MyIndia News This Week (August 31 to September 06)

News Archives
India Changes Every Day. We Keep Track
News Archives
India Changes Every Day. We Keep Track

India and Russia set to boost trade

India and Russia on Wednesday, September 4, inked 25 agreements in different sectors like defence, energy, natural gas and so on. These agreements followed successful talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Russian President Vladimir Putin during the former’s two-day visit to Valdivostok. Modi praised Russia’s offer to train 4 Indian astronauts for Gaganyaan project. The two countries also outlined a roadmap to increase bilateral trade to US$30 billion by 2025, from the current levels of US$11 billion.

Union minister unveils new ATC at IGI Airport

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Civil Aviation, Hardeep Singh Puri, inaugurated the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport’s newly built Air Traffic Control (ATC) on Monday, September 2. At 103m, it is India’s tallest ATC tower, and is located parallel to the old one. With the commissioning of the new tower, IGI’s efficiency and operational capacity of air transport services in the national capital is expected to considerably improve.

Read More: Top 5 Busiest Airports of India in 2018-19

JNU demands Romila Thapar’s CV to evaluate her work

The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has asked the noted historian Romila Thapar to submit her CV, to evaluate her continuation as professor emeritus at the university. The present registrar of the university Pramod Kumar wrote to the 87-year historian last month, demanding her to submit the CV. The university has appointed a committee to evaluate the work of academics associated with the university. Reacting to the development, the JNU Teachers’ Association on Sunday, September 1, demanded an apology from the administration. The administration, meanwhile, has claimed that CVs have been demanded from other academics too.

Court issues arrest warrant against cricketer Mohammad Shami

Mohammad Shami’s celebration of his personal milestone of 150 test wickets and India’s resounding 2-0 series victory over the West Indies on Tuesday, September 3, rapidly turned sour. A learned judge of the Alipore court in Kolkata issued an arrest warrant against the speedster for domestic violence, as alleged by his estranged wife Hasin Jahan. The hon’ble court issued the cricketer’s arrest order owing to his failure to appear before the court.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to confer award on PM Modi

Prime minister Narendra Modi is ready to add another feather to his cap. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan that was started by PM Modi just after assuming power in 2014 has earned admiration and an award from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation will confer this award on Modi during his visit to the United States.

Mithali calls it a day from T-20I

Experienced Indian woman cricketer Mithali Raj on Tuesday, Setember 3, decided to retire her bat from the T-20 cricket. Mithali is now aiming to keenly focus on one day cricket, keeping the 2021 ODI World Cup in mind. Mithali was the first Indian batswoman to score 2000 runs in T20. With her departure, 15 year old Shefali Verma has now been inducted in the T20 team.

Hefty fines in the wake of new traffic laws

In the wake of economic slowdown, money is already difficult to come by. Not to mention that these days careless driving also means ‘A light purse is a heavy curse’. Two scooterists in Gurugram were handed out huge fines of Rs 23,000 and Rs 24,000 respectively on Sunday, September 1, for violating several traffic rules. One of them declared that his scooter’s market value is merely Rs.15,000, so he is not interested in getting his vehicle released from the court at all at such a steep cost. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, September 4, a truck driver was challaned Rs 59,000 in NCR. It is beginning to look like drivers will shortly start following the traffic rules across the country after all, rather than pay such hefty challans.

ONGC plant fire kills 3 CISF firefighters and GM

Three people, including the plant’s general manager, were killed on Tuesday, September 3, in a major fire that broke out at an ONGC oil and gas processing plant at Nagaon village in Uran, which is 30 km away from Navi Mumbai. Firefighters took almost four hours to douse the inferno and avoid an even bigger disaster. C N Rao, the GM, and resident production supervisor, unfortunately got trapped in the fire in a bid to shut the gas leak, along with three CISF firefighters who also lost their lives in the horrible blaze.

IAF inducts latest chopper Apache

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday, September 3, inducted the latest and the world’s most complete multi-mission choppers, Apache helicopters, into the service. These 8 copters will replace the outdated Mi-35 fleet. The last batch of the AH-64 choppers is expected to be delivered by March 2020.

Chidambaram in Tihar jail

Troubled former finance minister P Chidambaram has been sent to 14-days judicial custody by the court in the INX Media case. He will now spend time in Tihar jail till September 19. As a special gesture, he was allowed to carry his medicines and spectacles for the duration of his stay in Tihar.

AIIMS doctors set to use drones for cornea tissue transport

India’s premier medical college All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi’s Rajendra Prasad Eye Centre is set to press drones into service to transport corneal tissues for quick transplantation. Dr J S Titiyal, head of the cornea services at AIIMS, said, “This would help increase the collection of corneal tissues required to restore vision to those who lost their eye sight due to irreparable damage of the tissue.”

Delhi government’s nod for free coaching

The AAP-led Delhi government on Tuesday, September 3, approved the facility of free coaching for the economically weaker students of the OBC and general category. Students from the lower income group can avail the facility of free coaching for competitive exams under Delhi government’s Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana.

MP minister kin leaves devotees waiting

It was a case of restless devotees turning violent at the Khajrana Ganesh Mandir in Madhya Pradesh on Monday, September 2. The matter was allegedly a relative of a state minister cutting a birthday cake inside the ‘garbha griha’ of the temple, inconveniencing the large crowd of devotees waiting to visit the sacred ‘garbha griha’. The devotees then lost their patience and turned violent. The minister later accepted that the cake cutting incident happened, but the priest of the temple denied it altogether.

RSS and Jamiat discuss Hindu-Muslim unity

The RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind head Arshad Madani initiated a discussion on numerous issues including strengthening the relationship between Hindus and Muslims and preventing mob lynchings across the country. The meeting was held on August 29 at the Sangh office, organised by the BJP general secretary Ram Lal. The meeting lasted for 90 minutes. During the meeting, the discussion took place on various issues in a harmonious atmosphere. It is a welcome step in a multi-faith, multi-lingual country like India which prides itself on being a true melting pot of cultures.

5 medicos resign in Assam following lynching of senior doc

It seems mob violence is gaining ground in the country. A 73-year old doctor in Assam, Deben Dutta, was the latest victim of a lynching. The workers blamed the doctor’s negligence for the death of a patient brought in a serious condition to a tea garden hospital. Dutta’s fellow doctors said that attacks on doctors have crossed all limitations. So the medical services in the state took a hit when 5 doctors decided to resign from their jobs. Meanwhile, at least 21 people have been arrested in this case.

India to donate US$22 million to Global Fund

India has decided to increase its contribution to the Global Fund to $22 million for the years 2020-2022 to eliminate AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. India has been a partner with the Global Fund for AIDS, TB, and Malaria since 2002, both as a recipient and a donor. This contribution marks an increase of 10% over the previous replenishment cycle.

Dehli HC denies liquor company’s request to stay Delhi ban

The Delhi High Court (HC) on Tuesday, September 3, rejected the world’s largest brewer Anheuser-Busch’s request to stay a three-year sales ban. It was imposed by the local city authorities from July for selling its beer in Delhi. The city authorities have alleged that a large company such as AB InBev had deliberately evaded local state taxes. It is indeed a matter of surprise that foreign companies that are earning good profits in India would indulge in such malpractice.

Rushdie’s ‘Quichotte’ shortlisted for Booker prize

Is it ‘Quixote’ or ‘Quichotte’? British Indian writer Salman Rushdie’s Cervantes’ inspired satirical novel ‘Quichotte’ has been shortlisted for the 2019 Booker Prize. Apart from Rushdie’s book, five other books of different authors are also in the reckoning for the prestigious prize. The 72-year-old celebrated novelist has already bagged the Booker prize earlier in 1981, for his book ‘Midnight’s Children’.

Free wifi in Delhi from December-end

Preparations have started in full swing for providing free wifi services across the national capital, after the Delhi government approved the budget on Thursday, September 5. All in all, 11,000 sites such as bus stops and other public places have been chosen for the free wifi services in Delhi, which will start from December.

UK universities entice Indian students

As per a recent report, more than 50% of Indian students graduating from universities in the United Kingdom are getting above-average salaries. Moreover, Indian students have become a dominating force in the computing and IT sector. In fact, the lucrative job opportunities after getting an education in the UK universities has led to a 42% increase in the number of Indian students heading to the UK for higher studies.

California boat fire kill 34, including 2 Indians

The tragic fire on a diving and excursion boat off the California coast, that killed 34 people, also claimed the lives of two Indians. Sanjeeri, a dentist from Nagpur and her husband Kaustubh, who was working in a finance company, were among those who lost their lives in the tragic accident. They were married in 2016.

Iran assures to free Indian crew from seized tanker

The British flagged Stena Impero oil tanker has been seized and held by Iran in the Persian Gulf for the last two months. There are 23 crew members believed to be present on the tanker, 7 of whom are from India. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry on Wednesday, September 3, gave the assurance that all the 7 Indian crew members would be freed. If that happens, it will be a silent victory for India’s diplomatic efforts.

Milk import suggestion triggers protest in Gujarat

A massive protest kicked off from Amul, a major milk producer in India, along with politicians such as the Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, over one of the suggestions made by India’s trade negotiators to lower the duty on milk and milk products imported from New Zealand. Amul, a dairy cooperative, feels that lowering the duty would lead to dumping of surplus by milk exporting nations such as New Zealand.

Remuneration to be revised to narrow the gap between Indian & foreign coaches

In a welcome move, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has recently given an assurance to re-structure the remuneration of the coaches soon. Paying heed to a long-standing demand, it seems the revised pay structure would narrow the gap between the Indian and the expat coaches, which will definitely boost the morale of the Indian coaches.

Rijiju asks UK Secy for reinstatement of ‘Shooting’ in CWG

Indian Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, in a letter to the newly appointed UK Secretary of Sports Nicky Morgan, has asked her intervention to include the game of shooting in the 2022 Commonwealth Games (CWG). This is in response to Shooting being inexplicably dropped as a sport from the CWG for the first time since 1974. Ironically, it is one discipline where Indian shooters are doing quite well.

A loss for Indian literature

Eminent Indian writer Kiran Nagarkar, known for his epic novel ‘Cuckold’, passed away on Thursday, September 5. He was 74. Nagarkar was bilingual and used to write in English as well as his mother tongue Marathi. Needless to say, his absence will surely be felt for a long time by literature aficionados.

FSSAI asks eateries to display hygiene ratings

The Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) has decided to tighten the screws on restaurants. Taking a leaf out of Singapore’s book, FSSAI is set to make it mandatory for the restaurants to display hygiene ratings on their doors. It’s a welcome move, that will help the consumers make an informed choice.

Woman gives birth to twins at 74

A woman in Andhra Pradesh has become perhaps the oldest woman in India to be blessed with motherhood. The 74-year-old was married in 1962, and had remained childless since then. Recently, she decided to go in for in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and gave birth to twin daughters. Though mother and the babies were reported to be maintaining good health, the case has stirred up medical and ethical debate in India.

E-rickshaws a bane for Delhiites, even off the road

E-rickshaws are mushrooming on Delhi roads, providing last-mile connectivity in the haphazard traffic. However, due to the lack of e-charging points, illegal charging is rampant. Recently, a man died after getting electrocuted at one such point. Apart from this, these charging points are also alleged to be stealing power to the tune of Rs 170 crore every year.

Narcotics men nab a smuggler with drugs worth Rs 100cr

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) caught a US national with 4.2 kg of Colombian cocaine worth around Rs 100 crore. The culprit Richard Walter had flown from Ecuador to Delhi via Amsterdam on a KLM flight. He was caught from a South Delhi hotel with cocaine hiding in his luggage.

Economy News

Friday Closing Rates-

BSE Sensex: 36,981.77
NIFTY 50: 10,946.20
Gold: Rs. 39,200 per 10 gram
USD/ INR: 71.66