News updates: Vajpayee made pioneering efforts to transform India, says PM

Live news updates: "We remain inspired by Atal Ji's efforts to serve India," Modi said.

3:00 PM

Raju Srivastava still on ventilator, condition 'slowly' getting better

There is a slight improvement in the condition of popular comedian-actor Raju Srivastava, who continues to remain in the ICU on life support, his business manager said Tuesday.

 

Srivastava was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here after he suffered a heart attack on August 10. The 58-year-old stand-up comic underwent an angioplasty the same day.

 

"Raju's condition is slowly getting better. He is responding to the treatment. There is an improvement in his health and he can now move his body parts a bit.

 

2:56 PM

Heathrow Airport extends passenger cap until October-end

London's Heathrow Airport has extended its ongoing flight restrictions and cap on passenger numbers until October 29, amid staff shortages and pressure on services at one of the world's busiest airports.

 

In July, a daily cap on passengers travelling through the airport was set at 100,000 and was due to end on September 11. However, on Monday the airport announced that this would now remain in place until the end of October, hitting a particularly busy half-term school break period for families in the UK.

“After consulting with airlines, a daily limit of 100,000 departing passengers will now apply until October 29,” Heathrow said.

 

2:46 PM

Why should service charges be recovered from consumers as additional levy, HC asks

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday questioned why restaurants should recover service charges from consumers as an “additional” and “separate levy." A bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad remarked that a common man perceives service charge as a government levy and restaurants can increase their food prices to absorb this charge instead of recovering it in the form of an additional charge over and above the total bill.

2:45 PM

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hands over multiple indigenous weapons to Army

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday handed over multiple indigenous arms and ammunition to the Indian Army to further boost the country's defence sector.

This consignment of weapons includes anti-personnel landmine 'Nipun', landing attack craft for operations in Pangong Tso lake, infantry combat vehicles and many other weapon systems.

Lieutenant General Harpal Singh said, "The Union government has taken several policy decisions to help promote indigenisation of the defence sector. These indigenous weapons include mines, weapons of face-to-face combat, infantry combat vehicles."

2:29 PM

Prices of Amul's Gold, Shakti and Taaza milk brands increased by Rs 2 per litre

The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets its dairy products under the Amul brand, on Tuesday increased the prices of its Gold, Taaza and Shakti milk brands by Rs 2 per litre.

The new prices will be effective from Wednesday, the GCMMF said in a statement.

"The GCMMF has decided to increase the milk prices by Rs 2 per litre in the markets of Ahmedabad and Saurashtra region in Gujarat, Delhi NCR,West Bengal, Mumbai and all other markets where Amul milk is sold," the Anand-headquartered federation said.

2:28 PM

'Unfortunate, very harsh', say Indian footballers after FIFA suspends AIFF

The world governing body of football, FIFA has suspended the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with "immediate effect due to undue influence from third parties", jeopardising the country's staging of the U-17 Women's World Cup in October.

FIFA's ban means that the Indian National Football Team will not be able to play any international games until the ban is removed.

The Indian teams, men's and women's, cannot play any junior or senior international games during the ban. And the Indian clubs cannot participate in AFC Women Club Championship, AFC Cup and AFC Champions League competitions.

1:51 PM

Heavy rain causes flood-like situation in parts of MP

Heavy and incessant rainfall for the past two days has caused flood-like situation in parts of Madhya Pradesh.

The state administration on Tuesday warned that a flood-like situation can also emerge in some other places, especially near catchment area of Narmada and Tawa and other rivers.

Heavy rainfall continued in several parts of the state, including the capital city Bhopal, for the last two days. The weather department has predicted continue spell of rain for the next two days.

Schools in many districts such as Bhopal, Betul, Raisen, Narmadapuram (Hoshangabad) have been shut.

1:50 PM

As Pakistan turns 75, Shehbaz cites flaws in economic model

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has cited three critical structural flaws in the country and said that "no successful country has ever grown this way".

In his latest blog written for The Economist, he added that the nation was widely thought ready to "become the next Asian tiger", reports Geo News.

However, in 2022, Pakistan found itself mired in its latest economic crisis.

1:47 PM

Bihar cabinet expands, 31 ministers inducted

The newly formed cabinet in Bihar expanded on Tuesday when 31 ministers took oath, with the RJD getting a lion's share, and care having been taken to represent all sections of the society, including the minorities.

 

Among the ministers who took oath, 16 were from RJD, 11 from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U), two from Congress, one from ex-CM Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and one Independent.

 

The number of Muslims in the new cabinet is five, up from only one in the previous NDA government that fell last week after the chief minister severed ties with the BJP.

 

1:28 PM

Forcing consumers to pay service charge is unfair: CCPA tells Delhi HC

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Tuesday moved an appeal in the Delhi High Court challenging the Single bench order staying the guidelines issued by it restraining levying of service charge on food bills by restaurants and hotels.

The appeal stated, "The Guidelines have been issued for safeguarding the rights and interests of consumers and to protect the consumers from unfair trade practices and violation of consumer rights due to mandatory collection of service charge and adding such charge automatically or by default in the food bill without allowing consumers the choice or discretion to decide whether they want to pay such charge or not."

It is also stated in the appeal that the guidelines were formulated based on complaints received from consumers.

1:23 PM

Lt-Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza seen as frontrunner for next Pak Army chief

It is almost time for the Pakistan government to make what is likely to be one of the toughest calls of its tenure: who to appoint as the next chief of the countrys Army, the media reported.

A senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader hinted in background discussions that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif could initiate discussions on the appointment by the end of August, and pos­s­ibly take a decision by mid-September, Dawn news reported.

In the current cohort, Lt-Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza is senior-most amongst the four candidates belonging to the same batch.

1:09 PM

British workers to face record pay slump against surging inflation

British workers saw their pay lag behind inflation at record levels over the past quarter, according to official figures.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said regular pay, excluding bonuses, grew by 4.7 per cent over the three months to June, dpa news agency reported on Tuesday.

Analysts had predicted that wages would increase by 4.5 per cent.

It comes after CPI inflation hit a new 40-year record of 9.4 per cent in June and is expected to peak at around 11 per cent later this year.

12:41 PM

Vajpayee made pioneering efforts to transform India: PM Modi

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of other dignitaries paid tributes to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his fourth death anniversary on Tuesday.

 

They were joined by several Union ministers and other leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president J P Nadda, at 'Sadaiv Atal', Vajpayee's memorial, here.

 

12:41 PM

Vajpayee made pioneering efforts to transform India: PM Modi

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of other dignitaries paid tributes to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his fourth death anniversary on Tuesday.

 

They were joined by several Union ministers and other leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president J P Nadda, at 'Sadaiv Atal', Vajpayee's memorial, here.

 

12:38 PM

Bus falls into gorge in J-K, two ITBP personnel killed

A bus fell into a gorge in Pahalgam area of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, leaving two Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel dead and 37 others returning from Amarnath Yatra duty injured.

 

A police official said the police bus carrying 37 ITBP personnel and two policemen fell into a gorge between Chandanwari and Pahalgam.

12:37 PM

BCG vaccine for tuberculosis protects diabetics from COVID-19: Study

A widely used tuberculosis vaccine protected people with Type 1 diabetes from COVID-19, according to a study that demonstrates the potential of multiple doses of the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) preventive against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses.

 

The study, published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine on Monday, was conducted on 144 patients with type 1 diabetes at the start of the pandemic, much before COVID-specific vaccines were available.

 

12:36 PM

Wholesale price inflation eases to 13.93% in July against 15.18% in June: Govt data

Wholesale price inflation eases to 13.93% in July against 15.18% in June: Govt data

12:14 PM

Centre mentions FIFA suspension of AIFF before SC, hearing tomorrow

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear on Wednesday the issue related to FIFA suspending the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with immediate effect.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta mentioned the matter before the top court, updating it about the recent developments and asking to hear the issue tomorrow.

A bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud said it will hear the matter on Wednesday.

11:32 AM

Aurobindo Pharma arm gets final USFDA nod for Vasopressin injection

Aurobindo Pharma Ltd on Tuesday said its wholly-owned arm Eugia Pharma Specialties Ltd has received final approval from the US health regulator for its generic version of Vasopressin injection.

The injection is indicated to increase blood pressure in adults who suffer from sudden relaxation of blood vessels.

The approval granted by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) is for manufacturing and marketing of vasopressin injection of strength 20 units/ml multiple-dose vials, Aurobindo Pharma said in a regulatory filing.

11:14 AM

TMC to observe 'Khela Hobe Dibas' across Bengal on Tuesday

The Trinamool Congress will observe Khela Hobe Dibas' on Tuesday, with party leaders organising football matches across West Bengal to promote sports.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she is looking forward to greater participation by the youth to mark the occasion.

Khela Hobe' (game is on) had been the battle cry of the TMC during the high-octane assembly polls last year, when the party defeated the BJP to storm back to power for the third consecutive term.

11:12 AM

US will be key partner in creation of new India, says Ambassador Taranjit Sandhu

The US will be a key partner in India's journey in the next 25 years as it aspires to ascend to new heights of prosperity, the Indian envoy here has said, terming the bilateral ties as one of the most consequential relationships for both the countries and for the world.

The remarks by Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India's Ambassador to the US, came after he hoisted the national flag at the India House to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Independence Day on Monday in the presence of embassy staff and members of the Indian diaspora.

As the country (India) is making positive strides, we have more work to do to fulfill the aspirations of future generations. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealedThe journey of the next 25 years would mark the creation of a new India. The goal of this Amrit Kaal' is to ascend to new heights of prosperity, Sandhu said.

10:39 AM

Average housing prices rise 5 pc in April-June across 8 cities: Report

Revival in housing demand and rise in construction cost have led to a 5 per cent average annual increase in residential property prices across eight major cities during the April-June quarter, according to a report.

Delhi-NCR saw the maximum rise in housing prices at 10 per cent.

Realtors' apex body Credai, real estate consultant Colliers India and data analytic firm Liases Foras have come out with 'Housing Price-Tracker Report 2022' for eight major cities -- Delhi-NCR, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad.

10:24 AM

FIFA move extremely harsh but also an opportunity to get house in order: Bhaichung Bhutia

Former captain Bhaichung Bhutia on Tuesday termed the FIFA's decision to ban Indian football "very harsh" but in it also saw an opportunity to get the country's sport in order.

India was suspended by world governing body FIFA for "undue influence from third parties", the development jeopardising the country's prospects of hosting the Under-17 Women's World Cup, scheduled from October 11-30.

"Very unfortunate that FIFA has banned Indian football and at the same time I feel it's a very harsh decision of FIFA to ban Indian football," Bhutia, one of the sport's icons in the country, said.

"But at the same time time I feel it's a great opportunity for us to get our system right. It's very important that all the stakeholders -- the federation, the state associations, to come together and get the system right and everybody work for the betterment of Indian football," the Sikkimese sniper added.

10:15 AM

President Murmu extends greetings on Parsi New Year

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday extended her greetings on the occasion of Navroz- the Parsi New Year.

"Navroz Mubarak to all the countrymen, especially the Parsi brothers and sisters. The Parsi community through their hard work, dedication and entrepreneurship has contributed significantly to the development of the nation," she said in a tweet.

"I wish that this auspicious occasion of Parsi New Year brings prosperity, peace and harmony in the lives of all of us," she added.

Earlier on the eve of the Parsi New Year, she said in a message, "...The inclusive culture of India inspires all the citizens to live together in harmony. May this special occasion of Parsi New Year bring prosperity, peace and harmony to our lives and strengthen our commitment towards mutual brotherhood."

10:04 AM

Odisha bracing for floods as Mahanadi swells after incessant rain

Odisha is bracing for a possible flood-like situation in several districts, with the water level of the Mahanadi river swiftly rising following heavy rain in the catchment areas over the last few days, officials said.

As part of efforts to deal with the circumstances, the state government has closed eight more gates in the Hirakud reservoir, they said.

Torrential rain in the upper and lower catchment areas has led to the rise in water levels in all tributaries of the Mahanadi, the officials said.

9:53 AM

India logs 8,813 Covid infections in a day; active cases decline to 111,252

India's COVID-19 case tally increased by 8,813 in a day to reach 44,277,194, while active infections have declined to 111,252, according to the Union Health Ministry data on Tuesday.

The death toll has climbed to 527,098 with 29 more fatalities, including one death reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

Active cases declined by 6,256 in a day and now comprise 0.25 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was at 98.56 per cent, the health ministry said.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 43,638,844, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.

9:34 AM

Chinese research ship docks at Sri Lanka's Hambantota port: official

A high-tech Chinese research ship docked at Sri Lanka's southern port of Hambantota on Tuesday, days after Colombo asked Beijing to defer the port call amidst India's concern over the vessel's presence in its neighbourhood.

Chinese ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship 'Yuan Wang 5' arrived in the southern port of Hambantota at 8.20 am local time. It will be docked there till August 22, officials said.

The ship was originally scheduled to arrive at the port on August 11 but it was delayed in absence of permission by the Sri Lankan authorities.

Sri Lanka had asked China to defer the visit amid India's concerns over it. On Saturday, Colombo granted the port access to the vessel from August 16 to 22.

9:19 AM

Rahul Gandhi refuses to comment on PM Modi's nepotism remark

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday refused to comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech in which he pointed out that corruption and nepotism are two big challenges the country is facing today.

"I won't make a comment on these things. Happy Independence to everyone," said Rahul Gandhi, when asked about Prime Minister's 'Two big challenges we face today - corruption and Parivaarvaad or nepotism' remark.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 76th Independence Day, the Prime Minister took aim at the twin evils of nepotism and corruption and sought the people's cooperation to fight them.

9:15 AM

Sri Lankan president asks govt institutions to cut expenses

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed heads of all government institutions to adhere to a circular issued by the Treasury on the limits of government expenditure.

In a statement issued on Monday, the President's media unit said that the heads of the institutions exceeding these limits will have to use their personal funds to finance the expenses, Xinhua news agency reported.

The media unit said these instructions have been relayed to the ministry secretaries, heads of departments, provincial secretaries, corporation presidents, institutional boards and government-owned trading institutions.

9:11 AM

138 judicial appointments so far in 2022, surpass record of 2016

With the appointments of 11 new High Court judges in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on August 14, the Government of India has created a record by making 138 appointments so far this year thus surpassing its earlier record of 126 High Court appointments in 2016.

"With the notification of the appointments of another 11 High Court Judges in the Punjab and Haryana High Court by the government this year i.e. 2022, so far 138 appointments in various High Courts of the country have been made thus surpassing its earlier record of 126 High Court appointments in 2016," the Ministry of Law and Justice informed on Monday.

In 2021, the appointment tally in High Courts was 120 in addition to nine appointments in the Supreme Court. "Thus, the entire appointment process in the higher judiciary has been put on a fast track," said the Law Ministry.