FIRST CASES OF OMICRON VARIANT DETECTED IN THE COUNTRY, ‘NO NEED TO PANIC’
Two cases of the new Omicron variant of coronavirus have been detected in Karnataka, the Union government said on Thursday while asking people not to panic but follow Covid-appropriate behaviour and get vaccinated without delay.
Both the patients had mild symptoms, said Lav Agarwal, the joint secretary in the Union Health Ministry.
Bengaluru civic agency officials said a South African national came to Bengaluru on November 20 and his samples were collected at the airport. After he tested Covid positive, his samples were sent for genomic sequencing. The reports have come today confirming that the Covid infection was caused by the Omicron variant," BBMP Chief Commissioner Gaurav Gupta said on Thursday. He said the person was isolated in a hotel and underwent Covid test at another laboratory. "This time, his reports came negative and he left for Dubai on November 27 as scheduled," Gupta said.
About the other patient, the BBMP chief commissioner said that since the 46-year-old man's sample had a low cycle threshold (Ct) value it was sent for genomic sequencing and the report came positive for Omicron on Thursday. "He was initially kept in home isolation and later shifted to a hospital. He is a local person without any travel history. He is stable and is recovering. There is nothing to be concerned about, he is under watch," Gupta said.
Both the persons had been inoculated with two doses of Covid vaccine.
At a press conference in Delhi, Agarwal said that following the detection of the two Omicron cases through the INSACOG network, all their primary and secondary contacts were traced in time and were being tested.
"We need not panic about the Omicron detection but awareness is absolutely essential. Follow Covid-appropriate behaviour and avoid mass gatherings," ICMR Director-General Dr Balram Bhargava said, adding that increased COVID-19 vaccine uptake was the need of the hour.
INDIA SLAMS UN RIGHTS BODY FOR STATEMENT ON J&K TERRORISM
India slammed the UN high commissioner for human rights office on Thursday for making “baseless and unfounded” allegations against Indian forces in J&K, asking it to develop a better understanding of the negative impact of terrorism on human rights.
The government said that the statement by the spokesperson of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights “betrayed a complete lack of understanding” on the part of the UN body of the security challenges faced by India from cross-border terrorism and its impact on the “most fundamental human right, the right to life, of our citizens, including in Jammu & Kashmir”.
"We have seen the statement made by the spokesperson of the OHCHR on specific incidents in Jammu & Kashmir,” foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said. “The statement makes baseless and unfounded allegations against law enforcement authorities and security forces of India,” he added. As a democratic country, with an abiding commitment to protect the human rights of its citizens, India takes all necessary steps to counter cross-border terrorism, said the government.
Bagchi's comments came in response to a statement made by the OHCHR on the arrest of Kashmiri rights activist Khurram Parvez.
“National security legislations, like the UAPA, were enacted by Parliament to protect the sovereignty of India and ensure security of its citizens,” said Bagchi, adding the arrest and subsequent detention of the individual referred to in the statement was done entirely as per provisions of law. “Authorities in India act against violations of law and not against legitimate exercise of rights. All such actions are strictly in accordance with the law,” he said.
AFTER CHAOS, RS CLEARS DAM BILL, LS SEES 117% PRODUCTIVITY
Despites protests and some disruptions, Parliament reflected a semblance of normalcy on Thursday with the Lok Sabha discussing the Covid situation and the Rajya Sabha passing the Dam Safety Bill, 2019, with DMK forcing a division over an amendment even though several other opposition parties were not present in the House.
After disruptions for a couple of days, the Lok Sabha on Wednesday witnessed 117% productivity as 109 members spoke during Zero Hour and a total of 140 members spoke during the day that included an exhaustive discussion under Rule 193 on the Covid situation and its fallout. Discussion under Rule 193 does not involve a formal motion before the House.
Speaker Om Birla held several rounds of informal discussions with floor leaders and assured he will give ample time for discussion on issues by extending time for the Zero Hour. “Even the TRS members (who have been in the well of the House demanding a law on minimum support price for farm produce) were urged by the Speaker to stop protests and raise the issues for which they were given time,” said a senior leader.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Dam Safety Bill, 2019, after jal shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat rejected the Opposition’s charge that it was “unconstitutional” and “anti-federal” in that it encroached upon the states’ legislative domain. He clarified the Bill is not intended to encroach upon states’ rights on their waters, dam ownership or maintenance, or even resources like power, but only seeks to ensure safety norms and prevent dam-related disasters that result in great loss to life and property.
In the Rajya Sabha, the day had begun with more sparring between the Opposition protesting the suspension of 12 MPs and chairman M Venkaiah Naidu who continued to insist the members express regret.
SUPREME COURT SETS 24-HOUR DEADLINE FOR GOVT TO COME UP WITH CONCRETE MEASURES ON AIR POLLUTION
The Supreme Court on Thursday gave 24 hours to the Centre to propose concrete control measures to check the worsening air pollution condition in Delhi-NCR which has witnessed high AQI levels for several weeks.
“We are giving you 24 hours’ time. We want you to take a hard look at this and come up with a solution with seriousness…We will take this up tomorrow morning for 30 minutes, we can assemble at 10 am. You update us about the steps, otherwise we will pass directions,” a Bench led by Chief Justice NV Ramana told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
“Please let me respond tomorrow and let me speak with the minister. We are not averse to this and highest functionaries are equally worried,” Mehta said. "You cannot fire bullets from our shoulders, you have to take steps. We can’t infuse creativity in your bureaucracy…You have to come up with some steps," said the Bench, which has been very critical of the bureaucracy for its “inaction and lack of planning and imagination” to deal with the emergency air pollution condition in Delhi-NCR.
"They do not want to take any decision. They want courts to pass orders and they are happy to implement it. It is unfortunate that bureaucracy has come to this pass,” the Bench had said on November 17.
COVID DASHBOARD – INDIA
As of 0800 IST 3/Dec
from mohfw.gov.in ,
New Cases on Thursday 8,962
Active Cases 99,976 (+213)
Deaths 4,70,115 (+137)
Total Vaccination: 125.75 Crores (+73,67,230)
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
======================
US AND IRAN VOICE PESSIMISM ABOUT REVIVING N-DEAL
The US and Iran both sounded pessimistic on Thursday about the chances of reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, with Washington saying it had little cause for optimism and Tehran questioning the determination of US and European negotiators.
“I have to tell you, recent moves, recent rhetoric, don't give us a lot of cause for ... optimism,” US secretary of state Antony Blinken told reporters in Stockholm, saying he could judge in a day or so if Iran would engage in good faith. Blinken made the comments after Iran provided the European powers who are shuttling between US and Iranian officials in Vienna with drafts on sanctions removal and nuclear commitments, as world powers and Tehran seek to reinstate the tattered pact. “We went to Vienna with serious determination, but we are not optimistic about the will and the intention of the US and the three European parties to the deal,” Iran foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was quoted by Iranian media as saying. The comments came on the fourth day of indirect US-Iran talks after a five-month hiatus.
OMICRON BRINGS BACK COVID RESTRICTIONS
Greeks over 60 who refuse coronavirus vaccinations could be hit with monthly fines of more than one-quarter of their minimum pensions.
Weekly protests in the Netherlands over the country’s 5pm lockdown and other new restrictions have descended into violence, despite what appears to be overwhelming acceptance of the rules. With the Delta variant pushing up cases in Europe and growing fears over the Omicron variant, governments around the world are weighing new measures for populations tired of hearing about restrictions and vaccines. New restrictions, or variations on the old ones, are cropping up around the world, especially in Europe. In the Netherlands, where the lockdown went into effect last week, mounted police patrol the streets to break up demonstrations. But most people appeared resigned to rush through errands and head home. Germany on Thursday said it will bar the unvaccinated from all but the most essential businesses and the US was due to announce further travel curbs. Meanwhile, countries including India, France, Finland, Greece and Singapore reported their first cases on Thursday. The US reported its second case of the Omicron variant in Minnesota, just a day after reporting its first case of the new variant in California.
The new measures agreed in Germany focus on the unvaccinated, who will only be allowed in essential businesses such as grocery stores and pharmacies, while legislation to make vaccination mandatory will be drafted for early next year.
In the US, the Biden administration was expected to announce steps included extending requirements for travellers to wear masks through mid-March. By early next week the US will require inbound international travellers to be tested for Covid-19 within a day of departure, regardless of vaccination status. It will also require private health insurance companies to reimburse customers for at-home Covid-19 tests, a senior official said.
THE REST
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PRASHANT KISHOR SAYS CONGRESS LEADERSHIP NOT DIVINE RIGHT OF INDIVIDUAL; PARTY HITS BACK
The space represented by the Congress is vital but its leadership is not the “divine right of an individual” particularly when it has lost 90 per cent elections in the last 10 years, poll strategist Prashant Kishor said on Thursday in an apparent swipe at Rahul Gandhi.
A day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's comment that there was no UPA anymore, Kishor, who has earlier been political advisor to various parties, also called for democratically electing the opposition leadership.
His remark sparked a sharp response from the Congress with party spokesperson Pawan Khera saying on Twitter, “The individual being discussed here is pursuing his Divine Duty to struggle and save Indian democracy from the RSS. "A professional without ideological commitment is free to advise parties/individuals on how to contest elections but he cannot set the agenda of our politics."
Congress leader Kapil Sibal, a prominent member of the 'group of 23', also called for opposition unity and said the UPA without the Congress would be a body without a soul.
Kishor and his I-PAC team have been working for the Trinamool Congress since the Assembly poll in West Bengal and are working on devising strategies in expanding the party nationally. His remarks come at a time the TMC has made a conscious effort not to follow the Congress's leadership of the opposition in Parliament and questioned the party's ability to take on the BJP.
A few months ago, Kishor had held talks with the Congress leadership over his possible induction into the party. But his entry into the grand old party did not materialise.
GAUTAM ADANI MEETS DIDI, TWEETS ABOUT 'TREMENDOUS POTENTIAL' OF BENGAL
Tycoon Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, Ahmedabad-based multinational conglomerate, on Thursday met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at her office at the “Nabanna” building in Kolkata.
Following the meeting, Adani posted a tweet about “tremendous potential of West Bengal”.
Meanwhile, Adani’s coal mine in Australia, a project that’s become a global emblem for opposition to fossil fuels, is preparing to begin exports after more than a decade of bitter dispute over its development.
Proposed in 2010 and stalled by legal challenges, financing setbacks and a sustained campaign from climate activists, the operation is scheduled to ship first cargoes before the end of December and aims to supply an initial 10 million tons of thermal coal annually for at least 30 years.
NEARLY 8 CRORE TRAFFIC CHALLANS ISSUED AFTER IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW MOTOR VEHICLES ACT: GADKARI
Authorities have issued over 7.67 crore challans for traffic violations across the country in 23 months after the implementation of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari told Parliament on Thursday.
“During the period of 23 months before the implementation of Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, the number of traffic challans was 1,96,58,897 and after its implementation, traffic challans are 7,67,81,726 during the same period of 23 months,” Gadkari said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
RBI INITIATES INSOLVENCY PROCEEDINGS AGAINST RELIANCE CAPITAL
The RBI on Thursday filed an application for initiation of Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) against debt-ridden Reliance Capital at the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal. The RBI had on November 29 superseded the board of Anil Ambani-promoted Reliance Capital Ltd (RCL) in view of payment defaults and serious governance issues.
The central bank had also appointed Nageswar Rao Y (former executive director, Bank of Maharashtra) as the administrator of the company.
This is the third large NBFC against which the central bank has initiated bankruptcy proceedings under the IBC recently.
CREDIT CARD SPEND CROSSES RS 1 TRILLION FIRST TIME IN A MONTH: RBI
Buoyed by the festival season euphoria, credit card spends for the first time crossed Rs 1 trillion in a month in October, revealed the latest figures released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday.
Spends in October registered a growth of over 25 per cent month-on-month, despite a high base of last month. On a year–on–year basis, credit card spends jumped 56 per cent. In the corresponding period last year, credit card spends were to the tune of Rs 64,891.96 crore.
The earlier highest one-month spend came in September this year at Rs 80,477.18 crore. The month before, spends were nearly Rs 77,981 crore. Spends recorded in the past few months have been much higher than that of pre-pandemic levels. In January and February of 2020, credit card spends were Rs 67,402.25 crore and Rs 62,902.93 crore, respectively.
DIVORCED MAN LIABLE TO MAINTAIN CHILD TILL THE AGE OF MAJORITY, RULES SC
The Supreme Court has ruled that the liability and responsibility of a father to maintain the child continues till the age of majority despite dissolution of his/her parents’ marriage.
“Whatever be the dispute between the husband and the wife, a child should not be made to suffer. The liability and responsibility of the father to maintain the child continues till the child/son attains the age of majority. It also cannot be disputed that the son…has a right to be maintained as per the status of his father,” a Bench led by Justice MR Shah has ruled.
The order came on an appeal filed by a woman against the Rajasthan High Court’s verdict confirming dissolution of her marriage with an Army officer ordered by a family court on the grounds of ‘cruelty and desertion’ on her part. She had complained that she and her 13-year-old son were not getting maintenance from him that they used to get during the pendency of the case.
BOOSTERS: EXPERTS SAY MIXING VACCINES MAY GIVE BETTER IMMUNE COVER
A head of a much-anticipated meeting on Covid booster shots, experts feel the way forward is to mix vaccines to give better immune coverage even as others question the need for a booster dose.
In the wake of the recent scare from Omicron, some virologists feel two-dose immunity along with memory-cell action would be sufficient, while others feel that booster shots may be necessary.
An expert group is likely to meet next week to decide on the course of action related to allowing booster shots.
Bharat Biotech’s inactivated whole-virus based Covaxin seems to have an edge here for two reasons — one, a third dose of Covaxin can be given as a booster shot, while for Covishield (the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine) giving the same vaccine as a third shot may not prove to be effective.
On whether giving a third dose of Covishield as a booster shot to someone who has already received two shots of the vaccine makes sense, Shahid Jameel, Senior Research Fellow at Green Templeton College at Oxford University, said, “Vector immunity would be dominant. A booster of Covishield in people with two doses of the same is unlikely to give much benefit.”
VICKY-KATRINA WEDDING: MEETING CONVENED TO DISCUSS ARRANGEMENTS
Bollywood stars Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif are set to the knot at the Six Senses Fort Barwara in Sawai Madhopur district sometime next week.
Till date, there was no official confirmation either by the bride or the groom to be, or the district administration.
However, the district administration on Thursday issued an order calling a meeting at 10.15 am on Friday to discuss the law and order arrangements and crowd controlling measures in the wake of the high-profile wedding. The order issued by Additional District Collector Suraj Singh Negi said the meeting will be chaired by the District Collector, and will be attended by the superintendent of police, representatives of the hotel, forest rangers and other officials.
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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Victory belongs to the most persevering. - Napoleon Bonaparte
OFF TRACK
I was teaching my six year old nephew how to unbuckle his seat belt.
"Do I click the square?" he asked.
"Yes," I said.
"Single click or double click?"
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