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2 militant associates held for smuggling arms dropped from drones in Jammu’s Samba

militant associates

Neyaz Elahi

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Police today said that it has arrested two militant associates who had smuggled weapons to Kashmir after a drone dropped them at Vijaypore in Samba along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu region.

A police official said that a joint team of security forces after receiving inputs busted a militant module by arresting two Valley-based militant operatives and recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition from them.

The official said that initial investigation reveals that the two militant operatives identified as Umar Ahmed Malik and Suhail Ahmed Malik, both residents of Semthan in Bijbehara area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, were working under a terror plot hatched by Kashmir based militants and their Pakistan based Jaish-e-Muhammad handler Aqib alias Alfa from Central Kashmir’s Budgam.

They clandestinely travelled from Kashmir to the International Border at Vijaypur in Jammu’s Samba and received arms and ammunition dropped with the help of drones.

The police official said that 2 AK-47 rifles, one pistol, 16 grenades, 9 AK-47 magazines, 269 pistol bullets and 2 magazines were recovered from these two militant associates.

“The investigation has been set into motion and more arrests are expected in coming days,” he added.

-RJV/ARK

India, Japan sign MoC to facilitate movement of skilled workers

Specified Skilled Workers
Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): Governments of India and Japan today signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on Specified Skill Workers which will help facilitate the movement of skilled workers from India to Japan.

The MoC was signed by India’s Foreign Secretary, Harsh Varhdan Shringla and Suzuki Satoshi, Ambassador of Japan to India, according to a statement issued by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The agreement covers 14 categories of specified skills under which skilled workers from India who meet the skills requirement and Japanese language tests would be eligible for employment in Japan on a contractual basis and would be granted the status of “specified skilled worker”, MEA statement added.

The 14 specified industry fields include nursing care, building cleaning, material processing, industrial machinery manufacturing, electric and electronic information, construction, shipbuilding and ship-related industry, automobile maintenance, aviation, lodging, agriculture, fisheries, food and beverages manufacturing and food services industry.

MEA further stated, “A Joint Working Group (JWG), comprising officials from both countries, will be constituted in the near future to work out operational details and smooth implementation of this programme.”

India and Japan have, in the last few years, strengthened their cooperation in the area of skills development.

Earlier in 2016, both countries signed the “Manufacturing Skill Transfer Promotion Programme” agreement for the training of 30,000 people over 10 years with Japanese style manufacturing skills and practices through the establishment of the Japan-India Institutes for Manufacturing (JIM) and Japanese Endowed Courses (JEC) in colleges across India. Out of these, 13 JIMs and 5 JECs are already operational.

Then in 2017, both the countries signed the “Technical Intern Training Programme” agreement to enable Indian youth to avail of internships in Japan across diverse industry sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, construction, textiles and agriculture.

The MoC on Specified Skilled Workers marks a further step to augment India-Japan collaboration in the area of skill development.

-CHK

Making all efforts to extradite Vijay Mallya: Centre tells SC

Vijay Mallya
Vijay Mallya (File photo)

New Delhi (NVI): The Centre today told the Supreme Court that it is making all serious and consistent efforts to extradite fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya but the process is getting delayed due to some legal complexities.

65-year-old Mallya is accused in bank loan default case of over Rs 9,000 crore involving his defunct Kingfisher airlines.

In the last hearing, the SC had asked Center to explain status of extradition.

During the hearing today, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta referred to a communication from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) that the UK govt has said they are aware of importance of the case to India.

Mehta shared a letter of MEA on the status of extradition of Mallya. The letter states that MEA has been informed by the UK government that there is a further legal issue that needs to be resolved before Mallya can be extradited.

The letter mentions that in November 2020, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla had raised the issue with UK Home Secretary Priti Patil who informed him that UK’s legal complexities were preventing the quick extradition of Mallya.

The letter further states that External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar had also raised the issue with the UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab in December 2020.

Most recently, in January 2021 the Home Secretary of India raised it with the UK Permanent Under Secretary of Home but UK’s reponse remains the same.

In today’s hearing SG Tushar Mehta said that government is trying its best but status remains the same. He added that the matter is being looked into repeatedly from political executive level to administrative level.

Meanwhile, the SC has adjourned the matter and a bench of Justices UU Lalit and Ashok Bhushan posted the matter for further hearing on March 15.

Mallya is in UK since March 2016 where he is fighting the extradition ordered by the British Government.

-ARK

China’s GDP grows 2.3% in 2020, slowest in more than four decades

China economy

New Delhi (NVI): China’s economy grew at the slowest pace in more than four decades last year despite a rebound after the country’s coronavirus outbreak, official data showed.

The 2.3 percent expansion is the lowest figure since the Chinese economy embarked on major reforms in the 1970s.

The National Bureau of Statistics warned of a “grave and complex environment both at home and abroad,” with the coronavirus pandemic having a “huge impact.”

The figure was a marked slowdown from 2019 growth of 6.1 percent — itself already the lowest in decades — with the country hit by weak domestic demand and trade tensions.

However, in the last three months of 2020, China’s economic rebound continued with a better-than-expected 6.5 per cent growth on-year, a sustained improvement since the second quarter.

Covid-19, which has ravaged the world economy, first emerged in central China in late 2019. But the world’s second-largest economy also became the first to bounce back after imposing strict lockdowns and virus control measures.

Furthermore, it is expected to be the only major world economy clocking positive 2020 growth.

-CHK

India supplies 2 mobile harbor cranes to Chabahar port of Iran

Chabahar port

New Delhi (NVI): India has supplied a consignment of two Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHC) to Iran’s Chabahar port, to provide seamless cargo handling services, the Ministry of Shipping said.

These consignments are part of total contract value of over USD 25 million under a contract agreement for supply of six MHC.

“The consignment of cranes arrived from Marghera port, Italy has been unloaded successfully on January 18 at Chabahar port and presently undergoing trials run,” the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said in a statement.

It added that with 140 metric tons lifting capacity, multipurpose equipment and accessories like mobile harbour cranes will enable India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) to provide seamless services for container, bulk and general cargo at Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar.

This is a step towards India’s aim regarding infrastructure development of ‎Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar.

On May 23, 2016, a bilateral contract between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Republic of India was signed with a total value of USD 85 million ‎for equipping, mechanizing and starting operations at Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar development Phase I, the ministry said.

“To achieve this aim, an SPV namely India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) Mumbai was incorporated under the ambit of the Ministry of Ports, ‎Shipping and Waterways,” it added.

Union Shipping Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya stated that the delivery of consignment of heavy equipment, including cranes shows India’s commitment to the strategic connectivity of Chabahar port project that will provide access to markets in Central Asia.

“Development of Chabahar port is the anchor for the expansion of economic and mutual relations between India and Iran and it will give a further boost to the maritime trade between both the countries,” he added.

Furthermore, the location of Chabahar Port has strategically advantage and high potential to provide connectivity among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and other CIS countries specially Eastern CIS countries to increase trade between these countries, the Ministry said.

-RJV

There’s evidence to prove militancy links of trio killed in Sgr encounter: IGP Kashmir

IGP Kashmir

Neyaz Elahi

Srinagar (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Police today categorically said that three youths killed in December 30 encounter in Srinagar’s Lawaypora area were providing logistic support to militants and that the police have already collected 60 per cent of evidence to prove their connection.

While talking to media here, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone, Vijay Kumar said that the slain youths were linked with militancy and police has collected 60 per cent of evidence. 

“We have collected 60 percent evidence and in coming days, we will collect more evidence including the technical one and will first convince the parents of slain trio that their sons were involved in militancy and were providing logistic support to militants,” Kumar said on the sidelines of a function related to Traffic Safety Week.

The IGP’s remarks come amidst claims by the protesting families of these youths that they were just students. The family members of the three slain youths have also been demanding their dead bodies but the IGP today said that the bodies won’t be handed over to families till Covid-19 pandemic is over.  

“The bodies won’t be handed over to the families till Covid-19 pandemic is over. There are apprehensions that people will violate Covid-19 guidelines and will endanger precious lives,” he said adding the bodies of all slain militants are being buried in the presence of their family members.

Three youths from South Kashmir– two from Pulwama and one from Shopian district– were killed in an encounter on December 30 in Lawaypora area in Srinagar outskirts. 

Shortly after the encounter, families had termed the encounter ‘fake’, claiming that the slain youths were students. The slain ‘militants’- Zubair Ahmed from Turkwangam in Shopian, Ajaz Maqbool of Mitrigam in Pulwama and Athar Mushtaq from Belou in Pulwama were buried in Sonmarg area of Central Kashmir.

While responding to another query, the IGP said that militants are luring youth and providing them arms and ammunition to carry out attacks. “Yesterday, we apprehended a youth from Anantnag, along with a pistol and grenade who was tasked to kill someone. We are at it and will counter the trend through human tracking and this is our top priority,” he said.

-ARK

KVIC, Tribal Affairs Ministry to sign MoUs to procure Khadi fabric, create jobs

textile
Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) will sign two MoUs with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs tomorrow, for the purchase of Khadi fabric for tribal students and create local employment for tribal population in India.

According to an official statement, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed in the presence of Minister of MSME, Nitin Gadkari and Minister of Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda.

They are aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for “Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” as they aim at creating local employment by strengthening the Khadi artisans and a large chunk of tribal population across the country.

“While one MOU is regarding the purchase of Khadi fabric for tribal students, the other MOU is on partnering of Tribal Affairs Ministry with KVIC as an implementing agency for Prime Minister Employment Generation Program (PMEGP),” the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) said in a statement.

As part of the first MoU, the Tribal Affairs Ministry will procure over 6 lakh meters of Khadi fabric worth Rs 14.77 crore in 2020-21, for the students in Eklavya Residential Schools being run by the ministry.

In addition, the MSME stated that, as the government increases the number of Eklavya schools every year, the quantum of purchase of Khadi fabric shall also increase proportionally.

Under the second MoU, National Scheduled Tribe Finance Development Corporation (NSTFDC), an agency of the Tribal Affairs Ministry responsible for economic development of tribals in India, will be roped in as a partner to implement PMEGP scheme, the ministry said.

“NSTFDC provides concessional loan schemes for funding entrepreneurial ventures of aspiring scheduled tribes in all sectors of economy,” it added.

Therefore, the MoU will benefit the tribals by engaging them in various production activities and creating self-employment opportunities.

The alliance of NSTFDC and KVIC will increase also the coverage of PMEGP scheme among the scheduled tribes (STs), the MSME statement said.

-RJV

Niti Aayog’s guidelines should cover all online skill games, not just fantasy games

Fantasy games
Representative image

New Delhi (NVI): The online skill gaming industry has recommended the government think tank, Niti Aayog, to set up a single self-regulatory body to standardize regulations governing the entire skill gaming industry and not just fantasy games.

Just like fantasy sports, India’s skill gaming industry also suffers from the same set of complicated state-by-state laws and regulations. There is an equal, if not a larger need, to regulate the broader skill gaming industry.

In December 2020, the NITI Aayog released the first-of-its-kind draft guidelines, titled ‘Guiding Principles for the Uniform National-Level Regulation of Online Fantasy Sports Platforms in India’.

These guidelines emphasise the need to differentiate between fantasy sports and online gaming, create an independent identity of the fantasy sports industry, and appoint a single-purpose self-regulatory industry body for governance.

As per the guidelines, the online fantasy sports sector is expected to contribute nearly Rs 10,000 crore to the Indian government over the next 2-3 years by way of taxes. And in the coming few years, it also has the potential to attract FDI of more than Rs 10,000 crore and generate additional 12,000 direct and indirect jobs.

In this regard, Niti Aayog had invited stakeholder comments on the draft by January 18, 2021.

Leading online skill gaming companies have expressed the need for a single self-regulatory body for India’s skill gaming sector.

In the key recommendations made by top skill game representatives to Niti Aayog’s report states that the current guidelines issued by the Niti Aayog cover fantasy games, which is a small part of a much larger online skill gaming industry. Given that each state will need to incorporate/agree with the idea of a “safe harbor”, it will be impossible to single out one online skill game whilst leaving the vast majority of the industry outside the ambit of such guidelines.

“Niti Aayog should broaden its consultation that encompasses all parts of the skill gaming industry and come out with a document that would address the industry’s concerns as a whole,” the recommendations further added.

Furthermore, NITI Aayog should propose not only to recognize self-regulatory industry bodies that represent operators that cover 66% of any specific type of gamers (like fantasy gamers or online rummy gamers) but also ensure that such industry bodies include the top 3 to 4 online operators in that game/segment.

An inclusive approach will assist in establishing the credibility of the self-regulatory regime and will ensure that competition and innovation can thrive within the limits of the law, the recommendations added.

Types of online skill games in India include Rummy, Backgammon, Chess, Spades, Tonk etc while few major fantasy sports players in India are Dream 11, MyTeam11, Mobile Premier League etc.

“Size of India’s overall online skill gaming industry is estimated to be around INR 5,250 crores, according to KPMG. The fast-growing skill-based games like Rummy account for approximately 50% of the overall industry revenues. Fantasy sports is a part of the overall skill gaming industry,” Sameer Barde, CEO, The Online Rummy Federation (TORF), the self-regulatory body for the country’s online rummy industry said while commenting on the need for a single self-regulatory body for the entire skill gaming industry.

He added, “At TORF, we have worked with global gaming regulatory experts from the US and Europe to design transparent, professional, and ethical operating standards for the online Rummy industry called the ‘Code of Conduct’. The aim is to prescribe and enforce a range of measures for online rummy operators that bring more responsibility to their operations and enhance their credibility and integrity, which we believe would also serve as a great starting point for the self-regulatory body for the industry.”

Notably, the Supreme Court has consistently held that skill games are legitimate and constitutionally protected commercial activities that can be played or organized for gain and profit.

Meanwhile, Vaibhav Kakkar, Partner at L&L Partners said, “The Supreme Court has since the 1960s distinguished games of skills from gambling and upheld the constitutional right to play and offer such games of skill. Once a game is determined to be a game of skill, its legality is undeniable and so is its ability to be played or organized for profit or gain.”

“Rummy has been held to be a game of skill by the Supreme Court and various High Courts. Similarly, various High Courts in very elaborate and detailed decisions, have also determined online fantasy leagues to be a game of skill,” Kakkar stated while commenting on the legality of skill games in India.

-CHK

PM launches metro rail projects in Guj

pm modi

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone of two metro rail projects in Gujarat through video conferencing and said this project will strengthen the connectivity in two major business centers of the country.

The two metro rail projects include Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-II and Surat Metro Rail Project.

Speaking at the virtual Bhoomi Pujan ceremony, PM Modi said, “Today is a very important day for Ahmedabad and Surat as the metro network will work to further strengthen connectivity in the two cities, which are major business centres of the country.”

“Work on projects worth Rs 17,000 crore have been initiated. This showcases the country’s commitment for the development of the nation even during these testing times of pandemic,” he added.

The Prime Minister also said that during the previous government there was less significant work on the expansion of metro railways in the country.

He highlighted the work of his government and said at present, the metro work is underway in 27 cities across the country on more than 1,000 km long metro network.

“Before 2014, only 225 km of the metro line became operational in 10-12 years. In the last 6 years, over 450 km of the metro network became operational,” the Prime Minister said.

In addition, he said, “There was no modern approach for the metro, and there was no metro policy. As a result, there are different metro in different cities based on different techniques and facility.”

PM Modi further asserted that, “We are developing cities’ transport system like integrated system, which means that bus, metro, rail will not ply as per their own design but work as a collective system, complementary to each other,” he added.

According to an official statement, the metro projects will provide an environment friendly ‘Mass Rapid Transit System’ to these cities. Ahmedabad’s Metro Rail Project Phase-II is 28.25 Kilometres (km) long with two corridors. The total cost of the Phase-II project is Rs 5,384 crores.

Meanwhile, Surat Metro Rail Project is 40.35 km long and comprises two corridors and the total cost of the project Rs 12,020 crores, the statement added.

Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri were also present on the occasion.

-RJV

Recovered cases leap past active COVID cases by 1 cr in India

COVID-19 states
(Representational/file photo)

New Delhi (NVI): India’s total recovered coronavirus cases have leaped over the active caseload by more than one crore today, according to the Union Health Ministry.

The total number of recoveries has touched 1,02,11,342 while the active cases in the country stands at 2,08,012, the Ministry of Health said in a statement.

“This gap between the two has progressively grown to touch 1,00,03,330, while total recovered cases are nearly 50 times the active cases in the country,” it added.

With this, India’s recovery rate has touched 96.59 per cent. “14,457 recoveries have been registered in the last 24 hours in the country while the number of new COVID-19 cases stands at 13,788 during the same period,” the statement said.

The ministry also informed that, as the country’s daily positive cases see a continuous slide, the daily fatalities due to COVID-19 have also seen a steady decline.

The country has recorded less than 150 fatalities (145) in the last 24 hours after approximately 8 months (7 months 23 days), it said.

During the same period, 15 states have contributed zero deaths, 13 states reported between 1 to 5 daily deaths, 4 states have contributed 5 to 10 deaths, 1 state has contributed 10 to 20 deaths and more than 20 States have contributed 2 deaths.

Furthermore, around seven States and UTs have reported 83.45 per cent of the total fatalities happened in the last 24 hours.

“Out to these, Maharashtra has reported 50 deaths. Kerala saw a fatality count of 21 while West Bengal reported 12 new deaths,” the statement added.

-RJV

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