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(Reuters) - Fourth seed Andrey Rublev churned out another win as he overcame qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1 3-6 6-3 to reach the final in Halle on Saturday. The Russian dropped his first set this week on the grass but responded to ease through a deciding set and book a Sunday final against either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Ugo Humbert. Rublev claimed his 33rd match win of the year - second only to Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas (39) on the ATP standings. He also took his match record in ATP 500 events to 29-2 since the Tour resumed last year after the coronavirus shutdown - a period in which he has won four titles at that level. (Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)

(Reuters) - Fourth seed Andrey Rublev churned out another win as he overcame qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1 3-6 6-3 to reach the final in Halle on Saturday. The Russian dropped his first set this week on the grass but responded to ease through a deciding set and book a Sunday final against either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Ugo Humbert.

(Reuters) - Fourth seed Andrey Rublev churned out another win as he overcame qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1 3-6 6-3 to reach the final in Halle on Saturday. The Russian dropped his first set this week on the grass but responded to ease through a deciding set and book a Sunday final against either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Ugo Humbert. Rublev claimed his 33rd match win of the year - second only to Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas (39) on the ATP standings. He also took his match record in ATP 500 events to 29-2 since the Tour resumed last year after the coronavirus shutdown - a period in which he has won four titles at that level. (Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)

Tennis-Rublev through to Halle final

BUDAPEST (Reuters) - France made only one change to the starting lineup that beat Germany 1-0 in their group opener with Lucas Digne coming in at left back in place of Lucas Hernandez to take on Hungary on Saturday. Coach Didier Deschamps decided to stick with the midfield trio of N`Golo Kante, Paul Pogba and Adrien Rabiot that dominated their first Euro 2020 game while the attacking trident of Antoine Griezman, Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema also remains intact. Hungary, playing at home in the Puskas Arena, go with a back three of Endre Botka, Willi Orban and Attila Szalai. Former France youth international Loic Nego - the only change in the Hungary lineup - and Attila Fiola are expected to start as wing backs. Skipper Aadam Szalai and Roland Sallai will lead the line as they look to score their first goal at the European Championship following a 3-0 loss to Portugal in their opening game. TEAMS Hungary: Peter Gulacsi; Endre Botka, Willi Orban, Attila Szalai; Loic Nego, Adam Nagy, Andras Schafer, Laszlo Kleinheisler, Attila Fiola; Roland Sallai, Aadam Szalai (captain) France: Hugo Lloris; Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Presnel Kimpempe, Lucas Digne; N`Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Adrien Rabiot; Antoine Griezman, Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema (Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)

BUDAPEST (Reuters) - France made only one change to the starting lineup that beat Germany 1-0 in their group opener with Lucas Digne coming in at left back in place of Lucas Hernandez to take on Hungary on Saturday.

BUDAPEST (Reuters) - France made only one change to the starting lineup that beat Germany 1-0 in their group opener with Lucas Digne coming in at left back in place of Lucas Hernandez to take on Hungary on Saturday. Coach Didier Deschamps decided to stick with the midfield trio of N`Golo Kante, Paul Pogba and Adrien Rabiot that dominated their first Euro 2020 game while the attacking trident of Antoine Griezman, Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema also remains intact. Hungary, playing at home in the Puskas Arena, go with a back three of Endre Botka, Willi Orban and Attila Szalai. Former France youth international Loic Nego - the only change in the Hungary lineup - and Attila Fiola are expected to start as wing backs. Skipper Aadam Szalai and Roland Sallai will lead the line as they look to score their first goal at the European Championship following a 3-0 loss to Portugal in their opening game. TEAMS Hungary: Peter Gulacsi; Endre Botka, Willi Orban, Attila Szalai; Loic Nego, Adam Nagy, Andras Schafer, Laszlo Kleinheisler, Attila Fiola; Roland Sallai, Aadam Szalai (captain) France: Hugo Lloris; Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Presnel Kimpempe, Lucas Digne; N`Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Adrien Rabiot; Antoine Griezman, Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema (Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)

Soccer-Digne only change for France in tested lineup vs Hungary

BUDAPEST (Reuters) - France striker Antoine Griezmann says he would like to see out his playing days in Major League Soccer to realise a long-held desire to live in the United States. Griezmann, who is set to make his 50th consecutive start for France in Saturday`s Euro 2020 game against Hungary, has long been fascinated with life stateside and is a keen basketball fan, often travelling to NBA games when he has time off. The striker has had a mostly underwhelming time at Barcelona since joining the Catalans from Atletico Madrid for 120 million euros ($142 million) but said he would like to stay at the club until his contract ends. "My contract with Barcelona runs until June 2024 and after that I think it will be the right time to go to the United States," Griezmann told French newspaper Le Figaro on Saturday. "I love that country, that culture, the NBA, and have a desire to discover it more, although I will also have to think about my family." Griezmann, 30, has never been shy of the limelight and made a 2018 documentary called The Decision about his dilemma on whether to stay at Atletico or join Barcelona, inspired by a programme of the same name on LeBron James` move from the Cleveland Cavaliers to Miami Heat in 2010. But he said he is tired of constant media attention and believes his and family`s privacy would be respected more in the United States. "This is also why I love the United States and why I want to go there, because you go unnoticed, which is not the case in France or Spain," he added. Griezmann`s Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi has also expressed a desire to live in the United States https://www.reuters.com/article/soccer-spain-fcb-messi-idUKL1N2J70HE and play in the MLS one day. ($1 = 0.8432 euros) (Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)

BUDAPEST (Reuters) - France striker Antoine Griezmann says he would like to see out his playing days in Major League Soccer to realise a long-held desire to live in the United States.

BUDAPEST (Reuters) - France striker Antoine Griezmann says he would like to see out his playing days in Major League Soccer to realise a long-held desire to live in the United States. Griezmann, who is set to make his 50th consecutive start for France in Saturday`s Euro 2020 game against Hungary, has long been fascinated with life stateside and is a keen basketball fan, often travelling to NBA games when he has time off. The striker has had a mostly underwhelming time at Barcelona since joining the Catalans from Atletico Madrid for 120 million euros ($142 million) but said he would like to stay at the club until his contract ends. "My contract with Barcelona runs until June 2024 and after that I think it will be the right time to go to the United States," Griezmann told French newspaper Le Figaro on Saturday. "I love that country, that culture, the NBA, and have a desire to discover it more, although I will also have to think about my family." Griezmann, 30, has never been shy of the limelight and made a 2018 documentary called The Decision about his dilemma on whether to stay at Atletico or join Barcelona, inspired by a programme of the same name on LeBron James` move from the Cleveland Cavaliers to Miami Heat in 2010. But he said he is tired of constant media attention and believes his and family`s privacy would be respected more in the United States. "This is also why I love the United States and why I want to go there, because you go unnoticed, which is not the case in France or Spain," he added. Griezmann`s Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi has also expressed a desire to live in the United States https://www.reuters.com/article/soccer-spain-fcb-messi-idUKL1N2J70HE and play in the MLS one day. ($1 = 0.8432 euros) (Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)

Soccer-France''s Griezmann sets sights on MLS in 2024

A third wave of coronavirus infections is likely to hit India by October, although it will be better controlled than the latest outbreak the pandemic will remain a public health threat for at least another year.

COVID-19: India to be hit by 3rd wave in October, claims study

Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed Prime Minister's initiative of calling an all-party meet. The meeting is to be held on June 24. All regional and national parties of Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed this step and said dialogue is the only way forward.&nbsp;

This is the first time New Delhi has initiated a political process in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of article 370. The UT has been under President's rule since.&nbsp;

People's Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti received a call from the Centre to attend the meeting. However, no official invite has been sent to any party yet. PDP has decided to hold a meeting tomorrow to deliberate.&nbsp;

"We have not received any formal written invitation but PDP president Mehbooba Mufti received a call and was informed about this meeting. We have now called for a party meeting on Sunday which will be chaired by Mehbooba Mufti and everything will be discussed in the meeting. We will take a decision on whether the party will attend the meet or not," said Suhail Bukhari, chief spokesperson, PDP.&nbsp;

None of the Political parties including BJP's state wing has received any formal invitation from the Centre yet. But every political party has appreciated the step.&nbsp;

“We are learning it from you only, we have not received any formal invitation for it, but I think it will be a good opportunity for political parties and people of Jammu and Kashmir. As there have been hiccups in the political process and this opportunity should be used by everyone. Everyone should go and speak. Every party must go.” said Rafi Mir, senior leader, Apni Party.

While the conglomerate of Kashmir's political parties called 'People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration' (PAGD) has not taken any decision so far, parties affiliated say whatever the conglomerate decides that will be their course of action.&nbsp;

“This is what we are hearing, on this we had a discussion. When we met under the chairmanship of National Conference (NC) leader Dr Farooq Abdullah, our spokesperson said that dialogue is fine, it’s ok and we are here for that. We have been saying that we should sit down and talk. If the initiative is coming from the Prime Minister, I welcome it. But the final decision would be taken by the party president and by PAGD leadership. And we hope for the best," said Muzaffar Shah, PAGD member.

However, National Conference (NC) has said that they will attend the meeting if invited.&nbsp;

“If we get the invitation, we will go and we will put across the points we have. We will ask for pre position on 5 august 2019. &nbsp;It’s going to be the first of its kind. We are ready for elections," Akbar Lone, parliamentarian, NC.

While this whole process is going on, the Government has released Mehbooba Mufti's Uncle Sartaj Madni from detention.

Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed Prime Minister's initiative of calling an all-party meet. The meeting is to be held on June 24. All regional and national parties of Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed this step and said dialogue is the only way forward.

Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed Prime Minister's initiative of calling an all-party meet. The meeting is to be held on June 24. All regional and national parties of Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed this step and said dialogue is the only way forward. This is the first time New Delhi has initiated a political process in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of article 370. The UT has been under President's rule since. People's Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti received a call from the Centre to attend the meeting. However, no official invite has been sent to any party yet. PDP has decided to hold a meeting tomorrow to deliberate. "We have not received any formal written invitation but PDP president Mehbooba Mufti received a call and was informed about this meeting. We have now called for a party meeting on Sunday which will be chaired by Mehbooba Mufti and everything will be discussed in the meeting. We will take a decision on whether the party will attend the meet or not," said Suhail Bukhari, chief spokesperson, PDP. None of the Political parties including BJP's state wing has received any formal invitation from the Centre yet. But every political party has appreciated the step. “We are learning it from you only, we have not received any formal invitation for it, but I think it will be a good opportunity for political parties and people of Jammu and Kashmir. As there have been hiccups in the political process and this opportunity should be used by everyone. Everyone should go and speak. Every party must go.” said Rafi Mir, senior leader, Apni Party. While the conglomerate of Kashmir's political parties called 'People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration' (PAGD) has not taken any decision so far, parties affiliated say whatever the conglomerate decides that will be their course of action. “This is what we are hearing, on this we had a discussion. When we met under the chairmanship of National Conference (NC) leader Dr Farooq Abdullah, our spokesperson said that dialogue is fine, it’s ok and we are here for that. We have been saying that we should sit down and talk. If the initiative is coming from the Prime Minister, I welcome it. But the final decision would be taken by the party president and by PAGD leadership. And we hope for the best," said Muzaffar Shah, PAGD member. However, National Conference (NC) has said that they will attend the meeting if invited. “If we get the invitation, we will go and we will put across the points we have. We will ask for pre position on 5 august 2019. It’s going to be the first of its kind. We are ready for elections," Akbar Lone, parliamentarian, NC. While this whole process is going on, the Government has released Mehbooba Mufti's Uncle Sartaj Madni from detention.

Parties in Kashmir welcome PM's initiative of all-party meet

Jammu and Kashmir Police has busted a narco terror module in north Kashmir's Baramulla District. Ten Over Ground Workers (OGW) have been arrested. The police have recovered 5.5 kg of heroin, 10 grenades, 4 pistols, 4 magazines, 20 rounds and some vehicles.

The Police also recovered more than two million rupees (2150,000) from the OGWs

"We had received information and we had laid specific nakas. We were successful in busting a big narco terror module which was operating from different places in union territory (UT) as well as some part of it even outside UT. We have arrested 10 people, We made recoveries of 5.5Kgs of Heroin packed in 11 packets. We also recovered 10 grenades, 4 pistols and 4 rounds," said Rayees Mohammad Bhat, Senior Superintendent of Police, Baramulla.&nbsp;

<img alt="Jammu and Kashmir" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8138cae-3836-4afd-92eb-b10ad6192d21" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Image%20%284%29.jpeg" />

The Narco Terror is prevalent in North Kashmir and Police have time and again busted these groups. The Police have also seized some vehicles from the OGW's in north Kashmir which were used to transfer these arms and ammunition and narcotics to various parts of the UT.

The police say that the network of this module not only works in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir but outside too.&nbsp;

"We have seized vehicles, a truck. a Verna car and a scooty. We have made some arrests in Jammu also. This was a joint operation," said Rayees Ahmad Bhat, SSP, Baramulla.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Police has busted a narco terror module in north Kashmir's Baramulla District. Ten Over Ground Workers (OGW) have been arrested. The police have recovered 5.

Jammu and Kashmir Police has busted a narco terror module in north Kashmir's Baramulla District. Ten Over Ground Workers (OGW) have been arrested. The police have recovered 5.5 kg of heroin, 10 grenades, 4 pistols, 4 magazines, 20 rounds and some vehicles. The Police also recovered more than two million rupees (2150,000) from the OGWs "We had received information and we had laid specific nakas. We were successful in busting a big narco terror module which was operating from different places in union territory (UT) as well as some part of it even outside UT. We have arrested 10 people, We made recoveries of 5.5Kgs of Heroin packed in 11 packets. We also recovered 10 grenades, 4 pistols and 4 rounds," said Rayees Mohammad Bhat, Senior Superintendent of Police, Baramulla. The Narco Terror is prevalent in North Kashmir and Police have time and again busted these groups. The Police have also seized some vehicles from the OGW's in north Kashmir which were used to transfer these arms and ammunition and narcotics to various parts of the UT. The police say that the network of this module not only works in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir but outside too. "We have seized vehicles, a truck. a Verna car and a scooty. We have made some arrests in Jammu also. This was a joint operation," said Rayees Ahmad Bhat, SSP, Baramulla.

Jammu and Kashmir: Narco terror group busted, heroin and arms recovered

India has gifted a statue of Buddha to Bhutan on the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche, considered as the second Buddha. Born in the&nbsp;eighth century India,&nbsp;Guru Rinpoche also known as Guru&nbsp;Padmasambhava&nbsp;was responsible for spreading Buddhism to Tibet, Bhutan and other parts of Asia. The statue as part of cultural connect is being given by Indian Council of Cultural Relations&nbsp;(ICCR)&nbsp;to Bhutan.&nbsp;

Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, president,&nbsp;ICCR at&nbsp;a&nbsp;virtual&nbsp;session&nbsp;organised&nbsp;by ICCR and Indian embassy in Bhutan said that the statue,"symbolises&nbsp;not just our age-old cultural ties, but also our shared commitment to the values that Buddha taught us and the relationship between Bharat and Bhutan is laced with cultural bondage since time immemorial...&nbsp;What was destroyed in Nalanda and other similar places are the assets saved by your monasteries,&nbsp;stupas..we&nbsp;owe a lot to our friends in Bhutan."&nbsp;

The&nbsp;size of the&nbsp;statue of Lord Buddha in a lotus pose is 3.3 feet. It is&nbsp;made of bronze and weighs approximately&nbsp;200 kg. It has been designed by renowned sculptor Naresh Kumar Kumawat.&nbsp;

At the virtual hand-over, Bhutan's Foreign minister Dr Tandi Dorji was present, who said,&nbsp;"This is a fitting tribute to our special relationship as the close bonds of friendship we enjoy today, have roots in our deep religious and spiritual connection."&nbsp;&nbsp;

He highlighted, that "Buddhism spread from its cradle in India and since its arrival in Bhutan, many great masters from India, most notable Guru&nbsp;Padmasambhava&nbsp;travelled to our country and blessed the land and its people."&nbsp;

Bhutan has many important places of pilgrimage associated with him including the Tiger's Nest monastery where he is said to have meditated. The Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche is a national holiday in Bhutan and will be observed on&nbsp;Sunday, June&nbsp;20&nbsp;this&nbsp;year. The birth anniversary comes on the 10th day of the 6th lunar month,&nbsp;which is usually June or July under the Gregorian calendar.&nbsp;

At the virtual event,&nbsp;explaining how "Guru Rinpoche's&nbsp;philosophy&nbsp;lies at the heart of Bhutan" India's envoy to Bhutan, Ruchira Kamboj said,&nbsp;"Our embassy feels great&nbsp;honour&nbsp;to hand over the statue of Buddha from India to Bhutan especially&nbsp;on this auspicious&nbsp;occasion".&nbsp;

Pointing out the importance of teachings of&nbsp;Guru&nbsp;Padmasambhava,&nbsp;like faithfulness, contentment,&nbsp;ICCR&nbsp;Director General, Dinesh&nbsp;Paitnaik&nbsp;on the occasion,&nbsp;said, "When we look at India, Bhutan relationship, we see faithfulness is actually the best relationship". Adding, "India is seen as land of Buddhism...it is&nbsp;a matter of&nbsp;proud and&nbsp;honour&nbsp;for us but with it comes a sense of responsibility to promote Buddhism and propagate its values."&nbsp;

On Sunday, the statue will be physically placed at the&nbsp;Tashichhoe&nbsp;Dzong. The development comes a day after India&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bhutan signed a pact on the environment under which both sides will share best practices in areas like prevention of air pollution, waste management, and climate change. Both sides will also work on joint projects under the pact.&nbsp;

India has gifted a statue of Buddha to Bhutan on the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche, considered as the second Buddha. Born in the eighth century India, Guru Rinpoche also known as Guru Padmasambhava was responsible for spreading Buddhism to Tibet, Bhutan and other parts of Asia.

India has gifted a statue of Buddha to Bhutan on the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche, considered as the second Buddha. Born in the eighth century India, Guru Rinpoche also known as Guru Padmasambhava was responsible for spreading Buddhism to Tibet, Bhutan and other parts of Asia. The statue as part of cultural connect is being given by Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) to Bhutan. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, president, ICCR at a virtual session organised by ICCR and Indian embassy in Bhutan said that the statue,"symbolises not just our age-old cultural ties, but also our shared commitment to the values that Buddha taught us and the relationship between Bharat and Bhutan is laced with cultural bondage since time immemorial... What was destroyed in Nalanda and other similar places are the assets saved by your monasteries, stupas..we owe a lot to our friends in Bhutan." The size of the statue of Lord Buddha in a lotus pose is 3.3 feet. It is made of bronze and weighs approximately 200 kg. It has been designed by renowned sculptor Naresh Kumar Kumawat. At the virtual hand-over, Bhutan's Foreign minister Dr Tandi Dorji was present, who said, "This is a fitting tribute to our special relationship as the close bonds of friendship we enjoy today, have roots in our deep religious and spiritual connection." He highlighted, that "Buddhism spread from its cradle in India and since its arrival in Bhutan, many great masters from India, most notable Guru Padmasambhava travelled to our country and blessed the land and its people." Bhutan has many important places of pilgrimage associated with him including the Tiger's Nest monastery where he is said to have meditated. The Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche is a national holiday in Bhutan and will be observed on Sunday, June 20 this year. The birth anniversary comes on the 10th day of the 6th lunar month, which is usually June or July under the Gregorian calendar. At the virtual event, explaining how "Guru Rinpoche's philosophy lies at the heart of Bhutan" India's envoy to Bhutan, Ruchira Kamboj said, "Our embassy feels great honour to hand over the statue of Buddha from India to Bhutan especially on this auspicious occasion". Pointing out the importance of teachings of Guru Padmasambhava, like faithfulness, contentment, ICCR Director General, Dinesh Paitnaik on the occasion, said, "When we look at India, Bhutan relationship, we see faithfulness is actually the best relationship". Adding, "India is seen as land of Buddhism...it is a matter of proud and honour for us but with it comes a sense of responsibility to promote Buddhism and propagate its values." On Sunday, the statue will be physically placed at the Tashichhoe Dzong. The development comes a day after India and Bhutan signed a pact on the environment under which both sides will share best practices in areas like prevention of air pollution, waste management, and climate change. Both sides will also work on joint projects under the pact.

Cultural Connect: India gifts Bhutan statue of Buddha on Guru Rinpoche's birth anniversary 

With 60,753 new Covid cases being reported in a day, India's total tally rose to 2,98,23,546, while the number of active cases stand at 7,60,019, the lowest in 74 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Saturday.&nbsp;

The death toll climbed to 3,85,137 with 1,647 fresh fatalities and active cases comprise 2.55 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 96.16 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;

A total of 19,02,009 tests were conducted on Friday, taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,92,07,637, it said.&nbsp;

The daily positivity rate was recorded 2.98 per cent. It has been less than five per cent for 12 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding that the weekly positivity rate has declined to 3.58 per cent.&nbsp;

Recoveries outnumbered daily cases for the 37th consecutive day and the number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 2,86,78,390. The case fatality rate stands at 1.29 per cent, the data said.&nbsp;

Cumulatively, 27,23,88,783 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.&nbsp;

The 1,647 new fatalities include 648 from Maharashtra, 287 from Tamil Nadu and 168 from Karnataka.&nbsp;

The 3,85,137 deaths reported so far in the country include 1,16,674 from Maharashtra, 33,602 from Karnataka, 30,835 from Tamil Nadu, 24,900 from Delhi, 22,081 from Uttar Pradesh, 17,240 from West Bengal, 15,771 from Punjab and 13,368 from Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

The health ministry said that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.&nbsp;

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

With 60,753 new Covid cases being reported in a day, India's total tally rose to 2,98,23,546, while the number of active cases stand at 7,60,019, the lowest in 74 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Saturday.

With 60,753 new Covid cases being reported in a day, India's total tally rose to 2,98,23,546, while the number of active cases stand at 7,60,019, the lowest in 74 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Saturday. The death toll climbed to 3,85,137 with 1,647 fresh fatalities and active cases comprise 2.55 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 96.16 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed. A total of 19,02,009 tests were conducted on Friday, taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,92,07,637, it said. The daily positivity rate was recorded 2.98 per cent. It has been less than five per cent for 12 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding that the weekly positivity rate has declined to 3.58 per cent. Recoveries outnumbered daily cases for the 37th consecutive day and the number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 2,86,78,390. The case fatality rate stands at 1.29 per cent, the data said. Cumulatively, 27,23,88,783 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. The 1,647 new fatalities include 648 from Maharashtra, 287 from Tamil Nadu and 168 from Karnataka. The 3,85,137 deaths reported so far in the country include 1,16,674 from Maharashtra, 33,602 from Karnataka, 30,835 from Tamil Nadu, 24,900 from Delhi, 22,081 from Uttar Pradesh, 17,240 from West Bengal, 15,771 from Punjab and 13,368 from Chhattisgarh. The health ministry said that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India records 60,753 fresh COVID-19 cases

Merchant vessel JSW Mihirgad, a 122-meter long vessel safely entered the New Mangalore harbour during the wee hours of Saturday, thanks to timely assistance by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The merchant shop suffered a total power failure on its maiden voyage from Kochi, Kerala to Jaigarh, Rajasthan, leaving it dead in the water.&nbsp;

Manned by 14 crew, on Thursday, the ship suffered the failure of all three Diesel Alternators, bedsides it's a backup generator. This&nbsp;necessitated&nbsp;the ship&nbsp;to drop anchor&nbsp;about&nbsp;4.5 nautical miles off Kasargod, Kerala and raise a distress call. In the absence of propulsion, lighting, ventilation, caused by total power failure, the crew was also unable to prepare food or water through its onboard systems.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-india-pak-nsa-to-be-in-dushanbe-next-week-for-sco-nsas-meet-392555">Also Read |&nbsp;Exclusive: India, Pak NSA to be in Dushanbe next week for SCO NSAs meet</a>

Based on this information, ICG District Headquarters at New Mangalore conducted a situational assessment for the safe embarkation of the technical team from M/s&nbsp;Cochin Shipyard Ltd&nbsp;(CSL), which build the ship.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SafetyofSeafarers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SafetyofSeafarers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaCoastGuard</a> prompt action averted potential disaster. Defect onboard MV JSW Mihirgad rectified by CSL engineers transferred per <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICG</a> helicopter. Vessel safely entered <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewMangalore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewMangalore</a> harbour today morning under own propulsion <a href="https://twitter.com/shipmin_india?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shipmin_india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qt1wpOkmjF">pic.twitter.com/Qt1wpOkmjF</a>
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard/status/1406116695836479492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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However, due to adverse sea conditions with the high swell, usage of boats was ruled out and helicopters were considered a safe option.&nbsp;

On Friday, ICG Helicopter CG 817 airlifted&nbsp;the deputed&nbsp;technical staff from New Mangalore for rendering assistance, performing repairs to the ship. ICGS Varaha, which was in the area&nbsp;was also deployed immediately on Friday&nbsp;to monitor the situation and provide towing assistance, in case the vessel starts drifting towards the coast, due to rough weather.&nbsp;

Besides continuously tracking the vessel through its&nbsp;Coastal Security Network, the ICG team that got onboard had rectified the technical issue, thus saving 14 lives and averting a potential environmental disaster.

Merchant vessel JSW Mihirgad, a 122-meter long vessel safely entered the New Mangalore harbour during the wee hours of Saturday, thanks to timely assistance by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

Merchant vessel JSW Mihirgad, a 122-meter long vessel safely entered the New Mangalore harbour during the wee hours of Saturday, thanks to timely assistance by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The merchant shop suffered a total power failure on its maiden voyage from Kochi, Kerala to Jaigarh, Rajasthan, leaving it dead in the water. Manned by 14 crew, on Thursday, the ship suffered the failure of all three Diesel Alternators, bedsides it's a backup generator. This necessitated the ship to drop anchor about 4.5 nautical miles off Kasargod, Kerala and raise a distress call. In the absence of propulsion, lighting, ventilation, caused by total power failure, the crew was also unable to prepare food or water through its onboard systems. Also Read | Exclusive: India, Pak NSA to be in Dushanbe next week for SCO NSAs meet Based on this information, ICG District Headquarters at New Mangalore conducted a situational assessment for the safe embarkation of the technical team from M/s Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), which build the ship. #SafetyofSeafarers @IndiaCoastGuard prompt action averted potential disaster. Defect onboard MV JSW Mihirgad rectified by CSL engineers transferred per #ICG helicopter. Vessel safely entered #NewMangalore harbour today morning under own propulsion @shipmin_india @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/Qt1wpOkmjF — Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) June 19, 2021 × However, due to adverse sea conditions with the high swell, usage of boats was ruled out and helicopters were considered a safe option. On Friday, ICG Helicopter CG 817 airlifted the deputed technical staff from New Mangalore for rendering assistance, performing repairs to the ship. ICGS Varaha, which was in the area was also deployed immediately on Friday to monitor the situation and provide towing assistance, in case the vessel starts drifting towards the coast, due to rough weather. Besides continuously tracking the vessel through its Coastal Security Network, the ICG team that got onboard had rectified the technical issue, thus saving 14 lives and averting a potential environmental disaster.

Merchant vessel hit by total power failure rectified at sea by Indian Coast Guard

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Pakistani NSA Moeed Yusuf along with NSAs of other countries will be in Dushanbe, Tajikistan next week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO in-person meeting. The meet due on June 23 and 24 will see NSAs of SCO countries meeting in person.

Tajikistan is the chair of the grouping and took the chairmanship of the SCO at a meeting of the SCO Heads of State Council in November of 2020. Ahead of the meet, early June saw a protocol meeting to decide the nitty-gritty of the meet.

Next week's SCO NSAs meet is expected to see participation of Russian NSA Nikolai Patrushev, Chinese counterpart.&nbsp;

Afghanistan is an observer member of SCO with Afghan NSA Hamdullah Mohib going to the city as part of his larger central Asia visit. Mohib and Doval could even hold bilateral meeting in Dushanbe which comes in the backdrop of US withdrawal from Afghanistan and increased violence by Taliban.

While there is no confirmation of Indian and Pakistani NSAs having a bilateral meeting, or pull aside, the development comes at a time when both New Delhi and Islamabad have been cautious in ties in the last few months. February saw the Indian, Pakistan army agreeing to observe the 2003 ceasefire pact at the LoC in Kashmir. Since then, the pact has stood and the area hasn't seen any firing.

Since February this year, twice--both India's external minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistan FM SM Qureshi have been in the same location but no meeting has happened. In March, both were in Dushanbe for the Heart of Asia meet on Afghanistan, later in April, both were in UAE for a bilateral visit, respectively.

Interestingly, Pak, Afghan NSA will also be present in Dushanbe. This comes even as Pakistan foreign minister SM Qureshi was seen defending the Taliban in an interview to an Afghan channel TOLO News's Lotfullah Najafizada. Pak FM said, "if you try and create this impression that the violence is high because of Taliban, that would be exaggeration."

SCO has 8 member states--Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and 4 central Asian countries--Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. 2017 saw India and Pakistan officially joining the grouping as full-fledged members. November last year saw India hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization heads of government meeting virtually. &nbsp;That was the first time India was hosting such a meet of the group, with India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu chairing it.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Pakistani NSA Moeed Yusuf along with NSAs of other countries will be in Dushanbe, Tajikistan next week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO in-person meeting.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Pakistani NSA Moeed Yusuf along with NSAs of other countries will be in Dushanbe, Tajikistan next week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO in-person meeting. The meet due on June 23 and 24 will see NSAs of SCO countries meeting in person. Tajikistan is the chair of the grouping and took the chairmanship of the SCO at a meeting of the SCO Heads of State Council in November of 2020. Ahead of the meet, early June saw a protocol meeting to decide the nitty-gritty of the meet. Next week's SCO NSAs meet is expected to see participation of Russian NSA Nikolai Patrushev, Chinese counterpart. Afghanistan is an observer member of SCO with Afghan NSA Hamdullah Mohib going to the city as part of his larger central Asia visit. Mohib and Doval could even hold bilateral meeting in Dushanbe which comes in the backdrop of US withdrawal from Afghanistan and increased violence by Taliban. While there is no confirmation of Indian and Pakistani NSAs having a bilateral meeting, or pull aside, the development comes at a time when both New Delhi and Islamabad have been cautious in ties in the last few months. February saw the Indian, Pakistan army agreeing to observe the 2003 ceasefire pact at the LoC in Kashmir. Since then, the pact has stood and the area hasn't seen any firing. Since February this year, twice--both India's external minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistan FM SM Qureshi have been in the same location but no meeting has happened. In March, both were in Dushanbe for the Heart of Asia meet on Afghanistan, later in April, both were in UAE for a bilateral visit, respectively. Interestingly, Pak, Afghan NSA will also be present in Dushanbe. This comes even as Pakistan foreign minister SM Qureshi was seen defending the Taliban in an interview to an Afghan channel TOLO News's Lotfullah Najafizada. Pak FM said, "if you try and create this impression that the violence is high because of Taliban, that would be exaggeration." SCO has 8 member states--Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and 4 central Asian countries--Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. 2017 saw India and Pakistan officially joining the grouping as full-fledged members. November last year saw India hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization heads of government meeting virtually. That was the first time India was hosting such a meet of the group, with India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu chairing it.

Exclusive: India, Pak NSA to be in Dushanbe next week for SCO NSAs meet

A new survey by an American data intelligence firm, Morning Consult reveals that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to do better than various other global leaders in terms of approval ratings.

A new survey by an American data intelligence firm, Morning Consult reveals that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to do better than various other global leaders in terms of approval ratings. As per the firm, the daily global survey data relies on a seven-day moving average of all adults in a given country with a +/- 1-3 per cent margin of error. All the survey interviews were conducted online and among nationally representative samples of adults. In India, the sample was representative of the literate population. PM Narendra Modi’s global approval ratings have stood at 66 per cent. This comes after a decline in popularity ratings during the devastating second wave of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. This rating is considered to be better than various other world leaders of over 13 countries including the US, UK, Russia, Australia, France, Canada, Brazil and Germany. However, the rating has fallen by 9 per cent as it was 75 per cent a year ago. Also Read | Farhan Akhtar pens heartfelt note on legendary sprinter Milkha Singh's demise The survey had a sample size of over 2,126 adults in India and was last updated on June 17. As per the survey, about 28 per cent disapproved of PM Modi, up from what was 20 per cent a year ago. The prime minister’s approval rating was at 84 per cent on May 2-3, 2020. Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi finished second in terms of the global approval rating at 65 per cent, followed by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at 63 per cent. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison stood at fourth position with 54 per cent, followed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel with 53 per cent. The US President Joe Biden had 53 per cent approval rating, while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with 48 per cent, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson with 44 per cent, South Korean President Moon Jae-In with 37 per cent, followed by Spanish Spain Pedro Sánchez with 36 per cent, Brazilian President Jaire Bolsonaro with 35 per cent, French President Emmanuel Macron with 35 per cent and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga with 29 per cent.

PM Modi’s approval rating highest among world leaders at 66%, says survey

According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi, the third possible wave of the coronavirus pandemic is unlikely to hit children more than the adult population.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-has-suffered-a-lot-due-to-covid-says-donald-trump-demands-china-to-pay-10-trillion-392316">Also read | India has suffered a lot due to Covid says Donald Trump; demands China to pay $10 trillion</a>

The study indicated significant seroprevalence among youngsters, which could protect them from the third wave. It was conducted across five locations in four states.

Delhi Urban Resettlement Colony, Delhi Rural (villages in Faridabad district of Haryana under Delhi-NCR), Bhubaneswar Rural, Gorakhpur Rural, and Agartala Rural are the five sites chosen. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lambda-new-variant-of-covid-19-that-is-affecting-29-countries-392308">Also read | Lambda: New variant of COVID-19 that is affecting 29 countries</a>

“SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity rate among children was high and were comparable to the adult population. Hence, it is unlikely that any future third wave by prevailing COVID19 variant would disproportionately affect children two years or older," the survey stated. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-vaccination-has-no-effect-on-male-fertility-sperm-count-not-harmed-study-392287">Also read | COVID-19 vaccination has no effect on male fertility, sperm count not harmed: Study</a>

The study found a seroprevalence of 55.7 per cent in those aged less than 18 (two to 17 years) age group and 63.5 per cent in the 18 years and above age group.

The present findings are based on a midterm analysis of data acquired from 4,509 participants in four states between 15 March 2021 and 10 June 2021, a timeframe that essentially includes the second wave of COVID-19, according to the study, which was published on pre-print server medRxiv.&nbsp;

The study found that while female individuals had somewhat higher seroprevalence than male participants (58.6 per cent versus 53.0 per cent), there was no statistically significant difference in seropositivity between male and female participants.&nbsp;

Among the five locations that were studied as part of the survey, the Agartala Rural site had the least seroprevalence of 51.9 per cent, probably because it also included some tribal population which generally have lower mobility resulting in lower vulnerability to COVID19 infection, ANI reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi, the third possible wave of the coronavirus pandemic is unlikely to hit children more than the adult population.

According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi, the third possible wave of the coronavirus pandemic is unlikely to hit children more than the adult population. Also read | India has suffered a lot due to Covid says Donald Trump; demands China to pay $10 trillion The study indicated significant seroprevalence among youngsters, which could protect them from the third wave. It was conducted across five locations in four states. Delhi Urban Resettlement Colony, Delhi Rural (villages in Faridabad district of Haryana under Delhi-NCR), Bhubaneswar Rural, Gorakhpur Rural, and Agartala Rural are the five sites chosen. Also read | Lambda: New variant of COVID-19 that is affecting 29 countries “SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity rate among children was high and were comparable to the adult population. Hence, it is unlikely that any future third wave by prevailing COVID19 variant would disproportionately affect children two years or older," the survey stated. Also read | COVID-19 vaccination has no effect on male fertility, sperm count not harmed: Study The study found a seroprevalence of 55.7 per cent in those aged less than 18 (two to 17 years) age group and 63.5 per cent in the 18 years and above age group. The present findings are based on a midterm analysis of data acquired from 4,509 participants in four states between 15 March 2021 and 10 June 2021, a timeframe that essentially includes the second wave of COVID-19, according to the study, which was published on pre-print server medRxiv. The study found that while female individuals had somewhat higher seroprevalence than male participants (58.6 per cent versus 53.0 per cent), there was no statistically significant difference in seropositivity between male and female participants. Among the five locations that were studied as part of the survey, the Agartala Rural site had the least seroprevalence of 51.9 per cent, probably because it also included some tribal population which generally have lower mobility resulting in lower vulnerability to COVID19 infection, ANI reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Third COVID-19 wave unlikely to affect kids: WHO-AIIMS survey  

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Kashmir Valley's first major fruit crop is cherry. It's a bumper crop this year and harvesting of the produce has started. The government has also come to support the farmers and signed an MoU to airlift the produce from Kashmir Valley to various parts of the country.&nbsp;

With this step, the farmers would benefit monetarily and also their produce will not get damaged while waiting for the buyers.&nbsp;

''About cherry, this year our government has earmarked a separate budget for cherry transportation, and we have done an MoU with GO airlines recently. We have taken up with the government to provide subsidies also. Normally our production is 14 thousand metric tonnes or more but we are expecting higher this year. Production is more and there is little disease among the fruit trees. “ said Aijaz Ahmad, Director Horticulture.
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<div dir="auto" style="border:0px; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="auto" style="border:0px; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px"><img alt="J&amp;K" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99b19047-3148-4d63-b012-9692f7ef7e11" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Slide1.jpg" /></div>

<div dir="ltr" style="border:0px; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="ltr" style="border:0px; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">The Kashmiri cherries are famous across the world and there is a high demand for them. The farmers say they will benefit if the government helps them to sell the produce or market it. Due to COVID-19 they had to incur huge losses last year.&nbsp;</div>

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“The produce is good and the market is good too. Our whole produce was wasted last year but this year it’s been good, traffic is moving. If the government takes our produce, it will benefit farmers a lot” said Gulzar Ahmad, Farmer.

The government has tied up with a private airline to lift the produce from Kashmir and send it across various cities of the country. Farmers expect it would help them in a big way.&nbsp;

“The produce this year is good but the market should retain. If we are able to send it across, we will be benefitted. The government is saying we will take the produce at less cost and sell it. We are getting good rates.” Said Mohd Ayub, Farmer.&nbsp;

With this farmers expect that the government will come to their help with other crops as well. Apple, almond and walnut growers hope that the government will come up with some scheme for them too.&nbsp;
</div>

Kashmir Valley's first major fruit crop is cherry. It's a bumper crop this year and harvesting of the produce has started. The government has also come to support the farmers and signed an MoU to airlift the produce from Kashmir Valley to various parts of the country.

Kashmir Valley's first major fruit crop is cherry. It's a bumper crop this year and harvesting of the produce has started. The government has also come to support the farmers and signed an MoU to airlift the produce from Kashmir Valley to various parts of the country. With this step, the farmers would benefit monetarily and also their produce will not get damaged while waiting for the buyers. ''About cherry, this year our government has earmarked a separate budget for cherry transportation, and we have done an MoU with GO airlines recently. We have taken up with the government to provide subsidies also. Normally our production is 14 thousand metric tonnes or more but we are expecting higher this year. Production is more and there is little disease among the fruit trees. “ said Aijaz Ahmad, Director Horticulture. The Kashmiri cherries are famous across the world and there is a high demand for them. The farmers say they will benefit if the government helps them to sell the produce or market it. Due to COVID-19 they had to incur huge losses last year. “The produce is good and the market is good too. Our whole produce was wasted last year but this year it’s been good, traffic is moving. If the government takes our produce, it will benefit farmers a lot” said Gulzar Ahmad, Farmer. The government has tied up with a private airline to lift the produce from Kashmir and send it across various cities of the country. Farmers expect it would help them in a big way. “The produce this year is good but the market should retain. If we are able to send it across, we will be benefitted. The government is saying we will take the produce at less cost and sell it. We are getting good rates.” Said Mohd Ayub, Farmer. With this farmers expect that the government will come to their help with other crops as well. Apple, almond and walnut growers hope that the government will come up with some scheme for them too.

Bumper cherry crop in Kashmir Valley, government to airlift produce to help farmers

India's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information technology came out hard on Twitter on Friday&nbsp;asking the social media platform to follow the law of the land instead of dilly-dallying. The social media platform has not fully implemented the new IT rules that were announced in February.

The Parliamentary panel comprising of 21 MPs from Lok Sabha, and 10 from Rajya Sabha is led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Sources said the MPs&nbsp;cutting across party lines were "unanimous" in their call asking Twitter to comply with the new IT rules.

Today’s meeting of the committee was attended by Congress MP Dr&nbsp;Shashi Tharoor, along with MP Mahua Moitra from TMC, Nishikant Dubey and Rajyavardhan Rathor from the BJP among others.

Twitter representatives were seen as vague when the committee asked whether their company rules are important or the laws of India are important and tried to equate them. Sources pointed out that this was "not viewed positively" by the committee which "firmly told Twitter to follow the Indian laws."

The development comes even as Twitter has lost its intermediary status in the country over non-compliance of IT rules. This means it will be liable for third-party&nbsp;content or tweets on its platform.

The meet started at 4 pm(IST) at the committee room, Parliament house annexe.

The main agenda&nbsp;which was listed for the meet was to hear the views of representatives of Twitter on the subject "safeguarding citizens rights and prevention of misuse of social/online news media platforms including special emphasis on women security in the digital space".

India's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information technology came out hard on Twitter on Friday asking the social media platform to follow the law of the land instead of dilly-dallying.

India's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information technology came out hard on Twitter on Friday asking the social media platform to follow the law of the land instead of dilly-dallying. The social media platform has not fully implemented the new IT rules that were announced in February. The Parliamentary panel comprising of 21 MPs from Lok Sabha, and 10 from Rajya Sabha is led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Sources said the MPs cutting across party lines were "unanimous" in their call asking Twitter to comply with the new IT rules. Today’s meeting of the committee was attended by Congress MP Dr Shashi Tharoor, along with MP Mahua Moitra from TMC, Nishikant Dubey and Rajyavardhan Rathor from the BJP among others. Twitter representatives were seen as vague when the committee asked whether their company rules are important or the laws of India are important and tried to equate them. Sources pointed out that this was "not viewed positively" by the committee which "firmly told Twitter to follow the Indian laws." The development comes even as Twitter has lost its intermediary status in the country over non-compliance of IT rules. This means it will be liable for third-party content or tweets on its platform. The meet started at 4 pm(IST) at the committee room, Parliament house annexe. The main agenda which was listed for the meet was to hear the views of representatives of Twitter on the subject "safeguarding citizens rights and prevention of misuse of social/online news media platforms including special emphasis on women security in the digital space".

Follow law of the land, Parliamentary panel tells Twitter

A 10 kiloliter mid-sea oil spill was reported from a Portuguese flagged container ship MV Devon, 450 km off Chennai coast. It occurred while the vessel was transiting the region, during its voyage from Colombo, Sri Lanka to Haldia, West Bengal.

Oil spill off Chennai coast, Indian Coast Guard monitoring situation

The all-weather hi-tech tunnel connecting Qazigund and Banihal is likely to open for public in the next two weeks. Locals say it's like a dream coming true. With the opening of this tunnel, the common people will heave a sigh of relief.

J&K: 8.5 km all-weather tunnel linking Qazi Gund and Banihal to open soon

Jammu and Kashmir, which is one of the biggest tourist attractions of Inida, has been hit hard due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

India: Jammu & Kashmir opens for tourism after a long gap

Beijing-backed Colombo port city project has raised eyebrows in Delhi with India hoping that Sri Lanka remains mindful of security in the maritime domain. Last month, the Sri Lankan Parliament approved bills for the establishment of 2 SEZs — Colombo port city and Colombo port city economic commission projects.&nbsp;

"We expect Sri Lanka will remain mindful of our excellent bilateral cooperation, including for mutual security in our shared environment, which includes the maritime domain,"&nbsp;Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi at a virtual weekly presser.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-extends-support-to-freedom-of-navigation-in-the-south-china-sea-391827" hreflang="en">India's defence minister Rajnath Singh extends support to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea</a>

The project is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which has been criticised by major democratic countries for causing debt crisis in countries that have partnered with Beijing for it. According to Chinese state media, it is the largest project by China in Sri Lanka with a total value of the project at $1.4 billion.

The spokesperson said that "we have been closely following recent developments from our security perspective" when it comes to the port project pointing out that New Delhi has "noted the concerns that have been raised in Sri Lanka regarding several aspects of the framework for the Colombo Port City."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-to-address-asean-defence-ministers-meeting-plus-tomorrow-391714" hreflang="en">Defence minister Rajnath Singh to address ASEAN defence ministers meeting plus tomorrow</a>

This&nbsp;development comes even as Sri Lanka walked out from the triparty pact with India and Japan for the development of the strategic East Container Terminal (ECT). Instead, Colombo gave up the underdeveloped western container terminal inviting Indian companies.

Meanwhile, High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay on Thursday met a five-member Tamil National Alliance (TNA) delegation, led by Member of Parliament R. Sampanthan.

An Indian mission release said during the meet, the High commissioner "reiterated India's support for devolution within the framework of a united Sri Lanka on the basis of full implementation of the 13A" which would be in "line with Tamil aspirations for equality, justice, peace and&nbsp;reconciliation and would strengthen Sri Lanka."

The 13th amendment of the Sri Lanka constitution is an outcome of the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka accord signed between Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President J.R. Jayewardene that aims at devolution of powers to the provinces and to protect the rights of Tamil minorities in the country.&nbsp;

During the envoy's meet with Tamil parties, the focus was also on the development of the North and East of Sri Lanka and improving connectivity between the two countries in the post-Covid period. India has been involved in housing projects in that part of the country.

Beijing-backed Colombo port city project has raised eyebrows in Delhi with India hoping that Sri Lanka remains mindful of security in the maritime domain. Last month, the Sri Lankan Parliament approved bills for the establishment of 2 SEZs — Colombo port city and Colombo port city economic commission projects.

Beijing-backed Colombo port city project has raised eyebrows in Delhi with India hoping that Sri Lanka remains mindful of security in the maritime domain. Last month, the Sri Lankan Parliament approved bills for the establishment of 2 SEZs — Colombo port city and Colombo port city economic commission projects. "We expect Sri Lanka will remain mindful of our excellent bilateral cooperation, including for mutual security in our shared environment, which includes the maritime domain," Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi at a virtual weekly presser. Also read | India's defence minister Rajnath Singh extends support to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea The project is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which has been criticised by major democratic countries for causing debt crisis in countries that have partnered with Beijing for it. According to Chinese state media, it is the largest project by China in Sri Lanka with a total value of the project at $1.4 billion. The spokesperson said that "we have been closely following recent developments from our security perspective" when it comes to the port project pointing out that New Delhi has "noted the concerns that have been raised in Sri Lanka regarding several aspects of the framework for the Colombo Port City." Also read | Defence minister Rajnath Singh to address ASEAN defence ministers meeting plus tomorrow This development comes even as Sri Lanka walked out from the triparty pact with India and Japan for the development of the strategic East Container Terminal (ECT). Instead, Colombo gave up the underdeveloped western container terminal inviting Indian companies. Meanwhile, High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay on Thursday met a five-member Tamil National Alliance (TNA) delegation, led by Member of Parliament R. Sampanthan. An Indian mission release said during the meet, the High commissioner "reiterated India's support for devolution within the framework of a united Sri Lanka on the basis of full implementation of the 13A" which would be in "line with Tamil aspirations for equality, justice, peace and reconciliation and would strengthen Sri Lanka." The 13th amendment of the Sri Lanka constitution is an outcome of the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka accord signed between Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President J.R. Jayewardene that aims at devolution of powers to the provinces and to protect the rights of Tamil minorities in the country. During the envoy's meet with Tamil parties, the focus was also on the development of the North and East of Sri Lanka and improving connectivity between the two countries in the post-Covid period. India has been involved in housing projects in that part of the country.

Colombo port project: India hopes Sri Lanka remains 'mindful' of maritime security

Nearly 40 days after taking oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the latter’s official residence in New Delhi.

Following the meeting, Stalin said that the Prime Minister congratulated him on his election win and assured full cooperation for the development of Tamil Nadu. Stalin also said that he handed over a memorandum to the Prime Minister enlisting the demands of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-in-major-tamil-nadu-govt-hospitals-is-137-times-the-reported-figure-claims-report-by-ngo-391609" hreflang="en">Death toll in major Tamil Nadu Govt hospitals is 13.7 times the reported figure claims report by NGO</a>

Some of the major demands featured in the list include the repeal of the Three Farm laws, revoking the National Education Policy, repealing of the Citizenship Amendment Act, and Draft EIA Notification, besides the implementation of the SethuSamuthram Ship canal project among others.&nbsp;

Stalin said that he had wanted to meet the Prime Minister right after having taken over as Chief Minister, but couldn’t do so owing to the pandemic. The DMK President quoted the Prime Minister as having said that he could get in contact directly with him for any requirements.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-one-inch-of-forest-should-be-encroached-upon-says-madras-high-court-390387" hreflang="en">Not one inch of forest should be encroached upon, says Madras High Court</a>

Pertaining to COVID-19, Stalin had requested that more vaccine doses should be allocated to Tamil Nadu, in addition to starting vaccine production at the facilities in Chengalpattu and Coonoor.&nbsp;

Some of the other significant demands featured on the list were the expedited construction of AIIMS in Madurai, the establishment of a new AIIMS at Coimbatore, equal civil and political rights for Eelam Tamils, declaring Tamil as an official language of India and the use of Tamil language in High Court, declaring Thirukkural as the National Literature, establishing a regional branch of Supreme Court in Chennai and more.&nbsp;

The list of demands covered various subjects such as water resources issues, fisheries, power, finance, health, agriculture, industries, infrastructure projects among others. Stalin said that many of these issues could be solved by the central government alone, some could be done by the State Government (with permission from central government) and that the rest could be solved via efforts from both sides. He added that the governments should work towards fulfilling these demands and assured that his government would continue to emphasise the same.

Nearly 40 days after taking oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the latter’s official residence in New Delhi. Following the meeting, Stalin said that the Prime Minister congratulated him on his election win and assured full cooperation for the development of Tamil Nadu.

Nearly 40 days after taking oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the latter’s official residence in New Delhi. Following the meeting, Stalin said that the Prime Minister congratulated him on his election win and assured full cooperation for the development of Tamil Nadu. Stalin also said that he handed over a memorandum to the Prime Minister enlisting the demands of Tamil Nadu. Also read | Death toll in major Tamil Nadu Govt hospitals is 13.7 times the reported figure claims report by NGO Some of the major demands featured in the list include the repeal of the Three Farm laws, revoking the National Education Policy, repealing of the Citizenship Amendment Act, and Draft EIA Notification, besides the implementation of the SethuSamuthram Ship canal project among others. Stalin said that he had wanted to meet the Prime Minister right after having taken over as Chief Minister, but couldn’t do so owing to the pandemic. The DMK President quoted the Prime Minister as having said that he could get in contact directly with him for any requirements. Also read | Not one inch of forest should be encroached upon, says Madras High Court Pertaining to COVID-19, Stalin had requested that more vaccine doses should be allocated to Tamil Nadu, in addition to starting vaccine production at the facilities in Chengalpattu and Coonoor. Some of the other significant demands featured on the list were the expedited construction of AIIMS in Madurai, the establishment of a new AIIMS at Coimbatore, equal civil and political rights for Eelam Tamils, declaring Tamil as an official language of India and the use of Tamil language in High Court, declaring Thirukkural as the National Literature, establishing a regional branch of Supreme Court in Chennai and more. The list of demands covered various subjects such as water resources issues, fisheries, power, finance, health, agriculture, industries, infrastructure projects among others. Stalin said that many of these issues could be solved by the central government alone, some could be done by the State Government (with permission from central government) and that the rest could be solved via efforts from both sides. He added that the governments should work towards fulfilling these demands and assured that his government would continue to emphasise the same.

Had a fulfilling maiden meeting with PM Modi, says Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin

In Madhya Pradesh's Indore, a 34-year-old COVID-19 victim was diagnosed with a green fungus infection and evacuated to Mumbai's Hinduja hospital on Monday.

According to the District's health statistics manager, this is most likely India's first case of such an ailment.&nbsp;

"The man who was suspected of having contracted black fungus infection (mucormycosis) underwent a test, after which it was discovered that he had developed green fungus (Aspergillosis) infection in his sinuses, lungs, and blood," said Dr Ravi Dosi, head of the Department of Chest Diseases at Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences (SAIMS).

The patient was airlifted to Mumbai's Hinduja hospital on Monday.&nbsp;

He said that the patient had recovered from the coronavirus infection. “The patient recovered. But then he started having nose bleeds and a high fever. He had also become very weak due to weight loss.” &nbsp;

<h2>What is Green Fungus?</h2>

Aspergillosis, often known as green fungus, is a fungal infection caused by Aspergillus, a common mould that can be found both indoors and out. Most people can inhale Aspergillus spores without becoming unwell.

Although there are 180 species of Aspergillus, only about 40 are known to cause infections in people.

The most prevalent cause of human Aspergillus is Aspergillus fumigatus.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In Madhya Pradesh's Indore, a 34-year-old COVID-19 victim was diagnosed with a green fungus infection and evacuated to Mumbai's Hinduja hospital on Monday. According to the District's health statistics manager, this is most likely India's first case of such an ailment.

In Madhya Pradesh's Indore, a 34-year-old COVID-19 victim was diagnosed with a green fungus infection and evacuated to Mumbai's Hinduja hospital on Monday. According to the District's health statistics manager, this is most likely India's first case of such an ailment. "The man who was suspected of having contracted black fungus infection (mucormycosis) underwent a test, after which it was discovered that he had developed green fungus (Aspergillosis) infection in his sinuses, lungs, and blood," said Dr Ravi Dosi, head of the Department of Chest Diseases at Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences (SAIMS). The patient was airlifted to Mumbai's Hinduja hospital on Monday. He said that the patient had recovered from the coronavirus infection. “The patient recovered. But then he started having nose bleeds and a high fever. He had also become very weak due to weight loss.” What is Green Fungus? Aspergillosis, often known as green fungus, is a fungal infection caused by Aspergillus, a common mould that can be found both indoors and out. Most people can inhale Aspergillus spores without becoming unwell. Although there are 180 species of Aspergillus, only about 40 are known to cause infections in people. The most prevalent cause of human Aspergillus is Aspergillus fumigatus. (With inputs from agencies)

India's first case of ‘green fungus’ infection reported in Madhya Pradesh: All you need to know

The Uttarakhand government has ordered the Haridwar district administration to register an FIR in a Covid testing scam during the Mahakumbh, an official said on Wednesday.

State government spokesperson Subodh Uniyal told ANI that an order has been issued to file a case against labs from Delhi and Haryana, which conducted testing at five places in Haridwar during the Kumbh Mela.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-reports-62224-fresh-cases-2542-new-fatalities-391792">COVID-19: India reports 62,224 fresh cases, 2,542 new fatalities</a>

This action comes days after reports of fake COVID-19 testing during Mahakumbh surfaced. It was reported that at least 1 lakh COVID-19 reports of tests conducted during Kumbh Mela have been found to be fake.

The Maha Kumbh Mela was held from April 1 to 30 this year and was spread over Haridwar district and Rishikesh region, which includes Rishikesh in Dehradun district, Muni ki Reti in Tehri and Swargashram in Pauri.

Earlier on Wednesday, Annop Nautiyal, the Social Development for Community Foundation said: "The COVID-19 test data of Kumbh Mela area and its results were not shared in the public domain, cases, investigations, deaths, recoveries and other information of 13 districts of Uttarakhand were being shared in the state health bulletin In this way, the complete picture of the Kumbh Mela area was never available.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-just-34-for-two-doses-made-in-india-biological-e-vaccine-could-be-90-effective-392081">COVID-19: Just $3.4 for two doses - Made-in-India Biological E vaccine could be 90% effective</a>

"He further said that the ongoing investigation in the matter should not only focus on private labs, but should cover all government labs and all agencies, which were working during that time.

Additionally, he said that due to these alleged irregularities in Haridwar, the COVID-19 data of the entire state has come under suspicion.

"A judicial inquiry should be conducted not only by getting the matter investigated by the agencies of the state government. If any lab or officer is found guilty in this case, then penal action should be taken against them as per law," Nautiyal said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-first-case-of-green-fungus-infection-reported-in-madhya-pradesh-all-you-need-to-know-391837">India's first case of ‘green fungus’ infection reported in Madhya Pradesh: All you need to know</a>

He further said that after the COVID-19 situation is clear, the Uttarakhand government should issue a white paper on the investigation of coronavirus in the Kumbh Mela.

"If any error is found in the data as a final result of the investigation, the Uttarakhand government should accept these mistakes. It should not hesitate and should not hesitate to change the state figures if needed," he said.&nbsp;

The Uttarakhand government has ordered the Haridwar district administration to register an FIR in a Covid testing scam during the Mahakumbh, an official said on Wednesday.

The Uttarakhand government has ordered the Haridwar district administration to register an FIR in a Covid testing scam during the Mahakumbh, an official said on Wednesday. State government spokesperson Subodh Uniyal told ANI that an order has been issued to file a case against labs from Delhi and Haryana, which conducted testing at five places in Haridwar during the Kumbh Mela. Also read | COVID-19: India reports 62,224 fresh cases, 2,542 new fatalities This action comes days after reports of fake COVID-19 testing during Mahakumbh surfaced. It was reported that at least 1 lakh COVID-19 reports of tests conducted during Kumbh Mela have been found to be fake. The Maha Kumbh Mela was held from April 1 to 30 this year and was spread over Haridwar district and Rishikesh region, which includes Rishikesh in Dehradun district, Muni ki Reti in Tehri and Swargashram in Pauri. Earlier on Wednesday, Annop Nautiyal, the Social Development for Community Foundation said: "The COVID-19 test data of Kumbh Mela area and its results were not shared in the public domain, cases, investigations, deaths, recoveries and other information of 13 districts of Uttarakhand were being shared in the state health bulletin In this way, the complete picture of the Kumbh Mela area was never available. Also read | COVID-19: Just $3.4 for two doses - Made-in-India Biological E vaccine could be 90% effective "He further said that the ongoing investigation in the matter should not only focus on private labs, but should cover all government labs and all agencies, which were working during that time. Additionally, he said that due to these alleged irregularities in Haridwar, the COVID-19 data of the entire state has come under suspicion. "A judicial inquiry should be conducted not only by getting the matter investigated by the agencies of the state government. If any lab or officer is found guilty in this case, then penal action should be taken against them as per law," Nautiyal said. Also read | India's first case of ‘green fungus’ infection reported in Madhya Pradesh: All you need to know He further said that after the COVID-19 situation is clear, the Uttarakhand government should issue a white paper on the investigation of coronavirus in the Kumbh Mela. "If any error is found in the data as a final result of the investigation, the Uttarakhand government should accept these mistakes. It should not hesitate and should not hesitate to change the state figures if needed," he said.

Uttarakhand govt orders FIR against labs in Mahakumbh COVID-19 testing scam

India's national-level board of education the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) submitted the assessment system for Class 12 students in the Supreme Court and said that the results will be declared by July 31.

CBSE submits Class 12 evaluation scheme in Supreme Court: India

Bringing the Indian Covid vaccine Covaxin&nbsp;a step closer to World Health Organization's approval, the pre-submission meeting will be taking place on&nbsp;June 23. WHO documents show the Expression of Interest (EOI) has been accepted by the Geneva-based body.

Hyderabad-based&nbsp;Bharat Biotech, which manufactures the vaccine, had submitted its Expression of Interest (EOI) on April 19. Once the dossier is accepted for review and the status of assessment finalised, a decision will be taken.

Covaxin&nbsp;is the second made-in-India vaccine to apply at the global body for Emergency Use Listing (EUL). Covishield, made by the Serum Institute of India,&nbsp; got WHO EUL on 15th February.

WHO listing will allow Covaxin to get global approval for use, something that has other benefits like the easy movement of Indians who have been vaccinated by it.

May saw an important meeting of Bharat Biotech officials and senior officers of the Ministry of Health, Department of Biotechnology, and Ministry of External Affairs to chalk out a strategy for early approval of the vaccine.

Covaxin has received emergency use authorisation from 14 countries, with more than 50 other countries in the pipeline. When it comes to the US, Bharat Biotech's US partner Ocugen has been asked by FDA to pursue Biologics License Applications (BLA) path for Covaxin's full approval.

So far, eight vaccines globally have been approved by WHO for EUL, including those made by Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Janssen, Moderna, Sinovac and Sinopharm.

Russia's Sputnik vaccine is expected to get approval soon "once all the data is submitted", said WHO documents. A total of 22 vaccines have applied for WHO approval globally, with 14 in various stages of negotiations.

Bringing the Indian Covid vaccine Covaxin a step closer to World Health Organization's approval, the pre-submission meeting will be taking place on June 23. WHO documents show the Expression of Interest (EOI) has been accepted by the Geneva-based body.

Bringing the Indian Covid vaccine Covaxin a step closer to World Health Organization's approval, the pre-submission meeting will be taking place on June 23. WHO documents show the Expression of Interest (EOI) has been accepted by the Geneva-based body. Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, which manufactures the vaccine, had submitted its Expression of Interest (EOI) on April 19. Once the dossier is accepted for review and the status of assessment finalised, a decision will be taken. Covaxin is the second made-in-India vaccine to apply at the global body for Emergency Use Listing (EUL). Covishield, made by the Serum Institute of India, got WHO EUL on 15th February. WHO listing will allow Covaxin to get global approval for use, something that has other benefits like the easy movement of Indians who have been vaccinated by it. May saw an important meeting of Bharat Biotech officials and senior officers of the Ministry of Health, Department of Biotechnology, and Ministry of External Affairs to chalk out a strategy for early approval of the vaccine. Covaxin has received emergency use authorisation from 14 countries, with more than 50 other countries in the pipeline. When it comes to the US, Bharat Biotech's US partner Ocugen has been asked by FDA to pursue Biologics License Applications (BLA) path for Covaxin's full approval. So far, eight vaccines globally have been approved by WHO for EUL, including those made by Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Janssen, Moderna, Sinovac and Sinopharm. Russia's Sputnik vaccine is expected to get approval soon "once all the data is submitted", said WHO documents. A total of 22 vaccines have applied for WHO approval globally, with 14 in various stages of negotiations.

COVID-19: Bharat Biotech's pre-submission meeting for Covaxin's WHO approval on June 23

India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested a man who allegedly used to provide bitcoin to peddlers to buy drugs from the dark net, the hidden underbelly of the internet inaccessable by commonly used browsers.

The accused has been identified as Makarand Pardeep Adivirkar, popularly known as the 'Crypto King'.

"In November 2020, a team of NCB Mumbai had seized 20 LSD blots from Kharodi Village in Malad. The seized psychotropic substance was purchased from Europe by using Bitcoin by a drug peddler from Mumbai," NCB said on Wednesday.

During the investigation police arrested Adivirkar was involved in providing the bitcoin to effect the purchase of LSD in November 2020 from abroad.

According to NCB, the seized drugs were purchased from the Darknet by using bitcoin. Adivirkar was found to be providing bitcoins to drug peddlers in various parts of Mumbai.

"His modus operandi was to receive cash, and provide bitcoins on marginal profits by using his wallet that was used to purchase drugs from the Darknet," NCB added.

The NCB said that sellers of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in some countries are using bitcoin for illicit trafficking of drugs worldwide especially LSD, ecstasy, heroin, hydroponic weeds, buds among other drugs.

A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that is secured by cryptography, which makes it nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend. It is a digital currency, without a central bank or single administrator that can be sent from user to user on the peer-to-peer bitcoin network without the need for intermediaries.

India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested a man who allegedly used to provide bitcoin to peddlers to buy drugs from the dark net, the hidden underbelly of the internet inaccessable by commonly used browsers.

India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested a man who allegedly used to provide bitcoin to peddlers to buy drugs from the dark net, the hidden underbelly of the internet inaccessable by commonly used browsers. The accused has been identified as Makarand Pardeep Adivirkar, popularly known as the 'Crypto King'. "In November 2020, a team of NCB Mumbai had seized 20 LSD blots from Kharodi Village in Malad. The seized psychotropic substance was purchased from Europe by using Bitcoin by a drug peddler from Mumbai," NCB said on Wednesday. During the investigation police arrested Adivirkar was involved in providing the bitcoin to effect the purchase of LSD in November 2020 from abroad. According to NCB, the seized drugs were purchased from the Darknet by using bitcoin. Adivirkar was found to be providing bitcoins to drug peddlers in various parts of Mumbai. "His modus operandi was to receive cash, and provide bitcoins on marginal profits by using his wallet that was used to purchase drugs from the Darknet," NCB added. The NCB said that sellers of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in some countries are using bitcoin for illicit trafficking of drugs worldwide especially LSD, ecstasy, heroin, hydroponic weeds, buds among other drugs. A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that is secured by cryptography, which makes it nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend. It is a digital currency, without a central bank or single administrator that can be sent from user to user on the peer-to-peer bitcoin network without the need for intermediaries.

Bitcoin for drugs: Indian police arrest 'Crypto King' of drug peddlers in Mumbai

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