- FM unveils scheme for job creation: To boost the coronavirus-hit economy, which likely entered into a technical recession for the first time in history, and ramp-up capital expenditure, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday announced a new scheme to incentivise job creation, measures for 26 stressed sectors, benefits for home buyers and real estate developers as part of Atmanirbhar 3.0 stimulus package worth over Rs 2.65 lakh crore.
- Nitish may take oath on Monday: Nitish Kumar may take oath as Bihar chief minister for a fourth successive term next week but the date has not been finalised yet, a close aide said. However, speculation is rife in political circles that he will be sworn in on Monday.
- Public with us: Tejashwi: Speaking for the first time after the Bihar election results, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has demanded recounting of postal ballot votes. Crying foul play in the counting process, Tejashwi said the mandate of people was in favour of the Grand Alliance but Election Commission’s result was in NDA’s favour.
- SII readies 4cr Covid vaccine doses: Serum Institute of India has already manufactured 40 million doses of its Covid-19 vaccine Covishield under the ‘at-risk’ manufacturing and stockpiling licence from the Indian drug regulator. The company plans to stockpile around 200 to 300 million doses by January, 50 per cent of which is expected to cater to local requirements.
- Twitter risks India suspension: Social media giant Twitter runs the risk of facing suspension and even being blocked in India, with the government warning the company of legal consequences over the issue of showing Leh as part of Jammu and Kashmir, instead of the Union Territory of Ladakh. An FIR can also be filed against the firm, a top Indian official said.
- World leaders talk to Biden about Covid: World leaders spoke to US President-elect Joe Biden on Thursday about cooperating on the coronavirus pandemic, climate change and other issues, even as President Donald Trump’s refusal to concede complicates the post-election transition. In his conversations with key Asian allies, Biden seemed intent on easing their uncertainties about a less-engaged Washington.
- WHO chief urges vigilance: People are becoming weary of the coronavirus pandemic but should remain vigilant and continue to take precautions while the world awaits a vaccine, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said. “We may be tired of Covid-19 but it is not tired of us. European countries are struggling but the virus has not changed significantly, nor the measures to stop it,” Tedros told the Paris Peace Forum.
- TN extends curbs on public events: The AIADMK-led Tamil Nadu government has extended the restrictions on social, political, cultural and academic events even after November 16, until further orders. Earlier, the government stated public events with maximum participation of 100 people will be allowed November 16 onwards.
- K’taka to borrow for suburban rail project: The Karnataka cabinet has given administrative approval to borrow ₹7,438 crore for the Bengaluru suburban railway project, which is being implemented jointly by the Centre and the state.
- Will analyse poll results: K’taka Cong head: The margin of defeat in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency and the results in all polling booths being uniform has raised suspicions, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president DK Shivakumar said on Thursday. He added the party would undertake a detailed booth-wise study and get experts to analyse the poll results.