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First batch of Sputnik V vaccine to arrive in Kanpur medical college for Phase 2, 3 trials

By
Jyoti B
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The first batch of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine for COVID-19 is likely to reach Kanpur’s Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Medical College by next week wherein the vaccine’s Phase 2 and Phase 3 human clinical trials will be conducted.

College principal R B Kamal, while speaking to PTI said the human clinical trials of the vaccine will start from next week. “As many as 180 volunteers have registered for the trials. Head of the research Saurabh Agarwal will determine the dosage of the vaccine to be administered. One dose will be administered and the condition of volunteers will be monitored to determine whether they need further doses or not,” he said.

Kamal told the volunteers’ vitals and condition will be checked periodically and the data will be analysed to determine whether the vaccine is a success or not.

The effect of the vaccine on the volunteers will be observed for seven months after the same is administered once, twice or thrice within an interval of 21 days. After observing the effects of the vaccine for a month, authorities will be apprised of the results of the trial and they will then make a decision accordingly.

Amit Shah to hold COVID review meeting Today at 5 PM

By
Harshit
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Amit Shah, Amit Shah COVID Meet,


Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be holding a review meet today to discuss the spike of covid cases in Delhi.

The meeting will also see the attendance of Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.


This is the second time that Shah is intervening after a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in Delhi. The national capital reported more than 7000 new Covid-19 cases and 96 deaths on Saturday. With this, the total cases in the national capital is nearing the 5 lakh mark.//

Nitish Kumar Set to Return as CM of Bihar for 4th consecutive terms

By
Jyoti B
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JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar was unanimously elected as the leader of the NDA legislature party at a meeting in Patna and is set to return for a consecutive fourth term as chief minister of Bihar. 

According to sources, an announcement to the effect was made at 1, Anney Marr, the Chief Ministers official residence, by senior  BJP leader and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who had flown down for the occasion.

BJP’s Sushil Modi will remain the deputy Chief Minister. The NDA will go to Governor Phagu Chauhan to stake claim to form the government.

This came as the constituents of the NDA, which secured a majority in the recently concluded Bihar Assembly Elections. Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP) and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) were other constituents of NDA in Bihar.

Nitish Kumar will sworn in as the chief minister of Bihar on Monday, November 16. As Kumar takes oath tomorrow, he will also hold the distinction of having been sworn in seven times as chief minister in two decades. Sushil Kumar Modi will also take oath as the deputy chief minister of Bihar.

The swearing-in ceremony will take place in the afternoon, around 4-4.30pm on Monday, November 16, at the Raj Bhavan.

The BJP had won 74 seats, JD-U 43, while eight seats were won by other NDA constituents. The NDA combined won 125 seats, which is three more than the majority mark in the 243-strong Bihar assembly.

Religious places to be open in Maharashtra from Monday

By
Jyoti B
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Places of religious worship in Maharashtra, which have been shut since the COVID-19 lockdown in March, will reopen from Diwali ‘Padwa’ on Monday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced on Saturday.

While many states had opened the religious places weeks ago, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray remained wary of the threat COVID-19 posed in Maharashtra and did not reopen them amid massive pressure from Opposition.

Last week, the Maharashtra CM had hinted that the places of worship would reopen soon. He had also pointed at the reopening of schools for Classes 9 to 12 after Diwali.

The state government has put together a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP), which must be followed by all religious institutions. Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday warned of strict action against violators.

A statement from Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s office said that people have to strictly follow the guidelines and safety protocols. “We can’t forget that the demon coronavirus is still amongst us,” Thackeray said. “Even though this demon is slowly falling silent now, we cannot be complacent. Citizens need to follow discipline.”

Legendary Indian actor Soumitra Chatterjee dies at age of 85

By
Jyoti B
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Legendary actor Soumitra Chatterjee died at Kolkata’s Belle Vue Clinic Sunday at the age of 85, after a month-long battle with multiple ailments.

The iconic actor, who debuted in the Satyajit Ray masterpiece Apur Sansar, has been under treatment since 6 October after he tested positive for COVID-19 .

He later tested negative for the infection but COVID-19 encephalopathy set in and various other comorbidity complications surfaced.

In a series of two tweets, Mamata Banerjee said, “Feluda’ is no more. ‘Apu’ said goodbye. Farewell, Soumitra (Da) Chatterjee. He has been a legend in his lifetime. International, Indian and Bengali cinema has lost a giant. We will miss him dearly. The film world in Bengal has been orphaned.”

“Best known for his films with Satyajit Ray, Soumitra Da was conferred with Legion of Honor, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Banga Bibhushan, Padma Bhushan & several National Awards. A great loss. Saddened. Condolences to his family, the film fraternity & his admirers across the world,” she added.

 Soumitra Chatterjee left behind an illustrious legacy of work, among them, one of his most popular onscreen characters Feluda. 

Mr Chatterjee was the first actor to bring Feluda – the Bengali private investigator, created by Satyajit Ray – live on screen. Soumitra Chatterjee starred as Feluda in two films directed by Mr Ray -Sonar Kella and Joy Baba Felunath. 

He will be mourned by fans and critics who avidly followed his six-decade-long career in Bengali language films.

Chatterjee, who starred in more than 300 movies, was also an accomplished playwright, theatre actor and poet.

Today is 21st Jharkhand foundation day

By
Neha Kumari
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The sacrifices of the brave martyrs and revolutionaries for the attainment of Jharkhand rights and the burning of Ulagulan, which still burn, is still smelling of the sweat and sweat of the agitators in the creation of a separate state.

The state of Jharkhand is celebrating its 21st Foundation Day. The state of Jharkhand came into existence 20 years ago on 15 November 2000. A new state called Jharkhand was created by dividing Bihar. The then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee played an important role in its construction. After the creation of the new state, Prabhat Kumar and Babulal Marandi got the privilege of becoming the first Governor and Chief Minister respectively. After the formation of a separate state, Foundation Day is celebrated every year on 15 November. But due to corona, the rituals are being performed only on the 21st foundation day.

The tribals of Jharkhand region have their own distinct identity and culture. At the political level, the Jharkhand Party was formed in 1938 under the leadership of Jaipal Singh. After this, the demand for a separate state gained momentum. Jharkhand Party had a strong presence in all tribal districts in the first general election. When the State Reorganization Commission was formed, there was a demand for Jharkhand which included the areas of Odisha and West Bengal apart from the erstwhile Bihar.

When Jharkhand was separated from Bihar, there was an NDA government at the time. Atal Bihar Vajpayee was the then Prime Minister. In the same year, Bihar was separated from Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh from Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh from Chhattisgarh. The three states were separated and now it has been a total of 20 years.

PM Modi tweeted on Sunday and wished for happiness, prosperity and good health of the people of the state. Significantly, the state of Jharkhand was established in the year 2000. This year the state is celebrating its 20th Foundation Day. On 15 November 2000, Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar and formed a new state.

India summon Pakistan diplomat over ceasefire violation

By
Neha Kumari
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On the eve of Deepawali, India has lodged a strong protest by summoning the Charge D-Affairs (Acting High Commissioner) of the Pakistan High Commission for violation of the ceasefire. The innocent civilians have been instructed to desist from being targeted.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, it has been said that the Pakistani charge of de-affairs was summoned on Saturday. Strongly registering the protest, it was said that innocent civilians in different sectors were unintentionally targeted by Pakistani security forces on Friday. It was a well thought out action. The intention behind this was to create a disturbance in law and order, which is highly reprehensible.

This innocent act of Pakistan killed four innocent civilians and left 19 injured. Five soldiers of the security forces also died. Subsequently, a number of Pakistani targets were targeted by the anti-tank guided missile from the Indian Army and tremendous fire was carried out. Eight Pakistani soldiers were killed and 12 injured in this retaliation.

“Today, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Vice-Chancellor of the High Commission of Pakistan and in several areas lodged a strong protest over the violation of ceasefire unprovoked by the Pakistani Army,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. On 13 November 2020, 4 innocent civilians were killed and 19 seriously injured in a ceasefire in various sectors of the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

The ministry further said, India strongly condemns the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians by Pakistani forces.

India has said in its statement that it is very disappointing that Pakistan chose the occasion to disrupt peace in Jammu and Kashmir and to carry out heavy firing in Jammu and Kashmir.

Apart from this, India strongly opposed Pakistan for supporting the terrorist infiltration from across the border, including the cover firing by the Pakistan Army. It also reminded Pakistan once again of its bilateral commitment not to use its controlled territory against India in terrorism.

Senior BJP leader Kailash Sarang passes away

By
Neha Kumari
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Senior leader of Madhya Pradesh BJP Kailash Narayan Sarang died on Saturday. He was ill for several days. In the last few days, he was admitted to the hospital in Mumbai by air ambulance due to sudden illness. He was ill here, but he died on Saturday after deteriorating health.

Kailash was the father of Vishwas Sarang, a BJP leader and cabinet minister in the Shivraj government. Vishwas is the medical minister in the Shivraj government. He also wrote a book titled “Narendra to Narendra” on PM Modi. PM Modi has expressed condolences on his death. He said that he was always struggling for the development of Madhya Pradesh. I am hurt by his death. He will always be remembered as a hardworking and responsible leader.

Old people who know the politics of Madhya Pradesh tell that only two houses played an important role in the politics here. One Gaur Gharana, another Sarang Gharana. Sarang and Gaur created many records in Bhopal. It is considered to be a major contribution of both veterans in strengthening the BJP.

Kailash Sarang, who was one of the founding members of the BJP, has been a former Misabandi. He had been in jail for several months for raising voice against the Emergency imposed by the former Prime Minister in the country.

Many leaders, including BJP leader, mourned the death of Atal Bihari Bajpayee and senior BJP leader LK Advani, who worked in the team, Kailash Sarang.

Prime Minister Modi expressed grief that Kailash Sarang Ji made many efforts to strengthen the BJP in Madhya Pradesh. His significant contribution in the development of the state will always be remembered. PM Modi said that Sarang will also be remembered as a kind and hardworking leader. I am deeply saddened by his demise. My condolences to his family and well wishers.

Protem speaker Rameshwar Sharma has expressed grief over the death of Kailash Sarang. He shared a picture on Twitter and wrote, “Pujya Babuji is no more. Hearing the sad news of the sad demise of the venerable Kailash Narayan Sarang, the former Rajya Sabha MP, the creator of numerous activists of the senior BJP leader, is upset. I pray to God to grant the revered Babu ji a place in his shrine. ”

Delhi’s air quality turns severe

By
Jyoti B
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Delhi’s air quality turned “severe” on November 14 with stubble burning accounting for 32% of Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution and firecracker emissions making the situation even worse.

According to the agency’s air quality index or AQI, any reading above 100 on a scale of 500 is progressively unsafe for health. At 8 am, the AQI in Delhi was at 467, indicating “severe” conditions that pose a risk of respiratory problems.

While the pollution control board uses 24-hour average data, the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ SAFAR, or System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research reports real-time figures. The government-run monitoring agency said the overall AQI struck 545 in Delhi at 9 am.

This happened as many reportedly burst firecrackers in violation of the complete ban on the sale and bursting of firecrackers in the national capital by the Delhi government and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

The city recorded an overall Air Quality Index or AQI of 414 on Saturday, which falls in the ‘severe’ category. The 24-hour average AQI was 339 on Friday and 314 on Thursday.

Stubble burning accounted for 32 per cent of the city’s PM2.5 pollution, which is about 3 per cent the diameter of a human hair and can lead to premature deaths from heart and lung diseases.

Arvind Kejriwal to meet Amit Shah on Sunday to talk over Delhi’s covid-19 situation

By
Shivani Negi
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To discuss the adverse state of air pollution and rising covid-19 fear, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday, that is, November 15. The meeting will likely be held at Union Home Minister’s official residence.

According to a report of Press Trust of India, the Delhi CM looks forward to seek further assistance from the Central government to tackle the covid-19 situation in the national capital.

“During his meeting with the Union home minster, the chief minister may also dicuss steps which need to be taken to arrest the spread of covid-19 in Delhi,” a source told PTI.

Earlier, the Aam Aadmi Party had earlier sought help from the health minister, Harsh Vardhan, in the continuous deteriorating covid-19 situation, asking for additional beds in the hospitals run by the Centre in the city.

In a letter to Dr. Harsh Vardhan last week, the Delhi chief minister had demanded 4,900 beds keeping in mind the revised projections of 15,000 covid-19 cases in the state in the coming weeks when winter soars the highest.

Meanwhile, the CM has also emphasised that covid-19 situation in Delhi could come under control in 10 days.

“Covid-19 cases have been increasing for the last few days. I am also concerned about it. We have been taking all appropriate measures to control it. We are considering taking more steps next week. I think the situation should come under control in seven to 10 days and the cases should start decreasing,” PTI quoted Kejriwal as saying.

Meanwhile, the Air quality in the national capital further deteriorated and stood at 461 as of Sunday morning, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee(DPCC) said.

Amazon files lawsuit against social media influencers over fake goods

By
Shivani Negi
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In the wake of recent events, a lawsuit was filed by Amazon, world’s leading e-commerce company, against 13 individuals and businesses including two social media influencers.
The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the Western District of Washington against the individuals for allegedly advertising, promoting and facilitating the sale of fake luxury goods in Amazon’s store, violating the policies of the company and tricking the customers of the company.


According the lawsuit filed by Amazon, Kelly Fitzpatrick and Sabrina Kelly-Krejci plotted the scheme with the sellers to dodge and save themselves from Amazon’s anti-counterfeiting protections. They achieved this by promoting the fake products on Instagram and TikTok as well as with the means of their own websites.


“These defendants were brazen about promoting counterfeits on social media and undermined the work of legitimate influencers,” Cristina Posa, Associate General Counsel and Director, Amazon Counterfeit Crimes Unit, said in a statement.


“This case demonstrates the need for cross-industry collaboration in order to drive counterfeiters out of business,” Posa said, adding that social media sites must vet, monitor, and take action on bad actors that are using their services to facilitate illegal behavior.


Fitzpatrick used to be a member of Amazon Influencer Program, but she was removed from the program as soon as Amazon find out her counterfeiting activities.

However, even after being banned by Amazon, she continued to advertise the fake products using social media platforms which directed followers to her own website.

Covid-19 update: 44,684 fresh infections push India’s tally to 87.73 lakh

By
Shivani Negi
-

India reported 44,684 fresh covid-19 cases in last 24-hour, taking country’s overall covid-19 tally to 87.73 lakh, the latest update from health ministry said. With 520 people losing their lives to the deadly virus, the death toll of the country have soared high to 1,29,188.

As of now, the active cases in the country stand at 4.8 lakh as number of recoveries remained higher than the new cases reported.

On Sunday, the number of cases reported were 0.4 lower than that on Saturday.

Total discharged cases 81,63,572 with 47,992 new discharges in last 24 hours, said the Health Ministry.

A total of 12,40,31,230 samples tested for Covid up to 13th November, of these 9,29,491 samples were tested yesterday, said Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR).

Here’re more updates related to the virus:

*Mexico has surpassed the grim milestone of 1 million covid-19 cases with 5,860 fresh infections reported last day while the death reported were one of world’s highest fatality country, the country’s health authorities said. The death count has reached 98,259, inching close to 1 lakh, with 635 deaths reported over the previous day.

*South Korea reported 208 new coronavirus cases as of Saturday midnight, marking the eight straight day of triple-digit increases, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said on Sunday.

* Another 26,860 people in Britain have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 13,44,356, according to official figures released on Saturday.

* Russia has confirmed a record number of 22,702 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking its total to 19,03,253,

*The number of confirmed saw sharp spike in France in last 24-hour as it reported 32,095 cases in last 24-hour, according to the data released by Health Ministry on Saturday. With new additions, the country’s total tally reached a total of 1,95,599.

*Jharkhand reported 154 new cases of covid-19 infection on Saturday which took total toll to 1,05935, according to the state health department. As many as 922 people have died of virus in the state.

*Temples and other places of worship will reopen in Maharashtra from Monday, the state government has said.

*467 new positive cases and 4 deaths reported in Uttarakhand today taking the state’s Covid case count to 67,706, reports ANI.

*Karnataka reported over 2,000 new infections, taking total tally to 8,57,928, the health ministry said.

*Amid the rise of covid cases, Spiti Valley have urged residents to keep the valley closed until March 31. Earlier, the residents have said that they might open the valley for tourists in November. The Spiti Valley has been closed for outsiders since March.

Meanwhile, the overall number of global coronavirus cases has topped 53.8 million, while the deaths have surged to 1,309,780, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

Image Credit: Google

Bollywood drug case: NCB questions Arjun Rampal for 7 hours

By
Shivani Negi
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Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal was quizzed by Narcotics Control Bureau(NCB) for over seven hours on Friday following the arrest of his Australian friend Paul Bartel in a case related to drugs.

NCB had also raided Arjun’s Bandra West residence on Monday and had seized banned painkillers. While explaining the NCB about the posession of opioid drug Tramadol, the actor said that he got them after being prescribed.

“I am fully co-operating with the NCB investigations. I have nothing to do with drugs. The medicine found at my residence (in the Monday’s raids) was prescribed by a doctor. The prescription has been handed over to the NCB…. The NCB officials are doing a good job and I fully support them in their investigations,” he had said.

Meanwhile, Arjun’s friend Bartel, and architect living in Bandra, was questioned and subsequently arrested by NCB on Friday in the same Bollywood drug case of which Rhea Chakraborty has been a part. According to NCB sources, Bartel was in regular contact with drug peddler Agisialos Demetriades, who is Arjun Rampal’s girlfriend Gabriella’s brother.

Earlier on Wednesday and Thursday, the agency had grilled Gabriella  for over six hours following the search at their house. Meanwhile, her brother Agisialos was booked in another drug case after the probe revealed his connections with a Nigerian cocaine supplier, Omega Goodwin.

The NCB started probing Bollywood drug nexus following the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput. In the same connection, the agency have quizzed many a-listers including Deepika Padukone, Sara Ali Khan, Shraddha Kapoor and Rakul Preet Singh.

Ranveer Singh shares heartwarming wish to wife Deepika Padukone on second anniversary

By
Shivani Negi
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Bollywood’s power couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are celebrating their second anniversary today. To mark the day, the couple has shared some never seen before pictures from Italy adorned in Sabyasachi dresses.

Deepika donned a lovely floral printed ensemble with a matching dupatta and accessorised the took with simple hoop earrings. She has her hair tied neatly in a pony tail. Ranveer, on the other hand, was seen in a matching kurta and a contrasting coat. Considering the stunning background view, the pictures appear to be click in Italy’s Lake Como, where the couple tied the knot two years ago.

Sharing the pics, Ranveer wrote, “Souls eternally interwined. Happy second anniversary, meri gudiya.” Deepika also shared identical pictures and wrote, “Two peas in a pod..Happy 2nd Anniversary. You complete me.”

Deepika and Ranveer got married in Lake Como, Italy in 2018 in an extremely private ceremony. They hosted three wedding receptions – two in Mumbai (one for family and the other for their Bollywood friends) and one in Deepika’s hometown Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, on the professional front, Deepika and Ranveer have had a very successful commercial journey al together.

The two have been seen together in Padmaavat, Goliyon Ki Raasleela – Ramleela and Bajirao Mastani. Up next, they will be seen in Kabir Khan directorial 83.

PM Modi arrives in Rajasthan’s Longewala post to celebrate Diwali with soldiers

By
Shivani Negi
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Continuing his tradition of celebrating Diwali with soldiers since the National Democratic Alliance(NDA) came into power in 2-14, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to celebrate Diwali with soldiers and Border Security Force(BSF) jawans. The prime minister has reached Longewala post at Rajasthan border on Saturday and will be spending his entire day with soldiers.

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Army Chief General MM Naravane and Border Security Force (BSF) DG Rakesh Asthana have also accompanied the PM.

Earlier, PM Modi has extended his Diwali greetings to the nation via a tweet, wishing prosperity and health to everyone. “Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali! May this festival further brightness and happiness. May everyone be prosperous and healthy,” PM Modi tweeted.

During his Mann Ki Baat episode on October 25, PM Modi has urged everyone to light a diya in the name of soldiers who stand like pillars to protect us at borders.

“This Diwali, let us also light a Diya as a #Salute2Soldiers who fearlessly protect our nation. Words can’t do justice to the sense of gratitude we have for our soldiers for their exemplary courage. We are also grateful to the families of those on the borders,” PM Modi tweeted.

In the last few years, PM Modi has also visited soldiers at Uttarakhand, Punjab border and Gurez sector in north Kashmir among others during the auspicious occasion of Diwali.

For the uninitiated, the Longewala post is a strategic post on the western border where the first major battle of the 1971 war, known as the Battle of Longewala, was fought between India and Pakistan.

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