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Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday tested positive for coronavirus and has been admitted to Medanta Hospital. In a tweet, Pradhan said he has been admitted to hospital after testing positive of COVID-19.

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday tested positive for coronavirus and has been admitted to Medanta Hospital. In a tweet, Pradhan said he has been admitted to hospital after testing positive of COVID-19. Pradhan, 51, had developed COVID-like symptoms on Monday and was tested on Tuesday. "After seeing symptoms of COVID-19, I got tested. The report has come positive," he tweeted. "On the advice of doctors, I have been admitted to hospital and I am healthy." Sources said Pradhan had last week met Home Minister Amit Shah, who was admitted to Medanta on Sunday after testing positive of coronavirus. Pradhan is one of the several high-profile names to have tested positive.

Oil Minister Pradhan tests positive of COVID-19, admitted to hospital

Ladakh was declared a Union Territory on August 5 last year as the Indian government granted UT status to the region in a historic decision. The people of Ladakh had requested for UT status way back in 1949 in order to address the development needs of the area, their wish was finally granted in 2019.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/formation-of-jk-ladakh-uts-a-start-to-new-chapter-prakash-javadekar-259090">Also Read:&nbsp;Formation of J&amp;K, Ladakh UTs a start to 'new chapter', says&nbsp;Prakash Javadekar</a>

A year later, several development projects have been kick-started by the government including the Alusteng-Drass-Kargil–Leh transmission system which was completed in February last year even before Ladakh was converted into a Union Territory. The move helped Ladakh to be linked to the national grid ensuring uninterupted power supply.

In February 2019, PM Modi had inagurated the Dah hydro electric project and had dedicated the 220 KV transmission for overall electrification.&nbsp;

In Galwan Valley last year a 255 km all-weather Darbuk-Shayok-Daulat Beg Oldie road was constructed in order to allow connectivity between Karakoram Pass and Leh. Also work had begun on the construction of a new terminal of KBR airport in Leh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/do-these-people-even-know-what-ladakh-is-bjp-lawmakers-passionate-speech-wins-hearts-241193">Also Read:&nbsp;'Do these people even know what Ladakh is?' BJP lawmaker's passionate speech wins hearts</a>

PM Modi had announced development package for Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh during his first term in 2015. &nbsp;Ladakh was allocated Rs 5,958 crore for development activities for the fiscal year 2020-21, also a Rs 50,000 crore grid connecting solar photo-voltaic project spread across Leh and Kargil districts was approved by the government.

India's renewable energy ministry has drawn up plan to scale 23,000 MW grid connecting the mega solar project in Ladakh with 7,500 MW package forming the first part of a larger project. India's prime minister had also inagurated plan for&nbsp;the first central university in Ladakh with a Centre on Buddhist Studies helping over 10,000 Ladakhi students.&nbsp;

PM Modi had also vowed to make Ladakh a carbon-free region in the coming years with the start of Ladakh Greenhouse project targeted to increase the availability of vegetables throughout the year.

"Cultural tourism" which is a one of the key development plank for the area has been given a boost with homestay at monasteries along with eco-tourism and ecological activities like bird watching, wildlife safaris. 
&nbsp;

Ladakh was declared a Union Territory on August 5 last year as the Indian government granted UT status to the region in a historic decision. The people of Ladakh had requested for UT status way back in 1949 in order to address the development needs of the area, their wish was finally granted in 2019.

Ladakh was declared a Union Territory on August 5 last year as the Indian government granted UT status to the region in a historic decision. The people of Ladakh had requested for UT status way back in 1949 in order to address the development needs of the area, their wish was finally granted in 2019. Also Read: Formation of J&K, Ladakh UTs a start to 'new chapter', says Prakash Javadekar A year later, several development projects have been kick-started by the government including the Alusteng-Drass-Kargil–Leh transmission system which was completed in February last year even before Ladakh was converted into a Union Territory. The move helped Ladakh to be linked to the national grid ensuring uninterupted power supply. In February 2019, PM Modi had inagurated the Dah hydro electric project and had dedicated the 220 KV transmission for overall electrification. In Galwan Valley last year a 255 km all-weather Darbuk-Shayok-Daulat Beg Oldie road was constructed in order to allow connectivity between Karakoram Pass and Leh. Also work had begun on the construction of a new terminal of KBR airport in Leh. Also Read: 'Do these people even know what Ladakh is?' BJP lawmaker's passionate speech wins hearts PM Modi had announced development package for Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh during his first term in 2015. Ladakh was allocated Rs 5,958 crore for development activities for the fiscal year 2020-21, also a Rs 50,000 crore grid connecting solar photo-voltaic project spread across Leh and Kargil districts was approved by the government. India's renewable energy ministry has drawn up plan to scale 23,000 MW grid connecting the mega solar project in Ladakh with 7,500 MW package forming the first part of a larger project. India's prime minister had also inagurated plan for the first central university in Ladakh with a Centre on Buddhist Studies helping over 10,000 Ladakhi students. PM Modi had also vowed to make Ladakh a carbon-free region in the coming years with the start of Ladakh Greenhouse project targeted to increase the availability of vegetables throughout the year. "Cultural tourism" which is a one of the key development plank for the area has been given a boost with homestay at monasteries along with eco-tourism and ecological activities like bird watching, wildlife safaris.

A year later, Ladakh's road to development after accorded Union Territory status

Indian Health Ministry on Tuesday said that over 50 per cent of coronavirus deaths in India have taken place among people aged 60 years and above and 37 per cent deaths have been reported among patients in the age group of 45 to 60 years.

Addressing a press conference, Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary, Health Ministry said that 11 per cent COVID-19 deaths took place in the age group of 26 to 44.

The 18 to 25 age group and those below 18 years reported one per cent deaths each.

Currently, 5,86,298 active COVID-19 cases are in India and over 12 lakh people have recovered, he said and added that 50 per cent deaths due to COVID19 have taken place among the age group of 60 years or above and 37 per cent deaths took place in the age group between 45 to 60 years.

"A total of 11 per cent COVID-19 deaths took place in the age group of 26 to 44. Only 1 per cent in 18 to 25 age group and 1 per cent in below the age of 18 years," he added.

In line with the global scenario, 68 per cent of COVID-19 deaths have been reported among male patients and 32 per cent among female patients, he said.&nbsp;

The number of recovered COVID-19 patients in India is increasing daily and is now over double the number of active cases.

Bhushan said that the case fatality rate (CFR) is lowest since the first lockdown.

According to the World Health Organisation, CFR is a measure of the severity of a disease and is defined as the proportion of reported cases of a specified disease or condition which are fatal within a specified time.&nbsp;

Indian Health Ministry on Tuesday said that over 50 per cent of coronavirus deaths in India have taken place among people aged 60 years and above and 37 per cent deaths have been reported among patients in the age group of 45 to 60 years.

Indian Health Ministry on Tuesday said that over 50 per cent of coronavirus deaths in India have taken place among people aged 60 years and above and 37 per cent deaths have been reported among patients in the age group of 45 to 60 years. Addressing a press conference, Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary, Health Ministry said that 11 per cent COVID-19 deaths took place in the age group of 26 to 44. The 18 to 25 age group and those below 18 years reported one per cent deaths each. Currently, 5,86,298 active COVID-19 cases are in India and over 12 lakh people have recovered, he said and added that 50 per cent deaths due to COVID19 have taken place among the age group of 60 years or above and 37 per cent deaths took place in the age group between 45 to 60 years. "A total of 11 per cent COVID-19 deaths took place in the age group of 26 to 44. Only 1 per cent in 18 to 25 age group and 1 per cent in below the age of 18 years," he added. In line with the global scenario, 68 per cent of COVID-19 deaths have been reported among male patients and 32 per cent among female patients, he said. The number of recovered COVID-19 patients in India is increasing daily and is now over double the number of active cases. Bhushan said that the case fatality rate (CFR) is lowest since the first lockdown. According to the World Health Organisation, CFR is a measure of the severity of a disease and is defined as the proportion of reported cases of a specified disease or condition which are fatal within a specified time.

Over 50% of coronavirus deaths in India in patients aged 60 and above: Health ministry

Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) said today that Oxford vaccine being manufactured by Serum Institute of India has got approval for phase 2 and 3 clinical trials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-records-52050-cases-in-a-single-day-death-toll-nears-40000-318001">Also Read:&nbsp;India records 52,050 COVID-19 cases in single day; death toll nears 40,000</a>

ICMR director general Dr Balram Bhargava said that clinical trials would begin at seventeen sites across the country. The ICMR director informed that three Indian vaccines were in different phases of clinical testing with Bharat Biotech vaccine and DNA vaccine of Zydus Cadila having completed phase 1 trial.

Meanwhile, India's health ministry said that there were 5,86,298 active COVID-19 cases in India and over 12 lakh people have recovered.&nbsp;

"50 per cent deaths due to COVID-19 have taken place among the age group of 60 years or above and 37 per cent deaths took place in the age group between 45 to 60 yrs," the ministry informed.

The ministry said that it was the first time since the first lockdown that the fatality rate was at the lowest at 2.10 per cent.

"Fatality rate has seen a progressive decline and it is continuing," the health ministry said. The ministry added that last week&nbsp;a few states in India were showing a rise in coronavirus cases.

Twenty-eight states and&nbsp;union territories have performed over 140 tests per day per million population with Goa, Delhi, Tripura and Tamil Nadu having increased their testing capacity, it said.

The health ministry informed that over 2 crore coronavirus tests have been conducted so far including more than 6.6 lakh tests in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) said today that Oxford vaccine being manufactured by Serum Institute of India has got approval for phase 2 and 3 clinical trials.

Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) said today that Oxford vaccine being manufactured by Serum Institute of India has got approval for phase 2 and 3 clinical trials. Also Read: India records 52,050 COVID-19 cases in single day; death toll nears 40,000 ICMR director general Dr Balram Bhargava said that clinical trials would begin at seventeen sites across the country. The ICMR director informed that three Indian vaccines were in different phases of clinical testing with Bharat Biotech vaccine and DNA vaccine of Zydus Cadila having completed phase 1 trial. Meanwhile, India's health ministry said that there were 5,86,298 active COVID-19 cases in India and over 12 lakh people have recovered. "50 per cent deaths due to COVID-19 have taken place among the age group of 60 years or above and 37 per cent deaths took place in the age group between 45 to 60 yrs," the ministry informed. The ministry said that it was the first time since the first lockdown that the fatality rate was at the lowest at 2.10 per cent. "Fatality rate has seen a progressive decline and it is continuing," the health ministry said. The ministry added that last week a few states in India were showing a rise in coronavirus cases. Twenty-eight states and union territories have performed over 140 tests per day per million population with Goa, Delhi, Tripura and Tamil Nadu having increased their testing capacity, it said. The health ministry informed that over 2 crore coronavirus tests have been conducted so far including more than 6.6 lakh tests in the last 24 hours.

Oxford vaccine clinical trials in India to take place in 17 sites: ICMR

A&nbsp;team of officials from India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) is likely to fly to the UAE in order to continue their probe into the Kerala gold smuggling case.&nbsp;

NIA has decided to send the investigating team to the UAE to look into the manner in which diplomatic baggage was handled and also possible links with hawala transactions. The Indian government will soon be seeking the permission of the UAE for the team’s visit.&nbsp;

The team visiting the UAE will conduct a detailed investigation on those handling the diplomatic baggage in the UAE and also the Indians associated in that operation. The approval and the subsequent stand of the UAE government will be crucial in this regard. The NIA will submit the case diary containing the details of terrorist links in the gold smuggling case.&nbsp;

The NIA court is to consider the bail plea of accused Swapna Suresh on Thursday. Earlier the NIA had argued in the court stating that the money raised through gold smuggling was used for terrorist activities and is also reaching extremist groups. The court also ordered that the case diary detailing the progress of investigation be produced.&nbsp;

More details emerged on the wide network involved in the gold smuggling case after one of the key accused KT Rameez, who is under National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody, spilled the beans about his stay at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram and the role of a few other Tamil Nadu-based agents.

Crucial details were obtained after taking KT Rameez into custody and later evidence was collected after taking him to IAS officer M Sivasankar’s flat.

More details on the wide network of the racket involved in the gold smuggling case through the diplomatic channel has come to light after one of the key accused Rameez, who is in National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody, spilled the beans about his stay at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram and the role of a few other Tamil Nadu-based agents.&nbsp;

It is said that Rameez had met the second accused Swapna Suresh and third accused Sandeep Nair, on a few instances during the first three months of 2020.&nbsp;

Customs officials said the probe details revealed that Rameez used to handle the smuggled gold and he had established a network for transporting the smuggled gold across the country. “Apart from having a network with a few persons in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in Kerala, Rameez used to have links with a few groups in Tamil Nadu. Each consignment of gold was routed through different networks to avoid detection,” the officials said.&nbsp;

A team of officials from India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) is likely to fly to the UAE in order to continue their probe into the Kerala gold smuggling case.

A team of officials from India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) is likely to fly to the UAE in order to continue their probe into the Kerala gold smuggling case. NIA has decided to send the investigating team to the UAE to look into the manner in which diplomatic baggage was handled and also possible links with hawala transactions. The Indian government will soon be seeking the permission of the UAE for the team’s visit. The team visiting the UAE will conduct a detailed investigation on those handling the diplomatic baggage in the UAE and also the Indians associated in that operation. The approval and the subsequent stand of the UAE government will be crucial in this regard. The NIA will submit the case diary containing the details of terrorist links in the gold smuggling case. The NIA court is to consider the bail plea of accused Swapna Suresh on Thursday. Earlier the NIA had argued in the court stating that the money raised through gold smuggling was used for terrorist activities and is also reaching extremist groups. The court also ordered that the case diary detailing the progress of investigation be produced. More details emerged on the wide network involved in the gold smuggling case after one of the key accused KT Rameez, who is under National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody, spilled the beans about his stay at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram and the role of a few other Tamil Nadu-based agents. Crucial details were obtained after taking KT Rameez into custody and later evidence was collected after taking him to IAS officer M Sivasankar’s flat. More details on the wide network of the racket involved in the gold smuggling case through the diplomatic channel has come to light after one of the key accused Rameez, who is in National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody, spilled the beans about his stay at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram and the role of a few other Tamil Nadu-based agents. It is said that Rameez had met the second accused Swapna Suresh and third accused Sandeep Nair, on a few instances during the first three months of 2020. Customs officials said the probe details revealed that Rameez used to handle the smuggled gold and he had established a network for transporting the smuggled gold across the country. “Apart from having a network with a few persons in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in Kerala, Rameez used to have links with a few groups in Tamil Nadu. Each consignment of gold was routed through different networks to avoid detection,” the officials said.

NIA team to fly to UAE to investigate Kerala gold Smuggling case

Two Indian nationals who were kidnapped more than two years ago in Afghanistan will return back to India on Tuesday. The Indians were among seven working for Maharashtra based KEC International Limited who were kidnapped in May 2018.

They were abducted by Taliban in Baghlan province of Afghanistan in Bagh-e-Shamal village of provincial capital Pul-e-Khomre.&nbsp;

KEC has been helping in the development of electricity infrastructure in Afghanistan. The company owns an electricity sub-station contract in the area. More than 60 Indians were working for KEC in different projects across Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Out of seven Indians who were abducted, four have already returned to India. The first Indian came in March of 2019, three others came back in October in exchange of eleven Taliban prisoners.&nbsp;

It is not the first case of abduction of Indians in Afghanistan. In 2016, an Indian aid worker Judith D Souza was kidnapped and was released after 40 days.

Two Indian nationals who were kidnapped more than two years ago in Afghanistan will return back to India on Tuesday. The Indians were among seven working for Maharashtra based KEC International Limited who were kidnapped in May 2018.

Two Indian nationals who were kidnapped more than two years ago in Afghanistan will return back to India on Tuesday. The Indians were among seven working for Maharashtra based KEC International Limited who were kidnapped in May 2018. They were abducted by Taliban in Baghlan province of Afghanistan in Bagh-e-Shamal village of provincial capital Pul-e-Khomre. KEC has been helping in the development of electricity infrastructure in Afghanistan. The company owns an electricity sub-station contract in the area. More than 60 Indians were working for KEC in different projects across Afghanistan. Out of seven Indians who were abducted, four have already returned to India. The first Indian came in March of 2019, three others came back in October in exchange of eleven Taliban prisoners. It is not the first case of abduction of Indians in Afghanistan. In 2016, an Indian aid worker Judith D Souza was kidnapped and was released after 40 days.

Two Indian nationals abducted in Afghanistan in 2018 to return back to India

From protecting cows to nurses: Unique ways in which India celebrated Raksha Bandhan 2020

Seventy-two days after resuming domestic flight operations post-COVID-19 lockdown, domestic operations continue to soar, said Union Minister for Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday.

Taking to Twitter, the Minister said, "Domestic operations continue to soar. 3rd August 2020, Day 72 till 23:59 hrs. Departures were 849. 78,155 passengers handled.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Domestic operations continue to soar. 
 
3rd August 2020, Day 72 till 2359 hrs. 
Departures 849 
78,155 passengers handled. 
Arrivals 846 
77,558 passengers handled. 
Total movements 1695 
Footfalls at airports 1,55,713 
Total number of flyers 78,155 <a href="https://t.co/nAzgSDA1PF">pic.twitter.com/nAzgSDA1PF</a>
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) <a href="https://twitter.com/HardeepSPuri/status/1290534309175029767?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Arrivals were 846. 77,558 passengers handled. Total movements were 1695. Footfalls at airports were 1,55,713. Total number of flyers were 78,155.

"Following the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, all domestic and international flight operations were suspended in March. Domestic operations were resumed on May 25.

Seventy-two days after resuming domestic flight operations post-COVID-19 lockdown, domestic operations continue to soar, said Union Minister for Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday.

Seventy-two days after resuming domestic flight operations post-COVID-19 lockdown, domestic operations continue to soar, said Union Minister for Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday. Taking to Twitter, the Minister said, "Domestic operations continue to soar. 3rd August 2020, Day 72 till 23:59 hrs. Departures were 849. 78,155 passengers handled. Domestic operations continue to soar. 3rd August 2020, Day 72 till 2359 hrs. Departures 849 78,155 passengers handled. Arrivals 846 77,558 passengers handled. Total movements 1695 Footfalls at airports 1,55,713 Total number of flyers 78,155 pic.twitter.com/nAzgSDA1PF — Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) August 4, 2020 × Arrivals were 846. 77,558 passengers handled. Total movements were 1695. Footfalls at airports were 1,55,713. Total number of flyers were 78,155. "Following the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, all domestic and international flight operations were suspended in March. Domestic operations were resumed on May 25.

Domestic flight operations continue to soar: Hardeep Singh Puri

The Indian embassy in Israel has launched a unique initiative to reach out to the Indian communities in the country to provide essential consular services amid the restrictions on movement and gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Indian embassy staff have been travelling to various parts of the country once a week so that Indians and Israelis of Indian-origin looking for consular support do not face problems with urgently required documents.

The service seems to have created an excitement in the Indian community with many of them appreciating the "personal touch" which they feel is creating a "strong bond".

"The idea of regular consular camps grew out of our internal exercise to set quarterly goals for ourselves in the wake of COVID-19. Given the uncertainties and restrictions flowing from COVID-19, we thought it'll be better to take the consular services closer to those who need them in these trying times, and all over Israel,' India's ambassador to Israel, Sanjeev Singla, said.

The staff of the Indian mission have so far been to Jerusalem and Beersheba during the past two weeks and have made the announcement that they will be in Haifa in the north and even in Israel's southernmost Red Sea coastal city of Eilat to meet and extend essential consular services to the Indian community.

The services are being extended while following the government guidelines in view of COVID-19 pandemic.

"I couldn't believe it when I got a call saying that I could come and collect my passport at a place really close to my student dormitory. I have been worried about it as I have to do all the formalities related to my stay here which was not possible without the passport in hand", Shashank Shekhar, a researcher at Beersheba's Ben-Gurion University, told PTI. 
"We feel cared for," said 80-year-old Eliyahu Yosef, an Israeli of Indian-origin.

Pamela, who is an OCI and immigrated to Israel some 50 years ago, narrates something similar.

She needed help with her husband's application and had been waiting to travel to Tel Aviv for months.

The new initiative has brought much-needed relief to the Indian students, caregivers and also Israelis of Indian-origin.

"I can't explain to you the impact this gesture has had on the Indians in Israel. It is being talked about. The personal touch has resulted in further strengthening the strong bond we have with India", Naor Gudker, who has served as the CEO of Israel Cricket Association in the past, emphasised.

Indians in Eilat and Haifa welcomed the initiative with several of them waiting to meet embassy officials with their queries.

"The students have been particularly concerned about flights and I went to understand how urgent travel could be managed amid these restrictions," Nishant, a post-doctoral fellow at the Hebrew University, said.

The Indian mission's staff also went around the country providing masks and gloves to people in the community towards the beginning of the spread of the pandemic, assuring the community of all possible help.

"The pandemic will not stop us! Our new normal is to reach out &amp; provide consular services as much as possible. Officials from the embassy of India provided consular services at Beersheba. We will soon be visiting Eilat ( August 7) and Haifa (August 14)" a tweet from the official handle of the embassy said.

A flight under the Vande Bharat Mission scheme evacuated 115 Indians on May 25 and the embassy and Air India have made announcements of another being planned later this month.

Israel has so far reported 74,430 cases of coronavirus and 546 deaths due to the disease, according to Israel Coronavirus Statistics Tracker.&nbsp;

Indians in Eilat and Haifa welcomed the initiative with several of them waiting to meet embassy officials with their queries.

"The students have been particularly concerned about flights and I went to understand how urgent travel could be managed amid these restrictions," Nishant, a post-doctoral fellow at the Hebrew University, said.

The Indian mission's staff also went around the country providing masks and gloves to people in the community towards the beginning of the spread of the pandemic, assuring the community of all possible help.

"The pandemic will not stop us! Our new normal is to reach out &amp; provide consular services as much as possible. Officials from the embassy of India provided consular services at Beersheba. We will soon be visiting Eilat ( August 7) and Haifa (August 14)" a tweet from the official handle of the embassy said.

A flight under the Vande Bharat Mission scheme evacuated 115 Indians on May 25 and the embassy and Air India have made announcements of another being planned later this month. 
Israel has so far reported 74,430 cases of coronavirus and 546 deaths due to the disease, according to Israel Coronavirus Statistics Tracker.

The Indian embassy in Israel has launched a unique initiative to reach out to the Indian communities in the country to provide essential consular services amid the restrictions on movement and gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Indian embassy in Israel has launched a unique initiative to reach out to the Indian communities in the country to provide essential consular services amid the restrictions on movement and gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Indian embassy staff have been travelling to various parts of the country once a week so that Indians and Israelis of Indian-origin looking for consular support do not face problems with urgently required documents. The service seems to have created an excitement in the Indian community with many of them appreciating the "personal touch" which they feel is creating a "strong bond". "The idea of regular consular camps grew out of our internal exercise to set quarterly goals for ourselves in the wake of COVID-19. Given the uncertainties and restrictions flowing from COVID-19, we thought it'll be better to take the consular services closer to those who need them in these trying times, and all over Israel,' India's ambassador to Israel, Sanjeev Singla, said. The staff of the Indian mission have so far been to Jerusalem and Beersheba during the past two weeks and have made the announcement that they will be in Haifa in the north and even in Israel's southernmost Red Sea coastal city of Eilat to meet and extend essential consular services to the Indian community. The services are being extended while following the government guidelines in view of COVID-19 pandemic. "I couldn't believe it when I got a call saying that I could come and collect my passport at a place really close to my student dormitory. I have been worried about it as I have to do all the formalities related to my stay here which was not possible without the passport in hand", Shashank Shekhar, a researcher at Beersheba's Ben-Gurion University, told PTI. "We feel cared for," said 80-year-old Eliyahu Yosef, an Israeli of Indian-origin. Pamela, who is an OCI and immigrated to Israel some 50 years ago, narrates something similar. She needed help with her husband's application and had been waiting to travel to Tel Aviv for months. The new initiative has brought much-needed relief to the Indian students, caregivers and also Israelis of Indian-origin. "I can't explain to you the impact this gesture has had on the Indians in Israel. It is being talked about. The personal touch has resulted in further strengthening the strong bond we have with India", Naor Gudker, who has served as the CEO of Israel Cricket Association in the past, emphasised. Indians in Eilat and Haifa welcomed the initiative with several of them waiting to meet embassy officials with their queries. "The students have been particularly concerned about flights and I went to understand how urgent travel could be managed amid these restrictions," Nishant, a post-doctoral fellow at the Hebrew University, said. The Indian mission's staff also went around the country providing masks and gloves to people in the community towards the beginning of the spread of the pandemic, assuring the community of all possible help. "The pandemic will not stop us! Our new normal is to reach out & provide consular services as much as possible. Officials from the embassy of India provided consular services at Beersheba. We will soon be visiting Eilat ( August 7) and Haifa (August 14)" a tweet from the official handle of the embassy said. A flight under the Vande Bharat Mission scheme evacuated 115 Indians on May 25 and the embassy and Air India have made announcements of another being planned later this month. Israel has so far reported 74,430 cases of coronavirus and 546 deaths due to the disease, according to Israel Coronavirus Statistics Tracker. Indians in Eilat and Haifa welcomed the initiative with several of them waiting to meet embassy officials with their queries. "The students have been particularly concerned about flights and I went to understand how urgent travel could be managed amid these restrictions," Nishant, a post-doctoral fellow at the Hebrew University, said. The Indian mission's staff also went around the country providing masks and gloves to people in the community towards the beginning of the spread of the pandemic, assuring the community of all possible help. "The pandemic will not stop us! Our new normal is to reach out & provide consular services as much as possible. Officials from the embassy of India provided consular services at Beersheba. We will soon be visiting Eilat ( August 7) and Haifa (August 14)" a tweet from the official handle of the embassy said. A flight under the Vande Bharat Mission scheme evacuated 115 Indians on May 25 and the embassy and Air India have made announcements of another being planned later this month. Israel has so far reported 74,430 cases of coronavirus and 546 deaths due to the disease, according to Israel Coronavirus Statistics Tracker.

Indian mission in Israel extends 'personal touch' amid COVID-19 movement restrictions

The spread of Coronavirus has raised the demand for immunity boosters across the globe while scientists battle to produce vaccines.

Kashmiri girl makes immunity boosting bakery products | Immunity booster bakery in Srinagar

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to the Delhi government to take steps to waive off the school tuition fee amid the ongoing coronavirus-induced lockdown.

A bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan also expressed displeasure with the petitioner and counsel and asked why did you not apprised the court that a similar matter was already dismissed by the same court.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-shifting-from-burden-of-school-bag-to-boon-of-learning-pm-modi-317503">Also read|&nbsp;We are shifting from burden of school bag to boon of learning: PM Modi</a>

"This is clear misconduct," the bench said, after which advocate N Pradeep Sharma sought an apology from the High Court and withdrew the PIL as the court was not convinced by his arguments.

The plea, filed by one Naresh Kumar, prayed for the interpretation of Force Majeure clauses in the present pandemic situation and sought directions to the Directorate of Education, Government of NCT Delhi to take steps to waver off the school tuition fee.

According to the petition, the impact of COVID-19 is building by the day, supply chains are being significantly disrupted and businesses` rights and obligations under contracts are coming into sharp focus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-4-years-bed-degree-to-removing-mphil-highlights-of-national-education-policy-2020-316865">Also read|&nbsp;From 4 years B.Ed. degree to removing M.Phil: Highlights of National Education Policy 2020</a>

The plea said that private school administrations have been demanding school fee and other charges without rendering any services. It said that the school admission form does not have any clause that in case of an adverse situation, the school would charge tuition fees for providing online classes.

"The students are facing several side effects and such online classes offered by schools have other medical and psychological implications, which is against the concept of school education," the plea said.

"The schools are duty-bound to follow and abide the terms and conditions which are a part of school prospectus and if there is no Force Majeure clause in the school prospectus, demanding of tuition fee, without providing the actual education, is a violation of law in terms of a contract and also against the principle of natural justice," it added.

The plea said that it would not be out of the question to mention that the school prospectus does not contain any clause with respect to a pandemic or like situation and further that in such a condition, the school would provide online classes and charge tuition fees for the same.It also said that the entire student community is facing a lot of problems to gain knowledge through the online education system.

"Some homework and class tests are required to be undertaken under the guidance of trained teachers so as to achieve, through the online way of teaching. It would be important to mention that private schools are either being run by the Society or trust and are not doing any social service to society. Even otherwise, the school is a service provider and thus is covered under the Consumer Act also," the plea said.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to the Delhi government to take steps to waive off the school tuition fee amid the ongoing coronavirus-induced lockdown.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to the Delhi government to take steps to waive off the school tuition fee amid the ongoing coronavirus-induced lockdown. A bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan also expressed displeasure with the petitioner and counsel and asked why did you not apprised the court that a similar matter was already dismissed by the same court. Also read| We are shifting from burden of school bag to boon of learning: PM Modi "This is clear misconduct," the bench said, after which advocate N Pradeep Sharma sought an apology from the High Court and withdrew the PIL as the court was not convinced by his arguments. The plea, filed by one Naresh Kumar, prayed for the interpretation of Force Majeure clauses in the present pandemic situation and sought directions to the Directorate of Education, Government of NCT Delhi to take steps to waver off the school tuition fee. According to the petition, the impact of COVID-19 is building by the day, supply chains are being significantly disrupted and businesses` rights and obligations under contracts are coming into sharp focus. Also read| From 4 years B.Ed. degree to removing M.Phil: Highlights of National Education Policy 2020 The plea said that private school administrations have been demanding school fee and other charges without rendering any services. It said that the school admission form does not have any clause that in case of an adverse situation, the school would charge tuition fees for providing online classes. "The students are facing several side effects and such online classes offered by schools have other medical and psychological implications, which is against the concept of school education," the plea said. "The schools are duty-bound to follow and abide the terms and conditions which are a part of school prospectus and if there is no Force Majeure clause in the school prospectus, demanding of tuition fee, without providing the actual education, is a violation of law in terms of a contract and also against the principle of natural justice," it added. The plea said that it would not be out of the question to mention that the school prospectus does not contain any clause with respect to a pandemic or like situation and further that in such a condition, the school would provide online classes and charge tuition fees for the same.It also said that the entire student community is facing a lot of problems to gain knowledge through the online education system. "Some homework and class tests are required to be undertaken under the guidance of trained teachers so as to achieve, through the online way of teaching. It would be important to mention that private schools are either being run by the Society or trust and are not doing any social service to society. Even otherwise, the school is a service provider and thus is covered under the Consumer Act also," the plea said.

COVID-19: Delhi HC refuses to entertain PIL seeking directions to waive off school tuition fee

Vopec Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd today announced it has completed one of India's first COVID-19 clinical trials on a herbal, Siddha formulation, Amrta Karuna. The clinical trial has been registered with the Indian Council for Medical Research(ICMR).&nbsp;

Vopec began human clinical trials of Amrta Karuna in June in conjunction with Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) on COVID-19 patients.&nbsp;

Notable results for the Amrta Karuna treatment group compared to the control showed &nbsp;significant reduction in hospital quarantine: 5.8 vs 8.1 days which was a 28 per cent decrease.

RT-PCR showed negative on day 7 at 71.42 per cent vs 42.85 per cent, sgnificantly reduced CRP inflammatory levels and significantly reduced LDH tissue damage levels and TLC (immune system strength) within normal range on day 14.

Dr CR Jayanthi, Principal Investigator and Dean of BMCRI, said, "This clearly indicates Amrta Karuna syrup proved to favourably influence the immune system in quarantined COVID-19 subjects as compared to the control subjects."&nbsp;

Based on the silico models, Dr Dinesh, Research head at Vopec said the phytoconstituents in Amrta Karuna act on ACE2-Spike interaction, inhibiting the entry of the virus into host cell, and on NSP15 protein to prevent its replication.&nbsp;

Pre-clinical in vitro studies demonstrated the safety and efficacy of Amrta Karuna and confirmed its potential as an immunomodulatory agent against Dengue, H1N1 and H5N1 viruses.&nbsp;

Dr. Baskaran Pillai, chairman of Vopec said: "Herbal formulations have scalability and other issues. So Vopec currently has a small molecule under research to circumvent these problems. We invite pharmaceuticals, hospitals and researchers to partner with us in our fight against the pandemic."&nbsp;

Vopec recently licensed Amrta Karuna to US-based Nambu Botanicals.&nbsp;

Vopec Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd today announced it has completed one of India's first COVID-19 clinical trials on a herbal, Siddha formulation, Amrta Karuna. The clinical trial has been registered with the Indian Council for Medical Research(ICMR).

Vopec Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd today announced it has completed one of India's first COVID-19 clinical trials on a herbal, Siddha formulation, Amrta Karuna. The clinical trial has been registered with the Indian Council for Medical Research(ICMR). Vopec began human clinical trials of Amrta Karuna in June in conjunction with Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) on COVID-19 patients. Notable results for the Amrta Karuna treatment group compared to the control showed significant reduction in hospital quarantine: 5.8 vs 8.1 days which was a 28 per cent decrease. RT-PCR showed negative on day 7 at 71.42 per cent vs 42.85 per cent, sgnificantly reduced CRP inflammatory levels and significantly reduced LDH tissue damage levels and TLC (immune system strength) within normal range on day 14. Dr CR Jayanthi, Principal Investigator and Dean of BMCRI, said, "This clearly indicates Amrta Karuna syrup proved to favourably influence the immune system in quarantined COVID-19 subjects as compared to the control subjects." Based on the silico models, Dr Dinesh, Research head at Vopec said the phytoconstituents in Amrta Karuna act on ACE2-Spike interaction, inhibiting the entry of the virus into host cell, and on NSP15 protein to prevent its replication. Pre-clinical in vitro studies demonstrated the safety and efficacy of Amrta Karuna and confirmed its potential as an immunomodulatory agent against Dengue, H1N1 and H5N1 viruses. Dr. Baskaran Pillai, chairman of Vopec said: "Herbal formulations have scalability and other issues. So Vopec currently has a small molecule under research to circumvent these problems. We invite pharmaceuticals, hospitals and researchers to partner with us in our fight against the pandemic." Vopec recently licensed Amrta Karuna to US-based Nambu Botanicals.

Vopec Pharmaceuticals announces completion of COVID-19 clinical trials of herbal formulations

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has said that the state has rejected the three-language policy that was proposed as per the New Education Policy 2020, adding that he requests the Prime Minister to consider Tamil sentiments and allow states to pursue their own language policy as per the states’ respective ideology.&nbsp;

“It is worrisome and painful that the NEP makes a mention of three-language policy, but the people of Tamil Nadu and all the major political parties prefer carrying forward the two-langauge policy” the statement mentioned.&nbsp;

Making a mention of the first Dravidian party leader CN Annadurai who was elected chief minister, the statement talks about how Anna had announced in the state assembly, in 1968, that Tamil Nadu would follow only the two-language policy.&nbsp;

It also refers to AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran, who as chief minister had passed an assembly resolution, in 1986 that talks about reinforcing the two-language policy. Likewise, former chief minister late Jayalaltihaa too had said that Hindi must not be imposed on non-Hindi speaking states and that such attempts would be opposed and defeated.&nbsp;

It must be noted that Tamil Nadu saw widespread agitations in 1965 when the then Congress state government had attempted to make Hindi the state’s official language.&nbsp;

“When the NEP was in draft stage I had written to PM Modi (in June 2019) on Tamil Nadu preferring to continue with the existing two-language policy. I had emphasized the same in my Independence Day speech and also several Aseebmly debate sessions” Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said in a statement.&nbsp;

In recent days, the Tamil Nadu government has been drawing flak from opposition parties for not having opposed the NEP, which makes a mention of three-language policy. This is given that, Tamil Nadu has been following the two-language (English-Tamil) policy for decades, though the three-language policy leaves it to states to decide on what that language would be.

On Sunday, Union &nbsp;education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said that the Centre will not impose any language on any state. The clarification was made through a tweet in Tamil, given the opposition to NEP in Tamil Nadu on the grounds that the policy allegedly imposed Hindi and Sanskrit.

It is needless to say that the issue of Hindi imposition is viewed very seriously in Tamil Nadu for several decades. The Dravidian political movement and all its leaders have also been staunch about protecting Tamil sentiments and identity. With an election impending in 2021, the ruling party is treading carefully by opposing the three language policy one on hand while balancing an alliance with the ruling BJP on the other.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has said that the state has rejected the three-language policy that was proposed as per the New Education Policy 2020, adding that he requests the Prime Minister to consider Tamil sentiments and allow states to pursue their own language policy as per the states’ respective ideology.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has said that the state has rejected the three-language policy that was proposed as per the New Education Policy 2020, adding that he requests the Prime Minister to consider Tamil sentiments and allow states to pursue their own language policy as per the states’ respective ideology. “It is worrisome and painful that the NEP makes a mention of three-language policy, but the people of Tamil Nadu and all the major political parties prefer carrying forward the two-langauge policy” the statement mentioned. Making a mention of the first Dravidian party leader CN Annadurai who was elected chief minister, the statement talks about how Anna had announced in the state assembly, in 1968, that Tamil Nadu would follow only the two-language policy. It also refers to AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran, who as chief minister had passed an assembly resolution, in 1986 that talks about reinforcing the two-language policy. Likewise, former chief minister late Jayalaltihaa too had said that Hindi must not be imposed on non-Hindi speaking states and that such attempts would be opposed and defeated. It must be noted that Tamil Nadu saw widespread agitations in 1965 when the then Congress state government had attempted to make Hindi the state’s official language. “When the NEP was in draft stage I had written to PM Modi (in June 2019) on Tamil Nadu preferring to continue with the existing two-language policy. I had emphasized the same in my Independence Day speech and also several Aseebmly debate sessions” Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said in a statement. In recent days, the Tamil Nadu government has been drawing flak from opposition parties for not having opposed the NEP, which makes a mention of three-language policy. This is given that, Tamil Nadu has been following the two-language (English-Tamil) policy for decades, though the three-language policy leaves it to states to decide on what that language would be. On Sunday, Union education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said that the Centre will not impose any language on any state. The clarification was made through a tweet in Tamil, given the opposition to NEP in Tamil Nadu on the grounds that the policy allegedly imposed Hindi and Sanskrit. It is needless to say that the issue of Hindi imposition is viewed very seriously in Tamil Nadu for several decades. The Dravidian political movement and all its leaders have also been staunch about protecting Tamil sentiments and identity. With an election impending in 2021, the ruling party is treading carefully by opposing the three language policy one on hand while balancing an alliance with the ruling BJP on the other.

Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami rejects NEP’s three language policy; to continue with two language policy

Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa said on Sunday that&nbsp;he has tested positive for COVID-19.

''While I am fine, I am being hospitalised as a precaution on the recommendation of doctors,'' he said

&nbsp;A total of 5,532 new cases of COVID-19 and 84 deaths were reported in Karnataka in the last 24 hours, the state`s health department informed on Sunday.

With this, the Karnataka`s COVID-19 tally now stands at 1,34,819 positive cases, including 74,590 active cases and 57,725 discharges.

&nbsp;

Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa said on Sunday that he has tested positive for COVID-19. ''While I am fine, I am being hospitalised as a precaution on the recommendation of doctors,'' he said A total of 5,532 new cases of COVID-19 and 84 deaths were reported in Karnataka in the last 24 hours, the state`s health department informed on Sunday.

Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa said on Sunday that he has tested positive for COVID-19. ''While I am fine, I am being hospitalised as a precaution on the recommendation of doctors,'' he said A total of 5,532 new cases of COVID-19 and 84 deaths were reported in Karnataka in the last 24 hours, the state`s health department informed on Sunday. With this, the Karnataka`s COVID-19 tally now stands at 1,34,819 positive cases, including 74,590 active cases and 57,725 discharges.

Karnataka CM Yediyurappa tests positive for COVID-19

One of the most endearing sights of Kashmir that draw tourists to this valley are the houseboats on the Dal and Nagin lakes.

The story of houseboats in Kashmir | One-of-a-kind living experience | Dal Lake

The famous houseboat industry in Kashmir valley is struggling to stay afloat, courtesy COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;However, is hopeful of brighter days. For almost a&nbsp;year now, most of them haven't earned anything but are welcoming tourists.

In the 19th century when the valley was bustling with foreign tourists, mainly English, inhabitants living in boats started building floating houses which were later called houseboats. Since then, these houseboats have become a jewel of Srinagar and framed Dal lake.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-kashmiri-girl-makes-immunity-boosting-bakery-ahead-of-eid-festival-315730">Also read|&nbsp;COVID-19: Kashmiri girl makes immunity boosting bakery ahead of Eid festival</a>

Several of them are named after countries such as New Zeland, Chicago, Paris, while others are named in honor of their early and favorite guests. Many European travelers would stay in these houseboats for months, usually on their longish holidays. &nbsp;

<img alt="Houseboat" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ac3a244d-78ac-4b87-adda-b09bd6551109" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Houseboat%20%281%29.jpg" />

Tariq Ahmad is the owner of a houseboat called 'Hollywood'. He has been into houseboat business from his youth but has had a difficult time in managing daily life for a year now. He blames visitation advisories and situation in the valley for the loss, but he hopes the future will be brighter.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-police-carries-out-awareness-rallies-on-covid-19-lockdown-reimposed-315454">Also read|&nbsp;J&amp;K police carries out awareness rallies on COVID-19; lockdown reimposed</a>

“During the worst of times, we would have tourists here. Police have said that Srinagar city is militancy free, but the question is why aren't the tourists coming? Coronavirus has become part of our life. We welcome tourists, everyone will have to follow guidelines,” said Tariq.&nbsp;

However,&nbsp;Tariq hasn't given up. He has kept his houseboat ready to welcome tourists. Due to the high maintenance cost, one of his two houseboats is shut. Usually, he would have high occupancy in July.

Houseboat owners now want some relief from the government as the sector generates a lot of local employment.&nbsp;

These houseboats are made from cedar pine wood; the carved interiors would steal your heart with a mesmerizing view of the Himalayan mountain range and world-famous Dal lake. These incredibly beautiful houseboats along the Dal lake are now getting ready to witness the hustle and bustle again.&nbsp;

The famous houseboat industry in Kashmir valley is struggling to stay afloat, courtesy COVID-19 pandemic. However, is hopeful of brighter days. For almost a year now, most of them haven't earned anything but are welcoming tourists.

The famous houseboat industry in Kashmir valley is struggling to stay afloat, courtesy COVID-19 pandemic. However, is hopeful of brighter days. For almost a year now, most of them haven't earned anything but are welcoming tourists. In the 19th century when the valley was bustling with foreign tourists, mainly English, inhabitants living in boats started building floating houses which were later called houseboats. Since then, these houseboats have become a jewel of Srinagar and framed Dal lake. Also read| COVID-19: Kashmiri girl makes immunity boosting bakery ahead of Eid festival Several of them are named after countries such as New Zeland, Chicago, Paris, while others are named in honor of their early and favorite guests. Many European travelers would stay in these houseboats for months, usually on their longish holidays. Tariq Ahmad is the owner of a houseboat called 'Hollywood'. He has been into houseboat business from his youth but has had a difficult time in managing daily life for a year now. He blames visitation advisories and situation in the valley for the loss, but he hopes the future will be brighter. Also read| J&K police carries out awareness rallies on COVID-19; lockdown reimposed “During the worst of times, we would have tourists here. Police have said that Srinagar city is militancy free, but the question is why aren't the tourists coming? Coronavirus has become part of our life. We welcome tourists, everyone will have to follow guidelines,” said Tariq. However, Tariq hasn't given up. He has kept his houseboat ready to welcome tourists. Due to the high maintenance cost, one of his two houseboats is shut. Usually, he would have high occupancy in July. Houseboat owners now want some relief from the government as the sector generates a lot of local employment. These houseboats are made from cedar pine wood; the carved interiors would steal your heart with a mesmerizing view of the Himalayan mountain range and world-famous Dal lake. These incredibly beautiful houseboats along the Dal lake are now getting ready to witness the hustle and bustle again.

Houseboat, a floating marvel of Kashmir valley faces trouble

Foreign envoys of countries whose languages have been included in the National Education Policy 2020 have welcomed the development and said that this will increase the understanding of the country and also increase bilateral cooperation.

The National Education Policy announced by the government included foreign languages-- Korean, Japanese, Thai, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian at the secondary level which the policy says will allow "students to learn about the cultures of the world and to enrich their global knowledge and mobility according to their own interests and aspirations."

Thai envoy Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi reacting to the development told WION,"Thai is taught in places like Australia &amp; Viet Nam, but in India, it’s an additional honour."

"There are common Pali and Sanskrit roots in our languages, so I hope Indians will not find Thai too difficult," he added.

Russian envoy Nikolay Kudashev said," Happy to see the Russian language listed in the New Education Policy among the electives that students can take up to learn about cultures of the world and enrich global knowledge. It will further strengthen bilateral people-to-people ties."

South Korea's envoy to India Shin Bongkil said, "I think Indian government`s decision about adding Korean as a foreign language for secondary level can be considered as one of symbolic measure to focus on the importance of India-Korea relations."

The Korean Culture Centre in India is preparing to open Korean Language Teacher Training Course with 23 Korean language teacher candidate. These teachers are selected for a 15-week intensive course which will run from 17th August to 24th December.&nbsp;

No mandarin was included in the new education policy. &nbsp;

Foreign envoys of countries whose languages have been included in the National Education Policy 2020 have welcomed the development and said that this will increase the understanding of the country and also increase bilateral cooperation.

Foreign envoys of countries whose languages have been included in the National Education Policy 2020 have welcomed the development and said that this will increase the understanding of the country and also increase bilateral cooperation. The National Education Policy announced by the government included foreign languages-- Korean, Japanese, Thai, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian at the secondary level which the policy says will allow "students to learn about the cultures of the world and to enrich their global knowledge and mobility according to their own interests and aspirations." Thai envoy Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi reacting to the development told WION,"Thai is taught in places like Australia & Viet Nam, but in India, it’s an additional honour." "There are common Pali and Sanskrit roots in our languages, so I hope Indians will not find Thai too difficult," he added. Russian envoy Nikolay Kudashev said," Happy to see the Russian language listed in the New Education Policy among the electives that students can take up to learn about cultures of the world and enrich global knowledge. It will further strengthen bilateral people-to-people ties." South Korea's envoy to India Shin Bongkil said, "I think Indian government`s decision about adding Korean as a foreign language for secondary level can be considered as one of symbolic measure to focus on the importance of India-Korea relations." The Korean Culture Centre in India is preparing to open Korean Language Teacher Training Course with 23 Korean language teacher candidate. These teachers are selected for a 15-week intensive course which will run from 17th August to 24th December. No mandarin was included in the new education policy.

Envoys welcome inclusion of foreign languages in New Education Policy

Maharashtra's COVID-19 tally on Monday increased to 4,50,196 with the addition of 8,968 fresh cases, while 266 deaths, including 46 in Mumbai, took the fatality count to 15,842, state health department said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-death-in-delhi-toll-rises-to-over-4000-tamil-nadu-reports-over-5600-cases-317890" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Death in Delhi toll rises to over 4,000; Tamil Nadu reports over 5,600 cases</a>

The state also saw the discharge of 10,221 patients in the day, raising the count of recovered cases to 2,87,030, an official said.

Maharashtra now has 1,47,018 active cases.

A total of 22,98,723 people have been tested so far for COVID-19, he said.

Mumbai city and suburban areas (MMR region) reported 970 and 2,957 fresh cases of COVID-19, respectively.

With this, Mumbai has so far reported 1,17,406 cases and 6,493 deaths.

The wider MMR region now has 2,49,111 cases of COVID- 19 and 9,970 deaths.

The number of cases jumped by 796 in Pune city, while the neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad added 731 new infections in the day.

Pune city reported 40 fatalities in the day while the number stood at 13 in areas under Pimpri Chinchwad.

The tally of cases in Pune division reached 1,10,924 while the fatality count stands at 2,965, the official said.

The case count in Nashik division stands at 37,679 with 1,255 deaths, while Kolhapur division has so far reported 11,835 cases and 284 fatalities.

Aurangabad division now has 17,827 cases with 625 deaths while the count of cases in Latur division reached 6,803 while fatalities rose to 273, the official said.

Akola division so far reported 8,189 cases and 280 deaths.

The number of cases in Nagpur division reached 7,401 and fatalities to 138, the official said.

A total of 427 people from other states are being treated in Maharashtra. 52 such patients have succumbed to the infection so far.

A total of 9,25,269 people are home quarantined while 37,944 people remain admitted in institutional facilities, he said.

Maharashtra's COVID-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases 4,50,196, deaths 15,842, recoveries 2,87,030, active cases 1,47,018 and people tested so far 22,98,723.

Maharashtra's COVID-19 tally on Monday increased to 4,50,196 with the addition of 8,968 fresh cases, while 266 deaths, including 46 in Mumbai, took the fatality count to 15,842, state health department said.

Maharashtra's COVID-19 tally on Monday increased to 4,50,196 with the addition of 8,968 fresh cases, while 266 deaths, including 46 in Mumbai, took the fatality count to 15,842, state health department said. Also read: COVID-19: Death in Delhi toll rises to over 4,000; Tamil Nadu reports over 5,600 cases The state also saw the discharge of 10,221 patients in the day, raising the count of recovered cases to 2,87,030, an official said. Maharashtra now has 1,47,018 active cases. A total of 22,98,723 people have been tested so far for COVID-19, he said. Mumbai city and suburban areas (MMR region) reported 970 and 2,957 fresh cases of COVID-19, respectively. With this, Mumbai has so far reported 1,17,406 cases and 6,493 deaths. The wider MMR region now has 2,49,111 cases of COVID- 19 and 9,970 deaths. The number of cases jumped by 796 in Pune city, while the neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad added 731 new infections in the day. Pune city reported 40 fatalities in the day while the number stood at 13 in areas under Pimpri Chinchwad. The tally of cases in Pune division reached 1,10,924 while the fatality count stands at 2,965, the official said. The case count in Nashik division stands at 37,679 with 1,255 deaths, while Kolhapur division has so far reported 11,835 cases and 284 fatalities. Aurangabad division now has 17,827 cases with 625 deaths while the count of cases in Latur division reached 6,803 while fatalities rose to 273, the official said. Akola division so far reported 8,189 cases and 280 deaths. The number of cases in Nagpur division reached 7,401 and fatalities to 138, the official said. A total of 427 people from other states are being treated in Maharashtra. 52 such patients have succumbed to the infection so far. A total of 9,25,269 people are home quarantined while 37,944 people remain admitted in institutional facilities, he said. Maharashtra's COVID-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases 4,50,196, deaths 15,842, recoveries 2,87,030, active cases 1,47,018 and people tested so far 22,98,723.

Maharashtra adds 8,968 COVID-19 cases; 266 die, 10,221 recover

Around Rs 1.62 crores were provided to the accused of North East Delhi violence before the violence started in February this year, Delhi Police sources said.

Sources said that Rs 1.42 crores were spent on several things including management of 20 protests (Anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests) at different sites and purchase of weapons.

Suspended Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor Tahir Hussain, Miran Haider, Ishrat Jahan, Shifa Ur Rehman and Khalid Saifi were among those accused who received the money which was sent from Oman, Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.Hussain spent Rs 1.29 crores out of Rs 1.32 crores he received while Saifi received over Rs 6.23 lakhs.

Ishrat Jahan received around Rs 5 lakhs, Rehman got Rs 5.55 lakhs and Rs 5.46 lakhs were given to Haider.The matter is being investigated.Hussain has confessed about his role in the North East Delhi violence and admitted that he has incited people to unleash violence, according to an Interrogation Report (IR) by Delhi Police.

According to Delhi Police, Hussain`s task was to collect as much glass bottle, petrol, acid, stones, as possible on the roof of my house.One of Hussain`s acquaintance, Khalid Saifi was given the task to gather people on the streets for protest.

"Khalid Saifi, along with his friend Ishrat Jahan, first started a dharna demonstration in Khureji on the lines of Shaheen Bagh. On February 4, in Abu Fazal Enclave, I met Khalid Saifi for planning the riots," Hussain told the police during interrogation.

"On February 4, in Abu Fazal Enclave, I met Khalid Saifi for planning the riots. It was decided to provoke people sitting on the anti-CAA strike. Khalif Saifi said that something big has to be done at the time of Donald Trump`s visit so that the government kneel," he said.

Delhi Police interrogation reveals that Hussain has admitted that he collected a lot of acid, petrol, diesel and stones on his roof. He had also took his pistol from the police station for use in the violence.

"On February 24, according to our plan, I have called several people and told me how to throw stones, petrol bombs, and acid bottles from my roof. I had shifted my family to another place. On 24 February 2020, at about 1:30 pm we started throwing stones," Hussain told police.

Around Rs 1.62 crores were provided to the accused of North East Delhi violence before the violence started in February this year, Delhi Police sources said. Sources said that Rs 1.

Around Rs 1.62 crores were provided to the accused of North East Delhi violence before the violence started in February this year, Delhi Police sources said. Sources said that Rs 1.42 crores were spent on several things including management of 20 protests (Anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests) at different sites and purchase of weapons. Suspended Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor Tahir Hussain, Miran Haider, Ishrat Jahan, Shifa Ur Rehman and Khalid Saifi were among those accused who received the money which was sent from Oman, Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.Hussain spent Rs 1.29 crores out of Rs 1.32 crores he received while Saifi received over Rs 6.23 lakhs. Ishrat Jahan received around Rs 5 lakhs, Rehman got Rs 5.55 lakhs and Rs 5.46 lakhs were given to Haider.The matter is being investigated.Hussain has confessed about his role in the North East Delhi violence and admitted that he has incited people to unleash violence, according to an Interrogation Report (IR) by Delhi Police. According to Delhi Police, Hussain`s task was to collect as much glass bottle, petrol, acid, stones, as possible on the roof of my house.One of Hussain`s acquaintance, Khalid Saifi was given the task to gather people on the streets for protest. "Khalid Saifi, along with his friend Ishrat Jahan, first started a dharna demonstration in Khureji on the lines of Shaheen Bagh. On February 4, in Abu Fazal Enclave, I met Khalid Saifi for planning the riots," Hussain told the police during interrogation. "On February 4, in Abu Fazal Enclave, I met Khalid Saifi for planning the riots. It was decided to provoke people sitting on the anti-CAA strike. Khalif Saifi said that something big has to be done at the time of Donald Trump`s visit so that the government kneel," he said. Delhi Police interrogation reveals that Hussain has admitted that he collected a lot of acid, petrol, diesel and stones on his roof. He had also took his pistol from the police station for use in the violence. "On February 24, according to our plan, I have called several people and told me how to throw stones, petrol bombs, and acid bottles from my roof. I had shifted my family to another place. On 24 February 2020, at about 1:30 pm we started throwing stones," Hussain told police.

Over Rs 1.62 crores provided to accused before Delhi violence

The first-ever shipment from Iran's Shahid Behesti Terminal of Chabahar left for Thailand began on 29th July, increasing the engagement of India backed port globally.

MV LIBRA sailed from Chabahar on 29th July carrying with 123 loaded TEUs ( twenty-foot equivalent unit) for Indian ports of Mundra and JNPT. The shipment bound for Bangkok will be transhipped at Mundra.

The shipment includes Iran’s aquatic products. Director-General of Sistan and Baluchestan Ports and Maritime Organization, Behrouz Aghaei said last week that this is for the first time Iranian products will go to Thailand via Chabahar. He explained the products will be unloaded at Mundra in India and loaded on another ship to its final destination to Bangkok Port.

Meanwhile, India has ordered the necessary equipment for the Chabahar port’s development project. The port will receive several mobile harbour cranes during the current Iranian calendar year, according to Iran's port and maritime organisation.

New Delhi is participating in the development of the first phase of Shahid Behesti Port in Chabahar in cooperation with Iranian govt. Indian company- India Ports Global Limited-- took over the operations of the port in December 2018. This has become a crucial connectivity link between India and Afghanistan as Pakistan continues to deny overland routes to New Delhi for Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The first-ever shipment from Iran's Shahid Behesti Terminal of Chabahar left for Thailand began on 29th July, increasing the engagement of India backed port globally.

The first-ever shipment from Iran's Shahid Behesti Terminal of Chabahar left for Thailand began on 29th July, increasing the engagement of India backed port globally. MV LIBRA sailed from Chabahar on 29th July carrying with 123 loaded TEUs ( twenty-foot equivalent unit) for Indian ports of Mundra and JNPT. The shipment bound for Bangkok will be transhipped at Mundra. The shipment includes Iran’s aquatic products. Director-General of Sistan and Baluchestan Ports and Maritime Organization, Behrouz Aghaei said last week that this is for the first time Iranian products will go to Thailand via Chabahar. He explained the products will be unloaded at Mundra in India and loaded on another ship to its final destination to Bangkok Port. Meanwhile, India has ordered the necessary equipment for the Chabahar port’s development project. The port will receive several mobile harbour cranes during the current Iranian calendar year, according to Iran's port and maritime organisation. New Delhi is participating in the development of the first phase of Shahid Behesti Port in Chabahar in cooperation with Iranian govt. Indian company- India Ports Global Limited-- took over the operations of the port in December 2018. This has become a crucial connectivity link between India and Afghanistan as Pakistan continues to deny overland routes to New Delhi for Afghanistan.

India backed Chabahar Port connects Iran with Thailand

One of the most populous country India reported 52,972 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours on Monday morning.

The Health Ministry reported that the toll of coronavirus cases has reached&nbsp;18,03,696 including 5,79,357 active cases, 1,186,203 cured/discharged/migrated and 38,135 deaths.

On Sunday evening, India's Home Minister Amit Shah also tested COVID-19 positive and has been admitted to a private hospital in Gurugram, a region in Delhi-NCR.

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कोरोना के शुरूआती लक्षण दिखने पर मैंने टेस्ट करवाया और रिपोर्ट पॉजिटिव आई है। मेरी तबीयत ठीक है परन्तु डॉक्टर्स की सलाह पर अस्पताल में भर्ती हो रहा हूँ। मेरा अनुरोध है कि आप में से जो भी लोग गत कुछ दिनों में मेरे संपर्क में आयें हैं, कृपया स्वयं को आइसोलेट कर अपनी जाँच करवाएं।
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1289882101915893764?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Karnataka Chief Minister&nbsp;BS Yediyurappa, too, tested positive for coronavirus yesterday. Later, his daughter, too, tested positive on Monday morning.&nbsp;Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit also tested positive on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/union-home-minister-amit-shah-tests-positive-for-covid-19-317679">Also watch:&nbsp;Union Home Minister Amit Shah tests positive for COVID-19</a>

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who tested positive for COVID-19 along with his son Abhishek, daughter-in-law Aishwarya and grand daughter Araadhya, has now tested negative for the novel coronavirus.

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🙏🏽 my father, thankfully, has tested negative on his latest Covid-19 test and has been discharged from the hospital. He will now be at home and rest. Thank you all for all your prayers and wishes for him. 🙏🏽
— Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan) <a href="https://twitter.com/juniorbachchan/status/1289882915598295040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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West Bengal&nbsp;recorded 49 fatalities pushing&nbsp;toll to 1,678. The state recorded highest single-day spike of 2,739 new cases, taking&nbsp;tally to 75,516.

Uttar Pradesh reported 3,853 new cases, taking the toll to&nbsp;92,921 and death toll to 1,730 with 53 fatalities reported in last 24 hours.

One of the most populous country India reported 52,972 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours on Monday morning. The Health Ministry reported that the toll of coronavirus cases has reached 18,03,696 including 5,79,357 active cases, 1,186,203 cured/discharged/migrated and 38,135 deaths.

One of the most populous country India reported 52,972 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours on Monday morning. The Health Ministry reported that the toll of coronavirus cases has reached 18,03,696 including 5,79,357 active cases, 1,186,203 cured/discharged/migrated and 38,135 deaths. On Sunday evening, India's Home Minister Amit Shah also tested COVID-19 positive and has been admitted to a private hospital in Gurugram, a region in Delhi-NCR. कोरोना के शुरूआती लक्षण दिखने पर मैंने टेस्ट करवाया और रिपोर्ट पॉजिटिव आई है। मेरी तबीयत ठीक है परन्तु डॉक्टर्स की सलाह पर अस्पताल में भर्ती हो रहा हूँ। मेरा अनुरोध है कि आप में से जो भी लोग गत कुछ दिनों में मेरे संपर्क में आयें हैं, कृपया स्वयं को आइसोलेट कर अपनी जाँच करवाएं। — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 2, 2020 × Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, too, tested positive for coronavirus yesterday. Later, his daughter, too, tested positive on Monday morning. Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit also tested positive on Saturday. Also watch: Union Home Minister Amit Shah tests positive for COVID-19 Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who tested positive for COVID-19 along with his son Abhishek, daughter-in-law Aishwarya and grand daughter Araadhya, has now tested negative for the novel coronavirus. 🙏🏽 my father, thankfully, has tested negative on his latest Covid-19 test and has been discharged from the hospital. He will now be at home and rest. Thank you all for all your prayers and wishes for him. 🙏🏽 — Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan) August 2, 2020 × West Bengal recorded 49 fatalities pushing toll to 1,678. The state recorded highest single-day spike of 2,739 new cases, taking tally to 75,516. Uttar Pradesh reported 3,853 new cases, taking the toll to 92,921 and death toll to 1,730 with 53 fatalities reported in last 24 hours.

COVID-19: India crosses 18 lakh mark with 52,972 new cases

Coronavirus Outbreak: Is India the new epicentre of COVID-19?

What's a tragedy without a tinge of sarcasm and self-pity? And what's a better targedy than the coronavirus crisis that has befallen upon humanity.

Adding a little salt to the wound, quite literally, is a restaurant in Jodhpur. The eating joint has infused creativity in its menu by adding COVID-19-themed dishes.&nbsp;

The Vedic restaurant is serving new and unique "COVID Curry" and "Mask Naan" to its customers.

COVID Curry is basically "malai kofta" made in the shape of the novel coronavirus, while Mask Naan is a facemask-shaped naan.

Restaurant owner Anil Kumar says these two new dishes are his brainchild.

"The curry is a variation of malai kofta in which the kofta has been made with various spices and the butter naan has been made in the shape of a mask," Kumar told ANI.

"The time is such that people get attracted only if you try something new. So, we have added corona to our menu so that people like it and somehow learn to live with coronavirus as well," he added.

He further said that his restaurant is ensuring proper social distancing and sanitisation norms.&nbsp;

Customers have been instructed to sit on alternate tables, moreover, this restaurant has a digital menu now in order to avoid touching the menu cards.

(with inputs from ANI)

What's a tragedy without a tinge of sarcasm and self-pity? And what's a better targedy than the coronavirus crisis that has befallen upon humanity. Adding a little salt to the wound, quite literally, is a restaurant in Jodhpur.

What's a tragedy without a tinge of sarcasm and self-pity? And what's a better targedy than the coronavirus crisis that has befallen upon humanity. Adding a little salt to the wound, quite literally, is a restaurant in Jodhpur. The eating joint has infused creativity in its menu by adding COVID-19-themed dishes. The Vedic restaurant is serving new and unique "COVID Curry" and "Mask Naan" to its customers. COVID Curry is basically "malai kofta" made in the shape of the novel coronavirus, while Mask Naan is a facemask-shaped naan. Restaurant owner Anil Kumar says these two new dishes are his brainchild. "The curry is a variation of malai kofta in which the kofta has been made with various spices and the butter naan has been made in the shape of a mask," Kumar told ANI. "The time is such that people get attracted only if you try something new. So, we have added corona to our menu so that people like it and somehow learn to live with coronavirus as well," he added. He further said that his restaurant is ensuring proper social distancing and sanitisation norms. Customers have been instructed to sit on alternate tables, moreover, this restaurant has a digital menu now in order to avoid touching the menu cards. (with inputs from ANI)

This Jodhpur restaurant is serving COVID Curry, Mask Naan to its customers

The Tamil Nadu government has expressed its contrary view on the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convict Perarivalan (a) Arivu’s parole plea during the hearing at the Madras High Court on Monday. This comes after his mother Arputhammal had moved the court on humanitarian grounds given her son’s prevailing health conditions, at a time when many of his fellow jail inmates were testing coronavirus positive. The hearing has been adjourned till&nbsp;August 12.

Although Perarivalan was convicted in 1991 under the grounds of having provided two 9-volt batteries which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi, it has been established later that he merely procured the batteries without knowing about the conspiracy or what the batteries would be used for.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajiv-gandhi-assassination-case-ag-perarivalan-approaches-mumbai-hc-seeking-details-on-sanjay-dutts-release-316248">Rajiv Gandhi assassination case: AG Perarivalan approaches Mumbai HC seeking details on Sanjay Dutt’s release</a>

Senior advocate Shri.R.Shunmugasundaram, Perarivalan’s counsel argued that he deserves parole on the health grounds, pointing out that the government’s counter-affidavit too makes mention of the various ailments that the convict is suffering from.&nbsp;

However, another senior advocate Shri. A. Natarajan, the State Public Prosecutor rejected the same saying that prisoners are entitled to leave only once in two years. It was added that Arivu had been last granted parole from November 2019 to January this year.&nbsp;

Further Shri. A. Natarajan, emphasized that the pendency of the investigation of Rajiv Gandhi Assassination by Multi-disciplinary Monitoring Agency (MDMA) is the reason behind the undue delay of the governor's decision on the cabinet recommendation dated 09.09.2018 of the TN Govt.

The MDMA, a special wing of CBI, was appointed following the report of the Jain Commisison to probe the larger conspiracy in the former PM's assassination case, which involved persons of other countries.&nbsp;

However, it is important to recall that initially, CBI had registered an FIR and which was subsequently tried as Calendar Case no. 3/92 against 26 accused including Arivu. A split trial case in Calendar Case No. 11/92 was pending against LTTE leader Prabhakaran and 2 others, wherein MDMA prayer for further investigation and the same was allowed in 2000.&nbsp;

In 2013, Perarivalan prayed before the Designated TADA Court, Chennai for effective monitoring of the pending probe. But this plea before the court faced stiff opposition from the CBI which was investigating the case. That case too was rejected and it was stated that Perarivalan did not have the locus to know the status of pending MDMA investigation.

In 2017, CBI officer Thiyagarajan had informed the Supreme Court about an error it had made while recording Perarivalan’s confession. Then too, the apex court mentioned that the progress of the MDMA investigation was not functioning satisfactorily. That was what led the Supreme Court to rule that Arivu could be released under Rule 161 by the State Government.&nbsp;

Recently too, TN govt. informed that TN Governor Banwarilal Purohit is awaiting the final report of the MDMA, which is completely contrary to their earlier view of former CM J.Jayalalithaa's decision to release seven prisoners including Perarivalan. 
&nbsp;

The Tamil Nadu government has expressed its contrary view on the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convict Perarivalan (a) Arivu’s parole plea during the hearing at the Madras High Court on Monday.

The Tamil Nadu government has expressed its contrary view on the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convict Perarivalan (a) Arivu’s parole plea during the hearing at the Madras High Court on Monday. This comes after his mother Arputhammal had moved the court on humanitarian grounds given her son’s prevailing health conditions, at a time when many of his fellow jail inmates were testing coronavirus positive. The hearing has been adjourned till August 12. Although Perarivalan was convicted in 1991 under the grounds of having provided two 9-volt batteries which were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi, it has been established later that he merely procured the batteries without knowing about the conspiracy or what the batteries would be used for. Also read | Rajiv Gandhi assassination case: AG Perarivalan approaches Mumbai HC seeking details on Sanjay Dutt’s release Senior advocate Shri.R.Shunmugasundaram, Perarivalan’s counsel argued that he deserves parole on the health grounds, pointing out that the government’s counter-affidavit too makes mention of the various ailments that the convict is suffering from. However, another senior advocate Shri. A. Natarajan, the State Public Prosecutor rejected the same saying that prisoners are entitled to leave only once in two years. It was added that Arivu had been last granted parole from November 2019 to January this year. Further Shri. A. Natarajan, emphasized that the pendency of the investigation of Rajiv Gandhi Assassination by Multi-disciplinary Monitoring Agency (MDMA) is the reason behind the undue delay of the governor's decision on the cabinet recommendation dated 09.09.2018 of the TN Govt. The MDMA, a special wing of CBI, was appointed following the report of the Jain Commisison to probe the larger conspiracy in the former PM's assassination case, which involved persons of other countries. However, it is important to recall that initially, CBI had registered an FIR and which was subsequently tried as Calendar Case no. 3/92 against 26 accused including Arivu. A split trial case in Calendar Case No. 11/92 was pending against LTTE leader Prabhakaran and 2 others, wherein MDMA prayer for further investigation and the same was allowed in 2000. In 2013, Perarivalan prayed before the Designated TADA Court, Chennai for effective monitoring of the pending probe. But this plea before the court faced stiff opposition from the CBI which was investigating the case. That case too was rejected and it was stated that Perarivalan did not have the locus to know the status of pending MDMA investigation. In 2017, CBI officer Thiyagarajan had informed the Supreme Court about an error it had made while recording Perarivalan’s confession. Then too, the apex court mentioned that the progress of the MDMA investigation was not functioning satisfactorily. That was what led the Supreme Court to rule that Arivu could be released under Rule 161 by the State Government. Recently too, TN govt. informed that TN Governor Banwarilal Purohit is awaiting the final report of the MDMA, which is completely contrary to their earlier view of former CM J.Jayalalithaa's decision to release seven prisoners including Perarivalan.

Rajiv Gandhi assassination case: Convict Perarivalan’s parole hearing adjourned till August 12

Amid rising Covid-19 cases, coupled with growing demand for miniaturized, affordable and clinically accurate devices for monitoring heath parameters such as temperature, oxygen saturation, respiration rate and heart rate, a healthcare Startup at IIT-Madras has started providing such home-grown devices to government and private hospitals.

Amid rising Covid-19 cases, coupled with growing demand for miniaturized, affordable and clinically accurate devices for monitoring heath parameters such as temperature, oxygen saturation, respiration rate and heart rate, a healthcare Startup at IIT-Madras has started providing such home-grown devices to government and private hospitals. Developed by IIT Madras and HELYXON, these devices called OXY2 are now commercially available, serve as a remote patient monitoring solution and are said to act as a force multiplier in the healthcare system. The device is completely self-contained, portable, wireless and can be clipped on to patient’s finger and data is streamed to a mobile phone(via bluetooth) or central monitoring system(from phone to system via internet). The temperature is measured at the user’s armpit, whereas blood oxygen level, and other parameters are measured at the finger. The device which is powered by a coin-cell battery is meant to serve as a replacement for large patient monitors that are used in hospitals, for a fraction of the cost. “This is a medical device that replaces large patient monitors that cost about Rs.1 lakh. While there are many similar offerings in the market, our devices can provide clinically accurate results. With remote monitoring, the doctors and healthcare staff can get the results without even getting anywhere near the patients” Prof. Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, Healthcare Technology Innovation Centre (HTIC), IIT Madras told WION. Priced between Rs.2500 -10,000, depending on which of the four parameters they can measure and how the device is configured, they can be used at home, hospitals, Covid care centers and other facilities, as it can be easily worn. When in close proximity to a smartphone, the bluetooth-enabled device would show the physiological parameters on a dedicated app on iOS or Android. There is the option to fix a threshold to the parameters and in case of a breach, it can be notified to the emergency contacts. Likewise remote monitoring is also possible, thus making it possible for a center to measure data from hundreds or thousands of individuals. When asked about the certification and validation process for the device, Prof. Sivaprakasam said that it is CE certified as a safe electronic device. ”This is a non-invasive device and since the safety is proven and validated it is free to be marketed. There is no special certification for no-invasive devices in India. But we have tested out results with the larger machines that are used in hospitals and found the results to be very reliable”, he told WION.

IIT Madras Startup offers affordable, wrist-worn health monitoring device for Covid-19

ICMR chief Dr Balram Bhargava said on Monday&nbsp;that it is difficult to predict whether or not India will see a second wave of COVID-19 infections and there will be smaller peaks at different times due to varied geography of the country.

Dr Bhargava said that the situation was rapidly evolving and there have been immense variations in spread of infection and mortality rates in different geographies and across different demographics around the world.

"SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus. There is still a lot we don`t know about it. We have also seen immense variations in the spread of infection and mortality rates in different geographies and across different demographics around the world. So, it is difficult to predict whether or not India will see a second wave of infections. There is also a wide variation in disease distribution in specific states - so one size cannot fit all," he said.

The Director-General of India Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said apart from the scientific inputs, full participation of all citizens is essential to overcome the COVID-19 challenge.

"Due to the varied geography of our nation, there would be smaller peaks at different times. The situation is rapidly evolving, and we will continue to monitor it. However, it is pertinent that people follow preventive measures like social distancing, use of masks and hand hygiene. The right intervention approach, the scientific input and full participation of all citizens and communities is essential to overcome the COVID-19 challenge" he said.

Dr Bhargava, a key scientist involved in monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the country, said ICMR has been monitoring this disease since January 2020 and its lab at the National Institute of Virology is also amongst the first few in the world to completely isolate the virus to learn more about its characteristics and lay the groundwork for finding a potential cure.

Asked how ICMR will tackle any future threat of virus, Dr Bhargava said that even before COVID-19 struck, ICMR had set up a platform with other 10 South East Asian countries to conduct collaborative research on emerging diseases.

"We have been at the forefront of tackling diseases like Nipah, Zika and other emerging infections," he said.

The scientist said that "three Ds - Data, Development and Delivery" are at the core of tackling any public health crisis.

"Data is important to make evidence-based decisions for interventions and in policymaking. Development of innovative tools that can drive innovation in the public health space is also critical. For instance, the indigenously developed, rapid and highly accurate ELISA test is helping the country to detect the extent of coronavirus spread in the country. Finally, delivery needs to be strengthened to ensure that these interventions reach the beneficiary," he said.

Dr Bhargava said ICMR has been continually ramping up testing capacity since the beginning of the pandemic.

"We started with less than 100 tests per day near the beginning of the pandemic and today we have the capacity of testing over 5 lakh samples a day with labs set up even at 18,000 feet in Ladakh. ICMR has crossed the milestone of 2,02,02,858 tests and we are now the country with 4th highest number of tests conducted globally," he said.

ICMR has also written to private and government medical colleges to increase testing for the virus and it will support these institutions to get the required infrastructure and training for testing, he said.

ICMR recently set up three new state-of-the-art testing facilities in Noida, Mumbai and Kolkata, which can increase testing capacity, reduce risk of exposure for lab technicians and decrease turn-around time."Over time, once the pandemic is controlled, these facilities can also be used for the testing of other diseases such as tuberculosis, Hepatitis B and C, HIV etc," Dr Bhargava said.&nbsp;

ICMR chief Dr Balram Bhargava said on Monday that it is difficult to predict whether or not India will see a second wave of COVID-19 infections and there will be smaller peaks at different times due to varied geography of the country.

ICMR chief Dr Balram Bhargava said on Monday that it is difficult to predict whether or not India will see a second wave of COVID-19 infections and there will be smaller peaks at different times due to varied geography of the country. Dr Bhargava said that the situation was rapidly evolving and there have been immense variations in spread of infection and mortality rates in different geographies and across different demographics around the world. "SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus. There is still a lot we don`t know about it. We have also seen immense variations in the spread of infection and mortality rates in different geographies and across different demographics around the world. So, it is difficult to predict whether or not India will see a second wave of infections. There is also a wide variation in disease distribution in specific states - so one size cannot fit all," he said. The Director-General of India Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said apart from the scientific inputs, full participation of all citizens is essential to overcome the COVID-19 challenge. "Due to the varied geography of our nation, there would be smaller peaks at different times. The situation is rapidly evolving, and we will continue to monitor it. However, it is pertinent that people follow preventive measures like social distancing, use of masks and hand hygiene. The right intervention approach, the scientific input and full participation of all citizens and communities is essential to overcome the COVID-19 challenge" he said. Dr Bhargava, a key scientist involved in monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the country, said ICMR has been monitoring this disease since January 2020 and its lab at the National Institute of Virology is also amongst the first few in the world to completely isolate the virus to learn more about its characteristics and lay the groundwork for finding a potential cure. Asked how ICMR will tackle any future threat of virus, Dr Bhargava said that even before COVID-19 struck, ICMR had set up a platform with other 10 South East Asian countries to conduct collaborative research on emerging diseases. "We have been at the forefront of tackling diseases like Nipah, Zika and other emerging infections," he said. The scientist said that "three Ds - Data, Development and Delivery" are at the core of tackling any public health crisis. "Data is important to make evidence-based decisions for interventions and in policymaking. Development of innovative tools that can drive innovation in the public health space is also critical. For instance, the indigenously developed, rapid and highly accurate ELISA test is helping the country to detect the extent of coronavirus spread in the country. Finally, delivery needs to be strengthened to ensure that these interventions reach the beneficiary," he said. Dr Bhargava said ICMR has been continually ramping up testing capacity since the beginning of the pandemic. "We started with less than 100 tests per day near the beginning of the pandemic and today we have the capacity of testing over 5 lakh samples a day with labs set up even at 18,000 feet in Ladakh. ICMR has crossed the milestone of 2,02,02,858 tests and we are now the country with 4th highest number of tests conducted globally," he said. ICMR has also written to private and government medical colleges to increase testing for the virus and it will support these institutions to get the required infrastructure and training for testing, he said. ICMR recently set up three new state-of-the-art testing facilities in Noida, Mumbai and Kolkata, which can increase testing capacity, reduce risk of exposure for lab technicians and decrease turn-around time."Over time, once the pandemic is controlled, these facilities can also be used for the testing of other diseases such as tuberculosis, Hepatitis B and C, HIV etc," Dr Bhargava said.

Difficult to predict if India will see second wave of COVID-19: ICMR chief

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