Delhi: With the Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rediff.com/news/report/congress-approves-wide-ranging-reforms-at-chintan-shivir/20220515.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(71, 123, 196);">announcing a host of internal reforms</a>, party chief Sonia Gandhi on Sunday said a task force will be set up in the next 2-3 days to implement them and an advisory committee of Congress Working Committee members headed by her will be formed to deliberate on political issues, making it clear that it will not be a collective decision-making body.Her assertion assumes significance as the G-23 dissident leaders had made a persistent call for 'collective leadership' in the party while demanding an organisational overhaul.In her concluding remarks at the Chintan Shivir, Sonia Gandhi said the three-day conclave has been 'very useful and productive' as many leaders expressed their views openly and offered suggestions in a spirit of constructive participation."We will overcome. That is our determination. That is our Nav Sankalp (new resolution). The Congress will have a new&nbsp;uday&nbsp;(dawn). That is our Nav Sankalp," said the 75-year-old longest-serving president of the party which has seen a sharp decline in its electoral fortunes since 2014.Gandhi said a compact task force will be set up to drive the process of internal reforms that are essential and have been discussed in different groups during the Udaipur meeting.These reforms with a focus on the 2024 Lok Sabha polls will cover all aspects of the organisation including structure, rules for appointments to party posts, communications and publicity, outreach, finances and election management, she said in her concluding remarks.The composition of the task force will be notified in the next two-three days."I have also decided to have an advisory group drawn from the CWC that would meet regularly under my chairpersonship to discuss and deliberate upon political issues and challenges before our party. Of course, we do have the CWC that meets from time to time and that will continue."The new group is not, however, a collective decision-making body but will help me get the benefit of the vast experience of senior colleagues," she asserted and said it will be notified very soon.Gandhi also announced that the Congress will launch a national Kanyakumari to Kashmir 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' beginning October 2 on Gandhi Jayanti this year and everyone will participate in it."All of us, young and old, will participate in it. Seniors will have to find ways to accommodate seniors like me in this, on how to easily participate in this yatra without having to run out of breath...," she said in a lighter vein.The yatra, she said, is aimed at strengthening the bonds of social harmony 'that are under stress, preserving the foundational values of our Constitution that are under assault' and highlighting the day-to-day concerns of crores of people.The Congress chief said phase-2 of the district-level Jan Jagran Abhiyan that was launched earlier will resume on June 15 and will highlight economic issues especially the 'growing unemployment and intolerable price rise that is destroying livelihoods'.The summary of discussions of each of the six groups will inform about the party positions, policies and programmes and will be of value in preparing manifestos for state and national elections, she said.She said that some of the ideas of the organisation panel are part of the Udaipur NavSankalp Declaration and assured that detailed recommendations of the group will be acted upon expeditiously."We will undoubtedly leave re-energised with a refreshed spirit of collective purpose," she said.Gandhi said throughout the last three days, colleagues have come to know each other, to meet and interact with senior and younger colleagues and said she sat through all the six groups and listened to some of the speakers.She said that on a personal note at the dinner hosted last night, she felt that she spent the evening with 'my family, and my larger family'."I was touched when some of the younger guests and colleagues shared the same view. So I hope that this is the spirit in which we will disperse from this Chintan Shivir," she said.Over 400 party leaders from across the country participated in the deliberations at the Shivir which was announced after renewed calls for reforms in the party in the wake of a string of electoral reverses.—PTI

With the Congress announcing a host of internal reforms, party chief Sonia Gandhi on Sunday said a task force will be set up in the next 2-3 days to implement them and an advisory committee of Congress Working Committee members headed by her will be formed to deliberate on political issues, making it clear that it will not be a collective decision-making body.

Congress reforms: Sonia to form advisory group

Mumbai: The community consisting of promoters and their merchant bankers being ingenious have found new ways and have started creaming the system. This if not checked would be extremely detrimental to the capital market fund raising system in the medium to long term. In the mother of all IPO from LIC one saw that the total number of applications as per the exchanges on the last day of bidding was 73.37 lakh applications. The final number which was sent for banking or received by the registrar was down to 61.33 lakhs. Roughly one in six applications was not banked for various reasons. This is a high number and a cause for worry. However, what happened in the case of Prudent Corporate Advisory Services Limited was a shocker and needs to be studied as a test case for all capital market enthusiasts, intermediaries, regulators and above all investors.Prudent Corporate Advisory Services Limited or Prudent had tapped the capital markets with its offer for sale of 85,49,340 equity shares in a price band of Rs 595-630. The issue was open between May 10 and 12. The primary business of the company is a distributor of mutual fund products. It also has a large base of ARN's or authorised representatives or simply explained sub-brokers. This makes Prudent a B2B and a B2C player. The company is the 3rd highest in terms of retail AUM. It has 23,262 channel partners and 13.51 lac clients. The issue was considered expensive by most analysts and the company was expected to have a tepid response. On day one of bidding the retail portion was subscribed over 72 per cent and moved on more or less equally to end day three at 1.29 times. The issue garnered 1,53,381 applications and the retail portion saw bids of 38.01 lac shares. The overall issue was subscribed post the anchor allotment at 1.22 times and received bids for 73,20,969 shares. So far so good. The basis of allotment advertisement which was issued on the day of listing on May 20 had very interesting data. The number of applications received by the registrar had dropped dramatically to 42,868 and the number of shares bid to 71,34,30 shares. This number includes anchor investors. If one were to reconcile with the bidding on the exchanges, the corresponding number would be 42,844 applications for 43,56,476 shares. The discrepancy, a massive 1,10,537 applications or 72.06 per cent of the applications bid on the system for 19,64,493 shares. This is illogical and needs to be examined. Was the system being creamed to give a feeling that there was great demand for the issue and it was oversubscribed when reality was that the issue was yet to get subscribed?The reality. Retail investors applications received by the registrar were just 41,753 for a mere 11,68,584 shares. Of these, 2,203 applications for 63,342 shares were rejected by the system. There is nothing that could alarm in this rejection, this is quite normal. The final outcome is the startling point. The issue for 85.49 lac shares which was oversubscribed 1.22 times, remained undersubscribed. The company finally allotted 68,08,820 shares. The shortfall was a massive 17,40,520 shares or 20.35 per cent of the issue size. For the records, the share lost Rs 67.30 or 10.68 per cent to close at Rs 562.70 on the BSE at end of trading on day one. The high and low of the stock was Rs 660 and Rs 541.15. The three merchant bankers to the issue were ICICI Securities Limited, Axis Capital Limited and Equirus Capital Limited. If the information of subscription of just about 80 per cent would be publicly known, the response could have been even poorer and the issue have to be extended with a change in the price band. This is a very serious issue as the entire planning has been done with an intention to create a false atmosphere about the demand in the mind of retail investors and make the issue go through. Who benefited is clear? The modus operandi of systematically bidding for shares on the system on all three days so that the mirage is created should be checked and the guilty brought to book. While no one is guilty until proven, a matter as serious as this, warrants urgent action from the stock exchanges and the regulator.The persons whose applications have been bid for and then willingly or unwillingly not banked cannot be random in nature. This is concentrated in nature and a genuine database has been used to create over 1.1 lac applications. Detecting this would be a piece of cake for the exchanges. Once the guilty are identified, an option should be given to retail investors who have lost money in the IPO that their shares be bought back at the IPO price by the selling shareholder provided they have not sold as yet. Further, till this system is streamlined the association of investment bankers must work closely with the exchanges and SEBI to plug the gap, and as per their suggestion ensure that no further IPOs be allowed to be launched until the above issue is resolved. Finally, the Finance ministry must take action on a 'ASAP' basis as the credibility of the entire capital markets is now at stake. No one must be spared come what may.—IANS

The community consisting of promoters and their merchant bankers being ingenious have found new ways and have started creaming the system. This if not checked would be extremely detrimental to the capital market fund raising system in the medium to long term.

Creaming the system - The Prudent way

New Delhi: The government has withdrawn a UIDAI advisory that cautioned the general public against sharing photocopies of their Aadhaar with any organization. The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) said it is withdrawing the press release as it can lead to misinterpretation. ''The release advised the people not to share photocopies of their Aadhaar with any organization because it can be misused. Alternatively, a masked Aadhaar which displays only the last 4 digits of the Aadhaar number, can be used.''However, given the possibility of the misinterpretation of the Press Release, the same stands withdrawn with immediate effect,'' the statement said.A press release issued by the Bengaluru Regional Office of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) asked the general public not to share photocopy of one's Aadhaar with any organization because it can be misused. Alternatively, a masked Aadhaar that displays only the last 4 digits of the biometric ID can be used for the purpose, it had added. MeitY, in the withdrawal statement, said the UIDAI-issued Aadhaar cardholders are only advised to exercise normal prudence in using and sharing their Aadhaar numbers. ''Aadhaar Identity Authentication ecosystem has provided adequate features for protecting and safeguarding the identity and privacy of the Aadhaar holder,'' the statement added.—PTI

The government has withdrawn a UIDAI advisory that cautioned the general public against sharing photocopies of their Aadhaar with any organization.

Govt withdraws advisory to not share Aadhaar photocopies

New Delhi (The Hawk): The first meeting of the National Advisory Committee of the National&nbsp;Initiative on Science, Technology and Innovation Statistics (NISTIS) discussed the way forward for the initiative.It was decided that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Statistics will be prepared by the Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru.Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Professor Ajay K Sood, who chaired the meeting, underlined the importance of the initiative and the urgent need to establish the centre to start focused work on it.“Data is critical for knowledge-based decisions. While data is being collected by the different ministries, its centralised management is essential for taking critical decisions in the future,” he pointed out.Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Dr Srivari Chandrasekhar, welcomed the initiative, highlighting the range of data that is already available with the department and emphasized the need to add to it.Senior Adviser, DST, Dr Akhilesh Gupta, stressed on the need for a one-stop coordinated effort to bring the various efforts of accumulation of data and presented the tentative structure of the centre. He gave examples of international best practices of such efforts in USA and Japan.Director Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Professor Govindan Rangarajan, elaborated on the functioning of the future centre at IISc.<img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image0026TMV.jpg"> Experts from scientific establishments discussed the governance, functioning and way forward for the center.

The first meeting of the National Advisory Committee of the National Initiative on Science, Technology and Innovation Statistics (NISTIS) discussed the way forward for the initiative

NAC discussed the way forward for National Initiative on Science, Technology & Innovation Statistics

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has issued an advisory on tomato flu, a hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) that is identified by the symptom of tomato-shaped blisters.
"The best thing for prevention is maintaining proper hygiene and sanitisation of the surroundings. Parents should tell their children not to hug or touch other children having fever or rash symptoms," reads the advisory which has been shared with all the Chief Medical Officers (CMO) of the state's 75 districts by the infectious disease/vector-borne disease department.
The disease occurs mainly in children under 10 years of age, but adults can be infected as well.
Tomato flu has symptoms similar to other viral infections (fever, fatigue, body ache, and rashes), but is not related to SARS-CoV2, monkeypox, dengue or chikungunya, said the advisory.
"Among children, the primary symptoms are like other viral infections such as fever, rashes and pain in joints. Tomato flu is a self-limiting disease and there is no specific drug to treat it. Hence, the best option is to adhere to preventive measures of proper hygiene," said Dr Abhishek Shukla, secretary general, Association of International Doctors.
The advisory has also mentioned ways to take samples from suspected cases and how to transport it to the lab.
Manoj Agrawal, CMO, Lucknow, said: "We have circulated the advisory to all medical institutes, including the KGMU, SGPGI, district level hospitals and private hospitals to follow the protocol."
India's first tomato flu case was reported in Kerala's Kollam district on May 6. —IANS

The Uttar Pradesh government has issued an advisory on tomato flu, a hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) that is identified by the symptom of tomato-shaped blisters.

UP Issues Advisory On Tomato Flu

Gurugram: In view of the heavy rainfall that pounded Gurugram on Thursday and given the forecast of more rainfall on Friday, the District Disaster Management Authority has issued an advisory to private institutions and corporate offices to guide their employees to work from home to avoid traffic congestion on roads. Also, all private educational institutions have been advised to close schools/colleges on Friday. "This will also help the civic agencies take up dewatering and repair works expeditiously," read the advisory. Around 105 mm rainfall was recorded in Gurugram and Manesar on Thursday, which caused heavy waterlogging on the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway. The commuters on the Expressway near Narsinghpur Chowk faced huge traffic congestion and some people were seen walking in knee-deep water. Pictures and videos of the submerged Expressway and service lane at the Narsinghpur Chowk were widely circulated on social media. The Gurugram traffic police also updated the commuters about the traffic movement through Twitter. The police asked the commuters to consider working from home due to waterlogging and the traffic congestion. Apart from this, major traffic congestion was reported from Narsinghpur Chowk towards Rajiv Chowk on the Expressway during late night hours. Vehicles were in queue for several kilometres due to waterlogging at different points on the Expressway. There was bumper-to-bumper traffic due to waterlogging which led to traffic snarls on the Expressway and connecting roads. "Senior police officials along with the traffic police are present in the rain-affected areas to ensure smooth traffic movement. We are also urging people not to step out unnecessarily," Virender Singh Sangwan, DCP (Traffic), said. The worst-affected stretches were Hanuman Chowk, Sector-18, Narsinghpur, Jharsa Crossing, Sarhaul mode, Sector 29, Sector 44, Sector 38, Sector 50, Rajeev Chowk, Mahaveer Chowk, Sheetla Mata Road, Civil Lines, Golf Course Extension Road, Vatika Chowk and Dwarka Expressway.
—IANS &nbsp;

In view of the heavy rainfall that pounded Gurugram on Thursday and given the forecast of more rainfall on Friday, the District Disaster Management Authority has issued an advisory to private institutions and corporate offices to guide their employees to work from home to avoid traffic congestion on roads.

 Amid incessant rains, Gurugram issues WFH advisory to private firms; schools shut on Friday

New Delhi (The Hawk): General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM assumed office as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on September 30, 2022. General Chauhan will also be the Principal Military Advisor to the Raksha Mantri on all Tri-Service matters as well as head Department of Military Affairs as Secretary. He will also be Permanent Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC).
In a brief interaction with media before taking charge, General Chauhan said that it was a matter of pride for him to be nominated as CDS. There are hopes and expectations among the three Services, government and citizens from the new CDS which, he said, he would fulfil to the best of his abilities. He added that the security challenges facing the nation will be dealt with jointly by the Services.
Earlier, General Chauhan paid homage to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. He also inspected the Tri-Service Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns, in the presence of Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral SN Ghormade and other senior officers of the Armed Forces.

: General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM assumed office as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on September 30, 2022. 

Gen Anil Chauhan Takes Over As Chief Of Defence Staff

General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM assumed office as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on September 30, 2022. 

New Delhi (The Hawk): According to the most recent student advisory from the Indian Embassy in Beijing, students who entered the clinical medicine programme in China after November 2021 and did not successfully complete the requirements to practise medicine there will no longer be eligible to sit for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination administered by the National Medical Commission of India.
According to a press release from the Indian Embassy on Monday, "The Embassy has informed the Chinese authorities concerned and medical colleges with a request that they should make sure that all Indian students coming to China for clinical medicine programmes are educated, trained, and facilitated, so that they can fulfil the requirements of NMC."
Questions about eligibility
The Embassy said that inquiries from prospective Indian students as well as their parents about whether Indian students enrolled in clinical medicine programmes in China are eligible to take the qualifying exam are still coming in.
The pupils and their parents are urged to read the NMC's Gazette Notification from November 18, 2021, in this regard. Clause 4(b) of the law expressly states that foreign medical students must be "registered with the respective professional regulatory body or otherwise, competent to grant licence to practise medicine in their respective jurisdiction of the country in which the medical degree is awarded and at par with the licence to practise medicine given to citizen of that country," as well as "competent to grant licence to practise medicine in accordance with the provisions of this clause."
The Indian Embassy has also received inquiries regarding the possibility of Indian students working in Chinese hospitals in a role such as "assistant doctor" after completing their medical study there but before obtaining a medical practitioner licence there. This would enable them to support themselves and pay off their student loans.
Confirmation
The Embassy has formally contacted the appropriate Chinese authorities to inquire about the availability of such a choice. When the Embassy receives information from the Chinese side, it will post it to its social media accounts, it stated.
Before accepting such admission, prospective students and their parents are recommended to personally confirm all of the admissions requirements with the appropriate Chinese universities.
(Inputs from Agencies)

According to the most recent student advisory from the Indian Embassy in Beijing, students who entered the clinical medicine programme in China after November 2021 and did not successfully complete the requirements to practise medicine there will no longer be eligible to sit for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination administered by the National Medical Commission of India.

Indian medical students studying in China are advised by the Indian Embassy

Lucknow (The Hawk): An individual acting as an advisor to the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh defrauded a retired Army jawan of Rs 79 lakh.
He was given the opportunity to join the criminal in a business venture.
On the instruction of a court, the victim, Manoj Kumar Sharma, filed a FIR with the Gomti Nagar police.
According to Sharma's FIR, he wanted to try his hand at business after retiring in 2018 and contacted I.B. Singh, who identified himself as the chief minister's advisor.
S.K. Singh and Tej Bahadur Rai were later introduced to Sharma by Singh, who claimed that they were a judge and a director of a mining firm, respectively.
"The group is preparing to build a commercial project on property that Rai owns behind Awadh Shilpgram, according to Singh, but they must first pay the Housing Devolvement department Rs 79 lakh (NOC). He offered to make me a 40% partner if I agreed to pay the specified sum. I thought Singh had given him Rs. 79 lakh "said he.
However, when no project was started during the following two years, Sharma requested repayment; they rebuffed him.
Additional East Zone DCP Syed Ali Abbas stated that a FIR had been filed and that the case's investigations had begun.
(Inputs from Agencies)

An individual acting as an advisor to the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh defrauded a retired Army jawan of Rs 79 lakh. He was given the opportunity to join the criminal in a business venture.

Man impersonating a UP CM advisor defrauded an ex-soldier of Rs 79L

New Delhi: According to a Tuesday announcement by the Delhi Traffic Police, the Chirag Delhi flyover on the Outer Ring Road will be closed for 50 days beginning on March 12 while the PWD completes repairs.
According to a traffic advisory issued on March 12, repair work on the flyover will begin on March 12 and take 25 days, meaning that one carriageway will be restricted to traffic while the other remains open.
"The repair of the carriageway from Nehru Place to IIT Delhi flyover will be taken up first and the repair of the carriageway from IIT Delhi flyover to Nehru Place will be taken up thereafter. The closure of carriageway may increase the volume of traffic on the road and cause inconvenience to the general public.
"The commuters heading to railway stations, airport, hospitals etc. are advised to plan their departure in advance and take alternate routes to avoid delays. The commuters heading towards Dhaula Kuan, AIIMS, Defence Colony etc. are advised to take a right turn from under the Nehru Place flyover and follow Lala Lajpat Rai Marg towards Moolchand Hospital flyover for their destination," the advisory stated.
Commuters coming from IIT Delhi on Outer Ring Road were told to turn left at the Panchsheel flyover onto August Kranti Marg, then turn right under the Moolchand flyover into Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, and finally turn left again onto Ring Road to get to Greater Kailash and Nehru Place.
Those heading in this route were also instructed to turn left from the IIT Flyover onto Aurobindo Marg in order to access the Ring Road, and to turn right from under the Moolchand flyover into Lala Lajpat Rai Marg.
"The movement of heavy and commercial vehicles on Outer Ring Road towards Chirag Delhi flyover may be restricted as and when required to ensure smooth flow of traffic on the stretch," it added.—Inputs from Agencies

According to a Tuesday announcement by the Delhi Traffic Police, the Chirag Delhi flyover on the Outer Ring Road will be closed for 50 days beginning on March 12 while the PWD completes repairs

 Chirag Delhi flyover on Outer Ring Road to remain closed for 50 days

Soumitra Bose
New Delhi (The Hawk): In what is being described in Delhi power circles as "the long pending mutually benefitting pow-wow between them due to many 'X' reasons", National Security Advisor Ajit Doval meets Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami in the PMO, South Block at the Raisina Hill. Both are said --- confide to sources --- to have exchanged serious notes on sensitive U'khand's borders with China, fully foolproof ways to protect them from China, kick out surreptitiously infiltrated Chinese in the state liaising with their "home country" against India etc, etc. Doval, himself very concerned with such India-damaging phenomena, has "pumped" Dhami with "instant-steps-to-take to drive away the Chinese from his state without any ruffle". Dhami has agreed, say sources.

 In what is being described in Delhi power circles as "the long pending mutually benefitting pow-wow between them due to many 'X' reasons", National Security Advisor Ajit Doval meets Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami in the PMO, South Block at the Raisina Hill. 

Ajit Meets Dhami

Hyderabad: Suspended YSRCP MLA Undavalli Sridevi on Sunday alleged that she faces threat to her life from party general secretary and Andhra Pradesh government advisor Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy.

A day after her office was attacked allegedly by the cadres of YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) in Tadikonda constituency in Guntur district, the MLA addressed a news conference in Hyderabad to target Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and Sajjala.

Alleging that she faces threat to her life from Sajjala, she said it was unfortunate that Andhra Pradesh is facing a situation where even a woman MLA has no protection. She said she would complain to the National Scheduled Caste Commission against Sajjala.

Sridevi was among four MLAs suspended from YSRCP on March 24 for voting for Telugu Desam Party (TDP) candidate in Legislative Council elections from MLA quota.

The cross-voting by four rebel MLAs of the ruling party had helped TDP win one of the seven Council seats.

Sridevi stated that YSRCP leaders were making allegations against her without maintaining decency while talking about a woman MLA. She also remarked that she will soon give a return gift to those who are alleging that she sold herself in MLC elections.

The MLA alleged that she was sent out of the party for refusing to be a "benami for YSRCP's illegal acts and unauthorised mining". She said that after using her for four years, the party dumped her citing MLC elections as an excuse.

She also claimed that "YSRCP goons were threatening her".

"There is a conspiracy to send me out of the state capital region," the MLA said.

Sridevi also announced that she will stand with Amaravati farmers who have been fighting against the government's plans for trifurcation of state capital.

Stating that she has no plans to join any other party, she said she would fight for solving problems of the people of his constituency as an independent MLA. IANS

Undavalli Sridevi, suspended YSRCP MLA, accused Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy of life threats on Sunday.

Suspended YSRCP MLA alleges threat to life

Dehradun: With the Char Dham Yatra set to start in Uttarakhand after three days, Dr R. Rajesh Kumar, secretary, state health department, has issued a health advisory for pilgrims.
The health advisory is issued in view of the increasing effect of Corona and the weather in the high Himalayan region.
In the guidelines issued by the government, it has been said that all the pilgrimage sites are located in the high Himalayan region, whose height is more than 2,700 metres above sea level. Travellers in those places can be affected by extreme cold, low humidity, extreme ultraviolet radiation, low air pressure and low oxygen content. Therefore, the guidelines (Health Advisory) should be followed for a smooth and safe journey for all the pilgrims.
Some of the guidelines issued by the government include a thorough health check-up before proceeding with the Yatra, people with pre-existing illnesses should carry adequate supplies of prescribed medicines along with prescriptions and contact details of their respective physicians.
For senior citizens and people with comorbidities or for those who had suffered from Covid-19, the government advises postponing or not undertaking the pilgrimage. "Senior Citizens, people with comorbidities, and those who had suffered from COVID-19 in the past should consider postponing or not undertaking the pilgrimage," said the advisory.
"Patients suffering from heart diseases, respiratory ailments, diabetes, and hypertension should be extra cautious while undertaking travel to high altitudes, added the government health advisory.
People who witness headaches, drowsiness, and nausea-like symptoms during the Yatra are advised to seek immediate medical assistance.
"In case you notice symptoms that include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, coughing, fast breathing, and increased heart rate, please seek medical attention immediately or contact the 104 and 108 helplines for assistance," said the government health advisory.
"Avoid consumption of alcohol and other drugs and refrain from smoking. Also, keep yourself well hydrated and avoid travelling on empty stomach," added the advisory.
Further informing about the National Ambulance Service, the advisory said, "In case of emergencies, Helpline numbers [108 - National Ambulance Service and 104- Uttarakhand Health Helpline] can be contacted." Char Dham yatra begins on April 22 on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya. The doors of Kedarnath Dham will open for devotees on April 25 and Badrinath Dham on April 27.&nbsp;
—ANI

With the Char Dham Yatra set to start in Uttarakhand after three days, Dr R. Rajesh Kumar, secretary, state health department, has issued a health advisory for pilgrims.

Uttarakhand Govt Issues Health Advisory For Char Dham Yatra Pilgrims

Imphal: The death toll in the month-long ethnic violence has risen to 98 and the number of injured to 310 while 144 sophisticated arms, looted earlier from the police and various security forces, have been surrendered at different districts after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's appeal on Thursday, Chief Security Advisor to Manipur government Kuldiep Singh said on Friday.
Singh said that the numbers of FIRs registered have gone up to 3,734 and a total of 65 persons have been arrested till Friday while the 4,014 cases of arson have been reported.
"Of the 144 surrendered weapons, there are 37 SLRs, 18 carbines, four AK 47 rifles," he told the media, adding that currently around 37,450 people of different communities are being sheltered in 272 relief camps, including community halls, in 13 districts.
He also said that no major violent incident has been reported in the last 24 hours, barring a one or two incidents of firing in the state which has been dealt with strictly by the security forces like state police, central paramilitary forces, Army and Assam Rifles.
Shah, on the last day of his four-day visit to violence hit Manipur on Thursday, requested all concerned to surrender their weapons to the security forces and administration, otherwise strict legal action would be taken against those who are possessing arms and ammunition.
Defence officials said that intelligence information-based combing operations are underway across Manipur.
"To ensure sustainable peace in Manipur, security forces have identified de-weaponisation and enforcement of the provisions of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement signed with the Kuki militants as focal points to be addressed immediately from the security perspective across Manipur," a defence spokesman said.
He said that intelligence sources have been energised and dedicated columns kept on standby to ensure quick action on receipt of input for early recovery of weapons.
"Surprise checks are being conducted in the designated camps of the Kuki militants under the SoO deal to ensure the availability of weapons and presence of cadres as stipulated in the agreement," the defence PRO said.
He said that the Union Minister asked the Kuki militants to abide by the provisions of the agreement to maintain peace.
"Pursuant to the Home Minister's directions, security forces have evolved detailed plans to launch large scale combing operations for the recovery of snatched weapons besides surprise checks of the designated camps Kuki militants," he said.
The Home Minister on Thursday announced that an Inter-Security agency unified command headed by Chief Security Advisort Kuldiep Singh, a retired IPS officer and former CRPF chief, would be formed and it would impartially conduct all the security related operations.
There are 2,266 Kuki cadres staying in different designated camps in Manipur after the Centre and the Manipur governments signed the tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with three outfits -- the Kuki National Army (KNA), Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), and Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) -- on August 22, 2008.
Meanwhile, officials in Imphal said that curfew was relaxed for 7 to 12 hours in most of the districts including Imphal West and Imphal East district. There is no curfew now in Tamenglong, Noney, Senapati, Ukhrul, and Kamjong districts.
Manipur had witnessed unprecedented ethnic violence since May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in 11 hill districts by the All Tribal Students' Union of Manipur to protest the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
It was preceded by tension over the eviction of Kuki villagers by the state government from reserve forest land, which had led to a series of smaller agitations in four districts.
—IANS

The death toll in the month-long ethnic violence has risen to 98 and the number of injured to 310 while 144

Death Toll In Manipur's Month-Long Ethnic Violence Rises To 98, 310 Injured

Bengaluru: The Indian Padel Federation (IPF) on Wednesday announced a strategic partnership with Pullela Gopichand, making the badminton legend its advisor, in order to propel Padel -- a dynamic and fast-growing sport -- to unprecedented heights in the country. Gopichand, a Padma Bhushan, Dronacharya and Arjuna awardee, brings his enormous wealth of expertise and experience as an advisor, having made an indelible mark in producing a host of world-class shuttlers. Notably, Padel has proven to be an addictive sport and lucrative business investment across the world and this is what caught the attention of Supriya Devgun, former bronze medallist at the 2017 BWF World Senior Badminton Championship, and Founder &amp; Managing Director, Badminton Gurukul, who has joined the Indian Padel Federation as a key Board Member. "I am thrilled to join the Indian Padel Federation as an advisor and contribute to the growth and development of Padel in India. Padel is an exciting sport with tremendous potential, and I am committed to utilising experience to elevate it to new heights. Through this partnership, we aim to create a vibrant ecosystem, nurture talent, and inspire a new generation of Padel players," Gopichand was quoted as saying in a media release. "Together with the IPF, we will work towards establishing Padel as a mainstream sport, while fostering a culture of excellence in the Indian Padel community," he added. Speaking about her association with the Indian Padel Federation, Supriya Devgun said, "Being a sports person, sports entrepreneur and administrator, the vision and motivation for me has always been to spread physical literacy in the country. Padel, being a new sport, gives a level playing field to all, is easier to learn and compete, compared to a lot of other sports. And hence, the motivation for me to be associated with the Indian Padel Federation is to see more people in the country playing sport!" Since its establishment in 2018, the IPF has successfully hosted national ranking tournaments and friendly matches, fostering a sense of camaraderie among Padel enthusiasts. As a founding member of the APAC Padel association, the IPF has been instrumental in promoting regional growth and collaboration within the Padel community. "From being chosen by the European Olympic Committees as an independent discipline, to the Qatar Sports Investment bankrolling Premier Padel, Padel is taking the world by storm. At this juncture, we are excited and honoured to have Pullela Gopichand join Indian Padel Federation as the strategic advisor. Supriya Devgun will join the Indian Padel Federation as a key Board member. The cumulative experience of Gopichand and Supriya gives us the confidence to move ahead strategically, so that Padel becomes the most preferred racquet sport in the years to come," said Sneha Abraham Sehgal, President of the Indian Padel Federation.—IANS

The Indian Padel Federation (IPF) on Wednesday announced a strategic partnership with Pullela Gopichand

Pullela Gopichand Joins Indian Padel Federation As An Advisor

New Delhi: In a befitting reply to Canada National Security Advisor Jody Thomas' remarks on calling India among the top sources of foreign interference in Canada, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday used the famous idiom "the pot calling the kettle black" adding that if anybody has to complain, it should be India.
"I was....what shall I say, the phrase which came to my mind was actually a hindi phrase which was..."Ulta chor kotwal ko daantey.." (the pot calling the kettle black).
Responding to a media query, the EAM further said, " If anybody has a complaint... we have a complaint about Canada, You know what I said earlier, the space that they are giving to Khalistanis and to violent extremes. So I was very perplexed by what I heard."
Notably, Canada's NSA Thomas stated that India is among the top sources of foreign interference in Canada. "When I talk about foreign interference and economic security, I'm now talking about a number of state actors and non-state proxies. This includes Russia, Iran, and India. That said, the actor that comes up most on these issues, and it's no surprise to anybody, is China," Jody Thomas was quoted as saying in Toronto Star.
The Toronto Star is a Canadian English-language broadsheet daily newspaper. The Canadian NSA gave these remarks at a conference held by the Canadian Global Affairs Institute recently.
This is not the first time that such a remark has come from Canada's side. The country's New Democratic Party (NDP) leaderJagmeet Singh is known for his anti-India comments. Earlier in March, the Pro-Khalistan Twitter accounts were withheld in India. The withheld accounts include the Twitter accounts of Canada's New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh. The Twitter accounts of Canadian poet Rupi Kaur, the voluntary organisation United Sikhs and Canada-based activist Gurdeep Singh Sahota were blocked.
—ANI

In a befitting reply to Canada National Security Advisor Jody Thomas' remarks on calling India 

'Ulta Chor Kotwal Ko Daante...': Jaishankar On Canada Nsa Remarks That India Interferes In Its Domestic Politics

New Delhi: On Thursday, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with French President Emmanuel Bonne for in-depth discussions over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Paris.
On July 14, Modi will be the honoured guest at the Bastille Day parade in Paris.
Further, Bonne visited with Modi and updated him on the development of bilateral cooperation in several areas.—Inputs from Agencies

On Thursday, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with French President Emmanuel Bonne for in-depth discussions over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Paris.

NSA Doval holds talks with French President's advisor; focus on PM's Paris visit next week

New Delhi: Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory on Thursday addressing the diversion of traffic and routes that are now closed as a result of flooding in the low-lying regions of the national capital caused by excessive water from the Yamuna.
As of Thursday morning, the Yamuna's water level was 208.46 metres, much above the danger mark wich is 205.33-meter.
In its advisory, the Delhi Traffic Police said: “Due to rise in the water level of Yamuna and consequent inundation of low-lying areas, traffic movement has been impaired on Mahatma Gandhi Marg between IP Flyover and Chandgi Ram Akhara, Mahatma Gandhi Marg between Kalighat Mandir and Delhi Secretariat and Outer Ring Road between Wazirabad Bridge and Chandgi Ram Akhara.
“Commuters are advised to avoid the above mentioned roads and plan their journey accordingly."
It also said that non-destined commercial vehicles are not allowed to enterDelhi and will be diverted to the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressway.
“Commercial vehicles will be diverted from Mukarba Chowk. No commercial vehicles will be allowed between Mukarba Chowk and Wazirabad Bridge. Commercial vehicles will be diverted from Sarai Kale Khan. No commercial vehicles will be allowed between Sarai Kale Khan and IP Flyover.
“The commercial vehicles will be diverted from Ghazipur border Commercial vehicles will be diverted from Akshardham towards DND. No commercial vehicles will be allowed between Akshardham and Sarai Kale Khan,” the traffic police added.—Inputs from Agencies

Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory on Thursday addressing the diversion of traffic and routes that are now closed as a result of flooding in the low-lying regions of the national capital caused by excessive water from the Yamuna

Delhi Traffic Police issues advisory amid flooding of low-lying areas

Johannesburg: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, in a veiled attack against China, said on Tuesday that the BRICS group could work together on listing terrorists and their proxies under the UN counter-terrorism sanctions regime and that the process should be free from politics and double standards.
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China was represented by Wang Yi, a member of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) Political Bureau and Director of the Office of the CPC Foreign Affairs Commission, when Doval made his comments during the meeting of the National Security Advisors of BRICS nations.
On Tuesday, Wang was reappointed to his position as China's foreign minister.—Inputs from Agencies

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, in a veiled attack against China, said on Tuesday that the BRICS group could work together on listing terrorists and their proxies under the UN counter-terrorism sanctions regime and that the process should be free from politics and double standards.

BRICS can work to list terrorist outfits under the UN counter-terrorism sanctions regime: NSA Doval

Singapore: Lawrence Wong, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister, has praised the country's Sikh community for its members' "distinguished careers" and "significant contributions" across many sectors.
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On Sunday, he spoke at the Sikh Advisory Board's (SAB) 75th anniversary dinner celebration.
You have all made great strides in a variety of sectors and distinguished yourselves professionally... He informed the crowd that the Sikhs in Singapore had accomplished all this while staying true to their religious and cultural traditions.—Inputs from Agencies

Lawrence Wong, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister, has praised the country's Sikh community for its members' "distinguished careers" and "significant contributions" across many sectors.

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