#Jharkhand political reactions

[townpostin]

Budget Has Nothing for Jharkhand: State Congress President Rajesh Thakur

State Congress chief decries lack of focus on crucial sectors Opposition leader claims Union Budget neglects state’s needs, favoring corporate interests over public welfare. RANCHI – Jharkhand’s Local political figures have expressed strong criticism of the recent fiscal announcements. Rajesh Thakur, the President of Jharkhand’s Congress, has strongly opposed the Union Budget 2024. Thakur…

[indiejones]

HOW NEHRU CAN TRULY BE CALLED 'THE ARCHITECT OF INDIA'S BIMARU ECONOMIC STRUCTURE'. ................................................................................. - HOW NEHRU INCOMPETENTLY, & PER MANY HISTORIANS, MALICIOUSLY, RUINED EASTERN INDIAN ECONOMIES, LIKE BENGAL, BIHAR, JHARKHAND, MADHYA PRADESH, CHHATTISGARH, & ORISSA, BY HIS ONE SIDED (SUBSIDIZED/EQUALIZED FREIGHT COST OF RAW MATERIAL ONLY & NOT FOR FINISHED GOODS) FREIGHT EQUALIZATION POLICY. - HOW NEHRU IN THE GARB OF A SOCIALIST INDIA, MANAGED TO CREATED A REGRESSIVELY CAPITALISTIC INDIA INSTEAD.

Here are India's 60 yr Share of Wealth stats, from 1961-2020, taken from the 'World Inequality Database'.

Looking at which, most would be forced to ask, why is it that in a wholly socialized state like India (& heavily publicized so at that for 60 yrs)....that our Top 1% 's share in wealth goes up 3 times, Top 10%'s share goes up 1.5 times, BUT SHARE OF THE BOTTOM 50% IS LITERALLY HALVED?

The answer to this lies largely in one man, Nehru, & his policies, either incompetently unintentional or maliciously intentional, policies directly responsible for creating a deeply disparate & heavily lopsided yet overall non-flourishing economic structure, for the entire first half century of the 'Dominion (of Britain) India'.

And the biggest mishap-causing misadventure, being 1951's infamous FREIGHT EQUALIZATION POLICY.

👇

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freight_equalisation_policy#:~:text=Freight%20equalisation%20policy%20was%20adopted,subsidised%20by%20the%20central%20government.

☝

Above is the Russian Govt+military reaction, to Indian 'independence' in mid 1947. This article was published in the Russian central military newspaper 'Red Star' on July 31, 1947, just 2 weeks before the official date of India's so-called Independence.

"Chief economic positions still remain in British hands–railways,marine transport,port economy,irrigation systems,finance,basic part of jute,industry,almost whole mining industry etc"

“The defence of economic positions and interests is not possible without political power. That power will be secured in the person of the capitalists, landowners and businessmen who are dependent upon British capital.”

“The partition, does not affect the feudal power of the Princes who have always supported British domination.”

"The British Govt plans to artificially separate industrial from agricultural areas,turning it to a agrarian & raw material appendage of Britain." 

Exactly what Nehru's Freight Equalization Policy achieved 4 yrs later!

And to add to what y'all I assume would already have read from above, as to it's evil designs & effects, it created a reverse-reward scenario, whereby all the resource-rich states were essentially penalized for their natural advantages, by taking away all incentive for processing-industries & final transportation industries, that are a logical next step from the extraction industries, to germinate & set base in these places. Thereby creating a scenario where the South-western & western coastal states like Maharashtra, Gujarat & Tamil Nadu, & parts of Punjab in North India, were able to find logical easy base for all the processing & transportation industries in their states, for industries like steel, cement, heavy manufacturing, & power, all enabled via raw materials from the other far-off states, like iron ore, coal, limestone, bauxite, copper etc, even w/o any personal natural resources to rely on themselves, merely by virtue of being easy locations to set up ports in for exports, & w/o industries having to compromise on higher transportation & value-added processing costs, that cost aspect equalized & protected for all distances from the resource point. All this, with resource states not finding even some respite in terms of return benefits from any possibly subsidized finished product costs, finished goods not covered by this policy!

These 4-5 states effectively thus became the parasites, for atleast 7 of the traditionally god-gifted states of today like Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Bengal & Uttar Pradesh, killing all their hope at industrial development & economic progress, & where there is economic (or lotsa times attached) spiritual hopelessness, springs leftism in all it's devious forms, giving birth to intense communism & it's shameful offsprings of caste-divide & gang-culture, literally turning these states HOUSING HALF OF INDIA'S POPULATION, into the pot-holes of the Indian Union -the BIMARU (for Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh) states of India.

Now in all of this, it's not as if the above-mentioned coastal states were turning themselves into heavens of prosperity either, merely relatively well-off & with a hopeful disposition of the future, that in itself enough to attract large-scale migration from the above BIMARU states, particularly Maharashtra with a more traditionally Hindi-friendly ambience, but also in TN, creating a new urban housing problem, giving birth anew to Mumbai's infamously gargantuan chawl (dingy hutment) lifestyle.

And the reasons for these states, given all these special privileges, not able to take off well enough, aren't directly visible, yet that we can now, on basis of our analysis of Nehru & his so-called Independent India, over innumerable blogs prior, safely interpret, to be an India yet functioning in 1950s & till mid-1960s as some sort of a vassal state of Britain. Only natural then for a supreme state in such a relationship, to not be assumed to desire nations other than itself any sorta economic or strategic base in it's territory, thus curtailing more robust foreign economic to-and-fro.

A utterly class-subservient bent, not seen just for the British race, but per historians, eg Kanchan Gupta, in his hateful sense of complex & hatred of dark-skinned & skinny Bengali community, even worse passionate Hindu Durga-lovers, & per many, all largely borne of his hatred for Bose.

And thus ends yet another inglorious chapter from the life of the self-confessed Last British Ruler of India.

The Tale of the Internal Destruction of India, & it's Premier at it.

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Paromita Das GG News Bureau New Delhi, 4th November. On November 1, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sparked national attention during his speech in Jharkhand, framing the upcoming elections as a decisive moment for the state’s cultural and demographic future. At a public rally in Deoghar district’s Sarath, Sarma called for Hindu unity, urging voters to rally behind the NDA to prevent what he described as an existential threat to Jharkhand’s identity and heritage. His language, particularly his reference to a demographic and cultural “extinction” and alleged social disruptions caused by specific minority communities, has drawn praise from his supporters but has also led to fierce criticism from the opposition. Sarma’s Remarks and the Message of Unity In his speech, Sarma’s rhetoric was pointed and passionate. He urged Jharkhand’s voters to vote in defense of their “Asmita” or cultural identity. By invoking the names of revered historical and cultural icons like Nilamber-Pitamber, Sidhu-Kanhu, and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, he sought to rally sentiments of heritage and pride among Jharkhand’s Adivasi and Hindu populations. Latehar, Jharkhand: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "… If we lose; this is the land of Tilka Manjhi, Nilamber-Pitamber, Sidhu-Kanhu, and Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Irfan, Ansari, Alam, these people will loot it. They have looted our daughters, looted our land, and looted our… pic.twitter.com/ANM9QICmrI — IANS (@ians_india) November 2, 2024 His warning about demographic change underscored his appeal for unity under the NDA banner, as he tied the preservation of local culture directly to a political mandate, asserting that only through an NDA victory could Jharkhand realize former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision. Historical and Political Context in Jharkhand Jharkhand’s political landscape is deeply shaped by its cultural and ethnic diversity, with a significant Adivasi (indigenous) population and varied religious groups. The state, created in 2000 under Vajpayee’s government, has historically held strong local identities, with political leaders frequently advocating for the preservation of Jharkhand’s cultural roots and the empowerment of its indigenous people. Sarma’s speech reflects the concerns that some leaders have expressed over demographic changes in the state, particularly regarding immigration and perceived threats to local communities’ traditional lifestyles. Yet, Sarma’s statements represent an escalation of rhetoric by directly identifying minority communities in what he describes as a threat to Jharkhand’s social and cultural fabric. His speech reflects a broader national trend where cultural and religious identity issues have become more pronounced, often leading to polarized political environments. Reaction and Backlash from the Opposition The opposition INDI Alliance filed a complaint against Sarma with the Election Commission, accusing him of using divisive and incendiary language to garner support by “stoking the flames of hatred and resentment.” This complaint underscores the growing concern over communal rhetoric in election campaigns. Opposition leaders argue that Sarma’s speech risks inciting discord and that such language undermines democratic processes by reducing complex social issues to a divisive, “us versus them” narrative. Despite the backlash, Sarma’s supporters argue that he is merely voicing the fears of local Hindus and Adivasis who feel their concerns about cultural preservation are often overlooked. The NDA, particularly its base, has echoed sentiments about cultural protection, with Sarma’s language appealing to voters who view the preservation of Jharkhand’s heritage as paramount. Balancing Unity with Responsible Rhetoric In a country as diverse as Bharat, political leaders bear a significant responsibility in promoting unity without inciting division. Sarma’s appeal for “Hindu unity” to “protect Jharkhand’s identity” has stirred debates about how far politicians should go in invoking religious or cultural identity during election campaigns.

While his supporters claim his warnings are grounded in genuine concerns, critics warn that such rhetoric risks alienating minority communities and escalating social tensions. The political calculus behind Sarma’s statements is clear: consolidating a Hindu vote bank under the NDA. However, critics argue that promoting political unity along purely religious lines may lead to social fragmentation, detracting from the issues that Jharkhand’s people face daily, including economic development, employment, and social welfare. The Role of the Election Commission and Democratic Safeguards The Election Commission’s response to the INDI Alliance’s complaint will be closely watched, as it will signal how Bharat’s democratic institutions balance free speech with the potential for inflammatory rhetoric in elections. The Commission has a history of attempting to curb hate speech in campaigns, often issuing warnings or imposing bans on individuals who violate the Model Code of Conduct. However, the impact of such interventions on changing the tone of political discourse remains limited. In an increasingly polarized political environment, Sarma’s speech illustrates the challenges of maintaining democratic integrity while accommodating the diverse voices and interests of Bharatiya voters. As the Election Commission reviews the complaint, its decision will shape expectations for future campaign rhetoric and define the limits of acceptable speech in Bharatiya politics. Conclusion Himanta Biswa Sarma’s recent remarks in Jharkhand underscore the intricate and sensitive nature of Bharat’s democratic landscape, where calls for cultural preservation often intersect with political strategies aimed at unifying select groups under a single banner. His speech is a reminder of the influence that cultural and religious narratives can wield in mobilizing voters. However, there is a delicate line between calls for unity and incitement to division, and Sarma’s rhetoric is a stark example of the risks that come with stepping too close to that line. While Sarma’s concerns about preserving Jharkhand’s identity resonate with segments of the population, his approach reflects a broader, potentially troubling trend in Bharatiya politics. Election campaigns that emphasize unity should do so in ways that foster inclusivity and respect for diversity. Political leaders like Sarma play a crucial role in shaping discourse, and rhetoric that suggests exclusion risks undermining social cohesion and alienating minority communities. Bharat’s democratic future, and indeed the integrity of its elections, depend on leaders who can inspire loyalty without dividing, and unite without creating rifts in the social fabric.   The post Himanta Biswa Sarma’s ‘Hindu Unity’ Call in Jharkhand: Rallying Cry or Risky Strategy? appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Paromita Das GG News Bureau New Delhi, 4th November. On November 1, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sparked national attention during his speech in Jharkhand, framing the upcoming elections as a decisive moment for the state’s cultural and demographic future. At a public rally in Deoghar district’s Sarath, Sarma called for Hindu unity, urging voters to rally behind the NDA to prevent what he described as an existential threat to Jharkhand’s identity and heritage. His language, particularly his reference to a demographic and cultural “extinction” and alleged social disruptions caused by specific minority communities, has drawn praise from his supporters but has also led to fierce criticism from the opposition. Sarma’s Remarks and the Message of Unity In his speech, Sarma’s rhetoric was pointed and passionate. He urged Jharkhand’s voters to vote in defense of their “Asmita” or cultural identity. By invoking the names of revered historical and cultural icons like Nilamber-Pitamber, Sidhu-Kanhu, and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, he sought to rally sentiments of heritage and pride among Jharkhand’s Adivasi and Hindu populations. Latehar, Jharkhand: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "… If we lose; this is the land of Tilka Manjhi, Nilamber-Pitamber, Sidhu-Kanhu, and Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Irfan, Ansari, Alam, these people will loot it. They have looted our daughters, looted our land, and looted our… pic.twitter.com/ANM9QICmrI — IANS (@ians_india) November 2, 2024 His warning about demographic change underscored his appeal for unity under the NDA banner, as he tied the preservation of local culture directly to a political mandate, asserting that only through an NDA victory could Jharkhand realize former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision. Historical and Political Context in Jharkhand Jharkhand’s political landscape is deeply shaped by its cultural and ethnic diversity, with a significant Adivasi (indigenous) population and varied religious groups. The state, created in 2000 under Vajpayee’s government, has historically held strong local identities, with political leaders frequently advocating for the preservation of Jharkhand’s cultural roots and the empowerment of its indigenous people. Sarma’s speech reflects the concerns that some leaders have expressed over demographic changes in the state, particularly regarding immigration and perceived threats to local communities’ traditional lifestyles. Yet, Sarma’s statements represent an escalation of rhetoric by directly identifying minority communities in what he describes as a threat to Jharkhand’s social and cultural fabric. His speech reflects a broader national trend where cultural and religious identity issues have become more pronounced, often leading to polarized political environments. Reaction and Backlash from the Opposition The opposition INDI Alliance filed a complaint against Sarma with the Election Commission, accusing him of using divisive and incendiary language to garner support by “stoking the flames of hatred and resentment.” This complaint underscores the growing concern over communal rhetoric in election campaigns. Opposition leaders argue that Sarma’s speech risks inciting discord and that such language undermines democratic processes by reducing complex social issues to a divisive, “us versus them” narrative. Despite the backlash, Sarma’s supporters argue that he is merely voicing the fears of local Hindus and Adivasis who feel their concerns about cultural preservation are often overlooked. The NDA, particularly its base, has echoed sentiments about cultural protection, with Sarma’s language appealing to voters who view the preservation of Jharkhand’s heritage as paramount. Balancing Unity with Responsible Rhetoric In a country as diverse as Bharat, political leaders bear a significant responsibility in promoting unity without inciting division. Sarma’s appeal for “Hindu unity” to “protect Jharkhand’s identity” has stirred debates about how far politicians should go in invoking religious or cultural identity during election campaigns.

While his supporters claim his warnings are grounded in genuine concerns, critics warn that such rhetoric risks alienating minority communities and escalating social tensions. The political calculus behind Sarma’s statements is clear: consolidating a Hindu vote bank under the NDA. However, critics argue that promoting political unity along purely religious lines may lead to social fragmentation, detracting from the issues that Jharkhand’s people face daily, including economic development, employment, and social welfare. The Role of the Election Commission and Democratic Safeguards The Election Commission’s response to the INDI Alliance’s complaint will be closely watched, as it will signal how Bharat’s democratic institutions balance free speech with the potential for inflammatory rhetoric in elections. The Commission has a history of attempting to curb hate speech in campaigns, often issuing warnings or imposing bans on individuals who violate the Model Code of Conduct. However, the impact of such interventions on changing the tone of political discourse remains limited. In an increasingly polarized political environment, Sarma’s speech illustrates the challenges of maintaining democratic integrity while accommodating the diverse voices and interests of Bharatiya voters. As the Election Commission reviews the complaint, its decision will shape expectations for future campaign rhetoric and define the limits of acceptable speech in Bharatiya politics. Conclusion Himanta Biswa Sarma’s recent remarks in Jharkhand underscore the intricate and sensitive nature of Bharat’s democratic landscape, where calls for cultural preservation often intersect with political strategies aimed at unifying select groups under a single banner. His speech is a reminder of the influence that cultural and religious narratives can wield in mobilizing voters. However, there is a delicate line between calls for unity and incitement to division, and Sarma’s rhetoric is a stark example of the risks that come with stepping too close to that line. While Sarma’s concerns about preserving Jharkhand’s identity resonate with segments of the population, his approach reflects a broader, potentially troubling trend in Bharatiya politics. Election campaigns that emphasize unity should do so in ways that foster inclusivity and respect for diversity. Political leaders like Sarma play a crucial role in shaping discourse, and rhetoric that suggests exclusion risks undermining social cohesion and alienating minority communities. Bharat’s democratic future, and indeed the integrity of its elections, depend on leaders who can inspire loyalty without dividing, and unite without creating rifts in the social fabric.   The post Himanta Biswa Sarma’s ‘Hindu Unity’ Call in Jharkhand: Rallying Cry or Risky Strategy? appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates. [ad_2] Source link

[newswatchindiablog]

ताज़ा समाचार: Use of Cheap Fake Methods to Spread Lies About BJP Will Further Damage Congress

The Congress party has stooped to a new low in the methods it is using to contest the elections. As per the latest samachar in Hindi, Reetam Singh, a Congress worker from Guwahati, Assam, was arrested a few days back on charges of making and sharing a deep-fake video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The fake video shows Shah as announcing in Telengana that when the BJP comes to power in Telengana, it will abolish reservations for SC, ST and OBC.

In the original video Shah had said that if the BJP comes to power in Telengana, it will remove the 4% reservation for Muslims given by TRS and continued by Congress in the state as it is unconstitutional.

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According to the latest headlines Hindi news live, the video has been shared widely by congress workers in different states such as Telengana, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Maharashtra among others.

In Telengana the fake video was shared by none other than the Chief Minister Revanth Reddy himself! In this regard he has been summoned by the Delhi Police to appear before them and answer questions regarding the sharing of the fake video by him.

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Congress is at the receiving end of this damaging conspiracy

In Maharashtra, a case has been registered against those who manage the social media handles of the state's Youth Congress along with 16 others for playing a leading role in sharing this fake video.

The latest samachar in Hindi reports that in Jharkhand, Twitter has withheld the account of the state's Congress unit in response to a legal demand.

In addition to that, the president of Jharkhand Congress, Rajesh Thakur was summoned by the Delhi Police on 02 May 2024 to appear at their office in connection with the circulation of the fake video on the union home minister.

On 30 April 2024, police in Gujarat arrested Satish Vansola, who is the personal assistant of Congress MLA, Jignesh Mevani in Banaskantha as well as an Aam Admi Party worker, Rakesh Baria from Limkheda in Dhaod district for sharing the fake video on Shah.

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A naïve and foolish ploy by the Congress has backfired on it

If you follow the latest samachar in Hindi you will come to know about more action being taken against people who are deliberately sharing this fake video about Union Home Minister Shah.

The question that arises now is whether the Congress leadership was aware of such a video being made by a junior level party worker in Assam or were they not aware of it?

The video was after all shared by a very senior member of the Congress and a current chief minister, Revanth Reddy of Telangana. Surely, Reddy cannot be so naïve as to believe such a statement by the BJP’s number two, Amit Shah saying he will remove reservations for SC, ST and OBCs? If he was that naïve, then it is clear that he is not fit to be even a municipal ward councilor let alone, a chief minister.

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The reaction of the Congress leaders including Reddy is even more comical now that they are caught with their pants down. They are saying things like, “The BJP is using central agencies to harass opponents and now it is using even the Delhi Police for the purpose”.

So what was the Congress expecting from the BJP after committing such a foolish crime? Don’t they know that the BJP is leading a digital revolution in the country and would tackle such a deep fake video immediately after it is published? If the Congress did not know even that much then it is easy to see that this party is headed for more disasters and marginalization.

Referral Link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/latest-samachar-use-cheap-fake-methods-spread-lies-bjp-navneet-singh-lagnc/

AUTHOR: Dev Kumar is an independent geo-political observer, commentator and blogger who tries to look at international issues in relation to India and present a different dimension that has hardly been covered by mainstream experts.

[tezlivenews]

मोदी सरकार ने वापस लिए तीनों कृषि कानून, भाजपा नेता बाबूलाल मरांडी ने कह दी बड़ी बात  

Babulal Marandi Reaction on Farm Laws Repeal: केंद्र के नए कृषि कानूनों (Farm Laws) के खिलाफ किसान पिछले करीब एक साल से आंदोलन (Farmers Protest) कर रहे हैं. आज गुरु पुर्णिमा के मौके पर केंद्र की नरेंद्र मोदी सरकार ने बड़ा फैसला लिया है. प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी (Narendra Modi) ने आज देश के नाम संबोधन में तीनों कृषि कानूनों को वापस लेने का एलान कर दिया है. इस बीच झारखंड के पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री और…

[eagle-eyez]

A political chain reaction, that was set off in Uttarakhand due to the pandemic and political rivalries over the past few months, is likely to culminate Saturday afternoon as the state BJP legislature party will meet at 3 pm to elect its new leader.

The exercise was warranted by Tirath Singh Rawat's late-night resignation on Friday, ending his extremely brief stint as chief minister.

What?

Ending days of speculation about a change of guard in the state, Rawat on Friday handed over his resignation letter to Governor Baby Rani Maurya past 11 pm, hours after returning from Delhi where he was summoned by the top BJP leadership on Wednesday.

This has warranted the legislature party meeting to choose a new leader less than a year before the state elections are due.

When?

The meeting will begin at the BJP headquarters at 3 pm in the presence of central observer Narendra Tomar and BJP general secretary in-charge of Uttarakhand Dushyant Kumar Gautam.

All the BJP MLAs have been asked to be present at the meeting, Pradesh BJP president Madan Kaushik, who will chair the meeting, said.

Why?

The pretext behind the move was to avoid a constitutional crisis that would have frozen the state's polity if Tirath Singh Rawat had continued as chief minister and the Election Commission failed to hold by-polls before 10 September owing to the pandemic.

Tirath, a Member of Parliament from Pauri Garhwal parliamentary constituency, was chuted into the chair as a replacement of erstwhile chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on 10 March but the former wasn't an elected member of the state Assembly. He had until September, as per Constitutional guidelines, to get elected into the House from one of the 70 Assembly constituencies but Tirath chose to resign much before that.

This has spurred the rumour mill to speculate the likely causes behind the sudden replacement in less than four months.

A report in The Print stated that Tirath’s resignation came at the prodding of the BJP high command, who took into account assessments that he may lose the Assembly bypoll if he contests, which would then have a very adverse impact on the party’s prospects in Assembly elections early next year.

Reports also said that Tirath Singh's alleged failure to control the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic had also played a role in his ouster.

Then there is an alleged graft case against him from before he became the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. The Uttarakhand High Court had ordered a CBI probe into allegations that Tirath accepted a bribe as BJP's Jharkhand unit in-charge to make an appointment. However, the Supreme Court had stayed the probe on grounds that Tirath wasn't given a chance to respond to the charges.

Tirath has also been somewhat of a controversy's child ever since he came into highlight after assuming the chief minister's chair.

Who?

Some names have been doing the rounds for the post of Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. Among them are state higher education minister Dhan Singh Rawat, former BJP state president Banshidhar Bhagat, irrigation minister Satpal Maharaj, Khatima MLA Pushkar Singh Dhami, and forest minister Harak Singh Rawat. Dhan Singh Rawat was among the top contenders for the Uttarakhand CM post last time too when Trivendra Singh Rawat had quit.

A section of party leaders have also suggested the name of former chief minister and Doiwala MLA Trivendra Singh Rawat.

Their argument is that with less than a year to go for the next Assembly polls it is safe to reinstate Trivendra Singh Rawat, who has the experience of helming the affairs of the state, rather than gambling on a new candidate.

However, nothing can be said with a degree of certainty given the BJP' s penchant for springing surprises.

Even Tirath Singh Rawat had emerged as the surprise choice of the party for chief minister belying all speculation when Trivendra Singh Rawat was replaced by him in March this year.

The choice is by no means easy for the BJP as the new chief minister also has to lead the party to the next Assembly polls, which are due early next year.

from Firstpost Politics Latest News https://ift.tt/3dXwUhN

[monicasharmalove]

SC refuses to allow Jharkhand ex-CM Madhu Koda to contest Assembly polls

Election News

The Supreme Court on Friday wouldn't permit previous Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda from challenging the up and coming get together decisions in the state. A seat of Justices N V Ramana and V Ramasubramanian looked for a reaction from the Election Commission on the request of Koda testing his preclusion by the survey board in 2017 for not recording political race costs.

The survey board had excluded Koda from challenging decisions for a long time. At the start, the insight showing up for Koda said that it has been a long time since he has been precluded and the top court ought to enable him to challenge the forthcoming surveys. "You yourself is liable for the postponement. You should sit tight for another year. We can't enable you to challenge the races at this stage. We have to hear the opposite side (EC)," the seat said and gave notice to the survey board.

On November 13, the pinnacle court had consented to hear the supplication of Koda testing the survey board choice after his guidance said that the last date for documenting designation for the up and coming get together surveys was November 18. Koda was excluded by the survey board in September, 2017 for a long time from challenging races for neglecting to document subtleties of costs identified with the 2009 Lok Sabha surveys, which he won from the Singhbhum electorate of the state as an Independent up-and-comer.

Koda, an Independent MLA, filled in as the central clergyman of Jharkhand from 2006 to 2008. He has been indicted in a coal square designation trick case and has been given three-year prison term. He has likewise been charged in tax evasion cases enrolled by the Enforcement Directorate and lopsided resources case enlisted by the state cautiousness division.

He was first captured in 2009 from Chaibasa region of the state by the watchfulness division.....Read More

[bigyack-com]

Congress, Centre spar on citizenship act, protests claim another life - india news

A fresh round of political slugfest broke out over the amended citizenship act on Saturday as top Congress leaders accused the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government of trying to divide the country, inviting a sharp reaction from home minister Amit Shah, who accused the opposition party of stoking violence.Protesters have clashed with the police in several areas of the North-east since Parliament approved the amended act earlier in the week, triggering a debate on whether grant of citizenship could be linked to religion. On Saturday, demonstrations continued in West Bengal and the North-east, which saw several incidents of arson and the killing of one person, taking the death toll in the protests up to three.The new law allows citizenship to migrants from Hindu, Parsi, Sikh, Jain, Christian and Buddhist faiths fleeing persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. It has roiled the North-east, which has for long demanded protections to safeguard its cultural identity. Speaking at the Congress’s ‘Bharat Bachao’ rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on Saturday, party leader Rahul Gandhi said the North-east was burning after the government’s push for the new legislation. “The BJP government works to divide and weaken the country,” he said.Gandhi also criticised the government’s move to withdraw Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in August this year. “Go to Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland and Tripura. They are burning,” he added.Congress president Sonia Gandhi, too, hit out at the Centre, saying the citizenship amendment act (CAA) will “destroy and shred” the soul of India. “But the country will fight against the act. Suffering injustice is the biggest crime. It’s time to rise to save the democracy and Constitution. The time has come to save the country and we have to struggle hard for it,” she said.At an election rally later in the day in Jharkhand, Union home minister Shah attacked the opposition party, accusing it of trying to fan violence in the North-east region. “We have brought the amended citizenship act and the Congress got a stomach ache and is fanning violence against it,” he said.The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president assured the people of the North-east that their culture, language, social identity and political rights will be not be affected by CAA.But protests continued in the region on Saturday. People in the North-east states fear that the act will legitimise the rights of immigrants in the region, affecting local people and culture. An oil tanker was set ablaze in Sonitpur district in Assam, which shares its border with Bangladesh, killing its driver. The empty oil tanker, on its way for refilling petrol from Sipajhar in Udalguri district, was set ablaze by a group of people at Dhekiajuli in Sonitpur on Friday night, the police said. A six-hour shutdown was observed in Nagaland against the legislation. An indefinite curfew imposed in the wake of protests was relaxed for several hours in Dibrugarh and Guwahati in Assam, which has emerged as the epicentre of protests against the contentious piece of legislation.In West Bengal, where the Trinamool Congress government has been opposing the legislation, arson was reported from various areas. Buses, a railway station and a toll plaza in Murshidabad were set on fire by protesters, the police said.In the Capital, hundreds of people gathered at Jantar Mantar to protest against CAA. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation closed entry and exit gates at Janpath metro station in view of the protest.A day earlier, protesting students were lathi-charged by the police at Jamia Millia Islamia University, after which 50 people were detained and large gatherings banned in the area. The university and surrounding areas remained tense on Saturday, with heavy deployment of the police and amid more protests by locals.Congress leader TN Prathapan and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi have approached the Supreme Court to challenge the citizenship amendment act. Assam Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia and lawmakers from Assam, Abdul Khaleque and Rupjyoti Kurmi, too, have moved the court, challenging the legality of the act.The citizenship amendment act appeared to have an unholy nexus with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise, said Owaisi, a Lok Sabha member from the AIMIM, in his petition before the Supreme Court. He urged the top court to lift the veil on the alleged CAA-NRC nexus that he said could become a barrier to the right to life and personal liberty available to every person under Article 21 of the Constitution, and not just to citizens.“Thus, even an illegal migrant has the right not to be deprived of his/her personal liberty except according to procedures established by law,” he said in the petition filed through advocate Nizam Pasha.Protests against the CAA have rocked the North-east for nearly a week now and even triggered a political debate with voices of dissent in the BJP-Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) alliance, which is in power in Assam, growing stronger.Several functionaries of the ruling alliance resigned from their posts, with some saying that the state government had failed to gauge the mood of the people against the new law.(With inputs from agencies) Read the full article

[townpostin]

Hemant Soren Sworn In as Jharkhand CM, Floor Test on July 8

Floor Test Scheduled for July 8 Amid Political Drama Hemant Soren’s return to power marks a significant political shift in Jharkhand, with the new government facing an immediate test of strength. RANCHI – Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) executive president Hemant Soren took oath as the 13th Chief Minister of Jharkhand on Thursday, setting the stage for a crucial floor test on July 8. Governor…

[brajeshupadhyay]

Coronavirus Updates: China authorises emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines developed by Chinese companies

23:48 (IST)

Coronavirus in US LATEST Updates

Trump pushes for COVID-19 treatments, claims slowdown at FDA

Pushing for breakthroughs in treatments for the coronavirus, White House officials suggested Sunday there were politically motivated delays by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in approving a vaccine and therapeutics for the disease. The accusations, the latest assault from President Donald Trump’s team on the so-called “deep state” bureaucracy, were presented without evidence and just hours before Trump was set to hold a news conference to announce an apparent advancement in therapeutics. “This president is about cutting red tape,” said White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. “He had to make sure that they felt the heat. If they don’t see the light, they need to feel the heat because the American people are suffering.”

The push on Sunday came a day after Trump tweeted sharp criticism on the process to treat the virus, which has killed more than 175,000 Americans and imperiled his re-election chances. 

AP

23:28 (IST)

Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu  LATEST Updates

Tamil Nadu inaugurates second plasma bank

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Vijayabaskar on Sunday inaugurated a plasma bank at a government hospital, the second in the state, to treat COVID-19 patients. The Rs 25 lakh facility is established with an aim to collect and store plasma from those who have recovered from the disease and help coronavirus patients recuperate quickly, he said. Last month, the government set up the first plasma bank at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General hospital in Chennai.

23:15 (IST)

Coronavirus in West Bengal LATEST Updates

West Bengal minister tests positive

West Bengal Environment Minister Soumen Mahapatra on Sunday said he has tested positive for COVID-19. Stating that he is asymptomatic, the minister urged people who had come in contact with him recently to be in home isolation. "In the present alarming situation due to the outbreak

of COVID-19, this contagion has not even spared me. But, I am not showing any symptoms. My request to all please stay at home and follow the guidelines of the government," he tweeted. Mahapatra is now in home isolation at his Panskura residence in Purba Medinipur district, sources said.

PTI

22:44 (IST)

 Coronavirus in Bihar LATEST Updates

Bihar's case count climbs to 1.22 lakh

  Bihar's COVID-19 caseload rose to 1.22 lakh on Sunday as 2,247 more people tested positive for the infection, while nine fresh fatalities pushed the state's

coronavirus death toll to 610, a health bulletin said. The fresh infections have taken the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state to 1,22,155, it said. Patna district reported the highest number of new cases at 203, followed by Begusarai (159), Muzaffarpur (127), Bhagalpur (115) and Saharsa (120), the bulletin said.

22:15 (IST)

 Coronavirus in China LATEST Updates

China approved emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines in July, says official

  China has authorised emergency usage of COVID-19 vaccines developed by some select domestic companies, a Chinese health official has said. An emergency use authorisation, which is based on Chinese vaccine management law, allows unapproved vaccine candidates to be used among people who are at high risk of getting infected on a limited period. "We've drawn up a series of plan packages, including medical consent forms, side-effects monitoring plans, rescuing plans, compensation plans, to make sure that the emergency use is well regulated and monitored," Zheng Zhongwei, head of China's coronavirus vaccine development task force, told state-run CCTV on  Saturday. One month has passed since China officially launched the urgent use of COVID-19 vaccines on 22 July, while the vaccines were going through clinical trials, Zheng said. Recipients who got their first dose since then revealed they had few adverse reactions and none reported a fever. 

  PTI

21:54 (IST)

 Coronavirus in Jharkhand LATEST Updates

Jharkhand CM orders probe after photo of COVID-19 positive liquor drinking alcohol goes surfaces

  Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Sunday orderedan investigation after a photo purportedly showing a COVID-19 positive prisoner drinking alcohol inside a hospital ward in Dhanbad went viral. One person tweeted the photo to the chief minister and he retweeted it directing Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Umashankar Singh to probe the matter and take action against those who were responsible for the irregularity. Singh said that the sub-divisional magistrate and the sub-divisional police officer concerned would carry out the investigation. "The chief minister has been informed of the progress of the probe," he said.

  The man in the viral photo is seen pouring liquor in a glass from a bottle while sitting on a hospital bed while food items served in aluminium foil containers are in front of him. A handcuff is also seen dangling from his right wrist. Katras police station officer-in-charge Ras Bihari Lal identified the man as 30-year-old Shantu Gupta, who was arrested on the charges of extortion on Thursday and was forwarded to jail. As he tested positive for coronavirus infection, the police admitted him to the central hospital of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), which was converted to a dedicated COVID19 facility, on Friday.

  PTI

21:32 (IST)

 Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

Over 4,000 students go on hunger strike, demand exams be postponed

The chorus for postponing various examinations, including NEET and JEE, grew louder on Sunday with over 4,000 students observing a day-long hunger strike to press for the demand in view of rising COVID-19 cases. The protest came on a day Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the government must listen to the 'mann ki baat' of students and arrive at "an acceptable solution" and his party demanded that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) be deferred.

Read full report here

21:09 (IST)

 Coronavirus in Gujarat LATEST Updates

Ahmedabad's case count up by 177 to 30,197

  The number of COVID-19 cases in Ahmedabad district rose by 177 to 30,197 on Sunday, the Gujarat health department said. With five more fatalities, all from the city, the toll reached 1,685, it said. This is the fourth day in a row that Ahmedabad has been reporting more than 150 cases in a day. A total of 172 patients were discharged in the day, taking the number of recoveries to 25,104. Of the 177 cases, 153 infections were reported from Ahmedabad city while 24 cases were reported from rural parts of the district, the health department said.

  PTI

20:52 (IST)

 Coronavirus in Gujarat LATEST Updates

Gujarat registers 1,101 new cases, 14 deaths

  With the addition of 1,101 new coronavirus positive cases on Sunday, Gujarat's COVID-19 count climbed to 86,779, the state health department said. The toll in the state reached 2,897 as 14 patients succumbed to the infection during the day, it said. As 972 patients were discharged from various hospitals on Sunday, the total number of recovered cases in the state rose to 69,229, the department said in a release. The state has now achieved the recovery rate of 80 per cent, it said adding that the number of active cases stood at 14,653.

  PTI

20:35 (IST)

 Coronavirus in Assam LATEST Updates

Three senior Assam Police officers test positive

  Three senior Assam Police officers, including two Superintendents of Police, have tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, health officials said. Tinsukia SP Shiladitya Chetia and his Kokrajhar counterpart Rakesh Roushan have tested positive for the infection, they said. Tinsukia's Additional Superintendent of Police

Ripunjoy Kakoti and Roushan's wife were also afflicted with the disease, the officials said. Chetia and Kakoti were suffering from fever and cough and their swab samples were tested. Roushan and his wife tested positive for the infection during raping antigen tests and were advised home isolation, they said. Dhubri Superintendent of Police Anand Mishra hadtested positive for COVID-19 last week. A total of 3,310 Assam Police personnel, including Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, have tested positive for the infection till date. Eleven police personnel have died, while 2,698 have recovered and 601 are undergoing treatment, officials said.

  PTI

20:22 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra LATEST Updates

Maharashtra reports 10,441 new cases, 258 deaths

As many as 10,441 new coronavirus cases and 258 deaths were recorded in Maharashtra today, reports ANI quoting the state health department. The total number of caseshas climbed to 6,82,383 including 4,88,271 recoveries and 1,71,542 active cases, it said.

19:54 (IST)

Coronavirus in Assam LATEST Updates

Assam health minister launches first sero survey

  The first serological survey in Assam was launched in Guwahati by the Minister of state for Health and Family Welfare Pijush Hazarika on Sunday to assess whether people surveyed have developed immunity to novel coronavirus. A serological survey involves testing of the blood serum of individuals to check for the prevalence of antibodies against an infection. The survey titled 'A.A.S.H.A  Assessment of Anti- SARSCoV2 Seroprevalence in Habitants of Assam: a populationbased cross sectional study' is an initiative of an NGO in partnership with a diagnostics solutions provider. "The need of the hour today is a seroprevalence study that would identify the proportion of people carrying antibodies against this virus," the minister said.

19:14 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi LATEST Updates

Delhi reports highest single-day spike in August

  Delhi recorded 1,450 fresh coronavirus cases on Sunday, the highest single-day spike in August, taking the infection tally to over 1.61 lakh, while the death toll mounted to 4,300. Sixteen fresh fatalities were recorded in the last 24 hours, officials said. Sunday's spike in fresh cases surpassed Saturday's increase of 1,412 cases, authorities said. The total number of cases stood at 1,61,466. The bulletin said that the number of active cases stood at 11,778, while 1,45,388 patients have either recovered, been discharged or migrated out.

  PTI

19:09 (IST)

Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu LATEST Updates

Tamil Nadu reports 5,975 new cases, 97 deaths

Tamil Nadu reported 5,975 new COVID-19 cases, 6,047 recoveries and 97 deaths today, taking total cases to 3,79,385 including 3,19,327 discharges and 6,517 deaths. Number of active cases stands at 53,541, reports ANI quoting the state health department.

18:16 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi LATEST Updates

Delhi govt has requested Centre to allow resumption of Metro, says CM

"We have requested Centre to allow re-opening of Delhi Metro in a phased manner, on a trial basis, as the COVID-19 situation in Delhi is under control now. I hope the Centre will take a decision soon," ANI quotes Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as saying.

17:56 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi LATEST Updates

COVID-19 situation in Delhi under control, says Kejriwal

  Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the COVID-19 situation in Delhi was under control, adding that it is "perhaps the only city" in the country where a lockdown was not re-imposed. "I am happy that with the help of everyone, the COVID-19 situation in the National Capital is under control now. The way Delhi has been dealing with COVID-19 situation is being discussed in the country as well as across the world," he said.

We imposed lockdown in Delhi only once, and then gradually resumed work across fields from June 1 onwards. Probably, Delhi is the only city where lockdown hasn't been imposed again, as we understand work & COVID management can go hand-in-hand: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal pic.twitter.com/VWktQbCwxp

— ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2020

17:38 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

India could get COVID-19 vaccine by year-end if everything goes well: Harsh Vardhan

  Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has said that if everything goes well, India would get a vaccine against the novel coronavirus by the end of this year. Three COVID-19 vaccine candidates, including two indigenous ones, are in different phases of development in India. The phase-one human clinical trials of the two indigenous COVID-19 vaccine candidates, one developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with ICMR and the other by Zydus Cadila Ltd, have been completed and the trials have moved to phase-two, ICMR Director General Dr Balram Bhargava had said recently. The Serum Institute of India, which has partnered with AstraZeneca for manufacturing the COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed by the University of Oxford has been permitted for conducting its phase two and three human clinical trials in India. It is likely to start the trials next week.

कब तक आएगी #कोरोना की #vaccine ? पत्रकारों के इस सवाल पर मैंने उम्मीद जताई कि अगर सब कुछ ठीक रहा तो भारत इस साल के आखिर तक #coronavaccine हासिल कर लेगा। @MoHFW_INDIA @CSIR_IND @NDRFHQ pic.twitter.com/zqAxftKUdt

— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) August 22, 2020

17:21 (IST)

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh LATEST Updates

Madhya Pradesh health minister says he tested COVID-19 positive

Madhya Pradesh Health Minister Prabhuram Choudhary on Sunday said he has tested coronavirus positive. "My COVID-19 test report came out positive. I request those who had come in my contact to undergo a coronavirus test. Those in close contact should quarantine themselves," he tweeted. "With your prayers and blessings, I will return amidst you soon to serve the people," he said.

Choudhary is the seventh minister in Madhya Pradesh, besides Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, to test positive for the infection. In the last week of July, CM Chouhan had tested positive and recovered after treatment.

  PTI

मेरी कोविड की रिपोर्ट टेस्ट के बाद पॉजि़टिव आई है।मेरा सभी से निवेदन है जो भी मेरे संपर्क में आए हैं, वह कोरोना टेस्ट करवा लें। मेरे निकट संपर्क वाले लोग क्वारनटीन में चले जाएं।आप सभी की प्रार्थना एवं आशीर्वाद से जल्द आप सभी के बीच उपस्थित होकर फिर जन सेवा के कार्यों में लगेंगे।

— Dr. Prabhuram Choudhary (@DrPRChoudhary) August 23, 2020

17:06 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh LATEST Updates

COVID-19 toll in Uttar Pradesh climbs to 2,926

Fifty-nine people succumbed to COVID-19 in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, raising the toll due to��the disease to 2,926 in the state, Additional Chief Secretary Amit Mohan Prasad said. Briefing reporters,  the official said the case fatality rate stands at 1.56 percent. As many as 5,325 fresh coronavirus cases were reported in the state, taking the state-wide tally to 1,87,781, he said. So far, 1,35,613 COVID-19 patients have been discharged after recovering from the disease with the recovery rate at 72.21 percent, he further said. The count of active cases in the state stands at 49,242.

The senior official said 1.3 lakh samples were tested in UP on Saturday.

PTI

16:33 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

Recovery rate nears 75%, says health ministry

A steadily increasing number of recoveries has pushed India's recovery rate to nearly 75 percent, said the Union health ministry. With  57,989 COVID-19 patients recuperating in the last 24 hours, the total number of recoveries has reached 22,80,566. The total recoveries in the country now exceed the total active cases (7,07,668) by nearly 16 lakhs (1,572,898), it said in a statement. Active cases now comprise 23.24 percent of the country's total case load, it said. "This has also resulted in a gradually falling mortality rate. Currently at 1.86 percent, India's case fatality rate (CFR) is one of the lowest globally," the ministry said.

The ministry said the average daily number of recoveries is on a "constant upward move" from 15,018 between July 1 and 7 to 60,557 between August 13 and 19.

India’s total recoveries now exceed the total active cases (7,07,668) by nearly 16 lakhs (1,572,898): Ministry of Health https://t.co/upgE9GQ4YF

— ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2020

16:12 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

India has conducted around 3,52 crore COVID-19 tests so far, says health ministry

  Testing over eight lakh samples for six days in a row, India's total COVID-19 tests have touched 3.52 crore, while the average daily positivity rate has come down from 9.67 per cent during August 3-9 to 7.67 pc over the last week, the Centre said on Sunday. So far, 3,52,92,220 samples have been tested for detection of COVID-19 with 8,01,147 being tested on Saturday.

  The steep rise in testing is a result of effective implementation of the aggressive testing strategy of the Centre through a focussed and graded approach, the ministry said. "The rising average daily tests during the past three weeks present a strong depiction of the progress made in the enhancement of COVID-19 tests across the country. The rise in daily testing has been followed by a decrease in the average daily positivity rate," the health ministry highlighted. Keeping a sharp focus on the 'test, track and treat' policy, tests per million population have seen a boost, touching 25,574 as on date, it further stated.

15:43 (IST)

Coronavirus in Puducherry LATEST Updates

No e-pass required to travel to and from Puducherry

E-passes are not required to travel to and from Puducherry, announced the Union Territory administration today, reports ANI.

15:18 (IST)

Coronavirus in Singapore LATEST Updates

New COVID-19 cluster reported at Singapore's biggest dormitory

A new COVID-19 cluster has been reported in Singapore's biggest dormitory housing foreign workers, including Indian nationals, about a month after it was declared to be fully cleared of the coronavirus.

Two of the new COVID-19 cases reported in Singapore on Saturday were linked to 55 previous cases to form a new cluster at Sungei Tengah Lodge dormitory at 500 Old Choa Chu Kang Road, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said.

The cluster at Sungei Tengah Lodge was among the largest in Singapore before the dormitory was declared cleared of COVID-19 by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Jul 21, the Channel News Asia reported.

15:01 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

RTI finds 1.78 crore rail tickets cancelled in five months due to COVID-19

The Railways has cancelled more than 1.78 crore tickets since March this year due to the coronavirus pandemic and refunded an amount to the tune of Rs 2,727 crore, a RTI has found.

The RTI has found that the Railways, which had suspended its passenger train services since 25 March, cancelled 1,78,70,644 tickets.

PTI has earlier reported how perhaps for the first time the Railways has refunded more than it has earned from ticket bookings, registering a negative passenger segment revenue of Rs 1,066 crore in the COVID-19-hit first quarter of 2020-21.

14:35 (IST)

Coronavirus in Gujarat LATEST Updates

Homeopathic drug given to half of Gujarat population since March

The Gujarat health department has said it distributed homeopathic drug Arsenicum Album-30 to more than half of the state's population as prophylaxis since March after the outbreak of COVID-19, reports PTI.

In its presentation made before the World Health Organisation on August 20 on Gujarat's COVID-19 prevention strategy, the health department said it distributed Arsenicum Album-30 to 3.48 crore people, which is more than half of the state's population of 6.6 crore.

There is no scientific evidence that the drug works against COVID-19, a fact stressed not only by medical scientists but by some homeopathic practitioners themselves.

13:51 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

Media reports over availability of COVID-19 vaccine are false, says Serum Institute of India

Serum Institute of India clarified on Sunday that the current claims over COVISHIELD's availability, in the media are completely false and conjectural.

"Presently, government has granted us permission to only manufacture the vaccine and stockpile it for future use." the company said, reports ANI.

"COVISHIELD will be commercialized once trials are proven successful & requisite regulatory approvals are in place. Phase-3 trials for Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine are underway. Only once vaccine is proven immunogenic & efficacious,SII will confirm its availability officially," the company said.

A Business Today report had said that India's first Covid vaccine-Serum Institute's 'Covishield'- will be commercialised in 73 days.

13:43 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates

Children aged 12 and older should wear masks, says WHO

Children aged 12 and older should wear masks like adults while those aged 6-11 should wear them on a “risk-based approach”, the World Health Organisation has said, reports moneycontrol.

Risk-based approach includes considerations such as intensity of transmission in the area, the child's ability to use masks, access to masks, adequate adult supervision, potential impact on learning and psycho-social development and interactions with people at high risk of developing serious illness, the organisation said in a United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) document uploaded on August 21.

13:13 (IST)

Coronavirus in Odisha LATEST Updates

Odisha reports record 2,993 COVID-19 cases, 10 more deaths

Odisha on Sunday registered its highest single-day spike of 2,993 COVID-19 cases and 10 more deaths due to the infection. With this, the state's COVID-19 death toll has mounted to 409 and the infection tally reached 78,530, a health official said.

Fifty-three other coronavirus patients have also died, but the cause of their deaths was attributed to some other reasons. Of the new 2,993 cases, 1,879 were reported from different quarantine centres, while the remaining 1,114 were detected during contact tracing, he said.

The state had last reported its highest single-day surge of 2,924 cases on 15  August.

12:57 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

No change in Pranab Mukherjee's health, says hospital

There is no change in the health of former President Pranab Mukherjee and he continues to remain on ventilator support, the Army''s Research and Referral hospital told PTI on Sunday. Doctors attending on the 84-year-old Mukherjee said his vital parameters are stable.

Mukherjee was admitted to the hospital in Delhi Cantonment on 10 August and was operated for removal of a clot in the brain. He had also tested positive for COVID-19.

12:51 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

Prakash Javadekar announces SOPs for resuming film, TV shooting

According to Hindustan Times, Union information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar on Sunday said film and television programme production can be resumed with all the necessary health protocols in place amid Covid-19 pandemic.

After consultation with the home ministry and the health ministry, a standard operating procedure (SOP) has been firmed up, he said. According to the SOP, the actors facing the camera will be exempt from wearing masks. And crew members will have to adhere to the guidelines of the health ministry, reports NDTV.

Read full report here

12:48 (IST)

Coronavirus in Puducherry LATEST Updates

412 new COVID-19 cases push total to 10,522 in Puducherry

The COVID-19 tally in the union territory rose to 10,522 and the toll mounted to 159 with the addition of 412 fresh cases and eight deaths, the Health Department said on Sunday. There were 3,706 active cases after the discharge of 350 patients in the last 24 hours ending at 10 AM.

The cumulative recoveries stood at 6,657, Director of Health and Family Welfare S Mohan Kumar said in a release here. A total of 1,282 samples were tested during the period.

12:37 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Experts flag risks in India's use of rapid tests for virus

In June, India began using cheaper, faster but less accurate tests to scale up testing for the coronavirus — a strategy that the United States is now considering.

But India’s experience also highlights the inherent pitfalls of relying too heavily on antigen tests, at the expense of more accurate tests. The danger is that the tests may falsely clear many who are infected with COVID-19, contributing to new spread of the virus in hard-hit areas.

Rapid test results can be backstopped with more accurate laboratory tests, but these are slower and expensive. Experts also warn that since the two types of tests vary in accuracy, they need to be interpreted separately to properly assess the spread of infection -- something India isn’t doing.

12:22 (IST)

Coronavirus in Telangana Latest Updates

2,384 new cases in Telangana

The total number of coronavirus cases in Telangana rose to 1,04,249 after 2,384 new infections were reported on Saturday. The total number of cases includes 22,908 active cases, 80,586 recoveries and 755 deaths.

11:44 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh LATEST Updates

Three COVID-19 patients untraceable in UP's Muzaffarnagar

Three people who tested COVID-19 positive in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district cannot be traced as they provided fake information and phone numbers during sample collection, officials said on Sunday.

Two of them claimed to be staffers of a hospital here, while the third person had given his address as Saket Colony, they said.

Health teams went to Saket Colony on Friday and to the hospital mentioned by the other two persons on Saturday to take them for treatment at a medical facility, the officials said. It was found that they had provided fake information, Chief Medical Officer Dr Praveen Chopda said.

11:37 (IST)

Coronavirus in Rajasthan LATEST Updates

Rajasthan reports 697 new cases, 6 deaths today

Rajasthan reports 697 new COVID-19 cases and 6 deaths today, taking the total cases to 69,961 including 950 deaths, 54,252 recoveries and 14,759 active cases

Rajasthan reports 697 new #COVID19 cases and 6 deaths today, taking the total cases to 69,961 including 950 deaths, 54,252 recoveries and 14,759 active cases: State Health Department pic.twitter.com/gr4k8lCXqK

— ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2020

11:35 (IST)

Coronavirus in Assam LATEST Updates

Weekend lockdown being observed in Guwahati today

Assam: Weekend lockdown being observed in Guwahati to control the spread of #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/yhEPWKlCvq

— ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2020

11:02 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra LATEST Updates

Thane district reports 1,284 new COVID-19 cases, 26 deaths

The number of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra's Thane district has gone up to 1,13,884 with 1,284 more people testing positive for the disease, a health official told PTI on Sunday. The fatality count in the district has reached 3,240 as 26 more people succumbed to the viral infection on Saturday, he said.

10:33 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

India's COVID-19 recovery rate rises to 74.9%

India's COVID-19 tally sprinted past the 30-lakh mark, just 16 days after it crossed 20 lakh, while 22,80,566 people have recuperated in the country so far pushing the recovery rate to 74.90 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

With a single-day spike of 69,239 infections, the country's COVID-19 caseload mounted to 30,44,940, while the death toll climbed to 56,706 with 912 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 1.86 percent.

There are 7,07,668 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprises 23.24 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

10:24 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

ICMR says over 8.1 lakh samples tested yesterday

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said that 3,52,92,220 samples were tested for COVID-19 in the country till yesterday (August 22). Of these, 8,01,147 were tested yesterday.

09:55 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh LATEST Updates

23 people test positive for COVID-19 in UP's Shamli district

The number of active COVID-19 cases in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district has increased to 150 with 23 people testing positive for the infection, officials told PTI on Sunday. The district also reported a death from the novel coronavirus and the toll now stands at 15, they said.

"Twenty-three people have tested positive for COVID-19. Their reports were received on Saturday evening. On the same day, six patients recovered," District Magistrate Jasjit Kaur said. The officials said that a woman from Thanabhawan town died at a hospital on Saturday, taking the death toll to 15 in the district.

09:35 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

India's COVID-19 total crosses 30 lakh with over 56,000 deaths

India’s coronavirus tally on Sunday breached the 30-lakh mark after the country reported 69,239 new cases in the last 24 hours. The country’s toll rose by 912 to 56,706. Of the overall tally of 30,44,940, India now has 7,07,668 active cases while more than 22 lakh people have recovered from the infection

09:07 (IST)

Coronavirus in Jharkhand LATEST Updates

Jharkhand Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh tests COVID-19 positive

सभी राज्यवासियों को जोहार, मैंने कल अपना कोरोना जांच कराया, जिसकी रिपोर्ट देर रात्रि पॉजिटिव आई हैं।विगत कुछ दिनों में जो भी लोग मेरे संपर्क में आये हैं उनसे विनम्र अनुरोध है कि अपनी जांच करा लें। आप सभी से अनुरोध हैं घर पर रहे सुरक्षित रहें।

— Badal (बादल) (@Badal_Patralekh) August 23, 2020

09:05 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh LATEST Updates

Weekend lockdown being observed in Prayagraj today

Weekend lockdown being observed in Prayagraj, to curb the spread of #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/fjj4uHqCXG

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 23, 2020

08:55 (IST)

Coronavirus in Assam LATEST Updates

Toll due to COVID-19 rises to 234 in Assam

The toll in Assam due to the pandemic rose to 234 with seven more succumbing to it, Health and Family Welfare Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday. The seven deceased are from Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Cachar, Kamrup, Sonitpur and Kamrup Metropolitan districts, Sarma tweeted.

The persons affected included a 77-year-old from Kamrup Metropolitan district, which primarily cinsists of the Guwahati city. The others are a 77-year-old and a 60-year old from Dibrugarh district the fourth one is a 46-year old man from Jorhat, Sarma said.

Three more persons aged 63 years, 55 years and 60 years of age lost their lives in Cachar, Kamrup and Sonitpur districts respectively, he added.

#AssamPlasmaHero ~ Aug 21 5. Pratim Talukdar (38), Ganakpara, Azara/ GMCH 6. Surajit Kalita (36), Pathsala, Barpeta/ GMCH 7. Prafulla Deka (53), Guwahati/ MMCH 8. Dr Biswajit Haloi (34)/Narayan Hospital Gratitude 🙏 pic.twitter.com/oAozWZRbGS

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 22, 2020

08:18 (IST)

Coronavirus in Indian LATEST Updates

Sharp rise in recoveries and recovery rate key to India's success against COVID-19, says Centre

#CoronaVirusUpdates The key to India's success in its fight against #COVID19: consistently and sharply rising recoveries and Recovery Rate.@PMOIndia @drharshvardhan @AshwiniKChoubey @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts @COVIDNewsByMIB @ICMRDELHI @mygovindia @CovidIndiaSeva pic.twitter.com/NRPPMB1xUs

— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) August 23, 2020

07:49 (IST)

Coronavirus in Italy LATEST Updates

Italy sees over 1,000 new coronavirus cases in a day

Italy recorded 1,071 new cases of the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours, the worst daily number since lockdown was lifted in May, the health ministry reported on Saturday.

The ministry's figures showed that three people died from disease caused by the virus, bringing total deaths to 35,430 in Italy since the pandemic began. Total infections number 258,136.

07:40 (IST)

Coronavirus in Odisha LATEST Updates

Odisha's COVID-19 total climbs up to over 75,000 cases

Odisha's COVID-19 tally rose to 75,537 on Saturday with the detection of 2,819 fresh infections, while nine more fatalities pushed its coronavirus death toll to 399, a health official told PTI.

Three fresh fatalities were registered in Cuttack, two in Sundargarh and one each in Bolangir, Ganjam, Malkangiri and Rayagada districts, he said.

The fresh COVID-19 cases were reported from 29 of the 30 districts of the state.

07:36 (IST)

Coronavirus LATEST Updates

World virus deaths top 8,00,000 as nations ramp up measures

The global toll from the new coronavirus has surpassed 800,000, according to an AFP count on Saturday, with numerous countries ramping up restrictions in an effort to battle an eruption of new cases.

Western Europe, particularly Spain, Italy Germany and France, has been enduring infection levels not seen in many months, sparking fears of a fully-fledged second wave.

And in Asia, South Korea, which had largely brought the virus under control, became the latest country to announce it would boost restrictions to try to stem a new outbreak.

Across the world, the number of deaths has doubled to just over 800,000 since June 6, with 100,000 fatalities in the last 17 days alone, while more than 23 million cases have been registered. 

Coronavirus LATEST Updates:  China has authorised emergency usage of COVID-19 vaccines developed by some select domestic companies, a Chinese health official has said.

The first serological survey in Assam was launched by the Minister of state for Health and Family Welfare Pijush Hazarika on Sunday to assess whether people surveyed have developed immunity to novel coronavirus.

Children aged 12 and older should wear masks like adults while those aged 6-11 should wear them on a 'risk-based approach', the World Health Organisation has said

According to the SOP, the actors facing the camera will be exempt from wearing masks. And crew members will have to adhere to the guidelines of the health ministry

Of the overall tally of 30,44,940, India now has 7,07,668 active cases while more than 22 lakh people have recovered from the infection

India's coronavirus case count raced past 30 lakh on Saturday, showed an unofficial tally based on information provided by staes and Union territories, while the toll rose to 56,762 and recoveries climbed to 22,71,054.

India is the third-worst affected country by the viral infection, said news agency PTI, which compiled the data.

The virus has claimed over eight lakh lives globally.

However, according to data released by Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday morning, the overall case count in India has climbed to 29,75,701 with the country recording its highest single-day spike of 69,874 new coronavirus cases. The toll climbed to 55,794 with 945 fatalities being reported in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

But the number of recoveries also surged to 22,22,577 pushing the recovery rate to 74.69 percent on Saturday while the fatality rate dipped to 1.87 percent, said the ministry.

India on Saturday also crossed the significant milestone of having conducted over 10 lakh tests in a day for the detection of the novel coronavirus, with more than 3.44 crore such tests conducted so far.

The COVID-19 case count in Telangana crossed the one-lakh mark with 2,474 new cases while the toll touched 744. In Jharkhand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said his father, veteran Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Shibu Soren, and his mother Roopi, tested positive for the viral infection and are placed in home quarantine.

Recoveries exceed active cases by 15 lakh, says health ministry

The home ministry, in its morning update, said that there are 6,97,330 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country, comprising 23.43 percent of the total caseload in the country.

While the country's COVID-19 case count has surged to 29.75 lakh, the total number of recoveries has surged to 22,22,577 and exceed active cases by over 15 lakh as on date, it said.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, at the inauguration of a make-shift NDRF hospital in Ghaziabad, said that India has the "best" COVID-19 recovery rate, which is improving every day, and the "lowest" mortality rate in the world.

Taking a potshot at government critics, Vardhan said "many intelligent people, scientists and naysayers" had estimated that India, with a population of about 135 crore, will see 30 crore COVID-19 cases and about 50-60 lakh people will die by July-August, and the country's healthcare system was "incapable" to combat the disease.

"However, I am happy to say that in the eighth month of the battle, India has the best recovery rate of 75 percent and against an estimate of 30 crore affected we have not even reached 30 lakh cases."

"In fact, 22 lakh patients have recovered and gone home and another seven lakh are going to be cured very soon," he said.

The minister said these successes were achieved due to the "coordinated" efforts with the participation of everyone — the government and the people.

Centre asks states to ensure unrestricted movement of goods, people

Meanwhile, the Centre asked all states to ensure that there are no restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods during the ongoing unlocking process. In a communication to chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said there were reports that local level restrictions on movement were being imposed by various districts and states.

Drawing attention to the Unlock-3 guidelines, Bhalla said such restrictions are creating problems in inter-state movement of goods and services and are impacting supply chains, resulting in disruption of economic activity and employment.

The unlock guidelines clearly state that there shall be no restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods, he said in the letter. The guidelines also stated that no separate permission, approval or e-permit will be required for movement of persons and goods for cross land border trade under treaties with neighbouring countries.

The home secretary said the restrictions amount to violation of the guidelines issued by Ministry of Home Affairs under provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005.

JMM chief Shibu Soren tests positive

Rajya Sabha MP and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) president Shibu Soren and wife Roopi have tested positive for COVID-19, his son and Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren said.

Taking to Twitter, the chief minister said "respected father Dishom Guru ji" and mother were diagnosed with the disease on Friday night, and they are undergoing home quarantine. The 76-year-old president of the ruling JMM in the state is revered as 'guruji' (master) by his followers.

कल रात आदरणीय बाबा दिशोम गुरु जी और माँ की कोरोना संक्रमण रिपोर्ट पॉजिटिव आयी। वे दोनों होम आइसोलेशन में हैं और स्वास्थ्य लाभ ले रहे हैं।

देश और झारखण्डवासियों की दुआओं के साथ जल्द ही आदरणीय बाबा और माँ हम सभी के बीच होंगे।

— Hemant Soren (घर में रहें - सुरक्षित रहें) (@HemantSorenJMM) August 22, 2020

// <![CDATA[ <script> // ]]> "With the blessings of the people of Jharkhand and the entire country, they will soon be among us, the CM tweeted.

Seven other members of the JMM chief's household have also tested positive for the viral infection, reported news agency PTI quoting official sources.

The chief minister, who lives at his official residence, close to the JMM chief's government bungalow, will undertake the test on Monday -- third time in two months. Earlier, Hemant had taken the test on two separate occasions — first time after coming in contact with infected Cabinet colleague Mithilesh Thakur, and the second time after 17 employees at his office were diagnosed with the disease.

On Tuesday, state health minister Banna Gupta was diagnosed with the disease.

Punjab minister tests positive

In Punjab, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said that Cooperation and Jails Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has tested positive for COVID-19.

"I wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to him joining us at work soon," said Singh.

My Cabinet colleague and Cooperation & Jails Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has tested positive for #Covid19. I wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to him joining us at work soon.

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) August 22, 2020

// <![CDATA[ <script> // ]]>

Former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal's residence in Muktsar district was declared as a micro containment zone after five security personnel posted there tested positive, a health official told PTI.

Punjab on Saturday reported 45 deaths and 1,320 fresh infections, pushing the death count to 1,036 and total infections to 40,643.

Telangana's case count crosses one lakh

Telangana's overall case count rose to 1,01,865 as 2,474 new cases were added. With seven more people succumbing to the virus, the toll in the state mounted to 744. However, the state's recovery rate at 77.29 percent was higher than the country's recovery rate of 74.69 percent.

Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and West Bengal were among the other states which added high numbers to their case tallies.

While Maharashtra reported 14,492 new cases and 297 deaths, Andhra Pradesh reported over 10,000 fresh infections. The overall count in the southern state climbed to 3,45,216 and the toll mounted to 3,189.

Gujarat its highest single-day spike of 1,212 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total count of infections to 85,678, the state health department said. The number of fatalities rose by 14, including six in Surat, which is the highest in the state, to 2,883, it said.

A total of 980 patients were discharged in the day, taking the number of recoveries to 68,257, the department said, adding that the recovery rate has reached 80 percent.

With a record 3,232  new cases in a single day, West Bengal's caseload went up to 1,35,596. The toll reached 2,737 with 48 more people succumbing to the disease, said a bulletin issued by the state health department.

With inputs from agencies

via Blogger https://ift.tt/34pWIyP

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Paromita Das GG News Bureau New Delhi, 4th November. On November 1, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sparked national attention during his speech in Jharkhand, framing the upcoming elections as a decisive moment for the state’s cultural and demographic future. At a public rally in Deoghar district’s Sarath, Sarma called for Hindu unity, urging voters to rally behind the NDA to prevent what he described as an existential threat to Jharkhand’s identity and heritage. His language, particularly his reference to a demographic and cultural “extinction” and alleged social disruptions caused by specific minority communities, has drawn praise from his supporters but has also led to fierce criticism from the opposition. Sarma’s Remarks and the Message of Unity In his speech, Sarma’s rhetoric was pointed and passionate. He urged Jharkhand’s voters to vote in defense of their “Asmita” or cultural identity. By invoking the names of revered historical and cultural icons like Nilamber-Pitamber, Sidhu-Kanhu, and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, he sought to rally sentiments of heritage and pride among Jharkhand’s Adivasi and Hindu populations. Latehar, Jharkhand: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "… If we lose; this is the land of Tilka Manjhi, Nilamber-Pitamber, Sidhu-Kanhu, and Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Irfan, Ansari, Alam, these people will loot it. They have looted our daughters, looted our land, and looted our… pic.twitter.com/ANM9QICmrI — IANS (@ians_india) November 2, 2024 His warning about demographic change underscored his appeal for unity under the NDA banner, as he tied the preservation of local culture directly to a political mandate, asserting that only through an NDA victory could Jharkhand realize former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision. Historical and Political Context in Jharkhand Jharkhand’s political landscape is deeply shaped by its cultural and ethnic diversity, with a significant Adivasi (indigenous) population and varied religious groups. The state, created in 2000 under Vajpayee’s government, has historically held strong local identities, with political leaders frequently advocating for the preservation of Jharkhand’s cultural roots and the empowerment of its indigenous people. Sarma’s speech reflects the concerns that some leaders have expressed over demographic changes in the state, particularly regarding immigration and perceived threats to local communities’ traditional lifestyles. Yet, Sarma’s statements represent an escalation of rhetoric by directly identifying minority communities in what he describes as a threat to Jharkhand’s social and cultural fabric. His speech reflects a broader national trend where cultural and religious identity issues have become more pronounced, often leading to polarized political environments. Reaction and Backlash from the Opposition The opposition INDI Alliance filed a complaint against Sarma with the Election Commission, accusing him of using divisive and incendiary language to garner support by “stoking the flames of hatred and resentment.” This complaint underscores the growing concern over communal rhetoric in election campaigns. Opposition leaders argue that Sarma’s speech risks inciting discord and that such language undermines democratic processes by reducing complex social issues to a divisive, “us versus them” narrative. Despite the backlash, Sarma’s supporters argue that he is merely voicing the fears of local Hindus and Adivasis who feel their concerns about cultural preservation are often overlooked. The NDA, particularly its base, has echoed sentiments about cultural protection, with Sarma’s language appealing to voters who view the preservation of Jharkhand’s heritage as paramount. Balancing Unity with Responsible Rhetoric In a country as diverse as India, political leaders bear a significant responsibility in promoting unity without inciting division. Sarma’s appeal for “Hindu unity” to “protect Jharkhand’s identity” has stirred debates about how far politicians should go in invoking religious or cultural identity during election campaigns.

While his supporters claim his warnings are grounded in genuine concerns, critics warn that such rhetoric risks alienating minority communities and escalating social tensions. The political calculus behind Sarma’s statements is clear: consolidating a Hindu vote bank under the NDA. However, critics argue that promoting political unity along purely religious lines may lead to social fragmentation, detracting from the issues that Jharkhand’s people face daily, including economic development, employment, and social welfare. The Role of the Election Commission and Democratic Safeguards The Election Commission’s response to the INDI Alliance’s complaint will be closely watched, as it will signal how India’s democratic institutions balance free speech with the potential for inflammatory rhetoric in elections. The Commission has a history of attempting to curb hate speech in campaigns, often issuing warnings or imposing bans on individuals who violate the Model Code of Conduct. However, the impact of such interventions on changing the tone of political discourse remains limited. In an increasingly polarized political environment, Sarma’s speech illustrates the challenges of maintaining democratic integrity while accommodating the diverse voices and interests of Indian voters. As the Election Commission reviews the complaint, its decision will shape expectations for future campaign rhetoric and define the limits of acceptable speech in Indian politics. Conclusion Himanta Biswa Sarma’s recent remarks in Jharkhand underscore the intricate and sensitive nature of India’s democratic landscape, where calls for cultural preservation often intersect with political strategies aimed at unifying select groups under a single banner. His speech is a reminder of the influence that cultural and religious narratives can wield in mobilizing voters. However, there is a delicate line between calls for unity and incitement to division, and Sarma’s rhetoric is a stark example of the risks that come with stepping too close to that line. While Sarma’s concerns about preserving Jharkhand’s identity resonate with segments of the population, his approach reflects a broader, potentially troubling trend in Indian politics. Election campaigns that emphasize unity should do so in ways that foster inclusivity and respect for diversity. Political leaders like Sarma play a crucial role in shaping discourse, and rhetoric that suggests exclusion risks undermining social cohesion and alienating minority communities. India’s democratic future, and indeed the integrity of its elections, depend on leaders who can inspire loyalty without dividing, and unite without creating rifts in the social fabric.   The post Himanta Biswa Sarma’s ‘Hindu Unity’ Call in Jharkhand: Rallying Cry or Risky Strategy? appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Paromita Das GG News Bureau New Delhi, 4th November. On November 1, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sparked national attention during his speech in Jharkhand, framing the upcoming elections as a decisive moment for the state’s cultural and demographic future. At a public rally in Deoghar district’s Sarath, Sarma called for Hindu unity, urging voters to rally behind the NDA to prevent what he described as an existential threat to Jharkhand’s identity and heritage. His language, particularly his reference to a demographic and cultural “extinction” and alleged social disruptions caused by specific minority communities, has drawn praise from his supporters but has also led to fierce criticism from the opposition. Sarma’s Remarks and the Message of Unity In his speech, Sarma’s rhetoric was pointed and passionate. He urged Jharkhand’s voters to vote in defense of their “Asmita” or cultural identity. By invoking the names of revered historical and cultural icons like Nilamber-Pitamber, Sidhu-Kanhu, and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, he sought to rally sentiments of heritage and pride among Jharkhand’s Adivasi and Hindu populations. Latehar, Jharkhand: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "… If we lose; this is the land of Tilka Manjhi, Nilamber-Pitamber, Sidhu-Kanhu, and Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Irfan, Ansari, Alam, these people will loot it. They have looted our daughters, looted our land, and looted our… pic.twitter.com/ANM9QICmrI — IANS (@ians_india) November 2, 2024 His warning about demographic change underscored his appeal for unity under the NDA banner, as he tied the preservation of local culture directly to a political mandate, asserting that only through an NDA victory could Jharkhand realize former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision. Historical and Political Context in Jharkhand Jharkhand’s political landscape is deeply shaped by its cultural and ethnic diversity, with a significant Adivasi (indigenous) population and varied religious groups. The state, created in 2000 under Vajpayee’s government, has historically held strong local identities, with political leaders frequently advocating for the preservation of Jharkhand’s cultural roots and the empowerment of its indigenous people. Sarma’s speech reflects the concerns that some leaders have expressed over demographic changes in the state, particularly regarding immigration and perceived threats to local communities’ traditional lifestyles. Yet, Sarma’s statements represent an escalation of rhetoric by directly identifying minority communities in what he describes as a threat to Jharkhand’s social and cultural fabric. His speech reflects a broader national trend where cultural and religious identity issues have become more pronounced, often leading to polarized political environments. Reaction and Backlash from the Opposition The opposition INDI Alliance filed a complaint against Sarma with the Election Commission, accusing him of using divisive and incendiary language to garner support by “stoking the flames of hatred and resentment.” This complaint underscores the growing concern over communal rhetoric in election campaigns. Opposition leaders argue that Sarma’s speech risks inciting discord and that such language undermines democratic processes by reducing complex social issues to a divisive, “us versus them” narrative. Despite the backlash, Sarma’s supporters argue that he is merely voicing the fears of local Hindus and Adivasis who feel their concerns about cultural preservation are often overlooked. The NDA, particularly its base, has echoed sentiments about cultural protection, with Sarma’s language appealing to voters who view the preservation of Jharkhand’s heritage as paramount. Balancing Unity with Responsible Rhetoric In a country as diverse as India, political leaders bear a significant responsibility in promoting unity without inciting division. Sarma’s appeal for “Hindu unity” to “protect Jharkhand’s identity” has stirred debates about how far politicians should go in invoking religious or cultural identity during election campaigns.

While his supporters claim his warnings are grounded in genuine concerns, critics warn that such rhetoric risks alienating minority communities and escalating social tensions. The political calculus behind Sarma’s statements is clear: consolidating a Hindu vote bank under the NDA. However, critics argue that promoting political unity along purely religious lines may lead to social fragmentation, detracting from the issues that Jharkhand’s people face daily, including economic development, employment, and social welfare. The Role of the Election Commission and Democratic Safeguards The Election Commission’s response to the INDI Alliance’s complaint will be closely watched, as it will signal how India’s democratic institutions balance free speech with the potential for inflammatory rhetoric in elections. The Commission has a history of attempting to curb hate speech in campaigns, often issuing warnings or imposing bans on individuals who violate the Model Code of Conduct. However, the impact of such interventions on changing the tone of political discourse remains limited. In an increasingly polarized political environment, Sarma’s speech illustrates the challenges of maintaining democratic integrity while accommodating the diverse voices and interests of Indian voters. As the Election Commission reviews the complaint, its decision will shape expectations for future campaign rhetoric and define the limits of acceptable speech in Indian politics. Conclusion Himanta Biswa Sarma’s recent remarks in Jharkhand underscore the intricate and sensitive nature of India’s democratic landscape, where calls for cultural preservation often intersect with political strategies aimed at unifying select groups under a single banner. His speech is a reminder of the influence that cultural and religious narratives can wield in mobilizing voters. However, there is a delicate line between calls for unity and incitement to division, and Sarma’s rhetoric is a stark example of the risks that come with stepping too close to that line. While Sarma’s concerns about preserving Jharkhand’s identity resonate with segments of the population, his approach reflects a broader, potentially troubling trend in Indian politics. Election campaigns that emphasize unity should do so in ways that foster inclusivity and respect for diversity. Political leaders like Sarma play a crucial role in shaping discourse, and rhetoric that suggests exclusion risks undermining social cohesion and alienating minority communities. India’s democratic future, and indeed the integrity of its elections, depend on leaders who can inspire loyalty without dividing, and unite without creating rifts in the social fabric.   The post Himanta Biswa Sarma’s ‘Hindu Unity’ Call in Jharkhand: Rallying Cry or Risky Strategy? appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates. [ad_2] Source link

[margdarsanme]

NCERT Class 12 Sociology Chapter 3 Social Institutions : Continuity and Change

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Sociology : Indian Society

Chapter 3 Social Institutions : Continuity and Change

NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED : Q. 1. What is the role of the ideas of separation and hierarchy in the caste system? Ans. : The caste system can be understood as the combination of two sets of principles, one based on difference and separation and the other on wholism and hierarchy. Each caste is different and strictly separated from every other caste on the basis of restrictions. These restrictions are related to marriage, food sharing and social interaction to occupation. Different and separated castes do not have an individual existence. They exist in relation to a larger whole. This societal whole or system is a hierarchical rather than egalitarian system. Each individual caste follows an ordered rank—a particular position in a ladder like arrangement going from highest to lowest. The hierarchical ordering of castes is based on the distinction between purity and pollution. Castes that are considered ritually pure have high status, while those considered less pure or impure have low status. Historians believe that those who were defeated in wars were often assigned low caste status. Castes are not only unequal in ritual terms. They are complementary and non competing groups. It means each caste has its own place in the system which cannot be taken by any other caste. Caste is also linked with occupation, the system functions as a social division of labour. It allows no mobility.This idea of separation and hierarchy has inculcated discrimination, inequality and prejudices in Indian society. 

Q. 2. What are some of the rules that the caste system imposes? Ans. : 

The most commonly cited rules that the caste system has imposed are as follows:

Caste is determined by birth-a child inherits the “bom information” the caste of its parents. One can never change one’s caste, leave it, or choose not to join it. Caste is never a matter of choice.

Membership in a caste involves strict rules about marriage. Caste groups are “endogamous” i.e. marriage is restricted to members of the group.

Members of a particular caste have to follow rules about food and food sharing.

An individual bom into a caste could only practice the occupation associated with that caste, so that occupations were hereditary.

Caste involves hierarchy of rank and status. Every person has a caste. Every caste has a caste. Every caste has a specified place in the hierarchy of all castes.

Castes involve sub-division within themselves. Sometimes sub-castes may also have sub-caste i.e. segmental organisation.

Q. 3. What changes did colonialism bring about in the caste system? Ans. : The institution of caste underwent major changes during the colonial period. Present status of caste in India is more a product of colonialism than of ancient Indian tradition. The British administrators tried to understand the complexities of caste in an effort to leam how to govern the country efficiently. The most important official effort to collect information on caste was through census. It began in 1860s. The 1901 census under the direction of Herbert Risley was particularly important as it sought to collect information on the social hierarchy of caste i.e. the social order of precedence in particular regions, as to the position of each caste in the rank order. The counting of caste and to officially recording of caste made this institution of caste identity became more rigid in India. The land revenue settlements and laws gave legal recognition to the caste based rights of the upper caste. Large scale irrigation schemes were accompanied by efforts to settle population there, and these also had caste dimension. So colonialism brought about major changes in the institution of caste. In short the Britishers took initiative in following areas: (i) Census-to make sure of number and sizes of the castes and sub-castes. (ii) To understand the values, beliefs and customs of different sections of society. (iii) Land settlement. Q. 4. In what sense has caste become relatively ‘invisible’ for the urban upper castes? Ans. : The changes in the caste system benefited the most were urban middle and upper class. Caste status ensured these groups the necessary economic and educational resources and they took full advantage of the opportunities offered by rapid development. Particularly the upper caste elite were able to benefit from subsidised public education, specially professional education in science, technology, medicine and management. They were also able to take advantages of the expansion of state sector jobs in the early decades after independence. Because of this earlier load over the rest of the society in terms of education ensured a privileged status. For the so called SC and ST and backward castes this change became detrimental. For these the caste became all too visible. They had not inherited educational and social capital and they had to compete with already established upper caste group.They cannot afford to abandon their caste identity.They continue to suffer from discrimination of various kinds. Q. 5. What evidence would you offer against the view that ‘tribes are primitive communities living isolated lives untouched by civilisation? Ans. : There is no reason to believe that tribes are out of contact with the rest of world or have always been the oppressed section of the society. This can be said because of the following reasons: 1. Gond Kingdoms in central India such as that of Garha Mandla or Chanda. 2. Many of the Rajput Kingdoms of central and western India emerged through a process of stratification among adivasi communities themselves. 3. Adivasi often exercised dominance over the plains people through their capacity to raid them and through their services as local militias. 4. They also occupied a special trade niche, trading forest produce, salts and elephants.

Evidences substantiating tribes as primitive communities: 1. Tribes have not a state or political form of the normal kind. 2. They have no written rules on religion. 3. They are neither Hindus nor peasants. 4. Primarily they are engaged in activities like food gathering, fishing, hunting, agriculture etc. 5. The habitat of tribes is in dense forests and mountainous regions. Q. 6. What are the factors behind the assertion of tribal identities today? Ans. :

Forced incorporation or tribal communities has had a negative impact on tribal cultures and,sodety as much as its economy.

Tribal identities are today formed by interactional process.

Because this interactional process has not been in favour of the tribes, many tribal identities are based on ideas of resistance and opposition to the overwhelming force of the non-tribal world.

The positive impact of success such as the achievement of statehood for Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, is marred by continuous problems. Many citizens of the north¬eastern states have been living under special laws that limit their civil liberties. The vicious circle of armed rebellions provoking state repression which in turn fuels further rebellions has taken a heavy toll on the culture, economy, and society of these north-eastern states.

Gradual emergence of an educated middle class in conjunction with the policy of reservation is creating an urbanised professional dass. As tribal societies get more and more differentiated i.e. developed dass and other division within themselves, current bases grow for the assertion of tribal identity.

These issues are categorised to control over vital economic resources like land and specially forests, and issues relating to matters of ethnic-cultural identity.

Due to vision within the tribes, the reason for asserting tribal identity may be different for different group of tribals.

Q. 7. What are some of the different forms that the family can take? Ans. : Family is a very important sodal institution. In either form i.e. nudear or extended, it has post to perform. Lately, a lot of changes have come about in the structure for example, those people employed in the software industry have odd working to this, grandparents have shifted in as caregivers to young. A family could be headed by a male or female; descent could be traced from the mother or the father. This structure and composition of the family is based on various fadors ‘ such as economy, polity, culture and education. The changes in the structure of family that we see today could be (i) Same sex marriage (ii) Love marriage But history and contemporary times suggest that such changes are met with violent reactions.

Nuclear Family: It consists of one set of parents and their children.

Extended Family: It consisted of more than one couple and, often, more than two generations live together. The extended family is symptomatic of India. Diverse forms of family (i) Matrilocal-patrilocal (based on residence) (ii) Matrilineal and patrilineal (based on rules of inheritance) (iii) Matriarchal and patriarchal (based on authority) Q. 8. In what ways can changes in social structure lead to changes in the family structure? Ans. : The structure of family can be seen as social institution and also in its relationship to other social institution of society.

The internal structure of the family is usually related to other structure of society i.e. political, economic, cultural, etc. Therefore any significant change in behaviour pattern of members of family may change the nature of society for example working schedules of young parents in the software industry in India may lead to increasing number of grandparents moving in as caregivers to the young grand children.

The composition of the family and its structure thereby changes. And these changes can be understood in relation to other changes in society.

The family (the private sphere) is linked to the economic, political, cultural and educational (the public) spheres.

Sometimes the changes in the families and corresponding changes in the society occur accidently e.g. due to war or riots people migrate in search of work or for security reasons.

Sometimes these changes are purposefully brought about, e.g. due to independence and openness of ideas, people choosing their jobs, life partner and life style and such changes are very frequent in the Indian society.

Q. 9. Explain the difference between matriliny and matriarchy. Ans. : 

Matriliny :

Societies of Meghalaya Khasi, Jaintia, Garo tribes and societies of Kerala, Nayyar family property inheritance goes from mother to daughter whereas control passes from maternal uncle to Nephew.

It means a women inherits property from mother and passes on to her daughter while a man controls his sister’s property and passes on control to his sister’s son.

This matriliny generates intense role conflict for men because they are in conflict between their responsibilities to their own house on the one hand and to their wife and children on the other-“Should I pay more attention to my family or my sister’s family.”

This role conflict is for woman also. She possesses only token authority, men are the defacto powerholders. Despite matriliny men are the powerholders.

Matriarchy:

In such societies the women exercise authority and play dominant role.

Practically it is only a theoretical concept as it never allows the women to have real power of dominance.

Realistically it is not existed even in matrilineal families.

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There Should be Consensus Before Govt Formation to Avoid Embarrassment, Says AJSU After Maha Debacle

There Should be Consensus Before Govt Formation to Avoid Embarrassment, Says AJSU After Maha Debacle

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Ranchi: The AJSU, the ally of the ruling BJP in Jharkhand, on Tuesday said political parties should always seek consensus before the formation of a government to avoid any situation of embarrassment.

The All Jharkhand Students’ Union’s reaction comes hours after Devendra Fadnavis’s second stint as Maharashtra Chief Minister lasted barely 80 hours after a tumultuous month-long…