Month: December 2020

India continues to witness a steady decline in daily new coronavirus infections as only 19,556 new COVID-19 cases were reported in last 24 hours, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With the addition of new cases, the country’s coronavirus count reached 1,00,75,116 on Tuesday. At present, the active coronavirus cases in the country dropped to 2,92,518 after 30,376 new recoveries were recorded. The overall recoveries have now mounted to 96,36,487.

As per Health Ministry 301 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total death toll to 1,46,111.

Kerala has 60,670 active coronavirus cases, the highest in the country, Maharashtra follows with 60,593.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 16,31,70,557 samples tested for COVID-19 up to December 21, of these, 10,72,228 samples were tested on Monday.

On Monday, the Union Health Ministry informed that India’s present active caseload consists of just 3.02 per cent of the country’s total positive cases and the recovery rate improved to 95.53 per cent. (ANI)

The first-ever English documentary on Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, will be seen all over America during the Christmas holidays.

From December 23 to 25, World Channel through public TV stations will show this film during prime time in all time zones in the country targeting 80 percent of the United States. There will be 97 primetime airings in 68 cities and 151 airings total in 86 cities, the National Sikh Campaign said in a statement.

Film directors Jerry Krell and Adam Krell of Auteur Productions spent 10 months to produce the film on Guru Nanak coinciding the 550th birth-anniversary of the Guru last year.

The film was shot in India, Pakistan and various parts of United States. Besides narrating the Guru’s history and key points of his teachings, the documentary features such prominent Sikh luminaries ranging from Grammy nominee Snatam Kaur, to the first Sikh mayor in the US, Mayor Ravi Bhalla of Hoboken New Jersey, to show how his positive legacy continues.

Gerald Krell said, “I feel privileged to work on this film and it was a great learning experience for me and my team. We feel that the world need to know about Guru Nanak who was ahead of his times. The documentary will serve as a worldwide educational outreach catalyst for community, dialogue and interfaith understanding.”

National Sikh Campaign has supported the making of this documentary. Recent polls by NSC have shown that there is total ignorance about Guru Nanak in the Western world. Shawn Ghuman, the co-founder of NSC, said, “This film which interweaves the story of Guru Nanak’s life, and how his spiritual legacy is carried out by outstanding Sikh Americans in science, medicine, arts, and public service, will no doubt create much-needed awareness about him.”

The film has received major awards at various film festivals which include the ‘Best Director’ ‘Best International Documentary’ and ‘Best Cinematography ‘ award.

Gurwin Singh Ahuja, Co-Founder and Executive Director of NSC expressed excitement at this national broadcast and said, “Although Guru Nanak founded the fifth-largest religion in the world, Americans and the western world know little about him. We are very confident that his message and this film will be received very positively all over America.”

Amritpal Singh, Chair of NSC, “This is perhaps the greatest exposure about Guru Nanak and we are very pleased that this will help in dispelling some of the misunderstandings about Sikhs and Sikhism.”

Dr. Rajwant Singh, Founder of EcoSikh, said, “Guru Nanak’s ideas of equality for all, gender empowerment, service to others and devotion to the environment are more needed than ever. The world is divided in so many ways. This is why this film can play a major role in spreading his positive message.”

This film will reach 71 million households and will potentially reach 170 million people.

They also interviewed authors like Dr. Nikky Guninder Kaur, Mark Juergensmeyer, Ambassador Ahmed Akbar, Ambassador Navtej Sarna, Robert Thurman, Bishop John Chane and Kamla Kapur. (ANI)

Karima Baloch, an activist, who had been vocal about Pakistan Army and government atrocities in Balochistan, has been found dead in Toronto Canada, according to Balochistan Post.

Karima was a Canadian refugee and named as one of the world’s 100 most “inspirational and influential” women in 2016 by the BBC.

She had gone missing on Sunday and was last seen at approximately 3 pm on the same day. Toronto Police had requested for public assistance in locating her. However, now her family has confirmed that Karima’s body has been found.

Activists say the script is similar to “death” of Sajid Hussain in April this year who was found dead in Sweden. Then too the role of Pakistan intelligence agencies and their “kill and dump” strategy was suspected behind the incident.

Karima Baloch, a famous personality in Balochistan, is believed to be the pioneer of women activism there. She has also raised the issue of Balochistan in the United Nations sessions in Switzerland.

In an interview in May 2019, she had accused Pakistan of taking away the resources and eliminating the people of Balochistan, the province with immense geo-strategic importance and huge untapped natural resource reserves.

Balochistan Post said that the sudden death of the activist has raised serious concern.

This is not the first case that Pakistani dissident has been found dead. In May, Baloch journalist Sajid Hussain was found dead in Sweden. He had been missing from the city of Uppsala since March 2.

The dissidents and critics of the Pakistan authorities, who are living in exile are under constant fear as the criticism of the military in Pakistan has always been frowned upon. People who criticise the military and its policies are harassed by agencies.

Balochistan is a restive province where the Pakistani military is accused of indulging in gross human rights violations including abducting and killing of innocents.

Resource-rich Balochistan has been gripped by an insurgency for more than 15 years. The family members and relatives of Baloch political leaders and workers had always faced state brutalities and barbarism in Balochistan.

There have been several instances where Pakistani security forces conduct operations on individual households, physically assault innocent women and children, and rely on extrajudicial death squads to subjugate Baloch civilians.

Thousands of Baloch political activists in order to avoid persecution escaped from Balochistan and are compelled to seek asylum in European counties; journalists and human rights activists are among these asylum seekers. (ANI)

India’s population of leopards has gone up 60 per cent and the country now has 12,852 leopards, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said on Monday.

Releasing the Status of Leopards report in New Delhi today, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar said that increase in numbers of Tigers, Lions and Leopards over the last few years is a testimony to the conservation efforts and of the fledgling wildlife and biodiversity of the country.

“India now has 12,852 leopards as compared to the previous estimate of 7910 conducted 2014. More than 60 per cent increase in population has been recorded. The States of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra recorded the highest leopard estimates at 3,421; 1,783 and 1,690 respectively”, an official release added.

After releasing the report Javadekar said that monitoring of the tiger in India has clearly shown its umbrella role in the ecosystem, which has shed light on other charismatic species like the Leopard.

India’s world record tiger survey also estimated the population of leopards and the tiger range was found home to 12,852 (12,172-13,535) leopards. They occur in prey rich protected areas as well as multi-use forests. A total of 5,240 adult individual leopards were identified in a total of 51,337 leopard photographs using pattern recognition software. Statistical analysis estimates the leopard population at – 12,800 leopards within the tiger’s range.

“The leopard was estimated across forested habitats in tiger range areas of the country but other leopard occupied areas such as non-forested habitats (coffee and tea plantations and other land uses from where leopards are known to occur), higher elevations in the Himalayas, arid landscapes and majority of North East landscape were not sampled and, therefore, the population estimation should be considered as minimum number of leopards in each of the landscapes”, the release added.

Tiger has not only served as an umbrella species but even its monitoring has helped evaluate the status of other species, like the leopard. The National Tiger Conservation Authority-Wildlife Institute of India (NTCA-WII) shall be reporting on several other species shortly.

Madhya Pradesh reported the highest number of leopards in the state followed by Karnataka and Maharashtra.

The Union minister tweeted, “Congratulations to the States of Madhya Pradesh (3,421), Karnataka (1783) and Maharashtra (1690) who have recorded the highest leopard estimates. Increase in tiger, lion and leopards population over the last few years is a testimony to fledgling wildlife and biodiversity.”

“Released the “Status of Leopard in India 2018″ report. Happy to announce that, India now has 12,852 leopards. More than 60% increase in population has been recorded over the previous estimate which was conducted in 2014”, the tweet added. (ANI)

An accessible leader who oozed warmth, Motilal Vora was a committed Congressman who enjoyed the trust of party leadership and served All India Congress Committee as an office-bearer for long years.

A former Chief Minister of undivided Madhya Pradesh and a former Governor of Uttar Pradesh during a tumultuous period of the state’s politics, Motilal Vora also served as a union minister in his political innings spanning almost five decades.

It was a reflection of party leadership’s faith in him that Vora served as party treasurer for nearly 18 years.

It is a coincidence that Vora took over from party leader Ahmed Patel as party treasurer in 2000 and the latter replaced him on the post in 2018. Both the leaders, who handled crucial posts in the Congress for several years, have passed away within one month of each other. After he was replaced as treasurer, Vora was appointed general secretary (administration) by the party leadership but was not given any assignment in the latest reshuffle due to his age.

Vora, 92, passed away a day after his birthday. The nonagenarian was a four-time member of Rajya Sabha and had friends across the parties who admired him for his geniality and warmth. Vora began his political career as a member of Municipal Committee, Durg, from 1968-72. He was first elected as MLA to Madhya Pradesh assembly in 1972 and was a minister in the Arjun Singh cabinet. He also served as Madhya Pradesh Congress chief and became the state Chief Minister in 1985 when Arjun Singh was moved to Punjab as Governor.

Vora emerged as a compromise candidate as Arjun Singh apparently was not keen on Madhavrao Scindia replacing him. He resigned as Chief Minister in 1988 and was appointed Union Minister of Health, Family Welfare and Civil Aviation. He again served as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister from January 1989 to November 1989.

Motilal Vora was appointed Governor of Uttar Pradesh when PV Narasimha Rao was Prime Minister and served the state in the role from May 1993 to May 1996.

Mayawati became chief minister for the first time when Vora was the Uttar Pradesh Governor. The P V Narasimha Rao government acted on Motilal Vora’s recommendation and Mulayam Singh Yadav was removed following the “guest house incident”.

A former journalist, Motilal Vora was very accessible to media persons but was it was difficult to get information out of him. He had an old-world charm about him, was unfailingly courteous and was always willing to order “chai” over “gupshup” which sometimes included his anecdotes. He served on several AICC committees including the disciplinary committee.

Motilal Vora hailed from Chhattisgarh and though he had apparent political ambitions in the state, it remained mostly under BJP rule since its creation in 2000 after the first Congress government formed under Ajit Jogi.

He was also chairman of Associated Journals and faced the legal cases being probed by Enforcement Directorate and other agencies.

Motilal Vora was regular in attending his office at AICC even as most office bearers came occasionally or were present during only part of the day. As thousands of Congressmen made a beeline to party headquarters during ticket distribution, especially for assembly polls, he would find time to meet them individually to give them the satisfaction of being heard.

The Congress leader would take their representations but not make any commitment as granting ticket was not in his hands and there could be only one party candidate. But Motilal Vora knew the art of handling people and the value of finding time for a party worker, who had travelled long distances, to convey his mind.

Motilal Vora was born on December 20, 1928, in Nagaur in Rajasthan and was educated at Raipur in Chhattisgarh. He had tested positive for COVID-19 in October and was later discharged from hospital. He was again admitted to a hospital in Delhi a few days ago following illness.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi and other party leaders paid glowing tributes to Vora. Sonia Gandhi said Motilal Vora’s demise has left a huge void that would be difficult to fill and his life “is a shining example of public service” and unparalleled commitment to the Congress ideology.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said he attended every party meeting even at 92 and freely expressed his opinions. Rahul Gandhi said that he was a true congressman and a wonderful human being. (ANI)

After Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led West Bengal government of corruption and anarchy during his two-day tour of the state over the weekend, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said he was telling lies.

“Amit Shah has spoken lies. He claimed our state is zero in industries but we are Number 1 in MSME sector. He claimed we cannot build rural roads but we are also Number 1 in that. This is based on the Government of India’s data,” Banerjee said.

She added the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is “cheatingbaaz (cheat)”. “It does not suit the home minister to tell lies just for political mileage. For politics, they can do and say anything.”

Shah had also criticised the state government for allegedly not passing benefits of the central government schemes like PM Kisaan Samman Needhi Scheme to the people.

On the PM Kisaan Samman Needhi Scheme, the West Bengal CM explained she had written to Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, requesting him to send the money to the state government, but he did not do so. “For the central government schemes, the state government is the implementing authority. Instead, they (Centre) bypassed the state government and wanted to give the money directly to the people on behalf of their party. We never said that we will not give the money.”

When asked about the central deputation of the three IPS officers from the state, Banerjee said her experience as a seven-term MP and two-term CM says there are a constitution and a convention. “This provision only applies at the time of emergency. Do you think they have already announced a super emergency in Bengal? As the election is coming, they want to make scare the officers.”

On the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), Banerjee said they have been opposing the CAA since its passage. “We are against the CAA, National Population Register and National Register of Citizens. They (BJP) can’t decide the fate of citizens; let them decide their own fate,” said Banerjee who is scheduled to address a political rally on December 29 in Birbhum where Shah held a roadshow on Sunday.

West Bengal is due Assembly elections in 2021. (ANI)

Putting on display his washboard abs, actor Tiger Shroff on Monday treated fans to a stunning throwback picture.

The ‘War’ star hopped on to Instagram and shared a shirtless picture displaying his 8 pack abs.

The throwback photo features Shroff in a shirtless avatar showcasing his muscular and chiselled physique. The actor is seen sporting a pair of black denim and a round dial watch while posing candidly.

Adding a quirky caption to the stunning post, the ‘Student of The Year 2’ star noted, “The one and only time I ate ice cream before a shoot…”

“guess I should go back to my old ways …#bachpan,” he added.

Celebrity followers including Ananya Panday and more than 4 lakh followers liked the post with many leaving fire emoticons in appreciation of the post.

Of late, the actor has been quite active on social media and has been updating fans on his activities by posting pictures and videos.

Last week, Tiger Shroff who is also one of the fittest Bollywood celebrities posted a monochromatic close-up shot of his face on Saturday. (ANI)

Left Democratic Front (LDF) councillor Jayachandran Nair, elected from Kudappanakunnu ward in Thiruvananthapuram corporation, was sworn in wearing a PPE kit on Monday as he has tested COVID-19 positive.

Jayachandran Nair has tested COVID-19 positive and is undergoing treatment. His swearing in ceremony took place after all other members were sworn in. A total of 100 members are in Thiruvananthapuram corporation.

On December 16, LDF won a majority in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan congratulated him, saying that the LDF has won a comprehensive victory in the local body polls held in the state.

The Kerala local body polls were held in three phases. The first phase saw a turnout of 73.12 per cent, while the second phase saw 76.78 and the third and final phase 78.64 per cent.

A total of 21,893 wards in 1,200 local self-governing bodies, including six corporations, 941 village panchayats, 14 district panchayats and 87 municipalities went to the polls in on December 8, 10 and 14. (ANI)

Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Motilal Vohra passed away at a hospital in New Delhi on Monday at the age of 93.

“Vora was hospitalised with urine infection two days ago but it was not the cause of his death,” Congress sources said.

Fortis Escort Hospital where he was admitted is yet to inform about the actual cause of the Congress leader’s death.

Vora was a Rajya Sabha member from Chhattisgarh from April 10, 2002 to April 9, 2020.

The late Congress leader became the 13th chief minister of Madhya Pradesh on January 25, 1989 and was in office till December 8, 1989.

Vora also held the office of Governor of Uttar Pradesh between 1993 and 1996.

Vora was born on December 20, 1927 at Nimbi Jodha near Jodhpur in Rajasthan.

“We offer our heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of stalwart Congress leader, former Union Cabinet Minister and former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Motilal Vora. Congress has lost a guiding light. May his soul rest in peace,” Indian National Congress (INC) tweeted. (ANI)

By Amit Pandey

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia on Monday said that his party was ready to contest on all 70 seats in the next Assembly elections in Uttarakhand.

He observed that the people in the state are unhappy with Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and alleged that the BJP government did not do anything for the welfare of the state.

“A lot of people from Uttarkhand used to visit us and say that the way AAP government worked in Delhi they should come to power in Uttarkhand too. The way AAP worked in Delhi for electricity, water, education, health, and employment, same should be done there,” he said while speaking to ANI.

“Keeping this in mind, party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has decided to filed party candidates on all 70 seats in Uttarakhand. I have been to the state twice. A number of senior people are joining us. People in the state are unhappy with the government under Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat. In the last four years, the state government did nothing. They are even calling him zero work Chief Minister,” he said.

Appreciating Uttarkhand Minister Madan Kaushik for accepting the challenge to discuss on the development work done by the present government, Sisodia said he was ready to discuss whenever and wherever he is invited for debate.

“I am very happy that Madan Kaushik, a senior minister in the Rawat government of Uttarakhand and also a four-time MLA from Haridwar, has accepted the challenge to debate his government’s work. I accept his challenge. I request him to tell me the place and time when and where he would like to discuss the work done by his government in education, health, and employment. I would like to come,” Sisodia added.

The next Assembly election in the state is due in 2022. BJP and Congress are the two main political parties in the state. Out of the total 70 Assembly seats, the BJP, which is currently in power, has 56 seats and Congress 11. (ANI)