China Launches 16 New Satellites

China on Wednesday launched 16 new satellites into space from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in the country’s Shanxi province, according to local media.

These satellites include — Jilin 1 Gaofen 03D09 satellite and Yunyao 1 04-08 and were launched by a Long March 6 carrier rocket at 12:50 pm (local time) and entered the planned orbit successfully, China Daily reported.
According to media reports, the new batch of satellites is mainly used in the fields such as commercial remote sensing and atmospheric imaging.

Earlier on July 16, China launched a Long March-2C carrier rocket to place two satellites in space, Global Times reported. The pair of satellites include — Siwei 03 and 04, were lifted from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in the northern province of Shanxi.

China also launched Wentian, the first lab module of its space station.

As per local media, the new module will function both as a backup of the core module and as a powerful scientific experiment platform.

China’s Shenzhou-13 mission last year was a major step for the country’s young space programme, which is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most advanced.

According to CNN, China’s space programme was established in the early 1970s, years after American astronaut Neil Armstrong had already landed on the moon.

Aided by the economic reforms of the 1980s, China’s space programme progressed until the launch of the first crewed mission in 2003. The Chinese have since invested billions of dollars into the space programme — and the payoff has been evident.

China successfully landed an exploratory rover on the moon in December 2020 and one on Mars in May 2021. (ANI)

UP Govt Planning Free Bus Travel For Women Above 60

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Wednesday that the state government is considering providing free bus travel for women above 60 state transport buses.

He was speaking at an event organised to flag off 150 new diesel buses of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC).
CM Yogi said, “Today, we are providing free bus service for women for 48 hours on the occasion of Rakshabandhan. In the coming future we will provide this service for all women above 60 years of age in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation in a phased manner.”

CM Yogi said that women can travel for free in government buses between August 10 to August 12.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath also inaugurated an automated driving testing track and bus stand. At this event, he flagged off a fleet of 150 new buses, keeping in view the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

“Two buses would be allotted for every district. For 48 hours, all women in the state can avail free bus services from 10th Aug midnight-12 Aug midnight,” said UP CM Yogi.

The announcement is CM Yogi’s gift to females of the state on the occasion of Rakshabandhan.

“On the occasion of Rakshabandhan, the Uttar Pradesh State Transport Corporation should provide free travel facility in buses for the safe travel of all the women of the state,” tweeted the office of CM Yogi.

The unique move became even rarer with the state chief adding that the females can travel free for 48 hours, starting from August 10 midnight till August 12 midnight.

The move comes with an aim to mark the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava’, and the free bus travel facility will be available to women across the state for a period of 48 hours. (ANI)

PM Takes Jibe At Cong, Says Black Magic Will Not Restore People’s Trust

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took a jibe at the Congress over its protest over “price rise” on August 5 in black clothes and said some people “are resorting to black magic as they are immersed in despair and negativity”.

“We saw on August 5 that there was an attempt to propagate black magic. These people think that by wearing black clothes, their period of despair will end. But they do not know that however much black magic they do, resort to superstition, people’s trust on them will never be restored,” the Prime Minister said in his speech through video conferencing at the inauguration of the second generation (2G) Ethanol Plant in Panipat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation of a grand Ram temple at Ayodhya on August 5, 2020.

The Prime Minister said that during the Amrit Mahotsav when the entire country is painted in the colour of the Tricolour, he would like to draw the attention of the country to something that has happened.

He said an attempt has been made to defame this holy occasion, “to humiliate our brave freedom fighters” and it is important to understand the mentality of such people.

The Prime Minister said there are some people in the country who are trapped “in the vortex of negativity, immersed in despair” and even “after lying against the government, the public is not ready to trust such people.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had hit out at the Congress over its protests on August 5 on price rise, saying the party chose the day for protest and its leaders wore black clothes because they “want to give a subtle message to further promote their appeasement politics” on day PM Modi laid the “foundation of Ram Janambhoomi”.

“I can’t understand why they protested today. Every day when they protest, they used to wear their usual normal dress but today they wore black clothes. Congress chose this day for protest and wore black clothes because they want to give a subtle message to further promote their appeasement politics because on this day itself PM Modi laid the foundation of Ram Janambhoomi,” Amit Shah had told ANI.

He said that the foundation stone of the grand Ram temple at Ayodhya was laid by Prime Minister Modi after a peaceful solution was found to the issue that had been pending for 550 years.

“There was no riot in the country, no violence, the Prime Minister fulfilled the aspiration and faith of crores of people. Congress held a protest today and especially in black clothes at it wanted to give a subtle message that they oppose the foundation stone of Ram Janambhoomi and want to carry forward their policy of appeasement. This policy of appeasement is neither good for the country nor for Congress. It is due to policy of appeasement that Congress is in the state in which it is today,” Shah said.

Congress MPs led by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi held a protest in the Parliament House complex on August 5 wearing black clothes as part of the party’s stir against the government on price rise and unemployment.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had also slammed the Congress over its August 5 protest and alleged that the party chose ‘Ayodhya Diwas’ to sport black outfits to “insult” the Ram Bhakts.

In his speech during the inauguration of the 2G Ethanol Plant, the Prime Minister also spoke against the culture of freebies.

He said if there is selfishness in politics, then anyone can come and announce to give free petrol and diesel and noted that such steps will take away the rights of children, and prevent the country from becoming self-reliant.

Due to such selfish policies, the burden on honest taxpayers of the country will also increase, he said and noted that challenges faced by the country require clear intentions, commitment, extreme hard work, policy and huge investments.

“Anyone can come and announce to give free petrol and diesel if their politics is self-centred. Such steps will take away rights from our children and prevent the country from becoming self-reliant. It will increase the burden on the taxpayers of the country,” he said.

PM Modi said that people who have a tendency to avoid problems by adopting shortcuts for political selfishness can never solve the problems permanently.

“Those adopting short-cuts may get applause for some time, and may gain political advantage, but that does not solve the problem. Adopting a shortcut will definitely result in a short-circuit. Instead of following shortcuts, our government is engaged in permanent solutions to the problems. A lot has been said about the problems of stubble over the years. But those with a short-cut mentality could not solve it,” he said.

The Prime Minister listed steps that aim to solve the problem of stubble (parali) in a comprehensive manner. Farmers Producer Organisations (FPO) were given financial support for ‘parali’ and up to 80 per cent subsidy on modern machinery for crop residue.

He said this modern plant will help in providing a permanent solution to this problem.

“Farmers who were given a bad name due to compulsions of parali burning will now feel the pride of contributing to production of bio-fuel and nation building”. The Prime Minister also mentioned Gobardhan Yojana as an alternative means of income for farmers.

The Prime Minister said that those making populist declarations for their self-interest will not invest in new technology. “They will make false promises to farmers but will not set up plants such as for ethanol,” he said.

The 2G Ethanol Plant has been built at an estimated cost of over Rs 900 crore by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) and is located close to the Panipat Refinery.

Based on state-of-the-art indigenous technology, the project will turn a new chapter in India’s waste-to-wealth endeavours by utilising about 2 lakh tonne of rice straw (parali) annually to generate around three crore litres of ethanol annually. (ANI)

Data On ULIP

Modi Inaugurates 2G Ethanol Plant In Panipat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the second generation (2G) Ethanol Plant in Panipat and said it will help reduce pollution in Delhi, National Capital Region (NCR) and Haryana.

Addressing the event via video conferencing on World Biofuel Day, the Prime Minister said stubble (agriculture waste) was a burden for the farmers and would now become a means of additional income for them with the help of 2G ethanol plant.
“The bio-fuel plant of Panipat will be able to dispose of the stubble without burning. Mother Earth will be relieved of the pain she endured due to stubble burning. The stubble was a burden for the farmers, a cause of trouble, it would become a means of additional income for them,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the country had reached 1.4 per cent ethanol blending till 2014 and it increased to 10. 16 per cent in the last eight years.

He said the event is important for farmers of Panipat, Haryana and the entire country. “The plant that has been set up in Panipat is a beginning. It will help reduce pollution in Delhi, NCR and Haryana,” he said.

PM Modi lauded sportspersons from Haryana for their performance in the Commonwealth Games. “The sons and daughters of Haryana have made the country proud by performing very well in the Commonwealth Games. Haryana has given many medals to the country,” he said.

“The energy that has been displayed by the players of Haryana in the sports arena, now the farms of Haryana will also create energy,” he added.

The dedication of the plant is part of a long series of steps taken by the government over the years to boost the production and usage of biofuels in the country.

It is in line with the Prime Minister’s constant endeavour to transform the energy sector into being more affordable, accessible, efficient and sustainable.

The 2G Ethanol Plant has been built at an estimated cost of over Rs 900 crore by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) and is located close to the Panipat Refinery.

Based on state-of-the-art indigenous technology, the project will turn a new chapter in India’s waste-to-wealth endeavours by utilising about 2 lakh tonnes of rice straw (parali) annually to generate around 3 crore litres of Ethanol annually.

Creating an end-use for the agri-crop residue would empower farmers and provide an additional income generation opportunity for them. The Project will provide direct employment to people involved in the plant operation and indirect employment will be generated in the supply chain for rice straw cutting, handling and storage.

The project will have zero liquid discharge. Through the reduction in the burning of rice straw (parali), the project will contribute to a reduction of Greenhouse Gases equivalent to about 3 lakh tonnes of Carbon Dioxide equivalent emissions per annum, which can be understood as equivalent to replacing nearly 63,000 cars annually on the country’s roads. (ANI)

Indian Para TT Team Gets Warm Welcome After Successful CWG 2022 Campaign

Members of India’s para table tennis team consisting of Bhavina Patel, Sonalben Patel and Raj Aravindan Algar returned to a warm welcome at Delhi airport after a successful campaign at Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham.

Indian para table tennis team won two medals – a gold and a bronze.

“I feel proud because going to Commonwealth Games and contributing something for the country is an achievement in itself. I felt that I should win a gold this time,” Bhavina told ANI.

She dedicated her medal to her husband, family, parents, coach and dietician. “I would also like to thank the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) for their support,” she added.

Bhavina Patel won the gold medal after defeating Ifechukwude Christiana Ikpeoyi of Nigeria in the women’s singles – Classes 3-5 finals. Patel dominated and defeated Ikpeoyi in straight sets 12-10, 11-2, 11-9.

Bronze medalist Sonalben Patel also expressed her happiness on winning a medal.

“I am happy that I could win a medal for India. I feel proud of my achievement. After semis, I felt sad. But when I got to play my bronze medal match, I did not want that opportunity to go. I defeated my English opponent in England and I am so happy. Sports Authority of India has supported me well. I would like to dedicate the medal to god, family and coach,” she said.

Patel defeated England’s Sue Bailey in women’s singles – Classes 3-5 by defeating Sue Bailey in straight sets 11-5, 11-2, 11-3.

From July 28 to August 8, nearly 200 Indian athletes competed for medals across 16 different sports at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham.

India wrapped up its Commonwealth Games 2022 campaign at fourth position with 61 medals (22 gold, 16 silver and 23 bronze). Wrestling topped the medal chart with 12 medals including six gold while weightlifting accounted for 10 medals.

India has delivered its fifth-best performance of all time in their Commonwealth Games history, with their best being a total of 101 medals when the games were held at home in 2010.

The Commonwealth Games 2022 came to an end with a stunning closing ceremony at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham on Monday.

The Commonwealth Games flag was presented to the Governor of Victoria. The state of Victoria, Australia will be the next host of the Commonwealth Games in 2026. (ANI)

SC Anil Deshmukh's Bail

SC Transfers All FIRs Against Nupur Sharma To Delhi Police

The Supreme Court on Wednesday clubbed and transferred all the FIRs registered across the country against former BJP Spokesperson Nupur Sharma for remarks over Prophet Mohammad, to Delhi Police for investigation.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala also said that protection granted to Sharma from arrest shall continue till the probe is over.
The bench said Sharma may approach the Delhi High Court for quashing the FIRs registered against her and which may be registered in future on the issue.

“Since this Court has already taken cognisance of serious threat to life and security of the petitioner, we direct that all the FIRs be transferred and clubbed for the purpose of the investigation to Delhi Police. The Delhi Police shall ensure that the first FIR (of Maharashtra) along with FIR dated June 8 are investigated together by clubbing the other FIRs in different parts,” the bench stated in its order.

Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, appearing for the State of West Bengal, opposed Sharma’s plea and said that the first FIR against her was not registered in Delhi but in Maharashtra.

“The accused cannot be allowed to pick the jurisdiction. The maximum impact of her statements is caused in West Bengal. First FIR was in Maharashtra and the state where the maximum impact has been felt is West Bengal. Delhi is not on the list,” said Guruswamy.

She also suggested for joint SIT in which officers from other states, where FIRs were registered, can be a part of it and pleaded that the court should monitor the SIT.

“Consider the nature of the issue which has caused an impact on our democracy. Some states are supporting the petitioner. Her statements have tainted the rule of law and vitiated the atmosphere. The Court as a moral authority can look into this,” she contended.

The bench, however, declined her request for a joint court-ministered SIT.

The top court said that the FIR in Delhi has been registered by the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of the Delhi Police, which is a specialised agency and said that the probe will be carried out by IFSO.

“Whether or not a SIT is to be constituted for the investigation, IFSO of Delhi Police appears to be a specialised agency and it will be appreciated if the investigation is done by it. The IFSO will be at liberty to collect information from other states for it to reach a logical conclusion. Directions issued hereinabove shall also extend to any other FIR or complaint which may be registered against the petitioner in future on the same subject matter, and the investigation of future FIRs shall also stand transferred to IFSO unit of Delhi police,” stated the bench in the order.

Senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for Sharma, argued that life threats were received by Sharma following the telecast of the programme.

On July 19, the top court directed that no coercive action shall be taken against Sharma till the next date of hearing.

Sharma had approached the apex court seeking a stay on her arrest in the FIRs registered against her across the country. Sharma sought a revival of her withdrawn petition which was filed to club the multiple FIRs registered in different states over her remarks.

Sharma had sought direction to club all the FIRs registered against her accross the country and quashing of them.

She said that after the top court’s strong criticism of her, the fringe elements have renewed their threat to her life and also given rape threats.

Sharma had requested the apex court that since the first FIR against her was registered in Delhi, all FIRs at other places be clubbed with Delhi FIR.

On July 1, the Supreme Court came down heavily on Sharma and said that she and “her loose tongue” has set the entire country on fire and she single-handedly responsible for what is happening in the country.

The bench had slammed Sharma for her statement made during a TV news channel debate and while referring to the Udaipur incident, where two men murdered a tailor, said her outburst is responsible for the unfortunate incident.

Rejecting Sharma’s request to transfer all the FIRs registered against her in many states for her alleged remarks on Prophet Mohammad, to Delhi for investigation, the bench had observed that “she has threat or she has become security threat?”

“The way she has ignited emotions across the country. This lady is single handedly responsible for what is happening in the country,” the bench had said.

The apex court then said that Sharma should have gone to the TV and apologised to the nation.

It had also slammed Sharma for her arrogance and said because she is spokesperson of a party, power has gone to her head.

It had also asked about what the Delhi police has done after a complaint was registered against Nupur Sharma. The bench had said on her complaint a person is arrested, but despite multiple FIRs she has not yet been touched by Delhi police.

The apex court was hearing a plea filed by Sharma seeking transfer of all the FIRs registered against her across the country to Delhi for her remarks on TV news channel debate about Prophet Mohammad which had led to violent protests and riots in many States.

After the observation made on Sharma, both the judges were targeted on social media by users.

Later, while attending an event Justice JB Pardiwala even expressed concerns at the personal attacks on judges and said that personal attacks on judges for their judgements lead to a “dangerous scenario” where the judges have to think about what media thinks instead of what the law really thinks.

Justice Pardiwala had said that social and digital media is primarily resorted to expressing personalised opinions more against the judges, rather than a constructive critical appraisal of their judgments. (ANI)

CAT-III Delhi Airport

Centre To Remove Cap On Airfares From August 31

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has decided to withdraw the fare cap on air tickets imposed during the initial days of COVID-1 in 2020.

The cap on fares will be removed from August 31, 2022.
“After review of the current status of Scheduled Domestic Operations viz-a-viz passenger demand for air travel, it has been decided to remove the fare bands notified from time to time regarding the airfares with effect from 31.08.2022,” the ministry tweeted on Wednesday while attaching an order copy.

The cap on airfares was imposed by the ministry on May 21, 2020.

Delhi-Mumbai flight ticket was then priced between Rs 3,500 and Rs 10,000.

The flight duration was divided into seven categories – 0-30 minutes, 30-60 minutes, 60-90 minutes, 90-120 minutes, 120-150 minutes, 150-180 minutes, and 180-210 minutes

“The decision to remove airfare caps has been taken after careful analysis of daily demand and prices of air turbine fuel,” Union Minister for Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia tweeted.

“Stabilisation has set in and we are certain that the sector is poised for growth in domestic traffic in the near future.”

The order by the Civil Aviation Ministry said the airlines/operators shall, however, ensure that the guidelines to contain the spread of COVID-19 are strictly adhered to and appropriate behaviour is strictly enforced.

Domestic aviation operations have been seeing a rise with all COVID protocols in place.

On Tuesday, 632,187 passengers flew in domestic flights, the ministry said. (ANI)

Rubina To Participate In Jhalak Dikhhla Ja 10

‘Bigg Boss 14’ winner and actor Rubina Dilaik is all set to participate in an upcoming season of dance reality TV show ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Ja’.

Excited to flaunt her dancing skills on the show, Rubina said,” “After doing Bigg Boss and Khatron Ke Khiladi I was prepared to tick another box on my list, dancing! And there cannot be a better platform than Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Being an actor, I’ve performed on screen before but dancing in front of the impeccable panel of judges and especially the queen of dance, Madhuri Dixit ma’am will be a new challenge for me, and I love challenging myself.”
She added, “I eagerly look forward to learning new dance styles and improving my dancing skills. I hope, I continue to entertain my fans and well-wishers and live up to their expectations.”

Nia Sharma, Dheeraj Dhoopar, Niti Taylor and Paras Kalnawat will be seen participating on the show.

On the judging panel, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Karan Johar and Nora Fatehi have come on board.

Excited to be a part of the show, Madhuri said, “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa is a huge platform for all the celebrities to connect with their fans and showcase their unseen dance avatars. I have witnessed many non-dancers evolve into great dancers on the show and have an incredible transformation journey. Having judged four seasons in the past, this show holds a very special place in my heart, and it feels like a homecoming to me. With Karan Johar and Nora Fatehi joining in, it is going to be a house on fire, and I am eagerly looking forward to it.”

“Nothing gives me more joy than to be a part of a show that is a one-stop destination for impeccable dance, glamour, and entertainment. ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’ has been one of the most beloved dance reality shows of our country. It is my first reality show as a judge and has been a huge part of my television journey. I am excited to return on this show and join Madhuri and Nora on the judges’ panel. Brace yourselves, as this upcoming season promises to flood your screens with fabulous performances and endless entertainment,” Karan said.

Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 10 will premiere in September. (ANI)

Raju Undergoes Angioplasty After Suffering Cardiac Arrest

Comedian Raju Srivastava, who suffered a heart attack on Wednesday, underwent angioplasty at Delhi’s All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

A source informed ANI that Raju is “responding to the treatment.”
Reportedly, he was running on the treadmill when he complained of chest pain. He will be kept under observation for a few days before being discharged.

Raju is best known for featuring in several films, including ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’, ‘Baazigar’, ‘Bombay to Goa’, and ‘Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya’. He also appeared in the third season of the reality show ‘Bigg Boss’. After performing as a stand-up comedian on the show ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’, he came into the limelight for his great comic timing.

More health details are still awaited. (ANI)

Tejashwi: Unemployment, Poverty Govt’s Priority

After the Bihar Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister were sworn-in amid the political turbulence, new Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday, assured that the new government will address unemployment and poverty on priority.

Speaking to mediapersons Yadav stressed that the Chief Minister felt the pain of the poor.
“Bihar did what the country needs to do. We have shown them a way. Our fight has been against unemployment. Our CM felt the pain of the poor and the youth. We will give bumper jobs within one month to poor and youth, it’ll be something so grand that it has never happened before,” Tejashwi Yadav told ANI.

He also highlighted his confidence in the Mahagathbandhan and said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would be cornered as the opposition in Vidhan Sabha.

“Mahagathbandhan is so strong that BJP would be only one left for opposition in Vidhan Sabha… The difficult decision taken by CM Nitish Kumar is a decision which was needed. Communal tensions were being spread by BJP, they were trying to kill regional parties,” he added.

Earlier, Nitish Kumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the eighth time at the Patna Raj Bhavan.

This came a day after major political turmoil in the state, after which Nitish broke the alliance of Janata Dal-United (JD-U) with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and announced to form a new “Grand Alliance” which includes Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other Opposition parties.

The oath ceremony was attended by Tejashwi and his wife Rajshri, former CM Rabri Devi and RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav at the swearing-in ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Patna.

Tejashwi Yadav also took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of the state.

Nitish said there are seven parties including 164 MLAs along with an independent MLA in the Mahagathbandhan, at a joint presser with RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav after meeting Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan on Tuesday. (ANI)