It’s important to sometimes not do anything: Radhika Apte

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It’s important to sometimes not do anything: Radhika Apte

Bollywood actress Radhika Apte feels “it’s important to sometimes not do anything and take a break”.

“There is so much going on in the world, I am just happy staying put and not thinking of the future because there is much uncertainty out there. I am just taking each day at as it comes,” Radhika tells IANSlife.

The “Andhadhun” actress shares she is spending most of her time during the lockdown “doing nothing. But eating well, sleeping a lot, exercising, walking and watching and reading. The only thing I have missed is seeing my mum, my family.”

The actress, who confirmed she hasn’t resumed working, recently launched a new watch The Iconic Link Lumine from Daniel Wellington. Radhika has been associated with the brand as its ambassador for three years now.

Speaking about her personal style, Radhika shares: “I love its simplicity and elegance… I am somebody who loves minimalism. I like to keep it very clean and simple.”

Asked if she swears by brands, the actress replied: “I don’t really swear by brands as such. Like, I was a brand person earlier; actually my work made me more aware of brands, and designs, and fashion. Also, certain important things like skincare and haircare, I have tried and tested so many things and have personally taken interest in so many products of different brands.”

Armies of India, China discuss de-escalation on Ladakh border

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Armies of India, China discuss de-escalation on Ladakh border

Military delegates of India and China held deliberations stretching for nearly 15 hours on the disengagement and de-escalation of troops and materials on their borders in eastern Ladakh, during which the Indian side asked PLA troops to completely withdraw from Pangong Lake and Depsang area.

The talks started at 11.30 am on Tuesday and ended only at 2 am on Wednesday.

Both the countries are locked in a 10-week-long stand-off at multiple points, hitherto unprecedented, along the border in Ladakh.

Before the parleys started, India’s main aim was to get the Chinese People’s Liberation Army to remove its tanks, artillery, and additional forces at Pangong Lake and Depsang areas.

The latest meeting between 14 Corps Commander Lieutenant General Harinder Singh and South Xinjiang Military District chief Major General Liu Lin took place on the lines of the one held at the Chushul-Moldo border personnel meeting (BPM) point in eastern Ladakh on June 6.

It is the fourth meeting between the delegates. The third meeting between the two sides continued for almost 12 hours wherein India put out a strong message that PLA troops had not abided by the disengagement consensus.

Both the countries are engaged in military and diplomatic deliberation to de-escalate the tense situation in the border areas.

On Friday, a diplomatic meeting took place between both the countries delegates. The meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held on July 10.

The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (East Asia) from the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Director-General of the Boundary and Oceanic Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs led the Chinese delegation.

The two sides recalled the agreement reached between the two foreign ministers on June 17 as well as the agreement between two Special Representatives during their telephonic conversation on July 5 and reaffirmed that both sides will ensure complete disengagement of the troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and de-escalation from India-China border areas for full restoration of peace and tranquility in the border areas in accordance with bilateral agreements and protocols.

They also agreed that for the overall development of bilateral relations it was essential to maintain enduring peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

The two sides also agreed to maintain the ongoing communication both at the diplomatic and military levels to ensure early resolution of the situation.

As many as 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops were killed on June 15 in a clash in the Galway Valley.

CABI boss requests BCCI chief to keep promise, help blind cricketers

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CABI boss requests BCCI chief to keep promise, help blind cricketers

Having plunged into new depths of uncertainty in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) is expecting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to walk the talk and help Indian blind cricketers, some of whom are without jobs.

CABI, registered in 2011 as a non-profit organization, is the apex body conducting cricket for the blind across India. It is not recognized by the BCCI.

The organization, headed by founder Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, generates funds through sponsorships and is backed by national award-winning NGO Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled.

The Indian blind team players get match fees and in a year a blind cricketer roughly earns Rs 2 lakh if there is a full season.

The Indian team was supposed to host South Africa between March 18-April 4 for a full series comprising 40-over ODI matches and T20 games, but it was called off due to COVID-19.

“We had to call it off because of the coronavirus situation. The tour was scheduled for March 18-April 4. We suffered Rs 10 lakh loss,” Mahantesh told IANS during an interaction.

“Physically and financially they (blind cricketers) are affected. Some of them were working in small companies and all…they have lost their jobs. Some of the Indian squad members have lost their jobs, let’s say, 5-6 members of the squad,” said the 49-year old who is also the President of World Blind Cricket Ltd.

India has won a total of four Blind cricket World Cups — (2012 and 2017 T20 World Cups) and (2014 and 2018 ODI World Cups). Besides, there is a national tournament held across India in a Ranji Trophy model with 24 states participating.

“It’s called Nagesh Trophy, named after our co-founder. It goes on for three months. Besides this, we play two bilateral series home and two away,” said Mahantesh, throwing light on the annual activity.

“Imagine the condition of domestic players. They have jobs but not all and they give a lot to cricket.”

Mahantesh, a former blind cricketer, had approached the BCCI during a visit last year, with President and former India captain Sourav Ganguly assuring help within ’15 days’.

“I thought Ganguly would do it. He said within 15 days you will hear from us. This was 30th November 2019. I went to BCCI, they called.

“They had asked someone from Kerala to look into it. I spoke to Ganguly that day, and he said ‘I am here don’t worry’. He was our brand ambassador for the first T20 World Cup (2012),” said Mahantesh.

“I feel if something can happen, it can happen under him. I don’t know why he is delaying. We are asking for recognition like other countries. And the BCCI constitution also mandates the Lodha Committee…so they are supposed to do that.

“The Committee mandates that BCCI should support blind cricket. Disabled and cricket for the deaf is different, they don’t have any structure and BCCI plans to club them I think.”

Spelling out their basic demands from the BCCI, he added: “If they could have given us some financial grants, we could have given that to our players. And we normally struggle to get mainstream grounds to play even international matches.

“The state cricket associations say we may have to take permission from BCCI and all. So if BCCI recognizes blind cricket, we can get those grounds.

“So getting grounds is always a challenge. Recognition will also help players get raises in their jobs.”

Mahantesh added CABI has also written to the sports ministry to give them the recognition of a National Sports Federation.

Meanwhile, Samarthanam Trust, run by Mahantesh, helped the needy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We helped the needy across India. We provided rapid relief kits that contained daily requirements. We also provided mid-day meals to daily wage workers, street dwellers. We also provided help to frontline workers,” Mahantesh said.

“For the last 24 years we have been working on 6-7 verticals having higher education as one of the key components for blind children,” he added. The other main verticals are skilling, sports and culture, environment, rehabilitation, and rural initiatives.

Now Muslim leaders slam Oli’s Ayodhya statement

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Now Muslim leaders slam Oli’s Ayodhya statement

After Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s statement on ‘real’ Ayodhya being in Nepal, drew flak from Hindu saints and related outfits, it is now the Muslims leaders who have spoken out against the statement.

Iqbal Ansari, a plaintiff in the Babri title suit, said: “If Lord Hanuman gets angry on this issue, he will destroy Nepal with one stroke of his mace. After all, wherever Ram goes, Hanuman follows him.”

He said that the Nepal Prime Minister probably was not aware of the importance of Ayodhya in the country and in the world.

“If he comes to Ayodhya, he will realize its importance and significance,” he said.

Muslim cleric, Maulana Saif Abbas, also condemned the statement made by Oli and said that it was ‘unfortunate and unacceptable’.

He claimed that the Nepal Prime Minister was making such statements at the behest of China and Pakistan in an attempt to create unrest in India.

“Oli should not allow himself to become a puppet in the hands of others,” he said.

The Maulana demanded that Oli should immediately withdraw his statement and offer an apology.

Pilot, Scindia careerist netas, not tied to ideology: Hariprasad

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Pilot, Scindia careerist netas, not tied to ideology: Hariprasad

With Jyotiraditya Scindia parting ways with the Congress and Sachin Pilot ousted as Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister and PCC chief, senior Congress leader BK Hariprasad has lashed out at them and dubbed them “careerist politicians who had nothing to do with ideology”.

“These so-called young politicians are here to make careers (in politics) but don’t have any inclination towards any party ideology,” Hari Prasad told IANS.

Hariprasad is a former Congress General Secretary who was in charge of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh affairs of the party.

Hariprasad, a former member of Parliament who represented Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha, added: “Ditching the party when the country is facing a serious problem is very unfortunate. No doubt, both Scindia and Pilot are talented, but their loyalty has been for the chair (power) and not for the party or its ideology.”

He recalled that in 1998 when Ashok Gehlot was the Congress state unit President, then party stalwarts like Hardev Joshi, Natwar Singh, Shiv Charan Mathur, and Parasram Madrena had accepted Gehlot to be the Chief Minister as the majority of MLAs supported Gehlot.

“The same thing happened in 2018 too after the Assembly elections. Even Nawal Kishore Sharma did not rebel because all those leaders were with a party for a cause,” the Congress leader remarked.

Giving an example of how much the Congress cared for Pilot’s political career, he said that during the 2004 Lok Sabha elections — Pilot’s debut electoral contest — Congress leader Sonia Gandhi had personally stationed him in Rajasthan to manage Pilot’s campaigning.

“‘See BK that things are alright in Dausa’,” he recalled Sonia telling him.

In 2004, Mohsina Kidwai was the General Secretary in charge while Hariprasad was Secretary in charge of Rajasthan.

Hariprasad said that in 2010 — when he was in charge of Madhya Pradesh affairs — he personally went to Scindia and asked him to become the party President which Scindia refused despite a consent from then-senior party leader Arjun Singh, since deceased.

Hariprasad claimed that Scindia told him that he was willing to take over six months ahead of the general elections held in 2014.

Hariprasad was a member of Sonia Gandhi’s core team and has been in charge of MP, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand affairs of the party at various points in time. He was removed as party General Secretary after Rahul Gandhi took over as party president but has since been drafted to Karnataka state politics and member of the Legislative Council.

Results show Moderna COVID-19 vaccine safe

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Results show Moderna COVID-19 vaccine safe

US-based pharmaceutical major Moderna’s experimental vaccine, mRNA-1273, designed to protect against Covid-19 virus, was generally well tolerated and prompted neutralizing antibody activity in healthy adults, say researchers.

According to the study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, mRNA-1273 is designed to induce neutralizing antibodies directed at a portion of the coronavirus “spike” protein, which the virus uses to bind to and enter human cells.

In the Phase 1 trial, led by Lisa A Jackson of Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle, the 45 participants ages 18 to 55 years received the candidate vaccine.

Three groups of 15 participants received two intramuscular injections, 28 days apart, of either 25, 100, or 250 micrograms (mcg) of the investigational vaccine.

The results from the first stage of Moderna’s vaccine trial showed the first 45 participants developed antibodies to the virus.

The study showed that regarding safety, no serious adverse events were reported.

The interim analysis included results of tests measuring levels of vaccine-induced neutralizing activity through day 43 after the second injection.

Two doses of vaccine prompted high levels of neutralizing antibody activity that was above the average values seen in convalescent sera obtained from persons with confirmed Covid-19 disease.

However, more than half of the participants reported fatigue, headache, chills, myalgia, or pain at the injection site. Systemic adverse events were more common following the second vaccination and in those who received the highest vaccine dose.

“The mRNA-1273 vaccine-induced anti-SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus) immune responses in all participants and no trial-limiting safety concerns were identified. These findings support further development of this vaccine,” the study authors wrote.

The researchers revealed that Moderna started its phase 2 trial in May and expects to start a phase 3 trial this month.

Earlier this month, Russia became the first nation to complete clinical trials of Covid-19 vaccine on humans, and the results have proven the medication’s effectiveness, the media reported.

As of Wednesday morning, the overall number of global Covid-19 cases has increased to more than 13.2 million, while the deaths have soared to over 5,77,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

Microsoft adds Google Calendar to Outlook web

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Microsoft adds Google Calendar to Outlook web

Microsoft has updated the Outlook web with an ability to integrate users’ personal Outlook.com or Google Calendar accounts to an Outlook work account for a better view of availability while scheduling work appointments.

The new feature is rolling out to all Microsoft 365 users with a work account, but there’s no news on when Outlook.com users will be able to add Gmail and Google Calendar accounts.

“Now when you add a personal calendar to Outlook on the web, the times for those events will be shown as busy (with no details or information) when someone wants to schedule a meeting with you using the Scheduling Assistant in Outlook, and you can also see your personal calendar side by side to your work one or in one view,” the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

Outlook for Android has also gained a one-tap join option for third-party video calling tools Zoom and Webex.

“Outlook and Teams already work great together, but we understand some people receive meeting invitations for meetings using other online meeting services,” the company said.

In addition, the Outlook Web App now lets users schedule when emails are delivered and get suggested replies to emails in Outlook on the web and Outlook mobile.

Google partners Rock Band, Until Dawn developers for Stadia gaming

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Google partners Rock Band, Until Dawn developers for Stadia gaming

Google has teamed up with Rock Band developer Harmonix and Until Dawn studio Supermassive Games to bring exclusive games to Stadia Cloud streaming service in the near future.

Along with Harmonix, Stadia Games and Entertainment which is Google’s division responsible for developing first-party titles and publishing second-party games for Stadia has also entered partnerships with Uppercut Games, the developers of the City of Brass, and Supermassive Games, the developers of the PlayStation 4 exclusive ‘Until Dawn’.

Currently, it is not clear what kinds of projects these studios are making, They could be Stadia exclusives or just unique features for the platform.

The recent Stadia Connect also brought news of more already released games making their way to Stadia. Hitman 1 and 2 are coming to the platform on September 1st, with Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice following them later this year. 2K’s PGA Tour 2K21, WWE 2K Battlegrounds, and NBA 2K21 will also hit Stadia in 2020.

Earlier, French video game company Ubisoft released the first trailer for the Far Cry 6 game that would make its way to Stadia Cloud gaming service, alongside other consoles, on February 18 next year.

Mashrafe Mortaza recovers from COVID-19, wife still positive

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Mashrafe Mortaza recovers from COVID-19, wife still positive

Bangladesh all-rounder Mashrafe Mortaza has revealed that he has recovered from COVID-19 after treatment at home for the coronavirus since June.

Mortaza released a statement on his Facebook page on Tuesday and said: “I heard the results of the test this evening, which is negative.”

“I am thankful to everyone who prayed for me, was beside us, and showed concern during this time.”

He, however, informed that his wife Sumona Haque still remains positive and is under treatment.

“But my wife is still COVID-19 positive after two weeks of being diagnosed. She is doing well. Keep her in your prayers.”

“I got treatment at home. To those who are affected, stay positive. Keep faith in Allah and abide by the rules. Together we will keep fighting the virus,” he added.

The former Bangladesh skipper was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 20.

Mortaza had stepped down from captaincy during Bangladesh’s last home series against Zimbabwe in February. His retirement has been talked about for quite some time now however he hasn’t made any official announcement.

The right-arm bowler has so far represented Bangladesh in 220 ODIs in which he has scalped 270 wickets. He has also played 36 Tests and 54 T20Is in which he has picked 78 and 42 wickets respectively.

Ragini Prajwal on debut film: The most excited person is my father-in-law

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Ragini Prajwal on debut film: The most excited person is my father-in-law

Debutante actress Ragini Prajwal plays the female protagonist in the upcoming Kannada film “Law”, and she is excited and nervous at the same time. The film releases digitally this weekend, skipping theatrical release due to the global COVID pandemic.

“It was more than enough for me to feel thousands of butterflies in my stomach because it is my debut film, but then the trailer released and all the response started pouring! I am on my feet now! People are accepting and ready to take on a courtroom drama. A subject like this is a progressive sign. (I am) Keeping my fingers crossed,” Ragini told IANS.

“Considering the response we have got from the trailer, I trust that we will have a great opening when the film premiers on the OTT platform. I just want people to receive the film the way they received the trailer. I just hope the audience sees the effort and passion we put in together for the film.” she added.

Directed by Raghu Sarnath, “Law” also features Siri Prahalad, Achyuth Kumar, Mukhya Mantri Chandru, Krishna Hebbale, Rajesh Nataranga, and Mandya Ramesh.

Ragini is married to the celebrated Kannada actor Prajwal Devaraj, and according to the actress, her family has been the biggest support system in her new journey of cinema.

“Prajwal has done more than 30 films in the Kannada film industry and he was recalling his debut that happened 10 years ago. Even he had that feeling of nervousness before the release of his debut film. While he is very excited and happy, he was telling me how privileged I am that the film is releasing on a digital platform with a reach of 200 countries. I agree. It is really a good fortune for me that in the digital era, my debut film is getting such great exposure. But the most excited and enthusiastic person is my father-in-law (veteran Kannada actor Devaraj).

“Every morning, since the trailer has released, he would come to us and say, ‘so how many views and likes today?’ he is counting on those numbers that we are getting on social media! I have a very supportive family!” smiled the actress.

“Law” releases on Amazon Prime Video on July 17.

Gold smuggling case: IAS officer quizzed for 9 hours by Customs

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Gold smuggling case: IAS officer quizzed for 9 hours by Customs

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s former Secretary and IAS officer M. Sivasankar was grilled for 9 hours by the Customs in the gold smuggling case.

Sivasankar had arrived for questioning at the Customs office on Tuesday evening and was let off only around 2.15 am on Wednesday. He is set to be called again by the Customs and also the National Investigation Agency (NIA) which is also probing the case.

A three-member team of Customs officials had gone to Sivasankar’s house on Tuesday to serve a notice upon him. Sivasankar, present at the house, said he was ready to appear before the officials during the day itself for questioning and did so.

Swapna Suresh, a former employee of the UAE Consulate, here and employed with the IT Department, of which Sivasankar was in charge, and three others were booked by the NIA for allegedly facilitating the smuggling of 30 kg gold in diplomatic baggage to Thiruvananthapuram from Dubai on July 5.

Sivasankar ran into trouble after his alleged links with Swapna surfaced. Sivasankar has reportedly admitted to the Customs that he and Swapna were friends.

She was on the run after the arrest of her friend and former colleague P.S. Sarith by the Customs.

Later, it was revealed that Swapna and Sivasankar were close and had attended several Kerala government events. Vijayan removed him both as his Secretary and in charge of the Information Technology Department though he ruled out his suspension on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, reports of the role played by Swapna’s husband and another person employed under Sivasankar have surfaced.

The NIA, which had taken over the case on Friday and filed an FIR against the accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, arrested Swapna and Nair from Bengaluru on Saturday for alleged role in the Kerala gold smuggling case.

It brought them back to the state on a transit remand and presented them at an NIA court in Kochi, which sent them to the agency’s custody.

Punjab Cabinet to undergo Covid tests after minister turns positive

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Punjab Cabinet to undergo Covid tests after minister turns positive

After a Punjab Cabinet Minister was diagnosed with coronavirus and hospitalized, the entire cabinet led by Amarinder Singh is likely to undergo COVID tests as a precaution, officials said on Wednesday.

The Chief Minister is keen that the entire Cabinet undergoes the coronavirus test as a precautionary measure, an official in the Chief Minister Office told IANS.

“Though most of the meetings for quite some time are held virtually, there is a risk of the contracting virus through the staff. So the Chief Minister asks all the ministers to undergo a test,” he said, adding “even the Chief Minister himself will undergo the test”.

Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday. He is the first Council Minister to test positive.

Bajwa, who has mild symptoms of the virus, has been undergoing treatment in a private hospital in Mohali near here.

Last week, Rural Development Director Vipul Ujjwal was tested positive. After that Bajwa’s sample was taken.

A total of 340 cases and nine more deaths due to COVID were reported in the state on Tuesday.

With these deaths, the number of casualties in the state rose 213.

Rajkummar Rao to star in Hindi remake of Telugu thriller ‘HIT’

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Rajkummar Rao to star in Hindi remake of Telugu thriller ‘HIT’

Actor Rajkummar Rao is all set to star in the Hindi remake of Telugu super hit cop thriller “HIT”.

“HIT”, which stands for Homicide Intervention Team, tells the story of a police officer who is on the trail of a missing woman. Director Sailesh Kolanu, who garnered accolades for the Telugu original, will helm the project in Hindi.

“When I saw ‘HIT’, I instantly connected with it. It’s an engaging story, relevant in today’s environment. As an actor, I am always on the lookout to play characters I haven’t explored and ‘HIT’ gives me a chance to do that. I’m looking forward to taking this journey with Sailesh and (producer) Dil Raju,” said Rajkummar.

On working on the Hindi remake, Kolanu said: “The first case of ‘HIT’ tells the story of a police officer who is constantly fighting a battle with his past and his present. So it’s a troubled character. I wanted to cast someone who can bring that darkness to the role and still make the audience root for him with a mature performance. I felt Raj can evoke that kind of response. I have been following Rajkummar’s work ever since I watched ‘Shaitan’. He is a terrific actor and has managed to surprise us every time with his performances.”

“HIT” is planned as a massive investigation franchise in the South and Kolanu is keen to follow that in Bollywood too.

Sharing his thoughts, the director said: “Yes, I see ‘HIT’ has the potential to be a successful franchise in Bollywood too. I feel the premise of ‘HIT’ is very global. Of course, I will be making very minor changes to suit the sensibilities of the audience all over India. The idea is to create a realistic world of crime and investigation and put a bunch of beautifully flawed and grey characters in that world. And then let multiple stories unfold within that world.”

Producer Dil Raju, who is remaking Nani’s “Jersey” in Hindi with Shahid Kapoor, will be backing the venture along with Kuldeep Rathore.

The film is in pre-production and will go on floors in 2021. Other details will be announced soon.

India records highest single-day spike of 29,429 cases

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India records highest single-day spike of 29,429 cases

India recorded the highest single-day spike of 29,429 coronavirus cases and 582 deaths in the last 24 hours, pushing the tally to 9,36,181 cases with a death total of 24,309, the Health Ministry’s data stated on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the country had crossed the grim nine lakh mark, adding over lakh cases within three days. India had crossed the eight lakh cases on July 11.

According to Health Ministry data, as many as 5,92,031 patients have recovered, almost twice the number of active patients at 3,19,840. The rate of recovery has touched 63.02 percent. India, however, remains the third worst-affected country after the US and Brazil.

During the last 24 hours, 3,20,161 samples were tested, as the testing lab network continues to expand. As on date, more than 1,206 labs have enabled people to undergo coronavirus tests.

Maharashtra remained the worst-hit state, with 2,67,665 cases and 10,695 casualties followed by Tamil Nadu with total 1,47,324 cases, including 2,099 deaths.

With 1,606 new coronavirus cases and 35 deaths in the last 24 hours, the national capital recorded a total tally of 1,15,346 cases and 3,446 deaths.

States with more than 10,000 cases included Gujarat (43,637, Uttar Pradesh (39,724), Rajasthan (25,571), Madhya Pradesh (19,005), West Bengal (32,838), Haryana (22,628), Karnataka (44,077), Andhra Pradesh (33,019), Telangana (37,745), Assam (17,807), and Bihar (19,824).

On the global front, the overall number of global COVID-19 cases has increased to more than 13.2 million, while the deaths have soared to over 5,77,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

Germany willing to compromise on EU recovery fund: Merkel

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Germany willing to compromise on EU recovery fund: Merkel

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that Germany is willing to compromise on the European recovery fund at the upcoming summit of the European Union (EU) leaders.

“We will of course go to Brussels and the German side has a certain stock of willingness to compromise,” Merkel said on Tuesday during a press conference ahead of a preparatory meeting with visiting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Xinhua news agency reported.

“It would be desirable to reach a quick result but I don’t know whether there will be a success on Friday and Saturday,” added Merkel, saying that time is pressing and the EU must act in an unusual, unprecedented situation and learn from the coronavirus pandemic.

Sanchez said that July must be the month of decision and Spain would do everything for that. “If we postpone the agreement again, we will postpone the reconstruction. And if we postpone reconstruction, the crisis will be even more serious.”

Sanchez also predicted difficult negotiations and called on the other EU members to work on an agreement. At the same time, Sanchez emphasized that the EU members have different visions of where Europe should be headed, and each one of these is legitimate.

Back in May, the European Commission proposed a 750-billion-euro (the US $852 billion) recovery fund to help the bloc emerge from the pandemic-triggered economic crisis. This fund will be the focus of the special EU summit on July 17 and 18 in Brussels.

According to the plan, 500 billion euros of this debt-financed recovery fund are to be granted as grants and 250 billion as loans. However, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and Austria oppose providing the aid as grants, and argue that the aid must be linked to reforms.

European leaders are busy visiting each other to prepare for the summit, with Germany, the current EU Council presidency, in the focus. Merkel met last week with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, and on Monday with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.

Italy and Spain are among the countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Europe and both need financial aid.

Vaani Kapoor: I’m happy with work resuming after a long break

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Vaani Kapoor: I’m happy with work resuming after a long break

Actress Vaani Kapoor has started shooting for her upcoming film “Bell Bottom”, and she says she is just happy to resume work after a long break.

“I, honestly, am just happy with work resuming after a long break. One will of course have to be extra cautious and keep all preventive measures in mind but it feels exciting to embark on a new journey!” Vaani said.

The film’s lead star Akshay Kumar and the producers have taken the decision to start shooting the film and apparently it will be filmed in Scotland.

On working with Akshay for the first time, Vaani said: “Well, this is a great opportunity for me! I have great respect for Akshay sir. It’s super exciting and I am really looking forward to the experience.”

The actress will be shooting for the first time in Scotland and, although not confirming the location of the shoot, Vaani says she is looking forward to making memories despite the pandemic.

Inspired by true events, the film is set in the eighties and narrates the story of one of India’s forgotten heroes. Directed by Ranjit M. Tewari, “Bell Bottom” is scheduled to go on floors later this year. It is written by Aseem Arora and Parveez Shaikh.

Epstein’s ex-girlfriend pleads not guilty to sex trafficking

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Epstein’s ex-girlfriend pleads not guilty to sex trafficking

British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell pleaded not guilty in a federal court in Manhattan, New York, to charges that she helped traffic young women for her former boyfriend and sex crime convict Jeffrey Epstein.

“How do you wish to plead to the charges?” Manhattan federal Judge Alison Nathan asked the 58-year-old. “Not guilty, your honor,” Maxwell replied while attending the hearing remotely from federal jail in Brooklyn, New York on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Maxwell was arrested on July 2 on a six-count indictment charging her with recruiting and grooming underage girls to be sexually abused by Epstein, who died August 10, 2019, in prison in what officials said was an apparent suicide.

Maxwell’s charges include conspiracy to entice minors to travel to engage in illegal sex acts, enticement of a minor to travel to engage in illegal sexual acts, conspiracy to transport minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and two counts of perjury.

Maxwell requested that a judge free her on a US $5 million bonds, but the bail was opposed by prosecutor Alison Moe at Tuesday’s hearing, citing Maxwell’s deception with a real estate agent to hide her name and identity when she purchased a sprawling estate in Bradford, New Hampshire, where she was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation agents.

Nathan set July 12, 2021, as the beginning date of Maxwell’s trial, which is expected to last three weeks.

Macron lays out “new path” to meet health, economic challenges

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Macron lays out “new path” to meet health, economic challenges

In his first Bastille Day interview, President Emmanuel Macron promised that France is ready for a second epidemic wave and his team will follow a “new path” based on social dialogue to address the challenges triggered by the coronavirus crisis that has claimed over 30,000 lives and plunged the growth of the euro zone’s second-largest economy.

France is prepared to address an eventual resurgence of the coronavirus epidemic by making face mask mandatory, bolstering the testing capacity, and stockpiling enough protective gear, said Macron on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

He noted “uncertainties” and “signs” suggesting that the virus “restarts a little.” But, he reassured that the country was getting ready if the virus hits again.

“Now, we have both stocks and supplies and we have the organization as close to the ground as possible, which would make it possible to face a resurgence,” he said.

Adding to that, he said France will make wearing face masks compulsory at all enclosed public places starting from August 1 as one of the measures to contain any eventual resurgence of the epidemic.

“We are doing everything to avoid a new wave and to take a differentiated approach,” he said, pledging “to isolate as quickly and as locally as possible.”

Macron also confirmed that France would be among the first countries to get access to a potential vaccine being developed by French drugmaker Sanofi.

As of Monday, 172,377 people had been tested positive for the COVID-19 in France, of whom, 30,029 have succumbed to the respiratory illness since early March.

According to the Public Health Agency, 94 clusters were under investigation.

As the coronavirus crisis has taken a toll on domestic economic activities, Macron unveiled a package of measures to avoid massive layoffs and bring down jobless claims, which he said were estimated between 800,000 and 1 million by 2021.

“In the coming six months, the priority is employment and to preserve jobs,” he said.

With the aim, he proposed a long-term furlough scheme that would allow some people to keep working through the crisis, 300,000 subsided contracts for young people emerging into workforce, and qualified training for 200,000 people.

Macron also defended the method he used to implement “reforms that were thought impossible.” He, however, noted that the “new path” for the remaining 500 days in office should be based on “social dialogue and citizens trust.”

In the past three years, Macron, 42, has been changing labor code, reforming rail sector and education system, and overhauling pension regimes, areas in which he was facing fierce opposition that drew thousands to the streets in addition to rolling strikes.

“One can criticize, I am for the debate,” he said, proposing to renegotiate his proposal to change the current pension system, his latest reform which had sent his approval ratings to a record low.

“The pension reform cannot be done as it was presented before the crisis. Prime Minister Jean Castex will bring together all the social partners on Friday to put everything back on the table,” he said.

Challenging a taboo, Macron proposed a point-based pension system with the same rules applying to all, regardless of profession or sector, to replace the current system of multiple regimes.

Critics say that the reform would effectively force people to work longer, public sector workers in particular. The government argued that the reform is needed to bring the costly pension system into balance.

Karan Tacker moves in with parents due to Covid scare

TB Team
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Karan Tacker moves in with parents due to Covid scare

Actor Karan Tacker has temporarily shifted to Lonavala to stay with his parents, owing to the continuing rise in Covid-19 cases in the city.

“We are staying at Amby Valley. The reason behind moving out of the city was that there have been a lot of cases being reported in Mumbai. My building had a few cases and my parents are getting older. I am constantly worried about their health,” said Karan.

“Fortunately, none of us have contracted anything yet, but keeping all of this in mind we thought it’s a good idea if we could step away from the city, just to be safe,” he added.

However, he feels there is a lack of medical facilities where he is currently staying.

“The pitfall of moving out of the city is the lack of medical facilities. But I am with my parents and, fortunately, Lonavala and Amby Valley do have medical facilities. Maybe, not as good as Bombay but we are all healthy individuals and, in the worst-case scenario, god forbid, we can all just travel back to Mumbai to a hospital,” Karan added.

He also spoke about his plans to return to Mumbai.

“I hope to be back ASAP because I do miss Mumbai, home, and work. All of us do. As soon as the pandemic comes to some sort of (a stage of) settling down that would be the best scenario to return to Mumbai. As far as shoots are concerned, if I do end up going on shoots, I will probably quarantine myself after a shot because I don’t intend to put my parents at risk. If my parents are here I can quarantine myself in my Mumbai house,” Karan shared.

On the work front, Karan was last seen in the web-show ” Special Ops”.

138 new COVID-19 deaths take UK death toll to 44,968

TB Team
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138 new COVID-19 deaths take UK death toll to 44,968

Another 138 COVID-19 patients have died in Britain as of Monday afternoon, bringing the total coronavirus-related death toll in the country to 44,968, the British Department of Health and Social Care said.

The figures include deaths in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community, Xinhua news agency reported on Tuesday.

As of Tuesday morning, 291,373 people have tested positive for the disease in Britain, a daily increase of 398, according to the department.

Wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England is to become mandatory from July 24, the British government announced on Tuesday.

Those who fail to comply with the new rules will face a fine of up to 100 pounds (about US $125).

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