Tag: Latest Affairs

NATIONAL NEWS 

Two samples from Bengaluru detected with Omicron variant 

Union Health Ministry has confirmed that two cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus have been detected in India for the first time. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) that monitors the genomic variations of the pandemic causing virus too confirmed this.  Two persons — a 66-year-old South African national and another 46-year-old resident of Bommanahalli — in Bengaluru have been detected with the new variant.  According Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Commissioner Gaurav Gupta, the Indian has no travel history. His samples were collected on November 22, and tested positive for COVID-19. He was in home isolation and later shifted to a hospital.  Gupta said 13 of his primary and 205 secondary contacts have been tested, and three of the primary contacts and two of secondary ones have tested positive. They have been isolated, and their samples have been sent for sequencing.   The local resident with no travel history testing positive for Omcron is a matter of concern, he said. The person is clinically stable and under watch, he added. The South African national has left for Dubai on November 27 after testing negative, Gupta said. He came to India on November 20, and was quarantined in a hotel. As many as 24 of his primary, and 240 secondary contacts were tested, and found to be negative. They are still under watch. The Karnataka government is planning to set up dedicated facilities in hospitals with adequate infrastructure and required medicines to handle the possible outbreak of Omicron.   

After Mamata’s ‘no UPA’ comment, Kishor’s tweet, Congress hits out at Trinamool  

In an all-out attack on Trinamool Congress (TMC) a day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s ‘there is no UPA’ comment in Mumbai on Wednesday, the Congress on Thursday pointed out that Banerjee had once described the BJP as a naturaly ally when the TMC was a part of the BJP-led National Democratic alliance.  Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala recalled that Banerjee was an ally of the BJP between 1999 and 2001, and again from 2003 to 2006-07, and had two stints as Cabinet Minister in the Vajpayee government.  Questioning the TMC’s expansion plans in States like Goa and Uttarakhand, where the Congress is the main challenger to the ruling BJP, Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala asked them to introspect whether the fascist forces are being strengthened by those pretending to be fighting them.  Surjewala’s sharp attack came moments after election strategist Prashant Kishor, who is advising Banerjee since the West Bengal Assembly elections, hit out at the Congress’s top leadership and stated that no one had a divine right to a leadership position.  Surjewala, however, insisted that as a political party, we would not comment on the views of a consultant, especially if the person doesn’t have any ideology and earlier advised Narendra Modi.  While the Congress and the Trinamool are engaged in a bitter war of words, senior Congress leaders, who have been a part of the group of 23 (G-23) seeking internal reforms, closed ranks, with Anand Sharma, Deputy Leader of the Congress in the Rajya Sabha describing the Congress as the central pillar of a national effort to defeat the BJP. Congress, as principal national opposition party, remains a central pillar for a collective national effort, tweeted Mr. Sharma.  Another G-23 leader, Kapil Sibal, tweeted that without the Congress, the UPA would be a body without soul and asserted that it was time to show Opposition unity.   

Maharashtra Government suspends Param Bir Singh, initiates disciplinary proceedings

Maharashtra Government on Thursday suspended former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh and initiated disciplinary proceedings against him over certain irregularities and lapses, an official said.  The suspension order was approved the day Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray was discharged from a private hospital in Mumbai after undergoing a spine surgery on November 12.  The lapses include unauthorised absence from duty, an official said. Singh did not show up in the past six months after being appointed Maharashtra Home Guard chief, sources said. The leave granted to him on health grounds was till August 29, but even after that he failed to join duty, they added.  Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh at the CID Office in Navi Mumbai on Tuesday, November 30.   Singh had in March levelled allegations of corruption and misuse of official position against then State Home Minister Anil Deshmukh after he was shunted from the post of the Mumbai police commissioner in the aftermath of Antilia bomb scare incident.  He had accused Deshmukh of asking police officers to collect ₹100 crore a month from restaurants and bars in Mumbai, a charge which the NCP leader denied. The inquiry commission looking into these allegations had directed Singh to appear to record his statement, but the IPS officer, who was virtually incommunicado since May, turned up before it only last month.  

 

Delhi pollution: SC gives Government 24 hours to find a way or make way for court to act  

Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana on December 2 asked the Government as a ‘layman’ the question that haunts the Capital, that is, why does pollution continue to smother Delhi despite orders from Supreme Court, action from Government and lawyers arguing so much.  The court gave the Government 24 hours to find a way or make way for the Supreme Court to act.  As a layman, I am asking you… It has been days since we have been hearing this case, yet pollution continues to remain high. The question came in the middle of yet another inconclusive hearing which ended with the court giving the Government a 24-hour deadline to take serious action to beat the smog enveloping the Capital.  The court decided to hear the case at 10 a.m. on December 3 a half hour before usual court timings to underscore the gravity of the issue. The court said it would be forced to pass directions on December 3 if the Government could not decide and act in time to save lives.  We are giving you 24 hours. Come with a decision, Chief Justice Ramana said.  Mehta said he had a plan and would discuss with the environment minister and come back on December 3.  We are not here as Opposition leaders. We are here to control pollution, the CJI emphasised.  Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, on the Special Bench, asked but where is the pollution coming from? Which are the identifiable sources of pollution? The Solicitor General said it was mostly from industries and vehicles.  If industries are closed, it cannot be from industries, right? Justice Chandrachud queried.  The court asked whether there was any check in place to stop polluting vehicles from entering the city. Wherever they could be impounded, they have been. Ten thousand vehicles have been diverted from Delhi borders except those carrying essential goods, Mehta replied.  The court asked whether there was any check at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh borders.  We are unable to contribute anything towards reducing the pollution… There are numerous members in your Air Quality Commission… More than all the departments of the Government of India… What is the commission doing? the CJI voiced the court’s exasperation.  

INTERNATIONAL NEWS 

WTA suspends events in China over Peng Shuai concerns  

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has taken the unprecedented step of immediately suspending all of its events in China, citing the failure of the authorities to take up Chinese star Peng Shuai’s allegations of sexual abuse by a former senior Communist Party leader.  WTA Chairman Steve Simon said he was announcing the immediate suspension of all WTA tournaments in China, including Hong Kong. In good conscience, I don’t see how I can ask our athletes to compete there when Peng Shuai is not allowed to communicate freely and has seemingly been pressured to contradict her allegation of sexual assault, he said. Given the current state of affairs, I am also greatly concerned about the risks that all of our players and staff could face if we were to hold events in China in 2022.  Peng had posted a message on November 2 on Chinese social media revealing she had been sexually assaulted by former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli 10 years ago, when she was 25 and he was 65, and then subsequently began a years-long affair with him. The message was deleted by the censors within half an hour of being posted and was followed by an extensive censorship effort aimed at removing all information about the case.  The WTA and a number of stars expressed concerns about Peng’s whereabouts after she disappeared from public view for two weeks after the statement and had her account on Sina Weibo, a Chinese Twitter equivalent, blocked from public view.  Responding to the outpouring of concern, Chinese state media subsequently released videos showing the former women’s doubles world number one in Beijing, having dinner with friends and attending a youth tournament. The WTA responded saying the videos did not address questions about her safety or the allegations, adding that it had been unable to contact her.  

South Sudan promises to end Child Marriages by 2030

The Government of South Sudan has promised to end Child Marriages by the year 2030. The announcement is in line with African Union’s Campaign to end child marriages in continent. The Chiefs from three administrative areas and 10 regional states met in the Capital, Juba, for the second national conference to end child marriages. South Sudan in Africa is one of the 40 countries globally that has the highest rates of child marriages. As per a survey in 2010, 7% of girls marry before the age of 15 and 40% before the age of 18. The Gender Ministry of South Sudan says that only 6.2% of girls in the country complete primary school while one out of five drop out of secondary school due to pregnancies.

Olympic truce to be observed for Olympic and Paralympic Games Beijing 2022.

UNGA has adopted a resolution- Building a peaceful and better world through sport and Olympic ideal by consensus. The resolution calls for the observance of the Olympic truce for the Olympics and Paralympic Beijing 2022. It will be from 7 days before the start of the Olympic games, until 7 days after the end of the Paralympic games. The resolution adopted by UNGA underlines the significance of cooperation among the member states for collectively implementing the values of Olympic Truce all over the world. The Olympic Truce has a 3,000-year-old history of allowing participation in the games of all the athletes and the spectators.

Pakistan allows the use of Afghan trucks from Wagah Border to Torkham

Pakistan has confirmed that it will allow the use of Afghan trucks for transportation purposes from Wagah Border to Torkham. The decision was announced by the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan days after it permitted the transportation of 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat and life-saving medicines from India to Afghanistan via Wagah Border. Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan had earlier informed that they allowed the passage of 50,000 MT of wheat which was provided by India to Afghanistan as a humanitarian crisis. UNDP has recently said that the nominal GDP of Afghanistan is likely to contract by 20% within a year. It will go from USD 20 billion in 2020 to USD 16 billion.

 

NATIONAL NEWS 

Directorate General of Civil Aviation postpones resumption of international flights indefinitely 

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCI), on December 1, postponed indefinitely the date of resumption of international flights in view of the new variant of COVID-19 virus called Omicron.  In view of the evolving global scenario with the emergence of new variant of concern, the situation is being watched closely in consultation with all the stakeholders and an appropriate decision indicating the effective date of resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services shall be notified in due course, the DGCA said.  Last week, the authority had announced reopening of international flights from December 15 after a gap of 20 months. It said that countries not in the at risk list of the Health Ministry could revert to pre-COVID schedule of flights from December 15, while those in the list could revert to 50%-70% of their earlier schedule.  

Why should we apologise, ask 12 suspended MPs?  

The impasse between the Opposition and the government over the suspension of 12 MPs from the Rajya Sabha continued as neither side was willing to concede any space. The government wants the errant MPs to unconditionally apologise on the floor of the House. On the first day of the sit-in at the Mahatma Gandhi statue on Parliament premises, the MPs said it was for the government to apologise for undermining parliamentary democracy.  The Rajya Sabha saw four adjournments on Wednesday, each time after Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge sought to raise the suspension issue. The Opposition parties held another round of meeting at Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in the evening to discuss the strategy ahead. According to sources, the suspended MPs would continue their protest at the Gandhi statue and simultaneously the issue would be raised in the House.  Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain said, What should we say sorry for? Parliament is meant to raise the issues concerning the people of the country. Parliament is meant for debate, discussion and dialogue. The government has scant respect for democratic traditions of our country. Do you think we need to apologise to the government for asking questions? He added that at least one dozen MPs every day moved notices to discuss important issues such as price hike, Indo-China crisis, the farm agitation and so on but none of these notices were admitted.  TMC’s Dola Sen said that the only reason the Opposition was forced to disrupt the proceedings was because they were not allowed to speak and debate the relevant issues in the House. Sen was suspended in September 2020 when the farm laws were passed in Parliament and then again in the monsoon session.  She said, The government claims we are habitual offenders, but they are the habitual offenders. Narendra Modi brought in demonetisation with the goal of unearthing black money. The black money didn’t come. Instead, 150 persons lost their lives. And then again, he imposed the farm laws against the wishes of people. In the agitation for over a year, 750 persons were martyred. So who is the habitual offender?  MPs suspended from the Rajya Sabha sit in a dharna near the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament on December 1, 2021.

Bhima-Koregaon case: Sudha Bharadwaj granted default bail by Bombay HC  

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday granted bail to human rights activist and trade unionist Sudha Bharadwaj in the Bhima Koregaon caste violence case. It, however, rejected the bail pleas of eight other accused — Rona Wilson, Varavara Rao, Sudhir Dhawale, Surendra Gadling, Shoma Sen, Mahesh Raut, Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira. They are all lodged at the Taloja Central Jail.  Bharadwaj was taken into custody by Pune police on October 27, 2018. She was produced before the Additional Sessions Judge, Pune, K.D. Vadane, who remanded her in police custody for 10 days. On November 22, the public prosecutor filed a report seeking extension of period for investigation. On November 26, she filed for bail under the Code of Criminal Procedure as the 90-day period from the date of her arrest and production before the magistrate had expired. Judge Vadane, however, extended the period of detention by 90 days.  Eventually, the chargesheet was filed and on February 21, 2019. Judge Vadane took cognisance of the offence and issued processes against Bharadwaj. Additional Sessions Judge Ravindra Pande and S.R. Navandar also rejected the default bail of all the accused.  Advocates Yug Chaudhry and Payoshi Roy appearing for Bharadwaj filed for default bail on the ground that Judge Vadane was not competent to extend the detention by 90 days and for taking cognisance of the offences as he was a designated special judge under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act. The advocates argued that none of the judges was appointed special judges by the Central government. The second ground was that Bharadwaj had the right to be released on default bail and ought to have been released on January 25, 2019 as the chargesheet was filed only on February 21, 2019.  The other co-accused filed a common plea for quashing and setting aside the September 5, 2019 order by Additional Sessions Judge Ravindra Pande. They were represented by advocates Sudeep Pasbola and Barun Kumar, who contended that Judge Pande had no jurisdiction to take cognisance, since the case was not committed by a magistrate.  A division bench of Justices S.S. Shinde and N.J. Jamadar directed that Bharadwaj be produced before special NIA court on December 8 to pass an order on terms and conditions for default bail.  The 120-page judgment read, On the touchstone of the guarantee of personal liberty under Article 21 (Right to Life) of the Constitution, in our view, to deprive Ms. Bharadwaj of the indefeasible right on the premise that the application preferred on November 26, 2018 was premature, would be taking a too technical and formalistic view of the matter. In our view, all the requisite conditions to release Ms Bharadwaj on default bail stood fully satisfied.  

After Munawar Faruqui, now Kunal Kamra’s shows in Bengaluru cancelled  

Multiple shows of stand-up comic Kunal Kamra from December 1-19 in Bengaluru have been cancelled over ‘threats to close down the venue’ if the shows were held, Kamra said in a statement on Twitter. Kamra, who was in Bengaluru for the shows, has left the city, sources said.  This comes days after Bengaluru police advised organisers of Munawar Faruqui’s show that they ‘should cancel the show’ following threats of protests by Hindutva groups.  However, in the case of Kamra’s shows, the jurisdictional J.P. Nagar police have not issued any letter to either the venue or the organisers of the show, and there is no clarity as to why the shows were cancelled.  On November 30, a group of ‘local residents’ held a protest in front of the venue – Artkhoj in J.P. Nagar – objecting to Mr. Kamra performing there. Police rushed to the spot and dispersed the crowd, said Srinath Mahadev Joshi, DCP (South). The venue has cancelled the shows, and we had nothing to do with it. Since it is an indoors programme, they need not take our permission, he said.  Illustration: R. Rajesh   Owners of Artkhoj refused to comment on the issue, only confirming that the shows had been cancelled. We are not in a position to comment on the matter, a representative of Artkhoj told The Hindu.  They have been cancelled for two reasons. Firstly, we didn’t get special permission to seat 45 people in a venue that can seat more. Secondly, threats have been made to shut down the venue if I were to perform there. I guess this is also part of the COVID-19 protocol and new guidelines. I suppose I am seen as a new variant of the virus now, Kamra posted on Twitter.  

Don’t try to divide Samyukt Kisan Morcha: Rakesh Tikait  

Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait on Wednesday said farmers would not return to villages until law on guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) was enacted. He urged the government not to spread rumours and try to divide the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM).  It seemed the government wanted the agitation to end without talking to farmers across the table. The government should make it clear if Delhi’s doors are closed for farmers. If that is the case, can farmers shut their doors on the government? he asked.  The last card in the hand of the government was to break the unity of the umbrella body of farmers’ unions. In 2011, a committee was formed and the present Prime Minister was a member of it as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. The committee said in its report a legal guarantee on MSP should be given. We appeal to the Prime Minister to implement the committee’s report. There is no need to form a new one, he said in a video message. A committee will be required when the MSP law is enacted, in order to ensure its implementation. Don’t try to confuse us.  Questions on the prospective Seed Bill, Pesticide Bill, and Kisan Credit Card remained and they could be addressed by a committee proposed by the Prime Minister. 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS 

Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal to receive $1 million annual salary  

Parag Agrawal, who has recently been named as the CEO of microblogging platform Twitter, will receive an annual salary of $1 million along with other perks and bonuses.  The India-born executive, who succeeds Jack Dorsey in this role, served as Twitter’s Chief Technology Officer since 2017, and has been responsible for the company’s technical strategy.  He joined the company in 2011 as a software engineer, leading efforts on scaling Twitter Ads systems, as well as reaccelerating audience growth by improving Home timeline relevance. Agrawal will receive an annual salary of USD1,000,000 and will continue to be a participant in the company’s executive bonus plan with a new target bonus of 150% of his annual base salary. Under the terms of the Offer Letter, in December 2021, the Board will grant to Mr. Agrawal restricted stock units (RSUs) with a grant date face value of USD12,500,000, a regulatory filing by Twitter to the U.S. SEC, said.  The filing added that the RSUs will vest in 16 equal quarterly increments (each being 6.25% of the grant) starting February 1, 2022, subject in each case to Agrawal remaining an employee of Twitter through the applicable vesting date.  In April 2022, the Board will grant Agrawal performance-based RSUs (PRSUs) with a grant date face value of $12.5 million. The performance goals for those PRSUs will be determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board on or before the grant date.  

Afghanistan’s nominal GDP likely to contract by 20 percent within 1 year

Afghanistan’s nominal GDP is likely to contract by 20 per cent within just one year, as per United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on December 1, 2021. The nation’s GDP is expected to contract from USD 20 billion in 2020 to USD 16 billion. The decline may reach 30 per cent in the following years if urgent correct measures are not taken, according to a new socio-economic report. The nation’s annual per capita income has already declined from USD 650 in 2012 to USD 500 in 2020.

WHO Chief confirms presence of Omicron variant in 23 countries

The new Omicron Covid variant has been detected in 23 countries, informed World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on December 1, 2021. WHO Chief said that the emergence of the Omicron variant has captured global attention and at least 23 countries from five of six WHO regions have reported cases of Omicron. He said that they expect the number to grow. The United States has reported its first case of the ‘Omicron’ variant of COVID-19. The case was detected in the US state of California.

India, Russia to sign deal on AK-203 rifles during Putin’s visit 

India and Russia are scheduled to sign a deal on supplying 7.5 lakh AK-203 assault rifles on December 6, 2021, during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India. The deal would provide a major boost to India and Russia military ties. All the necessary approvals have already been accorded to the deal including a final go-ahead from the Cabinet Committee on Security.

NATIONAL NEWS 

Say sorry if you want to return to Rajya Sabha, Piyush Goyal tells 12 Opposition MPs 

Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday that if the 12 suspended members were to apologise, they could return to the House. Earlier in the day, the Opposition staged a walkout and stayed away from the proceedings. The suspended MPs will hold a sit-in at the Gandhi statue on the Parliament premises till the end of the winter session.  The government, striking a conciliatory note, did not take up the listed legislative business of the Dam Safety Bill in the absence of the Opposition. Soon after the House was convened for the day, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge pointed out that on technical grounds the suspension was illegal. The members were suspended for their alleged misconduct on August 11 in the monsoon session, under Rule 256 of the House. Kharge stated that the two parameters essential under the rules were ignored. First, the Chairman had to name a member, if he was of the view that the member had disregarded the authority of the Chair or abused the rules of the Council by persistently and willfully obstructing the business of the House. Only after the member is named, can a motion be made to suspend them. More importantly, this procedure is relevant only on the date of occurrence of the alleged disregard or disorderly conduct of a member, he observed.  Bringing forward a motion to suspend the members months after the day of occurrence of alleged disorderly conduct is not in order. This unprecedented and undemocratic act is a blatant violation of the rules, he said. He requested Chairman Venkaiah Naidu to revoke the suspension, which the latter rejected outright.  

Omicron doesn’t escape RTPCR, RAT, says Health Ministry  

COVID-19 variant Omicron doesn’t escape RTPCR (reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction) test and Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday. It instructed the States to ramp up testing for prompt and early identification of any cases.  States are advised for target/prioritised testing of passengers from the not at-risk countries also as part of the ramped up testing by the states, said a Ministry release.  The instructions followed Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan’s virtual meeting with the States/UTs to review COVID-19 public health response measures and preparedness amid reports of Omicron cases across various countries.  The Ministry pointed to the critical role of vaccination as a powerful defence against COVID-19, the extension of the Har Ghar Dastak campaign till December 31 with focus on 100% first dose coverage, and the completion of backlog of second dose. The States have been advised to ramp up the pace and coverage of vaccination.  Meanwhile, Union Health minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed Parliament on Tuesday that the Omicron variant has not been reported in India yet, He said that while the variant has been found in 14 countries so far there is no case in India. Students of Gurukul Art school paint posters in the wake of rising Omicron variant of coronavirus at Lalbaug, Maharashtra on November 29, 2021.   The Minister also noted that the Central Government has issued an advisory based on global developments related to the new variant and is keeping a keen watch on all entry points.  Speaking during the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, the Minister added that studies are being conducted on the Omicron and said that all precautionary measures have been put in place in India.  

India’s GDP growth at 8.4 % in July-Sept  

India’s economic growth slowed to 8.4 % in the second quarter of 2021-22, mainly due to waning low base effect, official data showed on Tuesday. The GDP growth in April-June quarter this fiscal stood at 20.1 %. The Indian economy had contracted by 24.4 % in April-June last year.  The gross domestic product (GDP) had contracted by 7.4 % in the corresponding July-September quarter of 2020-21, according to data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO).  GDP at Constant (2011-12) Prices in April-September 2021-22 (H1 2021-22) is estimated at ₹ 68.11 lakh crore as against ₹ 59.92 lakh crore during the corresponding period of previous year, showing a growth of 13.7 % in H1 2021-22 as against a contraction of 15.9 % during the same period last year, it stated.  The government had imposed a nationwide lockdown at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year. China has recorded a growth of 4.9 % in the July-September period of 2021.  

Mayawati rules out talks with Bhim Army  

There was no question of talks with Bhim Army leader Chandrashekhar Azad for the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, BSP chief Mayawati asserted on Tuesday.  Responding to questions, she reiterated that the BSP would contest all 403 seats alone.  Asked by a journalist what she thought of Azad’s visit to Lucknow where he stated that he would try and talk to leaders of other parties, including her, for possible alliances, Mayawati sounded dismissive.  When I have told you that BSP will fight alone on its own strength, then such a question does not arise, Mayawati said at a press conference.  Azad, who belongs to the same Dalit sub-caste as Mayawati, Jatav, has shown interest in next year’s Assembly election, sparking speculation on the likely impact on the already depleted BSP.  Mayawati also said that if voted to power for the fifth time, her government would take care of the interests and welfare of Jats, Muslims and the most-backward communities. She accused the BJP government of bringing in new rules and laws, and often taking the support of courts, to make the provisions of reservation ineffective.  The BSP chief said Muslims were being harassed by the BJP government through false cases and that terror was being created among the community through new rules and laws.  At all levels, Muslims are despondent and their progress has come to a halt, she said after holding a meeting of party office-bearers belonging to the Jat, Muslim and MBC communities.  

INTERNATIONAL NEWS 

British Tennis Player Johanna Konta announced retirement

Tennis player Johanna Konta from Britain has announced her retirement saying that her career has come to an end. The former World No. 4 further said that she was fortunate to live her dream of playing professional tennis. As per the Women’s Tennis Association, Johanna Konta was a four-time WTA Champion. Her biggest title came at the Miami Open in 2017, where she defeated Venus Williams, Simona Halep, and Caroline Wozniacki. The talented player also lifted the trophies at Stanford 2016, Sydney 2017, and Nottingham 2021.  Johanna Konta was twice a WTA 1000 runner-up, at Beijing 2016 and Rome 2019.

China to hold 2022 Winter Olympics despite Omicron concerns

 China has announced that it will successfully hold the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 on schedule despite the worldwide concern of the Omicron Covid variant. The Winter Olympics 2022 is scheduled for February 4-20, 2022. The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson of China Zhao Lijian said that China is experienced in preventing and spread of COVID-19 and the winter Olympics will be held. The new COVID-19 variant Omicron has been named the ‘Variant of Concern’ by the World Health Organisation. The virus was first detected in South Africa. The global health body has also warned against the virus. WHO has also urged the member states to increase the surveillance to understand various variants and to increase the community testing.

World’s most expensive cities list: Tel Aviv ranked world’s costliest city.

World’s most expensive city: Tel Aviv has become the world’s most expensive city to live in, surpassing Paris and Singapore as per the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living Index 2021. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Tel Aviv climbed from 5th place to the top in 2021 due to the rising value of the Israeli currency shekel against US Dollar and the increase in the price of grocery and transport. While Tel Aviv has topped the Cost of Living Index 2021, Paris and Singapore are jointly ranked second, followed by Zurich and Hong Kong at the fourth and fifth spots. Syria’s Damascus was ranked as the world’s cheapest city. The Worldwide Cost of Living Index examines the cost of living in 173 cities and measures against impactful global events. The cost of living index reported that the prices for goods and services on average have risen by 3.5% year-on-year, which is the highest inflation rate seen in the last five years.  The Cost of Living 2021 Index has ranked Israel’s Tel Aviv at the top for the first time, making it the world’s most expensive city to live in. Tel Aviv has pushed Paris down to jointly share second place with Singapore. Paris, Zurich and Hong Kong were ranked at the top of Cost of Living Index last year. The cost of the living study is conducted twice a year by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

 

NATIONAL NEWS 

Delhi CM holds meeting with officials on Omicron variant

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal held a meeting with the officials on the Omicron variant on November 30, 2021. He informed after the meeting that while they hope Omicron doesn’t come to India, but they need to be prepared as responsible governments. The Chief Minister informed that as far as the beds are concerned, the state has prepared around 30,000 oxygen beds, which include 10,000 ICU beds. He also informed that by combining all hospitals in Delhi, Delhi has around 750 MT oxygen capacity. He said that an extra storage capacity of 442 MT is also being prepared. 

Noted Telugu lyricist Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry passes away Noted Telugu lyricist Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry passed away on November 30, 2021. He was undergoing treatment for lung cancer. He was 66. The hospital authorities revealed in a statement that the veteran lyricist, aged 66, passed away due to lung cancer-related complications. The Padma Shri awardee had been hospitalized for lung-related ailments on November 24th at KIMS Hospital Secunderabad. Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry has written lyrics for over 3,000 songs till 2020. He had received the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, for his contributions in the field of arts and aesthetics.

PM Modi to inaugurate FinTech leadership forum on December 3

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate a leadership Forum on Financial Technology (FinTech) on December 3, 2021. The forum will focus on the theme of ‘Beyond’; with various sub-themes. The forum aims to bring together leading minds of the world in business, policy, and technology to discuss and come up with innovative ideas that can be leveraged by the FinTech industry for inclusive growth. The forum will witness participation by almost 70 countries and leading industrial figures including Reliance Industries Mukesh Ambani and Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group Corp. Masayoshi Son.  

Home Affairs Ministry extends Covid containment measures till December 31st

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on November 30, 2021, extended the validity of Covid containment measures till December 31, 2021, in view of the emergence of the new COVID-19 variant- Omicron. The Home Minister has directed the state governments to take proactive containment measures. The MHA order was issued by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla to all states and union territories. The MHA order has been sent to the chief secretaries of all states and it directs the states to ensure rigorous screening and testing at all international arrivals. The contacts will also be closely tracked and tested.

Advanced Israeli Heron drones received by the Indian Army

Israeli Heron drones have been received by the Indian Army after a delay of a few months because of the Coronavirus pandemic. The new Heron drones from Israel are far more advanced than the Heron drones that the Indian Army already has. They have also been operational in the Ladakh region.

Vice Admiral Hari Kumar takes charge as Chief of Naval Staff

Vice Admiral Hari Kumar has taken the charge as the Chief of Naval Staff, he also received Guard of Honour. The Defence Ministry had earlier announced on November 9 that Hari Kumar will be the new Chief of the Indian Navy. He replaced Admiral Karambir Singh who has retired.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS 

World AIDS Day to be observed on December 1st

World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1st to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS. The day has become one of the most widely recognized international health days. World AIDS Day aims to raise awareness about the disease and commemorate those who have passed away due to it and celebrate victories in the field such as increased access to treatment and prevention services. The day aims to spread correct information such as the fact that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a contagious virus that leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Many people confuse the terms and consider both as synonymous but they are not. AIDS is the last stage of the HIV virus. HIV patients can prevent AIDS by taking HIV medication regularly. The day also throws emphasis on the fact that HIV cannot be spread by touch, cough or handshake or sharing food with the HIV-infected person. It can only spread through unprotected sexual contact with a person or infected needles and infected blood.

Lionel Messi wins Ballon d’Or Award 2021

Men’s Ballon d’Or award 2021 has been won by Lionel Messi for the record 7th time. Alexis Putellas from Spain has won the Ballon d’Or award for women for the first time. The 34-years old Argentinian footballer player Messi has won over another favourite Robert Lewandowski. The award is one of the most prestigious individual awards in football.

Barbados declared Republic after 400 years

Caribbean Nation, Barbados has formed a Republic by ditching Queen Elizabeth of Britain as the Head of the State. With this move, the island nation has severed the last-remaining colonial bonds with Britain. The country has transitioned to the Parliamentary Republic with President as Head of the State.

NATIONAL NEWS 

Opposition raises multiple issues at all-party gathering before Parliament session, PM skips the meeting 

The joint Opposition Sunday demanded the formal repeal of the three contentious farm laws and a legislation to guarantee Minimum Support Price (MSP), as it raised a host of issues, including price rise and the coronavirus management, at an all-party meeting convened by the government ahead of the winter session of Parliament.  Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said around 15 issues were raised during the meeting which was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He said the Opposition expected Prime Minister Narendra Modi to head the meeting and address the issues, but he skipped it.  The winter session of Parliament starts Monday and will continue till December 23. Leaders of 30 political parties attended the meeting, where they raised various issues, including farmers’ problems, alleged Chinese incursions, Covid preparation and past mismanagement, inflation, high fuel prices, unemployment, the state of the economy, and the extension of the BSF’s jurisdiction in border states.  The issues of Pegasus spyware and women’s reservation were also raised, with some parties demanding a discussion on them.  The opposition leaders raised a number of issues during the meeting and urged the government to actively do something in this regard. We expected that the prime minister would attend the meeting and answer our issues. But, the PM did not come to the meeting, Kharge told PTI after the meeting.  

Omicron variant: Operationalise ample testing infrastructure to tackle any surge: Health Ministry  

Cautioning that overall testing and the proportion of RT-PCR tests have declined in some States, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Sunday directed that ample testing infrastructure needs to be operationalised to tackle any surge due to Omicron, the mutated COVID virus.  The Ministry has written to the State Governments stating that in the absence of sufficient testing, it is extremely difficult to determine the true level of infection spread.  A health worker collects swab samples of a vendor for COVID-19 testing at a market in the wake of spike in coronavirus cases, in Jammu on November 28, 2021.   States must strengthen the testing infrastructure and strictly implement the testing guidelines, said Bhushan.  He said that as a proactive step, the Central Government has already placed countries where this Variant of Concern (VoC) has been found in the category of at risk for additional follow up measures of international travellers visiting India.  The Ministry also said that in view of the possible threat that this VoC can pose, it is imperative that intensive containment, active surveillance, increased coverage of vaccination and COVID-appropriate behaviour are enforced in the field in a very proactive manner.  The Ministry said there is already a reporting mechanism for obtaining travel details of passengers and this should be reviewed and the protocol provided by Health Ministry should be strictly implemented, including testing on disembarkation of international travellers coming from at risk countries.  All positive samples for genome sequencing should be sent to INSACOG Labs in a prompt manner.  The Ministry said in all hotspots, saturation testing and sending of positive samples quickly for genome sequencing to designated INSACOG labs must be ensured in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). States have also been asked to keep a close check on the emerging trend of cases and the positivity in an area and quickly delineate hotspots for effective containment.  Instructing that States should aim at achieving a positivity rate below 5% while focusing on increasing the number of tests and share of RT-PCR tests to aid in early identification, the Ministry said having adequate availability of health facilities is essential to ensure that there are no delays in providing care.  The Ministry has also asked States to hold regular peer briefing to help promote COVID appropriate behaviour and vaccination.  

Munawar Faruqui hints at quitting after Bengaluru Police deny permission for show  

Stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui on November 28 hinted that he may not do any more shows, a day after his scheduled event in Bengaluru was cancelled. Police had advised the organisers to call it off, citing possible law and order problems. Earlier, his shows have been cancelled in other cities on similar grounds.  City police had said that the organisers of the event, scheduled to be held on November 28 evening, should cancel the show, as several groups are opposed to it and this could create chaos and could disturb the public peace and harmony, which may further lead to law and order problems. The police issued the letter on November 27 night.  Faruqui, who had come to the city for the show, left on November 28 morning after posting a statement on his social media handles, hinting at quitting the space. Lamenting how he was jailed for a joke he did not do, and of 12 shows being cancelled in the last two months because of threats to venue and audience, he wrote: I think this is the end. My name is Munawar Faruqui and that’s been my time, you guys were a wonderful audience. Goodbye! I am done.  Organisers of the November 28 event said Faruqui felt dejected at how he is being systematically targeted. Faruqui was himself not available for further comment.  Faruqui was arrested in Indore in January earlier this year after a Hindutva right wing activist alleged he denigrated Hindu gods. He spent 37 days in jail before the Supreme Court granted him bail.  Bengaluru Police cancelling the show comes close on the heels of 12 shows of the comic being similarly cancelled by the police in Maharashtra and Gujarat this month alone, following a campaign by Hindutva right wing organisations calling for a ban on the artiste and threatening protests if his shows are held.  The city police move has come under severe criticism by rights activists in the city. It is sad that a systematic campaign by Hindutva groups has scuttled a comedian, just because of his religion, said advocate-activist Vinay Sreenivasa. It is sad to note that a threat of a protest leads to stifling of freedom of expression in this city. Some groups cannot hold the city to ransom. Society needs to stand by the artist, said human rights advocate B.T. Venkatesh.  

UPTET cancelled after paper leak, CM Adityanath says NSA will be invoked against culprits  

The Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (UPTET), scheduled to be held on November 28, was cancelled after a question paper for the exam was leaked, an officer in Lucknow announced shortly before the exam was to begin.  The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) arrested 23 people last night using technical and other intelligence from different cities of the State, Additional Director General Law and Order Prashant Kumar said in Lucknow.  U.P. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the culprits will be booked under the National Security Act and Gangster Act. He also ordered reconvening of the exam within a month.  A question paper was leaked. I issued an order to cancel the examination and arrest those involved in the entire racket. Instructions were also given to conduct the exam within a month, and that no candidate should be charged additional fee, he said, addressing a function in Deoria district on November 28.  He said orders were given to transport the students back to their home towns in UPSRTC buses free of cost on the basis of their admit cards. Those who have committed this act should note that cases will be registered against them under the Gangster Act and the National Security Act, he said.  Later in a tweet in Hindi, the CM said properties will be seized by the government of those involved in the leak. Close to 20 lakh candidates were to appear for the Uttar Pradesh Teachers Eligibility Test (UPTET) on November 28.  Earlier in the day, the ADG said that those arrested included four from Lucknow and 13 from Prayagraj. A photocopy of the question paper was obtained from them, which was shared with the government. It came to light that the copy bore the same set of questions as did the official question paper, he said.  Immediately it was decided by the government that the exam needs to be cancelled and reconvened in the coming one month. All expenses for the exam will be borne by the government. The candidates will not have to pay the fees or fill the examination form, he added.  The officer said the matter will be probed by the U.P. STF, and people or organisations involved in the leak will not be spared.  The question paper of the examination had not reached the examination centres till November 28th morning.  

Section 144 imposed in Mathura after Hindu Mahasabha threatens to install Lord Krishna idol in mosque  

The Mathura district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under CrPC section 144 following an announcement by the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha that it will install a Lord Krishna idol at the deity’s actual birthplace, which it claims is in a mosque close to a prominent temple.  Nobody will be allowed to disturb the peace and tranquillity in Mathura, District Magistrate Navneet Singh Chahal said. The clampdown comes even as another right wing organisation, the Narayani Sena, has said it will take out a march from Vishram Ghat to Sri Krishna Janmasthan, demanding the removal of the mosque.  Section 144 of the CrPC prohibits the assembly of four or more people in an area.  Police said they have detained Narayani Sena secretary Amit Mishra in Mathura Kotwali, while the outfit claimed its national president Manish Yadav has been detained in Lucknow.  Chahal said he, along with Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover, reviewed the security around both the religious places, the Katra Keshav Dev temple and the Shahi Idgah. He said the Hindu Mahasabha had requested permission to install the idol at the mosque but it was turned down. Question of granting permission to any event that may potentially disrupt peace does not arise, Chahal added.  Hindu Mahasabha leader Rajyashri Choudhary had earlier said her organisation will install the idol of Lord Krishna in the Shahi Idgah after a maha jalabhishek to purify the place on December 6. The date marks the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, the site of a temple-mosque dispute, in 1992.  The Mahasabha’s threat to perform the ritual inside the Shahi Idgah comes at a time when the local courts are hearing a series of petitions seeking the removal of the 17th century mosque.  

INTERNATIONAL NEWS 

13 air passengers in Netherlands found infected with new variant  

Dutch health authorities said on Sunday they had discovered at least 13 cases of the new Omicron strain among passengers on two flights from South Africa. The infections were found after 61 out of the 600 travellers on the two KLM planes tested positive for COVID-19 on arrival at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on Friday.  It was not unthinkable that there were further cases of the infectious Omicron variant in the Netherlands, Health Minister Hugo de Jonge said. The Omicron variant has so far been identified in 13 of the positive tests. The investigation has not yet been completed. the National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) said in a statement. The new variant may be found in more test samples.  The 61 COVID-positive passengers are almost all in quarantine at a hotel near Schiphol Airport, while a few have been allowed to go into home quarantine.  Passengers who tested negative must also go into isolation at home if remaining in the Netherlands, but others were allowed to continue with their journeys.  The Netherlands is now stepping up testing for travellers from South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, in the region where the new variant ‘Omicron’ was first detected.   We will control whether they keep to those rules, de Jonge told reporters. The Netherlands is now stepping up testing for travellers from South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, in the region where the new variant was first detected.   

India vs New Zealand first Test ends in a draw.

First India vs New Zealand test in Kanpur ended in a draw on November 29, 2021. The visiting New Zealand team managed to survive by the smallest of margins after their lower-order batsmen held on to pull off a draw. India had managed to take eight wickets on the last day of the first test with Ravindra Jadeja picking up four wickets and Ashwin picking up three wickets. The final session had resumed with New Zealand at 124/4. India had scored 345 in its first innings and declared at 234/ 7 in its second innings. New Zealand had scored 296 in its first innings and ended the last day at 165/9. 

Louis Vuitton Designer Virgil Abloh passes away at 41 

Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection designer Virgil Abloh passed away on November 28, 2021 after battling cancer for several years. He was 41. Virgil Abloh was the first African American creative director of the top French fashion house. He was popular for bringing streetwear such as hoodies and sneakers to the ramp. He was also the designer behind the popular Off-white brand, in which LVMH, had bought a 60-percent stake. His untimely death at the peak of his career sent shockwaves across the world, with tributes pouring in from across the world.  LVMH chief executive Bernard Arnault said in a statement, We are all shocked by this terrible news. Virgil was not only a genius designer, a visionary, but also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom. 

 

NATIONAL NEWS 

Farmers defer their tractor march to Parliament

Just when face-off between farmers and parliamentarians appeared inevitable, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha suspended its November 29 tractor march to Parliament, and in a meeting next month, the roadmap for the future course of action will be decided upon. The decision to suspend the march comes two days ahead of the commencement of the Winter Session of Parliament during which a bill to repeal the contentious three farm laws is slated to be introduced.  The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of farmer unions protesting the farm laws for the past one year has demanded an assurance in Parliament and said their demand for a legislation guaranteeing farmers Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops is also awaited.  SKM leader Darshan Pal, while addressing a press conference, said, we are suspending the Parliament march on Monday. We had written to the Prime Minister for withdrawal of cases against farmers, allotment of land for building a memorial for farmers who lost their lives (during the protest), suspension of Ajay Mishra ‘Teni’ from the Union Cabinet over the Lakhimpur Kheri violence, along with other issues. He said that a reply is awaited and SKM will hold another meeting on December 4.  The SKM also demanded that the government should initiate a dialogue with them in a respectful way. Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that the three farm laws would be withdrawn. Though farmer unions have welcomed the government’s move, they said their protest would continue until the laws are totally and formally withdrawn and other demands, including legal guarantee of MSP, are met. With assembly elections to the crucial states of UP and Punjab around the corner, the farmers will be watching the Union Government’s move closely.  

Prime Minister chairs meeting to review COVID preparedness plans in light of a new strain 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday directed a review of plans to ease international travel restrictions amid emerging new COVID-19 virus variant Omicron found in South Africa, designated as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). As the US and other countries restrict travel from South Africa, In a two-hour-long meeting with senior Central Government officials, Mr. Modi highlighted the need for monitoring all international arrivals and testing as per guidelines, with a specific focus on countries identified ‘at risk’. The Prime Minister also asked officials to increase the second dose COVID-19 vaccine coverage at the comprehensive meeting he chaired to review the public health preparedness and vaccination situation for COVID-19. With the detection of the new strain, scientists and health experts in India have said new waves of infection are anticipated and unless we act quickly and efficiently, the country will possibly see repeat waves. India has better tools in hand now compared to two years ago, said Vinod Scaria, scientist at CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB). He added the country, however, had to improve its vaccination drive, public health measures, health infrastructure and genomic surveillance to be better prepared.  He directed that genome sequencing samples be collected from international travellers and community as per norms, tested through the network of labs already established under INSACOG, and early warning signals identified for COVID-19 management. He spoke about the need to increase the sequencing efforts and make it more broad-based. 

President Kovind calls for discretion in courtroom utterances

President Ram Nath Kovind said judges must exercise ‘utmost discretion’ while making utterances in courtrooms and quoted an American judge to argue that courts are not representative bodies and are not designed to be a good reflex of a democratic society. The President made these remarks while delivering the valedictory address at the Constitution Day celebrations, organised by the Supreme Court of India, in the presence of Chief Justice of India, N.V. Ramana. Chief Justice Ramana, while addressing the inaugural session of the same event on Friday, stated that courts intervene not to usurp the role of the government, but to nudge it to take care of unresolved grievances. Speaking at the concluding session of the two-day event, President also wondered if there can be better way to appoint judges to the higher judiciary without diluting the independence of the judiciary even to the slightest degree. The President noted that in Indian tradition, judges are imagined as a model of rectitude and detachment more akin to sthitpragya [a person of steady wisdom] and the country has had a rich history of legions of such judges known for their utterances full of sagacity and conduct beyond reproach, which have become hallmarks for the future generations.

Delhi court orders FIR against Sambit Patra for posting Arvind Kejriwal’s doctored video 

A Delhi court has directed the police to register an FIR against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sambit Patra for allegedly posting a doctored video of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal supporting the farm laws, saying it may have resulted in rioting like situation across the nation. Metropolitan Magistrate Rishabh Kapoor directed the Delhi Police to register the FIR under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and conduct a thorough investigation against the BJP spokesperson while allowing the application of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Atishi. Ms. Atishi had moved the court seeking registration of FIR against Mr. Patra claiming that the video contained statements that were diametrically opposite to the stand taken by the Delhi CM and the Aam Aadmi Party concerning the farm laws and caused discontent and dissatisfaction in the minds of farmers. The judge noted, The fact that the video was published on the Twitter handle of proposed accused with the caption ‘teeno farm bills ke laabh ginate hue (Counting the benefits of the three farm bills) Sir ji’…, prima facie proves that same was circulated with no intention but to cause the farmers to believe that Kejriwal is supporting the farm laws, which may have perpetuated the state of outrage with the protesting farmers and may have resulted in rioting like situation across the nation. The court said that a thorough investigation was required to be conducted considering the seriousness of the allegations and directed the SHO to register the FIR against Mr. Patra and initiate the probe. The judge noted that in the original video, Mr. Kejriwal was seen replying to a question asked by a journalist by quoting that in the speeches given by leaders of BJP in support of farm laws, it was stated that due to the operation of said laws, the farmers will not lose their lands, the minimum support price assured to them will not be lost, the mandi system will not overturn.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS 

WHO urges vigilance in southeast Asia over Omicron 

Countries must enhance surveillance, sequencing and assess the risk of importation through international travel based on updated information on circulating variants and response capacities, and take measures accordingly, World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Southeast Asia Region office said on Saturday, stating that countries in the region should be vigilant of the new VoC [variant of concern] Omicron.  Though COVID-19 cases have been declining in most countries of our region, the surge in cases elsewhere in the world and confirmation of a new Variant of Concern, is a reminder of the persisting risk and the need for us to continue to do our best to protect against the virus and prevent its spread. At no cost should we let our guards down, said Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO Southeast Asia Region.  She added that comprehensive and tailored public health and social measures to prevent transmission must continue.  The earlier the protective measures are implemented, the less restrictive they would need to be in order to be effective. The more COVID-19 circulates, the more opportunities the virus will have to change and mutate, and the pandemic will last longer, Dr. Singh warned.  According to a release issued by the WHO South-East Asia Region, the most important thing people must do is reduce their risk of exposure to the virus — wear a mask and wear it properly covering nose and mouth; keep distance; avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces; keep hands clean; cover cough and sneeze; and get vaccinated. As of today 31%, of the Region’s population is fully vaccinated, 21% partially vaccinated while nearly 48%, or about a billion people are yet to receive even a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, said Dr. Singh, adding that they continue to be at risk of contracting severe disease due to the virus and spreading it further.  

IIC cancels Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 

The International Cricket Council has called off the Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2021 in Harare due to the introduction of travel restrictions from a number of African countries, including the host country Zimbabwe, following the breakout of a new COVID-19 variant in South Africa.  The decision was taken during the preliminary league phase of the nine-team tournament, that was to decide the final three qualifiers for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022, to be played in New Zealand, as well as two additional teams for the next cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship. The qualifiers will now be decided according to the team rankings as detailed in the tournament playing conditions. Therefore, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the West Indies will now progress to the event in New Zealand.  Women’s ODI World Cup will be held in New Zealand from March 4 to April 3. File   ICC Head of Events Chris Tetley said: We are incredibly disappointed to have to cancel the remainder of this event but with travel restrictions from a number of African countries being imposed at such short notice there was a serious risk that teams would be unable to return home.  We have explored a number of options to allow us to complete the event but it isn’t feasible and we will fly the teams out of Zimbabwe as soon as possible. Bangladesh, Pakistan and the West Indies will now qualify for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 by virtue of their rankings, whilst Sri Lanka and Ireland will also join them in the next cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship.  The teams who have qualified for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 to be held in New Zealand from 4 March to 3 April are Australia, England, India, South Africa, New Zealand (hosts), Pakistan, West Indies and Bangladesh.