Faleiro will be TMC RS candidate from West Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US Congressional delegation led by Senator John Cornyn in New Delhi on Saturday. John Cornyn is the co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Caucus on India and Indian Americans. During the meeting, the Congressional delegation noted the excellent management of COVID situation in India in spite of the challenges of large and diverse population. Prime Minister noted that people’s participation based on democratic ethos of the country played a key role in managing the worst pandemic of the last one century. PM Modi also appreciated the consistent support and constructive role of the US Congress in deepening the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership which is anchored in shared democratic values. There was also a warm and frank discussion on regional issues of mutual interest, including those related to South Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.During the meeting, Mr. Modi also exchanged views on the potential for enhancing the bilateral relationship and strengthening cooperation on contemporary global issues such as terrorism, climate change and reliable supply chains for critical technologies.

-Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday inaugurated the first operationalised Private Sector Defence Manufacturing facility in Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor in Lucknow. The Minister also laid the foundation stone for an Integrated Metal Manufacturing Facility under PTC industries that will produce key Raw Materials in Titanium and other Exotic Alloys for aerospace applications. This plant will significantly reduce the country’s dependence on imports for all platforms which require Titanium and Nickel Super Alloys and help in building a strong and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. 
The Defence Minister expressed confidence of increased investments by private companies in the near future and hoped that city of Lucknow and the state will make a mark in the manufacturing domain of defence and aerospace sector. Singh said that as the nation is currently celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, this is an opportunity to give a fresh impetus to our resolve to Make in India and Make for the world. He noted that the Armed Forces have also supported the drive for Aatmanirbharta in Defence. 

-Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal visited Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Mumbai. Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Sonowal stated that JNPT is going to become a mega port in the near future. He added that to meet the vision plan, all top-class facilities needed would be incorporated to provide the best possible support. Referring to the PM Gati Shakti Scheme,. Sonowal said that the integrated effort which is being taken by various ministries will add speed in development works around the country. He also said that this scheme started by PM Narendra Modi, which brings different departments and ministries together to work in tandem with the same purpose, with integrated and co-ordinated efforts, will certainly be beneficial for the citizens. Referring to JNPT's Special Economic Zones, he said that SEZs are an important component of the Gati Shakti scheme. He stated that if all means of connectivity, be it waterways, airways or railways, are brought together and they play their role unitedly for the purpose of trade or even providing the facilities to people within proper time, then the country's economy will definitely be strengthened in a short time. He added that general public also have a big role to play in this matter.

-The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has informed that Mumbai has achieved 100 per cent target of the first dose of COVID vaccination to its citizens. According to BMC, in the morning session on Saturday, the target of giving the first dose to 92 lakh 36 thousand 500 citizens under the COVID-19 virus vaccination campaign in Mumbai metropolis was achieved. This included performances at all government, municipal and private vaccination centres in Mumbai.The BMC said that based on the census data and the number of eligible citizens, the government had set a target for all local bodies in respect of people to be vaccinated in their respective areas. Accordingly, in the area of Greater Mumbai Municipal Corporation, about 92 lakh 36 thousand 500 eligible citizens were to be vaccinated. Out of these, 92 lakh 39 thousand 902 citizens took their first dose till 12 noon today, according to the national vaccination website CoWIN. With this, the objective of the first level has been achieved 100 per cent. 

-Ex-Chief Minister of Goa Luisinho Faleiro will contest the forthcoming Rajya Sabha election as the Trinamool Congress candidate from West Bengal. Polling for the Rajya Sabha seat vacated by Arpita Ghosh will take place on November 29. According to party sources, Mr Faleiro will submit his nomination papers on Tuesday. The former Goa Chief Minister joined TMC last September. He is also the party’s All India Vice President.