YK MYK WEATHER TODAY MAX 29 C MIN 17 C DEMOLITION AT KANGANA RANAUT'S OFFICE WITH MALAFIDE INTENT: HC OPINION Sky will be partly cloudy. AUSTRALIA OUTSCORE INDIA, TAKE 1-0 LEAD IN ODI SERIES WORLD Morning India Rs. 3 KOLKATA SATURDAY, 28 NOV, 2020 PG-12, YEAR—7, ISSUE—191 (RNI NO: WBENG / 2014 / 56803) GDP CONTRACTION SLOWS TO 7.5 PER CENT IN Q2 But India officially enters recession NEW DELHI: The Indian economy contracted by 7.5 per cent in the July to September quarter (Q2 FY21), government data showed here on Friday. Though this is a rebound from the earlier quarter but with this contraction Indian economy has hit technical recession for the first time. According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, gross value added (GVA) came in at minus 7 per cent. The economy had contracted by 23.9 per cent in the April to June quarter (Q1 FY21), marking GDP CONTRACTION: CHIEF ECONOMIC ADVISOR SAYS 'ENCOURAGING' NEW DELHI: Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) Krishnamurthy Subramanian on Friday described the narrowing of GDP contraction to (-)7.5 per cent in the second quarter of FY21 as "encouraging" in the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic. Addressing the media through a video conference, the CEA said that the severe economic impact during the first quarter (April-June), which witnessed a massive contraction of 23.9 per cent, came largely on the back of the nationwide lockdown. "Compared to Q1 figures and given the Covid-19 pandemic, the Q2 GDP numbers are quite encouraging," he said. the first contraction in more than 40 years as COVID-19 pandemic compressed consumer demand and private investments. "GDP at Constant (201112) Prices in Q2 of 2020-21 is estimated at Rs 33.14 lakh crore, as against Rs 35.84 lakh crore in Q2 of 2019-20, showing a contraction of 7.5 per cent as compared to 4.4 per cent growth in Q2 201920," said the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation in a statement. " Quarterly GVA at Basic Prices at Constant (2011-12) Prices for Q2 of 2020-21 is estimated at Rs 30.49 lakh crore, as against Rs 32.78 lakh crore in Q2 of 2019-20, showing a contraction of 7 per cent," it added. The statement said during the quarter trade, hotels, transport and communication saw a dip of -15.6 per cent while public administration, defence and other services by -12.2 per cent. The financial, real estate and professional services sector contracted by 8.1 per cent and construction by 8.6 per cent. Some sectors have bounced back with resumption of economic activities. The electricity, gas, water supply and other utility services have shown a growth of 4.4 per cent; agriculture, forestry and fishing sector at 3.4 per cent and manufacturing sector showed a marginal growth of 0.6 per cent. Contracting for the eighth consecutive month, the output of eight core infrastructure sectors dropped by 2.5 per cent in October, mainly due to decline in production of crude oil, natural gas, refinery products and steel. MORE INSIDE AT A GLANCE WILL LEAVE WHITE HOUSE IF ELECTORAL COLLEGE DECLARES BIDEN WINNER: TRUMP BJP NOMINATES SUSHIL MODI FOR RS BYPOLLS NEW DELHI: Former Bihar deputy chief miniser Sushil Kumar Modi has been rewarded with a nomination for the Upper House by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Modi has got a Rajya Sabha berth because of a seat falling vacant owing to the demise of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan of the Lok Janshakti Party. BJP national general secretary Arun Singh said the party's Central Election Committee has finalised the name of Sushil Kumar Modi for the Rajya Sabha by-election in Bihar. The last date to file nominations for the only Rajya Sabha seat in Bihar is December 3. The election will be held on December 14. RABINDRANATH TAGORE LITERARY PRIZE SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED NEW DELHI: Author Amitav Ghosh's "Gun Island" and Raj Kamal Jha's "The City and the Sea" are among the books contending for this year's Rabindranath Tagore Literary prize, founder of the award, Peter Bundalo announced on Friday. The Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize was founded in 2018. Farmers during 'Delhi Chalo' protest against farm laws, at Singhu Border in New Delhi on Friday. ANI Farmers enter Delhi after police allow to hold demonstrations NEW DELHI: The farmers protesting against the three agriculture sector laws passed by the Central government were allowed to enter the national capital on Friday after the Tikri border between Delhi and Haryana was opened for them. Delhi police gave permission to farmers to hold their demonstrations at the Nirankari Samagam Ground in the Burari area. "After discussion with farmer leaders, the protesting farmers have been permitted inside Delhi to hold a peaceful protest at Nirankari Ground, Burari. Delhi Police appeals them to maintain peace," Delhi Police tweeted through its official handle. Haryana Police also removed the barricades at the Shambhu border between Haryana and Punjab, near Ambala. "Now, nobody will be stopped, commuters can travel with ease," said Rajesh Kalia, Superintendent of Police, Ambala. Speaking to ANI, a farmer from Punjab who left his home yesterday thanked the administration and Central government for the permission to hold the demonstration in the national capital. "I left from Punjab yesterday, and after managing to cross 10 barricades have reached the Tikri border at 10 am today. Since then I had been waiting to move forward. We are thankful for the government and administration for the permission," he said. Earlier in the day, All India Kisan Samiti's working committee members also joined INSIDE PUNJAB AND HARYANA FARMERS GIVE A WAKE UP CALL TO MODI GOVT PAGE 6 the protesting farmers at the Tikri border. Kirankumar Vissa, who was representing farmers from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana told ANI that smaller demonstrations by farmers are being held in front of Central government offices in various districts across the country. "Farmers from around the country want these three laws to be repealed. We just have this one demand. We want the Central government and citizens of the country to hear our voice. All kinds of farmers' organisations are united in this protest." said Vissa. He added that farmers who are protesting are "aware that these laws will put their income in the hands of corporate." Meanwhile, The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh- affiliate Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) has urged the Centre to resolve issues being raised by farmers regarding the three agriculture laws through dialogue and also urged the farmers to not become victim of ploys by political parties. BKS leaders warned NDA government that if the issues are not addressed at the earliest, the agitation could be hijacked by opposition parties. WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said he would leave the White House if the Electoral College declares Joe Biden the winner of the November 3 elections, even as he reiterated unsubstantiated claims about widespread voter fraud. In his Thanksgiving Day remarks, he, however, said it will be a mistake if the Electoral College were to elect Biden. "It's going to be a very hard thing to concede," Trump told reporters on Thursday when asked during a press call at the White House what he will do if the Electoral College elects Biden. "If they do, they made a mistake," he said. Asked if he would leave the White House, he said, "Certainly, I will, and you know that." CORONA METER INDIA TOTAL CASES: 9,314,017 TOTAL DEATH: 135,796 WORLD TOTAL CASES: 61,477,527 TOTAL DEATH: 1,440,900 SC TO CENTRE Mihir Goswami finally leaves TMC, joins BJP in New Delhi KOLKATA ; Ending all speculations doing the rounds for the past few weeks, senior Trinamool Congress leader of North Bengal and party MLA from Coochbehar South - Mihir Goswami - formally joined BJP in New Delhi tonight. Describing it as another major political blow to the ruling party in West Bengal on the day when Subhendu Ashikari also resigned as minister, the BJP sources informed here tonight that Goswami went to New Delhi yesterday along with two BJP MPs Arjun Singh and Nisith Pramanik and accepted the party flag from senior BJP leader and the party's Central observer Kailash Vijaybargiya in presence of BJP spokesman R P Singh. Both the BJP Lok Sabha MPs from Bengal were also present at the BJP headquarters where the ceremony took place tonight, the party sources here said.. Welcoming Goswami into BJP, Vijaybargiya described him as a natural leader. His joining BJP would enrich BJP and help improve its support base in North Bengal to a great extent before the next year's state Assembly poll. Accepting the party flag from Vijaybargiya and formally joining BJP, Goswami, who won on Trinamool Congress tickets the Coochbehar South Assembly seat two times in a row - first time in 1996 to 2001 and again from 2016, is also the Chairman of North Bengal State Transport Corporation., Speaking about his feelings after joining the new party, Goswami alleged that he was 'humiliated time and again' inside TMC for several years for taking strong stand on several issues. But in spite of informing the party's top leadership no action was taken to mitigate his woes. 'It seems the leadership has lost control over the party. It was not possible for me to continue with this humiliation. So I resigned from the primary membership of the party and decided to join BJP to serve the nation in a significant manner,' he said reading out from a statement. EXTENSION OF DAYS OF RUN OF FESTIVAL SPECIAL TRAINS KOLKATA: To clear extra rush of passengers, days of run of some Festival Special trains will be extended. The following fully reserved Festival Special trains will continue to run upto the dates mentioned against each as per existing timings, stoppages and composition:Train No. 02253 from Yashvantpur to Bhagalpur Extended upto 26.12.2020 Train No. 02254 from Bhagalpur to Yashvantpur Extended upto 30.12.2020 Train No. 05097 from Bhagalpur to Jammu Tawi Extended upto 31.12.2020 Train No. 05098 from Jammu Tawi to Bhagalpur Extended upto 29.12.2020 Train No. 05050 from Gorakhpur to Kolkata Extended upto 30.12.2020 Train No. 05049 from Kolkata to Gorakhpur Extended upto 30.12.2020 Train No. 05048 from Gorakhpur to Kolkata Extended upto 29.12.2020 Train No. 05047 from Kolkata to Gorakhpur Extended upto 31.12.2020 Train No. 05052 from Gorakhpur to Kolkata Extended upto 31.12.2020 Train No. 05051 from Kolkata to Gorakhpur Extended upto 1.1.2021 Train No. 05028 from Gorakhpur to Hatia Extended upto 31.12.2020 Train No. 05027 from Hatia to Gorakhpur Extended upto 1.1.2021 Booking for Train Nos. 02254, 05097, 05049, 05047 and 05051 will be available on and from 29.11.2020 both from PRS counters & online booking. These trains are fully reserved trains. GSILS coaches available in the train composition will also be booked as 2S class. In addition to fare, Special charge will be realized. Concessional booking is not allowed. Subhendu Adhikari's resignation accepted by Governor KOLKATA: As expected West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar accepted the resignation of state Transport, Irrigation and Water Resources minister Subhendu Adhikari this evening after Chief minister Mamata Banerjee recommended the same to him Issuing a signed statement from Raj Bhavan after accepting the resignation 'with immediate effect', the Governor said 'in view of recommendation imparted by Hon’ble Chief Minister, West Bengal, Ms. Mamata Banerjee, the resignation dated 27.11.2020 of Shri Suvendu Adhikari, Minister is hereby accepted with immediate effect in exercise of the powers vested in me under the Constitution.' He further stated in his statement that 'As per recommendation imparted by Hon’ble Chief Minister, West Bengal, Ms. Mamata Banerjee, charge of Departments -Transport Department, Water Resources Investigation and Development Department and Department of Irrigation and Waterways, would, vest with Hon’ble Chief Minister'. Ensure compound interest waiver reaches intended beneficiaries NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday, citing various affidavits, said the Centre was fully conscious of the difficulty faced by the various sectors and the stakeholders of various sectors. The top court said the decision to forego interest on eight specified categories of loans paid up to Rs 2 crore should reach the needy. A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan and comprising Justices R. Subhash Reddy and M. R. Shah disposed off the petitions and applications seeking waiver of compound interest during the moratorium. The top court said the Centre should "ensure that all steps be taken to implement the decision dated October 23, of the Government of India, Ministry of Finance so that benefit as contemplated by the Government of India percolates to those for whom the financial benefits have been envisaged and extended." The top court said the COVID19 pandemic not only poses a serious threat to health but has also cast its shadow on the economic growth of the country and other nations in the world. The eight categories of loans are: MSME (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises), education, housing, consumer durables, credit cards, automobiles, personal and consumption. The top court noted that due to the lockdown imposed by the Centre, there can be no denial that most of the businesses including the private sector as well as the public sector have been adversely affected. And, for several months, a large number of industries were not allowed to function and exemptions were granted only to a few industries to carry on their activities, which were found essential and necessary. "Although, gradually, due to Unlock 1, 2 and 3, the industries and other business activities have been restored and the economy of the country is on track although at a slow pace", observed the bench. On March 27, the RBI had issued a circular which allowed lending institutions to grant a moratorium on payment of instalments of term loans falling due between March 1, 2020, and May 31, 2020, due to the pandemic. Later, it was extended till August 31. The petitioners challenged charging of interest on interest by banks on EMIs during the moratorium period. The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Director General Health Services to go ahead with counselling for the admissions to PG super-speciality medical courses for the academic year 2020-21 without providing reservation for in-service candidates. A bench headed by Justice L. Nageswara Rao and comprising Justices Hemant Gupta and Ajay Rastogi said: "We direct that the counselling for admission to Super Specialty Medical Courses for the academic year 2020-2021 shall proceed on a date to be fixed by the competent authority without providing for reservations to in-service doctors for the academic year 2020-2021." The apex court stayed the directions of the Kerala High Court and the Tamil Nadu government to provide in-service quota in super specialty medical courses for admissions in 202021. The bench noted that the process for admissions to super specialty medical courses started on August 3 this year and it was made clear to all the competing candidates that there shall be no reservation. "The government order issued by the State of Tamil Nadu on November 7, 2020 reserving 50 per cent seats for inservice doctors would be detrimental to the interests of the meritorious doctors as 50 per cent of the available seats in the State of Tamil Nadu in Super Specialty Medical Courses will not be available to them", said the top court. The bench said there will be reduction of 50 per cent of seats in super specialty courses in Tamil Nadu if the Government Order is carried out, which is detrimental to their chances of admission. "Admittedly no reservation for in-service Doctors was implemented since 2016. As the admission process is at the final stages, we cannot permit reserva-