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Fri, 12 November 2021

Varsity campus should have cow shelters: Minister

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23:32 Varsity campus should have cow shelters: Union minister

A large shelter for cows should be established on campus 'on the lines of' students' hostel, Union minister Parshottam Rupala told a central university in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, on Friday.

Traditionally, cattle are a measure of prosperity, the minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying said at a function at Dr Hari Singh Gour Central University in Sagar.

"As per our country's tradition, prosperity is measured in cattle. It is traditional wealth which can naturally take us to all-round prosperity," he said.

"The university should consider establishing a large center for sheltering cows on the lines of students' hostel,' Rupala said.

His ministry will help for such a project, he added.

He lauded the varsity for setting up a Kamdhenu adhyayan and shodh peeth, and signed an MoU with it on behalf of his ministry to establish a Kamdhenu adhyayan and anusandhan kendra, a research centre for cow-related studies.

"Indian cows have a lot of potential and there is a need to understand it....Unfortunately people have now forgotten their importance," he said.

The function was also addressed by the university's vice chancellor Prof Neelima Gupta who said the establishment of the Kamdhenu Peeth reflected the 'vocal for local' initiative. -- PTI

The National Investigation Agency on Friday arrested two more people in connection with its ongoing probe into a terrorism conspiracy case in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

The fresh arrests took to 27 the number of people arrested from different parts of Kashmir in connection with the case in the past one month.

Rashid Muzaffar Ganaie and Nasir Mir, both residents of Sopore township of north Kashmir's Baramulla district, were arrested during raids conducted by the NIA in the valley on Friday, a spokesperson of the agency said.

"Preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused persons are terror associates/over ground workers of various proscribed terrorist organisations and have been providing logistical and material support to terrorists," the NIA said.

The NIA registered the case on October 10 with regard to a conspiracy to undertake violent terrorist acts in Jammu and Kashmir and other major cities by cadres of terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Tayiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Al Badr and their affiliates such as the Resistance Front and the People Against Fascist Forces. -- PTI

About 80 per cent of India's eligible adult population has been administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine while 38 per cent has been fully vaccinated, the Union health ministry said on Friday.

During an interactive webinar on the ongoing har ghar dastak campaign, additional secretary in the Union health ministry Manohar Agnani said that under the campaign, by November 30, the government wants the first dose coverage of COVID-19 vaccination in the country to reach at least 90 per cent.

"Also maximum of the people who are overdue for their second dose should also take the second dose by then," Agnani said.

The government recently launched the month-long har ghar dastak campaign for house-to-house COVID-19 vaccination of those who are yet to take a dose and those whose second dose is overdue.

"Going by India's current vaccination pace we can claim with confidence that the world's largest adult vaccination programme is well on track since its launch on January 16," he said.

"To date, nearly 80 per cent of the eligible population in India has been vaccinated against COVID-19 with the first dose, while 38 per cent has been fully vaccinated," he stated.

In several states, 100 per cent of the adult population has received the first dose of the vaccine.

He expressed confidence that with India's current vaccine delivery capacity, the entire adult population will soon be covered.

The Union health ministry has also written to several states and Union Territories asking them to prioritise administering the second dose to beneficiaries who have not got themselves jabbed even after the expiry of the prescribed interval between the two doses, official sources said. -- PTI

The cumulative COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country crossed 111 crore on Friday, the Union health ministry said.

Over 52 lakh vaccine doses were administered on Friday till 7 pm.

The tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late in the night, it said.

The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level, the ministry underlined.

The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 with healthcare workers getting inoculated in the first phase.

The vaccination of frontline workers started from February 2.

The next phase of the COVID-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for people over 60 years of age and those aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. -- PTI

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan on Friday evening appeared before the special investigation team of the Narcotics Control Bureau, which is probing the drugs-on-cruise case, and his statement was being recorded, sources said in Mumbai.

Earlier in the day, Aryan visited the Narcotics Control Bureau's south Mumbai office for marking weekly attendance, as instructed by the Bombay high court while granting him bail last month.

Later he appeared before the SIT headed by NCB deputy director general Sanjay Kumar Singh in neighbouring Navi Mumbai, sources said.

His statement was being recorded, they added.

The SIT is probing at least six cases including the drugs-on-cruise case.

The NCB had raided a cruise ship off the Mumbai coast on October 2 and claimed to have seized drugs. -- PTI

Representational pic

20:05 7 Maoists charged with waging war against govt

The NIA on Friday filed a chargesheet against seven members of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) for their alleged involvement in a criminal conspiracy to wage war against the democratically-elected government by preparing to carry out terrorist acts including attacks on security personnel in the country, an official said.

The chargesheet has been filed before a special court here under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosive Substances Act against the four arrested and three absconding accused, the official of the premier investigation agency said.

Muthu Nagaraju, 37, Kommarajula Kanukaiah, 31, Sura Saraiah, 36 of Telangana have been named in the chargesheet, he said.

Madvi Hidma of Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, who is also the self-styled commander of the 1st Battalion People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) of the CPI (Maoist), has also been booked along with Koyyada Sambaiah, 49, a Telangana State Committee Member and Secretary of the Badradri Kothagudem-East Godavari (DK-EG) Divisional Committee of the CPI (Maoist), Madakam Kosi, 26, of Telangana and self-styled commander of Cherla Area Committee (Dalam) and Vallepu Swamy, 43, of Telangana, the official said.

The case was registered in February in Telangana, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) official said.

Top members of the CPI (Maoist) including Hidma, Sambaiah, Kosi hatched a criminal conspiracy along with some overground workers (OGWs) to wage war against the democratically-elected government by preparing to carry out terrorist acts including attacks on security personnel, he said.

In furtherance of the conspiracy, the underground members of the CPI (Maoist), a proscribed terrorist organisation, were found to be involved in procuring huge quantities of explosives, steel pipes, steel billas and iron plates, a lathe machine and other logistic items multiple times through OGWs for preparing IEDs, bombs, land mines and other indigenous weapons, the official said.

Further, Hidma and his cadres used to provide huge amounts of money to the OGWs to procure them, he added.

The OGWs in February procured explosives, including 500 kilograms of booster, 400 gelatin sticks, 400 electric detonators, 5,500 non-electric detonators, 5,490 safety fuse and other materials and machineries fraudulently from licensed firms in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and transported them through vehicles disguised as the Forest Department personnel and delivered them to Hidma and other Maoists at Telangana-Chhattisgarh border area, the official said.

A special court here on Friday granted bail to Mohak Jaiswal, who was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in the drugs-on-cruise case in which Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan is one of the accused.

V V Patil, special judge for cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act cases, allowed Jaiswal's plea after hearing extensive arguments.

Jaiswal was one of the seven persons including Aryan Khan whom the NCB had apprehended on October 2 before boarding the cruise ship.

They were later arrested under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, including section 27A which deals with `financing' of drug trafficking.

The NCB had claimed that WhatsApp chats showed a nexus between Jaiswal and other accused with drug suppliers and peddlers.

The bail plea said that Jaiswal was completely innocent, there was no evidence against him and the central agency has not attributed any "direct role" to him in the alleged crime.

As many as 20 persons were arrested in the case, of which 12 have been granted bail by the special NDPS court while the Bombay High Court has granted bail to three others including Aryan Khan so far.

Based on a tip-off, an NCB team raided Goa-bound Cordelia cruise off the Mumbai coast on the evening of October 2 and allegedly seized drugs.

Former Uttar Pradesh minister Gayatri Prajapati and two others were awarded life imprisonment for raping a woman by a special court in Lucknow on Friday.

The court that hears cases against lawmakers also imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh on each convict.

Prajapati and two other convicts Ashok Tiwari and Ashish Shukla were present in the court when the judgment was pronounced.

Judge P K Rai had on Wednesday held Prajapati, a key figure in the previous Akhilesh Yadav government, and his accomplices guilty of raping the woman and also trying to rape her minor daughter.

It said the prosecution has been able to prove charges against them beyond a reasonable doubt.

However, the court acquitted four others -- Vikas Verma, Roopeshwar, Amrendra Singh, alias Pintu, and Chandrapal -- due to lack of evidence.

The prosecution had produced 17 witnesses in the case.

While holding the three guilty, the court also directed the Lucknow police commissioner to ascertain the circumstances in which the rape victim and two other witnesses had changed their statements time and again during the trial.

Prajapati held transport and mining portfolios in the Akhilesh Yadav cabinet and was arrested in March 2017.

The FIR against the minister was registered at the Gautampalli police station here on the directions of the Supreme Court, which gave its order on the woman's plea against the police inaction over her complaint.

The former minister has been in jail since the registration of the FIR.

The woman had claimed that the minister and his accomplices have been raping her since October 2014 and she decided to complain against them after they tried to molest and rape her minor daughter in July 2016.

18:55 Sensex closes in green after three red days

The BSE Sensex broke the spell of down days as it jumped 1.28 per cent or 767 points to close 60,000 mark again.

The rally was led by top IT and financial services companies even as power, auto and steel sector put the downward pressure.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin who visited the rain-battered districts of Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram on Friday sprang a surprise by briefly stopping to sip tea and interact with the public.

He also interacted with sanitary workers involved in clearing the silt in the inundated areas.

Like Chennai, both the neighbouring districts were battered by the rains which inundated several areas.

The administration launched prompt measures to evacuate the affected people to relief camps and in bailing out water from the marooned areas.

The CM who distributed relief to the rain displaced families, had launched a special medical camp here today for treating the people during the Northeast Monsoon.

While in Chengalpattu district, the Chief Minister stopped at a tea shop in Keezhakottaiyur and interacted with the public. As he was sipping tea, few youngsters including those working at the tea shop, approached him for a selfie which he obliged.

Rural industries minister T M Anbarasan, Sriperumbadur MP T R Baalu, district collector A R Rahul Nath were present on the occasion. At Mambakkam in the district, Stalin gave away relief to the people and housing pattas to Irula families.

Later, the Chief Minister interacted with the sanitary workers in Tambaram. The Chief Minister has been inspecting several areas affected by heavy rains since the last few days.

As the country slowly paces back to normalcy with the declining rate in COVID-19 cases, rapid vaccine drive, and growing economic and employment rate, a survey has revealed that 73 per cent of employees are in favour of the hybrid model of work across industries.

Over 73 per cent of the employees interviewed respondents said they are in favour of this new emerging hybrid model across industries, according to a survey by HR solutions provider Genius Consultants.

As most organisations across various industries were forced to shift staff operation remotely owing to the pandemic restrictions, most employees opined that this provision should continue even after the situation normalise, it added.

Further, the survey found that the hybrid model would be cohesive and would allow employers to continue working in an environment they deem feasible.

"It would help employees save time and money, which might have been spent on commuting and also helps companies save up on office space," according to the survey.

The survey was done online with over 1,000 respondents in October across sectors including banking and finance, construction and engineering, education/teaching/training, FMCG, hospitality, HR solutions, IT, ITES and BPO, logistics, manufacturing among others.

Further, the survey found that over 71 per cent of employees were of the opinion that a hybrid model would have a positive impact on employee productivity and would assist them in being more resourceful.

18:16 Govt to vaccinate 90% with 1st dose by Nov 30

Manohar Agnani, Additional Secretary, Union Health Ministry, during an online interactive session on the ongoing 'Har Ghar Dastak' campaign, says that 80 per cent of India is cover with a single dose, while 39 per cent has been given both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

"We want the first dose coverage to reach 90% by November 30. Health workers will knock on every door, check, inspire and motivate people to get vaccinated. Every individual has a role, we've requested NGOs too to pool in their resources. We have three vaccines: Covaxin, Covishield and SputnikV.

"Right now we are focusing on vaccination for adults," he said when asked about a booster dose.

Signalling a positive trend after reeling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for a long period, retail sales in October grew by 34 per cent compared to the same month last year, according to the Retailers Association of India (RAI).

In the 21st edition of the Retail Business Survey, RAI said in October this year there was 14 per cent growth when compared to the pre-pandemic levels of October 2019.

"The October survey has revealed encouraging results. In order to understand the complete impact of the festival season on retail sales, it is essential to see the figures of October and November combined," RAI Chief Executive Officer Kumar Rajagopalan said in a statement.

He further said, "We would await the results for the month of November to draw definitive conclusions. However, all the signs indicate a positive trend." -- PTI

17:56 Cong has pathological hatred for Hinduism: BJP

The BJP claimed on Friday that the Congress leadership nurses "pathological hatred" for Hinduism as it hit out at Rahul Gandhi for his criticism of Hindutva.

The BJP said it is at Rahul Gandhi's behest that Congress leaders like Salman Khurshid, Shashi Tharoor and P Chidambaram have allegedly targeted the religion.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra attacked Gandhi after the Congress leader sought to draw a distinction between Hinduism and Hindutva, a term widely used by the RSS, and alleged that the RSS-BJP ideology was about spreading hate.

Patra alleged that Gandhi has a history of making critical comments about Hinduism and its culture. It is in the character of the Congress and the Gandhi family to attack Hinduism at every opportunity, he said.

Passenger vehicle wholesales in India declined by 27 per cent year-on year in October with semiconductor shortage hitting production of automobile manufacturers, auto industry body SIAM said on Friday.

Passenger vehicle sales last month stood at 2,26,353 units, as compared to 3,10,694 units in the year-ago period. As per the latest data by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), two-wheeler dispatches to dealers also witnessed a 25 per cent decline at 15,41,621 units, compared to 20,53,814 units in October 2020.

Motorcycle dispatches were also down 26 per cent last month to 10,17,874 units, as against 13,82,749 units in the year-ago period.

Scooter sales fell 21 per cent to 4,67,161 units, from 5,90,507 units in the year-ago month, SIAM said. -- PTI

17:24 Mapped: the losers in today's market

Tech Mahindra was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rising around 4 per cent, followed by HDFC, Infosys, Bajaj Finserv, Asian Paints and Bajaj Finance. On the other hand, Bajaj Auto, Tata Steel and Axis Bank were among the laggards.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on Friday declared the results of its fourth genome sequencing series and said 75 per cent of the samples tested were found infected with the Delta variant and the rest with Delta derivative.

A release from Mumbai's civic body said 345 COVID-19 patient samples were tested in the fourth series batch at the Genome Sequencing Lab in Kasturba Hospital, adding that it was sharing results of only 281 as these were of patients hailing from the metropolis.

"Of these 281 samples, 75 per cent, or 210 patients, were found infected with Delta variant, and 25 per cent, or 71, with Delta derivative. Of the 281 patients, four, all above the age of 60, had succumbed and had not take any vaccine against COVID-19, while none of the vaccinated patients died," the release informed.

It also said that of the 281 patients, only eight, who took the first dose, and 21, who were fully vaccinated. had to be hospitalised, though none of them required intensive care or oxygen support.

The release further said the overall test results were showing that the COVID-19 outbreak is under control under the influence of vaccination, and asked all citizens to go in for inoculation and ensure they follow all norms in place to curb the pandemic.

Giving a break-up of the 281 samples, the BMC release said 26 patients (9 per cent) were in the 0-20 age group, 85 (30 per cent) between 21 and 40 years of age, 96 (34 per cent) in the 41-60 age group, 66 (23 per cent) in the 61 -80 segment and eight (3 per cent) were 81 years old and above.

It added that the Delta variant and Delta derivative were relatively mildly invasive and did not pose a significant risk, with the infection and transmission rate of the latter being lower than the former. The Genome Sequencing Lab was set up in Kasturba Hospital in August. PTI

16:52 Top Maoist leader Prashant Bose arrested

Top Maoist leader Prashant Bose alias Kishan Da, who was carrying reward of Rs 1 crore on head, arrested by Jharkhand Police: Official sources.

-- PTI

Times Now attempts to make good for what its anchor Navika Kumar could not do. In a statement, the media group said, "Kangana Ranaut may think India got Independence in 2014 but this cannot be endorsed by any true Indian. This is an insult to millions of freedom fighters who gave up their lives so that present generations can live a life of self-respect & dignity as free citizens of a democracy."

Politicians across party lines demanded the government take back the Padma Shri bestowed on actor Kangana Ranaut after she triggered a controversy by describing India's Independence in 1947 as 'bheek' or alms at a Times Now media conclave anchored by Navika Kumar.

Ranaut also claimed that India attained freedom only after 2014, when the Narendra Modi-led government came to power.

Leading the charge against the 'Queen' actor, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma termed the remarks "shocking and outrageous" and urged President Ram Nath Kovind to take back the Padma award given to Ranaut.

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda called her remarks "callous".

Hindustani Awam Morcha president Jitan Ram Manjhi, whose party is in alliance with the NDA in Bihar, said all news channels should henceforth boycott the actor.

Shiv Sena leader Neelam Gorhe said sedition charges should be slapped on Kangana Ranaut for terming India's Independence as "alms".

"She should be charged with sedition for her comments. Her Padma award should also be revoked," the Shiv Sena leader said.

Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly

16:14 Norovirus cases reported in Kerala

A day after Norovirus cases were confirmed in Wayanad district, the Kerala government on Friday said people need to be vigilant about the very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.

The rare Norovirus infection was reported in some 13 students of a veterinary college in Pookode near Vythiri in Wayanad district two weeks ago.

Though things have been brought under control and no further spread is reported, health authorities said they are preparing a data bank of the students of the veterinary science college besides holding an awareness class as part of preventive measures.

Veterinary college authorities said the infection was first found in students living in hostels outside the campus. The health authorities were quick to collect samples and sent them to NIV in Alappuzha for testing.

State health minister Veena George chaired a meeting of the health officials here and took stock of the situation in Wayanad.

According to a health department release, the minister directed the officials to intensify activities to prevent the spread of the virus.

Currently there is no cause for concern but everyone should be vigilant, it said. Officials said preventive activities including super chlorination are underway. Noroviruses are the leading cause of foodborne illness,

16:10 Strengthen Cong ideology, Rahul urges partymen

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said his party's ideology is like a "beautiful jewel" with an unending power inside it, but it has been overshadowed by the BJP, and maintained Hindu and Hindutva are different concepts.

If crystalized, the Congress ideology which is alive and vibrant will envelope that of the BJP-RSS, he said and emphasised on strengthening his party's ideas within the organisation and spreading them across the country.

Gandhi was addressing online a four-day 'AICC orientation programme' organised at Sevagram Ashram in Wardha. Congress representatives from across the states are participating in the programme.

He said, "We have to accept that there are two ideologies in India - the Congress ideology and the RSS ideology. We have to accept the BJP-RSS has spread hatred in today's India."

The former Congress president said there has been "complete capture" of the media by the saffron outfit.

"The BJP has overshadowed the loving, affectionate and nationalistic ideology of the Congress party. Our ideology is alive and vibrant, but it has been overshadowed by the BJP," said the Lok Sabha MP from Wayanad in Kerala.

"It has been overshadowed partly because of complete capture of the media and complete capture of the Indian nation. It has also been overshadowed as we have not propagated our ideology among our own people aggressively," said Gandhi.

Gandhi observed that Hindutva and Hinduism are two different concepts. "These are the types of things we need to explore and understand and develop a group of people...100, 200, 300, 500 people who deeply understand these differences, who can apply these differences to issues, behaviour, to action.

"Is Hinduism about beating a Sikh, or a Muslim. Hindutva, of course, is. In which book is it written? I have not seen it. I have read the Upanishads. I have not read it," he said.

"We say there is a difference between Hindutva and Hindu religion. It is a simple logic - if you are a Hindu then why do you need Hindutva? why do you need this new name?" he asked.

The Congress leader said in today's India, ideological fight has become very important.

"The Congress ideology...the ideology it follows has been existing in India for thousands of years. Just like the RSS has its icons, the Congress has its own icons... they are different icons. But, we have them, it is about bringing this ideological ocean and allowing our people to swim in it," he said.

Gandhi admitted the Congress did not propagate its ideas properly in the past. "Now is the time to strengthen Congress ideology in its own organisation and spread its across India through party workers," he said.

The Aam Aadmi Party on Friday announced its first list of 10 candidates for the 2022 Punjab assembly polls.

All of the 10 candidates are sitting MLAs. Senior AAP leader Harpal Singh Cheema, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, has been given ticket from Dirba seat, while Aman Arora will contest from Sunam assembly constituency, according to the list shared by the party on its Twitter handle.

Saravjit Kaur Manuke will contest from Jagraon seat and Baljinder Kaur from Talwandi Sabo. Jai Kishan Roudi has been given ticket from Garhshankar seat, Manjit Bilaspur from Nihal Singh Wala, Kultar Singh Sandhwan from Kotkapura, Budhram from Budhlada, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer from Barnala, and Kulwant Pandori from Mehal Kalan, according to the list.

The election to the 117-member Punjab assembly is due early next year. The poll schedule is yet to be announced by the Election Commission. PTI

Salman Khurshid

15:30 BJP minister asks Khurshid to use his brains

Union Power and New Renewable Energy Minister RK Singh on Friday slammed Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid for comparing Hinduism with terror groups in his latest book.

Talking to ANI, Singh said it is a matter of great shame that Khurshid has denigrated the entire religion in a way that is beyond "tolerance". Singh told ANI that, "It is a matter of great shame that you are denigrating the entire religion of our people in such a way that it is beyond tolerance. What is the Congress party doing? You are insulting people's religions and you think that we will tolerate this. You should use some brains!

"We are very tolerant, but not so tolerant that you insult our religion and we will keep quiet. He should understand," he said.

The Lok Sabha MP from Arrah in Bihar said, "This is the same person who had gone to Pakistan and was harming India's interests by staying in the Military Academy in Pakistan. Khurshid is the same person who was accused of embezzling the money given by the Centre for the disabled"

On Wednesday, Khurshid got embroiled in controversy for "defaming and comparing Hindusim with terrorism" in his recent book "Sunrise Over Ayodhya: Nationhood in Our Times".

Khurshid's new book on the Ayodhya verdict was released last week. It explored the Apex Court's landmark judgement on the Ayodhya dispute. The senior Congress leader Khurshid has compared Hindutva to radical terrorist groups like "ISIS and Boko Haram".

Former chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) P C Mody took over as the secretary-general of the Rajya Sabha on Friday, replacing P P K Ramacharyulu, who was appointed to the post less than three months ago.

Mody was appointed as the secretary general by Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu earlier in the day.

"Chairman Rajya Sabha has been pleased to appoint Shri Pramod Chandra Mody, IRS (Retd) and former Chairman, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), as Secretary-General Rajya Sabha, in the rank and status of Cabinet Secretary," an official communication issued by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat said.

Mody's appointment is on a contractual basis with effect from the forenoon of November 12, 2021 till August 10, 2022 or until further orders, the order said.

His appointment comes ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, which is expected to commence from November 29.

In another notification, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat said Ramacharyulu has been relieved of his charge from the forenoon of Novermber 12.

He now been appointed as an advisor in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, sources said.

Ramacharyulu was appointed as the secretary-general of the Rajya Sabha on September 1.

No reason has been given for his replacement, the sources said.

Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh took a swipe at the government over the development on Twitter, saying, 'Not surprised at all Dr. P.P.K. Ramacharyulu is a thorough professional, non-partisan and perfectly qualified for the post -- three deadly sins in the Modi regime.' -- PTI

An anti-smog gun sprays water at Vijay Chowk

14:53 Visibility in Delhi to remain poor for 3 days

The visibility in Delhi will remain poor for the next three days due to fog and smog, said Senior Scientist of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

Speaking to ANI, Jenamani said, "Delhi today witnessed low visibility due to fog and smoke conditions. Visibility was around 600-800 meters till 12 noon. Visibility to remain poor for the next three days in Delhi."

A layer of smog shrouded Delhi-NCR on Friday as the air quality in Delhi continued to remain under the "very poor" category.

14:32 Aryan Khan marks his presence at NCB office

Shah Rukh Khan's son, Aryan Khan appears before the Narcotics Control Bureau, to mark his weekly (every Friday) presence before the agency.

The mandatory weekly appearance before the NCB was one of the conditions set by the Bombay HC while granting him bail in the drugs-on-cruise case.

14:16 Anil Deshmukh's ED custody extended to Nov 15

A special PMLA court here on Friday extended the ED custody of former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh till November 15 in connection with a multi-crore money laundering case.

He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) early last week.

A special holiday court on November 6 had sent the 71-year-old NCP leader to judicial custody after rejecting the ED's plea seeking extension of his remand.

However, a day later, the Bombay High Court set aside the lower court's order and sent Deshmukh in ED remand till November 12.

The Supreme Court Friday granted time till November 15 to the Uttar Pradesh government for apprising its stand on the suggestion that a former judge of a different high court should monitor the state SIT probe on day-to-day basis in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

Eight people including four farmers were killed on October 3.

"Would your Lordships give me time till Monday? I have almost got it done. We are working something out," senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the UP government, told the bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana.

"List on Monday," said the bench which, also comprised justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli, acceding to the request.

The apex court, on November 8, had expressed dissatisfaction over the probe and suggested that to infuse "independence, impartiality and fairness in the ongoing investigation, a former judge of a different high court should monitor it on day-to-day basis.

The bench had also said that it has no confidence and does not want the one-member judicial commission appointed by the state to continue probe into the case. -- PTI

13:39 Govt does not have strategy on China: Rahul

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that the country's national security is "unpardonably compromised" as the government does not have a strategy on China.

He cited a news report where the External Affairs Ministry and the Chief of Defence Staff had a different take on the China border issue. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Bipin Rawat on Thursday said the controversy about the Chinese coming into the Indian territory and building a new village is "not true", and that the villages were well within the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

He also asserted that China has not transgressed the Indian "perception" of the LAC. In its recent report, the US Department of Defence said China built a large village inside disputed territory between its Tibet Autonomous Region and India's Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern sector of the LAC.

Earlier in an official reaction to the US report, the External Affairs Ministry said India has neither accepted China's "illegal occupation of its territory nor any unjustified Chinese claims".

While taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "56-inch chest" remarks, Gandhi said on Twitter, "Our national security is unpardonably compromised because GOI has no strategy and Mr 56 is scared".

"My thoughts are with the soldiers risking their lives to guard our borders while GOI churns out lies," he said.

In the run up to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Modi had said it takes a 56-inch chest to convert Uttar Pradesh into Gujarat in terms of development. -- PTI

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray successfully underwent a cervical spine surgery at the H N Reliance Hospital, his office said on Friday.

Thackeray (61) has been moved to a ward after his surgery, said a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) quoting two doctors of the hospital - Ajit Desai and Shekhar Bhojraj.

"The doctors said he was stable during the surgery and has been doing well," the statement said.

Dr Desai is a cardiologist, while Dr Bhojraj is a spine surgeon.

On Wednesday, Thackeray was admitted to the hospital on the advice of doctors after his neck pain aggravated. Earlier this week, he had attended an event wearing a cervical collar. -- PTI

12:57 Oppn demands Kangana's Padma Shri be withdrawn

NCP senior leader along with the Congress party has called for actress Kangana Ranaut's Padma Shri to be withdrawn immediately.

"We strongly condemn actress Kangana Ranaut's statement (India got freedom in 2014). She insulted freedom fighters. Centre must take back the Padma Shri from Kangana and arrest her," Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik said,

"Looks like Kangana Ranaut took a heavy dose of Malana Cream (a particular variety of hashish which grows specifically in HP) before making such a statement," Malik added.

Kangana Ranaut's comment that India won true independence in 2014 - when Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power - and the 1947 Independence was "bheekh" or charity, has snowballed into several parties asking for the award given to her on Monday, to be withdrawn.

"The Padma Award given to Ranaut should be withdrawn immediately. Before giving such awards, mental psychological evaluation should be done so that in future such persons do not disrespect the nation and its heroes," Anand Sharma, Congress leader, said on Twitter, tagging President Ram Nath Kovind.

Calling Kangana Ranaut's comments shameful and shocking, Sharma accused her of insulting Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Valabhbhai Patel, besides belittling the sacrifices of freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad.

Online platforms logged sales worth USD 9.2 billion (about Rs 65,000 crore) during this year's festive sale, up about 23 per cent over last year, according to consulting firm RedSeer.

RedSeer had predicted that online platforms are expected to potentially clock USD 9.6 billion gross GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) during the entire festive season this year, as against USD 7.5 billion (about Rs 52,000 crore) last year.

"A slew of new launches and easy financing options meant that Mobiles continued to remain the most widely-sold product category during this time, accounting for more than a third of the total GMV," RedSeer said in its report.

With hoards of people finally getting to leave their homes after months of lockdown, the Fashion category witnessed a resurgence like never before. Driven by consumers' desire to refresh their wardrobes and new innovative business models catering to shoppers in tier 2 cities, the sales of Fashion items via online channels doubled this year, RedSeer said.

On the other hand, the categories that witnessed subdued growth this year included the likes of home furnishings, home dcor and other electronics, it added.

BCCI announces India's squad for home Test series against New Zealand.

Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested.

The squad: Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Cheteshwar Pujara (vice captian), K L Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), K S Bharat (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Mohmmed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

Virat Kohli to join the squad for seond test and lead the team. -- PTI/ANI

Police have arrested nine persons, seven of them from Rajasthan and Gujarat, in Madhya Pradesh's Jhabua district on charge of indulging in religious conversion, an official said on Friday.

The police registered a case against 10 persons following a complaint filed by a man linked to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

"We received information on Wednesday that some outsiders were allegedly luring tribals to convert to Christianity at Manpur village under the Thandla police station area," the official said.

After that, a police team and some residents of the area reached the village and found that seven persons from Rajasthan and Gujarat and their local contacts were attempting religious conversion by offering inducements at the residence of one Naru Damor, Thandla sub-divisional officer of police (SDOP) M S Gavli said.

Later, the police booked a total of 10 persons under relevant sections of Madhya Pradesh's anti-religious conversion law and arrested nine of then, he added.

They were produced in a local court, which sent them to jail on Thursday, the SDOP said.

Talking to reporters in Indore on Wednesday, VHP general secretary Milind Parande alleged that Christian missionaries were involved in illegal conversions in tribal-dominated Jhabua district.

"We demand action against everyone involved in illegal conversions,'' the VHP leader had said. -- PTI

Digital payments and financial services firm Paytm has fixed an offer price of Rs 2,150 apiece for its initial share-sale.

The shares of Paytm are expected to list on bourses on November 18, according to the final prospectus filed by the company with the Registrar of Companies on Friday.

Paytm had priced its shares in a price band of Rs 2,080-2,150 per share, valuing the company at Rs 1.39 lakh crore at the upper end of the price band.

With the Rs 18,300-crore share sale via Initial Public Offering (IPO), Paytm IPO has become the largest fintech IPO in the Asia Pacific region. It is also the second largest fintech IPO of 2021 globally, after Spain-based Allfunds IPO.

Former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh has been taken for medical examination ahead of the Bombay High Court hearing scheduled to be held on Friday in connection with money laundering case.

Deshmukh's Enforcement Directorate custody ends today. Bombay High Court on November 7 remanded Deshmukh to Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody till November 12.

He was arrested on November 1 in connection with extortion and money laundering allegations levelled against him by the former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh.

Singh had alleged that Deshmukh was involved in several wrongdoings, including, asking former Assistant Police Inspector in Mumbai Police Sachin Waze to collect Rs 100 crore from bars and restaurants in Mumbai. -- ANI

A cheering ness in the morning:

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin felicitates Inspector Rajeswari for her rescue work yesterday during the Chennai rains.

The inspector had carried an unconscious man on her shoulders to an autorickshaw in a bid to rush him to a nearby hospital in Chennai.

A video of Rajeswari, a police inspector with Chennai's TP Chatram Police Station, carrying the unconscious man on her shoulders and then ensuring his quick evacuation tells the story of duty, empathy and of a city coming together.

Police had received information that a body had been spotted under a fallen tree in a cemetery. But after the tree was moved, Rajeswari noticed that the man, later identified as Udaya Kumar, was breathing.

With the help of rescue worker, the police inspector carried the man on her shoulders and started looking for a vehicle to take him to safety.

Besides maintaining law and order, police forces have a greater role in border management spanning over 15,000 km covering Pakistan, China and Myanmar and Bangladesh with which India has security related issues, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said on Friday.

Speaking at the passing out parade of the 73rd batch of IPS probationers at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad, Doval said India's sovereignty goes as far as the last police station's jurisdiction from the coastal areas to the border areas.

He further said maintaining law and order in every part of the 32 lakh sq km of India is the responsibility of police forces.

"Not only the policing about which you (IPS officers) have been trained well. But it will extend. You will be responsible for border management of this country. 15,000 km of the border, most of it has got peculiar problems of its own," he added.

"There is a border in Pakistan with China or Myanmar or Bangladesh. We have got different types of security related issues which are manned by the police and the central police organisations which are manning these borders," Doval said.

According to him, the strength of the police force in the country is 21 lakh and so far 35,480 personnel have sacrificed their lives. "We would also like to remember those 40 IPS officers who were martyred," Doval said.

10:55 UP polls: Priyanka meets Bhupesh Baghel

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is holding a meeting with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in Delhi, sources said on Friday.

The meeting is going on at 10 Janpath in Delhi.

The Congress general secretary is also currently the party's in-charge of Uttar Pradesh.

Ahead of the Assembly elections in seven states scheduled to be held next year, Congress on October 2 appointed Baghel as All India Congress Committee (AICC) senior observer for the ensuing polls in Uttar Pradesh.

Uttar Pradesh is scheduled to go for Assembly polls in 2022. Previously, in the 2017 Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party bagged 312 seats out of the 403-seat Uttar Pradesh Assembly while Samajwadi Party (SP) bagged 47 seats, Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) won 19 and Congress could manage to win only seven seats. The rest of the seats were bagged by other candidates.

Notably, the Congress party has been out of power in the state since 1989, that is, for more than 30 years. The last Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh representing the Congress party was Narayan Dutt Tiwari from June 1988 to December 1989. -- ANI

Representative image

10:43 BSF kills 2 Bangladeshi smugglers near border

Two Bangladeshi smugglers were killed early Friday as the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel opened fire while they tried to smuggle cattle heads by establishing an improvised bamboo cantilever through the Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal's Cooch Behar district, the force said.

The incident took place around 3 am.

One BSF troop was also injured in the attack by miscreants but his condition is stable and he has been evacuated to hospital.

The BSF in a statement said that the 'from Bangladesh side ventured into Indian territory and tried to smuggle cattle heads by establishing improvised bamboo cantilever'.

'BSF domination ahead of fence warned them to go back, but miscreants didn't pay heed to BSF warning,' said the statement.

It said that the BSF troops then utilised non-lethal munition to deter the miscreants, but they attacked BSF troops with iron dah and sticks.

Sensing an imminent threat to the life, the statement mentioned, BSF party fired in air towards miscreants.

'Later on during search, dead bodies of two unknown miscreants were found between the border fence and International Boundary.'

The BSF is mandated to guard the 4,096 km long India-Bangladesh border and is responsible to stop smuggling as well as other illegal activities. -- ANI

A first information report (FIR) has been filed against two police personnel after an 18-month-old toddler died allegedly due to police baton charge in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district.

The incident took place during a protest against the construction of a culvert in Ramnagar Gadhai village on Tuesday.

According to the Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajesh Singh Chandel, the deceased toddler has been identified as Shiva.

"The toddler's father, Ashok Jatav, registered a case against two sub-inspectors under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act," Chandel said.

Further investigation into the matter is underway. -- ANI

09:53 Rajasthan reshuffle: Pilot to meet Sonia today

Ahead of a possible cabinet reshuffle in Rajasthan, Congress leader Sachin Pilot will meet Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on Friday, sources said.

Congress is considering to implement 'one leader-one post' policy.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday said that the Congress' high command will decide on the cabinet reshuffle in Rajasthan.

In this regard, Gehlot met Sonia Gandhi at 10 Janpath yesterday.

The meeting had lasted for almost an hour.

"There will be 'one leader, one post' formula in the cabinet reshuffle. Three senior members of Gehlot Cabinet are likely to be removed from their post as they have already been given responsibilities in the party. Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee chief Govind Dotasra, All India Congress Committee incharge of Punjab Harish Chaudhry, AICC incharge of Gujarat Raghu Sharma are likely to be out in the reshuffle.

"They themselves have requested to work for the party," a top source said.

Ashok Gehlot spoke on Cabinet expansion with the media persons today and said, "I have briefed the party's high command about the current situation. The party high command will decide on the Cabinet reshuffle in Rajasthan. Ajay Maken (state in charge) knows everything. We will accept whatever decision will be taken by the party high command. I just want good governance to continue in the state of Rajasthan."

The expected cabinet expansion will set a roadmap for the 2023 Assembly elections in the state. -- ANI

Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech on Friday announced that the Lancet peer-review confirmed the efficacy analysis of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin.

As per phase-three clinical trials data, Covaxin demonstrates 77.8 per cent efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19.

'COVAXIN is the only COVID-19 vaccine to have demonstrated efficacy data from phase III clinical trials against the delta variant at 65.2 per cent,' the official statement issued by Bharat Biotech said citing the study by the Lancet.

'Efficacy analysis demonstrates Covaxin to be 77.8 per cent effective against symptomatic COVID-19, through evaluation of 130 confirmed cases, with 24 observed in the vaccine group versus 106 in the placebo group,' said the company's statement.

Further, it said that Covaxin will be 93.4 per cent effective against severe symptomatic COVID-19.

'Safety analysis demonstrates adverse events reported were similar to placebo, with 12 per cent of subjects experiencing commonly known side effects and less than 0.5 per cent of subjects experiencing serious adverse events,' it said.

'Efficacy data demonstrates 63.6 per cent protection against asymptomatic COVID-19, 65.2 per cent protection against the SARS-CoV-2, B.1.617.2 Delta and 70.8 per cent protection against all variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus,' Bharat Biotech added.

Dr Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Biotech said, 'The data from our product development and clinical trials have been published in 10 peer-reviewed journals, making Covaxin one of the most highly published COVID-19 vaccines in the world.'

"I am delighted to see that the phase III efficacy data has also been published in the Lancet. This itself speaks high about the strong position of Covaxin amongst other global front-runners COVID-19 vaccines," Dr Balram Bhargava, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said.

"The bench to bedside journey of Covaxin in less than 10 months showcases the immense strength of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' along with the Indian academia and industry in fighting against the odds and carving a niche in the global community," Bhargava added.

Recently, the World Health Organisation granted emergency use listing to Covaxin enabling countries to expedite their regulatory approval to import and administer doses.

It has also received emergency use authorizations in several countries with applications in process in more than 50 countries worldwide, the statement added. -- ANI

Around 3.50 am today, five coaches of Kannur-Bengaluru Express derailed between Toppuru-Sivadi of Bengaluru Division, due sudden falling of boulders on the train.

All 2,348 passengers on board are safe, no casualty/injury reported, says South Western Railway. -- ANI

08:10 Covid vax for kids: No rush, says Mandaviya

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said the government does not want to make haste about administering COVID-19 vaccine to children and any decision in this regard will be taken based on expert opinion.

On when vaccination for children could start as Zydus Cadila's Covid vaccine has been granted emergency use authorisation for those 12-year-old and above, he said children were not being inoculated against COVID-19 on a large scale anywhere in the world though it has been initiated in some countries in a limited manner.

"We do not want to rush this thing. Since this is a matter related to children, the expert group is carrying out further studies," he said at the 'Times Now Summit 2021'.

All the vaccines which have currently received emergency use authorisation will be granted full authorisation only after a detailed study and based on the data of four to five years, he said.

"It is through data and experience we have learnt that even after vaccination Covid can happen. Then again, data emerged stating that after vaccination one does not get severe Covid. The first dose gives 96 per cent protection and both doses give 98.5 per cent protection.

"About vaccinating the children, we will make a decision based on expert opinion. We have decided to think and evaluate before going ahead with vaccinating children as they are the future of our country and we need to tread with caution in this matter," the minister said.

On the probability of administering a booster dose, he said adequate stocks are available and the aim is to complete the vaccination of the target population with two doses. After that, a decision on booster dose would be taken based on expert recommendation, Mandaviya said.

"The government cannot take a direct decision in such a matter. When the Indian Council of Medical Research and expert team will say that a booster dose should be given, we will consider it then," he said, adding Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always depended on expert opinion, be it vaccine research, manufacturing or approval.

Despite a large population and diverse challenges, nearly 80 per cent of India's adult population have taken at least the first dose. The country's vaccination performance has been remarkable, Mandaviya said.

About Covaxin's approval by WHO, the minister said that he had discussed the matter with WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on more than a couple of occasions to understand the requirements a vaccine needed to fulfil to get the clearance.

"It is a matter of great pride that a vaccine developed and manufactured in India has been given EUA status."

Asked if the delay in getting the EUA was because Covaxin is an Indian vaccine and if there was there any discrimination against India, the Mandaviya replied, "I will not get into this matter."

He informed that 97 countries have recognised Covishield and Covaxin. In the coming days, vaccines manufactured in India will be made available around the globe at affordable rates, Mandaviya said and stressed India will play a major role in global covid vaccination efforts.

"We will get 31 crore doses in November with more due in December. Another five to six companies are set to come to India to manufacture vaccines here. We will help meet the world's requirement for Covid vaccines by providing $18 to 20 vaccines at $3 to 4. This is our commitment," he said.

The minister said that 16 crore vaccine doses are lying with the states and Union Territories.

Referring to the 'Har Ghar Dastak' vaccination at doorstep campaign, he said, "By December 31 we want to complete our target of vaccinating people aged 18 and above. It now depends on people's support."

Asked about the possibility of a third wave, Mandaviya said, "Covid is not over. Cases are rising globally. In Russia, China, Hong Kong cases are rising again despite more than 80 per cent vaccination. Vaccination and Covid-appropriate behaviour have to go hand in hand."

On preparations for a probable third wave, he said Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission has been launched and Rs 65,000 crore will be spent in the next five years to ramp up the health infrastructure across the country.

The aim is to form such a level of preparedness that India is ready to fight a pandemic-like exigency if anything like it comes up in the next 50 years, the Union health minister said.

"The second wave pointed out the shortages in health infrastructure. But, we don't believe in a blame game. PM Modi has linked health with development and the government under his leadership always made efforts to expand and strengthen health facilities," he said.

Discussing the Health Infrastructure Mission, Mandaviya said modern laboratories will be set up at the district level which will conduct 115 types of medical tests for the poor citizens free of cost.

Critical care units will be set up at the district level equipped with a 100-bed facility that has oxygen and ventilators. Besides, a research centre at the regional level will be set up so that epidemics are recognised on time before they assume pandemic proportions, he said. -- PTI

The cumulative COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country crossed 110.74 crore on Thursday, the Union health ministry said.

More than 48 lakh (48,76,535) vaccine doses have been administered till 7 pm, it said.

The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late night, it said.

The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 with healthcare workers getting inoculated in the first phase.

The vaccination of frontline workers started from February 2.

The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for people over 60 years of age and those aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. -- PTI

Varsity campus should have cow shelters: Minister

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