Armenia and Azerbaijan have signed an agreement to end military conflict over the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh.
It follows six weeks of fighting between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenians.
The peace deal, which was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan came into effect last night.
Under the deal, Azerbaijan will hold on to areas of Nagorno-Karabakh that it has taken during the conflict.
Armenia has also agreed to withdraw from several other adjacent areas over the next few weeks.
Armenian Prime Minister described the deal incredibly painful for him and the people of the country.
The new ceasefire agreement prompted anger in Armenia, as protesters stormed the parliament, beating up the speaker and reportedly looting the prime minister’s office.
During a televised online address, Russian President said that Russian peacekeepers will be deployed to patrol the front line.
Russia’s defence ministry confirmed that 1,960 personnel will be involved.
Reports said planes have already left an airbase at Ulyanovsk carrying peacekeepers and armoured personnel carriers to Karabakh.
Part of their role will be to guard the “Lachin corridor”, which links the Karabakh capital, Stepanakert, to Armenia.
Month: November 2020
PM Modi thanks voters for decisive mandate in favour of development
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Bihar taught the world the first lesson of democracy and today again it has told the world how democracy is strengthened.
Thanking people of Bihar for their mandate to NDA, Mr Modi said, democracy once again won in Bihar with the blessings of people.
He said, a record number of poor, deprived and women of Bihar voted in large number and gave their decisive decision for development.
Mr. Modi said, each and every voter of Bihar has clearly stated that their priority is only development.
The Prime Minister said, NDA’s Good Governance getting the blessings of people even after 15 years shows that what are the dreams and expectations of Bihar.
He said, the youth of Bihar has made it clear that the new decade will be of Bihar and Aatma Nirbhar Bihar is the road map.
Mr Modi said, the sisters and daughters of Bihar voted this time in record number and showed how big their role is in the Aatma Nirbhar Bihar.
He expressed satisfaction saying in the past years NDA got an opportunity to give new confidence to the women power of Bihar.
The Prime Minister said, people from every section have relied on NDA’s mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’. Reacting to results of Bihar Assembly elections, Mr. Modi assured every citizen of Bihar that NDA will continue to work with full dedication for balanced development of every person and every region.
He said, the determination and dedication with which BJP and NDA karyakartas worked is inspiring. He thanked all party workers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked people of Manipur for once again reposing faith in the development agenda of BJP.
He congratulated Manipur State BJP for the phenomenal wins in the by-polls.
Mr Modi said, these victories will strengthen the State Government under N Biren Singh and help fulfil people’s aspirations.
He thanked the people of Dubbak for blessing Telangana BJP. Mr Modi said, this is a historic win and gives us strength to serve the state with greater vigour.
He said, BJP Karyakartas worked very hard lauded their noteworthy efforts in furthering BJP’s development agenda.
The Prime Minister said, BJP’s victories in Rajarajeshwarinagar and Sira in Karnataka are extremely special.
He said, it reaffirms the people’s unwavering faith in the reform agenda of the Centre and State Government under B S Yeddyurappa.
Mr Modi thanked the people for their support and lauded the efforts of BJP Karyakartas.
He said, bond between the people of Gujarat and BJP is unbreakable.
Mr Modi said, this affection is again seen in the 8 by-polls where BJP Gujarat made a clean sweep.
The Prime Minister thanked people of Gujarat for the support. He appreciated the work of the local unit and the state government under Vijay Rupani.
Mr Modi said, powered by the progressive agenda of the Government under Shivraj Singh Chouhan and the hardwork of BJP Madhya Pradesh our Party has emerged as the unparalleled choice of the people.
He thank the people of Madhya Pradesh for blessing BJP in the by-polls held across the state. He said, their affection is invaluable.
Mr Modi said, in Uttar Pradesh the pro-people policies of the Centre and UP Government under Yogi Adityanath have endeared our party to the citizens.
He said, they have given unequivocal support to the BJP, for which I express gratitude. He also appreciate the good work of the BJP Uttar Pradesh Unit.
Home Minister Amit Shah also thanked people of the state for once again choosing development, progress and good governance in Bihar.
BJP sweeps Assembly bypolls; Bags 19 out of 28 seats in Madhya Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, ruling BJP has retained 6 seats, while one seat has gone to Samajwadi party. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the victory in the by-elections.
AIR correspondent reports, in Madhya Pradesh, BJP has bagged 19 out of 28 seats where bypolls were held.
Opposition Congress has won nine seats. In the 2018 state assembly elections, the Congress had won 27 of these seats.
The results are significant for several reasons but the most important is that the BJP has got a clear majority in the 230-member state assembly by raising its strength from 107 to 126 MLAs.
AIR correspondent reports, in Chhattisgarh, the ruling Congress has won the Marwahi Assembly by-poll.
In Gujarat, Ruling BJP has snached all 8 assembly seats from the opposition Congress in bye-elections in Gujarat.
BJP has won all 8 seats where bye-elections were held after the resignations of Congress MLAs early this year.
BJP has won Abdasa, Morbi, Dhari, Limbdi, Gadhada SC, Karjan, Dang ST and Kaprada ST seats, which were held by Congress earlier.
In Jharkhand, the ruling coalition has retained both seats that went for by-polls. The JMM has won from Dumka, while the Congress has emerged victorious from Bermo.
In Manipur, ruling BJP has secured 4 out of five seats where bypolls were held. One seat has gone to an Independent candidate.
In Nagaland, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party has bagged one seat while independent candidate bagged another seat which went to bypolls.
In Karnataka, BJP has bagged both seats which went to by polls.
In Telangana, BJP candidate M Raghunandan Rao won Dubbak Assembly constituency where bypoll was held.
In Odisha, the ruling Biju Janata Dal candidates are leading in both the Tirtol and Balasore Sadar assembly seats.
In Haryana, Congress has won bypoll to Baroda Assembly constituency. Its candidate Indu Raj defeated BJP contender and wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt.
NDA retains power in Bihar; Secures absolute majority by winning 125 seats
The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has retained power in Bihar.
It has secured absolute majority in 243 member assembly. NDA got 125 seats, while opposition Grand Alliance got 110 seats. Others got 8 seats.
BJP has bagged 74 seats, while JD(U) won 43 seats. Hindustani Awami Morcha (HAM) and Vikas Sheel Insaan Party (VIP) secured four seats each.
On the other hand, RJD won 75 seats and Congress 19. CPI and CPM got 2 seats each. CPI(ML) has won 12 seats.
Asaduddin Owaisi led AIMIM got 5 seats. LJP, BSP and Independent got one seat each.
JDU candidate Sunil Kumar has won the Valmiki Nagar Lok Sabha seat. He defeated Pravesh Kumar Mishra of Congress.
AIR correspondent reports, BJP emerged largest party in NDA, while seats of RJD, Congress and JD(U) decreased in comparison to 2015 assembly elections.
Performance of left parties was excellent.
Left parties got seats under seat sharing agreement in grand alliance. Out of 29 seats left parties got 16 seats.
Out of 23 Ministers 14 won while 09 lost elections.
LJP got one seat but 42 candidates lost election due to presence of LJP candidate.
JD (U) suffered maximum loss of 36 seats while 04 candidates of VIP could not win due to presence of LJP candidate.
BJP and HAM suffered loss of one seat each.
Upendra Kushwaha led RLSP could not open account.
When Can Power To Transfer Petitions U/s 21A Hindu Marriage Act Be Invoked
In a latest, landmark and laudable judgment titled Shruti Kaushal Bisht vs. Kaushal R Bisht [Transfer Petition (Civil) No. 1264 of 2019] delivered on November 6, 2020, Justice V Ramasubramanian of the Apex Court held that a power to transfer the petition under Section 21A of the Hindu Marriage Act can be invoked only when the subsequent petition is either a petition seeking judicial separation under Section 10 or a petition seeking divorce under Section 13. Justice Ramasubramanian also added that the Section 21A of the Hindu Marriage Act does not divest the Supreme Court of the power available under Section 25(1) of the Code of Civil Procedure. Very rightly so!
To start with, the ball is set rolling in para 1 of this notable judgment wherein it is put forth that, “While the first transfer petition is by the wife seeking transfer of the divorce petition filed by the husband in the Family Court at Pune, Maharashtra, the second transfer petition is by the husband seeking transfer of the petition for restitution of conjugal rights filed by the wife before the Family Court, Saket, New Delhi.”
To say the least, after hearing the learned counsel on both sides as pointed out in para 2, it is then stated in para 3 that, “The parties got married on 19.11.2015 at Delhi. It appears that disputes arose between the parties and the parties started living separately from 12.01.2019.”
To put things in perspective, it is then envisaged in para 4 that, “The husband filed a petition for divorce on 07.05.2019 before the Family Court, Pune, Maharashtra. After the receipt of notice in the said petition, the wife came up with the Transfer Petition No. 1264 of 2019. The transfer petition was filed in the first week of July 2019. Thereafter, the wife, perhaps as a counter-blast, filed a petition for restitution of conjugal rights before the Family Court, Saket, New Delhi on 15.07.2019. Upon receipt of notice in the said petition, the husband has come up with Transfer Petition No. 2168 of 2019.”
As anticipated, what is then made known in para 5 is that, “The main ground on which the wife seeks transfer of the husband’s divorce petition from Pune to New Delhi is that she has no independent source of income and that since the husband is not even paying any maintenance, she is entitled to have the divorce petition transferred to the Family Court in New Delhi, so that the petition for divorce filed by the husband could be tried together with the petition for restitution of conjugal rights filed by her.”
On the contrary, it is then pointed out in para 6 that, “The main ground on which the husband opposes the transfer petition filed by the wife, is that his own petition for divorce was prior in point of time and that therefore under Section 21-A(2)(b) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, the petition filed by the wife, subsequently, is liable to be transferred to Pune. The husband has offered to bear the expenses for the travel of the wife from Delhi to Pune. The husband further states that his father is suffering from seizures and asthama and that his mother has undergone a cervical biopsy recently and that therefore it is not possible for him to leave his aged parents and travel to Delhi, for conducting the proceedings.”
Needless to say, after carefully considering the rival contentions as pointed in para 7, it is then significantly noted in para 8 straightaway that, “At the outset it should be pointed out that the claim of the petitioner that she is unemployed and that she has no independent source of income and that she is dependent upon her parents, is not seriously disputed by the husband. On the contrary the husband has attempted to take advantage of the averment of the wife about her being unemployed, by claiming in ground no. (F) that no inconvenience will be caused to the wife, who is unemployed, if she is made to attend the proceedings in Pune. The claim of the wife that she is not receiving any maintenance, is also not disputed. Therefore, considering the fact that the marriage was also solemnized in Delhi, the petition for transfer filed by the wife deserves to be allowed and the one filed by the husband deserves to be dismissed.”
To be sure, it is then stated in para 9 that, “The learned counsel appearing for the husband places heavy reliance upon Section 21-A(2)(b) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 in support of his contention that a petition filed later in point of time should be transferred to the Court in which a petition under the Act had been filed prior in point of time. But the said contention is misconceived, as can be seen from the plain language of Section 21A in entirety, which reads as follows:
“21A. Power to transfer petitions in certain cases. (1) Where-
(a) a petition under this Act has been presented to a district court having jurisdiction by a party to a marriage praying for a decree for judicial separation under Section 10 or for a decree of divorce under Section 13; and
(b) another petition under this Act has been presented thereafter by the other party to the marriage praying for a decree for judicial separation under Section 10 or for a decree of divorce under Section 13 on any ground, whether in the same district court or in a different district court, in the same State or in a different State,
the petitions shall be dealt with as specified in subsection (2).
(2) In a case where subsection (1) applies, –
(a) if the petitions are presented to the same district court, both the petitions shall be tried and heard together by that district court;
(b) if the petitions are presented to different district courts, the petition presented later shall be transferred to the district court in which the earlier petition was presented and both the petitions shall be heard and disposed of together by the district court in which the earlier petition was presented.
(3) In a case where clause (b) of subsection (2) applies, the court or the Government, as the case may be, competent under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), to transfer any suit or proceeding from the district court in which the later petition has been presented to the district court in which the earlier petition is pending, shall exercise its powers to transfer such later petition as if it had been empowered so to do under the said Code.””
Be it noted, it is then mentioned in para 11 that, “In the case on hand, what was filed by the husband, first in point of time, was a petition for divorce and hence his case may fit into clause (a) of Sub-section (1) of Section 21A. But unfortunately for him, what was filed by the wife later in point of time was only a petition under Section 9 and not a petition either under Section 10 or under Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act. Thus, the wife’s petition, though subsequent in point of time, does not fall under Clause (b) of Subsection (1) of Section 21A. As a consequence, Subsection (1) of Section 21A has no application to the case on hand, as the pre-conditions stipulated therein are not satisfied.”
Most significantly, it is then observed in para 12 that, “In any case Section 21A of the Hindu Marriage Act does not divest this Court of the power available under Section 25(1) of the Code of Civil Procedure Code, 1908. In Guda Vijalakshmi vs. Guda Ramchandra Sekhara Sastry AIR 1981 SC 1143, this Court rejected the contention that the substantive provision contained in Section 25 CPC is excluded by reason of Section 21 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The words “subject to the other provisions contained in this Act” appearing in Section 21 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 were construed by this Court to indicate only those provisions which are inconsistent with any of the provisions of the Act. The only test prescribed in Section 25(1) of the Code of Civil Procedure for the exercise of the power of transfer by this Court is “expediency for the ends of justice”. Therefore, the argument of the learned counsel for the husband centering around Section 21A(2)(b) cannot be countenanced. The offer made by the husband to meet the travel expenses for the wife, does not appeal to me, as she may have to travel a distance of more than 1000 km every time. When the contention that the wife is unemployed and her claim that no maintenance is paid, are not seriously disputed, the offer now made by the husband does not convince me.”
Finally, it is then held in the last para 13 that, “In view of the above, the Transfer Petition No. 1264 of 2019 filed by the wife is allowed and, accordingly, the divorce petition P.A. No. 645 of 2019 titled as “Kaushal R Bisht vs. Shruti Kaushal Bisht” is hereby transferred from the Family Court Pune, Maharashtra to the Court of Principal Judge, Family Court, Saket, New Delhi and it shall be tried together with the wife’s petition under Section 9 of the Act. Let the records of the case be transferred to the concerned court without delay. The transfer petition No. 2168 of 2019 filed by the husband is dismissed.”
In sum, the Apex Court in this leading case thus clarifies as to when can transfer petitions U/s 21A of the Hindu Marriage Act be invoked. We have already dwelt considerably on it. What has thus been laid down in this case must always be adhered to in letter and spirit. There can certainly be no denying it!
Sanjeev Sirohi, Advocate,
s/o Col BPS Sirohi,
A 82, Defence Enclave,
Sardhana Road, Kankerkhera,
Meerut – 250001, Uttar Pradesh.
Interfaith Marriages- Still an issue?
India is a land of numerous and diverse cultures. People follow these cultures to the best but they also create some misconception in their mind while following these cultures and when they do so they begin to blindly follow these cultures which is very harmful for the society we live in. However, even with so many people of different cultures living together, it comes with its own set of limitations. Inter-caste marriages is one of the biggest problem of India even today. Marrying a person of a different caste creates a large dispute in Indian families. It is just not accepted. It’s rather unfortunate to experience petty things like these when India has become advanced in terms of technology and in many other fields.
Inter-caste couple are even tortured or killed for going against their family by marring or loving each other. These couples face many challenges to marry and many of them even leave there homes and then gets settled with each as they know that their families will never accept them. They even have to hide their identity or they decide to live in area where they know their parents can’t reach ever.
- In Manoj–Babli honor killing case, Manoj and Babli were from different caste in Kaithal district, Haryana. Their family were against this marriage, Babli’s grandfather who was leader of Khap panchayat ordered her family to abduct the groom (Manoj) and bride (Babli) and killed them. This was the case of honor killing, the court sentenced Khap panchayat leader (Babli’s grandfather) life imprisonment. Caste holds more primacy than their son or daughter’s happiness. A society that is ready to kill their daughters and sons for their false pride.
- In the Mahabharata too, we come across several instances of inter-caste marriages of this type. For example, Santanu married Ganga and later Satyavati, both were from outside his own caste. So, the concept of inter caste marriage has been prevalent from time immemorial, but it is hardly practiced due to different social stigmas associated with it.
India is making effort to stop honor killing by sentencing rigorous imprisonment for offenders of honor killing. Hence, of judicial system is supporting inter-caste marriage by punishing the offenders. The caste system in India prohibits marriage outside the caste. However,inter-caste marriages have gradually gained acceptance due to increased rate of education, employment, middle-class economic background, and urbanization. According to a survey in 2016, about 5% of marriages are inter-caste in India, that means very few people have accepted for inter-caste marriages. Inter-caste marriages are most common in poor people as compared to the rich one.
Everybody thinks that issues related to the inter-cast marriages are only happening in rural areas, but according to the stats. they are happening in urban areas too. Urban Indians are still getting married according to their parents or grandparents. According to the survey conducted in 2018, 93% of people had an arrange marriage, just 3% had an love marriage and 2% of people had done love-cum-arranged marriage in urban India. In fact, even some highly educated people don’t support inter-cast marriages.
Some of the Bollywood movies like Bajirao Mastani, Jodha Akbar, Ishaqzaade and 2 states also depicts inter-caste marriage system and issues related to it.
So, let’s sum up this topic with the fact that inter-cast marriages will slowly come into acceptance in India and now a days Modi government is also supporting these marriages by providing financial facilities to the inter-caste couples. Hence, we hope for the better conditions in future.
Power of positivity
Each of us has this ongoing need for love, commendation, and acceptance. However, people are more likely to be the victims of explosions, anger, fear, and dislike. All of these things are a reflection of our negative thoughts. But the irony is that the more you show it, the more you attract it. This is where the power of positive thinking comes into play. This is not something to be taken lightly and certainly should not be taken as a preaching tool for scholars and saints. Many do not believe in the power of positive thinking, viewing it as nonsense. Still, this is a topic that is gaining popularity. If you are naturally beautiful, then the way you deal with your problems attracts positive results. On the other hand, if you are scared and nervous, then without the side effects, and you behave, look, and speak appropriately. After that you reap the problems. This paper seeks to study the power of positive thinking and its impact on people’s attitudes.
Positive and negative attitudes are contagious, and their consequences are obvious. If you choose the past, you will find great and beneficial power to turn your mind to good, knowledge and training are needed. People do not change their attitudes and thoughts in an instant.
Even our health is affected positively. We walk long and our voice has great power. Our body language reflects how you feel inside. Verification works both ways, building and destroying. They are a strong, neutral person. How we use them determines whether they will bring good results. Then, make sure you have good energy and create a good vibration around you. We all touch the people we meet, whether it’s right or wrong. This happens naturally and at an unconscious level, with thoughts and feelings of transmission or body language. People hear our thoughts and are affected by our thoughts.
Positive thinking is a positive attitude toward thoughts, words, and images that work with growth, development, and success. An attitude that expects positive and positive results. A good mind expects happiness, happiness, health and a successful outcome of all situations and actions. Avoid phrases like ‘I wish I could have’ or ‘I wish I could’. The past is no more and the future comes when it comes. At the moment this is what we have so we have to make the most of it. Be natural and happy about who you are and what you have. Focusing on what you have will make you happier instead of focusing on what you do not have. These simple suggestions will help you to develop positive thinking in your life.
LSR student dies by suicide, some call it ‘institutional murder’
A second-year student studying mathematics honours at Lady Sri Ram College, Delhi died by suicide on November 3, 2020. She was the state topper in class 12th examinations and was awarded the ‘Inspire’ scholarship by the Department of Science and Technology because of her outstanding result in the 12th examination. The Rangareddy resident had mortgaged her house to pursue higher studies. The scholarship was therefore a relief to her and the family. However, the scholarship was delayed since March resulting in financial pressure. Her suicide note in Telugu states that no one was responsible for her death and that she felt burdened as her family had been spending a lot of money on her studies, leading suicide as her only resort.
In a survey conducted by the LSR Student’s Union, Rani (name changed) had clearly mentioned how she was facing troubles with the connection and could only attend few hours of the classes as she lacked equipment. She further mentioned that she could not give best to her studies as the study material was not available to her and the timings of her class clashed with her household work. In her suicide note she wrote ‘I cannot live because I cannot study’, signalling how burdened she was. According to her friend as reported by news click, Rani was asked to vacate the hostel room in middle of the pandemic resulting in added pressure.
SFI LSR are calling it an ‘Institutional murder’ holding the government institutes responsible for the suicide. They have called out the government, the college and the university for the lack of empathy towards the deceased student and also towards those students who are facing financial problems due to loss of income. LSR students say that her death is a reminder of how even the most prestigious institutions of India are unable to protect the most vulnerable students of all, driving them to take such drastic steps.
LSR claims that their policies have been very transparent regarding hostel accommodation being for one year and that the ‘name of the deceased’ had never approached the department/college or faculty for help. LSR alumni association ELSA says that the college has a certified counsellor to help students at all times.
Students have been demanding disbursal of fellowships, as they pointed out that University Grants Commission (UGC) has frozen the disbursal of Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and Senior Research Fellowships (SRF). The tenure of JRF scheme is of two years and for the candidates who qualify the National Eligibility Testing (NET) and the UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research joint test. Research scholars across the country have complained about the delay in payment of scholarships in August. Rajnish Jain, UGC Secretary has said that the disbursal was delayed citing some technical issues.
The University Grants Commission however has now said that it will disburse the pending scholarships to Junior Research Fellows and Senior research fellows within a week. A JRF scholar gets Rs 31,000 per month while an SRF scholar gets Rs 28,000.
This information might be triggering, if you or someone you know needs help call 1800-599-0019 to reach KIRAN, it is a 24/7 national helpline set by the Ministry of Social Justice or Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090.
Election Commission of India – Free and Fair Election in India
Freedom of speech and expression still exists?
Right to freedom of speech and expression is one of the fundamental right provided by our Indian constitution. This right comes under Article 19 (1)A; which states that every person living in India belonging to any caste, creed, colour or status has an equal right to express themselves, that means every person has the right to express their views, thoughts, creations or idea though any media without any interference or obstacles. But this right is imposed with certain reasonable restrictions or limitations which comes under Article19(2). This law is one of the most important part of the whole democracy as it describes how the democracy of the particular nation works.
But now the question arises ‘Are we really getting the right to freedom of speech and expression?’ Well! the answer can be both yes or no because this right to freedom of speech and expression has positive impact on society as people can reach to the world easily by sharing their views or idea and an individual’s idea can incarnate thousands of lives but it can also have negative impact on society as people misuse, violate and misinterpret this right by abusing or defaming others image through their words. Even though many popular journalists, reporters, cartoonist were arrested under this law on the charge on defaming other party.
There are cases where people are arrested under the law of freedom to speech and expression:
- Teenage student of Uttar Pradesh was arrested on 17th march 2015 because he commented against Azam Khan on Facebook.
- A cartoonist of Mumbai was jailed on September 2012 on publishing drawings which were based on anti-corruption. So, he was arrested in the charge of sedition of the drawings.
- A teacher in West Bengal was arrested in 2012 because he mailed a cartoon to his friends that was against Mamta Banerjee-chief minister of Bengal.
- Recently one of the most popular journalist of India Arnab Goswami-Chief-in-editor of Republic tv was arrested by Maharashtra police. FIR was registered on him for showing inappropriate content on his channel which created disputes between communities and groups.
- According to Supreme court the ‘Tablighi Jamaat’ case is most abused case of freedom of speech and expression in recent times.
There are many other cases which proves that how much this law is threatened in India.
Lastly, I want to conclude that, Positive and negative impacts does not end here, there are many other reasons which lead to the violation of this right so giving right to freedom of speech and expression does not mean giving right to use abusive and bad language which can harm others and can create disputes between communities, groups or individuals. If this right will be taken positively and as responsibility by every citizen of the country, it would give us better results as it will lead to the development and sake of the society as well as the whole nation. So, you decide freedom of speech and expression still exists?
Dr Harsh Vardhan holds first of its kind policy consultations with Indian Diaspora on STIP-2020
In a first of its kind policy consultation, Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan interacted with the highly-skilled Indian diaspora to facilitate channels for them to contribute to India’s Science Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2020.
The Minister stressed that India aims to connect the diaspora with Indian scientific and economic ecosystem to accelerate the growth in Science technology and innovation.
Cricket: Delhi Capitals beat Sunrisers Hyderabad to enter first ever IPL final
In Cricket, Delhi Capitals entered their first-ever IPL final with a convincing 17-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the second qualifier in Abu Dhabi last night. Opting to bat first, Delhi posted a massive total of 189 for three in 20 overs riding on Shikhar Dhawan’s 78 off 50, Shimron Hetmyer’s unbeaten 42 off 22 and Marcus Stoinis’s 38 off 27 balls.
In reply, Hyderabad were restricted on 172 for 8 as pacer Kagiso Rabada took 4 wickets and Stoinis claimed three scalps. For Hyderabad, Kane Williamson scored 67 off 45 and Abdul Samad made 33 runs off 16 balls. Stoinis was adjudged as the Player of the Match.
With this win, Delhi will now face Mumbai Indians in the summit clash tomorrow.
In the Women’s T20 Challenge Cricket tournament, Supernovas defeated Trailblazers by two runs at Sharjah. Supernovas will take on Trailblazers again in the final which will be played today. Supernovas have won both the earlier editions of the Women’s T20 Challenge.
US: Joe Biden announces 12 member task force to deal with COVID-19; Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to co-chair group
US President-elect Joe Biden has announced a 12-member coronavirus task force to mount an effective response to the pandemic that has infected millions and damaged the US economy.
In his victory speech in Wilmington, Delaware, Mr Biden said he will spare no effort to turn around this pandemic. He said, the panel will convert his coronavirus-fighting plan into an action blueprint that will be built on bedrock of science.
The task force will be co-chaired by former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner David Kessler and Marcella Nunez-Smith, a professor of public health at Yale University. It will also include Ezekiel Emanuel, a former Obama administration health adviser. Mr Biden has promised a much more muscular response to the pandemic than President Donald Trump has made.
The virus has infected 9.8 million people in the US and killed more than 2 lakh 37 thousand people as daily case counts continue to rise.
Assam govt to start Aadhaar enrolment drive for 70 lakh students
In Assam, the Education department will start Aadhaar enrolment drive from tomorrow for nearly 70 lakh students. The drive will cover all government and private school students aged between 6 and 18 years.
All the Deputy Commissioners will launch the free Aadhaar enrolment drive tomorrow in their respective districts. The drive is expected to be completed by March next year.
National COVID-19 recovery rate improves to 92.56 pct
India’s total cases have risen to 85,53,657 today with nearly 46 thousand cases reported in the last 24 hours The death toll from the virus has reached 1,26,611 with 490 new fatalities being registered.
The number of active cases remained below 6 lakh for the 11th consecutive day. The total active cases are 5,09,673 after a decrease of 2,992 in last 24 hours. Total cured cases are 79,17,373 with 48,405 new discharges. The national recovery rate is 92.56 per cent.
A total of 8 lakh 35 thousand 401 samples were tested for COVID yesterday.
Eduindex News 
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