New Delhi, Nov 3: With 1,321 people testing positive for coronavirus infection in a day, India’s tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,46,57,149, while the active cases declined to 16,098, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.
The death toll climbed to 5,30,461 with nine fatalities which includes five deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.
The active cases comprise 0.04 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate increased to 98.78 per cent, according to the ministry website.
A decrease of 145 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,41,10,590, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.
According to the ministry’s website 219.67 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.
India’s COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.
The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23 last year. It crossed the four-crore mark on January 25 this year.
Four deaths were reported in a span of 24 hours with two from Maharashtra and one each from Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. (Agencies)
Active Covid cases in country dip to 16,098
Bangladesh’s Nurul Hasan accuses Virat Kohli of ‘fake fielding’ in World Cup match
Adelaide, November 3
Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan has accused Indian maestro Virat Kohli of “fake fielding” which went unnoticed by on-field umpires and robbed his team of five potentially vital penalty runs in their T20 World Cup game.
Set a revised target of 151 in 16 overs after a brief spell of rain, Bangladesh fell short by five runs.
While his skipper Shakib Al Hasan conceded that they lost fair and square, Nurul, who kept Bangladesh in the game in the final over with a six and a four off Arshdeep Singh, seemed to criticise the on-field umpires after the game.
“Definitely, the wet outfield did have an impact when we restarted the game. But there was also a fake throw which could have got us five runs but we didn’t even get that,” Nurul said in Bengali at the mixed zone, indirectly accusing umpires Chris Brown and Marais Erasmus of overlooking the incident.
The incident that Nurul was referring to happened in the seventh over. A video recording showed that Arshdeep threw the ball from the deep and Kohli — at point — feigned as if he were relaying it at the non-striker’s end.
A relay throw is one where the fielder closer to the track catches the ball from deep and throws it at the stumps.
The two batters — Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto — didn’t even look at Kohli and that’s why Nurul’s argument raises questions.
The ICC playing conditions rule 41.5, which pertains to unfair play, prohibits fielding team from “deliberate, distraction, deception or obstruction of the batter”.
If the umpire finds any one has breached the rule, he can call it a dead ball and award five penalty runs.
While Nurul accused Kohli of fake fielding, he didn’t factor in the terms “distraction and deception” part in the rule.
Neither Shanto nor Litton was looking at Kohli, and hence, they were not distracted or deceived.
On the contrary, there is a possibility that Nurul might be sanctioned for criticising the match officials.
Bypoll for 7 Assembly seats in 6 states gets under way
New Delhi, November 3
Voting began on Thursday in the by-election to seven assembly constituencies in six states – a contest symbolic of the fierce turf war between the BJP and regional parties.
The polling is being held in Mokama and Gopalganj assembly constituencies of Bihar, Andheri (East) of Maharashtra, Adampur of Haryana, Munugode of Telangana, Gola Gorakhnath of Uttar Pradesh, and Dhamnagar of Odisha.
Authorities have made elaborate arrangements for the voting.
Among the seven seats where bypolls are being held, the BJP held three seats, the Congress two while the Shiv Sena and the RJD had one each.
While a victory in the bypolls will be inconsequential to their position in the assemblies, the parties have not taken the contest lightly and carried out a high-pitched campaign.
The counting of votes will take place on November 6.
The BJP is seeking to retain Gola Gorakhnath seat in Uttar Pradesh and Dhamnagar in the BJD-ruled Odisha, banking on sympathy votes as it has fielded the sons of sitting MLAs whose death necessitated the bypolls.
The BJP and the ruling TRS had been campaigning aggressively in Munugode in Telangana, where the Congress MLA had resigned and is fighting on the saffron party’s ticket.
The Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements for polling, including the deployment of 3,366 state police and 15 companies of central security personnel in Munugode. Webcasting would be done from all the polling stations, officials said.
In Adampur, Haryana, the by-election was necessitated after former chief minister Bhajan Lal’s younger son Kuldeep Bishnoi resigned as MLA from the seat and switched from the Congress to the BJP in August. Bishnoi’s son Bhavya is now contesting as the BJP candidate.
The Adampur seat has been held by the Bhajan Lal family since 1968, with the late ex-chief minister representing it on nine occasions, his wife Jasma Devi once, and Kuldeep on four occasions.
The Congress, Indian National Lok Dal, and Aam Aadmi Party are among the key parties contesting the bypolls.
The Congress has fielded former Union minister Jai Prakash, a three-time MP from Hisar and two-time MLA, as well.
The INLD picked Congress rebel Kurda Ram Nambardar as its candidate. The AAP has fielded Satender Singh, who switched over from the BJP.
Bihar will see the first electoral test for the Nitish Kumar-led ‘Mahagathbandhan’ government, formed less than three months ago after the JD(U) parted ways with the BJP.
Bypolls are being held in Mokama and Gopalganj seats in Bihar, earlier held by the RJD and the BJP respectively.
The BJP is contesting from the Mokama constituency for the first time as the saffron party had, on previous occasions, left the seat to its allies. Both the BJP and the RJD have fielded the wives of local musclemen in the bypolls.
BJP nominee Sonam Devi is up against RJD’s Neelam Devi, whose husband Anant Singh’s disqualification has necessitated the by-election.
Mokama is the stronghold of Anant Singh since 2005. He won the seat twice on JD(U) tickets and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has appealed to voters to support him.
Sonam Devi, the wife of local muscleman Lalan Singh who has been opposed to Anant Singh, is a greenhorn. Lalan is known to be a confidant of Suraj Bhan Singh, a dreaded gangster-turned-politician, who in the 2000 assembly election defeated Anant Singh’s elder brother Dilip Singh who was a minister in the Rabri Devi government.
In Gopalganj, BJP has fielded Kusum Devi, the wife of deceased party MLA Subhash Singh. The RJD has fielded Mohan Gupta, while Indira Yadav, wife of Lalu Yadav’s brother-in-law Sadhu Yadav, is contesting as Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate.
Shiv Sena’s Rutuja Latke is expected to comfortably win Andheri East Assembly constituency in Mumbai after the BJP withdrew from the contest which is the first after the recent split in the Shiv Sena following a rebellion by Eknath Shinde, who replaced Thackeray as the Maharashtra chief minister.
The NCP and Congress have supported her candidature.
The by-election was necessitated due to the death of Rutuja Latke’s husband and Shiv Sena MLA Ramesh Latke in May this year.
The Gola Gorakhnath seat in Uttar Pradesh fell vacant after the death of BJP MLA Arvind Giri on September 6. With the BSP and the Congress keeping away from the bypolls, there seems to be a direct fight between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party The BJP has fielded Aman Giri, son of Arvind Giri, while the SP candidate is former Gola MLA Vinay Tiwari.
The BJD has fielded Abanti Das, the lone woman among the total five candidates in Dhamnagar. BJP MLA Bishnu Charan Sethi’s death necessitated the bypoll. The saffron party, banking on sympathy votes, has fielded Sethi’s son Suryabanshi Suraj.
The BJD’s official candidate is facing a rebel as its former MLA Rajendra Das is in the fray as an Independent.
JU signs MOU for Training Programmes in the field of IoT at Department of Computer Science & IT
Jammu, Nov 02- The University of Jammu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for imparting various Training Programmes in the field of IoT at PG Department of Computer Science and IT with Advancetech India Pvt. Ltd., Mohali. The MOU was signed in presence of the Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu by Prof. Arvind Jasrotia, Registrar, University of Jammu and Sh. Arvind Dixit, Director, Advancetech.
Prof. Umesh Rai appreciated the Head and faculty members of the Department of Computer Science and IT, University of Jammu for taking the initiative to engage the corporate sector. Prof. Rai emphasized that Departments must collaborate and extend association so that the premier institutions can contribute towards the growth of the students of the University. He further envisioned that the credits to the professional knowledge must be given by which an employee of the private companies can earn a degree from the University of Jammu, which will help in achieving the collaborations of the industry with academia as mandated in New Education Policy (NEP-2020). Prof Rai impressed upon HOD, Computer Sciences & IT to prepare a draft in this regard so that the same can be placed before relevant bodies for its implementation.
CBK Produces Chargesheet Against Man In Online Fraud Case
SRINAGAR, Nov 2: The Crime Branch Kashmir has produced a charge sheet against a Haryana resident for alleged online cheating.
“The Economic Offence Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir has produced Charge-sheet in Case FIR No. 14/2020 U/S 420 RPC, 66-D IT Act of P/S Crime Branch Kashmir (EOW, Srinagar) against Sumit Kumar S/o Bagwandas R/o House No. 327, Ward No. 19 Aryanagar Bahadurgarh Haryana-124507 before the Hon’ble Court of Sub Registrar Srinagar,” read a statement, issued by Crime Branch Kashmir.
The instant case had been registered upon receipt of written complaint, wherein it was alleged by the complainant that he was cheated online by some fraudsters.
“The investigation conducted revealed that the complainant had been cheated by Sumit Kumar on the pretext that a Mobile Tower be installed and for the purpose of registration the complainant made to deposit a huge amount as registration fee.”
The Economic Offence Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir has once again advised the general public to be vigilant and never respond to any unknown messages, calls or requests. (Agencies)
Virat Kohli becomes top run-scorer in T20 World Cup history
ADELAIDE, Nov 2: India’s Virat Kohli on Wednesday became the highest run-scorer in Twenty20 World Cup history when he reached 16 against Bangladesh in Adelaide.
Kohli beat former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene’s total of 1,016 runs in his 23rd innings in T20 World Cups. Jayawardene set his mark off 31 innings.
The former captain is playing his 113th T20 international for India since making his debut in the shorter format in 2010.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) tweeted: “Yet another milestone unlocked”.
In the crunch Super 12 game in Adelaide on Wednesday, Bangladesh won the toss and asked India to bat first.
Coming to the crease at 11-1, Kohli had gone on to 24 not out after 10 overs and India had reached 84-2 largely on the back of K. L. Rahul’s 32-ball fifty.
Kohli, 33, recently said he was “paranoid about his privacy” after a stranger appeared to have filmed inside his hotel room in Perth.
Overcoming the slump
He also recently overcame a long batting slump to be in electric form in this T20 World Cup, leading India to victory over Pakistan with an unbeaten 82 and scoring another fifty in the next game against the Netherlands.
The innings against Pakistan was one of “King Kohli’s” finest in a long and storied career.
Kohli lifted India from the depths of 31-4 chasing 160 to guide the team home on the last ball of a dramatic final over, from which 18 runs had been needed.
He hit two sixes off Pakistan quick bowler Haris Rauf at the end of the 19th over with 28 still needed, then another off a no-ball in a frantic final over.
Earlier his measured 113-run partnership with Hardik Pandya had turned the tide after Pakistan looked on course for victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in front of 90,000 raucous fans. (Agencies)
Zojila Day commemorated near Drass
Srinagar, Nov 2: The Zojila Day was commemorated at the Zojila War Memorial near Drass in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday to celebrate the action by Indian troops in 1948 on the icy heights of Zojila pass, the gateway to Ladakh.
The Srinagar-based Defence Ministry spokesman said the day was marked with a solemn wreath laying by Commander Dras Warriors of the Leh-based Fire and Fury Corps to pay homage to the soldiers who died liberating the Zojila Pass from Pakistani intruders.
The Zojila Day epitomises the indomitable spirit of bravery of the Indian Army. The battle was also historic for the reason that tanks were used for the first time at such heights.
The Commander of Drass Brigade interacted with the soldiers. (Agencies)
India’s Suryakumar becomes world’s No.1 T20I batter
NEW DELHI, Nov 2: The swashbuckling Suryakumar Yadav on Wednesday became the world’s number one batter in T20 Internationals, rising to the top on the back of his incredible form in recent times.
Yadav overtook Pakistan opener Mohammad Rizwan to become just the second Indian player to hold the top T20I batter ranking.
Since beginning his T20I journey for India in March last year, Yadav has quickly established himself as one of the best batters in the shortest format of the game, scoring one century and 11 fifties from 37 appearances for his country.
The 32-year-old Yadav has also played 13 ODIs for India.
Yadav has accumulated 863 points with Rizwan at 842 points. New Zealand’s Devon Conway completes the top three with 792 points. (Agencies)
LeT commander among 4 terrorists killed in Kashmir encounters, 3 arrested
SRINAGAR: A wanted LeT Commander involved in killing of 3 security personnel was among four terrorists killed in two encounters with security forces in Pulwama and Anantnag districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, police said.
While three terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama’s Khandipora, one was gunned down in Anantnag’s Semthan, they said.
Also, three alleged “hybrid” terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were arrested during an anti-terror operation in Srinagar and Budgam districts, the police said.
Additional Director General of Police, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar termed the killings in the Pulwama encounter a “big success” for the security forces.
In a tweet, he said, “03 terrorists killed in Awantipora encounter.”
He said the identities of the slain terrorists are being ascertained.
“As per our source, 1 is FT (foreign terrorist) & 1 local terrorist of LeT namely Mukhtiyar Bhat, involved in several terror crimes including killing of 01 ASI of CRPF & 2 RPF personnel. A big success for us,” the DGP said.
Kumar said two AK rifles and a pistol were among the recoveries made from the scene of the encounter.
Earlier, the officer said, security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the Semthan area of Bijbehara in Anantnag following information about the presence of terrorists there.
The search operation turned into an encounter after the terrorists opened fire at the security forces, who retaliated, he said.
“One terrorist has been killed while the operation is still in progress,” he added.
In a separate operation, the police set up a checkpoint in the Harnambal area in Srinagar after information was received about the movement of terrorists there, a police spokesperson said.
“Two hybrid terrorists — Aamir Mushtaq Dar and Kabil Rashid — were arrested at the Naka. Two grenades were recovered from their possession,” he said.
He said the duo disclosed the identity of their third associate, Aqib Jamal Bhat, who was arrested from Sozaith in Budgam.
“Hybrid” terrorists are not listed as ultras but are radicalised enough to carry out a terror strike and then slip back into routine life.
During questioning, the arrested terrorists revealed the location of an IED in the Rangreth area of the city, the spokesperson said.
“The IED, weighing around 10 kg, was recovered and destroyed,” he said.
A case has been registered under the relevant sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosives Act and Arms Act at Chanapora police station, he said, adding that all three terrorists are affiliated with LeT.
Baaghi urges LG to regularise daily wagers and other casual appointees of different departments
Aam Aadmi Party leader & Social activist Gurmeet Singh Baaghi urged the Government to enact a concrete policy for the regularisation of daily wagers and other casual appointees of different departments and release the pending wages of workers. The government has failed to address the sufferings of daily wagers and other appointees in different departments. The casual labourers and daily wagers working in various departments rejected the minimum wages recently set by the J&K administration recently. The Government recently issued a notification regarding the Minimum Wages Act, but it is sheer injustice because, in Delhi, workers get Rs 635 and Rs 311 have been set for daily wagers. The 7th Pay Commission in 2018 recommended Rs 18000 as minimum wage and the same was accepted by the Supreme Court, India Labour Conference and now in 2022, J&K administration are giving minimum wages of Rs 9000 per month which is nothing but injustice, said Baaghi. The Government had already regularised Adhoc / Contractual Doctors, Range Officers, Information Officers, Instructors in Technical Education, and JEs others as per Civil Services Special provision Act 2010 then why daily wagers have been debarred from the same right.
Baaghi said that the Government could not ignore the fact that thousands of families were dependent on their breadwinners, Govt should immediately regularised them in the service. They have given their life precious years to departments, served in far flung areas and most of are over age, what they get after giving their life precious time to departments.
Baaghi urged to the LG Administration that the long pending demands of daily wagers and other appointees etc may be considered as soon as possible, with issuance of their regularisation and till their wages require to be enhanced to enabling them to feed their families in the present hard times.The exploitation of workers must stop and should be regularised without any further delay, said Baaghi.