Shell and BP paid zero tax on North Sea gas and oil for three years

Firms defend paying no corporation tax after government handed out billions to energy giants

Shell and BP, which together produce more than 1.7bn tonnes of greenhouse gases a year, have not paid any corporation tax on oil and gas production in the North Sea for the last three years, company filings reveal.

The oil giants, which have an annual global footprint of greenhouse gases more than five times bigger than Britain’s, are benefiting from billions of pounds of tax breaks and reliefs for oil and gas production.

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Lebanon sentenced me to 10 years in prison for helping sick Palestinian children – I consider my work a badge of honour | Jamal Rifi

As a doctor, I believe turning away from desperately ill kids – be they in Palestine or elsewhere – is a far greater crime

I have never walked away from a fight involving the wellbeing of children. I have never abandoned the right for Palestinian health workers to train in Israel for the benefit of those same children.

Why is this something I need to speak about publicly now?

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Madhya Pradesh: Cop shoots wife to death before committing suicide

Bhopal/Shahdol: A policeman allegedly shot his wife dead before committing suicide by his service revolver in Shahdol district, Saturday evening.

Police said sub inspector Hira Singh 37, was posted as incharge of Panwar police station in Rewa district. His family lived in Shahdol in a rented accommodation, said the police.

Deputy Superintendent of police (DSP) Sonali Gupta said the cop reached Shahdol in afternoon. Around 5 pm, his daughter heard shots which she construed as some fire cracker bursting. However, she entered the room after an hour and found her parents lying in pool of blood.

The girl informed neighbours and they informed police. A team of Kotwali police reached the spot and sent the bodies for post-mortem.

Gupta said prima facie it appeared that Singh himself killed his wife before shooting down himself.

She said the cause of suicide and murder will be probed.

Also Read: Blackmailed with morphed images, Bhopal girl shells out Rs 77K to extortionist

source https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/madhya-pradesh-cop-shoots-wife-to-death-before-committing-suicide

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G20 Summit: World leaders endorse landmark pact on global minimum corporate tax

The G-20 – a conference of the world's powerhouse economies – have endorsed a landmark agreement on a global minimum corporate tax.

This would entail establishing a 15% global minimum corporate tax rate by 2023, a measure aimed at preventing multinational companies from stashing profits in countries where they pay few or no taxes.

The move has been praised by White House officials as a "game changer" that would create at least $60 billion in new revenue a year in the U.S. - a stream of cash that could help partially pay for a nearly $3 trillion social services and infrastructure package that President Joe Biden is seeking. U.S. adoption was key because so many multinational companies are headquartered there.

The announcement in the opening session of the summit marked the world’s most aggressive attempt yet to stop opportunistic companies like Apple from sheltering profits in so-called tax havens, where tax rates are low and corporations often maintain little physical presence beyond an official headquarters, reports New York Times.

Italy's Premier Mario Draghi opened the conference with a sharp call to pick up the pace in getting vaccines to poor countries, calling the gaping global COVID-19 vaccine gap "morally unacceptable."

The call for more collective help for low-income countries sounded a theme running through the summit, which faces a global economy recovering at different speeds. Climate change, vaccines, the recovery, international taxation are all themes occupying leaders holding their first in-person summit since the pandemic took hold.

Rich countries have used vaccines and stimulus spending to restart economic activity, ignoring the risk that developing countries that account for much of global growth will remain behind due to low vaccinations and financing difficulties.

European Union leaders will meet off-site with African leaders in efforts to further support the continent's poorest economies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters on Friday he expects the G-20 to confirm an additional $100 billion to support Africa's economies.

Italy is hoping the G-20 will secure key commitments from countries representing 80% of the global economy - and responsible for around the same amount of global carbon emissions - ahead of the U.N. climate conference that begins Sunday in Glasgow, Scotland.

Most of the heads of state and government who are in Rome will head to Glasgow as soon as the G-20 is over. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are participating remotely.

On the eve of the meeting, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the Glasgow meeting risked failure over the still-tepid commitments from big polluters and challenged the G-20 leaders to overcome "dangerous levels of mistrust" among themselves and with developing nations.

The U.N. chief also blamed geopolitical divides for hampering a global vaccination plan to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, saying action "has taken a back seat to vaccine hoarding and vaccine nationalism.''

Also Read: Watch video: PM Modi, other world leaders gather for 'family photo' during G20 summit at Roma Convention Center

source https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/g20-summit-world-leaders-endorse-landmark-pact-on-global-minimum-corporate-tax

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Madhya Pradesh: Multai karateka team shines in Chhindwara

Multai (Madhya Pradesh): Karatekas from Multai city have excelled in a divisional-level competition from October 26 to 28 in Chhindwara.

The karate team from Multai became overall champion in the competition held by the Karate Association of India.

Black Belt Dan Mrityunjay Patel and Black Belt Surya Patel coached 16 players who have won 16 gold medals and six silver medals.

They are Niksha Agarwal, Tulsi Patwa, Divya Pawar, Pihu Pawar, Mauryashri Barange, Ashwini Barange, Disha Barange, Ujjawal Patwa, Manas Khandelwal, Manas Chandel and Mohammed Sad have performed well.

All these players take part in the state-level tournament to be held in November.

These karatekas have been given warm reception after their arrival in Bhopal.

Lions Club distributes sweets among poor

The members of Lions Club reached the houses of the poor and distributed sweets, health tonic, medicines and other items among them on Saturday.

Deepesh Bothra of the Lions Club said that the organisation distributes sweets and other items among the poor. As part of the scheme, the organisation identified 45 families and distributed gifts among 25 families. President of Lions Club Ravi Khare, secretary Ashwin Dhote, Mahesh Nayak, Deepesh Bothra and others were present.

Also Read: Madhya Pradesh: Amid by-polls in state, petrol crosses Rs 121 per litre in border district; diesel costs over Rs 110

source https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/madhya-pradesh-multai-karateka-team-shines-in-chhindwara

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Thane: 33-year-old woman duped of Rs 1.33 lakh by online fraudsters; police register case

A 33-year-old woman from Thane was cheated by online fraudsters for Rs 1.33 lakhs. The accused on the pretext of giving a job to the victim shared a link and later took details of credit card and cheated her.

The police said the complainant is a resident of Owale on Ghodbunder road in Thane. The woman claims the cheating took place on September 9, 2021 in the afternoon. "She claims to have received a call from an unknown person who claimed to be Riya Sharma. The caller pretended to be an employee of Naukri.com and was assured of a job. After getting confirmation from the victim for the requirement of a job. The caller sends a link asking the victim to fill up the form online. Further taking the credit card details transfer the cash of Rs 1, 31, 517," said a police officer from Kasarvadavli police station.

The Kasarvadavli police have registered a case under section 419 (Punishment for cheating by personation) and 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) of the Indian penal code and sections of the Information Technology Act. "The woman gave a written complaint and after investigation a case was registered on 29 October. During the investigation it is learnt that the caller took different OTP's and transferred the amount to Freecharge payment tech and cheated the complainant. With the help of the details on which the cash was transferred we are trying to trace the accused," added the police officer.

Also Read: Thane: Two killed, four injured in knife attack by neighbour in Bhiwandi town

source https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/thane-33-year-old-woman-duped-of-rs-133-lakh-by-online-fraudsters-police-register-case

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Coalition government with Congress as major party in 2024: Sanjay Raut

Amid NCP Minister Nawab Malik’s allegations on collusion between the BJP and the Narcotics Control Bureau, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut targeted the Centre, saying that a coalition government with Congress as a major party will come to power in 2024, and it will end the reign of the incumbent one-party government.

“No government can be formed without Congress, which is a major and deeply-rooted party in the country. Congress is the main opposition party, too. Others are regional parties,” said Raut. There has been a growing bonhomie between Raut and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, and Raut has supported NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s line that Congress will have to be at the centre in any front or congregation of non-BJP parties to take on the BJP in the next general elections.

Asked about political strategist Prashant Kishor’s reported statement that the BJP will remain in power for many decades, Raut said the BJP will stay in Indian politics but as an opposition party.

“BJP claims it is the world’s biggest party. If the world’s biggest party loses elections, they will become an opposition party. For example, in Maharashtra, the BJP is the main opposition party with 105 MLAs,” he said.

On the upcoming Assembly elections in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, Raut said, “At present, we are focusing in Dadra, Nagar Haveli, and Goa. There is still time for UP elections. We are a smaller player in UP but we will contest.”

Raut also said that for the last two years media persons are not allowed in the central hall of the Parliament citing the coronavirus pandemic. “But the real reason behind the ban is fear that many things might come out if reporters are allowed to speak to ministers who are being asked to maintain distance from journalists. Media was not stopped even during Emergency like it is now,” Raut claimed.

Claiming there is pressure from the Central government on the media and they are being captured by corporate houses, Raut alleged that the Centre only wants favourable reporting. “After a newspaper reported about corpses floating in the Ganga river (during the worst phase of the Covid-19 pandemic) the Income Tax department raided the offices of that newspaper,” he said.

He alleged that industries that wanted licenses to operate were made to invest in media organisations so that they (the government) can control the media.

Also Read: 'Ye ishq nahīñ āsāñ': Nawab Malik posts Jigar Moradabadi's couplet amidst 'battle' with NCB's Sameer Wankhede; Twitterati wonder what's next

source https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/coalition-government-with-congress-as-major-party-will-come-to-power-at-centre-after-2024-general-elections-sanjay-raut

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J&K: Two Army personnel killed in landmine blast near LoC

An Army officer and a jawan were killed in a mine explosion near a forward post along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district late Saturday.

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'Puneeth's B.P., heart rate were normal': Dr Rao

Stating that the actor complained of some weakness and was sweating at the time he saw him, Dr. Ramana Rao told the online daily that Puneeth Rajkumar's blood pressure read 150/92 and his heart rate too seemed in control.

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Yemen: bomb blast near Aden airport kills at least 12 civilians

Attack in interim capital comes weeks after car bomb targeted Aden’s governor

At least 12 civilians have been killed in a blast near the airport of Aden, the Yemeni government’s interim capital, a senior security official told AFP.

There were also serious injuries, said the official, adding that the cause of the blast on Saturday was unknown. Another security official confirmed the death toll.

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If opposition parties abroad can put aside their differences, why can’t Davey, Starmer and co? | Nick Cohen

Mock progressive alliances all you like, but they’ve never been more essential

The uniting of the opposition in 2023 was a moment of optimism built out of despair. Labour, the Lib Dems, Greens and Welsh Nationalists resolved to do whatever it took to drive Boris Johnson from power. Under the slogan “just get rid of them”, they overcame an electoral system that had delivered a majority of 80 to the Conservatives on 43% of the vote in 2019 and could do so again.

In Turkey, Hungary and Israel, opposition parties had shown that protecting democracy from strongman leaders was more important than ideological divisions. The UK centre-left did not want its country to become a one-party state either and decided to put just one opposition candidate against the Tories in each seat.

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Mumbai cruise drugs bust: Aryan Khan welcomed by hundreds of fans outside Mannat

Prince’ Aryan Khan seems to have achieved ‘stardom’ by default. Having lived a sheltered life in his father’s shadow all these years, he ambled out of the Arthur Road prison on Saturday, after spending 22 restless days in the central Mumbai facility, to a fawning welcome. That he was arrested during a drug raid on a cruise ship seemed to matter little to the TRP-famished television channels and the voracious paparazzi.

Hounded by the TV crew, keen to devour every sound-bite, and legion of SRK ‘fans,’ who had appeared out of the blue, it took the ‘Mannat Prince of Wales’ almost 40 minutes to reach home in suburban Bandra. Half an hour before Aryan’s release, his father's bodyguard was dutifully stationed near a white Range Rover car parked outside the prison’s gate. Later, the Range Rover became part of a convoy that would put any small-time ‘neta’ to shame.

The 23-year-old, arrested on October 3 by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), was released at 11 am; he reached his residence shortly after 11:30 pm. Outside Mannat, fans thronged the approach road and the additional police posse and SRK’s private security had to clear the area for Aryan's car to plough through. However, the crowd was in for a disappointment as they couldn’t get a glimpse of the star kid. SRK was expected to make a dramatic appearance in the balcony and greet the onlookers but that was not to be. Rather, they had to be content with the dhol-baaja acoustics.

An insider told a news portal that SRK was likely to visit the Sidhivinayak temple for thanksgiving.

Sources in the prison department said they had received 11 order copies of undertrial inmates, who were released along with Aryan. Also, three convicts were released at the same time.

Superintendent of Arthur road jail N B Vayachal confirmed the release, which was as per procedure after receiving the bail order in the bail box.
Officials at the prison said that Aryan would remember his time in the jail as he was not given any VIP treatment. “He will sleep well at home on the bed, as he had slept on a mat in his barrack,” said an official.

There was less crowd outside Arthur Road jail on Saturday, as against that on Friday. A strict bandobast was in place for the safe release of the inmates. The prison staff was given strict instructions to avoid shaking hands and taking a selfie with the junior Khan.

There was buzz about SRK coming to receive his son, which proved to be a hoax.

Also Read: Here’s why Aryan Khan will not leave his home Mannat for the next couple of days

source https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-cruise-drugs-bust-aryan-khan-welcomed-by-hundreds-of-fans-outside-mannat

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Watch video: Shardul Thakur and Ishan Kishan dance while India team-mates cheer them

India will be stepping on to the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday to take on New Zealand in the Super 12 clash of the T20 World Cup, in what is the virtual knockout.

Ahead of the crucial Group 2 match, the team was seen having a good time in a video posted on social media.

This Indian team is special. pic.twitter.com/WCL5eCfLBD

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 30, 2021

Shardul Thakur and Ishan Kishan were seen having a small dance, with the likes of Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli cheering them and enjoying it. The kids of some of the players were also seen.

India have never won against New Zealand in a T20 World Cup match.

source https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/cricket/watch-video-shardul-thakur-and-ishan-kishan-dance-while-india-team-mates-cheer-them

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Madhya Pradesh: BHEL employees may not get bonus this Diwali

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The employees of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) are losing all hope of getting their Diwali bonus this year despite protesting against the management for more than over week.

Talking to Free Press on Saturday, the employees claimed that the management didnít meet them even once to discuss their grievances.

All three representative units of BHEL employees - National Labours' Congress, Bharatiya Majdoor Sangh (BMS) and All India BHEL Employees Union are protesting with a list of demands that include Diwali bonus, incentive, T3, night allowance, term insurance of Rs 1 crore, PP bonus, SIP bonus and restarting all three canteens that have been shut. They have also been demanding to restart appointments on compassionate grounds for kin of deceased employees.

More than 5,000 employees arrived for work with black ribbons tied on their hands. An employee at BHEL and president of BMS, Vijay Kathait, said, "The management used to call meeting every year ahead of Diwali to discuss bonus. But this year, they have not only neglected Diwali bonus but are also adamant on depriving workers of other essential allowances."

"We were expecting a meeting or a notice on Saturday, but nothing came. Diwali is only a couple of days away and we have lost all hope. We will keep protesting, however," he added.

The general secretary of BMS, Kamlesh Nagpure, said, "We are protesting peacefully but that doesnít mean that we are not serious about our demands. None of the officials from the management responded to our calls."

The BHEL spokesperson Raghavendra Shukla said, "Diwali bonus is decided after a meeting with management and representatives from employeesí unions. No such meeting has been called, so no amount has been decided."

Also Read: Madhya Pradesh: BJP leader among four arrested for looting businessman in running train

source https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/madhya-pradesh-bhel-employees-may-not-get-bonus-this-diwali

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Kawardha communal violence case: IGP (Durg-Range) Vivekanand Sinha transferred to Naxal operations

Inspector of General of Police (Durg-Range) Vivekanand Sinha was transferred on Saturday to Chhattisgarh Police Headquarters Raipur.

An order issued by Chhattisgarh Government’s Home Department on Saturday said that IG Durg Vivekanand Sinha was transferred to PHQ and was made Additional Director General Naxal operations. Meanwhile, IPS officer OP Pal who is looking after Special Intelligence Branch (SIB) has been appointed as Durg range IG.

The transfer of the IG Vivekanand Sinha was expected in political circles.

The violence which broke on October 3 in Kawardha took shape of communal violence and the tension continued for almost a week in the earlier days of October followed by a long curfew. 90 people including a few known BJP leaders were booked for creating law and order problems.

The ministers of the Chhattisgarh government admitted in a press conference that it was an outcome of police and administration failure.

After the press conference, it was expected that sooner or later, the IG has to pay the price, and finally, he was transferred said a Raipur-based senior journalist Ashok Tomar. In this case, BJP leaders also criticized the action of the IG in strong words.

Also Read: Chhattisgarh: HBSS committee slams Rahul Gandhi, expresses concern over opening of new coal mines in Hasdeo Arand area

source https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/kawardha-communal-violence-case-igp-durg-range-vivekanand-sinha-transferred-to-naxal-operations

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T20 World Cup: England bowlers, Jos Buttler hand Australia a drubbing

Jos Buttler smashed an unbeaten 71 off just 32 balls as England made light work of the 126-run chase against Australia in their Super 12 clash of the Men's T20 World Cup in Dubai on Saturday. Earlier, a combined bowling effort from England, led by Chris Jordan's three wickets, saw them bowl the Aussies out for 125.

Buttler and Jason Roy (22) hammered the Australian bowlers all around the park to amass 66 runs for no loss in the powerplay, the highest by any team so far in the tournament.

Buttler was the most dangerous of the England batters as he slammed five fours and as many sixes during his unbeaten knock, which is the fastest fifty in the tournament till now.

Australia managed to get rid of Roy and Dawid Malan (8) but it made no difference as Jonny Bairstow joined Buttler in sending their opponents on a leather hunt.

Bairstow smashed two sixes off Adam Zampa during his unbeaten 10-ball 16 run innings as England reached 126 for two to win the match with 50 balls to spare.

England thus completed a hat-trick of wins, while Australia suffered their first loss of the tournament after beating South Africa and Sri Lanka in their previous two games.

Earlier, Chris Woakes (2/23) and Jordan (3/17) rattled Australia's top-order by removing opener David Warner (1), Steve Smith (1) and Glenn Maxwell (6) in the first four overs before skipper Aaron Finch (44 off 49 balls) resurrected the innings.

Ashton Agar (20), Pat Cummins (12) and Mitchell Starc (13) then hit some lusty blows at the death to give some respectability to the Australian total.

Woakes was in action early on as he induced a nick from Warner to deal the first blow and then pulled off a sensational catch at mid-on to remove Steve Smith off Jordan's bowling.

Woakes then trapped Maxwell in front of wicket as Australia slumped to 15 for 3 in 4 overs.

Leg-spinner Adil Rashid (1/19), who had opened the bowling for England, then returned to trap Marcus Stoinis LBW with a googly as Australia were tottering at 21 for 4 in 6.1 overs.

Matthew Wade (18) then joined skipper Finch, taking Australia to 41 for four in 10 overs.

Wade, however, perished in the 12th over after holing out at long-on to Jason Roy off Liam Livingstone.

Finch smashed back-to-back boundaries to cream 10 runs off Tymal Mills, before picking up another boundary off Jordan in the next over.

Agar then exploded in the 17th over as he pulled one from Woakes over deep backward square leg before walloping him for another six over deep midwicket to score 20 runs of the over.

He was back to the pavilion after being caught by Livingstone (1/15).

Cummins then clobbered the first two balls he faced for maximums to give Australia momentum.

But Jordan returned to remove Finch and Cummins in successive balls.

Brief Scores: Australia 125 all out in 20 overs (Aaron Finch 44; Chris Jordan 3/17) lost to England 126/2 in 11.4 overs (Jos Buttler 71*) by eight wickets

source https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/cricket/t20-world-cup-england-bowlers-jos-buttler-hand-australia-a-drubbing

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Shaktikanta to be RBI guv for 3 more years

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‘If we don’t act now it will be too late’, warns Johnson ahead of Cop26

Prime minister says ‘too many countries doing too little’ amid last-minute talks before summit

World leaders have been warned that Cop26 must “mark the beginning of the end of climate change” amid last-minute talks that could help determine the future of the planet.

With the long-awaited environmental summit due to start on Monday, Boris Johnson issued his plea while saying “too many countries are still doing too little”.

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G20 Summit: PM Modi hobnobs with EU leaders in Rome

Rome: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held wide-ranging talks with the top leaders of the European Union during which the two sides discussed the deepening of friendship, particularly in areas such as political and security relations, trade, culture and environment.

Prime Minister Modi, who arrived here earlier in the day to participate in the G20 Summit, began his official engagements in Rome with a "productive interaction" with President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

"India has a key role to play in green transition. We discussed global health and fighting the pandemic, the strong EU-India Strategic Partnership, the situation in Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific," European Council President Michel said.

European Commission President Leyen said it was "good to meet" Prime Minister Modi and that the strategic agenda is on the right track. She also congratulated India for its "excellent progress" in mass vaccination and for resuming vaccine exports. "We need to join forces to help vaccinate the world and beat the global pandemic," Leyen said.

Prime Minister Modi also paid floral tributes at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Rome. "In Rome, I had the opportunity to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, whose ideals give courage and inspiration to millions globally," Modi said.

In 2020, India was the EU's 10th largest trading partner accounting for 1.8 per cent of EU's total bilateral trade in goods. India-EU bilateral trade in goods in 2020 was valued at Euro 65.30 billion. The bilateral relations date back to the early 1960s with India being amongst the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the European Economic Community in 1962.

The first India-EU Summit took place on 28 June 2000 in Lisbon. The relationship was upgraded to a 'Strategic Partnership' during the 5th India-EU Summit held in 2004 in The Hague.

The EU is a political and economic bloc comprising 27-member states located primarily in Europe.

source https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/g20-summit-pm-modi-hobnobs-with-eu-leaders-in-rome

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T20 World Cup: 'Remember the name, Asif Ali' - Twitter reacts to PAK's win against AFG

Asif Ali's seven-ball 25 blitz helped Pakistan beat Afghanistan in their Super 12 match in the Men's T20 World Cup on Friday in Dubai. Chasing 148 for a win, Pakistan found themselves needing 24 off the last two overs. Ali had walked in at four for 122, with Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik falling on either side of his entry.

Ali did a Carlos Brathwaite on Afghanistan, the only difference being that the West Indies hit four sixes in the last over while Ali did so in the penultimate one. He hit the first, third and the last two balls of Karim Janat's final over for sixes to seal the game for Pakistan.

After Ali's heroics, Twitteratti had a lot to say:

Ben Stokes began, by tweeting what was said on air when he was bearing the brunt of Braithwaite's bat.

Remember the name @AasifAli2018

— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) October 29, 2021

Team-mate Imam-ul-Haq couldn't stop praising the team.

That’s how you do it well played @TheRealPCB very impressive performance once again
Congrats to each and every member of the team. Especially @AasifAli2018 on a great finish under pressure and @babarazam258 for his important fifty. #PakvsAfg pic.twitter.com/boEUVGGVqf

— Imam Ul Haq (@ImamUlHaq12) October 29, 2021

Asif Ali is the best finisher in the game congratulations Pakistan . What a performance. #ICCT20WorldCup2021 #AsifAli #PakvsAfghanistan

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) October 29, 2021

This #AsifAli has got some hitting ability. Well tried Afghanistan team. #PakvsAfg

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 29, 2021

Michael Vaughan also had his say.

Wow … Asif Ali … Pakistan look so so so strong … #T20WorldCup #Pakistan

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 29, 2021

source https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/cricket/t20-world-cup-remember-the-name-asif-ali-twitter-reacts-to-paks-win-against-afg

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FPJ Legal: Cannot play with lives of people by directing revaccination, says Supreme Court

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday said that it cannot play with the lives of people by directing the Centre to re-vaccinate people with Covishield who are fully vaccinated with Covaxin, to enable them to travel abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The apex court was hearing a petition which said that Covaxin has not been still approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and people are facing difficulty in getting permission to travel abroad.

A bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and BV Nagarathna said that the court does not have any data of what will be the effect on the people and it cannot simply direct the Centre to re-vaccinate people with Covishield.

"We cannot play the lives of people by directing Centre to re-vaccinate. We don't have any data with us. We have read in newspapers that Bharat Biotech has filed an application with the World Health Organisation for recognition. Let us wait for the response of WHO. We will take up this matter post-Diwali vacation," the bench said.

Advocate Kartik Seth, appearing in person, contended that every day students and others wanting to go abroad are denied entry as Covaxin is not recognised by the WHO.

He said that under the present mechanism a person vaccinated with Covaxin cannot register himself on the CoWIN portal to get the Covishield vaccine and a direction can be issued to the Centre in this regard.

"We cannot pass a direction to administer another vaccine without any data. We understand your concern but let's wait for the WHO's response," the bench said.

The top court said that there is also concern that competitors may in the garb of the PIL try to take advantage of the litigation. Seth said that his PIL is purely a Public Interest Litigation as several students who go abroad to study are being denied entry in various countries.

The plea filed by Seth said that at the time of rolling out of Covaxin, the government did not make the public aware that it was not approved by WHO. It said that Bharat Biotech has submitted its application for approval as late as April 2021 and in May people came to know many countries are not allowing entry to those who are vaccinated with vaccines other than those enlisted in WHO's emergency use list.

The plea prayed for a direction to the concerned department and release of official data and reasons for the delay in getting approval to Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech.

It also sought direction for disclosing the actual data and records to WHO to obtain approval in favour of Covaxin.

source https://www.freepressjournal.in/legal/fpj-legal-cannot-play-with-lives-of-people-by-directing-revaccination-says-supreme-court

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Highest-ever Diwali bonus for BMC, BEST staff: CM Uddhav Thackeray

Mumbai: Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has announced that employees of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking will be receiving the highest-ever bonus ahead of Diwali this year.

Also present on the occasion of this announcement on Friday were Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar, Deputy Mayor Suhas Wadkar, Standing Committee Chairman Yashwant Jadhav, BEST Committee Chairman Ashish Chemburkar, BEST General Manager Lokesh Chandra, Joint Commissioner (General Administration) Milind Sawant, along with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation as well as BEST officials/staff union leaders.

Last year, BEST employees received a Diwali ‘Sanugraha’ bonus of Rs 10,100 ahead of Diwali, regardless of their designation, whereas BMC employees got 15,500. In 2019, BEST workers had received Rs 9,100 each as bonuses. However, the amount was further increased this year and the officials said that it was a gift to all the BMC and BEST employees for their relentless work through the pandemic.

There are over nine lakh BMC employees and around 34,000 BEST employees.

“Amid the lockdown imposed to contain the pandemic outbreak in March, workers of the BEST undertaking remained instrumental in getting the medical staffers and emergency service providers moving. Hence the government decided to give bonuses to BEST staffers on par with BMC employees,” said senior BMC officials.

Also Read: Mumbai: IRS officer Misra creates veena raag to honour cow

source https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/highest-ever-diwali-bonus-for-bmc-best-staff-cm-uddhav-thackeray

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No time to go: Popular Sandalwood actor Puneeth Rajkumar dies at 46

Bengaluru: Popular Sandalwood actor Puneeth Rajkumar passed away on Friday following a massive heart attack. He was 46. An avid bodybuilder and fitness freak, he reportedly collapsed while working out at his gym at 11.40 am and was rushed to the hospital. According to a statement issued by Vikram Hospital, Puneeth was non-responsive when brought in and was in cardiac asystole, which indicated signs of cardiac arrest.

The youngest son of the legendary Rajkumar, he was popularly known as ‘Power Star’ and was one of the biggest stars of Sandalwood with a huge fan following. He is survived by his wife Ashwini and their two daughters.

His body has been kept at Kanteerava Stadium for people to pay homage and the cremation will be with state honours on Saturday, Manjunatha Prasad, the Principal Secretary to Karnataka Chief Minister,announced. The police have made arrangements and tight security is in place in Bengaluru. All liquor shops have been closed as a precautionary measure.

Chief Minister of Karnataka Basavaraj Bommai, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Kamal Pant and several other dignitaries visited the hospital. The Karnataka government has alerted Bengaluru district commissioners, DCPs and SPs to tighten the security in their jurisdictions across the state.

As the news of Puneeth’s demise spread, highly emotional fans rushed to Vikram Hospital where the police had a tough time controlling them. Puneeth started his career as a child actor and delivered several hit films, including Appu (2002), Abhi (2003), Veera Kannadiga (2004), Mourya (2004), Aakash (2005), Ajay (2006), Arasu (2007), Milana (2007), Vamshi (2008), Raam (2009), Jackie (2010), Hudugaru (2011), Raajakumara (2017) and Anjani Putra (2017).

Before his demise, he was working on a psychological thriller drama titled Dvita, directed by Pawan Kumar, who rose to fame earlier with the film U-Turn. Puneeth's older brother Shiva Rajkumar is also a big star in the Kannada film industry. Puneeth won the National Award for Best Child Artist for Bettada Hoovu in 1985. He won four State Awards, the last one for Jackie in 2010-11.

He was known for spending his birthdays with fans and went to great lengths to fulfil their wishes. In 2012, he published Dr Rajkumar, the Person Behind the Personality, co-authored with Prakruthi N Banwasi. The book is a biography of Dr Rajkumar, told through his son.

Puneeth made his television debut in 2012 with Kannadada Kotyadhipati, the Kannada version of Kaun Banega Crorepati. He also sang several songs for Kannada films, and reportedly donated the entire money from singing to charity.

source https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/regional-film-news/no-time-to-go-popular-sandalwood-actor-puneeth-rajkumar-dies-at-46

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Comedian had right to mock disabled teen singer, Canadian court rules

The legal battle had waged for more than a decade and raised questions over satire and the need to protect vulnerable children

Canada’s supreme court has ruled that a comedian had the right to mock a disabled teen singer – including joking that he wanted to drown him – in a case that raised questions over satire and the need to protect vulnerable children.

The 5-4 decision from the country’s top court ended a legal battle of more than a decade that had probed the limits of artistic freedom.

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ICC T20 World Cup: Pakistan completes win hat-trick as it beats Afghanistan by 5-wickets

Pakistan produced a clinical all-round performance to beat Afghanistan by five wickets in a super 12 match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, here on Friday.

With this, Pakistan completed hat-trick of wins in the ongoing T20 World Cup and they are at the top of the points table in Group 2.

Riding on fighting knocks by Mohammad Nabi (35 off 32) and Gulbadin Naib (35 off 25), Afghanistan posted a total of 147/6 in 20 overs. Apart from Nabi and Naib, Najibullah Zadran (22) and Karim Janat (15) also made important contributions with the bat for Afghanistan.

Imad Wasim was Pakistan's standout bowler with two wickets for 25 runs while Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Shadab Khan bagged a wicket each.

In reply, captain Babar Azam hit a fighting fifty (51 off 47) and helped Pakistan chase the target in 19 overs with five wickets in hand. Fakhar Zaman (30), Asif Ali (25) also played crucial knocks for Pakistan.

Brief scores: Afghanistan 147 for 6 in 20 overs (Gulbadin 35, Mohammad Nabi 35; Imad Wasim 2/25) lost to Pakistan 148-5 in 19 overs (Babar Azam 51, Fakhar Zaman 30; Rashid Khan 2/26).

Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup: Afghanistan star spinner Rashid Khan becomes fastest bowler to take 100 T20Is wickets

source https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/cricket/icc-t20-world-cup-pakistan-completes-win-hat-trick-as-it-beats-afghanistan-by-5-wickets

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