In the wake of a CBI inquiry ordered against him by the Bombay High Court, Anil Deshmukh on Monday resigned as Home Minister from the Uddhav Thackeray-led government.
The development came shortly after the Bombay High Court directed the CBI to conduct a preliminary inquiry within 15 days into allegations of corruption and misconduct levelled by former Mumbai police chief Param Bir Singh against him.
“After the high court order, Home Minister Anil Deshmukh met Pawar Ji and party leaders and said he doesn’t want to remain in the post. He went to tender his resignation to the CM. Party has requested to the CM to accept his resignation”, said NCP leader Nawab Malik.
Deshmukh submitted his resignation letter to Thackeray, Malik said.
State BJP chief Chandrakant Patil said he is happy that Deshmukh has quit, adding there will be many ”shocking revelations” in the CBI probe.
HC orders CBI inquiry over Param Bir Singh’s corruption allegations against Anil Deshmukh 3
Bombay High Court ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to start a preliminary inquiry within 15 days into corruption allegations against Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh by former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh.
A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice G S Kulkarni said this was an “extraordinary” and “unprecedented” case that warranted an independent inquiry.
The court was hearing a plea of the petitioner Dr Jaishri Patil regarding the matter.
“Bombay High Court has asked the CBI director to conduct a preliminary inquiry within 15 days and to register an FIR if any cognizable offence is found,” said the Petitioner Dr Jaishri Patil.
The court also stated that Anil Deshmukh is the Home Minister and no impartial probe can be done by the police.
HC further said, since the state government had already ordered a probe by a high-level committee into the matter, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) need not immediately register an FIR in the case.
It said the CBI must complete the preliminary inquiry within 15 days and then take a decision on the further course of action in the case.
The bench delivered its verdict on a bunch of Public Interest litigations (PILs) and writ petitions seeking several reliefs and a CBI probe into the matter.
In his plea, Param Bir Singh repeated the graft allegations that he had made against Deshmukh in a letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, and also accused the Maharashtra Home Minister of interfering in police investigations. Singh moved the Bombay High Court after the Supreme Court refused to entertain his plea regarding the same.
Singh, who was shunted out as Mumbai Police Commissioner in the wake of the Antilia bomb scare case, has also challenged the government’s order to transfer him from the post of Mumbai Police Commissioner. Singh had written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray claiming Deshmukh’s involvement in severe “malpractices”.
In the global market, oil prices slipped on Monday, clipping strong gains made in the previous session after OPEC+ agreed last week to gradually ease some of its production cuts between May and July.
Dharmendra Pradhan, Petroleum Minister indicates petrol, diesel prices to come down in the coming days, whereas fuel prices in Mumbai are higher among other major cities. In Delhi, petrol was priced at Rs 90.56 per litre while diesel was being sold at Rs 80.87 per litre. In Mumbai, petrol is priced at Rs 96.98 a litre while diesel is at Rs 87.96 a litre.
The discrepancy in prices between Delhi and Mumbai is owing to different prices in different cities. Petrol and Diesel prices are fixed based on freight charges, local taxes, and VAT. Currently, the base price of petrol is Rs 32.79 per litre followed by a freight charge of Rs 0.28 per litre. The dealer is charged 33.07 per litre for petrol to which Rs 32.90 per litre excise duty is added, along with dealer commission of Rs 3.69, and VAT of Rs 20.90 per litre.
Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told Afternoon Voice, “The Petrol, diesel and LPG prices have started dipping now and they’ll lessen further in the coming days. This is mostly because the situation in the international market has massively upgraded.”
“We had stated earlier also that we’ll transfer benefits from a decrease in crude oil prices in the international market to the end customers,” Pradhan said further.
The central and state taxes make up for 60 per cent of the retail selling price of petrol and over 54 per cent of diesel. Centre charges Rs 32.90 per litre of excise duty on petrol and Rs 31.80 a litre on diesel. Petrol and diesel prices are generally reviewed daily in line with benchmark international crude prices and foreign exchange rates.
Every household in India is entitled to 12 cylinders of 14.2 kg each at subsidised rates annually. If they have higher consumption in that case customers need to make any additional purchases of LPG cylinders at the market price.
The Indian Oil Corporation said in a statement that, “Due to growing worries about rising COVID-19 cases in Europe and Asia and concerns over the side effects of the vaccine, prices of crude oil and petroleum products in the international market softened in the second fortnight of March 2021.”
Under the PAHAL (Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG) scheme, consumers get LPG cylinders at a subsidised rate. The aids provided depend on foreign exchange rates, crude oil prices etc. From April 2021, the prices of non-subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have been reduced across the country.
Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation previously declared to reduce the price of domestic cooking gas (LPG) by Rs. 10 a cylinder from this month. These are state-run oil marketing companies
According to Indian Oil Corporation, a 14.2 kg non-subsidised LPG cylinder will cost Rs. 809 in Delhi and Mumbai. Out of four metro cities, the price of LPG cylinder is the highest in Kolkata. An LPG cylinder will now be available at Rs. 835.50 in Kolkata. In Chennai, the LPG cylinder will be sold at Rs. 825. The rate of LPG cylinders in India is dependent primarily on two factors — the international benchmark rate of LPG and the exchange rate of the US dollar and rupee. The price of cooking gas was increased three times in February.
The second wave of the coronavirus is not so casual to take, people are suffering more in numbers. There is an ongoing debate on a second lockdown to combat the spike in coronavirus cases in the state. Maharashtra reported nearly 50,000 new cases on Saturday – around 60 per cent of all cases reported from across the country on that day. On Friday the state reported around 48,000 cases.
State capital Mumbai reported over 9,000 cases on Saturday – the most in a day since the pandemic began in December 2019. On Friday the city reported over 8,800 new cases. Pune, one of the biggest cities in the state, has also reported distressing figures; finally, the district administration ordered a 12-hour night curfew and the shutting down of shopping malls, religious places, and hotels and bars for a week, as well as that of public buses.
According to the centre, eight of the top 10 worst-affected districts in India are from Maharashtra. The state’s medical infrastructure – decrepit after earlier waves of infections – is under more pressure. There is increasing daily demand for oxygen cylinders would soon force him to divert those meant for industrial use as well.
Last week the Mumbai civic body warned of a shortage of beds as it prepped for a potential 10,000 new cases per day. Just blaming the government in such a scenario is not enough to counter COVID but we all the responsible citizens should know the fact that the government cannot protect us from microbes. It is impossible to know what is happening in this second wave.
Vaccinations have rampant while some prevention measures will continue to be necessary regardless of vaccination status, fully vaccinated people without immunocompromising conditions that may reduce their response to vaccination may be able to engage in some activities with low or reduced risk of acquiring or transmitting COVID-19.
A vaccine’s success and efficacy are two different things. As per experts, efficacy refers to how well a drug works under controlled conditions such as a clinical trial, while efficiency refers to how well it works in the real world.
A high efficacy rate does not always mean a high level of effectiveness in the real world and vice versa. Most of the time effectiveness of the vaccine does not match its rate of efficacy due to variables happening in the real world. This simply means that there is a still chance that even after getting the dose a person may get.
As per clinical studies and testing, AstraZeneca’s Covishield vaccine has 62 and 72 per cent, while Covaxin has an 81 per cent rate of efficacy. In the case of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, the efficacy rate is 94 and 95 per cent respectively.
The benefits of avoiding disruptions such as unnecessary quarantine and social isolation may outweigh the residual risk of becoming ill with COVID-19 or transmitting the virus to others. The ability of vaccinated people to gradually resume some aspects of normal life will optimize well-being and may help improve vaccine acceptance.
Vaccine effectiveness refers to how well a vaccine performs in a cautiously controlled clinical trial, whereas effectiveness explains its performance in the real world. Evidence demonstrates that the authorized COVID-19 vaccines are both efficacious and effective against symptomatic, laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, including severe forms of the disease. Also, a growing body of evidence suggests that COVID-19 vaccines may also reduce asymptomatic infection, and potentially transmission.
For each authorized COVID-19 vaccine, the overall efficacy was similar to the efficacy across different populations, including elderly and younger adults, in people with and without underlying health conditions, and in people representing different races and ethnicities. People need to have patience and self-care.
The vaccines that are available right now are all two-dose vaccines. After the first dose, good resistance develops that kicks in within about two weeks of that first dose. And it’s the second dose that then boosts that immune response and we see immunity get even stronger after that second dose, again within a shorter period after the second dose. Many people are opting for a third vaccination.
We don’t know yet how long immunity lasts from the vaccines that we have at hand right now. We’re following people who have received vaccinations to find out whether or not their immune response is durable over time and the length of time for which they’re protected against disease. So, we’re going to have to wait for time to pass to see just how long these vaccines last.
The COVID vaccine shot can surely prevent you from the many worries associated with the virus that’s still surging across the globe. However, if you think the jab would also suffice complete protection against the newer, deadlier COVID strain. Even with the best vaccine shot, there still would be a marginal chance that one can get infected with the virus. With the newer coronavirus strains in circulation, there still exists a high risk of infection. However, as scientists are observing, there may be a difference in the way you develop symptoms.
(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us at feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)
Since the COVID-19 vaccine drive took off in the city, people wait for their turn to receive the COVID-19 vaccination for one more interesting reason and that is the photoshoot. Various celebrities and ministers carry their battalion of media to cover the event. The whole sanctity of the medical environment and the importance of isolation gets diluted in the photo circus.
Nurse Mary at Mumbai’s COVID-19 vaccine centre said, “There is too much enthusiasm for post-vaccine pictures. Beneficiaries pose for photographs after being vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine. That actually kills a lot of time, but we adjust because we see the happiness on people’s face.”
“Beneficiaries wait for their turn to get vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine during the first, second and third phase of immunization drive. There are tremendous response and reciprocation from people in almost every centre,” said BMC officials.
At ESIS Hospital in Navi Mumbai to pose for photos, there is a small photo corner created where citizens pose for pictures at a photo booth after being administered the Covishield vaccine, during the third phase of a countrywide inoculation drive against COVID-19, at Dharavi in Mumbai.
Vinod Dhage, an event photographer said, “These days there is no marriage season like it used to be before. The family events have shrunk but I get a lot of orders at COVID centres from celebrities, local corporators and government officials. They want perfect photos to post on social media.”
“Social media postings have gone viral and many treat it as a status symbol. If you look around, people are flooding with Vaccination photographs. In India people live for social media, they want to display everything that they do in their life. Sometimes managing the excitement of people becomes a little tough,” said the Hospital administration at Navi Mumbai.
Meanwhile, Frontline medical and healthcare workers can no longer register for COVID-19 vaccination, the Health Ministry said on Saturday. It said the move is to ensure vaccine coverage expands quickly to include more categories of people, such as those above age 45 years as frontline medical and healthcare workers have already got priority and enough time to get vaccinated.
Some ineligible beneficiaries in these categories – healthcare and frontline medical workers – have been found adding their names and getting vaccinated in violation of the guidelines, the Health Ministry said in the order.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said registration of people above 45 years of age will continue on the CoWIN website and asked States and Union Territories to ensure quick vaccination of healthcare and frontline medical workers who have already registered. When vaccination started in the country in January, there were reports about some healthcare and frontline medical staff showing hesitancy to take the jab. They were thereafter asked to get inoculated and warned of not losing that chance. Doctors and other health professionals were the first categories to be vaccinated in the country.
The Maharashtra government has announced a weekend lockdown in the state from 8 pm on Friday to 7 am on Monday in a bid to curb the growing numbers of COVID-19 cases across the state.
Apart from the weekend lockdown, strict restrictions will be in force from Monday 8 pm onwards, Minority Affairs Minister Nawab Malik said after the cabinet meeting.
He said that night curfew will continue and prohibitory orders issued under section 144 will be enforced during the day time during the week.
“Apart from the weekend lockdown, strict restrictions will be in force from 8 pm tomorrow, under which shopping malls, bars, restaurants, small shops will be open only for take away and deliveries. Government offices will be allowed to function only at 50 per cent of their capacity,” he said.
Industries and production sector, vegetable markets will function with Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) and construction sites will operate if there is an accommodation facility for workers, he added.
Theatres, drama theatres will be shut, while film and television shootings will continue if there is no crowding.
Parks and playgrounds will also be closed, he said.
Religious places will have to follow the SoPs, Malik said, adding that that public transport system will remain functional.
Mumbai city guardian minister Aslam Shaikh told reporters that work from home will be encouraged for offices, except for insurance, Mediclaim, electricity and civic offices.
Essential services have been exempted from the existing night curfew, he said.
Raj Thackeray asks his party workers to support the Maharashtra govt in curbing COVID-19 10
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Sunday asked its party workers to support the decisions that will be taken by the government to tackle the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in the state.
The statement from the party comes after Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray called up MNS chief Raj Thackeray and sought his cooperation if the government was compelled to impose a lockdown to curb the spread of the virus.
“Please cooperate with the government agencies and follow all the directives of the government,” the party said in a tweet.
— MNS Adhikrut – मनसे अधिकृत (@mnsadhikrut) April 4, 2021
It also mentioned that the chief Minister spoke to Raj Thackeray over phone.
The chief minister has been holding meetings with different stakeholders, including industrialists and members of the entertainment industry, to discuss ways to bring down the number of coronavirus cases.
TMC goons to be in jail within a month of BJP coming to power in West Bengal says, UP CM Adityanath 12
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asserted that goons sheltered by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) will be tracked and sent behind bars within a month of the BJP forming government in West Bengal.
He said the “murdered BJP karyakartas (workers)” including Sudarshan Pramanik from Hooghly district, will get justice once the saffron party comes to power in the state.
“TMC goons, listen carefully. After the counting of votes, we will teach you a lesson. Similar things happened in Uttar Pradesh four years back after we formed the government there.”
“We imprisoned the tormentors of people. In Bengal, we will punish those who are a part of the syndicate raj and demand cut money (commission),” Adityanath said.
Accusing the TMC supremo of pursuing politics of appeasement during her 10-year rule, he said Banerjee created hurdles in Durga puja, Saraswati puja and Holi celebrations in Bengal, something that never happens in Uttar Pradesh.
“Elect the BJP to ensure you are not stopped from taking part in festivals,” he said.
Banerjee’s UP counterpart also said she is “allergic” to the chanting of ‘Jai Shri Ram’. “Just like the way she doesn’t allow Durga Puja here, she is opposed to the building the Ram temple in Ayodhya.”
He said decisions like giving the go-ahead for the construction of the Ram temple and scrapping Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir are examples of BJP fulfilling its poll promises of 2019.
“In my state, 1.30 crore people have been provided electricity free of cost, every poor family got free ration, everyone is covered under Ayushman Bharat.”
“In contrast, people of West Bengal are deprived of the benefits of central projects, and farmers did not get Rs 6,000 under the PM Kisan Nidhi Yojana. Around 1,000 farmers committed suicide in the past 10 years,” he claimed.
400 Naxals ambushed security personnel in Chhattisgarh; HM Shah assures befitting reply 14
A group of an estimated 400 Naxals ambushed security personnel who were part of a large contingent deployed for a special operation in Chhattisgarh, leading to the killing of at least 22 personnel and injuries to 30 others.
They said the contingent of about 1,500 troops drawn from CRPF’s specialised jungle warfare unit CoBRA, some teams from its regular battalions, a unit of its Bastariya battalion, the Chhattisgarh Police affiliated District Reserve Guard (DRG) and others had launched a search and destroy operation along the border of Bijapur-Sukma district around noon after they got inputs of some Maoists presence in the area.
At least 400 Naxals, an officer said, led by the most wanted Maoist commander and leader of the so-called ‘People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) battalion no 1’ — Hidma – and his associate Sujatha are suspected to be behind the ambush that took place in an area that is a strong-hold of the ultras due to the difficult terrain, large tracts of forests and a smaller number of security forces camps.
The Maoists rained bullets from light machine guns (LMGs) and used low-intensity improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to mount the attack that went on till evening.
He said that the Maoists carried their dead, estimated to be about 10-12, on tractor trolleys.
The total approved strength of security forces personnel for the operation was 790 and the rest were taken as auxiliary and support elements for the long-haul operation, the sources said.
”Inputs were received that Naxals were undertaking their Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC) campaign in the Jagargunda-Jongaguda-Tarrem axis, and hence security forces teams from six camps were deputed to intercept them.
”The Maoists drew the forces into an ambush with heavy gunfire soon after, and helicopter sorties were requisitioned to evacuate the injured personnel,” a senior security officer told PTI.
He said the Maoists encircled the security personnel from three sides and a heavy gun battle ensued in the jungles which are devoid of any foliage at present.
Amit Shah assures befitting reply
Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured the family members of soldiers killed in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur Naxal attack that their sacrifices would not go in vain. Shah added that a search operation is underway for the missing soldiers.
“Both sides have suffered losses. Our jawans have lost their lives. I pay tributes to them. I want to assure their families that their sacrifice will not go in vain,” the Home Minister said.
“We will not tolerate this bloodshed and a befitting reply will be given at an appropriate time”, he added.
Out of the total 22 fatalities, the CRPF has lost eight men out of which seven are CoBRA commandos while one personnel are from the Bastariya battalion.
Officials said while maximum security forces personnel were killed due to bullet shots, one is suspected to have fainted and later died due to dehydration and other issues.
”The security forces personnel, especially CoBRA commandos fought very bravely and ensured that the Naxals could not prolong the ambush despite being at an advantage,” the officer said.
The security personnel took guard against large trees and kept firing till they ran out of ammunition, he added.
