Bhumi Pednekar on all-girls team leading ‘Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitaare’

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Bhumi Pednekar on all-girls team leading ‘Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitaare’

The upcoming film, Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitaare, is spearheaded by an all-girls crew, and Bhumi Pednekar, who plays a starring role, says the fact makes a big statement in the Hindi film industry.

“I think just the idea of an all-girls team spearheading ‘Dolly Kitty…’ was super cool! Women who are vocal and all for progressiveness were headlining the project, be it (producer) Ekta (Kapoor), (director) Alankrita (Srivastava), (co-actress) Konkona (Sen Sharma), me and even the other members of the cast. We are all such empowered women and the experience was so satisfying and beautiful and just easy,” Bhumi said.

She added: “It’s a hugely relevant and important film for the country as it will make a big statement about womanhood, and it is fascinating how girls have come together to have such an important conversation.”

Bhumi is thrilled with her experience of working with Alankrita Srivastava and Ekta Kapoor.

“I really enjoyed collaborating with Alankrita and with (Ekta Kapoor’s banner) Balaji. You know they were coming off (Alankrita’s earlier directorial) ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’ and I thoroughly loved the film. I think ‘Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitaare’ takes it a notch higher,” she said.

The film is slated for a digital release on September 18.

Bopanna-Shapovalov fail to enter US Open semis

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Bopanna-Shapovalov fail to enter US Open semis

Experienced Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna and his Canadian partner Denis Shapovalov failed to progress to the semi-finals in the men’s doubles event at the ongoing US Open after losing their third-round match against the Dutch-Romanian duo of Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau.

The Indian-Canadian pair suffered a 5-7, 5-7 defeat against Rojer and Tecau on Monday in a match that lasted almost 90 minutes. The winning pair will now face Mate Pavic and Bruno Soares for a place in the summit clash. With this loss, the Indian challenge at the Grand Slam also came to an end.

Earlier, Bopanna-Shapovalov had registered wins over American rivals Ernesto Escobedo and Noah Rubin and German pair Kevin Krawietz and Andreas Mies in the first two rounds respectively.

Bopanna was the lone surviving Indian in the tournament following the exits of Sumit Nagal and Divij Sharan.

While Nagal had bowed out in the second round of the men’s singles event after losing in straight sets to world no. 3 Dominic Thiem of Austria, Sharan, and his Serbian partner Nikola Cacic was knocked out in the opening round of the men’s doubles event by eighth seeds Nikola Mektic and Wesley Koolhof.

Italy edge Netherlands to move on top, Poland win in Bosnia

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Italy edge Netherlands to move on top, Poland win in Bosnia

Italy extended their two-year unbeaten run as Nicolo Barella scored the winning goal to help Roberto Mancini’s side beat the Netherlands 1-0 in UEFA Nations League Group A1.

On Monday, Inter Milan midfielder Barella headed home in first-half stoppage time after receiving a long pass from Ciro Immobile, with the goal enough for Italy to clinch three points in Amsterdam, reports Xinhua news agency.

The victory also moved the Azzurri to the top spot in Group A1 with four points from two games, one point clear of the Dutch, who are playing under interim coach Dwight Lodeweges following Ronald Koeman’s departure for Barcelona, and third-placed Poland, who came from one goal behind to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-1 in Monday’s another action.

“I’m happy for the mentality, the performance, the boys really played brilliantly,” Mancini told Italian broadcaster Rai.

However, Nicolo Zaniolo’s injury before the break cast a cloud over the Italians’ victory. The Roma midfielder limped off in the first half following a collision with Donny van de Beek. Medical staff later confirmed that the 21-year-old had suffered “trauma” to his left knee and would undergo tests to “assess the full extent of the injury” when he returns to the Italian capital on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Poland, who were playing without leading striker Robert Lewandowski, registered their first victory of the tournament in Zenica.

Haris Hajradinovic put Bosnia ahead in the 24th minute with a penalty before Kamil Glik’s powerful header leveled the score for the visitors just before the break. Kamil Grosicki’s header in the 67th minute sealed Poland’s win.

Sensex marginally higher amid choppy trade

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Sensex marginally higher amid choppy trade

The key Indian equity indices continued to trade on a choppy note on Tuesday morning, with Sensex trading around 90 points higher.

Around 10.08 a.m., the Sensex was trading at 38,506.44, higher by 89.21 points or 0.23 per cent from the previous close of 38,417.23.

It opened at 38,498.07 and has so far touched an intra-day high of 38,522.49 and a low of 38,332.20

The Nifty50 on the National Stock Exchange was trading at 11,367.70, higher by 12.65 points or 0.11 per cent from the previous close.

Manish Hathiramani, a technical analyst with Deen Dayal Investments said: “The Nifty is trading above 11,300 which continues to remain a bullish sign. However, if we disrespect the levels of 11,200, we could slide further to break 11,000.”

“On the upside, an impulsive bull rally will only be seen post 11,600. Until then we would be in a 300-400 point range of 11,200-11,600,” he said.

9 in 10 Americans feel Instagram Reels is similar to TikTok

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9 in 10 Americans feel Instagram Reels is similar to TikTok

As the US sale of TikTok gets entangled in legal issues, nearly nine in 10 users of the Chinese short-video making app in the country said its Facebook-owned rival app called Instagram Reels is basically giving them a similar experience.

Nearly 61 percent of the survey respondents said that they will spend more time on Instagram as a result, reports Forbes, quoting data from social media content company Whistle.

“This strong number for Instagram is driven by the fact that TikTok users who have used Instagram Reels do not think that TikTok is inherently special,” Tommy Walters, research and insights managers at Whistle, was quoted as saying.

Since a TikTok ban was announced, “44 percent of daily or weekly TikTok users have been spending more time on the platform, with only 10 percent reporting spending less time on the platform,” according to the Whistle data.

While 34 percent of TikTok users said they will spend more time on Snapchat, just 10 percent said they will spend more time on Triller, a TikTok competitor, the report said on Monday.

The social media company Triller has reportedly approached ByteDance directly with a $20 billion bid via London-based global investment firm Centricus.

Instagram Reels has become immensely popular with young people.

Another survey showed recently that seven in 10 (18-29 age group) Indians said they would like to use Reels as a platform for video sharing.

Nearly two-thirds of urban Indians (65 percent) said they are likely to turn to alternatives or start using video apps that are either Indian or non-Chinese in origin, according to data provided by YouGov, Internet-based market research and data analytics firm.

Facebook last week rolled out a dedicated tab for Instagram Reels in India. With Reels, one can record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and new creative tools.

Australian watchdog to scrutinise Google, Apple app stores

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Australian watchdog to scrutinise Google, Apple app stores

The Australian competition watchdog on Tuesday said it will examine the extent of competition between Google Play Store and Apple App Stores and whether more pricing transparency is needed in the mobile apps market in the country.

In a statement, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said that they are “interested in how data is used and shared in the app ecosystem, including the data available to Google and Apple as a result of their control of the major app stores”.

“Apps have become essential tools for daily living for many Australian consumers, a trend that is likely to have increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. Apps are, in turn, increasingly important for businesses as they promote, grow and run their enterprises,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

The ACCC has also released an issues paper seeking views and feedback from app developers and suppliers. A final report is expected in March next year.

The work is part of a five-year ACCC inquiry which will produce reports every six months examining markets for the supply of digital platform services in Australia.

“We want to know more about the market for mobile apps in Australia, including how transparent and effective the market is, for consumers as well as those operating in the market,” Rickard said.

“We will also focus on the extent of competition between the major online app stores, and how they compete for app sales with other app providers.”

While there are various app stores or marketplaces, app sales are dominated by the Apple App Store, for iOS, and the Google Play Store, for Android devices.

“For app developers and suppliers, gaining a spot in one of the major app stores can result in significant sales, while failing to gain access can be a major setback. We are keen to provide greater transparency on how this process works,” Rickard said.

On April 20, the Australian government directed the ACCC to develop a mandatory code of conduct to address bargaining power imbalances between Australian news media businesses and each of Google and Facebook.

The draft code called ‘News Media Bargaining Code’ would allow news media businesses to bargain individually or collectively with Google and Facebook over payment for the inclusion of news on their services.

Big B on what disturbs him the most about Covid-19

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Big B on what disturbs him the most about Covid-19

Amitabh Bachchan has blogged to share what disturbs him most about the Covid-19 pandemic even as fear of the virus lingers on.

He expressed his views in his new blog post while talking about how he used to spend “Sundays filled with the joy of the evenings of well-wishers”, which have turned into “Sundays of expectation and wonder.. of explanation of the address in the previous post.. of not going anywhere”.

“Of merely playing with the punching squares and the oblong remotes .. Even they have been sanitised into oblivion .. procedures and repeats of the same have taken their toll .. questioning at times does create repercussions .. not of any seriousness, but ‘cushions’ all the same,” he wrote.

The cine icon, who has started shooting for “Kaun Banega Crorepati” Season 12, also spoke of changing scenarios on the sets.

“When the work beckons in the early morrow .. the change shall be on test .. and the wonder then of how it shall eventually turn out .. each day has its illusions expectations and formats of inventive creation .. one such shall be on test .. and the night after it’s done shall be spent on its assessment and the hope of some visuals that shall justify I hope the environ,” he wrote.

He continued: “There is a hesitancy in all about for all that has to be undertaken .. among all .. and the fear of the ultimate problem .. of an infection .. lies way ahead in all .. THOUGH .. as you drive to work in disinfected environ .. there are the many that walkabout in the streets and lanes and roads without any protection .. and they seem to be without any alarm.

“BUT .. that has been the state of them that do not have the means .. they suffer before they suffer after .. and no matter how much we can in limited capacity work and do for them it shall never be enough .. It is disturbing .. it is somewhere do keep doing for them that they do not have .. and we do .. but no matter what, their needs are immense.

“Almighty be praised .. HE protects us all .. irrespective .. with or without the means .. its the cycle of life .. the more I write the more disturbing it gets. So .. I shall end,” he added.

Bachchan was hospitalized after testing Covid-19 positive in July and discharged after testing negative on August 2.

Trying to learn whatever I can from Kumble sir at Kings XI: Bishnoi

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Trying to learn whatever I can from Kumble sir at Kings XI: Bishnoi

After guiding India to the finals of the U-19 World Cup, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi is now all geared up to play for Kings XI Punjab in his debut IPL season during the tournament slated to start from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

With just days left before the start of the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League, Bishnoi has insisted he is trying to learn whatever he can from his idol Anil Kumble, who is the head coach at Kings XI Punjab.

“He (Kumble) is one of the greatest spinners in the world, so I am trying to learn a lot of things from him and his experience. Whether it’s his match temperament, skills, how he handled the match situation, how he bowled the flippers, I am trying to learn all of that from him. Right now I have time to learn from him and this is the best opportunity for me,” Bishnoi told IANS in an interview from Dubai.

“Kumble sir has told me to bowl according to the match situation and do what I think I can do,” he added.

Bishnoi, who picked up 17 scalps from six matches at the U-19 World Cup, also praised KL Rahul, who will be leading the Punjab-based franchise for the first time. And he believes that Kings XI can win the title this year.

“Rahul is a good player as well as a good captain. In the nets, he goes to every player and talks and shares his experience. So far, it has been great talking to him and I am excited to play under his captaincy.

“The setup of the team is also very good. All the players are looking in a good rhythm. Our team is a contender for the title,” he said.

According to Bishnoi, this year’s IPL edition will be a little more challenging for the players because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“IPL is a big stage where the biggest players of the world participate. So it is the most difficult cricket league in the world. Due to Covid-19, it has become more difficult because you always have to stay vigilant, both inside and outside the field, so that nothing untoward happens. So it’s a little challenging than before,” said Bishnoi.

“For me, IPL is a great opportunity. I will just try to make my team win whenever I get a chance to play. I don’t want to think too much about the future. I want to try to do well by staying in the present,” he added.

Kings XI will begin their tournament campaign against Delhi Capitals on September 20.

Samsung Galaxy ‘M’ series to log $3.5bn GMV by 2020 end: Asim Warsi

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Samsung Galaxy ‘M’ series to log $3.5bn GMV by 2020 end: Asim Warsi

Samsung is aiming to log $3.5 billion gross merchandise value (GMV) for its highly successful Galaxy ‘M’ series by the end of this year, Asim Warsi, Senior Vice President, Samsung India, said on Monday.

The company, which is set to launch a ‘meanest monster’ M51 on September 10 with the industry-first 7,000mAh battery, will have eight Galaxy ‘M’ series smartphones in its kitty in almost a year-and-a-half time span since the ‘M’ series was unveiled in the country.

“Our average selling price (ASP) for the Galaxy ‘M’ series is likely to grow at 50 percent in 2020. We’re looking to double our online business (value) in 2020 on the back of 100 percent growth (year-on-year) in the second half (July-December) this year,” Warsi told IANS.

“The ‘M’ series is the single largest brand in India today, riding on meaningful innovations. M51 will be the most powerful device in the portfolio ever which no other device can match in the price segment,” Warsi added.

M51 will come with a 6.7-inch Infinity-O display with Super AMOLED technology, Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G Octa-Core processor, 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage (expandable to 512GB via microSD card).

“Be it an office-goer, a millennial or a student busy with online classes at home, the ‘Make in India’ M51 will be the go-to device for all,” Warsi added.

The entire Galaxy M series, in particular the Galaxy M30s device, performed well in the online segment last year, helping revive Samsung’s online share.

According to Warsi, the Galaxy ‘M’ series brand is a perfect reflection of its young owners, standing out as the most youthful, energetic, and aspirational handset in the market.

“This success is an ode to the fact that M series was designed ground-up in India for the young Indian consumers and manufactured at our factory in Noida,” Warsi said.

“The upcoming Galaxy M51 is the most powerful Galaxy M smartphone yet,” he added.

Samsung last week announced the debut of Mo-B, its first-ever mascot that represents all things ‘monster’ synonymous with Galaxy M series smartphones and will compete against the upcoming M51 device.

Mo-B will interact with a string of influencers and celebrities to make his case as the meanest monster ever, across leading digital platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, among others.

Consumers can participate in quizzes on Mo-B to win exciting prizes, the company said.

Man held for killing woman, attacking family

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Man held for killing woman, attacking family

The UP police have arrested a 30-year-old man who was absconding after killing his sister-in-law and attacking his mother, two nephews, and a neighbor in the Awas Vikas Colony in Gonda on Saturday night.

The police said that the National Security Act (NSA) would be invoked against the accused Pawan Yadav.

According to reports, the accused, Pawan Yadav, took his nephews, aged 3 and 8 years, to the terrace on the pretext of playing with them.

There he attacked them with a knife, slashing the tongue of the 8-year-old boy.

Hearing their screams, Pawan’s sister-in-law Renu Yadav, 31, and mother Rajwanti, 60, rushed upstairs but Pawan stabbed them too.

A neighbor, Rajnath Shukla, who rushed to the rescue of the family was also attacked by Pawan who fled the spot dumping the knife there.

All the injured were rushed to the hospital where Renu was declared brought dead. Others are still undergoing treatment.

Gonda SP Raj Karan Nayyar said that “Pawan was arrested from Kotwali police station area following a tip-off. He alleged that his sister-in-law was planning to eliminate him and his nephews were also involved in her scheme of things. He said the family did not want him to get married, therefore, he attacked them.”

The SP further said that “he had no remorse for his act, appeared to be anti-social and shows signs of being a psychopath.”

“We are seeking judicial custody. We also plan to invoke NSA against him,” the SP added.

Covid-19 woman patient abused in Kerala

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Covid-19 woman patient abused in Kerala

A day after the shocking news of an ambulance driver raping a young Covid-19 female patient inside an ambulance on Saturday night in Pathanamthitta district, another case of abuse surfaced on Monday. A junior Health Inspector in the state capital was arrested after he abused a female COVID patient who went to him for a COVID negative certificate.

The incident occurred when a 40-year-old woman working in Malappuram district returned to her hometown near Thiruvananthapuram.

She was asked to go into quarantine for a 14-day period and after it got over, she approached the Health Inspector for a COVID negative certificate.

The official asked her to come to his house near here where she was abused by him. The incident occurred on September 3.

The woman approached the Vellarada police station in the capital district and registered a complaint, but later it was found that the incident occurred under a different police station’s jurisdiction.

Following this, the Pangode police arrested the official.

The case has been transferred from Vellarada to Pangode as the crime took place in their jurisdiction. The Health Inspector has been charged under IPC 373, said a police official.

Opening the batting my favourite position in T20s, says Buttler

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Opening the batting my favourite position in T20s, says Buttler

Wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler, who guided England to a comprehensive win against Australia in the second T20I of the ongoing three-match series, has said he loves opening the batting.

“It probably is my favorite position to bat in T20 cricket,” said Buttler as quoted by Sky Sports.

“I’ve had most of my success in T20 at the top, but that’s natural – if you bat in the top three in T20, it’s the best place for everyone.

“We’ve probably got eight or nine guys who’d stick their hand up to bat in the top three; I’m very happy there, but I’m also very happy to do whatever the team needs of me,” he added.

On Sunday, Buttler played an unbeaten knock of 77 runs as England comprehensively defeated Australia by 6 wickets. The wicketkeeper-batsman explored all corners of the ground as he smashed eight 4s and two 6s during his 54-ball knock and helped the hosts chase down 158 with seven balls to spare and seal the three-match series being played at the Ageas Bowl.

“I’ve played a lot of my career – T20 and one-day cricket – batting in the middle, so I’m very comfortable doing that as well. It’s really for the coach and captain to decide,” said Buttler.

“We’ve got lots of strength in depth; it’s something that is the mark of good teams, good players fighting over positions and that will serve us well going forward.

“It was a great feeling to be able to walk off at the end, having won the game for your team – obviously a big game for us, with the chance to win the series, which we were determined to do.

“Once I came through the powerplay – it was one of those wickets where you felt like you needed a few balls to get used to the pace of it – and then the game was set up like a one-day chase.

“Irrelevant to me opening, I just saw it as if I was coming in the middle-order of a one-day game, the equation of trying to chase those runs down,” he added.

Buttler will, however, miss the team’s third and final T20 international against Australia slated for Tuesday. In a statement, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Monday that Buttler left the bio-secure bubble on Sunday evening following the team’s victory over Australia to be with his family.

People with thyroid problems at greater risk of anxiety

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People with thyroid problems at greater risk of anxiety

People with autoimmune inflammation of their thyroid may be at a higher risk of developing anxiety, says a new study.

Anxiety can have a severe impact on people’s quality of life and ability to work and socialize, and anti-anxiety medication does not always have a lasting effect.

Current examinations for anxiety disorders usually focus on the dysfunction of the nervous system and do not take into account the role of the endocrine system.

The results presented at the European Society of Endocrinology’s e-ECE 2020 Conference being held from September 5 to 9 showed that thyroid inflammation should be investigated as an underlying factor in psychiatric disorders such as anxiety.

“These findings indicate that the endocrine system may play an important role in anxiety. Doctors should also consider the thyroid gland and the rest of the endocrine system as well as the nervous system when examining patients with anxiety,” said Juliya Onofriichuk from Kyiv City Clinical hospital in Ukraine.

The thyroid gland produces the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) that are essential for regulating heart, muscle, and digestive function, brain development, and bone maintenance.

Autoimmune inflammation in the thyroid occurs when our bodies wrongly produce antibodies that attack the gland and cause damage.

Onofriichuk investigated thyroid function in 29 men (average age 33.9) and 27 women (average age 31.7) with diagnosed anxiety who were experiencing panic attacks.

Ultrasounds of their thyroid glands assessed thyroid function and levels of thyroid hormones were measured.

The patients with anxiety showed signs of inflammation of their thyroid glands but their function was not affected with thyroid hormone levels all within the normal range, although slightly elevated.

They also tested positive for antibodies directed against the thyroid. Treatment for 14 days with ibuprofen and thyroxine reduced thyroid inflammation, normalized thyroid hormone levels, and reduced their anxiety scores, said the study.

Onofriichuk now plans to conduct further research that examines the levels of thyroid, sex, and adrenal hormones — cortisol, progesterone, prolactin, estrogen, and testosterone — in patients with dysfunctional thyroid glands and anxiety disorders.

Malaika Arora confirms testing Covid-19 positive

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Malaika Arora confirms testing Covid-19 positive

Malaika Arora finally confirmed on Monday that she has tested positive for Covid-19 after speculative reports did the rounds that she has contracted the coronavirus.

Malaika shared the news officially on Instagram. Revealing that she has been infected by the virus, she added that she is asymptomatic and is quarantined at home.

“Today I have tested positive for coronavirus but I want to inform you all that I am feeling fine. I am asymptomatic and following all the required protocols and will be quarantined at home as instructed by my doctors and authorities. I request all of you to stay calm and safe. Thank you for all your support. Much love Malaika Arora,” Malaika wrote.

News of Malaika being infected started doing the rounds shortly after her good friend Arjun Kapoor announced on Sunday that he had tested Covid-19 positive.

Arjun had shared the news on Instagram. “”It is my duty to inform all of you that I have tested positive for coronavirus. I am feeling ok and I am asymptomatic. I have isolated myself at home under the advice of doctors and authorities and will be under home quarantine,” he wrote.

“I thank you all in advance for your support and I will keep you updated about my health in the days to come. These are extraordinary and unprecedented times and I have faith that all of humanity will overcome this virus,” Arjun added.

34 injured in Iran earthquake

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34 injured in Iran earthquake

At least 34 people were injured in a 5.1-magnitude earthquake that hit Ramian county in Iran’s Golestan province on Monday.

There has been no death report from the earthquake, Xinhua news agency quoted Mojtaba Khaledi, chief of Iran’s Emergency Organization, as saying.

The quake has caused damage to 50 houses in the region, Hamid Reza Choobdari, the governor of Ramian, was quoted as saying.

The epicenter, with a depth of 9.0 km, was at 37.021 degrees north latitude and 55.101 degrees east longitude, according to Iran’s Seismological Centre.

‘Very unlucky’: Zverev shocked at Djokovic’s exit from US Open

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‘Very unlucky’: Zverev shocked at Djokovic’s exit from US Open

Fifth seed Alexander Zverev from Germany has said he was “in shock” after top seed Novak Djokovic defaulted from the US Open on Sunday.

World number one Djokovic was stunningly disqualified after accidentally hitting a line judge with a ball during his round of 16 clashes with Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain. Though it was clear that Djokovic had not intended to hit the line judge, organizers nevertheless said the Serbian was disqualified in accordance with the rules.

“I think the supervisors are just doing their job, but very unlucky for Novak,” said Zverev, who reached the quarterfinals by winning on Sunday, reports Xinhua news agency. “If it would have landed anywhere else, he would have been fine.”

“I don’t think I have ever gotten defaulted yet in my career or in my life. No, I haven’t been in a situation like that. But as I said, it’s very unlucky, very unfortunate,” Zverev added.

“The decision was made I think by the supervisors, and as I said, they are just doing their job. There is nothing much I can say to that. I’m a little bit in shock right now, to be honest.”

Djokovic’s exit means there will be a first-time Grand Slam champion in the men’s draw, with Zverev among the contenders at Flushing Meadows.

“There’s going to be a new Grand Slam champion. That’s all I know right now. There are no past Grand Slam champions left in the draw,” Zverev said.

“It’s going to be one of the young guys, I think, if you count Dominic Thiem as a young guy, as well. He obviously has a chance to win. Now I think it is the time where it gets really interesting. We’ll see where we go from here.”

India’s Australia tour likely to begin either in Adelaide or Brisbane

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India’s Australia tour likely to begin either in Adelaide or Brisbane

Indian team’s tour of Australia, slated to begin towards the end of the year, will begin either in Adelaide or Brisbane and not in Perth after the Western Australia state government said that there won’t be any relaxation in quarantine rules in their territory.

According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, the Adelaide Oval is prepared to host back-to-back Tests, including a day-night match as well as the Boxing Day against India later during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in case the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is not available because of rising coronavirus cases in the state of Victoria.

“We didn’t think it was acceptable to have the team return from a high-risk overseas location and then take part in normal training activities outside of quarantine, before flying out to another state to play games.” Mark McGowan, the Premier of the WA state government, was quoted as saying in the report.

“There were just too many risks in the model put forward by Cricket Australia. We need to remain vigilant and do the right thing by all Western Australians and not take unnecessary chances.”

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has requested Cricket Australia (CA) to allow their players to train during the quarantine period inside the bio-bubble, but in Perth that won’t be possible.

“We acknowledge the WA government has a firm position on quarantine and border arrangements,” a CA spokesperson said.

“The Australian men’s team will not be quarantining in Perth upon their return from the UK,” he added.

Australia is currently in England for a limited-overs series, consisting of three T20Is and as many ODIs.

SC seeks detailed reply on plea for elderly care amid corona

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SC seeks detailed reply on plea for elderly care amid corona

The Supreme Court Monday asked states to file a detailed affidavit within four weeks on a plea seeking directions to provide masks and sanitizers for senior citizens, who are living alone, amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

A bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan, R. Subhash Reddy, and M. R. Shah was informed by former Union Minister and senior advocate Ashwini Kumar that the affidavits filed by states based on the August 4 direction of the court lack detail on actions taken to address the issue. Kumar submitted before the bench that except Orissa and Punjab, the affidavits on record lack details.

On August 4, the top court had directed that all pensioners should be regularly paid pension, and states should provide them necessary medicines, masks, sanitizers, and other essentials amid the ongoing pandemic.

Kumar had argued that the elderly amid the pandemic need more care and protection. Today, Kumar insisted that priority should be granted to senior citizens who are undergoing treatment at various hospitals. He cited the affidavit filed by Manipur and contended that state governments should file better affidavits with more details on the actions taken so far.

The Supreme Court had directed the Centre and the state governments to ensure timely pension to the elderly, besides ensuring the availability of sanitizers, masks, and PPE kits to them, wherever required, during the coronavirus pandemic. “We, in this application, which is specially confined to Covid-19 crisis, direct that all old age people who are eligible for pension should be regularly paid pension and those identified as older people should be provided necessary medicines, masks, sanitizers, and other essential goods by respective states”, said the bench.

The top court asked the Centre to ensure that all Covid-19 safety precautions are followed and caregivers in old-age homes were well-equipped with masks, PPE kits, and sanitizers. “Further, as and when any individual request is made, the same shall be attended to by the administration with all promptness. The caregivers of those old age homes should be provided personal protection and appropriate sanitization should also be undertaken in the old age homes”, added the bench.

UP IAS officer succumbs to Covid-19

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UP IAS officer succumbs to Covid-19

Uttar Pradesh IAS officer Sunil Kumar Maurya succumbed to Covid-19 on Monday. He was 53.

A 2010 batch officer, Maurya was posted as special secretary in the state government. He had been sent as a nodal COVID officer to Bareilly and Sonbhadra.

The officer had been admitted to the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) last month and his condition deteriorated after he tested positive for the COVID virus.

According to an official spokesman, Maurya was given the plasma therapy, but his oxygen levels kept falling.

Meanwhile, BJP MP Kaushal Kishore and educationist Jagdish Gandhi have had a relapse of the COVID virus and have been admitted to the Medanta hospital.

Both had tested COVID positive but had recovered completely before having a relapse.

adidas announces 5k virtual race in India

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adidas announces 5k virtual race in India

As marathons and other races across the globe get postponed or canceled amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Adidas has, in a bid to keep the world moving, announced the Adidas 5k Virtual Race.

As part of this race, a user can participate from anywhere in the world and compete with runners across the globe. Each participating runner shall also get featured on the Adidas’ global leader board on the Adidas app.

Through this, the brand aims to encourage the larger universe to join thousands of runners around the world and experience the transformative power of running. One can participate by downloading the Adidas ‘Running App’ and register for the 5k virtual race.

Nivedita Samanta, performance coach at Adidas’ Runners Community said, “The ultimate high for runners is that feeling when the body is on the verge of giving up, but the mind is flying high, pulling them through towards the finish line.”

“Runners around the world have been missing feeling like this since the pandemic hit us and limited our access to the outdoors. We practice tirelessly to participate in marathons, but due to the lockdown, we haven’t been able to compete with our fellow runners.

“Adidas’ 5K virtual race challenge will give hope to each runner like me who is eagerly waiting to get on the road to running in events, again. I encourage everyone to participate in the Adidas 5K virtual race, and feel the joy of running,” she added.

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