1. IITs may drop considering the Class 12 performance criterion for admission
As a one time measure, students with less than 75% in their Class 12 board examinations could be eligible for admission to IITs (The Indian Institutes of Technology). “There was a consensus that the IITs, instead, should insist on rank holders to have passed their Board exams this year. Doing away (with this criterion) for one admission cycle isn’t going to make a big difference” said a JIC (Joint Implementation Committee) member.
2. President Trump threatens schools of withholding funds if they refuse to reopen
US President Donald Trump’s push to reopen schools is suggestive of being more than just a concern for children’s education. Trump also tweeted, “In Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and many other countries, SCHOOLS ARE OPEN WITH NO PROBLEMS. The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if U.S. schools open before the November Election, but is important for the children & families. May cut off funding if not open!”. The teachers and parents say that they need more funding to reopen schools and that Trump’s political priorities will put the children’s well being at stake. Despite the pressure by the President, NYC said that the students will go to the classroom only 2-3 days a week and will learn online in between.
3. Indian Army bans usage of 89 apps including Facebook, Tinder. Cites security reasons.
After the Government of India banned 59 Chinese apps for everyone, the Indian Army has asked the soldiers and officers to delete 89 apps from their smartphones including the Non-Chinese apps as well, like Facebook, Instagram, Truecaller, Tinder and so on. The apps range from messaging platforms to health apps to popular games. In a Twitter post, the ANI (Asian News International) stated that the “Indian Army has asked its personnel to delete 89 apps from their smartphone including Facebook, TikTok, Truecaller, and Instagram to plug leakage of information.”
4. Wanted gangster Vikas Dubey arrested in MP’s Ujjain
Vikas Dubey, the man behind the Kanpur ambush in which 8 policemen (including a deputy superintendent of police) were killed. Dubey was arrested on his visit to Ujjain’s Mahakal temple after being identified by the security personnel. He confessed his identity after being pushed by the Police and is under interrogation.
5. Muslim woman in US files a discrimination charge after getting coffee cup with ‘ISIS’ written on it
A muslim woman has filed a discrimination case against Starbucks as she received a drink from the barista with ISIS written on it instead of her name ‘Aishah’.”When she asked for my name, I slowly repeated it multiple times,” she said. “There is absolutely no way she could have heard it as ISIS. Aishah is not an unknown name and I repeated it multiple times.” After this incident, she requested to talk with the supervisor. The supervisor told her that mistakes sometimes happen with the customer’s name. She was given a new drink with a $25 gift card and was escorted out by the security personnel. Aishah immediately filed a formal complaint to the Target and has yet to receive a response. “The moment I saw it, I was overwhelmed with a lot of emotions,” Aishah said. “I felt belittled and so humiliated. This is a word that shatters the Muslim reputation all over the world. I cannot believe that in this day and age, something like this can be considered acceptable. It isn’t okay.”
6. Dhoni quite determined to play IPL, not thinking about retirement: Manager
Former Indian Cricket team Captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni turned 39 on Tuesday. His manager and childhood friend Mihir Diwakar said that Dhoni’s comeback was expected in IPL which couldn’t be conducted due to the pandemic. ‘He has stopped brand endorsements and has said that till life comes to normal, he won’t do any commercial activity’, said Diwakar. Mahi is busy with organic farming with the intention to launch his brand of environment-friendly fertilizers soon.
7. Cipla launches its Remdesivir, ‘Cipremi’ likely to be priced at Rs.4000.
Pharma major Cipla has launched its antiviral remdesivir, ‘Cipremi’ at Rs 4000 per 100 mg vial which is among the lowest globally. Cipla is looking forward to supplying over 8000 vials per month. Cipla Executive Vice-President and CEO (India Business) Nikhil Chopra said that the drug will be available only through government and hospital channels for equitable distribution.
8. Veteran actor Jagdeep Jaffrey passes away on July 8, funeral conducted today
Jagdeep Jaaferi (Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri), father of Javed Jaaferi and Naved Jaaferi passes away aged 81 at his residence in Bandra due to age-related issues. He was known for his excellent comic timing and also for his popular role as Soorma Bhopali in Sholay. He appeared in around 400 films and has played memorable roles in ‘Purana Mandir’ and in ‘Andaz Apna Apna’ too.
9. Australia suspends Hong Kong extradition treaty
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia has suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong in response to fears over a new national security law imposed by China and has extended temporary visas for Hong Kongers in the country. Australia has updated its travel advice to citizens traveling to Hong Kong. Australia’s travel advice states “You may be at increased risk of detention on vaguely defined national security grounds,” and further said that “You could break the law without intending to.”
10. Comedian Vir Das receives 13 legal notices & a High Court hearing over jokes in a year
Comedian-actor Vir Das shared with his followers on Instagram that he has been served 13 legal notices and a high court hearing since the start of the year 2020. Comedian Rohan Joshi reacted to the post commenting: First time? Replying to the comment by Rohan Joshi, Vir Das said not the first but the costliest. He further wrote in his post that freedom of speech definitely exists…it just ain’t free. In May, Delhi High Court dismissed a plea seeking an interim stay on the web series ‘Hasmukh’. It was alleged that the show makes defamatory comments against lawyers.
