Supreme Court reserves judgement in Article 370 case
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/supreme-court-reserves-judgement-article-370-case-181944
CourtIn March 2020, a five-judge Constitution Bench declined to accept the contentions of the petitioners to refer the issue to a larger bench of seven judges. After a period of three years, the case was taken up for hearing on August 2.
‘BJP rattled by the term INDIA, Oppn will chase them out of power’: TN CM Stalin
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/bjp-rattled-term-india-oppn-will-chase-them-out-power-tn-cm-stalin-181943
News“After non-BJP forces united to dethrone the fascist BJP regime and aptly named their alliance INDIA, now the BJP wants to change 'India’ for 'Bharat',” Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin said.
Comparisons between Kovind’s speech and the Republic Day speech delivered in 2001 by the first Dalit President, KR Narayanan, are compelling. The notion of simultaneous elections isn't an 'original idea' attributed to Ramnath Kovind or Prime Minister Modi for reforming our country's electoral democracy. During Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure as Prime Minister from 1999 to 2004, Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani introduced this concept, even proposing the adoption of a presidential system of government for India. Recognising the peril in Advani's intentions, President KR Narayanan articulated his conviction in his 2001 Republic Day speech.
Emphasising the Constitution's guarantee of adult suffrage, he asserted that "power to govern this country should not remain concentrated in the hands of a select few." He recalled the trust our constitutional framers placed in the entirety of the population, entrusting governance to all citizens. Quoting Ambedkar, he highlighted the principle that "preferred more responsibility to stability," which led them to reject the notion of granting voting rights to a select few and opting against the system of indirect elections proposed in the 1935 Government of India Act.
Interestingly, in contrast, Pakistan's army chief Ayub Khan introduced a presidential government system under the guise of 'guided democracy'. Narayanan lamented, "It would be an irony of history if we invoke to-day in the name of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, the shades of the political ideas of Field Marshal Ayub Khan, the father of military rule in Pakistan." This speech effectively quelled Advani's aspirations of adopting a presidential system.
Prior to 1971, parliamentary and assembly elections coincided, occurring simultaneously since the general elections of 1952. This practice changed when Indira Gandhi's dominance in Congress grew, leading to the dissolution of Parliament a year before elections were announced. Changes in state boundaries and political upsets mandated staggered assembly elections. However, the BJP's assertion that the Law Commission endorses simultaneous elections sidesteps the opposition from former Chief Election Commissioners. Former Chief Election Commissioner JM Lingdoh vehemently protested, labelling the idea unconstitutional. He said the Election Commission lacked the structural capacity to execute such elections.
Similarly, former Chief Election Commissioner Qureshi questioned, "If the central government loses a no-confidence motion as it did in 1998, should all state legislatures dissolve when Parliament does?" If the BJP truly believes that frequent elections burden citizens and impede development, why did they dissolve state governments and call for elections during their own governance?
The committee established to draft the Fundamental Rights Clause in the Constitution recommended enshrining the conduct of elections as a Fundamental Right to prevent executive intervention. Acknowledging the importance of elections, the Constitution Bench entrusted autonomous bodies like the Election Commission with conducting them. The notion of elections remains intrinsic, necessitating only a single Permanent Election Commissioner.
While Ambedkar proposed that more commissioners could be appointed if necessary, Professor Shiban Lal Saxena from the committee asserted, "We haven't implemented a 'Fixed Term' like in the United States due to our elections occurring once every four years. Considering the numerous states in India, if a vote of no confidence succeeds, the government must resign. Therefore, elections for the Central Government and State Governments are necessarily held at different times. Simultaneous elections can occur for a period of ten to twelve years initially. Subsequently, sporadic elections will persist. Thus, we should appoint three to five election commissioners," he advocated.
'I'm also Sanatani, we should respect others religion': Kejriwal
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/im-also-sanatani-we-should-respect-others-religion-kejriwal-181940
News Kejriwal also SAIDt he did not like Udhayanidhi's comment on Sanatan Dharma.
Image for representation/PTIAmid wide speculation that the Union government is likely to soon introduce a Bill to remove the term ‘India’ from the Constitution, a dinner invite sent out in the name of the ‘President of Bharat’ has triggered a huge row. The invite for the dinner event, to be hosted by President Droupadi Murmu during the G20 summit in Delhi and managed by the Ministry of External Affairs, was sent out to various world leaders. Instead of the usual term 'President of India’, it was sent out in the name of ‘President of Bharat’. This is being seen by many as a step towards ‘renaming’ the country from ‘India’ to ‘Bharat’, in the context of the Narendra Modi-led Union government emphasising lately that it wants to ‘liberate’ Indians from ‘colonial baggage’ through moves such as renaming Rajpath as Kartavya Path and adopting a new Naval Ensign.
At the same time, a few Opposition leaders including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal have even suggested that the BJP-led Union government wants to ‘change’ the nation’s name from India to Bharat, because of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc of parties choosing the same name for their alliance. Regardless of the reasons, if the speculation over such a proposal is indeed true, it still doesn’t amount to a ‘renaming’ of the country. India already bears the name Bharat as well, as per the Constitution, and this is also reflected in official communication. The very first Article of the Constitution of India, pertaining to the name and territory of the Union, says: “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.” The official name(s) of the country were decided after much debate by members of the Constituent Assembly who drafted the Constitution. If shunning the name ‘India’ is on the agenda, it would require the Union government to introduce a Bill proposing to amend Article 1 of the Constitution.
Amending the Constitution can be a straightforward process, or it could take a lot of work, requiring the consent of a majority of state Assemblies. It all depends on the nature of the amendment. Article 368 lays down the power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution, and the procedure to do so. Some of the provisions of the Constitution can be amended merely by passing a Bill in the Parliament, like any other legislation. This is when the amendment is exempt from the purview of Article 368.
But for other provisions — including Article 1 — an amendment can be made only if the Bill is passed by both Houses of Parliament by a majority of the total membership of the House, and by a majority of at least two-thirds of the members of the House present and voting.
However, Article 368 also lists certain provisions of the Constitution that can be amended only if the Bill is also ratified by at least half the state assemblies. Article 1 is not part of this list, and does not need to be ratified by the state assemblies.
But when the amendment is related to the lists in the Seventh Schedule (which divides powers to legislate on various matters between the Union and state governments under three lists: Union, State and Concurrent), the representation of states in Parliament, Article 368 itself, or certain other provisions, then, at least 50% of the state Assemblies will have to pass resolutions consenting to the amendment, before it is sent for the President’s assent.
In the case of amending Article 1 however, as explained earlier, a Bill has to be passed in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha by a majority of the total membership of the House, as well as by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of the House present and voting. On receiving the President's assent after this, the Constitution can be amended in accordance with the Bill.
There is a lot of apprehension about the upcoming special session of Parliament, with buzz going around that the Union government could bring in major Bills that could alter the course of Indian democracy — the One Nation One Election Bill, Women’s
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Razing of war monument in Jaffna an act of oppression: SL Tamils continue to condemn act
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/razing-war-monument-jaffna-act-oppression-sl-tamils-continue-condemn-act-141325
InternationalThe Mullivaikkal memorial at the University of Jaffna to commemorate thousands of Lankan Tamils who died during the war was razed late on Friday night by officials. Bharathi SP (https://www.thenewsminute.com/author-names/bharathi-sp)
Supreme Court stays implementation of all three farm laws until further orders
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/supreme-court-india-stays-all-three-farm-laws-until-further-orders-141324
CourtThe court said it will be setting up a committee to address the grievances of the farmers who have been protesting for over two months now.TNM Staff (https://www.thenewsminute.com/author-names/tnm-staff)
India’s injury woes mount as Bumrah, Jadeja ruled out of Brisbane Test
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/india-s-injury-woes-mount-bumrah-jadeja-ruled-out-brisbane-test-141323
CricketTo make matters worse, Ravichandran Ashwin's back spasms have aggravated after battling for three hours on the final day, leaving little options for India on the bench.Agencies (https://www.thenewsminute.com/author-names/agencies)
Toyota Kirloskar Motors withdraws lockout at Bidadi plant, union to continue strike
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/toyota-kirloskar-motors-withdraws-lockout-bidadi-plant-union-continue-strike-141322
StrikeHowever, none of the demands of the striking employees have been addressed, and the employee union continues to protest.Haripriya Suresh (https://www.thenewsminute.com/author-names/haripriya-suresh)
Karnataka receives 6.48 lakh doses of COVID-19 vaccine
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/karnataka-receives-648-lakh-doses-covid-19-vaccine-141320
COVID-19 VaccineThe vaccine doses will be stored at the government facility in Bengaluru’s Anand Rao Circle. Theja Ram (https://www.thenewsminute.com/author-names/theja-ram)
Abhishek Ambareesh’s next is ‘Bad Manners’
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/abhishek-ambareesh-s-next-bad-manners-141321
SandalwoodTouted to be a complete entertainer, the film will be directed by Suri.Digital Native (https://www.thenewsminute.com/author-names/digital-native)
Suraj and Nimisha Sajayan’s 'The Great Indian Kitchen' to be streamed online
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/suraj-and-nimisha-sajayan-s-great-indian-kitchen-be-streamed-online-141318
MollywoodThe makers of the movie have confirmed the release date through the new posters.Digital Native (https://www.thenewsminute.com/author-names/digital-native)
Ahead of Sankranthi, Telangana starts helpline to report use of banned kite manja
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ahead-sankranthi-telangana-starts-helpline-report-use-banned-kite-manja-141316
CrimeThe banned glass coated manja poses a serious threat to the safety of animals, humans and environment, forest department officials said. IANS (https://www.thenewsminute.com/author-names/ians)
BJP flag draped around Mahatma Gandhi statue in Palakkad, stirs row
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/bjp-flag-draped-around-mahatma-gandhi-statue-palakkad-stirs-row-141317
ControversyMeanwhile, BJP leaders said the party was not involved in the incident and sought a comprehensive probe.TNM Staff (https://www.thenewsminute.com/author-names/tnm-staff)
File Photo/FacebookTamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday, September 5, said that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Union government was rattled by the term 'INDIA'. He made the comment in reference to the speculation that the Union government was likely to introduce a Bill to remove the term ‘India’ from the Constitution. CM Stalin added that the opposition front INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) will chase the BJP out of power in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
"After non-BJP forces united to dethrone the fascist BJP regime and aptly named their alliance INDIA, now the BJP wants to change 'India" for 'Bharat'. BJP promised to TRANSFORM India, but all we got was a name change after 9 years! Seems like the BJP is rattled by a single term called India because they recognise the strength of unity within the opposition. During the elections, 'India' will chase BJP out of power! (sic).”
After Non-BJP forces united to dethrone the fascist BJP regime and aptly named their alliance #INDIA, now the BJP wants to change 'India' for 'Bharat.'
BJP promised to TRANSFORM India, but all we got is a name change after 9 years!
Seems like the BJP is rattled by a single term…
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) September 5, 2023
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) led by CM Stalin is a prominent force in the opposition INDIA bloc and the alliance is aiming for all 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu.
Also Read: Can the government really remove the name ‘India’? What the Constitution says
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Analysis of the Constituent Assembly's discourse reveals two clear insights: 1. The framers of our Constitution recognised elections as a fundamental right, devoid of administrative interference; and 2. They understood the inevitability of frequent elections and saw it as a positive attribute, not an impediment. They viewed it as indicative of a vibrant democracy. This reality is not unknown to the BJP, raising questions about their rhetoric. Is it an endeavour to nullify parliamentary democracy, consolidate power through simultaneous elections, and curtail the duration of Parliament/Assemblies, effectively placing voting power in the hands of the executive?
It is vital to grasp that the BJP's ambition for simultaneous elections for Parliament and Assemblies won't solely amplify bureaucracy; it will erode state parties and federalism. Between 1999 and 2014, 16 Assembly elections coincided with parliamentary elections. A study unveiled that 77 percent of voters supported the same party in both elections. In 1999, this trend was at 68 percent, escalating to 86 percent in 2014. Simultaneous elections would accentuate national issues, overshadowing regional concerns. National parties would assert dominance, sidelining parties advocating for marginalised segments and regional rights. This shift would undermine grassroots democracy, resulting in the disintegration of the Constitution's essence.
Dr D Ravikumar is a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) representing Villupuram constituency, Tamil Nadu.
‘One Nation, One Election’: A disaster for state parties and federalism
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/one-nation-one-election-disaster-state-parties-and-federalism-181941
PoliticsBJP's ambition to hold simultaneous elections for Parliament and state assemblies would amplify bureaucracy and erode state parties and federalism, writes D Ravikumar, MP.
Reservation Bill and Uniform Civil Code being some of the popular guesses.
The One Nation One Election Bill — aimed at holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and all state Assemblies — would require multiple amendments to the Constitution, related to the duration and dissolution of Lok Sabha and state legislatures, etc. Among other tasks, the eight-member committee constituted by the government to look into the ‘one nation, one election’ proposal has been asked to “examine and recommend if the amendments to the Constitution would require ratification by the States.”
Can the government really remove the name ‘India’? What the Constitution says
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/can-government-really-remove-name-india-what-constitution-says-181937
NewsShunning the name ‘India’ needs the Constitution to be amended. This can be a fairly straightforward process, or it could need the consent of at least half the states, depending on the nature of the amendment.
File Photo/IANSSpecial Rapporteurs of the United Nations, on Monday, September 4, issued a press statement raising alarm about “serious human rights violations and abuses” in the Northeast state of Manipur, including alleged acts of “sexual violence, extrajudicial killings, home destruction, forced displacement, torture and ill-treatment”. The concerns were, however, refuted by India as “unwarranted, presumptive and misleading”.
Stating that there was an “inadequate humanitarian response” in the wake of ethnic violence in Manipur, the UN experts, who work independently, said that they were “appalled” by the reports and images of gender-based violence targeting hundreds of women and girls of all ages, and predominantly of the Kuki ethnic minority. “The alleged violence includes gang rape, parading women naked in the street, severe beatings causing death, and burning them alive or dead,” they said and added that at least 160 persons - mostly from the Kuki community - were killed by mid-August 2023 and more than 300 persons injured.
“It is particularly concerning that the violence seems to have been preceded and incited by hateful and inflammatory speech that spread online and offline to justify the atrocities committed against the Kuki ethnic minority, particularly women, on account of their ethnicity and religious belief. We are further alarmed by the reported misuse of counterrorism measures to legitimize acts of violence and repression against ethnic and religious minorities,” the statement said. The current situation in Manipur was “another tragic milestone in the steadily deteriorating situation for religious and ethnic minorities in India,” it added.
“We have serious concerns about the apparent slow and inadequate response by the Government of India, including law enforcement, to stem physical and sexual violence and hate speech in Manipur,” the statement said. It welcomed the fact-finding mission conducted by lawyers and human rights defenders in Manipur and the follow-up by the Supreme Court of India on the situation in Manipur. They also urged the Supreme Court to continue monitoring the response of the government and other actors, with a focus on justice, accountability, and reparations. “We are also concerned about reported criminalisation and harassment of human rights defenders documenting the cases,” they said.
Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups are part of the Special Procedures of the UN's Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN human rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms. They are not UN staff and serve in their individual capacity.
The Indian government, in response to this statement, has said that UN experts did not have any understanding of the issue in Manipur, and added that India was adhering to human rights principles and dealing with the Manipur crisis as per its democratic norms.
“The Permanent Mission of India completely rejects the news release as it is not only unwarranted, presumptive and misleading but also betrays a complete lack of understanding on the situation in Manipur and the steps taken by government of India to address it,” a statement issued by the Indian Permanent Mission at the UN Office in Geneva said, The Hindu reported.
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The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the implementation of the three contentious farm laws and indicated that it will set up a committee to address the farmers’ grievances. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde had said that the committee will be a part of judicial proceedings. The members of the committee will be Bhupinder Singh Maan, President BKU; Dr Pramod KumarJoshi, International policy head; agricultural economist Ashok Gulati and Anil Dhanvat, Shivkeri Sangathna.
The bench comprising CJI SA Bobde and Justices AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian said that the court was looking to solve the farmers' problem. "We are looking to solve the problem. If you want to agitate indefinitely, you can. Every person who is genuinely interested in solving the problem is expected to go before the Committee. The Committee will not punish you or pass any orders. It will submit a report to us. We are going to take the opinion of the organizations. We are forming the Committee so that we have a clearer picture," Live Law quoted CJI SA Bobde as saying.
The court's observation comes in the wake of protesting farmer unions unwilling to negotiate with the committee proposed to be constituted by the apex court. On Monday evening, the Samyuktha Kisan Morcha issued a statement and said it would not participate in negotiations before the committee if appointed by the SC.
Chief Justice Bobde said that a legislation cannot be suspended by the court without a purpose. "We will pass an interim order saying no farmers land can be sold for contract farming," CJI Bobde said, while adding, "We are concerned about only the validity of the laws and also about protecting the life and property of citizens affected by protests. We are trying to solve the problem in accordance with the powers we have. We have the power to suspend the legislation. But the suspension of legislation must not be for an empty purpose. We will form a Committee which will submit a report to us," Live Law quoted CJI Bobde.
Before pronouncing the order, the bench urged the farmers' unions to cooperate and go before the committee to be appointed by it to resolve the dispute. "We are concerned about protecting the lives and property of citizens of India and we want to solve the problem," the bench said.
The court added that no power can prevent it from forming a committee to resolve the impasse on new farm laws. It reiterated the apex court has powers to suspend the legislation in order to solve the problem.
The bench said those who "genuinely want resolution, will go to the committee" on farm laws, asking farmers to cooperate with it. "This is not politics. There is a difference between politics and judiciary and you will have to cooperate", it said to farmer unions.
Meanwhile, Attorney General KK Venugopal told the court, "Khalistanis have joined the farmer protests at the Delhi border." The Chief Justice asked him to submit an official affidavit on Wednesday putting the same on record. The AG said he will be attaching the reports of the intelligence bureau in the affidavit.
On Monday, the apex court had pulled up the Centre for its handling of the farmers protest against the new farm laws saying it is extremely disappointed with the way negotiations between them were going and it will constitute a committee headed by a former Chief Justice of India to resolve the impasse.
The injury-plagued Indian team suffered another blow on Tuesday as pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the fourth Test against Australia due to an abdominal strain. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has already been ruled out of the fourth and final Test against Australia which begins Friday at The Gabba in Brisbane.
If that wasn't enough, Mayank Agarwal -- tipped to be Hanuma Vihari's replacement in the playing XI in Brisbane -- has sustained a knock on the hands and it could be a hairline fracture. To make matters worse, Ravichandran Ashwin's back spasms have aggravated after battling for three hours on the final day, leaving little options for India on the bench.
Bumrah, key to India's attack, sustained the strain during the drawn third Test in Sydney. It has been learnt that Bumrah's scan reports showed a strain and the Indian team management does not want him to aggravate the injury, keeping in mind the upcoming four-Test series against England. "Jasprit Bumrah suffered an abdominal strain while fielding in Sydney. He is going to sit out of the Brisbane Test but is expected to be available against England," a BCCI source told PTI.
While the Indian team management is heaving a sigh of relief that Bumrah hasn't sustained a tear but wants to be on the side of caution as playing in Brisbane and breaking down in the middle of the Test match could have an even more adverse effect on the team.
"If we take the risk of him playing at 50 per cent, what if the injury aggravates and he breaks down in the middle of the match and then ruled out for better part of England series? England is the last series which will decide the qualification for World Test Championship final and we are in contention and would require a fit Bumrah," the senior BCCI source added.
It is now expected that two-Test old Mohammed Siraj will be leading the Indian attack and will be joined by Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur and T Natarajan in the Brisbane Test, starting January 15. Unless, Bumrah is fielded at 30% fitness, risking the entire England series, T Natarajan will make his debut.
Jadeja on Tuesday informed that he has undergone surgery after suffering a blow on his thumb during the third Test against Australia played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
"Jadeja suffered a blow to his left thumb while batting on Day 3 of the third Border-Gavaskar Test that concluded on Monday (in Sydney). He later went for scans and the results have shown that he has dislocated his thumb," said a statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday evening.
"Jadeja will not be available for the fourth and final Test against Australia to be held in Brisbane from January 15-19 at the Gabba," it added.
Meanwhile, Jadeja tweeted, ”Out of action for a while, surgery completed. But will soon return with a bang.”
The 32-year-old had scalped four wickets in Australia's first innings and scored 28 not out in Sydney. He did not bowl in the second innings and was not required to bat a second time around as the third Test ended in a draw.
"The all-rounder will now consult a hand specialist in Sydney before he returns to India. He will then head to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for further management of his injury," said the BCCI.
The problem with the Indian team is after injured KL Rahul's departure and Hanuma Vihari's grade 2 tear, there are no back-up middle-order batsman left in the reserves.
The only two available batsmen are two out of form openers in Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal.
It remains to be seen if India, knowing their depleted strength and long tail, decide to take the conservative route of playing four bowlers and six batsmen with Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper.
If Agarwal's scans reveal that it's a bruise and not a fracture, then it could well be Prithvi Shaw batting at number three followed by Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajhinkya Rahane and Agarwal himself at number six.
Toyota Kirloskar Motors announced on Tuesday that it is withdrawing the lockout at its Bidadi plant in Karnataka. The lockout first began on November 10, was briefly withdrawn and was resumed on November 23, and has been on since as workers continue to protest over workload and unfair processes. Of Toyota Kirloskar’s total staff at Bidadi of nearly 6,000, around 3,500 are part of the Toyota Kirloskar Motor Employees Union.
The lockout started because of an increase in workload, with TKM allegedly wanting to raise the number of cars produced from 300 to 360 without any increase in manpower or timings. The increase in workload, the union had alleged, was unscientific and illegal and was put in place without enough technical study and led to a protest.
Over two months since the protests began, TKM has said that after a meeting with Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Dr Ashwathnarayan and having observed “a gradual improvement in safety situation, both inside and outside the company premises”, the lockout has been withdrawn, and operations will be enhanced from the second shift on Tuesday. TKM said in a statement that employees will have to “sign a simple undertaking for good conduct and report to work”.
However, a member of the Toyota Kirloskar Motors Employees Union said that of the 3,500 members who were on strike, around 300 people have agreed to sign the undertaking and return to work, and the remaining will continue to be on strike. With employees having to sign an undertaking and the 66 employees being suspended, the Union alleges that none of the striking employees' demands have been addressed so far.
Toyota had called the strike by the employee union illegal, which is why the lockout was announced, and said that limited production was resumed at the time with 1,200 employees who had signed an undertaking.
“...the company had resumed production with over 1200 team members who had expressed their intention to work with discipline, through a simple undertaking of good behaviour,” TKM said in a statement.
The union meanwhile has maintained that the lockout was illegal and has expressed disappointment at the company's unilateral decision to commence operations without addressing their concerns. "The workers were not on strike. Our various attempts to invite the attention to this issue was not at all responded by Management. We have evidence of it. The management's conditions are anti-labour and we want to make it clear, although Management has tried to ignore the Union," the union send in a statement, reacting to the withdrawal of the lockdown. The union has also demanded that all employees should be paid full compensation during the lockdown period.
Further, despite the lockout being withdrawn, the suspension pending enquiry of 66 unionized employees for “serious misconducts” will continue and domestic enquiries will be conducted adhering to the principles of Natural Justice.
“The safety and well-being of all our stakeholders and especially our employees being of utmost importance to us, and we would like to emphasize that basic discipline will continue to be the cornerstone of our business principles and we will not compromise on behaviour and acts that threaten Toyota’s safety philosophy and its brand value in the country,” Toyota’s statement said.
Watch our news documentary from Bidadi earlier
Toyota workers’ strike in Bidadi enters 36th day, no resolution in sight
Toyota workers’ strike in Bidadi enters 36th day, no resolution in sight
Posted by TheNewsMinute on Monday, December 14, 2020
Read: Ground report: 37 days in, why Toyota Kirloskar workers in Bidadi continue to protest
Also read: Politics, industry, workers' rights: The balance K’taka needs to strike post Wistron
Karnataka Health DepartmentKarnataka on Tuesday received 6.48 lakh doses of Covishield vaccine, which arrived in 54 boxes at the Kempegowda International Airport. This is the first consignment out of the total of 7.95 lakh doses that the state government is expected to receive in the first phase of vaccine disbursal. The doses received on Tuesday will be stored in the government storage facility near Anand Rao circle in Bengaluru, Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education Dr K Sudhakar said.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Tuesday, the Health Minister said that the Serum Institute’s vaccine ‘Covishield’ has been approved by the DCGI (Drugs Controller General of India) and that the Union government has purchased 1.1 crore doses of the vaccine at a cost of Rs 210 per dose. “This is the cheapest vaccine in the world. Serum Institute of India in Pune is supplying the vaccine at a cost of Rs 231 crore. Karnataka will get 7.95 lakh doses of Covishield in the first phase,” he said.
Each dose of vaccine contains 0.5 ml and each vial contains 10 doses of vaccines. The second dose should be given 28 days after the first dose. The vaccine is expected to generate the virus’ resistance in the body and is safe, Minister Sudhakar said.
Watch: Covishield vaccine arrives at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport
“In order to avoid misuse, the words ‘Not for sale’ are being written over the vial. Health warriors will get the vaccine on priority. All guidelines will be followed while giving the vaccine. Every person who is vaccinated will be kept under observation for 30 minutes after vaccination,” he added.
Read: Karnataka vaccine drive: How the logistics will work
In the first phase, vaccines will be administered to frontline workers and the Health Department said that 6,35,986 healthcare workers have registered themselves for the vaccination in the first phase. Other than healthcare workers, police and Revenue Department officials with comorbidities will also be identified for vaccination, TNM had earlier reported.
The government has identified two primary storage facilities in Bengaluru and Belagavi for the disbursal of the vaccine to districts located in the northern and southern parts of the state. Apart from these two primary facilities, five regional storage facilities have been set up in Chitradurga, Mangaluru, Mysuru, Kalaburagi and Bagalkote districts in order to ensure that the vaccine disbursal occurs smoothly.
Digital NativeSon of popular Kannada actor couple Ambareesh and Sumalatha, Abhishek Ambareesh debuted with the film Amar a couple of years ago. It turned out to be the perfect launchpad for the young actor. And now there is news about his second project. Titled Bad Manners and to be directed by Suri, it will be a complete entertainer.
The groundwork for this film is on the verge of completion and the shooting will begin in February. Reports say that the team is planning on completing the shooting of the action blocks first and have earmarked locations for this at Sugar City in Mandya. The action sequences will be choreographed by ace stunt master Ravi Verma.
Abhishek, impressed with his role in Bad Manners, has undergone a lot of training to get himself fit for the role, say sources. Suri has etched out a perfect role for Abhishek and the young actor is said to be thrilled to be a part of the film. Actors Tara and Sharath Lohitashwa will be joining the lead star for the first schedule, we hear. The team is yet to finalise the heroine and the rest of the star cast. The technical crew of Bad Manners include Charan Raj for music and Shekar S for cinematography. The film will be produced by Sudheer KM under his banner.
Abhishek’s first film Amar, which released in 2019, was bankrolled under the banner Sandesh Productions. Directed by Nagashekar, Tanya Hope played the female lead in the film. The technical crew comprised Arjun Janya for composing music, Satya Hegde to crank the camera and Sania Sardhariya to design the costumes.
The film had Darshan in a cameo. It was a crucial role that included the ‘Joruu Paattu’ song sequence. Darshan’s dance with the hero for this Kodava song turned out to be a hit among the audiences. The song is sung by Jassie Gift, with lyrics penned by Kiran Kaverappa. A major portion of Amar was shot in Switzerland.
There were reports that Abhishek’s second film will be bankrolled by popular producer Rockline Venkatesh and directed by Gurudatta Ganiga of Ambi Ning Vayassaytho fame. However, this project is yet to take off.
Director Suri’s last directorial to hit the marquee was Popcorn Monkey Tiger, which released in February 2020. The film starred Dhananjay and Nivedhitha in the lead roles. Sparsha Rekha and Amrutha Iyengar were also part of the star cast. A crime thriller, it had Charan Raj for music and Shekar S for cinematography. The script was written by Amritha K Bhargav and Duniya Suri while the screenplay was also written by Amritha.
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Suraj Venjaramoodu and Nimisha Sajayan, who were seen playing a couple in Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, are back together again on the silver screen. The on-screen pair are expecting the release of The Great Indian Kitchen, which will be streamed online on January 15 on NeeStream, an OTT platform. The makers of the movie have confirmed the release date through the new posters.
Written and directed by Jeo Baby, the film’s technical crew includes Salu K Thomas for camerawork, Francis Louis for editing and Sooraj S Kurup for music. The film is bankrolled by Dijo Augustine, Jomon Jacob, Vishnu Rajan and Sajin S Raj.
Released on June 30, 2017 Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum had a dream run at the box office with the audiences loving it. The thriller, directed by Dileesh Pothen, had Fahadh Faasil in the lead role and his performance was raved by his fans and critics alike.
Suraj Venjaramoodu, Nimisha Sajayan, and Alencier Ley Lopez had important roles to play in the film. Sandip Senan and Anish M Thomas had bankrolled the film under their home banner Urvasi Theatres. Bijibal had composed tunes for this flick and Rajeev Ravi had cranked the camera while Kiran Das edited it. Made on a budget of Rs 6.50 crore, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum turned out to be a profitable venture for the team.
Suraj Venjaramoodu is currently part of the Prithviraj starrer Jana Gana Mana. Jana Gana Mana is directed by Dijo Jose Anthony, and Suraj Venjaramoodu is sharing the screen space with his Driving License co-star Prithviraj.
Director Jeo Baby’s last film release was Kilometres and Kilometres on television as an Onam special last year. Jeo Baby directed this film with Tovino Thomas producing it under his own banner along with Anto Joseph, Ramshi Ahamed, and cinematographer Sinu Sidharth. Joju George played a pivotal role in it with the supporting cast of this film comprising India Jarvis, Sidhartha Siva, Basil Joseph, Vinay Forrt and Ramesh Pisharody. The technical crew of this film included Sooraj S Kurup and Sushin Shyam for composing the score and BGM respectively, Sinu Siddharth cranking the camera and Rahman Mohammed Ali and Prejish Prakash in charge of the editing.
Nimisha Sajayan, on the other hand, currently has several biggies in her kitty. She is a part of the Mammootty starrer One, which is in the post-production stage. It is a political drama in which Mammootty plays the chief minister of Kerala. One, directed by Santhosh Viswanath, is bankrolled by ICHAIS Productions.
Her other film, Thuramukham is gearing to premiere at the prestigious International Film Festival of Rotterdam (IFFR). While the world premiere will happen in this prestigious film fest, Thuramukham’s theatrical release is scheduled on May 13 to cash in on the summer vacations and Eid holidays. Starring Nivin Pauly in the lead role, Thuramukham is directed by Rajeev Ravi of Kammati Paadam fame. He is also in charge of its scripting. Thuramukham is based on the popular play of the same name, which was written by KM Chidambaram.
Her other projects are Malik and Djinn which are in different stages of production.
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Image for representation/PTITelangana's forest department has decided to strictly implement a ban on nylon or synthetic thread and glass-coated 'manja' for kite-flying in the state. The department has set up a 24x7 helpline to report violations of the ban. Such cases may be reported on 1800-425-5364 or 040-2323-1440.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) & Chief Wildlife Warden R Sobha on Monday discussed with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) the implementation of a ban on glass coated nylon manja, which poses a serious threat to the safety of animals, humans and environment alike. Over the years, it has injured innumerable birds, animals and humans causing serious injuries and slow, painful deaths.
"Many humans, including young children, have also suffered impairment or lost their lives because of such manja. The synthetic manja remains in the environment for a long time as a toxic pollutant on tree tops, electric wires, roof tops long after the festival, causing injuries and even deaths. Improperly discarded manjha is known to cut fingers, hands, throats of kite flyers and motorcyclists with equal ease. The invasion of nylon and glass-coated manja has resulted in the loss of livelihoods of innumerable local traditional cotton manja craftsmen," the department said.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2017 imposed a total ban on manja or thread for kite flying, which is made of nylon and any synthetic material and/or is coated with synthetic substance and is non-biodegradable. NGT prohibited manufacture, sale, store, purchase and use of synthetic manjha or nylon thread and all other similar synthetic thread use for kite flying.
The government of Telangana in 2017 imposed a complete ban on the procurement, stocking, sale and use of nylon- thread commonly called 'chinese dor' or other synthetic (non-biodegradable) thread coated with glass or other harmful substances used for kite flying.
As per section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 any person found to be violating the orders or directions under the Act is liable to be punished with imprisonment up to 5 years or with a fine up to one lakh rupees or with both.
Causing injury to wild animals and birds or death with synthetic manja amounts to hunting, which is punishable under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 with imprisonment of 3 to 7 years and fine not less than Rs.10,000. Causing injury or death to domestic animals also attracts provision of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960.
Image courtesy: Twitter/Jeevan_vnWeeks after BJP members adorned the Palakkad Municipality building with ‘Jai Shri Ram’ banner celebrating the party’s victory in local body polls, a BJP flag was found draped on the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the municipality premises on Monday. The police have registered a case against unidentified people, PTI reported.
In the CCTV visuals of the incident near the premises, a man with a face mask could be seen climbing the stairs leading to the Mahatma Gandhi’s statue and tying a flag around the structure. After tying the flag, the man climbed down and stood there for a few seconds, before walking away. In the CCTV visuals, no one else could be seen around the area.
Meanwhile, some BJP leaders said the party was not involved in the incident and sought a comprehensive probe.
After the incident came to light, members of Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the CPI(M), took out a protest march and adorned the statue with a garland. Congress and its youth wing, too, staged a separate march in protest against the incident.
Later, both CPI(M) and Congress councillors staged a sit-in protest in front of the Palakkad Municipal chairperson's room, demanding action against those responsible.
"We have registered a case under section 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) of the Indian Penal Code on a complaint filed by the municipal secretary in charge. We are yet to identify the culprits," the Investigating Officer told PTI.
On December 16, a few BJP workers had unfurled a giant banner with 'Jai Sri Ram' written on it from the terrace of the Corporation building after the party retained the Municipality in the local body polls. Following this, the DYFI had hoisted the tricolour flag in protest, in the building.
Palakkad and Pandalam are the two municipalities in Kerala that the BJP won, out of the total 87 in the local body polls held in December last year.
WATCH: Man draping BJP flag around Mahatma Gandhi statue
PTIBadminton ace player Saina Nehwal and one more Indian player have tested positive for coronavirus. Saina Nehwal is in Thailand for the Yonex Thailand Open, and according to reports, will withdraw from the tournament. The Indian Express reported that fellow shuttler HS Prannoy has also tested positive and P Kashyap, a close contact, has been asked to quarantine. According to reports, Saina tested negative in the first two COVID-19 tests, but tested positive in the third test she took on Monday.
This is the second time that Saina has tested positive for the virus. Earlier, in December, after attending a wedding, Saina and Parupalli Kashyap had tested positive.
The Indian badminton squad had left for Thailand on January 3 to compete in two back-to-back BWF World Tour Super 1000 tournaments and the BWF World Tour Finals. The team included Olympic hopefuls Kidambi Srikanth and B Sai Praneeth as well, while world champion PV Sindhu was to fly in from England, where she has been training since October.
The first Thailand Open will be held from January 12 to 17 while the second is scheduled for January 19 to 24. The World Tour Finals then starts on January 27 and will end on January 31. While Srikanth competed in the Denmark Super 750 in October, it was to be a first tournament since the coronavirus-induced break for the rest of the players in the squad.
Earlier, former world no.1 Saina Nehwal had asked the BWF to intervene, saying that physios and trainers cannot meet players during the entire tour even after everyone had tested negative. However, the rules that have been put in place by the BWF and BAT stated that it was only for the first three days that players could not meet their support staff until the start of the training period.
With IANS inputs
