The DDC elections in J&K were carried out for the first time after the state of Jammu and Kashmir was demoted to a Union Territory. Check out this space for live updates.

SRINAGAR (J&K) –

The fate of nearly 4,200 candidates for the 280 District Development Council (DDC) seats in Jammu and Kashmir will be made public today, as counting of votes began in the morning for the eight-phased polls held for the first time in the Union Territory.

Officials in the State Election Commission said that a total of 4,181 candidates, including over 450 women, were in the fray for the 280 DDC seats.

The elections to this three-tier of the Panchayati Raj system were held for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir and were the first mass polls after the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 in August 2019.

The polling was held in eight phases, beginning November 28 and ending on December 19 as 51 per cent of the 57 lakh eligible voters exercised their franchise in the elections, which were largely peaceful.

Seven Kashmir-centric mainstream political parties, including the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party, contested the polls in an alliance under the banner of People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) which was formed for the restoration of Article 370.

The Congress was initially a part of the PAGD but distanced itself from the alliance as the BJP targeted the opposition party for being in league with the ‘Gupkar Gang’. Although, the Congress went alone in the last seven phases, it is widely believed that its understanding with the PAGD remains intact.

The PAGD is expected to emerge as the single largest grouping at the hustings, followed by the BJP in a close second position while the Congress is expected to fill the third position.

The post Jammu And Kashmir DDC Election Results 2020 and ULB By-Polls Results Live Updates appeared first on Digpu News Network.

National Mathematics Day marks the birth of the magnificent self-taught Indian mathematician Srinivas Iyengar Ramanujan.

Mathematics and India have strong ties since ancient times. Various scholars like Aryabhata, Mahavira, Brahmagupta, Ramanujan, and many more. Srinivasa Ramanujan showed signs of self-learning from an early age. He was an unfolding genius from a very young age and he has contributed immensely to mathematical analysis, fractions, infinite series, number theory, etc. To celebrate mathematics, every year 22nd December is observed as National Mathematics Day in India.

History

On 22nd December 2012, the then Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh declared this day as National Mathematics Day. This day is also the Birth Anniversary of the great mathematician Srinivasa Iyengar Ramanujan. He was the brilliant mathematician behind the inspiration for Mathematics day. In 2012, for the first time, National Mathematics Day was observed across India.

Significance and Celebration

The motive behind celebrating this day to spread awareness among the people about the importance of mathematics for the development of humanity. In India, various steps are taken to motivate the younger generations to learn mathematics. To celebrate this special day, various educational events are organized in schools and universities. There are mathematics camps held in which teachers are given training and provided teaching materials as well. Research in mathematics is also promoted among the students and teachers. 

Also Read About: Computer Security Day

The post December 22nd: National Mathematics Day in India appeared first on Digpu News Network.

As per Vaccine codeveloper Sputnik V, the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine, will be “highly effective” 

Sputnik V, the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine, will be “highly effective” against the new strain of coronavirus found in Europe, said Kirill Dmitriev, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Russian Direct Investment Fund, the company which codeveloped the vaccine.

“According to our information, Sputnik V will be as highly effective against the new strain of the coronavirus found in Europe as against the existing strains. Sputnik V has been showing its efficacy over a period of time despite the previous mutations of S-protein,” he said, according to Sputnik V’s Twitter handle. Dmitriev added that it would jointly work with AstraZeneca, another vaccine manufacturing company, to combat the new mutation strain of the COVID-19.

“Joint work with such a pharmaceutical giant as AstraZeneca is becoming particularly important today, in light of combating the new mutating strains of the coronavirus,” he said

The RDIF CEO also said that the Sputnik V has been registered for use in Belarus. Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Sputnik V is over 95 per cent effective.

Taking to Twitter, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) cited Putin saying that some health specialists have claimed that the vaccine’s protection level reaches up to 96-97 per cent.

Russia became the first country to register the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine on August 11, named after Russia’s first satellite. 

Also Read: Russia will manufacture COVID-19 vaccine in India

The post Sputnik V can be highly effective against COVID-19 appeared first on Digpu News Network.

The central government has sanctioned the development of synthetic turf football ground and running tracks for sportspersons in Bastar

The central government has sanctioned Rs 5 crores for the development of synthetic turf football ground and running tracks for sportspersons in Bastar District Headquarters.

The development of synthetic turf football ground is a golden opportunity for the sports talent of Bastar to polish themselves. It is noteworthy that the vision of khelbo-jeetbo-gadhbo Nava Chhattisgarh to promote sports and to ensure the development of sports infrastructure in the state is taking the shape of reality under the leadership of chief minister Bhupesh Baghel.

Directorate of Sports and Youth Welfare had sent a proposal to the central government for construction of synthetic football ground and running track in Jagdalpur, Bastar under Khelo India Yojana.

As a result of chief minister’s consistent efforts, the Government of India has given administrative approval for the construction of synthetic turf football ground and running track in Jagdalpur at the cost of Rs 5 crores, on Friday.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and sports minister Umesh Patel have congratulated all the officials and employees of the sports department. Chief Minister has said that the best possible facilities will be provided for sportspersons of Bastar region. 

The post Central govt sanctions Rs 5 cr for a synthetic football ground appeared first on Digpu News Network.

Union Power Minister RK Singh on Monday announced historic power reforms in the sector for consumers, asserting that the new rules will empower them.

The new set of rules, which will ensure the rights of electricity consumers, provides for penalties for power distribution utilities (discoms) for not maintaining mandated standards of services under the Electricity (Rights of consumers) Rules.

RK Singh said that these rules will empower the consumers of electricity as the entire power system is for them.
“We are the representatives of the people. We will fight for the rights of the people. The rules we have made it clear for the first time that the entire power system is for the consumer and not the consumers for the system. You have to serve the consumer. You have to give rights to the consumer,” RK Singh said.

“Now there is no need that the consumer will apply for the connection and run to local power office. Consumers will submit an application to complete all the formality. This can be done online also. Power companies have to give the connection within the fixed time,” he said.

The Union Minister said that consumers’ complaints should be resolved quickly else penalties will be imposed.
“If there is any complaint about the meter, then it has to be tested within the fixed time. If there is any complaint of consumers, then action has to be taken within these days, or else penalty will be imposed because consumers are empowered now. The company does not have the rights that is why it was needed. We are also setting the standard,” he said.

“If the power supply is below standard, then you will incur a penalty. The penalty will be incurred if you do load setting for a long time also. This is the rule. The government has the right to make the rule. We drafted and consulted all the stakeholders and put it on the internet. Keeping the suggestions in mind, we made rules in consultation with the Law Ministry, and that rules were made,” Singh said.

“Now we have to put it on the table of the Parliament and it will remain on the table of the Parliament for 60 days and if the Parliament did not make any amendments to it, then it will be implemented like this,” he said.
Singh said that the Central government had approved a plan of Rs 2.2 lakh crore under Deendayal Vidyut Yojana and Saubhagya scheme to improve the power system.

“60 percent of which has been given by the Government of India as a grant and 30 percent loan. Only 10 percent state has to bear it. This has strengthened the distribution system of the power supply in states,” he added.

Rights of consumers and obligations of distribution licensees, the release of new connection and modification in existing connection, metering arrangement, billing and payment, disconnection and reconnection, reliability of supply, consumer as prosumer, standards of performance of licensee, compensation mechanism, call center for consumer services, grievance redressal mechanism are key areas covered in the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules.

These rules emanate from the conviction that the power systems exist to serve the consumers and the consumers have rights to get the services and reliable, quality electricity, according to a release by the Ministry of Power.

The post RK Singh announces new electricity rules appeared first on Digpu News Network.

Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Motilal Vohra passed away at a hospital in New Delhi on Monday at the age of 93.

“Motilal Vora was hospitalized with urine infection two days ago but it was not the cause of his death,” Congress sources said. Fortis Escort Hospital where he was admitted is yet to inform about the actual cause of the Congress leader’s death.
Vora was a Rajya Sabha member from Chhattisgarh from April 10, 2002, to April 9, 2020.

The late Congress leader became the 13th chief minister of Madhya Pradesh on January 25, 1989, and was in office till December 8, 1989.
Vora also held the office of Governor of Uttar Pradesh between 1993 and 1996.
Vora was born on December 20, 1927, at Nimbi Jodha near Jodhpur in Rajasthan.

We offer our heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of stalwart Congress leader, former Union Cabinet Minister, and former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Motilal Vora. Congress has lost a guiding light. May his soul rest in peace,” Indian National Congress (INC) tweeted. 

The post Motilal Vora Congress leader passes away at age of 93 appeared first on Digpu News Network.

C Milan’s Rafael Leao on Sunday scripted history during the Serie A clash against Sassuolo. AC Milan secured a 2-1 win over Sassuolo in the match.

Leao scored the opening goal of the match, just six seconds after the kickoff. This is the fastest ever goal in Serie A, overtaking the previous record set by Paolo Poggi in December 2001 with Piacenza (8 seconds). “6.2 seconds: new fastest goal in #SerieATIM! What a start to #SassuoloMilan, flame on,” AC Milan tweeted.

Alexis Saelemaekers then added another goal to AC Milan’s tally as the first half concluded on 2-0. In the 89th minute, Domenico Berardi netted a goal but it was not enough for Sassuolo to stop AC Milan from securing three points from the game.

With this, AC Milan also got back to the winning ways as they witnessed two back to back draws in their previous games. In addition, the victory ensured that AC Milan remains unbeaten in this season of Serie A.
AC Milan holds the top spot on the Serie A table with 31 points, one point ahead of the second-placed Inter Milan. The club will now take on Lazio on Thursday. 

The post Leao scores fastest ever goal in Serie A as AC Milan defeat Sassuolo appeared first on Digpu News Network.

The Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Ltd nominated as the top performer among 20 state investment promotion agencies

The Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Ltd (IPICOL) have been categorised as a top performer among 20 state investment promotion agencies with an overall score of 98 per cent.

The assessment by Invest India in collaboration with the World Bank Group was meant to measure the preparedness of Indian investment promotion agencies to attract and facilitate investment projects. Invest India undertook a survey with 74 questions across eight pillars. These pillars included mandate and organisation, strategy and marketing, targeting investors, winning investment projects, facilitating investments, after-care systems, infrastructure and website.

The states were classified into four categories: top performers, aspiring leaders, promising developers and emerging potential.

“We congratulate IPICOL for taking remarkable measures that have resulted in it becoming one of the leading investment promotion agencies in India,” said the Invest India report.

“We commend the far-sightedness of the state investment promotion agency and its leadership for taking the steps to prove its relevance in this competitive landscape.”

The report said that a noteworthy initiative taken by the state to strategically decide its focus sectors and sub-sectors, and curate its investment promotion and targeting approach accordingly will play a critical role in positioning Odisha as an attractive investment destination.

Over the past few years, IPICOL has worked extensively to make the business environment in Odisha conducive and hassle-free by bringing in institutional, systemic and technological reforms. This was reflected in the pillar-wise scores in which it scored 100 per cent in seven pillars while scoring 80 per cent in the remaining one. 

The post IPICOL top performer among state IPAs appeared first on Digpu News Network.

Schools have been instructed to strictly adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines, “No assembly will take place at the school”

With schools for class 10th and 12th reopening in Jharkhand from Monday, schools have been instructed to strictly adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines.

Oxford Public School in Ranchi has introduced the “odd-even system” to maintain social distancing following which students having odd roll numbers will be allowed to attend the class on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while students having even roll numbers will be allowed to come on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. However, parents need to give written approval that they are willing to send their children to school and they will follow all the COVID-19 related rules.

“If all the students attend classes together, it will become difficult to follow social distancing and ensure other rules. So, we have introduced the odd-even system and the parents have also been informed about the same,” said Principal, Suraj Sharma.

“No assembly will take place at the school,” he added.

Other offline classes will continue as they were during the lockdown, for all the classes.

Though students are excited to attend the school after a long span, at the same time they will be experiencing a total change in the classes that will be held from now onwards amid the pandemic.

“Everything is changed. We are used to off online classes now but we are ready to attend the regular classes after a long period,” said a student.
Medical, dental and nursing colleges outside the containment zones have also been permitted to open. 

Also Read: Uttarakhand govt to provide free COVID-19 vaccine

The post Schools for classes 10, 12 reopen today in Jharkhand appeared first on Digpu News Network.