Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and Vice President of National Conference Omar Abdullah has been questioned by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in New Delhi on Thursday. According to a source in the ED, the questioning was done in a case related to Jammu and Kashmir Bank. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The National Conference has called it ‘vicious vilification campaign’. NC has said that central government has made a habit of misusing investigative agencies. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Abdullah appeared before the investigators of the agency at around 11 am at its headquarters. The leader was earlier summoned by the agency. He was asked to visit its office on Thursday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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“The central government has made a habit of misusing investigative agencies, and this is another step in the same direction. No political party that puts up meaningful opposition to the BJP has been spared, whether it is the ED, CBI, NIA, NCB - all have been used for political purposes,” said National conference in a statement. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The National conference said that Omar Abdullah despite Ramzan and Delhi not being his place of residence, didn’t postpone the date of questioning and went ahead with it. They have said that elections might take place in Jammu Kashmir this year, and due to this, BJP is using agencies to target other party leaders. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“There was a time when elections were announced by the EC but now it seems that elections are announced by the ED. Over recent years, we have seen that wherever state elections are due, agencies like the ED move in and target those parties who pose a challenge to the BJP. This summons to our Vice President is in the same vein. We have no doubt that this fishing expedition will yield no concrete results to the BJP and the people will give a ringing endorsement to the national conference as and when required,” said National Conference. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The ED hasn’t given out any further details about the case Omar was questioned for. &nbsp;

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The officials seem to be taking statement of Abdullah, who has been accused of opening several accounts in the Jammu and Kashmir Bank, through close aides, like Ahsan Mirza, who was authorised to sign cheques, an ANI report said. &nbsp;

Mirza, was also appointed "treasurer" of JK Cricket Association (JKCA) by Abdullah when he was president even when Mirza was not an elected office-bearer. &nbsp;

Parallel accounts of the association were also opened in connivance with a senior executive of the bank, sources claimed. &nbsp;

In July 2019, the ED had also questioned Abdullah on the statements of Mirza and other associates, who were earlier questioned by the agency.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and Vice President of National Conference Omar Abdullah has been questioned by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in New Delhi on Thursday.

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and Vice President of National Conference Omar Abdullah has been questioned by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in New Delhi on Thursday. According to a source in the ED, the questioning was done in a case related to Jammu and Kashmir Bank. The National Conference has called it ‘vicious vilification campaign’. NC has said that central government has made a habit of misusing investigative agencies. Abdullah appeared before the investigators of the agency at around 11 am at its headquarters. The leader was earlier summoned by the agency. He was asked to visit its office on Thursday. Also Read: Indian companies to give an average pay hike of 8-12 per cent in 2022, says report “The central government has made a habit of misusing investigative agencies, and this is another step in the same direction. No political party that puts up meaningful opposition to the BJP has been spared, whether it is the ED, CBI, NIA, NCB - all have been used for political purposes,” said National conference in a statement. The National conference said that Omar Abdullah despite Ramzan and Delhi not being his place of residence, didn’t postpone the date of questioning and went ahead with it. They have said that elections might take place in Jammu Kashmir this year, and due to this, BJP is using agencies to target other party leaders. “There was a time when elections were announced by the EC but now it seems that elections are announced by the ED. Over recent years, we have seen that wherever state elections are due, agencies like the ED move in and target those parties who pose a challenge to the BJP. This summons to our Vice President is in the same vein. We have no doubt that this fishing expedition will yield no concrete results to the BJP and the people will give a ringing endorsement to the national conference as and when required,” said National Conference. The ED hasn’t given out any further details about the case Omar was questioned for. Watch | Gravitas: Petrol, Diesel prices soar in India × The officials seem to be taking statement of Abdullah, who has been accused of opening several accounts in the Jammu and Kashmir Bank, through close aides, like Ahsan Mirza, who was authorised to sign cheques, an ANI report said. Mirza, was also appointed "treasurer" of JK Cricket Association (JKCA) by Abdullah when he was president even when Mirza was not an elected office-bearer. Parallel accounts of the association were also opened in connivance with a senior executive of the bank, sources claimed. In July 2019, the ED had also questioned Abdullah on the statements of Mirza and other associates, who were earlier questioned by the agency. (With inputs from agencies)

ED quizzes Omar Abdullah; NC calls it Centre's ‘vicious vilification campaign’  

With an aim to provide speedy and clean urban transport system to the public, seven states and two Union Territories have sent 16 proposals for the expansion/fresh construction of metro rail projects to the Centre. 
 
The proposals also include three regional rapid transport systems that will connect different parts of Haryana and Rajasthan with Delhi, as well as two from Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had told the Lok Sabha on February 10, that urban transport was an integral part of urban development, and while it is the responsibility of the state governments concerned to initiate, develop, and fund urban transport infrastructure including metro rail projects, the Central government considers financial assistance to such projects under the Metro Rail Policy, 2017.

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"Based on the feasibility of the proposal and availability of resources, the Central government considers such projects in cities or urban agglomerates," Puri said, adding that no new metro rail proposal was submitted by the Gujarat government for funding. 
 
Of the 16 proposals, the most (three) were from Maharashtra, and included construction of the 43.80-km-long second phase of Nagpur Metro in five years from the date of approval. Similarly, the state has submitted a proposal for a 33-km-long Nashik Metro, to be completed in four years from the date of approval. 
 
The third proposal is for a 29-km-long Thane Internal Ring Project, likely to be completed in five years from the date of its approval. 
 
Puri said that the Delhi government has sent a proposal for constructing three remaining corridors of Delhi Metro under the fourth phase with a total length of 43.677 km, to be completed in five years from the start of work. 
 
The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry has also received two metro rail projects from Kerala for Kochi Metro, of which a two-km-long stretch under Phase 1A which is likely to be completed by June this year. Another project is of 11.20-km-long corridor in Phase II that will likely be completed in four years from the date of its sanction. 
 
Uttar Pradesh has sent two proposals - one for the extension of 14.958-km-long Noida Metro from Sector 51 in Noida to Knowledge Park in Greater Noida, likely to be completed in 38 months from the date of its approval, and the second for a 15.14-km-long Gorakhpur MetroLite project in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath`s home city, to be completed in four years from the date of sanction. 
 
From Jammu and Kashmir, a 23-km-long MetroLite project in Jammu and of the same length for Srinagar have been proposed, with a completion date of March 2026. 
 
The Tamil Nadu government has also sent a proposal for construction of 118.9-km-long second phase of Chennai Metro which is likely to be completed in six years from the date of sanction. 
 
The Centre has received a proposal for construction of 28.50-km-long Metro Rail Connectivity project that will connect from HUDA City Centre to Cyber City in Gurugram, and is likely to be completed in five years from the date of the sanction. 
 
It has received the proposal to construct a 22.424-km-long MetroNeo project in Uttarakhand capital Dehradun, likely to be completed in three years from the date of sanction. 
 
The three proposed Regional Rapid Transport Systems (RRTS), connecting various parts of Rajasthan and Haryana with Delhi, include the 107-km-long Delhi-SNB, and the 33.3-km-long SNB-Sotanala, connecting Delhi, Gurugram, Shahjahanpur, Neemrana, and Behror in Haryana and Rajasthan. These two projects are expected to be completed in six years and five years respectively from the date of sanctions. 
 
The third project is 103.02-km long-Delhi-Panipat RRTS that will connect the national capital with Haryana`s Sonipat and Panipat and is likely to be completed in six years from the date of sanction.

With an aim to provide speedy and clean urban transport system to the public, seven states and two Union Territories have sent 16 proposals for the expansion/fresh construction of metro rail projects to the Centre.

With an aim to provide speedy and clean urban transport system to the public, seven states and two Union Territories have sent 16 proposals for the expansion/fresh construction of metro rail projects to the Centre. The proposals also include three regional rapid transport systems that will connect different parts of Haryana and Rajasthan with Delhi, as well as two from Jammu and Kashmir. Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had told the Lok Sabha on February 10, that urban transport was an integral part of urban development, and while it is the responsibility of the state governments concerned to initiate, develop, and fund urban transport infrastructure including metro rail projects, the Central government considers financial assistance to such projects under the Metro Rail Policy, 2017. Also read | India's Railway Budget: 400 new-gen 'Vande Bharat' trains, 2000km of network will be brought under KAWACH tech "Based on the feasibility of the proposal and availability of resources, the Central government considers such projects in cities or urban agglomerates," Puri said, adding that no new metro rail proposal was submitted by the Gujarat government for funding. Of the 16 proposals, the most (three) were from Maharashtra, and included construction of the 43.80-km-long second phase of Nagpur Metro in five years from the date of approval. Similarly, the state has submitted a proposal for a 33-km-long Nashik Metro, to be completed in four years from the date of approval. The third proposal is for a 29-km-long Thane Internal Ring Project, likely to be completed in five years from the date of its approval. Puri said that the Delhi government has sent a proposal for constructing three remaining corridors of Delhi Metro under the fourth phase with a total length of 43.677 km, to be completed in five years from the start of work. The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry has also received two metro rail projects from Kerala for Kochi Metro, of which a two-km-long stretch under Phase 1A which is likely to be completed by June this year. Another project is of 11.20-km-long corridor in Phase II that will likely be completed in four years from the date of its sanction. Uttar Pradesh has sent two proposals - one for the extension of 14.958-km-long Noida Metro from Sector 51 in Noida to Knowledge Park in Greater Noida, likely to be completed in 38 months from the date of its approval, and the second for a 15.14-km-long Gorakhpur MetroLite project in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath`s home city, to be completed in four years from the date of sanction. From Jammu and Kashmir, a 23-km-long MetroLite project in Jammu and of the same length for Srinagar have been proposed, with a completion date of March 2026. The Tamil Nadu government has also sent a proposal for construction of 118.9-km-long second phase of Chennai Metro which is likely to be completed in six years from the date of sanction. The Centre has received a proposal for construction of 28.50-km-long Metro Rail Connectivity project that will connect from HUDA City Centre to Cyber City in Gurugram, and is likely to be completed in five years from the date of the sanction. It has received the proposal to construct a 22.424-km-long MetroNeo project in Uttarakhand capital Dehradun, likely to be completed in three years from the date of sanction. The three proposed Regional Rapid Transport Systems (RRTS), connecting various parts of Rajasthan and Haryana with Delhi, include the 107-km-long Delhi-SNB, and the 33.3-km-long SNB-Sotanala, connecting Delhi, Gurugram, Shahjahanpur, Neemrana, and Behror in Haryana and Rajasthan. These two projects are expected to be completed in six years and five years respectively from the date of sanctions. The third project is 103.02-km long-Delhi-Panipat RRTS that will connect the national capital with Haryana`s Sonipat and Panipat and is likely to be completed in six years from the date of sanction.

Centre receives 16 proposals for metro projects from states and union territories

The Indian government has defended in the Delhi High Court the legal validity of its new IT rule requiring messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, to trace&nbsp;the first originator of the information, saying that the law empowers it to expect such entities to create safe cyberspace and counter illegal content either themselves or by assisting the law enforcement agencies.

The government said that Section 87 of the Information Technology Act gave it the power to formulate Rule 4(2) of the Intermediary Rules -- which mandates a significant social media intermediary to enable the identification of the first originator of information in legitimate state interest&nbsp;of curbing the menace of fake news and offences concerning national security and public order as well as women and children.

In its affidavit filed in response to WhatsApp's challenge to the rule on the ground that breaking the encryption invades its users&nbsp;privacy, the Centre has claimed that platforms monetise users&nbsp;information for business/ commercial purposes are not legally entitled to claim that it protects privacy.

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Petitioners (WhatsApp and Facebook), being multi-billion dollar enterprises, almost singularly on the basis of mining, owning and storing the private data of natural persons across the world and thereafter monetizing the same, cannot claim any representative privacy right on behalf of the natural persons using the platform,&nbsp;said the affidavit filed by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

WhatsApp collects users&nbsp;personal information and shares it with Facebook and third-party entities for business/commercial purposes (WhatsApp's privacy policy of 2016 and its 2021 update). In fact, the regulators of various countries dearly hold that Facebook should be fixed with accountability for its services and data management practices,&nbsp;it added.

The government&nbsp;said reasons regarding 'technical difficulties cannot be an excuse to refuse compliance to the law of the land and if a platform does not have the means to trace the first originator&nbsp;without breaking the encryption then it is the platform which ought to develop such mechanism&nbsp;in larger public duty.

The Rule does not contemplate the platforms breaking the end-to-end encryption. The Rule only contemplates the platform to provide the details of the first originator by any means or mechanism available with the platform. If the platform does not have such means, the platform ought to develop such mechanism considering the platforms widespread prevalence and the larger public duty, the affidavit said.

The government said if the intermediary is not able to prevent or detect the criminal activities happening on its platform, then the problem lies in the platform's architecture and the platform must rectify their architecture and not expect the change of legislation. Reasons regarding 'technical difficulties' cannot be an excuse to refuse compliance to the law of the land.

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In August, a bench headed by Chief Justice DN Patel had sought the Centre's stand on WhatsApp petition challenging new rule on the ground it violates the right to privacy and is unconstitutional.

WhatsApp's parent company Facebook has also mounted a similar challenge to the rule.

In its plea, WhatsApp had said that the traceability requirement forced it break end-to-end encryption&nbsp;and thus infringe upon the fundamental rights to privacy and free speech of the hundreds of millions of citizens using its platform to communicate privately and securely.

The Centre, in its response, has said that the petition by WhatsApp is not maintainable as a challenge to the constitutionality of any Indian law is not maintainable at the instance of a foreign commercial entity. 
It further claimed that Rule 4(2) is an embodiment of competing rights of citizens of India&nbsp;and aims to preserve the rights of vulnerable citizens within the cyberspace who can be or are victims of cyber-crime.

The government said there are checks and balances to ensure that the rule is not misused or invoked in cases where other less intrusive means are effective in identifying the originator of the information. 
The identification of the first originator pertains only to viral content relating to heinous crimes, as specified in the rule, and not identifying all users or citizens, it said.

If the IT Rules 2021 are not implemented the law enforcement agencies will have difficulty in tracing the origin of fake messages and such messages will percolate in other platforms thereby disturbing peace and harmony in the society further leading to public order issues,&nbsp;the affidavit said.

The government has also said that in case of any legal proceeding having any message on the platform as evidence, WhatsApp would lose the defence of 'intermediary protection' but it does not mean that WhatsApp will be held guilty and its officials would be legally responsible.

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The courts can include WhatsApp as a respondent and consider 'Contributory Negligence' and 'Vicarious liability on WhatsApp and its executives' (under Section 85). Such liabilities will fructify only when such a case comes up and WhatsApp is named as an entity that it is sufficiently proved that it has contributed to the commission of the crime,&nbsp;it added.

The government also said that the Supreme Court itself had asked the Central government to take all the steps necessary to identify persons who create and circulate electronic information&nbsp;about certain offences such as sexual abuse.&nbsp;

The Indian government has defended in the Delhi High Court the legal validity of its new IT rule requiring messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, to trace the first originator of the information, saying that the law empowers it to expect such entities to create safe cyberspace and counter illegal content either themselves or by assisting the law enforcement agencies.

The Indian government has defended in the Delhi High Court the legal validity of its new IT rule requiring messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, to trace the first originator of the information, saying that the law empowers it to expect such entities to create safe cyberspace and counter illegal content either themselves or by assisting the law enforcement agencies. The government said that Section 87 of the Information Technology Act gave it the power to formulate Rule 4(2) of the Intermediary Rules -- which mandates a significant social media intermediary to enable the identification of the first originator of information in legitimate state interest of curbing the menace of fake news and offences concerning national security and public order as well as women and children. In its affidavit filed in response to WhatsApp's challenge to the rule on the ground that breaking the encryption invades its users privacy, the Centre has claimed that platforms monetise users information for business/ commercial purposes are not legally entitled to claim that it protects privacy. Also Read | Facebook to pay French publishers for news content Petitioners (WhatsApp and Facebook), being multi-billion dollar enterprises, almost singularly on the basis of mining, owning and storing the private data of natural persons across the world and thereafter monetizing the same, cannot claim any representative privacy right on behalf of the natural persons using the platform, said the affidavit filed by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. WhatsApp collects users personal information and shares it with Facebook and third-party entities for business/commercial purposes (WhatsApp's privacy policy of 2016 and its 2021 update). In fact, the regulators of various countries dearly hold that Facebook should be fixed with accountability for its services and data management practices, it added. The government said reasons regarding 'technical difficulties cannot be an excuse to refuse compliance to the law of the land and if a platform does not have the means to trace the first originator without breaking the encryption then it is the platform which ought to develop such mechanism in larger public duty. The Rule does not contemplate the platforms breaking the end-to-end encryption. The Rule only contemplates the platform to provide the details of the first originator by any means or mechanism available with the platform. If the platform does not have such means, the platform ought to develop such mechanism considering the platforms widespread prevalence and the larger public duty, the affidavit said. The government said if the intermediary is not able to prevent or detect the criminal activities happening on its platform, then the problem lies in the platform's architecture and the platform must rectify their architecture and not expect the change of legislation. Reasons regarding 'technical difficulties' cannot be an excuse to refuse compliance to the law of the land. Also read | Facebook planning to change its name, announcement likely in a week: Report In August, a bench headed by Chief Justice DN Patel had sought the Centre's stand on WhatsApp petition challenging new rule on the ground it violates the right to privacy and is unconstitutional. WhatsApp's parent company Facebook has also mounted a similar challenge to the rule. In its plea, WhatsApp had said that the traceability requirement forced it break end-to-end encryption and thus infringe upon the fundamental rights to privacy and free speech of the hundreds of millions of citizens using its platform to communicate privately and securely. The Centre, in its response, has said that the petition by WhatsApp is not maintainable as a challenge to the constitutionality of any Indian law is not maintainable at the instance of a foreign commercial entity. It further claimed that Rule 4(2) is an embodiment of competing rights of citizens of India and aims to preserve the rights of vulnerable citizens within the cyberspace who can be or are victims of cyber-crime. The government said there are checks and balances to ensure that the rule is not misused or invoked in cases where other less intrusive means are effective in identifying the originator of the information. The identification of the first originator pertains only to viral content relating to heinous crimes, as specified in the rule, and not identifying all users or citizens, it said. If the IT Rules 2021 are not implemented the law enforcement agencies will have difficulty in tracing the origin of fake messages and such messages will percolate in other platforms thereby disturbing peace and harmony in the society further leading to public order issues, the affidavit said. The government has also said that in case of any legal proceeding having any message on the platform as evidence, WhatsApp would lose the defence of 'intermediary protection' but it does not mean that WhatsApp will be held guilty and its officials would be legally responsible. Also Read | WhatsApp adds Indian Rupee symbol to chat box for digital payments The courts can include WhatsApp as a respondent and consider 'Contributory Negligence' and 'Vicarious liability on WhatsApp and its executives' (under Section 85). Such liabilities will fructify only when such a case comes up and WhatsApp is named as an entity that it is sufficiently proved that it has contributed to the commission of the crime, it added. The government also said that the Supreme Court itself had asked the Central government to take all the steps necessary to identify persons who create and circulate electronic information about certain offences such as sexual abuse.

Indian govt in high court defends IT rule requiring WhatsApp to trace originator of message

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a roughly Rs 110 billion&nbsp;project by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to create six new Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&amp;C) aircraft for the Indian Air Force on Wednesday.

This is in addition to the Committee's approval of a roughly $3 billion contract for the IAF to purchase 56 C-295MW transport planes to replace its ageing fleet of Avro 748 transport planes, which first flew in 1961.&nbsp;

The AEW&amp;C project, which received an initial "approval of necessity" from the defence ministry in December of last year, is particularly important because Pakistan and China are far ahead of India in this area.&nbsp;

What does AEW&amp;C stand for?

The AEW&amp;C, or "eyes in the sky," can detect and track any flying object in the sky faster than ground-based radars, including incoming fighters, cruise missiles, and drones.

They can also serve as an airborne control room for missions, as well as a monitoring station for ships at sea.

The six will join the IAF's existing fleet, which includes three Israeli Phalcon AWACS on Ilyushin-76 transport planes and two indigenous "Netra" AEW&amp;C planes on Embraer planes.&nbsp;

During the India-Pakistan aerial combat along the Line of Control and International Border on February 27, 2019, airborne warning planes came into clear focus.

In order to intercept oncoming Pakistan Air Force strike formations, IAF pilots depended significantly on backup from the IAF's Netra and A-50 jets, which observed PAF fighters' movements and vectored IAF defenders to attempt an intercept.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a roughly Rs 110 billion project by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to create six new Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft for the Indian Air Force on Wednesday.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a roughly Rs 110 billion project by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to create six new Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft for the Indian Air Force on Wednesday. This is in addition to the Committee's approval of a roughly $3 billion contract for the IAF to purchase 56 C-295MW transport planes to replace its ageing fleet of Avro 748 transport planes, which first flew in 1961. The AEW&C project, which received an initial "approval of necessity" from the defence ministry in December of last year, is particularly important because Pakistan and China are far ahead of India in this area. What does AEW&C stand for? The AEW&C, or "eyes in the sky," can detect and track any flying object in the sky faster than ground-based radars, including incoming fighters, cruise missiles, and drones. They can also serve as an airborne control room for missions, as well as a monitoring station for ships at sea. The six will join the IAF's existing fleet, which includes three Israeli Phalcon AWACS on Ilyushin-76 transport planes and two indigenous "Netra" AEW&C planes on Embraer planes. During the India-Pakistan aerial combat along the Line of Control and International Border on February 27, 2019, airborne warning planes came into clear focus. In order to intercept oncoming Pakistan Air Force strike formations, IAF pilots depended significantly on backup from the IAF's Netra and A-50 jets, which observed PAF fighters' movements and vectored IAF defenders to attempt an intercept. (With inputs from agencies)

'Eyes in sky': Govt okays 6 more 'early-warning' aircraft for Indian Air Force

Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Wednesday informed the Rajya Sabha that nine properties of Hindus have been restored by the Jammu and Kashmir administration so far. 
 
In a written reply to a star question Rai, citing the information provided by the government of Jammu and Kashmir, said, "Regarding restoration of properties to its rightful and original owner, 9 properties have been restored, as per the information provided by the Govt of Jammu &amp; Kashmir". 
 
Asked about what steps the J&amp;K Government was taking to restore the ancestral property of Hindus who had to flee from Kashmir in the wake of terrorist violence, the Minister said that under the J&amp;K Migrant Immovable Property (Preservation, Protection &amp; Restraint on Distress Sales) Act, 1997, the District Magistrates of the concerned districts in Jammu &amp; Kashmir are the legal custodians of the immovable properties of migrants, who take suo moto action on eviction proceedings in cases of encroachment. The migrants can also request the District Magistrates in such cases. 
 
He informed that after the abrogation of Article 370, a total of 520 migrants have returned to Kashmir for taking up jobs under the Prime Minister`s Development Package-2015. 
 
In reply to another question on whether the Government has altered the land laws of Jammu and Kashmir wherein no domicile or permanent resident certificate is required to purchase non-agricultural land in the UT, Rai informed that after August 5, 2019 all provisions of the Constitution of India have been made applicable to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir which necessitated changes in existing laws in Jammu and Kashmir by Adaptation Orders so as to conform with the provisions of the Constitution of India.

As per the adapted land laws of Jammu and Kashmir, the Government may, by notification in the official gazette, allow transfer of land for public purposes such as education, charitable and healthcare. 
 
He said in his written reply that under the Jammu and Kashmir Big Landed Estates Abolition Act, 1950, the land was transferred to the tillers. The Act also prescribed a limit to right of ownership to 182 standard kanals (22.75 acres).

However, this Act has been repealed and another legislation, `The Jammu &amp; Kashmir Agrarian Reforms Act, 1976`, for transfer of land to tillers, is in force. This Act prescribes a ceiling restriction of 100 standard kanals (12.5 acres).

Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Wednesday informed the Rajya Sabha that nine properties of Hindus have been restored by the Jammu and Kashmir administration so far.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Wednesday informed the Rajya Sabha that nine properties of Hindus have been restored by the Jammu and Kashmir administration so far. In a written reply to a star question Rai, citing the information provided by the government of Jammu and Kashmir, said, "Regarding restoration of properties to its rightful and original owner, 9 properties have been restored, as per the information provided by the Govt of Jammu & Kashmir". Asked about what steps the J&K Government was taking to restore the ancestral property of Hindus who had to flee from Kashmir in the wake of terrorist violence, the Minister said that under the J&K Migrant Immovable Property (Preservation, Protection & Restraint on Distress Sales) Act, 1997, the District Magistrates of the concerned districts in Jammu & Kashmir are the legal custodians of the immovable properties of migrants, who take suo moto action on eviction proceedings in cases of encroachment. The migrants can also request the District Magistrates in such cases. He informed that after the abrogation of Article 370, a total of 520 migrants have returned to Kashmir for taking up jobs under the Prime Minister`s Development Package-2015. In reply to another question on whether the Government has altered the land laws of Jammu and Kashmir wherein no domicile or permanent resident certificate is required to purchase non-agricultural land in the UT, Rai informed that after August 5, 2019 all provisions of the Constitution of India have been made applicable to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir which necessitated changes in existing laws in Jammu and Kashmir by Adaptation Orders so as to conform with the provisions of the Constitution of India. As per the adapted land laws of Jammu and Kashmir, the Government may, by notification in the official gazette, allow transfer of land for public purposes such as education, charitable and healthcare. He said in his written reply that under the Jammu and Kashmir Big Landed Estates Abolition Act, 1950, the land was transferred to the tillers. The Act also prescribed a limit to right of ownership to 182 standard kanals (22.75 acres). However, this Act has been repealed and another legislation, `The Jammu & Kashmir Agrarian Reforms Act, 1976`, for transfer of land to tillers, is in force. This Act prescribes a ceiling restriction of 100 standard kanals (12.5 acres).

9 ancestral properties of Hindus restored in Jammu & Kashmir: Centre

The central government will provide more than 5.6 million&nbsp;vaccine doses to states and Union Territories in the next three days, the health ministry informed on Thursday.

"More than 56,70,350 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by the states and UTs within the next 3 days," the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said.

According to MoHFW, as many as 2,18,28,483 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered.

"More than 27.28 crores (27,28,31,900) vaccine doses have been provided to states and UTs so far, through Government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category," the ministry said in an official statement.

"Of this, the total consumption, including wastages is 25,10,03,417 doses (as per data available at 8 am today)," it said."More than 2.18 crore (2,18,28,483) COVID vaccine doses are still available with the States and UTs to be administered," it added.

The Union Health Ministry further informed that 26,55,19,251 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.

India started the world`s largest vaccination drive on January 16 this year in a phased manner with healthcare workers (HCWs) getting inoculated first.

The vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started on February 2. The next phase of Covid-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for those over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.

India launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 from April 1. Phase 3 of the vaccination drive was started on May 1 for the beneficiaries belonging to the age group 18-44.

The central government will provide more than 5.6 million vaccine doses to states and Union Territories in the next three days, the health ministry informed on Thursday.

The central government will provide more than 5.6 million vaccine doses to states and Union Territories in the next three days, the health ministry informed on Thursday. "More than 56,70,350 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by the states and UTs within the next 3 days," the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said. According to MoHFW, as many as 2,18,28,483 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered. "More than 27.28 crores (27,28,31,900) vaccine doses have been provided to states and UTs so far, through Government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category," the ministry said in an official statement. "Of this, the total consumption, including wastages is 25,10,03,417 doses (as per data available at 8 am today)," it said."More than 2.18 crore (2,18,28,483) COVID vaccine doses are still available with the States and UTs to be administered," it added. The Union Health Ministry further informed that 26,55,19,251 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. India started the world`s largest vaccination drive on January 16 this year in a phased manner with healthcare workers (HCWs) getting inoculated first. The vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started on February 2. The next phase of Covid-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for those over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. India launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 from April 1. Phase 3 of the vaccination drive was started on May 1 for the beneficiaries belonging to the age group 18-44.

Centre to provide over 5.6mn COVID-19 vaccine doses to states, UTs in next 3 days

1,65,00,572&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with states and union territories, the Union health ministry said on Saturday.

So far, over 240 million doses have been provided to the states and UTs, it said in a statement. The total consumption, including wastage, stands at 22,65,08,508 doses, according to data available at 8 am on Saturday, the ministry said.

"1,65,00,572&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states/UTs to be administered," it said. So far, 24,30,09,080 vaccine doses have been provided free of cost to the states and UTs by the government of India and through the direct state procurement category, it said.

1,65,00,572 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with states and union territories, the Union health ministry said on Saturday. So far, over 240 million doses have been provided to the states and UTs, it said in a statement.

1,65,00,572 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with states and union territories, the Union health ministry said on Saturday. So far, over 240 million doses have been provided to the states and UTs, it said in a statement. The total consumption, including wastage, stands at 22,65,08,508 doses, according to data available at 8 am on Saturday, the ministry said. "1,65,00,572 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states/UTs to be administered," it said. So far, 24,30,09,080 vaccine doses have been provided free of cost to the states and UTs by the government of India and through the direct state procurement category, it said.

States, UTs have 1,65,00,572 COVID-19 vaccine doses: Centre

The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country is 19,49,51,603 on Saturday, the Health Ministry said.&nbsp;

In a statement, it said 6,82,398 beneficiaries of the age group 18-44 years received their first dose on Saturday, and cumulatively 99,79,676 across 37 states/UTs since the start of Phase-3 of the vaccination drive.&nbsp;

Bihar, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have administered more than 10 lakh beneficiaries of the age group 18-44 years for their first dose of Covid vaccine, it said.&nbsp;

The ministry said the total of 19,49,51,603 include 97,52,422 Healthcare Workers (HCWs), who have taken the first dose and 67,00,147 HCWs, who have taken the second dose.&nbsp;

It also includes 1,49,47,941 Frontline Workers (FLWs) (first dose), 83,22,058 FLWs (second dose), and 99,79,676 for 18-44 years of age group (first dose). 6,06,73,244 for over 45 years old to 60 years old (first dose), 97,84,465 for over 45 years old to 60 years old (second dose), 5,65,49,096 for above 60 years (first dose) and 1,82,42,554 for above 60 years (second dose).&nbsp;

As on Day-127 of the vaccination drive (May 22), a total of 15,52,126 vaccine doses were given. As many as 13,80,232 beneficiaries were vaccinated for first dose and 1,71,894 beneficiaries received their second doses, as per the provisional report till 8 pm.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country is 19,49,51,603 on Saturday, the Health Ministry said. In a statement, it said 6,82,398 beneficiaries of the age group 18-44 years received their first dose on Saturday, and cumulatively 99,79,676 across 37 states/UTs since the start of Phase-3 of the vaccination drive.

The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country is 19,49,51,603 on Saturday, the Health Ministry said. In a statement, it said 6,82,398 beneficiaries of the age group 18-44 years received their first dose on Saturday, and cumulatively 99,79,676 across 37 states/UTs since the start of Phase-3 of the vaccination drive. Bihar, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have administered more than 10 lakh beneficiaries of the age group 18-44 years for their first dose of Covid vaccine, it said. The ministry said the total of 19,49,51,603 include 97,52,422 Healthcare Workers (HCWs), who have taken the first dose and 67,00,147 HCWs, who have taken the second dose. It also includes 1,49,47,941 Frontline Workers (FLWs) (first dose), 83,22,058 FLWs (second dose), and 99,79,676 for 18-44 years of age group (first dose). 6,06,73,244 for over 45 years old to 60 years old (first dose), 97,84,465 for over 45 years old to 60 years old (second dose), 5,65,49,096 for above 60 years (first dose) and 1,82,42,554 for above 60 years (second dose). As on Day-127 of the vaccination drive (May 22), a total of 15,52,126 vaccine doses were given. As many as 13,80,232 beneficiaries were vaccinated for first dose and 1,71,894 beneficiaries received their second doses, as per the provisional report till 8 pm. (With inputs from agencies)

19,49,51,603 vaccine doses administered till now: Centre 

Around 1,84,41,478 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with states and UTs, while 50,95,640 doses are in the pipeline and will be received by them within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday. &nbsp;

The Centre has so far provided more than 20,28,09,250 vaccine doses to states and UTs free of cost, it said. &nbsp;

Of this, the total consumption, calculated based on average up to May 14, including wastages, is 18,43,67,772 doses, according to data available at 7 pm on Saturday. &nbsp;

"More than 1,84,41,478 Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered. States with negative balance are showing more consumption (including wastage) than vaccine supplied as they have not reconciled the vaccine they have supplied to Armed Forces," the ministry said. &nbsp;

It said 50,95,640 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by states and UTs within the next three days.&nbsp;

Vaccination forms an integral component of the comprehensive strategy of Government of India of containment and management of the pandemic (including test, track, treat and Covid appropriate behaviour). &nbsp;

The Centre has been supporting the nationwide vaccination drive by providing Covid vaccines free of cost to states and UTs, in addition to several efforts to ramp up its production and supply, the ministry stated. &nbsp;

Implementation of the Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of COVID-19 vaccination has started from May 1 as part of which the government has opened up inoculation for all aged above 18. &nbsp;

Under the Strategy, every month 50 per cent of the total Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) cleared vaccine doses of any manufacturer would be procured by the Centre. It would continue to make these doses available to state governments free of cost as was being done earlier.

Around 1,84,41,478 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with states and UTs, while 50,95,640 doses are in the pipeline and will be received by them within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.

Around 1,84,41,478 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with states and UTs, while 50,95,640 doses are in the pipeline and will be received by them within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday. The Centre has so far provided more than 20,28,09,250 vaccine doses to states and UTs free of cost, it said. Of this, the total consumption, calculated based on average up to May 14, including wastages, is 18,43,67,772 doses, according to data available at 7 pm on Saturday. "More than 1,84,41,478 Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered. States with negative balance are showing more consumption (including wastage) than vaccine supplied as they have not reconciled the vaccine they have supplied to Armed Forces," the ministry said. It said 50,95,640 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by states and UTs within the next three days. Vaccination forms an integral component of the comprehensive strategy of Government of India of containment and management of the pandemic (including test, track, treat and Covid appropriate behaviour). The Centre has been supporting the nationwide vaccination drive by providing Covid vaccines free of cost to states and UTs, in addition to several efforts to ramp up its production and supply, the ministry stated. Implementation of the Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of COVID-19 vaccination has started from May 1 as part of which the government has opened up inoculation for all aged above 18. Under the Strategy, every month 50 per cent of the total Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) cleared vaccine doses of any manufacturer would be procured by the Centre. It would continue to make these doses available to state governments free of cost as was being done earlier.

States to receive 50,95,640 COVID-19 vaccine doses in next three days: Centre 

The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) on Tuesday emphasized that the Centre and States need to put their acts together in order to meet the response by setting up universally functional COVID-19 dashboards for real-time information in the public domain on the availability of hospital beds, oxygen, critical care medicines and devices.

It has also asked for setting up 24X7 functional toll-free helplines and fixing the prices of Covid treatment resources.

The Commission, appreciating and taking a note of the ground realities and challenges, as also reported in the media, related to the management of the second wave of Covid -19, has recommended to the Centre and States, through its 2.0 Covid Advisory, that they need to take immediate action against those hoarding and black-marketing essential medicines, oxygen cylinders and critical care devices. It has also asked them to ramp up the production, transportation and distribution of essential resources.

The Commission has sought action taken report within four weeks on the recommendations contained in its Advisory 2.0, already sent to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories by the Secretary-General, NHRC on 4th May 2021.

Some of the other important recommendations in the 2.0 Advisory are:

Any COVID-19 patient who approaches any public health facility should receive the treatment free of cost;

Functional and effective Help-Desks should be set up in all public and private hospitals for a preliminary check-up;

There should be universal coverage and non-discriminatory pricing of COVID vaccines in all health facilities of the country, and if feasible, vaccination should be made free for everyone irrespective of private or public health establishment along with adequate testing facilities for Covid-19 and timely reports;

Management of crematoriums and burial grounds should be improved, using electric crematorium and App-based interventions to be promoted among stakeholders;

The protection of Rights of COVID warriors engaged should be ensured and the body of a deceased Covid patient should be treated with dignity and handed over to the family ensuring all Covid protocols;

Practical time restrictions should be imposed for buying essential commodities during lockdowns.&nbsp;

The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) on Tuesday emphasized that the Centre and States need to put their acts together in order to meet the response by setting up universally functional COVID-19 dashboards for real-time information in the public domain on the availability of hospital beds, oxygen, critical care medicines and devices.

The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) on Tuesday emphasized that the Centre and States need to put their acts together in order to meet the response by setting up universally functional COVID-19 dashboards for real-time information in the public domain on the availability of hospital beds, oxygen, critical care medicines and devices. It has also asked for setting up 24X7 functional toll-free helplines and fixing the prices of Covid treatment resources. The Commission, appreciating and taking a note of the ground realities and challenges, as also reported in the media, related to the management of the second wave of Covid -19, has recommended to the Centre and States, through its 2.0 Covid Advisory, that they need to take immediate action against those hoarding and black-marketing essential medicines, oxygen cylinders and critical care devices. It has also asked them to ramp up the production, transportation and distribution of essential resources. The Commission has sought action taken report within four weeks on the recommendations contained in its Advisory 2.0, already sent to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories by the Secretary-General, NHRC on 4th May 2021. Some of the other important recommendations in the 2.0 Advisory are: Any COVID-19 patient who approaches any public health facility should receive the treatment free of cost; Functional and effective Help-Desks should be set up in all public and private hospitals for a preliminary check-up; There should be universal coverage and non-discriminatory pricing of COVID vaccines in all health facilities of the country, and if feasible, vaccination should be made free for everyone irrespective of private or public health establishment along with adequate testing facilities for Covid-19 and timely reports; Management of crematoriums and burial grounds should be improved, using electric crematorium and App-based interventions to be promoted among stakeholders; The protection of Rights of COVID warriors engaged should be ensured and the body of a deceased Covid patient should be treated with dignity and handed over to the family ensuring all Covid protocols; Practical time restrictions should be imposed for buying essential commodities during lockdowns.

Centre, States should expeditious implement second wave of  Covid-19 Advisory: NHRC

78,60,779 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs which will receive 56,20,670 additional doses within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The Government of India has so far provided 16,54,93,410 vaccine doses to states and UTs free of cost. Of this, the total consumption including wastages is 15,76,32,631 doses.&nbsp;

Implementation of the Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of COVID-19 vaccination started on Saturday. Registration for the new eligible population groups has commenced since April 28. Potential beneficiaries can either register directly on CoWIN portal or through the Aarogya Setu app. &nbsp;

"More than 78,60,779 COVID vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered.&nbsp;

"Furthermore, more than 56,20,670 vaccine doses will be received in addition by them within the next three days," the ministry said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

78,60,779 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs which will receive 56,20,670 additional doses within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.

78,60,779 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs which will receive 56,20,670 additional doses within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday. The Government of India has so far provided 16,54,93,410 vaccine doses to states and UTs free of cost. Of this, the total consumption including wastages is 15,76,32,631 doses. Implementation of the Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of COVID-19 vaccination started on Saturday. Registration for the new eligible population groups has commenced since April 28. Potential beneficiaries can either register directly on CoWIN portal or through the Aarogya Setu app. "More than 78,60,779 COVID vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered. "Furthermore, more than 56,20,670 vaccine doses will be received in addition by them within the next three days," the ministry said. (With inputs from agencies)

78,60,779 COVID-19 vaccine doses still available with states: Centre 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a meeting with all chief ministers on the Covid-19 situation in India. The meeting comes at a time when India is facing a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the meeting, he said that those who want to do politics are already doing it, but he believes in serving the people of India at such a difficult time.

In his interaction with chief ministers to discuss the COVID-19 situation and the ongoing vaccination drive, Modi said he is confident that all CMs, taking all parties and people together, would change the situation in their respective states.

"As far as doing or not doing politics is concerned, I am seeing from day one and I have been putting up with all kinds of statements without joining the issue myself because I believe that serving the people of India is our responsibility," Modi said.

"God has entrusted us this responsibility to serve the people in this difficult situation, we have to fulfil this. Those who want to do politics are already doing it, I don't want to say anything to them," he said.

The Congress-led opposition has criticised the government over its handling of the COVID-19 and the vaccination drive, while the Centre has maintained that its timely steps have been instrumental in effectively dealing with the pandemic.

Also, while some states have flagged a "shortage" of vaccine doses, the Centre has maintained that sufficient quantity of the jabs has been allocated to all the states and that many of them have been unable to inoculate all eligible beneficiaries.

In his remarks, Modi called for 100 per cent vaccination of 45 years plus population in the high caseload districts.

He also stressed on Dawai Bhi, Kadai Bhi (medicines as well as strict preventive measures)", and urged people not to compromise on that.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a meeting with all chief ministers on the Covid-19 situation in India. The meeting comes at a time when India is facing a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a meeting with all chief ministers on the Covid-19 situation in India. The meeting comes at a time when India is facing a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. During the meeting, he said that those who want to do politics are already doing it, but he believes in serving the people of India at such a difficult time. In his interaction with chief ministers to discuss the COVID-19 situation and the ongoing vaccination drive, Modi said he is confident that all CMs, taking all parties and people together, would change the situation in their respective states. "As far as doing or not doing politics is concerned, I am seeing from day one and I have been putting up with all kinds of statements without joining the issue myself because I believe that serving the people of India is our responsibility," Modi said. "God has entrusted us this responsibility to serve the people in this difficult situation, we have to fulfil this. Those who want to do politics are already doing it, I don't want to say anything to them," he said. The Congress-led opposition has criticised the government over its handling of the COVID-19 and the vaccination drive, while the Centre has maintained that its timely steps have been instrumental in effectively dealing with the pandemic. Also, while some states have flagged a "shortage" of vaccine doses, the Centre has maintained that sufficient quantity of the jabs has been allocated to all the states and that many of them have been unable to inoculate all eligible beneficiaries. In his remarks, Modi called for 100 per cent vaccination of 45 years plus population in the high caseload districts. He also stressed on Dawai Bhi, Kadai Bhi (medicines as well as strict preventive measures)", and urged people not to compromise on that. (With inputs from agencies)

PM warns against the politicisation of Covid-19 amid verbal duel between Centre, states over vaccine supply

The Centre on Monday requested the Supreme Court to open the sealed cover report of a panel headed by former top court judge D.K. Jain, formed in September 2018 by the court to probe the role of Kerala police officers in the wrongful arrest of ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan in a 1994 espionage case.

Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, requested the top court to take up the report for passing appropriate orders on Tuesday. Mehta submitted that the matter is of national importance.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde said there is no doubt that the matter is important, but there is no urgency in hearing it. The top court, however, agreed to hear the matter next week.

79-year-old Narayanan waged a legal battle against the Kerala police officers who accused him of being a Pakistan spy in 1994. Besides appointing the panel, the top court had directed the Kerala government to pay Rs 50 lakh compensation for causing immense humiliation to Narayanan.

In 2018, a bench of the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra decided to appoint a committee under Jain and asked the Centre and the Kerala government to name one person each to the committee under Jain. While the Centre appointed a top official -- D.K. Prasad, the Pinarayi Vijayan government appointed former Additional Chief Secretary V. S. Senthil.

The ISRO spy case surfaced in 1994 when Narayanan was arrested on charges of espionage along with another senior official of ISRO, two Maldivian women and a businessman.

The CBI had held that the then top police officials in Kerala were responsible for Narayanan`s illegal arrest. The panel examined the circumstances leading to Narayanan`s arrest. It was alleged that confidential documents on India`s space programme were allegedly transferred to foreign countries.

Narayanan had maintained that Kerala police fabricated the case and the technology he was accused to have stolen and sold in the 1994 case did not even exist at that time.

The Centre on Monday requested the Supreme Court to open the sealed cover report of a panel headed by former top court judge D.K. Jain, formed in September 2018 by the court to probe the role of Kerala police officers in the wrongful arrest of ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan in a 1994 espionage case.

The Centre on Monday requested the Supreme Court to open the sealed cover report of a panel headed by former top court judge D.K. Jain, formed in September 2018 by the court to probe the role of Kerala police officers in the wrongful arrest of ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan in a 1994 espionage case. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, requested the top court to take up the report for passing appropriate orders on Tuesday. Mehta submitted that the matter is of national importance. A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde said there is no doubt that the matter is important, but there is no urgency in hearing it. The top court, however, agreed to hear the matter next week. 79-year-old Narayanan waged a legal battle against the Kerala police officers who accused him of being a Pakistan spy in 1994. Besides appointing the panel, the top court had directed the Kerala government to pay Rs 50 lakh compensation for causing immense humiliation to Narayanan. In 2018, a bench of the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra decided to appoint a committee under Jain and asked the Centre and the Kerala government to name one person each to the committee under Jain. While the Centre appointed a top official -- D.K. Prasad, the Pinarayi Vijayan government appointed former Additional Chief Secretary V. S. Senthil. The ISRO spy case surfaced in 1994 when Narayanan was arrested on charges of espionage along with another senior official of ISRO, two Maldivian women and a businessman. The CBI had held that the then top police officials in Kerala were responsible for Narayanan`s illegal arrest. The panel examined the circumstances leading to Narayanan`s arrest. It was alleged that confidential documents on India`s space programme were allegedly transferred to foreign countries. Narayanan had maintained that Kerala police fabricated the case and the technology he was accused to have stolen and sold in the 1994 case did not even exist at that time.

ISRO espionage case: Centre seeks urgent hearing, Supreme Court to hear matter next week

India on Wednesday said it will continue discussions with China to resolve the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh and achieve the objective of disengagement from all friction points to restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas at an early date.

In responding to a question in Lok Sabha on whether China has admitted the loss of lives of their commandos in the Galwan encounter, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said the Central Military Commission of China on February 19 announced awarding posthumously honorary titles and merit citations to Chinese soldiers.

"As per the announcement, these titles were awarded for the role of these soldiers in the faceoff at Galwan Valley in June 2020," he said.

Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the fierce hand-to-hand combat in the Galwan Valley clash, an incident that marked the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in decades.

For the first time, China officially acknowledged last month that five Chinese military officers and soldiers were killed in the clash with the Indian Army.

"Government will continue discussions with the Chinese side to resolve the remaining issues along the LAC in eastern Ladakh and achieve the objective of disengagement from all friction points and restoration of peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas at an early date," Muraleedharan said.

The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies erupted on May 5 following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.

As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the north and south banks of Pangong lake in line with an agreement on disengagement.

In his response, Muraleedharan also referred to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's announcement in Parliament on February 11 that India and China reached an agreement on disengagement in the North and South banks of Pangong Lake.

"The disengagement in the Pangong Lake area has been completed," he said.

After completion of the disengagement process in Pangong lake areas, senior military commanders of India and China held another round of talks on February 20 with a focus on taking forward the disengagement process in other friction points.

In the talks, India pitched for a faster disengagement process in areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang to bring down tension in the region.

India on Wednesday said it will continue discussions with China to resolve the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh and achieve the objective of disengagement from all friction points to restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas at an early date.

India on Wednesday said it will continue discussions with China to resolve the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh and achieve the objective of disengagement from all friction points to restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas at an early date. In responding to a question in Lok Sabha on whether China has admitted the loss of lives of their commandos in the Galwan encounter, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said the Central Military Commission of China on February 19 announced awarding posthumously honorary titles and merit citations to Chinese soldiers. "As per the announcement, these titles were awarded for the role of these soldiers in the faceoff at Galwan Valley in June 2020," he said. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the fierce hand-to-hand combat in the Galwan Valley clash, an incident that marked the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in decades. For the first time, China officially acknowledged last month that five Chinese military officers and soldiers were killed in the clash with the Indian Army. "Government will continue discussions with the Chinese side to resolve the remaining issues along the LAC in eastern Ladakh and achieve the objective of disengagement from all friction points and restoration of peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas at an early date," Muraleedharan said. The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies erupted on May 5 following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry. As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the north and south banks of Pangong lake in line with an agreement on disengagement. In his response, Muraleedharan also referred to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's announcement in Parliament on February 11 that India and China reached an agreement on disengagement in the North and South banks of Pangong Lake. "The disengagement in the Pangong Lake area has been completed," he said. After completion of the disengagement process in Pangong lake areas, senior military commanders of India and China held another round of talks on February 20 with a focus on taking forward the disengagement process in other friction points. In the talks, India pitched for a faster disengagement process in areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang to bring down tension in the region.

Will continue discussions with China to resolve remaining issues: Centre on Ladakh standoff

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the motto of his government is to "monetise and modernise", reiterating the government's commitment towards privatisation of PSUs and asset monetisation.

The government has an ambitious plan to monetise around 100 government-owned assets as part of the monetisation plan, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he spoke about various reforms undertaken in the Union Budget.

"With this the government will be aiming to achieve Rs 2.5 trillion investment, we are going ahead with the mantra of monetise and modernise," Modi said.

Speaking at a webinar on privatisation by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Modi said state-owned companies in four strategic sectors will be kept at bare minimum and that the government is committed to privatising PSUs in all sectors barring four strategic ones.

Further, Modi urged for feedback on the privatisation and monetisation initiative for swift implementation.

Outlining the government focus going forward, Modi said that the government is working on Rs 111 trillion national infrastructure pipeline (NIP) fund.

"The government has no business to be in business. When government monetises, that space is filled by private sector of the country. Private sector brings investment and best global practices with them," he said.

Modi said that the public sector enterprises are loss-making and several of them need the support of public money and that they should not be run because they were started many years ago and were someone's pet project.

"The Budget has given a clear roadmap to take India to a high growth trajectory," Modi said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the motto of his government is to "monetise and modernise", reiterating the government's commitment towards privatisation of PSUs and asset monetisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the motto of his government is to "monetise and modernise", reiterating the government's commitment towards privatisation of PSUs and asset monetisation. The government has an ambitious plan to monetise around 100 government-owned assets as part of the monetisation plan, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he spoke about various reforms undertaken in the Union Budget. "With this the government will be aiming to achieve Rs 2.5 trillion investment, we are going ahead with the mantra of monetise and modernise," Modi said. Speaking at a webinar on privatisation by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Modi said state-owned companies in four strategic sectors will be kept at bare minimum and that the government is committed to privatising PSUs in all sectors barring four strategic ones. Further, Modi urged for feedback on the privatisation and monetisation initiative for swift implementation. Outlining the government focus going forward, Modi said that the government is working on Rs 111 trillion national infrastructure pipeline (NIP) fund. "The government has no business to be in business. When government monetises, that space is filled by private sector of the country. Private sector brings investment and best global practices with them," he said. Modi said that the public sector enterprises are loss-making and several of them need the support of public money and that they should not be run because they were started many years ago and were someone's pet project. "The Budget has given a clear roadmap to take India to a high growth trajectory," Modi said. (With inputs from agencies)

Centre plans to privatise PSUs in all sectors barring 4 strategic ones: PM Modi

The Union Government today said that four cases of covid-19 with South Africa strain have been detected in the country in January through its ongoing genomic surveillance initiative.

Dr Balram Bhargava, Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said: "In India, the South Africa strain has been detected in four different SA returnees -- one from Angola, one from Tanzania and two from South Africa in January 2021. While one Brazil returnee has tested positive for the Brazil variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the first week of February 2021. The traveller from both the countries and their contacts have been tested and quarantined."

Dr Bhargava further informed that ICMR-NIV Pune is attempting to isolate and culture the SA variant strain from the samples of these four individual returnees. The S African variant first emerged independently in South Africa in mid-December 2020. It has spread to 44 countries. The central government said the Brazil variant of SARS-CoV2 emerged independently in Brazil in early January 2021. This attributed to increased cases in Brazil, particularly Manaus.

"There are mutations in the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein and increased transmissibility. It has spread to 15 countries so far," it said."In case of Brazil variant strain, virus strain has been successfully isolated and cultured at ICMR-NIV, Pune. Experiments to assess vaccine effectiveness are underway," he said.

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We have done disembarkations, mandatory RT-PCR tests for travellers coming from UK. Those who tested positive, their genome sequencing being done. This is a good strategy. I hope- we might follow this similar strategy for flights from South Africa &amp; Brazil: Secy, Health Ministry <a href="https://t.co/qC4FQJhLHI">pic.twitter.com/qC4FQJhLHI</a>
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In context with the UK virus strain, the ICMR DG said: "To date, INSACOG has reported cases of 187 UK variants and no deaths have been reported. All confirmed cases quarantined and treated. Contacts isolated and tested," adding that the isolation of UK variant has been published in the Journal of Travel Medicine. Meanwhile answering a query on putting travel restrictions on S Africa and Brazil flights, Rajesh Bhushan said, "We have already done disembarkations and mandatory RT-PCR tests for the traveller coming from UK flights. For those who tested positive, their genome sequencing is being done. I think this is a good strategy. I hope we might follow this similar strategy for S Africa and Brazil flights. The catch is this South Africa and Brazilian flights do not have a direct flight to India like the UK flights. Most of the traffic is routed from Gulf countries. For this civil aviation, the ministry is looking into it."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Union Government today said that four cases of covid-19 with South Africa strain have been detected in the country in January through its ongoing genomic surveillance initiative.

The Union Government today said that four cases of covid-19 with South Africa strain have been detected in the country in January through its ongoing genomic surveillance initiative. Dr Balram Bhargava, Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said: "In India, the South Africa strain has been detected in four different SA returnees -- one from Angola, one from Tanzania and two from South Africa in January 2021. While one Brazil returnee has tested positive for the Brazil variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the first week of February 2021. The traveller from both the countries and their contacts have been tested and quarantined." Dr Bhargava further informed that ICMR-NIV Pune is attempting to isolate and culture the SA variant strain from the samples of these four individual returnees. The S African variant first emerged independently in South Africa in mid-December 2020. It has spread to 44 countries. The central government said the Brazil variant of SARS-CoV2 emerged independently in Brazil in early January 2021. This attributed to increased cases in Brazil, particularly Manaus. "There are mutations in the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein and increased transmissibility. It has spread to 15 countries so far," it said."In case of Brazil variant strain, virus strain has been successfully isolated and cultured at ICMR-NIV, Pune. Experiments to assess vaccine effectiveness are underway," he said. We have done disembarkations, mandatory RT-PCR tests for travellers coming from UK. Those who tested positive, their genome sequencing being done. This is a good strategy. I hope- we might follow this similar strategy for flights from South Africa & Brazil: Secy, Health Ministry pic.twitter.com/qC4FQJhLHI — ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2021 × In context with the UK virus strain, the ICMR DG said: "To date, INSACOG has reported cases of 187 UK variants and no deaths have been reported. All confirmed cases quarantined and treated. Contacts isolated and tested," adding that the isolation of UK variant has been published in the Journal of Travel Medicine. Meanwhile answering a query on putting travel restrictions on S Africa and Brazil flights, Rajesh Bhushan said, "We have already done disembarkations and mandatory RT-PCR tests for the traveller coming from UK flights. For those who tested positive, their genome sequencing is being done. I think this is a good strategy. I hope we might follow this similar strategy for S Africa and Brazil flights. The catch is this South Africa and Brazilian flights do not have a direct flight to India like the UK flights. Most of the traffic is routed from Gulf countries. For this civil aviation, the ministry is looking into it." (With inputs from agencies)

South African Covid-19 strain detected in 4 returnees: Centre

Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will be on a 3-day India visit from tomorrow with a focus on procuring COVID vaccines from India. Nepal wants 20% or around 12 million doses of Covid vaccines from India. He will be meeting India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar as part of the 6th Nepal-India joint commission meet for which the invite was extended last year.

A release by Nepal foreign ministry, "The Joint Commission Meeting will discuss the whole gamut of Nepal-India bilateral relations, including trade, transit, energy, boundary, COVID-19 cooperation, infrastructure, connectivity, investment, agriculture, tourism, culture, among others."

The joint commission meeting, which alternates between the 2 countries, takes place in New Delhi this year. The Fifth Joint Commission Meeting was held in August 2019 in Kathmandu with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visiting the country. The Nepali delegation will consist of the Nepali envoy to India, Foreign Secretary, Health Secretary, and other senior officials of the Government of Nepal.

Last year saw 3 high-level visits from Delhi to Nepal. These include the visit of India's intelligence chief, followed by the Indian army chief, and then by the visit of the foreign secretary.

This is the first high-level visit from Kathmandu in over a year and comes in the backdrop of India Nepal row over the new map issued by the Oli government. The new Nepali map showed Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as Nepali territories drawing the ire of New Delhi which dismissed the "Unjustified Cartographic Assertion'. He will be the first foreign minister to visit Delhi this year.

While the map row did impact the political ties, the focus on people to people relations continued. India has been involved in a number of projects in the country and plans to operationalize Jayanagar-Kurtha cross-border rail line. Earlier both countries inaugurated the Motihari–Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline, the first cross country pipeline in south Asia. The pipeline can carry two million metric tonnes of petroleum products into Nepal and so far has led to a saving of over 800 million Nepali rupees.

Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will be on a 3-day India visit from tomorrow with a focus on procuring COVID vaccines from India. Nepal wants 20% or around 12 million doses of Covid vaccines from India.

Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will be on a 3-day India visit from tomorrow with a focus on procuring COVID vaccines from India. Nepal wants 20% or around 12 million doses of Covid vaccines from India. He will be meeting India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar as part of the 6th Nepal-India joint commission meet for which the invite was extended last year. A release by Nepal foreign ministry, "The Joint Commission Meeting will discuss the whole gamut of Nepal-India bilateral relations, including trade, transit, energy, boundary, COVID-19 cooperation, infrastructure, connectivity, investment, agriculture, tourism, culture, among others." The joint commission meeting, which alternates between the 2 countries, takes place in New Delhi this year. The Fifth Joint Commission Meeting was held in August 2019 in Kathmandu with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visiting the country. The Nepali delegation will consist of the Nepali envoy to India, Foreign Secretary, Health Secretary, and other senior officials of the Government of Nepal. Last year saw 3 high-level visits from Delhi to Nepal. These include the visit of India's intelligence chief, followed by the Indian army chief, and then by the visit of the foreign secretary. This is the first high-level visit from Kathmandu in over a year and comes in the backdrop of India Nepal row over the new map issued by the Oli government. The new Nepali map showed Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as Nepali territories drawing the ire of New Delhi which dismissed the "Unjustified Cartographic Assertion'. He will be the first foreign minister to visit Delhi this year. While the map row did impact the political ties, the focus on people to people relations continued. India has been involved in a number of projects in the country and plans to operationalize Jayanagar-Kurtha cross-border rail line. Earlier both countries inaugurated the Motihari–Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline, the first cross country pipeline in south Asia. The pipeline can carry two million metric tonnes of petroleum products into Nepal and so far has led to a saving of over 800 million Nepali rupees.

With procurement of Covid vaccine in focus, Nepal FM to visit Delhi from tomorrow

The Centre said 54.72 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses have been received at designated national and state-level stores till Tuesday afternoon, and all the shots -- 1.1 crore from the Serum Institute of India and 55 lakh from Bharat Biotech -- will be received by January 14.

A massive pan-India inoculation drive against COVID-19 was set in process with Covishield vaccine leaving Pune for 13 cities across India early in the morning, four days before vaccination is scheduled to begin on January 16.

Apart form the 1.1 crore doses of Covishield being procured from the Serum Institute of India, 55 lakh doses of indigenously developed Covaxin were being obtained from Bharat Biotech, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said at a press conference.

"Fifty-five lakh doses of Covaxin are being procured from Bharat Biotech. For 38.5 lakh doses the price is Rs 295 each, excluding taxes. Bharat Biotech is providing 16.5 lakh doses for free which ultimately brings the cost of Covaxin down to Rs 206 per dose," he said.

Bhushan said there are four Central Government Medical Stores Depots at Chennai, Karnal, Kolkata and Mumbai where the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, doses are being received.

Besides this, all states have at least one regional vaccine store. Some big states have multiple stores. Uttar Pradesh has nine such stores, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat four each, Kerala has three such facilities, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka and Rajasthan two each, he said.

"As we speak, 54,72,000 doses have already been received till 4 pm at these vaccine stores, while 100 per cent doses, 1.1 crore from Serum Institute and 55 lakh from Bharat Biotech, will be received by January 14 in all states and Union Territories," the health secretary added.

NITI Aayog member Dr V K Paul, Covishield and Covaxin have been tested on thousands of people. "They are the safest and there is no risk of any significant side effect."

Bhushan said that Zydus Cadila, Russia''s Sputnik V, Biological E and Gennova are the other vaccines which are in advanced stages of clinical trials in India.

"In the coming days some of these vaccines too may be approaching the drug controller for emergency use authorisation. There will be sequential roll-out of COVID-19 vaccination.

"Healthcare workers will be on the top of priority list, followed by frontline workers and prioritized age groups. The cost of vaccination for healthcare and frontline workers will be borne by the central government," the Union health secretary said.

Giving a scenario of the price of vaccines available round the world, Bhushan said each dose of the vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech costs Rs 1,431 per dose, Moderna Rs 2,348 to Rs 2,715, Sinovac Rs 1,027, Novavax Rs 1,114, Sputnik V less than Rs 734 and the one developed by Johnson and Johnson at Rs 734.

"All these vaccines except the one developed by Pfizer can be stored between two to eight degrees Celsius. The one developed by Pfizer needs to be stored at -70 degrees Celsius," he added.

About the effectiveness of the vaccines, Bhushan said those can be observed only after 14 days. "So we urge people to keep following COVID-appropriate behaviour."

The health secretary said the five key principles for anti-coronavirus vaccination are to ensure people''s participation, utilise the experience of elections and universal immunisation programme, making no compromise on scientific and regulatory norms and neither on existing healthcare services.

Noting that the COVID-19 situation is worrisome around the world, he said even though daily new cases are declining in India, there should not be any laxity in following COVID-appropriate behaviour.

India's overall COVID-19 positivity rate stands at 5.7 per cent while positivity rate in the last one week was recorded at 2 per cent, Bhushan said, adding that about 43.96 per cent of the total COVID-19 patients are in healthcare facilities while 56.04 per cent patients are in home isolation.

The Centre said 54.72 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses have been received at designated national and state-level stores till Tuesday afternoon, and all the shots -- 1.

The Centre said 54.72 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses have been received at designated national and state-level stores till Tuesday afternoon, and all the shots -- 1.1 crore from the Serum Institute of India and 55 lakh from Bharat Biotech -- will be received by January 14. A massive pan-India inoculation drive against COVID-19 was set in process with Covishield vaccine leaving Pune for 13 cities across India early in the morning, four days before vaccination is scheduled to begin on January 16. Apart form the 1.1 crore doses of Covishield being procured from the Serum Institute of India, 55 lakh doses of indigenously developed Covaxin were being obtained from Bharat Biotech, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said at a press conference. "Fifty-five lakh doses of Covaxin are being procured from Bharat Biotech. For 38.5 lakh doses the price is Rs 295 each, excluding taxes. Bharat Biotech is providing 16.5 lakh doses for free which ultimately brings the cost of Covaxin down to Rs 206 per dose," he said. Bhushan said there are four Central Government Medical Stores Depots at Chennai, Karnal, Kolkata and Mumbai where the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, doses are being received. Besides this, all states have at least one regional vaccine store. Some big states have multiple stores. Uttar Pradesh has nine such stores, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat four each, Kerala has three such facilities, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka and Rajasthan two each, he said. "As we speak, 54,72,000 doses have already been received till 4 pm at these vaccine stores, while 100 per cent doses, 1.1 crore from Serum Institute and 55 lakh from Bharat Biotech, will be received by January 14 in all states and Union Territories," the health secretary added. NITI Aayog member Dr V K Paul, Covishield and Covaxin have been tested on thousands of people. "They are the safest and there is no risk of any significant side effect." Bhushan said that Zydus Cadila, Russia''s Sputnik V, Biological E and Gennova are the other vaccines which are in advanced stages of clinical trials in India. "In the coming days some of these vaccines too may be approaching the drug controller for emergency use authorisation. There will be sequential roll-out of COVID-19 vaccination. "Healthcare workers will be on the top of priority list, followed by frontline workers and prioritized age groups. The cost of vaccination for healthcare and frontline workers will be borne by the central government," the Union health secretary said. Giving a scenario of the price of vaccines available round the world, Bhushan said each dose of the vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech costs Rs 1,431 per dose, Moderna Rs 2,348 to Rs 2,715, Sinovac Rs 1,027, Novavax Rs 1,114, Sputnik V less than Rs 734 and the one developed by Johnson and Johnson at Rs 734. "All these vaccines except the one developed by Pfizer can be stored between two to eight degrees Celsius. The one developed by Pfizer needs to be stored at -70 degrees Celsius," he added. About the effectiveness of the vaccines, Bhushan said those can be observed only after 14 days. "So we urge people to keep following COVID-appropriate behaviour." The health secretary said the five key principles for anti-coronavirus vaccination are to ensure people''s participation, utilise the experience of elections and universal immunisation programme, making no compromise on scientific and regulatory norms and neither on existing healthcare services. Noting that the COVID-19 situation is worrisome around the world, he said even though daily new cases are declining in India, there should not be any laxity in following COVID-appropriate behaviour. India's overall COVID-19 positivity rate stands at 5.7 per cent while positivity rate in the last one week was recorded at 2 per cent, Bhushan said, adding that about 43.96 per cent of the total COVID-19 patients are in healthcare facilities while 56.04 per cent patients are in home isolation.

54.72 lakh Covid-19 vaccine doses received till Tuesday afternoon: Centre

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that the central government will bear the expenses of vaccinating nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers in the first round and suggested that public representatives, a reference to politicians, should not be part of this initial exercise.

Interacting with chief ministers, PM Modi underscored the enormity of what he described as the world's biggest vaccination exercise, which begins from January 16, saying over 30 crore citizens will get the jabs in the next few months in India against only 2.5 crore people who have received them in over 50 countries in around a month so far.

The two already approved made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines are more cost-effective than any other in the world and have been developed as per the country's needs, he said in his remarks in the meeting called to discuss the COVID-19 situation and the vaccination rollout.

Besides the two vaccines -- Covishield developed by Oxford and British-Swedish company AstraZeneca and manufactured by Serum Institute of India, and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin, four others are being developed, PM Modi said, asserting that India's fight against the pandemic will enter a decisive stage with the vaccination roll-out.

More vaccines may be available when the exercise moves into the second round, he added.

The Prime Minister also sought to dispel concerns expressed by some opposition leaders and experts over the approval given to Covaxin without the availability of efficacy data, asserting that scientists have taken all precautions to provide citizens with effective vaccines.

The Prime Minister said he has been maintaining from the beginning that the scientific community will have the final word on the issue.

India's drug regulator has given approval to Covishield and Covaxin for the emergency use authorisation. It is a matter of pride that both the vaccines are ''made in India'', he said, adding that it can be imagined how much hardship India would have faced if it had to depend on foreign vaccines.

Noting that the first round of vaccination is meant for healthcare and frontline workers, he said, "This is my personal suggestion and no one should take it otherwise. We public representatives are not part of it."

In some countries, including the US and Israel, leading public figures have taken the jabs while top functionaries in a few others have chosen to follow the standard protocol and wait for their turn.

Talking about the COVID-19 situation in India, PM Modi said the country is in a much better place than many others in terms of the pandemic's spread, and added that this is a matter of happiness but should not induce carelessness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that the central government will bear the expenses of vaccinating nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers in the first round and suggested that public representatives, a reference to politicians, should not be part of this initial exercise.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that the central government will bear the expenses of vaccinating nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers in the first round and suggested that public representatives, a reference to politicians, should not be part of this initial exercise. Interacting with chief ministers, PM Modi underscored the enormity of what he described as the world's biggest vaccination exercise, which begins from January 16, saying over 30 crore citizens will get the jabs in the next few months in India against only 2.5 crore people who have received them in over 50 countries in around a month so far. The two already approved made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines are more cost-effective than any other in the world and have been developed as per the country's needs, he said in his remarks in the meeting called to discuss the COVID-19 situation and the vaccination rollout. Besides the two vaccines -- Covishield developed by Oxford and British-Swedish company AstraZeneca and manufactured by Serum Institute of India, and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin, four others are being developed, PM Modi said, asserting that India's fight against the pandemic will enter a decisive stage with the vaccination roll-out. More vaccines may be available when the exercise moves into the second round, he added. The Prime Minister also sought to dispel concerns expressed by some opposition leaders and experts over the approval given to Covaxin without the availability of efficacy data, asserting that scientists have taken all precautions to provide citizens with effective vaccines. The Prime Minister said he has been maintaining from the beginning that the scientific community will have the final word on the issue. India's drug regulator has given approval to Covishield and Covaxin for the emergency use authorisation. It is a matter of pride that both the vaccines are ''made in India'', he said, adding that it can be imagined how much hardship India would have faced if it had to depend on foreign vaccines. Noting that the first round of vaccination is meant for healthcare and frontline workers, he said, "This is my personal suggestion and no one should take it otherwise. We public representatives are not part of it." In some countries, including the US and Israel, leading public figures have taken the jabs while top functionaries in a few others have chosen to follow the standard protocol and wait for their turn. Talking about the COVID-19 situation in India, PM Modi said the country is in a much better place than many others in terms of the pandemic's spread, and added that this is a matter of happiness but should not induce carelessness.

Centre to bear vaccination cost of 3 crore health, frontline workers: PM Modi

The Supreme Court Thursday extended till December 31 the deadline for implementation of its judgement on the grant of permanent commission to women SSC officers in Indian Navy.

The top court had on March 17, maintaining that women and men officers should be treated equally; cleared permanent commission for women in the Navy and asked the Centre to complete the modalities within three months.

A bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud, Indu Malhotra and Indira Banerjee said that it is extending time till December 31 for grant of permanent commission to Short Service Commission (SSC) women officers in Indian Navy.

The Centre moved the application in June for extending the deadline by six months citing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The top court, which took up the application on Wednesday said that it will extend the time till December 31.

The bench also asked the Centre to provide Rs 25 lakh compensation each in four weeks to five Naval women officers, who were not considered for the permanent commission besides the pensionary benefits, which had already been given to them.

Pursuant to the top court's verdict in February, Centre has already started the process for granting permanent commission to all women SSC officers in Indian Army.

On March 17, in a major verdict, the top court had paved the way for granting permanent commission to women officers in Indian Navy, saying a level playing field ensures that women have the opportunity to overcome "histories of discrimination".

The Supreme Court Thursday extended till December 31 the deadline for implementation of its judgement on the grant of permanent commission to women SSC officers in Indian Navy.

The Supreme Court Thursday extended till December 31 the deadline for implementation of its judgement on the grant of permanent commission to women SSC officers in Indian Navy. The top court had on March 17, maintaining that women and men officers should be treated equally; cleared permanent commission for women in the Navy and asked the Centre to complete the modalities within three months. A bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud, Indu Malhotra and Indira Banerjee said that it is extending time till December 31 for grant of permanent commission to Short Service Commission (SSC) women officers in Indian Navy. The Centre moved the application in June for extending the deadline by six months citing the COVID-19 pandemic. The top court, which took up the application on Wednesday said that it will extend the time till December 31. The bench also asked the Centre to provide Rs 25 lakh compensation each in four weeks to five Naval women officers, who were not considered for the permanent commission besides the pensionary benefits, which had already been given to them. Pursuant to the top court's verdict in February, Centre has already started the process for granting permanent commission to all women SSC officers in Indian Army. On March 17, in a major verdict, the top court had paved the way for granting permanent commission to women officers in Indian Navy, saying a level playing field ensures that women have the opportunity to overcome "histories of discrimination".

Supreme Court gives time till December 31 to Centre for granting permanent commission to women officers in Navy

The Supreme Court Monday sought the Centre's reply on a PIL seeking equal protection in law to transgender people on the grounds that there was no penal provision which protects them from offences of sexual assault.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said that it was a "good case" which needed hearing.

The bench, also comprising Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, asked senior advocate Vikas Singh, representing petitioner lawyer Reepak Kansal, to file details of cases where the court had passed orders in the the absence of laws to deal with issues.

In a hearing conducted via video conferencing, the bench referred to the framing of the Vishaka guidelines to deal with sexual harassment of women at work places and the decriminalization of consensual gay sex by the apex court in the absence of laws.

Singh said he would be filing such details as asked by the court.

The plea, which has made the ministries of law and justice, and social justice and empowerment as parties, has referred to the provisions of the IPC of 1860 as also to the recent amendments to the statute and other laws on sexual offences and alleged that none of them talked about the "transgender, transsexuals, kinnar and eunuchs".

"In spite of declaring transgender people to be a 'third gender' by this court, there is no provision/ section in the Indian Penal Code which may protect the third gender from the sexual assault by male/ female or another transgender," it said.

The PIL challenged the constitutional validity of certain clauses of Section 354A (outraging the modesty of woman) of IPC, to the extent that they are interpreted to exclude victims of sexual harassment who are transgender persons, as being ultra vires Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution.

Lawyer Kansal, who filed the PIL in personal capacity, said that though the apex court in 2014, had granted "recognition to the transgender/ third gender as 'persons' falling under the ambit of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution", still they do not have equal protection of law in relation to sexual offenses.

"The petitioner is filing this petition. with respect to equal protection of law to the third gender/ transgender from the sexual assault /offences as there is no provision / section in the IPC which may protect the third gender from the sexual assault by male/ female or another transgender therefore, anti-discrimination laws are needed to safeguard the basic citizenship rights of transgender persons," the plea said.

The plea, which may come up for hearing in few days, has sought a direction to the Centre to "make appropriate modification/ interpretation of sections/ provisions of IPC dealing with sexual assault to include transgender/ transsexuals/ kinnar and eunuchs in the definitions accordingly".

It also referred to an incident of not lodging an FIR by Delhi Police on a sexual harassment complaint of a Delhi University transgender student on the ground that there was no provision in the IPC to deal with transgenders.

The plea urged the top court "to issue an appropriate order directing the respondents to pass an Anti-Discrimination Bill that penalises discrimination and harassment on the basis of gender".

It also sought a direction to the Centre to adopt and implement the Universal Declaration of Human Rights being signatory of it.

The Supreme Court Monday sought the Centre's reply on a PIL seeking equal protection in law to transgender people on the grounds that there was no penal provision which protects them from offences of sexual assault.

The Supreme Court Monday sought the Centre's reply on a PIL seeking equal protection in law to transgender people on the grounds that there was no penal provision which protects them from offences of sexual assault. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said that it was a "good case" which needed hearing. The bench, also comprising Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, asked senior advocate Vikas Singh, representing petitioner lawyer Reepak Kansal, to file details of cases where the court had passed orders in the the absence of laws to deal with issues. In a hearing conducted via video conferencing, the bench referred to the framing of the Vishaka guidelines to deal with sexual harassment of women at work places and the decriminalization of consensual gay sex by the apex court in the absence of laws. Singh said he would be filing such details as asked by the court. The plea, which has made the ministries of law and justice, and social justice and empowerment as parties, has referred to the provisions of the IPC of 1860 as also to the recent amendments to the statute and other laws on sexual offences and alleged that none of them talked about the "transgender, transsexuals, kinnar and eunuchs". "In spite of declaring transgender people to be a 'third gender' by this court, there is no provision/ section in the Indian Penal Code which may protect the third gender from the sexual assault by male/ female or another transgender," it said. The PIL challenged the constitutional validity of certain clauses of Section 354A (outraging the modesty of woman) of IPC, to the extent that they are interpreted to exclude victims of sexual harassment who are transgender persons, as being ultra vires Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution. Lawyer Kansal, who filed the PIL in personal capacity, said that though the apex court in 2014, had granted "recognition to the transgender/ third gender as 'persons' falling under the ambit of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution", still they do not have equal protection of law in relation to sexual offenses. "The petitioner is filing this petition. with respect to equal protection of law to the third gender/ transgender from the sexual assault /offences as there is no provision / section in the IPC which may protect the third gender from the sexual assault by male/ female or another transgender therefore, anti-discrimination laws are needed to safeguard the basic citizenship rights of transgender persons," the plea said. The plea, which may come up for hearing in few days, has sought a direction to the Centre to "make appropriate modification/ interpretation of sections/ provisions of IPC dealing with sexual assault to include transgender/ transsexuals/ kinnar and eunuchs in the definitions accordingly". It also referred to an incident of not lodging an FIR by Delhi Police on a sexual harassment complaint of a Delhi University transgender student on the ground that there was no provision in the IPC to deal with transgenders. The plea urged the top court "to issue an appropriate order directing the respondents to pass an Anti-Discrimination Bill that penalises discrimination and harassment on the basis of gender". It also sought a direction to the Centre to adopt and implement the Universal Declaration of Human Rights being signatory of it.

Supreme Court seeks Centre's reply on PIL for equal protection of law to transgenders in sexual offences

Government of India on Tuesday appointed Dinesh Kumar Khara as chairman of State Bank of India for three years effective from 7 October.

The country's largest lender, SBI, is headed by chairman with four managing directors to assist.He replaces Rajnish Kumar, who completed his three-year term on Tuesday.

"The central government appoints Dinesh Kumar Khara as chairman of State Bank of India (SBI) for a period of three years with effect from the date of his taking over charge of the post on or after October 7, 2020 or until further orders, whichever is earlier," a notification issued by the Finance Ministry said.

Last month, the Banks Board Bureau (BBB) had recommended Khara as the next chairman of SBI.

As per convention, the SBI chairman is appointed from a pool of serving managing directors at the bank.

Interestingly, Mr Khara was among the contenders for the chairman's post in 2017 as well.

Mr Khara was appointed as managing director of SBI in August 2016 for a three-year term. He got a two-year extension in 2019 after review of his performance.

An alumnus of the Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi University, Mr Khara heads the Global Banking division of SBI. He holds a board-level position and supervises the businesses of SBI's non-banking subsidiaries. 
Khara, who joined SBI in 1984 as a Probationary Officer, was instrumental in merging five associate banks and Bharatiya Mahila Bank with SBI effective April 2017.

(With inputs from agencies)

Government of India on Tuesday appointed Dinesh Kumar Khara as chairman of State Bank of India for three years effective from 7 October. The country's largest lender, SBI, is headed by chairman with four managing directors to assist.

Government of India on Tuesday appointed Dinesh Kumar Khara as chairman of State Bank of India for three years effective from 7 October. The country's largest lender, SBI, is headed by chairman with four managing directors to assist.He replaces Rajnish Kumar, who completed his three-year term on Tuesday. "The central government appoints Dinesh Kumar Khara as chairman of State Bank of India (SBI) for a period of three years with effect from the date of his taking over charge of the post on or after October 7, 2020 or until further orders, whichever is earlier," a notification issued by the Finance Ministry said. Last month, the Banks Board Bureau (BBB) had recommended Khara as the next chairman of SBI. As per convention, the SBI chairman is appointed from a pool of serving managing directors at the bank. Interestingly, Mr Khara was among the contenders for the chairman's post in 2017 as well. Mr Khara was appointed as managing director of SBI in August 2016 for a three-year term. He got a two-year extension in 2019 after review of his performance. An alumnus of the Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi University, Mr Khara heads the Global Banking division of SBI. He holds a board-level position and supervises the businesses of SBI's non-banking subsidiaries. Khara, who joined SBI in 1984 as a Probationary Officer, was instrumental in merging five associate banks and Bharatiya Mahila Bank with SBI effective April 2017. (With inputs from agencies)

Centre appoints Dinesh Kumar Khara as SBI chairman for 3 years

Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said here on Sunday that the Centre is planning on bringing amendments in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

Kishan Reddy, who dedicated the Amberpet Assembly constituency’s CCTV network, wherein a total of 280 CCTV cameras were installed, said “the Central government is planning to make changes to the IPC and CrPC. We are also seeking suggestions on this (to amend IPC, CrPC),” an official statement said.

Speaking about the Rashtriya Raksha University, he said, “This (proposed) University (at Gujarat) will bring about key changes in the functioning of the country’s police system.”

On the National Forensic Sciences University, he said “it would enable students in the country to enrich themselves in law, criminology and other related disciplines, as well as excel in forensic science research”.

Two bills to set up the National Forensic Sciences University and the Rashtriya Raksha University were passed by Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha last month.

He said under the Centre’s Safe City project (especially for surveillance, protection of women and rapid criminal investigation), eight cities including Hyderabad have been selected.

Kishan Reddy also said the closed circuit surveillance cameras were set up with the good intention of helping the authorities, especially the police, in matters of public safety.

“I appreciate the efforts being made by the police to bring their services closer to the people using the latest technology,” the Union Minister said.

Kishan Reddy further said urbanisation is accelerating in all cities of the country including Hyderabad.

“We are taking all measures for a smart police policy in the face of rising crime. The central government is working to bring in a better police system to curb it.”

Amberpet MLA Kaleru Venkatesh, Hyderabad Commissioner of Police Anjani Kumar were among those who also spoke.

Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said here on Sunday that the Centre is planning on bringing amendments in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said here on Sunday that the Centre is planning on bringing amendments in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Kishan Reddy, who dedicated the Amberpet Assembly constituency’s CCTV network, wherein a total of 280 CCTV cameras were installed, said “the Central government is planning to make changes to the IPC and CrPC. We are also seeking suggestions on this (to amend IPC, CrPC),” an official statement said. Speaking about the Rashtriya Raksha University, he said, “This (proposed) University (at Gujarat) will bring about key changes in the functioning of the country’s police system.” On the National Forensic Sciences University, he said “it would enable students in the country to enrich themselves in law, criminology and other related disciplines, as well as excel in forensic science research”. Two bills to set up the National Forensic Sciences University and the Rashtriya Raksha University were passed by Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha last month. He said under the Centre’s Safe City project (especially for surveillance, protection of women and rapid criminal investigation), eight cities including Hyderabad have been selected. Kishan Reddy also said the closed circuit surveillance cameras were set up with the good intention of helping the authorities, especially the police, in matters of public safety. “I appreciate the efforts being made by the police to bring their services closer to the people using the latest technology,” the Union Minister said. Kishan Reddy further said urbanisation is accelerating in all cities of the country including Hyderabad. “We are taking all measures for a smart police policy in the face of rising crime. The central government is working to bring in a better police system to curb it.” Amberpet MLA Kaleru Venkatesh, Hyderabad Commissioner of Police Anjani Kumar were among those who also spoke.

Centre planning to amend IPC, CrPC: Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy

The Government of India increased the minimum support prices for six rabi crops following protests by farmers and lawmakers over apprehensions that the new farm bills passed by the government would end the MSP&nbsp;

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has increased the MSP for wheat by Rs 50 per quintal to Rs 1,975, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said in Parliament on September 21.

Narendra Singh Tomar said, "MSP was offered to farmers before, is in force now, and will remain in force in the future and government procurement will continue," adding that the government has not only increased MSP but also increased procurement at MSP to ensure remunerative prices to farmers.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="rabi crops" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bd49bc44-af5f-4ae7-b579-c4747737c65a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/rabi.JPG" />

The announcement comes hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that MSP for farm products will continue under the new legislations, allaying farmers concerns that the practice may come to an end following the passage of the bills.

MSP is a price at which the government procures crops from farmers, when the market prices fall below it due to high supplies.

The MSP of wheat has been hiked by Rs50 per quintal to Rs1, 975 per quintal, union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said. MSP of gram has been hiked at an annual growth rate of 8.3%, MSP of rapeseed and mustard has been hiked by 7 %, and that of barley has been increased by 5.7%.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Government of India increased the minimum support prices for six rabi crops following protests by farmers and lawmakers over apprehensions that the new farm bills passed by the government would end the MSP The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has increased the MSP for wheat by Rs 50 per quintal to Rs 1,975, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said in Parliament on September 21.

The Government of India increased the minimum support prices for six rabi crops following protests by farmers and lawmakers over apprehensions that the new farm bills passed by the government would end the MSP The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has increased the MSP for wheat by Rs 50 per quintal to Rs 1,975, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said in Parliament on September 21. Narendra Singh Tomar said, "MSP was offered to farmers before, is in force now, and will remain in force in the future and government procurement will continue," adding that the government has not only increased MSP but also increased procurement at MSP to ensure remunerative prices to farmers. The announcement comes hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that MSP for farm products will continue under the new legislations, allaying farmers concerns that the practice may come to an end following the passage of the bills. MSP is a price at which the government procures crops from farmers, when the market prices fall below it due to high supplies. The MSP of wheat has been hiked by Rs50 per quintal to Rs1, 975 per quintal, union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said. MSP of gram has been hiked at an annual growth rate of 8.3%, MSP of rapeseed and mustard has been hiked by 7 %, and that of barley has been increased by 5.7%. (With inputs from agencies)

Centre hikes Minimum Support Price on rabi crops amid protests on Farm Bills

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