India

New Delhi, Oct 30 (IANS) India reported 1,604 fresh Covid-19 infections on Sunday in the last 24 hours, against 1,574 cases recorded previous day, Union Health Ministry said.

In the same period, the country has recorded eight more Covid-related deaths, taking the toll to 5,29,016, as per the report.

Active caseload presently stands at 18,317 cases, accounting for 0.04 per cent of the country's total positive cases.

The recovery of 2,081 patients in the last 24 hours took the cumulative tally to 4,41,04,933. Consequently, India's recovery rate stands at 98.77 per cent.

India's daily positivity rate has been reported to be 1.02 per cent, while the weekly positivity rate in the country currently stands at 1.08 per cent.

Also in the same period, a total of 1,57,218 tests were conducted across the country, increasing the overall tally to over 90.08 crore.

As of Sunday morning, India's Covid-19 vaccination coverage exceeded 219.63 crore.

Over 4.12 crore adolescents have been administered with a first dose of Covid-19 jab since the beginning of vaccination drive for this age bracket.

--IANS
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By Jaison Wilson
New Delhi, Oct 30 (IANS) Hearing a case regarding the compensation to child survivors of sexual abuse, the Delhi High Court recently observed that survivor-centric justice is the key to preventing the revictimisation of the survivor.


The court was dealing with an appeal challenging the grant of compensation of Rs 50,000 to a 7-year-old victim of sexual assault.

"The criminal claims the survivors' life, if not physically then affects their mental and emotional state. It, thus, becomes imperative that the survivor of the crime is not overlooked and rehabilitation for the sufferings of the survivor is not overlooked," it was observed.

There is duty cast on the state to protect their rights and deliver justice to the survivors. This justice, in the form of compensation, should be given its liberal meaning thereby giving the maximum benefit and as quickly as possible, the court noted.

"In my opinion, survivor-centric justice is the key to prevent revictimisation of the survivor," the order of Justice Jasmeet Singh said, pointing out tht justice for survivors of sexual violence has several components such as having a voice, being treated with dignity, being informed, and being able to participate in the justice process etc.

Justice is not only about calling wrongdoers to account, but also having them take responsibility for their actions.

Finally, the prevention of sexual violence is of fundamental importance to survivors' sense of justice. It entails the transformation of society into one that understands and recognises the harms of sexual violence and that actively makes efforts to reduce its prevalence, and therefore goes beyond (though still includes) the rehabilitation of individual offenders, the court said.

The court also referred to the World Heatlh Organisation's findings on how violence at a young age has a life impact on the health and well-being of children, families, communities and nations.

Exposure to violence at an early age can impair brain development and damage other parts of the nervous system, as well as the endocrine, circulatory, musculoskeletal, reproductive, respiratory, and immune systems, with lifelong consequences. As such, violence against children can negatively affect cognitive development and result in educational and vocational underachievement, said the findings.

Children exposed to violence and other adversities are substantially more likely to smoke, misuse alcohol and drugs, and engage in high-risk sexual behaviour. They also have higher rates of anxiety, depression, other mental health problems and suicide.

This will lead to induced abortions, gynaecological problems, and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

Contributes to a wide range of non-communicable diseases as children grow older. The increased risk for cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and other health conditions is largely due to the negative coping and health risk behaviours associated with violence.

Children exposed to violence and other adversities are more likely to drop out of school, have difficulty finding and keeping a job, and are at heightened risk for later victimization and/or perpetration of interpersonal and self-directed violence, by which violence against children can affect the next generation, said the WHO findings.

(Jaison Wilson can be reached at jaison.w@ians.in)

--IANS
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Bijnor (Uttar Pradesh), Oct 30 (IANS) The Amangarh Tiger Reserve (ATR), will open for the first time for tourists from November 15.

Gyan Singh, sub-divisional forest officer, said, "The government had directed us to start the tourist activity from November 15, for which preparations are in full swing."

The reserve is home to 27 tigers and hundreds of herbivores.

According to the officials, a budget of Rs 5 crore has been earmarked to make ATR a tourist place. The proposal is in the pipeline as the government is yet to release the fund.

The repair of approach roads and entry gates is being done with funds available at the department's disposal.

At present, only government guest houses are available for tourists. According to officials, resorts will be developed in the area.

ATR is also the buffer zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve.

District Magistrate Umesh Mishra said, "Amangarh Tiger Reserve will be developed as a tourist place. The plan has been chalked out as we prepare to open for tourists next month."

He said that ecotourism would help generate employment for locals.

--IANS
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By Saiyed Moziz Imam Zaidi
New Delhi, Oct 30 (IANS) Mallikarjun Kharge took over as the Congress president on October 26 in the presence of outgoing interim president Sonia Gandhi. In his first decision he had replaced the Congress Working Committee with a 47-member steering committee.


The new Congress president has to resolve the ongoing tussle in Rajasthan and settle the issue of Chief Minister in Chhattisgarh. On Thursday, sources said, former Rajasthan deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot had met him and held a long discussion on the CM issue but there is no forward movement yet.

Similarly in Chhattisgarh T.S. Singh Deo wants that the commitment to make him chief minister should be honoured. However, former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has indicated that Kharge will take the final call. He has not met any senior leader officially after taking over, sources said.

Both Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his former deputy Sachin Pilot are asserting themselves -- the former to retain the post and the latter to succeed him, but Pilot is silent and Gehlot is more vocal, unlike the Congress culture.

Mallikarjun Kharge was the senior observer for Rajasthan when a section of MLAs engaged in a virtual rebellion by boycotting the Congress Legislature Party meeting. However the main actors in the drama, Mahesh Joshi and Shanti Dhariwal, had met Kharge and now sources say that Gehlot has been successful in pacifying Kharge. However, state in-charge Ajay Maken is upset over the state of affairs and is said to be keen on calling a meeting of the MLAs again. There is no indication of it yet as on October 31 Gehlot will be in Palanpur to join the Gujarat Bharat Jodo Yatra starting from five points.

The Gandhis were upset with the revolt-like situation but Gehlot came and apologised to Sonia Gandhi and it was decided that the issue of leadership would be kept in abeyance till the new party president is elected.

Many MLAs boycotted the CLP meeting called by the high command at the Chief Minister's residence on September 25. The Congress Disciplinary Committee soon after issued notices to state ministers Shanti Dhariwal and Mahesh Joshi and RTDC president Dharmendra Rathod for boycotting the meeting.

The other challenge for the party will be to conduct elections for the Congress Working Committee, the party's highest decision-making forum.

The CWC has 25 members, including the party president, and of the rest 12 are nominated by the party chief and 12 are elected by the All India Congress Committee members.

Party sources say that an AICC session could be called soon and Kharge will decide on the CWC election. The election is the demand of the dissidents which may see hectic lobbying in the AICC session as it will decide the control of the party. If opposing members are elected then the CWC meetigs will be stormy affairs each time.

--IANS
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New Delhi, Oct 23 (IANS) Delhi Police has arrested 29 people including 7 women for gambling at a hotel here, an official said on Sunday.

Police said that they have also recovered Rs 58.57 lakh and 10 sets of playing cards.

According to DCP Ghanshyam Bansal, keeping in mind the instances of gambling on the occasion of Diwali, like every year, all the SHOs and operational teams were instructed to identify and take strict action on such activities.

"A source informed that large-scale gambling is a regular affair in Hotel City West End on Club Road Punjabi Bagh. The source was further asked by the police to watch the activities being carried out at the said hotel," the police officer said.

"On October 22, specific inputs were received that a large number of people were assembling at the hotel for indulging in gambling at the Banquet Hall on the first floor," the DCP said.

"Acting on the inputs, a raid was conducted and 29 people, including some women were found gambling with cards on different tables. When they saw the raiding party, everyone threw the cards and stood up. They all were apprehended," said the DCP.

Subsequently, the police registered an FIR under Sections 3 and 4 of the gambling act, and all 29 people were arrested.

"On questioning, it was revealed that the hotel manager used to charge an entry fee of Rs 2,500 for allowing their hotel premises for gambling activities and serving food and snacks," said the official .

Further legal action is being taken against the management and staff for converting the hotel into a gambling den.

The CCTV footage of the hotel of the last few days is also being analysed, the official added.

--IANS
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New Delhi, Oct 23 (IANS) The Congress on Sunday hit out the government for cancelling the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act license of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, saying it is rattled due to success of the party's 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'.

General Secretary in charge of Communications, Jairam Ramesh, in a statement, said: "Over the Deepavali weekend, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India, cancelled the FCRA registrations of both the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF) and the Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust (RGCT). They recycle old charges against the RGF and RGCT. This is to defame and divert public attention from issues of day-to-day concern to them."

Questioning government on its handling of the economy which is "in deep crisis caused by spiralling prices, galloping unemployment and a falling rupee", he said that the "Bharat Jodo Yatra has evoked a huge public response. Clearly people are fed up with the politics of hate and divisiveness".

Ramesh said that the RGF was established in 1991 after the tragic assassination of Rajiv Gandhi who stood for the ideas of 'sadbhavana', both among all Indians and with other nations, inclusive and sustainable development of India using science and technology including IT and telecom, empowerment of women and youth and of local self- government at the panchayat, district, and municipal levels, and relief to those affected by natural disasters, floods, drought, violence, and those with disabilities.

"The RGF has been working since its inception to promote these ideas through development programs in various parts of India. Lakhs of people, including children, youth, women, and the disabled have benefited from the programs of these Trusts," he said, adding that the RGCT works in northern India with a focus on the poorest regions of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan through development initiatives.

The Trusts have always been purely charitable in nature and comply with all laws and regulations. All statutory requirements of audit, program activity and financial disclosure, and filing of returns have been scrupulously followed every year by them, Ramesh said.

"The background for the cancellation of the FCRA registration should be obvious to anyone who understands the nature of the present dispensation," he added

The party said the RGF and RGCT will, of course, be responding to the charges hurled at it and take whatever action it deem appropriate legally.

Meanwhile, the Congress said that it will not be browbeaten or deterred from continuing with the Bharat Jodo Yatra that resumes on Oct 27th after a 3-day break.

--IANS
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Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh), Oct 23 (IANS) "Ram does not leave anyone behind, he does not turn away from anyone. We have a lot to learn from him because he truly believed in 'Sabka saath sabka vishwas, sabka prayas," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday as he began his speech with 'Jai Shri Ram' and then went on to detail the character of Lord Ram.

While inaugurating the Deepotsav in Ayodhya on Sunday, he said, "The lamp burns too and lights too."

The Prime Minister recalled the pandemic and said that every Indian stood with one lamp in hand and we are defeated the darkness of illness.

Amidst chants of 'Modi Modi', the Prime Minister reiterated that the character of Lord Ram should be emulated by all since he was a role model for all.

--IANS
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Ayodhya, Oct 23 (IANS) As more than 17 lakh earthen diyas lit up, presenting a mesmerising view on the banks of Saryu river at Ayodhya, it seemed like heaven on earth.

The reflection of the diyas in the Saryu river provided a breathtaking view while the laser show lit up the skies. Ayodhya rose in unison to chant 'Jai Shri Ram'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lit five 'diyas' of ghee at the Ram Janambhoomi temple where he offered prayers on his arrival.

The lighting of diyas was symbolic of 'Deepotsav'.

Soon after his arrival in Ayodhya on Sunday evening, Modi went to the Ram Janambhoomi temple where he offered prayers and then inspected the construction work at the temple site.

He was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

He also lit a 'diya' here and then interacted with the team involved in temple construction.

The Prime Minister then proceeded to the Ram Katha Park where he performed 'abhishek' of Lord Ram.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that Lord Ram belonged to the entire country and it was the duty of every countryman to follow the path shown by Lord Ram.

He added that one should learn from Lord Ram on how to get and give dignity and take everyone together.

"Our constitution also talks about inclusiveness and of fundamental rights and duties. This Diwali is special for all of us because it comes in 'Amrit Kaal', which marks 75 years of independence," he said.

Modi added that Lord Ram, Ram Lila, Deepotsav and research on Lord Ram was spreading the message of Lord Ram worldwide.

He said that cultural development was leading to all-round development.

"The Nishad Raj Park and Queen Hoe Memorial are examples of this. This kind of development will not only strengthen ties between people but will also generate employment," he added.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that it was with the inspiration of the Prime Minister that he started the Deepotsav programme in 2017 and the event has become bigger with each passing year.

He added that the Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor and the upcoming Krishna corridor in Mathura were also projects that were being completed with the inspiration of the Prime Minister.

Modi then performed 'aarti' at the banks of Saryu river after which the people were treated to a scintillating display of green fireworks and laser show.

--IANS
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Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), Oct 21 (IANS) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday completed Andhra Pradesh leg of his 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' with the reiteration that his party remains committed to grant special category status to the state and develop a single capital at Amaravati.

On the fourth and final day of the Yatra in the state, Rahul Gandhi along with party leaders and scores of party workers resumed the Yatra Friday morning from Mantralayam in Kurnool district.

After a four-hour walk, the Yatra re-entered neighbouring Karnataka. It halted at Gillesugur in Raichur district. It will resume in the evening from Kerebudur village.

Rahul Gandhi thanked the people of Andhra Pradesh for their overwhelming support and encouragement. It has truly been a memorable experience, he said.

Opposing the Centre's move to privatise Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, the Congress MP said his party supports the continued public sector statue of the plant as an asset of the Indian people.

In a statement issued at the end of the journey in Andhra Pradesh, he recalled the commitment made in and by the Parliament to the people of Andhra Pradesh. "We are determined to ensure that these commitments are met -fully and speedily. Both the central and state governments have failed in this regard," he said.

Rahul Gandhi noted that the Congress party is aware of the challenges it faced in Andhra Pradesh. "The state has been a bastion of the Congress party in the past, and has produced outstanding statesmen for India. We are determined to do all we can to ensure that the Congress party returns to its pre-eminent position in the hearts and minds of the Andhra people'

Rahul believes that the Bharat Jodo Yatra will serve as a first step forward in this journey. "The Yatra has given us an unique opportunity to listen to people's voices and gain an in-depth understanding of the daily challenges of the people of our great nation. There is a continuing effort on a daily basis to pit Indians against each other on the lines of caste, religion, language, food and dress. The unparalleled economic distress caused by skyrocketing prices and record unemployment, as well as the increasing concentration of political and economic power in a few hands are all matters of grave concern," he said

He alleged that the state government systematically undermined the Panchayati Raj system in the state. He said the Congress party strongly opposed this assault on the democratic institutions. "We will also continue to amplify the voices of farmers, youth, women, workers and many other stakeholders whom we interacted with over the last three days."

--IANS
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Rudraprayag, Oct 21 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday offered prayers at Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district donning a tradition Himachali attire gifted to him by a Chamba woman.

The Prime Minister was gifted the attire on his recent visit to Himachal Pradesh and he had promised her to wear it during a special occasion.

When the Prime Minister inaugurated the Kedarnath ropeway, entire temple premises reverberated with Lord Shiva's devotional songs.

Uttarakhand Governor Lt General (Retd) Gurmeet Singh, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, state Cabinet Minister Prem Chandra Agarwal, among others, were present on the occasion.

India's last village Mana is all set to welcome the Prime Minister. After offering prayers at Badrinath, he is scheduled to review the construction work underway under the Master Plan.

After inaugurating a ropeway for Hemkund Sahib, he will also lay foundation stone for double-laning of roads in Mana.

He will also address villagers of Mana,

--IANS
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