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Uttarakhand`s Dehradun district on Sunday reported 20 new cases of black fungus and the death of three patients during treatment.

According to a bulletin of the Health Department, the total number of black fungus patients in the state has gone up to 299, 47 patients have died and 18 patients have recovered so far.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rishikesh has the highest number of patients (195) undergoing treatment. Mucormycosis or black fungus is a complication caused by a fungal infection. People catch mucormycosis by coming in contact with the fungal spores in the environment.

It can also develop on the skin after the fungus enters the skin through a cut, scrape, burn, or other types of skin trauma, as per the Union Health Ministry.

The disease is being detected among patients who are recovering or have recovered from COVID-19.

Moreover, anyone who is diabetic and whose immune system is not functioning well needs to be on the guard against this.

Looking at the rising cases of Mucormycosis or `black fungus`, the Union Health Ministry had last month said the availability of Amphotericin-B, the key drug to treat the deadly disease is now being increased and the ministry is in touch with five additional manufacturers.

Several states including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana and Tamil Nadu have declared it a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act, thereby making it mandatory to report every Mucormycosis case to the state government.

Uttarakhand`s Dehradun district on Sunday reported 20 new cases of black fungus and the death of three patients during treatment. According to a bulletin of the Health Department, the total number of black fungus patients in the state has gone up to 299, 47 patients have died and 18 patients have recovered so far.

Uttarakhand`s Dehradun district on Sunday reported 20 new cases of black fungus and the death of three patients during treatment. According to a bulletin of the Health Department, the total number of black fungus patients in the state has gone up to 299, 47 patients have died and 18 patients have recovered so far. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rishikesh has the highest number of patients (195) undergoing treatment. Mucormycosis or black fungus is a complication caused by a fungal infection. People catch mucormycosis by coming in contact with the fungal spores in the environment. It can also develop on the skin after the fungus enters the skin through a cut, scrape, burn, or other types of skin trauma, as per the Union Health Ministry. The disease is being detected among patients who are recovering or have recovered from COVID-19. Moreover, anyone who is diabetic and whose immune system is not functioning well needs to be on the guard against this. Looking at the rising cases of Mucormycosis or `black fungus`, the Union Health Ministry had last month said the availability of Amphotericin-B, the key drug to treat the deadly disease is now being increased and the ministry is in touch with five additional manufacturers. Several states including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana and Tamil Nadu have declared it a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act, thereby making it mandatory to report every Mucormycosis case to the state government.

COVID-19: Dehradun reports 20 new cases of black fungus, 3 deaths

India's Covid condition continued to steadily improve today, with 1,00,636 cases recorded, down 12% from yesterday's 1,14,460 new infections, which were the lowest in two months.

The total number of cases in the country today stands at 29 million.&nbsp;

The death toll stands at 3,49,186 with 2,427 deaths in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, 2,71,59,180 people have recovered from the virus. Active cases in India stand at 14,01,609.

According to sources, clinical trials of Covaxin on youngsters will begin today at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Delhi.

Experts are concerned that youngsters could be disproportionately affected by a probable third wave of the virus, thus clinical trials are underway.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Covid condition continued to steadily improve today, with 1,00,636 cases recorded, down 12% from yesterday's 1,14,460 new infections, which were the lowest in two months.

India's Covid condition continued to steadily improve today, with 1,00,636 cases recorded, down 12% from yesterday's 1,14,460 new infections, which were the lowest in two months. The total number of cases in the country today stands at 29 million. The death toll stands at 3,49,186 with 2,427 deaths in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, 2,71,59,180 people have recovered from the virus. Active cases in India stand at 14,01,609. According to sources, clinical trials of Covaxin on youngsters will begin today at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Delhi. Experts are concerned that youngsters could be disproportionately affected by a probable third wave of the virus, thus clinical trials are underway. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports lowest number of new COVID-19 cases in two months

An explosion in a molten plastic paint machine near the underpass of the second terminal of the Kempegowda International Airport caused injury to six workers early Monday, the police said. 
 
According to the airport police, two of the six workers, Ajay Kumar and Siraj are critical after suffering over 40 per cent burns. 
 
The others were identified as Avinash, Goutam, Prashanth, Nagesh -- all have been admitted to Victoria Hospital. 
 
The police said that the workers were using a thermoplastic road marking machine to paint the zebra crossing and signages on the roads leading up to the airport terminal. 
 
The exact cause of the fire is still not known but prima facie investigations have revealed that a "substantial amount" of paint vapour and mist could have been released causing the accident. 
 
"Perhaps storage of paint material, overspray could have drifted into surrounding areas, mixing with the air and accumulating in enclosed or unventilated areas leading to a blast," the police explained. 
 
The blaze spread to the underpass in no time. 
 
"Security guards rushed to the spot after hearing the workers` cries and took them to hospital. Firefighters soon arrived at the scene but it wasn`t before two hours that they doused the flames," the police said. 
 
This is the first fire accident to have happened during the construction of the airport`s second terminal, which has been going on for the past few years. 
 
The police said that they have registered a complaint against the company under contract for negligence and failure to take precautions for the safety of workers. 
 
The Kempegowda International Airport, the third-biggest airport in India, began constructing a garden terminal called T2 to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic in 2019 but due to prolonged lockdown and outbreak of pandemic in March 2020, the project is likely to be completed in 2022 second quarter instead of March this year. 
 
The terminal will feature trees, small gardens and ponds with local species of plants. It is expected to serve approximately 25 million passengers a year. 
 
The terminal`s design is inspired by Bengaluru`s ubiquitous tag as a 'Garden City. 
 
Passageways throughout the terminal will connect the passengers with nature. The ceiling at the entrance, check-in and security area will feature hanging bells.

An explosion in a molten plastic paint machine near the underpass of the second terminal of the Kempegowda International Airport caused injury to six workers early Monday, the police said.

An explosion in a molten plastic paint machine near the underpass of the second terminal of the Kempegowda International Airport caused injury to six workers early Monday, the police said. According to the airport police, two of the six workers, Ajay Kumar and Siraj are critical after suffering over 40 per cent burns. The others were identified as Avinash, Goutam, Prashanth, Nagesh -- all have been admitted to Victoria Hospital. The police said that the workers were using a thermoplastic road marking machine to paint the zebra crossing and signages on the roads leading up to the airport terminal. The exact cause of the fire is still not known but prima facie investigations have revealed that a "substantial amount" of paint vapour and mist could have been released causing the accident. "Perhaps storage of paint material, overspray could have drifted into surrounding areas, mixing with the air and accumulating in enclosed or unventilated areas leading to a blast," the police explained. The blaze spread to the underpass in no time. "Security guards rushed to the spot after hearing the workers` cries and took them to hospital. Firefighters soon arrived at the scene but it wasn`t before two hours that they doused the flames," the police said. This is the first fire accident to have happened during the construction of the airport`s second terminal, which has been going on for the past few years. The police said that they have registered a complaint against the company under contract for negligence and failure to take precautions for the safety of workers. The Kempegowda International Airport, the third-biggest airport in India, began constructing a garden terminal called T2 to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic in 2019 but due to prolonged lockdown and outbreak of pandemic in March 2020, the project is likely to be completed in 2022 second quarter instead of March this year. The terminal will feature trees, small gardens and ponds with local species of plants. It is expected to serve approximately 25 million passengers a year. The terminal`s design is inspired by Bengaluru`s ubiquitous tag as a 'Garden City. Passageways throughout the terminal will connect the passengers with nature. The ceiling at the entrance, check-in and security area will feature hanging bells.

Six injured in blast near Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru

At least 15 people have died after a blaze swept through a sanitiser factory in the western Indian city of Pune on Monday, police said.

"We have recovered 15 bodies so far," an officer in Pune's rural police control room, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP.

"The fire broke out around 4:15 pm at a sanitiser factory, we still don't know what sparked the fire."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vaccine-supply-will-be-increasing-in-the-coming-days-says-pm-modi-389960" hreflang="en">Vaccine supply will be increasing in the coming days, says PM Modi</a>

The officer could not say if there were any injured or missing.

The plant was located on the outskirts of Pune in a village, the Times of India reported.

Those killed were trapped in the factory when the fire broke out after an explosion inside a machine, the newspaper added, citing local revenue officials.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-madras-alumni-contribute-2-million-for-covid-19-relief-efforts-in-india-389935" hreflang="en">IIT Madras alumni contribute $2 million for COVID-19 relief efforts in India</a>

Video footage aired by local media showed huge plumes of smoke billowing from the top of a building.

India is frequently rocked by industrial disasters that experts blame on poor planning and lax enforcement of safety rules.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences, and tweeted that financial compensation would be provided to the families of the victims as well as those injured.

At least 15 people have died after a blaze swept through a sanitiser factory in the western Indian city of Pune on Monday, police said. "We have recovered 15 bodies so far," an officer in Pune's rural police control room, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP.

At least 15 people have died after a blaze swept through a sanitiser factory in the western Indian city of Pune on Monday, police said. "We have recovered 15 bodies so far," an officer in Pune's rural police control room, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP. "The fire broke out around 4:15 pm at a sanitiser factory, we still don't know what sparked the fire." Also read | Vaccine supply will be increasing in the coming days, says PM Modi The officer could not say if there were any injured or missing. The plant was located on the outskirts of Pune in a village, the Times of India reported. Those killed were trapped in the factory when the fire broke out after an explosion inside a machine, the newspaper added, citing local revenue officials. Also read | IIT Madras alumni contribute $2 million for COVID-19 relief efforts in India Video footage aired by local media showed huge plumes of smoke billowing from the top of a building. India is frequently rocked by industrial disasters that experts blame on poor planning and lax enforcement of safety rules. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences, and tweeted that financial compensation would be provided to the families of the victims as well as those injured.

At least 15 dead in India sanitiser factory fire

In a significant outcome for the LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual and/or Ally) community, the Madras High Court on Monday issued directions to protect them from harassment by authorities and other major stakeholders in society.

According to the court, society was even now grappling to come to terms with same-sex orientation.

The case pertained to a Madurai-based lesbian couple whose relationship was being opposed by their parents, following which the couple fled to Chennai, to seek NGO support and sustain themselves.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/key-takeaways-of-pm-modis-speech-free-vaccine-for-people-above-18-years-80-crore-poor-to-be-provided-free-ration-till-diwali-389975" hreflang="en">Key takeaways of PM Modi's speech: Free vaccine for people above 18 years</a>

As their respective daughters fled their homes, the parents filed missing complaints with the local police, which led to filing of FIRs. The couple approached the court after having faced police interrogation at the residential premises in Chennai. They also feared for their safety and security from police harassment and that of their parents.&nbsp;

In a detailed order, Justice N Anand Venkatesh has outlined the sensitisation programmes that need to be undertaken by police, legal authorities, judiciary, education institutions, workplaces and parents in issues pertaining to the LGBTQIA community.

Some of the significant interim guidelines issued by the Madras High Court include measures to create awareness about the community by conducting sensitisation programmes by respective governments, to eliminate prejudices against the community and channelise them into the mainstream.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vaccine-supply-will-be-increasing-in-the-coming-days-says-pm-modi-389960">Vaccine supply will be increasing in the coming days, says PM Modi</a>

According to Manuraj Sundaram, who represented the Petitioners (Lesbian couple), this order by the Madras High Court stands out for its unprecedented width and scope. "Such a detailed order for the LGBTQIA+ community is unheard of from any court, including the Supreme Court of India. No high court has issued such extensive guidelines, but of course, this development builds upon the SC judgement to annul Section 377 of the IPC," Manuraj told WION.

The court has said that in missing complaints pertaining to the LGBTQIA+ community (in case of consenting adults) —&nbsp;based on statements of the involved persons —&nbsp;the complaint must be closed without harassing the couple. Persons belonging to the community can approach the enlisted NGOs for protecting their rights. Such a list of NGOs and their contact details must be furnished by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) on their official website and will be updated regularly. Such NGOs are required to maintain data of the individuals approaching them in a confidential manner and share the records to the Ministry twice a year.

In terms of addressing the issues, the court said that it should be via&nbsp;counselling, monetary support, legal assistance with the support of the District Legal Services Authority, or by co-ordinating with the law enforcement agencies about offenses committed against any person belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community.&nbsp;

The court said, regarding the issue of accommodation, suitable changes are to be made in existing short stay homes, Anganwadi shelters, and "garima greh" (a shelter home for transgender persons, that offers basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and recreational facilities and skill development for dignified life).

Parents have been advised that they must be understanding and accept children of diverse gender expressions, sexual orientation, gender identities and gender presentation while providing peer support for parents of such children.

Most importantly, the court has called for a change in curricula of schools and universities to educate students on understanding the LGBTQIA+ community. This includes conducting outreach programs involving the community and NGOs and sensitising parents via PTA meetings to be supportive of gender nonconforming students. Some additional steps include adding third gender in application forms, change of gender and name for transgender persons, ensure availability of gender-neutral restrooms.&nbsp;

For workplaces, the court has said that suitable changes must be made in hiring policies for inclusivity, provide support in case of grievances, extend benefits such as insurance, ensure policies to prevent discrimination etc.&nbsp;

In a significant outcome for the LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual and/or Ally) community, the Madras High Court on Monday issued directions to protect them from harassment by authorities and other major stakeholders in society.

In a significant outcome for the LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual and/or Ally) community, the Madras High Court on Monday issued directions to protect them from harassment by authorities and other major stakeholders in society. According to the court, society was even now grappling to come to terms with same-sex orientation. The case pertained to a Madurai-based lesbian couple whose relationship was being opposed by their parents, following which the couple fled to Chennai, to seek NGO support and sustain themselves. Also read | Key takeaways of PM Modi's speech: Free vaccine for people above 18 years As their respective daughters fled their homes, the parents filed missing complaints with the local police, which led to filing of FIRs. The couple approached the court after having faced police interrogation at the residential premises in Chennai. They also feared for their safety and security from police harassment and that of their parents. In a detailed order, Justice N Anand Venkatesh has outlined the sensitisation programmes that need to be undertaken by police, legal authorities, judiciary, education institutions, workplaces and parents in issues pertaining to the LGBTQIA community. Some of the significant interim guidelines issued by the Madras High Court include measures to create awareness about the community by conducting sensitisation programmes by respective governments, to eliminate prejudices against the community and channelise them into the mainstream. Also read | Vaccine supply will be increasing in the coming days, says PM Modi According to Manuraj Sundaram, who represented the Petitioners (Lesbian couple), this order by the Madras High Court stands out for its unprecedented width and scope. "Such a detailed order for the LGBTQIA+ community is unheard of from any court, including the Supreme Court of India. No high court has issued such extensive guidelines, but of course, this development builds upon the SC judgement to annul Section 377 of the IPC," Manuraj told WION. The court has said that in missing complaints pertaining to the LGBTQIA+ community (in case of consenting adults) — based on statements of the involved persons — the complaint must be closed without harassing the couple. Persons belonging to the community can approach the enlisted NGOs for protecting their rights. Such a list of NGOs and their contact details must be furnished by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) on their official website and will be updated regularly. Such NGOs are required to maintain data of the individuals approaching them in a confidential manner and share the records to the Ministry twice a year. In terms of addressing the issues, the court said that it should be via counselling, monetary support, legal assistance with the support of the District Legal Services Authority, or by co-ordinating with the law enforcement agencies about offenses committed against any person belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community. The court said, regarding the issue of accommodation, suitable changes are to be made in existing short stay homes, Anganwadi shelters, and "garima greh" (a shelter home for transgender persons, that offers basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and recreational facilities and skill development for dignified life). Parents have been advised that they must be understanding and accept children of diverse gender expressions, sexual orientation, gender identities and gender presentation while providing peer support for parents of such children. Most importantly, the court has called for a change in curricula of schools and universities to educate students on understanding the LGBTQIA+ community. This includes conducting outreach programs involving the community and NGOs and sensitising parents via PTA meetings to be supportive of gender nonconforming students. Some additional steps include adding third gender in application forms, change of gender and name for transgender persons, ensure availability of gender-neutral restrooms. For workplaces, the court has said that suitable changes must be made in hiring policies for inclusivity, provide support in case of grievances, extend benefits such as insurance, ensure policies to prevent discrimination etc.

Madras High Court issues detailed guidelines for more inclusivity for LGBTQIA+ community

PM Modi has said that the government would take back control of Covid-19 vaccination from the states and provide free vaccines to all in the next two weeks.

India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation

As India battles the pandemic, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vaccine-supply-will-be-increasing-in-the-coming-days-says-pm-modi-389960">Prime Minister&nbsp;Modi</a> in his address to the nation said that "the modern world has not seen such a pandemic. Our country has fought the virus&nbsp;at many levels."

Key takeaways of PM Modi's speech:

From June 21, free vaccine to be available for people above 18 years.

Government has decided to extend the free ration scheme&nbsp;Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana till Diwali.

80 crore poor people to be provided free ration under&nbsp;the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.

Centralised vaccine drive to take place in the country with vaccines procured by the government of India and given free of cost to the states.

Both state and the Centre to work as per new guidelines in the coming two weeks.

Vaccine procurement speeded up with research being conducted on a nasal vaccine.

India launched two Made in India vaccines and over 23 crore vaccine doses administered.

New health infrastructure developed in the last one and half years with COVID hospitals, ventilators beds with a network of testing lab.

Vaccine supply will increase in the coming days with seven companies in the country producing different vaccines.

Private hospitals can only charge Rs 150 as a "service charge" on the vaccines.

(With inputs from agencies)

As India battles the pandemic, Prime Minister Modi in his address to the nation said that "the modern world has not seen such a pandemic. Our country has fought the virus at many levels.

As India battles the pandemic, Prime Minister Modi in his address to the nation said that "the modern world has not seen such a pandemic. Our country has fought the virus at many levels." Key takeaways of PM Modi's speech: From June 21, free vaccine to be available for people above 18 years. Government has decided to extend the free ration scheme Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana till Diwali. 80 crore poor people to be provided free ration under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. Centralised vaccine drive to take place in the country with vaccines procured by the government of India and given free of cost to the states. Both state and the Centre to work as per new guidelines in the coming two weeks. Vaccine procurement speeded up with research being conducted on a nasal vaccine. India launched two Made in India vaccines and over 23 crore vaccine doses administered. New health infrastructure developed in the last one and half years with COVID hospitals, ventilators beds with a network of testing lab. Vaccine supply will increase in the coming days with seven companies in the country producing different vaccines. Private hospitals can only charge Rs 150 as a "service charge" on the vaccines. (With inputs from agencies)

Key takeaways of PM Modi's speech: Free vaccine for people above 18 years, 80 crore poor to be provided free ration till Diwali

As several parts of India eased lockdown restrictions on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/key-takeaways-of-pm-modis-speech-free-vaccine-for-people-above-18-years-80-crore-poor-to-be-provided-free-ration-till-diwali-389975">Modi</a> in a televised address to the nation said India continues to fight against&nbsp;COVID-19.&nbsp;

"Hundreds of families lost their loved ones to COVID-19," PM Modi said, adding, "the world has been&nbsp;experiencing&nbsp;once in a century pandemic."&nbsp;

"The modern world has not seen such a pandemic. Our country has fought this pandemic at many levels," he said.&nbsp;

"New health infrastructure has been developed in the last one and half years with COVID hospitals, ventilators beds&nbsp;with a network of testing labs," the prime minister said.

"During the second wave in April-May the demand for medical oxygen increased at an unprecedented rate," the prime minister asserted.&nbsp;

PM Modi said that India has readied its new health infrastructure to fight the virus while applauding the contribution of the country's defence forces - Army, Navy and Air Force - in helping to fulfil&nbsp;the oxygen demand of various states hit by the virus.

PM Modi said: "Vaccine supply will be increasing in the coming days as seven companies in the country are producing different vaccines."

The Indian prime minister informed that in the last year, the country had launched two Made in India vaccines and over 23 crore vaccine doses have been administered.

"Three vaccine trials are at an advanced stage," PM Modi informed.&nbsp;

India's PM while explaining the process of vaccine availability in the country said that vaccine procurement has been speeded up, although experts have expressed concern&nbsp;about children's safety.&nbsp;

"In this direction, the trial of two vaccines is underway. Research is being conducted for a nasal vaccine in the country," the prime minister said.

"Both the state and the Centre will work as per new guidelines in the coming two weeks. From June 21, free vaccine will be available for people above 18 years," the PM said.

The prime minister announced a centralised vaccine drive to take place in the country with vaccines procured by the government of India and given free of cost to the states.

"Government has decided to extend Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana till Diwali and 80 crore poor people will be provided free ration under the scheme," he said.

The prime minister said private hospitals can only charge Rs 150 as a "service charge" on the vaccines.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As several parts of India eased lockdown restrictions on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a televised address to the nation said India continues to fight against COVID-19.

As several parts of India eased lockdown restrictions on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a televised address to the nation said India continues to fight against COVID-19. "Hundreds of families lost their loved ones to COVID-19," PM Modi said, adding, "the world has been experiencing once in a century pandemic." "The modern world has not seen such a pandemic. Our country has fought this pandemic at many levels," he said. "New health infrastructure has been developed in the last one and half years with COVID hospitals, ventilators beds with a network of testing labs," the prime minister said. "During the second wave in April-May the demand for medical oxygen increased at an unprecedented rate," the prime minister asserted. PM Modi said that India has readied its new health infrastructure to fight the virus while applauding the contribution of the country's defence forces - Army, Navy and Air Force - in helping to fulfil the oxygen demand of various states hit by the virus. PM Modi said: "Vaccine supply will be increasing in the coming days as seven companies in the country are producing different vaccines." The Indian prime minister informed that in the last year, the country had launched two Made in India vaccines and over 23 crore vaccine doses have been administered. "Three vaccine trials are at an advanced stage," PM Modi informed. India's PM while explaining the process of vaccine availability in the country said that vaccine procurement has been speeded up, although experts have expressed concern about children's safety. "In this direction, the trial of two vaccines is underway. Research is being conducted for a nasal vaccine in the country," the prime minister said. "Both the state and the Centre will work as per new guidelines in the coming two weeks. From June 21, free vaccine will be available for people above 18 years," the PM said. The prime minister announced a centralised vaccine drive to take place in the country with vaccines procured by the government of India and given free of cost to the states. "Government has decided to extend Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana till Diwali and 80 crore poor people will be provided free ration under the scheme," he said. The prime minister said private hospitals can only charge Rs 150 as a "service charge" on the vaccines. (With inputs from Agencies)

Vaccine supply will be increasing in the coming days, says PM Modi

Tourism is one of the biggest industries of the Kashmir Valley and it has been incurring losses in crores due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">pandemic</a>. However, now that the covid positive patients are&nbsp;decreasing in the valley, the tourism department along with the health department are on a mission to vaccinate each individual related to this industry.&nbsp;

Special vaccination drives are being done for the tourism stakeholders in the valley —&nbsp;around 80 per cent people in the city and&nbsp;90 per cent in the hill stations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg — have been vaccinated.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-madras-alumni-contribute-2-million-for-covid-19-relief-efforts-in-india-389935" hreflang="en">IIT Madras alumni contribute $2 million for COVID-19 relief efforts in India</a>

"We are expecting the situation to improve and things to come back to normal. Cases are coming down and we are expecting in the near future there will certainly be a revival of tourism sector again, and for that we have already planned an action plan which is going for 100 per cent mass vaccination of our stakeholders and the staff and similarly we will also be giving a lot of training to our stakeholders — be it hoteliers, shikara wala's, pony wala's and houseboat owners — and that is the way we carry forward tourism season successful", said G N Itoo, Director Tourism.&nbsp;

The tourist stakeholders in the valley are extremely happy about these vaccination drives. They believe it will send across a positive message across the world that Kashmir is safe to travel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-covid-19-antibodies-detected-in-23-samples-of-second-sero-survey-third-survey-from-july-august-389923" hreflang="en">Tamil Nadu: COVID-19 antibodies detected in 23% samples of second sero survey; third survey from July-August</a>

''Unfortunately, the second wave of covid is hectic and all the stakeholders are under lockdown, and it hit us very badly. You can say it was unfortunate and bad luck for the sector. We are hoping in the coming time it may pick up. The tourism department has started mass vaccination and every tourism player has to go through this drive, they have to vaccinate themselves. You will feel safe and secure, the tourists will feel confident to come here, we have to be ready and vaccination is one such thing,'' said Manzoor Pakhtoon from&nbsp;United Tourism Forum.

Now, these tourist players are waiting for the lockdown to be lifted so that they can welcome the tourists again in the valley.

Tourism is one of the biggest industries of the Kashmir Valley and it has been incurring losses in crores due to the pandemic. However, now that the covid positive patients are decreasing in the valley, the tourism department along with the health department are on a mission to vaccinate each individual related to this industry.

Tourism is one of the biggest industries of the Kashmir Valley and it has been incurring losses in crores due to the pandemic. However, now that the covid positive patients are decreasing in the valley, the tourism department along with the health department are on a mission to vaccinate each individual related to this industry. Special vaccination drives are being done for the tourism stakeholders in the valley — around 80 per cent people in the city and 90 per cent in the hill stations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg — have been vaccinated. Also read | IIT Madras alumni contribute $2 million for COVID-19 relief efforts in India "We are expecting the situation to improve and things to come back to normal. Cases are coming down and we are expecting in the near future there will certainly be a revival of tourism sector again, and for that we have already planned an action plan which is going for 100 per cent mass vaccination of our stakeholders and the staff and similarly we will also be giving a lot of training to our stakeholders — be it hoteliers, shikara wala's, pony wala's and houseboat owners — and that is the way we carry forward tourism season successful", said G N Itoo, Director Tourism. The tourist stakeholders in the valley are extremely happy about these vaccination drives. They believe it will send across a positive message across the world that Kashmir is safe to travel. Also read | Tamil Nadu: COVID-19 antibodies detected in 23% samples of second sero survey; third survey from July-August ''Unfortunately, the second wave of covid is hectic and all the stakeholders are under lockdown, and it hit us very badly. You can say it was unfortunate and bad luck for the sector. We are hoping in the coming time it may pick up. The tourism department has started mass vaccination and every tourism player has to go through this drive, they have to vaccinate themselves. You will feel safe and secure, the tourists will feel confident to come here, we have to be ready and vaccination is one such thing,'' said Manzoor Pakhtoon from United Tourism Forum. Now, these tourist players are waiting for the lockdown to be lifted so that they can welcome the tourists again in the valley.

Tourism industry mass vaccinating tourist stake holders in J&K

Mehul Choksi,62, wanted in the multi-crore PNB scam, has filed a complaint with the commissioner of police of Antigua and Barbuda and listed Barbara Jabarica, Narendra Singh, Arminder Singh, Gurmit Singh and "unknown persons" to be involved in his alleged "kidnapping".&nbsp;

In the five-page complaint dated June 2, Choksi has detailed the ordeal under which he was alleged to have been taken from Antigua to Dominica and the role played by Barabara.

<img alt="Mehul Choksi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="406fe1c4-758c-4952-8b4a-38ae15f5b18d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_39.jpg" />

In the letter he said, "during this entire ordeal, Ms Jabarica did not even attempt to help me or assist in any other way by calling for help from outside" and "she was an integral part of this entire scheme to kidnap me". &nbsp;

Giving details, he said&nbsp;he was taken from her house by "8-10 heavily muscled men" who appeared from all the "entrances" and claimed to be Antiguan police. The men, Choksi in the complaint said, "continued to beat me mercilessly with bare hands" and took his cell phone, Rolex watch and wallet.&nbsp;

He explained how he was taken using a boat on which there "appeared to be two&nbsp;Indians onboard and three&nbsp;persons of Caribbean descent".

He also made several allegations in the complain&nbsp;including that he was "brought to a special location to give an interview to a high ranking Indian politician" and his "citizenship would be fixed..would be soon repatriated to India".

He claimed he was "received" by a "battery of police with the chief of police on the port" in Dominica and he was "caught" because of the Interpol Red Corner Notice.

Choksi also mentioned the conditions at the "holding cell" in the police station where he was lodged which he said "did not even have the basic necessities of a mattress and was barely 20 sq feet in size".

Over the weekend the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne had&nbsp;confirmed that he has sent the complaint to his country's police authorities.

Choksi languishes in Dominica even as his petition of Habeas corpus, illegal entry into the country and bail application has been&nbsp;taken up by the country.

Mehul Choksi,62, wanted in the multi-crore PNB scam, has filed a complaint with the commissioner of police of Antigua and Barbuda and listed Barbara Jabarica, Narendra Singh, Arminder Singh, Gurmit Singh and "unknown persons" to be involved in his alleged "kidnapping".

Mehul Choksi,62, wanted in the multi-crore PNB scam, has filed a complaint with the commissioner of police of Antigua and Barbuda and listed Barbara Jabarica, Narendra Singh, Arminder Singh, Gurmit Singh and "unknown persons" to be involved in his alleged "kidnapping". In the five-page complaint dated June 2, Choksi has detailed the ordeal under which he was alleged to have been taken from Antigua to Dominica and the role played by Barabara. In the letter he said, "during this entire ordeal, Ms Jabarica did not even attempt to help me or assist in any other way by calling for help from outside" and "she was an integral part of this entire scheme to kidnap me". Giving details, he said he was taken from her house by "8-10 heavily muscled men" who appeared from all the "entrances" and claimed to be Antiguan police. The men, Choksi in the complaint said, "continued to beat me mercilessly with bare hands" and took his cell phone, Rolex watch and wallet. He explained how he was taken using a boat on which there "appeared to be two Indians onboard and three persons of Caribbean descent". He also made several allegations in the complain including that he was "brought to a special location to give an interview to a high ranking Indian politician" and his "citizenship would be fixed..would be soon repatriated to India". He claimed he was "received" by a "battery of police with the chief of police on the port" in Dominica and he was "caught" because of the Interpol Red Corner Notice. Choksi also mentioned the conditions at the "holding cell" in the police station where he was lodged which he said "did not even have the basic necessities of a mattress and was barely 20 sq feet in size". Over the weekend the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne had confirmed that he has sent the complaint to his country's police authorities. Choksi languishes in Dominica even as his petition of Habeas corpus, illegal entry into the country and bail application has been taken up by the country.

Mehul Choksi files complaint with Antigua police; says Barabara 'integral' part of kidnap plot

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has started investigations into the alleged abduction of absconding diamantaire Mehul Choksi to neighbouring Dominica on a complaint filed by his lawyers, Prime Minister Gaston Browne told a local media outlet.

Browne said that Choksi's lawyers gave the names of people involved in the alleged abduction to the police commissioner in a complaint, the Antigua News Room reported.

The Antigua and Barbuda prime minister also said that if the claims are true, then it is a serious matter. Browne said police are taking the complaint seriously, the report said.

<img alt="Mehul" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3be56e0b-a41d-458b-8a61-d0e98aeb77e8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Mehul%20Choksi%201.jpg" />

"Choksi has filed a complaint with the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda to the extant that he was abducted. He made a formal claim through his attorneys that he was abducted from Antigua and taken to Dominica so it is a report that police is taking seriously and they are currently investigating the abduction," Browne said.

Another report in the Associates Times poked holes in the theory of Dominica opposition leader Lennox Linton, who had reportedly claimed that Choksi was brought to Dominica in the Yacht Calliope of Arne around 10 pm on May 23.

The family of Choksi had claimed that he was in Antigua till 5 pm on May 23, which makes it impossible to cover a 120-mile distance in four to five hours, which approximately takes about 12-13 hours, the publication said.

The report said that according to Customs document, the boat had left Antigua at 10 am on May 23, whereas Choksi's domestic staff had said that he was in his residence till 5 pm, which indicates that Choksi did not travel by the boat which Linton is claiming.

It quoted unnamed doctors of the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, where Choksi is admitted, that a nail injury cited by his lawyers is an old one while other bruises could be new and could have been caused by even by a "slight push".

Choksi had mysteriously gone missing on May 23 from Antigua and Barbuda where he has been staying since 2018 as a citizen. He was detained in the neighbouring island country, Dominica, for illegal entry after a possible romantic escapade with his rumoured girlfriend.

His lawyers alleged that he was kidnapped from Jolly Harbour in Antigua by policemen looking Antiguan and Indian and brought to Dominica on a boat.

Choksi was brought before a Roseau magistrate, on the orders of the Dominica high court, to answer charges of illegal entry where he pleaded not guilty but was denied bail.

He was admitted in the Dominica China Friendship Hospital. The Dominica High Court has adjourned the hearing of the habeas corpus petition filed by his lawyers.

Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi had fled India in the first week of January 2018 weeks before Rs 13,500 crore scam in Punjab National Bank (PNB) rocked the Indian banking industry.

The duo allegedly bribed the officials of the state-run bank to get Letters of Undertaking (LoU) on the basis of which they availed from overseas banks which remained unpaid.

The allegedly corrupt officials did not enter these LoUs in the core banking software of PNB, thus evading any scrutiny. The non-payment of these LoUs or bank guarantees worth Rs 13,500 crore resulted in default and became a liability on bank.

Modi escaped to Europe and was finally held in London where he is contesting his extradition to India while Choksi took citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda in 2017 where he had been staying since his escape from Delhi.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has started investigations into the alleged abduction of absconding diamantaire Mehul Choksi to neighbouring Dominica on a complaint filed by his lawyers, Prime Minister Gaston Browne told a local media outlet.

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has started investigations into the alleged abduction of absconding diamantaire Mehul Choksi to neighbouring Dominica on a complaint filed by his lawyers, Prime Minister Gaston Browne told a local media outlet. Browne said that Choksi's lawyers gave the names of people involved in the alleged abduction to the police commissioner in a complaint, the Antigua News Room reported. The Antigua and Barbuda prime minister also said that if the claims are true, then it is a serious matter. Browne said police are taking the complaint seriously, the report said. "Choksi has filed a complaint with the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda to the extant that he was abducted. He made a formal claim through his attorneys that he was abducted from Antigua and taken to Dominica so it is a report that police is taking seriously and they are currently investigating the abduction," Browne said. Another report in the Associates Times poked holes in the theory of Dominica opposition leader Lennox Linton, who had reportedly claimed that Choksi was brought to Dominica in the Yacht Calliope of Arne around 10 pm on May 23. The family of Choksi had claimed that he was in Antigua till 5 pm on May 23, which makes it impossible to cover a 120-mile distance in four to five hours, which approximately takes about 12-13 hours, the publication said. The report said that according to Customs document, the boat had left Antigua at 10 am on May 23, whereas Choksi's domestic staff had said that he was in his residence till 5 pm, which indicates that Choksi did not travel by the boat which Linton is claiming. It quoted unnamed doctors of the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, where Choksi is admitted, that a nail injury cited by his lawyers is an old one while other bruises could be new and could have been caused by even by a "slight push". Choksi had mysteriously gone missing on May 23 from Antigua and Barbuda where he has been staying since 2018 as a citizen. He was detained in the neighbouring island country, Dominica, for illegal entry after a possible romantic escapade with his rumoured girlfriend. His lawyers alleged that he was kidnapped from Jolly Harbour in Antigua by policemen looking Antiguan and Indian and brought to Dominica on a boat. Choksi was brought before a Roseau magistrate, on the orders of the Dominica high court, to answer charges of illegal entry where he pleaded not guilty but was denied bail. He was admitted in the Dominica China Friendship Hospital. The Dominica High Court has adjourned the hearing of the habeas corpus petition filed by his lawyers. Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi had fled India in the first week of January 2018 weeks before Rs 13,500 crore scam in Punjab National Bank (PNB) rocked the Indian banking industry. The duo allegedly bribed the officials of the state-run bank to get Letters of Undertaking (LoU) on the basis of which they availed from overseas banks which remained unpaid. The allegedly corrupt officials did not enter these LoUs in the core banking software of PNB, thus evading any scrutiny. The non-payment of these LoUs or bank guarantees worth Rs 13,500 crore resulted in default and became a liability on bank. Modi escaped to Europe and was finally held in London where he is contesting his extradition to India while Choksi took citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda in 2017 where he had been staying since his escape from Delhi. (With inputs from agencies)

Antigua police has started investigating Choksi's 'abduction': PM Gaston Browne

According to the Institute of Technology Madras, their alumni based out of India and abroad have donated over $2 million (nearly Rs.14.56cr) towards Covid-19 relief efforts in India.

According to the Institute of Technology Madras, their alumni based out of India and abroad have donated over $2 million (nearly Rs.14.56cr) towards Covid-19 relief efforts in India. The fundraising was coordinated by the office Of Alumni and Corporate Relations (ACR), IIT Madras, in association with IIT Madras Alumni Association of North America and IITM Foundation in the US. In line with this effort, Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, IIT Madras and other officials handed over 200 Oxygen concentrators of 10 litres capacity each and handed them over to the Chennai Civic body. In addition to this, representatives of the institute handed over 74 BiPAP machines to Chennai Corporation Officials recently. IIT Madras Alumni have also donated 200 Oxygen Concentrators of 5 litres capacity each to the Telangana Government. Anand Rajaraman, an IIT alumnus and partner at a Silicon Valley-based Venture Capital firm said that it was a duty of the Indian diaspora to help the country get through these darkest hours. According to the institute, IIT Madras alumni working as senior executives with reputed MNCs were actively involved in evaluating and finalising the options available at various stages throughout the process. IIT Madras will continue to contribute to the Covid relief measures in the months to come, as the social commitment has always been a topmost priority for the Institute. “It has been an amazing experience to contribute to this campaign with fellow alumni from IIT Madras. So many people stepped forward to source equipment, raise funds and ensure delivery of the equipment” It is gratifying to know that we could make a difference at a very challenging time in India, said Kamal Duggirala, Chairman IITM Foundation-US. Besides these efforts to aid the Government, IIT Madras has formed a Covid Relief Fund to support students and faculty who are in distress due to pandemic related medical issues. In the last financial year, IIT Madras raised Rs 9.6 million to cater to the Covid relief requirements of students and employees of IIT Madras. There is also a proposal to upgrade the medical infrastructure within the campus. This is meant to cater to any potential requirements that may arise when the campus re-opens and receives students when the lockdown restrictions are relaxed.

IIT Madras alumni contribute $2 million for COVID-19 relief efforts in India

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to visit Kuwait on Wednesday to explore steps to further deepen India's ties with the oil-rich Gulf nation, diplomatic sources said.

The visit comes nearly three months after the two countries decided to establish a joint ministerial commission to formulate a framework to strengthen ties in sectors like energy, trade, investment, manpower and labour and information technology.

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah visited India in March during which both sides decided to set up of the joint commission.

Jaishankar is likely to carry a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah on ways to enhance bilateral ties, the sources said.

During his visit to India, Al-Sabah said that the 'catalogue of cooperation' between India and Kuwait is vast and that there were lots of avenues to explore further.

It was announced during Al-Sabah's visit to India that the joint commission at the level of foreign ministers will steer the relationship and will act as an umbrella body for all bilateral institutional engagements.

Kuwait has been supporting India in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic by supplying relief material as well as medical oxygen. Indian Navy ships have brought large quantity of medical oxygen from Kuwait in the last few weeks.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to visit Kuwait on Wednesday to explore steps to further deepen India's ties with the oil-rich Gulf nation, diplomatic sources said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to visit Kuwait on Wednesday to explore steps to further deepen India's ties with the oil-rich Gulf nation, diplomatic sources said. The visit comes nearly three months after the two countries decided to establish a joint ministerial commission to formulate a framework to strengthen ties in sectors like energy, trade, investment, manpower and labour and information technology. Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah visited India in March during which both sides decided to set up of the joint commission. Jaishankar is likely to carry a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah on ways to enhance bilateral ties, the sources said. During his visit to India, Al-Sabah said that the 'catalogue of cooperation' between India and Kuwait is vast and that there were lots of avenues to explore further. It was announced during Al-Sabah's visit to India that the joint commission at the level of foreign ministers will steer the relationship and will act as an umbrella body for all bilateral institutional engagements. Kuwait has been supporting India in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic by supplying relief material as well as medical oxygen. Indian Navy ships have brought large quantity of medical oxygen from Kuwait in the last few weeks.

EAM Jaishankar likely to visit Kuwait on Wednesday

According to a serosurvey conducted by the State Government, nearly 23 % of the tested samples had IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 Virus, the infection that causes COVID-19. 
 
The state-wide survey was conducted in April this year, across all districts of the state, except Chennai. 
 
Based on 765 clusters, with each consisting of 30 individuals, the samples were taken at random from a village (in rural areas) or a street (in an urban area).&nbsp;

Completed under the supervision of Dr T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, this survey showed that 5316 individuals of the total 22904 participants had antibodies. While the overall seroprevalence across the state was 23%, it was found to be highest in the districts adjoining Chennai - Tiruvallur (49%), Chengalpattu (43%) and Kanchipuram (38%). The lowest seroprevalence was seen at Nagapattinam District (9%).&nbsp;

Notably, the first such state-wide serosurvey conducted in Oct-Nov 2020 had revealed 31% seropositivity, which is much higher than the latest one. Back then, 6995 samples out of 22690 were found to have developed antibodies.&nbsp;

However, the Government attributes the decrease in seroprevalence to the fact that the first survey was conducted a month after the peak of the first wave, which occurred in August. In the case of the second survey, it was conducted close to the start of the second wave in Tamil Nadu. The possibility of antibodies weaning in the five-month interval between November 2020 and April 2021 is also said to be a factor, based on studies published in International journals.&nbsp;

Other factors are that vaccination coverage till March was meant to cover only the vulnerable population (above the age of 45), whereas other age groups we unvaccinated. It was also observed that there were no variants of SARS CoV -2 during the first serosurvey, whereas several variants were detected in the community during hr subsequent survey.&nbsp;

Despite Tamil Nadu reporting more than 1/5th of India’s daily COVID-19 cases and the highest for any state in the country, the state is seeing a declining trend and an appreciable higher vaccination rate. Hence, a third sero survey is proposed to be carried out between July and August this year.

According to a serosurvey conducted by the State Government, nearly 23 % of the tested samples had IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 Virus, the infection that causes COVID-19.

According to a serosurvey conducted by the State Government, nearly 23 % of the tested samples had IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 Virus, the infection that causes COVID-19. The state-wide survey was conducted in April this year, across all districts of the state, except Chennai. Based on 765 clusters, with each consisting of 30 individuals, the samples were taken at random from a village (in rural areas) or a street (in an urban area). Completed under the supervision of Dr T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, this survey showed that 5316 individuals of the total 22904 participants had antibodies. While the overall seroprevalence across the state was 23%, it was found to be highest in the districts adjoining Chennai - Tiruvallur (49%), Chengalpattu (43%) and Kanchipuram (38%). The lowest seroprevalence was seen at Nagapattinam District (9%). Notably, the first such state-wide serosurvey conducted in Oct-Nov 2020 had revealed 31% seropositivity, which is much higher than the latest one. Back then, 6995 samples out of 22690 were found to have developed antibodies. However, the Government attributes the decrease in seroprevalence to the fact that the first survey was conducted a month after the peak of the first wave, which occurred in August. In the case of the second survey, it was conducted close to the start of the second wave in Tamil Nadu. The possibility of antibodies weaning in the five-month interval between November 2020 and April 2021 is also said to be a factor, based on studies published in International journals. Other factors are that vaccination coverage till March was meant to cover only the vulnerable population (above the age of 45), whereas other age groups we unvaccinated. It was also observed that there were no variants of SARS CoV -2 during the first serosurvey, whereas several variants were detected in the community during hr subsequent survey. Despite Tamil Nadu reporting more than 1/5th of India’s daily COVID-19 cases and the highest for any state in the country, the state is seeing a declining trend and an appreciable higher vaccination rate. Hence, a third sero survey is proposed to be carried out between July and August this year.

Tamil Nadu: COVID-19 antibodies detected in 23% samples of second sero survey; third survey from July-August

India reported 114,460 new COVID-19 cases, 189,232 discharges, and 2,677 deaths in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Sunday.

This is the lowest number of cases reported in the last two months. On April 5, 96,982 cases were reported. The following day, 1,15,736 new cases were reported.

A total of 2,88,09,339 positive cases have been reported so far, including 2,69,84,781 recoveries, and 14,77,799 active cases. As many as 36,47,46,522 samples have been tested in the country up to June 5 including 20,36,311 samples tested on Saturday, the Indian Council of Medical Research informed.

The national recovery rate has increased to 93.67 per cent.

The weekly positivity rate, meanwhile, stands at 6.54 per cent. As many as 23,13,22,417 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered so far.

India reported 114,460 new COVID-19 cases, 189,232 discharges, and 2,677 deaths in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Sunday. This is the lowest number of cases reported in the last two months.

India reported 114,460 new COVID-19 cases, 189,232 discharges, and 2,677 deaths in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Sunday. This is the lowest number of cases reported in the last two months. On April 5, 96,982 cases were reported. The following day, 1,15,736 new cases were reported. A total of 2,88,09,339 positive cases have been reported so far, including 2,69,84,781 recoveries, and 14,77,799 active cases. As many as 36,47,46,522 samples have been tested in the country up to June 5 including 20,36,311 samples tested on Saturday, the Indian Council of Medical Research informed. The national recovery rate has increased to 93.67 per cent. The weekly positivity rate, meanwhile, stands at 6.54 per cent. As many as 23,13,22,417 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered so far.

India reports 114,460 new COVID-19 cases, lowest in 2 months

Leading by example in vaccinating its staff, Jammu Kashmir Police has administered first dose of coronavirus vaccine to all its personnel while more than 75 per cent of the staff has been given the second dose

“We have vaccinated 100 percent JK Police employees and also given second shot to more than 75 percent," said IG (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has been at forefront when it came to Corona Curfew. It has been able to implement restrictions on the ground while making sure the patients reach hospitals.

“Jammu Kashmir Police provided safe &amp; smooth passages to people in need. Special helpline was established for Covid positive people. While as special permissions were given for ambulances ie they can use wrong side if any traffic jam on the road,” said IG Kashmir Vijay Kumar.

The Jammu Kashmir Police is the first government department in the union territory that has vaccinated every police employee.

“The vehicles that were carrying oxygen cylinders were treated at par with ambulances.” &nbsp;said IG (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar.

Leading by example in vaccinating its staff, Jammu Kashmir Police has administered first dose of coronavirus vaccine to all its personnel while more than 75 per cent of the staff has been given the second dose “We have vaccinated 100 percent JK Police employees and also given second shot to more than 75 percent," said IG (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar.

Leading by example in vaccinating its staff, Jammu Kashmir Police has administered first dose of coronavirus vaccine to all its personnel while more than 75 per cent of the staff has been given the second dose “We have vaccinated 100 percent JK Police employees and also given second shot to more than 75 percent," said IG (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar. The Jammu and Kashmir Police has been at forefront when it came to Corona Curfew. It has been able to implement restrictions on the ground while making sure the patients reach hospitals. “Jammu Kashmir Police provided safe & smooth passages to people in need. Special helpline was established for Covid positive people. While as special permissions were given for ambulances ie they can use wrong side if any traffic jam on the road,” said IG Kashmir Vijay Kumar. The Jammu Kashmir Police is the first government department in the union territory that has vaccinated every police employee. “The vehicles that were carrying oxygen cylinders were treated at par with ambulances.” said IG (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar.

Jammu Kashmir Police vaccinates 100% employees, 75% got second dose

India reported 114,460 new COVID-19 cases, 189,232 discharges, and 2,677 deaths in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Sunday.

India: Lowest rise in COVID cases in 10 days

India reported 1,14,460 new coronavirus infections, the lowest in 60 days, while the daily positivity rate further dropped to 5.62 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

With the fresh cases, the total tally of coronavirus cases in the country climbed to 2,88,09,339.&nbsp;The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 3,46,759 with 2,677 daily deaths, the lowest in 42 days, while the active cases dropped below 15,00,000, the data updated at 8 am showed.

A total of 96,982 new cases were recorded in a span of 24 hours on April 6.&nbsp;Also, 20,36,311 tests were conducted on Saturday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 36,47,46,522.

The daily positivity has further declined to 5.62 per cent. It has been less than 10 per cent for 13 consecutive days, the ministry said.&nbsp;The weekly positivity rate has declined to 6.54 per cent.

The active cases have reduced to 14,77,799 comprising 5.13 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 93.67 per cent. A net decline of 77,449 cases has been recorded in the COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for the 24th consecutive day. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,69,84,781, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.20 per cent, the data stated.

A total of 23,13,22,417 vaccine doses have been administered so far.&nbsp;

The 2,677 new fatalities include 741 from Maharashtra, 443 from Tamil Nadu, 365 from Karnataka, 209 from Kerala, 120 from Uttar Pradesh and 118 from West Bengal.

A total of 3,46,759 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 99,512 from Maharashtra, 31,260 from Karnataka, 26,571 from Tamil Nadu, 24,557 from Delhi, 21,151 from Uttar Pradesh, 16,152 from West Bengal, 15,009 from Punjab and 13,192 from Chhattisgarh.

The 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.&nbsp;

India reported 1,14,460 new coronavirus infections, the lowest in 60 days, while the daily positivity rate further dropped to 5.62 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

India reported 1,14,460 new coronavirus infections, the lowest in 60 days, while the daily positivity rate further dropped to 5.62 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. With the fresh cases, the total tally of coronavirus cases in the country climbed to 2,88,09,339. The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 3,46,759 with 2,677 daily deaths, the lowest in 42 days, while the active cases dropped below 15,00,000, the data updated at 8 am showed. A total of 96,982 new cases were recorded in a span of 24 hours on April 6. Also, 20,36,311 tests were conducted on Saturday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 36,47,46,522. The daily positivity has further declined to 5.62 per cent. It has been less than 10 per cent for 13 consecutive days, the ministry said. The weekly positivity rate has declined to 6.54 per cent. The active cases have reduced to 14,77,799 comprising 5.13 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 93.67 per cent. A net decline of 77,449 cases has been recorded in the COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for the 24th consecutive day. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,69,84,781, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.20 per cent, the data stated. A total of 23,13,22,417 vaccine doses have been administered so far. The 2,677 new fatalities include 741 from Maharashtra, 443 from Tamil Nadu, 365 from Karnataka, 209 from Kerala, 120 from Uttar Pradesh and 118 from West Bengal. A total of 3,46,759 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 99,512 from Maharashtra, 31,260 from Karnataka, 26,571 from Tamil Nadu, 24,557 from Delhi, 21,151 from Uttar Pradesh, 16,152 from West Bengal, 15,009 from Punjab and 13,192 from Chhattisgarh. The 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.

COVID-19 count in India lowest in 60 days

Twitter on Saturday removed and later restored the verified blue tick on the personal account of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu.

Officials of the Vice President Secretariat said the personal Twitter handle of Naidu @MVenkaiahNaidu was inactive for a long time and the Twitter algorithm removed the blue badge.

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They said Twitter was in the process of restoring the verification badge. The last tweet posted from the personal handle was on July 23 last year.

The officials said Twitter was contacted after they noticed this morning that the blue tick was removed. Before 10.30 am, the blue tick badge was restored, they said.

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Twitter said the account has been inactive since July 2020. It said the verified badge has now been restored. The Vice President uses the official Twitter handle @VPSecretariat to send out tweets.

Twitter on Saturday removed and later restored the verified blue tick on the personal account of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. Officials of the Vice President Secretariat said the personal Twitter handle of Naidu @MVenkaiahNaidu was inactive for a long time and the Twitter algorithm removed the blue badge.

Twitter on Saturday removed and later restored the verified blue tick on the personal account of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. Officials of the Vice President Secretariat said the personal Twitter handle of Naidu @MVenkaiahNaidu was inactive for a long time and the Twitter algorithm removed the blue badge. Also Read | Nigeria bans Twitter 'indefinitely' after Muhammadu Buhari's account suspension They said Twitter was in the process of restoring the verification badge. The last tweet posted from the personal handle was on July 23 last year. The officials said Twitter was contacted after they noticed this morning that the blue tick was removed. Before 10.30 am, the blue tick badge was restored, they said. Also Read | 'Insult to 75 million voters': Donald Trump banned for two years from Facebook Twitter said the account has been inactive since July 2020. It said the verified badge has now been restored. The Vice President uses the official Twitter handle @VPSecretariat to send out tweets.

Twitter removes and then restores blue tick on Vice Prez Naidu's personal account

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), in its meeting held under the Chairmanship of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, approved proposals concerning capital acquisitions of various equipment for the modernisation and operational needs of the armed forces amounting to approximately $60,000 million (Rs 6,000 crore).

In addition, the DAC also approved the issue of RFP for the construction of six conventional submarines under Project P 75 (I) under the Strategic Partnership (SP) Model.

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This project envisages the indigenous construction of six conventional submarines equipped with the state-of-the-art Air Independent Propulsion system at an estimated cost of $430,000 million&nbsp;(Rs 43,000 crore).

As per the official press release by the Ministry of Defence, this is a landmark approval, being the first case processed under the Strategic Partnership model.

This would be one of the largest 'Make in India' projects and will serve to facilitate faster and more significant absorption of technology and create a tiered industrial ecosystem for submarine construction in India.

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With accord of this approval, the country will be enabled to achieve its 30-year Submarine construction programme envisioned by the Government to acquire national competence in submarine construction and for the Indian industry to independently design and construct submarines in India.

This project under SP Model provides a unique long-term opportunity and planning certainty for the industry to invest and support submarine construction. It will also infuse the latest technology and weaponry for submarines in India through a strategic tie-up between the Indian Industry and leading foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs).

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There was a long pending need of the Indian Army for the modernisation of its Air Defence guns. These had been earlier procured only from foreign sources.

With the continued thrust of the Ministry of Defence towards 'AtmaNirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India', an enthusiastic response from about a dozen Indian companies was received. All of them have expressed their willingness and commitment to manufacturing this complex gun system and associated equipment by ensuring technology assimilation in India.

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Accordingly, the DAC accorded approval of procurement of Air Defence Guns and Ammunition at an approximate cost of $60,000 million (Rs 6,000 crore) under the Buy and Make (Indian) category.

Further to better equip the Armed Forces to meet the operational challenges and facilitate faster induction of required arms and ammunition, the DAC extended the timelines for progressing urgent Capital Acquisitions under the delegated powers to the Armed Forces up to August 31, 2021.

This will enable the Armed Forces to complete their emergent and critical acquisitions.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), in its meeting held under the Chairmanship of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, approved proposals concerning capital acquisitions of various equipment for the modernisation and operational needs of the armed forces amounting to approximately $60,000 million (Rs 6,000 crore).

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), in its meeting held under the Chairmanship of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, approved proposals concerning capital acquisitions of various equipment for the modernisation and operational needs of the armed forces amounting to approximately $60,000 million (Rs 6,000 crore). In addition, the DAC also approved the issue of RFP for the construction of six conventional submarines under Project P 75 (I) under the Strategic Partnership (SP) Model. Also Read | Important for India, China to reach some kind of understanding: Jaishankar at US-India Strategic Partnership Forum This project envisages the indigenous construction of six conventional submarines equipped with the state-of-the-art Air Independent Propulsion system at an estimated cost of $430,000 million (Rs 43,000 crore). As per the official press release by the Ministry of Defence, this is a landmark approval, being the first case processed under the Strategic Partnership model. This would be one of the largest 'Make in India' projects and will serve to facilitate faster and more significant absorption of technology and create a tiered industrial ecosystem for submarine construction in India. Also Read | Why Indian Army is seeking 'Future Tanks' amid tensions with China With accord of this approval, the country will be enabled to achieve its 30-year Submarine construction programme envisioned by the Government to acquire national competence in submarine construction and for the Indian industry to independently design and construct submarines in India. This project under SP Model provides a unique long-term opportunity and planning certainty for the industry to invest and support submarine construction. It will also infuse the latest technology and weaponry for submarines in India through a strategic tie-up between the Indian Industry and leading foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs). Also Read | Indian Army targets AI-powered battle tanks with eye on China There was a long pending need of the Indian Army for the modernisation of its Air Defence guns. These had been earlier procured only from foreign sources. With the continued thrust of the Ministry of Defence towards 'AtmaNirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India', an enthusiastic response from about a dozen Indian companies was received. All of them have expressed their willingness and commitment to manufacturing this complex gun system and associated equipment by ensuring technology assimilation in India. Also Read | Post-Brexit roadmap: Key takeaways from UK-India trade deal Accordingly, the DAC accorded approval of procurement of Air Defence Guns and Ammunition at an approximate cost of $60,000 million (Rs 6,000 crore) under the Buy and Make (Indian) category. Further to better equip the Armed Forces to meet the operational challenges and facilitate faster induction of required arms and ammunition, the DAC extended the timelines for progressing urgent Capital Acquisitions under the delegated powers to the Armed Forces up to August 31, 2021. This will enable the Armed Forces to complete their emergent and critical acquisitions.

Defence Acquisition Council approves RFP for construction of six submarines at $430 mn

The COVID-19 peak during the last two months has been a tough time for those working at major automobile manufacturing plants in the Southern Indian city of Chennai. Known as the ‘Detroit of India’, Chennai and its outskirts are home to several automobile manufacturing and allied industries. Major global players such as Ford, Hyundai, Renault-Nissan have had to shut factories temporarily and cut down production by a significant percentage.&nbsp;

During the first COVID-19 wave (2020), the Central government had enforced a pan-India lockdown. Back then, automobile industries were shut down for months together, following which they resumed as curbs were gradually relaxed. This meant that work happened in a staggered fashion and fewer employees worked at the factories.&nbsp;

In the second wave, however, as per orders of the Tamil Nadu government, automobile industries were permitted to work, by categorising them under Continuous Process industries.

This meant they were permitted to function even during the total Lockdown when cases were at their peak. Major automakers shut their plants for a few days, but again resumed production, at a considerably lesser rate.&nbsp;

Employees Union representatives of various automakers that WION spoke to outlined the impact of working amid the pandemic.&nbsp;

According to Muthukumar, President, Hyundai India Employees Union, nearly 750 persons turned positive in the 2400 strong Hyundai factory near Irungattukottai, leading to 10 deaths. After this explosion of cases, workers had to be sent on leave for a while and then they followed a system of three days work and three days off. The plant which rolls out nearly 1400 cars in a day (3 shifts), now produces about 800 cars in (2 shifts).

For American major Ford, which operates a plant in Maraimalai Nagar, work had already been slightly hit owing to the global silicon chip shortage. About 250 COVID-19 cases and three deaths were reported among 3,000 of its employees. This meant that the plant was fully shut a few times, each for over a week, during the ongoing lockdown. According to a leader of the Chennai Ford Employees Union, their plant which produces about 780 cars per day (across 3 shifts) is now rolling out around one-third of that number, while working only a single shift. He adds that some of their component manufacturers too have been working amid the lockdown, to cater to the carmakers’ needs.

At the Renault-Nissan factory, the collaboration between the French and Japanese carmakers, 700 out of nearly 8000 workers were infected. This resulted in five deaths. After the employees approached the Madras High Court, it was decided to operate the plant at 75% capacity. Moorthy, General Secretary, Renault Nissan India Workers Union said that amid the current lockdown, their plant was making about 600 cars per day, as opposed to the usual 860 units.&nbsp;

Only a small percentage of staff at these factories have been vaccinated in company-organized camps. 
 
The rest are yet to get their shots, owing to prevailing COVID-19 vaccine shortage in Tamil Nadu and also partly owing to vaccine hesitancy.

Factories in Chennai, have been churning out cars meant for the local market and for export. This has been going on at a time when Tamil Nadu is witnessing the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country. Tamil Nadu which witnessed nearly 7000 daily cases during the peak of the first wave, saw up to 36,000 daily cases in the second wave. Chennai city alone witnessed nearly 7,000 daily cases as per the government figures. Currently, the daily cases are around 25,000, yet they are the highest numbers among all states in India.&nbsp;

In stark contrast, large automobile factories of these global automakers not operate during the lockdowns in their respective home countries.

They were all shut for months on end. While uncertainty looms over whether Tamil Nadu’s existing lockdown (until June 7th) would be further extended, it is quite clear that the auto plants will continue to roll out vehicles.

However, the workers say that irrespective of the precautions taken, their nature of work does not help in maintaining six feet physical distance. The workers maintain that at least two persons need to be in close proximity during the assembly of a vehicle. They strongly feel that, in the interest of their and their families lives, factories need to be shut until the COVID-19 second wave subsides significantly.

The COVID-19 peak during the last two months has been a tough time for those working at major automobile manufacturing plants in the Southern Indian city of Chennai.

The COVID-19 peak during the last two months has been a tough time for those working at major automobile manufacturing plants in the Southern Indian city of Chennai. Known as the ‘Detroit of India’, Chennai and its outskirts are home to several automobile manufacturing and allied industries. Major global players such as Ford, Hyundai, Renault-Nissan have had to shut factories temporarily and cut down production by a significant percentage. During the first COVID-19 wave (2020), the Central government had enforced a pan-India lockdown. Back then, automobile industries were shut down for months together, following which they resumed as curbs were gradually relaxed. This meant that work happened in a staggered fashion and fewer employees worked at the factories. In the second wave, however, as per orders of the Tamil Nadu government, automobile industries were permitted to work, by categorising them under Continuous Process industries. This meant they were permitted to function even during the total Lockdown when cases were at their peak. Major automakers shut their plants for a few days, but again resumed production, at a considerably lesser rate. Employees Union representatives of various automakers that WION spoke to outlined the impact of working amid the pandemic. According to Muthukumar, President, Hyundai India Employees Union, nearly 750 persons turned positive in the 2400 strong Hyundai factory near Irungattukottai, leading to 10 deaths. After this explosion of cases, workers had to be sent on leave for a while and then they followed a system of three days work and three days off. The plant which rolls out nearly 1400 cars in a day (3 shifts), now produces about 800 cars in (2 shifts). For American major Ford, which operates a plant in Maraimalai Nagar, work had already been slightly hit owing to the global silicon chip shortage. About 250 COVID-19 cases and three deaths were reported among 3,000 of its employees. This meant that the plant was fully shut a few times, each for over a week, during the ongoing lockdown. According to a leader of the Chennai Ford Employees Union, their plant which produces about 780 cars per day (across 3 shifts) is now rolling out around one-third of that number, while working only a single shift. He adds that some of their component manufacturers too have been working amid the lockdown, to cater to the carmakers’ needs. At the Renault-Nissan factory, the collaboration between the French and Japanese carmakers, 700 out of nearly 8000 workers were infected. This resulted in five deaths. After the employees approached the Madras High Court, it was decided to operate the plant at 75% capacity. Moorthy, General Secretary, Renault Nissan India Workers Union said that amid the current lockdown, their plant was making about 600 cars per day, as opposed to the usual 860 units. Only a small percentage of staff at these factories have been vaccinated in company-organized camps. The rest are yet to get their shots, owing to prevailing COVID-19 vaccine shortage in Tamil Nadu and also partly owing to vaccine hesitancy. Factories in Chennai, have been churning out cars meant for the local market and for export. This has been going on at a time when Tamil Nadu is witnessing the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country. Tamil Nadu which witnessed nearly 7000 daily cases during the peak of the first wave, saw up to 36,000 daily cases in the second wave. Chennai city alone witnessed nearly 7,000 daily cases as per the government figures. Currently, the daily cases are around 25,000, yet they are the highest numbers among all states in India. In stark contrast, large automobile factories of these global automakers not operate during the lockdowns in their respective home countries. They were all shut for months on end. While uncertainty looms over whether Tamil Nadu’s existing lockdown (until June 7th) would be further extended, it is quite clear that the auto plants will continue to roll out vehicles. However, the workers say that irrespective of the precautions taken, their nature of work does not help in maintaining six feet physical distance. The workers maintain that at least two persons need to be in close proximity during the assembly of a vehicle. They strongly feel that, in the interest of their and their families lives, factories need to be shut until the COVID-19 second wave subsides significantly.

Chennai: India’s Detroit rolls out cars despite COVID-19 risk and ongoing lockdown 

The mystery surrounding Barbara Jarabica has deepened with the London School of Economics now saying there was no student with that name at the institution.

Jarabica is the mystery women whose name cropped up in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-make-all-efforts-to-bring-mehul-choksi-back-india-389250">Mehul Choksi</a> case and she has been alleged to have played a key role in his movement from Antigua to Dominica.

In response to WION's question, LSE said, "We have checked our files but have no record of someone named Barbara Jarabica graduating from LSE or studying for a degree at LSE."

According to the LinkedIn account of Jarabica, she studied at LSE. But once her account became public, the display picture and the fact that she studied at LSE were deleted. The changes happened within 24 hours. Only her LinkedIn account saw changes, while her Instagram and Twitter account remained untouched. &nbsp;

Earlier speaking to WION, Priti Choksi, wife of Mehul Choksi, who is involved in the mega PNB scam, spoke on the credentials of Barbara Jarabica and pointed out that she is "not traceable".

Priti told WION, "She claims to be someone that works on house renovation, and she would come down to Antigua two&nbsp;or three&nbsp;times -she came in August, April and now in May" and asserted that "she has never met her".

The mystery surrounding Barbara Jarabica has deepened with the London School of Economics now saying there was no student with that name at the institution. Jarabica is the mystery women whose name cropped up in the Mehul Choksi case and she has been alleged to have played a key role in his movement from Antigua to Dominica.

The mystery surrounding Barbara Jarabica has deepened with the London School of Economics now saying there was no student with that name at the institution. Jarabica is the mystery women whose name cropped up in the Mehul Choksi case and she has been alleged to have played a key role in his movement from Antigua to Dominica. In response to WION's question, LSE said, "We have checked our files but have no record of someone named Barbara Jarabica graduating from LSE or studying for a degree at LSE." According to the LinkedIn account of Jarabica, she studied at LSE. But once her account became public, the display picture and the fact that she studied at LSE were deleted. The changes happened within 24 hours. Only her LinkedIn account saw changes, while her Instagram and Twitter account remained untouched. Earlier speaking to WION, Priti Choksi, wife of Mehul Choksi, who is involved in the mega PNB scam, spoke on the credentials of Barbara Jarabica and pointed out that she is "not traceable". Priti told WION, "She claims to be someone that works on house renovation, and she would come down to Antigua two or three times -she came in August, April and now in May" and asserted that "she has never met her".

Choksi case: Mystery deepens as London School of Economics says no info on Barbara Jarabica

Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu is witnessing an overall decline in Covid-19 cases, but still the state’s daily caseload is the highest in the country. While cases are on gradual decline in northern districts including capital city Chennai, western and southern districts are witnessing high daily caseloads. The state government on Saturday extended the lockdown till June 14th, with new relaxations. The lockdown will be in effect till 6 am on that day.

Following relaxations are due to come into effect from June 7. The new set of district-specific guidelines have been issued keeping in mind 11 hotspot districts and the rest of Tamil Nadu.

Relaxations for all districts

<ul>
	<li>Standalone shops selling grocery, vegetables, fish, meat etc. can be run from 6am to 5pm.</li>
	<li>Pavement vendors selling fruits, vegetables, flowers can function from 6am to 5pm.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Fish markets will be open only for wholesale sales. District administrations have been ordered to set up more than one such market in open spaces.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Slaughterhouses will be permitted to sell on wholesale scale.</li>
	<li>Government offices can function with 30 percent staff&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Document registration will be permitted by issuing 50% capacity tokens&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Matchstick industry can function with 50 percent staff .</li>
	<li>Sales of vegetables, fruits at the doorstep via vehicles will continue in every district.</li>
	<li>The public is requested to walk to nearby stores for shopping, and avoid taking two and four-wheeler vehicles.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Relaxations applicable to all districts (except 11 Covid hotspot Districts namely Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Karur, Namakkal, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai)</li>
	<li>Private security companies, housekeeping services in large housing complexes will be permitted with e-Registration</li>
	<li>Electricians, Plumbers, Computer and other technicians will be allowed to function between 6am to 5pm with e-Registration</li>
	<li>Shops selling electrical goods, bulbs, cables, switches, wires can function from 6am to 5pm&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Bicycle and two-wheeler service outlets will be allowed to function from 6am to 5pm&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Hardware stores will be allowed to remain open from 6am to 5pm&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Stores selling educational books, stationery can function from 6am to 5pm&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Service centers for vehicles can function from 6am to 5pm&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Passengers allowed to travel in rental vehicles, cabs, autos after e-registration&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Driver plus 3 passengers in Taxi; Driver plus 2 passengers in Auto&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

General&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>E-pass from district collector will be compulsory for emergency travel to Nilgiris, Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Yelagiri</li>
	<li>Export firms in Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Salem, Karur, Erode, Namakkal, Trichy and their suppliers can function with 10 percent staff if they have export orders, to send samples.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu is witnessing an overall decline in Covid-19 cases, but still the state’s daily caseload is the highest in the country. While cases are on gradual decline in northern districts including capital city Chennai, western and southern districts are witnessing high daily caseloads.

Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu is witnessing an overall decline in Covid-19 cases, but still the state’s daily caseload is the highest in the country. While cases are on gradual decline in northern districts including capital city Chennai, western and southern districts are witnessing high daily caseloads. The state government on Saturday extended the lockdown till June 14th, with new relaxations. The lockdown will be in effect till 6 am on that day. Following relaxations are due to come into effect from June 7. The new set of district-specific guidelines have been issued keeping in mind 11 hotspot districts and the rest of Tamil Nadu. Relaxations for all districts Standalone shops selling grocery, vegetables, fish, meat etc. can be run from 6am to 5pm. Pavement vendors selling fruits, vegetables, flowers can function from 6am to 5pm. Fish markets will be open only for wholesale sales. District administrations have been ordered to set up more than one such market in open spaces. Slaughterhouses will be permitted to sell on wholesale scale. Government offices can function with 30 percent staff Document registration will be permitted by issuing 50% capacity tokens Matchstick industry can function with 50 percent staff . Sales of vegetables, fruits at the doorstep via vehicles will continue in every district. The public is requested to walk to nearby stores for shopping, and avoid taking two and four-wheeler vehicles. Relaxations applicable to all districts (except 11 Covid hotspot Districts namely Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Karur, Namakkal, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai) Private security companies, housekeeping services in large housing complexes will be permitted with e-Registration Electricians, Plumbers, Computer and other technicians will be allowed to function between 6am to 5pm with e-Registration Shops selling electrical goods, bulbs, cables, switches, wires can function from 6am to 5pm Bicycle and two-wheeler service outlets will be allowed to function from 6am to 5pm Hardware stores will be allowed to remain open from 6am to 5pm Stores selling educational books, stationery can function from 6am to 5pm Service centers for vehicles can function from 6am to 5pm Passengers allowed to travel in rental vehicles, cabs, autos after e-registration Driver plus 3 passengers in Taxi; Driver plus 2 passengers in Auto General E-pass from district collector will be compulsory for emergency travel to Nilgiris, Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Yelagiri Export firms in Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Salem, Karur, Erode, Namakkal, Trichy and their suppliers can function with 10 percent staff if they have export orders, to send samples.

Tamil Nadu: Lockdown extended till June 14th with district-specific relaxations 

India continues to witness a dip in it's daily COVID-19 case load with over 120,000 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. This is perhaps the lowest number of new infection recorded in a single day in nearly two months.

Coronavirus Update: India witnesses further dip in daily caseload

The 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines gifted by India for all UN peacekeepers are 'already being put to use' and a number of these Blue Helmets have already been vaccinated, spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres has said.

"The Indian Government' had offered us '200,000 doses' and a number of peacekeepers are already, as far as I know, being vaccinated," Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, told reporters at the daily press briefing on Friday in response to a question on vaccination of UN peacekeepers.

"So, on the Indian vaccines, those, which I think were&nbsp;AstraZeneca, those were 200,000. They're already being put to use," he said. India, one of the largest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions, gifted 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines for UN peacekeepers across all UN missions.

As of March 31 this year, there are 87,889 personnel serving in 12 peacekeeping operations around the world. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had announced in February that India will gift vaccine doses for UN peacekeepers.

"Keeping in mind the UN Peacekeepers, who operate in such difficult circumstances, we would like to announce today a gift of 200,000 doses for them," Jaishankar had said, while addressing the UN Security Council open debate on the implementation of resolution 2532 (2020) on the cessation of hostilities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, Jaishankar had said, "Do your work with the welfare of others always in mind."

The 200,000 doses essentially meant that it would be possible to administer the required double doses of COVID vaccines to all UN peacekeepers across missions.

The AstraZeneca vaccines had left Mumbai via Qatar Airways on March 27.&nbsp;The shipment went to Copenhagen, where it was safely stored in a facility, re-packaged and quickly distributed to all peacekeeping missions for the peacekeepers.

The 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines gifted by India for all UN peacekeepers are 'already being put to use' and a number of these Blue Helmets have already been vaccinated, spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres has said.

The 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines gifted by India for all UN peacekeepers are 'already being put to use' and a number of these Blue Helmets have already been vaccinated, spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres has said. "The Indian Government' had offered us '200,000 doses' and a number of peacekeepers are already, as far as I know, being vaccinated," Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, told reporters at the daily press briefing on Friday in response to a question on vaccination of UN peacekeepers. "So, on the Indian vaccines, those, which I think were AstraZeneca, those were 200,000. They're already being put to use," he said. India, one of the largest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions, gifted 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines for UN peacekeepers across all UN missions. As of March 31 this year, there are 87,889 personnel serving in 12 peacekeeping operations around the world. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had announced in February that India will gift vaccine doses for UN peacekeepers. "Keeping in mind the UN Peacekeepers, who operate in such difficult circumstances, we would like to announce today a gift of 200,000 doses for them," Jaishankar had said, while addressing the UN Security Council open debate on the implementation of resolution 2532 (2020) on the cessation of hostilities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, Jaishankar had said, "Do your work with the welfare of others always in mind." The 200,000 doses essentially meant that it would be possible to administer the required double doses of COVID vaccines to all UN peacekeepers across missions. The AstraZeneca vaccines had left Mumbai via Qatar Airways on March 27. The shipment went to Copenhagen, where it was safely stored in a facility, re-packaged and quickly distributed to all peacekeeping missions for the peacekeepers.

200,000 COVID-19 vaccines given by India for UN peacekeepers are already being put to use: UN spokesperson

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India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation

Key takeaways of PM Modi's speech: Free vaccine for people above 18 years, 80 crore poor to be provided free ration till Diwali

Vaccine supply will be increasing in the coming days, says PM Modi

Tourism industry mass vaccinating tourist stake holders in J&K

Mehul Choksi files complaint with Antigua police; says Barabara 'integral' part of kidnap plot

Antigua police has started investigating Choksi's 'abduction': PM Gaston Browne

IIT Madras alumni contribute $2 million for COVID-19 relief efforts in India

EAM Jaishankar likely to visit Kuwait on Wednesday

EAM Jaishankar likely to visit Kuwait on Wednesday

Tamil Nadu: COVID-19 antibodies detected in 23% samples of second sero survey; third survey from July-August

India reports 114,460 new COVID-19 cases, lowest in 2 months

Jammu Kashmir Police vaccinates 100% employees, 75% got second dose

India: Lowest rise in COVID cases in 10 days

India: Lowest rise in COVID cases in 10 days

COVID-19 count in India lowest in 60 days

Twitter removes and then restores blue tick on Vice Prez Naidu's personal account

Defence Acquisition Council approves RFP for construction of six submarines at $430 mn

Chennai: India’s Detroit rolls out cars despite COVID-19 risk and ongoing lockdown

Choksi case: Mystery deepens as London School of Economics says no info on Barbara Jarabica