Big Stories Today: Akhilesh Yadav not to contest Uttar Pradesh polls, Covaxin gets Australia okay, NEET results out, SC sets aside Calcutta HC order banning crackers
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Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone asks parties in Jammu and Kashmir to create enabling environment for Centre to deliver
Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone on Monday asked parties in Jammu and Kashmir to create enabling environment for Centre to deliver.He denounces those keen to start a new round of confrontation at the cost of Kashmir’s people.
NTA announces NEET results, sending scorecards via emails
The National Testing Agency has started distributing the results of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Examination (NEET) 2021, the entrance test for undergraduate medical courses via email.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is sending NEET-UG scorecards to the registered Email ID of the students and the mail sent to candidates also assures that the result will be declared on the official website shortly.
Flight passengers need to be fully vaccinated or furnish RT-PCR negative report at Kolkata airport
As per guidelines of the West Bengal government, all inbound flight passengers to the state shall have to be either fully (doubly) vaccinated or furnish an RT-PCR negative report for a test conducted within 72 hrs of such flight departure the Kolkata airport
Coal minister Pralhad Joshi calls upon Coal India limited to ensure 18-day coal stock by November end
Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday called upon Coal India limited to ensure 18-day coal-stock with power plants by November end.
CIL had earlier said it is marshalling all its efforts to bridge the demand-supply gap to the extent possible.
Coal India accounts for over 80 per cent of domestic coal output.
10 Zika virus cases confirmed in Kanpur
The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday said that ten cases of Zika virus have been confirmed in Kanpur as it stepped up surveillance to check its spread, officials said.
Since the confirmation of the state’s first case of Zika virus in October, the Uttar Pradesh government is carrying out testing of samples on a large scale, an official statement said.
Nawab Malik targets Fadnavis over drug cartel amid Aryan Khan row
Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik has made a series of exposes on Twitter over the past week targeted at NCB officer Sameer Wankhede. Malik had alleged Wankhede was involved in extortion and had forged a caste certificate to clear the civil services examination.
If AAP comes to power in Goa, Arvind Kejriwal proposes to send every community to its Ram Mandir
Ahead of Goa Polls, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal said that if AAP forms government in Goa, we will arrange free pilgrimage to Ayodhya for Hindus and to Velankanni for Christians. For Muslims, he said, will provide a free trip to Ajmer Sharif and to Shirdi temple for those who revere Sai Baba
Power rates slashed by Rs 3 for domestic consumers in Punjab from today, says Punjab CM Charanjit Channi
Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Channi on Monday announced that the power rates slashed by Rs 3 for domestic consumers in Punjab from today.
Channi said that Rs 3 per unit reduction in power tariff for consumers have who sanctioned load of up to 7 kW. This, he said, would make power cheap for 95 per cent of the consumers. This reduction is estimated to cost the exchequer Rs 3,316 crore.
Mayawati reacts to Akhilesh’s Jinnah remark, alleges collusion between SP, BJP
In the midst of a war of words between the ruling BJP and Samajwadi Party over Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the poll-bound state of Uttar Pradesh, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati hit out at them saying they were playing a fixed match on caste and communal issues.
4 get death penalty in 2013 Patna Gandhi Maidan serial blasts case
The National Investigation Agency special court in Patna on Monday pronounces quantum of punishment for 9 convicts in the 2013 Patna Gandhi Maidan serial blasts case. 4 get capital punishment, 2 get life imprisonment, 2 get 10-year imprisonment and one gets 7-year imprisonment.
UP government to light 12 lakh earthen lamps, bettering previous Diwali record
The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday informed that it will light in Ayodhya 12 lakh earthen lamps, nine lakh of which will be lit on the banks of Saryu, bettering the previous Diwali record.
Last year, over six lakh earthen lamps were lit during the Deepotsav to celebrate the festival, creating a world record.
Supreme Court sets aside Calcutta HC order putting blanket ban on cracker bursting in West Bengal
The Supreme Court on Monday set aside the Calcutta High Court order putting a blanket ban on cracker bursting in West Bengal.
The top court said that it had allowed the use of green crackers if ambient air quality is moderate.
SC said: “The order of the SC will be applicable to all states uniformly and WB cannot be an exception.”
Ministry of Minority Affairs releases new guidelines for Haj 2022
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi released an online application form and new guidelines for the upcoming Haj on Monday. He previously stated that the entire Haj process in India in 2022 would be entirely digital. Starting today, the application process will begin.
According to a statement, the Haj 2022 process is being planned after discussions between the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Haj Committee of India, Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, and India’s Consul General in Jeddah, as well as other agencies, taking into account all aspects of the pandemic’s challenges.
Sachin Vaze sent to Mumbai Police custody till Nov 6
Former Mumbai Police officer Sachin Vaze was sent to Mumbai Police custody till November 6, after being produced before Killa court on Monday. The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has sought 10-day custody for interrogation in connection with an extortion case.
Earlier, Mumbai Police approached the court to seek Sachin Vaze’s custody to investigate the extortion case registered against him and former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh at Goregaon police station by businessman Bimal Agarwal.
Income Tax raids on major road contractors in Bihar and Jharkhand, seizes Rs 5.71 cr cash
The Income Tax Department has carried out search and seizure operations on prominent road construction contractors in Bihar and Jharkhand. The search action was initiated on October 27 at various premises located in Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, the Ministry of Finance informed. Ministry of Finance: The search resulted in the seizure of unaccounted cash of Rs 5.71 crore. Ten bank lockers were placed under restraint. The investment made in fixed deposits of about Rs 60 cr is under verification. It also led to the detection of unaccounted income of about Rs 100 crore.
Former Mumbai Police officer Sachin Vaze produced before Mumbai court, Crime Branch seeks 10-day custody
Former Mumbai Police officer Sachin Vaze was produced before Killa court on Monday. The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has sought 10-day custody for interrogation in connection with an extortion case.
Earlier, Mumbai Police approached the court to seek Sachin Vaze’s custody to investigate the extortion case registered against him and former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh at Goregaon police station by businessman Bimal Agarwal.
Bhima Koregaon Commission suspends all future hearings citing lack of suitable accommodation
The Bhima Koregaon Commission of Inquiry has suspended all its future hearings in Mumbai till the Maharashtra government provides them a suitable location to conduct the hearings. A hearing at Mumbai was proposed from 8th November to 12th November. The two-member commission headed by retired Justice J N Patel was formed by the government for probing into the cause of Bhima Koregaon violence of January 1, 2018, in which one person was killed and several others were injured.
Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chairs review meeting on dengue in Delhi
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday chaired a review meeting over the alarming surge in dengue cases in Delhi. During the meeting, the health minister discussed ways on how the Centre can assist the Delhi government led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in curbing the surge in cases.
Akhilesh Yadav not to contest next UP assembly elections
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Monday said that he would not be contesting the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections early next year. He also said an alliance between his party and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) for the polls had been finalised.
Delhi cinema halls, theatres reopen with full capacity
Cinema halls, theatres, multiplexes reopen with full seating capacity from today, also increasing the number of people allowed to attend weddings, funerals from 100 to 200. The DDMA order said that it will be the responsibility of the owners of cinema halls, theatres and multiplexes for strict adherence to standard operating protocol (SOP) and official guidelines as well as Covid-appropriate behaviour at the premises.
Delhi schools reopen for all classes with strict Covid-19 guidelines
After remaining closed for 19 months Delhi schools reopened for all classes with strict Covid-19 guidelines in place. Students were seen streaming into Delhi schools early this morning, but not before they were thermally screened and their hands spritzed with sanitisers.
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has determined that India’s Covid-19 vaccine, Covaxin, manufactured by Bharat Biotech and BBIBP-CorV, manufactured by Sinopharm, China vaccines would be recognised for the purpose of establishing a traveller’s vaccination status.
This recognition is for travellers aged 12 and over who have been vaccinated with Covaxin, and those 18 to 60 who have been vaccinated with BBIBP-CorV.
BPSC 70th prelims result 2024 out: Here’s direct link to check
The BPSC has also released the cutoff marks for the CCE, providing candidates with valuable insight into the performance benchmarks. The cut-off scores vary across different categories, reflecting the commission’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) released the results for the 70th Preliminary Examination on January 23, 2025. Candidates can view their results on the official BPSC website, bpsc.bih.nic.in. The results include those for the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), Finance Administrative Officer, and Child Development Project Officer positions.
This year’s examination covered a wide range of posts, including those under the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), Finance Administrative Officer (FAO), and Child Development Project Officer (CDPO). The release of these results marks a significant step forward for thousands of candidates pursuing careers in public service within Bihar.
The BPSC 70th Preliminary Examination, conducted on December 13th and January 4th, 2025, witnessed a massive turnout of 328,990 candidates. This substantial number underscores the immense competition and the high stakes involved in securing a government position in Bihar. The results, however, reveal a more selective outcome.
A total of 21,581 candidates successfully cleared the preliminary round for the CCE, demonstrating their competence and readiness to progress to the subsequent stages of the recruitment process. For the specialized roles of FAO and CDPO, a considerably smaller, yet still significant number of candidates qualified. 61 individuals successfully passed the preliminary examination for FAO positions, while 144 candidates qualified for CDPO posts.
The BPSC has also released the cutoff marks for the CCE, providing candidates with valuable insight into the performance benchmarks. The cut-off scores vary across different categories, reflecting the commission’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.
Cut-off Marks:
Unreserved: 91
Unreserved Female: 81
EWS: 83
EWS Female: 73
SC: 70
SC Female: 55
ST/ST Female: 65
How to Check Your Results:
Go to bpsc.bih.nic.in.
Locate and click the “BPSC 70th Prelims Result 2024” link.
A PDF containing the results will open. Download and save a copy for your records.
Examination Results: The Bihar prelims exam, held on December 13th and January 4th, 2025, saw 328,990 candidates. The following number passed:
Har Jarurat Hogi Puri: Congress releases campaign song ahead of Delhi elections
Congress leaders, including Delhi Chief Devendra Yadav and national spokesperson Pawan Khera, expressed confidence in the anthem’s impact, emphasising its ability to capture the public mood and convey the party’s commitment to resolving Delhi’s pressing issues.
The Congress party launched its campaign anthem, “Har Jarurat Hogi Puri, Dilli Mein Congress Hai Jaruri” (“Every Need Will Be Fulfilled, Congress is Essential in Delhi”), on Thursday, marking a significant step in its strategy for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
The 2-minute 48-second song serves as a potent weapon in the party’s arsenal, aiming to capture the attention of Delhi’s electorate and sway their votes in its favour.
The anthem’s lyrics directly confront the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), highlighting the prevalent disillusionment among Delhi’s residents regarding the current governance.
It boldly addresses critical local issues, painting a vivid picture of the city’s shortcomings under AAP’s rule. The polluted Yamuna River and the subpar quality of drinking water serve as central themes, with the powerful line “Yamuna Saaf Nahi, Pani Na Saaf Hai” (The Yamuna is not clean, the water is not clean) encapsulating the public’s growing discontent.
Beyond highlighting the existing problems, the Congress anthem meticulously outlines its own vision for Delhi, presenting a compelling alternative to the incumbent AAP government. The party pledges free electricity for households consuming up to 300 units, a promise designed to resonate with the city’s residents struggling with rising energy costs.
The ambitious “Pyari Didi Yojana,” promising a monthly allowance of Rs 2,500 to women from low-income families, aims to further strengthen the Congress’ appeal among the electorate.
Addressing the widespread concern about women’s safety in the city, the anthem criticizes the AAP government’s perceived lack of focus on this crucial issue, arguing that despite promises, women continue to feel unsafe. This pointed critique underscores the Congress’ commitment to addressing this critical aspect of governance, distinguishing its approach from its rivals.
The release of the anthem is strategically timed, closely following the BJP’s launch of its campaign song, “Jo Ram Ko Lekar Aaye Unka Raj Hoga Dilli Mein” (“Those who carry Ram will rule Delhi”). The timing underscores the intensity of the upcoming electoral battle, with both the Congress and BJP vying for the support of Delhi’s voters.
Congress leaders, including Delhi Chief Devendra Yadav and national spokesperson Pawan Khera, expressed confidence in the anthem’s impact, emphasising its ability to capture the public mood and convey the party’s commitment to resolving Delhi’s pressing issues.
The anthem’s release signifies the Congress party’s full-fledged entry into the electoral fray, setting the stage for a closely contested election on February 5th, with results due on February 8th. Over 1.5 crore voters will play a crucial role in deciding the fate of the 70-member Delhi Assembly.
ChatGPT outage affects thousands of users globally, OpenAI reacts
OpenAI swiftly acknowledged the outage, publishing updates on their dedicated status page. This transparency, while offering little in the way of immediate solutions, served to reassure users that the company was actively addressing the situation.
On January 23, OpenAI’s popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT, suffered a significant global outage, leaving millions of users unable to access the service. The disruption affected multiple access points, including the web interface, the mobile application, and even integrations on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). This widespread failure quickly drew significant attention, with reports flooding in from users worldwide.
The outage tracking website, Downdetector, registered a surge in user reports, exceeding a thousand complaints within a short period. This volume underscored the scale of the disruption and the significant impact on ChatGPT’s user base.
The majority of these reports indicated a complete inability to use the chatbot, highlighting the severity of the problem. A smaller percentage of users reported encountering difficulties with the website or API, suggesting a less comprehensive but still noticeable impact.
OpenAI swiftly acknowledged the outage, publishing updates on their dedicated status page. This transparency, while offering little in the way of immediate solutions, served to reassure users that the company was actively addressing the situation.
The official statements consistently described the problem as “degraded performance” and “elevated error rates” within the API, hinting at underlying technical issues that required investigation. However, specific details regarding the root cause remained undisclosed, pending a more thorough examination.
According to reports, the outage commenced around 5 PM IST and persisted for several hours. The lack of a definitive timeline and the ongoing nature of the disruption underlined the complexity of the problem and the challenges faced by OpenAI’s engineering teams in resolving the issue.
As of the latest updates, the exact cause of the outage remains under investigation by OpenAI. The company is actively working to restore full functionality and provide a more comprehensive explanation once the underlying problem has been identified and rectified.
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