Interest, Inflation and Interventions weakened Indian rupee in 2020
By Rohit VaidMumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) India’s interest rates, high inflation and Reserve Bank’s market interventions weakened the rupee despite a massive inflow of direct and market-linked foreign investments during the pandemic-impacted year. While major Asian currencies have appreciated against the US dollar such as Chinese yuan by 6.10 per cent, Korean won by 5.50 […]
Read MoreWalther Troger, mayor of 1972 Olympic Village, dead aged 91
Berlin, Dec 31 (IANS) Walther Troger, an honorary International Olympic Committee (IOC), has died at the age of 91. The German’s contributions to the Olympic Movement include being mayor of the Olympic Village at Munich 1972, and was involved in negotiations with the terrorist group that took Israel athletes hostage. Troger headed Germany’s National Olympic […]
Read MoreCAT-3B system improves Bengaluru airport runway visibility
Bengaluru, Dec 31 (IANS) The Bengaluru International Airport installed the category-3B (CAT-3B) instrument landing system (ILS) on its new runway to improve visibility for aircraft landing and take-off in inclement weather and foggy conditions, said its operator on Thursday, “The new runway has been upgraded with CAT-3B ILS to enable any aircraft landing at 50-metre […]
Read MoreAndhra HC judge gets warm send-off after judgment attacking CM
Amaravati, Dec 31 (IANS) Amaravati farmers and women gave a warm send-off to Andhra Pradesh High Court judge Justice Rakesh Kumar, who retired on Thursday, a day after delivering a judgment with a sharp attack on Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Large number of farmers gathered on Seed Access road when Rakesh Kumar was […]
Read MoreIndiGo’s servers hacked, internal documents compromised
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Airline major IndiGo on Thursday said some of its servers were hacked earlier this month. According to the airline, some internal documents of the company might get uploaded by the hackers on public websites and platforms. “We would like to make this disclosure that some of our servers were subject […]
Read MoreKarnataka launches tennis ‘State Ranking Tour’
Bengaluru, Dec 31 (IANS) The Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) on Thursday announced a State Ranking Tour in a bid to provide players of all age groups maximum opportunities to play competitive tennis. The progress will be quantified by state ranking points and monthly rollover ranking system which will culminate in a year-ending State […]
Read MoreNortheast’s lone ginger processing plant being revived after 16yrs
Shillong, Dec 31 (IANS) Keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for “Vocal for Local” in mind, the northeast India’s lone “Ginger” processing plant in Meghalaya is being revived after 16 years, officials said on Thursday. The Managing Director of the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) Manoj Kummar Das said that India’s northeastern […]
Read MoreDirection on Covid vaccine after ascertaining facts: Jamaat
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) The Shariah Council of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) on Thursday issued guidelines on the permissibility of using Covid-19 vaccines under Islamic law following some reports that pork fat was used in them. “The source of ingredients of the popular vaccines, which have been made public, is not yet known with certainty. […]
Read MoreT20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Majumdar appointed Bengal captain
Kolkata, Dec 31 (IANS) Anustup Majumdar has replaced Abhimanyu Easwaran as Bengal captain for the upcoming T20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy so that the latter could singularly focus on his batting, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) said in a statement on Thursday while announcing a 20-member squad. The CAB, however, said that the decision […]
Read MoreCong demands CBI probe in distribution of microbial spray
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) The Congress has demanded a CBI inquiry into the distribution of Pusa Bio-Decomposer, a microbial spray, developed by the Microbiology Division of Delhi’s Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), to end paddy residue burning, which was allegedly contributing to the air pollution in the Capital. The Congress also alleged that the […]
Read MoreCentre clears new industrial area in Karnataka: Minister
Bengaluru, Dec 31 (IANS) The Central government has cleared the new industrial area at Tumakuru in Karnataka under the Chennai-Bengaluru industrial corridor project, state Industry Minister Jagadish Shettar said on Thursday. “The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Wednesday cleared the Rs 1,702- crore Tumakuru industrial area, which has the potential to create 88,500 […]
Read MoreCavani receives 3-match suspension for using racial slur
Manchester, Dec 31 (IANS) Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been suspended for three games by England’s Football Association (FA) and fined 100,000 pounds for using a racial slur in an Instagram post in November. Cavani will miss Friday’s Premier League game against Aston Villa, the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City and the FA […]
Read MoreNew Year celebrations to remain low key affair in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 31 (IANS) The New Year celebrations in the state will be a low key affair as the state police have imposed strict guidelines regarding the same. The health department has already issued guidelines to organise celebrations adhering to strict Covid protocol. With the state showing a steady surge of Covid positive cases after […]
Read MoreGreen Drive: EESL to set-up 500 more EV charging stations in FY21
By Rohit VaidNew Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Power PSUs’ joint venture EESL plans to install at least 500 more electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the country during fiscal 2020-21. The joint venture of PSUs under the Ministry of Power, the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has undertaken the project to boost the e-mobility ecosystem […]
Read MoreIndia’s Apr-Nov fiscal deficit at over 135% of budgeted target (Lead)
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) India’s budgetary fiscal deficit for the April-November 2020-21 period stood at Rs 10.75 lakh crore, or 135.1 per cent of the budget estimates (BE). The 2020-21 deficit — the difference between revenue and expenditure — had been pegged at Rs 7.96 lakh crore, as compared to the revised deficit of […]
Read MoreThree arrested for fraudulently claiming Rs 12.9 cr ITC
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), North Zone, Gurugram has arrested three persons — Alok Bhargava and his sons Akul and Atin Bhargava, owners of Delhi Foils, Abinox Industries and Matalax Industries, Wazirpur, New Delhi, for fraud. A Finance Ministry statement said that the firms had fraudulently taken cumulative […]
Read MoreIndia’s eight core industries’ production loses steam, down 2.6% in Nov (Lead)
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) The production of India’s eight major industries decelerated on both sequential and on year-on-year basis during November due to the base effect, as the output pace receded by (-) 2.6 per cent. The Index of Eight Core Industries’ reading in November showed a contraction greater than that of (-) 0.9 […]
Read MoreNifty crosses 14K-mark, but closes flat (Roundup)
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) After rising to new record highs, the main indices of the Indian equity market closed on a flat note on Thursday. The day’s FII inflows were just about Rs 1,135.59 crore on Thursday, down from their average of over Rs 1,500 crore. Nevertheless, during the intra-day session, the NSE Nifty50 crossed […]
Read MoreMilk supplier plotted fake robbery to celebrate New Year in Shimla
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) A milk supplier in the area of Sarita Vihar in South East Delhi made a fake PCR call complaining a robbery of 1.5 lakh to celebrate New Year with his friends, however, the police team soon found discrepancies in his version of events and arrested him. 22-year-old Faiz Ahmed made […]
Read MoreGoldsmith shot dead in Srinagar
Srinagar, Dec 31 (IANS) A goldsmith was shot dead by some unidentified assailants here on Thursday. Police sources said that Satpal, the goldsmith working at a jewellery shop in Hari Singh High Street market was shot at by some unidentified gunmen on Thursday evening. “The goldsmith died on the spot. Entire area has been surrounded […]
Read MoreCash lanes at NH toll plazas to remain operational till Feb 15: Govt
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) The government on Thursday clarified that the cash lanes at the toll plazas on National Highways will remain operational till February 15. Payments can be made through FASTag as well as cash at the lanes, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said. In its earlier order, the Ministry of […]
Read MoreHumbling to overtake Smith, Kohli in Test rankings: Williamson
Mount Maunganui, Dec 31 (IANS) New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Thursday said it is “surprising and humbling” to overtake Australia’s Steve Smith and India’s Virat Kohli at the ICC Test rankings for batsmen. Williamson rose to the top of the rankings after he led New Zealand to victory over Pakistan in the first Test […]
Read MoreMarkets end 2020 on a high, as investors repose faith in India’s growth
By ROHIT VAIDMumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) India’s equity markets rose like a phoenix to end the volatility-filled 2020 on a high, as new retail investors and foreign funds reposed their faith in the country’s growth story. The S&P BSE Sensex and the NSE Nifty50 rose by 16 and 15 per cent, respectively, during the pandemic-hit […]
Read MoreDMA’s first Addl Secy Lt Gen Taranjit Singh hangs up his boots
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Lt Gen Taranjit Singh, the first Additional Secretary of India’s newly-created Department of Military Affairs under the Ministry of Defence, retired on Thursday after 40 years of service. The last day of 2020 was his last day of the service. Lt Gen Taranjit Singh was instrumental in setting up one […]
Read MorePradhan bats for OBC, SEBC reservations in Odisha
Bhubaneswar, Dec 31 (IANS) Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday reiterated his request to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for reservation for OBC in public recruitments and educational institutions, and for SEBC in educational institutions. In a letter to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Pradhan said the indecision and delay displayed by the state government […]
Read More‘K’taka to face revenue shortage of Rs 30,000 cr in 2021’
Bengaluru, Dec 31 (IANS) Describing 2020 year as “trial by fire” for the government with the onslaught of the pandemic, drought and floods, Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa on Thursday said that the state was expected to face a revenue shortage of Rs 30,000 crore in 2020-21. Addressing his customary press conference on the […]
Read MoreDJB mulls feasibility of ozonation plants to treat ammonia in Yamuna
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) With the rising level of ammonia in the Yamuna river — a major source of potable water for Delhiites — the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is planning to augment its treatment capacities through ozonation plants in line with the European countries where this technology is widely used in water treatment. […]
Read MoreIndia’s 1975 hockey World Cup winner Michael Kindo, 73, dead
Bhubaneswar/New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Former India left back Michael Kindo, who was part of the team that won the 1975 World Cup and bronze at the 1972 Olympic Games, died on Thursday in a hospital in Rourkela. He was 73 and is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters. Kindo, a recipient of […]
Read MoreGurugram police on alert as Delhi imposes night curfew on New Year’s Eve
Gurugram, Dec 31 (IANS) After the Delhi government imposed a night curfew ahead of the 2021 New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Gurugram Police on Thursday intensified their presence at the border. The bolstering of security at the Delhi-Gurugram border and celebration venues is intended to ensure compliance of Covid-19 norms. However, the district administration of […]
Read MoreMurray pulls out of Delray Beach Open citing Covid fears
London, Dec 31 (IANS) Former world no.1 Andy Murray has pulled out of the Delray Beach Open because of Covid-19 fears. Murray, who is set to take part in the Australian Open in February, said that he wanted to avoid travelling to the United States to minimize risks ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam. […]
Read MoreYogi’s 20 decisions in 2020 that paved the way for a new UP
Lucknow, Dec 31 (IANS) While the Central and state governments were struggling to combat the unprecedented Covid outbreak, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath not only tackled the situation well but also took decisions which kept the ball rolling for the state. From the construction of the Ram temple at Ayodhya to establishing the world’s […]
Read MoreCentre to rope in celebs, faith leaders to disseminate accurate info on vaccines
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) In a bid to build trust and enable confidence in the Covid-19 vaccine amongst people, the Union Health Ministry will rope in celebrities, faith leaders, media, and RWAs to disseminate accurate and transparent information. A 88-page document on Covid-19 vaccine communication strategy has been released by the ministry. It seeks […]
Read MoreKerala reports 5,215 fresh Covid cases, 30 deaths
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 31 (IANS) Kerala has reported 5,215 new Covid-19 cases, taking the count of infections to 65,202, while the state’s toll mounted to 3,072 with 30 more deaths, Health Minister K.K. Shailaja said on Thursday. The test positivity rate in the state stands at 8.95 per cent. Samples of 32 people who have tested […]
Read MoreComplaint filed against 32 untraceable NRIs returned from UK
Gurugram, Dec 31 (IANS) The district health department filed a complaint on Wednesday against 32 untraceable NRIs who have recently returned from the United Kingdom (UK), the police said on Thursday. According to the health officials, the health department does not have their information about these returnees and handed over the case to the police […]
Read MoreED seizes Rs 4.43-Cr jewellery of TN firm’s chairman, MD in Rs 1,340 Cr bank fraud
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized gold and diamond jewellery worth Rs 4.43 crore belonging to the chairman and managing director of a Tamil Nadu based firm in a Rs 1,340 crore bank fraud case by systematically cheating Indian Bank and other banks under a consortium, the agency said on […]
Read MoreDharani portal yielding desired results, says KCR
Hyderabad, Dec 31 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday said that the Dharani portal, which was brought in to ensure that the farmers would not face any problems while selling, purchasing, registering and getting mutation of agriculture lands, is giving the desired results. He expressed satisfaction that the farmers are able to […]
Read MoreIndia’s YoY FDI inflow rises over 11% in Apr-Oct to $46.8 bn
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Foreign direct investments (FDI) into India have increased by over 11 per cent during the ongoing fiscal on a year-on-year basis, showed data from the Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT). Total FDI worth $46.82 billion came in during April-October this fiscal, compared to $42.06 billion of […]
Read More2020: A year of challenge and achievement for Indian nuclear sector
By Venkatachari JagannathanChennai, Dec 31 (IANS) The year 2020 was a challenging year for the Indian atomic sector due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it still performed remarkably well attaining a major milestone and also taking steps towards setting up of a medical research reactor in public-private-partnership (PPP) mode, a top sector official said. “A […]
Read MoreNow, a film on drugs, debauchery, nepotism in Bollywood
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Indian-born Hollywood producer, actor and entrepreneur Tel K. Ganesan says his next film, The Fireflies: Drugs, Debauchery And Dil, will explore the dark truths of Bollywood, from casting couch and nepotism to bias, connections and drug culture. The film is in sync with the events that happened this year, from […]
Read MoreGayatri Prajapati bought benami properties on name of daily wagers: ED
By Anand SinghNew Delhi/Lucknow, Dec 31 (IANS) Former Uttar Pradesh government minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati, who is currently lodged in a prison in connection with a rape case, has bought the benami properties on the name of the daily wagers. The revelations were made during the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids at several locations in the […]
Read MoreJDU leader beaten and killed in Bihar’s Aurangabad
Patna, Dec 31 (IANS) Over half a dozen persons allegedly assaulted a JDU leader until he became unconscious in Bihar’s Aurangabad district. Following that they tried to make it look like an accident, mowing him down with a vehicle on Delhi-Kolkata National Highway (NH) 2 on Thursday morning. However, this was seen by a family […]
Read MoreMSRDC to oversee renovation of old temples in Maharashtra
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Ltd (MSRDC) will be tasked with the ambitious plans to restore, develop and preserve several ancient temples, Jyotirlingas and Shaktipeeths, as announced last month by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, official sources said here on Thursday. “This will be a mega-project encompassing several old temples across […]
Read MoreZomato flushed with orders on New Year’s Eve
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) With Covid-19 keeping many revellers indoors even on New Year’s Eve, food delivery platforms seem to be having a hard time meeting the sudden spike in demand, with orders on Zomato alone going up to over 3,200 per minute on Thursday evening. “Our order velocity right now is the highest […]
Read MoreOdisha govt to spend Rs 3,500 Cr to modernise SCB Medical College
Bhubaneswar, Dec 31 (IANS) The Odisha government on Thursday said it will spend Rs 3,500 crore for the transformation of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack into a world-class facility. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who took a review meeting of the project, has set January 1, 2024 as the date of inauguration. The aim […]
Read MorePrez, VP extend New Year greetings, hope to overcome corona pandemic
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu greeted fellow citizens on the eve of New Year 2021, suggesting all to move forward unitedly in this difficult time amid the Covid-19 pandemic. In a message, the President said, “On the occasion of New Year, I extend my heartiest […]
Read MoreNeed to fight indifference towards other faiths : Goa Archbishop
Panaji, Dec 31 (IANS) There is a need to fight the culture of individualism and sense of indifference towards other faiths and cultures, Archbishop of Goa Filipe Neri Ferrao said in his annual message on New Year’s eve. “Whatever the New Year has in store for us, we can make it better by resolving to […]
Read MoreManav Kaul: Title of the film ‘Nail Polish’ is very relevant
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Actor Manav Kaul was intrigued by the title of his upcoming movie, Nail Polish, right from the start, and says the audience will understand the real reason behind the name only after they watch the film. “I was very intrigued when the director told me the name of the film, but […]
Read MoreRaigad tribal girl’s rape-murder: Nikam named prosecutor
Raigad (Maharashtra), Dec. Dec 31 (IANS) A day after outrage over the kidnap, rape and killing of a 3-year old tribal girl, the state government on Thursday named ace criminal lawyer Ujjwal Nikam as the Special Public Prosecutor in the case. Minister of State for Home Shamburaj Desai, who rushed to the Pen town in […]
Read MoreActing J&K Chief Justice transferred to Calcutta High Court
Jammu, Dec 31 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir’s High Court’s acting Chief Justice, Justice Rajesh Bindal, was on Thursday transferred to the Calcutta High Court. An order issued by the Law and Justice Ministry said: “In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 222 of the Constitution of India, the President, after consultation […]
Read MoreNon-resident industrialist to construct home for family evicted by neighbours in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 31 (IANS) Shahnavas Amballur, a non-resident businessman from Kerala has promised to construct a home for the family that was evicted by neighbours from the makeshift shed they were staying in “Purambokku” land or land without proper revenue documents. The family which included a mother and three girl children were forcefully evicted by […]
Read MoreTamil Nadu extends lockdown till Jan 31, 2021
Chennai, Dec 31 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami on Thursday extended the Covid-19 lockdown by month, subject to certain relaxations. In a statement issued here, he said the lockdown has been extended, but various relaxations have been given, including permission to hold indoor social/religious/ political/sports/education/cultural gatherings subject to a maximum of 200 persons […]
Read MoreIAF copter deployed to battle Dzukou Valley wildfire
Kohima/Imphal, Dec 31 (IANS) The Indian Air Force (IAF) and state authorities are battling the raging wildfire in the famed Dzukou Valley on the border of Manipur and Nagaland, that has so far caused huge damage to the environment. IAF spokesman Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh said that following a requisition by Nagaland, the Headquarters of […]
Read MoreCBSE Board exams from May 4 to June 10, announces Education Minister Nishank
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) The dates of the the CBSE Board examinations for Class X and XII in 2021 have been announced. The examinations will kick off in May this time round. The board examinations will commence from May 4 and end on June 10. The results of the class 10 and 12 Board […]
Read MoreDrunk man beats infant son to death in UP, absconds
Shamli (UP), Dec 31 (IANS) In a horrific incident, a drunk man battered his two-month-old son to death with a stick, after a fight with his wife over his drinking habit, police said on Thursday. According to reports, accused Devender had a verbal duel with his wife after she objected to his drinking habit in […]
Read MoreModerna Covid-19 vaccine trial shows 94.1% efficacy: Study
New York, Dec 31 (IANS) US-based biotechnology company Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine demonstrated 94.1 per cent efficacy, showed results from the primary analysis of a phase-3 trial. The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, provides evidence that the vaccine, mRNA-1273, can prevent symptomatic infection. The results are similar to the first interim analysis […]
Read MoreIndian Navy chief reviews security situation at forward operating base in Gujarat
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Indian Navy chief, Admiral Karambir Singh visited INS Dwarka, Indian Navy’s forward operating base at Gujarat’s Okha, on New Year’s Eve on Thursday and reviewed operations and security aspects of the region. Admiral Singh was briefed by the Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat, Daman and Diu on maritime operations and security […]
Read MoreCBI searches at TMC youth leader’s 2 premises in cattle smuggling case (Ld)
New Delhi/Kolkata, Dec 31 (IANS) The CBI on Thursday carried out searches at two Kolkata premises linked with Trinamool Congress’ youth wing leader Vinay Mishra in a cattle smuggling case and also issued a lookout notice for him, sources said. The Central Bureau of Investigation has been on a massive search spree for the last […]
Read MoreGang stole 500 cars from Delhi-NCR, sold them in Maoist-hit areas
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) The Delhi police has busted a syndicate involved in the theft and sale of more than 500 high end luxury cars from Delhi and NCR. Three key members of the syndicate have been arrested. The kingpin Waseem has been operating in Delhi and NCR, Jaunpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Raipur (Chhattisgarh) […]
Read MoreIndia’s eight core industries’ production loses steam, down 2.6% in Nov
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) The production of India’s eight major industries decelerated on both sequential and on year-on-year basis during November, as the output pace receded by (-) 2.6 per cent. The Index of Eight Core Industries’ reading in November showed a contraction greater than that of (-) 0.9 per cent registered in October. […]
Read MoreMaj Gen Gautam Chauhan becomes first to head Indian Army’s Human Rights Cell
By Sumit Kumar SinghNew Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) For the first time, the Indian Army has appointed a major general rank officer to look into the human rights issue and suggest means to better the track record of the force. Major General Gautam Chauhan took charge as Additional Director General Human Rights on Thursday and […]
Read MoreDwayne Johnson on sudden demise of father: Never had a chance to say goodbye
Los Angeles, Dec 31 (IANS) Hollywood superstar Dwayne Johnson is deeply hurt that he did not get a chance to say goodbye to his father, who passed away earlier this year. The actor got sentimental recalling his upsetting moment of 2020 on social media, which happened when a friend gifted him a paperweight with an […]
Read MoreManoj Bajpayee: Not having expectations from new year best way to move into it
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee is all set to ring in 2021 in Goa, with wife Shabana and daughter Ava. The actor he has no expectations from 2021. “Have been working from 7am till late in the evening for three months, (so I) needed the small break. (I) Will be back to […]
Read MoreKirti Kulhari: Feels special that 2020 has concluded on a warm note for me
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Actress Kirti Kulhari has been getting positive responses from viewers for her performance in the new web series Criminal Justice Behind Closed Doors, and she is glad to end 2020 on a warm note. In the courtroom drama, Kirti essays Anu Chandra, who is accused of murdering her husband. “I’m overwhelmed […]
Read MoreKelvin Harrison Jr. plays blues legend BB King in Elvis Presley biopic
Los Angeles, Dec 31 (IANS) Actor Kelvin Harrison Jr is all set to essay the role of blues legend BB King in the upcoming Elvis Presley biopic. Harrison Jr., who recently featured in legal period drama “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and the musical drama “The High Note”, will now be seen in the […]
Read MoreRuling party using ED as tool to hound political opponents: Mehbooba
Srinagar, Dec 31 (IANS) Former Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti wrote a letter to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday alleging that the agency is being used as a tool to hound political opponents by the ruling party. “It has come to my notice that the Directorate of Enforcement is summoning various persons […]
Read MorePooja Bhatt on New Year celebrations: Important we respect rules on lockdown
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Filmmaker Pooja Bhatt has emphasised on the importance of following lockdown rules ahead of New Year celebrations. “It’s important that we respect the rules on lockdown & not let our need for revelry put more pressure on an already overstretched police force tonight.The virus still looms large.We need to help the […]
Read MoreSuneet Sharma appointed new Railway Board Chairman and CEO
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) The government on Thursday appointed Suneet Sharma, the General Manager of the Eastern Railways, as the new Railway Board Chairman and CEO of the Indian Railways. An official notification said: “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Sharma, IRSME (1981) to the post of Chairman, […]
Read MoreBhumi to Seema Pahwa: Ecstatic about your first film as director
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Bollywood star Bhumi Pednekar wishes she could have been a part of actress Seema Pahwa’s directorial debut film, Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi. Bhumi shared a picture of the film’s poster on Instagram and wrote: “Dearest Seema Ma’am, I’m so so ecstatic about your first film as a director 🙂 It’s hitting theatres […]
Read MoreI’ll remain at the helm till Assembly terms ends in 2023: Yediyurappa
Bengaluru, Dec 31 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa on Thursday said that he would remain ‘Chief Minister’ for the next two years while ruling out any change in the leadership. Addressing mediapersons on the eve of his customary new year-eve press conference here, Yediyurappa told reporters, “There is no doubt among the legislators. […]
Read MoreKriti Sanon: Getting my strength back post Covid
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon is working towards getting her strength back after battling Covid. Kriti posted a video on Instagram, where she is seen indulging in a pilates session, dressed in purple sports bra and black lycra pants. “Hang in there.. 2020 is finally about to end! This year has been […]
Read MoreGauri Khan happy it’s finally time for 2021
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s wife and designer Gauri Khan cannot wait for 2020 to get over. She is glad to finally welcome 2021 even if it means wishing fans Happy New Year a few hours early. Hours before bidding goodbye to 2020, Gauri took to Instagram and Twitter to wish to […]
Read MorePlayStation Plus announces new lineup of free games for Jan 2021
San Francisco, Dec 31 (IANS) Sony has announced that its gaming subscription service ‘PlayStation Plus’ users will get a new lineup of free games next month. “PlayStation Plus starts 2021 with a bang. PlayStation Plus members will receive two PS4 titles – action-adventure Shadow of the Tomb Raider and action RPG GreedFall on January 5,” […]
Read MoreViolence in Agra’s Tajganj area as man dies in accident
Agra (UP), Dec 31 (IANS) Violence broke out in Agra city’s Tajganj police area on Thursday as angry mobs clashed with police and set a police post and several vehicles on fire after a man died in a road accident, police said. Reports said that the man was grievously injured after a tractor-trailer overturned in […]
Read MoreDelhi pvt hospitals asked to set up isolation units for positive UK passengers
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) The Delhi government has directed four prominent private hospitals to establish isolation units for international passengers who have travelled from or transited through UK in the past four weeks and tested Covid positive, on payment basis with immediate effect. These private hospitals are Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital in Saket, […]
Read MoreSaif Ali Khan: It is a right time to be an actor
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan feels the shades of cinema are changing, and says it is the right time to be an actor. “Earlier, commercial cinema was slightly less honest. Satyajit Ray would always talk about the honesty of the kind of cinema he is making, and the world would know […]
Read MoreSahil Anand opens up on thriller series ‘The Missing Chapter’
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Sahil Anand was last seen on screen in Student Of The Year 2, and he returns with as a novelist in the web series titled The Missing Chapter, scheduled to release in March. “I play a novelist in the show. He writes some chapters that are linked with the story of […]
Read MoreHaryana’s Hisar sees coldest night in 47 years
Chandigarh, Dec 31 (IANS) Haryana’s Hisar town recorded a sub-zero temperature on Thursday that broke the record for the coldest December night in 47 years, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Hisar recorded a bone-chilling minus 1.2 degrees Celsius, eight degrees below normal. The IMD said it was the coldest night of the month in […]
Read MoreBumrah’s mind, body set for the bigger tests
By Khurram HabibNew Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Jasprit Bumrah, who will now be the only pace bowler remaining from the India squad of 2018-19 that won the Test series in Australia, will have his hands full going into the last two Tests of the series being the senior-most bowler despite having played just 16 Tests […]
Read MoreTata Trusts must introspect on greater scrutiny by govt bodies: Cyrus Mistry
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) SP Group chief Cyrus Mistry on Thursday said that instead of seeking to blame him at every turn, the Trustees of the Tata Trusts must introspect why they have deviated, leading to a greater scrutiny on their operations by the various government bodies. “We note that the Income Tax Appellate […]
Read MoreOver 19K VIPs availed security from 66K policemen for over half of 2019 (IANS Special) (Lead)
By Rajnish SinghNew Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Over 19,000 VIPs, including politicians, bureaucrats and judges, across the country were provided police protection for more than six months in 2019, with 66,000-plus police personnel deployed for their security round the clock. Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), judges and bureaucrats were among those […]
Read MoreHamilton awarded knighthood in new year honours list
London, Dec 31 (IANS) Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has been knighted, having been included in the United Kingdom’s traditional honours list. Hamilton this year equalled Michael Schumacher’s record for most driver’s championship wins and surpassed the German great for most career race wins in F1. Hamilton at the age of 35 is the […]
Read MoreFadnavis flays Maha govt on DGP’s central posting
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) A day after Maharashtra DGP Subodh Kumar Jaiswal opted for a plum posting as Director General of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), the opposition BJP on Thursday slammed the MVA government for “losing a good officer” to the Centre. Director General of Police Jaiswal opted for the central posting as he […]
Read MoreFICCI seeks Punjab govt’s intervention against attack on Jio’s mobile towers
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Industry body, FICCI has sought the intervention of the Punjab government against the incidents of vandalism of Reliance Jio’s mobile towers in the state. In a letter to Punjab Chief Secretary, Vini Mahajan, Rajinder Gupta, Chairman, Trident Group and Chairman FICCI Regional Advisory Council said that out of the 9,000 […]
Read MoreIncidents of mobile towers vandalisation declined drastically: Punjab CM
Chandigarh, Dec 31 (IANS) Lashing out at state BJP President Ashwani Sharma for “spreading false propaganda on law and order”, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday said the number of incidents of vandalising mobile towers have come down drastically. Noting that following his appeals and the strict warning to those damaging property, he said […]
Read MoreAlgeria to use Sputnik V during mass vaccination against Covid-19
Algiers, Dec 31 (IANS) Algeria will use the Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine when its scheduled mass vaccination against Covid-19 starts in January, the media reported. According to a report in TSA news portal, the Algerian government took the decision following a meeting on Wednesday chaired by Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad. On December 20, Algerian […]
Read MoreCBI raids TMC youth wing leader’s premises in Kolkata, issues LOC
Kolkata, Dec 31 (IANS) Swinging into action against Trinamool Congress youth wing leader Vinay Mishra, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday carried out searches at three locations in Kolkata in connection with a cattle smuggling case, sources said. The agency has also issued a look out circular (LOC) against Mishra, sources said, as […]
Read MoreBSF foils cross-border infiltration attempt in Punjab
Chandigarh, Dec 31 (IANS) Alert BSF personnel foiled an infiltration attempt by a group of anti-national elements from Pakistan into Indian Punjab in the early hours of Thursday by taking advantage of poor visibility due to dense fog. The suspicious movement was detected by Border Security Force’s 181 Battalion near the fencing in the Abohar […]
Read More12.9-inch iPad Pro with min-LED display may launch in Q1 2021
San Francisco, Dec 31 (IANS) Apple has been long rumoured to be working on an iPad Pro with a mini-LED display and now a new report has claimed that it will be launched in the first quarter of 2021. According to DigiTimes, Apple has expanded its supply chain for screens and touch panels. With this, […]
Read MoreBJP Kerala MLA now backtracks on anti-farm laws resolution support
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 31 (IANS) In wake of the controversy over his support to the Kerala government’s resolution against the Central farm laws, veteran BJP leader O. Rajagopal, who is the lone party legislator in the Assembly, on Thursday contended that the Speaker did not properly ask on the support and opposition to the measure. Rajagopal, […]
Read MoreYogi govt’s campaign attracts youth towards farming
By Vivek TripathiLucknow, Dec 31 (IANS) The Mukhyamantri Krishak Chhatravratti Yojana, a scheme run by the Yogi Adityanath government, is swiftly changing the scenario in Uttar Pradesh. The younger generation that was almost reluctant to join farming has started showing interest towards the traditional occupation of the country. The scheme is not only helping the […]
Read MoreS.Korea’s 5G users near 11mn in Nov: Report
Seoul, New Delhi (IANS) South Korea racked up nearly 11 million users on fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks as of end-November, data showed on Thursday. According to a data compiled by the Ministry of Science and ICT, the country had 10.9 million 5G users last month, accounting for 15.5 per cent of the total 70.5 million […]
Read MorePGIMER-Chandigarh geared up to vaccinate 12,000 healthcare workers
Chandigarh, Dec 31 (IANS) The PGIMER has chalked out the plan to undertake vaccination against coronavirus of over 12,000 healthcare workers and all requisites are in place to start the process in January 2021, its Director Jagat Ram said here on Thursday. A task force has also been set up to monitor the storage, infrastructure […]
Read MoreNimrat Kaur reminds 2020 is the year we lost Irrfan Khan
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Bollywood actress Nimrat Kaur, on the last day of 2020, has reminded fans that this was the year we lost Irrfan Khan. Nimrat shared several photographs of different places in Mumbai on her verified Instagram account on Thursday. Among those is a photograph of a mural of the late Irrfan, her […]
Read MoreRiddhima remembers dad Rishi Kapoor on NY eve: Wish you were here
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Riddhima Kapoor Sahni is currently on a family vacation in Ranthambore, but she misses her father and legendary star Rishi Kapoor, saying she misses him every passing day. “You are missed everyday ! Wish you were here with us… We love you,” she posted on Instagram on Thursday. She shared two […]
Read MoreHeart, lungs transplanted simultaneously in two patients at KIMS, Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Dec 31 (IANS) The New Year brought new hopes into the lives of two persons who received heart and double lungs from a brain dead donor here. A 51-year-old woman from Andhra Pradesh and a 59-year-old man from Delhi received a new lease of life at the Institute of Heart and Lung transplant, KIMS […]
Read MoreGoyal launches new revamped IRCTC website, rail connect app
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday launched a complete revamped new IRCTC website, along with the rail connect app. In his remarks on the occasion, Goyal said: “The Railways is committed to serving the nation, and constantly working to augment its services to further improve the rail travel experience.” “This […]
Read MoreRam Gopal Varma on new horror film: I’m back with a genre I love
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) A new trailer of the psychological horror film 12 ‘o’ Clock was unveiled on Friday and the film’s director Ram Gopal Varma says he is back with a genre he really loves. “(I) Am back with a genre I love . I am hoping to scare you from Jan 8th”, said […]
Read MoreKriti Kharbanda: Getting back to the grind post malaria wasn’t easy
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Bollywood actress Kriti Kharbanda on Thursday opened up on battling malaria and resuming work even before recovering completely. Kriti revealed that she suffers from weakness, mood swings and other side effects despite being cured of malaria. The actress posted on her verified Instagram account: “Getting back to the grind post malaria […]
Read MoreAndroid 11 for Galaxy Note 10 series with One UI 3.0 starts rolling out
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Following Android 11-based One UI 3.0 update for the Galaxy Note20 and S20 series, Samsung has now started rolling out a stable update for the Galaxy Note10 as well as Note10+. The One UI 3.0 update is currently rolling out to Galaxy Note 10 handsets in Germany, and to Galaxy […]
Read MoreSuhana Khan shares Snow White vibes in new post
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Suhana Khan, daughter of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, shares Snow White vibes in a string of new images that she has posted on Instagram. In the pictures, Suhana is seen sporting a white fluffy ensemble. She sports a no make-up look, and can be seen flaunting her midriff. The picture […]
Read More66K cops for 19K VIPs’ security for more than 6 months in 2019 (IANS Special)
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) More than 19,000 VIPs were provided round-the-clock police protection for more than six months in 2019 across the country, for which over 66,000 police personnel were deployed. Ministers, members of Parliament (MPs) and Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), Judges and bureaucrats were among these VIPs who got police security cover given by […]
Read MoreBig B: 90% conflict is due to delivery and tone of voice
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan shared a valuable piece of advice for fans on social media, important to keep in mind during day to day interactions. “10% of conflict is due to difference in opinion and 90% is due to delivery and tone of voice,” Big B tweeted on Thursday. The 78-year-old […]
Read MoreAnil Kapoor is ‘grateful to be alive’ in 2020
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Veteran Bollywood star Anil Kapoor expressed on the last day of 2020 that he feels grateful just to be alive through the outgoing year, which shook the world with the Covid pandemic. Kapoor shared his feelings on Instagram. The 64-year-old actor wrote: “2020… a year of growth, new dreams, hard times […]
Read MorePriyanka Chopra: ‘Mary Kom’ was physically and emotionally demanding
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas on Thursday said playing the role of a living national icon in Mary Kom put a load on her, adding that it is an experience that will always stay with her. The actress took to Instagram to recall essaying the starring role in the 2014 biopic “Mary […]
Read MoreKiara Advani is looking at 2021
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Actress Kiara Advani is done with 2020 and confesses that she is now looking forward to the next year. Kiara posted a picture on Instagram with her back towards the camera and dressed in a coverup. She poses against the backdrop of a bright blue sky and a waterbody. “Lookin at […]
Read MoreThe Weeknd’s new album about Covid, Black Lives Matter
Los Angeles, Dec 31 (IANS) Singer The Weeknd says his next album will be inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and Covid-19 pandemic. In an interview with TMRW, the singer, whose After Hours tour was postponed due to the pandemic, shared what to expect in his new album, reports billboard.com. “I have been more […]
Read MoreGautam Gulati tests positive for Covid-19
London, Dec 31 (IANS) Bigg Boss 8 winner Gautam Gulati is currently in London, and has shared that he has tested Covid positive. Gautam posted an Instagram photo focussing on his hand placed on a bed. He captioned it: “COVID 19 s**ks.” The actor’s celebrity friends and fans have wished for a speedy recovery. Actress […]
Read MoreHooda strengthens his position after Haryana civic body polls
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has strengthened his position in the Congress after the civic body elections and the recent Baroda Assembly bypoll win. Both the wins are from the Sonepat region of the state, which is Hooda’s stronghold. The wins have reinforced his claim of being the […]
Read MoreUshering more space sector reform is the priority for 2021: Sivan
By Venkatachari JagannathanChennai, Dec 31 (IANS) The priority for the year 2021 will be to usher in increased space sector reforms by putting in place a permanent Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and other sectoral policies, said K.Sivan, Secretary, Department of Space (DoS). Sivan is also the Chairman of Indian Space Research […]
Read MoreNSO used data of real people to pitch contact-tracing tech: Report
San Francisco, Dec 31 (IANS) In a case that may involve potential privacy violations of thousands of people, researchers have found that Israeli spyware maker NSO Group resorted to using phone location data of real people while showcasing its Covid-19 contact-tracing software to governments and journalists, TechCrunch reported. The NSO Group launched its contact-tracing technology […]
Read MoreUmesh Yadav ruled out of Test series
Melbourne, Dec 31 (IANS) India suffered another major blow after pace bowler Umesh Yadav was ruled out of the Test series against Australia and will return home for rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), it has been learnt. His exit comes after Mohammed Shami was ruled out following a fracture to his bowling arm […]
Read MoreS. Korea plans to roll out its own Covid-19 vaccine late next year
Seoul, Dec 31 (IANS) South Korea will be able to develop its own Covid-19 vaccine late next year, in addition to foreign products to be shipped here in the near future, the country’s Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on Thursday. He was speaking in public at the outset of an interagency meeting on the virus […]
Read MoreAmid ‘insane’ cold, rain likely in northern India from Jan 3-5
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) As the country preps to usher in New Year, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday predicted rainfall, with thunderstorm and hailstorm, for northern India from January 3 to 5, even as Delhi recorded its lowest 3.3 degrees Celsius. The weather department has predicted cold wave to severe cold wave […]
Read More199 ‘missing’ UK returnees in K’taka will be traced in 2 days: Minister
Bengaluru, Dec 31 (IANS) Karnataka Health Minister K. Sudhakar on Thursday said that the state Home Department will track down within a day or two all 199 missing passengers who have landed from the UK in Bengaluru since November 25. Sudhakar told reporters that he was constantly in touch with the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) […]
Read MoreDidi hit by divide in cultural clan ahead of 2021 Bengal polls
Kolkata, Dec 31 (IANS) Prominent intellectuals who once batted for the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress in West Bengal during the Nandigram-Singur anti-land acquisition movement are now maintaining a “socio-political distance” from the ruling formation ahead of the crucial 2021 state Assembly polls. Veteran theatre personalities such as Bibhas Chakraborty, singer-composer Nachiketa Chakraborty, actor Kaushik Sen […]
Read MoreIndia will have happy New Year with something in hand: DCGI on Covid vax
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) As India awaits with bated breath for a silver bullet against coronavirus, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) on Thursday hinted at the approval of vaccine and said the country will have a ‘happy new year with something in hand.’ The drug regulator is currently analysing the data submitted […]
Read MoreBreast cancer surgeon Dr Raghu Ram on Queen’s Honours list
Hyderabad, Dec 31 (IANS) Eminent breast cancer surgeon Dr Raghu Ram Pillarisetti is named on the prestigious 2021 new year’s Honours list of Queen Elizabeth II. The list has just been published in the ‘London Gazette’, the official publication of the Crown. Instituted in 1917 by King George V, the Queen’s Honours are amongst the […]
Read MoreHyderabad police imposes curbs on New Year celebrations
Hyderabad, Dec 31 (IANS) The Hyderabad police on Thursday imposed restrictions on New Year celebrations and announced a special drive against drunken driving. Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda police commissionerates have announced closure of all flyovers and certain roads in the interest of public safety. The government has granted permission to the Telangana Prohibition and Excise […]
Read MoreTrump cuts short Florida trip
Washington, Dec 31 (IANS) US President Donald Trump has cut short his trip to Florida, where he celebrated Christmas with his family, and will now return to Washington D.C. on Thursday, according to a media report. According to the President’s daily schedule released late Wednesday, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump “will be leaving Florida […]
Read MoreCovid vaccine dry run across India on Jan 2
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) After successfully concluding the Coronavirus vaccination dry run in four states, a similar mega-drill will be conducted in all states and union territories on January 2. This is aimed at equipping the entire administration and management of vaccine supply, storage and logistics, including cold chain management, the Health Ministry said […]
Read MoreGau Seva Aayog wants ‘Kamdhenu Chair’ in all UP varsities
Lucknow, Dec 31 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh Gau Seva Aayog (Cow Commission) has appealed to the vice chancellors of state universities to establish a Kamdhenu Chair on their campuses to promote research and higher studies on indigenous cows. The appeal comes after Allahabad University vice chancellor, Professor Sangita Srivastava, proposed to establish the Kamdhenu Chair […]
Read MoreTravelling broadcast crew cut by 1/4th for last two Ind-Aus Tests
Melbourne, Dec 31 (IANS) Cutting down on the size of the travelling broadcast team by a sizeable number while securing exemption for players, support staff and match officials has been one of the steps taking by Cricket Australia (CA) to ensure the smooth passage of the last two Tests of the series against India. CA […]
Read MoreRussia records 27,747 new Covid-19 cases
Moscow, Dec 31 (IANS) Russia registered 27,747 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, taking the nation’s tally to 3,159,297, the country’s Covid-19 response centre said on Thursday. The centre also reported 593 more fatalities, bringing the nationwide death toll to 57,019, reports Xinhua news agency. With the new tallies, Russia currently accounts for […]
Read MoreClass 10 student shoots dead classmate in UP school
Bulandshahr (UP), Dec 31 (IANS) In a shocking incident, a class 10 student shot dead his classmate over a fight over seats in the class. The incident took place on Thursday. Earlier, on Wednesday, the two boys had fought over seats in the class. One of the boys, on Thursday, brought his uncle’s gun to […]
Read MoreAfghan presidential aide ‘critically injured’ in Kabul blast
Kabul, Dec 31 (IANS) An aide to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was “critically injured” in an IED blast in Kabul on Thursday, while his driver was killed, according to a government official. The blast occurred at around 8.10 a.m. when the IED exploded and targeted a Corolla-model car in Chehel Sutoon area in PD7 of […]
Read MoreWhy the names ‘Vikas’ and ‘Anamika’ are anathema in UP (IANS SPECIAL)
by Amita VermaLucknow, Dec 31 (IANS) As 2020 bids a much-awaited adieu and Corona emerges as the most feared word of the year, there are two more words, rather names, that have become anathema in Uttar Pradesh. ‘Vikas’ and ‘Anamika’ are now names that are scorned, ridiculed and even hated for unrelated reasons. ‘Vikas’ earned […]
Read MoreNow Bird Flu plagues Raj as it battles mutant Covid strain
Jaipur, Dec 31 (IANS) Rajasthan is in the throes of a Hitchcockian nightmare with dead birds falling from sky. The reason on Thursday was confirmed as cases of Avian Flu. A high alert has been sounded across the desert state after Avian Influenza was confirmed in the samples of around 100 crows which were found […]
Read MoreODOP products to be showcased at Dilli Haat in January
Lucknow, Dec 31 (IANS) Products made under the ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) scheme of the Uttar Pradesh government will now be showcased at the Dilli Haat fair in Delhi from January 16 to 31. It is for the first time that a fair is being organised at Dilli Haat for the branding of artisans […]
Read MoreAll domestic calls from Jio to be free from Jan 1
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Reliance Jio Infocomm has announced that it will make all domestic calls free starting January 1, as interconnect usage charges (IUC) for all domestic voice calls comes to an end. A Jio statement noted that as per the directions of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), ‘Bill and Keep’ […]
Read More2020: TN politics revolved around AIADMK, DMK, BJP and Rajini who backed out
By Venkatachari JagannathanChennai, Dec 31 (IANS) Even though Tamil Nadu politics largely revolved around the two major parties — the ruling AIADMK and the DMK — in 2020, the resurgent state BJP unit and actor Rajinikanth’s decision to take a political plunge and the anti-climax of backing out too got good traction. With the assembly […]
Read MoreDazzle at the New Year party with this twist to your ethnic wear
By Puja GuptaNew Delhi, Dec 31 (IANSlife) New Year’s eve – a time to dress up and dance the night away into 2021. Even if you are planning a small party at home to welcome the New Year with minimal guests, looking great should be your priority. Anuj Mundhra, Chairman & MD at JaipurKurti.com shares […]
Read MoreYour 2021 Annual Horoscope
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANSlife) What changes will the new year bring to your life? Based on your sun sign and the stars, we are all impacted by different planets at different parts of the year. Read on to find out how your new year is going to be. Inputs from Astrologer Heena Gokhru from […]
Read MoreA recap of the highlights of 2020
By Puja GuptaNew Delhi, Dec 31 (IANSlife) While the year 2020 would always be remembered for the havoc the pandemic created for humankind, it also become momentous as it marked several events which brought cheer to life. From celebrities tying the knots to some getting pregnant and many Bollywood stars venturing into OTT platforms, 2020 […]
Read MoreTry these New Year breakfast recipes
By Puja GuptaNew Delhi, Dec 31 (IANSlife) There is no need to be a master in the kitchen or an expert pastry chef to create a tasty and appetizing dish. Most of the time, the best cakes are also the simplest to prepare. Kick start a brand new year with some delectable breakfast options that […]
Read MoreNifty crosses 14K-mark, Sensex hits new high (2nd Ld)
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) The Indian equity market rose to new record high during the mid-afternoon trade session on Thursday as the NSE Nifty50 crossed the 14,000 mark for the first time ever. The index touched a record high of 14,024.85 points amid a largely subdued trade. BSE Sensex also hit a fresh high of […]
Read MoreBMC bows to public sentiments, permits New Year celebrations indoors
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Bowing before public sentiments, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday permitted New Year celebrations by tweaking certain rules, a top official said. BMC Commissioner I.S. Chahal said citizens can continue the New Year eve celebrations provided they do it indoors after 11 p.m. in view of the Covid-19 night curfew […]
Read MoreHow celebs are ringing in the New Year
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANSlife) Ending a year full of stress, many Bollywood stars have decided to welcome a brand New Year and enjoying the holidays at their favourite destinations. From Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, Malaika Arora and Karisma Kapoor, Instagram has been flooded with their pictures, giving us […]
Read MorePakistan to purchase vaccine from China’s Sinopharm
Islamabad, Dec 31 (IANS) Pakistan has decided to pre-book a Covid-19 vaccine from Chinese state-owned company Sinopharm for emergency use for healthcare workers, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination said on Thursday. In a meeting of a Special Cabinet Committee constituted as an oversight body for procurement of the Covid-19 vaccine, it […]
Read MoreAfghan killing fields: Taliban & its mentors have blood on their hands
By Rahul KumarNew Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Afghanistans President Ashraf Ghani has asserted that his country is confronting a fierce psychological war, where repeated attacks on journalists and civil society members are directed at sapping national morale. He spotlighted that the unending bloodbath targeting the core of Afghan society was an attack “on a generation”. […]
Read MoreOnePlus may launch fitness band to take on Xiaomi next year
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) OnePlus is reportedly planning to enter the wearables segment with the launch of the ‘OnePlus Band’ in India next year that will give competition to Xiaomi’s Mi Band 5. The band will first debut in India followed by more regions later on and would be priced around Rs 3,000, reports […]
Read MoreISRO working on green fuels like hydrogen peroxide for rockets
By Venkatachari JagannathanChennai, Dec 31 (IANS) The Indian space rockets are set to go green as ISRO is working to replace its existing hazardous fuel with non-hazardous and environment- friendly fuels for its rockets and satellites, the ISRO Chairman said. He also said that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is looking at green propulsion […]
Read More4 new Covid-19 variant cases reported in Sweden
Stockholm, Dec 31 (IANS) Sweden has reported four cases of the new, more contagious Covid-19 variant, which was first discovered in Britain earlier this month, the country’s Public Health Agency confirmed. “We always expected to find further cases of this new virus strain. This shows that our extended efforts to analyse and handle cases have […]
Read MoreDrunk drivers are terrorists: Cyberabad top cop
Hyderabad, Dec 31 (IANS) Cyberabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar has termed drunk drivers as terrorists on the roads. “People driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol are no less than terrorists who kill innocent people indiscriminately on the roads,” said the commissioner who made a surprise visit to all the traffic check posts on […]
Read MoreApple’s supplier in China accused of using forced Uyghur labour
San Francisco, Dec 31 (IANS) Lens Technology Co., a key supplier of touch screens for Apple, used thousands of Uyghur labourers from the predominantly Muslim region of Xinjiang in China, according to an investigation by Tech Transparency Project (TTP). This is not the first time Apple’s supply chain has been linked to alleged forced labour […]
Read MoreNight curfew across Odisha on New Year eve
Bhubaneswar, Dec 31 (IANS) In order to prevent further spread of Covid-19, the Odisha government has imposed night curfew across the state from 10 pm on Thursday to 5 am on Friday to restrict New Year eve celebrations. However, all essential services and movements would be allowed during the curfew hours. “The government of Odisha […]
Read MoreGoa considering night curfew in view of tourist surge
Panaji, Dec 31 (IANS) Anticipating a surge in tourists during and after New Year, the Goa government is considering imposing a night curfew on the lines of the one imposed in the national capital and in Karnataka, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said on Thursday. “Spoke to the Hon’ble CM on imposing night curfew in the […]
Read MoreItaly to vaccinate 10-15 mn people by April: PM
Rome, Dec 31 (IANS) Italy is planning to vaccinate 10 to 15 million of its roughly 60 million citizens against the novel coronavirus by April 2021, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said. During a year-end press conference on Wednesday, Conte said that under Italy’s mass vaccination campaign, the first group of people to be inoculated will […]
Read MoreKerala’s first woman IPS officer to retire on Thursday
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 31 (IANS) Kerala’s first woman IPS officer R.Sreelekha will retire from the service on Thursday. She is presently serving as the Director General of Police, Fire and Rescue Services. A 1987 batch IPS officer, Sreelekha was instrumental in paving the way for several woman IPS officers which was hitherto a male bastion. Her […]
Read MoreICEA urges for GST and import duty cuts, PLI for laptops
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) has urged the central government to reduce import duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) on mobile phones. In its recommendations for the upcoming Union Budget, the industry body has also sought production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes for manufacture of laptops, tablets, printed circuit […]
Read MoreNifty hits 14,000 for the first time, Sensex touches new high (Ld)
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) The Nifty50 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) has crossed the 14,000 mark for the first time ever. It touched an all-time high of 14,010.15 points amid a largely subdued trade. The indices traded on a flat-to-positive note during the afternoon trade Sensex also touched its all-time high of 47,865.56 points. […]
Read MoreAlmost 1 in 4 Americans describe 2020 as awful: Survey
Washington, Dec 31 (IANS) When Americans were asked to describe the year 2020 in a single word in a recent survey, nearly one in four of them said “awful”, “terrible”, or “horrible” as the US is still reeling under the raging Covid-19 pandemic. Released on Wednesday, the USA Today/Suffolk University poll of 1,000 registered voters […]
Read MoreAanand L. Rai tests COVID-19 positive
Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Filmmaker Aanand L. Rai has tested positive for Covid. The director tweeted the health update on Thursday. He also requested whoever has got in touch with him in the past few days to take the necessary precautions. “I have tested covid positive today. Just wanted to inform everyone that I don’t […]
Read MoreWilliamson ends Smith-Kohli rule in ICC rankings, Rahane No. 6
Dubai, Dec 31 (IANS) India’s stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane has moved to No. 6 in ICC world rankings for Test batsmen, jumping five places thanks to his century in the second Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson jumped two places to end 2020 as the world’s top-ranked batsman […]
Read More‘US pardons for convicted Blackwater guards an affront to justice’
Geneva, Dec 31 (IANS) US President Donald Trump’s pardoning of four private security company Blackwater guards convicted of committing a massacre in Iraq violated American obligations under international law and should be seen as “an affront to justice”, a group of UN experts said here. In a statement on Wednesday, the UN experts also called […]
Read MoreDelhi cop Ishwar Singh who blew lid off 2000 cricket match-fixing scandal, retires (IANS Special)
By Qaiser Mohammad AliNew Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Delhi Police’s top officer Ishwar Singh, whose chance tapping of a telephonic conversation involving South Africa captain Hansie Cronje opened a Pandora box on cricket match-fixing in 2000, retires on Thursday “absolutely satisfied” after an eventful 38-year-two-month-long service. Singh, 60, retires as Assistant Commissioner of Police (Southwest […]
Read MoreOPPO Reno 5 4G with Snapdragon 720G processor launched
Beijing, Dec 31 (IANS) OPPO recently launched the next-generation Reno5 series which consists of Reno5 5G, Reno5 Pro 5G, and Reno5 Pro+ 5G and now the company has added another fourth member in this series in the form of Reno5 4G in Vietnam. The smartphone is priced at 86,90,000 Vietnamese Dong and the company is […]
Read MoreLone BJP MLA supports Kerala Assembly resolution against farm laws
Thiruvannathapuram, Dec 31 (IANS) The Kerala Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution moved by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan against the three new central farm laws, with the lone BJP MLA, O Rajagopal, supporting it. Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan said the resolution was passed unanimously through a voice vote at the Special session of the Assembly. However, […]
Read MoreAdam Zampa banned for a game for uttering ‘audible obscenity’
Melbourne, Dec 31 (IANS) Australia limited-overs leg-spinner Adam Zampa has been suspended for one match in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) for ‘audible obscenity’ he uttered during a match on December 29, Cricket Australia said in a statement. The leg-spinner, who represents Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League, accepted the ‘charge for […]
Read More25 killed in Syria ambush
Damascus, Dec 31 (IANS) At least 25 people were killed when armed men ambushed a passenger bus in eastern Syria, state media reported. The “terrorist” attack on Wednesday targeted the bus on the Palmyra-Deir al-Zour road in the area of Kabajeb, Xinhua news agency quoted the state media as saying in a report. It added […]
Read MoreIran approves compensation for Ukranian plane crash victims
Tehran, Dec 31 (IANS) The Iranian government has approved allocation of $150,000 as a compensation for the victims of the Ukrainian passenger plane crash which took place near the Tehran airport earlier this yea. “According to the decision of the cabinet, the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development is obliged to arrange for the payment […]
Read MoreItalian Senate passes govt’s 2021 budget
Rome, Dec 31 (IANS) The Italian Senate has passed the government’s 2021 draft budget, providing the necessary final approval ahead of the end of the year. Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte’s cabinet won a confidence vote in the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of Italy’s bicameral Parliament, with 156 votes in favor […]
Read MoreUP’s campaign against crime: Properties worth Rs 733Cr seized
Lucknow, Dec 31 (IANS) The Yogi Adityanath government, while pursuing its policy of zero tolerance against crime and corruption, has seized properties worth Rs 733 crore belonging to the mafia and criminals. Lucknow was at the top of the list with properties worth Rs 88.15 crore attached while Gautam Buddha Nagar ranked second with properties […]
Read MoreMilind Soman: Sex symbol tag doesn’t bother me
By Sugandha RawalNew Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) He courted limelight and controversy posing in the nude with then girlfriend Madhu Sapre, wrapped by a python, for a shoe commercial in the nineties, and did much the same again nearly three decades later when he ran in his birthday suit on a Goa beach to celebrate […]
Read MoreCBI raids 2 places in Bengal related to Trinamool youth leader
New Delhi/Kolkata, Dec 31 (IANS) In a massive search operation launched against Trinamool Congress youth wing leader Vinay Mishra, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday carried out searches at two locations in Kolkata in connection to a cattle smuggling case, sources said. The agency has issued a look out circular (LOC) against Mishra, […]
Read MoreBaghel urges PM for permission to his state for paddy procurement
New Delhi/Raipur, Dec 31 (IANS) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urge him for immediate necessary permission to ensure smooth paddy procurement in Kharif marketing season 2020-21 in the state. “Due to lack of permission for procurement from the central overnment, the system is getting clogged due to […]
Read More22 killed in Yemen airport explosions (Lead)
Aden, Dec 31 (IANS) At least 22 people were killed after three massive explosions struck the Aden airport in Yemen just minutes after the arrival of members of a new power-sharing government from Saudi Arabia, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday. According to a statement released by the pro-government Ministry based in the southern port […]
Read MoreWarner may play third Test even if not totally fit: Australia coach
Melbourne, Dec 31 (IANS) Opener David Warner could play the third Test in Sydney beginning January 7 even if he is not 100% fit, hinted Australia assistant coach Andrew McDonald. Warner suffered a groin injury during the second One-day International (ODI) and was ruled out of the final ODI, the T20I series as well as […]
Read MoreNew research explains severe virus attacks on lungs
London, Dec 31 (IANS) A team of Swedish researchers has revealed how different kinds of immune cells, called macrophages, develop in the lungs, and which of them may be behind severe lung diseases, a discovery that may contribute to future treatments for Covid-19, among other diseases. To date, research on the development of human lung […]
Read More130 asylum seekers evacuated from Libya to Rwanda: UNHCR
United Nations, Dec 31 (IANS) The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has announced the evacuation of 130 asylum seekers from Libya to Rwanda. “The UNHCR has successfully evacuated a group of 130 vulnerable asylum seekers out of Libya to safety in Rwanda in the fourth and last evacuation flight in 2020. Next flights will resume in […]
Read MorePortugal set to take over EU Presidency from Germany
Lisbon, Dec 31 (IANS) Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said that his country will continue the “excellent work” done by Germany as it takes over the six-month rotating European Union (EU) Presidency. On January 1, 2021, Portugal is scheduled to assume the Presidency of the the EU Council for the fourth time, reports Xinhua news […]
Read MoreWashington Governor announces extension of restrictions
Washington, Dec 31 (IANS) Washington Governor Jay Inslee has announced a one-week extension of the “Stay Safe-Stay Healthy” order, along with the state-wide restrictions on in-person gatherings and business activities due to an unabated Covid-19 resurgence. The extension of the state-wide restrictions will expire on January 11, 2021, while no changes were made in the […]
Read MoreNight curfew in Delhi on Dec 31, Jan 1
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) The Delhi Disaster Management Authority on Thursday ordered the imposition of night curfew in the national capital on December 31 and January 1 from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. The decision has been taken to contain the spread of the coronavirus spread. Delhiites visiting markets, malls, and other places to […]
Read MorePreparations in full swing to vaccinate all against corona: PM
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Emphasising on improved healthcare facilities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that preparations were in full swing across the country to make coronavirus vaccine available to all. After laying the foundation stone of a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Gujarat’s Rajkot via videoconference, Modi said: […]
Read MorePakistan invites Afghan businessmen to join CPEC
Islamabad, Dec 31 (IANS) Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly Asad Qaisar has invited Afghan businessmen to take part in economic activities under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Speaking to Afghan Minister of Industry and Commerce Nisar Ahmad Ghoryani in Islamabad on Wednesday, Qaisar invited Afghan businessmen to invest in the Rashakai Special Economic Zone (SEZ) […]
Read MoreChina’s Zhong Shanshan replaces Mukesh Ambani as Asia’s richest
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Zhong Shanshan, founder of bottled water company Nongfu Spring has overtaken Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani as the richest person in Asia, with a net worth of $77.8 billion. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index showed that Zhong’s net worth has surged $70.9 billion making him the richest man in Asian above […]
Read MoreIran preparing uranium enrichment of 20% purity
Tehran, Dec 31 (IANS) The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) is making preparations for 20 per cent uranium enrichment, a top official said here. In a statement on Wednesday, Chief of the Presidential Staff of Iran, Mahmoud Vaezi, said added that the AEOI would produce 120 kg of enriched uranium at the purity of […]
Read MoreApple working on keyboard with reconfigurable displays on each key
San Francisco, Dec 31 (IANS) Apple has patented a new reconfigurable keyboard for the Mac with a small display for each key, which will show different characters as per the user’s preferences. The iPhone maker has recently filed a patent titled “Electronic devices having keys with coherent fiber bundles” and it was granted by the […]
Read MoreMyanmar extends entry restriction for travellers
Yangon, Dec 31 (IANS) Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to extend temporary entry restrictions for all visitors until the end of January. The Ministry issued an announcement on Wednesday of extending the period of precautionary restriction measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 which will expire on December 31, reports Xinhua news agency. […]
Read MoreStrong aftershocks jolt Croatia as rescue efforts continue
Zagreb, Dec 31 (IANS) Strone aftershocks continued to rock central Croatia, a day after a 6.4-magnitude earthquake devastated towns and villages about 50 km southeast of the capital Zagreb, killing seven and injuring dozens. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported two aftershocks — 4.8- and 4.7-magnitude, within 11 minutes near Tuesday’s epicentre on Wednesday morning, […]
Read MoreAdieu 2020, Welcome 2021
By Asad Mirza2020 set many new paradigms, which may be the norm in the coming years, too. Perhaps the humans have awaited no other year’s end so eagerly across the world as that of 2020. Similarly, no other event in the recent history has had such a far-reaching impact as that of the coronavirus pandemic, […]
Read More5 new cases of mutant UK virus found, total 25 cases
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) The Centre on Thursday said that five more cases of the mutant Coronavirus from the UK have been detected in the country, taking the total tally of such cases to 25 so far. Out of the five new cases, four have been found by the National Institute of Virology in […]
Read MoreISI-linked gangster deported from UAE for killing Shaurya Chakra awardee (IANS Special)
By Sumit Kumar SinghNew Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) A gangster, who is suspected to be on the payroll of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence in terror activities, Sukhmeet Pal Singh alias Sukh Bhikhariwal was deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India on Thursday for conspiring in the killing of Shaurya Chakra awardee, Indian intelligence agency […]
Read MoreChina, EU complete investment agreement negotiations
Beijing, Dec 31 (IANS) Chinese President Xi Jinping and leaders of the European Union (EU) have announced that the two sides have completed investment agreement negotiations as scheduled. The announcement was made on Wednesday during a meeting between Xi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, President of the European Council Charles Michel […]
Read MoreAus admit Smith, Marnus struggling with India’s leg-side theory
Melbourne, Dec 31 (IANS) Indians have managed to control Australia’s top two batsmen, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, in the first two Test matches with the ‘leg-side theory’, admittted the Australian team management. “I wouldn’t be too quick to judge Steve Smith in the middle. Yeah, he hasn’t got going yet in this series. In […]
Read MoreRussia amends law on foreign agents
Moscow, Dec 31 (IANS) Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a bill into law, broadening the range of individuals and organisations that can be labelled as foreign agents and allowing stricter monitoring. According to the law signed on Wednesday, individuals and unregistered non-governmental organisations will be recognised as foreign agents if they are participating in political […]
Read MoreCentral African Republic opposition calls for cancellation of polls
Bangui, Dec 31 (IANS) The Democratic Opposition Coalition 2020 (COD-2020), a platform of opposition parties of Central African Republic (CAR), has called for the cancellation and rerun of the recently-held presidential and legislative elections. In a statement, the COD-2020 cited low voter turnout in provinces under threat from armed rebels and electoral irregularities linked to […]
Read MoreTelangana’s daily Covid count dips further to 415 (Ld, correcting para 3)
Hyderabad, Dec 31 (IANS) In a further drop in new Covid cases in Telangana, the health authorities on Thursday reported 415 new infections during the last 24 hours. The new cases detected out of a sample size of over 43,000 pushed the state’s tally to 2,86,354. Three more persons succumbed to the virus during the […]
Read More20 dead as massive explosions rock Yemen airport
Aden, Dec 31 (IANS) Three massive explosions struck the Aden airport in Yemen just minutes after the arrival of a new power-sharing government from Saudi Arabia, leaving at least 20 people dead, according to local officials. An official of Aden’s local government told Xinhua news agency that “nearly 20 people, mostly civilians, were killed and […]
Read MoreClass of ’21: Bollywood debutants coming up in new year
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) None of the high-profile Bollywood launches in 2020 happened owing to the pandemic, so several aspiring actors are looking forward to the year that is coming up. A mix of star kids and outsiders are scheduled to enter Bollywood over the next 12 months. IANS takes a look at the […]
Read MoreChinese mainland reports 25 new Covid-19 cases
Beijing, Dec 31 (IANS) The Chinese mainland has reported 25 newly confirmed coronavirus cases, including nine locally transmitted cases, the National Health Commission said on Thursday. Five of the locally transmitted cases were reported in Liaoning province, and two each in Beijing and Heilongjiang, Xinhua news agency quoted the Commission as saying in its daily […]
Read MoreRlys to resume services of New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express
New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) The New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express will once again resume its services from January 1, months after the services were stopped due to Covid pandemic. Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal took to Twitter and wrote, “The Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express which takes pilgrims to Vaishno Devi shrine will once again […]
Read MoreHimachal to begin New Year with sunshine
Shimla, Dec 31 (IANS) It was a sunny day on Thursday in Himachal Pradesh with the meteorological office in Shimla predicting dry weather to continue in the state till January 3. “There are chances of widespread snow and rain in the state on January 4 (Monday). Till then it will be bright and sunny,” a […]
Read MoreComplaint filed against kisan leader for ‘derogatory’ remarks
Gurugram, Dec 31 (IANS) A complaint against Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader, Rakesh Tikait, has been filed at the Shivaji Nagar police station in Gurugram over his alleged controversial remarks in a speech on December 25 at a protesting site in Haryana’s Palwal district. Tikait is alleged to have made the comments against the Brahmins, […]
Read MorePak’s economy continues to move forward amid Covid-19
Islamabad, Dec 31 (IANS) As economies around the globe have remained under intense pressure owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Pakistani economy is showing encouraging signs of a promising recovery with improved economic indicators, according to experts. The country’s economic experts believed that despite the testing times, the national economy is heading towards the right […]
Read MoreChina approves Sinopharm’s Covid-19 vaccine for market
Beijing, Dec 31 (IANS) China on Thursday said it had granted conditional marketing authorisation for a Covid-19 vaccine developed by China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm). The vaccine will be provided free to the national inoculation programme, the South China Morning Post reported, citing Chinese officials. China earlier granted emergency use authorisation of the vaccine for […]
Read MoreTelangana’s daily Covid count dips further to 415
Hyderabad, Dec 31 (IANS) In a further drop in new Covid cases in Telangana, the health authorities on Thursday reported 415 new infections during the last 24 hours. The new cases detected out of a sample size of over 43,000 pushed the state’s tally to 2,86,354. Three more persons succumbed to the virus during the […]
Read MoreYogi’s push for increasing Bhadohi carpet exports
Lucknow, Dec 31 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will inaugurate a new Carpet Expo Mart in Bhadohi district on Thursday, giving a major boost to the carpet industry. The Carpet Expo Mart building will house shops and an exhibition centre which will help bring sellers and buyers under one roof. The Chief Minister […]
Read MoreNew Asus laptop with 11th gen Intel chip launched
Beijing, Dec 31 (IANS) Taiwanese electronics giant Asus has launched a new fashionable metal gradient laptop ‘Adolbook13 2021’ in China. The laptop is priced at 4,999 yuan and it is only available from the company’s Jingdon Official flagship store, reports Gizchina. The Adolbook13 2021 features a 13.3-inch display with an FHD resolution of 1080p and […]
Read MoreFree fall of mercury on in J&K, Ladakh
Srinagar, Dec 31 (IANS) Minimum temperatures in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh remained under free fall on Thursday as the weather office forecast another spell of rain and snow on January 4 and 5. “As of today, weather most likely to remain mainly dry and cold in both the UTs till January 3 (Sunday). “Thereafter […]
Read MoreNo excuses for dropping catches of Rahane & Co: Aussie assistant coach
Melbourne, Dec 31 (IANS) Australia assistant coach Andrew McDonald said there are no excuses for dropping catches and fielding lapses that saw Australia let India reach 326 in the first innings of the second Test and take a sizeable lead. “Nothing obvious for fielding lapses. India had a similar problem with the pink ball,” said […]
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