NATIONAL LOCKDOWN
Yatra hasn't refunded you for COVID-19 flight cancellations? It has got an order to speed up
The Central Consumer Protection Authority has instructed Yatra to expedite pending refunds for flight cancellations during the COVID-19 lockdown. Yatra must establish dedicated seats at the National Consumer Helpline for contacting passengers and has made significant progress in reducing pending refund bookings, refunding 87% of owed amounts. Other major travel platforms have completed all COVID-19-related refunds.
Britain's Labour on track for landslide victory, exit poll suggests, amid anger with Conservatives
The poll released moments after voting closed indicated that center-left Labour's leader Keir Starmer will be the country's next prime minister. He will face a jaded electorate impatient for change against a gloomy backdrop of economic malaise, mounting distrust in institutions and a fraying social fabric. As thousands of electoral staff tallied millions of ballot papers at counting centers across the country, the Conservatives absorbed the shock of a historic defeat that would leave the depleted party in disarray and likely spark a contest to replace Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as leader.
Britain's Labour Party has won enough seats to have a majority in the UK Parliament
Starmer will face a jaded electorate impatient for change against a gloomy backdrop of economic malaise, mounting distrust in institutions and a fraying social fabric. "Tonight people here and around the country have spoken, and they're ready for change," Starmer told supporters in his constituency in north London, as the official count showed he'd won his seat. "You have voted. It is now time for us to deliver."
Inside the illicit trade of exotic animals from Myanmar to India
The civil war in Myanmar and resultant anarchy in border areas have given a new life to the smuggling of wildlife—from marmoset monkeys to green anacondas—to India. A complex network of wildlife smuggling involving exotic animals from various countries being trafficked through Myanmar to Indian metro cities like Kolkata.
US to require new cars to have emergency braking systems by 2029
Congress directed the NHTSA in the 2021 infrastructure law to create a rule to establish minimum performance standards for automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems, which use sensors like cameras and radar to detect when a vehicle is close to crashing and then automatically applies brakes if the driver has not done so.
How can BJP pretend to eradicate corruption when its 'washing machine' in full spin, alleges Congress
The Congress party has accused the BJP of sheltering corrupt leaders and failing to act against them once they join the ruling party. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the BJP's treatment of democracy in Goa, alleging that the party's washing machine for corrupt leaders was in full swing there. He questioned why action against former chief ministers accused of corruption halted once they joined the BJP. Ramesh also raised concerns about onion farmers in Maharashtra and accused the Modi government of neglecting them.
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Manifesto nationally focused, will be implemented if INDIA bloc comes to power: TMC leader Amit Mitra
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has unveiled a nationally focused manifesto for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing its implementation plans once the INDIA bloc government assumes power, according to senior leader Amit Mitra. The manifesto highlights welfare schemes, economic policies, and employment strategies, including support for MSMEs, the gig economy, and the unorganized sector.
Triple blow of demonetisation, GST, unplanned Covid lockdowns decimated MSMEs in TN: Congress
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that before the BJP came to power, Tamil Nadu boasted a thriving ecosystem of more than 10 lakh Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), more than any other state.
Sanjay Raut is a 'khichdi chor', says Sanjay Nirupam
Sanjay Raut took a bribe of Rs 1 crore in the name of his family and partner, Nirupam alleged. His daughter, however, is innocent and unaware of such things, he added.
Lenders to sell Wind World (India) debt to NARCL, recover 18% dues
National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL) emerged as the winning bidder in an uncontested Swiss challenge auction for a majority debt of Wind World (India). NARCL offered Rs 670 crore to acquire Rs 3763 crore debt from lenders, providing an 18% recovery. The resolution process faced delays due to Covid-19 and internal disputes within the company.
Fun and games
Books got read; scrabble boards saw the light of day, as did other board games like snakes and ladders, Chinese checkers, carrom board, chess and monopoly, keeping us entertained, occupied and happy. It took a pandemic to remind us that fun and games are also an important part of life even if one was past childhood. Painting, clay modelling and other handicraft became popular. Online courses in yoga, languages and other skills were sought after.
NARCL, Omkara ARC in fray for Wind World debt
State-owned National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL) and Manish Lalwani-promoted Omkara Assets Reconstruction Company (ARC) are in the fray to acquire the debt of wind turbine manufacturer Wind World (India) that has been under corporate insolvency process for over five years.
NCLAT stays NCLT order in Dream 11 case, directs IRP not to take any step till Feb 23
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has stayed the NCLT Mumbai bench's order to initiate a Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) against Sporta Technologies, the operator of the fantasy sports platform Dream11. The stay will remain in effect until the next hearing on February 23.
China's population dropped for a second straight year as deaths jumped after Covid lockdowns ended
China faces a second consecutive annual population decline, with 2.75 million fewer people in 2023 due to a sharp drop in births and COVID-19 fatalities post-lockdown. This exacerbates economic challenges, stemming from a prolonged decline in birth rates, rising unemployment, falling wages, and a property sector crisis. With youth unemployment at record highs, China's growth prospects dim, prompting concerns about a shrinking workforce and consumer base, while elderly care costs strain local governments. As India surpasses China in population, geopolitical tensions heighten, leading to debates about relocating supply chains.
China's Q4 GDP grows 5.2% y/y, below market forecast
For the full-year 2023, the economy grew 5.2%, data from the National Bureau of Statistics data showed, partly helped by the previous year's low-base effect which was marked by COVID-19 lockdowns. Analysts had forecast 5.2% growth.
Thousands of Chinese migrants cross border as US marks 80th anniversary of Repeal of Exclusion Act
As the US marks the 80th anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act, thousands of Chinese immigrants are crossing the US-Mexico border after witnessing a decline in the Chinese economy, as reported by Voice of America (VOA).
UK PM Rishi Sunak reportedly said 'just let people die', COVID inquiry hears
During the COVID-19 inquiry, a diary note by Patrick Vallance revealed a meeting where Rishi Sunak allegedly suggested "just let people die" instead of imposing a second lockdown. Dominic Cummings relayed this sentiment from Sunak, criticizing the lack of leadership. The inquiry scrutinizes the government's pandemic response, highlighting a culture of unpreparedness and Sunak's controversial policies, like the "Eat Out to Help Out" scheme. This challenges Sunak's attempt to distance himself from Johnson's leadership, potentially undermining his image despite his senior ministerial role.
Travel sites told to refund air tickets booked during lockdown
The DoCA told the companies to process the pending refunds by the third week of November, failing which the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) will initiate legal proceedings in the apex court, including filing of a contempt petition against the defaulting platforms, it said in a statement.
Pandemic lockdown decision was delayed to bring down Cong govt in MP in 2020, claims Jairam Ramesh
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged that the COVID-19 lockdown was delayed to topple the Kamal Nath government in Madhya Pradesh. He promised to win back power in the upcoming elections, citing fulfilled guarantees and a united opposition alliance. Ramesh also criticized the BJP and central agencies' actions in various states.
Delhi to be declared 'controlled zone' during G20 Summit, but police denies lockdown rumors
The employees of the private sector are to enjoy a three-day paid holiday from September 8 to 10. However, it's essential to highlight that the 'lockdown' holiday directive pertains exclusively to the New Delhi district. Establishments in other districts will operate as per usual.
PM Modi talks of cooperative federalism, but coercive federalism witnessed in country: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday alleged that "blatant subversion of the constitutional separation of powers" was taking place through the bill to replace the Delhi services ordinance and said while Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks about cooperative federalism, the country was witnessing "coercive federalism".
Elderly patients fill hospitals in Shanghai Covid surge
Coughing, groaning, and gasping for breath, elderly Covid patients crammed hospital corridors in Shanghai on Tuesday as a wave of Covid-19 cases raged through the Chinese megacity.
India doesn't need to ban international flights or impose lockdown under present Covid scenario: Experts
"Overall, there is no increase in Covid caseload and India currently is in a comfortable situation. Under present circumstances, there is no need to restrict international flights or impose a lockdown," Dr Randeep Guleria, a former AIIMS director, told PTI.
Chinese unrest over lockdowns upends global economic outlook
Millions of China’s citizens have chafed under a tight lockdown for months as the Communist Party seeks to overcome the spread of the COVID-19 virus, three years after its emergence.
Covid-19 lockdowns: US says Chinese have the right to protest
"We've long said everyone has the right to peacefully protest, here in the United States and around the world. This includes in the People's Republic of China," the State Department said in an emailed statement.
Anti-lockdown protests intensify in China as COVID cases hit record high
Chinese social media and Twitter have many videos of public protests, including a mass demonstration in Shanghai where people in a rare display of anger shouted slogans against the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) and President Xi Jinping.
China's Covid 19 cases touch record high; Beijing resorts to community lockdowns
The National Health Commission reported 31,444 local infections on Thursday, surpassing 29,317 cases recorded on April 13 during the height of the lockdown in Shanghai where over 25 million people were confined to their homes for months, drawing public protests. Also, there is growing anxiety in the capital Beijing, especially the sprawling Chaoyang district, home of the country's top leadership, besides the elite as the caseload in the district climbed to 1,648, perhaps the highest in recent times.
Virus lockdowns hit China economic powerhouse Guangzhou
Residents in districts encompassing almost 5 million people have been ordered to stay home at least through Sunday, with one member of each family allowed out once per day to purchase necessities, local authorities said Wednesday.
Apple says iPhone production hit by China Covid lockdown
Apple warned customers would face longer wait times for iPhones with the holiday season approaching, after Covid restrictions in central China "temporarily impacted" production at the world's largest factory producing the smartphone.
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