PM Modi to chair high-level meeting on Covid situation

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PM Modi to chair high-level meeting on Covid situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday will chair a high-level meeting to review the situation related to Covid-19 in the country.

On Wednesday, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reviewed the situation in the wake of the Covid surge in China and other countries. He chaired a meeting of top officials and later asked people to follow Covid-appropriate behavior, including wearing masks in crowded places, and getting vaccinated.

As per reports, the national capital on Wednesday reported five Covid cases in the last 24 hours, while one new Covid-related death was also reported, per the government health bulletin. The Covid positivity rate in Delhi has recorded 0.19 percent and the total number of active cases stood at 27.

With eight Covid patients recovering in the last 24 hours on Wednesday, the total number of recoveries has gone to 19,80,555. The number of patients being treated in home isolation stands at 19.

With the new Covid cases, the total caseload of Delhi has jumped to 20,07,102 while the death toll is now 26,520.

2,642 new tests — 1501 RT-PCR and 1,141 Rapid Antigen – were conducted in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 4,05,70,041 while 470 vaccines were administered – 42 first doses, 131-second doses, and 307 precaution doses.

The total number of cumulative beneficiaries vaccinated so far stands at 3,73,46,397, according to the health bulletin in the national capital.

Northeast youth now have computer in hand in place of guns: Centre

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Northeast youth now have computer in hand in place of guns: Centre

The Centre on Monday informed Parliament that since 2014 it has provided ample employment opportunities to the youth of the northeastern region, with Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy saying that they now have computers in their hands in place of guns, which was the case before 2014 when the erstwhile UPA regime was in power.

Replying to a series of questions by Congress MPs from the northeast Vincent Pala and Pradyut Bordoloi on employment opportunities for the youth of the region and development works undertaken there during Question Hour in Lok Sabha, Reddy said that contrary to the situation which prevailed in the region before the BJP-led NDA government came to power at the Centre on 2014, when insurgency and curfews were the norms, now crores of rupees have been spent for the region’s development and even need-based employment has been generated.

Congress MP Pala while asking the question, sought to know why the government was giving “lip service” in the name of claiming the development of the Northeast.

To this, Reddy listed various schemes related to infrastructure development undertaken for the region and the amount of money spent in the past eight years for the purpose.

He even compared the quantum of funds spent on the region’s development by the NDA government since 2014 and those spent by the erstwhile regimes prior to 2014.

“Now the youth of the region has computers in their hands, unlike earlier when they had guns in their hands,” Reddy said while pointing to Opposition benches.

At this, Opposition Congress leaders raised objections to his comments. Former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi was also present in the House.

When Pala sought to know about the region-based employment generation schemes initiated by the Centre and Bordoloi raised the issue of ill-treatment of the region’s youths in various parts of the country despite their expertise in various vocations, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman intervened and informed that prior to the previous budget, she had met all the Finance Ministers of the northeast and sought details about the kind of initiatives needed for the region.

She listed a few schemes started by the Centre, which are aimed at providing region-based employment opportunities to the people of the area.

Telangana building IT hubs in five more tier II towns

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Telangana building IT hubs in five more tier II towns

As part of its efforts to decentralize the growth of Information Technology (IT), the Telangana government is building IT hubs in five more districts.

State Information and Technology Minister K. T. Rama Rao said on Saturday that the IT hubs are coming up in Nizamabad, Mahbubnagar, Nalgonda, Siddipet, and Adilabad.

The IT hubs in Warangal, Khammam, and Karimnagar have already been set up and are running successfully, he said.

‘As part of the 3 D Mantra – Digitise, Decarbonise and Decentralise; the state government is taking IT to District Headquarters,” the minister tweeted.

KTR, as the minister is popularly known, revealed that Nizamabad IT Hub is almost ready to be inaugurated.

He complimented MLA Ganesh Bigala for his persistent efforts along with bringing in NRI-led enterprises to invest in providing employment opportunities to locals.

The minister shared that Mahbubnagar IT Hub is also almost a month away from being inaugurated. He praised the efforts of Excise Minister V. Srinivas Goud.

KTR noted that Siddipet IT hub with focused efforts of Finance and Health Minister T. Harish Rao is also shaping up well. He said the Siddipet hub will be unveiled in a few months.

“Nalgonda IT hub is under construction and efforts are being made to complete it expeditiously in four-six months,” he said.

The state government has already formulated a policy to take IT to tier-II towns. On many occasions, KTR said that till a couple of years ago, IT was confined to Hyderabad.

Mumbai: BJP starts ‘maafi maango’ agitation, targets MVA leaders

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Mumbai: BJP starts ‘maafi maango’ agitation, targets MVA leaders

Accusing the Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders of making controversial remarks on the birthplace of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the ruling ally Bharatiya Janata Party started its ‘maafi maang’ (Beg Forgiveness) demonstrations in Mumbai, here on Saturday.

The agitation is happening simultaneously as the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and around 50 parties and groups also launched their mega-procession in south Mumbai on various issues.

State BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule, BJP Mumbai President Ashish Shelar, senior leader Pravin Darekar, and others are spearheading the protests along with thousands of party workers waving black flags and placards, raising slogans and condemning the Sena (UBT) at different places in the city.

They have condemned the Sena (UBT)’s attempts to raise doubts about the birthplace of Dr. Ambedkar, the Chief Architect of the Indian Constitution and champion of the depressed classes.

“We have sent Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut a couple of official publications authored by BJP MLC Bhai Girkar on the life of Dr. Ambedkar and urge him to read it to understand history… There are attempts to rewrite history and it is not acceptable to us. They must ask for forgiveness from the people,” said Shelar.

The BJP leaders also slammed the comments of Sena (UBT) Deputy Leader and firebrand orator Sushma Andhare for ridiculing Hindu Gods, saints, the Varkaris, etc, and demanded to know “why is Uddhav Thackeray keeping mum on all this”.

The MVA leaders like Raut and Congress state President Nana Patole have dismissed the BJP’s ‘maafi maango’ agitation as “laughable” and intended to throw a spanner in the Opposition parties’ mega-procession today.

Be prepared against tariff walls on exports by nations undergoing green transition: FM to industry

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Be prepared against tariff walls on exports by nations undergoing green transition: FM to industry

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday asked the Indian industry to be prepared against “tariff walls” which are likely to be imposed by nations undertaking green transitions, on Indian exports, especially steel products.

“Many nations want to fund their green transition and are imposing tariff walls on products from other nations. If we export steel to such places, it is likely to face this tariff wall or tax for the green transition. Indian industry needs to reset itself accordingly,” she said while addressing the industry body FICCI’s annual general meeting (AGM).

Sitharaman further noted that with many European nations looking to relocate to other countries for setting up manufacturing facilities, out of China, India should look to make use of this opportunity and present itself as a viable manufacturing hub for Europe. She urged the industry to prepare strategies for bringing manufacturers to India.

The minister said that during the tenure of India’s G20 presidency, Government would showcase the country as a destination to go for, investors from G20 nations, especially for manufacturing.

Stating that India continues to remain a resilient economy amid a fluid geopolitical situation, Sitharaman quoted World Economic Forum’s data, saying that by 2030, there would be 140 million middle-income households and 14 million high-net-worth households in the country.

This, she highlighted, shows the scale of India’s growth in the future. In this context, the focus of the industry should be on widening technological growth, making use of the robust framework provided by the Government, the finance minister suggested.

Jagan will decide on BRS request for support, says YSRCP leader

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Jagan will decide on BRS request for support, says YSRCP leader

With Telangana’s Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) planning to open an office in Andhra Pradesh, a top leader of the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Monday made some interesting comments.

YSRCP General Secretary and political advisor to the Andhra Pradesh government, Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy said if the BRS makes a request for support from his party, party President and Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy will take a decision after discussing the proposal in the party.

He made it clear that the interests of Andhra Pradesh are of paramount importance to the YSRCP. He also ruled out an alliance with any party.

“We have clarity. Our leader has been saying that the interests of Andhra Pradesh are the number one priority for us. We work for this independently,” he said while interacting with media persons.

Replying to another query, Ramakrishna Reddy said the YSRCP has no plans to contest elections in Tamil Nadu or Karnataka.

“Our party is dedicated to the people of Andhra Pradesh and their welfare and development. This is our only agenda. After fulfilling this, we may think of any other issue,” he said.

Ramakrishna Reddy’s comments came amid reports that BRS (earlier known as TRS) is looking to expand its footprint in Andhra Pradesh.

Telangana’s ruling party was rechristened as the BRS and Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao formally launched it in Hyderabad on December 9.

BRS leaders are scouting for a suitable site in Vijayawada to establish the BRS office for Andhra Pradesh.

Telangana Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav is likely to visit Vijayawada later this week to select one of the three land sites proposed by sympathizers of the BRS.

KCR is expected to visit Vijayawada to lay the foundation stone for the BRS office.

After the formal launch of the BRS, a huge billboard proclaiming “Jai Ho KCR” came up in Vijayawada. Hoardings to welcome the new national party have also come up in the city.

Proceeds of crime of over Rs 1000 cr of cyber and crypto assets frauds attached: Govt in LS

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Proceeds of crime of over Rs 1000 cr of cyber and crypto assets frauds attached: Govt in LS

Proceeds of the crime of more than Rs 1000 crore related to cyber and crypto assets frauds have been attached under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), the Government informed the Lok Sabha on Monday.

Besides, estimated GST evasion by such companies was nearly Rs 22,936 crore between April 2019 and November 2022, it added.

Ministry of Finance, in a written reply, said that the Enforcement Directorate is investigating several cases related to cyber and crypto assets frauds wherein online gaming, etc. have been used for committing fraud and siphoning the proceeds generated thereof.

“In these cases, as on December 6, 2022, proceeds of crime of more than Rs.1000 crore have been attached/seized / freezed under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). Also, 10 Prosecution Complaints (PCs) including 02 supplementary PCs have been filed before the Special Court, PMLA,” it said.

Furthermore, it said that in so far as evasion of Goods and Services Tax (GST) is concerned, CBIC formations have initiated investigations against some gaming companies (including Online gaming companies) located in India as well as abroad. The estimated evasion of GST by these companies works out to Rs 22,936 crore, relating to the period April 2019 to November 2022.

Minister of State, Ministry of Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary said, “Assets amounting to Rs 289.28 crore have been seized under section 37A of Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.”

On a question of whether the Government proposes to ban such gaming companies, the reply said, “Necessary action as per provisions of law is taken against such companies, as mentioned above.”

On a question of whether online gaming companies are not paying income tax and whether the Income Tax Department has issued notices to many gaming companies, the reply said, “The information regarding online Gaming companies, which are not paying income tax and where the Income-tax Department has issued notices to such gaming companies, is not available, since no specific identification code for online gaming entities is available in Income Tax Return. The disclosure of information about specific taxpayers is prohibited except as provided under section 138 of the Income Tax Act, 1961.”

PM inaugurates satellite centre of All India Institute of Ayurveda in Goa

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PM inaugurates satellite centre of All India Institute of Ayurveda in Goa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the satellite center of All India Institute of Ayurveda at the World Ayurveda Congress, thereby unveiling opportunities for ayurvedic education and the establishment of Goa as a medical tourism hub.

Speaking on the occasion at the World Ayurveda Congress, Modi said that the All India Institute of Ayurveda can play an important part in promoting medical tourism in India.

The Prime Minister said, “The spirit of Sarve Bhawantu Sukhina, Sarve Santu Niramaya meaning wellness for all can help India get ahead in the field of providing medical facilities, especially in the Ayush sector, which is full of opportunities for everyone. Goa being a hub of international tourism has the potential to become a medical tourism hub with the help of the All India Institute of Ayurveda satellite center in Goa.

“For the world, Ayurveda is a strong medium to communicating India’s deep roots in the field of traditional medicine, wellness, and holistic treatment therapies. We now need to work on the data-backed evidence to prove the effectiveness of Ayurveda to the world.”

Counting begins for Gujarat Assembly polls

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Counting begins for Gujarat Assembly polls

The counting of ballots cast in the Gujarat Assembly elections started on Thursday across 37 centers amid tight security. For the first half an hour, ballot paper votes will be counted. The counting of EVM votes will begin at 8.30 a.m. Candidates with their supporters and counting agents have reached the stations.

Chief Electoral Officer P. Bharathi said a total of 3,16,06,968 votes will be counted. There are 3 centers, Surat (2), and Anand (2), and in the rest of the districts, counting will take place in one center each.

She added that there are 182 counting observers, 182 election officers, 494 assistant elections officers, 78 additional elections officers, and 71 additional election officers Electronically Transmitted Postal ballot system. All counting centers are equipped with CCTV cameras.

Out of a total 4,91,35,400 eligible voters, 64.33 percent cast their ballots, of which 1,69,26,152 were men and 1,46,80,371 were women.

In the 2017 general elections, 2,94,64,326 votes were polled, with a voter turnout of 68.39 percent, of which BJP polled 1,47,24,031, 49.05 percent votes, and 99 seats, whereas Congress polled 1,24,37,661 votes, 41.44 percent, and 77 seats.

Why UP bypolls are crucial for these leaders

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Why UP bypolls are crucial for these leaders

The results of the by-elections to two Assembly and one Lok Sabha seat will not change the complexion of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly or the Lok Sabha but they will definitely decide the fate of some leaders.

The by-election to the Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat, which was declared vacant following the demise of Samajwadi Party (SP) founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, is extremely crucial for the party and the Yadav clan.

Dimple Yadav is contesting the Manipuri by-elections to claim Mulayam’s legacy.

The entire Yadav family joined hands to ensure that the seat remains in the family, estranged leaders Akhilesh Yadav and Shivpal Yadav also patched up, much to the relief of family members.

For Akhilesh, this election is extremely crucial because ever since he took over the reins of the party, he has been facing a series of defeats. From the 2017 Assembly polls to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, then the 2022 Assembly polls, and the following bypolls in Azamgarh and Rampur, the party has faced losses.

A victory in Mainpuri will not only strengthen his position as the party leader but will also boost the morale of the cadres.

These by-elections are even more crucial for senior SP leader Mohd. Azam Khan has not only been disqualified from the state assembly — which necessitated the bypoll — but has also lost his right to vote.

Azam Khan has fielded his protege Asim Raza as the SP candidate and has been making highly emotional speeches in the campaign. He knows that the victory in Rampur may ensure his survival in politics while a defeat will mark the end of his reign in Rampur.

Akhilesh Yadav, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) Chief Jayant Chaudhury, and Bhim Army Chief Chandra Shekhar have campaigned in Rampur.

The by-election in Khatauli is crucial for RLD, which is contesting the seat in alliance with the SP. Its candidate Madan Bhaiyya is a well-known face in the region and RLD’s victory would serve as elixir for the party and reinforce its position in western Uttar Pradesh.

BJP’s victory in these by-elections, on the other hand, will further enhance Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s position as an invincible leader and give a befitting answer to his detractors within the BJP.

Meanwhile, three-tier security arrangements are in place for the counting of votes on Thursday for the bypoll in the high-profile Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat, where the SP is locked in a battle of prestige against the BJP.

The Central Para Military Force (CPMF) will guard the isolation cordon while the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) will take care of security in the inner ring and the police are managing the outer cordon at the counting venue in Mainpuri.

Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur and Khatauli are the Assembly seats where results will also be declared on Thursday.

“Security at the venue is divided into three cordons — the isolation cordon, where entry will be totally restricted, and will be taken care of by the CPMF. PAC men will be stationed in the inner ring and the outer area will be manned by civil policemen,” said Superintendent of Police (Mainpuri), Kamlesh Dixit.

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