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Sri Lanka Crisis: Colombo In Anger; Parliament To Choose New President Soon


Sri Lanka Crisis: Colombo In Anger; Parliament To Choose New President Soon

Leaving Sri Lanka in the middle of an unprecedented economic crisis, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, along with his wife and 2 bodyguards, flew to the Maldives on Wednesday morning. Currently, Sri Lanka is still awaiting the official resignation from President Rajapaksa after he told the Speaker that he would send it soon. The President had called the Speaker and promised to send the resignation on the same day. Meanwhile, as Sri Lanka is witnessing a political crisis along with an economic crisis, protestors have barged into Rajapaksa-ally Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, demanding his resignation. Meanwhile, at least 45 people were hospitalised after a violent standoff between the Sri Lanka police and protestors. As per local media reports, the Sri Lanka Parliament is expected to announce a new full-time President, and the top ruling party source said that PM Ranil Wickremesinghe is the ruling party's first choice, although no official decision has been taken yet. In the Maldives, a private jet has arrived from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to transport him to Singapore, as reported by the Daily Mirror of Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, the protestors have agreed to leave office buildings. The island nation of Sri Lanka is facing the worst-ever economic crisis in nearly 7 decades after an acute shortage of foreign-exchange reserves. The country is unable to pay for imported fuel and other essential commodities. https://youtu.be/d8hvViw7ooI

Covid-Bulletin: India Registers 20,139 New Cases; Recovery Rate At 98.49%

According to the latest data released by the union health ministry, India has registered 20,139 covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours. The active caseload of the country currently stands at 1,36,076. Meanwhile, the nation has recorded 16,482 recoveries in the previous 24 hours, and the total recoveries have reached 4,30,28,356. The daily and weekly positivity rates currently stand at 5.10% and 4.37%, respectively. As per the Indian Council of Medical Research, the country has conducted 86.81 crore covid-19 tests so far. On the vaccination front, India has administered 199.27 crore covid-19 vaccine doses so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA/status/1547428412452585474

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: Above 18 To Get Free Boosters For 75 Days Starting Tomorrow

To mark Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Indian government has decided to give free booster doses to people belonging to the age group of 18-59 at government vaccination centres. The vaccination drive is being facilitated under a 75-day special drive from July 15 to the next 75 days. I&B Minister Anurag Thakur, while addressing the media, said that the proposal has been approved by the union cabinet to mark the 75th anniversary of India's independence. Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "Vaccination is an effective means to fight covid-19. Today's cabinet decision will further India's vaccination coverage and create a healthier nation," Last month, the PM had urged everyone to take booster or precaution doses while also following covid-19 appropriate behaviour to prevent further spread of the infection. In the 18-59 age group, less than 1% of the target population of 77.1 crore has administered the booster dose so far. However, the percentage is high in the population aged 60 and above, as well as among healthcare and frontline workers. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said: "The decision will further strengthen India's fight against covid-19 and add an extra layer of safety. I urge all those eligible to get their precaution dose at the earliest," India began administering booster doses vaccines to all above 18 from April this year. https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1547208936230490112 https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA/status/1547184280975310849

Words Like Jumlajeevi, Snoopgate, Corrupt, Hypocrisy Banned In Parliament; Opposition Hits Back

The Lok Sabha Secretariat issued a new booklet containing a list of words deemed unfit for Parliament ahead of a new session starting this Monday. Words like Jumlajeevi, Baal Buddhi, Covid Spreader, Snoopgate, corrupt, drama, incompetent and hypocrisy are some of the words banned by the Lok Sabha Secretariat. This saw instant protests from opposition parties who said that it would impede their ability to critique the government. The booklet ahead of the Monsoon session also had words like anarchist, dictatorial, taanashahi, vinash purush, khoon se kheti, Shakuni and Khalistani. If used during debates or otherwise, they will be completely expunged. Words like nautanki, dhindora peetna, nikamma, dohra charitra, and behri sarkar would also face the same treatment. However, the last words would be of Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker. Drawing sharp reactions from the Trinamool Congress with TMC MP Mahua Moitra tweeting: "You mean I can't stand up in Lok Sabha & talk of how Indians have been betrayed by an incompetent government who should be ashamed of their hypocrisy?". TMC's Derek O'Brien, while throwing an open challenge, wrote: "Session begins in a few days GAG ORDER ISSUED ON MPs. Now, we will not be allowed to use these basic words while delivering a speech in #Parliament : Ashamed. Abused. Betrayed. Corrupt. Hypocrisy. Incompetent I will use all these words. Suspend me. Fighting for democracy," https://twitter.com/derekobrienmp/status/1547407541788762112 https://twitter.com/MahuaMoitra/status/1547293889131819009  

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