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Mehbooba Mufti As CM Spent Rs 82L In 6 Months

By
Jyoti B
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Mehbooba Mufti spent nearly Rs 82 lakh in six months from January to June 2018 on the refurbishment of her official residence in Srinagar’s Gupkar Road, when she was the Chief Minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The expenditure was all paid by the Government of India, reveals an RTI response.

The RTI application filed by Jammu and Kashmir based activist, Inam-un-Nabi Soudagar, reveals that between January -June 2018, Mufti spent nearly Rs 82 lakh.

It also shows that on March 28, 2018, Mehbooba Mufti spent Rs 28 lakh for purchasing carpets. The former J&K CM spent over Rs 25 lakh on various items, including LED TVs worth Rs 22 lakh, in June 2018 alone.

As per the RTI response dated September 1, 2020, there were expenses worth Rs 14 on January 30, 2017. The items purchased included a garden umbrella worth Rs 2,94,314.

Bed sheets worth Rs 11,62,000 were bought on February 22, 2018. In March 2018, Mufti spent around Rs 25 lakh on furniture and Rs 28 lakh on carpets.

The details come after the successful completion of recently held District Development Council elections in the union territory, which Mehbooba Mufti’s party Peoples Democratic Party had vowed to abandon until Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was restored.

However, Mufti’s party did contest the elections in which it managed to get only 27 out of 280 District Development Council seats.

Sourav Ganguly to continue as the face of Adani Wilmar

By
Shivani Negi
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Adami Wilmar, who recently halted the advertisement campaign of its Fortune rice bran cooking oil, on Tuesday said that they will continue to work with BCCI chief and former India Cricket Team captain Sourav Ganguly.

“We wish our dearest Dada, Sourav Ganguly, a speedy recovery and he will continue to be our brand ambassador. This a very unfortunate incident and can happen with anyone. We have only taken a temporary break in our TV commercial till we again sit with him and take things forward,” Angshu Mallick, deputy chief executive of Adani Wilmar said.

Sourav Ganguly suffered a mild heart attack on Saturday and was rushed to Woodlands hospital in Kolkata where he underwent angioplasty. According to the bulleting released by the hospital, the cricketer is now stable and will be discharged on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, The company also wished the cricketer a speedy recovery while adding that as a sportsperson he has always taken great efforts to stay fit and healthy.

“Saurav Ganguly became our brand ambassador endorsing our fortune ricebran oil. The ricebran oil is not a medicine but only a cooking oil. There are several factors which affect heart ailments including dietary and hereditary issues,” Mallick said.

The company had announced halting the advertisement on Tuesday morning after the brand received heavy trolling on social media sites.

South Korean-flagged tanker seized by Iran

By
Jyoti B
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Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps seized a South Korean-flagged tanker in Gulf waters and detained its crew, Iranian media said on Monday.

The incident comes with tensions on the rise in the region coinciding with the anniversary of the U.S. drone strike that killed IRGC Major General Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad last year. 

That attack later saw Iran retaliate by launching a ballistic-missile strike, injuring dozens of U.S. troops in Iraq.

Tehran also admitted that it accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet that night, killing all 176 people on board. 

South Korea says it will dispatch a government delegation to Iran “at the earliest possible date” to try secure the release of a tanker seized by Iran amid tensions over Iranian funds frozen in Seoul because of U.S. sanctions.

A Foreign Ministry spokesman made the announcement on January 5, a day after the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) seized the South Korean-flagged MT Hankuk Chemi and detained its crew of 20 near the strategic Strait of Hormuz over pollution violations — an allegation rejected by the ship’s operator.

PM Modi inaugurates 450-km Kochi-Mangaluru natural gas pipeline

By
Jyoti B
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that as part of efforts to making India a natural gas-based economy, 10,000 more CNG (compressed natural gas) stations would be opened and several lakh PNG (piped natural gas) household connections given in the coming days.

The prime minister termed this day as an important milestone for both the people of Kerala and Karnataka as the two states are being connected by a natural gas pipeline.

“It is an honour to dedicate the 450-km pipeline to the nation. This is an important day for India, especially for people of Karnataka and Kerala,” PM Modi added.

Governors and Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Kerala, along with Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas were present at the event.

Speaking at the event, PM Modi said that in recent years, India has increased its speed, scale and scope of development and the country cannot develop slowly now.

“India is committed to achieve 15% share of natural gas from current 6%,” he said.

The Prime Minister further stated that the government’s focus is to increase the CNG stations to 10,000. Till 2014 there were only 25 lakh PNG connections. Today there are more than 72 lakh PNG connections.

Boris Johnson cancels his India visit on Republic Day to oversee covid response in UK

By
Shivani Negi
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United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday cancelled his plan to visit India this month over the recently induced lockdown in England in the wake of new coronavirus variants discovered in the region and South Africa. For the uninformed, Johnson was invited as the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations on January 26 and he had accepted the invitation last month.

“The prime minister spoke to Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi this morning, to express his regret that he will be unable to visit India later this month as planned,” read a statement from his Downing Street office.

The spokesperson further said that in the light of the national lockdown announced last night and the speed at which the new coronavirus variant is spreading, the Prime Minister said that it was important for him to remain in UK so that he can focus on the domestic response to the virus.

“The leaders underlined their shared commitment to the bilateral relationship, and to continuing to build on the close collaboration between our countries – including in response to the pandemic,” he added.

“The Prime Minister said that he hopes to be able to visit India in the first half of 2021, and ahead of the UK’s G7 Summit that Prime Minister Modi is due to attend as a guest.”

In a televised statement, the UK PM on Monday late night announced a nationwide lockdown, citing that the new coronavirus variants are spreading at alarming rate.

Kangana Ranaut opposes Kamal Haasan’s idea of recognising housework as a ‘salaried profession’

By
Shivani Negi
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Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut has rejected the idea projected by superstar Kamal Haasan that housework should be recognised as a salaried profession. Notably, Kamala Haasan’s words were also echoed by politician Shashi Tharoor who said this “will enhance their power and create near-universal basic income.”

“I welcome @ikamalhaasan’s idea of recognising housework as a salaried profession, w/the state govt paying a monthly wage to homemakers. This will recognise & monetise the services of women homemakers in society, enhance their power& autonomy & create near-universal basic income,” Shashi Tharoor said in his tweet.

Rejecting their idea, Kangana on Twitter wrote, “Don’t put a price tag on sex we have with our love, don’t pay us for mothering our own, we don’t need salary for being the Queens of our own little kingdom our home,stop seeing everything as business. Surrender to your woman she needs all of you not just your love/respect/salary.”

Further, addressing a user who said that it is about time that we recognized homemakers effort which is due for a long time, she said, “It will be worse to reduce a home owner to home employ, to give price tag to mothers sacrifices and life long unwavering commitment, it’s like you want to pau God for his creation, cause you suddenly pity him for his efforts. It’s partially painful and partially funny thought.”

“How can one compensate for the lack of love/respect for home makers by giving them money? What if the oppressor snatches it and becomes more overpowering? People who treat their mothers or wives like house maids need value system and conscience that’s why Dharma is the answer,” she wrote while replying to another user.

Meanwhile, on the professional front, Kangana is currently preparing for her upcoming film Dhaakad. She had also hosted a brunch for her Dhaakad team on New Year.

Justin Langer: Indian bowlers will not get any help from the pitch in SCG

By
Harshit
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India tour of Australia, India vs Australia, Justin Langer, Ajinkya Rahane, Sydney Test, IND vs AUS 3rd Test,
India tour of Australia, India vs Australia, Justin Langer, Ajinkya Rahane, Sydney Test, IND vs AUS 3rd Test,

Australian coach Justin Langer said that the Indian bowling has been at their strangth in the last couple of years but they might face some trouble in the next Test match against Australia which will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“India, their greatest strength over the last couple of series, has been their (bowling’s) discipline, they have been so disciplined,” said Langer in his media brief.

Langer said that the Kangaroos have revisited their strategies, especially against spin bowling. Off-Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has dismissed the batting havoc, Steven Smith, for two times till now in the series. Ashwin has also picked 10 wickets in the first two Test matches.

Australians have failed in reaching the mark of 200 in two of the three innings they batted so far in the series. They also faced criticism all-round with ex-captain Ricky Ponting on the top of the criticizers list.

“Any time you are not looking at over 200, you are looking at ways to improve. I think we’ve got to look at our strategies against Indian spinners. Ashwin is bowling very well. We have worked very hard on that in the last week or so. Obviously (Jasprit) Bumrah is a world-class bowler. (Mohammed) Siraj is a very, very skillful bowler. I thought he bowled very well in his first Test and debut,” said Langer.

“I think if you look at the last two Test matches, they have been reasonably low scoring games. I loved the last two Tests because the wickets have provided even contest between bat and ball. And you have to work a bit harder. I think there is the factor of wickets we have played on. There has certainly been some seam movement, there has been swing on those two wickets,” Langer said.

“India have taken a straighter line to a couple of batters and set the fields accordingly. Let us not discount R Ashwin. He has played a lot of cricket. They, Bumrah and Ashwin are great bowlers and tough to score against. Credit to India, the way they have planned and been disciplined,” he added.

The Indian team has won 3 matches out of the last 6 they played on Australian soil. The four-match series is at 1-1 and the third Test will start from January 7 in Melbourne.

Ganguly set to discharge from the hospital tomorrow

By
Harshit
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Sourav Ganguly, BCCI, Sourav Ganguly hospital, Ganguly to discharge from hospital,
Sourav Ganguly, BCCI, Sourav Ganguly hospital, Ganguly to discharge from hospital,

It’s been more than 3 days since the former Indian captain and current BCCI president was admitted to the hospital after suffering a mild heart attack. The hospital officials have stated that his condition was stable after the angioplasty surgery and the former Indian captain will be fine in the coming days.

According to the latest development the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow.

“Sourav Ganguly is fit and he can get back to normal life as it was. He can be discharged tomorrow,” cardiac surgeon Dr. Shetty said.

A medical team of nine-member was formed at Kolkata’s Woodlands Hospital to take after Ganguly’s health after his angioplasty surgery. The BCCI veteran will return from the hospital and will take back the responsibilities soon.

20 new cases if UK COVID strain in India, cases stands at 58

By
Harshit
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UK COVID, COVID-19, UK COVID strain cases in India, COVID India,
UK COVID, COVID-19, UK COVID strain cases in India, COVID India,

With more than 20 new cases of UK COVID strain, the threat of the virus is surging to a new zone in the country.

The Central government has put a halt to all the flights from the United Kingdom since December 23 and the ban set to end tomorrow. The new COVID strain is 70 percent more dangerous and communicable.

“The total number of cases infected with the new strain of the novel Coronavirus first reported in the UK now stands at 58,” said the Union Health Ministry.

The nation’s overall COVID tally has also surged to more than 1 crore and 3 lakhs and it’s decreasing day-by-day. Meanwhile, the test is also being done at a lower pace now and it’s near the mark of 1 crore.

Supreme Court gives clearance to the Central Vistas project

By
Harshit
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Central Vistas, Central Vistas Project, Supreme Court on Central Vistas, SC, Central Vistas verdict,
Central Vistas, Central Vistas Project, Supreme Court on Central Vistas, SC, Central Vistas verdict,

The Supreme Court has stated the verdict for the Central government’s rework on Central Vistas in New Delhi and gave clearance to the project to continue. A batch of petitions in the apex court had questioned few speculations made by the Central government, which also included the environmental clearance.

“We hold that the exercise of the Central government under the DDA Act is legal and valid, and the impugned notification stands confirmed. Recommendation by the Environmental Committee is just and legal and uphold the same,” said Justice A.M. Khanwilkar.

What is Central Vistas Project?

The Central Vista redevelopment was announced in the month of September 2019 by the Central government, which encisages a new traingular parliament aura and set to be completed by August 2022.

The ruling BJP government has announced that on the occasion of 75th Independence day the country will get it’s new parliament. 15 August 2022 will mark the 75 years of India’s Independence.

The project covers the 3-km stretch from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate in Delhi.

West Bengal Didi birthday – know about CM Mamata Banerjee

By
Neha Kumari
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Today is the birthday of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Mamata Banerjee was born on 5 January 1955 in Kolkata and she is 66 years old. Mamata Banerjee, who has been ruling West Bengal since the year 2011, is the first woman Chief Minister of West Bengal and the rule she established over Bengal by overthrowing the Left parties is an example.

Mamata’s supporters, be it close or anti-polar, all call her as didi. Mamata Banerjee has the distinction of becoming the first woman railway minister in the country. Not only this, she has been Minister of State for Coal, Human Resource Development, Youth Affairs and Khes as well as Minister of Women and Child Development in the Central Government. Mamata Banerjee’s fame was further heightened when Mamata Banerjee had eliminated the West Bengal-based leftist party in 2011.

At the age of just 17, Mamata lost her father. The responsibility of the family was also on Mamata’s shoulders. She nurtured his siblings by selling milk. Mamata Banerjee holds a Bachelor of Law and a Master of Arts from Calcutta University.

Mamata has been active in politics ever since she was in school. She first joined the Congress party in Bengal and worked in many big positions in it. She first became a member of the Lok Sabha in 1984. She defeated Somnath Chatterjee in Jadavpur Lok Sabha seat in this election. In 1996, 1999, 2004 and 2009, Mamata was elected Lok Sabha MP from South Kolkata seat. In 1997, Mamata formed the All India Trinamool Congress in Kolkata due to differences with the Congress.

Mamata is always far away from the flare-ups seen in cotton saris and aerial slippers. She still uses an old car after becoming chief minister. Mamata is fond of painting, singing and writing poetry.

Williamson hit his fourth double hundred, Kiwis in strong position against Pakistan

By
Harshit
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Kane Williamson, New Zealand vs Pakistan, Pakistan tour of New Zealand, Sports, Sports news,

New Zealand declared their first innings at 659 for 6 wickets and achieved a strong lead of 362 runs in the second Test match against Pakistan. Captain Kane Williamson hit a fourth double century, while Henry Nicholls and Darrell Mitchell scored centuries. Pakistan have scored 8 runs in their second innings and have lost the wicket of opener Shaan Masood (0).

The 30-year-old Williamson played a brilliant innings of 238 runs, for which he faced 364 balls. He hit 28 fours during this innings. Wilson added 369 runs for the fourth wicket with Henry Nicholls (157), a new record for New Zealand. This is the third largest partnership for any wicket for New Zealand.

Mohammad Abbas broke the partnership by dismissing Nicholls, after which Williamson added 133 runs for the sixth wicket with Darrell Mitchell (102 not out). Williamson’s innings came to an end just before tea when Shahe Masood, his loose shot on Faheem Ashraf, was converted into a catch. Nichols played 291 balls in his innings and hit 18 fours and a six.

Happy birthday to Manish Sisodia who changed Delhi education system

By
Neha Kumari
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Happy birthday from DNP India to Manish Sisodia who reformed capital education system.

Manish Sisodia was born on 5 January 1972 in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Currently, he is a member of the Aam Aadmi Party and Deputy Chief Minister in Delhi. Sisodia has previously worked in Zee News and All India Radio.

As a journalist, Manish Sisodia has worked for Zee News and All India Radio. At the same time, he has worked as a volunteer in an NGO called Parivartan. Apart from this, he has also played a role in Anna Hazare’s ‘India Against Corruption’ movements in 2011. He also became a member of the Political Relations Committee of the Aam Aadmi Party and was elected as a member of the Legislative Assembly in the December 2013 Delhi Assembly elections.

In year 2012 Manish Sisodia along with his old friend Arvind Kejriwal ( CM of Delhi) formed the political party – Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

It was Manish Sisodia’s idea to implement the Right to Information (RTI) Act across the country. He set up an NGO, Kabir, in Delhi to make people aware of the Right to Information Act.

Also in year 2011 Sisodia played an important role in Anna Hazare’s movement against corruption.

In 2006 with Kejriwal and Abhinandan Sekhari, Sisodia founded the Public Cause Research Foundation in 2006.
1997

Sisodia then worked as a news producer and news reader at Zee News till 2005.

  1. He also hosted a program called “Zero Hour” for All India Radio.

Manish Sisodia Achievements –

In 2016 he was listed among the 100 most influential Indians 2016 by The Indian Express.

In year 2017, Sisodia was awarded the “Finest Education Minister” award.

And in 2019 he was nominated for award the Champions of Change Award for his exceptional work in education sector in Delhi

Sisodia decided to bring in radical reforms for public education system when AAP came in power.

In 2015 the very first decision he took as finance finance minister was to double the funding for the public education program.

As a result Delhi’s education system has seen many positive changes. Since 2016, Delhi government schools have performed better than the private schools in 12th board examinations.

He has also written a book name ” Shiksha – A journey “.

The book briefs his experience as an education minister in transforming the public education system in the national capital.

Sisodia Political events summary –

2015 –

Manish Sisodia won the election from Pratapganj and took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi for the first time on 14 February.

2013-

Sisodia defeated Nakul Bhardwaj of the Bharatiya Janata Party and became an MLA in the Delhi Assembly elections.

2012-

Manish Sisodia along with his old friend Arvind Kejriwal formed the political party – Aam Aadmi Party.

Bharat Biotech CEO hits at critics; says we are a global company

By
Shivani Negi
-

Bharat Biotech’s covaxin has been approved by the Drug Controller General of India on Sunday and the company has been receiving backlash ever since then. The reason of criticism is that the company has not presented the data of third phase trial and has already been approved for emergency use. Meanwhilem, Bharat Biotech Chairman Krishna Ella said on Monday that the company does not deserve the backlash it is receiving.

“Don’t accuse us of inexperience. We are a global company… have manufactured 16 vaccines,” he said, adding that “200 per cent honest” clinical trials were conducted.

Elle said that company conducts clinical trials across the world and not only in India. Notably, Covaxin has been given emergency apporval just after two of the three mandatory trials required for approving a vaccine.

Meanwhile, Elle had said that Bharat Biotech was the only company to have a Bio Safety Level 3 (BSL- 3) production facility.

“We do 200 per cent honest clinical trials and yet we receive a backlash. If I am wrong, tell me. Some companies have branded me ‘water’. I want to deny that. We are scientists,” he said.

Addressing claims that Bharat Biotech has not been transparent in their process of developing the vaccine, he said, “Many people say that I am not transparent in my data. I think people should have patience to read on the internet and how many articles published.”

“We’re not water like and backup vaccine,” he said while marking that the Central Drugs Standard Control Orgnaisations, 2019, clearly states that “if yours is a proven platform technology, and good pre-clinical trial data is available then you can get the emergency license for the product.”

Tricolour installed at UNSC as India begins tenure as non permanent-member 

By
Jyoti B
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India’s flag is now installed at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) stakeout as the country began its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN body.

Flags of the five new incoming non-permanent members installed at the stakeout during a special ceremony on January 4, the first official working day of 2021.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador T S Tirumurti installed the tricolour and made a brief remarks at the ceremony.

The flag installation ceremony was started by Kazakhstan in 2018.

Along with India, the incoming UNSC members are Norway, Kenya, Ireland and Mexico. They  joined non-permanent members Estonia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam and the five permanent members China, France, Russia, the UK and the US.

India will be the UNSC President in August 2021 and will preside over the Council again for a month in 2022. The presidency of the Council is held by each of the members in turn for one month, following the English alphabetical order of the member states names.

On December 30, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had shared glimpses from the past when India took part in the conferences. Terming the video as the ‘Highlights from India’s past tenures at the UNSC’, the black and white images dated back to 1950-51 when India presided over the adoptions of Resolutions, calling for the cessation of hostilities during Korean War and assistance for Korea, as the president of the UNSC.

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