Sanjay Dutt is an actor who has appeared in a great many numbers of films spanning across genres, thus time and again proving his adaptability to wear the mask of different characters. The actor has been in the industry for a very long time and has even been part of the transformation and evolution of the Indian film industry.

Of late, Bollywood has been going through a paradigm shift as the world of content has been brought to digital platforms. OTT platforms have opened up new avenues and make any genre of series or films available, just a click away, which has been benignant for the viewers.

Actor Sanjay Dutt comments on how he feels OTT platform can be beneficial for artists, he says, "OTT platforms are flourishing and have brought about so much variety in terms of content. They also enable artists to experiment with material and characters. If I get a script that excites me, I would love to foray into digital entertainment."

Sanjay Dutt is an actor who is enriched with the experience of the various characters he has played on-screen and it would be thrilling to see him make a debut on OTT platform. The actor shows interest in foraying into the world of digital entertainment so the audience can just keep their fingers crossed and wait to see what happens!

2020 is an immensely packed year for Sanjay Dutt as the actor will be seen in five big banner films namely, KGF: Chapter 2, Shamshera, Bhuj: The Pride of India, Torbaaz and Sadak 2. The actor will certainly ace the characters as he can slip into any character given to him as he is rich with the experience of numerous characters he has played on -screen.

Actress and former Bigg Boss contestant Devoleena Bhattacharjee is currently in quarantine after reports of her cook testing positive for coronavirus emerged. However, it turns out the cook has not been tested positive but has been quarantined after someone in a family he worked for tested positive for COVID-19.

In an interview with a web portal, Devoleena emphasised that she is well and her cook is not positive for coronavirus. She said that the government has put him up in a hotel and is being looked after very well. She further said that too much has been made out of this and it has made her more tired.

Devoleena, however, has no problem cooking for herself, and she reminds us that she did it all the time in the Bigg Boss house.

ALSO READ: Devoleena Bhattacharjee says this is the fourth time in the last five months that she is quarantined

In 2014 Irrfan Khan opted out of the Ridley Scott sci-fi spectacle The Martian which later released to raves. Ridley Scott is the director of such futuristic classic blockbusters as Alien and Blade Runner. Irrfan had told me, “Yes, I was offered The Martian. The director Ridley Scott and I met. I had a memorable conversation with him. What an inspiring man and talent. He is so many things at the same time and yet he told me he had seen my Lunchbox. I asked him how he could find the time to see films after being a producer, director and so many other things. He said films like Lunchbox were his bedtime stories. Can you believe it?”

Speaking of the role that was offered to him Irrfan had said, “It was that of a NASA scientist. While Matt Damon was in outer space my character was very much on earth. But meri baatein hawa mein ho rahi tthi (but I was talking in the air).” This was not the first time Irrfan was offered a role by Ridey Scott. “He had earlier offered me part in film with Russell Crowe which too I couldn’t do due to time constraints. Maybe I’ll be third time lucky.”

Alas, that was not to be. So why did Irrfan say no to Ridley Scott? “For Piku,” came the prompt reply. “I had committed my dates to Shoojit Sircar’s film, and no regrets about that. Piku is an important film in my career. For the first time I was seen in an overt romantic role. Not that I haven’t played romantic roles. I have, in Maqbool and The Lunchbox. But in these films I didn’t get a chance to romance my heroine with poetry and banter. Shoojit is a good filmmaker, and I’d love to work with him again. But more importantly, he is a wonderful human being.”

Irrfan has no regrets about losing out on The Martian. Weirdly the part that was offered to him, of an Indian character named Vincent Kapoor was played by an African American actor Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Also Read: American Indian actor Kal Penn on sharing screen space with Irrfan Khan in The Namesake

<strong>EXPECTATIONS</strong> For a film which is a quirky comedy, you expect a trippy soundtrack. Moreover, it has to be something different instead of being quintessentially Bollywood as the stage, mood and theme is altogether different. With these kind of expectations in mind, you play on the soundtrack of <em>Judgementall Hai Kya</em> which has a different composers, lyricists and singers coming together to create five distinct songs. <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-996689" src="https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/The-Wakhra-Song-Judgemental-Hai-Kya-Kangana-Ranaut-Rajkummar-Rao.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="405" /> <strong>MUSIC</strong> Well, first things first, despite the unique theme of the film, it is apparent that the makers wanted to bring on a quick-fire hit to kick-start the proceedings. That's the reason why Badshah and Navi Kamboz's non-film chartbuster <em>'Wakhra'</em> is presented in a 'filmy andaaz' as <strong><em>'The Wakhra Song'</em></strong>. The song stays on its chartbuster route with the man for the job, Tanishk Bagchi, getting it right all over again. As a composer-lyricist, he brings in his own 'tadka' to this Navv Inder, Lisa Mishra and Raja Kumari number which gets your feet tapping all over again. It's time to bring on some 60s/70s retro back with <strong><em>'Para Para'</em></strong> which has Rachita Arora and MuzikFactory (OmDixant) bring singer Arun Dev Yadav behind the mike. The entire team does an R.D. Burman piece here, reminding one of a similar experiment that Vishal-Shekhar had done for the title song of Jhankaar Beats many years back. A song which has Prakhar Varunendra pretty much introduce the character of Kangana Ranaut to the audiences, this one has a good situational appeal to it and may he aided by some quirky picturisation too. Next to arrive is the title song <strong><em>'Judgementall Hai Kya'</em></strong> which again has composer Rachita Arora pair up with lyricist Prakhar Varunendra, and together they carry forward the spirit of <em>'Para Para'</em>. This time around it is time to bring on a piece of the Hollywood musicals that step into this genre, and one has to admit that the core hook is quite intoxicating. Just an extended piece of this hook could well keep many a DJ happy, though for the Bollywood version it is the team of Jaspreet Jasz, Rachita Arora and Nivedita Padmanabhan who create a unique outing. The manner in which Surabhi Dashputra sings Kumaar written <strong><em>'Kis Raste Hai Jana'</em></strong>, you are reminded of quite a few songs that Jasleen Royal has sung in Hindi movies. Nonetheless, this one is a different set up and it has composer and singer Arjuna Harjai doing well to come up with an outing that should make a good situational appeal in the film. As is the case with such songs though, one just hopes that the song is aided by good picturisation so that it doesn't slow down the pace of the film's narrative. Last to arrive is <strong><em>'Kar Samna'</em></strong> which lasts just 80 seconds and appears to be a piece that may appear towards the film's pre-climax or climax. Daniel B. George comes up with a sound that briefly hints of Alfred Hitchcock's <em>Psycho</em>, though overall the song is so short that it ends before you actually hear much for it. A chorus track by Amir Khan, Brijesh Shandilya, Protijyoti Ghosh and Daniel B. George that could well appear at a situation in the film when Kangana Ranaut is all fired up and is out for revenge, it is put to words by Prakhar Vihaan. <strong>OVERALL</strong> As expected, the music of <em>Judgementall Hai Kya</em> is largely situational and is in line with the trippy theme of the film. When seen in context of the film's narrative, it could well hook your attention. <strong>OUR PICK(S)</strong> <em>‘The Wakhra Song’</em>, <em>‘Para Para’</em>, <em>‘Judgementall Hai Kya’</em>

<strong>EXPECTATIONS</strong> There are good expectations from the music of <em>Jabariya Jodi</em>. Films with Sidharth Malhotra in the lead have traditionally seen at least one major chartbuster and with <strong><em>'Khadke Glassy'</em></strong> out, you look forward to what more do producer Ekta Kapoor and her team have in store for the actor. Moreover, there are as many as eight songs in the album with different set of composers, lyricists and singers team up for that. <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-994691" src="https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Jabariya-Jodi-–-Official-Trailer-Sidharth-Malhotra-Parineeti-Chopra.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="405" /> <strong>MUSIC</strong> It is a winning start for <em>Jabariya Jodi</em> as Ashok Mastie's yesteryear chartbuster <em>'Khadke Glassy'</em> is heard all over again in this Tanishk Bagchi recreation. With Yo Yo Honey Singh teaming up for this one along with Jyotiga Tangri, <em>'Khadki Glassy'</em> turns out to be a foot tapping outing all over again. Tanishk Bagchi also steps in for additional lyrics along with Channi Rakhala and what you end up listening to it as a three minute musical piece that is set to add on to Sidharth Malhotra's repertoire of Punjabi chartbusters after <em>'Kaala Chashma'</em> [<em>Baar Baar Dekho</em>]. Later in the soundtrack, the song also arrives in a <strong><em>'Glassy 2.0'</em></strong> version which has Jyotica Tangri leading from the front. This version has Ramji Gulati stepping in as a composer with Kumaar writing some new lyrics altogether. That said, the core hook and rhythm remains just the same and what you end up hearing is a good version which brings in an altogether new flavour. Bhojpuri chartbuster <strong><em>'Zilla Hilela'</em></strong> is heard in <em>Jabariya Jodi</em> and it has the regional flavour intact. It makes sense as well since the film is set in that belt where such music is quite popular. Tanishk Bagchi is the man for the job and he steps in as a composer as well as co-lyricist with Shabbir Ahmed to deliver another catchy outing. An ensemble of singers come together in the form of Raja Hasan, Dev Negi, Pravesh Mallick and Monali Thakur to deliver a song that may just makes its way into celebratory occasions up North. After two back to back dance numbers arrives a soothing love song in the form of <strong><em>'Dhoonde Akhiyaan'</em></strong>. This time around Tanishk Bagchi comes up with an original number and does well to present to audience a song with a sufi touch to it. Yasser Desai and Altamash Faridi pair up for this Rashmi Virag number which has a smooth flow to it, though one wonders if a female voice in the song would have made it sound further complete. Sachet Tandon recently gave a massive chartbuster <em>'Bekhayali'</em> [<em>Kabir Singh</em>] and he along with co-composer Parampara Thakur pair up as singers too for <strong><em>'Khwabfaroshi'</em></strong>. While it is good to hear a new word altogether for a Bollywood song, courtesy lyricists Siddharth-Garima, overall too the song impresses quite well. You can sense Sachet-Parampara touch in this soft rock outing which can well turn out to be the one that enjoys a long run. The more you listen to this song, the more it hooks you on. This one is a potential chartbuster too. In a soundtrack like this, it was surprising not to hear Arijeet Singh's voice all this while. Well, the wait is over as composer Vishal Mishra and lyricist Raj Shekhar come together to set the stage for Arijit Singh's <strong><em>'Ki Honda Pyaar'</em></strong>. Now this is a kind of number that could well have fitted into the milieu of Kabir Singh due to its romantic appeal. The song takes a little while before you catch its sound but after a while you are happy to play this one on loop. Later the song is repeated where Neha Kakkar leads the show with Vishal Mishra and you enjoy it again. Last to arrive is <strong><em>'Macchardani'</em></strong> and its beginning is the kind that briefly reminds one of <em>'Sweetheart'</em> [<em>Kedarnath</em>]. However, the similarity just ends during the 'mukhda' piece as the song comes on its own with composer Vishal Mishra and lyricist Raj Shekhar take it forward. Brindani Mishra chips in with folk lyrics for this Vishal Mishra and Jyotica Tangri rendered number which is just about decent and should make for a situational outing at best. <strong>OVERALL</strong> The music of <em>Jabariya Jodi</em> delivers well as other than instant chartbusters like <em>'Khadke Glassy'</em> and <em>'Zilla Hilela'</em>, there are love songs like <em>'Khwabfaroshi'</em> and <em>'Ki Honda Pyaar'</em> as well which promise to play on for long in time to come. <strong>OUR PICK(S)</strong> <em>‘Khadke Glassy’</em>, <em>‘Zilla Hilela’</em>, <em>‘Khwabfaroshi’</em>, <em>‘Ki Honda Pyaar’</em>

<strong>EXPECTATIONS</strong> There are good expectations from the music of <em>Arjun Patiala</em>. After all, films coming from the house of Dinesh Vijan always result a chartbuster score, case in point being <em>Luka Chuppi</em>, <em>Stree</em>, <em>Raabta</em> and <em>Hindi Medium</em> to name a few. Moreover, <em>Arjun Patiala</em> has the kind of subject that promises peppy score and then there is Diljit Dosanjh as the main lead along with Kriti Sanon who further add on to the fun element. Sachin-Jigar are roped in as the composers for Arjun Patiala and this time around Dinesh Vijan decides to go for an out and out original soundtrack. <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-990995" src="https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Official-Trailer-Arjun-Patiala-Diljit-Dosanjh-Kriti-Sanon-Varun-Sharma1.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="405" /> <strong>MUSIC</strong> It is a Guru Randhawa show all the way as he sings, writes and co-composes <strong><em>'Main Deewana Tera'</em></strong> with Sachin-Jigar. The song reminds one of the kind of sound and rhythm associated with <em>'Badtameez Dil'</em> [<em>Ye Jawaani Hai Deewani</em>] and the good part is that it works quite well too. Credit it to the sound of trumpet which brings in the similarity but the fact remains that everyone attached to the song, including singer Nikhita Gandhi, truly have a blast with this fun-n-peppy party number which has all in it to set the dance floor on fire while it is played on. The song which arrives next, <strong><em>'Crazy Habibi vs Decent Munda'</em></strong>, is a major chartbuster in the making as well and rest assured it would find some good audience for itself in the long run. Yet another Guru Randhawa sung and written number, this one has Benny Dayal chipping in with Arabic vocals and lyrics. With a good rhythm to it that makes the song instantly catchy, this one has Sunny Leone pairing up with Diljit Dosanjh and Varun Dhawan for an 'item song' outing. Moreover, it is remarkable to see how Guru Randhawa's voice suits Diljit Dosanjh so very well. Soon enough, Diljit Dosanjh comes up with a song of his own as he croons <strong><em>'Dil Todeya'</em></strong>. Yet again, Guru Randhawa writes and co-composes this one with Sachin-Jigar and the team ensures that the soft romantic number does manage to find a place of its own in the proceedings. Yes, it is a bit difficult to adjust to the sudden change in mood as one is coming fresh from a couple of outright dance numbers. Still, one waits to see how does <em>'Dil Todeya'</em> grow in time to come and manage to find an audience. Sachet Tandon, who has been creating a good impression of late with <em>'Bekhayali'</em> [<em>Kabir Singh</em>] and <em>'Khwabfaroshi'</em> [<em>Jabariya Jodi</em>], gets into a different mood altogether with <strong><em>'Sachiya Mohabbatan'</em></strong>. This time around he gets into a Punjabi melody zone instead of soft rock mode that he typically explores, and the results are actually good. A beautifully composed number by Sachin-Jigar which has simple yet effective lyrics by Priya Saraiya, <em>'Sachiya Mohabbatan'</em> is the kind of number that would be picked by those who loved <em>'Duniya'</em> [<em>Luka Chuppi</em>]. It is back to fun, party and celebrations with <strong><em>'Sip Sip'</em></strong> and this time around Sachin-Jigar make way for Akash D who writes and composes <em>'Sip Sip'</em> that has Guru Bhullar coming behind the mike. Yet again, it is the hook of the song that manages to make an instant connect and it doesn't take much time before you find yourself grooving on it at the dance floor. The intermittent rap portion is also quite good and one just wonders why the song wasn't released much in advance itself. This has in it to emerge as a good chartbuster in time to come. <strong>OVERALL</strong> The music of <em>Arjun Patiala</em> is even better than what one expected out of it. While the three dance numbers are all potential chartbusters in the offering, a couple of love songs do make their presence felt as well. Considering that this soundtrack is made of original numbers instead of recreated versions, it may take some time for popularity to come but it will come eventually. <strong>OUR PICK(S)</strong> <em>‘Main Deewana Tera’</em>, <em>‘Crazy Habibi’</em>, <em>‘Sachiya Mohabbatan’</em>, <em>‘Sip Sip’</em>

<strong>EXPECTATIONS</strong> When it comes to a film like <em>Tanhaji - The Unsung Warrior</em>, the expectation is that of a situational score. Moreover, since the core genre of the film is action-drama, all that is required too is three to four tracks that come at just the right points in the film. This is what the team of composers, lyricists and singers delivers as well. <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1062213" src="https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Tanhaji-5.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="450" /> <strong>MUSIC</strong> It's a euphoric beginning for <em>Tanhaji - The Unsung Warrior</em> as composer Mehul Vyas puts together a ferocious piece, <strong><em>'Shankara Re Shankara'</em></strong>. He sings this Anil Verma written track as well along with Adarsh Shinde and together the trio delivers a song which has a 70s and 80s feel to it in the way it is orchestrated and delivered. For the situational in the film, this one works. The experience of Sukhwinder Singh and Shreya Ghosal is apparent right at the beginning of <strong><em>'Maay Bhavani'</em></strong> which pretty much takes off from where <strong><em>'Shankara Re Shankara'</em></strong> left. With both the songs based on Indian Gods, one can sense the kind of feel that the team wanted to bring in the soundtrack here. Ajay - Atul bring in their characteristic style into play in this Swanand Kirkire written number, especially in the way 'mukhda' transitions to 'antara'. Yet another situational number, this one goes with the essence of the film. Sachet-Parampara, who are known most for their melodious songs, especially in last year's all time blockbuster Kabir Singh, showcase their versatility with <strong><em>'Ghamand Kar'.</em></strong> They compose as well as sing this Anil Verma written number which is ferocious in its appeal. Pretty much the theme track of the album, this one has a haunting sound of 'ra ra ra ra' which elevates the soundtrack to a great degree. Appearing at just the right juncture in the film, this one should actually have been the opening song of the soundtrack as well. Very well orchestrated. Last to arrive is <strong><em>'Tinak Tinak'</em></strong> and this too is a product of Sachet-Parampara and Anil Verma combo. Appearing during the end credit roll of the film and picturised on Kajol, this one has Harshdeep Kaur coming behind the mike. Though the styling of the song compliments the kind of set up that Tanhaji - The Unsung Warrior boasts of, somehow this one doesn't quite manage to make much of an impression. More so since the film as a whole doesn't really have any romantic undertones and hence this one comes across as rather misfit. <strong>OVERALL</strong> The soundtrack of <em>Tanhaji - The Unsung Warrior</em> delivers as expected. Though there aren't many memorable songs out there, they do well enough to keep the film's narrative engaging. <strong>OUR PICK(S)</strong> <em>‘Ghamand Kar’</em>, ‘<em>Shankara Re Shankara’</em> &nbsp;

<p dir="ltr"><strong>EXPECTATIONS</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Well before Marjaavaan was gearing up for release, a lot was being spoken about the music that had been put together for the romantic action drama. With the soundtrack comprising of almost a dozen songs, it was further established loud and clear that music would play a major role in taking forward the narrative of this Milap Zaveri directed film. Multiple composers, lyricists and singers come together to put together music of Marjaavaan which has multiple recreated versions of the yesteryear hits as well.</p> <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1059330" src="https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Marjaavaan-Music-Review.jpg" alt="Marjaavaan Music Review" width="750" height="450" /> <p dir="ltr"><strong>MUSIC</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">As expected, it’s an out and out love song 'Tum Hi Aana' that opens the soundtrack of Marjaavaan. Payal Dev is the composer of this beautiful melody that should find its way into one of the most popular love songs of 2019. Pretty well written by Kunaal Vermaa whose lyrics are heart rendering to say the least, the strength of 'Tum Hi Aana' also lies in the manner Jubin Nautiyal sings this one. No wonder, as many as four versions of the song are heard with Jubin also going for a happy and sad version each and then pairing up with Dhvani Bhanushali for a duet too.</p> <p dir="ltr">The love song that takes the soundtrack forward is 'Thodi Jagah' which has really sentimental lyrics put together by Rashmi Virag. Moreover, with Arijit Singh taking over the center-stage, you know that the outcome would be straight from the heart, and that indeed turns out to be the case as well. Reminding one of the kind of music that was heard in Aashiqui 2, this one is an original composition by Tanishk Bagchi who does quite well here. Later, the song is heard in Tulsi Kumar's voice as well and she too is impressive with her rendition here.</p> <p dir="ltr">Tanishk Bagchi gets into a recreation mode soon after though with as many as two numbers to his credit, 'Ek Toh Kum Zindagani' and 'Haiya Ho'. Both songs are originally written by Indeevar and have late Firoz Khan as the director. While 'Ek Toh Kum Zindagani' is a Kalyanji-Anandji composition ['Pyar Do Pyar Lo'] from Janbaaz, 'Haiya Ho' is based on Laxmikant-Pyarelal's 'Chahe Meri Jaan Tu Le Le' from Dayavan.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though Neha Kakkar's rendition is just apt as she comes with an apt follow up to Sapna Mukherjee's voice, the male inclusion by Yash Narvekar in 'Ek Toh Kum Zindagani' could have been totally avoided. On the other hand Tulsi Kumar &amp; Jubin Nautiyal's rendition of 'Haiyaa Ho' [originally sung by Jolly Mukherjee and Sapna Mukherjee] turns out to be actually a better version and could well have been more aggressively promoted.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another recreated version that arrives next is 'Kinna Sona' which has Meet Bros and Kumaar coming up with their own take with Jubin Nautiyal &amp; Dhvani Bhanushali doing the honors behind the mike. This one in fact turns out to be rather mild in comparison to the versions that one has heard in the past and surprisingly also takes a lot of time to actually come to the point.</p> <p dir="ltr">Next to arrive are situational numbers that remind one of songs like these that were placed in the action packed narrative of the 70s and the 80s. As a matter of fact this genre of songs are still quote popular in films being made down South and it is apparent that Milap Zaveri was influenced by that style of filmmaking here. No wonder, he has Palak Muchhal lead from the front for 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' which is composed by Tanishk Bagchi, written by Manoj Muntashir and appears just before the climax of the film. A passable track.</p> <p dir="ltr">The one that does lend goose bumps though is Aditya Dev composed 'Hasbi Rabbi' which has Altamash Faridi &amp; Kamaal Khan come up with the kind of rendition that has a haunting appeal. Based on traditional lyrics, this one too is old fashioned in style but goes well with the overall treatment of the film. The version that did elevate the proceedings of the film is 'Hasbi Rabbi Naat' which is composed by Sanjay Chaudhary and written and sung by Mujtaba Aziz Naza. This one lends a short and impactful closure to the soundtrack.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>OVERALL</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The music of Marjaavaan is quite satisfying and is in fact even better than expected. A well rounded affair which has everything for everyone, be it the masses or the classes, Marjaavaan would be picked up by music lovers in time to come as well.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>OUR PICK(S)</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">'Tum Hi Aana', 'Thodi Jagah', 'Ek Toh Kum Zindagaani', 'Haiya Ho'</p>

<strong>EXPECTATIONS</strong> Filmmaker Luv Ranjan has certain style when it comes to creating soundtrack for his films. His <em>Pyaar Ka Punchnama</em> series as well as <em>Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety</em> in particular have boasted of youthful peppy music. Now that his production <em>Jai Mummy Di</em> is releasing, one expects something similar from over half a dozen songs that appear in the soundtrack. <img class="aligncenter wp-image-1063485 size-full" title="Music Review: Jai Mummy Di" src="https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Music-Review-Jai-Mummy-Di.jpg" alt="Music Review: Jai Mummy Di" width="720" height="450" /> <strong>MUSIC</strong> As is the trend, <em>Jai Mummy Di</em> too kick-starts with a couple of recreated songs. First to arrive is Sukh-E Muzical Doctorz composed and Jaani written <strong><em>'Mummy Nu Pasand'</em></strong> which has been recreated by Tanishk Bagchi who is also the man behind additional lyrics. Sunanda Sharma is the singer here and boasts of a distinct voice which is strikingly different from many of her ilk and hence lends quite a solid impression. The song has a catchy hook to it and is a chartbuster all the way. Even if you haven't heard this song before, you would like it this time around. Next to arrive is the chartbuster track <strong><em>'Lamborghini'</em></strong> which has a beautiful sound to it and has just the right mix of Punjabi mix and 'desi' feel with a slightly Western touch to it which gives it an edge. Written by Kumaar, this celebration track has a peppy presentation by Meet Bros who utilize the vocals of Neha Kakkar and Jassie Gill quite well to result in a number that would find a place amongst youth as well as elderly alike. The surprise though is <strong><em>'Dariyaganj'</em></strong> which is rendered by Arijit Singh. It is always so refreshing to hear a new team collaborate to create something melodious and this is where one would complement lyricist Siddhant Kaushal and composer Amartya Bobo Rahut. They put together an unconventional hook for the song's title while ensuring that the melody element remains intact. Rest is taken care of by Arijit who along with Dhvani Bhanushali makes sure that this romantic number finds itself in your playlist. Later Dhvani goes solo to make further impact. With a hat-trick of good songs, expectations soar further from <em>Jai Mummy Di</em>. Mika Singh is the man of the moment as his boisterous vocals kick-start the proceedings for <strong><em>'Ishq Da Band'</em></strong>. The manner in which the singing team (with Shilpa Surroch and Harjot K Dhillon as the other singers] comes together for this Gaurav Chatterji composed and Ginny Diwan written number, you get the feeling of one of those David Dhawan films from the 90s where 'masti' and 'dhamaal' ruled in many a Govinda or Salman Khan starrers. This one is fun while it lasts. Yet another new team joins forces for the title track <strong><em>'Jai Mummy Di'</em></strong>. Composer Parag Chhabra and lyricist Shellee join hands for this situational number. Though there isn't anything really memorable about this Nikhita Gandhi, Parag Chhabra, Vivek Hariharan and Devender Pal Singh sung track, expect this one to arrive at certain montage sequences in the film to lend entertainment to the narrative. Though Amartya Bobo Rahut and Siddhant Kaushal had done quite well in <em>'Dariyaganj'</em>, same can't be said about <strong><em>'Manney Ignore Kar Rahi'</em></strong> which comes across as a jamming session at best. Agreed that this Amitabh Bhattacharya rendered number aims to be all funny and has a parody flavour to it, the end result is the kind which can possibly be enjoyed only if accompanied by some really entertaining visuals. Last to arrive is <strong><em>'Ajaa Ajaa'</em></strong> which has a 50s style rock-n-roll feel to it and is yet another situational track. One in fact wonders at what situation of the film will this Divya Kumar sung number appear eventually as it comes across like a force fitment. Composed by Rishi Singh &amp; Siddharth Amit Bhavsar (who also lend additional lyrics), this one is written by Gautam G. Sharma and Gurpreet Saini who don't quite manage to come up with anything memorable. <strong>OVERALL</strong> The music of <em>Jai Mummy Di</em> starts well with a couple of recreated songs and then a couple of original songs making a mark. However, the impact tapers a bit as it progresses further. Nonetheless, it still manages to almost deliver what it promised with at least 2-3 songs expected to play on for some more time to come at least. <strong>OUR PICK(S)</strong> <em>‘Mummy Nu Pasand’</em>, <em>‘Daryaganj’</em>, <em>‘Lamborghini’</em>

<strong>EXPECTATIONS</strong> Back in 2009 when <em>Love Aaj Kal</em> had released, its music had turned out to be a roaring success. Yet again, it's the team of Pritam and Irshad Kamil coming together for Imtiaz Ali and one waits to see that after creating magic for Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone a decade ago, whether they have repeated the same for Kartik Aaryan and Sara Ali Khan as well. <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1074708" src="https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Love-Aaj-Kal-16.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="450" /> <strong>MUSIC</strong> It is old world charm revisited with <strong><em>'Shayad'</em></strong> which has Arijit Singh taking center-stage. Just the kind of song that is made for hearts deeply in love, this one is for die hard romantics. Be it the lyrics, music or the manner in which Arijit Singh goes about rendering this one, <strong><em>'Shayad'</em></strong> is a winner all the way. No wonder, its 'reprise version' comes later in the soundtrack as well with newcomer Madhubanti  Bagchi giving Arijit coming. Had this song been promoted more aggressively, it could well have turned out to be a major chartbuster already. Next to arrive is <strong><em>'Mehrama'</em></strong> and the song just picks up from where <strong><em>'Shayad'</em></strong> left, hence turning out to be yet another beautiful melody that makes an entry right into your heart. Darshan Raval and Antara Mitra pair up for <strong><em>'Mehrama'</em></strong> which later also arrives in an 'extended version' and makes you long for the one you love. These two songs, coupled with an additional version each, set the 'sur' of <em>Love Aaj Kal</em> and one expects the romantic mood to continue right through. This is the reason why ‘<strong><em>Raftaar’</em></strong> rendered rap track <strong><em>'Parmeshwara'</em></strong> turns out to be nothing but a rude shock. A truly annoying piece which just doesn't manage to register itself and is a misfit both in the soundtrack as well as the film's narrative, it tries to be all cool and smart but fails big time. This one just didn't have a place in the music of <em>Love Aaj Kal</em>. Arijit Singh is back in the fold and he croons two back to back tracks, <strong><em>'Rahogi Meri'</em></strong> and <strong><em>'Haan Tum Ho'</em></strong>. Yet again, it's the usual romantic mood that is created in these love songs that are just the kind that one expects in an Imtiaz Ali film. Not that these songs are chartbusters in the making as they aren't really massy in their presentation and outlook. However if you just want to sit back, relax and think about the one whom you love the most, <strong><em>'Rahogi Meri</em></strong>' and <strong><em>'Haan Tum Ho'</em></strong> (which has Shipra Rao entering the fray as well) truly end up fitting the bill. Mohit Chauhan had rendered <strong><em>'Yeh Dooriyaan'</em></strong> in the first <em>Love Aaj Kal</em> and there is a new version of the song that arrives in the latest <em>Love Aaj Kal</em> with the same title. The singer brings all his experience into play with this heartfelt number that is just the kind which is to be heard with quietness and serenity all around. Carrying a good dose of pain with it, this one has the signature theme that went in the background of <strong><em>'Yeh Dooriyaan'</em></strong>, hence bringing on the nostalgia. The tonality of the soundtrack changes though with <strong><em>'Dhak Dhak'</em></strong> and though this one is at least somewhat better than <strong><em>'Parmeshwara'</em></strong>, yet again it is a misfit into the soundtrack. Trying to infuse 'pahadi' style into the contemporary sound, this Nikhita Gandhi and Akasa rendered track tries to bring in everything from Rumi to internet in one go but doesn't really make you play it in loop all over again. Thankfully, it is back to romantic zone with <strong><em>'Aur Tanha'</em></strong> which sees KK return after a hiatus. With a guitar in the background, this is yet another song which has a heart in love longing for the one closest to it. A soft rock number that goes well with the film's narrative, this one could well make it as a bonfire affair amongst youth. The soundtrack concludes with a bang though with Arijit Singh and Shashwat Singh coming together for <strong><em>'Haan Main Galat'</em></strong>. A new age version of <strong><em>'Twist'</em></strong> that had made huge waves in <em>Love Aaj Kal</em> [2009] more than a decade back, this one actually turns out to be a very good version of the original. Number of times one has complains around recreated versions not really matching up to the original but this one actually succeeds in taking it to the next level. Chartbuster. <strong>OVERALL</strong> The music of <em>Love Aaj Kal</em> has consistency written all over it, barring a couple of songs which are misfits. There may not be many chartbusters out there but if you are the one who is either truly in love with someone or is nursing a broken heart, <em>Love Aaj Kal</em> does well in rekindling those emotions well enough. <strong>OUR PICK(S)</strong> ‘Haan Main Galat’, ‘Shayad’, ‘Mehrama’, ‘Yeh Dooriyaan’

31/01/2020

31/01/2020

14/02/2020

On April 9, Odisha became the first state to extend the 21-day nationwide lockdown in the state till April 30. But two days before the extended lockdown was announced, a 20-year-old youth from Odisha, who was working in Maharashtra's Sangli district before the lockdown returned to his state after cycling for around 2,000 km.

The 20-year-old youth identified as Mahesh Jena left Sangli on April 1 and reached Odisha on April 7 after he cycled around 2,000 km for seven days. Jena took the bold decision when the factory where he worked was closed when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown to combat the spread of the global pandemic.

While speaking to Hindustan Times Jena said, "When the factory was closed we were told that it would not reopen for the next five months. I figured out that if I continued to stay then I would run out of money quickly. So the only option was leaving the place at any cost."

In order to reach Odisha, Jena bought a bicycle for Rs 1200 and spent another Rs 500 to replace its tyre and tube. Jena, who began his journey on April 1 at 4.30 a said that his original plan was to reach his village in 15 days.

Talking about his journey he said, "When I started, I did not want to stop, I rode during the daytime and carried on till 12 in the night. I would then look for a temple or roadside dhaba to sleep." During his journey, Jena ate at roadside dhabas and at places where local police or NGOs would offer free food. During the journey, Jena not only replaced his cycle tyres but his phone was also conked off.

Speaking about how he planned to reach Odisha Jena said, "When I first arrived in Sangli along with my village friend 7 months ago, I had hazy idea about the route. On April 1 when I started from Sangli, I thought I could cover about 120-130 km a day on the cycle and reach home. But when I started, I did not want to stop, I rode during the daytime and carried on till 12 in the night. I would then look for a temple or roadside dhaba to sleep off."

Upon reaching Sholapur, Jena rode towards Hyderabad and then towards Vijayawada. Post which he rode his bicycke to Vishakhapatnam and Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh before entering Odisha at Ganjam. From Ganjam he then cycled to Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and finally Jajpur on April 7 evening.

Upon reaching Jajpur on April 7, Jena was stopped by the police at a check post installed where the police personnel stopped outsiders from entering the district. Talking about Jena, police inspector Ashish Kumar Sahu said, "With a rucksack on his back, he was cycling. After lockdown was announced, the factory in Maharashtra where he worked as a daily labourer was closed leaving him and several others in great misery. He somehow managed to get a rickety bicycle from a local there and started cycling to his home in Odisha."

Following lockdown procedures, Jena was first screened at the district headquarters hospital where he was found without any COVID-19 symptoms. Post which he was sent to a government quarantine centre, where he would be kept in isolation for 14 days.

"I was worried about being picked up by police during my journey. I was stopped twice by police on Andhra-Maharashtra border and Andhra-Odisha border, but I was allowed to go,"recalls Jena, who was stopped by the police on two occasions.

The 20-year-old migrant worker has spent over seven days at the quarantine facility. Speaking about his time at the quarantine centre, Jena said that the meal which comprised of rice and a boiled curry of lentil and vegetables was getting too boring for him. Speaking about the food, he stated, "How long can you eat the same food twice a day? After I am discharged from the quarantine centre, I plan to go back home and have a nice meal. Once the factories reopen, I would again go back."

Lauding the youngster on his inspiring journey, Odisha's Jajpur block development officer Sourav Chakraborty said that it was incredible the way he cycled to his home. "His journey would make a very good script for a movie."

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Jyoti Amge, the world's shortest woman, has appealed to the people here to remain indoors amid the nationwide lockdown enforced to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Dressed in pink top and black boots, Amge, who is just 62.8 centimetres tall, was seen making announcements on the loudspeaker pertaining to the preventive measures to be taken to fight COVID-19 while standing on the bonnet of a police vehicle on Monday.

Maharashtra: World's smallest living woman, Jyoti Amge along with Nagpur Police spread awareness on #Coronavirus and appealed people to stay indoors. (13.4) pic.twitter.com/W1bzeXnfA4

— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2020

Amge, who was wearing a face mask, was accompanied by a couple of policemen during the awareness drive. Amge has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia and is the world's shortest woman, according to the Guinness World Records.

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On the occasion of Bengali New Year which is also celebrated as Pahela Baishakh (first day of Bengali Calendar), Trinamool Congress MPs Nusrat Jahan and Mimi Chakraborty took to Instagram to wish their fans on the auspicious day.

 

 

 

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Shubho Nababorsha to all... May we fight this situation of crisis and move towards a brighter day..!! Shokol ke amar subhechcha 🙏🏻

A post shared by Nusrat (@nusratchirps) onApr 13, 2020 at 10:53pm PDT

Basirhat MP Nusrat Jahan shared a series of pictures where she can be seen in traditional attires as she wished her followers a 'Happy New Year' to all. While extending her wishes, Nusrat urged her fans to fight the coronavirus crisis and move towards a brighter day..!!

 

 

 

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শà§Âভ নববরà§Âষà§Â‡ পà§Âরà§Â€তি à¦Â“ শà§Âভà§Â‡à¦Âšà§Âà¦Â›া, বাড়িতà§Â‡ থাà¦Â•à§Âন- সà§Âসà§Âথ থাà¦Â•à§Âন ।

A post shared by Mimi (@mimichakraborty) onApr 14, 2020 at 12:57am PDT

On the other hand, Jadavpur MP Mimi Chakraborty shared a beautiful picture where she can be seen welcoming the new year in a traditional way. While wishing people a happy new year, Mimi requested her followers to stay home and stay healthy in order to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.

 

 

 

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Waiting forðŸ¤Â”ðŸ¤Â”ðŸ¤Â” umm ohh yes bengali new year.. And plansðŸ¤Â”ðŸ¤Â”ðŸ¤Â”??ummm âž¡ï¸ÂðŸ”🥩🌭🍳🍞ðŸ¥Â–ðŸ¥ÂžðŸ§Â‡ðŸ¥¨ðŸ¥ªðŸ•ðŸšðŸ±ðŸ£ðŸ›ðŸ¦ªðŸ²ðŸ¥Â—🌯🌮ðŸ§Â†ðŸ¥Â™ðŸ¥®ðŸ¥ ðŸ¨ðŸŽ‚🍿🍦🍭🥧🍰ðŸ§ÂðŸ¥ÂœðŸ§Â˜‍♀ï¸ÂðŸ§Â˜‍♀ï¸ÂðŸ˜´ðŸ˜´ðŸ˜´

A post shared by Mimi (@mimichakraborty) onApr 13, 2020 at 3:49am PDT

Mimi also shared a small video clip where she was seen wishing her fans on the occasion of Bengali new year. In the video, Mimi was seen donning a black shirt with the caption: All I did todau was survive! A day before welcoming the Bengali new year, Mimi shared a picture where she can be seen posing for a selfie while being sunkissed.

While sharing the sun kissed picture with her fans, Mimi wrote: Waiting for...umm ohh yes bengali new year...And plans?

 

 

 

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‪Stay Home ~ Stay Safe 🙏‬ ‪We shall overcome ❤ï¸Ââ€¬ #quarantine #indiafightscovid19

A post shared by Nusrat (@nusratchirps) onMar 23, 2020 at 8:35am PDT

Both Nusrat and Mimi have been quarantined at home and have been updating their fans on how they are staying safe and maintaining social distance. From Mimi playing games, cleaning her kitchen and enjoying the beauty of nature to Nusrat showing off her painting skills and donning a chef's hat, the two BFFs are making the most of the quarantined period.

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New Delhi: With 1,211 fresh cases of coronavirus reported in the last 24 hours, the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country has reached 10,363 including 339 deaths, said Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, here on Tuesday.

As many as 1,036 people have recovered from the disease so far, said Aggarwal during the daily media briefing on the coronavirus. "In one day, 179 people were diagnosed and found cured," he added.

"A total of 10,363 confirmed cases have been reported in India including 339 deaths and 1,036 people, who were COVID-19 positive have recovered. Out of the total deaths, 31 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours," said Aggarwal.

Aggarwal said that an evaluation of each district and city will be done till April 20.

"An evaluation of each district and city will be done till April 20 in which it will be evaluated what measures did that authorities take in these cities and districts to combat COVID-19," he said.

"Based on the results of this litmus test approach, permission will be granted for some selective activities to those districts and cities which controlled the situation effectively. Detailed guidelines will be issued soon," he added.

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New Delhi: Congress Lok Sabha MP leader Shashi Tharoor on Friday appreciated Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan and his colleagues in the ministry for doing "great job" amid COVID-19 outbreak.

"Thanks for the response @drharshvardhan! You &your colleagues are doing a great job in difficult circumstances. Guess this means that it won't be long before Thiruvananthapuram is off the hotspot list, as Kerala has categorised it in a lower tier than the most affected districts," Tharoor tweeted.

Tagging the minister in a tweet earlier, the Congress leader asked why Thiruvananthapuram is listed as a COVID-19 hotspot.

"A bit curious as to why Thiruvananthapuram is listed as a #Covid19 hotspot when it has such a great track record!? Perhaps @MoHFW_INDIA can enlighten us?" Tharoor, the Lok MP from Thiruvananthapuram had tweeted.

A but curious as to why Thiruvananthapuram is listed as a #Covid19 hotspot when it has such a great track record!? Perhaps @MoHFW_INDIA can enlighten us? @drharshvardhan @vijayanpinarayi @CMOKerala @kgkrishnan05 https://t.co/RWjjW3TiMp

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 16, 2020

Responding to the Congress leader, Harsh Vardhan said there are 170 hotspot districts, 207 non-hotspot & rest non-infected.

India's total number of coronavirus positive cases has climbed to 13,387 including 11,201 active cases, 1,749 cured/discharged/migrated and 437 deaths, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said today.

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Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases across the country, the Punjab Police on Saturday took to Twitter to share a heartwarming video where they can be seen bringing smiles on its citizens amid lockdown. The Punjab police shared the video with their 60,000 followers where they can be seen going out of their way to celebrate the birthday of a little girl.

Mansa Police's sweet gesture for Maira's 1st birthday. Policemen gave her a surprise by delivering a Birthday Cake at her doorsteps.#TuhadiSevaSadaFarz #PunjabFightsCorona #Punjabpoliceindia@pp_mansa pic.twitter.com/nqL2nhfbDs

— Punjab Police India (@PunjabPoliceInd) April 18, 2020

In the one-minute one-second clip, police officials of Mansa Police in Punjab can be seen delivering a cake to a kid's house on her first birthday. What's more? The police officials also sang Happy Birthday for the girl on their PA system.

Punjab police always great nd honest ji gbu ji

— Gursimran Singh Mand (@gursimranmand) April 18, 2020

While sharing the beautiful video with their followers, Punjab police wrote: Mansa Police’' sweet gesture for Maira's 1st birthday. Policemen gave her a surprise by delivering a Birthday Cake at her doorsteps. Not only did the police made the girl's day but they also took all precautions while delivering the cake. The police officials were seen donning face masks and even wearing hand gloves in order to protect themselves from the spread of coronavirus.

Police with a heart ❤ï¸Â

— Nicola (@cloudnikki) April 18, 2020

The heartwarming gesture by Mansa police officials has been praised by many on Twitter. On user said, "Police with a heart," while another user commented, "Great job by Mansa district Police." A third user said, "Punjab police with you, for you, always."

What do you think about this heartwarming video?

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Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday indirectly targeted Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari by saying that the Raj Bhavan "shouldn't become centre for political conspiracy".

In a sharp attack on Koshyari - without naming him - the Sena MP said he was somehow reminded of a 'shameless' governor, the late Thakur Ram Lal, who served in the Raj Bhavan in Andhra Pradesh in the early 1980s.

#ShivSena MP #SanjayRaut on Sunday indirectly targeted #Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari by saying that the Raj Bhavan "shouldn't become centre for political conspiracy". pic.twitter.com/1Y6fM0F85f

— IANS Tweets (@ians_india) April 19, 2020

"Remember! History doesn't spare those who behave unconstitutionally. Samajhne walon ko ishaara kaafi hai!" Raut said in tweets on Sunday.

The Sena MP's outburst is viewed against the backdrop of a recent Maharashtra Cabinet request to the Governor to nominate Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray as a Member of the Legislative Council for one of the two vacant seats from the Governor's quota.

This is to prevent a constitutional crisis as Thackeray must become a member of either house of the state legislature by May 28, failing which he would be required to step down.

In view of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Centre has postponed all elections, but the picture is likely to become clear after May 3.

Thackeray was unanimously elected as the leader of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance government of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Congress, and took oath as the CM on November 28, 2019.

The Sena President's rise to power - the first ever member of the Thackeray clan to hold political office - came after Koshyari had sworn in a two-member government of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputy Ajit Pawar, which collapsed in barely 80 hours.

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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said there will be no relaxation in the lockdown due to coronavirus in the national capital as all the 11 districts are hotpots. Speaking to the media, Kejriwal said the situation will be reviewed after a week and if there is improvement, the relaxation will be given.

#Delhi Chief Minister #ArvindKejriwal said there will be no relaxation in #lockdown due to #coronavirus in the national capital as all the 11 districts are hotpots.

He said the situation will be reviewed after a week and if there is improvement, the relaxation will be given. pic.twitter.com/TiSi6YwxuN

— IANS Tweets (@ians_india) April 19, 2020

"After assessing the prevailing situation in Delhi, we have decided not to permit any relaxation in the lockdown, as of now," the Chief Minister said. The Centre has asked for lockdown relaxation from Monday at places where coronavirus infection is under control. He said 186 more cases were recorded on Saturday and all were asymptomatic.

"They didn't know they had coronavirus. This is more worrying," he said, adding one among the positive cases was distributing food in the government's hunger relief shelter. Kejriwal said in the last few days, Delhi has seen a spike in cases.

"We need to plan about the relaxation in the lockdown. Centre is saying that we should not relax the lockdown in the containment zones/hotspots. All the 11 districts of Delhi are declared hotspots. So, according to the Centre, no relaxation can be given in Delhi," he added. He also said wherever people are following orders, cases are not increasing.

"However, there are places where cases are increasing as people are not following orders," the Chief Minister said. He said though the cases are on the rise, the situation is still under control.

"We all have to follow orders. About 1,900 cases are in the city and 26 patients are in the ICU and six are on the ventilators," the Chief Minister added.

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The Centre on Monday said that around 50 journalists testing positive for COVID-19 in Mumbai is very unfortunate.

"Journalists testing positive for COVID-19 is very unfortunate news. When you (journalists) attend your call of duty, kindly take the required precautions, follow the norms of social distancing and wear face masks," Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health and Family Welfare said at a daily briefing here.

#WATCH Journalists testing positive for #COVID19 is very unfortunate news. When you (journalists) attend your call of duty, kindly take the required precautions, follow the norms of social distancing & wear face masks: Lav Agrawal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry pic.twitter.com/0Xu9vP9xLw

— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2020

This comes as 53 journalists in Mumbai tested positive for COVID-19. All of them are under isolation, according to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Responding to a question of whether asymptomatic people need to be tested, Agarwal said, "80 per cent cases are asymptomatic and mild symptoms and we can track them. Sampling criteria is very clear that anyone who needs to be tested will be sampled."

"We have been highlighting that there are two criteria of concerns -- areas having a large number of cases, areas having the rate of growth of cases is high and the doubling rate is low," he added. Agarwal stated health officials are ensuring effective intervention so that affected areas do not lead to a large number of cases further.

"We are coordinating with states and district administration and take necessary action. Three teams of the central government have been sent to Maharashtra which is working in Pune, Mumbai and a team co-ordinating between Maharashtra state with central government and district administrations," he said. Agarwal said that India's COVID-19 doubling rate has improved to 7.5 days from 3.4 days before the lockdown was enforced.

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Chandigarh: She is close to turn into a centenarian but the coronavirus pandemic makes her a 'warrior'. She is stitching face masks for the people on the streets to battle it out.

She is 98-year-old Gurdev Kaur from Moga town in Punjab.

"We are making face masks and distributing among the passersby free of cost, wizened Gurdev Kaur said in a video shared by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Twitter on Tuesday.

Her bleak vision is not letting her down, she said her daughter-in-laws, grandchildren and her entire family are involved in sewing masks for a cause.

"We all love to do a charity and do it as much as possible," she said, while appealing to the people to follow lockdown norms and help one another.

"Take precaution to prevent oneself from this disease. They (government functionaries) also advise us to prevent yourself as much as possible by staying at home," she said, who daily wants to work daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"I have no vision in one eye and the second eye had cataract surgery 25 years ago but the vision in that eye is very good," she said.

Appreciating her gesture, the Chief Minister said in a tweet: "The strongest corona warrior of Punjab is 98-year-old Gurdev Kaur from Moga who with her family is stitching masks for Punjab.

"Such selfless dedication of Punjabis is proof of how strong we are and that we will overcome any challenge which comes our way."

All over Punjab, people are making handmade face masks to help shield doctors, nurses and many others from the coronavirus.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the bail plea of Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the AugustaWestland VVIP chopper scam accused, on the ground that his petition "did not fall in the criteria for grant of relief". A two-judge bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and also comprising Justice B R Gavai dismissed the bail application of Christian Michel. Michel, in his bail application, stated that he is aged 59 years, and has a history of bad health which will make him easy prey to any Corona outbreak in the Tihar jail in Delhi and thereby he be released on bail.

"We don't find any merit in the petition filed by the accused, petitioner in the case. We, thereby, dismiss the same," Justice Kaul observed. The apex court did not consider his prayers and upheld the Delhi High Court order that his case did not fall in the criteria for grant of relief. The accused, a 59-year-old British National, Michel is currently lodged in Tihar jail for his alleged involvement in the Augusta Westland VVIP chopper scam case.

Michel had moved the Apex Court after the Delhi High Court had rejected his bail application. Michel was extradited from Dubai in 2018 and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with alleged irregularities in the chopper deal. While the CBI is probing his alleged role as a middleman in the deal, the ED is investigating money laundering charges against him.

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In a significant move, the Union cabinet on Wednesday amended the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1987 through an ordinance in order to ensure safety of health workers at a time when there has been a spate of attacks on them. Any violence against health workers may now bring steep fines and even imprisonments of up to seven years.

#Cabinet approves promulgation of Ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 making such acts of violence as cognizable and non-bailable offences and to provide compensation for injury to healthcare service personnel or for causing damage or loss to the property

— K.S. Dhatwalia (@DG_PIB) April 22, 2020

This move comes hours after Home Minister Amit Shah addressed Nina Medical Association through a video conference, assuring them of safety and urging them to withdraw the symbolic protest scheduled for later this month against incidents of violence on health workers pressed into CVID-19 duty.

From now on, not just such violence is cognizable but also non-bailable offence. Additionally, it has provisions to provide compensation for injury to healthcare service personnel or for causing damage or loss to the property, the government said on Wednesday.

K.S. Dhatwalia, Principal Spokesperson for the government, tweeted: "Ordinance would help protect healthcare service personnel and their living/working premises against violence".

"This actually helps protect the entire health fraternity including doctors, nurses, paramedics up to ASHA workers, " said Union I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar. The Minister said the amendment was necessitated after incidents of violence were witnessed against them while discharging their crucial duty for the country.

The amendment has ensured that the investigation takes place in a time-bound manner. A special provision is also made in the ordinance in case vehicles or clinics are damaged. In such cases, two times the cost will be recovered from assailants.

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After four people recovered from COVID-19 in Moga, the district has become coronavirus free, informed KBS Sidhu, Special Chief Secretary, Punjab on Thursday. "There were 4 Corona positive cases who were kept in isolation for 14 days. Now, they have been tested twice and are now negative. District Moga is COVID-free now," the official tweeted.

"They are all TJ's and belong to Maharashtra--14 in all. They will be kept in Deaddiction and Rehabilitation Centre at Village Janer, which is closed now. This one is totally away from habitation. No one will object. Once the Inter-State borders open, they will be sent back," he said in another tweet.

According to the Health Ministry, Punjab so far has recorded 251 cases of coronavirus, out of which 49 have been cured and 16 have lost their lives.

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In view of the crisis arising out of COVID-19, government on Thursday decided to freeze payment of additional instalment of dearness allowance (DA) to the Central government employees and dearness relief (DR) to pensioners falling due from January 1, 2020.

The decision comes after the Union Cabinet on March 14 approved a four per cent hike in DA to 21 per cent in a bonanza for 1.13 crore Central government employees and pensioners applicable from January, 2020 costing the exchequer Rs 14,595 crore.

In an office memorandum, department of expenditure, ministry of finance said that additional instalment of DA and DR falling due from July 1, 2020 and January 1, 2021 will also not be paid. However, the allowance will continue to be paid at current rates.

The Central government employees will also not get any arrears in any future revision of DA/DR from from July 1, 2021. However, If a decision to revise DA rates is taken for July 1, 2021 period, the rate of allowance as effective from January 1, 2020, July 1, 2020 and January 1, 2021 will be restored prospectively and will be subsumed in the cumulative revised rates effective from July 1, 2021, the office memorandum said.

Though the government did not give an estimate of how much it would save by disallowing DA revision for its employees, a four per cent raise approved by cabinet last month meant additional expenditure of around Rs 15,000 crore. For three half yearly periods, going by this yardstick, would result in savings of close to Rs 45,000 for the Centre.

Any change in DA rates benefits about 48 lakh Central government employees and 65 lakh pensioners. DA is paid by the government to its employees as well as pensioners to offset the impact of inflation.

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Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray here on Thursday asked the state government to drop 'moral issues' and permit liquor shops and restaurants to resume forthwith to enable it earn badly-needed revenue for its near-empty coffers.

In a letter to his cousin and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, the MNS chief said since March 18, the state was in lockdown -- first till March 31, then till April 14 and now extended to May 3 -- with no certainty when it would be lifted.

In such times, there was no harm in keeping this option (wine shops) open since it's not intended to cater to the needs of the alcohol consumers but to start generating income for the government, Raj Thackeray said.

"The excise duty generated for the state via liquor amounts to Rs 41.66 crore daily, or Rs 1,250 crore monthly and Rs 14,000 crore yearly," he said.

In view of the 35 days of lockdown till now and future extensions, the loss of revenue from this sector could be calculated till now and also the future losses that might happen if the shutdown was prolonged, he said.

"It's not that there was a liquor ban in our state and we are asking to remove that. Prior to lockdown, the wine shops were open. The state government should not try to get caught in some moral issues at such a crucial time and take the necessary action," Raj urged Uddhav.

His statement came a couple of days after Health Minister Rajesh Tope made an open-ended statement that there should be no problems in permitting liquor shops, provided they followed social distancing norms.

Taking up cudgels on behalf of restaurants, Raj said big and small eateries were a sheer necessity in Mumbai where millions live on the affordable 'rice plate'. Besides, there are homes that need their services as they don't have the supplies or resources for cooking meals, and the government must consider this category also.

Touching upon other essentials like food, vegetables and fruits, he said while these were open and available, they needed to be organised and coordinated to revive the economic cycle. The MNS said it pertained not just to Maharashtra but also all other states since when and how much central assistance would come was uncertain.

"Let's face the reality and find solutions instead. The need of the hour is to be economically self-reliant and this solution provided needs to be taken seriously," said Raj Thackeray.

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officers that no public gathering should be allowed in the state till June 30 amid the coronavirus outbreak. "Chief Minister has directed officers that no public gathering be allowed till 30th June. Further decision will be taken depending on the situation," Office of CM Yogi Adityanath tweeted.

The Chief Minister held a meeting with chairpersons of 11 committees of the state over the COVID-19 situation.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there are 1,621 coronavirus cases in Uttar Pradesh including 247 cured/discharged and 25 deaths.

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Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' address, has given a direction to the Indian citizens for fighting the battle against Coronavirus.

"PM Modi in his 'Mann ki Baat' has said that the battle against Coronavirus has to be won within one month. He had said that by the time Eid comes we will defeat Coronavirus," Javadekar said.

He further said, "Modi had also said that society has shown humanity by ensuring that no one goes hungry during the lockdown." "In today's address, the PM gave a proper direction that is necessary to fight the battle against Coronavirus," he added.

Modi while addressing the nation during his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' had said that India's fight against the Coronavirus is "people-driven" and is being fought by the masses and the administration together.

He also informed that the government has come up with a digital platform to link volunteers of social organisations, representatives of civil society and local administration.

Tamil Nadu under major lockdown

The complete lockdown in the major urban centres of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai and Coimbatore, came into force on Sunday with groceries and vegetable shops also shutting down as civic bodies intensified disinfection work in their respective regions. While police patrol vehicles and flying squads of civic bodies alone could be seen in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Salem and Tirupur, people in some localities in north Chennai loitered around.

Standalone shops open up in Delhi

The Delhi government has allowed the standalone shops in the national capital based on the Union Home Ministry's order but the markets and complexes will remain shut, Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal said. He also said that no other relaxation will be given to the city till May 3 — lockdown deadline. "Last Sunday we decided to continue the lockdown without any relaxation. We are giving one relaxation today. The Centre on Friday announced to open some shops and we are implementing it."

Shops sell PPE for as cheap as Rs 198

As they fight the deadly Coronavirus pandemic 24/7, frontline healthcare workers are facing a severe crunch of personal protection equipment (PPE) suits or hazmat suits. Suddenly, several retail shops have cropped up across the country, offering such specialised medical suits at cheap prices. Shops in Tirupur — also called the knitwear city of India — in Tamil Nadu are offering such suits for as low as R198 and R225, take minimum order for 50 suits with courier charges extra.

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Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on Monday said that he is following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mantra of 'Jaan Bhi Jahan Bhi' as the state government is gradually working on improving the economic situation while adhering to coronavirus guidelines.

His remarks came after attending the meeting of Chief Ministers with the Prime Minister over the prevailing COVID-19 situation. "Now we are working on the mantra 'Jaan Bhi Jahan Bhi' given by the Prime Minister. While strictly following the guidelines of the Government of India, we are gradually working on improving the economic situation. Pharma, food processing units are working, many industries have started under the guidelines,"

Rawat said, according to a release by Uttarakhand CMO "Nine hill districts of the state are free from the influence of Corona. The works of National Highway, MNREGA have been started keeping in mind everything. For the economic revival of the state, a committee of cabinet sub-committee and experts has been formed, whose report will be received soon," he said.

The Chief Minister said that it should be looked at and which economic activities can be started while adhering to all guidelines to combat COVID-19.

Rawat said that Uttarakhand being a tourism and pilgrimage destination has been greatly affected by the lockdown. "But I am confident that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the situation in the state will improve again," he added. He said that the gates of Gangotri and Yamunotri have been opened on Akshaya Tritiya while maintaining all precautions.

The Chief Minister also suggested that the duration of employment in MNREGA be increased from 100 days to 150 days.

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At a time when the pandemic is making us realise the importance of protecting the environment, the proposal for the Etalin Hydro-Electric Project (3,097 MW) in Arunachal Pradesh's Dibang Valley was placed for approval before the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on April 23. It has not gone down well with conservationists as about 2.7 lakh trees have to be cut down to make way for the project.

Speaking to mid-day, Arjun Kamdar, who is studying MSc Wildlife Biology and Conservation at National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, said, "The proposed Etalin dam is slated to be the largest hydro-project in the country, which will not only destroy the biodiversity of the region but also threaten the lives of millions of people who live downstream. Independent studies have shown that as these rivers are glacier-fed, climate change will render these projects inefficient within the next 30 years."

Pic/Arjun Kamdar

Bittu Sahgal, editor, Sanctuary Asia magazine, said, "Building dams in the Himalayas, when melting of glacier has rendered river flow data unreliable and outdated, is patently artless. Besides, clearly the Standing Committee of the MoEFCC and the Forest Clearance Committee has not applied its mind to the reality that the forests they so nonchalantly, some might suggest illegally, destroy are more valuable as infrastructures in an era of accelerating climate crisis, of both survival and commerce than the dams that are at risk of becoming stranded assets even before the first turbines turn. The banks have obviously not done their risk analysis diligently. Its also time for us to question the wisdom of the MoEFCC and their choice of independent members, who have probably not understood the importance of the reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services and WHO, which point to deforestation as a key factor that could lead to the next pandemic from displaced species that come into contact with humans."

Conservationist and Director of The Corbett Foundation, Kedar Gore, said, "No compensatory afforestation programme can ever replace the irreversible loss of 2.7 lakh trees. There are very few areas remaining in India with such extraordinary biodiversity wealth, much of which is endemic. It is unfortunate that such projects are being pushed through ignoring all appeals from scientists and conservationists. It is indeed shocking that the COVID-19 pandemic has still not opened the eyes of our policymakers."

It may be noted back the forest advisory committee has already discuss the issue of forest clearance for the project in the meeting that took place on April 23rd but there has no been any final decision that has been taken.

According to the plans the hydroelectric project will be coming up in dibang valley which is one of the most biodiversity Himalayan zones in Arunachal Pradesh. The project will involve diversion of 1150.08 hectares of land having rich biodiversity and it will require cutting of 2.7 lakh trees from the “subtropical evergreen broad-leaved and subtropical rainforest

When contacted, actor Dia Mirza, who is also UNEP Goodwill Ambassador and UN Secretary Generals Advocate for SDGs, said, "Humanity is experiencing firsthand the effects of biodiversity loss and wild nature from the COVID-19 pandemic. If there is one thing this human crisis must teach us to do, it will be to acknowledge the linkages between ecological balance and health. This bio-diverse region cannot and must not be devastated by this project."

Rare and important species found in the area includes

Mishmi Takin (endangered goat) , clouded leopard, tigers, himalayan serow, Asiatic bgolden cat, Sclater's monal, Mishmi wren babbler, Marbled cat and Mishmi giant flying Squirrel.

4. Herpetologist Kedar Bhide said , "Arunachal should be declared as complete eco sensitive zone with respect to it's biodiversity as well as cultural diversity . Any large ill conceived projects like hydro electric power or a highway infra projects should not be even thought in such ecological and cultural sensitive area".

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Restrictions enforced in West Bengal to fight Covid-19 will continue till May 21 with curbs on normal life varying in intensity based on the extent of spread of the viral infection in a particular area, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Monday.

"We want the restrictions to continue till May 21. We have to be careful till that time," Banerjee told media persons at the state secretariat Nabanna.

The Chief Minister, however, clarified that she was not announcing any extension on lockdown, as that decision will be taken by the central government. "I am talking of restrictions, which is different from the lockdown," she added.

Banerjee said while the restrictions would be strictly implemented in every red zone (areas with a large number of corona positive cases), the impact will be less severe in orange zones (areas with a limited number of cases in the past and with no surge in positive cases recently, where restricted activities would be allowed).

Districts with no coronavirus positive cases are included in green zones.

"If an area which is now an orange zone, shows an increase in the prevalence of the disease and enters the red zone, the restrictions will be made stiffer, and vice versa. There will be more relaxations given in the green zones, but the areas will be placed under stiffer restrictions if more positive cases are detected putting them under orange or red zone categories," she said.

The Chief Minister announced the formation of a cabinet committee on COVID management, chaired by Finance and Industries Minister Amit Mitra. Education Minister Partha Chatterjee, Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim, and Minister of State for Health Chandrima Bhattacharya will be part of the committee. Mitra and Chatterjee will work from home.

The Chief Secretary, the Health Secretary, and the Home Secretary will be among the committee members. Banerjee said her government was discussing on resuming more activities in rural areas that come under the green zone.

She announced that home delivery companies, which were so long allowed to ferry only essential goods, would now be permitted to reach non-essential items also.

"We have to think of giving relaxations that won't harm the people," she said. She said though relaxations have been given on 100 days' job guarantee scheme, the problem was in getting labourers.

The Chief Minister appealed to the centre to ensure international borders were closed, and not allow domestic and international flights, and train services till the situation normalises. Inter-state bus services or travel also should not be allowed, except for emergencies.

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A 25-year-old woman, who was an accused in a murder case, has allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself in her cell in Tihar Jail, the police said on Tuesday.

According to the police, the woman identified as Parveena hanged herself with her "dupatta" in her cell on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday. The woman was rushed to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, where she was declared brought dead by the doctors, the police said.

Praveena, a resident of Delhi, was lodged in Tihar jail number 6 since April 25 in connection with a murder case registered at Chhawla police station.

She, along with her husband, was accused of killing her father-in-law and mother-in-law, after which she had also tried to commit suicide but failed.

An inquest proceeding under Section 176 (inquiry by a magistrate into the cause of death) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) is being conducted in connection with the alleged suicide.

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Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan on Thursday said that unemployment numbers are really worrying and India needs to be "cleverer" about lifting the lockdown. Rajan's remarks came during his interaction with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, via video conference, on the economic crisis due to ongoing lockdown which is scheduled to end on May 3. "The numbers are really worrying. If you look at CMIE, virtually another 100 million more people have been put out of work as a result of COVID. 50 million through unemployment and 60 million through leaving the labour force," he said while responding to Rahul's query that India has a high level of unemployment, that is now going to be massive.

"I think it says, we need to open up in a measured way but as fast as possible so that people start having jobs. We don't have the capacity to support people across the spectrum for too long. Being a relatively poor country, people start out with significantly lower reserves," he said. "But we have to be cleverer about opening up. Perhaps do mass testing. Take a mass sample, say 1000 samples and check in mass, if there is any sign of the virus in those mass samples. If you do find it, then go deeper into the sample and check who it might be. This way it would reduce the burden on our test infrastructure and can allow us to try and vet much more. We have to be cleverer since we simply cannot wait till we have that kind of testing," the economist said.

Rajan said that it is all too easy to cover a lockdown forever, but obviously that is unsustainable for the economy. On the opening of the economy, he said: "It has to be sequencing. First, places where you can maintain distancing. It is not just distancing in the workplaces, but also distancing to and fro, from the workplace."

"So, a lot of work needs to be done both on creating the structures, as well as ensuring that the workplace is relatively safe. As well as ensuring that if there are accidents, if there are fresh cases, how do we isolate quickly without having to go to a second or a third lockdown? Those will be devastating if we have to go there," he added.

When asked about finances of the agricultural sector and the workers, migrant workers, Rajan said that the government should to find ways of getting both money as well as food through PDS to as many of these people.

"This is where the efforts we have made in Direct benefits transfer (DBT) need to be realised at this point. All the ways we transfer to relatively poor people, we need to take a call on that. We have different ways of accessing - through widow pensions, MGNREGA Rolls. And we need to say that look these are people who don't have a job, who don't have a livelihood and for the next 3-4 months while the uncertainty is on, we are going to support them," he said.

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A special non-stop train with 1,200 stranded migrants started from Telangana to Jharkhand's Hatia, officials said on Friday. According to the railway officials, a special non-stop train operated as a one-off service on Friday morning from Telangana to Hatia in Jharkhand. Railway sources said the train carrying 1,200 migrant workers from Telangana left from Lingampalli station at 5 a.m.

Speaking to IANS, Railway Protection Force (RPF) Director General Arun Kumar said, "A non stop train from Telangana to Jharkhand started this morning with 1,200 migrants." He said the train will reach Hatia around 11 p.m. on Friday. According to officials in Jharkhand, the state government has made adequate arrangements for the testing and quarantine of the migrants returning to the state from the special non-stop train.

A one-off special train was run today from Lingampalli (Hyderabad) to Hatia (Jharkhand) on request of the Telangana Government & as per the directions of Union Railway Ministry. pic.twitter.com/9YptotxcbV

— ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2020

The railways have suspended the passenger, mail and express train services in a bid to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Last month, hundreds of migrants reached Bandra terminus railway station in Mumbai after rumour was spread that train services were resumed.

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The central government on May 1 started train services for students, migrant labourers, tourists and others stranded in different parts of the country to the home states. On Friday, a train carrying students who were stranded in Rajasthan’s Kota district left for Jharkhand amid applause from cops at the spot.

Many students were reportedly stranded in Kota, a town known for its educational institutions that coaches scores of pupils for competitive exams, ever since the national lockdown due to coronavirus was imposed.

In a video posted by the Prasar Bharati News Service on Twitter, policemen and other railway personnel were seen standing on the platform and clapping as the train with students was leaving from Kota railway station to Jharkhand, in what seems to be a gesture to wish them a safe journey. The caption for the post read, "1449 coaching students left for #Jharkhand in a special train last night from Kota, Rajasthan."

1449 coaching students left for #Jharkhand in a special train last night from Kota, Rajasthan #IndianRailways #IndiaFightsCOVID19 #SocialDistancing @RailMinIndia pic.twitter.com/egGqf2Kqjz

— Prasar Bharati News Services (@PBNS_India) May 2, 2020

These special trains would ply without any stops, following health and safety protocols as per an order by the central government.

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Five persons have been injured in a series of attacks by a tiger in the Jari village near the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Uttar Pradesh. The tiger also attempted to attack a forest department team that was called in to push it back into the wild. Two persons were injured in this attack. According to the victims, the incident first took place on Friday when the tiger attacked two brothers -- Gurpreet Singh and Hardeep Singh of village Jari -- when they were on way to their agricultural field on their motorcycle. They had a close shave but managed to flee by speeding away on their motorbike.

A few minutes later, the tiger pounced at Ram Bahadur, a cyclist, and injured him. The big cat left him as it was distracted by the noise of the bike's engine and horn blown by the two brothers. Within 10 minutes, the tiger again pounced on two commuters, Ujagar Singh and his aide Lalta Prasad of Lalpur village. They sustained serious claw injuries on their heads and shoulders. As they started to scream and brandished the rod they were carrying, the tiger abandoned them and disappeared into the nearby shrubs.

The PTR Deputy Director Naveen Khandelwal said the tiger also charged at the forest staff when they tried to push it back towards the jungle. "The operation was suspended on Friday afternoon and will be resumed depending upon the suitability of the ground conditions as we do not want to tranquilize the tiger. For the safety and security of villagers, the forest teams will keep monitoring the big cat's movement till the time it retreats into the forest," Khandelwal said.

On Saturday, the forest team lay in wait for the tiger but it did not make an appearance. The local residents have been advised to remain indoors and to move in groups, only if necessary.

The victims would be given financial compensation, the official added.

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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that not more than 50 people would be allowed at wedding functions and not more than 20 people could attend the last rites of a deceased person.

#WATCH Delhi is ready to re-open now...We will not be able to sustain the lockdown for long as the economy is in peril. The revenue has fallen from Rs 3500 Crores in April month of previous years to Rs 300 Crores this year. How will government function?: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal pic.twitter.com/jKzVp0959b

— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2020

"Not more than 50 people are allowed at wedding functions and not more than 20 at last rites of a deceased person," said Kejriwal during a video conference. "The Center's decision of lockdown on March 24 was very important. If we had not implemented the lockdown, then the situation in the country could have been horrific now," he added.

He further said: "That time the country was not ready to fight COVID19. We had no idea of social distancing. Neither the people nor hospitals were ready. We had no personal protective equipment kits or testing kits either." The CM said that they would not be able to sustain the lockdown for long as the economy is in peril.

"The revenue has fallen from Rs 3,500 crore in April month of the previous years to Rs 300 crore this year. How will the government function?" The Delhi government will take strict action against those found spitting at public places," he added.

As per the latest update by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of positive cases of coronavirus in Delhi is 4,122, including 1,256 recovered/migrated and 64 deaths.

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A pregnant woman died at a hospital in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district on Sunday, with her family alleging negligence by doctors and medical authorities. The family carried the body from the hospital in a stretcher trolley, a video of which went viral, triggering outrage.

This incident happened a week after another pregnant woman died along with her unborn twins at the MCCH in Anantnag. The woman, who eventually was declared COVID-19 positive, came from a Red Zone area and had been allegedly denied swift treatment. Shakeela Akhtar, a resident of Salai Panzmulla area of the south Kashmir district, was admitted at sub-district hospital Seer Hamdan on Saturday night, but was referred to the Maternity and Child Care Hospital (MCCH) on Sunday morning where she died, officials said.

They said her family alleged delay in her treatment at the SDH and also protested outside MCCH against doctors claiming negligence. The district administration, however, said while an inquiry has been ordered into the death of the woman at the sub-district hospital and a doctor and a nurse have been placed under suspension, the family took away the body without completing the formalities. "Prima facie, medical negligence that warranted immediate suspensions.

Further action shall follow after enquiry outcome. About denial of ambulance, the infuriated attendants apprehensive about delay in burial on account of tests, took away the dead body without completing formalities," additional district magistrate, Anantnag, Syed Yasir said on Twitter. Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Bashir Ahmad Dar also said the family feared they would have to wait for the burial of the woman's body if her sample was taken for COVID-19 testing.

"Preliminary reports suggest the dead body was taken away by relatives, fearing they will have to wait for burial if sample is taken for covid test. Most unfortunate to say the least (sic)," Dar wrote on Twitter. Meanwhile, several political parties have demanded a time-bound inquiry into the death of the woman. National Conference Member of Parliament from Anantnag Justice (retd) Hasnain Masoodi, while expressing grief and sorrow over the deaths of two pregnant women, welcomed the action taken by the authorities against the doctors and other staff suspected to have acted negligently.

Masoodi demanded time-bound inquiry and action warranted in light of the results of the inquiry. CPI (M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami demanded an FIR must be lodged against the culprits without any delay. "There should be no eye-wash or cover-up as due to willful negligence of the doctors, a mother and a yet to be born baby have lost their lives," he said. The Congress party also demanded an inquiry and action against all those involved in the death of two pregnant women in the district, a spokesman of the party said in a statement here. Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) senior leader and former legislator Rafi Ahmad Mir also demanded a time-bound and a fair probe into the incident.

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Twenty eight-year-old freelance journalist, Rizwana Tabassum, committed suicide by hanging herself. Samajwadi Party leader Shamim Nomani has now been arrested for abetting the extreme step after a suicide note recovered from her room blamed him.

"Shamim Nomani is responsible," her suicide note said. Tabassum killed herself in Harpalpur of Varanasi district on Monday.

SSP's PRO Sanjay Tripathi, told IANS on Tuesday that Shamim had been formally arrested. He was detained and interrogated on Monday night.

The PRO further said that the post mortem report of Rizwana had confirmed death by hanging.

According to Varanasi Sadar CO, Abhishek Pandey, a case has been registered against Lohta resident Nomani on the charge of abetment to suicide under Section 306 on Tabassum's father complaint.

Nomani has been detained for interrogation and the body has been sent for post-mortem.

Shamim and Rizwana reportedly were friends for a long time but no one is aware of what happened suddenly.

According to reports, when Tabassum did not come out of her room on Monday, they called out to her but there was no response.

The police were informed about the incident and when the policemen broke open the door, Tabassum's body was found hanging from the ceiling fan.

Her father said, "She never told about anything nor did she have any enmity with anyone. She was a good daughter as well as a good journalist."

She had completed Mass Communication from Banaras Hindu University and worked as a freelance journalist for several portals and publications.

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The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to entertain a PIL by former Uttar Pradesh police chief Vikram Singh seeking direction to quash nearly 75,000 FIRs registered for violating orders of lockdown and petty offences during the coronavirus pandemic.

The #SupremeCourt on Tuesday declined to entertain a PIL by former #UttarPradesh police chief Vikram Singh seeking direction to quash nearly 75,000 FIRs registered for violating orders of #lockdown and petty offences during the #coronaviruspandemic. pic.twitter.com/1xiNJ5qoqQ

— IANS Tweets (@ians_india) May 5, 2020

A bench comprising Justice Ashok Bhushan, Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and B.R. Gavai questioned Singh's counsel, "You want there should be no FIR and this (Section 188 IPC) should not be invoked...then how can the lockdown be enforced?"

The bench wondered why such petitions were coming to the apex court? Singh's PIL sought quashing of nearly 75,000 FIRs registered under Section 188 of the IPC and other provisions for violation of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan said this person has been on the field and also has experience. "The submission is that we cannot have rule of law, which is selective. You cannot have one rule of law for those who have to travel by chartered flights...," said the advocate.

Justice Kaul replied he "can see an agenda". The lawyer contended that if the law didn't permit registration of FIRs then the NDMA law cannot be allowed for registration of FIRs. He told the bench that cases have been registered against migrants and those withdrawing money from ATMs.

Singh filed the PIL in his capacity as the Chairman of a think-tank -- Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC). He requested the apex court to issue directions, under the Disaster Management Act 2005, to state governments to not file complaints under Section 188 of the IPC or for other petty offences during the lockdown.

"Police action on an individual who is perhaps suffering from distress and lack of information as a result of the circumstances has ramifications which can extend beyond the coronavirus lockdown, and cannot be good for a constitutional democracy. The situation needs to be handled humanely, and it will be best to avoid adding aspects of criminality, wherever possible," Singh's plea stated.

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As many as 3,900 new COVID-19 cases and 195 fatalities were reported in the last 24 hours, the biggest spike in a single day, the health ministry said on Tuesday and asserted that "some states" were not reporting cases in a timely manner, which is now being addressed.

Addressing the daily briefing on the COVID-19 situation in the country, joint secretary at the health ministry, Lav Agarwal said the total number of cases stand at 46,433 and the death toll at 1,568. "We are dealing with an infectious disease. Thus timely reporting of cases and their management is very crucial and gaps in these areas were noted in some states, which after due persuasion are being addressed," Agarwal said.

The ministry said 1,020 COVID-19 patients recovered in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of those cured to 12,726, a recovery rate of 27.41 per cent. "We are very comfortable in terms of managing COVID-19 as of now, but any laxity at the field level may have consequences," he said. The lockdown has yielded very positive results, doubling time of cases has improved from 3.4 days before lockdown to 12 days now, he added.

JEE, NEET exams to be held in July

Engineering entrance examination JEE will be held from July 18-23, while medical entrance exam NEET will be conducted on July 26, Union HRD Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal announced on Tuesday. The two crucial exams were postponed due to the lockdown imposed in the country to combat COVID-19. "JEE-Mains will be held from July 18-23, while JEE-Advanced will be held in August. NEET will be conducted on July 26," he said. "A decision will soon be taken on the pending CBSE Std X, XII board exams," he added.

Vistara sends seniors on LWP for four days

Vistara CEO, Leslie Thng on Tuesday announced that senior employees will have to go on compulsory leave without pay (LWP) for up to four days per month in May and June as a measure to conserve the airline's cash flow to tide over the difficulties faced by the aviation sector due to lockdowns across the world. Vistara had sent the same set of senior employees on compulsory LWP for up to six days in April.

BJP demands Mamata's resignation

After the West Bengal government released fresh data about the COVID-19 situation in the state, the BJP launched a scathing attack on it. State BJP in-charge and party General Secretary, Kailash Vijayavargiya demanded the resignation of Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee. Vijayavargiya said that Banerjee should speak in a serious manner and take responsibility. She has no right to continue in office, she should resign. He said that Mamata is only doing politics, she has nothing to do with the lives of people.

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The Excise Department of Punjab on Tuesday released new guidelines for home delivery of liquor in a bid to ensure that social distancing norms are not violated amid curfew and COVID-19 lockdown. Now, only two people in a group with an official pass are allowed to make home delivery of liquor.

One household will not receive more than two litres of booze. The delivery person is restricted to visit in the vehicle authorised by the department. Moreover, social distancing norms should be followed at liquor shops and not more than five people are allowed to gather outside the shops.

Proper sanitisation will be done at liquor stores, which are allowed to open only if relaxation is given by the district administration in their area.

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As per the modeling data and the way India's COVID-19 cases are increasing, it is likely that peak can come in June and July, said AIIMS-Delhi Director Dr Randeep Guleria on Thursday. "According to modeling data and the way our cases are increasing, it is likely that peak can come in June and July. But there are many variables. With time only, we will know how much they are effective and the effect of extending the lockdown," said Dr Guleria.

COVID-19 is likely to peak in June-July: AIIMS-Delhi Director Dr Randeep Guleria

Read @ANI story | https://t.co/2rQndRNRJO pic.twitter.com/3NIZHHGZRY

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) May 7, 2020

India's count of COVID-19 cases reached 52,952, including 1,783 deaths on Thursday, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Currently, there are 35,902 active cases while 15,266 patients have been cured or discharged and one is migrated.

Maharashtra has the highest number of cases -- 16,758 -- followed by Gujarat 6,625 cases and Delhi 5,532 cases.

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While the Union government plans to help more than two lakh migrants to return home, it is the West Bengal government that is not supporting their cause and is not allowing trains carrying migrants to reach the state, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in a letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Shah claimed that migrants from West Bengal are eager to reach home, but the state government has not been allowing the trains to enter the state. "This is injustice with West Bengal migrant labourers. This will create further hardship for them," Shah said.

He claimed that the central government has been trying to aid more than two lakh migrants to return back to their home states, but it is only West Bengal that has not supported the initiative. "Migrants from West Bengal are also eager to reach home. Central govt is facilitating but we are not getting expected support from West Bengal," Shah wrote.

In the wake of demands by different state governments to run special trains to ferry people stuck in various states, Indian Railways on May 1 had said that it will run special trains from Friday itself to move labourers, pilgrims, tourists and students stranded across the country.

Railways Executive Director (Media) R.D. Bajpai had then said in a statement that as per the guidelines issued by Ministry of Home Affairs, it was decided to run "Shramik Special" trains to return migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students, and others to their native states.

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Sophie Turner, who stars as Phoenix in the film series "X-Men", has said that she would relish the opportunity to reprise her role in the future.

"I don't even know what the deal is, whether Disney wants to continue on the 'X-Men' journey. I would always be down to go back to that character and that cast and that experience ... We had the best time on those movies. I would kill to go back," she said in a video chat seen on Twitter, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Turner is currently starring in the TV series "Survive", where she plays a survivor of a plane crash who has to make it back to civilisation. She hopes the new show will make those suffering with mental illness feel "less alone".

Turner said: "What drew me to the script was the way that mental illness was written so accurately in my opinion. It felt real to me. I also loved the notion that this girl who wanted to die so badly ends up fighting for a life that she never wanted to live in the first place."

She also feels "Survive" will help to make people feel less alone. "I hope that the story of this girl finding something to live for helps others find the ability to do that, too," she said.

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Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds quipped that actress Deborra-Lee Furness should "hang in there" as she and her actor husband Hugh Jackman marked their 24th anniversary.

Jackman shared a post that read: "These 24 years have been the best of my life! And, as far as I can see, we keep getting better. I love you Debs with every fibre of my soul. Happy anniversary. #24," reports femalefirst.co.uk.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

These 24 years have been the best of my life! And, as far as I can see, we keep getting better. I love you Debs with every fiber of my soul. Happy anniversary. #24

A post shared by Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) onApr 11, 2020 at 5:42am PDT

To which, Reynolds commented: "Hang in there, Deb." Reynolds and Jackman have had long tongue-in-cheek fake fights, with the Deadpool star even branding Jackman a "fraud" and not even Australian.

The two close friends frequently take playful jibes at each other in interviews and on social media and Reynold's latest comments come after "Greatest Showman" actor mocked him while congratulating musician John Legend on being named People's Sexist Man Alive.

Jackman warned the 43-year-old singer he needed to "fall in with the right crowd" now he has joined the "very, very prestigious" group to have been given the title and couldn't resist taking a swipe at his friend as he did so.

Jackman shared a video on Instagram of himself and Reynolds looking at the 2008 Sexiest Man Alive cover and gave a cheeky caption.

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Singer-songwriter Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey Baldwin celebrated Easter together as they continued with social distancing in Canada amid the coronavirus pandemic. The 26-year-old pop star and Baldwin posted sweet photos on their respective Instagram Stories to document their Easter celebrations, complete with a feast of food on Sunday.

The 23-year-old model shared adorable candid moments from their holiday celebrations with a collage of selfies featuring plenty of smiles, kisses and silly facial expressions. "Love u, babe," Bieber captioned his own Instagram post.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hailey Baldwin Bieber (@haileybieber) onApr 12, 2020 at 3:42pm PDT

The duo also cuddled by the lake near their home as they listened to music and enjoyed the view together. The pair knows how to celebrate a holiday. In honour of Valentine's Day, the newlyweds enjoyed an intimate candlelit dinner inside their California home which they had covered in roses and other romantic decorations.

The 'Baby' singer captioned a photo of his wife on February 14, "My forever valentine." He also shared a video on his Instagram story showing that he laid rose petals along the path leading to their dining room table -- which the singer also decorated with a bouquet and chocolates.

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Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson says he had auditioned for the part of the popular character Jack Reacher, which he lost out to actor Tom Cruise.

He made the revelation during a Q&A session on Instagram. Through a seven-minute video, Johnson said he really wanted the role in the 2012 action movie, adding that losing it opened another door for him, reports dailymail.co.uk.

"Business is business and I'm happy (Cruise) got it," he said. The action star said he was confident about getting the part as he believed his physical attributes were perfect for the character, which has been created by author Lee Child.

"In Hollywood, actors are kind of like in-a-box. There are actors that can vie for a particular role because it allows for them to have a certain look, skin colour, size, etc. Fortunately, for me, there aren't a lot of guys at all who look like me. So, all of my roles, from the beginning of my career, I've been a lucky son of a b***h that they've been created and designed for me -- except Jack Reacher," he said.

At that time, Johnson said that Cruise was "biggest movie star in the world".

"I got the call saying 'Hey, you didn't get the role'. Look, I didn't even know if I had a shot for it, but the people around me at that time made me think that I did. I felt like I did, I felt like 'Why not me?'" he said.

"I'm positive that the role of Jack Reacher, because it was an established character, an IP that was well known and beloved around the world, that I wouldn't have had the creative space to do what I wanted with the character. I look back in gratitude that I didn't get Jack Reacher," he added.

Later, Johnson got a chance to essay the role of Luke Hobbs in the fifth installment of the Fast & Furious franchise.

"The universe works in funny ways though, as when that door shut on me, another door opened with the opportunity to create a character from scratch that was of my DNA," he said.

Today, Johnson is one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, and has iconic films, including The Mummy Returns, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, Hercules, Snitch, Moana, revamped Jumanji franchise and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, under his belt.

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