Evening News Wrap, July 1

Govt will not allow Chinese firms to participate in road projects: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

India will not allow Chinese companies to participate in highway projects, including those through joint ventures, said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday amid border standoff with China. Gadkari also said that a policy will be out soon banning Chinese firms and relaxing norms for Indian companies to expand their eligibility criteria for participation in highway projects. The minister disclosed that the government will ensure that Chinese investors are not entertained in various sectors like Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Gadkari’s statement comes a day after the Indian government banned 59 Chinese apps citing national security.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3gaRmtS

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6 killed, 17 injured in boiler explosion at NLC power plant in Tamil Nadu

At least 6 people died and 17 others were severely injured in a massive explosion at the NLC India’s thermal plant in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district. The mishap occurred when a boiler exploded at the fifth unit of the thermal power station-II (210 MW x 7) when workers, aged between 25 and 42 years, were in the process of resuming operations this morning. A similar incident had taken place in May where four persons were killed when a boiler in the NLC TPS II exploded. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakhs to each family of those who lost their lives.

Read more: https://bit.ly/2YNFiZI

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Schools to open in Haryana from July 27

The Haryana State’s Education Department on Wednesday announced its decision to re-open schools in the state from July 27, following the conclusion of Summer holidays that were announced from July 1 to July 26. Universities and colleges, however, will remain shut till July 31. The order further noted that e-learning for the students may continue and a further decision on re-opening higher education centers will be taken after consultation with vice-chancellors and all stakeholders. All educational institutes in the state were shut since March amid Covid-19 pandemic fear.

Read more: https://bit.ly/2VAlK9v

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Non-subsidised LPG cylinder prices increased for second consecutive month

Oil Marketing Companies marginally increased the price of 14.2 kg non-subsidised LPG cylinder by Re 1 in Delhi, effective Wednesday. LPG cylinders will now cost Rs 594 per cylinder in Delhi as against Rs 593 on June 1. Prices were hiked by up to Rs 4.50 in other metros mostly because of different local sales tax or VAT rate. In Kolkata, prices were increased by Rs 4.50 per cylinder to Rs 620.50, Rs 3.50 per cylinder to Rs 594 in Mumbai and Rs 4 per cylinder to Rs 610.50 in Chennai.

Read more: https://bit.ly/31LfkIz

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Goa will open for domestic tourists from July 2: Minister

Goa state tourism minister Manohar Ajgaonkar on Wednesday announced govt’s decision to re-open the state for domestic tourists. Goa was shut for travelers since the nationwide coronavirus-induced lockdown imposed since March. The tourism department has so far granted permission to 250 hotels, which can operate in keeping with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) put in place by the state government. It will be mandatory for tourists to pre-book their stay at hotels, which have received the tourism department's approval. The tourists will either have to carry COVID-19 negative certificates to enter the state or will have to get tested at the border and undergo quarantine at a state-run facility till their results arrive, he said.

Read more: https://bit.ly/2VwyfTi

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TV actress Mohena Kumari, family test negative for Covid-19

‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ actress Mohena Kumari and her family have tested negative for Covid-19 after a month. The actress took to Instagram to share the news with her fans on Wednesday. Mohena Kumari had tested COVID-19 positive at the beginning of June. Her husband Suyesh Rawat, father-in-law Satpal Maharaj, who is Uttarakhand’s tourism minister, and mother-in-law were also found to be COVID-19 positive. “Today we celebrate the work of Doctors and Healthcare professionals in our country. In my life, I have met some wonderful doctors, nurses, compounders, and other medical staff… I’d like to thank all of them for their Honest Efforts to help people to ease or eradicate their pain,” the actress said in her post.

Read More: https://bit.ly/2VBKcah

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