CHANDIGARH : Farmers in Punjab and Haryana on Thursday put up road blockades at many places as part of a nationwide ‘chakka jam’ agitation in protest against three central farm laws, and demanded that these be withdrawn.
The call for the nationwide ‘chakka jam’ from 12 noon to 4 pm was given by the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee.
Protesting farmers owing allegiance to different outfits blocked state and national highways at several places, causing inconvenience to commuters.
Though police authorities diverted traffic at many places, yet the commuters faced traffic snarls.
Farmers slammed the BJP-led government at the Centre for bringing the “black laws” and expressed fear that these legislations would destroy the farming community and would only “benefit” big corporate houses.
Punjab farmers’ bodies also lashed out at the Centre for suspending goods trains in the state that has affected supply of coal, fertiliser and other essential items.
Bharatiya Kisan union (Ekta Ugrahan) general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan said they have put up road blockades at 35 places, including Sangrur, Bathinda, Mansa, Barnala, Patiala, Ludhiana, in Punjab as part of the ‘chakka jam’ protest.
Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher said their members blocked roads at 45 places in 10 districts of Punjab.
BKU (Charuni) president Gurnam Singh said they have planned to hold protests at around 20 places in Haryana, including Karnal, Rohtak, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar and Fatehabad.
A protesting farmer in Bathinda said the Narendra Modi government wanted to “defame and derail” farmers’ protest by suspending goods trains in the state.
The railways has suspended the operation of freight trains in the wake of blockade of some rail tracks by farmers in protest against the three central farm laws.
Farmers’ bodies protesting against three central farm laws have expressed apprehension that the new laws would pave the way for the dismantling of the minimum support price system, leaving them at the “mercy” of big corporate entities. They demanded that these be withdrawn.
The three farm laws — the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020 — were enacted recently.
The Centre has asserted that these new laws will be beneficial for farmers and will increase their income. (AGENCIES)
Farmers in Punjab, Haryana block roads as part of nationwide protest against farm laws
India is a peace-loving country; we believe differences should not become disputes: Rajnath
NEW DELHI: India is a peace-loving country; we believe differences should not become disputes said Rajnath Singh on border standoff with China.
Peace can only be ensured through ability to deter war; we have attempted to build deterrence through capability development said Rajnath Singh.
India determined to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity in face of unilateralism and aggression said Rajnath on border row with China.
India committed to respect various agreements with China for maintenance of peace along borders said Rajnath Singh.
India committed to respect various agreements with China for maintenance of peace along borders: Rajnath Singh on border row. (agencies)
Gunmen loot over Rs 60 lakh from J&K bank cash van in Shopian
SRINAGAR: Unidentified gunmen on Thursday looted over Rs 60 lakh from a cash van near a J&K bank branch in south Kashmir district of Shopian.
Official sources said that at least four unidentified gunmen intercepted a cash van near main branch of J&K bank in Shopian and decamped with over Rs 60 lakh in broad day light. “Security forces have been rushed to the area and a search operation has been launched to nab the attackers,” they said.
They said CCTV footage of the area is being checked to find any clue about the robbers. “Checkpoints have also been established within 3 km range of the robbery site and vehicles are being checked before allowing them to move forwards,” they added. (AGENCIES)
SC asks Centre to issue directions for banning use of disinfectants and ultra violet rays on humans
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Centre to issue directions for banning use of disinfectants and ultra violet rays on humans for COVID-19 management.
A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan asked the government to do the needful in this regard within a month.
The bench passed the verdict on a plea seeking directions to the Centre to forthwith ban the installation, production and advertisement of disinfection tunnels involving spraying or fumigation of chemical disinfectants on humans.
On September 7, the apex court had asked the Centre why it has not banned the use of tunnels for disinfecting people for COVID-19 despite taking the stand that spraying of chemical disinfectants is physically and psychologically harmful.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had earlier informed the court that the Health Ministry has not issued any advisory or guideline on the use of ultraviolet lights for disinfection of humans for COVID-19 management.
Mehta had said that spraying of any chemical disinfectant is also physically and psychologically harmful for humans.
The top court was hearing a PIL filed by Gursimran Singh Narula who also sought forthwith a ban on spraying or fumigation of organic disinfectants and exposing humans to ultraviolet rays for the purposes of disinfecting them.
The Centre, in its affidavit, had submitted that as public health and hospitals are state subject, it is for the states/Union Territories to implement the guidelines issued by the Health Ministry, and the role of Government of India is limited to providing necessary guidance and financial support.
It had said that on June 9, an expert committee meeting was held under the chairmanship of Director General of Health Service to review the use of disinfectant tunnels, various chemicals and spraying of disinfectants along with the efficacy of such use of spraying/fogging.
The Centre had said the committee has reiterated that spraying of individuals with disinfectants (such as tunnels, cabinets, cambers) is not recommended as it will not diminish the infected person’s ability to spread the virus through droplets or contact. (AGENCIES)
Genelia D’Souza-starrer ‘It’s My Life’ to have direct-to-TV release
Mumbai: Actor Genelia D’Souza and Harman Baweja’s upcoming film “It’s My Life” is opting for the direct-to-TV route for its release.
Zee Cinema and filmmaker Boney Kapoor have joined hands to release his home production, a Hindi remake of the blockbuster Telugu film “Bommarillu”, on November 29.
The film, which also features Nana Patekar and comedian Kapil Sharma, was shot back in 2007 but never saw light of the day.
Kapoor said the film was made with the thought of highlighting unadulterated family equations and complexities between a father and son. He expressed hope that the film will strike a chord with viewers.
“Television has always been a great way to reach out to a wide set of audience and we are glad to share our movie for the first time ever with the viewers.
“Partnering with Zee Cinema for the direct to TV release has been an absolute joy as we believe it’s the perfect family entertainment channel to be showcasing this film,” Kapoor said in a statement.
Directed by Anees Bazmee and also produced by actor Sanjay Kapoor, the film is a light-hearted family entertainer.
The movie revolves around the relationship between a father (Patekar) and a son (Baweja), in which the father’s excessive concern and interference in his son’s life, creates situations which make it a relatable family entertainer, the official synopsis read.
Bazmee said he hopes the family entertainer cheers up the audience amid the unprecedented times due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Whenever I decide to take up a script, I always put myself in the audience’s shoes and look at things from their point of view if it is entertaining or not. This movie is quite special for me and I am sure with its TV release, it will brighten up everybody’s mood especially at these unprecedented times,” Bazmee said.
The original Telugu was released in 2006 and featured actors Siddharth, Prakash Raj and Jayasudha. (AGENCIES)
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IPL Eliminator: Momentum with SRH, but RCB has the fire power
Abu Dhabi: With momentum on their side, a confident Sunrisers Hyderabad would look for another complete performance to continue their forward march in the IPL when they face a struggling Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Eliminator here on Friday.
Pushed to the wall after a slow start to the tournament, SRH produced a lion-hearted effort in the second leg and peaked at the right time to qualify for the play-offs by finishing third in the league standings, just ahead of RCB.
It has been contrasting results for the two teams in the business end of the tournament.
While RCB suffered four consecutive defeats to finish the league stage at the fourth spot, SRH registered a hat-trick of wins to edge past Virat Kohli’s men in the standings.
SRH made a remarkable turnaround in their final three games — defeating Delhi Capitals, RCB and table-toppers Mumbai Indians to book their last-fourth berth.
And come Friday, SRH would be brimming with confidence, especially after their 10-wicket win over MI in the last must-win game.
The credit for SRH’s success in the past few matches goes to the opening pair of Warner and Wriddhiman Saha.
The duo has clicked upfront and has so far shared two century stands — 107 against DC and then 151 against MI.
While Warner has led SRH from the front, scoring 529 runs from 14 games to occupy the second spot in the scorers’ list, Saha (184 runs from 3 matches) has proved that the SRH team management has erred in benching him for 11 ties.
Such has been Warner and Saha’s performance that the likes of Manish Pandey, Kane Williamson, Priyam Garg and Jason Holder were hardly bothered.
On the bowling front, SRH has found the right combination in Sandeep Sharma, Jason Holder, Shahbaz Nadeem, T Natarajan and Rashid Khan and is expected to stick with them.
While Sandeep has been sensational in the powerplays, Natarajan has done the job in the the death overs.
Rashid has been consistent in the middle overs, but certainly the inclusion of Holder and Nadeem has provided balance to the team.
On the other hand, knowing very well that another blunder could send them packing, the Kohli-led RCB have a lot to ponder over.
Coming into the match with four consecutive losses, RCB’s confidence would be rock-bottom.
But skipper Kohli understands it is not the time to think about past results and what matters from here on is three wins on the trot to lift the IPL title.
But it would be easier said than done as RCB seem to have lost some of their steam.
In their last match against DC, RCB’s batting-heavy top-order failed to live up to expectations.
Josh Philippe, who has been brought in place of Aaron Finch, has looked good in patches but hasn’t been able to convert his starts and in all likelihood, Kohli might be tempted to bring back Finch on Friday.
Young Devdutt Padikkal, who scored his fifth fifty of the event in their last game, has been consistent at the top but Kohli needs to step up as of late, his strike rate has come under the scanner.
Kohli and AB de Villiers need to take responsibility in the big match for RCB, which also features the likes of Chris Morris, Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar and bats quite deep.
Navdeep Saini, who was rested in the last match after he suffered a split webbing, is expected to return to partner Mohammed Siraj, Isuru Udana and Morris.
The spin department will be under the wings of Sundar and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Squads:
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Kane Williamson, David Warner (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Manish Pandey, Mohammad Nabi, Priyam Garg, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Virat Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Basil Thampi, Abhishek Sharma, Billy Stanlake, Sandeep Sharma, Shahbaz Nadeem, Shreevats Goswami, Siddarth Kaul, K Khaleel Ahmed, T Natarajan, Mitchell Marsh, Bavanaka Sandeep, Fabian Allen, Abdul Samad, Sanjay Yadav, Rashid KhanBench
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers, Parthiv Patel (wk), Aaron Finch, Josh Philippe, Chris Morris, Moeen Ali, Mohammed Siraj, Shahbaz Ahmed, Devdutt Padikkal, Yuzvendra Chahal, Navdeep Saini, Dale Steyn, Pawan Negi, Isuru Udana, Shivam Dube, Umesh Yadav, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Washington Sundar, Pavan Deshpande, Adam Zampa.
Match starts 7.30 pm IST. (AGENCIES)
BMW launches limited edition Mini John Cooper Works Hatch in India at Rs 46.9 lakh
NEW DELHI: German luxury carmaker BMW on Thursday launched limited edition Mini John Cooper Works Hatch in India priced at Rs 46.9 lakh (ex-showroom).
The limited edition model is inspired by the Mini John Cooper Works GP and is offered as a completely built-up unit (CBU) and only 15 units are available and can be booked exclusively on shop.Mini.In, BMW India said in a statement.
Commenting on the launch, BMW Group India President Vikram Pawah said, “Mini John Cooper Works has always been in a league of its own with a unique combination of heritage, exclusivity and performance.
“Inspired by Mini’s motorsport genes and legendary racing successes, Mini John Cooper Works GP Inspired Edition is a tribute to Mini John Cooper Works GP.”
The latest limited edition follows the footsteps of the 2006 and 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP models, the company said.
It is powered by a 2-litre petrol engine and can accelerate to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. (AGENCIES)
Anti-corruption ban was blessing in disguise, prepared for doubts of my teammates: Shakib
Dhaka: A “blessing in disguise” he calls it but Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan says he is also prepared to be doubted by his teammates when, in a few days’ time, he returns to cricket after serving a one-year ban for failing to report corrupt approaches.
Shakib was handed a two-year ban, one year suspended, by the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit on October 29 last year, for not reporting multiple corrupt approaches by an Indian bookmaker.
“…It helped me in many ways and mostly in positive ways. Lot of doors opened for me and I can think about life differently, it’s a blessing in disguise. I don’t regret this one year,” Shakib said in a video posted on his official YouTube channel.
“When a man comes back from this situation he is much more matured. Now I think differently than before and it will surely help me in my life.”
The 33-year-old is among 113 cricketers who will go through a fitness test on November 9 and 10 ahead of the upcoming Bangabandhu T20 tournament.
Asked if his teammates will doubt him, Shakib said: “It’s a difficult question because I am not sure what is going through anyone’s mind. They can doubt me or have no trust in me and I don’t disapprove it totally.
“But as I have spoken with almost everyone I did not feel it that way. I think they will believe me like the way they used to do but as you said anyone can have doubt over me at some corner of his mind because it is such a thing.”
On his comeback, Shakib said he is determined to “reach where I have left”.
“I want to repay you back for all the support. The fans were behind me more than my expectations. Whenever I will play, the only thing that will come to my mind is how I can repay them back,” he said.
Shakib had become the first player in the history of World Cup to score 500 runs and pick 10-plus wickets in a single edition last year.
He said it was “really challenging” to perform in the World Cup as he was under the ICC scanner and was constantly in touch with the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) for the investigation, making it “an uncomfortable situation”.
“Certainly it was not a nice feeling to go to bed with. I was assuming that something might happen and there were times when I felt nothing might happen…,” he recalled.
“(However) that investigation had nothing to do with my performance in the World Cup as the investigation started in November/December so I could have been banned before the World Cup.
“I had a desire to do well in the World Cup as I could not perform according to my reputation on the world stage,” he said. (AGENCIES)
Can AI help better predict mouth cancer risk? UK scientists think so
LONDON: Artificial intelligence (AI) may help doctors better predict the risk of patients developing oral cancer by ensuring accuracy, consistency and objectivity, according to researchers from the University of Sheffield in the UK.
The researchers are examining the use of AI and machine learning — the study of computer algorithms that improve automatically through experience — to assist pathologists and improve the early detection of oral cancer.
The rate of people being diagnosed with oral cancers including mouth, tongue, tonsil and oropharyngeal cancer, has increased by almost 60 per cent in the last 10 years, the researchers said in a statement.
Evidence suggests tobacco and alcohol consumption, viruses, old age as well as not eating enough fruit and vegetables can increase the risk of developing the disease, they said.
Oral cancer is often detected late which means that the patient survival rates are poor.
Currently, doctors must predict the likelihood of pre-cancerous changes, known as oral epithelial dysplasia (OED), developing into cancer by assessing a patient’s biopsy on 15 different criteria to establish a score.
This score then determines whether action is needed and what treatment pathway should be taken.
However, this score is subjective, which means there are often huge variations in how patients with similar biopsy results are treated.
For example, one patient may be advised to undergo surgery and intensive treatment, while another patient may be monitored for further changes.
“The precise grading of OED is a huge diagnostic challenge, even for experienced pathologists, as it is so subjective,” said Dr Ali Khurram, Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Sheffield’s School of Clinical Dentistry.
“At the moment, a biopsy may be graded differently by different pathologists. The same pathologist may even grade the same biopsy differently on a different day,” Khurram noted.
He said correct grading is vital in early oral cancer detection to inform treatment decisions, enabling a surgeon to determine whether a lesion should be monitored or surgically removed.
“Machine learning and AI can aid tissue diagnostics by removing subjectivity, using automation and quantification to guide diagnosis and treatment,” Khurram said.
“Until now this hasn’t been investigated, but AI has the potential to revolutionise oral cancer diagnosis and management by ensuring accuracy, consistency and objectivity,” he said.
Samples of archived OED tissue samples with at least five years of follow up data will be used in order to train AI algorithms and learn the statistical correlations between certain classifiers and survival rates.
These algorithms will aid pathologists in their assessment of biopsies helping them to make a more informed and unbiased decision about the grading of the cells and the patient’s treatment pathway.
The proposed algorithms have a strong translational angle and a potential to be rapidly deployed as an aid to clinical and diagnostic practice worldwide.
“People often feel threatened by AI, however rather than replacing a doctor’s expertise, exceptionally high-level of training and experience, the technology can help to assist their decision-making and compliment their skills,” said Khurram.
“This will help them to give a more accurate assessment and enable them to recommend the most beneficial treatment pathway for individual patients which we hope will help to improve survival rates,” he said.
According to Professor Nasir Rajpoot, from the University of Warwick in the UK, the pilot project will pave the way towards the development of a tool that can help identify pre-malignant changes in oral dysplasia, which is crucial for the early detection of oral cancer.
“Successful completion of this project carries significant potential for saving lives and improving patient healthcare provision,” said Rajpoot, one of the researchers in the study. (AGENCIES)