. Due to which he thought about changing his name many times. At the same time, he named his name AR Rahman at the behest of an astrologer. AR Rahman first appeared in Doordarshan’s drama Wonder Balloon in 1980. Where he became famous as a boy who could play four keyboards simultaneously. At that time AR Rahman was only 13 years old.

Happy birthday to Diljit Dosanjh whose music’s rule the Punjab singing industry

By
Neha Kumari
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Diljit Dosanjh Birthday: Today is the birthday of actor, singer and television presenter, who has made a different identity in the world of entertainment industry.

Born on 6 January 1984 in a Sikh family in Jalandhar, Punjab, Diljit has turned 37 today. The characters played by him in superhit films like block 1 and 2 of the blockbuster Punjabi film ‘Jat and Juliet’, ‘Punjab 1984’, ‘Jin Mera Dil Luteya’, ‘Disco Singh’ have been liked by the people. Even on social issues, Diljit is able to express his opinion.

Diljit was fond of singing since childhood and used to perform Gurbani Kirtan at the gurudwara. Gradually, Diljit Dosanjh’s talent was recognized and he entered the Punjabi music industry. After this he also made an entry in Hindi films. Diljit first appeared in the Udta Punjab film opposite Kareena Kapoor.

During school days, Diljit was very fond of singing. He started giving stage performance in school. Kirtans were also performed in local gurdwaras. In the year 2003, Diljit’s debut album Ishq Da Uda Aada was released. The album was released in partnership with Fineton Cassettes and T Series. Rajinder Singh helped Diljit the most in removing this album.

This was followed by two more albums. Now Diljit started getting some recognition. Diljit’s third album ‘Smile’ made him the star singer of the Punjabi film industry. The song ‘Nachdiyan Alda Quariyan’ became a big hit. Whether the wedding was in Punjab or Diljit’s song in Delhi, it made him the king of DJs.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has congratulated Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh on his birthday. CM wrote, “Many congratulations to Diljit on his birthday. Waheguru ji bless you a long, healthy and happy life. ”At the same time, users are commenting a lot on this tweet of CM.

Ganguly to stay in hospital for today, set to be discharge tomorrow

By
Harshit
-

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly decides to stay back in the hospital for today and leave for home tomorrow.

Earlier he was set to be discharged from the hospital today. The former Indian captain underwent angioplasty after he suffered a minor heart attack on Saturday.

There were wishes all-around from the political spectrum to the cricketing world wishing the BCCI veteran a speedy recovery.

According to the latest developments the hospital authority has said that Sourav Ganguly is fit to leave.

It was Sourav and his family’s call to stay in the hospital for another day.

‘I’d like all Indian women to be as empowered as you’: Shashi Tharoor on Kangana’s contradiction

By
Shivani Negi
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Congress leader and author Shashi Tharoor in a repsonse to Kangana Ranaut, who had earlier opposed his idea of homemaking to be made a paid profession, said that he would want all Indian women to be as empowered as her.

Earlier, Kagnana had vehemently rejected his idea of reognising housework as a salaried profession, saying ‘don’t put a price tag on sex we have with our love’.

In response, Tharoor tweeted, “I agree w/ @KanganaTeam that there are so many things in a homemaker’s life that are beyond price. But this is not about those things: it’s about recognising the value of unpaid work & also ensuring a basic income to every woman. I’d like all Indian women to be as empowered as you!”

In his original tweet, Tharoor had echoed the words of actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan who had first projected the idea that household work needs to be recognised as a paid profession.

 “This will recognise & monetise the services of women homemakers in society, enhance their power& autonomy & create near-universal basic income,” he had said.

While responding to the politician, Kangana had said that we(women) don’t need salary for being the Queens of our own little kingdom.

Bharat Biotech, SII release a joint statement pledging smooth roll out of vaccine in India

By
Shivani Negi
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Vaccine makers Serum Institute of India(SII) and Bharat Biotech, both of which have been granted emergency use auhtorisation(EUA) by the DCGI to roll out their vaccines against coronavirus, on Tuesday made a joint statement, pledging a smooth roll-out of vaccination drive in the country.

In a join statement, the two companies said, “Both companies respect the great work being carried out by each other and put behind us the miscommunication and misunderstanding caused during the past week. We are fully aware of the importance of vaccines for people and countries alike, we hereby communicate our joint pledge to provide global access for our Covid-19 vaccines.”

“Now that two Covid-19 vaccines have been issued EUA (emergency use authorization) in India, the focus is on manufacturing, supply and distribution, such that populations that need it the most receive high quality, safe and efficacious vaccines. Both our Companies are fully engaged in this activity and consider it our duty to the nation and the world at large to ensure a smooth rollout of vaccines. Each of our Companies continue their Covid-19 vaccines development activities as planned,” it added.

The development comes as a shock to many as a day before releasing the joint statement, the two firms were loggerheads with each other.

It started when Adar Poonwalla, CEO, Serum Institute of India, boasted that only three vaccines, including their Covishield, had passed all scientific evaluations and others, hinting Covaxin, were “safe like water”.

Bharat Biotech CEO Krishna Ella backfired at him on Tuesday and said their coronavirus vaccine, Covaxin, was “safe like water”, while adding that they will soon release the phase 3 analysis to silence the critics.

“I had to tell this because some other company has branded my product as ‘safe like water’. Some local company in press yesterday said that safety is like water of other companies. Only three companies have done efficacy, and other vaccine is like water. I want to deny that.” He said.

Bharat Biotech has been at the centre of criticism ever since it has been granted the regulatory approval due to unavailability of phase 3 results, which is necessary to approve a vaccine for emergency use.

Notably, Serum Institute of India, world’s largest vaccine maker by volume, has collaborated with AstraZeneca and Oxford University to develop their vaccine candidate in India while Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin is the one of three indigenous vaccines being developed in the country.

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