Sports bodies and broadcasters have been summoned by the government to discuss plans for staging sporting events without fans if the coronavirus crisis worsens.

Officials at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will host the meeting on Monday to look at how to handle events if mass gatherings are banned.

At the moment, the government is not minded to ban fans from attending matches or going to theatres or concerts because the advice is that event-goers are at no greater risk than if they were going to a pub or cafe.

But officials are trying to prepare for the worst possible scenario, which could include the suspension of mass public events. They may have to look at how events could be televised instead, and how contracts and rights would be affected.

Italy, which is in the midst of the worst outbreak in Europe, has ordered all major sporting events to be played without fans for one month. The forthcoming Italy v England Six Nations match in Rome is among the events to have been postponed.

In the UK, the Premier League and EFL have banned pre-match handshakes between both teams and officials and the government has already asked football bosses to step up contingency planning.

Coronavirus: Italy’s sports minister says ‘no sense’ for football to continue

Sports

Asian Mail

March 8, 2020

Football in Italy should be suspended and currently “makes no sense” for it to continue amid the increased risk of coronavirus, says the country’s sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora.

Last week, Italy’s government said all sport in the country would be played behind closed doors until 3 April.

But Spadafora supported calls from the president of Italy’s players’ union (AIC) for football to be suspended.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is to hold a meeting on Tuesday.

On Sunday, up to 16 million people were placed in quarantine in Italy and the country has seen the largest number of coronavirus cases in Europe, with a reported steep rise in infections on Saturday.

The death toll in Italy has passed 230, with officials reporting more than 36 deaths in 24 hours. The number of confirmed cases jumped by more than 1,200 to 5,883 on Saturday.

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Spadafora said in a statement: “It does not make sense at this moment to endanger the health of footballers, referees, technicians and supporters who will surely gather to watch the matches, only to not temporarily suspend football and affect the interests that revolve around it.

“Other federations wisely opted for a stop for the next few days. I believe it is the duty of the president of the FIGC without waiting for the first case of [player] contagion.”

On Saturday, AIC president Damiano Tommasi initially called for a suspension of football saying there is “a risk for players” and “we must take all precautions”.

Parma’s Serie A match against SPAL kicked off 75 minutes late after Spadafora requested the league was suspended with immediate effect.

Four other Serie A matches are due to take place on Sunday, including Juventus against Inter Milan (19:45 GMT), while Sassuolo’s match against Brescia on Monday (17:30 GMT) is also due to go ahead.

In England, sports governing bodies and broadcasters have been called to a government meeting on Monday to discuss the staging of events behind closed doors if the coronavirus outbreak worsens.

Congress expecting exit poll results to be wrong, BJP wants it to be correct

World

Asian Mail

May 22, 2019

IMPHAL, : As the day for the counting of votes approaches all political parties and candidates have started preparing for counting of votes.
The Congress party has negated the exit poll results, while the BJP has welcomed the results.
Congress President Gaikhangam said exit polls can’t be relied upon as seen in the past . BJP leaders were, however, relying on the results.
The election office has completed all arrangements for the counting of votes in 34 halls. The counting will start around 0800 hours but and postal ballot and Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) will be counted first hence election trend will start coming a little late. Election Observers will be ready by 0500 .
Election Observer and Returning Officers will be monitoring the counting process. The passage from the strong room to the counting halls will be video recorded and the counting process will be displayed in TV monitors .
Security personnel were deployed round the clock around all counting centres and prohibitory orders were clamped. Arms and ammunitions, sharp weapons, inflammable items like matches and intoxicants, mobile phones will not be allowed inside the counting centres . Parking areas for officials, media, candidates were earmarked and there will be traffic diversions tomorrow as all roads leading to the counting centres will be sealed and only authorised vehicles will be allowed to enter the premises.
Manipur went to polls on April 11 and April 18. The Inner Manipur PC seat was contested by eleven candidates, Oinam Nabakishore Singh of INC , Moirangthem Nara Singh of CPI , Dr. Rajamukar Ranjan Singh of BJP , R.K. Anand of NEIDP , Oinam Jugindro Singh of MPP , Dr. G. Tonsana Sharma of MDPF , Senjam Nandeshwore Singh of RJSP and four Independents, Md. Iliyash Khan, M. Totomsana Nongshaba, Rajkumar Somendro Singh (Kaiku), Wahengbam Pabitra Singh. The Outer Manipur seat was contested by eight candidates viz, NCP’s Angam Karung Kom, INC’s K James, NPP’s Thangminlien Kipgen, NPF’s Lorho S Pfoze, BJP’s Houlim Shokhopao Mate , NEIDP’s Ashang Kasar, JD-U’s Hangkhanpau Taithul and Independent candidate Leikhan Kaipu .
Both seats are now occupied by Congress and both sitting MPs have not contested this time.

UNI.

Imphal city facing unprecedented traffic problems

India

Asian Mail

May 20, 2019

Imphal, : Increase in numbers of vehicles have led to serious traffic problems in the city areas of Manipur.
To control the traffic the government has decided to decrease the size of traffic point in front of Kangla and Raj Bhawan. Dismantling works are going on resulting in expansion of the road. Traffic police personnel posted in the two spots said movement of vehicles has been eased as road width has increased.
To help pedestrians an iron bridge will also be constructed at BT road .
Vehicles were moving at snail’s pace during peak office hours and in spite of installation of traffic lights people were not following traffic rules, a police man said.
School authorities have also changed their timings to avoid the traffic jam.
SP, Traffic, Khoisnam Sarma has asked all the shops near the hospital area of RIMS not to violate the law and misuse the road for their personal use.
The iconic women’s market was also facing problems as large numbers of unauthorised people were selling goods on the roads.
The administration mooted the idea of controlling the number of diesel three wheelers but it could not be implemented.
Experts have suggested better public transport system so that people can stop using their own vehicles.
The attempt to introduce low floor bus service could not be implemented as desired due to operational loss.
The authority has requested people to follow traffic rules. However, many have complained that those violating traffic and overtaking other vehicles were mostly vehicles of security personnel.
The government had undertaken massive road expansion works which made many people homeless. Official said it is an expensive exercise and caused hardship to people.
UNI.

Taiwan gay marriage: Parliament legalises same-sex marriage

India
World

Asian Mail

May 17, 2019

Taipie, : Taiwan’s parliament has become the first in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage following a vote on Friday.
Democratic Progress Party (DPP) Ker Chien-ming said during an interview on Thursday morning (May 16) that if same-sex marriage is not fully instated with respect to 2017’s constitutional ruling, it would be an irreparable blow to the ruling party.
In 2017, the island’s constitutional court ruled that same-sex couples had the right to legally marry.
Parliament was given a two-year deadline and was required to pass the changes by 24 May.
Lawmakers debated three different bills to legalise same-sex unions – the government’s bill – the most progressive of the three was passed, BBC said.
Hundreds of gay rights supporters gathered in the rain outside the court building in the capital, Taipei, to await the landmark ruling.
The two other bills, submitted by conservative lawmakers, refer to partnerships as “same-sex family relationships” or “same-sex unions” rather than “marriages”.
But the government’s bill, also the only one to offer limited adoption rights, was passed by 66 to 27 votes – backed by lawmakers from the majority Democratic Progressive Party.
It will take effect after Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen passes it into law.
Taiwan’s top court has ruled that not allowing same-sex couples to marry violates the constitution. Judges gave the government two years to make necessary changes by May 24, 2019 or see marriage equality enacted automatically.
Failure to do so will allow same-sex couples to register their marriages at any household registration office, effectively giving them the same rights as opposite-sex couples.
Over 1,000 gay marriage supporters gathered outside the Legislative Yuan on Tuesday. Another rally begins on Friday at 0830 hrs as legislators deliberate which bill will pass its third reading.
UNI.

Andhra Bank net loss down by 51.34pc in Q4

Business

Asian Mail

May 14, 2019

Hyderabad, : Public sector lender Andhra Bank has reported Rs 1234 crore net loss for the forth quarter ended March 31 against Rs 2536 crore loss in corresponding period in previous quarter.
However, the net loss for the year 2018-19 was Rs 2786, came down by 18.37 per cent against Rs 3413 crores loss in previous year, the bank said in a statement on Monday.
In 2018-19, the bank made provisions for non-performing assets of Rs 7809 crore crores against Rs 8774 crore provisions made in the previous year.
Net Interest income increased by 5.89 per cent to Rs 6708 crore (Rs 6335 crore) in FY19 while the total income (excluding treasury) was up by 5.22 per cent at Rs 20894 crore (Rs 19858 crore).
The bank had made provisioning of Rs 2522 crore towards contingencies during the fourth quarter against Rs 3902 crore in the same period of the previous fiscal.
According to a bank statement, gross NPAs stood at Rs 28,974 crore as of March 31, 2019 against Rs 28,124 crore in the previous fiscal.
Business grew 6.95 per cent to Rs 3,98,511 crore (Rs 3,72,605 crore).
Andhra Bank has 2,885 branches and 3798 ATMs with total delivery channels put at 6,687.
UNI.

Rigorous market inspections to curb overpricing held across Srinagar

Regional
Kashmir
Top Stories

Asian Mail

May 11, 2019

Over 1300 business establishments at markets across all seven Tehsils of Srinagar inspected by dedicated teams; profiteers booked, sealed in several Tehsils

SRINAGAR, MAY 11: Special market-checking teams constituted on the directions of the District Magistrate Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary Saturday held rigorous inspections of markets across the Srinagar district in efforts to curb overpricing of fresh food commodities.

The market-checking was held across all seven Tehsils of the district to verify adherence to approved prices and quality of fresh food commodities sold in markets and curb profiteering and black marketing complaints of which were received following the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar highway.

Teams comprising officials from Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Legal Metrology, Food Safety, Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Police inspected markets in their respective jurisdictions inspecting an aggregate of over 1300 business establishments.

Business establishments and sellers found overcharging or violating other provisions of relevant laws were booked and sealed and profiteers arrested.

Strict warnings were given to dealers in all Tehsils to ensure strict adherence to approved rates and to desist from overcharging and black marketing.

The District Magistrate has directed all executive magistrates of the district to ensure daily inspections of all fresh food markets falling within their respective jurisdictions throughout the month of Ramadan. He has instructed for taking strict action against all those indulging in overpricing.

Dr Shahid has warned all business establishments and sellers against overpricing of essential commodities and appealed the general public to report any instances thereof at phone number 9419080036.

It was said two senior officers from FCSCA department designated as Enforcement Officers for areas falling within the larger jurisdictions of North and South of the district can also be contacted for complaint registrations at 9906464944 and 7051736919 respectively.

Meanwhile the district administration has clarified that there is no shortage of essential commodities in the district adding that additional stocks are also arriving.

Restrictions relaxed on Jammu Srinagar NH 44

Regional
Kashmir
Top Stories

Asian Mail

May 7, 2019

Srinagar Udhampur restrictions removed on Wednesdays w.e.f. 13.5.2019

Public movement facilitated and inconvenience reduced

SRINAGAR, MAY 7, 2019: The Government has been reviewing the restrictions imposed earlier this month on civilian movement on the National Highway (NH-44) connecting Jammu to Srinagar with a view to balancing the security needs of Forces’ Convoys with the need for minimizing public inconvenience.

These restrictions became necessary following the large movement of security forces on an unprecedented scale after the Pulwama terror attack. These forces were required both for anti-militancy operations and for conducting general elections peacefully. In order to facilitate secure movement of Security Forces’ Convoys, the Government had imposed a prohibition on civilian traffic on NH-44 from Baramulla to Udhampur twice a week, i.e. on Sunday & Wednesday, from 4.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m. Elaborate arrangements were, however, made by the local administration to facilitate movement of public during the period of restriction.

Earlier, the restriction on civilian movement between Srinagar and Baramulla on NH-44 was reduced only to Sunday w.e.f. 22-04-2019 and later completely lifted w.e.f. from 2-5-2019.

The Government is alive to the needs of citizens and has once again reviewed the requirement of security forces. Following the completion of elections in Pulwama & Shopian districts and as the requirement of Security Forces is now reducing, the Government has decided to further relax the restrictions on traffic imposed earlier as follows:

The restriction on civilian movement between Srinagar and Udhampur on NH-44 will be lifted on Wednesdays w.e.f. 13-05-2019. The prohibition on civilian traffic in this stretch would now be only on Sunday.
The local administration would continue to facilitate movement of civilian traffic as has been happening so far, including by allowing public transport of JKSRTC to move during the period of restriction on the NH.
A complete review of remaining restrictions on the Highway would be done subsequently.

The Government stated that the purpose of these restrictions is in the larger interest of security of everyone and appealed the people to extend full cooperation in the smooth regulation of traffic. The restrictions strike a balance between the needs of people and inconvenience caused to them on one side and the needs of security forces. The restrictions will continue to be reviewed on a real time basis and modifications will be made as necessary in the coming days.

Japan’s new Emperor promises to carry out duties in accordance with constitution

India
World

Asian Mail

May 1, 2019

Tokyo, : Japan’s New Emperor Naruhito vowed on Wednesday to carry out his duties as the nation’s symbol in accordance with the constitution, expressing hope for the happiness of Japanese people and peace.
“I pledge to fulfill my duties as a symbol of Japan and country’s national unification in accordance with the constitution, and I sincerely hope for the happiness of the people, the further development of the country, and the peace of the world,” Emperor Naruhito said during his first audience.
On Tuesday, 85-year-old Emperor Akihito officially abdicated the throne in favor of his 59-year-old son, Naruhito. He has become the first Japanese emperor to voluntarily step down. Naruhito’s ascension marked the end of the Heisei era and the beginning of the Reiwa era.

(UNI)

Clashes in Sambhal, poll officer removed in Etah, Moradabad in UP; Azam, Dharmendra alleges irregularities

India

Asian Mail

April 23, 2019

Lucknow, Apr 23 : Amid reports of clashes in several pockets between the BJP and the alliance supporters, Samajwadi Party candidates from Rampur and Badaun have alleged irregularities on the part of the authorities which was obstructing free and fair polls in the third phase of polls in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday.

SP candidate from Badaun Dharmendra Yadav alleged that UP minister Swami Prasad Maurya, who is present in the constituency, was misusing his power to influence the voting in favour of his daughter and BJP candidate Dr Sangmitra Maurya.

“I have informed the EC and the district authorities to immediately look into the matter but till now there is no response from their side,” he said.

But authorities said that they have raided the residence of the BJP candidate but did not find the minister.

A report from Rampur said that SP candidate from Rampur, Mohammad Azam Khan threatened to sit on a ‘dharna’ if the voters, who are supporting the alliance, were prevented from casting their votes.

He also alleged that 300 EVMs have been made ineffective so that the BJP candidate gets advantage in the elections.
Azam’s son Abdullah Azam Khan too said,”There are reports that 300 EVMs are not working in Rampur and people are facing problems while voting.We request Election Commission to take note of this.”

On the other hand BJP candidate from Rampur Jaya Prada alleged that SP candidate was making wild charges as they have sensed their defeat. ” Voters of Rampur would not support a person who do not respect a woman,” she said.
However, EC and Rampur authorities have contradicted the charges made by the SP candidate. DM Rampur Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, denying the charges said, “There is no problem anywhere, SP allegation that 300 EVMs not working are all rumours. Initially some EVMs and VVPATs had operational issues but everything was sorted quickly, voting underway smoothly.”
A report from Sambhal said that clash broke out between the BJP and alliance supporters at Varshney college booth in Bahjoi area in which couple of people were injured.

Police had to intervene and they resorted to mild lathicharge to disperse the fighting mob.

Meanwhile, voters of Bharadwajpura village under Jaswantnagar assembly segment of Ferozabad boycotted the elections due to non development and cleaning of their village.

Authorites had to intervene in Etah and Moradabad constituencies when they changed the presiding officer for forcing the voters to cast vote in favour of a particular candidate.

In Etah, booth number 88 presiding officer Yogesh Kumar was removed on the objection by the BJP workers while in Bilgram booth in Moradabad, a presiding officer Mohammad Juber was removed on the same charges of intimidating the voters.

However, stringent checking of the identity of he burka clad women during voting has also irked the people in some booths leading to objection by political parties.

In the first two phases, BJP candidates have alleged that burka clad voters are casting fake votes.

Meanwhile, senior leaders were among the first to cast their votes in several booths. In Saifai, under Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat, SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav along with his son and SP candidate Akshay Yadav were among the first 10 voters to cast their votes at the model polling booth.

A presiding officer in Faridpur area of Aonla Lok Sabha seat died due to heart attack just before the start of the polling.

Till 0900 hrs, the average polling was around 10.24 per cent in 10 Lok Sabha seat with Badaun seat polling the highest of 11.30 per cent and the lowest was recorded at Ferozabad of 8.68 per cent.
UNI.