J&K DDC polls:over 50 % voting recorded

The 3rd phase of DDC Polls concluded smoothly across the J&K Union territory with a turnout of nearly 51% (50.53%) . In Jammu division people turned out in large numbers to exercise their franchise. Addressing a press conference in Jammu on Friday evening, State Election Commissioner K.K. Sharma said that in Jammu, voting per cent was 68.88 percent and in Kashmir 31.61% percent voting was recorded. Reasi district topped the list with impressive voter turnout of  75.20% followed by Rajouri district  with  72.81 % in Jammu  division. The lowest turnout in Jammu division was in Doda district which recorded 59.51%. In Kashmir Valley  Kulgam district recorded highest polling at 64.45 % followed by Bandipora District at 56.73% and Budgam with 50.18%.With today’s polling the fate of 305 candidates has been sealed in the ballot boxes.In the first phase of DDC Polls nearly 52% polling was recorded in 43  DDC constituencies  across the Union Territory of J&K while in 2nd phase  the poll percentage  was 49%  for 43 DDC constituencies.

-A group of Ambassadors and High Commissioners of around 80 countries will be visiting Hyderabad on 9th of this month to visit some key research and development institutions.The External Affairs Ministry is organising the high-profile visit to familiarize the foreign envoys about some key research and development activities being done in the country. Telangana State Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar has held a high level review meeting today in Hyderabad in this regard.The dignitaries are likely to visit Bharat Biotech Limited and E Biologicals limited, which are working on the Covid 19 vaccine in the country.  A presentation is also likely to be made to showcase the state’s potential in the production and supply of vaccine.

-Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued a notice to the Delhi government to take corrective measures to mitigate the menace of pollution in the capital city. Briefing media in New Delhi on Friday,Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar informed that the notice asks the Delhi government to check various sources of pollution in the capital city including industrial discharges, burning of waste, non-compliance of pollution rules at construction sites and unpaved roads in the Industrial Estates, among others.Javadekar asked the Delhi government and other related agencies to act and address the causes emanating from the city and adding up to the air pollution. He stated that even after the season of stubble burning has almost come to an end, the air quality in the city remains a matter of serious concern. 

-The Reserve Bank has advised banks not to make any dividend payouts from profits pertaining to the financial year ended March 2020.In a statement, RBI said it is imperative that banks continue to conserve capital to support the economy and absorb losses, if any. In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, RBI had asked to withhold payment of dividends until September 2020. On further review, RBI has said that conserving such payment will further strengthen banks’ balance sheets while supporting lending to the real economy. The statement further informed that the apex bank will soon be releasing draft guidelines for Non-Banking Financial Institutions - NBFCs, who would be allowed to declare dividend as per a matrix of parameters. It said that the decision has been made in view of the increasing significance of NBFCs in the financial system and their interlinkages with different segments.

-Six person were arrested in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district with a huge quantity of explosives and detonators, police said on Friday. Acting on a tip-off about possible movement of explosives, police conducted raids in the 4 Kilo area on Wednesday night, they said. An SUV with Assam registration was intercepted at Kongong in the Ladrymbai police outpost area, police said. Ten cartons with 250 kg of explosives (2,000 gelatin sticks), 1,000 live detonators and eight rolls of fuse were found in the car, said Assistant Inspector General of Police GK Iangrai. Two persons who were travelling in the vehicle were arrested, he said. On search of the place, 51 cartons with approximately 1,275 kg of explosive (10,200 gelatine sticks), 5,000 detonators and eight rolls of fuse were seized. "Altogether 1,525 kg of explosives were seized in the operation," Iangrai said.