Nepal urges India to take steps against broadcast of anti-Nepal materials

Nepal has sent a 'diplomatic note' to India, urging to take steps against broadcast of materials what it called "fake, baseless and insensitive as well as abusive" to the country

Nepal has sent a 'diplomatic note' to India, urging New Delhi to take steps against the broadcast of materials what it called "fake, baseless and insensitive as well as abusive" to the country and its leadership by a section of the Indian media, a source said on Sunday. The move came days after Nepal on Thursday stopped the transmission of all Indian private news channels except Doordarshan, accusing them of airing reports hurting the country's national sentiment.

There was no immediate reaction from India on the issue In the diplomatic note to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) via the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the materials disseminated by a section of the Indian media are fake, baseless and insensitive as well as abusive to Nepal and Nepali leadership, according to an aide of the Nepal Prime Minister.

"Such materials are not only misleading and misinforming but also impair the sense of minimum public decency, the ministry said in the note. The ill-intentioned "smearing campaign unleashed by a section of Indian media has deeply hurt the feelings of Nepali people and persona of Nepali leadership," read the note...Read More

Trai blocks Airtel, Vodafone Idea plans promising faster data speeds

Other subscribers must not suffer deterioration in service, says regulator in communication to two companies.

The telecom regulator has asked Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea to put on hold specific plans that promised faster speeds to certain priority users, as it questioned whether the network preference came at the cost of deterioration of services for other subscribers. A source said the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has asked the two operators to withhold the specific plan for the interim period.

The TRAI has written to the two operators -- Airtel and Vodafone Idea -- and questioned them about their individual plans that promised faster speeds to certain priority users. The regulator has asked if priority to high-paying customers in those specific plans came at the cost of service deterioration for other subscribers. It has asked the operators how they are protecting the interest of other general subscribers.

When contacted, an Airtel spokesperson said: "We are passionate about delivering the best network and service experience to all our customers." "This is why we have a relentless obsession to eliminate faults and have been consistently recognised by international agencies as the best network in terms of speed, latency and video experience..

One Nation, One Ration Card to start working across India by Jan: Paswan

Paswan welcomed the decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) for five more months

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has reiterated that ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ (ONORC) scheme would likely start working across India by January next year, ahead of its March 31 deadline. Paswan, who leads the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ministry, said on on Thursday said the government is trying to include all remaining States/UTs onboard of ONORC by January 2021. He said that earlier many States/UTs highlighted the challenges related to slow network connectivity.

In this regard, he informed that he has taken up the issue with the department of telecommunications (DoT) and there is a proposal to provide a free net connection to every gram panchayat for one year duration.

While interacting with reporters through video conferencing, the Minister said the balanced quantity of foodgrains and whole chana under under the ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ scheme will now be distributed till August 31, 2020. He welcomed the decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) for five more months till November 2020…Read More

Indoor airborne spread of Covid-19 under certain conditions possible: WHO

In a change to its previous thinking, WHO noted that studies evaluating C-19 outbreaks in restaurants, choir practices and fitness classes suggested the virus might have been spread in air

The World Health Organisation is acknowledging the possibility that Covid-19 might be spread in the air under certain conditions after more than 200 scientists urged the agency to do so. In an open letter published this week in a journal, two scientists from Australia and the US wrote that studies have shown beyond any reasonable doubt that viruses are released during exhalation, talking and coughing in microdroplets small enough to remain aloft in the air.

The researchers, along with more than 200 others, appealed for national and international authorities, including WHO, to adopt more stringent protective measures. WHO has long dismissed the possibility that the coronavirus is spread in the air except for certain risky medical procedures, such as when patients are first put on breathing machines.

ALSO READ: Coronavirus LIVE: India records over 25,000 cases in a day, US adds 61,000

In a change to its previous thinking, WHO noted on Thursday that studies evaluating COVID-19 outbreaks in restaurants, choir practices and fitness classes suggested the virus might have been spread in the air. Airborne spread "particularly in specific indoor locations, such as crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces over a prolonged period of time with infected persons cannot be ruled out, WHO said.

Criminal is dead, but what about those who aided Dubey: Priyanka Gandhi

Soon after gangster Vikas Dubey was killed in an encounter by the Uttar Pradesh Police on Friday, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asked “what about those who aided the criminal”

Soon after gangster Vikas Dubey was killed in an encounter by the Uttar Pradesh Police on Friday, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asked “what about those who aided the criminal”. “The criminal is dead, but what about those who aided the criminal?” the Congress leader tweeted (translated from Hindi).

Kanpur encounter main accused Vikas Dubey was killed in an encounter with the police on Friday. Dubey, the main accused in the Kanpur encounter case was arrested by the police in Ujjain on Thursday morning. He was on the run for the last several days and had come to Ujjain to offer prayers at Temple, where he was identified by a security guard at the shrine.

The gangster is the main accused in the encounter that took place in Bikru village in Chaubeypur area of Kanpur last week, in which a group of assailants allegedly opened fire on a police team, which had gone to arrest Dubey. Eight police personnel were killed in the encounter. Dubey managed to escape and the Uttar Pradesh police launched a hunt and raised the bounty on him to Rs 5 lakh.

Vikas Dubey killed; cops say gangster shot at them and tried to flee

Vikas Dubey and his gang shot dead 8 policemen who had come to arrest him near Kanpur village last week

Gangster Vikas Dubey, accused of killing eight policemen in a shootout last week, was shot dead Friday morning when he tried to break free while being taken in a convoy to Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh from Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain city, where he was arrested on Thursday. “Dubey was killed in encounter when he tried to flee after a road accident,” Mohit Agarwal, Kanpur’s Inspector General of Police, told news agencies. The incident took place between Jhansi and Kanpur, The Indian Express reported.

A vehicle carrying Dubey, whose age is unknown, in the UP Police’s Special Task Force’s (STF) convoy overturned after skidding on a highway slippery after rains. Vikas Dubey allegedly snatched a pistol when he was taken out of the upturned vehicle and tried to fire at the police. He was killed in retaliatory firing and two STF personnel were injured, reported news agency IANS.

Visuals after the incident showed Dubey being taken away on a stretcher to the emergency ward of the Hallett Hospital in Kanpur. Dinesh Kumar, a senior police officer in Kanpur, said the hospital’s doctors confirmed Dubey’s death.

Kanpur encounter case: Main accused Vikas Dubey arrested in Ujjain

Dubey's two aides are killed in separate encounters in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday

Vikas Dubey, the main accused in the Kanpur encounter case, was arrested in Ujjain on Thursday. The arrest comes days after an inter-state operation was launched following a raid in which eight policemen were killed when they reached Dubey's house to arrest him.Vikas Dubey was carrying a bounty of Rs 500,000 on his head.Meanwhile, Dubey's two aides were killed in separate encounters in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, police said. While Kartikeya alias Prabhat was gunned down in Kanpur when he tried to flee from police custody, another aide of Vikas Dubey, Praveen alias Bauwa Dubey, was killed in an encounter in Etawah, they added.

Kartikeya, who was arrested from Faridabad on Wednesday, was being brought to Kanpur on transit remand when he snatched the pistol of a policeman and tried to flee, ADG, Law and Order Prashant Kumar said."The encounter took place in the Panki area of Kanpur when a police team was bringing Kartikeya alias Prabhat to Kanpur from Faridabad on transit remand.

The police vehicle had a flat tyre. Taking advantage of the situation, Kartikeya tried to flee after snatching the pistol of a policeman," he said.Kartikeya opened fire at the policemen accompanying him, injuring two Special Task Force (STF) personnel, and was killed in the ensuing exchange of fire, the officer said. The policemen fired at him "in self-defence", he added...

Introspect why you're 'epicentre of terrorism': India slams Pak at UN

Addressing a closed session of UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) during a Virtual Counter-Terrorism Week on Tuesday, India's envoy Mahaveer Singhvi raised the issues

India has once again called on the international community to take verifiable actions against terror outfits operating in Pakistan and urged its neighbour to introspect about why it is universally acknowledged as the "international epicentre of terrorism" as well as the "best safe haven" for terrorists.

Addressing a closed session of UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) during a Virtual Counter-Terrorism Week on Tuesday, India's envoy Mahaveer Singhvi raised the issue that while India has proactively responded to mitigate the health and economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, it still continues to face the scourge of state-sponsored cross border terrorism.

"The world is battling a virulent pandemic today. But as Pakistan's neighbour, we expect it to take seriously the fight against the even more destructive virus of terrorism. It must look inward and five up to its commitments and abandon its divisionary tactics," Singhvi said in a statement. "Terrorists have made innumerable attempts to infiltrate into our country from their safe abodes across the border to carry out attacks and have even used unmanned aerial systems to smuggle weapons across our borders," he added...Read More

Pak claims Kulbhushan refused to file review plea; India says it's farce

The Hague-based ICJ ruled in July last year that Pakistan must undertake an 'effective review and reconsideration' of the conviction

Pakistan said on Wednesday that Indian prisoner on death row Kulbhushan Jadhav has refused to file an appeal in the Islamabad High Court against his conviction by a military court despite Pakistani authorities' offer to do so, a claim dismissed by India as "farce".

Jadhav, the 50-year-old retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" in April 2017. Weeks later, India approached the ICJ against Pakistan for denial of consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav and challenging the death sentence. The Hague-based ICJ ruled in July last year that Pakistan must undertake an "effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav and also to grant consular access to India without further delay.

On Wednesday, Pakistan's Additional Attorney General Ahmed Irfan said that on June 17, 2020, Jadhav was offered to file an appeal in the Islamabad High Court for review and reconsideration of his sentence and conviction. "Exercising his legal right, Commander Jadhav refused to file a petition for the review and reconsideration of his sentence and conviction.

58 Indian-origin executives employ over 3.6 mn across 11 countries: Survey

Indian leaders surveyed are as young as 37 and the median age is 54, according to a group called Indiaspora.

A group of 58 Indian-origin executives heading various companies across 11 different countries, including the US, Canada and Singapore, collectively employ more than 3.6 million people and account for a combined $1 trillion in revenue, $4 trillion in market capitalisation, according to a list released by a US-based top Indian diaspora organisation.

Indian-origin business leaders are reaching the pinnacle of corporate success in greater numbers than ever, many use their platforms for social change advocacy, said Indiaspora, a nonprofit organisation of global Indian diaspora leaders from various backgrounds and professions.

The Indiaspora Business Leaders List of 58 executives head companies headquartered across 11 different countries, including the US, Canada, England, and Singapore and these companies have delivered annualised returns of 23 per cent during the tenure of these executives, outperforming the S&P 500 by 10 per cent. These companies collectively employ more than 3.6 million worldwide and account for a combined $1 trillion in revenue and USD 4 trillion in market capitalisation...Read More

Covid-19 crisis: WHO acknowledges 'emerging evidence' of airborne spread

A comprehensive package of intervention is required to stop transmission (of the virus)," said Benedetta Allegranzi, technical lead, WHO infection prevention and control hub and task force

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said it is looking into claims of airborne transmission coronavirus in poorly ventilated closed settings and will soon issue a scientific brief on the issue. “We acknowledge that there is emerging evidence in this field… We have to be open to this evidence and understand its implication — regarding the modes of transmission and precautions that need to be taken.

Also Read: Covid-19 vaccine: Over to clinical sites to set a deadline for Covaxin

A comprehensive package of intervention is required to stop transmission (of the virus),” said Benedetta Allegranzi, technical lead, WHO infection prevention and control hub and task force, in Geneva. In an open letter 239 scientists across 32 countries said that novel coronavirus in smaller particles in air could infect people.

US probing allegations TikTok failed to protect children's privacy: Report

TikTok failed to delete videos and personal information about users age 13 and younger as it had agreed to do, according to US agencies.

The Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Justice Department are looking into allegations that popular app TikTok failed to live up to a 2019 agreement aimed at protecting children's privacy, according to two people interviewed by the agencies.

A staffer in a Massachusetts tech policy group and another source said they took part in separate conference calls with FTC and Justice Department officials to discuss accusations the China-based short video sharing app had failed to live up to an agreement announced in February 2019.

The Center for Digital Democracy, Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood and others in May asked the FTC look into their allegations TikTok failed to delete videos and personal information about users age 13 and younger as it had agreed to do, among other violations.

Reuters could not determine whether any action would be taken against TikTok by either of the two agencies. A TikTok spokesman said they take "safety seriously for all our users," adding that in the United States they "accommodate users under 13 in a limited app experience that introduces additional safety and privacy protections designed specifically for a younger audience."

Officials from both the FTC, which reached the original consent agreement with TikTok, and Justice Department, which often files court documents for the FTC, met via video with representatives of the groups to discuss the matter, said David Monahan, a campaign manager with the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood...Read More

Donald Trump paid someone to take his SATs: Niece in scathing tell-all book

Mary L Trump, a psychologist, writes that playing to the lowest common denominator and sowing division are all that her uncle knows.

President Donald Trump's niece offers a scathing portrayal of her uncle in a new book, blaming a toxic family for raising a narcissistic, damaged man who poses an immediate danger to the public, according to a copy obtained by The Associated Press. Mary L. Trump, a psychologist, writes that Trump's reelection would be catastrophic and that lying, playing to the lowest common denominator, cheating, and sowing division are all he knows.

By the time this book is published, hundreds of thousands of American lives will have been sacrificed on the altar of Donald's hubris and willful ignorance. If he is afforded a second term, it would be the end of American Democracy," she writes in Too Much and Never Enough, How My Family Created The World's Most Dangerous Man.

Mary Trump is the daughter of Trump's elder brother, Fred Jr., who died after a struggle with alcoholism in 1981 at 42. The book is the second insider account in two months to paint a deeply unflattering portrait of the president, following the release of former national security adviser John Bolton's bestseller. In her book, Mary Trump, who is estranged from her uncle, makes several revelations, including alleging that the president paid a friend to take the SATs a standardized test widely used for college admissions in his place. ..

Read More: International News

Govt sets up team to coordinate probe against three Gandhi family trusts

A special director in the Enforcement Directorate will head the team

An inter-ministerial team has been set up by the government to coordinate probe into the alleged violation of various laws like money laundering and foreign contributions by three Nehru-Gandhi family linked trusts, including the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF). A Home Ministry spokesperson said a special director in the Enforcement Directorate will head the team.

ALSO READ: Govt using oil money for welfare of poor, not RGF: BJP's attack on Congres

"MHA sets up inter-ministerial committee to coordinate investigations into violation of various legal provisions of PMLA, Income Tax Act, FCRA etc by Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust & Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust. Spl. Dir of ED will head the committee," a home ministry spokesperson tweeted...

Final year exams in Sept: Know latest UGC guidelines for college students

UGC has revised guidelines on examinations in view of coronavirus pandemic. All you need to know

Educational News: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has revised guidelines on examinations and academic calendar for the universities in view of coronavirus pandemic and announced that the final year examinations in the universities will be held in September.
UGC guidelines for final year/semester exams
— The terminal semester(s)/final year(s) examinations be conducted by the universities/institutions by end of September 2020 in offline (pen & paper)/online/blended (online+ offline) mode
— Those students who have backlog should compulsorily be evaluated by offline or online examinations as per "feasibility and suitability"

— If a final year student is unable to appear in the examination, the university must arrange special examination for the student In April 2020, the Commission constituted an Expert Committee to deliberate and make recommendations regarding the issues related to examinations and academic calendar. Based on the Committee's report, the UGC issued guidelines on exams and academic calendar on April 29, 2020....

Previous policy against China did not work, US to take new path: Pompeo

The National Security Law, he says, has taken away the freedom of the people of Hong Kong

International News: The United States has to take a different path with regard to China as the previous policy of helping them open up their economy with the believe that this would lead to more political freedom has not worked, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.

"The theory of the case that was more economic opening will lead to more political freedoms, more fundamental rights being provided to the Chinese people, just turned out not to have been true. It just didn't work. I'm not criticising those who came before; we can now plainly see that it didn't work, and that means the United States has to take a different path," Pompeo told Tony Perkins of Washington Watch in an interview.

President Donald Trump, he said, has laid that path out pretty clearly.

"He is the first president and this is not partisan. This is Republican and Democrat presidents before him allowed China to engage in a trade relationship with the United States that caused middle (class) America, working people all across the United States, to lose their jobs," he said.

Covid-19 Factoid: Karnataka has worst recovery rate, Rajasthan has best

Thane in Maharashtra has the highest number of active cases among districts. Of the ten most affected districts of India, four are in Maharashtra

The global confirmed case count is currently at 11.5 million, of which 6.5 million have now recovered. Globally, 537,616 people have lost their lives in the pandemic. The US still has the highest number of cases in the world, having one-fourth the global total. While daily new cases in the country are not showing any considerable signs of decline, daily deaths have reduced substantially as compared to April.

In India, there are now almost 700,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, of which 253,287cases are active. As many 19,693 people have died in the country till Monday night. In some positive news, the recovery rate of India is now upwards of 60 per cent.

Here are some data points on the pandemic:

#1. Karnataka has the worst recovery rate

Among the top ten worst-affected states by the number of confirmed cases, Karnataka has the worst recovery track record, at just 41.9 per cent. In comparison to other states, Karnataka had seen a delayed spike in cases, starting in early to mid-June. Rajasthan has the best recovery rate at 79 per cent, followed by Gujarat and Delhi. India's overall recovery rate stands at 60.9 per cent.

2. Thane has highest number of active cases among districts

Thane, adjoining the badly affected Mumbai, has the highest number of active cases in the country. Out of the top ten worst-affected districts, four are located in Maharashtra, the worst-affected state in the country. The top four districts have more than 20,000 active cases each.

US may ban Chinese social media apps, including TikTok, says Mike Pompeo

TikTok, along with 58 other Chinese apps, were banned in India last week following a border clash with China.

Days after India banned 59 apps including TikTok and UC Browser, the United States on Tuesday said that it was also 'looking' at banning Chinese social media apps. “I don’t want to get out in front of the President (Donald Trump), but it’s something we’re looking at,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Pompeo said in an interview with Fox News, as reported by Reuters.

ALSO READ: TikTok to exit Hong Kong market within days over new national security law

TikTok, along with 58 other Chinese apps, including Tencent Holdings LTD’s WeChat and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd’s UC Browser, were banned in India last week following a border clash with China. India had banned apps for engaging in "activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order". In response, China described New Delhi's actions as "discriminatory" while calling for the reversal of the ban.

Donald Trump blames China's 'secrecy, cover-up' for spread of Covid-19

Trump has expressed disappointment over China's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic in the past

China must be held fully accountable for its "secrecy, deception and cover-up" that allowed it to spread the coronavirus all over the world, US President Donald Trump has said, upping the ante on Beijing over its handling of the Covid-19 outbreak. Addressing the nation for a second time in as many days on the occasion of 244th Independence Day on Saturday, President Trump touted the country's "progress" against the Covid-19 disease despite a nationwide spike in the number of coronavirus cases.

China must be held fully accountable for its "secrecy, deception and cover-up" that allowed it to spread the coronavirus all over the world, US President Donald Trump has said, upping the ante on Beijing over its handling of the Covid-19 outbreak. Addressing the nation for a second time in as many days on the occasion of 244th Independence Day on Saturday, President Trump touted the country's "progress" against the Covid-19 disease despite a nationwide spike in the number of coronavirus cases.

On Friday, Trump made a direct appeal to disaffected white voters four months before Election Day, accusing protesters who have pushed for racial justice of engaging in a "merciless campaign to wipe out our history.".. Read More

Kerala govt makes compulsory for public to follow Covid-19 norms till 2021

The norms have been issued under the 'Kerala Epidemic Disease Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) Additional Regulations, 2020'

The Kerala government has made it mandatory for the public to adhere to Covid-19 safety guidelines such as wearing of masks for the next one year, as part of its measures to tackle the spread of the virus in the state.Through an amendment brought to the Epidemic Diseases Act, the state government said the regulations for the public will remain in effect till July 2021.

The norms have been issued under the 'Kerala Epidemic Disease Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) Additional Regulations, 2020.'In the wake of an increase in Covid-19 cases in the state, the government has taken a decision to strengthen precautionary measures against the spread of coronavirus, the government said in an explanatory note with the Gazette notification. According to the regulations, all persons shall cover their mouth and nose with a mask or face cover in all public places, workplaces, any place where the public have access, all kinds of vehicles and during transport.

ALSO READ: Coronavirus LIVE: India cases at 697,836; scientists say corona is airborne

"All persons shall maintain a social distance of six feet between person to person in all public places and functions… In all wedding ceremonies and functions thereafter the maximum number of participants at a time shall not exceed50 people," it read. Not more than 20 people would be allowed at shops and funerals.

Samsung announces Galaxy Assured buyback offer on smartphones: Details here

Samsung also introduced Galaxy Forever offer, which lets consumers buy the Galaxy S20-series smartphones by paying 60% of the total cost upfront and rest of the amount at the end of first-year

Samsung has introduced a buyback offer called Galaxy Assured on its smartphones. The South Korean electronics maker also introduced Galaxy Forever offer, which lets consumers buy the Galaxy S20-series smartphones by paying 60 per cent of the total cost upfront and rest of the amount at the end of first-year. Both the offers are now available across Samsung Exclusive Stores, retail outlets and Samsung online portal.

What is Galaxy Assured

Samsung has partnered with Servify for this offer in which the company is providing assured buyback value on the Galaxy S20 Ultra, Galaxy S20+, Galaxy S20, Galaxy S10 Lite (512GB) and Galaxy Note10 Lite. In this offer, the company is offering an assured buyback value of up to 70 per cent on a three-month old Galaxy S20 smartphone. A six-month old device is eligible for up to 60 per cent assured buyback value, and up to 50 per cent and 40 per cent on nine months and 12 months old smartphones, respectively.

What is Galaxy Forever

The Galaxy Forever offer lets consumers buy Galaxy S20-series smartphones at 60 per cent of the price Consumers can pay the balance 40 per cent at the end of one-year or return the device. To avail the Galaxy Forever offer, consumers will have to buy Galaxy S20 smartphone using EMI facility. For the Galaxy Forever, Samsung India has partnered with Servify and IDFC.

800,000 Indians may be forced to leave as Kuwait approves expat quota bill

The National Assembly's legal and legislative committee has determined that the draft expat quota bill is constitutional

The legal and legislative committee of Kuwait's National Assembly has approved the draft expat quota bill which could result in 8 lakh Indians leaving the country.The National Assembly's legal and legislative committee has determined that the draft expat quota bill is constitutional, Gulf News reported citing local media report.

The Bill, according to which Indians should not exceed 15 per cent of the population, is to be transferred to the respective committee so that a comprehensive plan is created.The outlet reported that 'this could result in 800,000 Indians leaving Kuwait, as the Indian community constitutes the largest expat community in Kuwait, totalling 1.45 million'. Of the 4.3 million population of Kuwait, expats account for 3 million. The anti-expat rhetoric have spiked since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic with lawmakers and governmental officials call for reducing the number of foreigners in Kuwait.

According to latest data from Johns Hopkins University, more than 49,000 cases of coronavirus have been reported in the country. The report stated that 'last month, Kuwait's prime minister, Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, proposed decreasing the number of expats from 70 per cent to 30 per cent of the population'...Read More

Coronavirus update: Karnataka govt issues new guidelines for home isolation

Karnataka government issued the guidelines for home isolation of Covid-19 patients in the state.

Karnataka Government on Wednesday issued the guidelines for home isolation of COVID-19 patients in the state. After the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the state government has permitted the persons tested with COVID-19 to be under home isolation with some conditions. According to the government, only asymptomatic or mild symptomatic people shall be allowed to be in isolation at home. The health team from district health authority will be visiting the house of COVID-19 positive patient to assess the suitability for home isolation and triage of the patient.

They have mandated the regular check-up, tele-consultation for COVID-19 patients while the patient has to report to the physician or health authorities about their health status every day. The patient shall have pulse oximeter, digital thermometer and personal protective equipment (facemasks, gloves) to be used during home isolation, read the guideline. The home isolation shall be with the knowledge of the family members, neighbours, treating physician and local health authorities, it said.

PM reaches Ladakh on surprise visit amid talks of disengagement with China

The prime minister is presently at one of the forward locations in Nimu and is interacting with personnel of the Army, Air Force and ITBP

Days after a violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in East Ladakh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reached Leh with Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat. Modi reached Leh around 9.30 am, PTI reported. Modi is at one a forward location in Nimu and is interacting with personnel of the Army, Air Force and ITBP, official sources said.

Located at 11,000 feet, Nimu is among the toughest terrains, on the banks of river Indus and surrounded by the Zanskar range. The visit is also aimed at boosting morale of the army personnel engaged in the seven-week bitter border faceoff with the Chinese troops in the region, sources added.

The Army Chief visited Ladakh on June 23 and 24 during which he held a series of meetings with senior army officials and visited various forward areas in eastern Ladakh. Gen Naravane earlier visited Leh on May 22.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was earlier scheduled to visit Ladakh on Friday to take stock of India’s military preparedness in the wake of a bitter border standoff with the Chinese troops in the region…Read More

China sees India's ban on apps as 'discriminatory', calls for reversal

Chinese Commerce Ministry Spokesman Gao Feng said that China has not taken any restrictive measures against Indian products and services

Days after India banned 59 Chinese apps for engaging in activities "prejudicial" to the sovereignty and integrity of the country, Beijing on Thursday issued a predictable reaction, describing New Delhi's actions as "discriminatory" while calling for the reversal of the ban. India on Monday banned 59 apps with Chinese links, including the hugely popular TikTok and UC Browser, for engaging in "activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order". The ban also comes in the backdrop of the current stand-off along the Line of Actual control in eastern Ladakh with Chinese troops.
Responding to reports that both countries are strengthening import regulations and suppressing each other's export goods amid the tense border situation and its impact on China's foreign trade enterprises exports to India, Chinese Commerce Ministry Spokesman Gao Feng said that China has not taken any restrictive measures against Indian products and services.

"First of all, I want to clarify that China has not taken any restrictive and discriminatory measures against Indian products and services, he said, according to the transcript posted on the ministry's website. India's practices violate relevant World Trade Organization rules," Gao said. The spokesman also expressed hope that India would immediately correct the discriminatory practices against China and Chinese enterprises.

Tata Power to raise Rs 2,600 crore from Tata Sons via preferential issue

Tata Power board approves setting up of renewables InvIT

Company News: Private power producer Tata Power on Thursday said the company’s board had approved an increase in its promoter Tata Sons’ stake to 45.2 per cent for Rs 2,600 crore. Tata Power’s board also approved setting up an infrastructure investment trust (InvIT) for its renewable business on Thursday. The move, the company said, is part of a strategic turnaround plan.

The company in its statement said Tata Power would raise Rs 2,600 crore through a preferential issue to Tata Sons at a price of Rs 53 per equity share. The issue price for the equity shares has been fixed, representing 15 per cent premium to Wednesday’s closing price. Pursuant to the equity issue, Tata Sons’ shareholding will increase to 45.21 per cent, from 35.27 per cent. Consequently, Tata Group’s shareholding will increase to 46.86 per cent, from 37.22 per cent.

In its statement to the BSE, Tata Power said, “The board of directors of Tata Power has approved issuance of 490,566,037 equity shares on a preferential basis to Tata Sons for an aggregate consideration of Rs 2,600 crore.” The issue is subject to approval and Tata Power will seek shareholder approval at its annual general meeting on July 30...

WhatsApp brings dark mode to web, desktop; adds Status feature for JioPhone

New features will roll out to users over the next few weeks through the new versions of WhatsApp

WhatsApp has announced that it shall soon bring several new features on Android and iOS platform, web and desktop client and phones based KaiOS. The Facebook-owned instant messaging platform has introduced animated stickers and QR codes on WhatsApp for smartphones, improvements to group video calls across platforms, dark mode for WhatsApp web and desktop client, and Status feature on WhatsApp for KaiOS. These features will roll out to users over the next few weeks with the new versions of WhatsApp.

New features coming to WhatsApp

WhatsApp Animated Stickers

The app update will add new animated sticker pack for its user to communicate in fun and intuitive way.

QR codes on WhatsApp

This will allow WhatsApp user to add a new contact by simply scanning the code.

Dark mode for WhatsApp web and desktop

The dark mode theme now extends to your computer

WhatsApp group video calls

The participants limit have been raised to eight people from four people. Moreover, the app will have a video icon in group chats of eight or less, so you can easily start a group video call with one-tap.

WhatsApp for KaiOS gets Status feature

KaiOS is the operating system that powers the JioPhone and JioPhone 2. The upcoming update shall add Status feature to WhatsApp for KaiOS that will let users post an updates that disappear after 24 hour.

How to claim income tax deduction for investments made in April – July 2020

One of the key points to note while accounting for these investments made from April to July is that a deduction once claimed in FY20 on an investment made, cannot be claimed again for FY21

The government had imposed a nationwide lockdown in March due to the coronavirus pandemic outbreak across India. As a result of this lockdown that began in March, days before the close of the financial year, several taxpayers had been denied the opportunity to make tax saving investment for financial year 2019-20 (FY20). The government had hence extended the due date up to June 30, 2020, and has recently given a further extension until July 31, 2020 for making tax saving investments pertaining to FY20. This move has given taxpayers more time to invest and save tax.

Taking the above example into consideration, it is entirely up to the taxpayer to decide which financial year he wants to claim the deduction for investments made in the months of April to July 2020. However, another point to consider is that the government has introduced a new tax regime in Budget 2020, where taxpayers can pay taxes at reduced tax rates, if they opt to not claim any deductions from their income.

If a tax filer decides to pay tax under this new regime for FY21, then it would be prudent to plan ahead and claim whatever investments are possible for FY20 only. The remaining unclaimed investments will not be able to be carried forward in such cases.

How to claim?

Those who want to claim deductions for investments made in April, May, June and July 2020 in FY20, are required to file schedule DI, or Details of Investments, in their ITR forms for FY20, which are due on November 30, 2020. Schedule DI will contain details relating to investments, deposits and payments made under section 80C to section 80GGC of the Income Tax Act, where the eligible amount of deduction for FY20 is to be disclosed. Further, deductions attributable to any investment or expenditure made during April 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020 need to be separately specified. Any amount utilised out of the capital gains account for FY20 for investments in schedule 54 to 54GB will also need to be specified in this schedule…Read More

Chingari to Trell: Desi apps upbeat after India's digital strike on China

While the Indian alternatives are seeing a huge surge in usage, experts believe that their dream run could be short-lived if the government decides to overturn the ban

The ban on TikTok is proving to be a ‘demonetisation moment’ for desi social apps like Chingari. Its co-founder Sumit Ghosh has had sleepless nights ever since the government banned 59 Chinese apps, including TikTok. He is trying to find ways to equip the app so that it can handle the unprecedented and sudden spike in traffic. Chingari is adding up to 600,000 users per hour, crossing a total user base of 7.5 million.

Ghosh said the app has a creation tool, which is as good as TikTok’s, hence a lot of influencers are moving to their platform. The idea behind starting Chingari, he says, is not to build a TikTok clone but to position itself as a super app for India like WeChat. “We just wanted to penetrate the market with short videos, which have already taken off in India. We are now working on live streaming and chat functions, which will be rolled out soon,” said Ghosh.

The app, which also has a news feature, is hoping to close a Series-A round of funding next week. Chingari has a reward point feature in which every time a content creator uploads a video, he earns points that can be encashed later through partner UPI platforms.

Experts say top content creators and influencers make between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh per post on platforms like TikTok, and such influencers can have at least four deals a month. “In the short term, many (content creators) would have lost their livelihoods. Now they have realised and won’t keep all their eggs in one basket,” said Rahul Singh, chief executive and co-founder at Bengaluru-based influential marketing firm Winkl…Read More

If elected, will revoke temporary suspension of H1-B visa: Joe Biden

The people on the company visa have built this country, Biden said when asked what his administration will do in the first 100 days of his presidency

Democratic presidential candidate and former US vice president Joe Biden has said that he will lift the temporary suspension on H-1B visas, the most sought-after by Indian IT professionals, if he wins the November presidential elections. On June 23, in a huge blow to Indian IT professionals eyeing the US job market, the Trump administration suspended the H-1B visas along with other types of foreign work visas until the end of 2020 to protect American workers in a crucial election year.

Biden, in a digital town hall meeting on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) issues organised by NBC News, praised the contribution of H-1B visa holders. He (US President Donald Trump) just ended H-1B visas the rest of this year. That will not be in my administration, Biden, 77, said responding to a question during the town hall. He was referring to the temporary suspension of the H-1B visas and other foreign work visas by Trump for the rest of the year.

 ALSO READ: Ban on H-1B visas short-sighted, threatens scholarly engagement: Harvard

The people on the company visa have built this country, Biden said when asked what his administration will do in the first 100 days of his presidency. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. On day one, I’m going to send the legislative immigration reform bill to Congress to provide a roadmap to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants who contribute so much to this country, including 1.7 million from the AAPI community.