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A population-based study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), has found flu vaccination during pregnancy does not lead to an increased risk of adverse early childhood health outcomes. 
 
Although pregnant people are not more susceptible to acquiring influenza infection, they are at an increased risk of severe illness and complications if they get the flu during pregnancy. 
 
For this reason, all pregnant people are advised to receive a flu shot each year, yet only 36 per cent received it according to a study monitoring four flu seasons in Nova Scotia. Safety concerns are reportedly a leading reason people may not receive influenza vaccination in pregnancy. 
 
Dr Deshayne Fell, an Associate Professor of Epidemiology in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa and a Scientist at the CHEO Research Institute, a pediatric healthcare and research centre, led the study along with researchers in Ontario and at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. 
 
The study followed over 28,000 children from birth up to an average age of 3.5 years, with the results suggesting that maternal influenza vaccination during pregnancy was not associated with:- Immune-related health conditions, such as asthma, ear infections or other types of infection.- Non-immune-related health problems like neoplasms, sensory impairment.- Nonspecific health needs such as Emergency Department visits and hospitalizations did not increase. 
 
"This study adds to what we know from other recent studies showing no harmful effects of flu vaccination during pregnancy on the longer-term health of children," says Dr Fell, whose other recent work includes studying the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy. 
 
She added, "This is important because we know that getting the flu shot during pregnancy not only protects the pregnant person but has the added bonus of protecting newborn babies from getting the flu during their first few months of life, which is when they are most susceptible to respiratory infections but still too young to get the flu shot themselves."The study, Association of Maternal Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy with Early Childhood Health Outcomes, is published in JAMA.

A population-based study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), has found flu vaccination during pregnancy does not lead to an increased risk of adverse early childhood health outcomes.

A population-based study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), has found flu vaccination during pregnancy does not lead to an increased risk of adverse early childhood health outcomes. Although pregnant people are not more susceptible to acquiring influenza infection, they are at an increased risk of severe illness and complications if they get the flu during pregnancy. For this reason, all pregnant people are advised to receive a flu shot each year, yet only 36 per cent received it according to a study monitoring four flu seasons in Nova Scotia. Safety concerns are reportedly a leading reason people may not receive influenza vaccination in pregnancy. Dr Deshayne Fell, an Associate Professor of Epidemiology in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa and a Scientist at the CHEO Research Institute, a pediatric healthcare and research centre, led the study along with researchers in Ontario and at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. The study followed over 28,000 children from birth up to an average age of 3.5 years, with the results suggesting that maternal influenza vaccination during pregnancy was not associated with:- Immune-related health conditions, such as asthma, ear infections or other types of infection.- Non-immune-related health problems like neoplasms, sensory impairment.- Nonspecific health needs such as Emergency Department visits and hospitalizations did not increase. "This study adds to what we know from other recent studies showing no harmful effects of flu vaccination during pregnancy on the longer-term health of children," says Dr Fell, whose other recent work includes studying the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy. She added, "This is important because we know that getting the flu shot during pregnancy not only protects the pregnant person but has the added bonus of protecting newborn babies from getting the flu during their first few months of life, which is when they are most susceptible to respiratory infections but still too young to get the flu shot themselves."The study, Association of Maternal Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy with Early Childhood Health Outcomes, is published in JAMA.

No health worries for children born to mothers given seasonal flu vaccine in pregnancy: Study

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In a case pertaining to alleged forest encroachment by a private resort in the Nilgiris district, Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamuoorthy of the Maras High Court firmly said that not even an inch of forest land must be encroached.

The Court also instructed the concerned collector and the forest department officials to visit the spot and ensure that every bit of forest land is returned to its pristine status.&nbsp;

Prabhakaran, the petitioner, approached the court citing encroachment of forest land by an under-construction private resort. The said property is situated in the Naduvattom town, in the ecologically sensitive Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu.

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As per the petitioner, such encroachment has led to habitat destruction, damage to ecosystem, flora and fauna, deforestation and disruption in the natural flow of water. He also added that this brought with it the long-term risk of landslides.

According to Prabhakaran, no action was taken in this regard, despite the wrongdoings being brought to the notice of the forest authorities. He was, thus, only left with the option of approaching the court. His petition sought disconnection of power line to the alleged erring resort and also wanted the court to prohibit amassing of construction material in the forest area. He also urged that a survey be carried out in the area to demarcate the forest land.&nbsp;

The court instructed the Nilgiris District Collector and Forest department officials to visit the spot, insect it and retrieve the encroached land. The officials were also instructed to provide a report on this matter and ensure that water from the forest is not diverted to private resorts. The case has been adjourned for three weeks.

In a case pertaining to alleged forest encroachment by a private resort in the Nilgiris district, Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamuoorthy of the Maras High Court firmly said that not even an inch of forest land must be encroached.

In a case pertaining to alleged forest encroachment by a private resort in the Nilgiris district, Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamuoorthy of the Maras High Court firmly said that not even an inch of forest land must be encroached. The Court also instructed the concerned collector and the forest department officials to visit the spot and ensure that every bit of forest land is returned to its pristine status. Prabhakaran, the petitioner, approached the court citing encroachment of forest land by an under-construction private resort. The said property is situated in the Naduvattom town, in the ecologically sensitive Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. Also read | Semi-wild elephants undergo COVID-19 testing after 9 lions test positive in Indian zoo As per the petitioner, such encroachment has led to habitat destruction, damage to ecosystem, flora and fauna, deforestation and disruption in the natural flow of water. He also added that this brought with it the long-term risk of landslides. According to Prabhakaran, no action was taken in this regard, despite the wrongdoings being brought to the notice of the forest authorities. He was, thus, only left with the option of approaching the court. His petition sought disconnection of power line to the alleged erring resort and also wanted the court to prohibit amassing of construction material in the forest area. He also urged that a survey be carried out in the area to demarcate the forest land. The court instructed the Nilgiris District Collector and Forest department officials to visit the spot, insect it and retrieve the encroached land. The officials were also instructed to provide a report on this matter and ensure that water from the forest is not diverted to private resorts. The case has been adjourned for three weeks.

Not one inch of forest should be encroached upon, says Madras High Court

One lakh 12 thousand people from all over the country including Madhya Pradesh have come forward to save 2.15 Lakh trees to be cut for Buxwaha diamond mine in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh.

2.15 Lakh trees to be cut for diamond mining in Buxwaha forest

India witnessed a cycling revolution during the pandemic year, with over 40 cities learning and testing ideas to promoting cycling in the country, according to the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP).

A report by the global organisation said these Indian cities collectively initiated work on 400 km&nbsp; of arterial and 3500 km&nbsp;of neighbourhood streets.

This was achieved under the first phase of the India Cycles4Change Challenge, where the Smart Cities Mission trained and guided cities on implementing various cycling-related initiatives.

Lockdown restrictions in India since March 2020, the need to stay physically and mentally fit are among the reasons that caused the increased enthusiasm in cycling. With public transport virtually suspended, cycling proved to be a personal, Covid-safe alternative for short and medium distance trips.

According to Kunal Kumar IAS, Joint Secretary and Mission Director Smart Cities Mission, 2020 ignited India’s cycling revolution as cities and citizens joined hands to test, learn and scale up ideas to make cities a cycling haven. “The results have been resounding more people are cycling now, city officials and public representatives are leasing by example by cycling to work, whereas states are backing this with investments,” he said, urging more cities to join the movement.

The efforts towards making Indian cities cycling-friendly began with perception surveys to understand the needs of citizens. Nearly 60,000 persons from across India were surveyed in this regard, it included postmen, women, children etc. Cities then went on to create dedicated cycle lanes, which are separated from vehicular traffic. Bhubaneswar, Surat, Kochi, Greater Warangal used traffic cones, paints to test out the new lane system, whereas Chandigarh installed coyly signals at traffic junctions. New Delhi creates a cycle plaza for children in the Lodhi Garden Colony, by rerouting vehicular traffic.

Nashik, Bengaluru and New Town Kolkata encouraged older and younger women to cycle, thus giving them an easy and cost-effective means for commuting. In Rajkot and Jabalpur, senior officials pedalled to work, to lead by example and set a trend. Some firms even distributed cycles to employees. Cities are now developing cycling plans to scale up these initiatives a ross their cities to achieve the goal set out in the policy. These are aimed at making cities into safe, attractive, comfortable spaces for walking and cycling.

At the International level, Barcelona and London are testing cycling infrastructure, as a part of their Covid-19 recovery plan. Not only does it offer a sustainable and equitable mode of transport, but it also reduces carbon emissions increases safety and liveability.

The report states that in 2020, cycle sales in India hit a decadal high of 20%. It also adds that Investment in cycling infrastructure has economic benefits of up to 5.5 times the initial sum. Cycling for short distances can result in an annual benefit of Rs.1.8 trillion to the Indian Economy, while also being a credible solution to tackle pollution and resultant climate change.

India witnessed a cycling revolution during the pandemic year, with over 40 cities learning and testing ideas to promoting cycling in the country, according to the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP).

India witnessed a cycling revolution during the pandemic year, with over 40 cities learning and testing ideas to promoting cycling in the country, according to the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP). A report by the global organisation said these Indian cities collectively initiated work on 400 km of arterial and 3500 km of neighbourhood streets. This was achieved under the first phase of the India Cycles4Change Challenge, where the Smart Cities Mission trained and guided cities on implementing various cycling-related initiatives. Lockdown restrictions in India since March 2020, the need to stay physically and mentally fit are among the reasons that caused the increased enthusiasm in cycling. With public transport virtually suspended, cycling proved to be a personal, Covid-safe alternative for short and medium distance trips. According to Kunal Kumar IAS, Joint Secretary and Mission Director Smart Cities Mission, 2020 ignited India’s cycling revolution as cities and citizens joined hands to test, learn and scale up ideas to make cities a cycling haven. “The results have been resounding more people are cycling now, city officials and public representatives are leasing by example by cycling to work, whereas states are backing this with investments,” he said, urging more cities to join the movement. The efforts towards making Indian cities cycling-friendly began with perception surveys to understand the needs of citizens. Nearly 60,000 persons from across India were surveyed in this regard, it included postmen, women, children etc. Cities then went on to create dedicated cycle lanes, which are separated from vehicular traffic. Bhubaneswar, Surat, Kochi, Greater Warangal used traffic cones, paints to test out the new lane system, whereas Chandigarh installed coyly signals at traffic junctions. New Delhi creates a cycle plaza for children in the Lodhi Garden Colony, by rerouting vehicular traffic. Nashik, Bengaluru and New Town Kolkata encouraged older and younger women to cycle, thus giving them an easy and cost-effective means for commuting. In Rajkot and Jabalpur, senior officials pedalled to work, to lead by example and set a trend. Some firms even distributed cycles to employees. Cities are now developing cycling plans to scale up these initiatives a ross their cities to achieve the goal set out in the policy. These are aimed at making cities into safe, attractive, comfortable spaces for walking and cycling. At the International level, Barcelona and London are testing cycling infrastructure, as a part of their Covid-19 recovery plan. Not only does it offer a sustainable and equitable mode of transport, but it also reduces carbon emissions increases safety and liveability. The report states that in 2020, cycle sales in India hit a decadal high of 20%. It also adds that Investment in cycling infrastructure has economic benefits of up to 5.5 times the initial sum. Cycling for short distances can result in an annual benefit of Rs.1.8 trillion to the Indian Economy, while also being a credible solution to tackle pollution and resultant climate change.

40 Indian cities initiated work towards 3900 km of cycle-friendly roads in 2020: Report

The Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, is the world's top research university as per the citations per faculty indicator, while the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, is ranked 41st in the category, according to the coveted QS World University Rankings released on Wednesday.

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore has got a perfect score of 100 out of 100 for the citations per faculty (CPF) metric in the analysis by London-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). In the overall rankings, three Indian institutions have figured in the top 200 universities of the world list.

Lauding the institute, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar in his social media handle said: "Proud of Indian Institute of Science, IISc Bangalore, to achieve the first rank as a research university with the perfect 100 score on CPF measure."

According to the 18th edition of the rankings, the India Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay, is India's top ranked institution for the fourth consecutive year at the QS World University Rankings 2022. However, it has fallen four places to 177 from its 2021 rank of 172.

IIT Delhi, has become India's second-best university, having risen from the 193rd rank to 185 since last year. It has done so by overtaking the IISc which bagged the 186th rank, a notch below last year's rank, according to the rankings.

IIT, Madras, has risen 20 places and now ranks joint-255th, which is its highest position since 2017. IIT-Kharagpur is ranked at 280, while IIT, Guwahati, in the joint-395th rank has entered the global top-400 for the first time.

While IIT, Hyderabad, in the 591-600 rank band, enjoys its first year ever in the top 600, the Jawaharlal Nehru University has made its debut in the QS World University Rankings and is placed in the 561-570 band.

Indian universities have also improved their research impact, relative to global competitors. 17 of India's 35 universities have seen a rise in their CPF score, against only 12 drops in CPF, according to the rankings. However, Indian universities continue to struggle in QS's measure of institutional teaching capacity.

23 of India's 35 universities have suffered declines in QS's faculty/student ratio indicator, with only six recording improvements. No Indian university ranks among the top 250 in the faculty/student ratio category. Indian universities have made consistent progress in QSs academic reputation metric with 20 of India's 35 entrants improving their scores, while only nine have experienced drops in their rank.

For the QS World University Rankings, institutions and universities were judged on six indicators-- academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per faculty, faculty/student ratio, international faculty ratio and international student ratio.

This year, rankings listed the world's top 1,300 universities - 145 more than in the last year's edition, which can be found in 97 locations. Of 13,000 institutions, 6,415 were found eligible for the survey analysis, and 1,705 were assessed for the final table. The results accounted for the distribution and performance of 14.7 million academic papers published between 2015 and 2019, and the 96 million citations received by those paper. They also accounted for the expert opinions of over 1, 30,000 academic faculty and over 75,000 employers.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology achieved a record-extending 10th consecutive year as world number one. The University of Oxford has risen to second for the first time since 2006, while Stanford University and the University of Cambridge share the third spot.

The Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, is the world's top research university as per the citations per faculty indicator, while the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, is ranked 41st in the category, according to the coveted QS World University Rankings released on Wednesday.

The Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, is the world's top research university as per the citations per faculty indicator, while the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, is ranked 41st in the category, according to the coveted QS World University Rankings released on Wednesday. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore has got a perfect score of 100 out of 100 for the citations per faculty (CPF) metric in the analysis by London-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). In the overall rankings, three Indian institutions have figured in the top 200 universities of the world list. Lauding the institute, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar in his social media handle said: "Proud of Indian Institute of Science, IISc Bangalore, to achieve the first rank as a research university with the perfect 100 score on CPF measure." According to the 18th edition of the rankings, the India Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay, is India's top ranked institution for the fourth consecutive year at the QS World University Rankings 2022. However, it has fallen four places to 177 from its 2021 rank of 172. IIT Delhi, has become India's second-best university, having risen from the 193rd rank to 185 since last year. It has done so by overtaking the IISc which bagged the 186th rank, a notch below last year's rank, according to the rankings. IIT, Madras, has risen 20 places and now ranks joint-255th, which is its highest position since 2017. IIT-Kharagpur is ranked at 280, while IIT, Guwahati, in the joint-395th rank has entered the global top-400 for the first time. While IIT, Hyderabad, in the 591-600 rank band, enjoys its first year ever in the top 600, the Jawaharlal Nehru University has made its debut in the QS World University Rankings and is placed in the 561-570 band. Indian universities have also improved their research impact, relative to global competitors. 17 of India's 35 universities have seen a rise in their CPF score, against only 12 drops in CPF, according to the rankings. However, Indian universities continue to struggle in QS's measure of institutional teaching capacity. 23 of India's 35 universities have suffered declines in QS's faculty/student ratio indicator, with only six recording improvements. No Indian university ranks among the top 250 in the faculty/student ratio category. Indian universities have made consistent progress in QSs academic reputation metric with 20 of India's 35 entrants improving their scores, while only nine have experienced drops in their rank. For the QS World University Rankings, institutions and universities were judged on six indicators-- academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per faculty, faculty/student ratio, international faculty ratio and international student ratio. This year, rankings listed the world's top 1,300 universities - 145 more than in the last year's edition, which can be found in 97 locations. Of 13,000 institutions, 6,415 were found eligible for the survey analysis, and 1,705 were assessed for the final table. The results accounted for the distribution and performance of 14.7 million academic papers published between 2015 and 2019, and the 96 million citations received by those paper. They also accounted for the expert opinions of over 1, 30,000 academic faculty and over 75,000 employers. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology achieved a record-extending 10th consecutive year as world number one. The University of Oxford has risen to second for the first time since 2006, while Stanford University and the University of Cambridge share the third spot.

QS World University Rankings: 3 Indian institutes in top 200; IISc top research university

Newly elected members of Dharamshala-based 17th Tibetan parliament-in-exile conducted an oath-taking ceremony on Wednesday.

One of the senior-most members, Dawa Tsering first took oath as Protem/Interim Speaker in front of the Chief Justice Commissioner, Sonam Dagpo and then other MPs followed.

All the proceedings were kept indoors and they did not allow any media to cover the oath ceremony due to COVID-19 protocol.

Dolma Tsering, an MP, said, "There is a lot of enthusiasm, we have lots of newcomers, new faces with new zeal and new ambition and a new vision. So, we're looking forward to work with them and their contribution towards the community."

Mgyur Dorjee, another MP, said, "It is an oath-taking day today and we have taken our oath under the charter 47 and details will come out very soon. Everything was indoors because of Covid protocol and we had to follow the procedure as prescribed by the government of Himachal Pradesh and we strictly followed it."

Lobsang, a new member of Tibetan parliament-in-exile, said, "I feel very proud today that I was able to take oath in front of the Interim Speaker and my objective is to look at as an expert in technology...as a technologist, I think this is something that I can bring to the parliament. Everything is indoors and there are not more than five members in each room and we are following the norms of COVID-19 protocol."

All the members are also expected to elect Speaker and Deputy Speaker later today.

Dolma Tsering and Sonam Temphel are contesting for the election of Speaker whereas four candidates, Namgyal Dolkar, Yudon Aukatsang, Migyur Dorjee and Karma Gelek, are participating in the race of Deputy Speaker.

Penpa Tsering is the newly elected President of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

Tibet is ruled by the Chinese Communist Party government based in Beijing, with local decision-making power concentrated in the hands of Chinese party officials.

Tibet was a sovereign state before China's invasion in 1950 when the People's Liberation Army entered northern Tibet.

Newly elected members of Dharamshala-based 17th Tibetan parliament-in-exile conducted an oath-taking ceremony on Wednesday. One of the senior-most members, Dawa Tsering first took oath as Protem/Interim Speaker in front of the Chief Justice Commissioner, Sonam Dagpo and then other MPs followed.

Newly elected members of Dharamshala-based 17th Tibetan parliament-in-exile conducted an oath-taking ceremony on Wednesday. One of the senior-most members, Dawa Tsering first took oath as Protem/Interim Speaker in front of the Chief Justice Commissioner, Sonam Dagpo and then other MPs followed. All the proceedings were kept indoors and they did not allow any media to cover the oath ceremony due to COVID-19 protocol. Dolma Tsering, an MP, said, "There is a lot of enthusiasm, we have lots of newcomers, new faces with new zeal and new ambition and a new vision. So, we're looking forward to work with them and their contribution towards the community." Mgyur Dorjee, another MP, said, "It is an oath-taking day today and we have taken our oath under the charter 47 and details will come out very soon. Everything was indoors because of Covid protocol and we had to follow the procedure as prescribed by the government of Himachal Pradesh and we strictly followed it." Lobsang, a new member of Tibetan parliament-in-exile, said, "I feel very proud today that I was able to take oath in front of the Interim Speaker and my objective is to look at as an expert in technology...as a technologist, I think this is something that I can bring to the parliament. Everything is indoors and there are not more than five members in each room and we are following the norms of COVID-19 protocol." All the members are also expected to elect Speaker and Deputy Speaker later today. Dolma Tsering and Sonam Temphel are contesting for the election of Speaker whereas four candidates, Namgyal Dolkar, Yudon Aukatsang, Migyur Dorjee and Karma Gelek, are participating in the race of Deputy Speaker. Penpa Tsering is the newly elected President of the Tibetan government-in-exile. Tibet is ruled by the Chinese Communist Party government based in Beijing, with local decision-making power concentrated in the hands of Chinese party officials. Tibet was a sovereign state before China's invasion in 1950 when the People's Liberation Army entered northern Tibet.

Newly elected members of 17th Tibetan parliament-in-exile take oath

India's health ministry has revamped the prescribed treatment for COVID-19 patients. According to the new guidelines, the use of ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, antiviral favipiravir, doxycycline, zinc, and vitamins have been completely scrapped.

Indian govt ditches most popular drugs in new COVID-19 treatment plan

Tourism is one of the biggest industries of the Kashmir Valley and it has been incurring losses in crores due to the pandemic. The UT's tourism department along with the health department has launched a mission to vaccinate each individual related to this industry.

Special vaccination drives for tourism stakeholders in Jammu & Kashmir

India reported 92,596 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the infection tally to 2,90,89,069, while the number of active cases dropped to 12,31,415, according to the Union Health Ministry's data updated on Wednesday.

The daily infections remained below 1,00,000 for the second straight day.&nbsp;The death toll due to COVID-19 reached 3,53,528 with 2,219 more fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of active cases has reduced to 12,31,415, comprising 4.23 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 94.55 per cent.

A net decline of 72,287 cases has been recorded in the COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.&nbsp;Also, 19,85,967 tests were conducted on Tuesday, taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 37,01,93,563, while the daily positivity rate was recorded at 4.66 per cent. It has been less than 10 per cent for 16 consecutive days, the ministry said.

The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 5.66 per cent.&nbsp;Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for 27 consecutive days.&nbsp;The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,75,04,126, while the case fatality rate has increased to 1.22 per cent, the data stated.

Cumulatively, 23,90,58,360 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.&nbsp;

The 2,219 new fatalities include 702 from Maharashtra, 409 from Tamil Nadu, 179 from Karnataka and 124 from Kerala.&nbsp;A total of 3,53,528 deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 1,01,172 from Maharashtra, 32,099 from Karnataka, 27,765 from Tamil Nadu, 24,668 from Delhi, 21,425 from Uttar Pradesh, 16,460 from West Bengal, 15,219 from Punjab and 13,257 from Chhattisgarh.

The Health Ministry stressed 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 reported 92,596 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the infection tally to 2,90,89,069, while the number of active cases dropped to 12,31,415, according to the Union Health Ministry's data updated on Wednesday.

India reported 92,596 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the infection tally to 2,90,89,069, while the number of active cases dropped to 12,31,415, according to the Union Health Ministry's data updated on Wednesday. The daily infections remained below 1,00,000 for the second straight day. The death toll due to COVID-19 reached 3,53,528 with 2,219 more fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. The number of active cases has reduced to 12,31,415, comprising 4.23 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 94.55 per cent. A net decline of 72,287 cases has been recorded in the COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. Also, 19,85,967 tests were conducted on Tuesday, taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 37,01,93,563, while the daily positivity rate was recorded at 4.66 per cent. It has been less than 10 per cent for 16 consecutive days, the ministry said. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 5.66 per cent. Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for 27 consecutive days. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,75,04,126, while the case fatality rate has increased to 1.22 per cent, the data stated. Cumulatively, 23,90,58,360 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. The 2,219 new fatalities include 702 from Maharashtra, 409 from Tamil Nadu, 179 from Karnataka and 124 from Kerala. A total of 3,53,528 deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 1,01,172 from Maharashtra, 32,099 from Karnataka, 27,765 from Tamil Nadu, 24,668 from Delhi, 21,425 from Uttar Pradesh, 16,460 from West Bengal, 15,219 from Punjab and 13,257 from Chhattisgarh. The Health Ministry stressed 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 reports 92,596 fresh Covid infections; active case tally drops to 12,31,415

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation today. He stressed India's successful inoculation drive and decreasing second wave of COVID-19. 'India as a nation created history in terms of vaccination of people at such a massive scale', he said. 'Lots of state govts, who were once opposing central govt's decentralisation policy and were allotted 25% of vaccination charge, are now urging to revoke this policy. So from now on, Union govt will be responsible for vaccination drive throughout the nation', he added.

'Centre to handle vaccination process from June 21', says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday while addressing the nation says that 'now the Central govt will be responsible for vaccination drive throughout the nation and those above 18 years of age will be provided free vaccines'

'Centre to provide free vaccines to those above 18': PM Modi

Social media giant Twitter has assured Indian government that it is making every effort to comply with the new guidelines. Watch the report to know more.

Twitter says it is making efforts to comply with rules in India

India has been elected to the Economic and Social Council, one of the six main organs of the United Nations, for the 2022-24 term.

The 54-member Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is at the heart of the United Nations system to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development economic, social and environmental.

It is the central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways forward, and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals.

It is also responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits.

India was elected in the Asia-Pacific States category along with Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and Oman in the elections held on Monday.

From the African states, Cte d'Ivoire, Eswatini, Mauritius, Tunisia and the United Republic of Tanzania were elected while from the eastern European states, Croatia and the Czech Republic and from the Latin American and Caribbean states, Belize, Chile and Peru were elected.

In the Economic and Social Council by-election, Greece, New Zealand and Denmark were elected for a term of office from January to December 2022 and Israel was elected for a term of office beginning January 1, 2022, and until December 31, 2023.

I thank all Member States of the @UN for their vote of confidence in India for #ECOSOC, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti tweeted.

India is currently serving the 2021-22 term as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council and will assume the Presidency of the 15-nation UN organ in August.

The UN Charter established ECOSOC in 1945 as one of the six main organs of the United Nations.

ECOSOC's 54 members are elected for three-year terms by the General Assembly. Seats on the Council are allotted based on geographical representation with 14 allocated to African states, 11 to Asian states, six to Eastern European states, 10 to Latin American and Caribbean states and 13 to western European and other states, according to the ECOSOC website.

India has been elected to the Economic and Social Council, one of the six main organs of the United Nations, for the 2022-24 term. The 54-member Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is at the heart of the United Nations system to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development economic, social and environmental.

India has been elected to the Economic and Social Council, one of the six main organs of the United Nations, for the 2022-24 term. The 54-member Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is at the heart of the United Nations system to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development economic, social and environmental. It is the central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways forward, and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals. It is also responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits. India was elected in the Asia-Pacific States category along with Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and Oman in the elections held on Monday. From the African states, Cte d'Ivoire, Eswatini, Mauritius, Tunisia and the United Republic of Tanzania were elected while from the eastern European states, Croatia and the Czech Republic and from the Latin American and Caribbean states, Belize, Chile and Peru were elected. In the Economic and Social Council by-election, Greece, New Zealand and Denmark were elected for a term of office from January to December 2022 and Israel was elected for a term of office beginning January 1, 2022, and until December 31, 2023. I thank all Member States of the @UN for their vote of confidence in India for #ECOSOC, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti tweeted. India is currently serving the 2021-22 term as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council and will assume the Presidency of the 15-nation UN organ in August. The UN Charter established ECOSOC in 1945 as one of the six main organs of the United Nations. ECOSOC's 54 members are elected for three-year terms by the General Assembly. Seats on the Council are allotted based on geographical representation with 14 allocated to African states, 11 to Asian states, six to Eastern European states, 10 to Latin American and Caribbean states and 13 to western European and other states, according to the ECOSOC website.

India elected to UN Economic and Social Council for 2022-24 term

Barbara Jarabica&nbsp;whose name has cropped up in the Mehul Choksi case has said that she wasn't present in the area at the time of his alleged kidnapping.&nbsp;

Choksi who is allegedly involved in the multi-crore PNB scam disappeared from Antigua on May 23 only to surface in neighbouring Dominica.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION,&nbsp;Barbara said, "On May 23, Sunday, we went to have breakfast in&nbsp;Carlisle Bay which is a hotel resort in south Antigua and he picked me up in&nbsp;Jolly Harbour", explaining, "we had breakfast and conversation, coffee" and "we came back to Jolly harbour at around 11:30 or 12 o'clock, this was the last time I saw him."

Recalling his conversation, Barbara&nbsp;said, "He said that he is really disappointed, and can't believe that I am leaving Antigua and he was trying to convince me to say but I told him that I will go to the airport in the afternoon, will be going to Dominica and go back to Europe."

Mehul Choksi, 62, in the complaint with the commissioner of police of Antigua and Barbuda had listed Barbara Jabarica along with others to be&nbsp;involved in his alleged "kidnapping" which&nbsp;hasn't been proved yet. In the five-page complaint&nbsp;dated June 2, he said "8-10 heavily muscled men" had taken him from her house at 5.15pm local time.

Barbara, in response to WION's question, said, "around 3 o' clock, I left and went to the airport. He is saying he was kidnapped in the afternoon..its busy time, daytime and busy area and at that time I was going to the airport".

"Why would I kidnap him in the middle of day,&nbsp;in the busiest time like 4 or 5pm", she asked, while questioning, "something does not add up".

In the thirty-minute conversation,&nbsp;Barbara gave details of her contact with Choksi since last August 2020 and said she knew him as "Raj". During the yearlong contact, Choksi had spoken to her many times and also gifted her a diamond ring which turned out to be fake.&nbsp;

Asked if she knew about his past, "now I am finding out, he lied a lot" and " introduced himself as&nbsp;Raj" and "wherever we went, everyone called him "Raj", while pointing out that "if I knew&nbsp;his real background, I would have never hung out with him".

She also clarified that she is not a national of any Caribbean country and is a European.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barbara Jarabica whose name has cropped up in the Mehul Choksi case has said that she wasn't present in the area at the time of his alleged kidnapping. Choksi who is allegedly involved in the multi-crore PNB scam disappeared from Antigua on May 23 only to surface in neighbouring Dominica.

Barbara Jarabica whose name has cropped up in the Mehul Choksi case has said that she wasn't present in the area at the time of his alleged kidnapping. Choksi who is allegedly involved in the multi-crore PNB scam disappeared from Antigua on May 23 only to surface in neighbouring Dominica. Speaking to WION, Barbara said, "On May 23, Sunday, we went to have breakfast in Carlisle Bay which is a hotel resort in south Antigua and he picked me up in Jolly Harbour", explaining, "we had breakfast and conversation, coffee" and "we came back to Jolly harbour at around 11:30 or 12 o'clock, this was the last time I saw him." Recalling his conversation, Barbara said, "He said that he is really disappointed, and can't believe that I am leaving Antigua and he was trying to convince me to say but I told him that I will go to the airport in the afternoon, will be going to Dominica and go back to Europe." Mehul Choksi, 62, in the complaint with the commissioner of police of Antigua and Barbuda had listed Barbara Jabarica along with others to be involved in his alleged "kidnapping" which hasn't been proved yet. In the five-page complaint dated June 2, he said "8-10 heavily muscled men" had taken him from her house at 5.15pm local time. Barbara, in response to WION's question, said, "around 3 o' clock, I left and went to the airport. He is saying he was kidnapped in the afternoon..its busy time, daytime and busy area and at that time I was going to the airport". "Why would I kidnap him in the middle of day, in the busiest time like 4 or 5pm", she asked, while questioning, "something does not add up". In the thirty-minute conversation, Barbara gave details of her contact with Choksi since last August 2020 and said she knew him as "Raj". During the yearlong contact, Choksi had spoken to her many times and also gifted her a diamond ring which turned out to be fake. Asked if she knew about his past, "now I am finding out, he lied a lot" and " introduced himself as Raj" and "wherever we went, everyone called him "Raj", while pointing out that "if I knew his real background, I would have never hung out with him". She also clarified that she is not a national of any Caribbean country and is a European.

Wasn't present in the area, says Barbara Jarabica on Mehul Choksi's alleged abduction

A major fire broke out at India’s Mata Vaishno Devi temple on Tuesday, destroying one building in the Katra region of Jammu and Kashmir.

The fire started at the Kalika Bhavan building around 4:15 pm inside a cash counting room, but has been brought under control now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scientists-find-new-coronavirus-variant-in-india-which-causes-severe-pneumonia-pathological-changes-in-lungs-390159" hreflang="en">Scientists find new coronavirus variant in India which causes severe pneumonia, 'pathological changes in lungs'</a>

It is believed to have started from an electrical short circuit in the building. The fire officials reported to the scene around 4:30 and the fire was brought under control by 5 pm.

"We got a call around 4.30 pm. Initial reports suggest the fire broke out due to electric (short)circuit," Shailender Singh, the Senior Superintendent of Police for Reasi district said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-absence-of-art-galleries-kashmiri-artists-paint-public-spaces-to-showcase-their-work-390142" hreflang="en">In absence of art galleries, Kashmiri artists paint public spaces to showcase their work</a>

While the building has been damaged and there has been a loss of cash and documents, there has been no reported casualty. Some people did suffer minor injuries and are being treated at the nearby hospital.

"SHO (Station House Officer) Reasi rescued people who trapped inside the fire. Some suffered minor injuries and are getting medical attention," Singh reported.

A major fire broke out at India’s Mata Vaishno Devi temple on Tuesday, destroying one building in the Katra region of Jammu and Kashmir. The fire started at the Kalika Bhavan building around 4:15 pm inside a cash counting room, but has been brought under control now.

A major fire broke out at India’s Mata Vaishno Devi temple on Tuesday, destroying one building in the Katra region of Jammu and Kashmir. The fire started at the Kalika Bhavan building around 4:15 pm inside a cash counting room, but has been brought under control now. Also read | Scientists find new coronavirus variant in India which causes severe pneumonia, 'pathological changes in lungs' It is believed to have started from an electrical short circuit in the building. The fire officials reported to the scene around 4:30 and the fire was brought under control by 5 pm. "We got a call around 4.30 pm. Initial reports suggest the fire broke out due to electric (short)circuit," Shailender Singh, the Senior Superintendent of Police for Reasi district said. Also read | In absence of art galleries, Kashmiri artists paint public spaces to showcase their work While the building has been damaged and there has been a loss of cash and documents, there has been no reported casualty. Some people did suffer minor injuries and are being treated at the nearby hospital. "SHO (Station House Officer) Reasi rescued people who trapped inside the fire. Some suffered minor injuries and are getting medical attention," Singh reported.

Jammu: Cash counting room catches fire in Mata Vaishno Devi temple

India is witnessing a persistent drop in number of Coronavirus infections and the caseload has finally fallen below the 100, 000 mark after nearly 66 days. India has reported over 86,000 cases in the last 24 hours. Watch this report more.

India: Daily cases fall below 100,000 mark

A new COVID variant has been found in India. It is detected by the National Institute of Virology from genome sequencing. The new variant has been designated as B.1.1.28.2 . Watch this report to know more.

India: National Institute Of Virology identifies new COVID-19 strain

As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-86498-new-covid-19-infections-india-reports-lowest-daily-surge-in-66-days-390077">India</a> continues to battle the pandemic, reports say a new variant of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-may-have-leaked-from-a-lab-in-wuhan-us-report-reveals-390064">coronavirus</a> has been identified in India at the National Institute of Virology(NIV) in Pune.

The mutated strain has been identified after genome sequencing and has been designated B.1.1.28.2.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-pfizer-vaccine-trials-underway-for-kids-aged-5-to-11-years-390133/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the study, the new strain causes severe pneumonia&nbsp;including "pathological changes in lungs,&nbsp;vascular congestion, haemorrhages and interstitial septal thickening".

The strain was reportedly identified after testing nasal and throat swabs of international passengers arriving from the UK and Brazil.

The report has been published by Biorxiv. According to the report, the new variant produces severe symptoms in patients which include&nbsp;weight loss, viral replication in the respiratory tract, lung lesions and severe lung pathology.

The traces from patients were taken from international travellers who had returned from the UK in December last year and from Brazilian travellers who had arrived&nbsp;in January this year.

The World Health Organisation had termed the Delta variant B.1.617, as a "variant of concern" which was reportedly responsible for the second wave of virus in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/semi-wild-elephants-undergo-covid-19-testing-after-9-lions-test-positive-in-indian-zoo-390139">India</a>.

The Delta <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-covid-19-caseload-tops-1735-million-390071">variant </a>has also reportedly become the dominant strain in the UK. British health minister Matt Hancock had said that tests indicate double vaccination would protect people from serious effects of the Delta variant.

Matt Hancock added that the Delta variant was "around 40 per cent more transmissible". Britain was earlier hit by the Alpha variant which had led to months of lockdown in the country.

Britain is set to lift major restrictions on June 21, however, the presence of Delta variant has left authorities worried as Hancock added that Delta variant "does make the calculation more difficult for June 21".

The UK has vaccinated over 50 per cent of the adult population with both doses with 40 million people receiving one dose so far since the mass vaccination campaign was undertaken in the country in late December.

As India continues to battle the pandemic, reports say a new variant of coronavirus has been identified in India at the National Institute of Virology(NIV) in Pune.

As India continues to battle the pandemic, reports say a new variant of coronavirus has been identified in India at the National Institute of Virology(NIV) in Pune. The mutated strain has been identified after genome sequencing and has been designated B.1.1.28.2. Watch: According to the study, the new strain causes severe pneumonia including "pathological changes in lungs, vascular congestion, haemorrhages and interstitial septal thickening". The strain was reportedly identified after testing nasal and throat swabs of international passengers arriving from the UK and Brazil. The report has been published by Biorxiv. According to the report, the new variant produces severe symptoms in patients which include weight loss, viral replication in the respiratory tract, lung lesions and severe lung pathology. The traces from patients were taken from international travellers who had returned from the UK in December last year and from Brazilian travellers who had arrived in January this year. The World Health Organisation had termed the Delta variant B.1.617, as a "variant of concern" which was reportedly responsible for the second wave of virus in India. The Delta variant has also reportedly become the dominant strain in the UK. British health minister Matt Hancock had said that tests indicate double vaccination would protect people from serious effects of the Delta variant. Matt Hancock added that the Delta variant was "around 40 per cent more transmissible". Britain was earlier hit by the Alpha variant which had led to months of lockdown in the country. Britain is set to lift major restrictions on June 21, however, the presence of Delta variant has left authorities worried as Hancock added that Delta variant "does make the calculation more difficult for June 21". The UK has vaccinated over 50 per cent of the adult population with both doses with 40 million people receiving one dose so far since the mass vaccination campaign was undertaken in the country in late December.

Scientists find new coronavirus variant in India which causes severe pneumonia, 'pathological changes in lungs'

The Indian government has issued new rules for the implementation of the vaccination programme, which will take effect on June 21.&nbsp;

"Government-provided vaccine doses will be distributed to States/UTs based on factors such as population, disease burden, and vaccination progress," it stated.

"Service costs may be charged by private hospitals up to a limit of Rs 150 ($2) per dose," it stated.&nbsp;

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Government issues revised guidelines for implementation of National COVID Vaccination Program 
 
Private hospitals may charge up to a maximum of ₹150 per dose as service charges. 
 
State Governments may monitor the price being so charged. 
 
Details👉 <a href="https://t.co/L9XMzRlYCk">https://t.co/L9XMzRlYCk</a> <a href="https://t.co/rND2tAGo7N">pic.twitter.com/rND2tAGo7N</a>
— PIB India (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1402167278020358145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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As per the guidelines, each vaccine producer must declare the price of vaccine doses for private hospitals; among the population group of people over the age of 18, States/UTs may establish their prioritisation based on the vaccine supply schedule.

The Indian government has issued new rules for the implementation of the vaccination programme, which will take effect on June 21. "Government-provided vaccine doses will be distributed to States/UTs based on factors such as population, disease burden, and vaccination progress," it stated.

The Indian government has issued new rules for the implementation of the vaccination programme, which will take effect on June 21. "Government-provided vaccine doses will be distributed to States/UTs based on factors such as population, disease burden, and vaccination progress," it stated. "Service costs may be charged by private hospitals up to a limit of Rs 150 ($2) per dose," it stated. Government issues revised guidelines for implementation of National COVID Vaccination Program Private hospitals may charge up to a maximum of ₹150 per dose as service charges. State Governments may monitor the price being so charged. Details👉 https://t.co/L9XMzRlYCk pic.twitter.com/rND2tAGo7N — PIB India (@PIB_India) June 8, 2021 × As per the guidelines, each vaccine producer must declare the price of vaccine doses for private hospitals; among the population group of people over the age of 18, States/UTs may establish their prioritisation based on the vaccine supply schedule.

COVID-19: Centre releases new guidelines for implementation of the vaccination programme

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Kashmir has a centuries old art and craft industry but the artists have always had to struggle when it comes to showcasing their work, especially in the absence of any art galleries in Kashmir valley.

However, under the smart city project,&nbsp;local Kashmiri artists have been allowed to showcase their talent on the walls, flyovers and subways in the Srinagar city. This is the first time artists have been given am opportunity to highlight their work.

Artists in the valley say that this is the first time that their work will be put up in public spaces for people to see.&nbsp;''I am happy about the fact that we have been given space to showcase our talent, we are making paintings and people are appreciating it. They are happy to see our work, those who are artists should keep painting and never give up. Never lose heart. This requires a lot of patience. It's a god's gift...", an artist, Mohd Sadiq told WION.

"There&nbsp;are no galleries here, there is no scope. Even Ladakh has a gallery but we don't, students who study art also have nowhere to showcase their work. Some of them become painters and a friend of mine who was a gold medalist is working as a mason as there was&nbsp;no scope and career for artists,”&nbsp;Sadiq added.

The paintings on the walls in the city mostly depict the culture of the Kashmir valley. They have painted Kashmir's famous hill stations, shawls,&nbsp;temples, houseboats and shikaras among many things.

"We are thankful that we are able to work on these walls. There is so much work for people outside the UT but here artists have no work. We have made shawls, house boats, artisans, ski players, temples, and shikaras in these spaces. I am extremely happy about it . And&nbsp;when people stop while we are working here to take pictures and videos of our work, it&nbsp;feels&nbsp;very good. Art is a god's gift and it's a talent you are born with,” another artist,&nbsp;Abdul Rashid told WION.

In the absence of valid platforms for art display, many creative minds in Kashmir have had to struggle. Due to this, they were unable to make inlays in public reach.&nbsp;Many artists want the government to intervene so that youngsters don't&nbsp;lose the hope of becoming artists or choosing it as their career.&nbsp;

''Something has to be done for the students who study art for 5 years.They should have some scope and some mode of earning. The government should do something. Otherwise people studying art will lose interest and there would be no artists,” Sadiq added.

The purpose of these paintings and artworks across the Srinagar&nbsp;city is not only for the beautification of the area but also for creating spaces for these artists to showcase their talent.&nbsp;
</div>

Kashmir has a centuries old art and craft industry but the artists have always had to struggle when it comes to showcasing their work, especially in the absence of any art galleries in Kashmir valley.

Kashmir has a centuries old art and craft industry but the artists have always had to struggle when it comes to showcasing their work, especially in the absence of any art galleries in Kashmir valley. However, under the smart city project, local Kashmiri artists have been allowed to showcase their talent on the walls, flyovers and subways in the Srinagar city. This is the first time artists have been given am opportunity to highlight their work. Artists in the valley say that this is the first time that their work will be put up in public spaces for people to see. ''I am happy about the fact that we have been given space to showcase our talent, we are making paintings and people are appreciating it. They are happy to see our work, those who are artists should keep painting and never give up. Never lose heart. This requires a lot of patience. It's a god's gift...", an artist, Mohd Sadiq told WION. "There are no galleries here, there is no scope. Even Ladakh has a gallery but we don't, students who study art also have nowhere to showcase their work. Some of them become painters and a friend of mine who was a gold medalist is working as a mason as there was no scope and career for artists,” Sadiq added. The paintings on the walls in the city mostly depict the culture of the Kashmir valley. They have painted Kashmir's famous hill stations, shawls, temples, houseboats and shikaras among many things. "We are thankful that we are able to work on these walls. There is so much work for people outside the UT but here artists have no work. We have made shawls, house boats, artisans, ski players, temples, and shikaras in these spaces. I am extremely happy about it . And when people stop while we are working here to take pictures and videos of our work, it feels very good. Art is a god's gift and it's a talent you are born with,” another artist, Abdul Rashid told WION. In the absence of valid platforms for art display, many creative minds in Kashmir have had to struggle. Due to this, they were unable to make inlays in public reach. Many artists want the government to intervene so that youngsters don't lose the hope of becoming artists or choosing it as their career. ''Something has to be done for the students who study art for 5 years.They should have some scope and some mode of earning. The government should do something. Otherwise people studying art will lose interest and there would be no artists,” Sadiq added. The purpose of these paintings and artworks across the Srinagar city is not only for the beautification of the area but also for creating spaces for these artists to showcase their talent.

In absence of art galleries, Kashmiri artists paint public spaces to showcase their work

Mahatma Gandhi's descendants living in South Africa are in news nowadays after a Durban court sentenced his great-grand daughter Ashish Lata Ramgobin, renowned for her community work, to seven years in prison for her role in a six-million rand fraud and forgery case. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mahatma-gandhis-great-grand-daughter-jailed-for-7-years-in-a-fraud-case-390049">Also read | Mahatma Gandhi's great-granddaughter jailed for 7 years in a fraud case</a> 
 
Mahatma Gandhi lived in South Africa before heading the Indian freedom movement to oppose injustice and class divide.&nbsp;

In 1893, Mahatma Gandhi arrived in Durban on the ship&nbsp;SS Safari. Gandhi quickly rose to prominence as the leader of the South African Indian community. His participation in the nonviolent movement in South Africa had such an influence that he is still regarded as a leader there.&nbsp;

The Mahatma and Kasturba Gandhi had four children, all sons: Harilal, born in 1888; Manilal, born in 1892; Ramdas, born in 1897; and Devdas, born in 1900.

Manilal Mohandas Gandhi lived and worked in South Africa.

Mahatma Gandhi had established a place called 'The Phoenix Settlement', near Durban in 1904, where he established a commune, started his experiments with Satyagraha, and printed his newspaper Indian Opinion.

In 1917, Gandhi sent Manilal to South Africa to assist in the publication of Indian Opinion (established in 1903) and, in particular, the Gujarati section.

 
He was the magazine's longest-serving editor, and he did it without pay because his father&nbsp;urged that everything is done for the greater good, not personal gain.

Uma Dhupelia-Mesthrie, Manilal’s granddaughter, in her book ‘Gandhi’s Prisoner? The Life of Gandhi’s Son Manilal’ writes, “Phoenix and Manilal’s life would become intertwined in ways he could hardly imagine”. Therein, he undertook laborious tasks, worked on the land, spent time in the press assisting in the publication process, and tended to the elderly and sick.&nbsp;

In 1927, Manilal married Sushila Mashruwala, who later became his printing press partner. Sita, Arun, and Ela were their three children.&nbsp;

Ashish Lata Ramgobin is the daughter of Ela Gandhi.

Ela Gandhi is a known social activist in South Africa and was also a member of the South African Parliament.

Many members of the Mahatma Gandhi family, including Kirti Menon, the late Satish Dhupelia, Uma Dhupelia-Mesthrie, Ela Gandhi, and Lata Ramgobin herself, are human rights activists.

She was the founder and executive director of the International Centre for Non-Participative Violence's Development Initiative.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Mahatma Gandhi's descendants living in South Africa are in news nowadays after a Durban court sentenced his great-grand daughter Ashish Lata Ramgobin, renowned for her community work, to seven years in prison for her role in a six-million rand fraud and forgery case.

Mahatma Gandhi's descendants living in South Africa are in news nowadays after a Durban court sentenced his great-grand daughter Ashish Lata Ramgobin, renowned for her community work, to seven years in prison for her role in a six-million rand fraud and forgery case. Also read | Mahatma Gandhi's great-granddaughter jailed for 7 years in a fraud case Mahatma Gandhi lived in South Africa before heading the Indian freedom movement to oppose injustice and class divide. In 1893, Mahatma Gandhi arrived in Durban on the ship SS Safari. Gandhi quickly rose to prominence as the leader of the South African Indian community. His participation in the nonviolent movement in South Africa had such an influence that he is still regarded as a leader there. The Mahatma and Kasturba Gandhi had four children, all sons: Harilal, born in 1888; Manilal, born in 1892; Ramdas, born in 1897; and Devdas, born in 1900. Manilal Mohandas Gandhi lived and worked in South Africa. Mahatma Gandhi had established a place called 'The Phoenix Settlement', near Durban in 1904, where he established a commune, started his experiments with Satyagraha, and printed his newspaper Indian Opinion. In 1917, Gandhi sent Manilal to South Africa to assist in the publication of Indian Opinion (established in 1903) and, in particular, the Gujarati section. He was the magazine's longest-serving editor, and he did it without pay because his father urged that everything is done for the greater good, not personal gain. Uma Dhupelia-Mesthrie, Manilal’s granddaughter, in her book ‘Gandhi’s Prisoner? The Life of Gandhi’s Son Manilal’ writes, “Phoenix and Manilal’s life would become intertwined in ways he could hardly imagine”. Therein, he undertook laborious tasks, worked on the land, spent time in the press assisting in the publication process, and tended to the elderly and sick. In 1927, Manilal married Sushila Mashruwala, who later became his printing press partner. Sita, Arun, and Ela were their three children. Ashish Lata Ramgobin is the daughter of Ela Gandhi. Ela Gandhi is a known social activist in South Africa and was also a member of the South African Parliament. Many members of the Mahatma Gandhi family, including Kirti Menon, the late Satish Dhupelia, Uma Dhupelia-Mesthrie, Ela Gandhi, and Lata Ramgobin herself, are human rights activists. She was the founder and executive director of the International Centre for Non-Participative Violence's Development Initiative. (With inputs from agencies)

Mahatma Gandhi's South African family: The rich legacy that India forgot

Captive elephants including semi-wild ones at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp in Mudumalai Tiger reserve have undergone precautionary tests for COVID-19, as per instructions from the Tamil Nadu Forest Minister. Theppakadu elephant camp is among the oldest in the country and was established in 1927. The camp and the Mudumalai Tiger reserve are run by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.&nbsp;

Testing of the captive, semi-wild elephants comes few days after nine of 11 lions at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park (AAZP) near Chennai tested positive for COVID-19. A lioness among the pack of 11 captive lions had also succumbed to the virus at the zoo in Vandalur, near Chennai.&nbsp;

According to officials at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and the elephant camp, nasal and anal samples of 28(2 calf and 26 adults) jumbos were taken. These samples are meant to be sent to to a Government-run veterinary testing facility in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

When asked if the captive elephants showed any symptoms, the official told Zee Media that there were no symptoms so far and that this was a precautionary test. Even in the case of wild animals at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Officials and their watchers have been observing them and have not seen any symptoms so far.&nbsp;

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, located in the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu, but is close to the tri-junction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Animals such as tiger, leopard, elephant, Indian Gaur (bison), sloth bear can be seen here. Owing to the ongoing lockdown in Tamil Nadu, all tourist destinations including Mudumalai are closed.

Captive elephants including semi-wild ones at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp in Mudumalai Tiger reserve have undergone precautionary tests for COVID-19, as per instructions from the Tamil Nadu Forest Minister.

Captive elephants including semi-wild ones at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp in Mudumalai Tiger reserve have undergone precautionary tests for COVID-19, as per instructions from the Tamil Nadu Forest Minister. Theppakadu elephant camp is among the oldest in the country and was established in 1927. The camp and the Mudumalai Tiger reserve are run by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. Testing of the captive, semi-wild elephants comes few days after nine of 11 lions at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park (AAZP) near Chennai tested positive for COVID-19. A lioness among the pack of 11 captive lions had also succumbed to the virus at the zoo in Vandalur, near Chennai. According to officials at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and the elephant camp, nasal and anal samples of 28(2 calf and 26 adults) jumbos were taken. These samples are meant to be sent to to a Government-run veterinary testing facility in Uttar Pradesh. When asked if the captive elephants showed any symptoms, the official told Zee Media that there were no symptoms so far and that this was a precautionary test. Even in the case of wild animals at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Officials and their watchers have been observing them and have not seen any symptoms so far. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, located in the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu, but is close to the tri-junction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Animals such as tiger, leopard, elephant, Indian Gaur (bison), sloth bear can be seen here. Owing to the ongoing lockdown in Tamil Nadu, all tourist destinations including Mudumalai are closed.

Semi-wild elephants undergo COVID-19 testing after 9 lions test positive in Indian zoo

Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper Smelter in Tuticorin that has been operational since May 2021&nbsp;under special permission from Tamil Nadu government&nbsp;has despatched over 542.92 metric tonnes&nbsp;of liquid medical oxygen to help the country deal with Covid.

This is in addition to 265 oxygen gas cylinders to meet the needs of Covid patients and hospitals.&nbsp;

According to the company, they have provided the critical resource to over 16 districts across Tamil Nadu and are focused on ramping up facilities to aid those in need.&nbsp;

The plant has so far produced and dispatched medical oxygen to southern and western districts of Tamil Nadu.

Besides the home district of Tuticorin where the plant is located, Sterlite has supplied to Tirunelveli, Madurai, Thanjavur, Sivagangai, Namakkalm Kanyakumari, Theni, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Dharmapuri, Ranipet, Krishnagiri, Ramanathapuram, Karur, Salemand Dindigul.&nbsp;

It was in late April that the once-shuttered Vedanta Sterlite Copper Smelter Plant was permitted to function by the Tamil Nadu government&nbsp;for the production of medical oxygen alone.

With the consensus of major political parties in the state, Sterlite had been permitted to service and operate their oxygen plant for four&nbsp;months, using electricity provided by the state government. The parties also added that based on the COVID-19 situation and the requirement of oxygen, this time period may be extended.&nbsp;

This decision to permit the plant’s operation comes with several conditions - no other unit within the plant will be allowed to operate, electricity will be suspended after the stipulated period and copper or other products cannot be manufactured during these four months. In addition, Sterlite will not be permitted to use its power generation unit.&nbsp;

In terms of security arrangements and confidence building among the local population, the government had said that a team under the leadership of the district collector and police officials, along with government experts in oxygen manufacturing, local people, anti-Sterlite protestors, NGOs, and environmental experts will be deciding and monitoring oxygen production at the plant.&nbsp;

At the start of the medical oxygen crisis is India, it was Sterlite which made an offer in the Supreme Court to provide for free nearly 1000 metric tonnes&nbsp;oxygen from the Tuticorin plant. However, the state government had then objected to it, much to the chagrin of the Chief justice who pointed out the dire situation of oxygen shortage in parts of the country.

The 4,00,000 tonne per annum Sterlite copper smelter plant has been operating in Tuticorin for over 25 years with a cumulative investment of about Rs 3,000 crore. However, from the very start, the Sterlite copper smelter plant has been facing protests from the local people who allege that it pollutes the environment and affects their life.

The state government ordered the closure of the copper smelter plant in 2018, following a violent protest that led to the death of 13 persons in police firing. The Supreme Court is hearing the an appeal filed by the company against the Madras High Court's refusal to reopen the plant.&nbsp;

Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper Smelter in Tuticorin that has been operational since May 2021 under special permission from Tamil Nadu government has despatched over 542.

Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper Smelter in Tuticorin that has been operational since May 2021 under special permission from Tamil Nadu government has despatched over 542.92 metric tonnes of liquid medical oxygen to help the country deal with Covid. This is in addition to 265 oxygen gas cylinders to meet the needs of Covid patients and hospitals. According to the company, they have provided the critical resource to over 16 districts across Tamil Nadu and are focused on ramping up facilities to aid those in need. The plant has so far produced and dispatched medical oxygen to southern and western districts of Tamil Nadu. Besides the home district of Tuticorin where the plant is located, Sterlite has supplied to Tirunelveli, Madurai, Thanjavur, Sivagangai, Namakkalm Kanyakumari, Theni, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Dharmapuri, Ranipet, Krishnagiri, Ramanathapuram, Karur, Salemand Dindigul. It was in late April that the once-shuttered Vedanta Sterlite Copper Smelter Plant was permitted to function by the Tamil Nadu government for the production of medical oxygen alone. With the consensus of major political parties in the state, Sterlite had been permitted to service and operate their oxygen plant for four months, using electricity provided by the state government. The parties also added that based on the COVID-19 situation and the requirement of oxygen, this time period may be extended. This decision to permit the plant’s operation comes with several conditions - no other unit within the plant will be allowed to operate, electricity will be suspended after the stipulated period and copper or other products cannot be manufactured during these four months. In addition, Sterlite will not be permitted to use its power generation unit. In terms of security arrangements and confidence building among the local population, the government had said that a team under the leadership of the district collector and police officials, along with government experts in oxygen manufacturing, local people, anti-Sterlite protestors, NGOs, and environmental experts will be deciding and monitoring oxygen production at the plant. At the start of the medical oxygen crisis is India, it was Sterlite which made an offer in the Supreme Court to provide for free nearly 1000 metric tonnes oxygen from the Tuticorin plant. However, the state government had then objected to it, much to the chagrin of the Chief justice who pointed out the dire situation of oxygen shortage in parts of the country. The 4,00,000 tonne per annum Sterlite copper smelter plant has been operating in Tuticorin for over 25 years with a cumulative investment of about Rs 3,000 crore. However, from the very start, the Sterlite copper smelter plant has been facing protests from the local people who allege that it pollutes the environment and affects their life. The state government ordered the closure of the copper smelter plant in 2018, following a violent protest that led to the death of 13 persons in police firing. The Supreme Court is hearing the an appeal filed by the company against the Madras High Court's refusal to reopen the plant.

COVID-19: Sterlite claims to have produced over 542MT of liquid medical oxygen for Tamil Nadu

India on Tuesday logged 86,498 new Covid infections in 24 hours, less than 100,000 cases for the first time in past 66 days, the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry said. 
 
It is also the lowest number of cases since April 2 when the country logged 89,129 new cases. 
 
In the past 24-hour, 2,123 more people succumbed to the pandemic. 
 
On Monday, India had reported 100,636 cases, lowest spike since April 6. 
 
India`s overall tally of Covid-19 cases now stands at 289,96,554 with 13,03,702 active cases and 351,309 deaths so far. 
 
Over the last few days, India`s fresh Covid cases have seen downward trend, maintaining over one lakh infections every 24 hours, while the deaths have also remained below the 3,000 mark. After battling a brutal second wave for weeks, fresh Covid cases came down below the three lakh-mark for the first time on May 17 after touching record high of 4,14,188 on May 7. 
 
In the last three weeks, India has recorded over 90,000 deaths. India registered record fatalities due to Covid-19 on May 21 with 4,529 deaths -- the highest from Covid infection in any country in a day since the coronavirus outbreak was reported in China`s Wuhan in December 2019. It surpassed 4,468 deaths in the US on January 12, 2021, and 4,211 in Brazil on April 6, 2021. 
 
According to the Health Ministry, a total of 1,82,282 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours, taking the total discharge to 2,73,41,462 till date. 
 
The Health Ministry said that a total of 23,61,98,726 people have been vaccinated so far in the country, including 33,64,476 who were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours. 
 
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 36,82,07,596 samples have been tested up to June 7 for Covid-19. Of these 18,73,485 samples were tested on Monday.

India on Tuesday logged 86,498 new Covid infections in 24 hours, less than 100,000 cases for the first time in past 66 days, the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry said.

India on Tuesday logged 86,498 new Covid infections in 24 hours, less than 100,000 cases for the first time in past 66 days, the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry said. It is also the lowest number of cases since April 2 when the country logged 89,129 new cases. In the past 24-hour, 2,123 more people succumbed to the pandemic. On Monday, India had reported 100,636 cases, lowest spike since April 6. India`s overall tally of Covid-19 cases now stands at 289,96,554 with 13,03,702 active cases and 351,309 deaths so far. Over the last few days, India`s fresh Covid cases have seen downward trend, maintaining over one lakh infections every 24 hours, while the deaths have also remained below the 3,000 mark. After battling a brutal second wave for weeks, fresh Covid cases came down below the three lakh-mark for the first time on May 17 after touching record high of 4,14,188 on May 7. In the last three weeks, India has recorded over 90,000 deaths. India registered record fatalities due to Covid-19 on May 21 with 4,529 deaths -- the highest from Covid infection in any country in a day since the coronavirus outbreak was reported in China`s Wuhan in December 2019. It surpassed 4,468 deaths in the US on January 12, 2021, and 4,211 in Brazil on April 6, 2021. According to the Health Ministry, a total of 1,82,282 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours, taking the total discharge to 2,73,41,462 till date. The Health Ministry said that a total of 23,61,98,726 people have been vaccinated so far in the country, including 33,64,476 who were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 36,82,07,596 samples have been tested up to June 7 for Covid-19. Of these 18,73,485 samples were tested on Monday.

With 86,498 new COVID-19 infections, India reports lowest daily surge in 66 days

A 35-year old senior executive at a software company in Singapore, who made racially offensive tweets in April last year, including slurs to Indians and condemning Indian immigrants about COVID-19, was jailed for three weeks on Tuesday, a media report said.

Zainal Abidin Shaiful Bahari, a Malay, pleaded guilty to two charges each of committing acts he knew were prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between different racial groups in Singapore. Another two similar charges were considered in sentencing, Channel News Asia reported.

A member of the public called the police in April 2020 after seeing a tweet by the user 'sharonliew86' condemning Indian immigrants about COVID-19.&nbsp;

Zainal, a senior director at a software company, used the pseudonym 'Sharon Liew' (Chinese name), had sole control of the account.

In March 2020, he also posted that 'smart Chinese' women have done social distancing inside the Mass Rapid Transit subway trains by not wanting to sit next to Indians.

Zainal's lawyers claimed that he was 'not a racist' and that he was taking over a 'parody account' and 'overstepped the mark' while 'trying to be funny'.

District Judge S Jennifer Marie said that race and religion are sensitive issues and would-be offenders must realise that careless remarks have the potential to cause social disorder.

"Further, when such remarks are published with the medium of the Internet, they have the ubiquitous reach and therefore amplify the potential and irreversible harm that could be caused to...Peace and racial harmony."

She added that racial tensions have been heightened by the continued pandemic and a strong deterrent signal must be sent.

Zainal was identified and police investigations revealed that he had set up the Twitter account in July 2018 with two other friends.

It was meant to be a parody account and had more than 5,000 followers, but the posts by Zainal's two friends stopped from early 2019.

Zainal took sole control of the account and posted the offensive tweets in March and April 2020.

The prosecutor called for four weeks' jail, saying there was a clear need for general deterrence, especially in the current climate where tensions in the community have been heightened and strained by exceptional pandemic circumstances.

Lawyer Sunil Sudheesan asked instead for three weeks' jail, saying that every action by his client must be viewed "in the proper context".

"He's not a racist, obviously," said Sudheesan. Zainal is married to a Chinese woman and has racially diverse friends.

Sudheesan said everyone, who followed the account knew it was a parody, and things could have become inflamed when people who did not know the intention of certain tweets forwarded them.

"Our client is very sorry for this. He should have anticipated this," the Channel quoted the lawyer as saying. 
The prosecutor responded that Zainal had well crossed the line.

"This was not parody, this was not satirical behaviour, this was simply the actions of an online troll who was provoking others...This is really not acceptable," he said. The judge told Zainal that the language used in his tweets were in bad taste.

"If you had really valued racial and cultural diversity, you should have appreciated all the more the need to preserve ... Sensitivities given the multi-cultural fabric of Singapore," she said.

For each charge of committing an act prejudicial to racial harmony, Zainal could have been jailed up to three years, fined, or both.&nbsp;

A 35-year old senior executive at a software company in Singapore, who made racially offensive tweets in April last year, including slurs to Indians and condemning Indian immigrants about COVID-19, was jailed for three weeks on Tuesday, a media report said.

A 35-year old senior executive at a software company in Singapore, who made racially offensive tweets in April last year, including slurs to Indians and condemning Indian immigrants about COVID-19, was jailed for three weeks on Tuesday, a media report said. Zainal Abidin Shaiful Bahari, a Malay, pleaded guilty to two charges each of committing acts he knew were prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between different racial groups in Singapore. Another two similar charges were considered in sentencing, Channel News Asia reported. A member of the public called the police in April 2020 after seeing a tweet by the user 'sharonliew86' condemning Indian immigrants about COVID-19. Zainal, a senior director at a software company, used the pseudonym 'Sharon Liew' (Chinese name), had sole control of the account. In March 2020, he also posted that 'smart Chinese' women have done social distancing inside the Mass Rapid Transit subway trains by not wanting to sit next to Indians. Zainal's lawyers claimed that he was 'not a racist' and that he was taking over a 'parody account' and 'overstepped the mark' while 'trying to be funny'. District Judge S Jennifer Marie said that race and religion are sensitive issues and would-be offenders must realise that careless remarks have the potential to cause social disorder. "Further, when such remarks are published with the medium of the Internet, they have the ubiquitous reach and therefore amplify the potential and irreversible harm that could be caused to...Peace and racial harmony." She added that racial tensions have been heightened by the continued pandemic and a strong deterrent signal must be sent. Zainal was identified and police investigations revealed that he had set up the Twitter account in July 2018 with two other friends. It was meant to be a parody account and had more than 5,000 followers, but the posts by Zainal's two friends stopped from early 2019. Zainal took sole control of the account and posted the offensive tweets in March and April 2020. The prosecutor called for four weeks' jail, saying there was a clear need for general deterrence, especially in the current climate where tensions in the community have been heightened and strained by exceptional pandemic circumstances. Lawyer Sunil Sudheesan asked instead for three weeks' jail, saying that every action by his client must be viewed "in the proper context". "He's not a racist, obviously," said Sudheesan. Zainal is married to a Chinese woman and has racially diverse friends. Sudheesan said everyone, who followed the account knew it was a parody, and things could have become inflamed when people who did not know the intention of certain tweets forwarded them. "Our client is very sorry for this. He should have anticipated this," the Channel quoted the lawyer as saying. The prosecutor responded that Zainal had well crossed the line. "This was not parody, this was not satirical behaviour, this was simply the actions of an online troll who was provoking others...This is really not acceptable," he said. The judge told Zainal that the language used in his tweets were in bad taste. "If you had really valued racial and cultural diversity, you should have appreciated all the more the need to preserve ... Sensitivities given the multi-cultural fabric of Singapore," she said. For each charge of committing an act prejudicial to racial harmony, Zainal could have been jailed up to three years, fined, or both.

Singapore court jails man for racially offensive tweets, slurs against Indians 

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