How significant is Manjinder Singh Sirsa joining BJP
In its continuing effort to win over the Sikhs and farmers back, the BJP on Wednesday inducted senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa into the party. The move comes a couple of months ahead of the assembly elections in five states, particularly Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, and during the ongoing farmers protest over minimum support price (MSP) and other issues.
Air pollution crisis: Supreme Court pulls up Delhi govt over reopening schools
The Supreme Court on Thursday pulled up Delhi government for reopening schools amid rising pollution levels in the city. When people are working from home then why children are going to to school, the top court asked Delhi government. The court expressed concern over no steps being taken by the Delhi government on ground to control 'extreme' pollution levels.
India logs 9,765 fresh Covid cases, 477 deaths in last 24 hours
India registered 9,765 fresh Covid cases in the last 24 hours, the ministry of health and family welfare said on Thursday morning. With 477 more fatalities, India's total death toll now stands at 4,69,724. The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been less than 50,000 for 158 consecutive days now.
Finally 'Marakkar' hits the screens, Mohanlal arrives to see first show
Kochi, Dec 2 (IANS) At long last, Malayalam epic 'Marakkar: The Lion of Arabian Sea' hit the screens on Thursday and fans turned delirious seeing superstar Mohanlal coming in person to his film. Despite pouring rain, his fans waited in the rain for long to have a glimpse, finally got their wish fulfilled when he arrived with his wife Suchitra and producer of the film Antony Perumbavoor at a theatre here close to midnight. The police had a tough time escorting the star inside the theatre and soon the film began. This film has been waiting for a release since March last year, but amid the Covid pandemic, it had to be postponed and finally it was released in 4,100 screens across the world. Reacting to the film, Mohanlal said let this be a new beginning and become a new strength for the industry and wished that all come and see the film in the theatres. Speaking to IANS veteran actor Siddiq who has a fairly good role in the film said it was a great feeling to see the first show and that too with Mohanlal. The general impression that we all got was, it has come out extremely well and Malayalam cinema has reached newer heights. We have proved that we are second to none and the highlight has been the superlative performance of Mohanlal. Definitely this film is a feather in the cap for our industry, said Siddiq. Directed by Priyadarshan, this film before the release was selected as the best feature film for 2019, besides the veteran director's young son -- Siddarath Priyadarshan fresh from studying special effects in the US also won his first national award for the best special effects. Another winner for the film was Sujith Sudhakar who won the National Award for the best costume designer. The magnum opus tells the tale of Kunhali Marakkar, the famous naval chief of the Zamorin of Calicut, often known for organising the first naval defence of the Indian coast. Mohanlal, known for his flexibility and adaptability to any character, plays the title role of Marakkar. The star cast includes Manju Warrier, besides actors from south India and Bollywood and four British actors and one Chinese actor. Priyadarshan has stated that this is the outcome of his four decades in the film industry. It took three years for the film to commence shooting after the first day he conceived it. --IANS sg/kr
Congress will not get 300 seats in Lok Sabha elections
New Delhi : Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that in the current circumstances, he does not think that the Congress is going to get 300 seats in the next Lok Sabha elections. Publicly speaking about his silence on Article 370, he said that only the Supreme Court and the central government can restore it. According to the English newspaper The Indian Express, Ghulam Nabi Azad said these things while addressing a public meeting in Poonch Nagar of Jammu division on Wednesday. Continue reading Congress will not get 300 seats in Lok Sabha elections at HW English.
Astronauts become farmers in space, cultivate record chilly peppers in zero-gravity
Astronauts become farmers in space, cultivate record chilly peppers in zero-gravity
Ritu Varma to pair opposite Sivakarthikeyan?
Pelli Choopulu girl Ritu Varma had also grabbed the attention of the Tamil audiences with her performance in Dulquer Salmaan's Kannum Kannum Kollyadithaal. The latest update is that Ritu Varma is likely to romance Sivakarthikeyan in his upcoming Tamil-Telugu bilingual film with Jathi Ratnalu director Anudeep KV. The film will be bankrolled by Narayan Das K Narang and Puskur Ram Mohan Rao of Sree Venkateswara Cinemas LLP. Telugu cinema's leading composer Thaman will be scoring the music for the biggie while the rest of the cast and crew are yet to be confirmed. Sources say that the shoot of the film is likely to begin by the second half of 2022. Sivakarthikeyan also has Don with director Cibi, a sci-fi film titled Ayalaan with Ravikumar Rajendran, and a big-budget film with Sun Pictures.
Vikram and Pa.Ranjith film confirmed, to start rolling soon!
It's almost confirmed that Vikram is all set to team with Madras and Sarpatta Parambarai director Pa.Ranjith for a film to be produced by Gnanavel Raja's Studio Green. Yes, after Madras , Ranjith was supposed to do a film for Studio Green but the project got delayed as the director got an opportunity to work with Rajinikanth in Kabali and Kaala ! Now, as Ranjith is free from his big commitments, he has agreed to do a film for Studio Green. Sources say that Ranjith is planning to work with a different composer and not his regular Santhosh Narayanan for this upcoming film with Vikram. Reports also say that after Vikram's film, Ranjith will begin shooting for Kamal Haasan's next. Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films will be bankrolling Ranjith's next with the actor.
Samantha and Ashwin Saravanan's film dropped, not happening!
Samantha Ruth Prabhu had earlier signed a film with Maya and Game Over director Ashwin Saravanan. The film was supposed to be bankrolled by Sony Pictures India. But due to the lockdown, the project got delayed and now, as both Ashwin and Samantha have started concentrating on their respective projects, their film is not happening anytime soon! Ashwin Saravanan is currently shooting for Lady Superstar Nayanthara's Connect . Produced by Rowdy Pictures, Sathyaraj and Anupam Kher are playing pivotal characters in the film. There was a rumor that Ashwin has replaced Samantha with Nayanthara in Connect but sources close to the director say that it's a new script! Connect is said to be a supernatural horror-thriller on the lines of Maya !
IIT Bombay student gets Rs 2.05 crore job offer from Uber
The IITs have all the reasons to smile and be confident about these high-value offers because their alumni are ascending in ranks all over the world.
BREAKING: Supreme Court pulls up Delhi government for opening schools amid rise in air pollution
When the government implemented work from home for adults then why children are being forced to go to school, questioned SC.
Tovino Thomas's 'Minnal Murali' bonus trailer surprises fans!
Malayalam Cinema's Superhero film Minnal Murali starring Tovino Thomas is all set to premiere on December 24 on Netflix. Besides the Malayalam version, the leading OTT platform has also dubbed the film in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and English. Directed by Basil Joseph,Guru Somasundaram, Harisree Ashokan, and Aju Varghese are playing pivotal characters in the film. Produced by Weekend Blockbusters (Sophia Paul), the film's director Basil Joseph said: I am delighted and overjoyed with the response tothe trailer. In order to keep our fans guessing, we decided on sharing a sneakpeek of what is to come, through this bonus trailer. Our endeavor is to givethe audience a good movie and to entertain them through the film. With the bonustrailer, we hope the audience is intrigued and excited. The makers are hopeful that the wide release strategy of Netflix will give them a big reach. Watch the new trailer here:
Rajya Sabha adjourned till Mid-noon amid ruckus by Opp leaders
New Delhi: Following a disturbance by the Opposition leaders over the suspension of 12 MPs, the Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till noon on Thursday, December 2. Six members of the Congress have already been suspended, two each from the Trinamool Congress and the Shiv Sena, and one each from the CPI and the CPM- namely Phulo Devi Netam, Chhaya Verma, Ripun Bora, Rajamani Patel, Syed Nasir Hussain, and Akhilesh Prasad Singh; Dola Sen, Shanta Chhetri of the Trinamool Congress; Priyanka Chaturvedi Rajya Rabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu adjourned the House shortly after starting work on the fourth day of the ongoing winter session amid chaos produced by the Opposition leaders. After multiple disruptions by the Opposition leaders, the Rajya Sabha was postponed for the day on Wednesday. The Opposition staged similar protests in the Upper House on Tuesday over the suspension of 12 members of the House. The suspension of these MPs was in order to defend democracy, according to Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Nadu, who also stated that it was the House's decision, not the Chair's. It was following a proposal brought in by the government, that a dozen members of Opposition parties in Rajya Sabha were suspended from the winter session on the opening day on Monday, angering the Opposition and setting the tone for contentious debates. Why ban media entry in Parliament ? Congress leader Kharge's letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman Opposition stages walkout as M Venkaiah Naidu refuses to revoke suspensions PM Narendra Modi meets with top ministers to discuss strategy
Yuvan is overwhelmed with the positive reviews of 'Maanaadu'!
Music composer Yuvan Shankar Raja is overwhelmed with the positive reviews of his recent blockbuster film Maanaadu . Yuvan had mentioned in his statement that songs in his previous collaborations with Silambarasan TR and Venkat Prabhu were big hits. Though Maanaadu only has limited songs, fans and audiences loved the background score of the composer in the film. All praise to Almighty!With my heart brimming with praises to God, I would like to thank everyone responsible for the success of MAANAADU. Personally, this project has been very special for me and close to my heart. My erstwhile collaborations with Venkat Prabhu and Silambarasan TR have had myriad songs, but this is the first time our collaboration had a limited number of tracks. However, I am completely spellbound over the way, music lovers and audiences have noticed my efforts in BGM and appreciated them. I thank producer Suresh Kamatchi, director Venkat Prabhu, and Silambarasan for banking their trust in me. I am feeling and proud of my friend-brother like Silambarasan for his soulful dedication towards this project. I am overwhelmed with emotions to see the positive reviews showering his efforts. SJ Suryah sir has exercised his complete energy into this film, thereby becoming a strong pillar. Every single artiste and technician have contributed their best in enriching the essence of Maanaadu. I would like to thank the critics, audiences, and fans for spreading the positive word about my music and the film. There's a famous quote that says, What you're searching for is in search of you? And I am glad that the entire team of Maanaadu has found 'Unconditional Love and Acclaims' from everyone, read the statement from Yuvan Shankar Raja. Meanwhile, Yuvan Shankar Raja's Amma Song from Thala Ajith's Valimai is all set to release on December 5.
3-year-old girl uses her mothers makeup to get ready for a party. Viral video has over 2 million views
S. Korea's daily Covid-19 cases hit new high at 5,266
Seoul, Dec 2 (IANS) South Korea's daily number of Covid-19 cases hit a new record high as the government eased anti-virus measures amid the higher vaccination rate, the health authorities said Thursday. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the country reported 5,266 more cases of Covid as of midnight Wednesday compared to 24 hours ago, raising the total number of infections to 457,612. The daily caseload was up from 5,123 in the previous day, keeping a record-breaking trend for two straight days, Xinhua news agency reported. The new infections surged for the past month as the government alleviated quarantine measures last month amid the higher vaccination rate. The recent resurgence was attributable to cluster infections in the Seoul metropolitan area. Of the new cases, 2,262 were Seoul residents. The number of the newly infected people living in Gyeonggi province and the western port city of Incheon was 1,490 and 354. The virus spread also raged in the non-metropolitan region. The number of new infections in the non-capital areas was 1,136, or 21.7 per cent of the total local transmission. Twenty-four cases were imported, lifting the combined figure to 15,795. The number of infected people who were in a serious condition reached a new high of 733, up 10 from the previous day. As many as 47 people succumbed to the virus, leaving the death toll at 3,705. The total fatality rate was 0.81 per cent. The country has administered the first dose of Covid vaccines to 42,593,798 people, or 82.9 per cent of the total population. The number of the fully vaccinated people was 41,129,620, or 80.1 per cent of the population, while 3,385.821 people, or 6.6 per cent of the population, received booster shots. --IANS int/sks/shb/
Henry Golding doesn't want diversity to influence next Bond choice
Los Angeles, Dec 2 (IANS) 'Snake Eyes' actor Henry Golding has been tipped as a possible replacement for Daniel Craig as 007 after his decision to bow out following 'No Time To Die' but he doesn't think ethnicity should influence the choice of bosses as Bond simply represents a man of substance. Golding told RadioTimes.com: It shouldn't be a factor at all. I think Bond represents something that we've all sort of grown up with and that's a man of substance, a man who has stoic properties and is a protector, has a sensitive side. The 34-year-old actor adds that film chiefs should take Ian Fleming's books into account when making the big decision, reports femalefirst.co.uk. He said: So really, the talk of having to have them be diverse is - it's great and all, but I think you have to do justice to the source material. He's such an iconic character, so I wouldn't say that there should be any pressure. The actor continued: But I think they will choose the right person for the role. So be it Black, Asian, Latino, mixed... anything, as long as they have the attributes that they can bring to the screen. I think that is what the fans really want. The 'Crazy Rich Asians' star previously revealed that he was honoured to be linked with the iconic part and claimed that it was the right time for a non-white Bond. Golding said: It does seem to be a question that always comes up. It was definitely from 'Crazy Rich,' maybe (the scene with) the white suit coming out the park. I'm Asian and everybody's fighting for a diverse Bond - sorry, white guys. Isn't it great that we're having that conversation? Isn't it great that people are like, 'Ok, now it's time, why the hell can't we have a black Bond, an Asian Bond, a mixed-race Bond, a non-distinct Bond?' He concluded: I don't know ... It's an honour to even be in the conversation. It's one of the greatest film roles ever, you'd be stupid to be like, 'I don't want to do that s***.' F*** no, it would be the wildest ride. --IANS dc/dpb
Supreme Court pulls up Delhi government over schools reopening
New Delhi, Dec 2: The Supreme Court pulled up the Delhi government over the reopening of schools amid rising pollution, as per news agency ANI. When the government implemented work from home for adults then why children are being
Android Auto to offer touchscreen quick replies for messages soon
San Francisco: The US-based search engine giant Google has announced that Android Auto will soon add support for touchscreen-based quick replies for message notifications. Android Auto has supported sending notifications from various messaging apps, but it's only offered the option to reply to those messages using voice. Now, with the update Android Auto with support for Smart Reply, a feature that will allow users to send replies quickly using the touchscreen in their vehicle, reports 9To5Google. Recently, Google rolled out an update for the Android Auto app that brings dual SIM support. With this update, Android Auto now shows a pop-up that lets users choose which SIM they want to make a call from. Earlier, it would automatically place the call using the default SIM regardless of the phone's dual-SIM support. Google first detailed dual SIM support coming to Android Auto back in September. At the time, the tech giant said that it would start rolling out the feature soon. Earlier, YouTube Music available on Android Auto also received one of its biggest redesigns adding navigation tabs and more. As a part of the YouTube Music 4.30.50 Android app, this redesigned interface for Android Auto is a fairly major shift from the old interface.
Prabhu Deva's son wants to become a hero now!
Following Vikram's son Dhruv, now Prabhu Deva's son has also developed an ambition to become a hero! In a recent media interaction, Prabhu Deva has said that earlier when he had asked his son to attend dance rehearsals, he would say no and call it a big bore. Recently, the choreographer turned actor's son expressed his interest to become a hero. I was shocked and don't know what to say. It's up to him to become a hero now. Cinema is not easy. He should work hard, said Prabhu Deva. Prabhu Deva also denied the reports saying that he was approached to choreograph a song in Vijay's upcoming film with Vamshi. On the work front, Prabhu Deva's Theal is all set to release on December 10. He also has the psycho-thriller film Bagheera in the pipeline. Directed by Aadhik Ravichandran, Janani, Remya, Amyra Dastur, Gayathri, Sonia Aggarwal, and Sanchita Shetty are the female leads in Bagheera .
Aamir Khan and ex-wife Kiran Rao look happy as son Azad cuts birthday cake. Watch
Aamir Khan and ex-wife Kiran Rao look happy as son Azad cuts birthday cake. Watch
India tour of South Africa likely to be pushed back by a week amid fears over Omicron
BBL: Former Australia pacer Gurinder Sandhu returns to Sydney Thunder
Sydney [Australia], December 2 (ANI): Former Australia ODI pacer Gurinder Sandhu has rejoined Sydney Thunder ahead of the upcoming season of the Big Bash League (BBL). The 28-year-old fast bowler said re-joining the club where his BBL journey started after spending last summer with the Sydney Sixers was awesome and an opportunity that excited him. Anytime I think of home I do think of the Thunder, it's awesome to be back here. Family, friends, it's where everyone's from for me, personally, Sydney Thunder website quoted Sandhu as saying. If I think of home I think of Western Sydney; if I think of western Sydney, I think of home; I think of Sydney Thunder I think of home - it's all coming together very nicely. It feels awesome. This is where my Big Bash journey started in BBL|02. I'm very, very excited, he added. Sandhu returns to Thunder after spending last summer with the championship winning Sydney Sixers. He described his time with Thunder's arch-rivals as one in which he gave his best. It was different, especially to go to the Sixers who had been my rivals, and for the Thunder Nation. It was very different, a bit weird, but as you do, you're playing for that team at the time, and you give it your all; 100 percent commitment, said Sandhu. Sydney Thunder coach Trevor Bayliss said the fast bowler has proven why he'll be a key part of the team. I know Gurinder is happy to be home, he's very passionate about the Thunder Nation. He's done extremely well for Queensland this summer, and everyone knows he's determined to do the same for Thunder, said Bayliss. (ANI)
Focus is on what I've done in past, says Alex Carey ahead of Ashes debut
Melbourne [Australia], December 2 (ANI): Australia wicket-keeper batter Alex Carey, who is all set to make his Test debut, said his focus remains on preparing for Ashes and helping his side win the showpiece event. England and Australia will lock horns in the five-match Ashes, beginning December 8 at the Gabba, Brisbane. Cricket Australia's National Selection Panel (NSP) on Thursday added Carey to the 15-player squad for the first two matches of the upcoming Ashes. Carey has replaced Tim Paine in the squad who decided to take some time off from the game last week. I'll focus on what I've done in the past to get to this moment and not be too overwhelmed by that. It's the biggest game I'll play and I'll try to perform the best I can, ESPNcricinfo quoted Carey as saying. The wicket-keeper batter has vowed to give his all to make Australia proud. This is also for my dad who has been my coach, mentor and mate, my mum, my wife Eloise, kids Louis and Clementine, my brother and sister and all of those who have supported me. I will be doing my absolute best to make them and our country proud, said Carey. Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Steve Smith, David Warner, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Swespon (ANI)
India Reports 9,765 New Cases, Centre-States Meet Today To Review Omicron Rules At Airports
New Delhi : India reported 9,765 new coronavirus infections in a day, Indias total tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 3,46,06,541, while the active cases increased to 99,763, according to the Health Ministry data updated on Thursday. During the same period, 8,548recoveries were reported throughout the country. With this, the national recovery rate currently stands at 98.35percent. The active cases in the country stood at 99,763or 0.29% of the total cases. Continue reading India Reports 9,765 New Cases, Centre-States Meet Today To Review Omicron Rules At Airports at HW English.
Gaming, comedy videos rule YouTube in India in 2021
New Delhi: Google-owned YouTube on Thursday revealed a list of top videos as well as creators for 2021 and gaming along with comedy videos that have topped the chart in India. In 2021, gaming leveled up, emerging as a rich and diverse ground for storytelling and community building, with a notable presence across top creators, top breakout creators, top women breakout creators and even top YouTube Shorts creators. The main idea behind coming up with a list of popular creators is to inspire new creators. YouTube has given a proper platform both small as well as big communities. With the expansion of regional languages, the platform is ready to cater the needs of every content creators as well as consumers, Satya Raghavan, Director of YouTube Content Partnerships, India, told IANS. Our viewers turned to YouTube to learn new skills, hone newfound passions, discover content to watch with friends and family, and foster a shared sense of community, he added. While Round2Hell's 40-minute long horror-comedy zombie apocalypse short film became the #1 trending video, comedy did just as well in short-form video. Tamil sensation Enjoy Enjaami, set off a drumbeat of content inspired by the Tamil Hit reaction videos, cover songs including some in Hindi and Malayalam, animated re-creations, re-creations within FreeFire, make-up tutorials, and even a PSA by the Kerala Police! Our Top Shorts creator A2 Motivation emerged as the most famous videos on the platform. 2021 showed us that even in challenging times, the inventiveness and creativity of our ecosystem can bring help and hope to the lives of millions of Indians. It's time to celebrate the content and creators that made YouTube an indelible part of our popular culture, and in fact our lives, Raghavan added. In addition, Bhuvan Bam (BB Ki Vines) web series, Dhindora, Telugu channels Filmymoji and Funmoji, The Viral Fever (TVF) web-show Aspirants, Dice Media's Operation MBBS and Clutch, Telugu shows like 30 weds 21 by Girl Formula and Surya featuring Shanmukh Jaswanth in the lead, emerged as some of the top shows this year on YouTube.
No govt jobs, until when youth should keep patience: Varun Gandhi
The Pilibhit Lok Sabha MP has been critical of the government's handling of economic and employment issues without directly targeting the central dispensation. He had also been vocal in his support to the farmers' agitation against the three farm laws. Parliament recently passed a bill to annul the three laws.
PM Narendra Modi meets with top ministers to discuss strategy
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with his top ministers in Parliament on Thursday, December 2, to discuss strategy for the House's ongoing winter session. The meeting takes place at a time when Opposition leaders are wearing black bands to protest the suspension of 12 Rajya Sabha members. On Wednesday, December 1, the Prime Minister held a meeting in Parliament to discuss the strategy. The Farm Laws Repeal Bill 2021 was passed by both Houses of Parliament on the first day of the session. The opposition parties, on the other hand, raised a commotion, claiming that the administration approved the Bill without a floor debate. Meanwhile, opposition party leaders wore black bands to protest the suspension of 12 Rajya Sabha MPs at the Gandhi statue in Parliament on Thursday. The rally was also attended by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, and KC Venugopal. MPs from the opposition held placards and posters that said Save India and BJP Kills Democracy. PM Modi likely to hold public rally in Kumaon region, Uttarakhand PM Modi, Rajnath Singh send greetings to BJP Chief JP Nadda on his birthday Rajya Sabha winter session to adjourn till mid noon today
Telangana plans 100% Covid vaccination by December end
Hyderabad, Dec 2 (IANS) Authorities in Telangana are preparing a special action plan to achieve cent per cent Covid vaccination in the state by the end of current month. The cabinet sub-committee formed to tackle the situation in view of new variant Omicron and to expedite vaccination has directed the district collectors to prepare the plans in their respective districts to ensure vaccination coverage of all eligible persons by the end of December. The four-member panel headed by Health Minister T. Harish Rao has asked the departments of medical and health, municipal administration, education and panchayat raj to work with coordination to achieve the goal. It has asked people not to get panicked over the new variant. It noted that rumours are leading to confusion among people and the only way to check this is to provide correct information to people. It was also decided to revive 24/7 command and control room centre. The panel, which held its first meeting on Wednesday, has advised people to follow all Covid precautions and take the vaccines without fail. It observed that Telangana is ahead of other states in vaccination and it should create history by reaching the goal of 100 per cent by the month as desired by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. The officials have been directed to prepare action plans at ward, sub-division and mandal levels. The ministers advised the health department to keep an eye on the misinformation being spread on social media and provide all the necessary information to the public through the media. The department officials were directed to make information available to people about the beds available in hospitals at the state and district levels. Also, the officials were asked to take all necessary measures to check Covid in schools, colleges and hotels. They were directed to conduct vaccination camps in educational institutions and ensure 100 per cent vaccination of all teaching and non-teaching staff. So far, around 90 per cent of the 2.77 crore of targeted people in the state have taken the first dose while 45 per cent have taken the second dose. According to officials, nearly 25 lakh people did not take the second dose of vaccine despite completing the gap between doses. Minister for Industry and Municipal Administration K. T. Rama Rao, Education Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy, chief secretary Somesh Kumar and other officials attended the meeting. Meanwhile, Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan visited GMR Covid Care Center at Hyderabad International Airport. Officials at the airport briefed about the preparations made in accordance with latest Covid-19 guidelines and rules for international passengers arriving from 'at risk countries' amid rising concerns of the new variant-Omicron. --IANS ms/shb/
Dakota Johnson says 'no-one acts normally because of Covid-19'
Los Angeles, Dec 2 (IANS) Actress Dakota Johnson says her professional life has been transformed by the ongoing health crisis. Johnson, who is best known for starring in the 'Fifty Shades' film franchise, said: The thing is, people are not behaving normally. If you go to a party, you f****** rage. Johnson currently has a number of projects in the works, including her directorial film debut. The movie will take place on a mythical island, but the actress won't give away too many other details for the time being, reports femalefirst.co.uk. She told Town and Country magazine: We talked about someone else directing, but then I was dreaming about it, having ideas all the time. It's in my bones, this story. I'm like, 'Is this too soon?' But it's happening. I'm gonna do it. Johnson previously co-directed Coldplay's 'Cry Cry Cry' music video, which featured her boyfriend Chris Martin. Her dad, Don Johnson, recently said he would be happy if his daughter married the music star. Don said: I don't think much further than about the next seven or eight seconds. But listen, if she's happy, I will be happy, and he's a lovely guy. And if she decides to get married, I would imagine that there would be grandchildren not too far out for that. I'd be pretty excited about that part. --IANS dc/dpb
Mumbai Police uses Ranveer Singh's '83' dialogue for Covid protocols
Mumbai, Dec 2 (IANS) The official Instagram handle of the Mumbai Police has shared a Bollywood reference yet again to create awareness about Covid protocols. After using references from 'Stree' and 'Main Hoon Na', the Mumbai Police account used a scene from the upcoming Kabir Khan directorial to talk about the importance of wearing masks at all times. The Mumbai Police handle took a dialogue from Ranveer's upcoming movie '83'. The movie, based on the life and world cup journey of former India captain Kapil Dev. The department used one of the lines from the trailer to send out a message to people who ignore Covid-19 safety protocols. The dialogue was: He doesn't know defence, the police wrote in their post: When you don't wear your mask in spite of '83' million reminders. The post currently has 11,000 likes on the photo-sharing website. The Mumbai Police Twitter handle is known for their funny and quirky references on social matters. '83' is slated to release on December 24. --IANS dc/dpb
Leave pre-Ashes controversy off the field, urges England's Chris Woakes
Brisbane, Dec 2 (IANS) England pace bowler Chris Woakes urged the England and Australian cricketers that the issues clouding both teams before the Ashes opener in Brisbane should not be part of on-field banter during the series. England and Australia, both teams are dealing with racism and sexting scandals respectively that have sidetracked the cricket camps ahead of the Ashes. England arrived in Australia as Azeem Rafiq detailed allegations of institutional racism he experienced at English captain Joe Root's Yorkshire. Australia are facing their own set of problems after wicketkeeper Tim Paine quit as Australia captain before taking a leave of absence from the team following a sexting scandal that surfaced. Woakes said, the Ashes rivalry naturally raised the stakes. But he said to use either issue as on-field banter, or sledging, would be out of line. No, they definitely aren't [trivial matters]. What's happened around both camps, a lot of those issues are personal. Cricket is played best when that sort of stuff is left to the side and you let your skills do the talking, the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Woakes as saying on Thursday. I think what's happened in both camps, a lot of the issues are personal and cricket is played best when that sort of stuff is left to the side and we let the skills do the talking, he said, adding, Whatever goes on the field, goes on the field, and the Ashes raises that rivalry. But in my experience, playing in three Ashes series, it's not overstepped the line once when I've been around. I'm sure the cricket will be hard-fought, as it always is, and will be good to watch. Coming back from a mental health break that followed an injury-interrupted season, allrounder Ben Stokes hasn't played any form of cricket since July, while his last Test match was in March. --IANS inj/bsk
Mamata Banerjee Sets Eyes on Goa Gamble, to Visit State Again on Dec 13 With Nephew Abhishek
A senior leader from TMC told News18 that this time, Banerjee will try to reach out to more people and project the idea of what TMC can offer to the people in Goa.
Can't see Congress winning 300 seats in 2024 LS polls: Ghulam Nabi Azad
Farming impacted by climate change: The way ahead
New Delhi: Researchers led by Princeton University investigated how different climate scenarios and policy interventions could impact smallholder farmers, or those who maintain less than five acres of land using Nepal as a case study. The research team chose South Asia because it is particularly threatened by climate change, meaning that farmers and policymakers will need to make challenging decisions in the coming decades. They found that by 2050, crop yields will suffer, and their incomes will be slashed by a quarter in the Himalayan nation Nepal. This is likely to prevent some farming households from being able to engage in labour migration, which is a crucial economic tool for many households in the region. Ultimately, these impacts will cause more households to fall into poverty and increase economic inequality. In the grasslands of Nepal's Chitwan Valley, local farmers rely on the production of rice and other grains to generate household income. But their livelihoods are under threat, as Nepal is experiencing the effects of climate change at a much faster rate than the global average. As these effects worsen, it's unclear what smallholder farmers in Nepal and other South Asian countries will do. They may choose to migrate or, due to a lack of resources, may be forced to live in seemingly inhospitable regions. A project led by Princeton University researchers investigated how different climate scenarios and policy interventions could impact these smallholder farmers. Today, over 500 million households fall into this category. They found that without any policy interventions, crop yields will suffer, and farmers will lose about a quarter of their incomes on average by 2050 due to the effects of climate change. Policy interventions can help, though, say researchers. Providing farmers with financial tools like cash transfers and access to insurance would help them withstand the effects of climate change, giving them the ability to migrate or produce more cash crops. In turn, this could improve community income and reduce inequality, the researchers argue in the latest issue of Nature Climate Change. People often talk about migration like it's a bad thing, but it actually depends on what kind of migration you're talking about, said lead author Nicolas Choquette-Levy, a graduate student in the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. If it's after a disaster, then that's an incredibly tough situation to overcome. But in a lot of cases, like Nepal, it's common for households to send a family member to work in a different city or country as a way to diversify their sources of income. Doing so means households can still meet their basic needs without being totally reliant on farming crops that are vulnerable to droughts, high temperatures, and other climate effects. In fact, over a quarter of the entire country's gross domestic product comes from migration remittances, or money that is sent back to the country from Nepalis who have migrated abroad.a Many studies examine the interplay between climate change and migration, though the novelty with this study is in the approach, Choquette-Levy said. He and his co-authors employed what researchers call an agent-based model that can simulate how individual decision making and interactions between households, such as sharing information on economic opportunities, would be affected by different policies and environmental conditions. The model allowed the researchers to look at multiple livelihood outcomes, policy approaches, and climatic effects relevant to smallholder farms in South Asia. The goal was to assess the gaps in previous methodology by answering three questions: How will climate change impact smallholder farmers? What decisions will they make because of this? And how might policy interventions change this? Choquette-Levy said. Choquette-Levy conducted the study with Matthias Wildemeersch of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, as well as Princeton co-authors Michael Oppenheimer, the Albert G. Milbank Professor of Geosciences and International Affairs and the High Meadows Environmental Institute, and Simon Levin, the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Instead of reacting without forethought after climate impacts have accelerated, governments should pay attention to this issue now. Livelihoods are at stake for smallholder farmers worldwide. Progressive, robust policy interventions can help these communities improve their situations even as the world struggles to adapt to a changing climate, said co-author Oppenheimer. The research team used real-world social, economic, and climate data from the Chitwan Valley to develop a case study and compared their results with recent trends in farmers' livelihood decisions in the region to test its validity. Their model assumes that the global temperature will increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius over preindustrial levels by 2050 -- the threshold after which scientists project severe effects of climate change. Under this scenario, they found that South Asian farmers will see a 28 per cent drop in household income compared to a more static climate. The reductions will largely be the result of increased droughts and lost crops. Climatic stress will also limit farmers' ability to travel for work, preventing them from generating more income. In turn, there will likely be increased inequality overall. ( Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)
Ghulam Nabi doesn't have faith in Congress
Srinagar: Veteran Congress leader and former CM Ghulam Nabi Azad has said that he does not think the Congress party will get 300 seats in the next Lok Sabha elections as the situation is not the same yet. This was stated by Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad while addressing a rally in Poonch in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. Justifying his silence on Section 370, Azad said only the Supreme Court where the case is pending and the Central Government can restore it. He said the BJP-led central government has quashed Section 370, so it will not restore it. I'll tell you I'll bring him back, it'll be a lie. Ghulam Nabi Azad said, 'I will not speak in that regard to please the people, which is not in our hands. It is not fair if I make false promises to you, to talk about Section 370. He said only a majority government in the Lok Sabha can restore Section 370. 300 MPs are required to form the government. I can't promise that we'll have 300 MPs in the 2024 elections. I don't think we'll go to 300 seats in 2024. I won't make any false promises to you. So I won't talk about deleting Section 370.' Tamil Nadu to monitor passengers arriving from at-risk countries PM Modi likely to hold public rally in Kumaon region, Uttarakhand Congress leader planning to kill BJP MLA goes viral
India registers 9,765 fresh Covid cases, 477 deaths
New Delhi, Dec 2 (IANS) India logged 9,765 fresh Covid cases in the past 24 hours, below the 10,000-mark for sixth day in a row, the Ministry of Health and Family welfare said on Thursday morning. With the addition of 477 fatalities, the total death toll has climbed at 4,69,724. The recovery of 8,548 people in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of the recovered patients to 3,40,37,054. Consequently, the recovery rate stands at 98.35 per cent, the highest since March 2020. India's active caseload presently stands at 99,763. It constitutes 0.29 per cent of the country's total positive cases, which is lowest since March 2020. Also in the same period, a total of 10,98,611 tests were conducted across the country pegging the cumulative tests at 64.35 crore. Meanwhile, the weekly positivity rate at 0.85 per cent has remained less than 1 per cent for the last 18 days now. The daily positivity rate stands at 0.89 per cent, which has also remained below 2 per cent for last 59 days and less than 3 per cent for 94 consecutive days now. With the administration of 80,35,261 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India's Covid inoculation coverage has reached 124.96 crore as of Thursday morning. This has been achieved through 1,29,79,828 in sessions. More than 22.78 crore balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered, according to the ministry. India has administered over 124.96 crore vaccine doses so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. ---IANS avr/shb/
Alec Baldwin says he didn't fire gun on 'Rust' set
Los Angeles, Dec 2 (IANS) Hollywood's veteran star Alec Baldwin says he didn't pull the trigger of the gun that fatally wounded cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the sets of 'Rust'. The star made the claim in his first sit-down interview since the incident in October, reports bbc.com. I would never point a gun at anyone and pull a trigger at them. Never, he told George Stephanopoulos of ABC News. The interview was recorded on Tuesday, and is due to be broadcast in the US on Thursday evening. Mr Stephanopoulos described their 80-minute discussion as aw and intense. The journalist described Baldwin, 63, as devastated yet very candid and forthcoming, while previewing the interview on Wednesday's Good Morning America. I've done thousands of interviews in the last 20 years at ABC. This was the most intense I've ever experienced. Baldwin is best-known for his performances in films like 'Glengarry Glen Ross' and 'The Hunt For Red October', as well as his impersonation of Donald Trump on US sketch show 'Saturday Night Live'. The interview marks the first time Baldwin has spoken about the incident on camera, except for a brief interview he gave to TMZ in October, in a bid to stop the paparazzi from following him and his family. In that appearance, he described the incident as a one in a trillion episode and said accidents of this nature very rarely happened on film sets. Hutchins was shot and killed as Baldwin rehearsed with what he believed to be a cold -- or safe -- gun on Rust set in New Mexico. Hutchins was flown to hospital by helicopter after the shooting, but later died of her injuries. Director Joel Souza was also injured. According to court records, Baldwin was handed the weapon by the film's assistant director, Dave Halls, who did not know it contained live ammunition and indicated it was unloaded by shouting cold gun. Halls had been given the gun by Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the 24-year-old armourer on the film. Asked by Stephanopoulos how a live bullet had made its way on to the set, Baldwin replied, I have no idea. Someone put a live bullet into a gun. A bullet that wasn't even supposed to be on the property. Lawyers for Gutierrez-Reed have said she did not know where he live rounds came from. That question is now at the centre of a police investigation in the US. Earlier this week, the investigators obtained a warrant to search the premises of an arms supplier in the US. An affidavit with the warrant said police were told ammunition for the film had come from several sources, including PDQ Arm & Prop. --IANS dc/dpb
--- Consider reading the article Is Mera Yeshu Yeshu fame pastor Bajinder Singh admitted in hospital for piles treatment? Truth of viral screenshot of news report on OpIndia website --- We can neither confirm nor deny whether Pastor Bajinder Singh is indeed suffering from piles (bawasir) and is admitted in hospital or not as that is between his doctor and his Lord.
Cyclone Jawad to hit Odisha, AP coast on Dec 4: IMD
New Delhi, Dec 02: Cyclone Jawad is likely to hit Odisha and Andhra Pradesh on December 4, the Indian Meteorological Department has said. The cyclone is expected to trigger heavy to very heavy rainfall in almost all districts of south Bengal.
Congress leader planning to kill BJP MLA goes viral
Bengaluru: A video of the Conspiracy to assassinate Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA SR Vishwanath in Karnataka's capital Bengaluru is going viral on social media. Congress leader Belur Gopalkrishna is talking to another person about the plan to allegedly kill the BJP MLA. The video is claimed to show MLA planning the murder of SR Vishwanath, who represents the Yelhanka area of Bengaluru in the Karnataka Assembly.The video was shared by the local channel PublicTv. The discussion being discussed in this video is in the Kannada language and Kulla Devaraj is mentioned. The video clearly discusses the time of the murder. The video shows a former police officer talking over the phone. It is learnt that Gopalkrishna and Devraj have been taken into custody. This is a three-minute video in which Congress leaders are interacting with another person. He says, 'Kill it, eliminate the MLA. Okay. Let's finish, no one should know. It should be between us. The Congress leader also promised Rs 1 crore for the work. Police said the date was not disclosed in the video and they were investigating the case for further action. State Home Minister Araga Dnyanendra said, The state police has taken the matter seriously and Vishwanath has also discussed the matter with me. Araga Dnyanendra further said, 'I came to know about the video last night. The police will decide on registering FIR. We will consider giving them security. The intelligence department will decide on providing security to Vishwanath. Police are currently investigating the case. Talking about the incident, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said, I am not aware of the incident yet. I will discuss this with the concerned authorities soon. I will talk to Vishwanath myself in this regard. He further said that he will see what legal action should be taken on the basis of that. PM Modi likely to hold public rally in Kumaon region, Uttarakhand SII seeks nod for Covishield booster dose amid Omicron variant concerns Mandaviya to chair meeting with APHOs, PHOs today
The Railway Men: Madhavan, Kay Kay, Babil bring us the story of 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy
The Railway Men: Madhavan, Kay Kay, Babil bring us the story of 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy
No chance of the Congress getting a majority in 2024 elections: Ghulam Nabi Azad
--- Consider reading the article No chance of the Congress getting a majority in 2024 elections: Ghulam Nabi Azad on OpIndia website --- I cant make false promises hence I avoid talking about Article 370, Azad said.
Why Dont You Join Politics? Asks Mamata Banerjee To Swara Bhasker
Mumbai : For the first time, the Trinamool Congress hosted a meet-and-greet event for the West Bengal Chief Minister in Mumbai, where she is on a two-day visit.Actress Swara Bhasker at the event, spoke for about four minutes, and introducing her colleagues she said that these people have risked their career for the resistance alive. On her speech Mamatas reaction was quite a good one. She after keenly hearing her out asked Swara, Why dont you join politics? Not every celebrity is comfortable in sharing their political opinions or being vocal about issues concerning the country fearing they might court a controversy. Continue reading Why Dont You Join Politics? Asks Mamata Banerjee To Swara Bhasker at HW English.
PM Modi likely to hold public rally in Kumaon region, Uttarakhand
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address a public rally in the Kumaon region, Uttarakhand, ahead of the 2019 Uttarakhand Assembly elections, during his second visit to the state later this month, according to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) officials. According to sources, PM Modi is planning a second trip to Uttarakhand this month, following his December 4 visit. A public meeting is planned to take place in Haldwani, Uttarakhand's Kumaon region, during his next visit, which will begin on December 24, sources added. On December 4, Prime Minister Modi will visit Dehradun, Uttarakhand, to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for a number of projects totalling over Rs 18,000 crore. PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for eleven development projects, according to a statement provided by the Prime Minister's Office. The Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor (from Eastern Peripheral Expressway Junction to Dehradun) will cost about Rs 8300 crore to construct. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation for Dehradun's Child-Friendly City Project, which will make the city more child-friendly by making the roadways safer for them to travel on. A foundation stone will also be placed for projects worth over Rs 700 crore in Dehradun related to the improvement of water supplies, roads, and drainage systems. PM Modi, Rajnath Singh send greetings to BJP Chief JP Nadda on his birthday Manjinder Singh Sirsa joins BJP, punjab polls may be a big upset Third-Day of Winter Session: PM Modi meets with top ministers to discuss strategy
India records 9,765 new COVID-19 infections, active cases increase to 99,763
India recorded 9,765 new COVID-19 cases and 8,548 recoveries on Thursday.The death toll climbed to 4,69,724 with 477 fresh fatalities,the ministry said.
After all, why did Mamata distance herself from Sonia? What is Didi's Plan
New Delhi: The rift between Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Congress is widening. Mamata is eyeing the opposition leadership, so she is leaving no stone unturned to isolate the Congress. Announcing that he will not contest in the states where there are regional parties, he has made it clear that the congress is the only target of the TMC. That is why the Congress also did not delay in responding. In fact, Mamata Didi has met NCP Chief Sharad Pawar during her visit to Mumbai. He had earlier held a meeting with Aditya Thackeray and Sanjay Raut on Tuesday. After the meeting, his temper has become more tough on the Congress. Even inside Parliament, TMC is constantly trying to keep a distance from the Congress. Tensions between the two parties may escalate in the coming days. Mamata wants to isolate the Congress and bring together regional parties. Mamata Didi feels that if all regional parties come together, it will not be difficult to defeat the BJP. She is meeting leaders of regional parties under the same campaign. The Congress is also angry with Mamata Banerjee's campaign to unite regional parties just before the assembly elections in five states. She believes that elections to Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur are very important for 2024. If the Opposition succeeds in defeating the BJP in these elections, the path will be difficult for the BJP. But the attitude of the TMC may divide the opposition votes. On the other hand, Congress National General Secretary KC Venugopal slammed Mamata's effort and said defeating the BJP without the Congress is only a dream. Party strategists believe that all parties have the right to increase their mass base. According to him, he has no objection if he contests elections TMC with other parties. But Mamata is increasing her dominance by breaking congress leaders on the lines of bjp. Mamata's meeting with Sharad Pawar is also related to this as NCP has been contesting in Goa. Opposition parties cant fight BJP on their own: Dinesh Sharma Conspiracy to kill Lalu Yadav, his family wants to take his life 38 tigers killed not serious, 40 to 45 tigers should die: Forest Minister
Omicron: Maharashtra may roll back some curbs for travellers
Mumbai, Dec 02: Maharashtra is likely to roll back some of the curbs introduced amidst concerns over cases of Omicron. The government is likely to do away with the rule that mandated an RT-PCR negative report from domestic travellers who are
Manjinder Singh Sirsa joins BJP, punjab polls may be a big upset
Amritsar: The Shiromani Akali Dal (Shi'ad) has suffered a severe setback ahead of the Punjab assembly elections. Shiromani Akali Dal (Shi'ad) leader and current Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee President Manjinder Singh Sirsa joined the BJP in the presence of Leaders like Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Dharmendra Pradhan after meeting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday (December 1, 2021). Sirsa has resigned from the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee as soon as the BJP is suppressed. After joining the BJP, Sirsa said, Amit Shah and PM Modi have assured that all the issues of Sikhs should be resolved, but they have become political gifts. So, I am joining the BJP by resigning as the Chairman of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee. Earlier, Sirsa had posted his resignation on Twitter and wrote, I express my gratitude to all the office bearers, members, employees and people who worked with me. I am resigning as Chairman of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee and will not contest the forthcoming DSGMC. My commitment to serve my community, humanity and country will continue. ' Sirsa said through video that he is resigning from the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee for personal reasons and will distance himself from the next election. He thanked the members of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, the Sikhs of the country and the world, who have given them a lot of respect. He said, Thank you to my members, well wishers who have supported me so far. ' Opposition parties cant fight BJP on their own: Dinesh Sharma Conspiracy to kill Lalu Yadav, his family wants to take his life 38 tigers killed not serious, 40 to 45 tigers should die: Forest Minister
Drug addict is principal offender in case which killed two Kerala models
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 02: The police have identified drug addict Syju as the principal offender in the case filed over the car crash in Kerala on October 31 that killed two models. The models, Miss South India Ansi Kabeer and
November healthy sales boost India's manufacturing sector: PMI
New Delhi: Healthy sales boosted the growth of India's manufacturing industry in November, with the headline seasonally-adjusted IHS Markit India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rising to 57.6 (index reading) in November as against 55.9 in October. The headline figure was well above its long-run average of 53.6. The PMI ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading above 50 indicating an overall increase compared to the previous month. As per the survey report, manufacturers stated that strengthening demand, improving market conditions and successful marketing boosted sales in November. The Indian manufacturing sector continued to expand strongly in November, as an accelerated rise in sales supported the fastest upturn in production for nine months, the report said. Companies scaled up input buying, which in turn led to the second-quickest accumulation in stocks of purchases since data collection started nearly 17 years ago. On the price front, the latest results showed that cost inflationary pressures remained intense amid transportation issues and difficulties among suppliers to source raw materials. Input prices increased at a rate that was broadly similar to October's 92-month high. IHS Markit's Economics Associate Director Pollyanna De Lima said: The Indian manufacturing industry continued to expand in November, with growth gathering pace and forward looking indices generally pointing to further improvements in the months to come. The fact that firms purchased additional inputs at a stronger rate amid efforts to restock, combined with recurring declines in inventories of finished goods and tentative signs of a pick-up in hiring activity, indicate that production volumes will likely expand further in the near term. The key threat to the outlook, in addition to potential new waves of Covid-19, is inflationary pressures, she said. For now, companies are absorbing most of the additional cost burdens and lifting output charges only moderately. Should raw material scarcity and shipping issues continue to feed through to purchasing prices, substantial increases in output charges could be seen and demand resilience would be tested. Businesses were indeed worried that inflationary pressures could hamper demand and production in the year ahead, as signalled by confidence weakening to the lowest in almost a year and a half. This story is cleared from an automated feed. For more stories, please visit, SIFY FINANCE | SIFY GOLD | LATEST NEWS | BUSINESS NEWS
IT spending in India to cross $100 bn in 2022: Gartner
Mumbai: Driven by a surge in digital transformation owing to the pandemic, the IT spending in India is forecast to total $101.8 billion in 2022, an increase of 7 per cent from 2021, global market research firm Gartner said on Wednesday. In 2022, all segments of IT spending in India are expected to grow, with software emerging as the highest growing segment. Spending on software is forecast to total $10.5 billion in 2022, up 14.4 per cent from 2021. While experiencing a slower growth rate than 2021, spending on software in 2022 is forecast to be nearly double of what it was pre-pandemic. India has experienced one of the fastest recoveries despite being one of the worst hit regions in the second wave of the pandemic in early 2021, said Arup Roy, research vice president at Gartner. As hybrid work adoption increases in the country, there will be an uptick in spending on devices in 2022, reaching $44 billion, an increase of 7.5 per cent from 2021. The growth in devices is a combination of two components hybrid work and pent-up demand from 2020 for device upgrades, said Roy. Spending on devices will make up 43 per cent of total IT spending next year. Next year, Indian CIOs are prioritising a move away from rigid and monolithic ways of doing business to a more composable business and IT architecture where they will be able to better respond to disruptions. In 2022, CIOs in India will build on renewed interest in technology from the business to gain funding for new IT projects, said Roy. This story is cleared from an automated feed. For more stories, please visit, SIFY FINANCE | SIFY GOLD | LATEST NEWS | BUSINESS NEWS
Irrespective of vax status, TN to test passengers arriving from at-risk countries
Chennai, Dec 2 (IANS) In view of the Omicron threat, the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Public health and Preventive medicine has written to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) that passengers arriving at the four international airports in the state follow the guidelines on vaccines provided by the department. Irrespective of the status of vaccine taken, Tamil Nadu has made it compulsory for passengers arriving from at-risk countries -- South Africa, Botswana, China, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Bangladesh, Brazil, Singapore, Israel, and European Union countries, including the UK. At Chennai airport, T4 terminal is converted into an exclusive area for testing of passengers arriving from these at-risk countries. The passengers will have to stay back at the airport till the results of the tests come out. According to sources in the Airport Authority of India (AAI), 450 passengers could be accommodated in this enclosure for testing. The Tamil Nadu Public Health Department in a letter issued to the directors of Chennai, Tiruchi, Coimbatore, and Madurai Airports has directed that if any passengers are found symptomatic they should be isolated and taken to a medical facility in coordination with the local medical authorities to have a record on the person who has tested symptomatic. The passengers, who arrive from the above-mentioned countries and who test negative, will have to remain in home quarantine for a week and after the eight-days they will have to undergo a retest. The Directorate of Public Health in the letter also mentioned that the passengers who arrive from countries other than at-risk countries will be allowed to leave the airport and will have to self-monitor their health for 14 days. However, a section of the people arriving from all countries will be subjected to random checking to find out whether there are any traces of the new variant. The AAI will be making the necessary arrangements at the airports for the passengers who have undergone testing. Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian while speaking to IANS said, The Directorate of Public Health has already written to the directors of all the four international airports in the state regarding testing of passengers from at-risk countries and it has commenced. We have to be extra cautious regarding the spread of the new variant and hence the precautions. Door-to-door vaccination is being carried out effectively in the state and we are expecting to inoculate the whole population with the first dose of the jab in a short time. ace --IANS aal/dpb
Uttarakhand polls 2022: PM Modi likely to hold public rally in Kumaon
Ahead of the upcoming Uttarakhand Assembly elections, PMModi is likely to hold a public rally in the Kumaon region during his second visit to the state later this month.
BJP asks if Sena facilitating migration of businesses from Maha to Bengal
Maharashtra BJP MLA Ashish Shelar has alleged that there seems to be some conspiracy over Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee's visit to the state.
BJP asks if Sena facilitating migration of businesses from Maha to Bengal
Maharashtra BJP MLA Ashish Shelar has alleged that there seems to be some conspiracy over Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee's visit to the state.
Mumbai: Complaint filed against Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for disrespecting the National Anthem
--- Consider reading the article Mumbai: Complaint filed against Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for disrespecting the National Anthem on OpIndia website --- While a complaint has already been filed by Mumbai BJP leader Vivekanand Gupta, another complaint would be filed today by BJP leader Mohit Kamboj Bharatiya.
CM lodges FIR against Mamata Banerjee, insults national anthem
Mumbai: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee (CM Mamata Banerjee) is currently in trouble. In fact, his visit to Mumbai in the recent past has been making headlines. Now, there is a big news coming between all of them. In fact, a BJP leader from Mumbai has lodged a FIR against him. The FIR is said to have alleged that Mamata Banerjee has disrespected the national anthem. At the same time, it is alleged that During an event, Mamata sang the national anthem while sitting in a chair and did not feel it necessary to stand in her respect. Not only that, mamata did not complete the national anthem even while sitting and fell silent only after 4-5 lines. ' Let me tell you all that earlier West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had made headlines when she expressed sympathy for Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. At that time, Mamata Banerjee had made a big statement saying, 'Shah Rukh Khan has been targeted. When she visited Mumbai last Wednesday, she also made a statement in support of actor Shah Rukh Khan in front of civil society members. Here, he made the statement in the presence of leaders, social act visits, former high court judges, cell securities and lakhs of people. At the same time, he termed the ruling party BJP as a cruel party. On the other hand, he appealed to the people to unite and also sought their advice and proper guidance. At the same time, Mamata Banerjee said, Maheshji, you were also targeted, Shah Rukh Khan was also targeted. If we have to win, we have to fight, open our mouths. You guide us and advise us like a Paul Tikill party. Opposition parties cant fight BJP on their own: Dinesh Sharma Conspiracy to kill Lalu Yadav, his family wants to take his life 38 tigers killed not serious, 40 to 45 tigers should die: Forest Minister
Drone from Pak side of border fired at by BSF
Amritsar, Dec 02: The Border Security Force Wednesday said its troops fired on a drone along the India-Pakistan border in the Amritsar sector, forcing it to return, PTI reported. In an official statement, the BSF said its personnel opened fire after
Taking to Twitter, Sibal said it was time to show opposition unity after Banerjee gave a call for a 'strong alternative'.
How Mamata & Pawars Posturing Is Closely Tied to Congress Internal Churn
What explains Mamata Banerjee's statement that 'There's no UPA? Is a non-Congress Opposition even viable?
Govt tells Lok Sabha 64 cases under CBI probe for more than 5 years
New Delhi, Dec 02: A total of 64 cases are under CBI investigation for more than five years, the government informed Parliament on Wednesday. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for
Indias first space think-tank to conduct research to size economy
Couple dances to Manike Mage Hithe on stage as audience cheers. New video
Couple dances to Manike Mage Hithe on stage as audience cheers
Megastar Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan donate Rs 25 lakh each for Andhra Pradesh flood relief
Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan donate Rs 25 lakh each for AP flood relief
Argentine ex-President Mauricio Macri charged in spying case
Argentine ex-President Mauricio Macri charged in spying case
New Zealand reports 172 new community cases of Covid Delta variant
Wellington, Dec 2 (IANS) New Zealand reported 172 new Delta variant cases of Covid-19 in the community on Thursday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country's current community outbreak to 8,745. Among the new infections, 142 were recorded in the largest city of Auckland, 15 in nearby Waikato, one in Bay of Plenty, two in the Lakes District Health Board, one in MidCentral and nine in Nelson Marlborough, according to the Ministry of Health. A total of 86 cases are being treated in hospitals, including nine in intensive care units or high dependency units, a Ministry statement said. The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in New Zealand stands at 11,525 currently, according to the Health Ministry, Xinhua news agency reported. To date, 93 per cent of eligible people in New Zealand have had their first dose and 86 per cent are fully vaccinated, it said. --IANS int/khz/
Delhi to upgrade sewage treatment plants for cleaner environment
New Delhi, Dec 2 (IANS) Delhi Jal Board (DJB) will upgrade 20 sewage treatment plants (STPs) and sludge biogas plants in order to clean the environment and produce biogas as much as possible so that it can be used to make clean fuels like bio-CNG and produce electricity. This decision was taken by Satyendar Jain, Delhi's Water Minister and Delhi Jal Board Chairman, who convened a meeting with senior officials on Wednesday. The meeting focused on upgrading all STPs and sludge biogas plants of the Delhi Jal Board. This move will drastically reduce organic waste. It will be a huge step in making Delhi clean, green and sustainable, Jain tweeted post the meeting. As per a Delhi government statement, officials have been instructed to upgrade all STPs within a time span of 12-15 months using the latest state-of-the-art technology unlike conventional technology which takes four to five years to complete the up-gradation process. Biogas plants, which treat sludge and produce biogas, will also be upgraded to handle all multiple types of solid waste such as sludge from STP, septage from septic tank, cow dung from dairies and municipal solid waste especially from mandis and nearby societies or colonies. Right now they only treat sludge coming from sewage, the statement added. At present, DJB has biogas plants to handle around 400 tonne per day capacity, out of which 240 million gallons per day (MGD) is functional. Officials have been instructed to make the complete capacity functional within a year, it claimed. Apart from this, DJB will introduce a new tarrif to supply treated water from STPs so that less groundwater is utilised. For this, Rs 5000 per acre per month would be charged from the beneficiaries apart from one time fixed cost of Rs 10,000 per acre that will be paid as an infrastructure charge. It is the responsibility of MCD to handle these waste types but DJB will lead this initiative to clean waste in order to reduce the burden on existing landfill sites and a very important step to clean Delhi, Jain added. --IANS rdk/khz/
Canada finds first cases of Covid-19 in wildlife
Ottawa, Dec 2 (IANS) Canada has found the first cases of Covid-19 in three white-tailed deer, according to the Environment and Climate Change Canada. On Monday, the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease confirmed the first detections of SARS-CoV-2 in three free-ranging white-tailed deer in Canada, Xinhua news agency reported. These deer were sampled between November 6 to 8 in the Estrie region of Quebec. Samples for SARS-CoV-2 were collected through a big-game registration station in southern Quebec. Similar to findings in the US, the deer showed no evidence of clinical signs of disease and were all apparently healthy, The World Organisation for Animal Health was notified on Wednesday. As this is the first detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife in Canada, information on the impact and spread of the virus in wild deer populations is currently limited, said the Environment and Climate Change Canada said in a press release on Wednesday. This finding emphasises the importance of ongoing surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife to increase understanding about it on the human-animal interface, the press release added. The Environment and Climate Change Canada calls for added precaution like wearing a well-fitted mask when exposed to espiratory tissues and fluids from deer. The virus has been found in multiple animal species globally, including farmed mink, cats, dogs, ferrets, and zoo animals such as tigers, lions, gorillas, cougars, otters, among others. Recent reports in the US have revealed evidence of spillover of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to wild white-tailed deer, with subsequent spread of the virus among deer. There has been no known transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from deer to humans at this time, the press release said. --IANS int/khz/
Ireland reports 1st case of Omicron variant
Dublin, Dec 2 (IANS) Ireland has detected its first case of the Omicron coronavirus variant, said the country's Department of Health. The case is associated with travel from one of the southern African countries that have been declared by the Irish government as high-risk countries for the spread of the new variant, the department added on Wednesday in a statement, without giving further details. The Irish national radio and television broadcaster RTE reported earlier on Wednesday that the Dublin-based National Virus Reference Laboratory had carried out tests on a number of samples over the weekend and one of the eight samples that underwent genome sequencing was confirmed having the Omicron variant. The report said scientists are not aware of any additional cases associated with the confirmed case, and there is no evidence of community transmission of the variant so far, Xinhua news agency reported. The Irish government last Friday declared seven southern African countries as high-risk countries where the Omicron variant was first detected, advising against all non-essential travel to and from these countries by tightening the issuance of visas. The seven countries are Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The government also ruled that Irish citizens returning home from these countries shall undergo strict home quarantine with two PCR tests during quarantine. The Irish Department of Health on Wednesday reported 3,793 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the national tally to 573,905. Till date, there have been a total of 5,707 deaths related to Covid-19 in Ireland, including 55 deaths newly reported in the past seven days, said the department. --IANS int/khz/
US Supreme Court judges signal support for new abortion limits
US Supreme Court judges signal support for new abortion limits
Dharna against undemocratic action of RS chairman, govt to continue: Kareem
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United States is world's biggest plastic polluter, report finds
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Senior Congress leader and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday said that he does not see the grand old party winning 300 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.Speaking on reversing the decision of the government on the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, Azad while addressing a rally in Pooch district said that only Supreme Court can take such a decision or Congress has to come power with 300 plus seats but he does not see that happening. However, Azad said that he prays that Congress wins over 300 seats.Only Supreme Court can decide on Article 370. Besides the apex court, only the ruling government can do it. The current government has abrogated it, how will they do it? And I cannot assure you that Congress will win 300 seats in the 2024 elections. I pray that Congress wins 300 seats but I don't see that happening now, said the Congress leader.Earlier this week, Azad had urged political parties to create an environment in the state ..
Colonial Era Power Play in MAO College, Aligarh
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BJP victimised Shah Rukh Khan, Mahesh Bhatt: Mamata Banerjee
Mumbai: In a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that the country is facing cruel and undemocratic party which victimised Bollywood personalities like actor Shah Rukh Khan and director Mahesh Bhatt. We are facing a cruel undemocratic party the BJP. If we come together, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Ladakh: Action sought against Muslim youth for marrying Buddhist girl
Ladakh: Action sought against Muslim youth for marrying Buddhist girl
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Madras HC suggests installation of CCTV cameras in clubs to prevent objectionable activities
Madras HC suggests installation of CCTV cameras in clubs to prevent objectionable activities