J&K, Ladakh mark first anniversary of bifurcation

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October 31, 2020

Avengers fame actor Scarlett Johansson got married to her comedian fiance Colin Jost in a close-knit ceremony. The news was shared on Thursday by the charity Meals on Wheels on their Instagram account. In their post, they said that the couple have come forward to support their initiative to support older and vulnerable people during the covid-19 pandemic.

“Were thrilled to break the news that Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost were married over the weekend in an intimate ceremony with their immediate family and love ones, following COVID-19 safety precautions,” Meals on Wheels America said on its Instagram account.

“Their wedding wish is to help make a difference for vulnerable older adults during this difficult time,” the charity said, asking fans of the couple to extend helping hand.

Johansson and Jolt got engaged in May 2019 after dating for two years.

The Black Widow has been previously married to actor Ryan Reynolds and journalist Romain Dauriac.

Johansson and Dauriac also have a daughter named Rose, who was born in 2014.

Covid-19 update: India’s tally crosses 81 lakh mark

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October 31, 2020

India recorded 48,268 fresh new cases of covid-19 infection in last 24-hour, taking total to 80,88,851. With 551 new deaths, the fatality toll mounted to 1,21,641.

Total active cases in the country are 5,82,649 after a decrease of 11,737 in last 24 hours. Total cured cases are 74,32,829 with 59,454 new discharges in the last 24 hours.

While the active cases fell below 6,00,000, the national recovery rate crossed 91 per cent. As of now, the national recovery rate stands at 91.15 per cent while fatality rate maintains steady decline at 1.50 per cent.

Here’re more updates related to covid-19:

*France has enforced a second lockdown on Friday as the cases continues to surge in European countries. From midnight, France’s 65 million people have been largely confined to their homes and would require written statements to leave houses.

*Recording all time high, Covid-19 cases again reached 5,891 and 47 more people died. In the last 24 hours, 4,433 people have recovered in the state.

*Mainland China reported 33 new Covid-19 cases on October 30, the country’s national health authority said on Saturday.

*Germany recorded all time high covid-19 infections in one day as it reported 18,681 new in last 24-hour. the total confirmed cases now stand at 499,694, the federal government agency for disease control and prevention Robert Koch Institute (RKI) said.

*When other countries of the world are struggling against the pandemic, India has fought it bravely and is coming out of it: PM Modi

*Star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has recovered from coronavirus after 19 days.

*After Delhi reported record surge in COVID-19 cases for three straight days, Health Minister Satyendra Jain on Friday said people should consider wearing masks equivalent to vaccine against the covid-19 virus.

*Russia has reported 18,283 COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, up from 17,717 on Thursday, the country’s health authorities informed. The total covid-19 tally in the country stands at 1,599,976.

*Japan has eased travel curbs for China, Australia, South Korea and six other countries and regions, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Friday.

Meanwhile, the overall number of global coronavirus cases has topped 45.4 million, while the deaths have surged to 1,187,020, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

As of Saturday morning, the total caseload and death toll stood at 45,477,552 and 1,187,023, respectively.

Air quality deteriorates in Delhi, NCR as stubble burning continues in Haryana, Punjab

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October 31, 2020

After a slight sigh of relief on Friday, the air pollution in the national capital became more vulnerable on Saturday. As of now, the air quality in most part of Delhi remains in the ‘very poor’ category as stubble burning in neighbouring states including Punjab and Haryana continues.

On Saturday morning, the AQI recorded by System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) stood at 373 while the PM2.5 has now become the lead pollutant instead of PM10.

AQI in Delhi:

As estimated by SAFAR, most of the areas of national capital including Delhi University, Pusa Road, Lodhi Road, Mathura Road, IIT-Delhi, Indira Gandhi International Airport (Terminal-3) and Ayanagar recorded air quality in the ‘very poor’ category with an AQI of 373, 384, 327, 379, 390, 387, and 372 respectively.

AQI in NCR:

NCR’s air quality, which showed improvement earlier this year, owing to covid-19 lockdown, has now come under ‘severe’ category as some parts of Noida recorded over 400 AQI.

In Gurgaon, the AQI estimated was 339 which makes the air quality fall under ‘very poor’ category.

SAFAR prediction:

“Calm surface winds prevail over the region and winds are forecast to pick up, the improved ventilation likely to influence air quality positively. The SAFAR model predicts that AQI is likely to be in the middle-end of the ‘very poor’ category by Saturday. However, a significant improvement is forecast for November 1st to the lower end of the very poor to poor category,” said SAFAR prediction.

The SAFAR synergized stubble fire counts significantly decreased and stood at 1,143 Thursday. Although the boundary layer winds direction is favorable for pollutant transport towards the region, improved ventilation conditions likely to bring down the concentration levels in Delhi. The stubble burning share in PM2.5 decreased and is estimated at 19% for Friday. In summary, increased surface wind speed and faster dispersion are likely to significantly improve the situation by November 1st,” it added.

As per the air quality index, the AQI between zero and 50 falls under good category. 51 and 100 is satisfactory while 101 and 200 calls for moderate AQI.

From 200 to 300, the AQI is considered very poor and in between 301 to 400, it becomes very poor. Above 400, the AQI is considered severe.

Major Earthquake Hits Greece, Turkey

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October 31, 2020

An earthquake has killed at least 19 people and injured 700 in Turkey and on the Greek island of Samos.

The two people killed by the magnitude 7 quake on Samos were a teenage boy and girl found near a collapsed wall.

The epicentre of the tremor was in the Aegean Sea, 11 miles (17 km) off the coast of Turkey’s Izmir province, at a depth of 10 miles (16km).

The Turkish government’s disaster agency reported a lower magnitude of 6.6 for the quake while Greece’s seismological agency said it measured 6.7.

Images from Izmir showed collapsed buildings and dazed people trying to make their way through rubbled piled high on the streets.

“So far, we have received information about six collapsed buildings” in Izmir province, which incudes the city, Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Twitter.

“Some of our fellow citizens are stuck in the rubble,” said Environment Minister Murat Kurum, adding that he knew of five collapsed buildings.

A total of 196 aftershocks have been recorded, 23 of which were over 4.0 magnitude, the agency added.

Search and rescue operations continue in 17 buildings, four of which have collapsed, said Murat Kurum, Turkey’s Environment and Urbanization Minister.

Greece and Turkey are located in one of the world’s most active earthquake zones. In 1999, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 magnitude shook Turkey’s northwest. More than 17,000 people, including 1,000 in Istanbul have been killed. In 2011, another earthquake occured in the southeastern province of Van, resulted in over 600 deaths.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis tweeted condolences, saying “Words are too poor to describe what one feels before the loss of children.”

Former US Vice-President Joe Biden also, tweeted: “Jill and I send our prayers to the people of Greece and Turkey following today’s earthquake. We’re grateful for the brave rescuers saving others, and for the governments of Greece and Turkey putting aside their differences to support each other.”

Uttarakhand Congress dwells on demand for CM Rawat’s resignation on moral grounds

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October 31, 2020

Even as Supreme Court has issued a stay order on CBI probe against Trivendra Singh Rawat, Congress general secretary Harish Rawat has demanded resignation of the CM on moral grounds.

Nainital High Court had ordered a CBI investigation against the Uttarakhand CM on the basis of charges levelled against him by two journalists. On October 29, the Supreme Court issues a stay order on the High Court’s ruling and sent notice to the CBI and two journalists, whose FIR was quashed by the HC.

A bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan, was hearing the petition filed by Attorney General KK Venugopal on behalf of Trivendra Singh Rawat. The petition stated that the Uttarakhand High Court’s single judge bench had ordered a CBI probe without hearing his appeal.

Congress had earlier demanded CM Rawat’s resignation after the HC ordered the CBI prove against him.

“A chief minister, who does not tire of flaunting the state government’s policy of zero tolerance to corruption, has no right to continue in office for a minute after an order like this,” state Congress chief Pritam Singh said at a joint press conference.

Former CM Harish Rawat had said that court’s order should be taken seriously, asking the chief minister to quit to bring out an impartial probe into the matter.

“After the high court’s order, the chief minister should quit immediately to pave the way for an impartial probe into the charges against him,” he said.

Allegations against the CM have allegedly been levelled by a Jharkhand-resident who claimed that he had paid Rawat, then state in-charge of Jharkhand, worth Rs 25 lakh for his appointment as chairman of Jharkhand Gau Sewa Aayog.

National Unity Day 2020

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October 31, 2020

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary is observed as National Unity Day, on October 31 every year.

Patel is credited for playing a crucial role in the integration of India from 560 princely states.

He served as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India.

A truly great social leader, his work was characterised by excellence. He has made his spot in the history of our nation and in our hearts for eternity.

He played an instrumental role in India’s struggle for independence, is hailed even today for his contributions.

National Unity day History

The day was introduced by the Government of India in 2014.

This year India will observe 145th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. Patel was a successful lawyer and became one of the influential leaders in Gujarat.

He was then appointed as the 49th President of Indian national congress, he even promoted the Quit India Movement during that time.

The National Unity Day is thus observed to remember the efforts of Sardar Patel for the nation.

He is also known as the Iron Man of India.

National Unity day significance

Every year the educational institutions observe various kinds of programmes in schools, colleges and various institutes across the country.

The motto of the day is to re-affirm the strength and resilience of the nation so as to withstand any upcoming potential threats to the unity, integrity, and security of our country.

In the year 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 182m tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and named it Statue of Unity.

The statue is situated on the bank of Narmada river in the Kevadiya colony, which faces the Sardar Sarovar Dam near Vadodara city.

Programmes are held on this day in different workplaces as well to create awareness about one of the great politicians of India.

On the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel on October 31, 2018, PM Modi unveiled the ‘Statue of Unity’ in Gujarat’s Narmada district.

On Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti, here are some inspirational quotes by the Iron Man of India:

*Two ways of building character – cultivating the strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness.

*The negligence of a few could easily send a ship to the bottom, but if it has the wholehearted co-operation of all on board it can be safely brought to the part.

*Work is undoubtedly worship but laughter is life. Anyone who takes life too seriously must prepare himself for a miserable existence. Anyone who greets joys and sorrows with equal facility can really get the best of life.

*Non-violence has to be observed in thought, word, and deed. The measure of our non-violence will be a measure of our success.

*The stiffer the opponent the more should our affection go out to him. That is the significance of Satyagraha.

Suspicious package found inside St Martin Church in Metz

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October 31, 2020

A suspicious package been found inside St martin Church in Metz, said the French Police on October 30.

In the wake of the incident, a security parameter has been established around the unattended package inside the church and the vehicular movement has been restricted in the unrest-stricken nation with heightened security.

Suspicious Package Found Inside St Martin Church in Metz Day After Knife Attack in Nice.

The attack took place at 9 am on Thursday inside the Notre-Dame basilica. Three people, including a woman, were killed and several others wounded in the attack.

Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi said that one of the victims had been beheaded by the attacker who was repeatedly shouting “Allahu Akbar”. He has been identified as 21-year-old Brahim Aouissaoui.

The European nation is on a security alert amid religious and geopolitical tensions following the cartoons of Prophet Mohammed.

Muslims extremists have, so far, carried out three attacks in the country, including the beheading of a history teacher who had shown caricatures of Prophet Mohammed in class.

French President Emmanuel Macron had said that the number of soldiers deployed to protect schools and religious sites would be increased from 3,000 to 7,000.

Special 26 actress Kajal Aggarwal ties knot with Gautam Kitchlu

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October 31, 2020

Actress Kajal Aggarwal tied the knot with entrepreneur Gautam Kitchlu and pictures from their wedding are doing the rounds.

The ‘Special 26’ actress’s wedding ceremony was attended by immediate family members.

Kajal had earlier said, “It gives me immense joy to share that I am getting married to Gautam Kitchlu, on October 30, 2020 in Mumbai, in a small, private ceremony surrounded by our immediate families.

New bride Kajal Aggarwal was breathtaking in a scarlet bridal combo, which she styled with a pale pink embellished dupatta.

In addition to her traditional wedding jewellery, Kajal Aggarwal styled her hair with a gold matha patti, worn like a headband.

Gautam Kitchlu complemented his bride in a gorgeous sherwani, styled with a pale pink dupatta.

Kajal Aggarwal and Gautam Kitchlu opted for an intimate wedding affair, keeping in mind social distancing restrictions because of the pandemic.

Kajal has been sharing pictures from her pre-wedding festivities, including her haldi and mehendi ceremonies. The actor clearly looked pumped up for the big day, and that excitement and joy was readily apparent on her face.

She posted photos with the hashtag #kajgautkitched.

Kajal is best known for her roles in Magadheera, Kavacham, Arya 2, Thuppaki, and Paris Paris. In Bollywood, she has been seen in Singham and Special 26.

Indian Navy successful tested anti-ship missile

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October 30, 2020

The Indian Navy successfully test-fired the anti-ship missile (AShM) from the Guided Missile Corvette INS Kora on Friday (30 October). In this regard, the Indian Navy issued a statement saying, ‘In the Bay of Bengal An anti-ship missile (ASHM) fired by the Guided Missile Corvette INS Kora, a guided missile Corvette INS Kora of the Indian Navy, has targeted its target to the maximum range with precise targets.

The Indian Navy has also shared some pictures of this successful test on its official Twitter account, in which anti-ship missiles are seen targeting. It is known that some time ago a video was also released by the Indian Navy. In this video, an anti-ship missile was launched targeting an old ship from the warship INS Prabal and its target was so accurate that the target ship was sunk into the sea.

On 23 October, the anti-ship missile (AshM) was tested during an exercise in the Arabian Sea. This information was given by the Navy. According to this, “INS Prabal launched an anti-ship missile targeting an old ship, after which the ship sank in the sea due to the precise target.” The Indian Navy had given information by tweeting. “However this time the test of the missile was successful, which you can see in this video.

Government says Rs 1.27 lakh crore tax refunds issued to 3.9 million taxpayers

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October 30, 2020

Income Tax refunds worth Rs 1.27 lakh crore has been issued to individuals and businesses so far this fiscal, Finance Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey said.

He said the quick refund payment system is fully automated and transparent and the revenue department is monitoring the refund system every week.

“In this financial year, income tax refund of about Rs 1,27,000 crore has been sent to bank accounts of individuals and businesses. This has been done to ensure that businesses get liquidity in this difficult time,” Pandey said.

Between April 1 and October 27, the I-T department has issued refunds worth Rs 1,26,909 crore to more than 39.14 lakh taxpayers.

According to report, Income tax refunds of Rs 34,532 crore have been issued in 37,21,584 cases. Corporate tax refunds of Rs. 92,376 crore have been issued in 1,92,409 cases (till 27th Oct,2020), the Office of Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur tweeted.

The company deducts the estimated portion of the tax from its salary and pays it to the government account in advance, while paying salaries to its employees throughout the year. Employees file income tax returns at the end of the year, in which they state how much they owe as taxes. If the actual liability is less than the amount of tax deducted earlier, the remaining amount is refunded to the employee.

Indian army developed messenging app SAI to boost Atmanirbhar Bharat

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October 30, 2020

The Indian Army has developed a new messaging app under the ‘Self-reliant India’ campaign. The messaging application launched by the Indian Army is named ‘Secure Application for the Internet (SAI)’. The app supports end-to-end security voice, text and video calling service on the Android platform via the Internet. On Thursday, the Ministry of Defense shared this information.

The ministry said in a release, ‘The app created by the Army is similar to the already available commercial messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, SAMVAD and GIMS. It uses end-to-end encryption messaging protocols. SAI is better than other apps with local in-house servers and security features with coding, these features can be changed as per requirements. ‘

The Defense Ministry further stated, ‘SAI will be used in the entire army so that security messaging can be started with this service. After reviewing the function of the app, the Defense Minister congratulated Colonel Sai Shankar for making the app.

The process of filing the intellectual property rights (IPR) of Sai App, hosting infrastructure on NIC and working on iOS platform is still in progress. This app will be used by the entire army to send secure messages. The Defense Minister has praised this app by Colonel Sai Shankar.

Afridi 5 wickets haul helped Pakistan in winning first match of Zimbabwe series

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October 30, 2020

Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe tour of Pakistan

Pakistan Cricket Team crushed Zimbabwe in the first match of the three-match ODI series. The match was played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Pakistan batted first and scored 281 runs with the heroics of Haris Sohail’s 71 run innings. Opener Imam-Ul-Haq and Abid Ali also gave a decent start to the Pakistan team with 47 run opening partnerships. Later Imam went on scoring 58 runs and helped his team with his contribution.

While chasing the target Zimbabwe batsmen failed to give a good start and lost three wickets at the score of 99 runs. Later on Brendon Taylor stood tall in front of Pakistani batsmen and went on scoring 112 runs. Taylor was further joined by Wesley Madhevere who scored 55 runs in the chase but failed to take his team to the winning line.

Shaheen Afridi from Pakistan was brilliant with the ball, the youngster picked 5 wickets by giving just 49 runs in his 10 over quota. With more two ODI match and three T20Is to go the series is going to be an exciting.

Makers of Laxmmi bomb drop ‘bomb’ from title, to be known as Laxmii now

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