Nitish Kumar returns as Bihar CM for seventh time in 20 years
Nitish Kumar was on Monday sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the seventh time in two decades, in presence of top leaders of the NDA including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda. Mr. Kumar, who heads the JD(U), was administered the oath of office at Raj Bhavan by Governor Phagu Chauhan, a day after he staked claim for the formation of a new government in the state, armed with unanimous support of all legislators of the NDA despite his party’s plummeted tally.
Moderna says its vaccine appears to be 94.5% effective, shows early success in U.S. tests
For the second time this month, there’s promising news from a COVID-19 vaccine candidate: Moderna said on Monday its shots provide strong protection, a dash of hope against the grim backdrop of coronavirus surges in the US and around the world.
Jagan Mohan Reddy vs judges | Justice U.U. Lalit recuses from hearing pleas against Andhra CM, govt
Justice U.U. Lalit of the Supreme Court on Monday recused himself from hearing separate writ petitions that sought action against the Andhra Pradesh government and Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for levelling “false, vague and political allegations” against Supreme Court judge Justice N.V. Ramana and other High Court judges.
Coronavirus | Delhi overtakes Maharashtra as 95 fatalities are reported in 24 hours
About a fifth (21.84%) of new COVID-19 fatalities in the past 24 hours has been reported from Delhi (95 deaths), overtaking Maharashtra. Delhi also has recorded the second largest surge in new cases and largest number of recoveries (7,606), said data released by the Union Health Ministry here on Monday.
Analysis | A resurgent BJP in Bihar
It has been a good month for the BJP so far, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) moving past the majority line in the Bihar Assembly ; the party far ahead of its ally, the Janata Dal (U); and grabbing the House Speaker’s position as well. But what has really made this an important month for the BJP in the State is that it has been given, through the difference in its relative strength vis a vis the JD(U), the opportunity to make changes in the party organisation and even taking bold steps in broadening its social coalition, over and above that of being a party identified with upper castes.
SC notice to Centre, U.P. on plea for release of Kerala scribe Siddique Kappan
The Supreme Court on Monday sought a response from the Centre, the Uttar Pradesh government and its police chief on a plea made by the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) for the release of its secretary Siddique Kappan .
PM urges people to support local economy, asks seers to spread message of ‘vocal for local’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called upon people to continue to support the local economy like they did on Diwali and urged seers to also spread the message of ‘vocal for local’. He also unveiled a statue of Jain seer Vijay Vallabh Surishwer on his 151th birth anniversary through video conference.
Also read: National Press Day | Media doing exceptional work in spreading awareness against COVID-19: PM Modi
Twelve Shaheen Bagh activists seek review of Supreme Court judgment
Twelve individuals, who took part in the Anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act at Shaheen Bagh, on Monday sought a review of the Supreme Court judgment which declared the demonstration of dissent as ‘unacceptable’ for blocking a public road.
Ethiopia risks falling into an ethnic civil war with regional implications
Ethiopia’s Nobel Prize winning Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed started a military operation in the rebellious Tigray region in the country’s north earlier this month. Mr. Abiy has said it would be a limited campaign focusing on the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the militia-cum-political party that runs the region. However, almost two weeks into the conflict, Ethiopia risks falling into an ethnic civil war with regional implications.
Australia vs India | Not sure if Kohli’s absence is going to be a deciding factor, says Pat Cummins
Ever since it was announced last week that Virat Kohli would return to India midway through the tour to Australia on paternity leave, it has stolen the headlines across the cricketing globe. In an attempt to downplay Kohli’s absence, Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins, in a select media interaction on Monday, said Kohli’s absence from the last three Tests “might make a bit of a difference” but won’t be a deciding factor in the series.
