India

Lucknow, May 22 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh government has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) banning strikes in all departments and corporations under it for a period of six months.

The ESMA, as it is commonly known, gives the police right to arrest without a warrant anybody violating the Act's provisions. It has been invoked after taking permission from Governor Anandiben Patel and a notification in this regard has been issued by Mukul Singhal, Additional Chief Secretary, a senior official said on Friday.

New Delhi, May 22 (PTI) Congress leader and spokesperson Sanjay Jha on Friday said he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will be under home quarantine for over a week as he is asymptomatic.

He also urged people not to underestimate transmission risks.

"I have tested positive for Covid-19. As I am asymptomatic I am in home quarantine for the next 10-12 days. Please don't underestimate transmission risks, we are all vulnerable. Do take care all," Jha said in a tweet.

New Delhi, May 22 (PTI) A 23-year-old man was arrested for allegedly barging into the house of a lawyer in southeast Delhi's Nizamuddin area and raping her, police said on Friday.

The accused has been identified as Sonu. He also tried to strangulate the woman, they said.

The complainant alleged that the accused barged into her house through a balcony on May 17. He held her hostage and raped her. When he tried to strangulate her, she raised an alarm and the accused fled from the spot, a senior police officer said.

Mumbai, May 23 (PTI) Apparently fed up with the COVID situation and personal health issues, senior trade union leader Dada Samant has committed suicide by hanging in suburban Borivali, police said on Saturday. He was 92.

The Maharashtra General Kamgar Union leader was found hanging at the residence of his elder daughter on Friday morning, an official said.

He was brother of prominent trade unionist Datta Samant who was shot dead by gangsters in 1997.

Bhadohi, May 23 (PTI) A statue of Dalit icon B R Ambedkar was found damaged in Lakshmana village in Uttar Pradesh's Bhadohi district on Saturday, leading to tension in the area, police said.

The 6-feet statue, installed in Dalit Basti of the village under the Aurai Police Station limits, was found damaged on Saturday morning, Additional SP Ravindra Verma said.

The incident led to tension in the area as people started gathering. Police were rushed to the area, the ASP said.

New Delhi, May 22 (PTI) Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, who is at the forefront of India's battle against COVID-19 pandemic, took charge as the chairman of the 34-member WHO Executive Board on Friday, officials said.

Vardhan, who succeeded Dr Hiroki Nakatani from Japan, offered his condolences at the loss of lives due to the cooronavirus pandemic across the globe.

Bengaluru, May 22 (PTI): Two police stations here have been sealed partially after a head constable was tested positive for COVID-19.

According to police, the infected head constable was overseeing the arrangements to quarantine people who came from Mumbai.

"Yes," Superintendent of Police of Mandya district Parashurama K told PTI when asked about the head constable being tested positive for COVID-19.

He said the two police stations have been sealed to disinfect them.

New Delhi, May 21 (PTI) Leaders of several opposition parties are set to discuss the plight of the migrant workers trying to reach home on foot amid the nationwide lockdown on Friday.

A meeting convened by Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday afternoon will see the leaders of around 20 opposition parties come together on a common platform through video-conferencing.

New Delhi, May 21 (PTI) The mercury in the national capital soared to 42.7 degrees Celsius on Thursday, the highest so far this season, the weather department said.

However, a mild relief is expected in the next two days due to an approaching Western Disturbance.

The Palam Observatory recorded a maximum of 44.1 degrees Celsius, the highest among all weather stations.

KANPUR: Anyone coming out on the road during the middle of the day can easily perceive the hot dangerous heat of the summer's sun. The blaze appears to be striking upon us. 

The highest temperature stayed at 43° Celsius on Friday afternoon. It was quite difficult for us to bear the hot weather.

One said: It was too hot to endure the sun's heat. The weather conditions are not helping us. How can one make the courage to move? 

Another stated: The climatic conditions are becoming hotter and hotter every other day.