'Built as a team, won as a team': India head coach reacts to T20I series win

Doomsday warning? Why governments are warning people to stockpile emergency supplies for 72 hours

Shah Rukh Khan turns 61: 5 lesser-known facts about Bollywood's King that you may not know

IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: When and where to watch live streaming in India?

California desert lights up brighter than full moon as part of controversial project

Sacred relics of the Buddha unveiled in Arunachal Pradesh

F1 2026: Kimi Antonelli, 20, becomes youngest world champion after 3rd place in Mexico City GP

US midterms: Prediction markets give Democrats 71% chance of Senate control, 95% for House

Five Kuki men killed in Manipur in ethnic clashes between Kuki and Naga groups

New OTT releases this week (November 2-8, 2026): I'm Game, Meesaya Murukku 2, Blind Game- 8 latest titles to watch this Diwali on OTT platforms

Captured on CCTV video: Six-year-old special needs girl brutally attacked by Class III student at Panchkula school

Earth is splitting apart in Iceland and humans can literally fall through the crack

Fires, clashes and arrests: France-inspired protests turn violent in Switzerland | WATCH

US midterm elections 2026: THESE battleground counties could decide Trump’s Senate fate

Netanyahu pushing Trump hard to attack Iran immediately after midterm elections: Report

Andhra chainsaw school attacker shot in police encounter while trying to flee

Iran to be hit by nuclear bomb soon? US commentator makes big claim

India become first team to smash 400 T20I sixes in a calendar year

'Holy fu*k, we’re out of time...mayday': Pilot's desperate final call before deadly Florida plane crash

Israel Elections: Eisenkot vows to use Knesset majority against Netanyahu as Arab leader backs PM's ouster

Six Indian tourists rescued from snow-hit Dolpa district in Nepal

‘Engage with open heart to avoid fresh election,’ Israel’s President Isaac Herzog tells parties

Plane crashes into Florida residential area, erupts into massive fireball; 9 killed

Democrat Haley Stevens endorses GOP against El-Sayed in Michigan Senate race after feud over Israel

Tear gas, grenades, stone-pelting: Bangladesh on the boil as workers wage protest turn violent

India U-19 Asia Cup Squad: Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid picked; check full team

Former Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag says Cristiano Ronaldo 'can no longer deliver'

'Radiation warning, public threat': Russia, Ukraine suffer massive cyberattacks on emergency alert systems

IND vs NZ: Mark Chapman, Rachin Ravindra ruled out of India ODI series

VIDEO: High speed SUV hits multiple cars in Gurugram, dashcam captures accident

Trump prepares for life after midterm defeat, says 'I'll become Mr Veto'

India signs $6.4bn deal for eight home-built Naval warships

Marvel’s 2,000-drone show takes over Seoul’s Han River ahead of Avengers: Doomsday release | Watch

Shah Rukh Khan skips balcony appearance at Mannat on his 61st birthday, shares a hand written note for fans instead

'One little banana heist': UP Police shares elephant mom-calf clip to teach honesty, internet teaches it a lesson instead | Viral video

'I want teams to feel intimidated coming to Mumbai,' says new MI batting coach Robin Uthappa

Omar Abdullah marries journalist Nidhi Razdan, announces ‘new journey’ on social media

The questioning of former J&amp;K chief minister and current member of parliament, Farooq Abdullah, ended after more than six hours in relation with the J&amp;K Cricket Association scam, at the Enforcement Directorate office in Srinagar.

The multi-crore scam which came to light in 2012.

While speaking to media after leaving ED, Farooq, visibly angry, said he stood by the Gupkar declaration and against the abrogation of J&amp;K special status.&nbsp;

“ED investigation shouldn’t be mixed with politics. They are doing their job. I will cooperate in the investigation,” he said.

Son of Farooq and former J&amp;K chief minister Omar Abdullah called the questioning by ED a political vendetta while other political parties including Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP supported the member of parliament while questioning the timing.

The National Conference in a statement accused the BJP of employing agencies to target Farooq in wake of the formation of people’s alliance for Gupkar declaration -- which demands restoration of pre-August 5 status in J&amp;K and Ladakh.

“The ED summon to Dr Farooq Abdullah is clearly the result of the unity that Dr. Sahib has been able to forge among mainstream political parties in J&amp;K. This is the price one faces when opposed to BJP’s ideology and divisive politics,” the statement said.

The case was taken over by the Central Bureau of Investigation, the premier investigating agency of India, who filed a charge sheet against ex-office bearers of JKCA including Farooq Abdullah. The case of ED is based on a CBI FIR alleging misappropriation of Rs 43.69 cr.

The questioning of former J&K chief minister and current member of parliament, Farooq Abdullah, ended after more than six hours in relation with the J&K Cricket Association scam, at the Enforcement Directorate office in Srinagar.

The questioning of former J&K chief minister and current member of parliament, Farooq Abdullah, ended after more than six hours in relation with the J&K Cricket Association scam, at the Enforcement Directorate office in Srinagar. The multi-crore scam which came to light in 2012. While speaking to media after leaving ED, Farooq, visibly angry, said he stood by the Gupkar declaration and against the abrogation of J&K special status. “ED investigation shouldn’t be mixed with politics. They are doing their job. I will cooperate in the investigation,” he said. Son of Farooq and former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah called the questioning by ED a political vendetta while other political parties including Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP supported the member of parliament while questioning the timing. The National Conference in a statement accused the BJP of employing agencies to target Farooq in wake of the formation of people’s alliance for Gupkar declaration -- which demands restoration of pre-August 5 status in J&K and Ladakh. “The ED summon to Dr Farooq Abdullah is clearly the result of the unity that Dr. Sahib has been able to forge among mainstream political parties in J&K. This is the price one faces when opposed to BJP’s ideology and divisive politics,” the statement said. The case was taken over by the Central Bureau of Investigation, the premier investigating agency of India, who filed a charge sheet against ex-office bearers of JKCA including Farooq Abdullah. The case of ED is based on a CBI FIR alleging misappropriation of Rs 43.69 cr.

Farooq Abdullah questioned by ED in multi-crore JKCA scam; parties alledge political vendetta

Out of 1.3 billion people in India, half are likely to have been infected by COVID-19 by February 2021, according to the government committee which provides projections.

Indian Institute for Technology’s Manindra Agrawal, who is a member of the committee, on Monday told Reuters that this would slow down the spread of COVID-19.

As of Monday, India has reported 7.55 million cases of COVID-19, and is only behind the United States in terms of the total infections.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/coronavirus-worldwide-cases-surpass-40-million-more-than-50-cases-from-us-india-and-brazil-336386" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Worldwide cases surpass 40 million; more than 50% cases from US, India and Brazil</a>

After a peak in mid-September, the number of cases seem to be dropping the country. Currently, over 61,000 new cases are reported each day on an average.

"Our mathematical model estimates that around 30% of the population is currently infected and it could go up to 50% by February," Manindra Agrawal told Reuters.

The central government’s zero survey claimed that around 14 per cent of the Indian population had been infected with COVID-19 until September.

According to Agrawal, serological surveys may not be the right measure of cases due to the size of the population which they are surveying.&nbsp;

This is why the committee of virologists, a 10-member government appointed panel conducted a study titled “Progression of the COVID-19 Pandemic in India: Prognosis and Lockdown Impacts” which used mathematical models instead of relying on a survey.

Their model takes into account the considerable number of unreported infections.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/living-coronavirus-found-on-frozen-food-packaging-for-the-first-time-in-china-336243" hreflang="en">Living coronavirus found on frozen food packaging for the first time in China</a>

"We have evolved a new model which explicitly takes into account unreported cases, so we can divide infected people into two categories – reported cases and infections that do not get reported," Agrawal said.

Besides this, the committee warned that these projections could be surpassed if precautions against COVID-19 are not followed, including basic hand wash and hygiene.

According to their estimates, cases could rise by 2.6 million infections in one month if social distancing measures and facial masks are ignored.

Out of 1.3 billion people in India, half are likely to have been infected by COVID-19 by February 2021, according to the government committee which provides projections.

Out of 1.3 billion people in India, half are likely to have been infected by COVID-19 by February 2021, according to the government committee which provides projections. Indian Institute for Technology’s Manindra Agrawal, who is a member of the committee, on Monday told Reuters that this would slow down the spread of COVID-19. As of Monday, India has reported 7.55 million cases of COVID-19, and is only behind the United States in terms of the total infections. Also read: Coronavirus: Worldwide cases surpass 40 million; more than 50% cases from US, India and Brazil After a peak in mid-September, the number of cases seem to be dropping the country. Currently, over 61,000 new cases are reported each day on an average. "Our mathematical model estimates that around 30% of the population is currently infected and it could go up to 50% by February," Manindra Agrawal told Reuters. The central government’s zero survey claimed that around 14 per cent of the Indian population had been infected with COVID-19 until September. According to Agrawal, serological surveys may not be the right measure of cases due to the size of the population which they are surveying. This is why the committee of virologists, a 10-member government appointed panel conducted a study titled “Progression of the COVID-19 Pandemic in India: Prognosis and Lockdown Impacts” which used mathematical models instead of relying on a survey. Their model takes into account the considerable number of unreported infections. Also read: Living coronavirus found on frozen food packaging for the first time in China "We have evolved a new model which explicitly takes into account unreported cases, so we can divide infected people into two categories – reported cases and infections that do not get reported," Agrawal said. Besides this, the committee warned that these projections could be surpassed if precautions against COVID-19 are not followed, including basic hand wash and hygiene. According to their estimates, cases could rise by 2.6 million infections in one month if social distancing measures and facial masks are ignored.

Half of India's population may have had COVID-19 by February 2021: Government panel

Signalling the future of work in the pandemic times, nearly one in three call centres (27 per cent) in India will switch permanently to work from home as a viable long-term strategy, a new report said on Monday. 
 
Amid the WFH strategy, 53 per cent businesses also reported a drop in productivity of call centre agents. 
 
Some of the challenges listed were internet connectivity, telecom issues, practical constraints such as lack of privacy, space, noise cancellation, lack of desktops and laptops, according to the study by on-demand cloud communication and telephony solutions provider Ozonetel. 
 
"The pandemic has made contact centres look at the services that they provide and how they provide it," said Chaitanya Chokkareddy, Chief Innovation Officer, Ozonetel. 
 
"At the start of the lockdown in March, we promptly assisted many of our clients to move their agents to a work from home mode to help with business continuity plan very quickly," he added. 
 
Nearly 71 per cent of call centre agents mentioned internet connectivity as the biggest barriers to agent productivity, followed by telecom issues by 42 per cent. 
 
The study found that while 61 per cent call centre agents were happy with work from structure initially, gradually their motivation levels dropped. 
 
In spite of all challenges, most companies continue to realise the risk that commute and working from of?ce pose. 55% call centres are letting agents opt for work from home, while 16% are not opening of?ces, and keeping work from home mandatory. 
 
Many call centres have seen the value in creating a robust work from home process even if they do not switch to work from home permanently, or if they are still undecided. 
 
Nearly 38 per cent call centres said they will create a robust work-from-home process. 
 
"We have analysed various metrics to determine and understand trends in customer experience as well as agent efficiency as call centres switch to work from home," Chaitanya said. 
 
The study was done on 50 organisations to uncover the state of the call centre agents during Covid-19 lockdown. 
 
Many of the productivity challenges that call center agents face can be solved when provided with better hardware such as better handsets and headsets, laptops or desktops, direct telecom DID numbers and reimbursement of Wi-Fi charges, the findings showed.

Signalling the future of work in the pandemic times, nearly one in three call centres (27 per cent) in India will switch permanently to work from home as a viable long-term strategy, a new report said on Monday.

Signalling the future of work in the pandemic times, nearly one in three call centres (27 per cent) in India will switch permanently to work from home as a viable long-term strategy, a new report said on Monday. Amid the WFH strategy, 53 per cent businesses also reported a drop in productivity of call centre agents. Some of the challenges listed were internet connectivity, telecom issues, practical constraints such as lack of privacy, space, noise cancellation, lack of desktops and laptops, according to the study by on-demand cloud communication and telephony solutions provider Ozonetel. "The pandemic has made contact centres look at the services that they provide and how they provide it," said Chaitanya Chokkareddy, Chief Innovation Officer, Ozonetel. "At the start of the lockdown in March, we promptly assisted many of our clients to move their agents to a work from home mode to help with business continuity plan very quickly," he added. Nearly 71 per cent of call centre agents mentioned internet connectivity as the biggest barriers to agent productivity, followed by telecom issues by 42 per cent. The study found that while 61 per cent call centre agents were happy with work from structure initially, gradually their motivation levels dropped. In spite of all challenges, most companies continue to realise the risk that commute and working from of?ce pose. 55% call centres are letting agents opt for work from home, while 16% are not opening of?ces, and keeping work from home mandatory. Many call centres have seen the value in creating a robust work from home process even if they do not switch to work from home permanently, or if they are still undecided. Nearly 38 per cent call centres said they will create a robust work-from-home process. "We have analysed various metrics to determine and understand trends in customer experience as well as agent efficiency as call centres switch to work from home," Chaitanya said. The study was done on 50 organisations to uncover the state of the call centre agents during Covid-19 lockdown. Many of the productivity challenges that call center agents face can be solved when provided with better hardware such as better handsets and headsets, laptops or desktops, direct telecom DID numbers and reimbursement of Wi-Fi charges, the findings showed.

1 in 3 call centres in India to switch permanently to work from home

'GPS insensitive': Why Israel's new Rafael defence system can be a gamechanger

So far, India has confirmed 75,50,273 COVID-19 cases, including 1,14,610 deaths. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have reported the highest number of cases. Nevertheless, India's recovery rate continues to increase and is now 88.26 percent.

India records lowest daily COVID-19 cases close to 56,000 in last 24 hrs

A day after facing severe backlash for showing Jammu and Kashmir as a Chinese territory, Twitter has issued a clarification on Monday and called it a "technical issue".

"We became aware of this technical issue on Sunday, and understand and respect the sensitivities around it. Teams have worked swiftly to investigate and resolve the concerned geotag issue," a Twitter spokesperson said on Monday, as quoted by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We became aware of this technical issue on Sunday, &amp; understand &amp; respect the sensitivities around it. Teams have worked swiftly to investigate &amp; resolve the concerned geotag issue: Twitter Spokesperson on location tag in a live broadcast showing Jammu &amp; Kashmir as part of China. <a href="https://t.co/UqpCCgma1q">pic.twitter.com/UqpCCgma1q</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1318082535570616320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On Sunday, the social media giant was harshly criticised after its location tag in a live broadcast displayed Jammu and Kashmir as a region in China.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-under-fire-as-it-shows-jk-as-part-of-china-336260">Twitter under fire as it shows J&amp;K as part of China</a>

The issue first came into fore after Kanchan Gupta, Distinguished Fellow, Observer Research Foundation (ORF) raised the matter on Sunday, calling Twitter's actions as a move to "reconfigure history".

"So Twitter has decided to reconfigure geography and declare Jammu &amp; Kashmir as part of People's Republic of China. If this is not a violation of India laws, what is? Citizens of India have been punished for far less. But US Big Tech is above the law?, Gupta tweeted.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A day after facing severe backlash for showing Jammu and Kashmir as a Chinese territory, Twitter has issued a clarification on Monday and called it a "technical issue".

A day after facing severe backlash for showing Jammu and Kashmir as a Chinese territory, Twitter has issued a clarification on Monday and called it a "technical issue". "We became aware of this technical issue on Sunday, and understand and respect the sensitivities around it. Teams have worked swiftly to investigate and resolve the concerned geotag issue," a Twitter spokesperson said on Monday, as quoted by news agency ANI. We became aware of this technical issue on Sunday, & understand & respect the sensitivities around it. Teams have worked swiftly to investigate & resolve the concerned geotag issue: Twitter Spokesperson on location tag in a live broadcast showing Jammu & Kashmir as part of China. pic.twitter.com/UqpCCgma1q — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2020 × On Sunday, the social media giant was harshly criticised after its location tag in a live broadcast displayed Jammu and Kashmir as a region in China. Also read | Twitter under fire as it shows J&K as part of China The issue first came into fore after Kanchan Gupta, Distinguished Fellow, Observer Research Foundation (ORF) raised the matter on Sunday, calling Twitter's actions as a move to "reconfigure history". "So Twitter has decided to reconfigure geography and declare Jammu & Kashmir as part of People's Republic of China. If this is not a violation of India laws, what is? Citizens of India have been punished for far less. But US Big Tech is above the law?, Gupta tweeted.

Twitter issues clarification following backlash for showing J&K in China

A Indian govt appointed committee claims that India's COVID-19 outbreak seems to have peaked. The govt led scientific committee claims that the outbreak is now on decline in the country.

Govt panel: COVID-19 outbreak now on decline in India

Indian security personnel captured a Chinese soldier in the Chumar-Demchok area of Ladakh.&nbsp;

"Chinese soldier apprehended by security forces in Chumar-Demchok area of Ladakh. He might have entered Indian territory inadvertently. He will be returned to Chinese Army as per established protocol after following due procedure," as sources told news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-issues-clarification-following-backlash-for-showing-jk-in-china-336376">Twitter issues clarification following backlash for showing J&amp;K in China</a>

Initial reports suggest People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldier was carrying civil and military documents when he was caught by the Indian Army, reports India Today.&nbsp;

It also said the Chinese soldier is of corporal-rank and from Shangxizhen town of the central Chinese province of Zhejiang.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Indian security personnel captured a Chinese soldier in the Chumar-Demchok area of Ladakh. "Chinese soldier apprehended by security forces in Chumar-Demchok area of Ladakh.

Indian security personnel captured a Chinese soldier in the Chumar-Demchok area of Ladakh. "Chinese soldier apprehended by security forces in Chumar-Demchok area of Ladakh. He might have entered Indian territory inadvertently. He will be returned to Chinese Army as per established protocol after following due procedure," as sources told news agency ANI. Also read | Twitter issues clarification following backlash for showing J&K in China Initial reports suggest People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldier was carrying civil and military documents when he was caught by the Indian Army, reports India Today. It also said the Chinese soldier is of corporal-rank and from Shangxizhen town of the central Chinese province of Zhejiang.

Indian Army captures Chinese soldier in Ladakh

Taking a swipe at his bete noire Lalu Prasad, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday said during 15 years of RJD rule in Bihar except for anointing wife on the chief miniterial chair did the government do anything for the upliftment of women.

He took an apparent dig at the young opposition leadership in the polls, without taking any names, saying that "those even having no knowledge of alphabets of politic are making statements against me day and night to gain publicity".

"Let them take publicity, I don't bother because I believe in working and not making speeches for the sake of publicity," he said addressing rallies in Nabinagar in Aurangabad and Dinara in the neighbouring Rohtas district.

Though he did not take any name, the message seems directed at RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and LJP chief Chirag Paswan who are making all-out attack on Kumar.

After launching campaign for the current Bihar polls Monday with a virtual rally, Kumar started touring the state from Wednesday to address public meetings.

On Saturday, he held public meetings at Nabinagar, Nokha, karaghar and ended at Dinara in Rohtas district.

Coming down heavily on his main opponent Lalu Prasad, he reeled out comparative data to tell people about the situation prevailing in the state before NDA under him took over the reins in 2005 end.

Making special mention of condition of women during the two regimes, Kumar said "while the leader at that time installed wife on the chair (of CM) but did he do anything for welfare of the females?" RJD president Lalu Prasad, who became chief minister of Bihar in 1990 had taken his wife Rabri Devi out of kitchen and made her the chief minister when he had to go to jail in 1997 in connection with a multi-crore fodder scam case.

Prasad spent long time in prison and in his absence Rabri Devi continued to hold CM post.

Her chief ministerial tenure even exceeds that of Prasad's seven years.

Nitish Kumar as leader of the NDA had thrown the RJD out of power in November 2005 and since then he is at the helm of the state affairs.

Like in the past, Kumar, who has been declared the NDA face in the polls, kept his focus on the RJD which is spearheading Grand Alliance and continued to attack his main political rival Lalu Prasad, spending time in Ranchi jail after conviction in four cases of fodder scam.

Kumar is keeping his campaign narrative around "15 years vs 15 years", appealing voters to compare performance of the NDA and the RJD regimes that spent an equal amount of 15 years.

Highlighting work done for women during 15-year under him, Kumar said while girls were inspired to pursue studies through bicycle yojna, 50 per cent of seats in the panchayats and urban local bodies were reserved for women.

More recently the state government earmarked 35 per cent of jobs for women in police force and other state government services.

"Does any state has more number of women in the police force than Bihar?" he asked the crowd.

Kumar also made reference of launching JEEVIKA progrmme for the women by providing easy finance to women self-help groups to empower them economically.

"We had planned to enroll 10 lakh women through SHGs but the number has increased to 1.2 crore now," he said addressing a rally in Dinara in favour of state minister and JD(U) nominee from the seat Jai Kumar Singh.

He also talked about providing Rs 10,000 assistane to girls clearing plus two exam and Rs 25,000 to those completing graduation and said this would be increased to Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively if his government returns to power.

Kumar highlighted bad law and order situation in Bihar during the RJD rule and cited latest figure of the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) which placed Bihar on 23 rd position in terms of crime now.

The NDA chief ministerial candidate said while they believe in working for the people, the history of the opponents makes it clear that they work only for their wife, sons and children.

"Due to this greed of working only for self, they are behind the bars," he said adding "some more will follow the suit."

Though he did not take any names, the barbs were apparently dircted at Prasad and his family.

Kumar made rich praise of the central government in assisting development of Bihar and caring for its people.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi government is providing foodgrains to the poor free from March to November in the wake of coronovirus pandemic and also gave RS 6000 assistance to farmers as a help during the present crisis period," he said.

He said if voted to power the state and the centre would further step up efforts to see Bihar stand among the frontline states.

Taking a swipe at his bete noire Lalu Prasad, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday said during 15 years of RJD rule in Bihar except for anointing wife on the chief miniterial chair did the government do anything for the upliftment of women.

Taking a swipe at his bete noire Lalu Prasad, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday said during 15 years of RJD rule in Bihar except for anointing wife on the chief miniterial chair did the government do anything for the upliftment of women. He took an apparent dig at the young opposition leadership in the polls, without taking any names, saying that "those even having no knowledge of alphabets of politic are making statements against me day and night to gain publicity". "Let them take publicity, I don't bother because I believe in working and not making speeches for the sake of publicity," he said addressing rallies in Nabinagar in Aurangabad and Dinara in the neighbouring Rohtas district. Though he did not take any name, the message seems directed at RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and LJP chief Chirag Paswan who are making all-out attack on Kumar. After launching campaign for the current Bihar polls Monday with a virtual rally, Kumar started touring the state from Wednesday to address public meetings. On Saturday, he held public meetings at Nabinagar, Nokha, karaghar and ended at Dinara in Rohtas district. Coming down heavily on his main opponent Lalu Prasad, he reeled out comparative data to tell people about the situation prevailing in the state before NDA under him took over the reins in 2005 end. Making special mention of condition of women during the two regimes, Kumar said "while the leader at that time installed wife on the chair (of CM) but did he do anything for welfare of the females?" RJD president Lalu Prasad, who became chief minister of Bihar in 1990 had taken his wife Rabri Devi out of kitchen and made her the chief minister when he had to go to jail in 1997 in connection with a multi-crore fodder scam case. Prasad spent long time in prison and in his absence Rabri Devi continued to hold CM post. Her chief ministerial tenure even exceeds that of Prasad's seven years. Nitish Kumar as leader of the NDA had thrown the RJD out of power in November 2005 and since then he is at the helm of the state affairs. Like in the past, Kumar, who has been declared the NDA face in the polls, kept his focus on the RJD which is spearheading Grand Alliance and continued to attack his main political rival Lalu Prasad, spending time in Ranchi jail after conviction in four cases of fodder scam. Kumar is keeping his campaign narrative around "15 years vs 15 years", appealing voters to compare performance of the NDA and the RJD regimes that spent an equal amount of 15 years. Highlighting work done for women during 15-year under him, Kumar said while girls were inspired to pursue studies through bicycle yojna, 50 per cent of seats in the panchayats and urban local bodies were reserved for women. More recently the state government earmarked 35 per cent of jobs for women in police force and other state government services. "Does any state has more number of women in the police force than Bihar?" he asked the crowd. Kumar also made reference of launching JEEVIKA progrmme for the women by providing easy finance to women self-help groups to empower them economically. "We had planned to enroll 10 lakh women through SHGs but the number has increased to 1.2 crore now," he said addressing a rally in Dinara in favour of state minister and JD(U) nominee from the seat Jai Kumar Singh. He also talked about providing Rs 10,000 assistane to girls clearing plus two exam and Rs 25,000 to those completing graduation and said this would be increased to Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively if his government returns to power. Kumar highlighted bad law and order situation in Bihar during the RJD rule and cited latest figure of the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) which placed Bihar on 23 rd position in terms of crime now. The NDA chief ministerial candidate said while they believe in working for the people, the history of the opponents makes it clear that they work only for their wife, sons and children. "Due to this greed of working only for self, they are behind the bars," he said adding "some more will follow the suit." Though he did not take any names, the barbs were apparently dircted at Prasad and his family. Kumar made rich praise of the central government in assisting development of Bihar and caring for its people. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi government is providing foodgrains to the poor free from March to November in the wake of coronovirus pandemic and also gave RS 6000 assistance to farmers as a help during the present crisis period," he said. He said if voted to power the state and the centre would further step up efforts to see Bihar stand among the frontline states.

Was anything done for women apart from putting wife on CM chair: Nitish continues to attack Lalu

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday asserted that Nitish Kumar will be the next chief minister of Bihar after the coming assembly elections in the state.

Shah also said that the NDA will get a two-third majority in the polls.

"There is no if or but. Nitish Kumar will be the next chief minister of Bihar. We have made a public announcement and we are committed to it," he told CNN News18 when asked whether the BJP will stake claim for the chief ministership in Bihar if the saffron party gets more seats than the ally JD(U) headed by Nitish Kumar.

Shah said people of Bihar will get a "double engine" government -- one at Bihar headed by Nitish Kumar and another at the Centre headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Talking about the Lok Janshakti Party breaking away from the ruling alliance in Bihar, Shah said the party was offered adequate seats but still walked away from the alliance.

"It was their (LJP) decision, not ours," he said.

Shah's comments come amid the war of words between LJP chief Chirag Paswan and BJP over the former targetting the ruling JD(U) saying voting for it meant pushing the state to "backwardness".

Paswan on Friday asserted that his party will come to power in the state and implement its 'Bihar first, Bihari first' vision document.

The second phase of elections is scheduled to be held on November 3.

Paswan told the party candidates, "It is necessary for all of you to win the assembly election for the sake of Bihar's future. Giving votes to JD(U) means pushing Bihar to backwardness."

"The LJP is not just contesting elections, but will emerge victorious and implement Bihar first, Bihari first," Paswan, who is a Lok Sabha member from Jamui, said.

Paswan also tweeted a couplet in Hindi: "Zulm karo mat, Zulm saho mat. Jeena Hai to marna sikho, Kadam kadam par larna sikho (Don't oppress, don't tolerate oppression. If you want to live, learn to die first, also learn to fight back at every step)."

He also posted a 13-second audio clip of his father and LJP founder, late Ram Vilas Paswan, in which he is heard reciting the same lines to enthuse the party workers and woo the voters.

The LJP has already announced a list of 42 candidates for the first phase of Bihar assembly election slated to be held on October 28.

The party has unequivocally stated that it will put up candidates in 143 constituencies especially to thwart the electoral chances of candidates of the ruling JD(U) which is contesting 122 seats.

The LJP had quit the NDA in Bihar on October 4 saying it will contest the state assembly poll on its own and not under the alliance's chief minister face and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar.

Paswan's party had, however, clarified that it will not field any candidate against the BJP and the decision to go it alone was taken due to "ideological differences" with the JD(U).

The BJP, which is contesting 121 seats, has termed the LJP as "votekatwa" (one who takes away votes) whose only aim is to ensure that the NDA does not win in Bihar.

"The party (LJP) which cannot win a single seat in Bihar is spreading confusion by claiming to form the government," senior BJP leader and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi said.

"Paswan says he will not let Nitish Kumar become the CM which means that he is opposing the decision of PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. What kind of politics is it that on the one hand he (Paswan) showers praise on the PM and on the other opposes Nitish Kumar to whom he (PM) has extended his support?" he said.

The saffron party has iterated that whoever opposes Kumar's candidacy for the CM's post is against the BJP.

Sushil Modi termed Paswan's claim that he has met top BJP leader Amit Shah and discussed the Bihar polls as "false and baseless".

The deputy chief minister said that he had a talk with Shah, who specifically told him that there was no such meeting.

On the issue of poll understanding in the Bihar assembly election between the BJP and the LJP, he said there was difference of opinion between them on seat adjustment as Paswan wanted more of them and the talks had failed.

The LJP had walked out of the NDA in Bihar on its own, Suhil Modi said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday asserted that Nitish Kumar will be the next chief minister of Bihar after the coming assembly elections in the state. Shah also said that the NDA will get a two-third majority in the polls.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday asserted that Nitish Kumar will be the next chief minister of Bihar after the coming assembly elections in the state. Shah also said that the NDA will get a two-third majority in the polls. "There is no if or but. Nitish Kumar will be the next chief minister of Bihar. We have made a public announcement and we are committed to it," he told CNN News18 when asked whether the BJP will stake claim for the chief ministership in Bihar if the saffron party gets more seats than the ally JD(U) headed by Nitish Kumar. Shah said people of Bihar will get a "double engine" government -- one at Bihar headed by Nitish Kumar and another at the Centre headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Talking about the Lok Janshakti Party breaking away from the ruling alliance in Bihar, Shah said the party was offered adequate seats but still walked away from the alliance. "It was their (LJP) decision, not ours," he said. Shah's comments come amid the war of words between LJP chief Chirag Paswan and BJP over the former targetting the ruling JD(U) saying voting for it meant pushing the state to "backwardness". Paswan on Friday asserted that his party will come to power in the state and implement its 'Bihar first, Bihari first' vision document. The second phase of elections is scheduled to be held on November 3. Paswan told the party candidates, "It is necessary for all of you to win the assembly election for the sake of Bihar's future. Giving votes to JD(U) means pushing Bihar to backwardness." "The LJP is not just contesting elections, but will emerge victorious and implement Bihar first, Bihari first," Paswan, who is a Lok Sabha member from Jamui, said. Paswan also tweeted a couplet in Hindi: "Zulm karo mat, Zulm saho mat. Jeena Hai to marna sikho, Kadam kadam par larna sikho (Don't oppress, don't tolerate oppression. If you want to live, learn to die first, also learn to fight back at every step)." He also posted a 13-second audio clip of his father and LJP founder, late Ram Vilas Paswan, in which he is heard reciting the same lines to enthuse the party workers and woo the voters. The LJP has already announced a list of 42 candidates for the first phase of Bihar assembly election slated to be held on October 28. The party has unequivocally stated that it will put up candidates in 143 constituencies especially to thwart the electoral chances of candidates of the ruling JD(U) which is contesting 122 seats. The LJP had quit the NDA in Bihar on October 4 saying it will contest the state assembly poll on its own and not under the alliance's chief minister face and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar. Paswan's party had, however, clarified that it will not field any candidate against the BJP and the decision to go it alone was taken due to "ideological differences" with the JD(U). The BJP, which is contesting 121 seats, has termed the LJP as "votekatwa" (one who takes away votes) whose only aim is to ensure that the NDA does not win in Bihar. "The party (LJP) which cannot win a single seat in Bihar is spreading confusion by claiming to form the government," senior BJP leader and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi said. "Paswan says he will not let Nitish Kumar become the CM which means that he is opposing the decision of PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. What kind of politics is it that on the one hand he (Paswan) showers praise on the PM and on the other opposes Nitish Kumar to whom he (PM) has extended his support?" he said. The saffron party has iterated that whoever opposes Kumar's candidacy for the CM's post is against the BJP. Sushil Modi termed Paswan's claim that he has met top BJP leader Amit Shah and discussed the Bihar polls as "false and baseless". The deputy chief minister said that he had a talk with Shah, who specifically told him that there was no such meeting. On the issue of poll understanding in the Bihar assembly election between the BJP and the LJP, he said there was difference of opinion between them on seat adjustment as Paswan wanted more of them and the talks had failed. The LJP had walked out of the NDA in Bihar on its own, Suhil Modi said.

Nitish to be next CM of Bihar, asserts Amit Shah amid tensions between BJP, LJP

Amidst the continuing standoff with China in Ladakh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the Modi government is fully alert towards securing each inch of the country's land and no one can take it away.

Shah also said the government is taking all possible military and diplomatic steps to resolve the standoff in Ladakh with China.

"We are vigilant for every inch of our land, no one can take it away. Our defence forces and leadership are capable of defending the country's sovereignty and border," he told CNN News18 when asked whether China has entered into Indian territory.

The home minister also said that the government is committed to protecting the sovereignty and security of the country.

Referring to the coming Bihar elections, Shah expressed confidence that the NDA will get a two-third majority.

He said Nitish Kumar will be the next chief minister of the state after the polls.

The home minister said there will be a change of government in West Bengal after next year's assembly elections and a BJP government will assume power there.

"We feel we will have a determined fight in West Bengal and we will form the government," he said.

He also said that the law and order situation in West Bengal is serious and political parties like the BJP have every right to seek imposition of President's rule there.

When asked whether the BJP will stake claim for the chief ministership in Bihar if the saffron party gets more seats than the ally JD(U) headed by Nitish Kumar, he said, "The central government will take an appropriate decision taking into account the Constitution and on the basis of the governor's report."

"There is no if or but. Nitish Kumar will be the next chief minister of Bihar. We have made a public announcement and we are committed to it," he said.

Talking about the Lok Janshakti Party breaking away from the ruling alliance in Bihar, Shah said the party was offered adequate seats but still walked away from the alliance.

"It was their (LJP) decision, not ours," he said.

Amidst the continuing standoff with China in Ladakh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the Modi government is fully alert towards securing each inch of the country's land and no one can take it away.

Amidst the continuing standoff with China in Ladakh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the Modi government is fully alert towards securing each inch of the country's land and no one can take it away. Shah also said the government is taking all possible military and diplomatic steps to resolve the standoff in Ladakh with China. "We are vigilant for every inch of our land, no one can take it away. Our defence forces and leadership are capable of defending the country's sovereignty and border," he told CNN News18 when asked whether China has entered into Indian territory. The home minister also said that the government is committed to protecting the sovereignty and security of the country. Referring to the coming Bihar elections, Shah expressed confidence that the NDA will get a two-third majority. He said Nitish Kumar will be the next chief minister of the state after the polls. The home minister said there will be a change of government in West Bengal after next year's assembly elections and a BJP government will assume power there. "We feel we will have a determined fight in West Bengal and we will form the government," he said. He also said that the law and order situation in West Bengal is serious and political parties like the BJP have every right to seek imposition of President's rule there. When asked whether the BJP will stake claim for the chief ministership in Bihar if the saffron party gets more seats than the ally JD(U) headed by Nitish Kumar, he said, "The central government will take an appropriate decision taking into account the Constitution and on the basis of the governor's report." "There is no if or but. Nitish Kumar will be the next chief minister of Bihar. We have made a public announcement and we are committed to it," he said. Talking about the Lok Janshakti Party breaking away from the ruling alliance in Bihar, Shah said the party was offered adequate seats but still walked away from the alliance. "It was their (LJP) decision, not ours," he said.

BJP has every right to seek President's rule in Bengal if law and order situation worsens: Amit Shah

Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech are expected to pursue late stage clinical trials of intranasal COVID-19 vaccines in the coming months once they receive regulatory approval, India`s health minister said on Sunday.

Dr Harsh Vardhan said the late stage trial generally involves thousands of participants, sometimes 30,000 to 40,000.

Of the vaccines currently in Phase 3 trials, all are administered by injection, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

On Saturday, India`s Dr Reddy`s Laboratories Ltd and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said they have received renewed approval to conduct late-stage clinical trials in India of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine.

India`s coronavirus infections rose by another 61,871 over the past 24 hours, data released on Sunday showed, although the health ministry said it is seeing a trend of steadily declining active cases.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said it will revisit its protocol for COVID-19 treatment after the WHO found some of the commonly used drugs, including remdesivir, had little or no impact on a patient`s chances of surviving, local media reported earlier on Sunday.

Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech are expected to pursue late stage clinical trials of intranasal COVID-19 vaccines in the coming months once they receive regulatory approval, India`s health minister said on Sunday.

Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech are expected to pursue late stage clinical trials of intranasal COVID-19 vaccines in the coming months once they receive regulatory approval, India`s health minister said on Sunday. Dr Harsh Vardhan said the late stage trial generally involves thousands of participants, sometimes 30,000 to 40,000. Of the vaccines currently in Phase 3 trials, all are administered by injection, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). On Saturday, India`s Dr Reddy`s Laboratories Ltd and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said they have received renewed approval to conduct late-stage clinical trials in India of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine. India`s coronavirus infections rose by another 61,871 over the past 24 hours, data released on Sunday showed, although the health ministry said it is seeing a trend of steadily declining active cases. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said it will revisit its protocol for COVID-19 treatment after the WHO found some of the commonly used drugs, including remdesivir, had little or no impact on a patient`s chances of surviving, local media reported earlier on Sunday.

Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech to begin trial of intranasal COVID-19 vaccine soon

A major controversy has erupted after Twitter India showed Jammu and Kashmir as part of Peoples Republic of China in the timelines.

The matter was raised Kanchan Gupta, Distinguished Fellow, Observer Research Foundation (ORF) after tweets showed J&amp;K as a part of China.

"So @Twitter has decided to reconfigure geography and declare Jammu &amp; Kashmir as part of People`s Republic of #China . If this is not a violation of #India laws, what is? Citizens of India have been punished for far less. But US Big Tech is above the law?", Gupta wrote tagging Telecom and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
So <a href="https://twitter.com/Twitter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Twitter</a> has decided to reconfigure geography and declare Jammu &amp; Kashmir as part of People's Republic of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> . If this is not a violation of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> laws, what is? Citizens of India have been punished for far less. But US Big Tech is above the law? <a href="https://twitter.com/nitingokhale?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nitingokhale</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rsprasad?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rsprasad</a> <a href="https://t.co/euelMvCxTy">pic.twitter.com/euelMvCxTy</a>
— Kanchan Gupta (@KanchanGupta) <a href="https://twitter.com/KanchanGupta/status/1317722087134437376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Several netizens also asked Prasad and the government to take action against Twitter India.

"No @Twitter this is not a freak happenstance," Gupta said in another tweet.

"@Twitter @TwitterIndia so according to you Leh is a part of People`s Republic of China," said a netizen.

"Kindly look into this and take action appropriately. It`s high time that these social media giants be held accountable for their stupidity," a netizen said asking Prasad to action.

"Please take cognizance of this serious matter and take necessary action against @TwitterIndia. They cannot take Indian sovereignty for granted. Don`t let them normalize this misadventure," another another Twitterati.

A major controversy has erupted after Twitter India showed Jammu and Kashmir as part of Peoples Republic of China in the timelines. The matter was raised Kanchan Gupta, Distinguished Fellow, Observer Research Foundation (ORF) after tweets showed J&K as a part of China.

A major controversy has erupted after Twitter India showed Jammu and Kashmir as part of Peoples Republic of China in the timelines. The matter was raised Kanchan Gupta, Distinguished Fellow, Observer Research Foundation (ORF) after tweets showed J&K as a part of China. "So @Twitter has decided to reconfigure geography and declare Jammu & Kashmir as part of People`s Republic of #China . If this is not a violation of #India laws, what is? Citizens of India have been punished for far less. But US Big Tech is above the law?", Gupta wrote tagging Telecom and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. So @Twitter has decided to reconfigure geography and declare Jammu & Kashmir as part of People's Republic of #China . If this is not a violation of #India laws, what is? Citizens of India have been punished for far less. But US Big Tech is above the law? @nitingokhale @rsprasad pic.twitter.com/euelMvCxTy — Kanchan Gupta (@KanchanGupta) October 18, 2020 × Several netizens also asked Prasad and the government to take action against Twitter India. "No @Twitter this is not a freak happenstance," Gupta said in another tweet. "@Twitter @TwitterIndia so according to you Leh is a part of People`s Republic of China," said a netizen. "Kindly look into this and take action appropriately. It`s high time that these social media giants be held accountable for their stupidity," a netizen said asking Prasad to action. "Please take cognizance of this serious matter and take necessary action against @TwitterIndia. They cannot take Indian sovereignty for granted. Don`t let them normalize this misadventure," another another Twitterati.

Twitter under fire as it shows J&K as part of China

There is the good news of coronavirus vaccine trials to be conducted in India. Pharma major Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Russia’s sovereign wealth fund RDIF have received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to conduct an adaptive phase 2/3 human clinical trial for the Sputnik V vaccine in the country.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Clinical trials for Sputnik V to resume and to be held in India

The Indian government has served notices to e-commerce majors Amazon and Flipkart for non-declaration of mandatory disclosure, including the 'Country of Origin' on specific products. Watch report.

Indian government notice to Amazon and Flipkart: E-commerce majors given 15 days to reply

The navies of India and Sri Lanka will conduct a three-day military exercise off Trincomalee beginning Monday, in a show of growing congruence in their strategic interests and operational convergence in the region, officials said.

The eighth edition of the annual SLINEX exercise will feature a series of complex drills including surface and anti-air weapon firings and cross deck flying operations with an aim to further fine-tune the "high degree" of inter-operability between the two navies, they said.

The Indian Navy will deploy anti-submarine warfare corvettes INS Kamorta and INS Kiltan as well as a sizeable number of advanced light helicopters, Chetak helicopter and Dornier maritime patrol aircraft in the exercise, the officials said.

The Sri Lanka Navy will be represented by offshore patrol vessel Sayura and training ship Gajabahu.

The previous edition of SLINEX was conducted off Visakhapatnam in September 2019.

"SLINEX series of exercise exemplifies the deep engagement between India and Sri Lanka which has strengthened mutual cooperation in the maritime domain," an Indian Navy spokesperson said.

"Interaction between the two navies has also grown significantly in recent years, in consonance with India's policy of ?Neighbourhood First' and the prime minister's vision of Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR)," he said.

The Indian Navy has participated in a number of joint maritime exercises in the last few weeks including a three-day drill with Japanese navy from September 26-28.

Last month, Indian Navy also carried out a two-day mega exercise in the Indian Ocean Region with the Australian Navy that featured a range of complex naval manoeuvres, anti-aircraft drills and helicopter operations.

In July, the Indian Navy carried out a military exercise with a US Navy carrier strike group led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz off the coast of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The USS Nimitz is the world's largest warship.

India has significantly expanded its deployment in the Indian Ocean Region with a plethora of warships and submarines following its border row with China in eastern Ladakh, ostensibly to send across a message to Beijing.&nbsp;

The navies of India and Sri Lanka will conduct a three-day military exercise off Trincomalee beginning Monday, in a show of growing congruence in their strategic interests and operational convergence in the region, officials said.

The navies of India and Sri Lanka will conduct a three-day military exercise off Trincomalee beginning Monday, in a show of growing congruence in their strategic interests and operational convergence in the region, officials said. The eighth edition of the annual SLINEX exercise will feature a series of complex drills including surface and anti-air weapon firings and cross deck flying operations with an aim to further fine-tune the "high degree" of inter-operability between the two navies, they said. The Indian Navy will deploy anti-submarine warfare corvettes INS Kamorta and INS Kiltan as well as a sizeable number of advanced light helicopters, Chetak helicopter and Dornier maritime patrol aircraft in the exercise, the officials said. The Sri Lanka Navy will be represented by offshore patrol vessel Sayura and training ship Gajabahu. The previous edition of SLINEX was conducted off Visakhapatnam in September 2019. "SLINEX series of exercise exemplifies the deep engagement between India and Sri Lanka which has strengthened mutual cooperation in the maritime domain," an Indian Navy spokesperson said. "Interaction between the two navies has also grown significantly in recent years, in consonance with India's policy of ?Neighbourhood First' and the prime minister's vision of Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR)," he said. The Indian Navy has participated in a number of joint maritime exercises in the last few weeks including a three-day drill with Japanese navy from September 26-28. Last month, Indian Navy also carried out a two-day mega exercise in the Indian Ocean Region with the Australian Navy that featured a range of complex naval manoeuvres, anti-aircraft drills and helicopter operations. In July, the Indian Navy carried out a military exercise with a US Navy carrier strike group led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz off the coast of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The USS Nimitz is the world's largest warship. India has significantly expanded its deployment in the Indian Ocean Region with a plethora of warships and submarines following its border row with China in eastern Ladakh, ostensibly to send across a message to Beijing.

Indian and Sri Lankan navies to carry out three-day military drill beginning Monday

A pan-India study by the Department of Biotechnology suggests that A2a strain of SARS-CoV-2 -- the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 -- has not undergone any major mutation since June and there is no indication that the vaccine or diagnostics strategy would be hindered.

Mutation typically refers to the property of a virus to undergo changes when it multiplies and the virus may develop some new strains after it replicates.

The DBT's National Institute of Biomedical Genomics have sequenced 1,058 genomes in the past six months.

Genome sequencing is figuring out the order of DNA nucleotides, or building blocks. It helps in understanding how genes work together to direct the growth, development and maintenance of an entire organism.

Saumitra Das, the director of the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, said the institutes started sequencing the virus from different parts of the country from April.

In some cases, the new strains tend to be less effective and therefore die out soon, while in other cases they may become more powerful and lead to faster spread of the virus.

There had been concerns in some quarters that any major mutation detected in the novel coronavirus could hinder the development of an effective vaccine. However, some recent global studies have said the vaccines currently being developed for COVID-19 should not be affected by recent mutations.

The A2a clade, also the most predominant strain globally, accounts for 80-90 per cent of the genomes from India.

A pan-India study by the Department of Biotechnology suggests that A2a strain of SARS-CoV-2 -- the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 -- has not undergone any major mutation since June and there is no indication that the vaccine or diagnostics strategy would be hindered.

A pan-India study by the Department of Biotechnology suggests that A2a strain of SARS-CoV-2 -- the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 -- has not undergone any major mutation since June and there is no indication that the vaccine or diagnostics strategy would be hindered. Mutation typically refers to the property of a virus to undergo changes when it multiplies and the virus may develop some new strains after it replicates. The DBT's National Institute of Biomedical Genomics have sequenced 1,058 genomes in the past six months. Genome sequencing is figuring out the order of DNA nucleotides, or building blocks. It helps in understanding how genes work together to direct the growth, development and maintenance of an entire organism. Saumitra Das, the director of the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, said the institutes started sequencing the virus from different parts of the country from April. In some cases, the new strains tend to be less effective and therefore die out soon, while in other cases they may become more powerful and lead to faster spread of the virus. There had been concerns in some quarters that any major mutation detected in the novel coronavirus could hinder the development of an effective vaccine. However, some recent global studies have said the vaccines currently being developed for COVID-19 should not be affected by recent mutations. The A2a clade, also the most predominant strain globally, accounts for 80-90 per cent of the genomes from India.

No major mutation observed in SARS-COV 2 since June, study says

Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has slammed news channel Republic network for disclosing and misrepresenting confidential communication.

In a statement, BARC India said Sunday, "BARC India has not commented on the ongoing investigation and it is providing necessary assistance to the law enforcement agency."

The statement comes in response to Republic network claiming that BARC's response in an e-mail exchange with the channel stands in contradiction to the allegations levelled by Mumbai Police chief Param Bir Singh.

"BARC India is highly disappointed with the actions of the Republic network by disclosing private and confidential communications and misrepresenting the same. BARC India reiterates that it has not commented on the ongoing investigation and without prejudice to BARC India's rights, it expresses its dismay at the actions of the Republic Network," BARC added.

Earlier this month, the Mumbai Police busted a major fraud of manipulating TRP (Television Rating Point) data by at least three TV channels and also made arrests with regard to it.

In consequence, BARC, on October 12, had announced that it has paused the measurement of television viewership ratings of news channels for a period of twelve weeks.

Republic TV, earlier&nbsp;on Sunday, claimed that the BARC has 'confirmed that there was never a case against the network and there was no malpractice or illegality found against it'. The media group also released an alleged email sent by BARC and said that the &nbsp;Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh's remarks that Republic TV was involved in fudging the TRP data was 'based on a lie'.&nbsp;

Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has slammed news channel Republic network for disclosing and misrepresenting confidential communication. In a statement, BARC India said Sunday, "BARC India has not commented on the ongoing investigation and it is providing necessary assistance to the law enforcement agency.

Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has slammed news channel Republic network for disclosing and misrepresenting confidential communication. In a statement, BARC India said Sunday, "BARC India has not commented on the ongoing investigation and it is providing necessary assistance to the law enforcement agency." The statement comes in response to Republic network claiming that BARC's response in an e-mail exchange with the channel stands in contradiction to the allegations levelled by Mumbai Police chief Param Bir Singh. "BARC India is highly disappointed with the actions of the Republic network by disclosing private and confidential communications and misrepresenting the same. BARC India reiterates that it has not commented on the ongoing investigation and without prejudice to BARC India's rights, it expresses its dismay at the actions of the Republic Network," BARC added. Earlier this month, the Mumbai Police busted a major fraud of manipulating TRP (Television Rating Point) data by at least three TV channels and also made arrests with regard to it. In consequence, BARC, on October 12, had announced that it has paused the measurement of television viewership ratings of news channels for a period of twelve weeks. Republic TV, earlier on Sunday, claimed that the BARC has 'confirmed that there was never a case against the network and there was no malpractice or illegality found against it'. The media group also released an alleged email sent by BARC and said that the Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh's remarks that Republic TV was involved in fudging the TRP data was 'based on a lie'.

BARC India expresses dismay at misrepresentation of its communication by Republic Network

India today successfully test fired Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the indigenous stealth destroyer INS Chennai.

DRDO in its tweet informed that the test was carried out in the Arabian sea and the missile successfully hit the designated target with pin-point accuracy.

BrahMos as ‘prime strike weapon’ will ensure the warship’s invincibility by engaging naval surface targets at long ranges, thus making the destroyer another lethal platform of Indian Navy. The highly versatile BrahMos has been jointly designed, developed and produced by India and Russia.

BrahMos Aerospace, an India-Russia joint venture, produces the supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or from land platforms.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the BrahMos Aerospace and the Indian Navy for the "successful" test-firing of the missile.

DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy too congratulated the scientists and all personnel involved in the test-firing of the missile which he said will add to the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces in many ways.

In the last few weeks, India has test fired a number of missiles including a new version of the surface-to-surface supersonic cruise missile BrahMos and anti-radiation missile Rudram-1.

(With inputs from agencies)

India today successfully test fired Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the indigenous stealth destroyer INS Chennai.

India today successfully test fired Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the indigenous stealth destroyer INS Chennai. DRDO in its tweet informed that the test was carried out in the Arabian sea and the missile successfully hit the designated target with pin-point accuracy. BrahMos as ‘prime strike weapon’ will ensure the warship’s invincibility by engaging naval surface targets at long ranges, thus making the destroyer another lethal platform of Indian Navy. The highly versatile BrahMos has been jointly designed, developed and produced by India and Russia. BrahMos Aerospace, an India-Russia joint venture, produces the supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or from land platforms. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the BrahMos Aerospace and the Indian Navy for the "successful" test-firing of the missile. DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy too congratulated the scientists and all personnel involved in the test-firing of the missile which he said will add to the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces in many ways. In the last few weeks, India has test fired a number of missiles including a new version of the surface-to-surface supersonic cruise missile BrahMos and anti-radiation missile Rudram-1. (With inputs from agencies)

BrahMos missile test-fired from stealth destroyer INS Chennai in Arabian Sea

The number of new coronavirus cases and deaths have declined in the last three weeks as the spread of the pandemic has stabilised in most of the states, Niti Aayog Member V K Paul said on Sunday but did not rule out the possibility of a second wave of infections in the winter season.

Paul, who is also the chief of an expert coordinating efforts to tackle the pandemic in the country, he said that once the COVID-19 vaccine is available, there will be enough resources to deliver as well as make it accessible to the citizens.

"In India, the new coronavirus cases and number of deaths have declined in the last three weeks and the pandemic has stabilised in most of the states "However, there are five states (Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal) and 3-4 Union Territories (UTs), where there is still a rising trend," Paul said. He is heading the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC).

According to him, India is in a somewhat better position now but the country still has a long way to go because 90 per cent of the people are still susceptible to coronavirus infections.

On whether India could see a second wave of coronavirus infections in the winter, Paul said that with the onset of winter, countries across Europe are seeing resurgence of COVID-19 cases.

"We cannot rule out (a second coronavirus wave this winter in India). Things can happen and we are still learning about the virus," Paul noted.

To a query about storage and distribution of vaccine once it is available, he said India has enough cold storage facilities to an extent and this can be readily augmented as required.

"Once the vaccine is available, there will be enough resources for delivering vaccines and making vaccines accessible to the citizens and there will be no concern about resources under those circumstances," Paul said.

The coronavirus death toll climbed to 1, 14,031, the health ministry's data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of active cases of coronavirus infection remained below eight lakh for the second consecutive day.

The number of new coronavirus cases and deaths have declined in the last three weeks as the spread of the pandemic has stabilised in most of the states, Niti Aayog Member V K Paul said on Sunday but did not rule out the possibility of a second wave of infections in the winter season.

The number of new coronavirus cases and deaths have declined in the last three weeks as the spread of the pandemic has stabilised in most of the states, Niti Aayog Member V K Paul said on Sunday but did not rule out the possibility of a second wave of infections in the winter season. Paul, who is also the chief of an expert coordinating efforts to tackle the pandemic in the country, he said that once the COVID-19 vaccine is available, there will be enough resources to deliver as well as make it accessible to the citizens. "In India, the new coronavirus cases and number of deaths have declined in the last three weeks and the pandemic has stabilised in most of the states "However, there are five states (Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal) and 3-4 Union Territories (UTs), where there is still a rising trend," Paul said. He is heading the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC). According to him, India is in a somewhat better position now but the country still has a long way to go because 90 per cent of the people are still susceptible to coronavirus infections. On whether India could see a second wave of coronavirus infections in the winter, Paul said that with the onset of winter, countries across Europe are seeing resurgence of COVID-19 cases. "We cannot rule out (a second coronavirus wave this winter in India). Things can happen and we are still learning about the virus," Paul noted. To a query about storage and distribution of vaccine once it is available, he said India has enough cold storage facilities to an extent and this can be readily augmented as required. "Once the vaccine is available, there will be enough resources for delivering vaccines and making vaccines accessible to the citizens and there will be no concern about resources under those circumstances," Paul said. The coronavirus death toll climbed to 1, 14,031, the health ministry's data updated at 8 am showed. The number of active cases of coronavirus infection remained below eight lakh for the second consecutive day.

Can't rule out possibility of second wave of COVID-19 during winter: Expert panel chief VK Paul

A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) assistant sub-inspector (ASI) was injured on Sunday in a grenade attack by terrorist in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

Police said militants hurled the grenade at the CRPF posse in Tral town.

CRPF jawan has suffered a minor splinter injury in his lower abdomen and has been rushed to the district hospital. He is reported to be stable.

The area has been cordoned off. A search operation is underway.

“An assistant sub-inspector of CRPF was injured in the grenade attack. He has been shifted to hospital for treatment. The area has been cordoned off for searches,” police said.

The situation in Kashmir has been consistently strained amid conflicts between India and Pakistan.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) assistant sub-inspector (ASI) was injured on Sunday in a grenade attack by terrorist in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) assistant sub-inspector (ASI) was injured on Sunday in a grenade attack by terrorist in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Police said militants hurled the grenade at the CRPF posse in Tral town. CRPF jawan has suffered a minor splinter injury in his lower abdomen and has been rushed to the district hospital. He is reported to be stable. The area has been cordoned off. A search operation is underway. “An assistant sub-inspector of CRPF was injured in the grenade attack. He has been shifted to hospital for treatment. The area has been cordoned off for searches,” police said. The situation in Kashmir has been consistently strained amid conflicts between India and Pakistan. (With inputs from agencies)

CRPF officer injured in grenade attack in J&K’s Tral

Government of India has said that country's caseload mounted to 74, 94,551 with 61,871 new infections being reported in a day, while the recoveries surged to 65, 97,209 pushing the recovery rate to 88.03 per cent.

The coronavirus death toll climbed to 1, 14,031 with the virus claiming 1,033 lives in span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

India has one of the lowest Covid-19 deaths per million population in the world with less than 1,000 fatalities registered daily since October 4. The fatality rate of 1.52 per cent on Friday was the lowest since March 22, the Union health ministry said.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a cumulative total of 9,42,24,190 samples have been tested up to October 17 with 9,70,173 samples being tested on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Government of India has said that country's caseload mounted to 74, 94,551 with 61,871 new infections being reported in a day, while the recoveries surged to 65, 97,209 pushing the recovery rate to 88.

Government of India has said that country's caseload mounted to 74, 94,551 with 61,871 new infections being reported in a day, while the recoveries surged to 65, 97,209 pushing the recovery rate to 88.03 per cent. The coronavirus death toll climbed to 1, 14,031 with the virus claiming 1,033 lives in span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed. India has one of the lowest Covid-19 deaths per million population in the world with less than 1,000 fatalities registered daily since October 4. The fatality rate of 1.52 per cent on Friday was the lowest since March 22, the Union health ministry said. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a cumulative total of 9,42,24,190 samples have been tested up to October 17 with 9,70,173 samples being tested on Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus in India: 61,871 new infections, 1,033 more fatalities in country

Balasubramaniakumar, a 74-year old who was rescued alive from a freezer box at his residence in Salem on Tuesday, was pronounced dead on Friday morning after he failed to respond to ventilator support, said the dean of the government hospital where he was admitted.&nbsp;

Initial investigation has revealed that Balasubramaniakumar, an epileptic who was also under psychiatric treatment was taken to nearby hospitals in a critically ill state. However, two hospitals had turned him away and directed the family to a government hospital. Apparently, this had led the family to bring the septuagenarian home. It is also said that the family had managed to get a Form-4 death certificate that is issued in the case of death at home.&nbsp;

Health officials monitoring the investigation say that this certificate was used by Balasubramaniakumar’s younger brother Saravanan, aged 70, to rent a freezer box. It was when the freezer box agency staff had returned to collect it on Tuesday that they had a rude shock. They had noticed the septuagenarian moving in the closed freezer.&nbsp;

In a video of the incident, where the senior citizen is seen moving in the freezer box, the younger brother is seen telling a bystander that the person (in the freezer box) has died and that the hospital had given them a letter. The person who is questioning the kin also says that they would call the government’s 108 ambulance service.&nbsp;

The police was informed of this and the Septuagenarian was taken to a government hospital for treatment. “He was in a half-conscious state and there was no hypothermia, we are not sure for how long he was in the box. His Blood pressure, CT Scan and ultrasound, blood sugar were normal. We had also known that he had been bedridden for a while and had a history of lung issues, probably Tuberculosis” Balajinathan, Dean, Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital told Zee Media.&nbsp;

He also added that the patient’s condition had deteriorated on Thursday, following which he was put on mechanical ventilator, but failed to respond to it and died on Friday morning.&nbsp;

A senior health official told Zee Media that an enquiry is underway, the post mortem report in awaited and that it would take two days to understand further. It was also added that the deceased person’s kin and family did not seem to be in a sound state of mind.&nbsp;

Balasubramaniakumar, a 74-year old who was rescued alive from a freezer box at his residence in Salem on Tuesday, was pronounced dead on Friday morning after he failed to respond to ventilator support, said the dean of the government hospital where he was admitted.

Balasubramaniakumar, a 74-year old who was rescued alive from a freezer box at his residence in Salem on Tuesday, was pronounced dead on Friday morning after he failed to respond to ventilator support, said the dean of the government hospital where he was admitted. Initial investigation has revealed that Balasubramaniakumar, an epileptic who was also under psychiatric treatment was taken to nearby hospitals in a critically ill state. However, two hospitals had turned him away and directed the family to a government hospital. Apparently, this had led the family to bring the septuagenarian home. It is also said that the family had managed to get a Form-4 death certificate that is issued in the case of death at home. Health officials monitoring the investigation say that this certificate was used by Balasubramaniakumar’s younger brother Saravanan, aged 70, to rent a freezer box. It was when the freezer box agency staff had returned to collect it on Tuesday that they had a rude shock. They had noticed the septuagenarian moving in the closed freezer. In a video of the incident, where the senior citizen is seen moving in the freezer box, the younger brother is seen telling a bystander that the person (in the freezer box) has died and that the hospital had given them a letter. The person who is questioning the kin also says that they would call the government’s 108 ambulance service. The police was informed of this and the Septuagenarian was taken to a government hospital for treatment. “He was in a half-conscious state and there was no hypothermia, we are not sure for how long he was in the box. His Blood pressure, CT Scan and ultrasound, blood sugar were normal. We had also known that he had been bedridden for a while and had a history of lung issues, probably Tuberculosis” Balajinathan, Dean, Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital told Zee Media. He also added that the patient’s condition had deteriorated on Thursday, following which he was put on mechanical ventilator, but failed to respond to it and died on Friday morning. A senior health official told Zee Media that an enquiry is underway, the post mortem report in awaited and that it would take two days to understand further. It was also added that the deceased person’s kin and family did not seem to be in a sound state of mind.

Tamil Nadu: Senior citizen rescued from freezer box dies

India is expected to get three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-displays-rafale-sukhoi-fighters-on-88th-foundation-day-333586">Rafale </a>fighter jets in early November. Official confirmation of the dates is yet to be made by the Indian side on when they will ferry the Rafales.

Under the 2016 agreement worth Rs 59,000 crores, India will get 36 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-occupies-six-new-major-heights-along-lac-rafales-conduct-familiarisation-sorties-328997">Rafales</a>. It has already got the first batch of five Rafales earlier this year amid fanfare.

The five Rafales were inducted at Ambala airbase on September 10 in the presence of French defence minister Florence Parly and Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh.

The development comes even as tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) between India and China remains. The Chinese build-up at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/india-china-standoff">LAC</a> remains despite several rounds of diplomatic and military talks.&nbsp;

India is expected to get three Rafale fighter jets in early November. Official confirmation of the dates is yet to be made by the Indian side on when they will ferry the Rafales.

India is expected to get three Rafale fighter jets in early November. Official confirmation of the dates is yet to be made by the Indian side on when they will ferry the Rafales. Under the 2016 agreement worth Rs 59,000 crores, India will get 36 Rafales. It has already got the first batch of five Rafales earlier this year amid fanfare. The five Rafales were inducted at Ambala airbase on September 10 in the presence of French defence minister Florence Parly and Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh. The development comes even as tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) between India and China remains. The Chinese build-up at the LAC remains despite several rounds of diplomatic and military talks.

India to get three Rafale fighter jets in November

Fear and anxiety gripped people in Uttar Pradesh's Greater Noida on Saturday as they noticed a strange flying object in the sky.

The object later turned out to be an 'Ironman' shaped balloon filled with air, according to police.

The object was spotted in the sky in the Dankaur area in the morning and later landed in a canal near Bhatta Parsaul village, where a crowd had gathered to see what some of them thought was "an alien".

Dankaur SHO Anil Kumar Pandey told PTI that a major reason behind the anxiety among people was the unusual shape of the balloon.

"It was shaped like the Ironman (fictional superhero character) given its colour and design. This was an unusual sight so some people even thought it was an alien, or something like that, and were apprehensive," Pandey said.

The official said the balloon was fished out around noon and apparently it came down because it was losing its gas.

It is yet to be ascertained who floated it in the air.

Fear and anxiety gripped people in Uttar Pradesh's Greater Noida on Saturday as they noticed a strange flying object in the sky. The object later turned out to be an 'Ironman' shaped balloon filled with air, according to police.

Fear and anxiety gripped people in Uttar Pradesh's Greater Noida on Saturday as they noticed a strange flying object in the sky. The object later turned out to be an 'Ironman' shaped balloon filled with air, according to police. The object was spotted in the sky in the Dankaur area in the morning and later landed in a canal near Bhatta Parsaul village, where a crowd had gathered to see what some of them thought was "an alien". Dankaur SHO Anil Kumar Pandey told PTI that a major reason behind the anxiety among people was the unusual shape of the balloon. "It was shaped like the Ironman (fictional superhero character) given its colour and design. This was an unusual sight so some people even thought it was an alien, or something like that, and were apprehensive," Pandey said. The official said the balloon was fished out around noon and apparently it came down because it was losing its gas. It is yet to be ascertained who floated it in the air.

'Ironman' shaped balloon spotted in sky in Uttar Pradesh

Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India went past 7400,000 on Saturday as 62,212 new cases were detected. As the number of people who recovered from coronavirus went past 65 lakh (65,24,595), it meant that the recovery rate hit 87.78 per cent. As per the data updated by Indian Health Ministry on Saturday the death toll climbed to 112,998.&nbsp;

837 people lost lives in past 24 hours.

On a brighter note, the number of active coronavirus cases fell below 800 thousand for the first time in one and a half months.

Quick facts:

Total number of infections so far: 7432,680 
Death toll: 112,998 
New cases detected: 62,212 
Deaths in last 24 hours: 837 
Number of active cases: 795,087 
Recovery rate: 87.78 per cent 
Fatality rate: 1.52 per cent

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23 and 40 lakh on September 5?. It went past 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28 and crossed 70 lakh on October 11.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a cumulative total of 9,32,54,017 samples have been tested up to October 16 with 9,99,090 samples being tested on Friday.

The 837 new fatalities include 306 from Maharashtra, 73 from Karnataka,61 from West Bengal, 57 from Tamil Nadu, 46 from Uttar Pradesh and 40 from Chhattisgarh.

Total of 112,998 deaths reported so far in the country includes 41,502 from Maharashtra, followed by 10,529 from Tamil Nadu, 10,356 from Karnataka, 6,589 from Uttar Pradesh,6,382 from Andhra Pradesh, 5,946 from Delhi, 5,931 from West Bengal, 3,980 from Punjab and 3,617from Gujarat.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

(With PTI inputs)

Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India went past 7400,000 on Saturday as 62,212 new cases were detected. As the number of people who recovered from coronavirus went past 65 lakh (65,24,595), it meant that the recovery rate hit 87.

Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India went past 7400,000 on Saturday as 62,212 new cases were detected. As the number of people who recovered from coronavirus went past 65 lakh (65,24,595), it meant that the recovery rate hit 87.78 per cent. As per the data updated by Indian Health Ministry on Saturday the death toll climbed to 112,998. 837 people lost lives in past 24 hours. On a brighter note, the number of active coronavirus cases fell below 800 thousand for the first time in one and a half months. Quick facts: Total number of infections so far: 7432,680 Death toll: 112,998 New cases detected: 62,212 Deaths in last 24 hours: 837 Number of active cases: 795,087 Recovery rate: 87.78 per cent Fatality rate: 1.52 per cent India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23 and 40 lakh on September 5?. It went past 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28 and crossed 70 lakh on October 11. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a cumulative total of 9,32,54,017 samples have been tested up to October 16 with 9,99,090 samples being tested on Friday. The 837 new fatalities include 306 from Maharashtra, 73 from Karnataka,61 from West Bengal, 57 from Tamil Nadu, 46 from Uttar Pradesh and 40 from Chhattisgarh. Total of 112,998 deaths reported so far in the country includes 41,502 from Maharashtra, followed by 10,529 from Tamil Nadu, 10,356 from Karnataka, 6,589 from Uttar Pradesh,6,382 from Andhra Pradesh, 5,946 from Delhi, 5,931 from West Bengal, 3,980 from Punjab and 3,617from Gujarat. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. (With PTI inputs)

Coronavirus: India reports 60k+ new cases, active cases fall below 800,000

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news