Gems News Ind: August 2020

Monday, 31 August 2020

Traffic Advisory For Ganesh Immersion by Hyderabad City Police

In order to relieve congestion, to maintain smooth flow of traffic and to ensure public safety and order in connection with the movement of Ganesh Idols carrying vehicles on 01-09-2020, the following Traffic Regulations will be implemented:

I) Routes of Ganesh Idols carrying vehicles: The Idols carrying vehicles starts from Falaknuma Tr. PS limits and passes through Aliabad - Nagulchinta – Charminar – Madina – Afzalgunj - Straight towards Gowliguda Chaman Road – Central Gurudwara Gowliguda - Putlibowli – Jambagh – MJ Market - Abids – Basheerbagh – Liberty – Ambedkar Statue towards upper Tank bund or NTR Marg.

The idols carrying vehicles from Secunderabad area passes through RP Road - MG Road - Karbala Maidan – Kawadiguda - Musheerabad X Road - RTC X Road - Narayanaguda X Road - Himayathnagar ‘Y’ Junction and at Liberty Junction. Idols coming from Chilkalguda X roads Joins Musheerabad ‘X’ Roads via Gandhi Hospital.

The idols carrying vehicles from EAST Zone passes from Uppal – Ramanthapur - 6 No. Junction Amberpet – Shivam Road - NCC at OU - Durga Bai Deshmukh Hospital – Hindi Mahavidyalaya X Roads – Fever Hospital – Barkathpura X roads – Narayanaguda X Road and joins the vehicles carrying idols at RTC X Roads. Also Idols from Dilsukhnagar and idols coming from IS Sadan – Saidabad – Chanchalguda join at Nalgonda X roads and some Big Idols proceeds towards Amberpet via Moosarambagh. Idols coming from Tarnaka side proceed through Osmania University Distance Education Road, Adikmet join at Fever Hospital via Vidyanagar. Traffic going towards Lalapet from Tarnaka will not be allowed on Flyover and they may take alternative routes.

The idols carrying vehicles movement from Tolichowki, Rethibowli and Mehdipatnam side passes through Masab Tank, Ayodhya Junction – Nirankari Bhavan – Old PS Saifabad – Iqbal Minar to NTR Marg. Also the idols coming from Erragadda passes through SR Nagar – Ameerpet – Panjagutta – VV Statue and joins the idols carrying vehicles at Nirankari Bhavan and proceeds to NTR Marg. Idols coming from Tappachabutra and Asifnagar side passes through – Sitarambagh – Boiguda Kaman – Voulga Hotel – Goshamahal Baradari - Alaska - MJ Market and proceeds towards Abids – Basheerbagh – Liberty – Ambedkar Statue - Upper Tank bund or NTR Marg.

No traffic other than the idols carrying vehicles will be allowed to move on the above route between 0900 hrs on the 01-09-2020 to 0800 hours on 02-09-2020. The traffic restrictions will be extended if the situation so demands.

II) TRAFFIC DIVERSION POINTS: Movements of vehicles other than those carrying Ganesh Idols will be restricted and diverted at many points along the route and at other points adjoining the routes of other roads. Facility to cross from the West to East or vice versa is given at the Basheerbagh Junction only. Commuters are advised to use the Ring Road and Begumpet area to avoid diversions. All the side roads leading to the Main road will be barricaded. The main traffic diversion points are:

• HYDERABAD SOUTH : Keshavagiri, Mahaboobnagar X Roads, Engine Bowli, Nagul Chintha, Himmathpura, Hari Bowli, Asra Hopsital, Mogulpura, Lakkad Kote, Madina X Road, MJ Bridge, Dar Ul Shifa X Roads, City College.

• HYDERABAD EAST: Nayapul X Road, SJ Rotary, Rangmahal Junction, Chaderghat Junction, Andhra Bank Junction, Crown Café X Roads – Amberpet Green Bawarchi (Royal Juice corner)

• HYDERABAD WEST: Tope Khana Mosque, Alaska Hotel Junction, Osmangunj Sanker Bagh and Seena Hotel, Ajantha Gate near Exhibition Grounds, Abkari Lane, Taj Island, Barthan Bazar, AR Petrol Pump at KLK Building.

• HYDERABAD CENTRAL: Chapel Road Entry, Gadwal Centre at GPO, Shalimar Theatre, Gun foundry, Skyline road entry, Bharath Scouts & Guides Junction in Domalguda, Kalanjali at Control Room, Liberty Junction, MCH Office Y junction, BRK Bhavan junction near Telugu Thalli Junction, Iqbal Minar, Ravindra Bharathi, Dwaraka Hotel Junction, Khairatabad Junction (Visweswaraiah Statue), Children’s Park, Mariott Hotel junction, Kawadiguda Junction, Musheeerabad X road, RTC X road, Katta Maisamma Temple at Lower Tank Bund, Indira Park Junction.

• HYDERABAD NORTH (Secunderabad ): Traffic will not be allowed to enter the Necklace Road and Upper Tank Bund from Karbala Maidan, Buddha Bhavan, Sailing Club and Nallagutta Junction.

The traffic will be diverted at the following points from 0600 hrs on 01-09-2020 to 02-09-2020 till completion of immersion at CTO, YMCA, Paradise X Roads, Patny X Roads, Bata X Roads, Adavaiah X Roads, Ghans Mandi X Roads.

III) LORRIES MOVEMENT:

A) EXIT ROUTE FOR EMPTY TRUCKS / LORRIES AFTER IMMERSION:

i) After immersion on the NTR Marg, the empty vehicles should proceed to their destination via Necklace Rotary - Khairtabad flyover - V.V.Statue - KCP and onwards. They will not be allowed to return towards Telugu Talli statue or Mint Compound road.

ii) After immersion on the Upper Tank Bund, the empty vehicles should proceed towards Children’s Park – DBR Mills - Kawadiguda – Musheerabad or towards Indira Park – Ashok Nagar – Vidya Nagar. No vehicle shall go towards the Bible House Rail over Bridge.

B) RESTRICTIONS ON INTER STATE / DISTRICT LORRIES: Inter State and Inter District Lorries are not allowed to enter the Hyderabad City on the intervening night of 01/02-09-2020. Their movement will be terminated on the outskirts of the city during the Final day of Ganesh Immersion process.

IV) RTC BUSES MOVEMENT:

1) Inter State / District Buses to reach the MGBS at Imlibun

a) Coming from Rajeev Rahadari and NH-7 should go via JBS –YMCA -Sangeet X road- Tarnaka - Jamia Osmania flyover - Nimboliadda – Chaderghat.

b) Coming from Bangalore should go via Aramgarh x road - Chandrayangutta X Road - I.S.Sadan - Nalgonda X Road – Chaderghat.

c) Coming from Mumbai/NH 9 should go via Godrej ‘Y’ Junction - Narsapur X Roads – Bowenpally – JBS – YMCA – Sangeeth - Tarnaka, Jamia Osmania fly over – Adikmet – Nimboliadda.

The movements of the above Inter State/District buses will not be permitted from 0600 hours on 01-09-2020 to 1000 hours on 02-09-2020.

The TSRTC authorities will provide alternative routes convenient to them keeping in view the restriction imposed on the movement of vehicular traffic on the roads notified above.

V. PRIVATE BUSES: Private Buses should operate from their locations outside the City and they should not enter the city from 0800 hrs on 01-09-2020 to 1000 hrs on 02-09-2020.

VI. All people coming from Airport or going to Airport should avoid using Necklace Road, NTR Marg, Tank Bund Road and other roads as shown in Map. Similarly people going or coming from Railway station / Bus stand should also avoid these roads.

VII. HELP LINE: The citizens are requested to contact the following Help Lines numbers for guidance in connection with the above restrictions.

Control Room Nos: 1) 040-27852482, 2) 9490 598 985 Help Line: 9010203626

A “Route Map” indicating the route, connecting roads, exit routes, holding area are enclosed. The traffic restrictions, main routes etc will be shown live on Google Map and it will be updated on real time basis also. Citizens can see the Google map for latest traffic condition.

Commissioner of Police,

Hyderabad City

First Ever flight: Plane With US, Israeli Officials Lands in UAE

High-level delegations from Israel and the US have arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), via the first-ever commercial flight between the Middle Eastern nations, to put final touches on a controversial pact establishing open relations.

Top aides to US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were on board the direct flight from Tel Aviv to the UAE capital Abu Dhabi on Israel's flag carrier El Al on Monday.

Flight LY971 flew over Saudi Arabia after Riyadh agreed to the Israeli request on Sunday - also a first.

The plane carrying the US and Israeli delegations to Abu Dhabi has the word "peace" written on it in English, Hebrew, and Arabic.

It is also named after Kiryat Gat, a Jewish settlement built on the remains of two ethnically cleansed Palestinian villages, Iraq al-Manshiyya and al-Faluja.

Announced on August 13, the "normalisation" deal is the first such accommodation between an Arab country and Israel in more than 20 years and was catalysed largely by shared fears of Iran.

Palestinians were dismayed by the UAE's move, worried it would weaken a long-standing pan-Arab position that called for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory and acceptance of Palestinian statehood in return for normal relations with Arab countries.Al Jazera

Hyderabad Police Book Lockdown Violation Case Against Bibi Ka Alam Procession

Six cases were registered by the Hyderabad City Police for violations of lockdown guidelines during the Bibi ka Alam procession on Sunday afternoon.

The cases were registered in the Mirchowk, Chaderghat, Rein Bazaar, Dabeerpura and Charminar police stations following complaints made by police officers who were on bandobast duty and noticed the violations.

The police have invoked the Disaster Management Act 1950, The Epidemic Diseases Act 1897 and Government orders issued for Covid-19 pandemic control against the persons who had violated the orders.

A few thousand people had marched along with the Bibi ka Alam on Sunday when it was brought out from the Bibi ka Alawa as a centuries-old practice. The Alam (standard) was carried in a DCM vehicle through Dabeerpura, Yakutpura Road, Alijah Kotla, Charminar, Gulzar Houz, Mandi Mir Alam, Darulshifa before culminating at Chaderghat.Telangana Today

Registrations to Go Paperless Soon in Telangana

With the introduction of cashless transactions to obtain e-Challans, the Stamps and Registration Department earned Rs 28 crore through user charges during the financial year of 2019-20. This resulted in an increase of over Rs 12 crore against Rs 16 crore of user charges earned during the previous fiscal of 2018-19 through e-Challans.

Earlier, citizens were forced to visit banks to obtain demand drafts towards payment of e-Challans. However, the cashless transaction were introduced about a year ago improving revenue earned through e-Challans considerably.

The e-Challans were mandated for obtaining certified copies, encumbrance certificates, sale deeds, gift deeds, mortgage, release deed, Hindu Marriage registrations and special marriage registrations among others from the Stamps and Registration department.

The Stamps and Registration Department earned more than Rs 6,300 crore revenue during the 2019-20 fiscal. Though the revenues had sufferred severely during the lockdown, there has been an improvement in the situation after relaxing the restrictions and permitting land registrations and other activities in strict adherence to Covid-19 guidelines. The department has mopped up around Rs 645 crore since April 1 this financial year.

Under the proposed system, citizens should log-in to the Stamps and Registration Department’s website to submit necessary documents for registration of lands. Upon payment of necessary fee, the authorities will fix a time slot for the land owners to visit the nearby sub-registrar office to register their documents. T Today

Former President Parnab Mukherjee Pasees Away

Former President Pranab Mukherjee passed away on Monday evening after prolonged illness. He was 84. The former president was admitted to the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi Cantonment on August 10 and was operated the same day for removal of a clot in his brain. He later developed a lung infection. “With a heavy heart, this is to inform you that my father Shri Pranab Mukherjee has just passed away inspite of the best efforts of doctors of RR Hospital and prayers, duas and prathanas from people throughout India. I thank all of you,” his son Abhijit Mukherjee tweeted. President Ram Nath Kovind condoled the death of his predecessor Pranab Mukherjee saying his demise is the passing of an era and the nation mourns losing one of its worthiest sons.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over Pranab Mukherjee’s demise. The PM described him as a scholar par excellence and a towering statesman who was admired across the political spectrum. He said that Pranab Mukherjee has left an indelible mark on the nation’s development trajectory. Pranab Mukherjee was the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017.

Turkey Threatens To Shoot-Down UAE Jets As Tensions Escalate In The Region

Turkish-Emirati relations are at an all-time low. With the ongoing tensions with Greece and the UAE coming out in support of Athens, the Turkish authorities have not hesitated to unofficially warn to ‘shoot down’ Emirati fighter planes if they come dangerously close to or do a violation of its airspace.

Turkish F-16s were scrambled to ward-off Greek F-16s which were heading for southern Cyprus where Ankara had issued a Nartex alert.

“We will not hesitate to shoot down any UAE aircraft if it approached the Turkish waters or the work area of Oruç Reis near Crete island in the eastern Mediterranean,” a Turkish defense source told Al-Quds Al-Araby.

official also stated, “The UAE is trying to play a role which is bigger than its size. It is playing with fire. If it violates the redlines or it approaches the Turkish waters, it will receive a harsh lesson,” escalating the tensions to a dangerous level in the east Mediterranean.

The recent traction in the relations of Turkey and Greece began when Ankara sent an exploration vessel, Oruç Reis, escorted by its warships near the Greek offshore island of Kastellorizo. Following this, the Greek forces conducted military exercises with the French and Italian forces in the sea, with the UAE sending its fighter jets to support the drills. Retures

Sunday, 30 August 2020

Modi Government Not Concerned About People: Asaduddin Owaisi

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has charged the NDA government with not showing enough concern to address the job losses and other adverse effects brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

He said 1.8 crore people all over the country were now not receiving salaries and eight crore daily wage labourers were out of work. Also, 10 crore school children who used to get mid-day meals have reportedly been deprived of it because of the lockdown, he said, addressing an online public meeting here on Saturday night.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had ‘invited’ all this on the country by imposing an unplanned, unconstitutional lockdown, he alleged. He also alleged that there has been a 64 per cent dip in child immunisation and that 10 lakh children had not received their BCG vaccination during the lockdown.

Besides, six lakh children had missed getting their oral polio vaccine since the Covid-19 outbreak, he said.

The Prime Minister, he alleged, also was not worried about Chinese intrusions along the nation’s borders. Owaisi urged his supporters to help people during the pandemic, regardless of one’s religion. He said his party would contest the coming Assembly polls in Bihar.

T Today

England Chased Down 196 Runs Beat Pakistan in 2nd T20

England, chasing 196 for victory in the 2nd T20I vs Pakistan in Manchester on Sunday, won by 5 wickets with 5 balls to spare.

Pakistan had put up 195/4 in 20 overs, building on Babar Azam’s 56 and Mohammad Hafeez’s 69. In reply, England came out firing on all cylinders. Eoin Morgan (66) and David Malan (54*), who hit the winning runs, put on a 100+ partnership to take the hosts to a relatively comfortable win. England lead the three-match series 1-0.

Hyderabad City Buses to Resume Operations Next Month

Five months after the suspension of services, city buses are likely to resume operations next month as a part of unlock 4.0. The TSRTC officials are gearing up to start the bus services and are waiting for the government's nod. At present, there are around 2,500 city buses in Hyderabad.

The centre has accorded permission to resume the metro rail operations across the country. Hence, the metro operations in Hyderabad will resume from September 1.

With no city buses, common man, many travellers who primarily depended on the RTC buses are facing difficulties. During the pre-lockdown period, around 33 lakh people utilised the city bus services every day. However, these people relied on the autos and other private transport services after the lockdown was announced. However, the auto-rickshaw services have become a bane for the people who could not afford the charges for long-distance within the city limits.

Earlier, the RTC officials had planned to resume the city bus services in June but due to the rise in coronavirus cases in the GHMC limits, they deferred the resumption of bus services.

The Telangana government has already resumed inter-district and intra-district bus services in May HI

Saturday, 29 August 2020

Covid Fear Made Suresh Raina Return Home From UAE'?

The overbearing trauma of having to stay away from his family for close to three months in the middle of a pandemic and inside a heavily protected bio-secure bubble where cases of Covid-19 began popping up over the last couple of days, made Suresh Raina decide to take a ‘red-eye’ flight on Saturday morning from Dubai to New Delhi.

The 33-year-old, who retired from international cricket earlier this month, had been in Chennai before CSKs departure to the UAE, and was practicing along with the rest of the team in a bio-secure bubble.

Everything seemed fine within the camp as the team left for UAE on August 21 and checked-in at the hotel in Dubai to undergo a 6 day quarantine period as per the BCCI protocol.

However, as cases of Covid began to rise within the camp in the last three days and two cricketers – Deepak Chahar and Rituraj Gaikwadtested positive along with 10 others (non-players), Raina began to "extensively worry about the situation" and remained "highly apprehensive" about staying back in the UAE.

On Friday night, in fact, there was a huge ruckus. He tried calling all his teammates, coach Stephen Fleming Skipper MS Dhonig again and again to share his concerns. MS, in fact, also tried explaining things to him but nothing worked. He was badly psyched up and worried. Eventually, everybody else realised there was no point holding him (back) from travelling back because he was totally gripped by fear," those in the know told TOI.

Unlock 4.0: Guidelines: Metro to start Sept 7, No state Lockdown Outside Containment Zones

METRO services will start from September 1, larger gatherings will be allowed in a limited manner from September 21, while senior students can come to schools on a voluntary basis. The Centre’s step-by-step opening up post-coronavirus lockdown is set to see major relaxations in Unlock 4.0, which was unveiled on Saturday.

The guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs say that states can no longer impose lockdowns outside containment zones without the Centre’s permission and must not seal borders

Metro trains will run for the first time since March starting September 7, “in a graded manner” while social, academic, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious and political functions can be held with a maximum 100 people from September 21. The Centre has also allowed operation of open air theatres from September 21.

While schools and colleges will remain shut till September end, they can call in 50% of their teachers for facilitating online teaching. Students of classes 9 to 12 can visit schools on a “voluntary basis” to clear their doubts.

The only activities expressly prohibited under the new guidelines are opening of cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres (excluding open air theatres) and similar places with a high risk of spread of the virus. International air travel of passengers, except as permitted by the MHA, and train services will remain restricted.

On Metro services, the guidelines say, “Metro rail will be allowed to operate with effect from 7th September 2020 in a graded manner.” It says the Ministry of Railways and Urban Affairs will run the trains in consultation with the MHA, and the Urban Affairs Ministry will frame a Standard Operating Procedure.IE

Bodybuilder, Celebrity Fitness Coach Satnam Khattra Passes Away at Age of 31

Popular Jalandhar-based celebrity fitness coach, model and bodybuilder Satnam Khattra, 31, died of a heart attack on Saturday, according to reports

He was once addicted to drugs but sobered up and was into physical fitness and bodybuilding for the past eight years, say reports.

His coach Rohit Khera announced the bodybuilder’s death on social media. Satnam’s fans were in awe of his dedication to fitness and he was widely popular among Punjab’s youth. His Instagram account has over 3,80,000 followers.

Reports quoting sources say that he was not keeping well for some time, and was holding online fitness classes during the Covid-19 lockdown. Satnam was reportedly planning to launch his own fitness brand.DH

Nobody Above law, Will Thoroughly Probe Scholarship Scam Punjab CM Amarinder

Making it clear that nobody found guilty of complicity in the alleged scholarship scam would be spared, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday he had asked the Chief Secretary to conduct a thorough probe into the case, which will be taken to its logical conclusion as per the law.

“Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan will look into all aspects of the case, and anyone found involved, whatever his position within or outside the government, would be penalised and punished in accordance with the legal provisions,” a press release quoted the chief minister as saying. “The law will take its course.”

Captain Amarinder also said “no could be put on the mat” without fair investigation, which he said Cabinet Minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot deserved.

No Muharram Procession on Hyderabad Streets, Says Telangana High Court Covid19

For the first time in probably over 400 years, when the custom was started by the Qutb Shahis, there will be no traditional Bibi ka Alam procession on the 10th day of Muharram on Sunday.

The Telangana High Court had already refused permission for the annual procession citing the Covid-19 pandemic, dashing the hopes of stakeholders such as the members of various Ashoorkhana committees.

The members had hoped for some relief through a petition submitted to Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar but that too was disposed of, according to reports.

Usually, on the 10th day of Muharram, thousands of Shias take part in a procession to mark the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the battle of Karbala in 681 AD. The Bibi ka Alam, which includes an elephant, starts from the Bibi ka Alawa in Dabeerpura and passes through several areas of old city.

Historians say the Alam (standard) contains a wooden plank on which Syed Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet and mother of Imam Hussain, was given her ablution before burial.

As of now, several Ashoorkhanas have installed sanitiser gateways on their premises. Shia leaders have appealed to the community members to observe the mourning in the Ashoorkhanas itself, where they assure that social distancing would be maintained. One can also mourn at their homes, they said. IE

Multiple Players, Contingent Members of Chennai Super Kings Test COVID-19 Positive,

Multiple Players, Contingent Members of Chennai Super Kings Test COVID-19 Positive

current India and another India A cricketers are among multiple members of the Chennai Super Kings contingent who have tested positive for COVID-19, forcing the IPL franchise to extend its quarantine period in Dubai and causing upheaval ahead of the event starting on 19 September.

The franchise is yet to issue a formal statement but a league source told PTI that the number of positive cases could be between 10 and 12. On Saturday (29 August), that number went up with an India A cricketer testing positive, as per the news agency.

The player in question is a right-handed top-order batsman, who has been a part of India A teams in recent past and is a prolific performer in Ranji Trophy. On Friday, a T20 specialist pacer had tested positive along with 12 members of the contingent in Dubai.

"Yes, a right-arm medium fast bowler, who has recently played for India in white-ball cricket, along with a few staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. The number could be as high as 12," the senior IPL source said on conditions of anonymity.

The development has forced the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side to extend the quarantine period till 1 September.

While there is panic in the BCCI's rank and file after this but it is understood that for the time being, there is no imminent threat to the league, shifted out of India this year due to the pandemic.First Post

Covid-19: 2751 Positive Cases GHMC 432 Cases and 9 Fatalities in Telangana

Between Thursday and Friday, the health authorities conducted 62,300 Covid tests in the State while reports of another 1010 samples are awaited.

Overall, so far authorities have conducted 12,66,643 Covid-19 tests in the State since the outbreak of the pandemic out of which 1,20,166 have tested positive and 89,350 persons have recovered.

Out of the 30,008 active Covid positive patients, as many as 23,049 Covid-19 positive patients are under home isolation across the State while 6,959 positive cases are in institutional care.

Friday, 28 August 2020

Smartphones Worth Around ₹ 2 Crore Looted From Vehicle In Andhra Pradesh

Smartphones worth around Rs 2 crore looted from a vehicle which was carrying the consignment to Mumbai, by accused in Chittoor near Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border, police said on Wednesday.

Nagari urban police official said that driver of the vehicle was thrashed, tied up and thrown out of the vehicle.

"One Irfan, driver of a container lorry came to Nagari urban police station on Wednesday morning at around 8.30 AM. He said that he was coming from Sriperambudur of Tamil Nadu and was on way to Mumbai. He was taking the lorry from Xiaomi mobile manufacturing unit at Sriperumbudur. He said that the vehicle was at Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh borders at midnight on Tuesday when another lorry intercepted him," the official said. ANI

Turkey Blasts French Decision To Deploy Rafale Jets In Greek Cypriot Admin Area

The presence of French fighter jets in the Greek Cypriot administration’s area is against the 1960 Treaties, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said Wednesday. The Greek Cypriot administration, Greece, France, and Italy launched a joint military exercise earlier in the day to the west of the island of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The deployment will reportedly include two Rafale jets, as well as a naval frigate Lafayette. French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted in French: “I have decided to temporarily reinforce the French military presence in the eastern Mediterranean in the coming days in cooperation with European partners, including Greece.” The landing of the French military aircraft to the Greek Cypriot administration on the pretext of an exercise carried out with the Greek Cypriot administration, Greece and Italy, and the temporary or permanent deployment of these aircraft on the island is against the 1960 Treaties,” Hami Aksoy said in a statement.

Irani Musician Faces Jail For Working With Women Dancers & Singers

Iranian musician Mehdi Rajabian has said he is under house arrest as he awaits trial for working with female dancers and singers, in the country's latest move to stop female artists from performing.

Rajabian, 30, said he was arrested on August 10 following media reports that his latest project will include women singing and the publication of a video of a woman dancing to his music - both of which can be deemed immoral under Iranian law.

Iran's Justice Ministry and the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance did not respond to Reuters news agency's requests for comment.

"Even if I go to prison hundreds of times, I need female singing in my project, I need female dance," said Rajabian, who has been jailed twice before over his music. Al Jazeera

Telangana Assembly to Pass Resolution Seeking Bharat Ratna for PV Narshima Rao

Amid growing demand for Bharat Ratna to be conferred on former Prime Minister late PV Narasimha Rao, the Telangana State Legislative Assembly will pass a resolution during the monsoon session scheduled to commence on September 7. Besides, Necklace Road abutting Husssain Sagar will be renamed PV Gnan Marg and a PV Memorial will be constructed in the city.

Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao took these decisions at Pragathi Bhavan on Friday during a review meeting on the ongoing year-long birth centenary celebrations of Narasimha Rao.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister said Narasimha Rao was a symbol of Telangana and a great reformer who implemented many reforms in the country. He said Narasimha Rao was a son of Telangana soil who grew up to become the Prime Minister and also a world renowned gentleman. “We will discuss the achievements of this outstanding person in the State Assembly at length and also pass a resolution seeking the country’s highest honour Bharat Ratna for him,” he added.

The State Assembly will honour Narasimha Rao by unveiling his portrait on the premises, while the State government will also request the Centre to take up similar honours in the Parliament. The government also decided to pass a resolution in the Assembly asking the Union government to rename the Hyderabad Central University after the former Prime Minister who established it.TT

Congress MP H Vasanthakumar Dies of Covid-19 at Chennai Hospital

Congress MP from Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari, H Vasanthakumar succumbed to Covid-19 disease on Friday .

The first time MP from Tamil Nadu, Vasanthakumar was being treated at the Greams Road facility of the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai. He was admitted to the hospital on August 10 and was in critical condition after contracting severe Covid-19 pneumonia.

Mourning the 70-year-old leader’s demise, Prime Minister Modi tweeted, “During my interactions with him, I always saw his passion towards Tamil Nadu’s progress. Condolences to his family and supporters.”

Sad to know the passing of Shri H. Vasanthakumar, MP from Kanyakumari. An entrepreneur and social activist, he earned his name in the world of politics and business. His devotion to people’s cause in Tamil Nadu was inspiring. Condolences to his family, friends and followers, ” said President Ram Nath Kovind on Twitter.HT

Four COVID-19 Positive Prisoners flew After Removing Washroom Grills in Hyderabad Hospital

Four undertrial prisoners, who were under treatment for COVID-19 at the Gandhi General Hospital here, escaped from their ward on Thursday.

Chilkalguda police officials rushed to the hospital after being informed that the prisoners had escaped. They made good their escape by removing the ventilator grills in the washroom.

According to police, the prisoners were admitted to the hospital a few days ago and it appears that after removing the grills, they climbed down from the second floor of the hospital holding on to a drainage pipe fixed to the wall.

The hospital staff noticed that the prisoners had escaped after they failed to appear while they were taking attendance.

They were in the Charlapalli prison after being remanded for their alleged involvement in cases of thefts and robbery. The police have formed special teams and are searching for them.Indian Express

UP MLA Mukhtar Ansari's Illegal Properties Demolished In Lucknow

In an operation against encroachment on government land on Thursday morning, the authorities demolished two illegal buildings owned by gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari in Lucknow's posh Dalibagh area, officials said.

Government officials and police personnel were present in large numbers in the area when the buildings were being demolished, a government spokesman said.

"UP police today demolished illegal property of gangster Mukhtar Ansari. All the expenses for the demolition will be realised by the Yogi government from the gangster. Criminals should either give up crime or be ready to face such tough decisions," Mrityunjay Kumar, media adviser to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, said in a tweet.

The building had been constructed on "nishkrant sampatti", belonging to people who have migrated to Pakistan, the government spokesman said.

Expenses of the demolition will be recovered and an case will also be lodged, he said, adding that the responsibility of officials under whom this illegal construction took place will be fixed.

The map of the property was not passed by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), the spokesman said.

The state government had recently seized properties of aides of Mukhtar Ansari, the sitting BSP MLA from Mau, and also suspended arms licences of four of his aides in Ghazipur.PTI

GHMC Officials Demolish Six-Gloor Illegal' Building in Mehdipatnam Hyderabad

The officials of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) on Thursday demolished a six-floor building in Mehdipatnam which was constructed illegally.

The GHMC officials said that in spite of sending four notices since 2019, the construction works of the building has not been stopped. The notices were sent under section 461, 451/1 and 452/2 of the Indian Penal Code. Following the demolition, the owner of the building entered into an argument with the officials.

The civic body has demolished 140 slabs of 30 buildings in Serilingampally zone last month. And in June, the officials demolished 29 unauthorized structures in Ayyappa society in Madhapur. Continuing its drive on demolishing illegal structures, the officials appealed to the citizens not to buy unauthorized properties which do not have permission and occupancy certificate from the municipal corporation.

Besides illegal structures, the officials also demolishing old and dilapidated buildings in the city. On August 18, the officials demolished a dilapidated house in Malakpet, an old building in Amberpet and a dilapidated wall in Ramanthapur.Hans India

Thursday, 27 August 2020

HYDERABAD POLICE BUSTED ILLEGALLY ORGANIZING ONLINE BETTING RACKET – TWO HELD

On credible information the sleuths of Commissioner’s Task Force, North Zone Team, Hyderabad conducted raid at organizing gaming house situated at Welking Park Apartment, Begumpet and apprehended Two accused persons namely 1) Ankith Kumar Goyal 2) Pavan Kumar Lohiya (Organizers) wherein the accused persons are organizing online betting, accepting betting amount from punters and earning illegal easy money.

➢ DETAILS OF ACCUSED PERSONS:-

1. Ankith Kumar Goyal S/o. Mahender Kumar Goyal, age. 35 yrs, occ. Business R/o. Prakash Nagar, Begumpet, Sec’bad, (Organizer)

2. Pavan Kumar Lohiya S/o. Rajkumar Lohiya, age. 33 yrs, Occ.Business R/o. Sultan Bazar, Hyderabad (Sub-Organizer)

➢ SEIZED MATERIAL:-

1. Rs. 1,20,000/- (Betting amount )

2. 02 Cell phones (installed online betting Apps)

3. Ipad (Mentioned names of betting agents/punters, betting app)

➢ BRIEF FACTS OF THE CASE:-

The accused persons Ankith Kumar Goyal is residing in the limits of Begumpet, Pavan Kumar Lohiya is residing in the limits of Sultan Bazar both are close friends. They are dealing Interior material sales business at Banjara Hills.

They hatched a plan to earn easy money through online betting. Initially learned poker online betting game. They have played as a punters in poker online game. Later they both are started as organizers by using organized gaming house situated at Welking Park Apartment, Begumpet (its belongs to Ankith Kumar Goyal).

The accused persons install pokerrrr2 gambling app which is android/IOS based app. The organizers are create a poker club ID and create separate login ID & Password to the individual punter, offering the betting’s from punters. So individual punter join as a member in the online gambling game and monitoring betting profits, losses and betting plans in their mobile app.

For the transaction of money in-between betting organizers & punters using online transaction i.e Bank transfer, PhonePe, Google Pay & Paytm etc. Sometimes personally also collecting money. The accused persons are sharing the betting profits.

The betting organizers are encouraging the punters for online betting to get more profits, which is a game of chance. Several punters are getting losses their hard earned money. The organizers are getting huge profits.

The organizers are having about 30 to 40 punters in and around Hyderabad who used to put online betting regularly.

➢ ARREST:-

On credible information today i.e on 27-08-2020 conducted raid at Welking Park Apartment, Begumpet and apprehended above two accused persons while accepting online bettings.

The apprehended accused persons along with seized material were handed over to S.H.O Begumpet PS for further investigation.

The arrest was made under the supervision of Sri.P.Radhakishan Rao, Dy. Commissioner of Police, Commissioner’s Task Force, Hyderabad lead by Sri K.Nageswar Rao, Inspector of Police, Commissioner’s Task Force, North Zone, and SIs Sri. B.Parameshwar, G.Rajashekar Reddy, K.Srikanth, and North Zone Task Force Team, Hyderabad

Minister G Kishan Reddy's Website Hacked

The personal website of Union minister of state for home affairs G Kishan Reddy was reportedly hacked on Independence Day. A complaint was lodged with the Hyderabad cyber crime police on Tuesday and a case has been registered.

After the website (http://kishanreddy.com) was hacked, allegedly by Pakistan hackers, on August 15, the office of the minister lodged a complaint with the cyber crime police. The website is currently not accessible.

“The website only contained personal information about the minister and does not have any confidential information. The website has some photographs and other details of the minister. Following the complaint on August 25, a case has been registered and the investigation has been taken up,” said an officer in the cyber crime cell.DC

Telangana Gets Tough on Illegal layouts, Bans Registration of unapproved Properties

Seller must show building or layout permit for registration In a desperate bid to curb unauthorised layouts and structures, the Telangana government has decided to prohibit the registration of such properties with immediate effect.

T .Chiranjeevulu, Commissioner and Inspector General, Stamps and Registration, on Wednesday issued a memo to all sub-registrars directing them to not register plots or structures that have no valid permissions issued by the competent authorities, municipal or panchayat whichever is applicable.

In the memo, the commissioner made it clear that unless valid permissions are produced by the seller, the registration of property should not be done even if it was duly registered previously.

Legal experts, however, feel that the memo may not stand judicial scrutiny as the Stamps and Registration Act has no provision for such prohibitive actions.

The objective of the government to curb illegal layouts and structures that have come in the way of a planned development is good. But if someone challenges in the court, it would be difficult to defend the ban as the legislation holds precedence over a memo, which can not be contrary to the provisions of the law,” the experts pointed out.

They also claim that it would not be easy to amend the Stamps and Registration Act because the issues relating to transfer of property other than agricultural land and the registration of deeds and documents come in the concurrent list.DC

Telangana High Court Rrjects Karvy’s Plea Against SFIO Probe

Justice A. Rajasheker Reddy of the Telangana High Court on Wednesday dismissed the pleas of Karvy Stock Broking Ltd, which challenged the decision of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in ordering a probe by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) into the company's alleged financial irregularities.

Karvy was seeking a direction to the SFIO not take any coercive steps against the management of the company.

Following the orders of the ministry, the SFIO had issued notices to the firm on June 16 and 19 this year in contravention to provisions of the Companies Act, 2013. The petitioner’s company sought a stay order on the notices.

Taking into consideration of the arguments of the assistant solicitor general, N. Rajeshwar Rao, who had submitted that the action of the company affected the interests of over 93,133 depositors, the judge rejected Karvy’s pleas. The primary investigation into the issue of Karvy ltd. proved that the company indulged in financial irregularities and in spite of several debts, the company transferred around `425 crore to the realty sector.DC

Fake News More Dangerous Than Paid News; Media Must Follow Self-Regulation Javadekar

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar on Thursday said fake news is more dangerous than paid news and called for self regulation while publishing digital content to curb the menace.

Paid news is much milder than what fake news is. Fake news has a very potent power of disturbing the peace. The manipulation of public opinion over social media platforms has emerged as a critical threat to public life," Javadekar said at a virtual event organised by industry body IAMAI.

He said that several countries all over the world have been affected by the fake news menace and many are taking steps to curb it.

"There should be a mechanism for self regulation, otherwise everyone will have to bear the brunt of this menace. It is not limited to the political sector. Every sector is going to bear it. Fake news is more dangerous than paid news and we will have to be prepared to face it," Javadekar said. PTI

Supreme Court Reserves its Verdict On Vijay Mallya's Review Plea in Contempt Case

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on a plea filed by businessman Vijay Mallya, who has sought review of its 2017 order holding him guilty of contempt of court for transferring USD 40 million to his children.

The apex court had in June directed its registry to explain as to why Mallya's review petition had not been listed before the court concerned for the last three years.

It had directed the registry to furnish all details including names of officials who had dealt with the file concerning the review petition in the last three years.

The fugitive businessman had filed the petition seeking review of the apex court's May 9, 2017 order by which he was held guilty of contempt of court for transferring USD 40 million to his children in violation of the order.

Mallya, who is an accused in a bank loan default case of over Rs 9,000 crore involving his defunct Kingfisher Airlines, is presently in the United Kingdom.

The apex court's 2017 order had come on a plea by consortium of banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI), which had said that Mallya had allegedly transferred USD 40 million received from British firm Diageo, to his children in "flagrant violation" of various judicial orders.

It was dealing with pleas of lending banks seeking contempt action and a direction to Mallya to deposit USD 40 million received from offshore firm Diageo respectively with the banks.PTI

Relief For H-1B Workers Stuck in India As US Consulates Start Issuing Visas

With the five US consulates in India starting to processing H-1B visas from August 17, many are heaving a sigh of relief. However, the new entry norms by US authorities have created some confusion for others.

With US consulates in India starting to process visas on an emergency basis since August 17, the anxiety among the NRI community is waning. Many of them have been stuck here because of COVID-19 and the visa ban announced in June 22.

In India, the US has consulates in Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi and Kolkata.

Two such conditions are that they are allowed entry if they are joining their previous (company they were working in before they came to India) employer before the ban or if they want to work in critical areas such as healthcare. It also allowed the entry of such H-1B dependents into the US.

Take Sandeep’s case. He is not joining his previous employer and will be working in a new company in the healthcare space in a senior role. He got his emergency appointment (EA) approved within two weeks. Mythili got her H-4 visa approved under the with ‘family separation’ category as her husband is still in the US with a valid visa/ MC

UAE Sends Four F-16 Fighter Jets to Support Greece Against Turkey

The Arab nation has sent four F-16 fighter jets to take part in a joint drill with the Hellenic Air Force. According to the reports, the jets will be stationed at Souda Bay airbase and will undertake joint military drills with the Greek armed forces over the eastern Mediterranean.

The move comes at a critical time when Greece, Tukey’s tensions are at a peak. Turkey had deployed naval vessels last month to escort a hydrocarbon exploration ship in Greek waters – or the waters claimed by it. Both the nations are part of NATO, however, Turkey’s relations with the organization has tumbled recently.

The chief of Greece’s Hellenic National Defense staff talked with his Emirati partner, Lt. Gen. Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, on Thursday, Kathimerini revealed.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that his country is not looking for trouble with the Greeks, and that dialogue could be the only solution. “If we act with common sense and reason, we can find a win-win solution that meets everyone’s interests,” he said.

Recently, Turkey again agreed to purchase a second batch of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia. It came even after the United States warned Ankara of sanctions, and had kicked it out of its F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program when Turkey inked its first purchase of the missile systems.

Even in Syria, Turkey had launched its offensive against American-supported Kurdish forces just hours after the U.S. troops vacated the place.

Along with Syria, several middle eastern and north African battlegrounds have become places of proxy wars for the major regional powers. Recently, the Turkish troops were deployed on the ground to aid the Libyan GNA government, against General Haftar’s LNA which enjoys support from France, UAE, Russia, Egypt, and Israel. Asia News

Telangana Reports 2,795 New COVID19 Case's GHMC 449

Telangana continued to report high Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, as 2,795 more people tested positive for the virus, while eight new deaths were reported. With this, the state’s tally of total cases now stands at 1,14,483 and total deaths at 788. A day earlier, the total COVID-19 cases reported was 3,018, indicating that the virus has anything but subsided

Out of the total cases reported on Thursday, 449 were reported from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) area, followed by Rangareddy (268) and Nalgonda (164). While GHMC continues to top the list in the state, as many as ten other districts crossed the 100-plus mark.

The case fatality rate in Telangana also stands at 0.68% compared to the national average of 1.84%, according to the daily media bulletin issued by the state’s Public Health and Family Welfare department.SN

Wednesday, 26 August 2020

Over 14 lakh JEE and NEET Aspirants Download Admit Cards Amid Calls for Postponement of Exams

Over 14 lakh students have already downloaded the admit cards for engineering and medical entrance exams, JEE-Mains and NEET, till Wednesday evening. The NTA released admit cards for NEET on Wednesday amid the growing clamour for postponement of the two exams in view of rising COVID-19 cases.

The JEE-Mains exam is scheduled to take place from September 1-6 while the NEET-UG is scheduled for September 13.

For JEE (Main), a total of 7.41 lakh candidates out of 8.58 lakh have downloaded the admit cards. Only 332 candidates have requested for change of their centre cities, which are being considered positively

For NEET (UG), a total of 6.84 lakh candidates, out of a total of 15.97 lakh, have downloaded the admit cards in the first five hours, since the start of the downloading at 11.55 am.

More than 99 per cent candidates in each of the two examinations have been allotted the first choice of centre city ZM

23 Punjab Miinisters, MLAs Test COVID-19 Positive 2 days Ahead of Assembly Session: CM Amarinder Singh

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday (August 26) said that 23 ministers and MLAs were coronavirus positive two days before the Vidhan Sabha session on August 28, during a video conference convened by Congress President Sonia Gandhi with the chief ministers of seven Opposition-ruled states to discuss various issues.

Citing this, Amarinder Singh tried to emphasise that the scenario was not conducive for holding physical examination for JEE-NEET. He, however, did not disclose how many of Punjab MLAs and ministers have recovered so far.

Through an official release, he said "As of today, two days before the scheduled Punjab Vidhan Sabha session, 23 Ministers/MLAs were COVID positive."

The Punjab CM said, "If this was the state of the legislators and ministers, one can only imagine how grave the situation on the ground was. The scenario was not conducive to holding physical examinations."

Amarinder Singh reportedly asked his state Advocate General to coordinate with his counterparts in other opposition-ruled states for filing a collective review petition in the Supreme Court, to seek deferment of the NEET-JEE exams. ZN

Dawood Ibrahim Upset Over report Exposing his relationship with Pakistani actress Mehwish Hayat

India's most wanted terrorist and 1993 Mumbai blasts mastermind Dawood Ibrahim is very upset over the Zee News expose of his relationship with Pakistani actress Mehwish Hayat, according to sources. It is learnt that Dawood has started investigating how the information about his relationship Mehwish came out in open?

Mehwish is 27 years younger than Dawood and it is believed that she is the underworld don's biggest weakness at this time. Mehwish is also known as 'Gangster Doll' or 'Cat' in Pakistan.

Notably, Dawood's relationship with Mehwish first came to light in 2019 when the actress was awarded the 'Tamgha-e-Imtiaz', a big civilian honour in Pakistan. The 37-year-old Mehwish was not a known face until a few years ago but she has now become a popular face of Pakistan's media and glamor industry.

Several people had raised questions over the Pakistan's government decision to bestow 'Tamgha-e-Imtiaz' to Mehwish and it was reported by a web portal that the Pakistani film industry is shocked to know that Mehwish has been given such a big honour.

The web portal reported that whether Mahvish was given the Tamga-e-Imtiaz because she has really done so much work for the film industry or because of her relationship with a Karachi-based powerful person who is very close to ruling Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf party. When Mehwish was trolled after this news, she called it a conspiracy against her. Zee News

India Deployed Troops Equipped With Shoulder-Fired Air Defence Missiles in Ladakh

Indian forces have deployed troops equipped with shoulder-fired air defence missiles on the crucial heights in Eastern Ladakh in view of the presence of Chinese attack helicopters in the sector.

India had already deployed quick reaction air defence missiles, including the Akash missile system in June in Ladakh, which can take down fighter jets and armed drones in few seconds. It was modified to make it suitable for deployment in the high mountainous terrain.

Now, Indian troops armed with the Russian-origin Igla air defence system have been deployed on the crucial heights along the border to take care of any enemy aircraft trying to violate the Indian air space there.

The Russian-origin air defence systems are used by both the Indian Army and the Air Force and they can bring down enemy fighter jets or choppers which come close to Indian locations or deployments during hostilities.

The air defence systems of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force have been deployed in Ladakh to take on any aerial threat. India has also filled in its surveillance gaps to ensure that no enemy aircraft would be able to go undetected from the eyes of its defence forces.

Meanwhile, Indian Army chief General MM Naravane said on Tuesday that Indian Armed Forces would have to put adequate emphasis on the available disruptive technologies that have dual use and are being driven by commercial entities and innovations.DC

Raigad Building Collapses: Death Toll Stands at 13 Rlderly Woman Rescued From Debris

At least 13 persons have been killed and nine injured in the building collapse in Mahad town of Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, a 60-year-old woman was rescued on Tuesday evening by the NDRF from the debris of Tareq Garden building, 26 hours after the incident. Mehrunnisa Abdul Hamid Kazi was trapped under the rubble of the five-storey building which collapsed on Monday evening. Kazi lived on the fifth floor of the building, an official said.

After noticing some movement under a portion of the debris, personnel of the National Disaster Response Force succeeded in pulling her out by 9.35 pm, and sent her to hospital.

Earlier, the NDRF had rescued four-year-old Mohammad Nadim Bangi safely from the rubble 19 hours after the incident.

Tuesday, 25 August 2020

Amaal Mallik Basts Salman Khan fans who Trolled Him for Calling Shah Rukh Khan His Favourite Actor

Music composer Amaal Mallik lashed out at Salman Khan fans for trolling him, calling them ‘idiots’ and saying that he will not ‘take s**t’ from anyone. It all started when Amaal called Shah Rukh Khan his favourite actor during an Ask Me Anything session on Twitter.

When asked to say a few words about Salman, Amaal called him a ‘superstar and a great entertainer’. However, he said that his favourite actor was Shah Rukh. This led to him being massively trolled by Salman’s fans. Shah Rukh’s fans, meanwhile, launched a counter-campaign on Twitter -

Amaal has been replying to his trolls on Twitter. On Monday, he lashed out at them, saying that while he respects Salman for giving him his first break, he will not ‘take s**t from his fans or any one’. He wrote on Twitter, “Aaj duniya ko dikh gaya what is the aukaad (Today, the world can see what is the stature) of these uneducated #Bhaitards. It all started with me saying #Srk is my fav actor, and these idiots went crazy. I respect #SalmanKhan for the launch he gave me, but that doesn’t mean I will take s**t from his fans or any one.”

James Anderson Becomes First Pacer to Take 600 Test Wickets

Jimmy Anderson has entered the exclusive “600 Club.” The England paceman became only the fourth bowler — and the first seamer — to take 600 wickets in test cricket on Tuesday by dismissing Azhar Ali in the third test against Pakistan.

After England captain Joe Root took the high catch at first slip off the Pakistan captain to give Anderson his prized wicket, the 38-year-old fast bowler was mobbed by his teammates.

Then Anderson took the ball in his right hand and — with a cheeky smile — saluted all sides of the Rose Bowl, which is without spectators because of coronavirus restrictions. England coach Chris Silverwood applauded on the boundary edge.

Anderson, who is playing in his 156th test, is fourth on the list of all-time leading wicket-takers in tests. Only retired spinners Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Shane Warne (708) and Anil Kumble (619) are above him.

“Massive effort from a great fast bowler,” Kumble, the former India legspinner, wrote on Twitter. “Welcome to the club.” Anderson is the second quickest to get to 600 wickets, taking six balls more than Muralitharan, but it could have come much sooner.

He was dropped four times in 37 balls either side of Pakistan’s overnight change of innings between Days 3 and 4 of the final test of the series. He took his 599th wicket — that of Abid Ali — near the end of Monday’s play, before bad light stopped play.

Covid Curve Dipping in Hyderabad, Says Official

The Covid-19 pandemic in areas under Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is showing signs of gradually coming under control while in districts, the curve is expected to drop by September, senior health officials on Tuesday said.

A combination of factors including aggressive testing, treating moderate and severe cases at the right time to avoid fatalities and spreading awareness among he general public on Covid-19 precautions played a significant role in keeping the new infections under control, Director of Public Health, Dr. G Srinivasa Rao said.

There are clear signs that in areas under GHMC, the positive cases are decreasing while the numbers have increased in districts. There is a semblance of control over Covid infections in GHMC areas while it will take some more time, hopefully by September, to control the situation in districts,” he said, while interacting with media persons here on Tuesday. TT

Petrol Prices Hiked and Diesel Prices Unchanged Today in Hyderabad, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai

Petrol and Diesel prices today, 25 August 2020: The petrol and diesel prices after remaining steady for a month have be on increasing side from last couple of weeks.

While on Monday, the petrol prices have once again hiked at four major cities. However, diesel remained steady. Meanwhile, the crude oil prices have rose in the international market. Brent crude rose 0.16 percent to $ 44.73 a barrel while WTI crude oil rose to 0.97 percent to $ 41.62 a barrel.

Going by prices, in the national capital Delhi, petrol prices are holding at Rs. 81.73 per litre with 11 paise hike and diesel prices steady at Rs. 73.56. The petrol prices in Hyderabad continued at Rs. 84.94 with increase of 11 paise and diesel remained steady at Rs. 80.17.

In Chennai, the petrol price per litre costs Rs. 84.74 with a hike of 10 paise and the diesel is priced at Rs. 78.86. The situation is similar in Mumbai with petrol prices while by 11 paise at Rs. 88.39 and the diesel prices remained at Rs. 80.11. HI

Andhra Government Cancels Lease of Granite Units of TDP Leaders Over Illegal Quarrying in Prakasam

The government of Andhra Pradesh led by chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has given a rude shock to the TDP leaders in Prakasam district.

The government issued orders canceling the lease of the granite company belonging to the two leaders. Addanki MLA Gottipati Ravi Kumar and former MLA Potula Rama Rao's license of granite business have been cancelled citing defects in the operation of quarries.

Five quarries belonging to MLA Gottipati, six quarries belonging to close associates and one quarry belonging to Potula Rama Rao has been cancelled.

In addition, fines have been imposed in the past for irregularities in granite excavations. Recently, the Andhra Pradesh government has issued orders canceling the leases. TDP leaders, meanwhile, are expected to approach the High Court as soon as notices of termination of leases are received.

MLA Gottipati and former MLA Potula Rama Rao were formerly in YSRCP. In the 2014 elections, Gottipati contested from Addanki of Prakasam district while Potula Rama Rao from Kandukur on YSSRCP tickets. The two then joined the TDP in the presence of Chandrababu Naidu. Later in the 2019 elections, two of them contested from TDP where Gottipati Ravi Kumar won and Potula Rama Rao lost.

The two quarries have also been inspected and fined in the past.

Miner Finds 442-Carat Diamond That May Be Worth $18 Million

A small diamond miner that has dug some of the world’s most valuable gems from a mountainous African kingdom has found another huge stone.

Gem Diamonds Ltd. said Friday it had an unearthed a 442-carat diamond at its Letseng mine in Lesotho. While it’s hard to establish a price for such stones before cutters can evaluate them, it could sell for as much as $18 million, Edward Sterck, analyst at BMO Capital Markets, wrote in a note.

Given the rarity of such large stones, demand for big diamonds has traditionally been resilient, even at times when the wider industry has struggled.

The Letseng mine is famous for the size and quality of the diamonds it produces and has the highest average selling price in the world. Two years ago Gem Diamonds found a 910-carat stone, the size of two golf balls, that sold for $40 million.

The recovery of this remarkable 442 carat diamond, one of the world’s largest gem quality diamonds to be recovered this year, is further confirmation of the caliber of the Letseng mine and its ability to consistently produce large, high quality diamonds,” Clifford Elphick, Gem’s chief executive officer, said in the statement IE

Active cyoronavirus Cases in India Decline After Record Recoveries

With 60,975 people testing positive for coronavirus infection in a day, India's COVID-19 tally rose to 31,67,323, while recoveries surged to 24,04,585 pushing the recovery rate over 75.92 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The total active cases in India declined by 6,423 after a record 66,550 patients were cured in a day on Monday.

The death toll climbed to 58,390 with 848 fatalities being reported in a span of 24-hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate has declined to 1.84 per cent

There are 7,04,348 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprises 22.24 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7.

According to the ICMR, a cumulative total of 3,68,27,520 samples have been tested up to August 24 with 9,25,383 samples being tested on Monday.LM

Monday, 24 August 2020

Former Pakistan Pacer Likely to Replace Misbah-ul-Haq As Chief Selector after England Series

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is not happy with the work done by Misbah-ul-Haq as the chief selector of the national team and wants him to step down from the post to make way for a former fast bowler to take over. Misbah was appointed in a dual role as head coach and the chief selector of the Pakistan national team last year. However, PCB now wants to relinquish Misbah of the chief selector role after Pakistan's tour of England.

As per a report in PTI, sources in Pakistan Cricket Board have confirmed that the board is in talks with a high-profile former fast bowler to become the new chief selector. Misbah will continue in his role as the head coach of the national team. His appointment in the dual role as chief selector and head coach had raised a lot of eyebrows last year with some former players also criticising PCB.

“The PCB now feels that it is best if the burden was reduced on Misbah and allow him to focus on his job as head coach as there are a number of important ICC events coming up in the next three years,” a source was quoted as saying by PTI.