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Sri Lanka: Mahinda Rajapaksa to take oath as PM today

In Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa will take oath as the new Prime Minister today after the landslide victory of his party at general elections held on Wednesday. His party and allies have secured two-thirds majority in Parliament.

The oath taking ceremony will be held at an ancient Buddhist temple near Colombo. He will be administered the oath by his younger brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa. However, other cabinet members will be sworn in next week at a ceremony in Kandy.

Mahinda Rajapaksa served as the country’s President from 2006 to 2015. He was appointed Prime Minister after Gotabaya’s victory in November Presidential elections though his side did not enjoy a majority in Parliament.

IMD warns of heavy rain in Northwest India during next two days

The India Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain across the northwest region during the next two days. It has issued an orange category warning for parts of northwestern India, which means disaster management authorities should be prepared to avert any possible disasters.

IMD said the monsoon trough is likely to shift northwards and cause heavy to very heavy rain in Uttarakhand, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh and eastern Rajasthan. Rainfall activity over northwestern India is likely to increase from today and heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places in the Western Himalayan region over the next two days.

IMD said extremely heavy rain is likely to continue at many places in Kerala till tomorrow. Extremely heavy rains continued on Friday and Saturday in Kerala, where a red category warning has been issued for the weekend. A red warning implies disaster management authorities need to act immediately to control or prevent any rain or flooding disaster. 

India can become trusted partner in global supply chain: Piyush Goyal

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said that India can become a trusted partner in the global supply chain. He said, the world is looking for trusted partners where there is rule of law, transparency in systems, strong judiciary and democratic traditions and India fulfils all these conditions.

Addressing India@75 Summit organised by CII, Mr Goyal said, India has to engage with the world with competitive prices, high quality products, large scale economies of manufacturing, high productivity levels, but not on the crutches of government subsidies.

Talking about the performance of the country’s exports, Mr Goyal said, the current numbers of outbound shipments are showing signs of significant improvement. He said, exports last month reached about 91 per cent level as compared to July 2019.

The Minister also said that for the last 11 days, Indian railways have been running the freight trains at twice the speed of what they were running one year ago.

COVID -19 recovery rate improves to 68.32 per cent in country

The recovery rate from COVID-19 infection has improved further and it has now reached 68.32 per cent. Union Health Ministry in a statement said that with 48 thousand 900 patients recovering in the last 24 hours, the country’s total recoveries from COVID-19 has reached 14 lakh 27 thousand and five. At present, the active cases are six lakh 19 thousand and 88 which account for 29.64 per cent of total positive cases. Such persons are under medical supervision either at hospitals or in home isolation.
 
The Ministry said, effective surveillance and improved testing network have ensured early detection of cases and consequentially leading to timely clinical management of the severe and critical cases. It said, India has one of the lowest cases per million at 1,469 against the global average of 2,425.
 
The Ministry said, due to coordinated implementation of ‘Test, Track and Treat’ strategy, the Case Fatality Rate has been low when compared to the global scenario. The Case Fatality Rate continued to fall progressively and now it stands at 2.04 per cent.
 
The Health Ministry added that with focused efforts to reduce mortalities due to COVID-19, India has registered one of the lowest deaths per million at 30 as compared to the global average of 91 deaths per million. It also said, five lakh 98 thousand and 778 tests were conducted for COVID-19 infection in the last 24 hours. With this, over two crore and thirty three lakh samples have been tested so far. The Tests Per Million has seen a sharp increase to 16,947 yesterday. The Ministry further said, with 936 labs in the government sector and 460 private labs, India has a network of 1,396 labs for COVID-19 testing.

PM Modi to release sixth instalment of PM-KISAN scheme to 8.5 crore farmers today; to launch Rs 1 Lakh Cr financing facility

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the financing facility of one lakh crore rupees under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund  today through video conferencing. He will also release the sixth instalment of funds of 17 thousand crore rupees to 8.5 crore farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna (PM-KISAN) scheme.

AIR correspondent reports, the  financing facility under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund will catalyze the creation of post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets like cold storage, collection centres and processing units.

These assets will enable farmers to get greater value for their produce, as they will be able to store and sell at higher prices, reduce wastage, and increase processing and value addition. One lakh crore rupees will be sanctioned under the financing facility in partnership with multiple lending institutions.  

11  Public Sector Banks have already signed MOUs in this regard. Three percent interest subvention and credit guarantee of up to two crore rupees will be provided to the beneficiaries to increase the viability of these projects.

The beneficiaries of the scheme will include farmers, Marketing Cooperative Societies, Joint Liability Groups, Multipurpose Cooperative Societies, Agri-entrepreneurs and Startups.

The PM-KISAN scheme has provided a direct cash benefit of over 75 thousand  crore rupees to more than 9.9 Crore farmers. This has enabled them to fulfil their agricultural requirements and support their families.

The scheme has also been instrumental in supporting farmers during the COVID-19  pandemic, through the release of nearly  22 thousand crore rupees to aid the farmers during the lockdown period.

Alaska Christian College

about us

Our vision is to be the premier college of choice for Alaska Native students so that our graduates follow and serve Christ within the Church and larger society.

our mission and vision

The mission of Alaska Christian College is to empower Alaska Natives through biblically-based education and Christian formation to pursue excellence in character, learning, and service as followers of Christ. Our vision is to be the premier college of choice for Alaska Native students so that our graduates follow and serve Christ within the Church and larger society.


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

University of Alaska

How to apply

Going to college in Alaska is only a few steps away

APPLY FOR ADMISSION
Apply to your university of choice. Each institution has an admissions application to complete and submit online. You will need to setup a new user account if you don’t already have one. There is usually an application fee, so be ready to make payment when you apply. Applications, information and contacts for help can be accessed through the admissions links below.

GET ACADEMIC ADVISING
An academic advisor is your guide to college, connecting you with a program and helping you find the tools you need to succeed. You should meet with an advisor as soon as possible after acceptance to the university to help plan your academic journey.

INVESTIGATE FINANCIAL AID
Unless you’re a millionaire you probably need help paying for classes, books and fees. Your college costs will depend on what school you select, how many classes you want to take, and for how much aid you qualify. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is required for federal, state and privately funded student loans and scholarships in Alaska. Fill it out at fafsa.gov early to take advantage of the most funding opportunities. There are hundreds of scholarship opportunities for University of Alaska students. Explore them online viaAcademicWorks.

REGISTER FOR CLASSES
Class registration begins in early April for the the fall semester, early November for the spring semester and early February for summer semester.

JUST WANT TO TAKE A CLASS?
If you are not intending to seek a degree you can register for a class through UAOnline.

MORE APPLICATION/TRANSFER ASSISTANCE:
The new My Future Alaska gateway provides prospective students transfer checks, guided transfer pathways and campus profiles (which include information on general education requirements, admission guidelines, and more) and a cost calculator for financial planning.
Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary depending upon the course of study and university of choice. There may not be any requirements to just take a class, but admission into certificate, bachelor, or graduate programs does require meeting institutional requirements.

For the best information and to submit an application, please visit the admissions websites for the university you wish to attend.

For the best information and to submit an application, please visit the admissions websites for the university you wish to attend.

   University of Alaska Anchorage
   University of Alaska Fairbanks
   University of Alaska Southeast


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Promissory estoppel as a substitute to the consideration

The doctrine of consideration and promissory estoppel is a term used in contract law that deals with the bargaining condition of the contract.

The Doctrine of Promissory Estoppel

The doctrine of promissory estoppel is an equitable doctrine. It is a principal evolved by equity to avoid injustice to the parties. The true principal of promissory estoppel is where one party has by his worlds on conduct made to the offer a clear and unequivocal promise which is intended to create legal relations or effect a legal relationship to arise in the future knowing or intending that it would be acted upon by the other party to whom the promise is made and it is in fact so acted upon by the other party, the promise would be binding on the party making it and he would not be entitled to go upon it is necessary for the application of the doctrine that one party has his position in reliance of the promise.in other words, promissory estoppel is a unilateral promise from one side and intended to induce some action by the other party. The promisee is note bound to act, for his gives no promisor to his promise. His act is at the same time an acceptance of and a consideration for the same. To attract the application of this doctrine, the following ingredient must be satisfied:

1)         That there was a promise in regard to something to be done in future.

2)         That the promise was intended to affect the legal relationship of the parties and to be acted upon accordingly.

3)         That it is one on which the other side has, in fact acted to its prejudice. 

The case of Hughes v. Metropolitan Railway[1] is known as a part of the origin of the doctrine. In the case the property owner gave his tenant the option of repairing the property in six months or face forfeiture. Under the lease, the owner, could make the tenant. Metropolitan Railway, do repairs on the building, so the tenant had six months to complete the repairs. Before the six months had transpired, the tenant proposed to the owner to buy the property. There were negotiations for the purchase of the property, but it wasn’t settled. After the six months expired, the owner sued the tenant for breach of contract and attempted to evict the tenant. The tenant had completed the agreed upon repairs past the six-month deadline. The owner was successful in suing the tenant, however, the appellate court overruled the decision. It was originally believed that the plaintiffs were trying to take advantage of the defendants by negotiating with them and then stalling, causing the six months to expire and then suing them. But that wasn’t true. They sued them because the six months had expired.

The ruling was that through their dealings, both parties made it inequitable to count the time of the negotiations as a part of the six months. The defendants relied on this promise, and therefore, it would be unfair to make them liable in this case. The implied promise is enough to allow estoppel to apply.

The Doctrine of Consideration

Consideration is defined under section. 2(d) of Indian Contract Act, 1872. The doctrine of consideration is defined as an act, or promise, of the price in which the other party is bought, and the entire agreements is then enforceable. The doctrine of consideration is important in all contracts, as it refers simply to an agreement that is legally enforceable.

However, it is important to note that there have been significant modifications to the pre-existing doctrine of consideration.

 In the case of Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Co Ltd v Selfridge Ltd[2] the court held in a unanimous decision that Dunlop could not claim for damages in the circumstances. The court found that firstly, only a party to a contract can claim upon it. Secondly, Dunlop had not given any consideration to Selfridge and therefore there could be no binding contract between the parties. Lastly, Dunlop was not listed as an agent within the contract and could therefore not be included as a valid third-party who had rights to claim on the contract.

Promissory estoppel as a substitute to the consideration

The doctrine of promissory estoppel is an alternative to the doctrine of consideration. It refers to a contract that cannot be withdrawn because one party acted on the other parties’ promise. In most cases, one party was harmed or served injustice because of the broken promise that they relied on. The promissory estoppel acts as a legal shield against the other’s claim, even though they did not give any consideration.

The doctrine of promissory estoppel is the exception to the contract consideration rule. It implies that a contracted promise is enforceable by law even without any consideration present. It is important, however, to understand that the promissory estoppel can only be used as a legal defense and not to initiate a legal claim.

Promissory estoppel is an important doctrine in contract law in which a non-contractual promise lacking consideration rendered enforceable to avoid an injustice. Promissory estoppel arises when injustice can be avoided only by means of the enforcement of a promise that would otherwise be unenforceable for lack of consideration. It is usually applied in cases in which a party has relied on another party’s promise, and that party’s nonbinding promise will be enforced because to do otherwise would be unfair. Promissory estoppel is commonly used in the context of charitable donations. In some jurisdictions the charity must have reliance on the promise but in others reliance is not necessary.

[1] UKHL 1977 AC 439

[2] UKHL 1915 AC 847

Coercion under English Law and Indian Law- A Comparative Analysis

Under Section 15 of Indian Contract Act, 1872 –

“Coercion” defined – “Coercion” is the committing, or threatening to commit any act forbidden by the Indian Penal Code, or the unlawful detaining, or threatening to detain, any property, to the prejudice of any person whatever, with the intention of causing any person to enter into an agreement. (45 of 1860).

Explanation.- It is immaterial whether the Indian Penal Code is or is not force in the place where the coercion is employed. (45 of 1860).

Coercion as defined under Section 15. It corresponds with most part with ‘Duress’, known to English Law.

Coercion comprises of the following two elements :

  1. Committing or threatening to commit an act which is contrary to law with the intention of causing any person to enter into an agreement ;
  2. Which compels an individual to act in an involuntary manner.

In case a contract is entered into by coercion, the contract shall be voidable under Section 19 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.

Also, in case certain money has been paid or goods been delivered by the party to the contract under coercion, the same is recoverable under Section 72 of the Act.

Coercion: Voidable Contract

To cause any person to enter into an agreement is not necessary. It has been held in Purushottam Daji Mandalik v. Pandurang Chintaman Biwalkar[1] Plaintiff sued the defendant to set aside a sale-deed on he ground of coercion under Section 39 of the Specific Relief Act, 1963. Particulars of the coercion alleged were given in the plaint and further elucidated in the plaintiff’s deposition and supported by definite willingness to the effect that here has been open and violent abduction and severe beating to procure signature of the document. The contract was declared voidable.

Burden of Proof

The invalidating circumstances, which allege coercion must be stated by the party relying on the defence of coercion. Therefore, the aggrieved party which wants to set aside the contract will have to establish that the consent was obtained by coercion.

Duress

What the India Law calls coercion is called in English duress or menace. Duress is said to consist in actual or threatened violence or imprisonment of the contracting party or his wife, parent or child, inflicted or threatened by the other party or by one acting with his knowledge and for his advantage. Duress must be such as to cause immediate violence and also to unnerve a person with ordinary firmness of mind.

Test for Duress

The person who applies pressure to extract a promise from another is not allowed to excuse his wrongful behavior by using other reasons which the victim may have had for making the promise. In the case of Barton v. Armstrong[2], where the Court observed that it is enough that the pressure “was a reason (not the reason, nor the predominant reason nor the clinching reason) why the complainant acted the way he did.” In this case: A exerted pressure on B by threatening to kill B if he did not enter the agreement. There were other commercial reasons which might have induced B to enter into the agreement even in the absence of the threats from A. It was held that it was enough that A’s threat was a reason that contributed to the decision to enter into the agreement. It was not necessary to show that it was the prime reason.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COERCION AND DURESS

Coercion in India means committing or threatening to commit an act forbidden by the Indian Penal Code, duress under common law, consists in actual violence or threat of violence to a person. It includes doing of an illegal act against a person, whether it be a crime or a tort. Unlike coercion, duress is not confined to unlawful acts forbidden by any specific penal law like the Indian Penal Code in India.

Detaining a property or threatening to detain any property is also covered within the definition of coercion whereas duress is constituted by acts or threats against the person and not against his property.

India, coercion may proceed from a person who is not a party to the contract, and it may also be directed against a person who, against, may be a stranger to contract i.e. a third party.

Duress does not cover acts done by a party to the contract, or a person stranger to contract. In England, duress should proceed from a party to the contract and is also directed against the party to the contract himself, or his wife, parent, child, or other near relative.

[1] AIR 1968 SCR 705

[2] UKPC 1976 AC 104

Are we ready to debate On Caste-Based Reservation ?

On March 29, 2016, Haryana Assembly unanimously passed a Bill to provide reservation to Jats and five other communities in government jobs and educational institutions. The decision comes just ahead of the April 3 deadline set by the community which had launched a violent agitation in February. The issue of Jat reservation, however, is far from settled as a day after the Haryana Assembly passed the Bill, a petition has been filed before the Punjab and Haryana high court challenging its constitutionality. In the past, courts have struck down Jat demand for inclusion in the other backward classes (OBC) in Haryana.

Competitive demand for OBC status

A series of violent agitations in recent months in different parts of India by various communities to secure quotas in government jobs and educational institutions has rekindled the debate on social justice and ways to push inclusive growth among backward classes. The Jats, an economically and politically influential agrarian caste predominantly spread in Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, are not alone to demand inclusion in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. They are competing with Patels in Gujarat and Kapus in Uttar Pradesh to grab their share in backward caste pie. Like Jats, both Patels and Kapus wield significant political influence and are relatively well-off in their states. In fact, Patels are the most dominant trading community in Gujarat. But, the growing competition for inclusion as backward caste among India’s financially better-off communities highlights that the caste-based reservation policy may have outlived its utility to secure social justice.

Constitution envisaged quotas as a temporary measure

Our founding fathers envisaged reservations for SC and ST as a temporary solution to provide social justice to marginalized sections of populations. The policy was originally intended to last just a decade, but the successive governments not only kept extending it, but also expanded the definition of backward classes and their criterion for political reasons. Theoretically, at least half of the Indian population is in reservation pool, which has contributed to the ongoing fierce race to be recognized as more socially backward. From a few hundred the number of castes entitled to the benefits of reservation has gone up to more than thousand since independence. No caste group has ever been delisted from the backward category. Our policymakers have not been able to create and implement a quantifiable method to assess the advancement of several communities.

Quotas are for social empowerment, not just economic advancement

Nevertheless, the strongest case or reason for continuation of caste-based reservation comes from equality of opportunity for marginalized and underprivileged sections of the Indian society. The system creates a level-playing field for disadvantageous groups which faced most cruel forms of discrimination at the hands of upper castes. More than economic advancement, the idea behind caste-based reservation is social empowerment and advancement. But, those opposed to reservation argue that allocation of quotas in itself is a form of discrimination for the present generation in reverse form. Two wrongs do not make a right.

Reservation pie is getting smaller

They also point to the fact that as communities compete for share in the reservation pie, the pie itself is becoming increasingly smaller. The Supreme Court has set a 50% cap on quotas, exceeding this is illegal. A lack of defined benchmarking of backwardness puts poor classes at disadvantageous position against upwardly mobile classes within a caste. In other words, the system is perpetuating a new form of inequality within castes. The policymakers recognize this and are busy creating sub-categories such as the Most Backward Classes (MBCs) to accommodate their demand.

The supporters of reservation also point to the seeming success of the policy in broadening hiring base in the government sector and access to educational institutions. Now, more people from disadvantaged castes and groups are entering the elite government administrative posts and educational institutions, which is a social revolution in a country where a person’s birth status determined his tradecraft and economic status within the society. But, those opposed to reservation argue that instead of eradication of caste system, the policy has perpetuated the notion of caste as a separate identity which continues to undermine the efforts of more than six decades of nation-building. On top of it, the system has proved detrimental to meritocracy while becoming a tool to meet narrow political ends.

Case for reservation for economically weaker sections

A growing tribe of sociologists, therefore, question the monopoly of caste as a benchmark identifier to target communities for achieving social and economic advancement. They support a comprehensive targeted action plan which takes into account multiple and diverse factors that create exclusion and poverty such as caste, economic conditions, gender, education, religion. In fact, the relative success of MNREGA in job creation and boosting rural income has opened the scope for adopting a new approach in achieving more inclusive economic growth for communities across India’s social spectrum.

The results of economic welfare programs such as MNREGA would be more quantifiable compared to caste-based reservation, which, in turn, will help the government to take corrective steps. These schemes will make economic deprivation as the main factor to target communities for affirmative action and let government focus on more radical reforms aimed at job creation, GDP growth and skill enhancement. With an expanding private sector and more people looking for growth opportunities outside the government sector, a refreshed approach to affirmative action policy would help end discrimination, both social and economic.

Proud to be an Indian – Mera Bharat Mahan

Since its independence from the British on August 15, 1947, India has come a long way in terms of economic, cultural and political developments. Although we still have a long journey ahead, it is remarkable how a country with over 1.3 billion people, the second most populous country and the largest democracy in the world, has become one of the fastest growing economies. The land on we stand today has given birth to world renowned leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose to name a few.     

Every country has its moments of pride and periods of downfall. Indian leaders have been known for their willpower, commitment and foresight. Mahatma Gandhi, our founding father, fought for the independence of our nation, and on August 15, 2018, we ought to pay our respects to him for bestowing upon us a land that is rich in culture. It is impossible not to be dazzled by India; nowhere on Earth can one find a potpourri and creative burst of cultures, religions, races and languages. In fact, India has 22 official languages and 447 living languages. India has given a lot to the world – the number zero, the decimal system, algebra, trigonometry, calculus, Sanskrit (the mother of all languages), Ayurveda, chess, and many more. Albert Einstein once said, “We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no scientific discovery could have been made.” Even foreigners applaud the greatness of our nation. So, it is time to put our differences and national problems aside and focus on growth and development. 

After making significant contributions to the world, we became complacent. After gaining independence, we took a back seat instead of continuing our pursuit for success. It is time to face our challenges head on and tackle problems like poverty, climate changes, corruption, scams and other discriminations. From November 2017, the World Bank started reporting poverty rates for all countries using two new international poverty lines: a “lower middle-income” line set at $3.20 per day and an “upper middle-income” line set at $5.50 per day. These are in addition to the earlier poverty line of $1.90 per day. India falls in the lower middle-income category. Using the $3.20 per day poverty line, the percentage of the population living in poverty in India (2011) was 60%. This means that 763 million people in India were living below this poverty line in 2011.The government has come up with various programmes and initiatives such as the Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Programme, National Rural Employment Programmes, and Jawahar Rojgar Yojna to reduce illiteracy and high population growth rate, and increase work opportunities.    

Although the government comes up with initiatives, many programmes have not reached the peak of success because of rampant corruption that is present in the government sector. For programmes to be successful, funds need to be channeled in the right direction and the progress of such initiatives should be monitored. Currently, there is no organisation or group of individuals that is overseeing these programmes to ensure that the benefits are reaching the masses. Countries around the world have progressed greatly because they have left their narrow mindsets behind. For India to progress, we should eradicate gender discrimination. Gone are the days when women would sit at home and take care of household matters. Today, women and men are on equal footing. Just like the developed countries in the world, we should eradicate laws that discriminate women. In 1901, the ratio was 972 women for every 1,000 men in India. In 2011, the ratio dropped to 933 women for every 1,000 men.   

There are a number of programmes and initiatives undertaken by non-governmental organisations and government bodies to enhance the education level of females in the country. We also need government bodies to keep a lookout for any forms of discrimination. Rape and violence on women should be dealt with seriously too. Despite all the shortcomings of our nation, there are a number of feats that our society has achieved, for which we should be proud of. The leading achievement of India is its strong and abiding democracy. Many countries, after gaining independence, slipped into authoritarian rule. India is one of the few countries to uphold democracy and democratic values in every aspect of life. In India, anyone can become a prime minister or a president, regardless of his/her religion. In fact, despite being a Hindu majority country, India has given opportunities to people of other faiths, and Sikhs, Muslims and Christians have served in some of the highest positions in the government over the years. India has also coped with many adversities such as the wars against Pakistan and China, starvation, and natural disasters. Over the past 20 years, India has shifted its status from a food importer to a food exporter.  

India, a country that was once plagued with droughts, now produces fresh water for its people. Instead of sending bright students abroad for further studies, India retains the bright talent and promotes high quality education in some of the best universities in the country, including the IIMs and IITs. In fact, India has one of the largest bases of professionals in the world in the areas of Science, IT and Medicine. These are some of the things that we should be proud of as an Indian. Every country has its shortcomings; so does India. Just because there are some negative aspects to the Indian society does not mean that we ignore and forget the positive aspects of life here. There is a saying that “Grass is always greener on the other side.” From afar, developed countries such as the US, the UK, Germany and Japan may seem the ideal countries to live in, devoid of any problem that India faces. But can these countries provide a rich culture, a caring community and a vibrant society that India has been showering upon its citizens for centuries ? The answer is ‘no’.   

So, instead of harping on the shortcomings, let us celebrate India’s achievements this Independence Day. Let us come together, forget our differences and stand together as Indians and salute our nation for all the blessings it has bestowed upon us – Mera Bharat Mahan.

Independence Day 2020: Govt Schemes generating employment for youth

Narendra Modi government has laid emphasis in the skilling of youth and employment generation. The Scheme like Start-up India, Skill India, Digital India, Make in India and Khelo India were brought in the past five years by the government with a view to empower the youth, as empowered youth leads to empowered nation. Talking exclusively to AIR News, Skill Development Minister Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey said, under the skill India mission government is provident employment as well as opportunity of self employment to the youth of the country.
 
AIR Correspondent reports that even during the freedom struggle, the nation’s Youth had played a big role, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. Nation is celebrating the 78th anniversary of the Quit India Movement, which was an important milestone in the Indian freedom struggle.

Serum Institute enters into partnership to accelerate manufacture, delivery of Covid19 vaccines for India

Serum Institute of India has entered into a new landmark partnership with Gavi and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to accelerate the production of up to 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for India and other low and middle income countries. In a statement, World largest vaccine manufacturer Serum Institute of India said, it is important to make sure that the most remote and poorest countries of the world have access to affordable cure and preventive measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
It said, through this association, the company will ramp up the efforts to save the lives of millions of people from this dreadful disease. AIR correspondent reports that in the new arrangement, Serum Institute of India will get the funding from the Gates foundation through international vaccine alliance GAVI. The funding will provide support to vaccine maker for potential vaccines candidate from AstraZeneca and Novavax.
 
Company has set an affordable ceiling price of 3 dollar per dose. Earlier, Serum Institute of India had bagged a contract with British drugmaker AstraZeneca to supply one billion doses of Oxford University’s potential COVID-19 vaccine. Recently, American Company Novavax has entered a supply and license agreement with the Serum Institute of India for the development and commercialisation of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

Health Secretary holds high level virtual meeting with state administration on COVID-19 mortality

A high level virtual meeting was chaired by Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan to engage with the district and State administration reporting higher COVID 19 mortality. The meeting was held to analyse factors driving high COVID-19 mortality in these districts and devise ways and means to reduce the mortality. These include 16 districts in Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telengana.
 
Apart from the higher case mortality, these districts account for 17 per cent of India’s active cases, high daily new cases, low tests per million, and high confirmation percentage. The districts were advised to ensure that the advisories, guidelines and clinical treatment protocols issued by the Health Ministry are adopted and effectively implemented to reduce the mortality among COVID-19 patients.

Today is 78th anniversary of Quit India movement

Today is the 78th anniversary of Quit India movement. On this day in 1942, father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi gave the clarion call of Do or Die to all Indians to drive away Britishers from the country.

The movement had begun from Gawalia Tank in Mumbai. The day is observed as August Kranti Day every year.