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February 27, 2026
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Covid-19 update: With 88,935 new cases, India’s tally crosses 56 lakh mark

India’s coronavirus tally, on Wednesday, crossed the 55-lakh mark with 75,083 new cases recorded in last 24 hours. Fatalities caused by the virus in the country has now reached increased 88,935 as 1,035 death were reported on Tuesday.

Active Covid-19 cases in country stand at 9,68,377, while 45,87,613 people have recovered: Union Health Ministry

Here are the today’s highlights of coronavirus pandemic

  • 6,62,79,462 samples tested up to 22nd September for Covid-19. Of these, 9,53,683 samples were tested yesterday, says Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
  • The states with highest Covid-19 case-load are Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Punjab.
  • The Centre, on Tuesday told Lok Sabha that more than one crore migrant workers returned to their home states during March-June amid the pandemic. The data also includes those workers who travelled by foot.
  • The Health Ministry informed that India’s Covid-19 cases share is 17.7% of global infections, while recoveries hold 19.5% of total count in the world.
  • The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has released a new set of guidelines for pharma giants who are developing COVID-19 vaccines over safety reasons.
  • The DCGI has said that a COVID-19 vaccine candidate should have at least 50 per cent of efficacy in order to conduct phase-III trials.
  • Uttarakhand medics have warned the government to conduct strike over state ministry’s order which allowed it to deduct a day’s salary every month for the CM Cares Fund.
  • The global tally of coronavirus cases stands at 31,764,198. While 23,371,496 have recovered, 974,559 have died so far. The US remains the worst-hit country with 7,097,598 cases. It is followed by India, which has 5,640,496 cases, Brazil (4,595,335) and Russia (1,115,810).

Meanwhile, the US president Donald Trump once again lashed out at China holding them accountable for the coronavirus pandemic. He yet again used the term “China virus” and urged his supporters not to call it coronavirus as thee name sounds like a “beautiful place” in Italy.

Indian Americans important to maintain cultural dynamism: Joe Biden

White House hopeful Joe Biden has time and again expressed gratitude towards Indian Americans. He has said that Indian American diaspora keeps the two nations together, calling them “pillars” of the United States. Even the Obama-Biden administration has had more Indian Americans than any other administrations in the history of the country.

The democratic nominee, on Tuesday, once again, lauded Indian Americans and said that with their hard work and entrepreneurship, they have intensified the economic growth of that United States. They have helped in maintaining cultural dynamism across the country, he added.

Biden was addressing a national virtual fundraiser by Indian Americans wherein he assured community members that he acknowledges and would address their concerns with regard to H-IB visa and legal immigration.

“You have helped forge an economic and cultural dynamism in this country. That is a continuation of who we are, we are a nation of immigrants,” Biden said.

“As president, I promise I am going to draw on the best, not the worst, beat this pandemic and build the economy back, help our kids get a good education and make sure healthcare is a right not a privilege, and build an immigration system that powers our economy and reflects our values,” Biden said.

“We do not talk enough about how the Indian American community has powered our economic growth,” the former vice president said in his address to the virtual fundraiser.

Family was the main theme of the campaign organised by the Indian Amercian community. Dr Vivek Murthy, former surgeon general, addressed the virtual event and said that Joe Biden is the kind of guy he would introduce to his parents and feed home made dishes.

“He is authentic. He is real. And he says what he thinks and that is something I really love about him. He says what is on his mind. He is honest and true,” he said.

Meanwhile, it is estimated that a significant majority of Indian Americans will vote for Democratic nominee Joe Biden. According to a report released by Indiaspora, Sixty six per cent of Indian voters favour Mr Biden in the November 3 election while 28 per cent are on Trump’s side. 6 percent remain undecided, the report said.

‘Learn to respect the sovereignty’: India slams Turkey’s remark over Kashmir issue

India on Tuesday thoroughly criticised Turkish President Recap Tayyip remarks on Kashmir during his speech at the United Nations’ 75th session of General Assembly.

The President in his pre-recorded speech said that resolving Kashmir issue is important to obtain peace across South Assia. He added that the issue should be resolved through dialogue within the framework of United Nations.

The Turkish President, on day two of the high-level UNGA session said, “The Kashmir conflict, which is also key to the stability and peace of South Asia, is still a burning issue.”

“We are in favour of solving this issue through dialogue within the framework of the United Nations resolutions, especially in line with the expectations of the people of Kashmir,” he said.

Following his speech, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti, took to slam the president and said “Turkey should learn to respect sovereignty of other nations.

“We have seen remarks by President of Turkey on Indian UT of Jammu and Kashmir. They constitute gross interference in India’s internal affairs and are completely unacceptable. Turkey should learn to respect the sovereignty of other nations and reflect on its policies more deeply,” he said in a tweet.

It is known that Turkey is a close companion of Pakistan. Time and again, Turkey has used various events to raise Kashmir issue, demanding its resolution. India, on the other hand, has asked the West Asian country to not interfere in its internal affairs.

Just last week, India had heavily called Turkey in Human Right Council for its interference in India’s internal matters.

Shapoorji Pallonji Group to exit Tata Sons

Highlights:

Mistry family said it believes that a separation of interests would best serve all stakeholder groups

SC on Tuesday restrained SP Group and Cyrus Mistry till 28 Oct from pledging or transferring their shares in Tata Sons

Shapoorji Pallonji Group on Tuesday said it’s time to exit from Tata Sons after a relationship that spanned 70 years turned sour in the last few years.

“The Shapoorji Pallonji-Tata relationship spanning over 70 years, was forged on mutual trust, good faith, and friendship,” the company said in a statement.

It also blamed Tata Sons and said it has amplified its institutional efforts to suppress and inflict irreparable harm on the SP Group, in the midst of a global crisis triggered by the COVID pandemic, when the Mistry family were in the midst of raising funds against the security of their personal assets to meet the crisis.

“This move was undertaken to protect the livelihoods of its 60,000 employees and over 100,000 migrant workers. The action by Tata Sons to block this crucial fundraiser, without any heed for the collateral consequences is the latest demonstration of their vindictive mindset,” it added.

“It is crucial that an early resolution is reached to arrive at a fair and equitable solution reflecting the value of the underlying tangible and intangible assets,” the statement by the SP group said.

“The  SP-Tata relationship spanning over 70 years was forged on mutual trust, good faith, and friendship. Today, it is with a heavy heart that the Mistry family believes that a separation of interests would best serve all stakeholder groups,” it said.

The latest legal dispute is a challenge by the Tatas to the Shapoorji Pallonji Group’s right to pledge Tata Sons shares to raise funds. According to the Tatas, the SP Group has already pledged shares held by Cyrus Investment amounting to 9.19 per cent of Tata Sons with Axis Trustee Services and with IDBI Trustee Services.

SC has restrained Shapoorji Pallonji and Cyrus Mistry from pledging or transferring their shares in Tata Sons till Oct 28. The court also directed Tata Sons and SP Group not to take any action on the shares already pledged.

Ness Wadia urges BCCI to raise umpiring standards

IPL 2020, Delhi Capitals, Ness Wadia, BCCI
IPL 2020, Delhi Capitals, Ness Wadia, BCCI

Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia urges the BCCI to pitch into the umpiring standards and ensure better umpiring, following an umpiring error Kings XI Punjab lost their match against the Delhi Capitals.

In the replays, it was clear that Jordan’s bat was inside the crease when he completed his first run.

“It is exceedingly unfortunate that today with tremendous use of technology, we still do not use technology to ensure the total fairness and transparency in cricket game like several other leagues across the world including EPL, NBA, etc,” Wadia said in a statement to PTI.

“I would request BCCI to ensure better umpiring and to ensure henceforth that technology is used to the maximum so as to ensure fairness and transparency in a game which is used across the best leagues in the world.”

The short run call was not reversed despite technological evidence that it was a wrong call.

In the final over, Punjab needed 13 runs to win and Agarwal managed 12 runs in the first three balls.

If that one ‘short-run’ was given to Kings XI Punjab, then they would have much earlier as and that with three balls to spare but they failed.

“VAR has become something which is used across the world. The game of yesterday in question between Kings XI and Delhi had two umpiring mistakes which cost KXIP the game,” Wadia said.

“The first came in the first few overs of the match where a leg bye went for four and it was given as leg bye by the umpire but it was actually a wide ball. That one run would have helped Kings XI win the game versus losing.

“The second disastrous decision came at the end of the game in the last couple of overs, when a run was deemed as not being a run even though TV replays showed that it had been a run. Unfortunately, these two decisions cost Kings XI the game.”

Wadia hoped the BCCI will pitch into the IPL rule book to it should not be not repeated.

“I do hope that BCCI implements a system and process so that the other teams do not suffer the same plight as Kings XI did yesterday.

“If technology is not to there be used for the fairness and transparency of the game and to ensure that it is equitable to all, then why use technology at all?” he asked.

IPL 2020: Learnt a lot from captain Virat, says Devdutt Padikkal

Left-handed batsman Devdutt Padikkal, who scored a half-century in his IPL debut against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. His innings played a vital role in the Royal Challengers Bangalore winning triumph against the mighty SRH.

Padikkal, made a 42-ball 56-run knock which was studded with eight boundaries.

“I was very nervous when I got the news that I would be making my debut for RCB. I was just walking in my room the day I got the news that I will be playing against Hyderabad. When I came to bat, I got settled then, when I played my first two balls, I really felt good,” Padikkal told leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal in a video posted on the official IPL website.

“For the past month we have been training here, Virat Bhaiya has talked to me and I have learned a lot from him. Whenever I am with him, I keep asking questions from him,” Padikkal added.

Padikkal stood with Aaron Finch in the 90 run partnership and, further said that Australia’s veteran showed confidence in him which in turn helped him to bat freely.

“Playing today with Finch felt amazing. He understood that I was scoring quickly, so he gave me the strike and showed confidence in me.” RCB will next play Kings XI Punjab at the same venue on Thursday.

China corps commander-level talks with India went on for 13 hours

Commander Laver met for the sixth time to ease the tense situation between India and China. The meeting started around 10 am on Monday morning and lasted till 11 pm. The meeting between the two countries lasted for about 13 hours.

India took a strong stand and said that China should move its army from our places. However, India was having trouble understanding the things of China. Language was the cause of this problem.

On September 21, the Indian and Chinese Senior Commanders held the 6th round of Military Commander-Level Meeting. The two sides had candid and in-depth exchanges of views on stabilizing the situation along the LAC in the India.

They agreed to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen communication on the ground, avoid misunderstandings and misjudgments, stop sending more troops to the frontline, refrain from unilaterally changing the situation on the ground, and avoid taking any actions that may complicate the situation.

The two sides also agreed to hold the 7th round of Military Commander-Level Meeting as soon as possible, take practical measures to properly solve problems on the ground, and jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the border area.

Microsoft obtains video game company ZeniMax in a deal worth $7.5 billion

Microsoft’s acquisition of ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion created big ripples in the gaming-tech industry taking a spot on 3rd number in top 3 most expensive acquisitions. Microsoft surely added a good number of most popular franchises under its wing for Xbox before the release of new generation console. This move will surely boost their portfolio amongst the gamer as the competition is really stiff from PlayStation.

ZeniMax is the Parent company of Bethesda Softworks, name synonyms with great gaming and the publisher of cult classics including Dishonored, Doom, Fallout and Elder Scrolls. Bethesda has spent the last two console generations scooping up various intellectual properties, to the point where its current lineup of software is a murderer’s row of classic, ongoing, and current hits. It will surely boost the appeal of Xbox for the gamers with wider and diverse collection of games under its belt now.


“Bethesda brings an impressive portfolio of games, technology, talent, as well as a track record of blockbuster commercial success,” Microsoft said in statement. The company will pay for the acquisition in cash with the deal expected to close by the mid-2021. The deal comes as Microsoft prepares to release its Xbox Series X in mid-November, its first update to the gaming console since 2013.


“Gaming is the most expansive category in the entertainment industry, as people everywhere turns to gaming to connect, socialize and play with their friends. Bethesda has seen success across every category of games, and together, we will further our ambition to empower the more than three billion gamers worldwide.” said Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella.
The acquisition strengthens the Xbox games portfolio as competition for people’s play time increases and boosts Microsoft’s efforts to be the premier platform for cloud-based gaming. As Bethesda have a variety of games under its name and that too with a cult following, now if gamers want to play those games they have to look out for Xbox. It is most likely that Bethesda games will be Xbox exclusive now and it will give a upper hand to Microsoft in the market.

US imposes sanctions over Iran, Venezuela’s Maduro

US President Donald Trump has imposed several new sanctions on Iran along with restoring the UN arms embargo.

Trump said, “I am going to take new steps to restrict Iran’s nuclear, ballistic missile and other weapons program. My government will never allow Iran to own nuclear weapons. Neither will we allow Iran to carry ballistic missiles.” Will allow the world to be endangered with the latest creation. “


Donald Trump said in a statement, “My actions today send a clear message to the Iranian regime and the international community who refuse to stand up for Iran.” “My administration will use every device to intercept Iran’s nuclear, ballistic missile and conventional weapons,” he said.

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a statement, “United Nations sanctions on Iran are now re-enacted indefinitely, and we will ensure that this remains in place until Iran changes its behavior . “

Trump said that he had issued new executive orders to reinstate UN sanctions on Iran as well as impose new sanctions on more than two dozen entities and individuals supporting Iran’s nuclear, missile and conventional weapons-related activities.

The order would implement the United Nations-imposed arms embargo on Iran. This order will prevent Iran from giving weapons to terrorists and dangerous people. Will also affect the ability to make weapons for your army, he added.

According to this order, the assets in the US of the partners in the supply, sale or transfer of conventional arms with Iran will be attached.

IPL 2020: Mitchell Marsh may get out of the tournament

IPL 2020, SRH, RCB, SRH vs RCB, Mitchell Marsh
IPL 2020, SRH, RCB, SRH vs RCB, Mitchell Marsh

Sunrisers Hyderabad has lost their first match of the 13th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Virat Kohli’s team Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Hyderabad by 10 runs. Apart from the defeat in the match, Hyderabad has suffered a major setback in that match. In-form Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was injured while bowling. Due to this injury, Marsh may have to quit the tournament. However, no official statement came from Sunrisers Hyderabad about this. Marsh suffered a heel injury during the match against RCB.

Captain David Warner called Marsh to bowl for the 5th over against RCB. Marsh could bowl only four balls. In fact, on the second ball of his over, he got his leg twisted. Despite the pain, Marsh bowled two more balls, but after that, he gave up. Although Marsh came out to bat despite being injured. He came down to bat at number 10.

A source associated with the team has said that it is a serious injury and they can’t be sure whether he will be able to play in the following matches. If Marsh is not part of the IPL, then it would be a big setback for Hyderabad. Afghanistan’s star spinner Mohammad Nabi may get a place in the playing XI when Marsh is out. After the match, Captain David Warner praised Marsh. He said, “This injury does not look right. He showed great courage and came out to bat despite the pain.”

China trying to enter into Nepal territory, also constructs 9 buildings

China has encroached Nepal territory by illegally constructing nine buildings in Lapcha-Limi region of Humla.

The most recent incident has come to light from Nepal’s Humla district where the Chinese have stealthily constructed a building in Namkhya village. In fact, work on a total of nine buildings in the same village is now complete. China did not stop there and even restricted the entry of Nepalese locals near the buildings.

In June too, a Nepal government report stated that China is using road construction in Tibet to occupy its land and may establish border outposts in near future. Nepal’s Survey Department of Agriculture Ministry had then claimed that China encroached at 10 places and has also been diverting the flow of rivers to increase its territory.

This issue came into light when the president of the local village council, Vishnu Bahadur Lama, went on a visit to this territory. He revealed that China soldiers had completed the building construction in the Limi village of Lapcha village. He was even prevented from going to the side of the village where the construction had taken place.

Lama claims that he even tried to speak to the Chinese forces in vain and they did not respond and he was even told to go back.

Deepika Padukone and Dia Mirza name emerges in drug link

Made with Square InstaPic

As Sushant Singh Rajput’s case has highlighted the nexus of the drug in Bollywood, several celebrities have come on the radar of the Narcotics Control Bureau.

While recently, Deepika Padukone’s name was surfaced in the case, another actress Dia Mirza has joined the list of celebs that are under the scanner.

According to media reports, the Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein actress’ name surfaced during allege drug peddler Anuj Keshwani’s interrogation. The media reports suggested that Dia will be summoned soon by the agency for interrogation. However, the actress has rubbished the reports of her involvement in the case.

Deepika Padukone has emerged in one of the WhatsApp chats.

In the chats, the actor is allegedly asking for ‘maal, hash’ from a certain person ‘K’. The name of Deepika’s manager Karishma Prakash has also emerged in the chats and it is learnt that she has summoned by NCB for questioning.

Following the shocking allegations, Deepika is all set to issue an official statement and address the ongoing claims against her.

Meanwhile, actress Dia Mirza took to social media to clarify that she has never consumed or procured drugs of any form in her life. She slammed the news and issued a statement after.

Colleges to Re-open in India on 1 November

All schools and colleges across India are closed due to coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19) and lockdown, all classes are going online. According to a report, in Unlock 5.0, the central government is planning to reopen schools and colleges from November 1 to November 14.

The decision to reopen within the unlocked 5.0 guidelines will be left to the state governments. Lockdown process: Unlock 4.0 new guidelines were issued on 29 August, which calls for the resumption of metro services.

The Ministry of Education has raised the need to open a college amid the growing threat of Corona virus and the Unlock 4.0 implemented in the country.

Has announced The education ministry announced that from November 1, graduation classes will start across the country.

The Ministry has released the schedule for this, graduation class is closed after the nationwide lockdown due to coronavirus.

Calender issued –

  • Calendar has been released for the session of Ministry of Education.
  • By October 31, the nomination process will be completed Graduation class will start from 1st November.
  • Preparation break will be given for 1st March to 7th March.
  • Semester exam between 8th March to 26th March 2nd semester starts from 27th March to 4th April Class of second semester from 4th April.

SOPs to be followed by students / teachers / employees at schools

  • Physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed as far as feasible.
  • Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory.
  • Frequent hand washing with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty.
  • Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (for at least 20 seconds) can be done wherever feasible.
  • Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly.
  • Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest.
  • Spitting shall be strictly prohibited.

India rejects Pakistan’s Kashmir issue at UN, calls for tackling terrorism

India on Tuesday rejected Pakistan’s argument that the Kashmir issue is one of the longest-standing disputes in the United Nations. India urged Pakistan to focus on the unfinished task of combating terrorism.

In a video message on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi praised the achievements of the United Nations, but ‘ He also noted ‘failures and shortcomings’.

He said, “The organization is only as good as its members say it should be. The Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine dispute is one of the longest-running disputes. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are still awaiting the fulfillment of the commitment made by the United Nations to give them the right to take decisions”.

“He further said” Today, the UN has been taken as a talk shop. Its proposals and decisions are flouted. International cooperation, particularly in the Security Council, is at its lowest level. “

First secretary Vidisha Maitra said India had hoped the General Assembly “would be spared another repetition of the baseless falsehoods that have now become a trademark of Pakistan’s interventions on such platforms” during the commemoration global milestone.

“However, for a nation that is bereft of milestones, one can only expect a stonewalled and stymied approach to reason, diplomacy and dialogue,” she said.

Maitra said Pakistan was interfering in India’s internal matters. “What we heard today is the never-ending fabricated narrative presented by the Pakistani representative about the internal affairs of India. We reject the malicious reference made to the union territory (UT) of J&K, which is an integral part of India,” she said.

“If there is an item that is unfinished on the agenda of the UN it is that of tackling the scourge of terrorism. Pakistan is globally recognised as the epicentre of terrorism, which by its own admission harbours and trains terrorists and hails them as martyrs and consistently persecutes its ethnic and religious minorities,” she added.

Maitra said Pakistan “would do well to turn its attention inwards to immediately addressing these pressing concerns instead of diverting attention from them by misusing the UN platform”.

Virat and his RCB team pay tribute to COVID-19 heroes by renaming jersey

Royal Challengers Bangalore won their first game in the Indian Premier League. And they also won hearts when they wore jerseys with the names of COVID-19 warrior.

Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and RCB team paid tribute to COVID-19 heroes by wearing their jersey on name of covid warriors to appreciate their challenger spirit, calling them “Real Challengers” for their dedication to fight the pandemic.

Kohli and de Villiers also changed their Twitter profile names to two COVID-19 heroes Simranjeet Singh and Paritosh Pant respectively. T

“Simranjeet Singh is hearing-impaired but that did not stop him from helping others in the pandemic. He approached people to raise donations for the poor suffering in the pandemic and many hearing-impaired individuals agreed. These individuals weren’t from any particular organisation and they selflessly donated funds. Simranjeet Singh along with his friends raised Rs 98,000 to help people,” RCB said in a statement.

“To acknowledge the efforts and honour the sacrifices made by these real challengers, RCB team will proudly don a tribute jersey with the message “My Covid Heroes” both during training and matches for the entire tournament. The message will be displayed on the back of both the jerseys,” said an RCB statement on Thursday.

“In the past few months, whenever I heard the stories of the Covid Heroes it has given me literal goosebumps. These real challengers have made the country proud and inspired all of us to be more persistent and dedicated to our efforts to build a better tomorrow,” said Virat Kohli.

“I salute Paritosh,who started ‘Project Feeding from Far’ with Pooja & fed meals to 2 needy during the lockdown. I wear his name on my back this season 2 appreciate their challenger spirit,” AB de Villiers wrote on his social media post.