Today News Diary on 19 February 2021

1. Text of PM’s address at the inauguration and laying of foundation stone of the key projects of power and urban sector in Kerala

2. PM pays tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his Jayanti

3. PM addresses India-Australia Circular Economy Hackathon (I-ACE)

4. PM addresses the Convocation Ceremony of Visva-Bharati University

5. Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Granted Drone Use Permission

6. India-China to hold 10th round of Corps Commander level talks following first phase of disengagement at Pangong Lake

7. Bangladesh Supreme Court launches AI based translation software ‘Amar Vasha’

8. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India sign MoU to promote health research

9. American space agency NASA lands its fifth rover 'Perseverance' on Mars successfully

10. Injured protester dies, UK slaps sanctions against Myanmar govt

11. Indian boxers assure 12 medals at Adriatic Pearl in Montenegro

12. Japanese student forced to dye her hair black wins, and loses, in court

13. Uber loses UK Supreme Court fight, must classify drivers as workers

14. It’s final: Harry and Meghan won’t return as working royals

15. Malaysian court fines news portal over readers’ comments on judiciary

16. US officially rejoins Paris Climate accord, 107 days after it quit

17. Husband cannot abdicate responsibility of paying maintenance to estranged wife: Supreme Court

18. Sitting on hunger strike cannot attract offence under Section 309 of IPC, rules Madras HC

Synopsis

National

PM addresses India-Australia Circular Economy Hackathon (I-ACE)

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has said that there is a need to look at our consumption patterns, and how we can reduce their ecological impact. He said Circular Economy can be a key step in solving many of our challenges in this regard. He was addressing the valedictory function of India-Australia Circular Economy Hackathon today via video conference.

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Granted Drone Use Permission

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted conditional exemption for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) usage to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoAFW), Government of India. The permission allows drone deployment by the MoAFW for remote sensing data collection in agricultural areas of 100 districts of the country, for Gram Panchayat level yield estimation, under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

Three militants, policeman killed in encounters in Kashmir

Srinagar: Three unidentified militants and a policeman were killed in two separate encounters in Budgam and Shopian districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India sign MoU to promote health research

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the development, conduct and promotion of health research in India.

Goa CM seeks industry bodies' support to three infra projects

Amid opposition faced by the Goa government to three infrastructure projects, including the railway track doubling, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has urged the industry bodies in the state to speak in favour of these projects.

UP Assembly session briefly adjourned after Opposition brings up farmers' protests

The proceedings of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly budget session on Friday got off to a stormy start over the farmers'' issue with Leader of Opposition Ram Govind Chaudhary demanding immediate discussion on the topic.

Mamata likely to skip Niti Aayog meeting on Feb 20

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to skip the Niti Aayog''s governing council meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 20, sources said on Friday.

International

Bangladesh Supreme Court launches AI based translation software ‘Amar Vasha’

The Bangladesh Supreme Court yesterday launched the Artificial Intelligence (AI) based translation software ‘Amar Vasha’ through a virtual event. The software will translate orders and judgements of the Supreme Court from English to Bangla.

Biden admn introduces ambitious immigration bill in Congress;Indian IT professionals to be benefited

Washington: The Biden administration has introduced an ambitious immigration bill in Congress which among other things proposes to eliminate the per-country cap for employment-based green cards.

Bills introduced in US Congress to counter growing Chinese influence

Several top US Republican lawmakers have introduced more than a dozen bills in Congress to counter the growing Chinese influence in the country and to protect America''s critical infrastructure.

Australian leader urges Facebook to lift its news blockade

Australia''s prime minister on Friday urged Facebook to lift its blockade of Australian users and return to the negotiating table with news publishing businesses, warning that other countries would follow his government''s example in making digital giants pay for journalism.

US says it is willing to sit down for talks with Iran and other nations on nuclear deal

The Biden administration has said it is willing to sit down for talks with Iran and world powers to discuss a diplomatic way forward on Tehran''s atomic programme, in the first major step aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal that was close to falling apart after the previous Trump regime withdrew from it.

China officially admits 5 military officers, soldiers killed in Galwan Valley clash with Indian Army

Five Chinese military officers and soldiers were killed in the fierce clash with the Indian Army in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh in June last year, the People''s Liberation Army (PLA) officially acknowledged for the first time on Friday.

Business

Sensex drops over 250 pts in early trade; Nifty slips below 15,050

Mumbai: Equity benchmark Sensex dropped over 250 points in early trade tracking losses in banking and financial stocks amid negative cues from global markets.

Zydus Cadila gets USFDA nod for low blood pressure drug

Zydus Cadila on Friday said it has received final approval from the US health regulator to market Droxidopa capsules, used to treat low blood pressure.

Asia stocks follow Wall St. down after weaker US jobs data

Asian stock markets followed Wall Street lower on Friday after disappointing US jobs and economic data.

Legal

SC expunges remarks made against 3 sitting members of NCLAT

New Delhi: The Supreme Court expunged remarks made against three sitting members of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) by a bench headed by acting chairperson Justice Bansi Lal Bhat.

Tablighi Jamaat case: UP court acquits 17 including 7 foreign nationals

A court here discharged 17 alleged Tablighi Jamat members, booked early last year for various offences during the COVID-19 lockdown, of all charges, saying there was no prima facie evidence on record to make them stand trial.

Entertainment

Ella Emhoff makes runway debut - and yes, she's in a coat

They already knew she looked good in a coat.

Uzo Aduba inks deal with CBS Studios, to star in Robert and Michelle King drama

Three-time Emmy winner Uzo Aduba has signed a multi-year producing deal with CBS Studios under which her first project will be drama "Low Country". According to Deadline, Aduba will star in and executive produce the show.

Netflix to adapt Lupita Nyong'o children's book Sulwe' as animated musical

Hollywood star Lupita Nyong''o''s 2019 children''s book about colorism and self-love, Sulwe, will be adapted as an animated musical on Netflix.

Whoopi Goldberg joins Amazon series 'Harlem'

Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg has boarded the cast of Amazon''s upcoming comedy series "Harlem".

Sports

Man United, Spurs win big in relocated Europa League games

Berlin: Bruno Fernandes scored twice as Manchester United took a big step toward the last 16 of the Europa League with a 4-0 "away" win over Spanish team Real Sociedad in Italy.

It was nerve-wracking, my parents had tears of joy: Gowtham

A net bowler with the Indian team right now, uncapped Karnataka all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham is still trying to get a grip on his emotions after fetching a mind-boggling Rs 9.25 crore deal with Chennai Super Kings which left his parents and wife overwhelmed by tears of joy.

Pakistan T20 tournament marks return of fans in stadiums

Spectators will return to cricket stadiums in Pakistan for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began when the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League begins in the southern port city of Karachi on Saturday.

Marta scores as Brazil defeats Argentina 4-1

Marta scored on a penalty kick in the 30th minute and Brazil went on to defeat Argentina 4-1 in the opening match of the SheBelieves Cup. Marta, the six-time FIFA World Player of the Year, now has 109 career goals for Brazil. Debinha and Adriana added early second-half goals for Brazil, which is coached by former US national team coach Pia Sundhage.

News in Detail

India-China to hold 10th round of Corps Commander level talks following first phase of disengagement at Pangong Lake

India and China will hold 10th round of Corps Commander level talks on Saturday at Moldo on the Chinese side of LAC in eastern Ladakh. The move follows the first phase of disengagement at Pangong Lake.

Ahead of the talks, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying told media in Beijing that the two sides are in communication. She said India is an important neighbour and restoring a healthy stable relationship is the aspiration and in the interest of the people. However, she said the timing of the talks and the revelation about the Galwan casualty figure on Chinese side are not related.

China on Friday, for the first time admitted casualties on its side at the Galwan valley clashes. The news came through the official media channels which gave details about the 4 Chinese soldiers who died in the clashes including one regimental commander from the PLA Xinjiang Military Command. It took almost 8 months in revealing the Galwan casualty details. Later, at the Chinese foreign ministry briefing, the spokesperson said that this was in response to varying kinds of media reports and to better uphold peace and stability along the border. Yet at the same time, she said there was no relation between the timing of next round of talks at corps commander level and the revelation about Chinese casualties in Galwan valley clashes.

Now through diplomatic and military channels, the two sides are in communication on completing the disengagement smoothly. As the two sides engage into the 10th round of military talks on the Chinese side in Moldo on Saturday, they would be looking ahead to make progress in the process of disengagement.

In May 2020, the PLA troops moved forward from their usual positions in the Indian side of the LAC, leading to a long-drawn border standoff. On 10th February, China announced the "start of synchronized and organized disengagement" by the frontline troops of both sides at the southern and northern bank of Pangong Lake. China on Thursday said that the disengagement between Indian and Chinese troops from Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh was proceeding smoothly and expressed confidence that the two countries will achieve the goal. 

American space agency NASA lands its fifth rover 'Perseverance' on Mars successfully

The American space agency NASA successfully landed its fifth rover 'Perseverance' on Mars yesterday in a deep crater near the planet's equator called Jezero. It touched down the surface of Mars after successfully overcoming a risky landing phase known as the seven minutes of terror. The six-wheeled vehicle will now spend at least the next two years drilling into the local rocks, looking for evidence of past life.

About the size of an SUV, it weighs a ton, is equipped with a seven feet long robotic arm, has 19 cameras, two microphones and a suite of cutting-edge instruments to assist in its scientific goals. It has a laser spectrometer on board that will be able to examine rocks using different wavelengths of energy.

Starting from summer, it will attempt to collect around 30 rock and soil samples in sealed tubes, to be eventually sent back to Earth sometime in the 2030s for lab analysis. The rover is only the fifth ever to set its wheels down on Mars. This feat was first accomplished in 1997 and all so far have been American.

Injured protester dies, UK slaps sanctions against Myanmar govt

The Myanmar protestor who was injured by a rubber bullet fired by the security forces on February 9 has died. The 20 year old protestor Mya Thwate Khaing was standing near a bus shelter in Naypyitaw to avoid a water cannon when she was hit by a bullet fired by the police. The death was confirmed by the brother of the girl to Reuters over phone.

The protests continued for the second week after the military government took over power in Myanmar from the civilian government led by State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1. The military government has arrested more than 500 people till now for taking part in the protest or supporting it.

On Wednesday, the police in Myanmar issued arrest warrants against six celebrities accusing them of using their popularity to encourage civil servants to join the civil disobedience movement and participate in protests. The list includes Paing Phyo Thu who is among the top actresses of Myanmar, two actors, a singer and two other prominent directors of Myanmar.

The UN in Myanmar on Friday released a statement by UNICEF expressing deep concern at the arrest of children who may have participated in the protests.

The United Kingdom has also announced sanctions against the military government. The Foreign Secretary of UK Dominic Raab announced sanction on Thursday against the Myanmar military for serious human rights violations. The UK has imposed sanctions against three individuals of the Myanmar government including the Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and Deputy Minister for Home Affairs for their role in serious human rights violations. The press statement by the Foreign Ministry of UK said that it will stop businesses working with the Myanmar military.

The EU is also preparing to adopt restrictive measures like visa ban and freezing of assets against the military government of Myanmar in its meeting scheduled to be held on Feb. 22.

Indian boxers assure 12 medals at Adriatic Pearl in Montenegro

Rohtak’s Vinka and Manipur’s Babyrojisana Chanu in action Ankit Narwal and Akash in fray for medals.

The 2019 Asian Youth gold medallists Babyrojisana Chanu (51kg) and Vinka (60kg) have advanced to the semi-finals at the 30th Adriatic Pearl Tournament in Budva, Montenegro and secured at least bronze medals with dominating wins in the first round.

Manipur’s Babyrojisana Chanu, who trains at MC Mary Kom’s academy, did not put a foot wrong and dominated her opponent Georgieva Blagovesta of Bulgaria from the word go and as a result, the referee had to stop the contest in the 1st round. She will face Uzbekistan’s Feruza Kazakova in the semi-final.

Rohtak’s Vinka, who was up against Uzbekistan’s Sevara Ashurova in the quarter-finals bout, produced a flawless display of her attacking prowess. The young pugilist’s attacking acumen was widely appreciated by everyone as she advanced to the last-four stage where she will face Finland’s Suvi Tujula.

Meanwhile, the 2018 Best Asian Women’s Junior Boxer Arundhati Choudhary (69kg) also started her campaign impressively as she blanked Finland’s Evelina Taimi 5-0 and ensured a bronze medal for her.

However, it was a tough day for the men boxers as Arambam Naoba Singh (52kg), Sumit (69kg), Vishal Gupta (91kg) lost their respective quarter-final bouts, held on Thursday. While Jugnoo (91+kg) moved to the semis, courtesy a walkover.

Apart from Babyrojisana Chanu (51kg), Vinka (60kg) and Arundhati Choudhary (69kg), Neha (54kg) and Sanamacha Chanu Thokchom (75kg) will be the other Women Boxers in contention to reach the final tonight whereas Alfiya Pathan (81+kg) will face Moldova’s Daria Kozorev for gold medal later on Friday. Two male boxers – Akash Gorkha (60kg) and Ankit Narwal (64kg), will also be competing in the quarter-finals tonight.

Other women boxers assured of a medal are Preeti (57kg) and Lucky Rana (64kg) as they are already in semis while Geetika (48kg) and Raj Sahiba (75kg) will play in the final in their respective category. Among men, Priyanshu Dabas (49kg) and Jugnoo (91+kg) have secured at least a bronze medal as they will be seen in action in the last-four stage.