On January 15, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor hailed 16-year-old Tasnim Mir from Mehsana, Gujarat, for securing World No 1 in Junior ranking. In his tweet, he wrote, “Congratulations to 16-year-old Tasnim Mir, daughter of an ASI from Mehsana, Gujarat, the first Under-19 Indian #Badminton player to be ranked World No1 in Junior rankings! Even her idols PV Sindhu & Saina Nehwal didn’t attain that. You have made all Indians proud, Tasnim Mir!”
Source: Twitter
Though Mir’s achievement is noteworthy and deserves to applaud, Shashi Tharoor and many media houses got the facts incorrect or misleading in the matter. Mir is indeed the first under-19 woman to secure World No 1 in Junior ranking, but it has to be noted that she is not the first Indian to do so, as claimed by Shashi Tharoor. The Congress leader claimed that Tasnim Mir is the first under-19 Indian Badminton player to be ranked number 1 in the world junior rankings, which is a completely false claim.
Before Tasnim Mir, three Indian under-19 India badminton players had ranked number 1 in world rankings.
Aditya Joshi secured World no one ranking on 2014
In 2014, then-17-year-old Aditya Joshi secured World No 1 ranking of the World Badminton Federation (WBF). He jumped from 11th position till November ’13 to 1st position in January ’14 by achieving 18,766 points. Joshi was the first Indian to secure the position.
Siril Verma secured World no one ranking in 2016
After Joshi, Siril Verma became the second junior badminton player from India to rank in a single category. Then-16-year-old Verma became the World No 1 in the Junior Men category in 2016. Verma was accused of age fudging four months before he secured the position. He got cleared by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Four months later, he secured the No 1 position.
Lakshya Sen secured World no one ranking in 2017
The third Indian to secure world number 1 ranking in the Junior Men category was Lakshya Sen, who achieved the position in 2017. Lakshya achieved 16,903 points in eight tournaments leading to his achievement as World No 1 in the Junior Men category. His brother Chirag Sen had secured World No 2 ranking prior to Lakshya’s achievement.
However, all three previous top rank holders were boys, and therefore Tasmin Mir is the first girl to achieve the top ranking. But as Shashi Tharoor claimed that she is the first Indian player, not the first woman player, he made a misleading claim in his tweet.
Saina Nehwal never got a chance to secure under-19 ranking
Another point that Tharoor missed was the age factor that made it impossible for Nehwal to secure World No one position in WBF. The organization started World Ranking in the Junior category in 2011. At that time, Nehwal was 21 years old. It was impossible for her to secure the position.
Tharoor was not the only one to make a mistake. Some media houses also published misleading reports about Mir’s achievement.
The Print’s headline was misleading as it did not mention that she secured the top ranking in the Women category.
Source: The Print
Zee News misled about Saina Nehwal in its heading.
Source: Zee News
Hindustan Times report was misleading as crucial info about her securing world no 1 ranking in women category was missing.
Source: Hindustan Times
While there is no denying the fact that Tasnim Mir achievement should be celebrated, it is essential not to miss the achievements of other Indian players out of excitement.
About 5 months after the Indian government rescued her from war-torn Afghanistan, freelance journalist Kanika Gupta has gone back to the Taliban-controlled territory through Pakistan.
In a Facebook post on Thursday (January 13), she informed, “Just arrived in Kabul after spending 10 amazing days crossing through Pakistan. It was a dream come true to experience the highway…The stories and love I shared along the way will stay with me for a lifetime.”
Screengrab of the Facebook post by Kanika Gupta
The freelance journalist had also shared a video on Twitter wherein her car could be seen entering the city of Kabul in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.
Kanika Gupta has been documenting her journey in Afghanistan ever since she landed in Kabul. On Saturday (January 15), she tweeted, “Afghans line outside a government office as a Talib overlooks the street. Not the right kind of ‘watching over you’.”
Screengrab of the tweet by Kanika Gupta
In another tweet on the same day, she had posted a picture of a ‘Covid-19 conscious Talib’.
Screengrab of the tweet by Kanika Gupta
Kanika Gupta pleaded the Indian government for help during Taliban takeover of Afghanistan
Kanika Gupta, who is apparently roaming the streets of Kabul after having entered the country through the Pakistan border, was in a dire need of help around mid-August after the Taliban captured Kabul. In a tweet on August 15 last year, freelance journalist Kanika Gupta had claimed, “The capital, the beloved Kabul, is starting to crumble. The death of hope is much harder to watch than the death of people.”
She said, “In a women’s security briefing at an office, news came that Taliban have entered city. Panic gripped the room, all the women started crying. It’s over they said.” Kanika Gupta had then expressed hope of a smooth transition of power.
“But there is a lot of panic in the city and the government is not taking any accountability. So, basically, we are on our own,” the freelance journalist had blamed the Modi government.
Screengrab of the tweets
She had even accused the Indian embassy in Kabul, which oversaw the rescue of stranded Indians, of non-cooperation. Kanika Gupta alleged that an Indian man was stuck in the Taliban-controlled territory due to his passport being withheld by his employer. “When he called Indian embassy, they say what can we do if your owner doesn’t want you to leave? Is this happening for real? I am worried for Indians trapped here with no help from government,” Gupta had alleged.
Screengrab of the tweet
When a Twitter user (@mechirubhat) pointed out that Gupta did not even bother to thank the Indian government after she was evacuated from Afghanistan, the journalist claimed that it was the duty of the government to ensure her safety and therefore she does not need to thank the govt.
“Protecting my life in a dangerous country is not a favour. It is their duty. Not to mention the nbr of strings we had to pull to get on that plane. There are still 100s stuck there and fear for their lives. Shame on YOU.”
Screengrab of the tweet
On returning to India, she narrated her harrowing escape from the city of Kabul. “What I saw on the Tarmac when I was about to board the plane, the C-17, was ghastly. There were so many broken slippers, a woman’s dupatta, a child’s broken doll. To only imagine that the child must’ve picked up their doll while on their last run! It was so heartbreaking,” Kanika Gupta toldIndia Today after her successful rescue.
It took me 27 hours to reach from Kabul to Delhi. There was tension, security in numbers, a new exposure to the process of military evacuation. An experience of a lifetime. Safely home. ? pic.twitter.com/61tbfxdans
Kanika Gupta returns to Afghanistan, takes restricted route from Pakistan
Earlier this month, Kanika Gupta travelled to the neighbouring country of Pakistan. She visited prominent cities such as Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar. She had posted a video of a tea shop in Qissa Khwani bazaar, which is restricted for travel by Indians.
Screengrab of the Instagram post by Kanika Gupta
The matter was first brought to light by Uttarkhand-based Chartered Accountant Alok Bhatt. On Sunday (January 16), he pointed out, “Qissa Khwani is outside the scope for us Indians but not for Kanika — a privileged guest of ISPR that she is, can be seen roaming streets of Peshawar before taking that road to Torkham border – a no go area for ordinary and privileged Indians, alike!”
So what if ordinary Indians and ordinary Pakistanis are not crossing Wagah; brazenness is when one not only crosses Wagah during banned visa regime but even manages to travel right up to Torkham via Peshawar – u have got contacts for sure @kanika0509pic.twitter.com/6tATfBIbtS
He further added, “So what if ordinary Indians and ordinary Pakistanis are not crossing Wagah; brazenness is when one not only crosses Wagah during banned visa regime but even manages to travel right up to Torkham via Peshawar – u have got contacts for sure.” Alok Bhatt hinted that ‘freelance journalist’ Kanika Gupta might have connections to the Pakistani Intelligence services and the Army.
And @HMOIndia – here is conduit of @kanika0509 with ISPR/ISI: Wajahat S Khan. The journalist with deep connections in ISPR and one who used to do programs for them earlier. Now he is on study leave and also working for Nikkei Asia- same platform that uses Rupa S for propaganda
He requested the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to probe the matter and prepare a list of Indian citizens who have been to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan in the past 10 years. “This time she will not seek MEA India’s help as she will be under protection of ISI in Afg,” Bhatt took a dig at Kanika Gupta.
He added that she has connections with Pakistani journalist Wajahat Saeed Khan, who has links in ISPR. “Now he is on study leave and also working for Nikkei Asia- same platform that uses Rupa S for propaganda,” Bhatt concluded.
It is interesting to note that Kanika Gupta, who earlier accused the Modi government of not expediting rescue of stranded Indians including herself from Taliban-controlled Kabul, chose to voluntarily return to the war-torn nation through priveleged access of Pakistani deep State.
Hundreds of Muslims have been duped by a private “bank” that promised to keep their money secure, and the chief suspect has apparently fled to Dubai. According to the authorities, hundreds of locals in the Nagina region of Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh have lost money they had placed with ‘Al Faizan Muslim Fund Limited,’ a facility privately held by one Mohammed Faizi for Muslims to keep their money secure as per Sharia rules.
In Nagina’s Mohalla Lal Sarai, the facility has been operational for five years. Al Faizan Muslim Fund Limited offered Islamic banking services approved as per Sharia. As earning interest on investment is considered haram in Islam, many Muslims opt to invest and deposit their money in such Muslim Fund Banks that offer Sharia compliance financial services.
Faizi, the accused, had hired agents to increase the number of consumers in the villages. Two such agents who used to collect the money have been arrested and are being questioned. According to sources, Faizi may have acquired a fortune of several crores of rupees.
Over 170 police complaints have been made so far and the authorities are investigating the magnitude of the depositors’ losses. According to preliminary inquiries, Mohammed Faizi discreetly sold his residence in Nagina town before fleeing. According to locals, he may have fled to Dubai.
Following the inquiry, Faizi’s other major crime was revealed. Inside the facility, large Bank of Baroda banners were found. The branch included dozens of Bank of Baroda records. A customer care signboard for the Bank of Baroda was also found outside the main edifice. According to neighbours, Faizi has been handling the Bank of Baroda’s customer service centre in this branch for years, while concurrently running the Muslim Fund branch on the same premise. He used to lure thousands of consumers into his Muslim Fund branch and register their accounts.
Even five days after Mohammed Faizi, the owner of Al Faizan Muslim Fund vanished with crores of rupees from the people of Nagina, the police have been unable to find anything. After receiving a search order from the court for the search of the building, the police sprang into action. The facility has been sealed. At the same time, there is a chance that Faizi, the accused, may escape to Turkey. A team conducted an inquiry at the Delhi airport.
Nagina Station House Officer (SHO) Krishna Murari stated, “Faizi and his accomplice have been charged under the relevant sections of the IPC by the police. Two operatives who were collecting money from people were apprehended and investigated.”
After Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan offered to send manpower and technical assistance to Afghanistan, the Taliban regime has declined the offer. After Afghan citizens and former officials had rejected the offer by Imran Khan, the Taliban rulers also have reacted to the same, saying that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan does not need cooperation and assistance in this regard.
Deputy of spokesman of the Taliban govt Bilal Karimi said that Afghanistan has a sufficient number of trained and qualified people in the country, and they do not need foreigners from any country for assistance, according to Khaama Press.
On Saturday (January 15), former Afghan President Hamid Karzai (2001-2014) also rebuked the Pakistani government and turned down an offer by Imran Khan dispensation to send manpower and technical assistance to the incumbent Taliban regime in Afghanistan.
In a statement, Karzai stated, “Afghanistan has experienced academics, experts & hundreds of thousands of educated youth, who completed their education at home & abroad…there is no need for foreign manpower.”
“Hamid Karzai welcomes PM Imran Khan’s suggestion over sending foreign manpower in particular Pakistani manpower to Afghanistan but there is no need for such manpower.” the statement issued by the former president said.
Not just the Taliban and the former president, even ordinary Afghans were not happy with Imran Khan’s offer to send assistance, and even mocked him for the same, saying that Pakistan need these helps more. What irked most the Afghan citizens was Imran Khan’s offer to send ‘skilled manpower’, which implies there is a lack of the same in Afghanistan. They rejected this claim and affirmed that the country has enough experienced academics and experts, and they do not need any manpower from Pakistan.
1000s of qualified Afghans are in Afghanistan and waiting to serve their country. Please instruct authorities to finish the construction of Jalalabad – Torkham road that Pakistan has left incomplete since 2009. Ease restrictions and treat Afghans well at crossing points.
Earlier on Friday (January 14), Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan had offered to send money, manpower, and technical assistance to Afghanistan. During a meeting of the Apex Committee on Afghanistan, Khan said, “Pakistan is committed to providing all-out support to the Afghan people to avert a humanitarian crisis.”
He further added, “Explore bilateral cooperation with friendly countries as well to stave off a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan by exporting qualified and trained manpower, especially in fields of medical, information technology, finance and accounting.” The meeting was attended by Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Sheikh Rashid, Fawad Hussain and army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa.
The Committee resolved to stand together with Afghan people and urged relief agencies to take immediate action.
Imran Khan had also called for co-operation in various sectors including railways, minerals and pharmaceuticals with Afghanistan. So far, Pakistan had sent 50,000 Metric tonnes of wheat, health supplies, and in-kind humanitarian assistance of PKR 5 billion. It must be mentioned that Pakistan, which is trying to position itself as a friend of Afghanistan in the need of the hour, has been the frontrunner in exacerbating the political turmoil in the country.
Investigations reveal Pakistani support in helping the Taliban to takeover Kabul
In September last year, US defence analyst Sarah Chayes in an interview with CNN explained how Pakistan’s ISI ran a sophisticated campaign for reinstalling the Taliban in power. When asked if the Taliban had cleverly utilised the 20 years time to build its capability and stake its claim to power, Chayes said it wasn’t the terror group but Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI that used its resources cleverly to help topple the US-backed Ashraf Ghani government in Afghanistan.
A documentary released in 2012, almost a decade before the fall of Kabul to resurgent Taliban, shed light on the double-dealing of the entities that identified themselves as the allies of the United States but were covertly working to undermine its mission in Afghanistan. Titled as ‘The Secret War’, the documentary was a culmination of the six-month long investigation carried out by Smith and Stephen Grey and which provided a window into interminably long-drawn-out war the United States had waged against Islamic terror outfits such as Al Qaeda and the Taliban
During the investigation, Smith and Grey found that the American soldiers stationed along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border were unhappy with the latter, for their covert support to the insurgency and terrorism targeted against the United States. One of the US troops, who wished to remain anonymous, confided to the reporters that the ground soldiers manning the border reportedly complained to the seniors about the Pakistani complicity in helping the Talibani and Al Qaeda terrorists cross the border and infiltrate into Afghanistan.
Star tennis player Novak Djokovic has lost his visa appeal in Australia on Sunday 16th January 2022. The judges have rejected his appeal after his visa was cancelled by the government as the player is yet unvaccinated against COVID-19. The government has cited the reasons of public health for cancelling his visa. It was the second time this month that his visa was cancelled. As a result, Novak Djokovic will be deported from Australia soon. Recently, Novak Djokovic’s visa was cancelled by the Australian immigration minister Alex Hawke.
34-year old Novak Djokovic is the defending champion of the upcoming Australian Open Tennis tournament. He had arrived in Australia with the target of winning a record 21st grand slam title of his tennis career. But with this decision by the judges, he will have to wait for the next grand slam competition. He was scheduled to play his first match on Monday. Instead, he will now be deported.
A bench of three judges heard his case on Sunday. Novak Djokovic’s defense unsuccessfully argued saying that the grounds cited by the government of Australia to cancel his visa are invalid and illogical. The chief justice of Australia’s Federal Court, James Allsop has said in the verdict that “The orders of the court are that the amended application be dismissed with costs.”
Novak Djokovic said he was extremely disappointed with the decision but accepted the same. He added that he will co-operate with the relevant authorities in relation to his departure from the country.
Novak Djokovic has been currently kept in an immigration detention centre in Melbourne. The Serbian tennis star is yet unvaccinated. However, his lawyer Nick Wood had argued that his client had not courted anti-vaxxer support and was not associated with the movement. In response to this, government lawyer Stephen Lloyd put some facts in front of the court in regards to Djokovic’s past behavior which reflects his antivaccine tendency. He said, “The fact Djokovic is not vaccinated two years into the pandemic and has repeatedly ignored safety measures — including failing to isolate while Covid-19 positive — is evidence enough of his anti-vaccine views.”
Lloyd further added that “He has now become an icon for the anti-vaccination groups. Rightly or wrongly he is perceived to endorse an anti-vaccination view and his presence here is seen to contribute to that.” Along with the immediate deportation, Djokovic will also have to face a three-year ban from Australia.
After the Karnataka government allotted 100 acres of land for the permanent campus of Karnataka Sanskrit University, Congress leaders and Islamists have started opposing the move. They have been joined by Kannada regionalists, who consider Sanskrit as an alien language.
State Congress Spokesperson A N Nataraja Gowda opposed the construction of the Sanskrit University, calling it ‘Useless’. He was joined by many others on the social media platform, and a hashtag saying ‘SayNotoSanskrit’ was trending on Twitter to oppose the Basavaraj Bommai-led State Government’s move to construct a permanent campus for Karnataka Sanskrit University in Magadi, Ramnagara.
Magadi’s savanadurga is a pre historic site. Remnants of civilization that existed 2000+ years back have been found here. Instead of boosting tourism sector of this taluk govt is allotting land to useless Sanskrit university.#SayNoToSanskrit#ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತವಿವಿಬೇಡpic.twitter.com/OUBwjCgiXO
— A N Nataraj Gowda – ಎ.ಎನ್.ನಟರಾಜ್ ಗೌಡ (@annatarajgowda) January 16, 2022
The Karnataka state Congress Secretary and Spokesperson tweeted, “…Instead of boosting tourism sector of this taluk govt is allotting land to useless Sanskrit university.” The move has sparked criticism in Dravidian circles and people have linked the promotion of Sanskrit in the state to alleged Hindi Imposition. Sparked by Dravidian sentiments, the hashtag #SayNotoSanskrit was seen trending on Twitter this afternoon alongside many tweets mentioning #StopHindiImposition.
Request my Dravidian sisters and brothers to support us. Please trend. #SayNoToSanskrit
Members of the Popular Front of India, an extremist Islamic Organization were also seen participating in the trend. PFI Karnataka state President Yasir Hasan while saying that any ‘foreign’ languages will not be tolerated in the land of Basavaraja requested people to resist this act of ‘Sanskrit/Hindi Imposition’. He tweeted, “…Any foreign languages will not be tolerated in the land of Basavanna. Our forefathers have nourished the ethnicity of this land with Kannada. All Kannadigas must come forward to resist Hindi/Sanskrit imposition.”
Kannada is the soul of this soil. Any foreign languages will not be tolerated in the land of Basavanna. Our forefathers have nourished the ethnicity of this land with kannada. All kannadigas must come forward to resist Hindi/Sanskrit imposition.#SayNoToSanskrit#ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತವಿವಿಬೇಡpic.twitter.com/vH4bw7pZ1P
— Yasir Hasan (State President, PFI Kar) (@yhpfi) January 16, 2022
The criticism seems to have sparked from Kannada regionalists, who consider the promotion of any other language other than Kannada – the state language – as an imposition. Dravidian sentiments alongside the Islamists are also at play to oppose the Government’s move of constructing a full-time campus for the Karnataka Sanskrit University. A Twitter user named Shoib Ilaya, termed the move as ‘Brahmanical enforcement’.
The determined trend soon witnessed widespread criticism from people, many of whom were residents of Karnataka. The foundation of the Sanskrit University campus in Magadi also has historical importance since the town is the birthplace of King Kempegowda, the founder of Bengaluru. The city hosts many large scale temples built by the ruler including the Ranganathaswamy temple and Kalabhairaveshwara temple in nearby Savanadurga.
Why should it be #SayNoToSanskrit? People of all faiths in India can learn their spiritual scriptures in their ancient scripts like Arabic, Latin etc ..but a Hindu should not learn Sanskrit! Why this discrimination for a Hindu only???
Karnataka Sanskrit University will get a permanent campus in Magadi, Ramanagara after 10 years of functioning. CM Bommai will lay the foundation stone for the University tomorrow. University will come up on 100 acres of land at a cost of Rs 320 crs. pic.twitter.com/wCpxBHc9OX
In an earlier development, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had laid the foundation of the permanent campus of the Karnataka Sanskrit University in Magadi on January 03, 2021. The University which has been operational for the last 10 years since 2010 was working without a permanent campus in Bengaluru due to a shortage of funds. The new campus will be built on a 100-acre land near Magadi at a cost of Rs. 320 crore.
On January 16, 2021, India started its mass vaccination program to immunize its eligible population against the Covid-19 virus. Today, India completed one year of vaccination drive. The country has administered over 150 crore doses of Covid-19 vaccines. In a tweet thread, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, “Today we mark #1YearOfVaccineDrive. I salute each and every individual who is associated with the vaccination drive. Our vaccination programme has added great strength to the fight against COVID-19. It has led to saving lives and thus protecting livelihoods.”
I salute each and every individual who is associated with the vaccination drive.
Our vaccination programme has added great strength to the fight against COVID-19. It has led to saving lives and thus protecting livelihoods. https://t.co/7ch0CAarIf
He further appreciated scientists and innovators who worked tirelessly to develop the vaccines. He said, “When the COVID-19 pandemic first struck, we did not know much about the virus. However, our scientists and innovators immersed themselves in developing vaccines. India feels proud that our nation has been able to contribute to fighting the pandemic through vaccines.”
At the same time, the role of our doctors, nurses and healthcare workers is exceptional. When we see glimpses of people being vaccinated in remote areas, or our healthcare workers taking the vaccines there, our hearts and minds are filled with pride.
He also thanked doctors, nurses and healthcare workers for their exceptional contribution to the drive. He said, “At the same time, the role of our doctors, nurses and healthcare workers is exceptional. When we see glimpses of people being vaccinated in remote areas, or our healthcare workers taking the vaccines there, our hearts and minds are filled with pride.”
India’s approach to fighting the pandemic will always remain science based. We are also augmenting health infrastructure to ensure our fellow citizens get proper care.
Let us keep following all COVID-19 related protocols and overcome the pandemic. #1YearOfVaccineDrive
He added, “India’s approach to fighting the pandemic will always remain science based. We are also augmenting health infrastructure to ensure our fellow citizens get the proper care. Let us keep following all COVID-19 related protocols and overcome the pandemic.”
India faced major challenges during the vaccination drive
Despite the speculations and lack of trust that the left-liberal section of Indian society, as well as international media, showed in India’s capabilities, the Covid-19 vaccination program has been far more successful compared to any developed nation across the globe.
India, which houses the second-largest population in the world, faced a massive challenge to immunize over 86 crore people who were eligible to get the Covid-19 vaccine. Starting with healthcare workers and frontline warriors, India’s vaccination drive had a slow but steady start. There were speculations that India would take years to completely immunize the eligible population. Opposition parties and states demanded more control over purchasing and distributing vaccines in their respective states, making it harder for the union government to manage the vaccination drive.
Centralization of vaccination program
The centre did oblige to the demand and gave states more power, but the states went on back foot quickly and finally, on June 7, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation and informed that the centre would solely manage the procurement and distribution of the vaccine. From time to time, non-BJP states and opposition parties tried to derail the vaccination program by spreading misinformation and propaganda, but it did not work well. India has now administered doses of the Covid-19 vaccine more than the US, The UK and Europe combined.
As India is now vaccinating children between the ages of 15 and 18 as well, the number of eligible individuals has increased. Also, the government has announced precautionary booster doses for the elderly, healthcare and frontline workers that have increased demand for the Covid-19 vaccine. Despite the challenges and continuous propaganda-driven posts by the likes of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, India is doing extremely well in terms of daily vaccinations.
Overall stats of Covid-19 vaccine in India
According to the data available with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFA), a total of over 1.56 crore (1,56,76,15,454) Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered in India. Over 87 crore (87,36,48,806 ) people have got at least one shot of Covid-19 vaccine and over 65 crore (65,57,96,458) people are fully vaccinated. Talking about the eligible children, over three crores (3,38,50,912) have got their first dose of the vaccine. Stats show that 43,19,278 people have got their precautionary dose, out of which over five lakhs were administered in the last 24 hours.
Source: MoHFW
Top five states
Uttar Pradesh is leading the tally with over 22 crores (22,97,35,649) of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the state. Maharashtra is second in the tally, with over 14 crores (14,31,20,557) doses administered. Madhya Pradesh is on the third spot with over 11 crore doses administered, Bihar at fourth with over 10.73 crore doses administered and West Bengal on fifth with 10.69 crore doses administered.
Source: CoWIN
The 100 crores and 150 crore mark
It took India over nine months to administer 100 crore shots of the Covid-19 vaccine. On October 21, it was reported that India completed the 100 crore Covid-19 shots mark. In those nine months, India saw a lot of challenges, saw numerous hurdles in form of misinformation, anti-vaccination propaganda and more. India learned from the challenges and improved its penetration among the masses and as a result, in less than three months, India achieved another milestone of 150 crore vaccines on January 7 2022. As of now, 92 per cent of the eligible population have received at least one shot of the Covid-19 vaccine and over 70 per cent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated.
Notable milestones
On September 17, 2021, India administered 2.5 crore Covid-19 vaccines in a single day. The number was almost five times the total population of New Zealand. Notably, New Zealand, which is being seen as a pioneer in Covid-19 management, has not been able to fully vaccinate less than 50 lakh of the eligible population in one year.
“Our vaccination drive has shown the power of Team India” Today, as we celebrate one year of the world’s #LargestVaccineDrive, we have witnessed what happens when 1.3 billion people come together for a common goal.
As per government data, 12 States and UTs have achieved 100 per cent coverage of the first dose. Twenty-six states have administered the first dose to 90 per cent of their eligible population. Seven states and UTs have fully vaccinated 95 per cent of the eligible population.
Compared to 93 per cent of India’s population being administered the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, Canada stands at 84 per cent, Italy at 82 per cent, France at 79 per cent, the US at 75 per cent and Germany at 74 per cent. Here it is notable that at the beginning of the Covid-19 vaccine drive, the United States stopped the export of essential material to India, which was crucial for Covid-19 vaccine manufacturing.
If we talk about the fully vaccinated population, while India has covered 69 per cent of the total eligible population, Saudi Arabia stands at 66 per cent, the United States and Hong Kong at 62 per cent, Mexico at 56 per cent and Russia at 47 per cent. It is notable that the absolute number of people vaccinated will remain higher compared to any country as India has already fully vaccinated over 65 crore people that is more than double the total population of the US (32.95 crores). The US is the third-largest country in terms of population after China and India.
India is not only providing the Covid-19 vaccine to its own population but also to other nations under Vaccinate Maitri program. So far, India has provided 11.54 crore doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to 79 nations.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam! As the pharmacy of the world, India has time & again showcased its vaccine internationalism & provided a healing hand to the world to recover from COVID-19. #1YearOfVaccineDrivepic.twitter.com/FnTcknKP5m
To ensure the vaccine reaches the remote corners of the country, India is running the Har Ghar Dastak program, in which the healthcare workers are reaching out to remote villages to administer vaccine doses.
Soon after Virat Kohli announced his departure as Test Captain of the Indian cricket team after the defeat in the Test against South Africa, emotions from all around the world poured in. People from all across the world weighed in on his abilities and how he performed on the field to help the Indian cricket team make victory a habit. Many left-liberals, in particular, chimed up with their thoughts on Kohli.
Amidst this, a 10-year-old tweet of NDTV news anchor Ravish Kumar surfaced on social media in which he had slammed Virat Kohli as a “Loafer” and one who does only advertisements seldom focusing on cricket. Ravish pulled the tweet from his timeline just hours after it became viral.
This sudden flip-flop of Ravish Kumar justifies the point that how actual performance is hardly a criterion for the left-liberals to pick their heroes and all of their endorsement of incidents and personalities is entirely opportunistic.
Virat is currently the ‘favourite’ of the ‘liberals’ in India for having spoken up against Diwali firecrackers and many had claimed that he is facing the ‘wrath’ for standing up for Mohammad Shami when he was trolled by Pakistanis after the T20 World Cup loss against Pakistan. It was very obvious that the Pakistanis had peddled the ‘Shami abused for being a Muslim’ narrative and ‘liberals’ amplified it. Along with Kohli, other cricketers had also extended solidarity with Shami. Except, everyone then just assumed that Kohli’s captaincy controversy in past few months is because of his ‘standing up for Shami’.
Has Virat Kohli paid the price for speaking up against hate? Did he jump or was he pushed?
Here is how another abusive troll masquerading as journalist Swati Chaturvedi floated the same conspiracy theory early in the day. Suddenly, the fact that Kohli may not be in his best form as a cricketer and athlete is lost on the ones in the newsrooms.
It’s worth noting that none of them spoke up while Virat Kohli was being a hyper-nationalist and scoring on the field to make the country proud. Kohli’s annoyance at people admiring other foreign players was never a justification for left-liberals to cry out, but he was suddenly elevated to hero status after defending Shami. His failing performance on the field drew little attention from them.
In 2018, Naseeruddin Shah, a Bollywood actor, dubbed Virat Kohli the world’s worst behaved player in a Facebook post. This happened after Virat Kohli ridiculed a fan in 2018 who stated he prefers English and Australian players to Indian batting. Kohli had advised that the fan leave India. The statement quickly went viral. Shah was perplexed by Kohli advising the fan to leave India and reside in a country he prefers. But today, the same set of ‘liberals’ will make a victim out of Kohli.
The liberals are trying to portray his decision to resign as a “punishment” for his defence of Shami shortly after his announcement. None of them can accept the reality that his performance as a captain in cricket has been subpar, despite the fact that there is ample evidence to support this fact. Kohli has a total of 70 centuries to his name in his international career. He hit 27 centuries in Tests and 43 in ODIs out of a total of 70. He has, however, failed to hit a century in the last two years.
When Kohli was criticised on social media for giving selective advice on how Hindus should celebrate Diwali while being silent on Muslim and other festivals that feature large-scale violent festivities, the left rushed to his defence. The Indian left’s true character is opportunistic in its totality, as seen by this bogus pretence of support for like-minded events and individuals. They abandon anything and anyone who does not seem to be in the line of subscription with their views. Kohli is merely another feeding chance for these hungry vultures.
It just goes out to show that the ‘liberals’ don’t really care about his real performance as an athlete, but as long as his views fuel their propaganda, Kohli is just a useful tool for them.
A Samajwadi Party worker named Aditya Thakur attempted self-immolation in front of the Samajwadi Party office in Lucknow on Sunday 16th January 2022. He was seeking a ticket from Aligarh, and tried to end his life after he was denied a ticket. Aditya Thakur sprinkled petrol on himself and tried to set himself on fire. But the Police present there were able to save him, and later detained him.
Aditya Thakur is a party worker from Charra of Aligarh district. He was preparing for the assembly elections for the last five years and was hoping to get a ticket from Samajwadi Party. However, when the candidate list for the SP-RLD alliance for the first round was declared, Aditya Thakur did not find a place in the list. Former SP MLA from Aligarh Jafar Alam has been given the ticket by the party to contest from the constituency. Alam had won from Aligarh 2012, but had lost to Sanjeev Raja of BJP in 2017.
Disappointed with the party’s decision, Aditya Thakur tried to set himself on fire by pouring petrol on himself in front of the Samajwadi Party office at Lucknow on Sunday at around 11 AM, but the police force present on the spot somehow saved him and took him into the custody.
समाजवादी पार्टी के कार्यकर्ता ने की आत्मदाह की कोशिश, टिकट ना मिलने से था दुखी ? pic.twitter.com/5EmsyjMVli
Aditya Thakur said that he has spent his entire youth and life for the party. He is upset about not getting a ticket from Aligarh’s Charra. He said “I have worked so hard on the ground for the party. I am from Charra. I did not get the ticket from the party. I will commit suicide here only, whatever you do, even lock me up in the jail.” Apart from the petrol bottle which he poured on himself, another petrol bottle was seen with him. When the police spotted and took it away he said. “I have brought ten more such bottles. Nobody can stop me from dying. I want justice.”
After police took him into custody, he has been sent to the Civil Hospital for medical treatment.
India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth is estimated to be 8.3 percent this fiscal year and 8.7 percent in 2022-23, according to the latest Global Economic Prospects report by World Bank. The upgrade in growth prediction reflects increased private sector and infrastructure investment, as well as rewards from advancing reforms.
This estimate for 2021-22 is identical to the World Bank’s June 2021 assessment, when the country’s growth projection was lowered from 10.1 percent to 8.3% in April owing to the catastrophic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic’s second wave in the country.
According to the World Bank, the Narendra Modi government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI)Scheme is likely to assist India’s economy to grow at 8.7% in the following financial year 2022-23, outpacing emerging market rivals such as China. In the emerging market and developing economies, China, Indonesia, and Bangladesh are predicted to expand at 5.1 percent, 5.2 percent, and 6.4 percent, respectively.
The report said that the Indan economy should benefit from the resumption of contact-intensive services, and ongoing but narrowing monetary and fiscal policy support. It further said that the growth forecast for 2022 has been upgraded to reflect an improving investment outlook with private investment, particularly manufacturing, benefiting from the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, and increases in infrastructure investment.
Forecasts for South Asian countries
“The growth outlook will also be supported by ongoing structural reforms, a better than expected financial sector recovery, and measures to resolve financial sector challenges despite ongoing risks,” the report added.
India, as a developing country, has the potential to bridge the market void created by China as it recovers from supply chain debacles and a trade war with the US.
According to World Bank forecasts, India’s GDP would grow to $10 trillion in the next 25 years, said Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa, and Overseas Indian Affairs division) Sanjay Bhattacharyya recently. Bhattacharyya spoke on “Role of Diaspora Youth in Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – Innovation and New Technologies” at the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Conference 2022.
The PLI Scheme
The Government of India had announced the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing in April 2020, following the emergence of Covid 19 pandemic in the country. It provides a production-linked incentive to encourage major investments in mobile phone manufacture and certain electronic components, such as Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) facilities, and to increase domestic manufacturing. The Scheme intends to significantly improve the landscape of manufacturing and supply chain enhancement and position India as a global leader in the field.
In the aftermath of the Covid-19 epidemic in 2020, the government announced 13 PLI initiatives to encourage mostly major firms to increase production, strengthen supply chains, and promote exports. Over a five-year period, the overall incentives under the PLI programs, which span industries like telecom, electronics, auto parts, medicine, chemical cells, and textiles, were initially anticipated to be Rs 1.97 lakh crore.
The Global Economic Prospects report by World Bank Group
The World Bank Group’s flagship publication, Global Economic Prospects, analyses global economic changes and prospects, with a particular focus on emerging markets and developing nations. It is published twice a year, once in January and once in June.
Due to ongoing COVID-19 flare-ups, waning policy support, and remaining supply limitations, the report suggests that global recovery is expected to slow significantly. In contrast to advanced countries, production in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) is expected to stay significantly below the pre-pandemic trend for the projected period.
“After rebounding to an estimated 5.5 percent in 2021, global growth is expected to decelerate markedly to 4.1 percent in 2022, reflecting continued COVID-19 flare-ups, diminished fiscal support, and lingering supply bottlenecks. Global growth is projected to soften further to 3.2 percent in 2023, as pent-up demand wanes and supportive macroeconomic policies continue to be unwound.” the World Bank mentioned in the report.
