<p>In April, a&nbsp;US Commission had questioned religious freedom in India. A string of strong verbal rebuttals followed. However, India has now given its stern response.</p>

<p>No visas will be issued to the teams of the United States Commission on international religious freedom.</p>

<p>External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the decision in a letter to a member of parliament.</p>

<p>BJP MP Nishikant Dubey had raised objections made by the US Commission. The commission had advised the US government to designate India as a country of particular concern.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-report-on-religious-freedom-blames-pakistan-for-targeted-killing-of-minorities-305123"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;US report on religious freedom blames Pakistan for targeted killing of minorities</strong></a></p>

<p>It was the first time since 2004 that the commission made such a recommendation. It said religious freedom in India had seen a drastic turn downward.</p>

<p>The report cited the controversies around the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which led to Delhi riots in February. It even mentioned the scrapping of special status of Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>The commission said religious minorities are under assault in India. It ranked India along with Pakistan, North Korea, China and Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p>The External Affairs minister has once again hit out at the commission.</p>

<p>In the letter, he said, "We do not see the locus standi of a foreign entity like UNCIRF to pronounce on the state of Indian citizen's constitutionally protected rights."</p>

<p>Jaishankar assured the member of parliament that his ministry will not accept any such external interference or pronouncements.</p>

<p>Since the release of the report, India has maintained that the commission was driven by its prejudices and biases, and has no locus standi whatsoever.</p>

<p>But India has not responded to the comments made by top official in the Trump administration.</p>

<p>Samuel Brownback, the ambassador at large for international religious freedom said, "The US is concerned about what's happening in India in terms of religious freedom."</p>

<p>The comments came hours after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo released the international religious freedom report for 2019.</p>


In April, a US Commission had questioned religious freedom in India. A string of strong verbal rebuttals followed. However, India has now given its stern response.

In April, a US Commission had questioned religious freedom in India. A string of strong verbal rebuttals followed. However, India has now given its stern response. No visas will be issued to the teams of the United States Commission on international religious freedom. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the decision in a letter to a member of parliament. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey had raised objections made by the US Commission. The commission had advised the US government to designate India as a country of particular concern. Also read: US report on religious freedom blames Pakistan for targeted killing of minorities It was the first time since 2004 that the commission made such a recommendation. It said religious freedom in India had seen a drastic turn downward. The report cited the controversies around the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which led to Delhi riots in February. It even mentioned the scrapping of special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The commission said religious minorities are under assault in India. It ranked India along with Pakistan, North Korea, China and Saudi Arabia. The External Affairs minister has once again hit out at the commission. In the letter, he said, "We do not see the locus standi of a foreign entity like UNCIRF to pronounce on the state of Indian citizen's constitutionally protected rights." Jaishankar assured the member of parliament that his ministry will not accept any such external interference or pronouncements. Since the release of the report, India has maintained that the commission was driven by its prejudices and biases, and has no locus standi whatsoever. But India has not responded to the comments made by top official in the Trump administration. Samuel Brownback, the ambassador at large for international religious freedom said, "The US is concerned about what's happening in India in terms of religious freedom." The comments came hours after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo released the international religious freedom report for 2019.

No visas for US Commission on international religious freedom: India

<p>For the first time in 68 years, Pakistan's economy is set to contract in the outgoing fiscal year with a negative 0.38 per cent due to the adverse impact of the coronavirus pandemic coupled with the already weak financial situation before the pandemic hit the country, according to the economic survey unveiled on Thursday.</p>

<p>Advisor on Finance Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, releasing the Pakistan Economic Survey 2019-20 said the economy suffered massively due to the coronavirus pandemic which has so far infected about 120,000 people in the country, and forced the government to impose lockdown in March for several weeks.</p>

<p>The pandemic has badly hit the economy in the current fiscal year ending on June 30.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-stimulus-package-is-as-large-as-gdp-of-pakistan-india-tells-imran-khan-after-he-offers-help-305154"><strong>Also read|&nbsp;Our stimulus package is as large as GDP of Pakistan: India tells Imran Khan after he offers 'help'</strong></a></p>

<p>For the first time in 68 years, Pakistan's economy has marginally contracted by 0.38 per cent in the outgoing fiscal year due to adverse impacts of novel coronavirus coupled with economic stabilisation policies that had hit the industrial sector much before the deadly pandemic.</p>

<p>Except for the agriculture sector that grew 2.7 per cent, the industrial and services sectors witnessed negative growth rates, pulling the overall growth rate down to negative 0.38 per cent in the fiscal year 2019-20, ending on June 30, the economic survey said.</p>

<p>The per capita income in dollar terms has also dipped to 1,366 - a contraction of 6.1 per cent, but it increased in rupee terms to Rs 214,539.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cash-strapped-pakistan-wants-to-help-india-imran-offers-to-share-the-cash-transfer-programme-305114"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Cash-strapped Pakistan wants to 'help' India, Imran offers to 'share the cash transfer programme'</strong></a></p>

<p>Sheikh said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had warned about the dire impact of COVID-19 on the developing countries due to drop in exports and remittance.</p>

<p>"Exports fell due to a fall in global demand while remittance decreased due to layoffs of Pakistanis employed abroad," he said.</p>

<p>The overall tax collection grew by 10.8 per cent to Rs 3,300.6 billion during July-April 2020 against Rs 2,980 billion in the comparable period last year. The tax collection estimate for this period was Rs 4,510 billion.</p>

<p>He said the current account deficit was reduced by 73.1 per cent to USD 2.8 billion (1.1 per cent of GDP) against USD 10.3 billion last year which was 3.7 per cent of GDP.</p>

<p>"The current account deficit that we inherited was around USD 20 billion but we have reduced that to around USD 3 billion. This is a huge achievement of the government," he said.</p>

<p>He said the government controlled state expenses and did not borrow from the State Bank of Pakistan during the outgoing fiscal year.</p>

<p>"This was the first time, I think, in the country's history, and our primary balance -- meaning our expenses were less than our earnings --&nbsp;went into surplus," he said.</p>

<p>He said Rs 3,000 billion were set aside for payment of loans in the coming year while Rs 5,000 billion were given in the outgoing year. He promised more relief in the new budget and also reduced taxes and not imposed any new tax so that industry should be given relief and incentive to grow.</p>

<p>Minister for Economic Affairs Khusru Bakhtiar said that this government had USD 9 billion forex exchange reserve when it came to power in August 2018 and by the end of this year it would be more than USD 18 billion.</p>

<p>He said that the total external debt of Pakistan was USD 76.5 billion which was negatively impacting Pakistan.</p>

<p>He said the debt was USD 40 billion in 2013 and rose to USD 48 billion by 2013 during the tenure of Pakistan Peoples Party and again increased to USD 73 billion by 2018 in the five years of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.</p>

<p>The economic survey is considered as the most authentic document of the government and is launched every year before the announcement of the budget of the next year.</p>

<p>The government has already announced that the budget for 2020-21 will be presented in parliament on June 12.</p>


For the first time in 68 years, Pakistan's economy is set to contract in the outgoing fiscal year with a negative 0.38 per cent due to the adverse impact of the coronavirus pandemic coupled with the already weak financial situation before the pandemic hit the country, according to the economic survey unveiled on Thursday.

For the first time in 68 years, Pakistan's economy is set to contract in the outgoing fiscal year with a negative 0.38 per cent due to the adverse impact of the coronavirus pandemic coupled with the already weak financial situation before the pandemic hit the country, according to the economic survey unveiled on Thursday. Advisor on Finance Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, releasing the Pakistan Economic Survey 2019-20 said the economy suffered massively due to the coronavirus pandemic which has so far infected about 120,000 people in the country, and forced the government to impose lockdown in March for several weeks. The pandemic has badly hit the economy in the current fiscal year ending on June 30. Also read| Our stimulus package is as large as GDP of Pakistan: India tells Imran Khan after he offers 'help' For the first time in 68 years, Pakistan's economy has marginally contracted by 0.38 per cent in the outgoing fiscal year due to adverse impacts of novel coronavirus coupled with economic stabilisation policies that had hit the industrial sector much before the deadly pandemic. Except for the agriculture sector that grew 2.7 per cent, the industrial and services sectors witnessed negative growth rates, pulling the overall growth rate down to negative 0.38 per cent in the fiscal year 2019-20, ending on June 30, the economic survey said. The per capita income in dollar terms has also dipped to 1,366 - a contraction of 6.1 per cent, but it increased in rupee terms to Rs 214,539. Also read: Cash-strapped Pakistan wants to 'help' India, Imran offers to 'share the cash transfer programme' Sheikh said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had warned about the dire impact of COVID-19 on the developing countries due to drop in exports and remittance. "Exports fell due to a fall in global demand while remittance decreased due to layoffs of Pakistanis employed abroad," he said. The overall tax collection grew by 10.8 per cent to Rs 3,300.6 billion during July-April 2020 against Rs 2,980 billion in the comparable period last year. The tax collection estimate for this period was Rs 4,510 billion. He said the current account deficit was reduced by 73.1 per cent to USD 2.8 billion (1.1 per cent of GDP) against USD 10.3 billion last year which was 3.7 per cent of GDP. "The current account deficit that we inherited was around USD 20 billion but we have reduced that to around USD 3 billion. This is a huge achievement of the government," he said. He said the government controlled state expenses and did not borrow from the State Bank of Pakistan during the outgoing fiscal year. "This was the first time, I think, in the country's history, and our primary balance -- meaning our expenses were less than our earnings -- went into surplus," he said. He said Rs 3,000 billion were set aside for payment of loans in the coming year while Rs 5,000 billion were given in the outgoing year. He promised more relief in the new budget and also reduced taxes and not imposed any new tax so that industry should be given relief and incentive to grow. Minister for Economic Affairs Khusru Bakhtiar said that this government had USD 9 billion forex exchange reserve when it came to power in August 2018 and by the end of this year it would be more than USD 18 billion. He said that the total external debt of Pakistan was USD 76.5 billion which was negatively impacting Pakistan. He said the debt was USD 40 billion in 2013 and rose to USD 48 billion by 2013 during the tenure of Pakistan Peoples Party and again increased to USD 73 billion by 2018 in the five years of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. The economic survey is considered as the most authentic document of the government and is launched every year before the announcement of the budget of the next year. The government has already announced that the budget for 2020-21 will be presented in parliament on June 12.

Pakistan's economy contracts for first time in 68 years by -0.38 pc

<p>Highlighting its "vibrant democratic tradition" India has dismissed the annual US State department's international religious freedom for 2019, released on Wednesday, that mentions the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC), and revocation of article 370 -- that gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "India’s vibrant democratic traditions and practices are evident to the world. The people and government of India are proud of our country’s democratic traditions."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-stimulus-package-is-as-large-as-gdp-of-pakistan-india-tells-imran-khan-after-he-offers-help-305154"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Our stimulus package is as large as GDP of Pakistan: India tells Imran Khan after he offers 'help'</strong></a></p>

<p>Elaborating, "We have a robust public discourse in India and constitutionally mandated institutions that guarantee protection of religious freedom and rule of law."</p>

<p>Dismissing the report he said,"Our principled position remains that we see no locus standi for a foreign entity to pronounce on the state of our citizens’ constitutionally protected rights."</p>

<p>Earlier in the month of April, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), a US&nbsp;federal government commission in its annual report had also criticized India on its religious freedom drawing a sharp reaction from New Delhi. Calling the body an "organisation of particular concern" after it listed India among "countries of particular concern" on the situation of minorities, MEA back then said, “we reject the observations on India in the USCIRF Annual Report. Its biased and tendentious comments against India are not new."</p>


Highlighting its "vibrant democratic tradition" India has dismissed the annual US State department's international religious freedom for 2019, released on Wednesday, that mentions the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC), and revocation of article 370 -- that gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Highlighting its "vibrant democratic tradition" India has dismissed the annual US State department's international religious freedom for 2019, released on Wednesday, that mentions the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC), and revocation of article 370 -- that gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "India’s vibrant democratic traditions and practices are evident to the world. The people and government of India are proud of our country’s democratic traditions." Also read: Our stimulus package is as large as GDP of Pakistan: India tells Imran Khan after he offers 'help' Elaborating, "We have a robust public discourse in India and constitutionally mandated institutions that guarantee protection of religious freedom and rule of law." Dismissing the report he said,"Our principled position remains that we see no locus standi for a foreign entity to pronounce on the state of our citizens’ constitutionally protected rights." Earlier in the month of April, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), a US federal government commission in its annual report had also criticized India on its religious freedom drawing a sharp reaction from New Delhi. Calling the body an "organisation of particular concern" after it listed India among "countries of particular concern" on the situation of minorities, MEA back then said, “we reject the observations on India in the USCIRF Annual Report. Its biased and tendentious comments against India are not new."

Highlighting vibrant democratic traditions, India dismisses US State dept report that mentions NRC/CAA

<p>Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Punjab Police arrested two militants of the banned&nbsp;Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).&nbsp;</p>

<p>These two militants were involved in the murder of a Polish engineer&nbsp;and an attack on the army personnel in Pakistan's tribal region.</p>

<p>As per local reports, a Polish engineer Piotr Stanczak was abducted from&nbsp;Attock, near Rawalpindi, in 2008. He was beheaded in 2009 by the arrested suspects.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-stimulus-package-is-as-large-as-gdp-of-pakistan-india-tells-imran-khan-after-he-offers-help-305154"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Our stimulus package is as large as GDP of Pakistan: India tells Imran Khan after he offers 'help'</strong></a></p>

<p>The incident came to light after seven-minute long video was sent to&nbsp;reporters in February 2009. The video showed the militants beheading the Polish engineer.</p>

<p>The engineer was beheaded after four months, during which the militants demanded release of&nbsp;some TTP prisoners by the government.</p>

<p>The two suspects have been identified as Kaleemullah and Farid Khan. Kaleemullah confessed to the beheading and&nbsp;the attack on the army personnel in South Waziristan.</p>

<p>A case has been registered against both suspects under section 3/4 Explosive Substances Act and 7 Anti-Terrorism Act 1997.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em></p>


Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Punjab Police arrested two militants of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These two militants were involved in the murder of a Polish engineer and an attack on the army personnel in Pakistan's tribal region.

Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Punjab Police arrested two militants of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These two militants were involved in the murder of a Polish engineer and an attack on the army personnel in Pakistan's tribal region. As per local reports, a Polish engineer Piotr Stanczak was abducted from Attock, near Rawalpindi, in 2008. He was beheaded in 2009 by the arrested suspects. Also read: Our stimulus package is as large as GDP of Pakistan: India tells Imran Khan after he offers 'help' The incident came to light after seven-minute long video was sent to reporters in February 2009. The video showed the militants beheading the Polish engineer. The engineer was beheaded after four months, during which the militants demanded release of some TTP prisoners by the government. The two suspects have been identified as Kaleemullah and Farid Khan. Kaleemullah confessed to the beheading and the attack on the army personnel in South Waziristan. A case has been registered against both suspects under section 3/4 Explosive Substances Act and 7 Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. (With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan: Taliban militants arrested for beheading Polish engineer

<p>Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc on Thursday said it has begun human testing of its experimental antibody cocktail as a treatment for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.</p>

<p>The trial has an "adaptive" design and could quickly move from dozens of patients to eventually include thousands, Chief Scientific Officer George Yancopoulos told Reuters.</p>

<p>"If it goes perfectly well, within a week or two we will move to the second phase. Within a month or so of that we will have clear data that this is or isn't working. By the end of summer, we could have sufficient data for broad utilization."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-russia-supplies-antivirus-drug-to-hospitals-cases-cross-500000-305079"><strong>Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: Russia supplies antivirus drug to hospitals; cases cross 500,000</strong></a></p>

<p>The dual antibody, called REGN-COV2, is being compared to a placebo treatment in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and in COVID-19 patients who have symptoms but are not sick enough to be hospitalized. Regeneron also plans to study REGN-COV2 for preventing the infection in people at high-risk of exposure - such as healthcare workers - and in uninfected people with close exposure to someone who has tested positive for the virus.</p>

<p>Antibodies are proteins made by the body's immune system that recognize, bind and neutralize an invading virus. Regeneron's cocktail - which contains an antibody made by the company and a second isolated from humans who recovered from COVID-19 - is designed so that its two antibodies bind to the coronavirus' spike protein, limiting the ability of viruses to escape.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/remdesivir-prevents-covid-19-lung-damage-tested-on-macaque-monkeys-304914"><strong>Also watch:&nbsp;Remdesivir prevents COVID-19 lung damage: Tested on macaque monkeys</strong></a>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trial patients will be given a single intravenous infusion of REGN-COV2. In the prevention segments of the study, participants will be given smaller subcutaneous doses, Yancopoulus said. Investigators will be measuring patients' viral loads and keeping track of symptoms.</p>

<p>Regeneron said its treatment could be useful even if a COVID-19 vaccine is developed since the elderly and people with compromised immune systems often do not respond well to vaccines.</p>

<p>Yancopoulos said, even though Regeneron does not yet have proof that REGN-COV2 is effective, the company has cleared the way for production of the antibody compound at its New York manufacturing facility.</p>


Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc on Thursday said it has begun human testing of its experimental antibody cocktail as a treatment for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc on Thursday said it has begun human testing of its experimental antibody cocktail as a treatment for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The trial has an "adaptive" design and could quickly move from dozens of patients to eventually include thousands, Chief Scientific Officer George Yancopoulos told Reuters. "If it goes perfectly well, within a week or two we will move to the second phase. Within a month or so of that we will have clear data that this is or isn't working. By the end of summer, we could have sufficient data for broad utilization." Also read| COVID 19: Russia supplies antivirus drug to hospitals; cases cross 500,000 The dual antibody, called REGN-COV2, is being compared to a placebo treatment in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and in COVID-19 patients who have symptoms but are not sick enough to be hospitalized. Regeneron also plans to study REGN-COV2 for preventing the infection in people at high-risk of exposure - such as healthcare workers - and in uninfected people with close exposure to someone who has tested positive for the virus. Antibodies are proteins made by the body's immune system that recognize, bind and neutralize an invading virus. Regeneron's cocktail - which contains an antibody made by the company and a second isolated from humans who recovered from COVID-19 - is designed so that its two antibodies bind to the coronavirus' spike protein, limiting the ability of viruses to escape. Also watch: Remdesivir prevents COVID-19 lung damage: Tested on macaque monkeys Trial patients will be given a single intravenous infusion of REGN-COV2. In the prevention segments of the study, participants will be given smaller subcutaneous doses, Yancopoulus said. Investigators will be measuring patients' viral loads and keeping track of symptoms. Regeneron said its treatment could be useful even if a COVID-19 vaccine is developed since the elderly and people with compromised immune systems often do not respond well to vaccines. Yancopoulos said, even though Regeneron does not yet have proof that REGN-COV2 is effective, the company has cleared the way for production of the antibody compound at its New York manufacturing facility.

Regeneron begins human testing of COVID-19 antibody cocktail

<p>India reported 9,996 new coronavirus cases and&nbsp;357 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the health ministry on Thursday. This is the highest spike in cases till now.</p>

<p>The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) also reported that 52,13,140 people have been tested so far with 1,51,808 samples tested, till the Thursday morning.</p>

<p>Maharashtra has been one of the worst-hit states in the country. The state reported the highest spike in cases with 3,607 new cases and&nbsp;152 deaths. The total number of cases is now 97,648, according to Maharashtra Health Department.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-again-records-highest-spike-in-cases-as-death-toll-rises-to-8102-305001"><strong>Also read|&nbsp;COVID-19: India again records highest spike in cases as death toll rises to 8,102</strong></a></p>

<p>Mumbai's Dharavi was once the hotspot of the epicentre city. The locality, which is Asia's biggest slum, was observing a decrease in the spread, with no deaths in the past one week. However, today&nbsp;2 deaths and 20 new positive cases of COVID19 have been reported. The total number of cases in the area is now 1984 and 75 deaths, as reported by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu, which is the second worst-hit state in India reported&nbsp;1,875 new cases and 23&nbsp;deaths, taking the toll to&nbsp;38,716, including 17,659 active cases, 20,705 discharged and 349 deaths.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">1875 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> cases &amp; 23 deaths reported in Tamil Nadu today. Total number of cases in the state is now at 38716, including 17659 active cases, 20705 discharged &amp; 349 deaths: State Health Department <a href="https://t.co/xUhLZGSPHx">pic.twitter.com/xUhLZGSPHx</a></p>
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<p>Delhi, the national capital, which is expecting a need of 1.5 lakh beds by July end, reported&nbsp;1,877 more&nbsp;cases and 65 deaths. Total number of cases in the national capital is now at 34,687, including 20,871 active cases, 12,731 recovered/discharged/migrated and 1,085 deaths.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi High Court directs that all private hospitals in Delhi that have been called upon to reserve 20% beds for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> patients, should conduct tests on symptomatic &amp; asymptomatic persons, seeking admission for undergoing surgeries or procedures of other nature as well. <a href="https://t.co/KXNwfU63AG">pic.twitter.com/KXNwfU63AG</a></p>
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<p>Punjab government has, however, asked for stricter rules regarding entry of vehicles coming from the national capital, claiming "on average, 500-800 vehicles are coming to Punjab from the national capital every day. A decision on stricter curbs on those coming from Delhi will be taken after a review by the experts."</p>

<p>Punjab reported 82 new cases and 4 deaths, taking the toll to&nbsp;259 including 569 active cases and 2259 recovered patients.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">440 more <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> cases &amp; 10 deaths reported in West Bengal today. Total number of cases in the state is now at 9768, including 3988 discharged &amp; 442 deaths: State Health Department <a href="https://t.co/QScd5IMifG">pic.twitter.com/QScd5IMifG</a></p>
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<p>Kerala reported 83 new cases, taking the toll to&nbsp;2,244, including 1,258 active cases. "There are 133 hotspots in the state", said&nbsp;Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala Chief Minister.</p>

<p>Karnataka government reported&nbsp;204 new&nbsp;positive cases; taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 6,245.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Himachal Pradesh reports 458 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> positive cases till now including 179 active cases, 262 recoveries, and 6 deaths: State Health Department <a href="https://t.co/jxjd9lPYSV">pic.twitter.com/jxjd9lPYSV</a></p>
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<p>389 more&nbsp;cases and 12 deaths were reported by the Haryana state health department. Total number of cases in the state is now at 5,968, including 2,260 recovered/discharged, 3,644 active cases and 64 deaths.</p>

<p>The latest figure of nationwide increase in number of positive cases and deaths by COVID 19 in the last 24 hours will be announced by the&nbsp;health ministry next on Friday morning.</p>


India reported 9,996 new coronavirus cases and 357 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the health ministry on Thursday. This is the highest spike in cases till now.

India reported 9,996 new coronavirus cases and 357 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the health ministry on Thursday. This is the highest spike in cases till now. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) also reported that 52,13,140 people have been tested so far with 1,51,808 samples tested, till the Thursday morning. Maharashtra has been one of the worst-hit states in the country. The state reported the highest spike in cases with 3,607 new cases and 152 deaths. The total number of cases is now 97,648, according to Maharashtra Health Department. Also read| COVID-19: India again records highest spike in cases as death toll rises to 8,102 Mumbai's Dharavi was once the hotspot of the epicentre city. The locality, which is Asia's biggest slum, was observing a decrease in the spread, with no deaths in the past one week. However, today 2 deaths and 20 new positive cases of COVID19 have been reported. The total number of cases in the area is now 1984 and 75 deaths, as reported by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Tamil Nadu, which is the second worst-hit state in India reported 1,875 new cases and 23 deaths, taking the toll to 38,716, including 17,659 active cases, 20,705 discharged and 349 deaths. 1875 #COVID19 cases & 23 deaths reported in Tamil Nadu today. Total number of cases in the state is now at 38716, including 17659 active cases, 20705 discharged & 349 deaths: State Health Department pic.twitter.com/xUhLZGSPHx — ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2020 × Delhi, the national capital, which is expecting a need of 1.5 lakh beds by July end, reported 1,877 more cases and 65 deaths. Total number of cases in the national capital is now at 34,687, including 20,871 active cases, 12,731 recovered/discharged/migrated and 1,085 deaths. Delhi High Court directs that all private hospitals in Delhi that have been called upon to reserve 20% beds for #COVID19 patients, should conduct tests on symptomatic & asymptomatic persons, seeking admission for undergoing surgeries or procedures of other nature as well. pic.twitter.com/KXNwfU63AG — ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2020 × Punjab government has, however, asked for stricter rules regarding entry of vehicles coming from the national capital, claiming "on average, 500-800 vehicles are coming to Punjab from the national capital every day. A decision on stricter curbs on those coming from Delhi will be taken after a review by the experts." Punjab reported 82 new cases and 4 deaths, taking the toll to 259 including 569 active cases and 2259 recovered patients. 440 more #COVID19 cases & 10 deaths reported in West Bengal today. Total number of cases in the state is now at 9768, including 3988 discharged & 442 deaths: State Health Department pic.twitter.com/QScd5IMifG — ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2020 × Kerala reported 83 new cases, taking the toll to 2,244, including 1,258 active cases. "There are 133 hotspots in the state", said Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala Chief Minister. Karnataka government reported 204 new positive cases; taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 6,245. Himachal Pradesh reports 458 #COVID19 positive cases till now including 179 active cases, 262 recoveries, and 6 deaths: State Health Department pic.twitter.com/jxjd9lPYSV — ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2020 × 389 more cases and 12 deaths were reported by the Haryana state health department. Total number of cases in the state is now at 5,968, including 2,260 recovered/discharged, 3,644 active cases and 64 deaths. The latest figure of nationwide increase in number of positive cases and deaths by COVID 19 in the last 24 hours will be announced by the health ministry next on Friday morning.

COVID 19: Delhi records 1,877 and Tamil Nadu reports 1,875 new cases

<p>As the number of earthquakes in Delhi NCR is increasing every week, the experts are forecasting a major earthquake that can damage the national capital.</p>

<p>Following warnings by various experts and committees, the Delhi High Court&nbsp;has asked the experts to show some groundwork, rather than merely consulting and filing paperwork.</p>

<p>"It goes without saying that mere paperwork and consultations would not solve the imminent threat that the citizens of NCT of Delhi face due to heightened seismic activity and that it is only actual work on ground which would come to rescue of the citizens," the court said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-after-more-than-10-earthquakes-experts-fear-major-quake-303342"><strong>Also read|&nbsp;Delhi: After more than 10 earthquakes, experts fear major quake</strong></a></p>

<p>The bench headed by Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar asked the state government to closely monitor the situation and take steps to&nbsp;sensitize other Government functionaries and the public at large about the same.</p>

<p>The bench also asked the state government regarding the&nbsp;detailed action plan in the terms, which has not been publicised yet.</p>

<p>High Court asked the government to publish the directive on urgent basis to make people aware as to what steps the citizens&nbsp;need to take to save themselves from a major earthquake.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-asteroids-head-towards-earth-one-the-size-of-stadium-303234"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Five asteroids head towards Earth; one the size of stadium</strong></a></p>

<p>"The affidavit to be filed by the GNCTD should also state as to what steps it had taken in this regard and what further steps it proposes to take, and within how much time," the high court said in its order on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The court has asked the three Municipal Corporations of Delhi to file their respective affidavits on urgent basis explaining their detailed plan of implementation. Similar affidavits have been asked from Delhi government, Delhi Development Authority, New Delhi Municipal Council, and Delhi Cantonment Board.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


As the number of earthquakes in Delhi NCR is increasing every week, the experts are forecasting a major earthquake that can damage the national capital. Following warnings by various experts and committees, the Delhi High Court has asked the experts to show some groundwork, rather than merely consulting and filing paperwork.

As the number of earthquakes in Delhi NCR is increasing every week, the experts are forecasting a major earthquake that can damage the national capital. Following warnings by various experts and committees, the Delhi High Court has asked the experts to show some groundwork, rather than merely consulting and filing paperwork. "It goes without saying that mere paperwork and consultations would not solve the imminent threat that the citizens of NCT of Delhi face due to heightened seismic activity and that it is only actual work on ground which would come to rescue of the citizens," the court said. Also read| Delhi: After more than 10 earthquakes, experts fear major quake The bench headed by Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar asked the state government to closely monitor the situation and take steps to sensitize other Government functionaries and the public at large about the same. The bench also asked the state government regarding the detailed action plan in the terms, which has not been publicised yet. High Court asked the government to publish the directive on urgent basis to make people aware as to what steps the citizens need to take to save themselves from a major earthquake. Also read: Five asteroids head towards Earth; one the size of stadium "The affidavit to be filed by the GNCTD should also state as to what steps it had taken in this regard and what further steps it proposes to take, and within how much time," the high court said in its order on Tuesday. The court has asked the three Municipal Corporations of Delhi to file their respective affidavits on urgent basis explaining their detailed plan of implementation. Similar affidavits have been asked from Delhi government, Delhi Development Authority, New Delhi Municipal Council, and Delhi Cantonment Board. (With inputs from ANI)

Paperwork and consultations will not avert earthquake: Delhi HC tells government

<p>Wat Pho Royal Monastery, a popular tourist spot in Thailand, has reopened after the pandemic lockdown, but with few restrictions.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;monastery is best known for its gold-leaf covered 46-metre-long (151-foot-long) Reclining Buddha. It is the biggest monastery in the country and is popular for its murals and gold trim covering many surfaces.</p>

<p>However, the monastery has restricted entry for foreigners. The sign boards outside the monastery read,&nbsp;"Open for Thai only," "ONLY THAI PEOPLE," and "NOW NOT OPEN FOR FOREIGNERS."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thailand-takes-live-music-festival-to-zoom-amid-virus-outbreak-304077"><strong>Have a look:&nbsp;Thailand takes live music festival to Zoom amid virus outbreak</strong></a></p>

<p>While there is no direct directive from the Thai government about restricting movement of foreigners in the country, officials of the popular tourist spot told a media organization that the monastery fears spread of COVID 19 from foreigners, and has therefore imposed restrictions.</p>

<p>"The outbreak is still rampant in many countries, so we have to stay vigilant as advised by the government," said Wit Artchinda.</p>

<p>The officials have also claimed that the restriction is also partly because of ongoing construction work.&nbsp;"Foreign tourists have to pay 200 baht ($6.50) per visit into the temple," Wit said. "When they pay the money and cannot see so many things that they want to see, we are afraid that they might be frustrated."</p>

<p>Thailand has reported 3,125, infections with 58 deaths.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies)</em></p>


Wat Pho Royal Monastery, a popular tourist spot in Thailand, has reopened after the pandemic lockdown, but with few restrictions. The monastery is best known for its gold-leaf covered 46-metre-long (151-foot-long) Reclining Buddha.

Wat Pho Royal Monastery, a popular tourist spot in Thailand, has reopened after the pandemic lockdown, but with few restrictions. The monastery is best known for its gold-leaf covered 46-metre-long (151-foot-long) Reclining Buddha. It is the biggest monastery in the country and is popular for its murals and gold trim covering many surfaces. However, the monastery has restricted entry for foreigners. The sign boards outside the monastery read, "Open for Thai only," "ONLY THAI PEOPLE," and "NOW NOT OPEN FOR FOREIGNERS." Have a look: Thailand takes live music festival to Zoom amid virus outbreak While there is no direct directive from the Thai government about restricting movement of foreigners in the country, officials of the popular tourist spot told a media organization that the monastery fears spread of COVID 19 from foreigners, and has therefore imposed restrictions. "The outbreak is still rampant in many countries, so we have to stay vigilant as advised by the government," said Wit Artchinda. The officials have also claimed that the restriction is also partly because of ongoing construction work. "Foreign tourists have to pay 200 baht ($6.50) per visit into the temple," Wit said. "When they pay the money and cannot see so many things that they want to see, we are afraid that they might be frustrated." Thailand has reported 3,125, infections with 58 deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

Now not open for foreigners: Famous Thai temple restricts entry of foreigners over COVID 19 fears

<p>Tamil Nadu government decided to give its localities a phonetic makeover amid the pandemic, and changed the English spellings of the names of localities to match the way they are pronounced.</p>

<p>The Tamil Nadu government issued a notification on Wednesday that listed almost 1000 localities whose&nbsp;English spellings will be changed to match the Tamil pronunciation.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/theres-no-community-spread-and-fatalities-mismatch-claims-k-palaniswami-305093"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;There's no community spread and fatalities mismatch: claims K Palaniswami</strong></a></p>

<p>The spellings were changed after a committee was made especially to make sure that the experts sit down with districts heads and make sure that the spellings of the localities match the Tamil names.</p>

<p>Some main names that have been changed are: Coimbatore is now&nbsp;Koyampuththoor, Egmore is now&nbsp;Ezhumboor, Puducherry is now&nbsp;Puthucherry, Vellore is now&nbsp;Veeloor,&nbsp;Saidapet is now&nbsp;Saithaappettai, Chintadripet is now Chinthadharipettai and so on.</p>

<p>While the locals were going through the changes made, twitter came up with memes regarding this change amid a pandemic.</p>

<p>We compiled few of the best for you:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After passing all the students, Tamil Nadu govt. decides to change the syllabus.<br />
2021's gonna be a tough year to study geography.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NAMECHANGE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NAMECHANGE</a></p>
— Aadar Malik (@TheAadarGuy) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAadarGuy/status/1270971217843875840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NAMECHANGE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NAMECHANGE</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TNGovt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TNGovt</a> changed names of few cities during this pandemic<br />
Meanwhile corona: <a href="https://t.co/1WSh8ipI9w">pic.twitter.com/1WSh8ipI9w</a></p>
— Tanveer (@Crictanveer) <a href="https://twitter.com/Crictanveer/status/1271057715599536128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tamilnadu gov. Changed name of few cities during global pandemic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NAMECHANGE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NAMECHANGE</a><br />
Gov. Be like:- <a href="https://t.co/I54JXbw9S0">pic.twitter.com/I54JXbw9S0</a></p>
— Sail (@Sail71297) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sail71297/status/1271060655962050560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NAMECHANGE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NAMECHANGE</a><br />
TN changed the names of its cities relative to tamil pronunciations.<br />
.<br />
So that Corona could get confused while entering the city by seeing its name board and go back to its home.<br />
So less corona cases.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/unlock2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#unlock2</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KOYAMPUTHTHOOR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KOYAMPUTHTHOOR</a> <a href="https://t.co/LRD8iw6E7k">pic.twitter.com/LRD8iw6E7k</a></p>
— Vinusha (@vinnnnnnuu) <a href="https://twitter.com/vinnnnnnuu/status/1271068466338881536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><br />
<img alt="Tamil Nadu name change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="be6f1dd6-822d-4ad6-a321-e55618bc0117" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_29.jpg" /></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tamilnadu CM changed the name of the city Coimbatore to Koyampuththoor...😄<br />
<br />
Yogi Adityanath to Tamilnadu's CM..😄<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NAMECHANGE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NAMECHANGE</a> <a href="https://t.co/F1MVqKmbxE">pic.twitter.com/F1MVqKmbxE</a></p>
— Hazik Perry 🇮🇳 (@HazikPerry) <a href="https://twitter.com/HazikPerry/status/1271066201540620288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NAMECHANGE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NAMECHANGE</a> <a href="https://t.co/vKmVIk2GiG">pic.twitter.com/vKmVIk2GiG</a></p>
— The Frustrated HouseWives (@Frustrated_Hai) <a href="https://twitter.com/Frustrated_Hai/status/1271063762410201088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tn</a> people expect: Double testing capacity for Covid19. Double Hospital beds.<br />
<br />
What Govt does: Double 'OO' in Mylapore.. Double 'AA' in Arni. Double 'PP' Saidapet. 🙊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NAMECHANGE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NAMECHANGE</a></p>
— Justme (@Justme36541234) <a href="https://twitter.com/Justme36541234/status/1270969982055149568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So when Tamizh Nadoo's Corona total is close to 37,000, district collectors have been identifying 1018 names of places to be renamed as per their Tamizh pronunciation. Priorities. <a href="https://t.co/amLUVjDKPx">pic.twitter.com/amLUVjDKPx</a></p>
— Pooja Prasanna (@PoojaPrasanna4) <a href="https://twitter.com/PoojaPrasanna4/status/1270938992855285762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">people of Tamil Nadu <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NAMECHANGE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NAMECHANGE</a> <a href="https://t.co/cwIuDetYrw">pic.twitter.com/cwIuDetYrw</a></p>
— ujjwaljangra (@_ujjwaljangra) <a href="https://twitter.com/_ujjwaljangra/status/1271062529934946304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">*Tamil Nadu Govt changes names of 1,018 places* <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NAMECHANGE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NAMECHANGE</a><br />
<br />
Yogi ji to Tamil Nadu Govt : <a href="https://t.co/JT31SFyu7Q">pic.twitter.com/JT31SFyu7Q</a></p>
— Ullas Mehta (@ullasmehta_04) <a href="https://twitter.com/ullasmehta_04/status/1271053797150744578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">After seeing the new names of cities in tamil nadu<br />
Northindian - samajh me nahi aya , par sunn ke achha laga 😌 . <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NAMECHANGE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NAMECHANGE</a></p>
— Virat Singh (@ViratSi24305334) <a href="https://twitter.com/ViratSi24305334/status/1271055952523886592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Tamil Nadu government decided to give its localities a phonetic makeover amid the pandemic, and changed the English spellings of the names of localities to match the way they are pronounced.

Tamil Nadu government decided to give its localities a phonetic makeover amid the pandemic, and changed the English spellings of the names of localities to match the way they are pronounced. The Tamil Nadu government issued a notification on Wednesday that listed almost 1000 localities whose English spellings will be changed to match the Tamil pronunciation. Also read: There's no community spread and fatalities mismatch: claims K Palaniswami The spellings were changed after a committee was made especially to make sure that the experts sit down with districts heads and make sure that the spellings of the localities match the Tamil names. Some main names that have been changed are: Coimbatore is now Koyampuththoor, Egmore is now Ezhumboor, Puducherry is now Puthucherry, Vellore is now Veeloor, Saidapet is now Saithaappettai, Chintadripet is now Chinthadharipettai and so on. While the locals were going through the changes made, twitter came up with memes regarding this change amid a pandemic. We compiled few of the best for you: After passing all the students, Tamil Nadu govt. decides to change the syllabus. 2021's gonna be a tough year to study geography.#NAMECHANGE — Aadar Malik (@TheAadarGuy) June 11, 2020 × #NAMECHANGE#TNGovt changed names of few cities during this pandemic Meanwhile corona: pic.twitter.com/1WSh8ipI9w — Tanveer (@Crictanveer) June 11, 2020 × Tamilnadu gov. Changed name of few cities during global pandemic #NAMECHANGE Gov. Be like:- pic.twitter.com/I54JXbw9S0 — Sail (@Sail71297) June 11, 2020 × #NAMECHANGE TN changed the names of its cities relative to tamil pronunciations. . So that Corona could get confused while entering the city by seeing its name board and go back to its home. So less corona cases.#unlock2 #Chennai #KOYAMPUTHTHOOR pic.twitter.com/LRD8iw6E7k — Vinusha (@vinnnnnnuu) June 11, 2020 × Tamilnadu CM changed the name of the city Coimbatore to Koyampuththoor...😄 Yogi Adityanath to Tamilnadu's CM..😄#NAMECHANGE pic.twitter.com/F1MVqKmbxE — Hazik Perry 🇮🇳 (@HazikPerry) June 11, 2020 × #TamilNadu #NAMECHANGE pic.twitter.com/vKmVIk2GiG — The Frustrated HouseWives (@Frustrated_Hai) June 11, 2020 × What #tn people expect: Double testing capacity for Covid19. Double Hospital beds. What Govt does: Double 'OO' in Mylapore.. Double 'AA' in Arni. Double 'PP' Saidapet. 🙊#NAMECHANGE — Justme (@Justme36541234) June 11, 2020 × So when Tamizh Nadoo's Corona total is close to 37,000, district collectors have been identifying 1018 names of places to be renamed as per their Tamizh pronunciation. Priorities. pic.twitter.com/amLUVjDKPx — Pooja Prasanna (@PoojaPrasanna4) June 11, 2020 × people of Tamil Nadu #NAMECHANGE pic.twitter.com/cwIuDetYrw — ujjwaljangra (@_ujjwaljangra) June 11, 2020 × *Tamil Nadu Govt changes names of 1,018 places* #NAMECHANGE Yogi ji to Tamil Nadu Govt : pic.twitter.com/JT31SFyu7Q — Ullas Mehta (@ullasmehta_04) June 11, 2020 × After seeing the new names of cities in tamil nadu Northindian - samajh me nahi aya , par sunn ke achha laga 😌 . #NAMECHANGE — Virat Singh (@ViratSi24305334) June 11, 2020 ×

Tamil Nadu government changes spellings amid pandemic; Twitter reacts with #NameChange

<p>US consumer prices fell for a third straight month in May and underlying inflation was weak as demand for goods and services remained subdued amid a recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>But with nonessential businesses reopening after shuttering in mid-March to slow the spread of COVID-19, deflation, a decline in the general price level, is unlikely. Still, the report from the Labor Department on Wednesday suggested the disinflationary trend could persist for a while.</p>

<p>That together with a struggling labor market supports the Federal Reserve`s commitment to maintain its very accommodative monetary policy stance for some time while nursing the economy back to health. The US central bank said on Wednesday COVID-19 "will weigh heavily on economic activity, employment, and inflation in the near term."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-economy-to-contract-by-32-in-2020-21-world-bank-304352"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India's economy to contract by 3.2% in 2020-21: World Bank</strong></a></p>

<p>"We expect the crisis to result in a sustained slowing in inflation due to a net increase in slack," said Jim O`Sullivan, chief US macro strategist at TD Securities in New York.</p>

<p>The Labor Department said its consumer price index dipped 0.1% last month after plunging 0.8% in April, which was the largest decline since December 2008. Prices were held down by a 3.5% drop in the cost of gasoline, which followed a 20.6% plunge in April. That offset a 0.7% increase in the cost of food last month. Food prices jumped 1.5% in April.</p>

<p>Prices for food consumed at home rose 1.0% after surging 2.6% in April. The cost of beef shot up a record 10.8% in May, reflecting shortages as a result of COVID-19 infections at meat processing plants. Expensive food has led consumers to anticipate higher inflation this year.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-economy-minister-warns-against-deepening-negative-rates-304121"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Japan's economy minister warns against deepening negative rates</strong></a></p>

<p>Consumers also paid more for dairy products, fruits and vegetables. But cereals and bakery products were cheaper last month. In the 12 months through May, the CPI edged up 0.1%. That was the smallest year-on-year rise since September 2015 and followed a 0.3% increase in April.</p>

<p>Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the CPI would be unchanged in May and gain 0.2% year-on-year.<br />
The National Bureau of Economic Research, the arbiter of US recessions, declared on Monday that the economy slipped into recession in February.</p>

<p>The Labor Department said in-store data collection had remained suspended since March 16 because of risks of exposure to COVID-19. The department added that data collection last month was also impacted "by the temporary closing or limited operations of certain types of establishments," leading to "an increase in the number of prices being considered temporarily unavailable and imputed."</p>

<p>Stocks on Wall Street were mixed in choppy trading. The dollar fell against a basket of currencies. US Treasury prices rose.</p>

<p><strong>Rents increase</strong></p>

<p>Excluding the volatile food and energy components, the CPI slipped 0.1% in May after decreasing 0.4% in April, the largest drop since the series started in 1957. The so-called core CPI fell in March for the first time since January 2010.</p>

<p>May marked the first time that the core CPI has dropped for three consecutive months. Underlying inflation was depressed by continued decreases in the costs of motor vehicle insurance and apparel. Airline fares fell 4.9% and used cars and trucks prices dropped 0.4%.</p>

<p>The cost of hotel and motel accommodation dropped 1.8% last month after record 8.1% plunge in April.</p>

<p>Those price declines offset a 0.3% increase in owners` equivalent rent of primary residence, which is what a homeowner would pay to rent or receive from renting a home. This rent measure gained 0.2% in April, likely reflecting forbearance agreements between landlords and tenants who have lost their jobs or have had their hours cut because of the global pandemic.</p>

<p>The economy has shed nearly 20 million jobs since March.</p>

<p>Healthcare costs increased 0.5% in May after a solid 0.4% rise in April. Consumers paid more for household furnishings, new vehicles, alcoholic beverages and education.</p>

<p>In the 12 months through May, the core CPI rose 1.2%, the smallest gain since March 2011. The core CPI increased 1.4% year-on-year in April.</p>

<p>The Fed tracks the core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index for its 2% inflation target. The core PCE price index increased 1.0% on a year-on-year basis in April, the smallest advance since December 2010. May`s core PCE price index data will be released at the end of the month.</p>

<p>The Fed projected core inflation rising 1.0% this year and picking up to 1.5% in 2021. Back in December, it forecast inflation at 1.9% this year and 2% in 2021.</p>

<p>"The weakness in the economy should keep downward pressure on inflation over time and we expect softness in the core measures to be reported for upcoming months," said Daniel Silver, an economist at JPMorgan in New York.</p>

<p>"But we think that we probably have moved past the largest sequential monthly declines in inflation that came shortly after the virus spread."</p>


US consumer prices fell for a third straight month in May and underlying inflation was weak as demand for goods and services remained subdued amid a recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

US consumer prices fell for a third straight month in May and underlying inflation was weak as demand for goods and services remained subdued amid a recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. But with nonessential businesses reopening after shuttering in mid-March to slow the spread of COVID-19, deflation, a decline in the general price level, is unlikely. Still, the report from the Labor Department on Wednesday suggested the disinflationary trend could persist for a while. That together with a struggling labor market supports the Federal Reserve`s commitment to maintain its very accommodative monetary policy stance for some time while nursing the economy back to health. The US central bank said on Wednesday COVID-19 "will weigh heavily on economic activity, employment, and inflation in the near term." Also read: India's economy to contract by 3.2% in 2020-21: World Bank "We expect the crisis to result in a sustained slowing in inflation due to a net increase in slack," said Jim O`Sullivan, chief US macro strategist at TD Securities in New York. The Labor Department said its consumer price index dipped 0.1% last month after plunging 0.8% in April, which was the largest decline since December 2008. Prices were held down by a 3.5% drop in the cost of gasoline, which followed a 20.6% plunge in April. That offset a 0.7% increase in the cost of food last month. Food prices jumped 1.5% in April. Prices for food consumed at home rose 1.0% after surging 2.6% in April. The cost of beef shot up a record 10.8% in May, reflecting shortages as a result of COVID-19 infections at meat processing plants. Expensive food has led consumers to anticipate higher inflation this year. Also read: Japan's economy minister warns against deepening negative rates Consumers also paid more for dairy products, fruits and vegetables. But cereals and bakery products were cheaper last month. In the 12 months through May, the CPI edged up 0.1%. That was the smallest year-on-year rise since September 2015 and followed a 0.3% increase in April. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the CPI would be unchanged in May and gain 0.2% year-on-year. The National Bureau of Economic Research, the arbiter of US recessions, declared on Monday that the economy slipped into recession in February. The Labor Department said in-store data collection had remained suspended since March 16 because of risks of exposure to COVID-19. The department added that data collection last month was also impacted "by the temporary closing or limited operations of certain types of establishments," leading to "an increase in the number of prices being considered temporarily unavailable and imputed." Stocks on Wall Street were mixed in choppy trading. The dollar fell against a basket of currencies. US Treasury prices rose. Rents increase Excluding the volatile food and energy components, the CPI slipped 0.1% in May after decreasing 0.4% in April, the largest drop since the series started in 1957. The so-called core CPI fell in March for the first time since January 2010. May marked the first time that the core CPI has dropped for three consecutive months. Underlying inflation was depressed by continued decreases in the costs of motor vehicle insurance and apparel. Airline fares fell 4.9% and used cars and trucks prices dropped 0.4%. The cost of hotel and motel accommodation dropped 1.8% last month after record 8.1% plunge in April. Those price declines offset a 0.3% increase in owners` equivalent rent of primary residence, which is what a homeowner would pay to rent or receive from renting a home. This rent measure gained 0.2% in April, likely reflecting forbearance agreements between landlords and tenants who have lost their jobs or have had their hours cut because of the global pandemic. The economy has shed nearly 20 million jobs since March. Healthcare costs increased 0.5% in May after a solid 0.4% rise in April. Consumers paid more for household furnishings, new vehicles, alcoholic beverages and education. In the 12 months through May, the core CPI rose 1.2%, the smallest gain since March 2011. The core CPI increased 1.4% year-on-year in April. The Fed tracks the core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index for its 2% inflation target. The core PCE price index increased 1.0% on a year-on-year basis in April, the smallest advance since December 2010. May`s core PCE price index data will be released at the end of the month. The Fed projected core inflation rising 1.0% this year and picking up to 1.5% in 2021. Back in December, it forecast inflation at 1.9% this year and 2% in 2021. "The weakness in the economy should keep downward pressure on inflation over time and we expect softness in the core measures to be reported for upcoming months," said Daniel Silver, an economist at JPMorgan in New York. "But we think that we probably have moved past the largest sequential monthly declines in inflation that came shortly after the virus spread."

US inflation subdued with economy in recession

<p>Universities worldwide are every year ranked by&nbsp;Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings (WUR), revealing which world's best 1,000 universities.</p>

<p>The ranking, which was released on Wednesday, revealed a slip in the ranking of Indian universities this year.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The QS World University Rankings 2021 have just launched! 🦁 The wait is over – discover the world's best universities now: <a href="https://t.co/JEcuTvC93A">https://t.co/JEcuTvC93A</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QSWUR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QSWUR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/topuniversities?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#topuniversities</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rankings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rankings</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/highered?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#highered</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/studyhere?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#studyhere</a></p>
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<p>The list, which had 25 Indian universities last year, saw names of 21 universities this year, out of which at least&nbsp;10 fall under Indian Government's Institution of Eminence (IoE) scheme.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bahrain-brags-its-riches-as-school-holds-farewell-on-f1-ciruit-305101#venue-repurposed-to-bid-farewell-305085"><strong>Have a look:&nbsp;Bahrain brags its riches as school holds 'farewell' on F1 ciruit!</strong></a></p>

<p>Out of the 21 institutes that featured in the list, 14 saw a decline in the ratings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decline in the rankings came as a shock, especially since majority of the listed universities are a part of the IoE scheme, which concentrates on bringing the universities to a point of excellence.</p>

<p><img alt="QS Rankings 2021" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5e9ae108-c8a1-4c72-b7d0-7a9fa071d898" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_36.jpg" /></p>

<p>The IoE scheme by the Indian Government aims at grouping 10 public and 10 private&nbsp;institutions, and help them by providing them the needed resources and infrastructure to reach the top 500 ranks globally within a decade, followed by top 100. In addition to structural advances, the government also provides Rs 1,000 crore to each university over a period of five years.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/creativity-cant-be-transferred-through-online-classes-kasturirangan-304212"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Creativity can't be transferred through online classes: Kasturirangan</strong></a></p>

<p>Based on six key criteria -- academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per faculty, faculty/student ratio, international faculty ratio and international student ratio -- IIT Bombay&nbsp;ranked 172, followed by IISc at 185th and IIT Delhi at 193.</p>

<p>According to experts, the dip in rankings is due to the student-teacher ratio. The experts believe there is a lot of talent in the country, but the students are not getting proper attention due to high number of students and limited faculty.</p>

<p>QS experts also believe Indian institutes have not been able to find creative ways of teaching and attracting talented students - which institutes of other countries have managed to do.&nbsp;</p>


Universities worldwide are every year ranked by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings (WUR), revealing which world's best 1,000 universities. The ranking, which was released on Wednesday, revealed a slip in the ranking of Indian universities this year.

Universities worldwide are every year ranked by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings (WUR), revealing which world's best 1,000 universities. The ranking, which was released on Wednesday, revealed a slip in the ranking of Indian universities this year. The QS World University Rankings 2021 have just launched! 🦁 The wait is over – discover the world's best universities now: https://t.co/JEcuTvC93A#QSWUR #topuniversities #rankings #highered #studyhere — QS World University Rankings (@worlduniranking) June 9, 2020 × The list, which had 25 Indian universities last year, saw names of 21 universities this year, out of which at least 10 fall under Indian Government's Institution of Eminence (IoE) scheme. Have a look: Bahrain brags its riches as school holds 'farewell' on F1 ciruit! Out of the 21 institutes that featured in the list, 14 saw a decline in the ratings. The decline in the rankings came as a shock, especially since majority of the listed universities are a part of the IoE scheme, which concentrates on bringing the universities to a point of excellence. The IoE scheme by the Indian Government aims at grouping 10 public and 10 private institutions, and help them by providing them the needed resources and infrastructure to reach the top 500 ranks globally within a decade, followed by top 100. In addition to structural advances, the government also provides Rs 1,000 crore to each university over a period of five years. Also read: Creativity can't be transferred through online classes: Kasturirangan Based on six key criteria -- academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per faculty, faculty/student ratio, international faculty ratio and international student ratio -- IIT Bombay ranked 172, followed by IISc at 185th and IIT Delhi at 193. According to experts, the dip in rankings is due to the student-teacher ratio. The experts believe there is a lot of talent in the country, but the students are not getting proper attention due to high number of students and limited faculty. QS experts also believe Indian institutes have not been able to find creative ways of teaching and attracting talented students - which institutes of other countries have managed to do.

Indian universities slip in world rankings; IIT Bombay tops India's list

<p>Turkey's population is scared to step out of their houses at night now, as the infamous&nbsp;night-time neighbourhood guard force was granted&nbsp;wider power on Thursday.</p>

<p>The guards, called Night Eagles, will now&nbsp;will have the authority to demand people to identify themselves, to use force and carry weapons and to apprehend suspects.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-to-increase-support-for-libyas-serraj-says-erdogan-303422"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Turkey to increase support for Libya's Serraj, says Erdogan</strong></a></p>

<p>This decision, that was taken overnight, garnered a lot of criticism from the opposition party --&nbsp;Republican People's Party.</p>

<p>The opposition and experts are against giving power in hands of Night Eagles, as these guards, allegedly, go through a training of merely 40 days.</p>

<p>"You cannot give someone a gun and send them into the street with broad authority after 40 days of training," Engin Altay, a deputy from the main opposition Republican People's Party, said last week.</p>

<p>The opposition also voiced their concern about the limited knowledge of these guards about human rights, as there won't be enough time to train them about human rights violations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-talks-in-stalemate-as-russia-accuses-turkey-of-infiltrating-foreign-fighters-283096">Libya talks in stalemate as Russia accuses Turkey of infiltrating foreign fighters</a></strong></p>

<p>"This law is not about protecting the people or the district. It is a law to protect the state from the people," said&nbsp;Omer Faruk Gergerlioglu, a lawmaker from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).</p>

<p>The guard force, which has been a part of Turkish culture since Ottoman era, was revived by the President in 2017 -- a year after an attempted military coup.</p>

<p>Police data shows that last year the number of police officers in Turkey rose 7.9% to more than 260,000 with the number of neighbourhood guards nearly doubling to more than 21,000. This year the number of guards is set to rise to 30,000, according to one AKP deputy.</p>

<p>The government has defended this decision sighting the decrease of daily burglaries by 47%&nbsp;since the force was revitalised. The Interior Ministry also claimed that the guards undergo three months of training, and two months of practical training.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Reuters)</em></p>


Turkey's population is scared to step out of their houses at night now, as the infamous night-time neighbourhood guard force was granted wider power on Thursday.

Turkey's population is scared to step out of their houses at night now, as the infamous night-time neighbourhood guard force was granted wider power on Thursday. The guards, called Night Eagles, will now will have the authority to demand people to identify themselves, to use force and carry weapons and to apprehend suspects. Also read: Turkey to increase support for Libya's Serraj, says Erdogan This decision, that was taken overnight, garnered a lot of criticism from the opposition party -- Republican People's Party. The opposition and experts are against giving power in hands of Night Eagles, as these guards, allegedly, go through a training of merely 40 days. "You cannot give someone a gun and send them into the street with broad authority after 40 days of training," Engin Altay, a deputy from the main opposition Republican People's Party, said last week. The opposition also voiced their concern about the limited knowledge of these guards about human rights, as there won't be enough time to train them about human rights violations. Also read: Libya talks in stalemate as Russia accuses Turkey of infiltrating foreign fighters "This law is not about protecting the people or the district. It is a law to protect the state from the people," said Omer Faruk Gergerlioglu, a lawmaker from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP). The guard force, which has been a part of Turkish culture since Ottoman era, was revived by the President in 2017 -- a year after an attempted military coup. Police data shows that last year the number of police officers in Turkey rose 7.9% to more than 260,000 with the number of neighbourhood guards nearly doubling to more than 21,000. This year the number of guards is set to rise to 30,000, according to one AKP deputy. The government has defended this decision sighting the decrease of daily burglaries by 47% since the force was revitalised. The Interior Ministry also claimed that the guards undergo three months of training, and two months of practical training. (With inputs from Reuters)

Turkey gives additional power to neighbourhood guards; experts oppose

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