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The delimitation commission will visit Jammu and Kashmir between July 6-9 and interact with political parties, public representatives and officials of the Union Territory to gather "first hand" information of the mega exercise to carve out new constituencies, the EC said on Wednesday.

A decision in this regard was taken after a meeting of the poll panel that was chaired by delimitation commission chairperson Justice (retd) Ranjana Prakash Desai and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sushil Chandra, it said.

"The commission expects that all stakeholders will cooperate in this endeavour and provide valuable suggestions so that the task of delimitation is completed timely," an Election Commission (EC) spokesperson said in a statement issue here.

The delimitation commission is tasked with redrawing the parliamentary and assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir.

The delimitation commission will visit Jammu and Kashmir between July 6-9 and interact with political parties, public representatives and officials of the Union Territory to gather "first hand" information of the mega exercise to carve out new constituencies, the EC said on Wednesday.

The delimitation commission will visit Jammu and Kashmir between July 6-9 and interact with political parties, public representatives and officials of the Union Territory to gather "first hand" information of the mega exercise to carve out new constituencies, the EC said on Wednesday. A decision in this regard was taken after a meeting of the poll panel that was chaired by delimitation commission chairperson Justice (retd) Ranjana Prakash Desai and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sushil Chandra, it said. "The commission expects that all stakeholders will cooperate in this endeavour and provide valuable suggestions so that the task of delimitation is completed timely," an Election Commission (EC) spokesperson said in a statement issue here. The delimitation commission is tasked with redrawing the parliamentary and assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir.

Delimitation commission to visit Jammu and Kashmir between July 6-9

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that the GST has been a milestone in the economic landscape of India as it has decreased the number of taxes, compliance burden and overall tax weight on the common man.

With the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime completing four years, Modi added that it has also significantly increased transparency, compliance and overall collection. A nationwide GST, which subsumed 17 local levies like excise duty, service tax and VAT, was rolled out on July 1, 2017.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that the GST has been a milestone in the economic landscape of India as it has decreased the number of taxes, compliance burden and overall tax weight on the common man.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that the GST has been a milestone in the economic landscape of India as it has decreased the number of taxes, compliance burden and overall tax weight on the common man. With the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime completing four years, Modi added that it has also significantly increased transparency, compliance and overall collection. A nationwide GST, which subsumed 17 local levies like excise duty, service tax and VAT, was rolled out on July 1, 2017.

GST milestone in India's economic landscape: PM Narendra Modi

European Union's envoy to India&nbsp;Ugo Astuto has said that each EU member state can have WHO-approved vaccines on the national list for travel, days after it emerged that the&nbsp;European Medicines Agency (EMA)&nbsp;did&nbsp;not list India-made Covishield vaccine.&nbsp;

Speaking to our&nbsp;Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal,&nbsp;Astuto said, "individual member states will also have the option to accept the vaccination that has been authorised by the World Health Organization."

Covishield, while on WHO's authorised list, is not listed by the&nbsp;European Medicines Agency. EMA supervises medicinal products for marketing authorisation in the bloc. The EU green pass that comes into effect from July 1 and eases travel movement in the bloc&nbsp;uses the EMA list.&nbsp;

WION: What is the EU stance over the absence of Covishield vaccine&nbsp;when it comes to EU green pass?

Ugo Astuto: The EU digital Covid certificate is meant to facilitate safe movement during the pandemic within the European Union. It will serve as proof that the person was vaccinated against the virus&nbsp;or received a negative result or recovered from COVID-19.

The aim of the digital certificate is to facilitate free movement inside the European Union but it is not a pre-condition to travel. Persons for instance who have not been vaccinated will continue to travel&nbsp;based on the current restrictions and limitations which are familiar by now, quarantine, testing.

For the purpose of the digital Covid certificate, individual member states will also have the option to accept the vaccination that has been authorized by the WHO.

Besides the list of the vaccination authorised by EMA, individual member states can take the decision to include in own national list, other vaccination authorized by WHO, and I understand Covishield is in the situation.

As far as EMA authorisation is concerned, I have read a statement and as of yesterday, they have not received the request for approval of Covishield. I am sure, EMA will examine any such request based on its procedures.&nbsp;EMA does not investigate new drugs on its own and needs to receive a request from the relevant countries.

WION:&nbsp;What is the way forward to ease travel for Indian nationals? What is the basis of using the EMA list for the EU green pass? Has there been&nbsp;any inter-EU conversation on it?

Ugo Astuto: The council has adopted recently&nbsp;a revised recommendation updating approach to travel from outside the European Union.

Council recommendation aims to ease the current temporary restrictions on non-essential travelling to the EU taking into account the progress of vaccination campaigns, the development in the pandemic worldwide. The situation is constantly being reviewed, the experience will also serve as a test to explore how best to adapt to the easing of temporary restrictions from countries and develop appropriate modalities.

But this is a work in progress. When it comes to India, we have temporary restrictions in place on non-essential travel due to the situation of the pandemic&nbsp;as the viruses of interest and viruses of concern have been detected. The situation is fluid and it is regularly reviewed, lets hope for the best.

European Union's envoy to India Ugo Astuto has said that each EU member state can have WHO-approved vaccines on the national list for travel, days after it emerged that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) did not list India-made Covishield vaccine.

European Union's envoy to India Ugo Astuto has said that each EU member state can have WHO-approved vaccines on the national list for travel, days after it emerged that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) did not list India-made Covishield vaccine. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, Astuto said, "individual member states will also have the option to accept the vaccination that has been authorised by the World Health Organization." Covishield, while on WHO's authorised list, is not listed by the European Medicines Agency. EMA supervises medicinal products for marketing authorisation in the bloc. The EU green pass that comes into effect from July 1 and eases travel movement in the bloc uses the EMA list. WION: What is the EU stance over the absence of Covishield vaccine when it comes to EU green pass? Ugo Astuto: The EU digital Covid certificate is meant to facilitate safe movement during the pandemic within the European Union. It will serve as proof that the person was vaccinated against the virus or received a negative result or recovered from COVID-19. The aim of the digital certificate is to facilitate free movement inside the European Union but it is not a pre-condition to travel. Persons for instance who have not been vaccinated will continue to travel based on the current restrictions and limitations which are familiar by now, quarantine, testing. For the purpose of the digital Covid certificate, individual member states will also have the option to accept the vaccination that has been authorized by the WHO. Besides the list of the vaccination authorised by EMA, individual member states can take the decision to include in own national list, other vaccination authorized by WHO, and I understand Covishield is in the situation. As far as EMA authorisation is concerned, I have read a statement and as of yesterday, they have not received the request for approval of Covishield. I am sure, EMA will examine any such request based on its procedures. EMA does not investigate new drugs on its own and needs to receive a request from the relevant countries. WION: What is the way forward to ease travel for Indian nationals? What is the basis of using the EMA list for the EU green pass? Has there been any inter-EU conversation on it? Ugo Astuto: The council has adopted recently a revised recommendation updating approach to travel from outside the European Union. Council recommendation aims to ease the current temporary restrictions on non-essential travelling to the EU taking into account the progress of vaccination campaigns, the development in the pandemic worldwide. The situation is constantly being reviewed, the experience will also serve as a test to explore how best to adapt to the easing of temporary restrictions from countries and develop appropriate modalities. But this is a work in progress. When it comes to India, we have temporary restrictions in place on non-essential travel due to the situation of the pandemic as the viruses of interest and viruses of concern have been detected. The situation is fluid and it is regularly reviewed, lets hope for the best.

WHO-approved vaccines can be on national list for travel, says EU envoy

Karnataka's capital Bengaluru which has been hit hard due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/delhi-new-virus-cytomegalovirus-found-in-covid-patients-394725">virus</a> has vaccinated over 50 per cent of the population with the coronavirus vaccine, according to the CoWin portal data.

According to the state's health ministry, in the middle of the month, 38,34,843 had received the first dose in the city which is nearly 34 per cent of the population.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-update-india-logs-less-than-40000-cases-in-over-3-months-394684/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Tuesday, Karnataka reported 3,222 fresh coronavirus cases and 93 deaths with 85,997 active coronavirus cases in the state. The death toll due to the virus in the state has reached over 34,920 with total recoveries at 27,19,479.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru urban district reported 563 new COVID-19 cases and 18 deaths.

Bengaluru authorities have been trying to build "herd immunity" amid reports of a possible third wave hitting the country. At least over 5 million people have received the first dose of the vaccine in Bengaluru in a population of just over 9 million, reports say and&nbsp;914,000 people have received both vaccine shots.

According to the health ministry, 27.27crore people nationwide have got the first dose of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cipla-gets-dcgi-nod-to-import-modernas-covid-vaccine-for-restricted-emergency-use-in-india-sources-394590">vaccine</a> and 5.84 crore people have got the second dose.

India's health ministry said on Tuesday that there is a continuous decline in cases since the peak in May with&nbsp;recovery rate at 96.9 per cent across the country.

Karnataka deputy chief minister C N Ashwath Narayan has asserted that all students studying in various higher education courses will be vaccinated in the next ten days.

Narayan informed that 60 lakh vaccines have been supplied to the state this month with the state preparing to battle the third wave. The deputy chief minister informed that oxygen generation capacity will be enhanced by 400 MT with oxygen storage capacity to be increased by about 2,500-2,800 MT.

The authorities have also been asked to increase the number of oxygenated beds to 84,000 from the existing 58,000.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Karnataka's capital Bengaluru which has been hit hard due to the virus has vaccinated over 50 per cent of the population with the coronavirus vaccine, according to the CoWin portal data.

Karnataka's capital Bengaluru which has been hit hard due to the virus has vaccinated over 50 per cent of the population with the coronavirus vaccine, according to the CoWin portal data. According to the state's health ministry, in the middle of the month, 38,34,843 had received the first dose in the city which is nearly 34 per cent of the population. Watch: On Tuesday, Karnataka reported 3,222 fresh coronavirus cases and 93 deaths with 85,997 active coronavirus cases in the state. The death toll due to the virus in the state has reached over 34,920 with total recoveries at 27,19,479. Meanwhile, Bengaluru urban district reported 563 new COVID-19 cases and 18 deaths. Bengaluru authorities have been trying to build "herd immunity" amid reports of a possible third wave hitting the country. At least over 5 million people have received the first dose of the vaccine in Bengaluru in a population of just over 9 million, reports say and 914,000 people have received both vaccine shots. According to the health ministry, 27.27crore people nationwide have got the first dose of the vaccine and 5.84 crore people have got the second dose. India's health ministry said on Tuesday that there is a continuous decline in cases since the peak in May with recovery rate at 96.9 per cent across the country. Karnataka deputy chief minister C N Ashwath Narayan has asserted that all students studying in various higher education courses will be vaccinated in the next ten days. Narayan informed that 60 lakh vaccines have been supplied to the state this month with the state preparing to battle the third wave. The deputy chief minister informed that oxygen generation capacity will be enhanced by 400 MT with oxygen storage capacity to be increased by about 2,500-2,800 MT. The authorities have also been asked to increase the number of oxygenated beds to 84,000 from the existing 58,000. (With inputs from Agencies)

50% Bengaluru residents have received at least one coronavirus vaccine shot, reveals data

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Tuesday highlighted the use of cyberspace by terrorists even as they raise funds, incite violence via the technology.

"We are witnessing a sophisticated use of cyberspace by terrorists around the world to broaden their appeal, spread virulent propaganda, incite hatred and violence, recruit youth and raise funds,"&nbsp;Harsh Shringla said at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) debate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-approved-vaccines-can-be-on-national-list-for-travel-says-eu-envoy-394759" hreflang="en">WHO approved vaccines can be on national list for travel, says EU envoy</a>

He also pointed out that "terrorists have also used social media for planning and executing their terror attacks and wreaking havoc", and added that&nbsp;"as a victim of terrorism, India has always underlined the need for member states to address and tackle the implications of terrorist exploitation of the cyber domain more strategically."

In the past, India has raised this issue&nbsp;at various other forums too. The use of "cyber tools" by various entities including states was raised by the foreign secretary.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covishield-becomes-collateral-damage-in-the-inter-eu-tussle-over-chinese-vaccines-394744" hreflang="en">Covishield becomes collateral damage in the inter EU tussle over Chinese vaccines</a>

Without mentioning any name, FS Shringla said, "some states are leveraging their expertise in cyberspace to achieve their political and security-related objectives and indulge in contemporary forms of cross-border terrorism."&nbsp;

"The world is already witnessing the use of cyber tools to compromise state security through, inter alia, attacking critical national infrastructure, including health and energy facilities, even disrupting social harmony through radicalisation," he explained.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/50-bengaluru-residents-have-received-at-least-one-coronavirus-vaccine-shot-reveals-data-394772" hreflang="en">50% Bengaluru residents have received at least one coronavirus vaccine shot, reveals data</a>

During his address, he also listed the use of "transformative technology initiatives" such as Aadhar and UPI by India to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Mentioning the use of the Co-WIN app, he said, "As part of its Covid vaccination drive, one of the largest such drives in the world, India has developed Co-WIN – a scalable, inclusive and open technological platform" and this "can be customised and scaled up for health interventions across the globe." India is working on sharing the platform with partner countries.

According to the chief of India's National Health Authority Dr RS Sharma, over 50 countries from across Central Asia, Latin America and Africa, are interested in the technology.

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Tuesday highlighted the use of cyberspace by terrorists even as they raise funds, incite violence via the technology.

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Tuesday highlighted the use of cyberspace by terrorists even as they raise funds, incite violence via the technology. "We are witnessing a sophisticated use of cyberspace by terrorists around the world to broaden their appeal, spread virulent propaganda, incite hatred and violence, recruit youth and raise funds," Harsh Shringla said at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) debate. Also read | WHO approved vaccines can be on national list for travel, says EU envoy He also pointed out that "terrorists have also used social media for planning and executing their terror attacks and wreaking havoc", and added that "as a victim of terrorism, India has always underlined the need for member states to address and tackle the implications of terrorist exploitation of the cyber domain more strategically." In the past, India has raised this issue at various other forums too. The use of "cyber tools" by various entities including states was raised by the foreign secretary. Also read | Covishield becomes collateral damage in the inter EU tussle over Chinese vaccines Without mentioning any name, FS Shringla said, "some states are leveraging their expertise in cyberspace to achieve their political and security-related objectives and indulge in contemporary forms of cross-border terrorism." "The world is already witnessing the use of cyber tools to compromise state security through, inter alia, attacking critical national infrastructure, including health and energy facilities, even disrupting social harmony through radicalisation," he explained. Also read | 50% Bengaluru residents have received at least one coronavirus vaccine shot, reveals data During his address, he also listed the use of "transformative technology initiatives" such as Aadhar and UPI by India to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Mentioning the use of the Co-WIN app, he said, "As part of its Covid vaccination drive, one of the largest such drives in the world, India has developed Co-WIN – a scalable, inclusive and open technological platform" and this "can be customised and scaled up for health interventions across the globe." India is working on sharing the platform with partner countries. According to the chief of India's National Health Authority Dr RS Sharma, over 50 countries from across Central Asia, Latin America and Africa, are interested in the technology.

Witnessing a sophisticated use of cyberspace by terrorists: Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla

The US has announced an additional $41 million assistance to help India respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen the country’s preparedness for future health emergencies, taking the total aid to more than $200 million.

In April and May, India struggled with the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new cases.

Hospitals were reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds.

“India came to the assistance of the United States during this country’s time of need, and now the United States stands with the people of India as they continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic,” the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) said on June 28.

USAID announced an additional $41 million in support to help India respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen the country’s preparedness for COVID-19 and future health emergencies.

USAID’s assistance will support access to COVID-19 testing, pandemic-related mental health services, timely referrals to medical services, and access to healthcare in remote areas, the independent agency of the U.S. federal government primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance said.

Through this additional funding, USAID will continue to partner with India to strengthen healthcare supply chains and electronic health information systems, support its vaccination efforts, and mobilise and coordinate private sector relief, it said.

USAID has contributed more than $200 million for India’s COVID-19 relief and response efforts since the pandemic began, including more than $50 million in emergency supplies and training for more than 2,14,000 frontline health workers on infection prevention and control, benefiting more than 42 million Indians, according to a media release.

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The US is providing significant emergency assistance to the hardest-hit countries in South Asia, including India and Nepal, by allocating more than $300 million under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which President Joe Biden had signed on March 11.

In May, President Biden announced $100 million worth of COVID-19 assistance to India.

The US-India Chambers of Commerce Foundation has raised more than $1.2 million for coronavirus-related efforts in India.

With record-breaking fundraising, the US-India Chambers of Commerce Foundation has shipped or en route nearly 120 ventilators and over 1,000 oxygen concentrators, a release said on June 3.

Also, India will be a significant recipient of the US vaccines after Mr. Biden announced details of his administration’s decision to send 25 million COVID-19 shots to countries across the globe.

India has been included in both the identified categories — direct supply to neighbours and partner countries, and under the COVAX initiative.

The US has announced an additional $41 million assistance to help India respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen the country’s preparedness for future health emergencies, taking the total aid to more than $200 million.

The US has announced an additional $41 million assistance to help India respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen the country’s preparedness for future health emergencies, taking the total aid to more than $200 million. In April and May, India struggled with the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new cases. Hospitals were reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds. “India came to the assistance of the United States during this country’s time of need, and now the United States stands with the people of India as they continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic,” the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) said on June 28. USAID announced an additional $41 million in support to help India respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen the country’s preparedness for COVID-19 and future health emergencies. USAID’s assistance will support access to COVID-19 testing, pandemic-related mental health services, timely referrals to medical services, and access to healthcare in remote areas, the independent agency of the U.S. federal government primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance said. Through this additional funding, USAID will continue to partner with India to strengthen healthcare supply chains and electronic health information systems, support its vaccination efforts, and mobilise and coordinate private sector relief, it said. USAID has contributed more than $200 million for India’s COVID-19 relief and response efforts since the pandemic began, including more than $50 million in emergency supplies and training for more than 2,14,000 frontline health workers on infection prevention and control, benefiting more than 42 million Indians, according to a media release. Also Read | US tells UN weekend airstrikes were aimed at deterring Iran The US is providing significant emergency assistance to the hardest-hit countries in South Asia, including India and Nepal, by allocating more than $300 million under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which President Joe Biden had signed on March 11. In May, President Biden announced $100 million worth of COVID-19 assistance to India. The US-India Chambers of Commerce Foundation has raised more than $1.2 million for coronavirus-related efforts in India. With record-breaking fundraising, the US-India Chambers of Commerce Foundation has shipped or en route nearly 120 ventilators and over 1,000 oxygen concentrators, a release said on June 3. Also, India will be a significant recipient of the US vaccines after Mr. Biden announced details of his administration’s decision to send 25 million COVID-19 shots to countries across the globe. India has been included in both the identified categories — direct supply to neighbours and partner countries, and under the COVAX initiative.

US announces $41 million additional COVID-19 assistance to India

Facebook and Google India officials testified before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology, on the issue of misuse of social media. The panel directed both social media platforms to comply with new IT rules and follow the rules of the country.

Facebook and Google officials appear in front of Parliamentary panel over platform misuse

Fishermen in the Rameswaram region of Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district have reported foul-smelling foam and what appears to be polluted water along the coast.

Foam and thick-looking polluted mixtures on the surface of the water are seen in images and videos. Fishermen in the region suspect that it could be something do with the X-Press Pearl shipping disaster that happened off the Sri Lanka Coast.&nbsp;

According to Cinnathambi, coordinator of the traditional fishermen federation, the unusual foam and suspected pollutants are being washed along the shore over the last two days, in the Pamban-Gulf of Mannar region. He adds that such foam is spread almost 50-100 meters in the seawater and it spans a length of several kilometres along the coast.&nbsp;

When asked if this was the usual foaming that occurs during the rough seas and monsoon, he told Zee Media that there were also what appeared to be bits of plastic washing ashore. He added that the fishing community was in a state of fear over these suspected pollutants, which did not appear to be weather-related foaming/churning.&nbsp;

The preliminary suspicion among the fisher community points towards the MV X-Press Pearl, which sunk off the Sri Lankan Coast(between Colombo and Negombo), despite successful firefighting efforts by the Indian Coast Guard and Sri Lankan authorities.

Fears remain over the contents of its containers and the environmental impact that it could pose for the region. There were several reports of tons of plastic pellets having washed onto Sri Lankan shores, besides the long-term impact o the chemicals being carried hundreds of kilometres owing to the wind, ocean currents etc,&nbsp;

When it caught fire, the Container ship was carrying 1486 containers containing chemical cargo, classified under International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG).

The ship caught fire around the last week of May and sunk in the first week of June. Among other chemicals, the IMDG cargo consisted of highly inflammable Nitric Acid, Methanol, Methyl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide and Polystyrene beads. It must be noted that the distance between Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and the location of sunken ship(off Sri Lanka) is barely 240kms.&nbsp;

It is understood that researchers from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Mandapam collected samples from the adjoining region that showed this suspicious foam. Zee Media’s attempts to reach the institute were not met with a response yet. The story will be updated once an official from CMFRI responds.&nbsp;

Fishermen in the Rameswaram region of Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district have reported foul-smelling foam and what appears to be polluted water along the coast.

Fishermen in the Rameswaram region of Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district have reported foul-smelling foam and what appears to be polluted water along the coast. Foam and thick-looking polluted mixtures on the surface of the water are seen in images and videos. Fishermen in the region suspect that it could be something do with the X-Press Pearl shipping disaster that happened off the Sri Lanka Coast. According to Cinnathambi, coordinator of the traditional fishermen federation, the unusual foam and suspected pollutants are being washed along the shore over the last two days, in the Pamban-Gulf of Mannar region. He adds that such foam is spread almost 50-100 meters in the seawater and it spans a length of several kilometres along the coast. When asked if this was the usual foaming that occurs during the rough seas and monsoon, he told Zee Media that there were also what appeared to be bits of plastic washing ashore. He added that the fishing community was in a state of fear over these suspected pollutants, which did not appear to be weather-related foaming/churning. The preliminary suspicion among the fisher community points towards the MV X-Press Pearl, which sunk off the Sri Lankan Coast(between Colombo and Negombo), despite successful firefighting efforts by the Indian Coast Guard and Sri Lankan authorities. Fears remain over the contents of its containers and the environmental impact that it could pose for the region. There were several reports of tons of plastic pellets having washed onto Sri Lankan shores, besides the long-term impact o the chemicals being carried hundreds of kilometres owing to the wind, ocean currents etc, When it caught fire, the Container ship was carrying 1486 containers containing chemical cargo, classified under International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG). The ship caught fire around the last week of May and sunk in the first week of June. Among other chemicals, the IMDG cargo consisted of highly inflammable Nitric Acid, Methanol, Methyl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide and Polystyrene beads. It must be noted that the distance between Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and the location of sunken ship(off Sri Lanka) is barely 240kms. It is understood that researchers from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Mandapam collected samples from the adjoining region that showed this suspicious foam. Zee Media’s attempts to reach the institute were not met with a response yet. The story will be updated once an official from CMFRI responds.

Foul smelling foam washed ashore near Rameswaram; fishermen suspect chemicals from MV X-Press Pearl

India's health ministry released guidelines on Monday, three days after confirming that pregnant women can be vaccinated against COVID-19. It also noted that pregnancy does not increase the risk of coronavirus infection.&nbsp; 
 
"Pregnancy does not increase the risk of COVID-19 infection. Most pregnant women will be asymptomatic or have mild disease, but their health might deteriorate rapidly and might affect the foetus too. It is important that they take all precautions to protect themselves from acquiring COVID-19, including taking vaccination against COVID-19. It's therefore advised that a pregnant woman should take COVID-19 vaccines," the health ministry said in a statement on Monday. 
 
<img alt="Pregnancy and Vaccination" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d07e963e-6ff1-4410-975f-e38f60549a38" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/E4_FMPdVoAILC8B.png" /> 
 
If a pregnant woman gets infected with the virus, the ministry said that although most (90 per cent) infected pregnant women recover without any need for hospitalisation, rapid deterioration in health may occur in a few.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Pregnancy and Vaccination" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f4e10c4d-5d04-479f-aaac-d72a5cdfbad9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_52.jpg" />

Pregnant women with underlying medical conditions e.g, high blood pressure, obesity, age over 35 years are at a higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. 
 
<img alt="Pregnancy and Vaccination" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ef8e7f1-f66d-4620-8a7c-7427b83cca46" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/33_0.jpg" />

In case a woman has been infected with COVID-19 during the current pregnancy, then she should be vaccinated soon after the delivery.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's health ministry released guidelines on Monday, three days after confirming that pregnant women can be vaccinated against COVID-19. It also noted that pregnancy does not increase the risk of coronavirus infection.

India's health ministry released guidelines on Monday, three days after confirming that pregnant women can be vaccinated against COVID-19. It also noted that pregnancy does not increase the risk of coronavirus infection. "Pregnancy does not increase the risk of COVID-19 infection. Most pregnant women will be asymptomatic or have mild disease, but their health might deteriorate rapidly and might affect the foetus too. It is important that they take all precautions to protect themselves from acquiring COVID-19, including taking vaccination against COVID-19. It's therefore advised that a pregnant woman should take COVID-19 vaccines," the health ministry said in a statement on Monday. If a pregnant woman gets infected with the virus, the ministry said that although most (90 per cent) infected pregnant women recover without any need for hospitalisation, rapid deterioration in health may occur in a few. Pregnant women with underlying medical conditions e.g, high blood pressure, obesity, age over 35 years are at a higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. In case a woman has been infected with COVID-19 during the current pregnancy, then she should be vaccinated soon after the delivery. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women: India issues fresh guidelines

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be wrapping up his Ladakh visit today. Watch this report to know more.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warns China

India has sent over 50,000 additional troops to its border with China, in a historic move as tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations remain high following confrontations in the Galwan Valley and eastern Ladakh, according to reports.&nbsp;

India currently has roughly 200,000 troops stationed on its northern border. In recent months, it also dispatched fighter jets to three separate sites along the China border.&nbsp;

More helicopters and artillery pieces, like as BAE Systems Inc.'s M777 howitzer, are being redeployed along the border to ferry soldiers from the Kashmir Valley to high altitude zones.&nbsp;

Despite the fact that India and China fought a war in 1962, India's strategic focus has been on Pakistan, and the two countries have fought three wars over Kashmir.&nbsp;

Following the deadly standoff between India and China in eastern Ladakh last year, the Narendra Modi government has taken many moves to de-escalate tensions with Islamabad and Beijing while also urging the armed services to be prepared for any future scenario.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, while addressing soldiers in Ladakh on Monday, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh sent a clear message to China amid a stalemate in the disengagement process in remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh

Singh said that India believes in resolving disputes with neighbours through dialogue but will not tolerate if provoked or threatened.

(With inputs from agencies)

India has sent over 50,000 additional troops to its border with China, in a historic move as tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations remain high following confrontations in the Galwan Valley and eastern Ladakh, according to reports.

India has sent over 50,000 additional troops to its border with China, in a historic move as tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations remain high following confrontations in the Galwan Valley and eastern Ladakh, according to reports. India currently has roughly 200,000 troops stationed on its northern border. In recent months, it also dispatched fighter jets to three separate sites along the China border. More helicopters and artillery pieces, like as BAE Systems Inc.'s M777 howitzer, are being redeployed along the border to ferry soldiers from the Kashmir Valley to high altitude zones. Despite the fact that India and China fought a war in 1962, India's strategic focus has been on Pakistan, and the two countries have fought three wars over Kashmir. Following the deadly standoff between India and China in eastern Ladakh last year, the Narendra Modi government has taken many moves to de-escalate tensions with Islamabad and Beijing while also urging the armed services to be prepared for any future scenario. Meanwhile, while addressing soldiers in Ladakh on Monday, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh sent a clear message to China amid a stalemate in the disengagement process in remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh Singh said that India believes in resolving disputes with neighbours through dialogue but will not tolerate if provoked or threatened. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: India's biggest defence shift — 200,000 troops on China border

Representative of Facebook and Google have been summoned by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology to discuss the issue of safeguarding citizens' rights and preventing the misuse of online platforms.

India's Parliamentary panel summons FB and Google officials

A day after Twitter showed Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh separate territories from India, its India Chief Manish Maheshwari has been booked under the Indian penal court. This is not the first time that Twitter has violated the territorial integrity of India.

FIR filed against Twitter India Chief for showing wrong map of India

The first bench of the Madras High Court has observed that without the nod of the Supreme Court, the Tamil Nadu government cannot form a committee to study the impact of NEET on socially backward students.

Madras High Court asked the state government to file a reply within a week, regarding a petition moved by the Tamil Nadu BJP, challenging the state government constituted AK Rajan committee.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-fails-all-india-topper-in-exams-nta-rechecks-papers-finds-blunder-336611">NEET 'fails' all India topper in exams; NTA rechecks papers, finds blunder</a>

The plea filed by BJP State General Secretary Karu Nagarajan called the nine-member AK Rajan committee unconstitutional, illegal, unfair and unreasonable. Nagarajan's plea wanted the court to restrain the committee from proceeding further. It added that as per the 2017 Supreme Court ruling, the Tamil Nadu government was required to implement the NEET exam for medical entrance.

During the hearing of this plea, the court questioned the Tamil Nadu government over whether it had sought or obtained the permission of the Supreme Court in this matter, as forming such a committee would be against the Supreme Court’s orders.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-lockdown-extended-till-july-5-more-relaxations-granted-for-11-hotspot-districts-393970" hreflang="en">Tamil Nadu lockdown extended till July 5; more relaxations granted for 11 hotspot districts</a>

Appearing on behalf of the state government, Advocate General Shanmugasundaram submitted that the committee formation was a policy decision taken by the government. He added that it was also backed by the DMK manifesto and the people's demand. Responding to this, the first bench of Justices Sanjib Banerjee and Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy said, "May be, but if it is contrary to the Supreme Court order, then it cannot be permitted".&nbsp;

It was the ruling DMK’s election promise to abolish NEET, if voted to power. DMK President MK Stalin had said that a law would be passed in the State Assembly to abolish NEET, following which the Indian President's assent would be sought.

The case will be heard next on July 05.

The first bench of the Madras High Court has observed that without the nod of the Supreme Court, the Tamil Nadu government cannot form a committee to study the impact of NEET on socially backward students.

The first bench of the Madras High Court has observed that without the nod of the Supreme Court, the Tamil Nadu government cannot form a committee to study the impact of NEET on socially backward students. Madras High Court asked the state government to file a reply within a week, regarding a petition moved by the Tamil Nadu BJP, challenging the state government constituted AK Rajan committee. Also read | NEET 'fails' all India topper in exams; NTA rechecks papers, finds blunder The plea filed by BJP State General Secretary Karu Nagarajan called the nine-member AK Rajan committee unconstitutional, illegal, unfair and unreasonable. Nagarajan's plea wanted the court to restrain the committee from proceeding further. It added that as per the 2017 Supreme Court ruling, the Tamil Nadu government was required to implement the NEET exam for medical entrance. During the hearing of this plea, the court questioned the Tamil Nadu government over whether it had sought or obtained the permission of the Supreme Court in this matter, as forming such a committee would be against the Supreme Court’s orders. Also read | Tamil Nadu lockdown extended till July 5; more relaxations granted for 11 hotspot districts Appearing on behalf of the state government, Advocate General Shanmugasundaram submitted that the committee formation was a policy decision taken by the government. He added that it was also backed by the DMK manifesto and the people's demand. Responding to this, the first bench of Justices Sanjib Banerjee and Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy said, "May be, but if it is contrary to the Supreme Court order, then it cannot be permitted". It was the ruling DMK’s election promise to abolish NEET, if voted to power. DMK President MK Stalin had said that a law would be passed in the State Assembly to abolish NEET, following which the Indian President's assent would be sought. The case will be heard next on July 05.

Madras HC orders TN govt to respond on plea against AK Rajan Committee to study NEET impact

Even as India-made Covishield is not on European Medicine Agency's (EMA) list that is used for EU green pass, it has become the collateral damage in the inter-EU tussle in the bloc, over the bid to allow Chinese and Russian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines</a> for travellers.

The EU member countries were divided over allowing the Chinese&nbsp;vaccines, Sinopharm and Sino vac, and Russian vaccine&nbsp;Sputnik V as the bloc opens up for travel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/delhi-new-virus-cytomegalovirus-found-in-covid-patients-394725" hreflang="en">Delhi: New virus, Cytomegalovirus, found in Covid patients</a>

Member countries came up with a compromise formula, under which EMA's vaccines list was agreed to be used for the green pass that comes into effect from July 01. EMA has listed four vaccines, which are Comirnaty (Pfizer), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> vaccine Janssen, Spikevax (previously COVID-19 vaccine Moderna), and AstraZeneca's Vaxzevria.

EMA gives out a commercial list and the body is in charge of the scientific evaluation of medicines/vaccines in view of their marketing authorisation in the EU. The AstraZeneca vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India (Covishield) got a license for commercial use in South Asia, Africa, but not in Europe, due to which SII never even applied for the list.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cipla-gets-dcgi-nod-to-import-modernas-covid-vaccine-for-restricted-emergency-use-in-india-sources-394590" hreflang="en">Cipla gets DCGI nod to import Moderna's Covid vaccine for restricted emergency use in India: Sources</a>

The EU green pass or the Digital Covid&nbsp;Certificate is meant to facilitate safe and free movement during the Covid pandemic within the EU. The certificate serves as proof that a person has been vaccinated against coronavirus, received a negative test result, or recovered from the deadly virus. However, it is not a pre-condition to travel.

EU officials have pointed out, "For the purpose of the Digital COVID Certificate, individual Member States will have the option to accept also vaccinations that have been authorized by the World Health Organization (WHO), such as Covishield."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-takes-up-covishields-absence-from-the-european-unions-green-pass-list-394418" hreflang="en">India takes up Covishield's absence from the European Union's 'Green Pass' list</a>

Each member country is also allowed to use any vaccine that it is okay with. Switzerland has made it clear that anyone&nbsp;who has been vaccinated or who have recovered do not have to produce a negative test even when travelling from countries where the Delta variant is widespread such as India or the United Kingdom. Ireland has listed Covishield&nbsp;as one of the vaccines for travellers coming to the country. Meanwhile, France is "actively working" on allowing Covishield after India raised the matter.

Interestingly, the EU could have used WHO's list of approved vaccines, which included Covishield but it would have implied giving a green light to both Chinese vaccines which the EU is divided on. Covishield, Sinovac, Sinopharm are among the eight vaccines that have been given approval by the&nbsp;WHO.

In a statement to WION, on Monday, European Medicines Agency said Covishield does not currently have a marketing authorisation in the bloc, pointing out that "should we receive a marketing authorization application for Covishield ...we would communicate about it."

Even as India-made Covishield is not on European Medicine Agency's (EMA) list that is used for EU green pass, it has become the collateral damage in the inter-EU tussle in the bloc, over the bid to allow Chinese and Russian vaccines for travellers.

Even as India-made Covishield is not on European Medicine Agency's (EMA) list that is used for EU green pass, it has become the collateral damage in the inter-EU tussle in the bloc, over the bid to allow Chinese and Russian vaccines for travellers. The EU member countries were divided over allowing the Chinese vaccines, Sinopharm and Sino vac, and Russian vaccine Sputnik V as the bloc opens up for travel. Also read | Delhi: New virus, Cytomegalovirus, found in Covid patients Member countries came up with a compromise formula, under which EMA's vaccines list was agreed to be used for the green pass that comes into effect from July 01. EMA has listed four vaccines, which are Comirnaty (Pfizer), COVID-19 vaccine Janssen, Spikevax (previously COVID-19 vaccine Moderna), and AstraZeneca's Vaxzevria. EMA gives out a commercial list and the body is in charge of the scientific evaluation of medicines/vaccines in view of their marketing authorisation in the EU. The AstraZeneca vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India (Covishield) got a license for commercial use in South Asia, Africa, but not in Europe, due to which SII never even applied for the list. Also read | Cipla gets DCGI nod to import Moderna's Covid vaccine for restricted emergency use in India: Sources The EU green pass or the Digital Covid Certificate is meant to facilitate safe and free movement during the Covid pandemic within the EU. The certificate serves as proof that a person has been vaccinated against coronavirus, received a negative test result, or recovered from the deadly virus. However, it is not a pre-condition to travel. EU officials have pointed out, "For the purpose of the Digital COVID Certificate, individual Member States will have the option to accept also vaccinations that have been authorized by the World Health Organization (WHO), such as Covishield." Also read | India takes up Covishield's absence from the European Union's 'Green Pass' list Each member country is also allowed to use any vaccine that it is okay with. Switzerland has made it clear that anyone who has been vaccinated or who have recovered do not have to produce a negative test even when travelling from countries where the Delta variant is widespread such as India or the United Kingdom. Ireland has listed Covishield as one of the vaccines for travellers coming to the country. Meanwhile, France is "actively working" on allowing Covishield after India raised the matter. Interestingly, the EU could have used WHO's list of approved vaccines, which included Covishield but it would have implied giving a green light to both Chinese vaccines which the EU is divided on. Covishield, Sinovac, Sinopharm are among the eight vaccines that have been given approval by the WHO. In a statement to WION, on Monday, European Medicines Agency said Covishield does not currently have a marketing authorisation in the bloc, pointing out that "should we receive a marketing authorization application for Covishield ...we would communicate about it."

Covishield becomes collateral damage in the inter EU tussle over Chinese vaccines

India has raised the issue of drones being used for terror activities at the UN. It came days after explosions at Air Force Station in Jammu with the help of low-flying drones. India said the use of weaponised drones for terrorism needs serious attention.

India raises Jammu air base attack at UN, says drones are being used for terror activities

India's drug regulator DCGI has granted permission to Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company Cipla to import Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country, official sources said on Tuesday.

Moderna's vaccine will be the fourth COVID-19 jab to be available in India after Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik. 
"Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted permission to Cipla to import Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country as per the provisions of the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules , 2019 under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940," a source told PTI.

In separate communications, Moderna on June 27 informed DCGI that the US government has agreed to donate a certain number of doses of its COVID-19 vaccine through COVAX to India for use here and sought an approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for the vaccines.

On Monday, Cipla, on behalf of the US pharma major, requested the drug regulator for import and marketing authorisation of these jabs.&nbsp;"This permission is for restricted use in emergency situations in public interest. The firm has to submit 7 days safety assessment of the vaccine in first 100 beneficiaries before rolling out of vaccine for further immunisation programme, according to the approval order," an official said.

On Monday, Cipla filed the application seeking permission for import of Moderna's vaccine referring to DCGI notices dated April 15 and June 1 according to which if the vaccine is approved by the USFDA for EUA, the vaccine can be granted marketing authorisation without bridging trial and assessment of safety data of first 100 beneficiaries of vaccines shall be submitted before rolling out in immunisation programme.

Also, the requirement of testing of every batch by Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL), Kasauli can be exempted if the batch/lot is released by the CDL of country of origin, however, summary lot protocol review and scrutiny of documents shall be undertaken by the laboratory for batch release according to standard procedures, Cipla said referring to the DCGI's new revised rules.

Further, Moderna through a separate communication has informed that the US government has agreed to donate a certain number of doses of the Moderna vaccine, mRNA-1273, through COVAX to the government of India for use in the country and has submitted the dossiers through e-mail.

"This correspondence is to request the CDSCO to open a file for approval of these urgently needed vaccines," Moderna said.

On June 1, in a bid to expedite the rollout of vaccines, the DCGI decided to waive testing of batches at CDL for foreign-manufactured vaccines that have been approved by international drug regulators such as the US FDA, the UK's MHRA or the WHO.

The central government in April issued detailed guidelines and proactively eased entry of foreign made COVID-19 vaccines approved by US FDA, EMA, UK's MHRA and Japan's PMDA, and WHO's Emergency Use Listing into India.

According to the guidelines, these vaccines will not need to undergo prior bridging trials. The provision was further amended to waive off the trial requirement altogether for the well-established vaccines manufactured in other countries.

India's drug regulator DCGI has granted permission to Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company Cipla to import Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country, official sources said on Tuesday.

India's drug regulator DCGI has granted permission to Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company Cipla to import Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country, official sources said on Tuesday. Moderna's vaccine will be the fourth COVID-19 jab to be available in India after Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik. "Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted permission to Cipla to import Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country as per the provisions of the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules , 2019 under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940," a source told PTI. In separate communications, Moderna on June 27 informed DCGI that the US government has agreed to donate a certain number of doses of its COVID-19 vaccine through COVAX to India for use here and sought an approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for the vaccines. On Monday, Cipla, on behalf of the US pharma major, requested the drug regulator for import and marketing authorisation of these jabs. "This permission is for restricted use in emergency situations in public interest. The firm has to submit 7 days safety assessment of the vaccine in first 100 beneficiaries before rolling out of vaccine for further immunisation programme, according to the approval order," an official said. On Monday, Cipla filed the application seeking permission for import of Moderna's vaccine referring to DCGI notices dated April 15 and June 1 according to which if the vaccine is approved by the USFDA for EUA, the vaccine can be granted marketing authorisation without bridging trial and assessment of safety data of first 100 beneficiaries of vaccines shall be submitted before rolling out in immunisation programme. Also, the requirement of testing of every batch by Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL), Kasauli can be exempted if the batch/lot is released by the CDL of country of origin, however, summary lot protocol review and scrutiny of documents shall be undertaken by the laboratory for batch release according to standard procedures, Cipla said referring to the DCGI's new revised rules. Further, Moderna through a separate communication has informed that the US government has agreed to donate a certain number of doses of the Moderna vaccine, mRNA-1273, through COVAX to the government of India for use in the country and has submitted the dossiers through e-mail. "This correspondence is to request the CDSCO to open a file for approval of these urgently needed vaccines," Moderna said. On June 1, in a bid to expedite the rollout of vaccines, the DCGI decided to waive testing of batches at CDL for foreign-manufactured vaccines that have been approved by international drug regulators such as the US FDA, the UK's MHRA or the WHO. The central government in April issued detailed guidelines and proactively eased entry of foreign made COVID-19 vaccines approved by US FDA, EMA, UK's MHRA and Japan's PMDA, and WHO's Emergency Use Listing into India. According to the guidelines, these vaccines will not need to undergo prior bridging trials. The provision was further amended to waive off the trial requirement altogether for the well-established vaccines manufactured in other countries.

Cipla gets DCGI nod to import Moderna's Covid vaccine for restricted emergency use in India: Sources

Indian Navy's INS Kiltan conducted a military drill with a South Korean vessel in the East China Sea, reports said.

INS Kiltan, an ingeniously&nbsp;built ship deployed in the far east took part in the exercise with South Korea's Daegu-class frigate ROKS Gyeongnam.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BridgesofFriendship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BridgesofFriendship</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianNavy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianNavy</a>'s indigenous ASW Corvette <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INSKiltan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INSKiltan</a> deployed in the Far East undertook <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NavyPartnership?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NavyPartnership</a> Exercise in the East China Sea with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicofKorea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicofKorea</a> Navy Ship ROKS Gyeongnam, a Daegu-class frigate on 28 Jun (1/2).<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaritimeCooperation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaritimeCooperation</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Interoperability?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Interoperability</a> <a href="https://t.co/0QLBN5Dn5y">pic.twitter.com/0QLBN5Dn5y</a>
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy/status/1409531062695305221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A spokesperson of the Indian Navy informed the exercise took place on June 28 which was conducted with an aim to enhance interoperability and facilitating the exchange of best practices between the two navies.

The latest manoeuvre comes amid tension between Japan and China in the East China Sea due to increased maritime activity of the Chinese navy in the area.

Last week, Japan had said two Chinese coast guard ships had entered the Japanese administered island of Senkaku islands in the East China Sea.

The Okinawa Prefecture islands are claimed by China which calls it Diaoyu. Chinese ships&nbsp;have&nbsp;reportedly entered the Japanese waters several times in April and May leading to tensions between the two countries.

Japanese defence minister Nobuo Kishi had said the move by the Chinese coast guard ships was "unacceptable" while asserting that the country will take all measures for "monitoring and intelligence gathering".

Japan claims the Senkaku islands belong to it, however, China has staked its claim on it for the past several years leading to increased tensions between the two countries.&nbsp;

Indian Navy's INS Kiltan conducted a military drill with a South Korean vessel in the East China Sea, reports said. INS Kiltan, an ingeniously built ship deployed in the far east took part in the exercise with South Korea's Daegu-class frigate ROKS Gyeongnam.

Indian Navy's INS Kiltan conducted a military drill with a South Korean vessel in the East China Sea, reports said. INS Kiltan, an ingeniously built ship deployed in the far east took part in the exercise with South Korea's Daegu-class frigate ROKS Gyeongnam. #BridgesofFriendship#IndianNavy's indigenous ASW Corvette #INSKiltan deployed in the Far East undertook #NavyPartnership Exercise in the East China Sea with #RepublicofKorea Navy Ship ROKS Gyeongnam, a Daegu-class frigate on 28 Jun (1/2).#MaritimeCooperation#Interoperability pic.twitter.com/0QLBN5Dn5y — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 28, 2021 × A spokesperson of the Indian Navy informed the exercise took place on June 28 which was conducted with an aim to enhance interoperability and facilitating the exchange of best practices between the two navies. The latest manoeuvre comes amid tension between Japan and China in the East China Sea due to increased maritime activity of the Chinese navy in the area. Last week, Japan had said two Chinese coast guard ships had entered the Japanese administered island of Senkaku islands in the East China Sea. The Okinawa Prefecture islands are claimed by China which calls it Diaoyu. Chinese ships have reportedly entered the Japanese waters several times in April and May leading to tensions between the two countries. Japanese defence minister Nobuo Kishi had said the move by the Chinese coast guard ships was "unacceptable" while asserting that the country will take all measures for "monitoring and intelligence gathering". Japan claims the Senkaku islands belong to it, however, China has staked its claim on it for the past several years leading to increased tensions between the two countries.

Indian Navy takes part in military exercise with South Korean ship in East China Sea

Kashmir's Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar on Tuesday warned terrorists against incurring the wrath of police by making off-duty cops a soft target.

"The cops are locals and they have to live with their families. We cannot keep them in camps like personnel of other security forces. They become soft targets. If they (terrorists) continue to target them (police personnel), we know how to deal with them. I have 24 years of experience, we know how to counter this," Kumar told reporters at a press conference here.

He said that terrorists should not resort to killing innocent people. "I advise them (terrorists) not to get involved in these acts," Kumar said.

Referring to the killing of CID inspector Parvez Ahmad Dar last week, Kumar said the terrorists were resorting to soft target killings in order to create fear psychosis. "What had the inspector done? After office, he had gone to the mosque to offer prayers. Two terrorists shot him from behind. He was not part of SOG or any anti-terrorism squad. Just to create fear psychosis, they are targeting innocent people," he said.

Briefing the media about the operation that led to the killing of top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Nadeem Abrar and his Pakistani associate at Maloora on the outskirts of the city, the IGP said it was a major success for security forces.

Kumar said there was nothing to worry on account of terrorists active in Srinagar. "We will soon neutralise the module active in Srinagar. There are some sleeper cells which we call part time or hybrid terrorists. We are tracking full time terrorists but there is difficulty in tracking the part time terrorists as they go back to their normal work after carrying out an incident. But we will get them soon," he said.

Kumar said that police are letting terrorists surrender during live encounters while the security forces will gather information, track down and neutralise every terrorist who is involved in the killing of security forces personnel and civilians.

Kashmir's Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar on Tuesday warned terrorists against incurring the wrath of police by making off-duty cops a soft target. "The cops are locals and they have to live with their families.

Kashmir's Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar on Tuesday warned terrorists against incurring the wrath of police by making off-duty cops a soft target. "The cops are locals and they have to live with their families. We cannot keep them in camps like personnel of other security forces. They become soft targets. If they (terrorists) continue to target them (police personnel), we know how to deal with them. I have 24 years of experience, we know how to counter this," Kumar told reporters at a press conference here. He said that terrorists should not resort to killing innocent people. "I advise them (terrorists) not to get involved in these acts," Kumar said. Referring to the killing of CID inspector Parvez Ahmad Dar last week, Kumar said the terrorists were resorting to soft target killings in order to create fear psychosis. "What had the inspector done? After office, he had gone to the mosque to offer prayers. Two terrorists shot him from behind. He was not part of SOG or any anti-terrorism squad. Just to create fear psychosis, they are targeting innocent people," he said. Briefing the media about the operation that led to the killing of top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Nadeem Abrar and his Pakistani associate at Maloora on the outskirts of the city, the IGP said it was a major success for security forces. Kumar said there was nothing to worry on account of terrorists active in Srinagar. "We will soon neutralise the module active in Srinagar. There are some sleeper cells which we call part time or hybrid terrorists. We are tracking full time terrorists but there is difficulty in tracking the part time terrorists as they go back to their normal work after carrying out an incident. But we will get them soon," he said. Kumar said that police are letting terrorists surrender during live encounters while the security forces will gather information, track down and neutralise every terrorist who is involved in the killing of security forces personnel and civilians.

Senior Kashmir police officer warns terrorists against targeting off-duty cops, civilians

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday said the Mumbai police, probing instances of fake vaccination camps against COVID-19 in the city, must identify the "big fish" in such cases and should not spare them.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice GS Kulkarni also directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to inform the court about steps that the civic body proposed to take to check those duped by such camps for antibodies and any adverse effects on their health because of the fake vaccine.

The court was hearing a bunch of public interest litigations (PILs) on increasing the accessibility of citizens to the vaccination drives against COVID-19. The state's counsel, advocate Deepak Thakare, told the HC that seven FIRs had been registered and 13 people arrested in the case. He said the probe into the case is still going on.

The BMC's counsel, senior advocate Anil Sakhare, told the court that the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for private COVID-19 vaccination camps for housing societies and offices will be finalised by Wednesday.

The HC then said advocate Thakare must tell the investigating officers in the case not to spare anyone found to be involved in the "scam". "There might be big fish yet to be identified. They must be identified and should not be spared. Tell the police the investigation must be proper and no one should be left out," the court said.

It further said the BMC must inform the court of the steps it was planning to take to test the victims. The court asked why the BMC and state authorities were so far unable to determine what the victims were administered in the name of anti-COVID-19 vaccine.

"This appears to be a state failure. Why doesn't the corporation think of testing? What are you thinking of doing for the unfortunate people, you must tell us on Thursday," the HC said. The state and the BMC had earlier told the high court that a total of 2,053 people across the city fell victim to the fake vaccination camps. The HC will continue hearing the PILs on July 1.

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday said the Mumbai police, probing instances of fake vaccination camps against COVID-19 in the city, must identify the "big fish" in such cases and should not spare them.

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday said the Mumbai police, probing instances of fake vaccination camps against COVID-19 in the city, must identify the "big fish" in such cases and should not spare them. A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice GS Kulkarni also directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to inform the court about steps that the civic body proposed to take to check those duped by such camps for antibodies and any adverse effects on their health because of the fake vaccine. The court was hearing a bunch of public interest litigations (PILs) on increasing the accessibility of citizens to the vaccination drives against COVID-19. The state's counsel, advocate Deepak Thakare, told the HC that seven FIRs had been registered and 13 people arrested in the case. He said the probe into the case is still going on. The BMC's counsel, senior advocate Anil Sakhare, told the court that the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for private COVID-19 vaccination camps for housing societies and offices will be finalised by Wednesday. The HC then said advocate Thakare must tell the investigating officers in the case not to spare anyone found to be involved in the "scam". "There might be big fish yet to be identified. They must be identified and should not be spared. Tell the police the investigation must be proper and no one should be left out," the court said. It further said the BMC must inform the court of the steps it was planning to take to test the victims. The court asked why the BMC and state authorities were so far unable to determine what the victims were administered in the name of anti-COVID-19 vaccine. "This appears to be a state failure. Why doesn't the corporation think of testing? What are you thinking of doing for the unfortunate people, you must tell us on Thursday," the HC said. The state and the BMC had earlier told the high court that a total of 2,053 people across the city fell victim to the fake vaccination camps. The HC will continue hearing the PILs on July 1.

Find and don't spare 'big fish' in fake vaccination scam: HC to Mumbai police

France is "actively working"&nbsp;on the issue of Covishield's absence on the European Union "Green Pass" after the matter was raised bilaterally by India.The EU Green Pass comes into effect from the July 1&nbsp;and lists four&nbsp;approved vaccines that do not include India-made Covishield.&nbsp;

Approved vaccines are Comirnaty (Pfizer),&nbsp;Janssen (Johnson &amp; Johnson), Spikevax (Moderna), and&nbsp;Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) which is the same vaccine as Covishield.

French government sources said, "We are aware of the issue. We are working on it actively."

The inclusion of Covishield for the EU Green Pass for travel can only be done by&nbsp;European Medicines Agency or EMA-market authorised vaccines but additional vaccines could be included.&nbsp;EMA doesn't decide the list on the pass but the member states have some flexibility to adapt the list for their national pass.

For market authorisation of Covishield for use in the EU, the Serum Institute of India needs to apply for&nbsp;EMA, which then conducts a verification of the production site, etc.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/india-takes-up-covishields-absence-from-the-european-unions-green-pass-list-394418" hreflang="en">India takes up Covishield's absence from the European Union's 'Green Pass' list</a>

"Vaccine called Covishield does not currently have a marketing authorisation... Covishield as such is not currently approved under EU rules", EMA told WION yesterday.

SII hasn't&nbsp;applied yet for EMA authorisation with assurance coming from its Chief Adar Poonawalla&nbsp;that the matter would&nbsp;be resolved soon.

EU's Green Pass aims to facilitate the safe free movement of its nationals in the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic. EU member countries are using it already.&nbsp;Green Pass&nbsp;or simplified--EU Digital COVID Certificate is digital proof that a person has either been vaccinated against COVID-19, received a negative test result, or recovered from COVID-19.&nbsp;

France is "actively working" on the issue of Covishield's absence on the European Union "Green Pass" after the matter was raised bilaterally by India.The EU Green Pass comes into effect from the July 1 and lists four approved vaccines that do not include India-made Covishield.

France is "actively working" on the issue of Covishield's absence on the European Union "Green Pass" after the matter was raised bilaterally by India.The EU Green Pass comes into effect from the July 1 and lists four approved vaccines that do not include India-made Covishield. Approved vaccines are Comirnaty (Pfizer), Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), Spikevax (Moderna), and Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) which is the same vaccine as Covishield. French government sources said, "We are aware of the issue. We are working on it actively." The inclusion of Covishield for the EU Green Pass for travel can only be done by European Medicines Agency or EMA-market authorised vaccines but additional vaccines could be included. EMA doesn't decide the list on the pass but the member states have some flexibility to adapt the list for their national pass. For market authorisation of Covishield for use in the EU, the Serum Institute of India needs to apply for EMA, which then conducts a verification of the production site, etc. Also read: India takes up Covishield's absence from the European Union's 'Green Pass' list "Vaccine called Covishield does not currently have a marketing authorisation... Covishield as such is not currently approved under EU rules", EMA told WION yesterday. SII hasn't applied yet for EMA authorisation with assurance coming from its Chief Adar Poonawalla that the matter would be resolved soon. EU's Green Pass aims to facilitate the safe free movement of its nationals in the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic. EU member countries are using it already. Green Pass or simplified--EU Digital COVID Certificate is digital proof that a person has either been vaccinated against COVID-19, received a negative test result, or recovered from COVID-19.

France 'actively working' on India's concerns over Covishield's absence from EU Green Pass

Construction of Units 5 &amp; 6 of India’s Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNP) located in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district commenced on Tuesday. The First Pour of Concrete (FPC), which was performed marks an important milestone in a nuclear power project and is reckoned as the start date of the project. Before the FPC, continuous preliminary work such as concrete bedding for foundations of the reactor building, auxiliary reactor building with the Main Control Room, among others was carried out.

India’s largest nuclear power generation facility, KKNP comprises six units of Light Water Reactors (VVERs), each of 1000 MW capacity. Set up in technical cooperation with the Russian Federation, the reactors at Kudankulam are state-of-the-art in terms of safety. They incorporate a combination of advanced, multilayered safety features ensuring the highest level of safety of the plant, public and environment.

Being implemented in three phases of 2x1000MW each, units 1&amp;2 are operational, whereas 3&amp;4 are at about 50% into the construction. The construction of Units 5&amp;6 is expected to be completed in 66 and 75 months respectively. The completion of all these projects over the coming years will provide 6000MW of clean energy to the country.

The event was launched in virtual mode by KN Vyas, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission &amp; Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, in the presence of Dr Alexey Likhachev, Director General of ROSATOM and SK Sharma, Chairman &amp; Managing Director of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited. Senior officials of the units of the Department of Atomic Energy, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited and M/s Larsen &amp; Toubro were also present on the occasion.

“For many years the Kudankulam NPP construction project has been a symbol of close cooperation between Russia and India. However, we do not want to stop at what had already been achieved. Rosatom has all the most advanced nuclear power technologies. Together with our Indian colleagues, we are ready to launch the serial construction of the state-of-the-art Generation III+ Russian-designed nuclear power units at a new site in India. It is stipulated by the existing agreements,” Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev stated during the ceremony.

Russian Ambassador to India, H.E. Mr Nikolay Kudashev said, “1st pour of concrete at the construction site of the 5th nuclear reactor of Kudankulam NPP, happened today, is one of the significant moments in the Russian-Indian nuclear energy cooperation. It demonstrates our firm devotion to achieve success in all bilateral undertakings.”

Construction of Units 5 & 6 of India’s Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNP) located in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district commenced on Tuesday. The First Pour of Concrete (FPC), which was performed marks an important milestone in a nuclear power project and is reckoned as the start date of the project.

Construction of Units 5 & 6 of India’s Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNP) located in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district commenced on Tuesday. The First Pour of Concrete (FPC), which was performed marks an important milestone in a nuclear power project and is reckoned as the start date of the project. Before the FPC, continuous preliminary work such as concrete bedding for foundations of the reactor building, auxiliary reactor building with the Main Control Room, among others was carried out. India’s largest nuclear power generation facility, KKNP comprises six units of Light Water Reactors (VVERs), each of 1000 MW capacity. Set up in technical cooperation with the Russian Federation, the reactors at Kudankulam are state-of-the-art in terms of safety. They incorporate a combination of advanced, multilayered safety features ensuring the highest level of safety of the plant, public and environment. Being implemented in three phases of 2x1000MW each, units 1&2 are operational, whereas 3&4 are at about 50% into the construction. The construction of Units 5&6 is expected to be completed in 66 and 75 months respectively. The completion of all these projects over the coming years will provide 6000MW of clean energy to the country. The event was launched in virtual mode by KN Vyas, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission & Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, in the presence of Dr Alexey Likhachev, Director General of ROSATOM and SK Sharma, Chairman & Managing Director of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited. Senior officials of the units of the Department of Atomic Energy, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited and M/s Larsen & Toubro were also present on the occasion. “For many years the Kudankulam NPP construction project has been a symbol of close cooperation between Russia and India. However, we do not want to stop at what had already been achieved. Rosatom has all the most advanced nuclear power technologies. Together with our Indian colleagues, we are ready to launch the serial construction of the state-of-the-art Generation III+ Russian-designed nuclear power units at a new site in India. It is stipulated by the existing agreements,” Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev stated during the ceremony. Russian Ambassador to India, H.E. Mr Nikolay Kudashev said, “1st pour of concrete at the construction site of the 5th nuclear reactor of Kudankulam NPP, happened today, is one of the significant moments in the Russian-Indian nuclear energy cooperation. It demonstrates our firm devotion to achieve success in all bilateral undertakings.”

Construction of unit 5 & 6 of India’s largest nuclear power plant in Kudankulam commences

The foul-smelling foam and sea-water appearing to be polluted along the Rameswaram coast is the result of an algal bloom owing to prevailing weather conditions, a senior Scientist confirmed to Zee Media. This confirmation comes at a time when there were apprehensions among sections of fishermen about the foam being caused by the sinking of a chemical-laden ship off Colombo, almost 240kms away.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Dr Jayakumar, Principal Scientist, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute(CMFRI), Mandapam said that the foaming was a result of the southwest monsoon and the blooming of algae - Trichodesmium erythraeum.

Speaking of the weather-related factors, he said, “There is an increased nutrient level in the water, whereas wind action and the water current is low, but the water temperature is fairly high. The brown looking foam has been washing ashore, but it has subsided”.

When asked about the possibility of the chemicals from the sunken ship had reached the Southern Indian coast, he said that routine sample collection by their teams and the surveillance by Coast Guard, Navy did not indicate any such pollution travelling to or having reached the Indian side. He also added that the stretch of nearly 200kms between Nagapattinam and Ramanathapuram districts are being monitored by field staff.&nbsp;

Regarding the nature of chemicals and their ability to travel over 240km kilometres across the ocean, he said that nitric acid (reported to be one of the cargo)would dissolve in the seawater and would show an increased nitrate level. He added that only jelly and plastic materials tended to travel and drift with the current.

Mentioning the scenario on the Sri Lankan Coast, he said that the death of turtles, dolphins and plastic granules in fish gills was noticed. However, nothing of this kind was observed along the Indian coast, which they have been monitoring for over a month.&nbsp;

Zee media had earlier reported on the foaming phenomenon, based on the versions of fishermen and images, videos from the Rameswaram region. Their fear, (which has now been allayed by the scientists) pointed towards the chemical-laden ship MV X-Press Pearl, which sunk off the Sri Lankan Coast(between Colombo and Negombo). The ship caught fire around the last week of May and sunk in the first week of June. Among other chemicals, the ship’s cargo consisted of highly inflammable Nitric Acid, Methanol, Methyl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide and Polystyrene beads.

The foul-smelling foam and sea-water appearing to be polluted along the Rameswaram coast is the result of an algal bloom owing to prevailing weather conditions, a senior Scientist confirmed to Zee Media.

The foul-smelling foam and sea-water appearing to be polluted along the Rameswaram coast is the result of an algal bloom owing to prevailing weather conditions, a senior Scientist confirmed to Zee Media. This confirmation comes at a time when there were apprehensions among sections of fishermen about the foam being caused by the sinking of a chemical-laden ship off Colombo, almost 240kms away. Speaking to WION, Dr Jayakumar, Principal Scientist, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute(CMFRI), Mandapam said that the foaming was a result of the southwest monsoon and the blooming of algae - Trichodesmium erythraeum. Speaking of the weather-related factors, he said, “There is an increased nutrient level in the water, whereas wind action and the water current is low, but the water temperature is fairly high. The brown looking foam has been washing ashore, but it has subsided”. When asked about the possibility of the chemicals from the sunken ship had reached the Southern Indian coast, he said that routine sample collection by their teams and the surveillance by Coast Guard, Navy did not indicate any such pollution travelling to or having reached the Indian side. He also added that the stretch of nearly 200kms between Nagapattinam and Ramanathapuram districts are being monitored by field staff. Regarding the nature of chemicals and their ability to travel over 240km kilometres across the ocean, he said that nitric acid (reported to be one of the cargo)would dissolve in the seawater and would show an increased nitrate level. He added that only jelly and plastic materials tended to travel and drift with the current. Mentioning the scenario on the Sri Lankan Coast, he said that the death of turtles, dolphins and plastic granules in fish gills was noticed. However, nothing of this kind was observed along the Indian coast, which they have been monitoring for over a month. Zee media had earlier reported on the foaming phenomenon, based on the versions of fishermen and images, videos from the Rameswaram region. Their fear, (which has now been allayed by the scientists) pointed towards the chemical-laden ship MV X-Press Pearl, which sunk off the Sri Lankan Coast(between Colombo and Negombo). The ship caught fire around the last week of May and sunk in the first week of June. Among other chemicals, the ship’s cargo consisted of highly inflammable Nitric Acid, Methanol, Methyl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide and Polystyrene beads.

Smelly foam near Indian coast is algal layer, no traces of pollution from shipwreck: Scientist

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Monday expressed worry over children being recruited by terror groups and this being compounded by pandemics via online ways of radicalisation.

He&nbsp;was speaking at a UN Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict organised by Estonia as the president of the body for the month of June.

Shringla said, "We are witnessing a dangerous and worrying trend in global terrorism and that is an increase in the number of children that are being recruited and involved in terrorism-related activities."

"Terror groups take advantage of the fact that children are the most susceptible", he explained, "School closures due to the pandemic have provided an even greater opportunity to these terrorist groups to target children, including through online avenues, for radicalisation and indoctrination in violent extremist ideologies."

A global treaty came into effect in 2002 that forbids non-state armed groups from recruiting anyone under the age of 18.

The treaty - Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict - has 180 signatories which include all the countries in South Asia.

"There is a need for a more coordinated approach in implementing the child protection and counter-terrorism agendas," India's FS said,&nbsp;adding, "States need to demonstrate the greater political will to hold the perpetrators of terrorism and their sponsors to account, and to fulfill the council’s child protection obligations."

The office of the special representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed Conflict, with parties engaged in armed conflict, has resulted in the release of 12,643 children over the last year.

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Monday expressed worry over children being recruited by terror groups and this being compounded by pandemics via online ways of radicalisation.

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Monday expressed worry over children being recruited by terror groups and this being compounded by pandemics via online ways of radicalisation. He was speaking at a UN Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict organised by Estonia as the president of the body for the month of June. Shringla said, "We are witnessing a dangerous and worrying trend in global terrorism and that is an increase in the number of children that are being recruited and involved in terrorism-related activities." "Terror groups take advantage of the fact that children are the most susceptible", he explained, "School closures due to the pandemic have provided an even greater opportunity to these terrorist groups to target children, including through online avenues, for radicalisation and indoctrination in violent extremist ideologies." A global treaty came into effect in 2002 that forbids non-state armed groups from recruiting anyone under the age of 18. The treaty - Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict - has 180 signatories which include all the countries in South Asia. "There is a need for a more coordinated approach in implementing the child protection and counter-terrorism agendas," India's FS said, adding, "States need to demonstrate the greater political will to hold the perpetrators of terrorism and their sponsors to account, and to fulfill the council’s child protection obligations." The office of the special representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed Conflict, with parties engaged in armed conflict, has resulted in the release of 12,643 children over the last year.

At UNSC, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla expresses worry over children recruited by terror groups

India continues to witness a dip in its daily case count with infection dropping below 40,000 for the very first time in over three months.

COVID-19 Update: India logs less than 40,000 cases in over 3 months

Johnson &amp; Johnson will not be undertaking local trials for its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine in India and is looking at ways to accelerate its availability in the country, the Economic Times reported on Tuesday, citing a company spokesperson. 
 
J&amp;J said in April it was in talks with India's government to begin a bridging clinical study of its Janssen COVID-19 vaccine candidate in the country. 
 
In late May, India said it would scrap local trials altogether for 'well-established' vaccines manufactured in other countries. 
 
The US-based drugmaker is exploring how to accelerate the availability of its vaccine in India, the Economic Times report said.&nbsp; 
 
Over 41 million COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered across India last week, with pandemic-induced restrictions being eased further. 
 
Experts have said widespread vaccination remains one of the best tools to avoid the kind of devastation India saw during its second wave of the pandemic. 
 
J&amp;J did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Johnson & Johnson will not be undertaking local trials for its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine in India and is looking at ways to accelerate its availability in the country, the Economic Times reported on Tuesday, citing a company spokesperson.

Johnson & Johnson will not be undertaking local trials for its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine in India and is looking at ways to accelerate its availability in the country, the Economic Times reported on Tuesday, citing a company spokesperson. J&J said in April it was in talks with India's government to begin a bridging clinical study of its Janssen COVID-19 vaccine candidate in the country. In late May, India said it would scrap local trials altogether for 'well-established' vaccines manufactured in other countries. The US-based drugmaker is exploring how to accelerate the availability of its vaccine in India, the Economic Times report said. Over 41 million COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered across India last week, with pandemic-induced restrictions being eased further. Experts have said widespread vaccination remains one of the best tools to avoid the kind of devastation India saw during its second wave of the pandemic. J&J did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (With inputs from agencies)

J&J scraps India Covid vaccine trial, aims to accelerate availability: Report

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