THE HEADLINES:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates InFinity Forum, a thought leadership Forum on FinTech.

• Finance is the life blood of an economy and technology is its carrier, both are equally important for achieving Antyodaya, says Prime Minister.

• President Ram Nath Kovind confers annual National Awards on International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

• One lakh 60 thousand crore rupees transferred to the farmers directly under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme, informs Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.

• Government says India is on its way to achieve population stabilization.

• Over 17.2 crore Ayushman cards issued to the health insurance scheme beneficiaries till 28th of last month, says Union Health Minister in Lok Sabha.

• National Covid vaccination coverage crosses 126 crore mark; Recovery rate stands at 98.35 per cent.

• Despite COVID-19 Navy has maintained combat and mission readiness, says Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar.

• India were 80 for 01 , when the reports last came in on the first day of final and Second Test match between India and New Zealand in Mumbai. 

• And, in Junior Hockey World Cup, India to take on Germany and France to clash with Argentina in the Semi Finals in Bhubaneshwar.

<><><>

As India marches towards administering 150 crore vaccine doses against COVID-19, news about the new Corona variant is a cause of concern. In this situation we appeal to our listeners to get fully vaccinated at the earliest and help others get vaccinated. Please continue to follow these three simple steps to stay safe--

·  Wear a face mask.

·  Maintain Do Gaz Ki Doori for social distancing.

·  Focus on hand and face hygiene.

For any COVID-related information and guidance contact National helpline numbers -- 011-23978046 and 1075.  And now  news in detail

<><><>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated InFinity Forum through video conferencing. The event is being hosted by International Financial Services Centres Authority under the aegis of Government of India in collaboration with GIFT City and Bloomberg. Indonesia, South Africa and the U.K. are partner countries in the first edition of the Forum.

In his address the Prime Minister said.

Highlighting the importance of fintech, Mr. Modi said, fintech has immense opportunity in the country and now it is time to convert these fintech initiatives into a fintech revolution.  Mr Modi said, Fintech is resting on four pillars - income, investments, insurance and institutional credit. He said, India's digital public infrastructure solutions can improve the lives of citizens around the world. The Prime Minister said, mobile payments exceeded the ATM cash withdrawals for the first time last year in the country and fully digital banks have become a reality and may become a commonplace in less than a decade.

Terming the GIFT City as a gateway to the global fintech world, the Prime Minister said, it is not merely a premise, it represents India. He said, it represents India’s democratic values, demand, demography and diversity. He said, it also represents India’s openness to ideas, innovation and investment.

The Prime Minister said, Finance is the lifeblood of an economy and technology is its carrier. He said, both Finance and Technology are equally important for achieving Antyodaya and Sarvodaya.

Our correspondent reports that this two day event is a thought leadership forum with a focus on aspects relating to FinTech and using it for inclusive growth. InFinity Forum has an interesting theme ‘Beyond.’  The forum will witness participation from over 70 countries. Various Ministers of different countries, CEOs and MDs of domestic and international companies will participate in the event. NITI Aayog, Invest India, FICCI and NASSCOM are some of the key partners to this year's Infinity Forum.

<><><>

President Ram Nath Kovind today conferred National Awards for outstanding work towards empowerment of persons with disabilities in New Delhi on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The awards were given to individuals, institutions, organizations, state and district for their outstanding achievements and work towards the empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

Speaking on the occasion, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar said the government has taken several steps for the empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

<><><>

Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has said over 17.2 crore Ayushman cards have been issued to the health insurance scheme beneficiaries till the 28th last month. In a written reply, he said 2.49 crore hospital admissions worth 28,863 crore rupees have been authorized through a network of about 24000 empanelled public and private health care providers.

<><><>

Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has refuted allegations that there were several losses of lives due to shortage of oxygen during the second wave of Covid-19 in the country. During Question Hour in Lok Sabha today, he said several state governments have replied to the Centre’s query on the subject saying there have been no deaths due to lack of oxygen except in Punjab where there were four suspected cases of deaths. He said the issue of lack of oxygen supply is being politicised.

<><><>

The Centre has said India is on its way to achieve population stabilization. In a written answer in the Lok Sabha today, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar said the Total Fertility Rate has declined to two in 2019-20 as per the fifth National Family Health Survey, adding, it is below the replacement level.

<><><>

Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju said  his ministry is taking pro-active steps to make sure a proper justice redressal mechanism is introduced in the country. Mr Rijiju said, the government is also trying to create awareness across the country to strengthen the Online Dispute Resolution system.  He said, in order to introduce an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, the NITI Aayog has taken steps.

<><><>

AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the government is working on increasing the purview of treatment provided to people using the AYUSH facilities. Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, the minister said that there is a Yoga Certification Board that certifies yoga practitioners to overcome the problem of counterfeit practitioners.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed the view that a research university for Ayurveda in Kerala, as promised earlier, is required to be promoted. To this, Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of AYUSH replied that if a proposal is presented before the govt., the feasibility of establishing an Ayurveda university in Kerala will be examined.

<><><>

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has informed that one lakh 60 thousand crore rupees has been transferred to the farmers in their bank accounts directly  under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme so far. In reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha , Mr Tomar said that the amount has been transferred to the 11 crore 50 lakh eligible beneficiaries covered under the scheme. He said, the purpose behind the implementation of the scheme is to enhance the income of farmers of the country.

<><><>

The Rajya Sabha today conducted Zero Hour and Question Hour smoothly before  it was adjourned for lunch till 2.30 PM. When the House met for the day, opposition members raised the issue of suspension of 12 members. The Rajya Sabha  Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said that he has already given a suggestion to the Leader of the House and Leader of Opposition and other members to sit together and find a solution to the issue  for smooth functioning of the House. On the allegation that Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge was also not allowed to speak, Mr Naidu said that Mr Kharge was allowed to speak during Zero Hour on 30th of November. Mr Naidu also rejected the motion moved by opposition members on various issues saying they can be raised on other avenues in the House. 

<><><>

BJP's Rajya Sabha MPs today held a protest at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in the Parliament House complex over unruly opposition behaviour. Opposition MPs have been demonstrating against the suspension of 12 Rajya Sabha MPs for the winter session of Parliament for the past few days. Suspended opposition MPs are continuously sitting on dharna.

<><><>

India has crossed yet another milestone in the COVID vaccination drive with the total vaccination crossing the 126 crore mark today. Union Health Ministry has termed it as yet another achievement in its fight against COVID-19. The Union Health Ministry said, more than 73 lakh 67 thousand vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours.

The Ministry said, eight thousand 612 COVID patients recovered during the last 24 hours and the national recovery rate stands at 98.35 per cent.

Union Health Ministry said, the country reported nine thousand 216 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours. Currently, India's active caseload is 99 thousand 976.

<><><>

The Union Government has said that more than 138 crore 50 lakh COVID vaccine doses have been provided to States and Union Territories so far. Health Ministry today said that over 22 crore five lakh unutilized vaccine doses are still available with the States and UTs to be administered.

<><><>

Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said, the situation on country’s northern borders and COVID19 have created two complex challenges. He, however, said  the Indian Navy is ready to tackle both challenges. Speaking at the Navy Day briefing , Admiral Kumar said Despite COVID-19, the Navy has maintained combat and mission readiness and resulted in preventing any misadventure in its maritime domain.

Navy Chief said of the 39 warships and submarines being built for Indian Navy, 37 are being built in India under Make in India showing quest for Atmanirbhar Bharat. Admiral Kumar also emphasized that Navy has taken measures to provide additional opportunities to women officers. 

<><><>

Odisha and Andhra Pradesh governments are fully geared up to tackle the impact of the impending cyclonic storm. As per the forecast by the Indian Meteorological department, the Deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm in the next twelve hours and head towards the south Odisha-north Andhra coast. Due to its impact, heavy rainfall accompanied with gusty winds are likely to hit many areas of coastal Odisha.

"Though the exact landfall of the probable cyclone is yet to be precisely determined, the Odisha government is not leaving anything to chance. In a press conference a short while , Mr. P K Jena, the Special Relief Commissioner of the state said that all necessary measures like deployment of NDRF, ODRAF and Fire Service teams, cyclone shelters, logistics and evacuation measures are being planned in keeping with the anticipated trajectory of the impending cyclonic storm. Quoting the IMD forecast, Mr. Jena said that the cyclonic storm may either hit the coast anywhere between Ganjam, Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts or may recurve and whiz along the odisha coast by evening and the morning, day after tomorrow. He appealed to the people especially of the coastal districts not to venture out into the open during that period. He said, the concerned district collectors have been asked to plan their evacuation exercise in accordance with the upcoming profile of the probable cyclone from afternoon today so as to complete the process by noon tomorrow. Girish Chandra Dash, AIR NEWS,Bhubaneshwar."

Meanwhile Director General, IMD M. Mohapatra said that the current wind speed is 60 to 70 kilometers per hour gusting to 80 kilometer per hours. He said, the maximum impact of this cyclone will be on north Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

Director General of National Disaster Response Force, NDRF Atul Karwal said, forty six team have been deployed in West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Andaman and Nicobar. He said, eighteen NDRF team are also being kept in reserve

<><><>

President Ram Nath Kovind today paid floral tributes to the first President of India Dr Rajendra Prasad on his birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The officials of Rashtrapati Bhavan also paid floral tributes before a portrait of Dr Rajendra Prasad.

Vice President  M. Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have paid tribute to the first President of independent India and Bharat Ratna Dr. Rajendra Prasad on his birth anniversary.

In a tweet today, Mr. Modi said, Rajendra Prasad made a special contribution to the freedom struggle of the country. He said, Rajendra Prasad's life dedicated in the interest of the nation will always remain a source of inspiration for the countrymen.

In a tweet today, Vice President also said, Rajendra Prasad was a visionary statesman, accomplished lawyer, devout patriot and a true Gandhian.

<><><>

In Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar paid floral tribute to the first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad on his birth anniversary at his samadhi in Patna. Birth anniversary of Rajendra Prasad is also being  celebrated at his  native village Zeradei  in Siwan district of the state. Dr Prasad was born in Jiradei on December 3, 1884.

<><><>

Best wishes to all consumers for Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Hallmark ensures purity of Gold. Always purchase Hallmarked Gold Jewellery. For any consumer related complaints, please contact National Consumer Helpline's Toll free no 14404. Issued in Public Interest by Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India. Jago Grahak Jago.

<><><>

And now, let's listen to our special programme, 'Azadi ka Safar' highlighting the importance of the day during the freedom struggle.

<><><>

In the Junior Men's Hockey World Cup, defending champion India will take on six-time title-winner Germany in the Semi Final at 7.30 this evening at Bhubaneshwar's Kalinga Stadium.

The other Semi Final between France and Argentina will also be played at 4.30 p.m. today.

<><><>

In the second Test match between India and New Zealand in Mumbai, the hosts were 98 for 03, when the reports last came in.

After a solid start India lost 3 quick wickets in quick succession Ajaz Patel for New Zealand claimed all 3 wickets. Skipper Virat Kohli and Cheteswar Pujara's bad patch still continues as both were dismissed without disturbing the score board.

Earlier, India won the toss and decided to bat first.The toss was officially been delayed, due to wet patches on the outfield and the pitch.

<><><>

In Himachal Pradesh Pradesh snowfall is being experienced in higher reaches of the state. Our correspondent reports that bad weather and snowfall continued in Lahaul-Spiti district for the third day today. Darcha, Koksar, Gondla have received 3 inches of fresh snowfall.

<><><>

Now, let us take a look at the weather for the day.

The National Capital Delhi is expected to witness shallow fog. It recorded a minimum temperature of 13 degrees Celsius while the maximum be around 22 degrees.

Mumbai is likely to have a generally cloudy sky with light rain. It noted a minimum temperature of 20 degrees Celsius while the maximum is expected to be around 29 degrees.  

Chennai is likely to have a partly cloudy sky. There will be not much change in temperature as it will vary between 23 and 31 degrees Celsius.

Kolkata will have a mainly clear sky. The city noted a minimum temperature of 18 degrees Celsius while maximum is expected to be around 29 degrees.

Srinagar will have a mainly clear sky becoming partly cloudy towards afternoon or evening. Temperature will hover between minus two and 12 degrees Celsius. 

Jammu will have a mainly clear sky becoming partly cloudy towards afternoon or evening. The minimum temperature was ten degrees Celsius while maximum will be around 24 degrees.

Leh will have a generally cloudy sky and the temperature will vary between minus five and five degrees Celsius.    

Gilgit will have a partly cloudy sky with temperature hovering between minus two and 17 degrees Celsius. 

Muzaffarabad will too have a mainly clear sky. The minimum temperature was four degrees Celsius while maximum will be around 21 degrees.

Visakhapatnam will have a generally cloudy sky with a few spells of rain or thundershowers. The city noted a minimum temperature of 20 degrees Celsius while maximum to be around 28 degrees.   

In Hyderabad, the temperature will hover between 16 and 30 degrees Celsius with a generally cloudy sky towards afternoon or evening.

Bengaluru will have a generally cloudy sky with light rain. Temperature will fluctuate between 18 and 26 degrees Celsius.

Thiruvananthapuram will have a generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. The minimum temperature was 23 degrees Celsius while the maximum will be around 32 degrees. 

Puducherry will have a partly cloudy sky. The temperature will vary between 23 and 31 degrees Celsius.

Guwahati will fog or mist in the morning and a mainly clear sky later. The minimum temperature was 14 degrees Celsius while the maximum will be around 29 degrees.

Imphal will a partly cloudy sky. The city registered a minimum temperature of eight degrees Celsius while maximum will be around 25 degrees. 

Shillong will have a mainly clear sky. Temperature will hover between eight and 18 degrees Celsius. 

Aizawl will have a generally cloudy sky with light rain. The minimum temperature was eight degrees Celsius while the maximum will be around 20 degrees. 

Kohima will have a mainly clear sky. The temperature will vary between six and 18 degrees Celsius.

Itanagar will also have a mainly clear sky and temperature will hover between 14 and 25 degrees Celsius.

Gangtok will have a mainly clear sky. The minimum temperature was ten degrees Celsius and maximum will be 17 degrees.  

Agartala will experience fog or mist in the morning and partly cloudy sky later. The temperature will hover between 18 and 31 degrees Celsius. 

In Patna, temperature will vary between 13 and 27 degrees Celsius with fog or mist in the morning and a partly cloudy sky later.

Lucknow will have fog or mist in the morning and a mainly clear sky later with the minimum temperature at 13 degrees Celsius while maximum will be around 27 degrees. 

Bhopal will experience mist and the temperature will hover between 13 and 23 degrees Celsius. 

Jaipur will have a partly cloudy sky and temperature will vary between 12 and 24 degrees Celsius.

<><><>