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Supreme Court of India has said that since the Centre has made CoWIN registration mandatory for vaccination, how is it going to address the issue of the digital divide facing the country. Supreme Court also added that policymakers must have an ear to the ground.

Supreme Court slams Indian govt over COVID-19 vaccination policy

The Indian Army Battalion at Gulmarg, with the help of locals, repaired the structure of an old Shiv temple, which was featured in the famous 1974&nbsp;Hindi film 'Aap Ki Kasam'.&nbsp;

The song from the film "Jai Jai Shiv Shankar" was filmed around this Shiv temple.

This Shiv temple was constructed in 1915 by Maharani Mohini Bai Sisodia, wife of erstwhile Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu &amp; Kashmir.

The Shiv temple required extensive renovation since no restoration work had taken place for a long. A large number of locals and tourists visiting the scenic town Gulmarg had expressed their desire to see the temple restored to its original state.&nbsp;

Indian Army has always maintained a close connection with the local Kashmiri public and took it as an opportunity to contribute to the plural heritage of Kashmir. &nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Gulmarg's Shiv Temple" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5083c769-9846-4d6f-8186-84ab2916840f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/inauguration.jpg" />

The renovated Shiv temple was resurrected and reopened to the public today. Speaking on the occasion,&nbsp;Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh, the caretaker of the Shiv temple, said that “the Shiv Temple is a testimony to the pluralistic culture of Kashmir and its proud heritage." 
 
He further exhorted the Gulmarg community to continue doing community service without any religious prejudice and in the true essence of Kashmiriyat.

Commander 161 &nbsp;Brg B S Fogat said “it’s known to everyone that Kashmir is a paradise on earth but the real beauty of Kashmir is its people and the massage to the world is of Kashmiriyat and brotherhood if we see around us here we will find a Gurudwara a church a mosque and a temple this is real Kashmiriyat this temple is taken care by a Muslim from last 30 years which is a big example of Kashmiriyat and an inspiration for all."

"Gulmarg is a tourist place and keeping in view that Indian army and civil administration we took together the work&nbsp;of renovation and locals helped a lot and we took initiative but it was completed with everyone’s effort,” he added.

The reopening of the temple was done with help of the Kashmir Tourism department. 
 
Speaking on the renovation of the Shiv Temple Director Tourism Dr GN Itoo said “ Gulmarg is a symbol of brotherhood and we have Temple, Church, Mosque and Gurdwara here and whenever a tourist come to this place whatever religion he had he gets a nice feel apart from the scenic beauty," Dr Itoo said.

“The tourism Department will keep taking projects of beautification of religious places across the valley. We are trying to promote religious tourism also,” Mr Itoo added.

The Indian Army Battalion at Gulmarg, with the help of locals, repaired the structure of an old Shiv temple, which was featured in the famous 1974 Hindi film 'Aap Ki Kasam'.

The Indian Army Battalion at Gulmarg, with the help of locals, repaired the structure of an old Shiv temple, which was featured in the famous 1974 Hindi film 'Aap Ki Kasam'. The song from the film "Jai Jai Shiv Shankar" was filmed around this Shiv temple. This Shiv temple was constructed in 1915 by Maharani Mohini Bai Sisodia, wife of erstwhile Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu & Kashmir. The Shiv temple required extensive renovation since no restoration work had taken place for a long. A large number of locals and tourists visiting the scenic town Gulmarg had expressed their desire to see the temple restored to its original state. Indian Army has always maintained a close connection with the local Kashmiri public and took it as an opportunity to contribute to the plural heritage of Kashmir. The renovated Shiv temple was resurrected and reopened to the public today. Speaking on the occasion, Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh, the caretaker of the Shiv temple, said that “the Shiv Temple is a testimony to the pluralistic culture of Kashmir and its proud heritage." He further exhorted the Gulmarg community to continue doing community service without any religious prejudice and in the true essence of Kashmiriyat. Commander 161 Brg B S Fogat said “it’s known to everyone that Kashmir is a paradise on earth but the real beauty of Kashmir is its people and the massage to the world is of Kashmiriyat and brotherhood if we see around us here we will find a Gurudwara a church a mosque and a temple this is real Kashmiriyat this temple is taken care by a Muslim from last 30 years which is a big example of Kashmiriyat and an inspiration for all." "Gulmarg is a tourist place and keeping in view that Indian army and civil administration we took together the work of renovation and locals helped a lot and we took initiative but it was completed with everyone’s effort,” he added. The reopening of the temple was done with help of the Kashmir Tourism department. Speaking on the renovation of the Shiv Temple Director Tourism Dr GN Itoo said “ Gulmarg is a symbol of brotherhood and we have Temple, Church, Mosque and Gurdwara here and whenever a tourist come to this place whatever religion he had he gets a nice feel apart from the scenic beauty," Dr Itoo said. “The tourism Department will keep taking projects of beautification of religious places across the valley. We are trying to promote religious tourism also,” Mr Itoo added.

Indian Army renovates Gulmarg's Shiv Temple which featured in Rajesh Khanna-Mumtaz song 'Jai Jai Shiv Shankar'

India may soon begin testing the feasibility of a regimen that mixes two different COVID-19 vaccines to see if it helps boost the immune response to the virus. The testing may be carried out both using vaccines that are currently available in the country, and those that are in the pipeline.

India may start tests on mixed vaccines in a few weeks

Over 10 million Indians have lost their jobs because of the second wave of COVID-19, and around 97 per cent of households' incomes have declined since the beginning of the pandemic last year, Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) chief executive Mahesh Vyas said on Monday.

The unemployment rate measured by the think-tank is expected to come at 12 per cent at the end of May as against 8 per cent in April, Vyas told PTI, adding this signifies that about 10 million Indians have lost jobs in this period.

Stating that the main reason for the job losses is "mainly the second wave" of COVID-19 infections, Vyas said, "As the economy opens up, part of the problem will be solved but not entirely."

He explained that people who lose jobs find it hard to get employment, specifying that while the informal sector jobs come back quickly, the formal sector and better quality job opportunities take up to a year to come back.

Unemployment rate had touched a record high of 23.5 per cent in May 2020 because of the national lockdown. Many experts opine that the second wave of infections has peaked and states will slowly start to ease the economic activity-impacting restrictions in a calibrated fashion.

Vyas further said an unemployment rate of 3-4 per cent should be considered as "normal" for the Indian economy, hinting that the unemployment number will have to decline for longer before the situation improves.

He said CMIE has completed a nation-wide survey of 1.75 lakh households in April which throws up worrying trends on income generation during the last one year, which has witnessed two waves of the pandemic.

Only 3 per cent of those polled said they have witnessed an increase in incomes, while 55 per cent said their incomes have declined, he said.

An additional 42 per cent of the people said their incomes remained the same as that in the year-ago period. 
"If we adjust for inflation, we find that 97 per cent of the households in the country have witnessed a decline in incomes during the pandemic," he pointed out.

The labour participation rate, or the percentage of the working age population which is in the market, has come down to 40 per cent as of now from the pre-pandemic levels of 42.5 per cent, he added.

Over 10 million Indians have lost their jobs because of the second wave of COVID-19, and around 97 per cent of households' incomes have declined since the beginning of the pandemic last year, Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) chief executive Mahesh Vyas said on Monday.

Over 10 million Indians have lost their jobs because of the second wave of COVID-19, and around 97 per cent of households' incomes have declined since the beginning of the pandemic last year, Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) chief executive Mahesh Vyas said on Monday. The unemployment rate measured by the think-tank is expected to come at 12 per cent at the end of May as against 8 per cent in April, Vyas told PTI, adding this signifies that about 10 million Indians have lost jobs in this period. Stating that the main reason for the job losses is "mainly the second wave" of COVID-19 infections, Vyas said, "As the economy opens up, part of the problem will be solved but not entirely." He explained that people who lose jobs find it hard to get employment, specifying that while the informal sector jobs come back quickly, the formal sector and better quality job opportunities take up to a year to come back. Unemployment rate had touched a record high of 23.5 per cent in May 2020 because of the national lockdown. Many experts opine that the second wave of infections has peaked and states will slowly start to ease the economic activity-impacting restrictions in a calibrated fashion. Vyas further said an unemployment rate of 3-4 per cent should be considered as "normal" for the Indian economy, hinting that the unemployment number will have to decline for longer before the situation improves. He said CMIE has completed a nation-wide survey of 1.75 lakh households in April which throws up worrying trends on income generation during the last one year, which has witnessed two waves of the pandemic. Only 3 per cent of those polled said they have witnessed an increase in incomes, while 55 per cent said their incomes have declined, he said. An additional 42 per cent of the people said their incomes remained the same as that in the year-ago period. "If we adjust for inflation, we find that 97 per cent of the households in the country have witnessed a decline in incomes during the pandemic," he pointed out. The labour participation rate, or the percentage of the working age population which is in the market, has come down to 40 per cent as of now from the pre-pandemic levels of 42.5 per cent, he added.

Covid second wave rendered 10 million Indians jobless; 97% households' incomes declined: Report

Tamil Nadu government said on Tuesday that it would be receiving a consignment of 420,000 vaccines from the central government. The consignment is expected to land at the city airport by 5:20 pm.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Health Minister M&nbsp;Subramanian said that vaccination will be halted in Tamil Nadu from Tuesday evening onwards, as stocks would be exhausted. He said that vaccination would have to be halted until doses arrive on June 6th. 
&nbsp; 
Speaking at the government hospital in Chengalpet, the minister said Tamil Nadu had received about 9.6 million vaccines, of which 9.2 million were administered and the rest&nbsp; were wasted. He claimed that there was a delay from the central government in sending 175,000 doses that were due by May-end.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Subramanian said that DMK representatives in Delhi had met central ministers and officials in Delhi to seek adequate vaccines for the state. He expressed confidence that about 4.2 million vaccines would arrive in Tamil Nadu in a phased manner this month. Those vaccines would be dispatched to the districts based on the population and other requirements, he added. 
&nbsp; 
The minister said he was requesting state BJP President L&nbsp;Murugan and BJP Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan to provide support and urge the Central Government to provide adequate vaccines for Tamil Nadu. 
&nbsp; 
The DMK Government had earlier floated a global tender to procure vaccines for Tamil Nadu, which is yet to yield any results. DMK leaders and Chief Minister Stalin had written to the prime minister to permit the state government to take on lease the unused Integrated Vaccine Complex, at Chengalpet near Chennai.

The plant, which was established by the central government in 2021, has been lying idle ever since. Stalin wanted the factory to be handed over to the State Government on the lease, without any past liabilities and full operational freedom. However, questions loom over which Covid-19 vaccine would be manufactured here.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
On the issue of people queuing up for vaccines in Tamil Nadu despite the looming shortage, he said that it was heartening to see people eagerly waiting to take the shot, rather than hesitating to take the shot.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Tamil Nadu continues to witness the highest daily number of Covid-19 cases of all states in India. The daily case numbers are nearly 28,000 and active cases are a little over 300,000.

Over the last few days, the number of persons discharged following treatment has surpassed the daily cases. However, the worry remains the fatality numbers which have been hovering over 450 for more than a week. So far, 24,232 people have lost their lives to the pandemic in Tamil Nadu, with most lives lost being in May.

Tamil Nadu government said on Tuesday that it would be receiving a consignment of 420,000 vaccines from the central government. The consignment is expected to land at the city airport by 5:20 pm.

Tamil Nadu government said on Tuesday that it would be receiving a consignment of 420,000 vaccines from the central government. The consignment is expected to land at the city airport by 5:20 pm. Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Health Minister M Subramanian said that vaccination will be halted in Tamil Nadu from Tuesday evening onwards, as stocks would be exhausted. He said that vaccination would have to be halted until doses arrive on June 6th. Speaking at the government hospital in Chengalpet, the minister said Tamil Nadu had received about 9.6 million vaccines, of which 9.2 million were administered and the rest were wasted. He claimed that there was a delay from the central government in sending 175,000 doses that were due by May-end. Subramanian said that DMK representatives in Delhi had met central ministers and officials in Delhi to seek adequate vaccines for the state. He expressed confidence that about 4.2 million vaccines would arrive in Tamil Nadu in a phased manner this month. Those vaccines would be dispatched to the districts based on the population and other requirements, he added. The minister said he was requesting state BJP President L Murugan and BJP Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan to provide support and urge the Central Government to provide adequate vaccines for Tamil Nadu. The DMK Government had earlier floated a global tender to procure vaccines for Tamil Nadu, which is yet to yield any results. DMK leaders and Chief Minister Stalin had written to the prime minister to permit the state government to take on lease the unused Integrated Vaccine Complex, at Chengalpet near Chennai. The plant, which was established by the central government in 2021, has been lying idle ever since. Stalin wanted the factory to be handed over to the State Government on the lease, without any past liabilities and full operational freedom. However, questions loom over which Covid-19 vaccine would be manufactured here. On the issue of people queuing up for vaccines in Tamil Nadu despite the looming shortage, he said that it was heartening to see people eagerly waiting to take the shot, rather than hesitating to take the shot. Tamil Nadu continues to witness the highest daily number of Covid-19 cases of all states in India. The daily case numbers are nearly 28,000 and active cases are a little over 300,000. Over the last few days, the number of persons discharged following treatment has surpassed the daily cases. However, the worry remains the fatality numbers which have been hovering over 450 for more than a week. So far, 24,232 people have lost their lives to the pandemic in Tamil Nadu, with most lives lost being in May.

COVID-19: Tamil Nadu stops vaccination due to shortages, will receive 420,000 doses

As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-active-covid-19-caseload-below-2-million-mark-127510-new-cases-reported-388727">India</a> continues to grapple with the pandemic, the health ministry said mixing of vaccines has not become the protocol yet with Covishield and Covaxin vaccines to be administered separately for both doses.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-reports-127510-new-covid-19-cases-2795-deaths-in-last-24-hours-388781/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"There's international research underway on the mixing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-tamil-nadu-govt-to-receive-4-20000-doses-of-vaccines-as-stocks-went-empty-had-to-stop-vaccination-388765">vaccines</a> as the possibility of a positive effect is also plausible but a harmful reaction cannot be ruled out either," the health ministry said.

The ministry added that it is an "unresolved" scientific question and that "science will settle it."

"There is absolutely no change in the schedule of Covishield doses,&nbsp;it will be two doses only," it said, adding, "after the first Covishield dose is administered, the second dose will be given after 12 weeks."

According to the health ministry, a total 21.60 crore vaccine doses have been administered in India with 1.67 crore doses to health workers and 15.48 crore to people in 45+ age group.

The health ministry informed that 1,27,000 cases have been reported in the last 24 hours with the country reporting less than 2 lakh cases since May 28.

The number of active COVID-19 cases are down 50 per cent with 1.3 lakh decrease in active cases in a day, the health ministry said.

Meanwhile, India's capital reported 623 new coronavirus cases and 62 fatalities with the number of active cases at over 10,000.

As cases in India show&nbsp;a steep decline, NITI Aayog's Dr VK Paul said that the government's focus has now turned to coronavirus disease among children.

"The pediatric population is generally asymptomatic. They often get infections but their symptoms are minimal," VK Paul said.

"The infection has not taken serious shape in children but the virus may change its behaviour in the pediatric population. The impact of coronavirus may increase in children."

"The data has shown that a low number of children are being admitted to hospitals. We are pushing for preparedness," the Niti Ayog official added.

(With inputs from agencies)

As India continues to grapple with the pandemic, the health ministry said mixing of vaccines has not become the protocol yet with Covishield and Covaxin vaccines to be administered separately for both doses.

As India continues to grapple with the pandemic, the health ministry said mixing of vaccines has not become the protocol yet with Covishield and Covaxin vaccines to be administered separately for both doses. Watch: "There's international research underway on the mixing of vaccines as the possibility of a positive effect is also plausible but a harmful reaction cannot be ruled out either," the health ministry said. The ministry added that it is an "unresolved" scientific question and that "science will settle it." "There is absolutely no change in the schedule of Covishield doses, it will be two doses only," it said, adding, "after the first Covishield dose is administered, the second dose will be given after 12 weeks." According to the health ministry, a total 21.60 crore vaccine doses have been administered in India with 1.67 crore doses to health workers and 15.48 crore to people in 45+ age group. The health ministry informed that 1,27,000 cases have been reported in the last 24 hours with the country reporting less than 2 lakh cases since May 28. The number of active COVID-19 cases are down 50 per cent with 1.3 lakh decrease in active cases in a day, the health ministry said. Meanwhile, India's capital reported 623 new coronavirus cases and 62 fatalities with the number of active cases at over 10,000. As cases in India show a steep decline, NITI Aayog's Dr VK Paul said that the government's focus has now turned to coronavirus disease among children. "The pediatric population is generally asymptomatic. They often get infections but their symptoms are minimal," VK Paul said. "The infection has not taken serious shape in children but the virus may change its behaviour in the pediatric population. The impact of coronavirus may increase in children." "The data has shown that a low number of children are being admitted to hospitals. We are pushing for preparedness," the Niti Ayog official added. (With inputs from agencies)

Mixing vaccines has not become the protocol: India health ministry

Union health ministry on Monday said that India reported 1,27,510 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. 2,795 new fatalities were also recorded in this duration, which pushed the death toll to 331,895, the health ministry said.

India reports 1,27,510 new COVID-19 cases, 2,795 deaths in last 24 hours

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India`s economic growth likely picked up in the January-March quarter from the previous three months, but economists have grown more pessimistic about this quarter after a harsh second wave of COVID-19 hit the country last month. 
 
The median forecast from a Reuters survey of 29 economists showed the gross domestic product in Asia`s third-largest economy grew 1.0% in the March quarter from a year earlier, up from 0.4% in the previous quarter when India began pulling out of a steep pandemic-induced recession in earlier six months. 
 
But the second wave of infections and deaths across the world`s second-hardest hit country has caused forecasters to trim their projections for the coming months. 
 
The median forecast for April-June growth is 21.6%, down from a month-earlier estimate of 23% after the resurgence prompted most industrial states to impose lockdowns, throwing millions out of work. For the fiscal year to March 2022, economists cut their median forecast to 9.8% from 10.4%. 
 
The statistics ministry is to announce the data at 1200 GMT. 
 
India has recorded 27.9 million COVID-19 infections, behind only the United States, and 325,972 deaths as of Sunday, although the rise has begun to slow. 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s administration says the economic impact will not be as severe as last year, as lockdowns are looser this time and growth in manufacturing and exports is higher. 
 
But Arun Singh, global chief economist at Dun &amp; Bradstreet, said the downside risks to growth were intensifying as the second wave makes the return to pre-pandemic growth rates difficult. 
 
"Owing to the intensifying nature of the pandemic and the spread to the rural areas, which were largely spared in 2020, we expect growth prospects to have deteriorated for 2021/22." 
 
The central bank, which has kept monetary policy loose while boosting liquidity to the economy, said on Thursday that growth prospects will depend on how fast India can arrest infections. 
 
Modi has faced criticism for the slow pace of his four-month-old vaccination campaign, which has inoculated fewer than 4% of India`s 1.38 billion people. Analysts warn the slow rollout could pose medium-term risks to growth, especially if the country were to experience the third wave of COVID-19. 
 
The economy, which was facing a slowdown even before the pandemic, now confronts a crash of consumer demand - constituting over 55% of the economy - as household incomes and jobs have declined. 
 
Unemployment soared to a near one-year high of 14.73% in the week ending May 23, according to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, a Mumbai-based private think tank. 
 
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who said on Friday that no decision has been taken for another stimulus package, has limited space due to a fall in tax collections and rising public debt.

India`s economic growth likely picked up in the January-March quarter from the previous three months, but economists have grown more pessimistic about this quarter after a harsh second wave of COVID-19 hit the country last month.

India`s economic growth likely picked up in the January-March quarter from the previous three months, but economists have grown more pessimistic about this quarter after a harsh second wave of COVID-19 hit the country last month. The median forecast from a Reuters survey of 29 economists showed the gross domestic product in Asia`s third-largest economy grew 1.0% in the March quarter from a year earlier, up from 0.4% in the previous quarter when India began pulling out of a steep pandemic-induced recession in earlier six months. But the second wave of infections and deaths across the world`s second-hardest hit country has caused forecasters to trim their projections for the coming months. The median forecast for April-June growth is 21.6%, down from a month-earlier estimate of 23% after the resurgence prompted most industrial states to impose lockdowns, throwing millions out of work. For the fiscal year to March 2022, economists cut their median forecast to 9.8% from 10.4%. The statistics ministry is to announce the data at 1200 GMT. India has recorded 27.9 million COVID-19 infections, behind only the United States, and 325,972 deaths as of Sunday, although the rise has begun to slow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s administration says the economic impact will not be as severe as last year, as lockdowns are looser this time and growth in manufacturing and exports is higher. But Arun Singh, global chief economist at Dun & Bradstreet, said the downside risks to growth were intensifying as the second wave makes the return to pre-pandemic growth rates difficult. "Owing to the intensifying nature of the pandemic and the spread to the rural areas, which were largely spared in 2020, we expect growth prospects to have deteriorated for 2021/22." The central bank, which has kept monetary policy loose while boosting liquidity to the economy, said on Thursday that growth prospects will depend on how fast India can arrest infections. Modi has faced criticism for the slow pace of his four-month-old vaccination campaign, which has inoculated fewer than 4% of India`s 1.38 billion people. Analysts warn the slow rollout could pose medium-term risks to growth, especially if the country were to experience the third wave of COVID-19. The economy, which was facing a slowdown even before the pandemic, now confronts a crash of consumer demand - constituting over 55% of the economy - as household incomes and jobs have declined. Unemployment soared to a near one-year high of 14.73% in the week ending May 23, according to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, a Mumbai-based private think tank. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who said on Friday that no decision has been taken for another stimulus package, has limited space due to a fall in tax collections and rising public debt.

India's economy likely accelerated in Jan-Mar, before second wave of COVID-19 hit

With 1,52,734 COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, India maintained its declining trend of new cases and reported the lowest single-day COVID-19 rise in 50 days. the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Monday.

With this, the total cases have reached 2,80,47,534, and the daily positivity rate stands at 9.07 per cent, which is less than 10 per cent for the seventh consecutive day. Also, the weekly positivity rate dropped to 9.04 per cent.

According to the health ministry, a total of 3,128 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 3,29,100 in the country.

Meanwhile, recoveries continue to outnumber the daily new cases for the 18th consecutive day, as India witnessed 2,38,022 recoveries in the last 24 hours, the ministry said.

The recovery tally of India has reached 2,56,92,342 and the recovery rate stands at 91.60 per cent.

Active caseload further declined to 20,26,092 after cases decreased by 88,416 in the last 24 hours according to the Indian Council of Medical Research, a total of 16,83,135 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours in the country and cumulatively 34,48,66,883 tests have been done so far.

The Union Health Ministry has informed that nearly 21,31,54,129 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.

With 1,52,734 COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, India maintained its declining trend of new cases and reported the lowest single-day COVID-19 rise in 50 days.

With 1,52,734 COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, India maintained its declining trend of new cases and reported the lowest single-day COVID-19 rise in 50 days. the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Monday. With this, the total cases have reached 2,80,47,534, and the daily positivity rate stands at 9.07 per cent, which is less than 10 per cent for the seventh consecutive day. Also, the weekly positivity rate dropped to 9.04 per cent. According to the health ministry, a total of 3,128 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 3,29,100 in the country. Meanwhile, recoveries continue to outnumber the daily new cases for the 18th consecutive day, as India witnessed 2,38,022 recoveries in the last 24 hours, the ministry said. The recovery tally of India has reached 2,56,92,342 and the recovery rate stands at 91.60 per cent. Active caseload further declined to 20,26,092 after cases decreased by 88,416 in the last 24 hours according to the Indian Council of Medical Research, a total of 16,83,135 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours in the country and cumulatively 34,48,66,883 tests have been done so far. The Union Health Ministry has informed that nearly 21,31,54,129 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.

With 1,52,734 new COVID-19 cases, India sees lowest daily rise in 50 days

Our planet’s biodiversity is under threat and ironically, we humans are the main offenders - the same species that depend the most on it, is behind the destruction. Slowing down biodiversity loss is perhaps one of humanity’s greatest challenges today.

The age of our planet is estimated to be 4.5 billion years, of which human beings have only existed for 200,000 years, i.e., for not even 0.5 per cent of the time and yet compared to any other species, we have had a far greater impact on our planet’s health.

In recent years, the human population has grown exponentially, yet the landmass available to us remains the same.

By some estimates in the last 50 years itself, our species population has doubled. The growing number of humans has led to a growing demand for resources, which has led to overexploitation of the earth’s natural resources. Our demands have mostly been achieved at the expense of forests, wetlands &amp; marine ecosystems worldwide.

Numerous forests have been levelled to accommodate our species’ growing population, disrupting ecosystems, and causing tremendous loss to biodiversity.

One of the primary demands, food, is behind the largest negative impact. To meet the growing demands, agricultural expansion happened, terrestrial land use was changed. &nbsp;Almost 50 per cent of the global land area is used for agriculture, causing an estimated 80 per cent extinction threat to animal and bird species.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of The United Nations, agriculture accounts for up to 80 per cent of global deforestation and is the number one cause of deforestation. But, the loss of forests happens for many purposes:

To clear space for the production of crops like wheat, maize etc.

To create a grazing pasture for animals reared to fulfil the rising demand for meat.

For logging purposes, i.e., to meet the demand for wooden products like furniture or the production of charcoal.

Forests are also cleared up for mining, as most of the precious resources like Oil, gold, diamond, copper etc are found in and around forests. Not only that, but the chemicals used in the mining process also degrade the quality of soil and ends up in water bodies, polluting them and harming the riverine ecosystems.

Forest fires. According to experts, climate change &amp; deforestation are drying out forests, making them more vulnerable to fires.

Unsustainable human activities like these are continuously degrading and destroying forests worldwide. According to World Resources Institute data, we have witnessed the loss of almost ten per cent of tree cover since the beginning of this century. In the year 2020 itself, we lost 4.2 million hectares of forest cover, i.e., area equal to the size of Netherlands, a twelve per cent jump from 2019.

By relentlessly exploiting the earth’s natural resources, we have not only wiped out forest cover globally but also choked our water bodies and in doing so we have driven many species of flora and fauna towards extinction. Excessive use of pesticides in food production, oil spills etc has not only led to soil depletion but the runoff of these artificial fertilisers from the fields has also polluted water bodies causing excessive growth of algae leading to fatal effects on aquatic life forms.

Today, with about 60 per cent of the world's major marine ecosystems being exploited unsustainably, it is estimated by the year 2100 more than half of the world's marine life forms may face extinction.

A United Nations report from 2019 suggests that an average of almost 25 per cent or around one million species from the animal &amp; plant kingdom face an extinction threat, many within decades if nothing is done to reduce the biodiversity loss.

It’s a vicious cycle, human population growth leads to a decrease in per capita income growth, which tends to lead to an increase in poverty, which is in turn linked to Poaching.

Humans have led many a glorious species to their end, one of the most shameful examples of which is the Dodo bird. A flightless bird native to Mauritius, it was discovered in 1592, and within merely seventy years it went extinct.

Another example is the Tasmanian devil, a species made popular by the cartoon Looney Toons. But do you know, due to hunting and human encroachment the species went extinct in 1936? Now, the only reminder of this large marsupial can be found in a children’s animated cartoon. &nbsp;

Illegal poaching has brought all kinds of precious wildlife to the brink of extinction. Some examples are Pangolins, Rhinoceroses, Tigers, Hawksbills turtles and many more.

Try and comprehend this, all this damage was done merely out of greed.

Rapid population growth also causes intangible damage like Climate change, which is yet another important factor behind the deteriorating biodiversity &amp; ecosystems. 
By the end of this century, World temperatures are expected to rise by 3° to 8°C, which will have a devastating impact on the planet.

Experts warn that decades of unsustainable human activities are bringing the Amazon forest a.k.a. lungs of our earth to near a tipping point. This forest’s canopy cover plays a major role in regulating the global climate, with a carbon sink capacity of around 90-140 billion metric tons. With the current deforestation trends, the release of even the smallest portion can lead to an acceleration in global warming.

Biodiversity loss also has a direct bearing on the rise of zoonotic diseases, studies suggest that around 60 per cent of the emerging diseases in humans are a result of pathogen spillovers from animals to humans.

It is important to remember that biodiversity is an important part of this planet, without which there is no future for humanity. While no one wants to imagine this planet without all the thousands of amazing life forms that make up our ecosystems, mass extinction is a very real threat. Only through sustainable living, sustainable development and sustainable population growth can we combat this threat and save our planet.

As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The world has enough for everyone's need, but not enough for everyone's greed.”

Our planet’s biodiversity is under threat and ironically, we humans are the main offenders - the same species that depend the most on it, is behind the destruction.

Our planet’s biodiversity is under threat and ironically, we humans are the main offenders - the same species that depend the most on it, is behind the destruction. Slowing down biodiversity loss is perhaps one of humanity’s greatest challenges today. The age of our planet is estimated to be 4.5 billion years, of which human beings have only existed for 200,000 years, i.e., for not even 0.5 per cent of the time and yet compared to any other species, we have had a far greater impact on our planet’s health. In recent years, the human population has grown exponentially, yet the landmass available to us remains the same. By some estimates in the last 50 years itself, our species population has doubled. The growing number of humans has led to a growing demand for resources, which has led to overexploitation of the earth’s natural resources. Our demands have mostly been achieved at the expense of forests, wetlands & marine ecosystems worldwide. Numerous forests have been levelled to accommodate our species’ growing population, disrupting ecosystems, and causing tremendous loss to biodiversity. One of the primary demands, food, is behind the largest negative impact. To meet the growing demands, agricultural expansion happened, terrestrial land use was changed. Almost 50 per cent of the global land area is used for agriculture, causing an estimated 80 per cent extinction threat to animal and bird species. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of The United Nations, agriculture accounts for up to 80 per cent of global deforestation and is the number one cause of deforestation. But, the loss of forests happens for many purposes: To clear space for the production of crops like wheat, maize etc. To create a grazing pasture for animals reared to fulfil the rising demand for meat. For logging purposes, i.e., to meet the demand for wooden products like furniture or the production of charcoal. Forests are also cleared up for mining, as most of the precious resources like Oil, gold, diamond, copper etc are found in and around forests. Not only that, but the chemicals used in the mining process also degrade the quality of soil and ends up in water bodies, polluting them and harming the riverine ecosystems. Forest fires. According to experts, climate change & deforestation are drying out forests, making them more vulnerable to fires. Unsustainable human activities like these are continuously degrading and destroying forests worldwide. According to World Resources Institute data, we have witnessed the loss of almost ten per cent of tree cover since the beginning of this century. In the year 2020 itself, we lost 4.2 million hectares of forest cover, i.e., area equal to the size of Netherlands, a twelve per cent jump from 2019. By relentlessly exploiting the earth’s natural resources, we have not only wiped out forest cover globally but also choked our water bodies and in doing so we have driven many species of flora and fauna towards extinction. Excessive use of pesticides in food production, oil spills etc has not only led to soil depletion but the runoff of these artificial fertilisers from the fields has also polluted water bodies causing excessive growth of algae leading to fatal effects on aquatic life forms. Today, with about 60 per cent of the world's major marine ecosystems being exploited unsustainably, it is estimated by the year 2100 more than half of the world's marine life forms may face extinction. A United Nations report from 2019 suggests that an average of almost 25 per cent or around one million species from the animal & plant kingdom face an extinction threat, many within decades if nothing is done to reduce the biodiversity loss. It’s a vicious cycle, human population growth leads to a decrease in per capita income growth, which tends to lead to an increase in poverty, which is in turn linked to Poaching. Humans have led many a glorious species to their end, one of the most shameful examples of which is the Dodo bird. A flightless bird native to Mauritius, it was discovered in 1592, and within merely seventy years it went extinct. Another example is the Tasmanian devil, a species made popular by the cartoon Looney Toons. But do you know, due to hunting and human encroachment the species went extinct in 1936? Now, the only reminder of this large marsupial can be found in a children’s animated cartoon. Illegal poaching has brought all kinds of precious wildlife to the brink of extinction. Some examples are Pangolins, Rhinoceroses, Tigers, Hawksbills turtles and many more. Try and comprehend this, all this damage was done merely out of greed. Rapid population growth also causes intangible damage like Climate change, which is yet another important factor behind the deteriorating biodiversity & ecosystems. By the end of this century, World temperatures are expected to rise by 3° to 8°C, which will have a devastating impact on the planet. Experts warn that decades of unsustainable human activities are bringing the Amazon forest a.k.a. lungs of our earth to near a tipping point. This forest’s canopy cover plays a major role in regulating the global climate, with a carbon sink capacity of around 90-140 billion metric tons. With the current deforestation trends, the release of even the smallest portion can lead to an acceleration in global warming. Biodiversity loss also has a direct bearing on the rise of zoonotic diseases, studies suggest that around 60 per cent of the emerging diseases in humans are a result of pathogen spillovers from animals to humans. It is important to remember that biodiversity is an important part of this planet, without which there is no future for humanity. While no one wants to imagine this planet without all the thousands of amazing life forms that make up our ecosystems, mass extinction is a very real threat. Only through sustainable living, sustainable development and sustainable population growth can we combat this threat and save our planet. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The world has enough for everyone's need, but not enough for everyone's greed.”

Overpopulation and human greed, the two enemies of biodiversity

A good number of young Indians are ready to get the COVID-19 vaccine, but vaccination slots are not so easy to get. Cut to a different world and it's not just vaccines that are free!&nbsp;If lucky, you could end up winning anything from gold coins, bikes, washing machines, induction cooktops&nbsp;among other home appliances. A group of NGOs are going the extra mile to help battle vaccine hesitancy and ensure that the entire eligible population of a fishing hamlet gets vaccinated.&nbsp;

Located about 50 kilometres from the city of Chennai&nbsp;is the scenic fishing hamlet of Kovalam. The primary occupation of its over 16,000 population is, of course, fishing, tourism and promoting water sports. However, things haven’t been going well for the village and its residents since the pandemic struck. According to Kovalam residents and surfers Sekar and Dharani of SurfTurf, there were not many COVID-19 cases in their village, but their livelihoods were badly hit.

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“The inflow of tourists came to a halt, restrictions on sporting activities were in place and there were no means to hold Surfing festivals that attract huge crowds to the village. This was made worse by misinformation and rumours that are spreading fast on social media” they told WION. When vaccines were available, the villagers simply refused to take the jab, they added.&nbsp;

A group of NGOs working in the village during the pandemic setup helplines and catered to the needs of residents by home-delivering essentials, grocery, masks, immunity boosters and much more. But&nbsp;as vaccines became available, even getting the eligible elders to sign up was a herculean task. That’s when an idea struck them - to offer not just vaccines for free, but also provide the villagers some goodies that would cheer them up or improve their life - it could be anything from a plate of biryani to even a brand new motorbike.

<img alt="Image" src="https://attachments.office.net/owa/bharat.sharma%40zeemedia.esselgroup.com/service.svc/s/GetAttachmentThumbnail?id=AAMkAGVmNjcwYzBiLTYyYTYtNGY0Ny1hZGQzLTM0OTU2NWU3NmJlNQBGAAAAAABXCL4cU4u2ToquomFodE3aBwA3P627AwdtT57llW6AW%2F%2FzAAAAAAEMAAA3P627AwdtT57llW6AW%2F%2FzAAGSlOU4AAABEgAQAN%2FriuQdiONFg0p2icregt8%3D&amp;thumbnailType=2&amp;token=eyJhbGciOiJSUzI1NiIsImtpZCI6IjMwODE3OUNFNUY0QjUyRTc4QjJEQjg5NjZCQUY0RUNDMzcyN0FFRUUiLCJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJ4NXQiOiJNSUY1emw5TFV1ZUxMYmlXYTY5T3pEY25ydTQifQ.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.GbeRVAZdcHJ7igSfS8IDiJErWDRbslbuhKwI8uuexQQ6U8igmz-hYNv1puZ5EZ_NCE5TW5YNcJkYmgU3CHgGedAYASeId5MgVoMLyAmU5fmBL12H6a3HwaWePdAMUwl66g9Bk_8kWWeeIMGE27ZHzUnYAV_YiriU409uaWHmzdj08RbyHae6ajCJObNoOIO4jfBQhRNLkMd-WI5dbjpDzYAbHbxgdDezXhl2_XBoWRP331SQDj7MLz6Mp8h-s-3dsYLmiza_PcauOkMyzN1y1ir2x--ZwsgKGfUWT2hzf5Iocqa0sbeT3pUdk_bO75T5eZtUZlhMoSeXB2q9n61O-Q&amp;X-OWA-CANARY=ZerZHpIpJU-UiDTGvYMNESCl1aRGJNkYxDDsvIAM24gDxkKnOi6aDpDY2-d5a7HI6E0R8E6n870.&amp;owa=outlook.office.com&amp;scriptVer=20210524004.15&amp;animation=true" />

STS Foundation, in partnership with CN Ramdas and Chiraj Trusts has a two-pronged strategy to boost vaccination in the village - to offer short term incentives like mobile phone recharges and a plate of biryani on a daily basis, along with long term bumper prizes such as gold coins, washing machines, refrigerators, bikes, induction stoves, LPG cooktops via a lucky draw etc. The villagers are also provided free pickup and drop to the vaccination centre. Everyone taking the jab receives a token and a counter foil, which would be later used for the bumper lucky draw.&nbsp;

“Of over 6400 people eligible to take the jabs, we have successfully enrolled 640 persons and given the first dose to more than 200 persons over the last two days. As word spreads fast in the village, we are expecting a flurry of registrations and hope to have the entire eligible population vaccinated as soon as possible” J Sundar, Trustee, STS Foundation told WION.

We’ve setup helpline numbers for people to call and tele-register, so that we can enlist them for vaccination. With the current availability, we are doing upto 100 shots per day and hopefully this will increase, he added. The NGOs partnering with the people of Kovalam and the Health department wish to put this beautiful coastal hamlet and surfing hotspot on the map for being a model vaccination village.&nbsp;

A good number of young Indians are ready to get the COVID-19 vaccine, but vaccination slots are not so easy to get. Cut to a different world and it's not just vaccines that are free!

A good number of young Indians are ready to get the COVID-19 vaccine, but vaccination slots are not so easy to get. Cut to a different world and it's not just vaccines that are free! If lucky, you could end up winning anything from gold coins, bikes, washing machines, induction cooktops among other home appliances. A group of NGOs are going the extra mile to help battle vaccine hesitancy and ensure that the entire eligible population of a fishing hamlet gets vaccinated. Located about 50 kilometres from the city of Chennai is the scenic fishing hamlet of Kovalam. The primary occupation of its over 16,000 population is, of course, fishing, tourism and promoting water sports. However, things haven’t been going well for the village and its residents since the pandemic struck. According to Kovalam residents and surfers Sekar and Dharani of SurfTurf, there were not many COVID-19 cases in their village, but their livelihoods were badly hit. “The inflow of tourists came to a halt, restrictions on sporting activities were in place and there were no means to hold Surfing festivals that attract huge crowds to the village. This was made worse by misinformation and rumours that are spreading fast on social media” they told WION. When vaccines were available, the villagers simply refused to take the jab, they added. A group of NGOs working in the village during the pandemic setup helplines and catered to the needs of residents by home-delivering essentials, grocery, masks, immunity boosters and much more. But as vaccines became available, even getting the eligible elders to sign up was a herculean task. That’s when an idea struck them - to offer not just vaccines for free, but also provide the villagers some goodies that would cheer them up or improve their life - it could be anything from a plate of biryani to even a brand new motorbike. STS Foundation, in partnership with CN Ramdas and Chiraj Trusts has a two-pronged strategy to boost vaccination in the village - to offer short term incentives like mobile phone recharges and a plate of biryani on a daily basis, along with long term bumper prizes such as gold coins, washing machines, refrigerators, bikes, induction stoves, LPG cooktops via a lucky draw etc. The villagers are also provided free pickup and drop to the vaccination centre. Everyone taking the jab receives a token and a counter foil, which would be later used for the bumper lucky draw. “Of over 6400 people eligible to take the jabs, we have successfully enrolled 640 persons and given the first dose to more than 200 persons over the last two days. As word spreads fast in the village, we are expecting a flurry of registrations and hope to have the entire eligible population vaccinated as soon as possible” J Sundar, Trustee, STS Foundation told WION. We’ve setup helpline numbers for people to call and tele-register, so that we can enlist them for vaccination. With the current availability, we are doing upto 100 shots per day and hopefully this will increase, he added. The NGOs partnering with the people of Kovalam and the Health department wish to put this beautiful coastal hamlet and surfing hotspot on the map for being a model vaccination village.

Get Covid-jabbed at this fishing hamlet near Chennai and win prizes like gold coins, bikes

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) &nbsp;said on Monday that the southwest monsoon will arrive in Kerala on June 3 with heavy rainfall expected on June 2-3rd.

The IMD said the southwesterly winds would strengthen gradually from June 1 resulting in rainfall over Kerala. The IMD asserted that there will be no heatwave in the country due to cyclone Tauktae and Yaas which recently hit the country.

Parts of Uttar Pradesh received light rains and thundershowers in the last 24 hours as the IMD said India's national capital is likely to receive thunderstorms over&nbsp;the next three days.

The IMD informed that Delhi had received a mean maximum temperature of 37 degrees Celsius in May which is the lowest for the month in 13 years with no heatwave reported.

India's capital city also received 144.8 mm rain this month which was the highest since 2008.

IMD had earlier predicted that the country will receive average rainfall this year. Amid the expectation of a normal monsoon, CEA K Subramanian said that food grains production is projected to be at record level this fiscal.&nbsp;

Last year the country had received average rainfall for the second consecutive year.&nbsp;

According to the private forecasting agency Skymet, India's monsoon rains is expected to be 103 per cent of the long-term average in 2021. 
&nbsp;

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday that the southwest monsoon will arrive in Kerala on June 3 with heavy rainfall expected on June 2-3rd. The IMD said the southwesterly winds would strengthen gradually from June 1 resulting in rainfall over Kerala.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday that the southwest monsoon will arrive in Kerala on June 3 with heavy rainfall expected on June 2-3rd. The IMD said the southwesterly winds would strengthen gradually from June 1 resulting in rainfall over Kerala. The IMD asserted that there will be no heatwave in the country due to cyclone Tauktae and Yaas which recently hit the country. Parts of Uttar Pradesh received light rains and thundershowers in the last 24 hours as the IMD said India's national capital is likely to receive thunderstorms over the next three days. The IMD informed that Delhi had received a mean maximum temperature of 37 degrees Celsius in May which is the lowest for the month in 13 years with no heatwave reported. India's capital city also received 144.8 mm rain this month which was the highest since 2008. IMD had earlier predicted that the country will receive average rainfall this year. Amid the expectation of a normal monsoon, CEA K Subramanian said that food grains production is projected to be at record level this fiscal. Last year the country had received average rainfall for the second consecutive year. According to the private forecasting agency Skymet, India's monsoon rains is expected to be 103 per cent of the long-term average in 2021.

Southwest monsoon to arrive in Kerala by June 3: IMD

With focus on the COVID-19 crisis, BRICS's&nbsp;(a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and&nbsp;South Africa)&nbsp;foreign ministers will meet on Tuesday virtually at 4 pm IST. The meeting is being hosted by India as the chair of the grouping this year.

Present in the meeting with be India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, Brazil's FM Carlos Alberto Franco França, Russia's FM Sergey Lavrov, China's FM Wang Yi and&nbsp;South Africa's FM Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor.

The Ministry of External Affairs in a release said, "Ministers are expected to exchange views on the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the need for strengthening and reforming the multilateral system... countering terrorism"

The minister will discuss the finalisation of "outcome documents" for the 13th BRICS summit that will take place later this year. New Delhi's focus as the chair of the grouping will be to come up with practical measures to meet the Sustainable Development Goals using technological tools.

This is the third time India is holding the BRICS Chairship after 2012 and 2016. This year marks the 15th anniversary of BRICS and the theme is “BRICS@15: Intra BRICS Cooperation for Continuity, Consolidation, and Consensus”. BRICS Foreign Ministers started meeting in standalone format since 2017 when the grouping was led by Beijing&nbsp;and India is hosting the fifth&nbsp;such meeting.&nbsp;The 2021 chair of the BRICS will be China.&nbsp;

BRICS represent 41 per cent&nbsp;of the global population, 24 per cent&nbsp;of the global GDP, and 16 per cent&nbsp;of global trade.

With focus on the COVID-19 crisis, BRICS's (a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) foreign ministers will meet on Tuesday virtually at 4 pm IST.

With focus on the COVID-19 crisis, BRICS's (a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) foreign ministers will meet on Tuesday virtually at 4 pm IST. The meeting is being hosted by India as the chair of the grouping this year. Present in the meeting with be India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, Brazil's FM Carlos Alberto Franco França, Russia's FM Sergey Lavrov, China's FM Wang Yi and South Africa's FM Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor. The Ministry of External Affairs in a release said, "Ministers are expected to exchange views on the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the need for strengthening and reforming the multilateral system... countering terrorism" The minister will discuss the finalisation of "outcome documents" for the 13th BRICS summit that will take place later this year. New Delhi's focus as the chair of the grouping will be to come up with practical measures to meet the Sustainable Development Goals using technological tools. This is the third time India is holding the BRICS Chairship after 2012 and 2016. This year marks the 15th anniversary of BRICS and the theme is “BRICS@15: Intra BRICS Cooperation for Continuity, Consolidation, and Consensus”. BRICS Foreign Ministers started meeting in standalone format since 2017 when the grouping was led by Beijing and India is hosting the fifth such meeting. The 2021 chair of the BRICS will be China. BRICS represent 41 per cent of the global population, 24 per cent of the global GDP, and 16 per cent of global trade.

With focus on Covid crisis, BRICS FMs to virtually meet on Tuesday

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has ordered Delhi Police to file a FIR against Twitter for supplying misleading information during an investigation, amid the uproar over the microblogging site's non-compliance with the new IT standards.

NCPCR requests Delhi Police to file a FIR against Twitter

With the Covid cases rising in the union territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir, the State government has established Covid care facilities at every panchayat of the UT.&nbsp;

In total, around 15,000 beds have been set up in 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir for Covid patients. Each panchayat will have a five-bed facility, where one bed will be equipped with an oxygen concentrator. Medical staff will also be present.&nbsp;

It is likely to alleviate some pressure off the hospitals, who have been getting overwhelming number of patients. It will also be helpful for people, who don't have space to keep Covid patients in isolation at home. &nbsp;&nbsp;

''On the instructions of L-G, we have established Covid care centres at all the 296 panchayats in Budgam. Medical facilities, such as PPE kits, oximeters, etc are available at these centres. A patient can be isolated and treated with ease,'' said Amardeep Singh, BDO, Budgam.&nbsp;

“As the treatment is available at panchayats, patients now do not need to travel to urban areas for the treatment,” added Budgam BDO.&nbsp;

"Earlier, Covid patients were forced to travel long distances to reach a hospital and it is very difficult during lockdown. All thanks to government’s efforts, now patients will be able to get treatment at their doorstep with convenience,” said Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Secretary (Panchayat), Budgam.&nbsp;

With the Covid cases rising in the union territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir, the State government has established Covid care facilities at every panchayat of the UT.

With the Covid cases rising in the union territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir, the State government has established Covid care facilities at every panchayat of the UT. In total, around 15,000 beds have been set up in 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir for Covid patients. Each panchayat will have a five-bed facility, where one bed will be equipped with an oxygen concentrator. Medical staff will also be present. It is likely to alleviate some pressure off the hospitals, who have been getting overwhelming number of patients. It will also be helpful for people, who don't have space to keep Covid patients in isolation at home. ''On the instructions of L-G, we have established Covid care centres at all the 296 panchayats in Budgam. Medical facilities, such as PPE kits, oximeters, etc are available at these centres. A patient can be isolated and treated with ease,'' said Amardeep Singh, BDO, Budgam. “As the treatment is available at panchayats, patients now do not need to travel to urban areas for the treatment,” added Budgam BDO. "Earlier, Covid patients were forced to travel long distances to reach a hospital and it is very difficult during lockdown. All thanks to government’s efforts, now patients will be able to get treatment at their doorstep with convenience,” said Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Secretary (Panchayat), Budgam.

Covid care centres established at every panchayat in Jammu and Kashmir 

Continuing a downward trend India recorded 153,485 fresh Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the lowest daily count in 48 days or since April 13, 2021.

Coronavirus: India records 1.5 Lakh new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

In a strange incident in Kasaba village of Sullia taluk in Dakshina Kannada, a man detained in connection with a gold theft case was found on Sunday to have eaten gold ornaments he had reportedly stolen from jewellery shops.&nbsp;

The accused admitted that he swallowed the ornaments along with ice cream to hide them from the police. The ornaments, mostly rings and ear-studs weighing 35 gm, were recovered through a surgical procedure.

The accused, identified as Shibu, admitted that he swallowed the ornaments along with ice cream to hide them from the police.

The thief had swallowed the gold ornaments 2 weeks back and used to repeat the swallowing practice whenever the ornaments discover their way out, albeit with the clean packing.&nbsp;

“It was the modus operandi of this habitual offender. He used to keep a part of a stolen booty in his stomach to make it safe and to avoid recovery if caught. Normally, police check pockets and house when caught. We won’t check stomach,” said MR Harish, PSI, Sullia.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a strange incident in Kasaba village of Sullia taluk in Dakshina Kannada, a man detained in connection with a gold theft case was found on Sunday to have eaten gold ornaments he had reportedly stolen from jewellery shops.

In a strange incident in Kasaba village of Sullia taluk in Dakshina Kannada, a man detained in connection with a gold theft case was found on Sunday to have eaten gold ornaments he had reportedly stolen from jewellery shops. The accused admitted that he swallowed the ornaments along with ice cream to hide them from the police. The ornaments, mostly rings and ear-studs weighing 35 gm, were recovered through a surgical procedure. The accused, identified as Shibu, admitted that he swallowed the ornaments along with ice cream to hide them from the police. The thief had swallowed the gold ornaments 2 weeks back and used to repeat the swallowing practice whenever the ornaments discover their way out, albeit with the clean packing. “It was the modus operandi of this habitual offender. He used to keep a part of a stolen booty in his stomach to make it safe and to avoid recovery if caught. Normally, police check pockets and house when caught. We won’t check stomach,” said MR Harish, PSI, Sullia. (With inputs from agencies)

Thief in India swallows 35-gram gold ornaments with ice cream to hide them from police

New Delhi, May 30 (IANS) Pictures of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi have surfaced on social media which showed several marks of bruises on his face and shoulders, even as a private jet landed in Dominica from Qatar.
 
Antigua News Room, a news outlet in Antigua and Barbuda, posted several pictures of Choksi with swollen eyes and several bruises on his arm. 
In a tweet it said, "First pictures emerge of Mehul Choksi behind bars." 
On Thursday night, Choksi`s lawyer Vijay Agarwal had told IANS that Choksi was forced to get into a vessel from Antigua and was taken to Dominica. He also claimed that there were marks on Choksi`s body, implying the use of force. 
"There is something fishy and I guess it was a strategy to take him to another place so that there are chances of sending him back to India. So I don`t know what forces are operating. The time will tell," he had said. 
However, Antigua Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney has rubbished the claims of Choksi`s counsel and said that they have no information on him being forcefully removed. 
On Saturday, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne also confirmed that a private jet has landed in Dominica with certain documents related to his case. 
He was responding to a question during his radio programme on a question about a private jet arriving in Dominica from Qatar and said, "Yes I can confirm that a jet is there. My understanding is that Indian government has sent some documentation from the courts to confirm that Choksi is a fugitive. My understanding is that it is for the court hearing scheduled on Wednesday June 2 as the Dominica court has put a stay on his deportation. So the Indian government seems to be going all out to ensure that he is repatriated to India and face charges there." 
A Dominican court has restrained on Choksi`s deportation to India following a habeas corpus filed by his lawyers. 
The High Court of Dominica on Friday once again "restrained" the extradition of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, who is wanted in India in Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. 
Justice M.E. Birnie Stephenson, in her order, extended the injunction on removing Choksi from Dominica "until further or other hearing of this application is continued until the further hearing of this matter". 
The Dominican court further stated that Choksi "must be transported to the Dominica China Friendship Hospital for medical attention and the administration of a Covid-19 test". 
Choksi, who is wanted in India by the CBI and the ED for the Rs 13,500 crore PNB loan fraud case, went missing from Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday, sparking a massive manhunt. He was captured in Dominica on Wednesday. 
On Saturday, the United Progressive Party of Antigua noted the recent statements attributed to Prime Minister Gaston Browne in relation to Choksi, a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda. 
"In a shocking statement on the matter, Prime Minister Browne indicated that the Government of Dominica should deport Choksi directly to India and not return him to Antigua and Barbuda because he would be protected by the Constitution here," the UPP said. 
"This statement is both irresponsible and frightening. It is not for the Prime Minister to decide who is entitled to the protection of the Constitution. We are a nation of laws: Every citizen of Antigua and Barbuda is entitled to due process and the rule of law must be respected by all," it said. 
"It was the Gaston Browne Administration that granted citizenship to Choksi. Under Section 9 of the India Citizenship Act, once a citizen of India accepts citizenship of another country, his Indian citizenship is automatically cancelled," it said, adding that accordingly, as inconvenient and embarrassing as it may be for the Government, Choksi is a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda", not India. 
Following the statement of UPP, Agarwal said that my client (Choksi) is a human being, not some pawn that he can be just put in any square in the game of chess as per anybody`s desire or on anybody`s statement. 
"My stand is vindicated and I am filled with gratitude and appreciation seeing the statement of United progressive Party Antigua, recognising that Antigua ought to protect the rights of every citizen. 
"My client Choksi is citizen of Antigua and is entitled to all constitutional protections under Antiguan constitution and is entitled to all remedies available to him under law which he has even successfully availed," Agarwal added. 
On Wednesday, Browne had said that the fugitive diamantaire "needs to return to India" where he can face the criminal charges levelled against him. 
Antigua News Room quoted Browne as telling journalists in Antigua and Barbuda: "We asked them not to repatriate him to Antigua. He needs to return to India where he can face the criminal charges levelled against him." 
Choksi has been residing in Antigua and Barbuda since January 4, 2018. The CBI and ED, which have filed separate charge sheets in the case, are trying for his extradition. 
--IANS 
aks/skp/

New Delhi, May 30 (IANS) Pictures of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi have surfaced on social media which showed several marks of bruises on his face and shoulders, even as a private jet landed in Dominica from Qatar.

New Delhi, May 30 (IANS) Pictures of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi have surfaced on social media which showed several marks of bruises on his face and shoulders, even as a private jet landed in Dominica from Qatar. Antigua News Room, a news outlet in Antigua and Barbuda, posted several pictures of Choksi with swollen eyes and several bruises on his arm. In a tweet it said, "First pictures emerge of Mehul Choksi behind bars." On Thursday night, Choksi`s lawyer Vijay Agarwal had told IANS that Choksi was forced to get into a vessel from Antigua and was taken to Dominica. He also claimed that there were marks on Choksi`s body, implying the use of force. "There is something fishy and I guess it was a strategy to take him to another place so that there are chances of sending him back to India. So I don`t know what forces are operating. The time will tell," he had said. However, Antigua Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney has rubbished the claims of Choksi`s counsel and said that they have no information on him being forcefully removed. On Saturday, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne also confirmed that a private jet has landed in Dominica with certain documents related to his case. He was responding to a question during his radio programme on a question about a private jet arriving in Dominica from Qatar and said, "Yes I can confirm that a jet is there. My understanding is that Indian government has sent some documentation from the courts to confirm that Choksi is a fugitive. My understanding is that it is for the court hearing scheduled on Wednesday June 2 as the Dominica court has put a stay on his deportation. So the Indian government seems to be going all out to ensure that he is repatriated to India and face charges there." A Dominican court has restrained on Choksi`s deportation to India following a habeas corpus filed by his lawyers. The High Court of Dominica on Friday once again "restrained" the extradition of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, who is wanted in India in Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. Justice M.E. Birnie Stephenson, in her order, extended the injunction on removing Choksi from Dominica "until further or other hearing of this application is continued until the further hearing of this matter". The Dominican court further stated that Choksi "must be transported to the Dominica China Friendship Hospital for medical attention and the administration of a Covid-19 test". Choksi, who is wanted in India by the CBI and the ED for the Rs 13,500 crore PNB loan fraud case, went missing from Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday, sparking a massive manhunt. He was captured in Dominica on Wednesday. On Saturday, the United Progressive Party of Antigua noted the recent statements attributed to Prime Minister Gaston Browne in relation to Choksi, a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda. "In a shocking statement on the matter, Prime Minister Browne indicated that the Government of Dominica should deport Choksi directly to India and not return him to Antigua and Barbuda because he would be protected by the Constitution here," the UPP said. "This statement is both irresponsible and frightening. It is not for the Prime Minister to decide who is entitled to the protection of the Constitution. We are a nation of laws: Every citizen of Antigua and Barbuda is entitled to due process and the rule of law must be respected by all," it said. "It was the Gaston Browne Administration that granted citizenship to Choksi. Under Section 9 of the India Citizenship Act, once a citizen of India accepts citizenship of another country, his Indian citizenship is automatically cancelled," it said, adding that accordingly, as inconvenient and embarrassing as it may be for the Government, Choksi is a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda", not India. Following the statement of UPP, Agarwal said that my client (Choksi) is a human being, not some pawn that he can be just put in any square in the game of chess as per anybody`s desire or on anybody`s statement. "My stand is vindicated and I am filled with gratitude and appreciation seeing the statement of United progressive Party Antigua, recognising that Antigua ought to protect the rights of every citizen. "My client Choksi is citizen of Antigua and is entitled to all constitutional protections under Antiguan constitution and is entitled to all remedies available to him under law which he has even successfully availed," Agarwal added. On Wednesday, Browne had said that the fugitive diamantaire "needs to return to India" where he can face the criminal charges levelled against him. Antigua News Room quoted Browne as telling journalists in Antigua and Barbuda: "We asked them not to repatriate him to Antigua. He needs to return to India where he can face the criminal charges levelled against him." Choksi has been residing in Antigua and Barbuda since January 4, 2018. The CBI and ED, which have filed separate charge sheets in the case, are trying for his extradition. --IANS aks/skp/

New pictures of Mehul Choksi emerge, show injury marks

India recorded a single-day rise of 165,553 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest in 46 days, taking the country's infection tally to 2,78,94,800, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

The daily positivity declined to 8.02 per cent, remaining below the 10 per cent-mark for five consecutive days, while the weekly positivity rate dropped to 9.36 per cent, it said.

The death toll due to the disease climbed to 325,972 in the country with 3,460 fatalities being recorded in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

Also, 20,63,839 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the country on Saturday, taking the total number of such exams so far to 34,31,83,748, the ministry said.

The number of active cases has reduced to 21,14,508, comprising 7.58 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 91.25 per cent, it said.

The count of the daily new cases is the lowest in 46 days. India recorded 1,61, 736 infections on April 13. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,54,54,320, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.17 per cent, the data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7 last year, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5, 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and one crore on December 19.

India crossed the grim milestone of two crore infections on May 4.

India recorded a single-day rise of 165,553 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest in 46 days, taking the country's infection tally to 2,78,94,800, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

India recorded a single-day rise of 165,553 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest in 46 days, taking the country's infection tally to 2,78,94,800, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. The daily positivity declined to 8.02 per cent, remaining below the 10 per cent-mark for five consecutive days, while the weekly positivity rate dropped to 9.36 per cent, it said. The death toll due to the disease climbed to 325,972 in the country with 3,460 fatalities being recorded in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed. Also, 20,63,839 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the country on Saturday, taking the total number of such exams so far to 34,31,83,748, the ministry said. The number of active cases has reduced to 21,14,508, comprising 7.58 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 91.25 per cent, it said. The count of the daily new cases is the lowest in 46 days. India recorded 1,61, 736 infections on April 13. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,54,54,320, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.17 per cent, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7 last year, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5, 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and one crore on December 19. India crossed the grim milestone of two crore infections on May 4.

India reports 165,553 new cases of COVID-19 marking the lowest surge in 46 days

Efforts of Indian Coast guard (ICG) vessels and Sri Lankan tugs over the last six days (since May 25th) have restricted the fire on container ship MV X-Press Pearl to a small portion in the ship’s rear.

In what is being regarded as a positive outcome, the smoke emanating from the vessel has turned from black to grey/white, with its intensity also getting reduced.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/colombo-ship-fire-appears-under-control-no-oil-spill-says-indian-coast-guard-387919" hreflang="en">Colombo ship fire appears under control, no oil spill, says Indian Coast Guard</a>

Currently, three Indian Coast Guard ships,&nbsp;Vaibhav, Vajra and Samudra Prahari (a pollution response vessel) are on the scene along with four tugs deployed by Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Daily aerial surveillance by ICG Dornier aircraft has indicated no oil spill in the area. The Coast Guard adds that owing to the careful and measured execution of the firefighting operation, there has been no change in the vessel’s trim (which means that the front and rear portions are floating at equal level).

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Likewise, there is no change in the draught/draft of the vessel (indicating that the overall vessel has not gone lower than usual). Hence, it can be said that the stability and watertight integrity of the vessel are intact.

ICG ships and Sri Lankan tugs are undertaking continuous boundary cooling (spraying water and foam to prevent the further spread of fire).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-faces-marine-disaster-as-waves-of-plastic-from-burning-ship-wash-ashore-388259" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka faces marine disaster as waves of plastic from burning ship wash ashore</a>

In addition to this, dry chemical powder bags are being dropped over the burning vessel by Sri Lankan helicopter to contain and extinguish the metallic fire.&nbsp;

Besides their fire fighting capabilities (spraying 660 liters of water/foam per minute), ICG vessels are also equipped with adequate pollution response capabilities in case of an oil spill, if any. The presence of a specialised pollution response vessel, ICGS Samudra Prahari, since Saturday has provided added strength to the overall operation.

This round-the-clock joint fire fighting operation into its sixth day has been named 'Operation Sagar Aaraksha 2', which symbolises growing maritime cooperation and collaboration between India and the Indian ocean Littoral state.

In September 2020, a similar joint operation between India and Sri Lanka was named 'Sagar Aaraksha'. Back then, ICG ships and Sri Lankan vessels were involved in a fire fighting operation onboard MT New Diamond. The joint efforts undertaken off the East Sri Lankan coast averted the risk of 270,000 metric tonnes of crude oil spilling from the very large crude carrier.

Efforts of Indian Coast guard (ICG) vessels and Sri Lankan tugs over the last six days (since May 25th) have restricted the fire on container ship MV X-Press Pearl to a small portion in the ship’s rear.

Efforts of Indian Coast guard (ICG) vessels and Sri Lankan tugs over the last six days (since May 25th) have restricted the fire on container ship MV X-Press Pearl to a small portion in the ship’s rear. In what is being regarded as a positive outcome, the smoke emanating from the vessel has turned from black to grey/white, with its intensity also getting reduced. Also read | Colombo ship fire appears under control, no oil spill, says Indian Coast Guard Currently, three Indian Coast Guard ships, Vaibhav, Vajra and Samudra Prahari (a pollution response vessel) are on the scene along with four tugs deployed by Sri Lanka. Daily aerial surveillance by ICG Dornier aircraft has indicated no oil spill in the area. The Coast Guard adds that owing to the careful and measured execution of the firefighting operation, there has been no change in the vessel’s trim (which means that the front and rear portions are floating at equal level). Likewise, there is no change in the draught/draft of the vessel (indicating that the overall vessel has not gone lower than usual). Hence, it can be said that the stability and watertight integrity of the vessel are intact. ICG ships and Sri Lankan tugs are undertaking continuous boundary cooling (spraying water and foam to prevent the further spread of fire). Also read | Sri Lanka faces marine disaster as waves of plastic from burning ship wash ashore In addition to this, dry chemical powder bags are being dropped over the burning vessel by Sri Lankan helicopter to contain and extinguish the metallic fire. Besides their fire fighting capabilities (spraying 660 liters of water/foam per minute), ICG vessels are also equipped with adequate pollution response capabilities in case of an oil spill, if any. The presence of a specialised pollution response vessel, ICGS Samudra Prahari, since Saturday has provided added strength to the overall operation. This round-the-clock joint fire fighting operation into its sixth day has been named 'Operation Sagar Aaraksha 2', which symbolises growing maritime cooperation and collaboration between India and the Indian ocean Littoral state. In September 2020, a similar joint operation between India and Sri Lanka was named 'Sagar Aaraksha'. Back then, ICG ships and Sri Lankan vessels were involved in a fire fighting operation onboard MT New Diamond. The joint efforts undertaken off the East Sri Lankan coast averted the risk of 270,000 metric tonnes of crude oil spilling from the very large crude carrier.

Colombo ship fire: Blaze restricted to small area, smoke density reduced; no oil spill

A day after the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced an extension of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> lockdown till June 07, the national capital has reported the lowest death toll in the last one month.

Delhi reported 78 deaths due to the deadly coronavirus in the past 24 hours. This is the first time the city has reported less than 100 deaths in the last 47 days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-extends-covid-curbs-till-june-7-388292" hreflang="en">Delhi extends COVID curbs till June 7</a>

The national capital reported 946 new cases, taking the tally to 14,25,592 and active cases to 12,100. The positivity rate was reported to be 1.25 per cent.

Delhi MLA, Atishi, also reported that the Delhi government of Aam Aadmi Party has nearly 350,000 doses of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a>, of which 300,000 are of Covishield, and are available for everyone above the age of 45. The vaccine stock is expected to last for 14 days, as per the government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nearly-120-mn-doses-of-covid-vaccine-to-be-available-in-june-health-ministry-388383" hreflang="en">Nearly 120 mn doses of Covid vaccine to be available in June: Health Ministry</a>

&nbsp;Nearly 1,803 covid patients have recovered in the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to take precautions and said India is fighting this pandemic with all its strength.

“We are seeing that how the country is fighting COVID-19 with all its strength. This has been the biggest pandemic in the past 100 years and amidst this pandemic India faced many natural calamities," he said during his radio show, Mann Ki Baat.

A day after the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced an extension of the coronavirus lockdown till June 07, the national capital has reported the lowest death toll in the last one month.

A day after the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced an extension of the coronavirus lockdown till June 07, the national capital has reported the lowest death toll in the last one month. Delhi reported 78 deaths due to the deadly coronavirus in the past 24 hours. This is the first time the city has reported less than 100 deaths in the last 47 days. Also read | Delhi extends COVID curbs till June 7 The national capital reported 946 new cases, taking the tally to 14,25,592 and active cases to 12,100. The positivity rate was reported to be 1.25 per cent. Delhi MLA, Atishi, also reported that the Delhi government of Aam Aadmi Party has nearly 350,000 doses of coronavirus vaccines, of which 300,000 are of Covishield, and are available for everyone above the age of 45. The vaccine stock is expected to last for 14 days, as per the government. Also read | Nearly 120 mn doses of Covid vaccine to be available in June: Health Ministry Nearly 1,803 covid patients have recovered in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to take precautions and said India is fighting this pandemic with all its strength. “We are seeing that how the country is fighting COVID-19 with all its strength. This has been the biggest pandemic in the past 100 years and amidst this pandemic India faced many natural calamities," he said during his radio show, Mann Ki Baat.

India: Delhi reports lowest covid death toll since April 13

Following allegations of Tamil Nadu’s western belt being ignored by the ruling DMK, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister who is touring the region is facing the wrath of angry netizens and political opponents on Twitter.

The Western belt which is locally known as the ‘Kongu Belt’ is an AIADMK stronghold and largely voted against the ruling DMK. Coimbatore, the second-largest city in Tamil Nadu and an industrial hub is situated in the Kongu belt region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dmk-ministers-comments-on-not-getting-hindi-speakers-votes-courts-trouble-bjp-objects-387725" hreflang="en">DMK minister’s comments on not getting Hindi-speakers’ votes courts trouble; BJP objects</a>

However, this region is said to have been allocated far fewer vaccines than Chennai. Coimbatore is also now the city with maximum COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

Leaders from the opposition parties, BJP and AIADMK, have been pointing out the high number of deaths and spike in cases in Coimbatore when compared to Chennai, which is now seeing a daily decline in COVID-19 numbers.

In a clip of a Tamil TV debate, a DMK spokesperson was seen telling a BJP spokesperson that “if people of Coimbatore are struggling and crying in pain, they must do so before Modi. If they are crying in pain, then WhatsApp it to Modi”. &nbsp;Notably, Coimbatore South is an important assembly constituency that elected BJP Women’s wing President Vanathi Srinivasan.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadus-ongoing-lockdown-extended-until-may-31-new-guidelines-inside-386726" hreflang="en">Tamil Nadu’s ongoing lockdown extended until May 31. New guidelines inside</a>

The hashtag #GoBackStalin has been trending with more than 150,000 tweets&nbsp;and is perhaps the first time that a Tamil Nadu Chief Minister is facing this trend when touring a district of his home state.

DMK sympathisers&nbsp;countered the trend by using hashtags #Welcome_TNCM_Stalin, #WelcomeStalin and also by sharing videos of the Chief Minister wearing a PPE Suit, during a hospital inspection in Coimbatore on Sunday.

In October 2020, as Leader of Opposition Stalin had paid homage to freedom fighter and spiritual leader Muthuramaliga Thevar’s memorial in Ramanathapuram. Back then too, #GoBackStalin had trended on Twitter. Many from the AIADMK and BJP had lashed out at the DMK saying that they had nothing to do with Thevar's ideals of Nationalism and Spiritualism.

Currently, Tamil Nadu is reporting nearly 31,000 COVID-19 cases everyday, whereas the daily recoveries are around 30,000. The southern state is recording the maximum COVID-19 cases in India. Daily deaths being reported are over 450 for the past few days and over 23,000 persons have lost their lives to the pandemic. Active cases in the state are over 310, 000.

While the cases in the capital city Chennai have come down from nearly 7,000 to 2,500, it&nbsp;is the second largest district Coimbatore that is seeing a spike. Coimbatore, the Western district is now witnessing over 4,700 daily cases.&nbsp;

Following allegations of Tamil Nadu’s western belt being ignored by the ruling DMK, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister who is touring the region is facing the wrath of angry netizens and political opponents on Twitter.

Following allegations of Tamil Nadu’s western belt being ignored by the ruling DMK, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister who is touring the region is facing the wrath of angry netizens and political opponents on Twitter. The Western belt which is locally known as the ‘Kongu Belt’ is an AIADMK stronghold and largely voted against the ruling DMK. Coimbatore, the second-largest city in Tamil Nadu and an industrial hub is situated in the Kongu belt region. Also read | DMK minister’s comments on not getting Hindi-speakers’ votes courts trouble; BJP objects However, this region is said to have been allocated far fewer vaccines than Chennai. Coimbatore is also now the city with maximum COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu. Leaders from the opposition parties, BJP and AIADMK, have been pointing out the high number of deaths and spike in cases in Coimbatore when compared to Chennai, which is now seeing a daily decline in COVID-19 numbers. In a clip of a Tamil TV debate, a DMK spokesperson was seen telling a BJP spokesperson that “if people of Coimbatore are struggling and crying in pain, they must do so before Modi. If they are crying in pain, then WhatsApp it to Modi”. Notably, Coimbatore South is an important assembly constituency that elected BJP Women’s wing President Vanathi Srinivasan. Also read | Tamil Nadu’s ongoing lockdown extended until May 31. New guidelines inside The hashtag #GoBackStalin has been trending with more than 150,000 tweets and is perhaps the first time that a Tamil Nadu Chief Minister is facing this trend when touring a district of his home state. DMK sympathisers countered the trend by using hashtags #Welcome_TNCM_Stalin, #WelcomeStalin and also by sharing videos of the Chief Minister wearing a PPE Suit, during a hospital inspection in Coimbatore on Sunday. In October 2020, as Leader of Opposition Stalin had paid homage to freedom fighter and spiritual leader Muthuramaliga Thevar’s memorial in Ramanathapuram. Back then too, #GoBackStalin had trended on Twitter. Many from the AIADMK and BJP had lashed out at the DMK saying that they had nothing to do with Thevar's ideals of Nationalism and Spiritualism. Currently, Tamil Nadu is reporting nearly 31,000 COVID-19 cases everyday, whereas the daily recoveries are around 30,000. The southern state is recording the maximum COVID-19 cases in India. Daily deaths being reported are over 450 for the past few days and over 23,000 persons have lost their lives to the pandemic. Active cases in the state are over 310, 000. While the cases in the capital city Chennai have come down from nearly 7,000 to 2,500, it is the second largest district Coimbatore that is seeing a spike. Coimbatore, the Western district is now witnessing over 4,700 daily cases.

#GoBackStalin top Twitter trend as CM MK Stalin tours Western Tamil Nadu

Nearly&nbsp;120 million doses of coronavirus vaccine will be available in June, the Health Ministry said on Sunday.&nbsp;In May, 79.4&nbsp;million doses were available for vaccination.

In a statement, the ministry said the allocation of supplies to states and union territories is decided on the consumption pattern, population and vaccine wastage.

"Visibility for availability of vaccines for the entire month of June 2021 has been provided well in advance to States/UTs...," it said.

"For the month of June, 6.09 crore (6,09,60,000) doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be supplied to the States and UTs for vaccination of priority group of Health Care Workers (HCWs), Front-Line Workers (FLWs) and person aged 45 years + and above as free supply from Government of India," the ministry said.

"In addition, more than 5.86 crore (5,86,10,000) doses will be available for direct procurement by the state/UTs and Private Hospitals. Therefore, in June 2021 close to 12 crore (11,95,70,000) doses will be available for the national COVID-19 vaccination programme," it said.

The ministry said the delivery schedule for this allocation will be shared with states in advance. "States have been requested to direct the concerned officials to ensure rational and judicious utilisation of allocated doses and minimise the vaccine wastage. The basic objective behind informing the States/UTs in advance of the quantum of free vaccine doses to be made available from Centre for 15/30 days and the total vaccine doses which are available for direct procurement by States/UTs is to ensure better planning and delivery of vaccine by States/UTs," it said.

For the month of May, 4,03,49,830 vaccine doses have been made available by the Union Government to states. 
In addition, 3,90,55,370 doses were available for direct procurement by the states as well as private hospitals in May.

"Therefore, in May 2021 a total number of 7,94,05,200 doses were available for the national COVID-19 vaccination programme," the ministry said.&nbsp;

Nearly 120 million doses of coronavirus vaccine will be available in June, the Health Ministry said on Sunday. In May, 79.4 million doses were available for vaccination.

Nearly 120 million doses of coronavirus vaccine will be available in June, the Health Ministry said on Sunday. In May, 79.4 million doses were available for vaccination. In a statement, the ministry said the allocation of supplies to states and union territories is decided on the consumption pattern, population and vaccine wastage. "Visibility for availability of vaccines for the entire month of June 2021 has been provided well in advance to States/UTs...," it said. "For the month of June, 6.09 crore (6,09,60,000) doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be supplied to the States and UTs for vaccination of priority group of Health Care Workers (HCWs), Front-Line Workers (FLWs) and person aged 45 years + and above as free supply from Government of India," the ministry said. "In addition, more than 5.86 crore (5,86,10,000) doses will be available for direct procurement by the state/UTs and Private Hospitals. Therefore, in June 2021 close to 12 crore (11,95,70,000) doses will be available for the national COVID-19 vaccination programme," it said. The ministry said the delivery schedule for this allocation will be shared with states in advance. "States have been requested to direct the concerned officials to ensure rational and judicious utilisation of allocated doses and minimise the vaccine wastage. The basic objective behind informing the States/UTs in advance of the quantum of free vaccine doses to be made available from Centre for 15/30 days and the total vaccine doses which are available for direct procurement by States/UTs is to ensure better planning and delivery of vaccine by States/UTs," it said. For the month of May, 4,03,49,830 vaccine doses have been made available by the Union Government to states. In addition, 3,90,55,370 doses were available for direct procurement by the states as well as private hospitals in May. "Therefore, in May 2021 a total number of 7,94,05,200 doses were available for the national COVID-19 vaccination programme," the ministry said.

Nearly 120 mn doses of Covid vaccine to be available in June: Health Ministry

Asserting that India is fighting COVID-19 with all its might, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to a number of people ranging from those engaged in transporting medical oxygen to lab technician, and said the country's resolve to prevail over the virus is equal to the magnitude of the challenge it faces.

In his monthly Mann ki Baat broadcast, Modi noted that the country was also faced with several natural disasters, including cyclones, landslide and earthquakes, during the pandemic, and said more lives were saved than the past with the Centre, states and local administration coming together to carry out relief and rescue operations.

With the demand for medical oxygen rising exponentially during the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and many states and hospitals complaining of its shortage, the prime minister said the production of the liquid medical oxygen (LMO) has risen by over 10 times to nearly 9,500 MT daily from 900 MT earlier.

"The demand for oxygen surged all of a sudden. This was a very big challenge, and delivering medical oxygen to remote parts of the country was indeed a huge task," he said, noting that many plants manufacturing industrial oxygen were located in the eastern parts of the country and lauded those, including cryogenic tanker drivers, the oxygen express (train) crew and Air Force pilots, involved in its transportation.

In his address, he also praised farmers for generating record produce, and said the agricultural sector protected itself from the adverse effects of the pandemic to a great extent.

The farmers produced record output and the government procured a record amount of crops as well, he said, adding that farmers at several places got more than the minimum support price (MSP) for mustard.

Speaking of the arrangements his government made to allow farmers to transport their produce to different markets, Modi said ?Kisan Rail? has so far ferried nearly 2 lakh tonnes of produce. Now the farmers are able to send fruits, vegetables, grains to other remote parts of the country at a very low cost, he added.

Some products are being sent abroad as well, he said and mentioned that jackfruits from Tripura are now being exported to London and so is Bihar's Shahi Litchi.

In his conversation with people involved in transporting oxygen, Modi spoke to Dinesh Upadhyay, who drive oxygen tankers, Shirisha Gajni, a loco pilot of an all-woman crew oxygen express, and Group Captain Patnaik from the Air Force and lauded their service to the nation.

Noting that there was only one coronavirus testing lab in the country initially but today more than 2,500 labs are in operation, Modi said more than 20 lakh tests are being carried out in a single day now with over 33 crore samples having been tested in the country so far.

The prime minister than spoke to lab technician Prakash Kandpal who shared his experience.

Modi also asked people to continue to adhere to rules related to wearing masks and taking vaccines, saying there should be no letup in our efforts.&nbsp;

"This indeed is the path to our victory," he said.

Asserting that India is fighting COVID-19 with all its might, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to a number of people ranging from those engaged in transporting medical oxygen to lab technician, and said the country's resolve to prevail over the virus is equal to the magnitude of the challenge it faces.

Asserting that India is fighting COVID-19 with all its might, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to a number of people ranging from those engaged in transporting medical oxygen to lab technician, and said the country's resolve to prevail over the virus is equal to the magnitude of the challenge it faces. In his monthly Mann ki Baat broadcast, Modi noted that the country was also faced with several natural disasters, including cyclones, landslide and earthquakes, during the pandemic, and said more lives were saved than the past with the Centre, states and local administration coming together to carry out relief and rescue operations. With the demand for medical oxygen rising exponentially during the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and many states and hospitals complaining of its shortage, the prime minister said the production of the liquid medical oxygen (LMO) has risen by over 10 times to nearly 9,500 MT daily from 900 MT earlier. "The demand for oxygen surged all of a sudden. This was a very big challenge, and delivering medical oxygen to remote parts of the country was indeed a huge task," he said, noting that many plants manufacturing industrial oxygen were located in the eastern parts of the country and lauded those, including cryogenic tanker drivers, the oxygen express (train) crew and Air Force pilots, involved in its transportation. In his address, he also praised farmers for generating record produce, and said the agricultural sector protected itself from the adverse effects of the pandemic to a great extent. The farmers produced record output and the government procured a record amount of crops as well, he said, adding that farmers at several places got more than the minimum support price (MSP) for mustard. Speaking of the arrangements his government made to allow farmers to transport their produce to different markets, Modi said ?Kisan Rail? has so far ferried nearly 2 lakh tonnes of produce. Now the farmers are able to send fruits, vegetables, grains to other remote parts of the country at a very low cost, he added. Some products are being sent abroad as well, he said and mentioned that jackfruits from Tripura are now being exported to London and so is Bihar's Shahi Litchi. In his conversation with people involved in transporting oxygen, Modi spoke to Dinesh Upadhyay, who drive oxygen tankers, Shirisha Gajni, a loco pilot of an all-woman crew oxygen express, and Group Captain Patnaik from the Air Force and lauded their service to the nation. Noting that there was only one coronavirus testing lab in the country initially but today more than 2,500 labs are in operation, Modi said more than 20 lakh tests are being carried out in a single day now with over 33 crore samples having been tested in the country so far. The prime minister than spoke to lab technician Prakash Kandpal who shared his experience. Modi also asked people to continue to adhere to rules related to wearing masks and taking vaccines, saying there should be no letup in our efforts. "This indeed is the path to our victory," he said.

Mann Ki Baat: India fighting Covid with all its might, says PM Modi

The United Progressive Party (UPP) one of the opposition parties in Antiguan parliament urged the country's Prime Minister Gaston Browne to treat fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi as an Antiguan citizen, as per local media.

The demand from the party came after Prime Minister Browne asked the Dominican government to send Choksi to India.

Mehul Choksi is wanted in India over his role in Punjab National Bank scam. Choksi along with his nephew Nirav Modi committed as Rs 135,000 million loan fraud.

UPP said that since Choksi is an Antiguan citizen, he is entitled to due process of law.

Choksi was arrested in Dominica earlier this week. Late on Saturday night (Indian time) some photos of Mehul Choksi emerged in which there appeared to be bruises on his face.

On Thursday night, Choksi`s lawyer Vijay Agarwal had told IANS that Choksi was forced to get into a vessel from Antigua and was taken to Dominica. He also claimed that there were marks on Choksi`s body, implying the use of force.

"There is something fishy and I guess it was a strategy to take him to another place so that there are chances of sending him back to India. So I don`t know what forces are operating. The time will tell," he had said.

However, Antigua Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney has rubbished the claims of Choksi`s counsel and said that they have no information on him being forcefully removed.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Progressive Party (UPP) one of the opposition parties in Antiguan parliament urged the country's Prime Minister Gaston Browne to treat fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi as an Antiguan citizen, as per local media.

The United Progressive Party (UPP) one of the opposition parties in Antiguan parliament urged the country's Prime Minister Gaston Browne to treat fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi as an Antiguan citizen, as per local media. The demand from the party came after Prime Minister Browne asked the Dominican government to send Choksi to India. Mehul Choksi is wanted in India over his role in Punjab National Bank scam. Choksi along with his nephew Nirav Modi committed as Rs 135,000 million loan fraud. UPP said that since Choksi is an Antiguan citizen, he is entitled to due process of law. Choksi was arrested in Dominica earlier this week. Late on Saturday night (Indian time) some photos of Mehul Choksi emerged in which there appeared to be bruises on his face. On Thursday night, Choksi`s lawyer Vijay Agarwal had told IANS that Choksi was forced to get into a vessel from Antigua and was taken to Dominica. He also claimed that there were marks on Choksi`s body, implying the use of force. "There is something fishy and I guess it was a strategy to take him to another place so that there are chances of sending him back to India. So I don`t know what forces are operating. The time will tell," he had said. However, Antigua Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney has rubbished the claims of Choksi`s counsel and said that they have no information on him being forcefully removed. (With inputs from agencies)

Treat Mehul Choksi as a citizen, says Antiguan opposition party 

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