Month: August 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic brought with a spate of challenges like shortage of medical supplies, equipment, however, a concerted effort by various departments along with the involvement of the private sector defined the Indian response, according to a World Bank discussion paper.

In the discussion paper titled – India COVID-19 procurement: challenges, innovations, and lessons – the authors have recognised and appreciated the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by the Government of India.

The report takes a close look at the initiatives taken by the Government of India (GoI) to ensure a sustained supply of essential medical commodities during the critical initial phase of the Covid pandemic, including efforts to develop the local market.

Severe global supply chain constraints of essential COVID commodities and unprecedented demand for lifesaving equipment led to an entire supplier-driven market and to the huge variation in prices.

According to the report, the Government of India took over the responsibility for centralized procurement to support the states and showcased extreme flexibility under existing legal frameworks and budgets allowing fast-track procurement.

The discussion paper underlines COVID-19 created unprecedented shortages of essential medical supplies and equipment due to the sudden surge in demand. A complex supply chain environment–given the geographic concentration of manufacturing plants as well as travel restrictions–compounded this further.

Countries tried wide-ranging approaches, including flexibility in procurement and development of domestic manufacturing to overcome these challenges. Such approaches, however, created new challenges on account of reduced oversight, affecting the quality and long-term sustainability of the augmented domestic manufacturing capacity.

According to World Bank, the Central Procurement Division (CPD) and Emergency Medical Response (EMR) division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) led India’s initial efforts to sustain supply chains supported by Hindustan Latex Lifecare Limited (HLL) acting as a procurement agent. While the CPD primarily focused on the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), goggles, and N95 masks to safeguard health staff, the ICMR rapidly ramped up testing infrastructure in partnership with the private sector and established a validation mechanism to scale up the availability of COVID testing supplies.

As per the discussion paper, “This led to the development of specific standards, sourcing appropriate raw material, ensuring availability of workforce, and maintaining efficient supply chains to deliver finished products in a timely manner to state governments, according to the assessed need. A whole-of-government approach engaging all key ministries and state governments was followed while ensuring a clear separation of roles and responsibilities of different committees involved in procurement. Handholding the industry; accelerated tendering; and pre-dispatch inspections by competent agencies, including testing of random samples, helped to ensure the quality of products.”

In addition to enhanced access to these critical inputs to frontline health staff, this initiative also helped to steeply bring down the prices of these essential COVID supplies.

For example, the price of N95 masks came down from Rs 250 to Rs 20 and PPE from Rs 700 to Rs 150.

Similarly, the price of Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test kits used as a gold standard to confirm COVID infection fell from Rs1,207 to Rs 72, and the price of the Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) extraction kit fell from Rs 336 to Rs 37, while that of viral transport media dropped from Rs 182 to Rs 24 within six months.

Once the market had adequate suppliers meeting established standards, both the CPD and ICMR ensured that their products were listed at the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), which enabled states to place orders directly.

The report highlighted that a unique feature in India was the active role of the private sector in testing, contributing to nearly 50 per cent of laboratories as well as venture capital raising additional resources to support domestic manufacturing of COVID commodities and develop IT-supported innovations for teleconsultation and intensive care unit (ICU) management. However, the long-term implications of market development in the globalized supply chains need carefully calibrated export controls to balance domestic needs with global market opportunities for local manufacturers.

“The COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Strengthening Project–jointly financed by the World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)–supported these initiatives through hands-on procurement support and capacity-building.

Flexibility in emergency procurement using country procedures during the peak ensured the timely availability of COVID commodities. Bank Facilitated Procurement (BFP) also supported timely supply of lifesaving oxygen concentrators during the second wave,” the report added. (ANI)

The Dumka administration said on Tuesday that situation in the city which saw tension over the horrific murder of a 16-year-old girl was under control but section 144 would still continue to be in force.

“Section 144 will remain enforced. As of now, the situation is under control and peaceful,” Ravi Shankar Shukla, Deputy Commissioner, Dumka said.

Shukla further said that the decision regarding the lifting of section 144 will be taken after further analysis of the situation. Till now no untoward incident has been reported, he said.

He also disclosed that in order to prevent rumour mongering in the city, the administration has been carefully monitoring social media for any provocative posts. “Social media is being monitored very carefully to stop rumour mongering, provocative posts etc,” he added.

On August 23, an accused identified as Shahrukh allegedly poured petrol on Ankita through the window of her house and set her ablaze. Shahrukh and one of his accomplices have been arrested by the police.

The victim girl was first admitted to Phulo Jhano Medical College and Hospital in Dumka in critical condition. Later she was referred to Ranchi’s Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) for advanced treatment. However, she could not survive the grievous burn injuries.

The accused had allegedly poured petrol on the victim through the window of her home when she was asleep and allegedly set her on fire. Earlier in the day, Jharkhand High Court took cognizance of the Dumka school girl murder case and summoned the DGP while seeking a report on the matter. The court also instructed the officials to provide adequate security to the girl’s family.

Terming the matter of the Dumka class 12 girl killing a “serious case”, DIG Dumka SP Mandal said, “10- member SIT has been constituted for investigation; evidence being collected by the forensics team. The case will be supervised by the Superintendent of Police.” (ANI)

The United States on Tuesday announced an additional USD 30 million in life-saving humanitarian assistance to support people and communities affected by severe flooding in Pakistan.

“The United States is deeply saddened by the devastating loss of life, livelihoods, and homes throughout Pakistan. In response to the Pakistani government’s request for assistance, the United States will prioritize urgently needed food support, safe water, sanitation and hygiene improvements, financial help, and shelter assistance,” the US Embassy in Pakistan said in a statement.

As the floods continue to wreak havoc in the country, Pakistan’s government has declared the floods a national emergency, with 66 districts declared to be a “calamity hit.”

The embassy said this support will save lives and reduce suffering among the most vulnerable affected communities. According to the statement, the United States will continue to monitor the crisis in coordination with local partners and Pakistani authorities.

A disaster management specialist from US Agency for International Development (USAID), arrived in Pakistan on August 29 to assess the impact of the floods and intensify coordination with partners on response efforts. The United States remains steadfast in its support for affected communities throughout Pakistan.

In addition to the USD 30 million in urgently needed humanitarian assistance announced today, the United States also provided over USD 1.1 million in grants and project support earlier this month to ensure direct assistance reaches those communities most impacted and to help mitigate and prevent the effects of future floods.

Over 1,100 people, including over 350 children, have lost their lives. More than 1,600 people have been injured, over 2,87,000 houses have been fully and 662,000 partially destroyed. Besides this, over 7,35,000 livestock have perished and 2 million acres of crops have been adversely impacted, besides severe damage to communications infrastructure.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today met members of international media to brief them about flood ravages in Pakistan.

“The devastation is evidence of seriousness of the threat posed by climate change. Despite having less than 1 per cent share in carbon emission, we are ranked 8th in terms of exposure to climate hazards,” Sharif tweeted.

“My point was that international community, particularly the developed world, should not leave developing countries like Pakistan at the mercy of climate change. If it is us today, it can be somebody else tomorrow. Threat of climate change is real, potent & staring us in the face,” he said in a subsequent tweet. (ANI)

A late blitz from left-hander Najibullah Zadran helped Afghanistan secure direct qualification to the Super Four phase of the ongoing Asia Cup 2022 as he hit a flurry of sixes to help his team defeat Bangladesh by seven wickets in a Group B tie on Tuesday.

Afghanistan outplayed Bangladesh in all departments and also became the first team to qualify for the final four. Though Bangladesh bowled tightly till 15th over, Najibullah Zadran scored a quickfire 43 off 17 balls with a four and six sixes to help his side secure a win.

Chasing 128, Afghanistan was off to a shaky start as Shakib Al Hasan’s spin deceived wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who was stumped by wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim for just 11 off 18 balls.

Ibrahim Zadran joined Hazratullah Zazai on the crease. The duo took their side through the powerplay without any further damage. At six overs, Afghanistan stood at 29/1 with Zazai (16) and Zadran (2).

Zadran-Zazai kept the scoreboard moving for their side, hitting some big shots occasionally.

Their 30-run stand was broken after Zazai was trapped lbw by Mosaddek Hossain for 23 off 26 balls.

Mohammad Nabi, the skipper was at the crease next. At the end of 10 overs, Afghanistan was at 48/2, with Zadran (11) and Nabi (2).

The stand between Nabi and Zadran did not last long. Medium pacer Mohammad Saifuddin delivered yet another leg before wicket dismissal for Bangladesh, sending back Nabi for 8 of 9 balls. Afghanistan was at 62/3.

The pressure was piling up on Afghanistan as Najibullah Zadran joined Ibrahim in the 14th over. With the final six overs to go, they needed 63 runs.

Zadran let his arms loose and hit two straight pressure-relieving fours in the 15th over bowled by Taskin Ahmed.

At the end of 15 overs, Afghanistan was at 76/3, with Ibrahim Zadran (32) and Najibullah Zadran at (1).

Najibullah Zadran revived Afghan’s hopes by hitting one six in the 16th and two sixes in the 17th over. This reduced the run-ball deficit to 26 runs in 18 balls.

The Zadran duo brought their 50-run stand in less than 30 balls. Zadran was on fire in the 18th over, smashing a four and two straight sixes to bring down the equation to four runs in the final two overs.

The Zadran duo helped Afghanistan finish the match on a winning note and qualify for the Super Four phase. Afghanistan won by seven wickets with nine balls to spare. Najibullah finished the match with a six.

Ibrahim finished at 42 off 41 balls with six fours while Najibullah scored a quickfire 43 off 17 balls with a four and sixes.

Mosaddek Hossain (1/12) was the leading bowler for Bangladesh. Shakib and Saifuddin took one wicket each too.

Top-class bowling spells by pacer Mujeeb ur Rahman and spinner Rashid Khan helped Afghanistan restrict Bangladesh to a sub-par 127/7 despite a fighting knock by Mosaddek Hossain in their Asia Cup 2022 Group B tie in Sharjah on Tuesday.

It was a great day on the field for Afghan bowlers as they restricted their opponent to 53/5 with some superb bowling. Fighting knocks from Mosaddek Hossain (48*) Mahmudullah (25) helped Bangladesh attain a respectable score. Rashid Khan (3/22) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (3/16) were just too good for Bangladesh.

Electing to bat first, Bangladesh was off to a shaky start. They lost their opener Mohammad Naim for just 6 runs off eight balls after spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman delivered brilliant carrom that pitched on length, just outside off stump and went through the gap between bat and pad to hit the leg stump. The score at this point was 7/1.

Captain Shakib Al Hasan was next up on the crease. Opener Anamul Haque’s stay did not last long either as Rahman trapped him leg before wicket to take his second wicket of the match, sending him back to the hut for 5. Bangladesh was at this point, 13/2.

Hasan, playing his 100th T20I match, started off really well, smashing Naveen-ul-Haq for two straight fours in the fifth over. However, in the next over, Rahman intervened once again and cleared the veteran’s stumps when he was going for a blind swing. Hasan was out for 11 off 9 balls. Bangladesh was in deep trouble at 24/3.

At the end of six overs in powerplay, Bangladesh was at 28/3, with Mushfiqur Rahim (1) and Afif Hossain (2) at the crease.

Miseries just would not end for Bangladesh as it was the spin of Rashid Khan that took the fourth scalp. Mushfiqur Rahim was trapped leg before wicket by Rashid for just one of four. Bangladesh was 28/4.

Mahmudullah and Afif Hossain were the pair that had to rebuild the innings for Bangladesh after such a collapse first seven overs.

After ten overs, Bangladesh was at 50/4, with Mahmudullah (11) and Afif Hossain (12) unbeaten at the crease.

The stand between the duo could last only 25 runs as Afif Hossain was trapped by Rashid for 12 off 15 balls. At this point, Bangladesh was 53/5.

Mosaddek Hossain joined Mahmudullah next. The duo kept the scoreboard ticking with a cautious approach.

At the end of 15 overs, Bangladesh was at 87/5, with both batters at 24* each.

The 36-run resistance shown by Mosaddek and Mahmudullah ended within 31 balls after Mahmudullah was caught by Ibrahim Zadran at deep midwicket while attempting a slog sweep. The batter was out for 25 off 27 balls and Rashid Khan got his third wicket of the match.

Mahedi Hasan joined Mossadek and continued Bangladesh’ inning from the other end. Their 38-run stand ended when Mahedi was run out for just 14.

Bangladesh ended their innings at 127/7 in their 20 overs. Mosaddek made a fighting 48* off 31 balls and helped his side cross the 100-run mark.

Brief Scores: Afghanistan 131/3 in 18.3 overs (Najibullah Zadran 43, Ibrahim Zadran 42, Mosaddek Hossain 1/12) won against Bangladesh 127/7 (Mosaddek Hossain 48, Mahmadullah 25, Mujeeb ur Rahman 3/16). (ANI)

A total of three terrorists have been killed in the encounter that began in the Nagbal area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian on Tuesday.

“One more terrorist killed. Total three killed till now. Search going on. Further details shall follow,” the Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.

Earlier in the day, two terrorists affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit were neutralised in the encounter.

The J-K Police and security forces carried out the encounter.

Further details are awaited.

Police had tweeted about the start of the encounter mentioning that the police and security forces were on the job. (ANI)

It looks like Vicky Kaushal’s ‘Sardar Udham’ was on a winning streak Tuesday night. The movie has won awards in five categories and going by the film’s big win, Vicky Kaushal fans are hopeful that the film will grab some more awards tonight!

Mansi Mehta and Dmitrii Malich won the first award for the film in the ‘Best Production Design’ category.
Next, Costume designer, Veera Kapur Ee was awarded for her work on the film’s costumes in the ‘Best Costume Designs’ category.

Celebrities are at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention centre witnessing the event.

Avik Mukhopadhyay won the award for the film’s cinematography in the ‘Best Cinematography’ category, followed by Shantanu Moitra who won the film an award in ‘Best Background Score’ category.

Next, SUPERB/BOJP MAIN ROAD POST NY VFXWAALA EDIT FX STUDIOS won the award for the film in the ‘Best VFX’ category.

Dipankar Chaki and Nihar Ranjan Samal who worked on sound design for ‘Sardar Udham’ won in the category ‘Best sound design’.

The film has also been nominated in the ‘Best film’ category – popular and critics.

Lead actor Vicky Kaushal has also been nominated in ‘Best actor in the leading role’ category – popular and critics.

‘Sardar Udham’ is a biopic of freedom fighter Sardar Udham Singh, who assassinated Michael O’Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab in British India in 1940, to avenge the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Vicky Kaushal played the titular character in the film. Produced by Ronnie Lahiri and Sheel Kumar, ‘Sardar Udham’ also starred Shaun Scott, Stephen Hogan, Banita Sandhu, Kirsty Averton and Amol Parashar.

Shoojit Sircar, the director of the film, recently bagged the prestigious Indian Film Festival of Melbourne award in the ‘Best Director’ category. (ANI)

Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday said that the country is currently assessing the flood relief plan and has not decided on the resumption of trade with India.

He made these remarks at the “2022 Pakistan Floods Response Plan (FRP)” meeting which was jointly launched by the Government of Pakistan and the United Nations (UN) on August 30.

Earlier on Monday, amid food security concerns due to catastrophic floods, Pakistan said that it could consider importing vegetables and other edible items from India,” according to a media report.

The country’s Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, while talking to media persons, said the country’s government “can consider importing vegetables and other edible items from India” for the facilitation of the people in wake of the destruction of standing crops in Pakistan due to recent floods, Radio Pakistan reported.

In August 2019, relations between the two countries hit a new low after Pakistan decided to downgrade diplomatic ties with India, recall its high commissioner from New Delhi, expel the Indian envoy to Islamabad and suspend bilateral trade.

On August 4, Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said that there had not been any progress between India and Pakistan since 2019 regarding resumption of trade.

Asked whether there was any progress concerning the resumption of trade ties with Pakistan, the minister in a written response to the Rajya Sabha, said: “In August 2019, Pakistan announced the suspension of bilateral trade with India. Pakistan partially relaxed its ban on trade with India in September 2019 by permitting trade in certain pharmaceutical products.

There has not been any progress regarding resumption of trade with Pakistan since then.”

In June, Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari emphasized the country’s interest in trade and engagement with India saying that Pakistan was isolated on the world stage due to past policies.

Over 5.7 million people have been affected in Pakistan as the country faces the worst rain-induced flooding in its history. The rescue, relief, and rehabilitation in the country continue.

At least 1,033 people have died while 1,527 have been injured since June 14 from the rains and floods, Geo News reported citing National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Cumulative data from June 14 from across Pakistan showed that 3,451.5 km of road has been damaged, 149 bridges have collapsed, and 170 shops were destroyed.

A total of 949,858 homes have been partially or fully destroyed. Out of the total, 662,446 homes have been partially damaged, and 287,412 have been fully destroyed. While 719,558 livestock has also been killed.

The floods affected the lives of millions of people after which the Pakistan government declared a “national emergency”.

Bilawal Bhutto delivered the keynote address at the launch event being hosted by the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, followed by a video message from Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, will also deliver remarks in his capacity as the Chairperson of the “Relief Coordination Committee” constituted by the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Also speaking at the event were the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Islamabad, and the Assistant Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The FRP complemented the Government’s overall humanitarian response to the recent floods caused by unprecedented rains in Pakistan. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Sidharth Malhotra’s biopic film ‘Shershaah’ received the Best Action and Best Editing awards at the 67th Filmfare Awards in Mumbai.

Action directors Stefan Richter and Sunil Rodrigues bagged the award for the best action sequences in the 2021 film. ‘Shershaah’ bagged the highest number of Nominations at the 67th Filmfare awards.

Apart from Best Action, the film also received the Best Editing Award.

Produced by Karan Johar, the film starred Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani in the lead roles was premiered exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

Directed by Vishnuvaradhan, ‘Shershaah’ is based on the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee Vikram Batra, who laid down his life in the service of the nation while recapturing Indian territories from Pakistani intruders during the Kargil War in 1999. The film, which was released on Amazon Prime Video on 12 August 2021, was hailed by everyone.

Set in the 90s, the film also shed light on the innocence of romance, bringing to screen the fresh and crackling chemistry of Kiara Advani and Sidharth for the first time.

The film stars Sidharth as Vikram Batra and Kiara as his girlfriend Dimple Cheema. The film was produced by Dharma Productions and Kaash Entertainment, with Hiroo Yash Johar, Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Shabbir Boxwala, Ajay Shah, and Himanshu Gandhi serving as producers.

In the film, Sidharth has portrayed two very distinct looks to showcase the younger phase of Vikram and his army phase, transforming himself completely to get the looks right. Apart from that, the actor will also be seen playing the role of Vikram’s twin brother Vishal Batra in the film. (ANI)

Deceased BJP leader Sonali Phogat’s daughter Yashodhara Phogat on Tuesday demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged murder of her mother while also stating that the family is not satisfied with the probe conducted by the Goa Police.

She said that Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had assured of a CBI investigation into the case.
The family of Sonali Phogat had met Khattar on August 27, after which the Chief Minister had assured of a CBI probe into the case.

However, according to the deceased BJP leader’s daughter, “no action has been taken as of yet”.

Speaking to ANI, Yashodhara said, “I demand a CBI probe as I’m not satisfied with the current probe. No action is being taken. The accused have been kept in Goa, they have yet not revealed their motive (behind the murder), so what are the police doing? It’s about justice for my mother, we won’t stand back until there is a CBI investigation. CM (of Haryana) said that CBI probe will happen but no action has been taken as of yet.”

She claimed that the murder of her mother “was planned”.

“My mother had told me that there would be shooting for nearly one week in Goa. But it comes to the fore that the resort was booked only for two days. It suggests that it was a planned murder,” she said.

Sonali Phogat’s aunt, Manoj Phogat said that the family had no information about the arrival of the Goa Police to Haryana for investigation, and had only come to know about it through the media.

“We do not know officially when the Goa Police will come. We are getting information about their arrival from the media. Officially, it is the local police who inform us about the arrival, but we have not been informed yet. The local police should have come earlier,” she said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday suggested that former associate Anna Hazare was being “used” by political rivals to target him as he dismissed the social activist’s criticism of his policies and style of functioning.

Earlier in the day, Hazare slammed Kejriwal saying that power induced intoxication had made him deviate from the ideology and ideals of the movement that led to the creation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He had also raised questions over the AAP’s liquor policy.
“They (BJP) have been saying there’s a scam in the liquor policy but CBI said there’s no scam. Public is not listening to them. Ab yeh Anna Hazare Ji ke kandhe pe rakh ke banduk chala rahe hain (Now there are using Anna Hazare as a pretext to attack me). This is common in politics,” said Kejriwal

He lauded Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia’s persistence throughout the raids on him by the investigative agencies.

“When we come into public life,we should always be ready for any probe. CBI completed all its probe; investigated Manish Sisodia for 14 hours. He answered their questions satisfactorily. They couldn’t find anything in his locker. So, an informal clean chit is given to him,” he added.

He further demanded a probe against the BJP and said, “Now that nothing came out of the CBI probe, there should be no politics in it. Now there should be an investigation on how they wanted to buy MLAs in Delhi for Rs 20-20 crores each. If we didn’t run from it, then why should they?”

Earlier in the day, social activist Anna Hazare wrote to Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal accusing him of being intoxicated with power and forgetting the ideology and values of the movement that created the AAP.

According to him, Kejriwal after becoming Delhi CM had deviated from their ideology.

Anna Hazare wrote, “This is the first time I am writing to you after you became Chief Minister. The recent news about the Delhi government on the liquor scam is disheartening. I have been inspired by Gandhiji and his ideology. Based on this, I have dedicated my life to the people, society and the country. For the last 47 years, I have been working towards the upliftment of society and corruption.”

Anna Hazare was the face of the massive anti-corruption that propelled Kejriwal to national spotlight.

“You had written the book titled ‘Swaraj’ where you wrote about ideals. There was a lot of hope from you then, but after going into politics and becoming the Chief Minister, you have forgotten the ideology. Just like alcohol intoxication, there is an intoxication of power also. It looks like you have drowned in the intoxication of power. (Aap Satta Ke Nashe Mein Doob Gaye Hain).”

Hazare also hit out against Delhi’s new excise policy, which he said encouraged the sale and consumption of liquor. “Liquor shops were being opened in every corner of the city and it is very bad for the general public.”

Hazare cited protests he had led over liquor policies in Maharashtra. “Had expected a similar policy (like Maharashtra’s). But you didn’t do it. People seem to be trapped in a cycle of money for power and power for money. It doesn’t suit a party that emerged from a major movement,” Hazare wrote.

The excise policy was passed in Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi Cabinet in the middle of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

The Delhi government’s version is that the policy was formulated to ensure the generation of optimum revenue, and eradicate the sale of spurious liquor or non-duty paid liquor in Delhi, besides improving user experience.

The CBI had filed a case against alleged corruption in the 2021-22 excise policy. The excise policy was subsequently withdrawn by the AAP government.

Earlier this month, CBI raids on Manish Sisodia’s official residence in connection with the alleged corruption in the implementation of Delhi’s Excise Policy.

It was alleged that irregularities were committed including modifications in the Excise Policy and undue favours were extended to the license holders including waiver or reduction in licence fee, an extension of L-1 license without approval etc.

It was further alleged that illegal gains on the count of these acts were diverted to concerned public servants by private parties and made false entries in their books of accounts.

The raids have led to a political slugfest with BJP leaders including Union Minister Anurag Thakur hitting out at Kejriwal and Sisodia over alleged “liquor corruption”. AAP has termed the allegations as politically motivated. (ANI)