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India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Wednesday said that the US needs to "learn" to work with a more ''multipolar world" with more "plurilateral arrangements'' and go beyond alliances with which it has grown over the last two generations.&nbsp;

Speaking at US-India Business Council (USIBC) virtual event, Jaishankar spoke about the "quest''&nbsp;in last 20 years&nbsp;is really to find more common ground" between India and US. Giving a context,&nbsp; that is the fact, that we coming from different places--there will be issues on which our convergence will be more and in others, it will be less"

The EAM highlighted how both countries were working together on maritime security, climate change, counter-terrorism, COVID-19 crisis, connectivity and explained, "American administrations have been engaging with countries like India more effectively".

The focus was also on the role played by the Indian-American community that stands around 4 million with EAM saying, "It has given a new quality to the relationship, the branding relationship...and it has created a bonding between the 2 society" and this is centred around "talent...that is so central to our economy, innovation, technology..in the globalised economy knowledge world"

On trade, Jaishankar said, "We need to think bigger. In terms of trade, it has been your complaint vs your complaint. It is in mutual interest to resolve pending issues and move on to bigger things."

India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Wednesday said that the US needs to "learn" to work with a more ''multipolar world" with more "plurilateral arrangements'' and go beyond alliances with which it has grown over the last two generations.

India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Wednesday said that the US needs to "learn" to work with a more ''multipolar world" with more "plurilateral arrangements'' and go beyond alliances with which it has grown over the last two generations. Speaking at US-India Business Council (USIBC) virtual event, Jaishankar spoke about the "quest'' in last 20 years is really to find more common ground" between India and US. Giving a context, that is the fact, that we coming from different places--there will be issues on which our convergence will be more and in others, it will be less" The EAM highlighted how both countries were working together on maritime security, climate change, counter-terrorism, COVID-19 crisis, connectivity and explained, "American administrations have been engaging with countries like India more effectively". The focus was also on the role played by the Indian-American community that stands around 4 million with EAM saying, "It has given a new quality to the relationship, the branding relationship...and it has created a bonding between the 2 society" and this is centred around "talent...that is so central to our economy, innovation, technology..in the globalised economy knowledge world" On trade, Jaishankar said, "We need to think bigger. In terms of trade, it has been your complaint vs your complaint. It is in mutual interest to resolve pending issues and move on to bigger things."

US needs to learn to work in multipolar world, says EAM Jaishankar

WION Global Summit today decoded China's military and the power of its propaganda machinery. The country has the world’s largest army in active duty. After China comes India, United States, North Korea, and Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-reform-plans-have-stalled-says-dexter-roberts-at-wion-global-summit-315204">Also Read:&nbsp;China's reform plans have stalled, says Dexter Roberts at WION Global Summit</a>

John Blaxland, professor at the Australian National University, speaking the WION Global Summit said: “It (Chinese) is an untested army. It is modernising and employing some of the latest technologies. But, it is an untested one. The last time it was involved in a conflict, it got a very bloody nose”.

China has stepped up its military activity across multiple fronts recently amid the coronavirus pandemic. The country was involved in a border skirmish along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) with India&nbsp;which led to casualties on both sides. China, however, did not reveal the numbers.

There were also tensions in the South China Sea as the United States and India recently undertook joint naval exercises off Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Lawrence Korb, the former Assistant of Secretary Defense, US, stressed the importance of unity against China at WION's Global Summit.&nbsp;

“Under a more traditional US president, unlike President Trump, we would be working with all our allies to present a united front," Korb said.&nbsp;

Korb claimed the US president has been too fixated on economic relations which has pushed China's military excesses aside.&nbsp;

“Trump has mainly been focused on economics with China, ignoring their military push”, Korb claimed.

China’s excesses along the Tibet border and it's heavy policing of the region has also made headlines lately.&nbsp;

Currently, Tibet’s government-in-exile is based in India’s Himachal Pradesh, and still pushes for the region’s freedom.&nbsp;

Lt. General (retd) SL Narasimhan, member of the National Security Advisory board of India, said: “The Tibet stand is something that is very sensitive and that is one of the red lines of China. So we need to be extremely careful in dealing with this particular situation.”

With more countries joining hands against China’s military excesses, the global sentiment has become largely anti-China.&nbsp;

Recently, India banned multiple Chinese apps to protect its national sovereignty, the US, too, is planning to follow suit. The UK recently stripped China’s Huawei of rights&nbsp;to deploy 5G technology in the country and is now considering more local alternatives.

WION Global Summit today decoded China's military and the power of its propaganda machinery. The country has the world’s largest army in active duty. After China comes India, United States, North Korea, and Russia.

WION Global Summit today decoded China's military and the power of its propaganda machinery. The country has the world’s largest army in active duty. After China comes India, United States, North Korea, and Russia. Also Read: China's reform plans have stalled, says Dexter Roberts at WION Global Summit John Blaxland, professor at the Australian National University, speaking the WION Global Summit said: “It (Chinese) is an untested army. It is modernising and employing some of the latest technologies. But, it is an untested one. The last time it was involved in a conflict, it got a very bloody nose”. China has stepped up its military activity across multiple fronts recently amid the coronavirus pandemic. The country was involved in a border skirmish along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) with India which led to casualties on both sides. China, however, did not reveal the numbers. There were also tensions in the South China Sea as the United States and India recently undertook joint naval exercises off Andaman and Nicobar islands. Lawrence Korb, the former Assistant of Secretary Defense, US, stressed the importance of unity against China at WION's Global Summit. “Under a more traditional US president, unlike President Trump, we would be working with all our allies to present a united front," Korb said. Korb claimed the US president has been too fixated on economic relations which has pushed China's military excesses aside. “Trump has mainly been focused on economics with China, ignoring their military push”, Korb claimed. China’s excesses along the Tibet border and it's heavy policing of the region has also made headlines lately. Currently, Tibet’s government-in-exile is based in India’s Himachal Pradesh, and still pushes for the region’s freedom. Lt. General (retd) SL Narasimhan, member of the National Security Advisory board of India, said: “The Tibet stand is something that is very sensitive and that is one of the red lines of China. So we need to be extremely careful in dealing with this particular situation.” With more countries joining hands against China’s military excesses, the global sentiment has become largely anti-China. Recently, India banned multiple Chinese apps to protect its national sovereignty, the US, too, is planning to follow suit. The UK recently stripped China’s Huawei of rights to deploy 5G technology in the country and is now considering more local alternatives.

China's army is modernising but it is untested, says John Blaxland at WION Global Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the keynote address at the India Ideas Summit on July 22

PM Modi to address 'India Ideas Summit' tonight at 9pm

As China embarks on its economic expansion plan, WION Global Summit: Decoding China, explored&nbsp;the country's great wall of debt and its increasing economic stagnation.

"China's reform plans have stalled for the past five to six years, and it will not be able to grow its middle class," Dexter Roberts, fellow at Mansfield Center, said at the WION Global Summit today.

Dexter Roberts added that China will no longer be the global growth driver.

Michael Schuman, the author of "superpower interrupted", asserted that the biggest challenge that China faces is "resource allocation" while it continues to build its infrastructure.

"In China what you will find is that money tends to go a lot into unproductive sectors and unproductive companies," Shuman said at the WION Global Summit, adding, "money is taken away from private companies that are far more productive than state enterprises."

Schuman stated that China has been unable to get out of the cycle of credit which powers its "dead heavy economy".&nbsp;

Dexter Roberts asserted that the migrant population in China are being treated as "second-class citizens" with growing pressure on the Chinese leadership.

"Urban Chinese have been beneficiaries of an implicit bargain," Dexter Roberts felt.

Dinny McMohan, author of China's great wall of debt, said: "If debt grows at a reasonable pace, then it can stimulate economic growth. But what we have seen in China is that it is quite difficult to find infrastructure projects that are going to take the debt and generate genuine economic return."

As China embarks on its economic expansion plan, WION Global Summit: Decoding China, explored the country's great wall of debt and its increasing economic stagnation.

As China embarks on its economic expansion plan, WION Global Summit: Decoding China, explored the country's great wall of debt and its increasing economic stagnation. "China's reform plans have stalled for the past five to six years, and it will not be able to grow its middle class," Dexter Roberts, fellow at Mansfield Center, said at the WION Global Summit today. Dexter Roberts added that China will no longer be the global growth driver. Michael Schuman, the author of "superpower interrupted", asserted that the biggest challenge that China faces is "resource allocation" while it continues to build its infrastructure. "In China what you will find is that money tends to go a lot into unproductive sectors and unproductive companies," Shuman said at the WION Global Summit, adding, "money is taken away from private companies that are far more productive than state enterprises." Schuman stated that China has been unable to get out of the cycle of credit which powers its "dead heavy economy". Dexter Roberts asserted that the migrant population in China are being treated as "second-class citizens" with growing pressure on the Chinese leadership. "Urban Chinese have been beneficiaries of an implicit bargain," Dexter Roberts felt. Dinny McMohan, author of China's great wall of debt, said: "If debt grows at a reasonable pace, then it can stimulate economic growth. But what we have seen in China is that it is quite difficult to find infrastructure projects that are going to take the debt and generate genuine economic return."

China's reform plans have stalled, says Dexter Roberts at WION Global Summit

For the first time ever&nbsp;Kerala recorded a single day spike of 1,038 fresh COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, taking the infection tally to 15,032.

As many as 8,818 people are presently under treatment of whom 53 are in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and nine are on ventilator support, PTI report said quoting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

While 785 people have contracted the virus through contact, the source of infection of 57 people is not known, Vijayan said.

Of the infected, 87 had come from abroad and 109 from other states. The death toll has climbed to 45, with a 75-year-old man from Idukki succumbing to the virus.

In the last 24 hours, over 20,847 samples have been tested. About 1,59,777 people are under observation, 9,031 in various hospitals, including 1164 admitted today.

Over 3,18,6444 samples have been sent for testing so far, Vijayan said.

According to the chief minister, the situation in Thiruvananthapuram continues to be extremely grave.

Of the 226 cases in the district, 190 have been infected through contact and the source of infection of at least 15 people is not known.

Eighteen health workers are among those infected.

(With inputs from PTI)

For the first time ever Kerala recorded a single day spike of 1,038 fresh COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, taking the infection tally to 15,032. As many as 8,818 people are presently under treatment of whom 53 are in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and nine are on ventilator support, PTI report said quoting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

For the first time ever Kerala recorded a single day spike of 1,038 fresh COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, taking the infection tally to 15,032. As many as 8,818 people are presently under treatment of whom 53 are in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and nine are on ventilator support, PTI report said quoting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. While 785 people have contracted the virus through contact, the source of infection of 57 people is not known, Vijayan said. Of the infected, 87 had come from abroad and 109 from other states. The death toll has climbed to 45, with a 75-year-old man from Idukki succumbing to the virus. In the last 24 hours, over 20,847 samples have been tested. About 1,59,777 people are under observation, 9,031 in various hospitals, including 1164 admitted today. Over 3,18,6444 samples have been sent for testing so far, Vijayan said. According to the chief minister, the situation in Thiruvananthapuram continues to be extremely grave. Of the 226 cases in the district, 190 have been infected through contact and the source of infection of at least 15 people is not known. Eighteen health workers are among those infected. (With inputs from PTI)

Single day cases surpass 1000 mark in Kerala as total COVID-19 tally tops 15,000

Significance and evolution of the Indian national flag

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered to impose complete lockdown in all red districts of Kashmir division from the evening after a continuous spike in the number of CoronaVirus positive cases.

In a statement by the information department of the government, it said “complete lockdown in all Red districts (excluding Bandipora) of Kmr Div (Kashmir Division) from today evening till 6 am on 27-7-2020.”&nbsp;

It also says that agriculture and horticulture and construction activities will continue as per DMRR guidelines and movement of good carriers, LPG &amp; Oil tankers will continue without any hassle.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/a-local-daily-in-jk-surprises-readers-with-face-masks-as-cases-rise-314900" hreflang="en">A local daily in J&amp;K surprises readers with face masks as cases rise</a>

Earlier, the district administration Srinagar thought its official handle has tweeted about the COVID-19 situation which has reached a point where hospitals are running out of space.&nbsp;

Yesterday, J&amp;K crosses the 15 thousand mark with Srinagar, the summer capital, showing the upward trend with the highest cases in all 20 districts of the union territory. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/jk-joins-boycott-china-campaign-314629" hreflang="en">J&amp;K joins 'Boycott China' campaign</a>

The administration also canceled the annual Amarnath pilgrimage in wake of spike in COVID cases but said the shrine board will continue to live telecasts morning prayers for the devotees.

Meanwhile, district magistrate Srinagar has said all non-local laborers will be allowed into Srinagar after testing negative for COVID-19. People have been concerned about the incoming non-local laborers in wake of Coronavirus.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered to impose complete lockdown in all red districts of Kashmir division from the evening after a continuous spike in the number of CoronaVirus positive cases.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered to impose complete lockdown in all red districts of Kashmir division from the evening after a continuous spike in the number of CoronaVirus positive cases. In a statement by the information department of the government, it said “complete lockdown in all Red districts (excluding Bandipora) of Kmr Div (Kashmir Division) from today evening till 6 am on 27-7-2020.” It also says that agriculture and horticulture and construction activities will continue as per DMRR guidelines and movement of good carriers, LPG & Oil tankers will continue without any hassle. Also read: A local daily in J&K surprises readers with face masks as cases rise Earlier, the district administration Srinagar thought its official handle has tweeted about the COVID-19 situation which has reached a point where hospitals are running out of space. Yesterday, J&K crosses the 15 thousand mark with Srinagar, the summer capital, showing the upward trend with the highest cases in all 20 districts of the union territory. Also read: J&K joins 'Boycott China' campaign The administration also canceled the annual Amarnath pilgrimage in wake of spike in COVID cases but said the shrine board will continue to live telecasts morning prayers for the devotees. Meanwhile, district magistrate Srinagar has said all non-local laborers will be allowed into Srinagar after testing negative for COVID-19. People have been concerned about the incoming non-local laborers in wake of Coronavirus.

J&K: Administration orders complete lockdown in red zones after spike in COVID cases

Pune's health department today reported 2601 coronavirus cases and 44 deaths in the last 24 hour taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the district to 54,013 with the death toll rising to 1387.

Jharkhand reported 178 new coronavirus cases and four deaths today taking the total number of cases to 5,777 including 2889 active cases. The death toll in the state due to the virus has risen to 53.

Meanwhile, Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant said, "human trials of Covaxin, an indigenously developed vaccine for coronavirus has begun at Redkar Hospital in Goa."

"It is a testimony of India's immense potential in healthcare innovation," the Goa CM added.

Meanwhile, West Bengal recorded 2,282 new coronavirus cases and 35 deaths today taking the total number of cases to 44,769 including 17,204 active cases. The death toll due to the virus in the state has risen to 1,147.

Madhya Pradesh reported 710 new coronavirus cases and 17 deaths due to the virus taking the total number of cases to 23310 including 6888 active cases. The death toll in the state due to the virus has risen to 738.

In Rajasthan, 956 new coronavirus cases were reported along with nine deaths taking the total number of cases to 30390 including 7627 active cases. The death toll due to the virus in the state has risen to 568.

Karnataka reported 3,648 coronavirus cases and 72 deaths today taking the total number of cases in the state to 42,216 with the death toll climbing to 1,403

Pune's health department today reported 2601 coronavirus cases and 44 deaths in the last 24 hour taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the district to 54,013 with the death toll rising to 1387.

Pune's health department today reported 2601 coronavirus cases and 44 deaths in the last 24 hour taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the district to 54,013 with the death toll rising to 1387. Jharkhand reported 178 new coronavirus cases and four deaths today taking the total number of cases to 5,777 including 2889 active cases. The death toll in the state due to the virus has risen to 53. Meanwhile, Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant said, "human trials of Covaxin, an indigenously developed vaccine for coronavirus has begun at Redkar Hospital in Goa." "It is a testimony of India's immense potential in healthcare innovation," the Goa CM added. Meanwhile, West Bengal recorded 2,282 new coronavirus cases and 35 deaths today taking the total number of cases to 44,769 including 17,204 active cases. The death toll due to the virus in the state has risen to 1,147. Madhya Pradesh reported 710 new coronavirus cases and 17 deaths due to the virus taking the total number of cases to 23310 including 6888 active cases. The death toll in the state due to the virus has risen to 738. In Rajasthan, 956 new coronavirus cases were reported along with nine deaths taking the total number of cases to 30390 including 7627 active cases. The death toll due to the virus in the state has risen to 568. Karnataka reported 3,648 coronavirus cases and 72 deaths today taking the total number of cases in the state to 42,216 with the death toll climbing to 1,403

Human trials of Covaxin has begun in the state: Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant

Amid reports of Rajiv Gandhi Assassination case life-convict Nalini’s suicide attempt in the Vellore Prison for women, her advocate Pugalendhi in a telephonic conversation told WION that the preliminary information was not convincing enough.

“Nalini is a fighter and has endured so much in her 29-year incarceration, I doubt if the reasons stated by officials would lead her to take such an extreme step. She has never done anything of this kind during her nearly 3-decade jail term. Perhaps, there is more to it than meets the eye” her advocate Pugalendhi says.&nbsp;

Pugalendhi said that he received a call at the intervening night between Monday and Tuesday and was informed that Nalini had attempted suicide in the Prison for Women in Vellore. He states the jail officials’ version, which says that Nalini and another life-convict had a misunderstanding and a quarrel, which aggravated. It is said that the life-convict complained to the jailer about the tussle with Nalini.&nbsp;

Apparently, the jailer had conducted an enquiry with Nalini at around 8:30pm, after which a disturbed Nalini attempted suicide. While some versions state that Nalini threatened to take the extreme step, others say that she had attempted suicide by strangulating using a cloth.&nbsp;

Pugalendhi stated that tussles between prisoners and wardens taking sides were common occurrences in jails. But he points out certain anomalies - “it is likely that the prisoner might have complained to the jailer before 6pm, when the prisoners are required to return to their cells. If the complaint was given at 6pm, why was it necessary for the jailer to visit Nalini and question her at 8:30pm for what seems to be a normal issue? After 7pm the jailer doesn’t visit the prisoners who are in their cells, there are only routine visits that happen daily in the morning. What was the need to go in at night and question her?”

Suspecting that there is more to it than what is being said about this attempted suicide, Pugalendhi talks about the torture and mental agony that Nalini has faced over the last 29 years of her life, which she has spent in jail. He asserts that Nalini has always been a fighter who has stood up for her rights and believed in fighting legal battles. “From how much I know her, she is not the kind of person that would think of taking an extreme step for the above reasons. She has not attempted anything of this sort in the last 29 years. She is a strong character” he says.&nbsp;

 
Pugalendhi also talks about another important aspect that might hold a clue to what went on inside the prison. “In the weekly call that convicts can have with their lawyers, Nalini’s husband, Murugan (a) Sriharan had recently said that legal action be initiated to shift Nalini to the Puzhal prison”.

Nalini is lodged in the Central Prison for Women in Vellore in Tamil Nadu, her husband Murugan (a) Sriharan is lodged in the Prison for male convicts in the same facility. Nalini and her husband are allowed to make two calls to each other every month. However, there is s case pending in the Madras High court on whether Nalini and her husband can make video calls to their family members who are residing abroad, in Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

Seven people including Nalini and her husband were convicted by the special TADA court for their role in the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on May 21st by an LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur, in the outskirts of Chennai.&nbsp;

The convicts were initially sentenced to death, but later it was commuted to a life imprisonment. Besides Nalini and her husband Murugan (a) Sriharan, the other convicts are Perarivalan, Santhan, Jayakumar, Ravichandran and Robert Payas.

Amid reports of Rajiv Gandhi Assassination case life-convict Nalini’s suicide attempt in the Vellore Prison for women, her advocate Pugalendhi in a telephonic conversation told WION that the preliminary information was not convincing enough.

Amid reports of Rajiv Gandhi Assassination case life-convict Nalini’s suicide attempt in the Vellore Prison for women, her advocate Pugalendhi in a telephonic conversation told WION that the preliminary information was not convincing enough. “Nalini is a fighter and has endured so much in her 29-year incarceration, I doubt if the reasons stated by officials would lead her to take such an extreme step. She has never done anything of this kind during her nearly 3-decade jail term. Perhaps, there is more to it than meets the eye” her advocate Pugalendhi says. Pugalendhi said that he received a call at the intervening night between Monday and Tuesday and was informed that Nalini had attempted suicide in the Prison for Women in Vellore. He states the jail officials’ version, which says that Nalini and another life-convict had a misunderstanding and a quarrel, which aggravated. It is said that the life-convict complained to the jailer about the tussle with Nalini. Apparently, the jailer had conducted an enquiry with Nalini at around 8:30pm, after which a disturbed Nalini attempted suicide. While some versions state that Nalini threatened to take the extreme step, others say that she had attempted suicide by strangulating using a cloth. Pugalendhi stated that tussles between prisoners and wardens taking sides were common occurrences in jails. But he points out certain anomalies - “it is likely that the prisoner might have complained to the jailer before 6pm, when the prisoners are required to return to their cells. If the complaint was given at 6pm, why was it necessary for the jailer to visit Nalini and question her at 8:30pm for what seems to be a normal issue? After 7pm the jailer doesn’t visit the prisoners who are in their cells, there are only routine visits that happen daily in the morning. What was the need to go in at night and question her?” Suspecting that there is more to it than what is being said about this attempted suicide, Pugalendhi talks about the torture and mental agony that Nalini has faced over the last 29 years of her life, which she has spent in jail. He asserts that Nalini has always been a fighter who has stood up for her rights and believed in fighting legal battles. “From how much I know her, she is not the kind of person that would think of taking an extreme step for the above reasons. She has not attempted anything of this sort in the last 29 years. She is a strong character” he says. Pugalendhi also talks about another important aspect that might hold a clue to what went on inside the prison. “In the weekly call that convicts can have with their lawyers, Nalini’s husband, Murugan (a) Sriharan had recently said that legal action be initiated to shift Nalini to the Puzhal prison”. Nalini is lodged in the Central Prison for Women in Vellore in Tamil Nadu, her husband Murugan (a) Sriharan is lodged in the Prison for male convicts in the same facility. Nalini and her husband are allowed to make two calls to each other every month. However, there is s case pending in the Madras High court on whether Nalini and her husband can make video calls to their family members who are residing abroad, in Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom. Seven people including Nalini and her husband were convicted by the special TADA court for their role in the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on May 21st by an LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur, in the outskirts of Chennai. The convicts were initially sentenced to death, but later it was commuted to a life imprisonment. Besides Nalini and her husband Murugan (a) Sriharan, the other convicts are Perarivalan, Santhan, Jayakumar, Ravichandran and Robert Payas.

Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case: Lawyer raises questions over Nalini’s suicide attempt in jail, suspects foulplay 

As coronavirus infections climb in Mumbai, authorities in&nbsp;India's worst-hit city are turning to high-tech "smart helmets" to speed up screenings and identify suspected cases in the financial capital's densely-populated slums.

The portable thermoscanners -- previously deployed in Dubai, Italy and China -- enable health workers to record the temperatures of dozens of residents per minute and could emerge as a key weapon in Mumbai's quest to eradicate the virus from the city of 18 million.

"Traditional screening methods take a lot of time. You go to a slum with 20,000 people and it takes you three hours to screen 300 people," said Neelu Jain, a medical volunteer affiliated with the non-profit group Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana.

"But when you use these helmets, all you have to do is ask people to come out of their homes, face them and you can screen 6,000 people in two-and-a-half hours," she told AFP.

The helmets were donated to authorities in Mumbai and the nearby city of Pune, which have both been locked in a months-long battle against the pandemic, with cases across&nbsp;India&nbsp;soaring past one million on Friday.

But with just two helmets in use in each city, the push to identify and isolate infected residents will take a long time.

The imported helmets -- which cost around 600,000 rupees ($8,045) -- are also in high demand in places like Dubai, said Jain, making it very difficult to expand capacity.

As coronavirus infections climb in Mumbai, authorities in India's worst-hit city are turning to high-tech "smart helmets" to speed up screenings and identify suspected cases in the financial capital's densely-populated slums.

As coronavirus infections climb in Mumbai, authorities in India's worst-hit city are turning to high-tech "smart helmets" to speed up screenings and identify suspected cases in the financial capital's densely-populated slums. The portable thermoscanners -- previously deployed in Dubai, Italy and China -- enable health workers to record the temperatures of dozens of residents per minute and could emerge as a key weapon in Mumbai's quest to eradicate the virus from the city of 18 million. "Traditional screening methods take a lot of time. You go to a slum with 20,000 people and it takes you three hours to screen 300 people," said Neelu Jain, a medical volunteer affiliated with the non-profit group Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana. "But when you use these helmets, all you have to do is ask people to come out of their homes, face them and you can screen 6,000 people in two-and-a-half hours," she told AFP. The helmets were donated to authorities in Mumbai and the nearby city of Pune, which have both been locked in a months-long battle against the pandemic, with cases across India soaring past one million on Friday. But with just two helmets in use in each city, the push to identify and isolate infected residents will take a long time. The imported helmets -- which cost around 600,000 rupees ($8,045) -- are also in high demand in places like Dubai, said Jain, making it very difficult to expand capacity.

Mumbai deploys 'smart helmets' to screen for coronavirus

Nalini Sriharan, a life convict in the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, reportedly attempted suicide in the Special Prison for Women in Vellore.

According to Nalini’s lawyer Advocate P Pugalenthi “There was a quarrel between Nalini and another life convict. The other person complained to the jailer about the tussle. Jailer conducted an enquiry with Nalini. It is said that Nalini was severely disturbed and attempted suicide.”

“Some say that Nalini threatened to take the extreme step and someday. She’s endured much more torture and fought it legally. It is doubtful if she would resort to an extreme measure for such a reason. I have known her as a fighter who stands up for her rights, we need to understand if there is some other serious issue,” added Advocate P Pugalenthi.

Last year Nalini, one of the seven convicts in former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination case had&nbsp;demanded mercy killing along with her husband Murugan alias Sriharan, who is also a convict in the case.

Nalini Sriharan, the lone surviving member of the five-member squad behind the Rajiv Gandhi assassination, has been serving a life term in Vellore Central Prison for the past 29 years.

Nalini and her husband Murugan, a Sri Lankan national, are among the seven convicts in the case who are serving life imprisonment in the case related to the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi by an LTTE suicide bomber during an election rally at Sriperumpudur near here on May 21, 1991.

The seven convicts are AG Perarivalan, V Sriharan alias Murugan, T Suthendraraja alias Santhan, Jayakumar, Robert Payas, Ravichandran and Nalini Sriharan. They include both Indians and Sri Lankans. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Nalini Sriharan, a life convict in the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, reportedly attempted suicide in the Special Prison for Women in Vellore.

Nalini Sriharan, a life convict in the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, reportedly attempted suicide in the Special Prison for Women in Vellore. According to Nalini’s lawyer Advocate P Pugalenthi “There was a quarrel between Nalini and another life convict. The other person complained to the jailer about the tussle. Jailer conducted an enquiry with Nalini. It is said that Nalini was severely disturbed and attempted suicide.” “Some say that Nalini threatened to take the extreme step and someday. She’s endured much more torture and fought it legally. It is doubtful if she would resort to an extreme measure for such a reason. I have known her as a fighter who stands up for her rights, we need to understand if there is some other serious issue,” added Advocate P Pugalenthi. Last year Nalini, one of the seven convicts in former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination case had demanded mercy killing along with her husband Murugan alias Sriharan, who is also a convict in the case. Nalini Sriharan, the lone surviving member of the five-member squad behind the Rajiv Gandhi assassination, has been serving a life term in Vellore Central Prison for the past 29 years. Nalini and her husband Murugan, a Sri Lankan national, are among the seven convicts in the case who are serving life imprisonment in the case related to the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi by an LTTE suicide bomber during an election rally at Sriperumpudur near here on May 21, 1991. The seven convicts are AG Perarivalan, V Sriharan alias Murugan, T Suthendraraja alias Santhan, Jayakumar, Robert Payas, Ravichandran and Nalini Sriharan. They include both Indians and Sri Lankans. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convict Nalini Sriharan reportedly attempted suicide in jail

The Indian government today amended the export policy on Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) and masks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/37148-new-cases-and-587-deaths-in-last-24-hours-take-indias-tally-past-115-lakh-mark-death-toll-reaches-28084-314844">Also Read:&nbsp;37,148 new cases and 587 deaths in last 24 hours take India's tally past 11.5 lakh mark</a>

The export of medical coveralls of all categories including medical goggles, all masks other than non-medical and non-surgical masks, medical nitrile and NBR gloves and face shields remain banned.

The government has however exempted surgical drapes, isolation aprons, surgical wraps and X-ray gowns, newswire ANI reported on Tuesday.

Amid the rising number of cases, West Bengal today reported 2,261 new coronavirus cases and 35 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 47,030 including 17,813 active cases. The death toll due to the virus in the state has climbed to 1,182.

India's financial capital Mumbai which has been hit hard with the virus reported 995 new coronavirus cases and 62 deaths in the last 24 hours with the total number of cases rising to 1,03,262 including 23,893 active cases.

The death toll due to the virus in Mumbai has risen to &nbsp;5,814.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra reported 8,369 new coronavirus cases and 246 deaths with the total number of cases in the state rising to 3,27,031 including 1,32,236 active cases.

Uttarakhand today reported 210 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases in the state to 4,849 including 1,459 active cases. The death toll due to the virus in the state has risen to 55.

The Indian government today amended the export policy on Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) and masks. Also Read: 37,148 new cases and 587 deaths in last 24 hours take India's tally past 11.

The Indian government today amended the export policy on Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) and masks. Also Read: 37,148 new cases and 587 deaths in last 24 hours take India's tally past 11.5 lakh mark The export of medical coveralls of all categories including medical goggles, all masks other than non-medical and non-surgical masks, medical nitrile and NBR gloves and face shields remain banned. The government has however exempted surgical drapes, isolation aprons, surgical wraps and X-ray gowns, newswire ANI reported on Tuesday. Amid the rising number of cases, West Bengal today reported 2,261 new coronavirus cases and 35 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 47,030 including 17,813 active cases. The death toll due to the virus in the state has climbed to 1,182. India's financial capital Mumbai which has been hit hard with the virus reported 995 new coronavirus cases and 62 deaths in the last 24 hours with the total number of cases rising to 1,03,262 including 23,893 active cases. The death toll due to the virus in Mumbai has risen to 5,814. Meanwhile, Maharashtra reported 8,369 new coronavirus cases and 246 deaths with the total number of cases in the state rising to 3,27,031 including 1,32,236 active cases. Uttarakhand today reported 210 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases in the state to 4,849 including 1,459 active cases. The death toll due to the virus in the state has risen to 55.

Government amends export policy on PPEs and masks

With 37,148 new cases being reported in last 24 hours, the total number of coronaivrus cases in India has reached 11, 55,191. And the country's Covid-19 death toll has reached 28084.&nbsp;

Total COVID-19 positive cases stand at 11, 55,191 including 4, 02,529 active cases, 7, 24,578 cured/discharged/migrated and 28084 deaths, as per Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data.

Maharashtra has recorded 8,240 new cases in the last 24 hours to take its tally to 318,695.&nbsp;

On a positive side, researchers have said that "Oxford University’s experimental coronavirus vaccine is safe and generated a strong immune response in the people who volunteered to help trial it", raising hopes it could contribute to ending the pandemic.

Country-wise, the US remains th most affected. It recorded over 62,000 cases in a day to take its tally to 3,961,429 cases, including 143,826 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 2,121,645 cases, 80,251 and deaths, and India (1,155,143 cases, 28,099 deaths). 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

With 37,148 new cases being reported in last 24 hours, the total number of coronaivrus cases in India has reached 11, 55,191. And the country's Covid-19 death toll has reached 28084.

With 37,148 new cases being reported in last 24 hours, the total number of coronaivrus cases in India has reached 11, 55,191. And the country's Covid-19 death toll has reached 28084. Total COVID-19 positive cases stand at 11, 55,191 including 4, 02,529 active cases, 7, 24,578 cured/discharged/migrated and 28084 deaths, as per Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data. Maharashtra has recorded 8,240 new cases in the last 24 hours to take its tally to 318,695. On a positive side, researchers have said that "Oxford University’s experimental coronavirus vaccine is safe and generated a strong immune response in the people who volunteered to help trial it", raising hopes it could contribute to ending the pandemic. Country-wise, the US remains th most affected. It recorded over 62,000 cases in a day to take its tally to 3,961,429 cases, including 143,826 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 2,121,645 cases, 80,251 and deaths, and India (1,155,143 cases, 28,099 deaths). (With inputs from agencies)

37,148 new cases and 587 deaths in last 24 hours take India's tally past 11.5 lakh mark, death toll reaches 28084

With the trials of the COVID-19 vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University showing encouraging results, Serum Institute of India (SII) on Monday said it will apply for a licence from the Indian regulator to start clinical trials of the shot in a week's time.

SII, the largest vaccine manufacturer in the world, has been chosen by Oxford and its partner AstraZeneca to manufacture the vaccine once it gets ready.

Earlier, Pune-based SII had said that it will start manufacturing the vaccine even before the final nod so as to be ready with sizeable volumes once the vaccine gets all permissions.

"The trials have shown promising results and we are extremely happy about it. We will be applying for the licensure trials to the Indian regulator in a week's time. As soon as they grant us permission, we will begin with the trials for the vaccine in India."

"In addition, we will soon start manufacturing the vaccine in large volumes," SII Chief Executive Officer Adar Poonawalla said.

The interim results from the ongoing Phase I/II COV001 trial, led by Oxford University, showed that the vaccine was tolerated and generated robust immune responses against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in all evaluated participants, AstraZeneca said in a statement.

Earlier this month, Poonawalla had said that the SII was hoping to develop a COVID-19 vaccine by year-end as it was focusing on a "good and safe" product and is not in a "rush".

A coronavirus vaccine developed by the Oxford University appears safe and induces a strong immune response within the body, scientists announced on Monday after the first phase of "promising" human trials against the deadly disease that has infected over 1.45 crore people and claimed more than six lakh lives across the world.

Doses of the vaccine were given to 1,077 healthy adults aged between 18 and 55 in five UK hospitals in April and May as part of the phase one clinical trial and results, published in the Lancet' medical journal.

The results show they induced strong antibody and T-cell immune responses for up to 56 days after they were given.

T-cells are crucial for maintaining protection against the virus for years. The findings are seen as promising, but experts feel it is too soon to know if this is enough to offer protection as larger trials get underway.

Scientists behind the trials found the response could be even greater after a second dose.

"The Phase I/II data for our coronavirus vaccine shows that the vaccine did not lead to any unexpected reactions and had a similar safety profile to previous vaccines of this type."

"The immune responses observed following vaccination are in line with what previous animal studies have shown are associated with protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, although we must continue with our rigorous clinical trial program to confirm this in humans," said Professor Andrew Pollard, Chief investigator of the Oxford Vaccine Trial at Oxford University and co-author of the study.

"We saw the strongest immune response in the 10 participants who received two doses of the vaccine, indicating that this might be a good strategy for vaccination," he said.

Since emerging in the central Chinese city of Wuhan last year, the virus has killed over 606,000 people and infected more than 14,538,000 people worldwide.

In India, the virus has caused 27,497 deaths and infected over 11 lakh people, according to latest official figures.

With the trials of the COVID-19 vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University showing encouraging results, Serum Institute of India (SII) on Monday said it will apply for a licence from the Indian regulator to start clinical trials of the shot in a week's time.

With the trials of the COVID-19 vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University showing encouraging results, Serum Institute of India (SII) on Monday said it will apply for a licence from the Indian regulator to start clinical trials of the shot in a week's time. SII, the largest vaccine manufacturer in the world, has been chosen by Oxford and its partner AstraZeneca to manufacture the vaccine once it gets ready. Earlier, Pune-based SII had said that it will start manufacturing the vaccine even before the final nod so as to be ready with sizeable volumes once the vaccine gets all permissions. "The trials have shown promising results and we are extremely happy about it. We will be applying for the licensure trials to the Indian regulator in a week's time. As soon as they grant us permission, we will begin with the trials for the vaccine in India." "In addition, we will soon start manufacturing the vaccine in large volumes," SII Chief Executive Officer Adar Poonawalla said. The interim results from the ongoing Phase I/II COV001 trial, led by Oxford University, showed that the vaccine was tolerated and generated robust immune responses against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in all evaluated participants, AstraZeneca said in a statement. Earlier this month, Poonawalla had said that the SII was hoping to develop a COVID-19 vaccine by year-end as it was focusing on a "good and safe" product and is not in a "rush". A coronavirus vaccine developed by the Oxford University appears safe and induces a strong immune response within the body, scientists announced on Monday after the first phase of "promising" human trials against the deadly disease that has infected over 1.45 crore people and claimed more than six lakh lives across the world. Doses of the vaccine were given to 1,077 healthy adults aged between 18 and 55 in five UK hospitals in April and May as part of the phase one clinical trial and results, published in the Lancet' medical journal. The results show they induced strong antibody and T-cell immune responses for up to 56 days after they were given. T-cells are crucial for maintaining protection against the virus for years. The findings are seen as promising, but experts feel it is too soon to know if this is enough to offer protection as larger trials get underway. Scientists behind the trials found the response could be even greater after a second dose. "The Phase I/II data for our coronavirus vaccine shows that the vaccine did not lead to any unexpected reactions and had a similar safety profile to previous vaccines of this type." "The immune responses observed following vaccination are in line with what previous animal studies have shown are associated with protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, although we must continue with our rigorous clinical trial program to confirm this in humans," said Professor Andrew Pollard, Chief investigator of the Oxford Vaccine Trial at Oxford University and co-author of the study. "We saw the strongest immune response in the 10 participants who received two doses of the vaccine, indicating that this might be a good strategy for vaccination," he said. Since emerging in the central Chinese city of Wuhan last year, the virus has killed over 606,000 people and infected more than 14,538,000 people worldwide. In India, the virus has caused 27,497 deaths and infected over 11 lakh people, according to latest official figures.

Serum Institute of India to apply for local trials on Oxford's vaccine in a week

The Centre has written to all states and union territories warning against the use of N-95 masks with valved respirators by people, saying these do not prevent the virus from spreading out and are “detrimental” to the measures adopted for its containment.

The Director General of Health Services (DGHS) in the Ministry of Health, in a letter to the Principal Secretaries of health and medical education of states, said it has been observed that there is “inappropriate use” of N-95 masks, particularly those with valved respirators, by the public other than designated health workers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/serum-institute-of-india-to-apply-for-local-trials-on-oxfords-vaccine-in-a-week-314785" hreflang="en">Serum Institute of India to apply for local trials on Oxford's vaccine</a>

The DGHS referred to the advisory on the use of homemade protective cover for face and mouth available on the website of the Ministry of Health.

“It is to bring to your knowledge that the use of valved respirator N-95 masks is detrimental to the measures adopted for preventing the spread of coronavirus as it does not prevent the virus from escaping out of the mask. In view of the above, I request you to instruct all concerned to follow the use of face/mouth cover and prevent inappropriate use of N-95 masks,” DGHS Rajiv Garg said in the letter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-reports-under-1000-coronavirus-cases-first-time-in-over-35-days-314723" hreflang="en">Delhi reports under 1,000 coronavirus cases first time in over 35 days</a>

The government had in April issued an advisory on the use of homemade protective cover for face and mouth, asking people to wear it, particularly when they step out of their residences.

The advisory stressed such face covers must be washed and cleaned each day, as instructed, and stated that any used cotton cloth can be used to make this face cover.

The colour of the fabric does not matter but one must ensure that the fabric is washed well in boiling water for five minutes and dried well before making the face cover. Adding salt to this water is recommended, it said.

It also listed the procedures of making such homemade masks, asking to ensure it fits the face well and there are no gaps on the sides.

It urges people to wash hands thoroughly before wearing the face cover, switching to another fresh one as the face cover becomes damp or humid, and never reusing it after single use without cleaning it.

“Never share the face cover with anyone. Every member in a family should have separate face cover,” the advisory stated.

India’s COVID-19 case tally crossed the 11-lakh mark on Monday, while the total number of recovered patients increased to over seven lakh, according to Union health ministry data.

The death toll due to the disease rose to 27,497 with 681 fatalities reported in one day.

The ministry data updated at 8 am on Monday showed that a record single-day jump of 40,425 COVID-19 cases had taken the total number of cases to 11,18,043.

The Centre has written to all states and union territories warning against the use of N-95 masks with valved respirators by people, saying these do not prevent the virus from spreading out and are “detrimental” to the measures adopted for its containment.

The Centre has written to all states and union territories warning against the use of N-95 masks with valved respirators by people, saying these do not prevent the virus from spreading out and are “detrimental” to the measures adopted for its containment. The Director General of Health Services (DGHS) in the Ministry of Health, in a letter to the Principal Secretaries of health and medical education of states, said it has been observed that there is “inappropriate use” of N-95 masks, particularly those with valved respirators, by the public other than designated health workers. Also read: Serum Institute of India to apply for local trials on Oxford's vaccine The DGHS referred to the advisory on the use of homemade protective cover for face and mouth available on the website of the Ministry of Health. “It is to bring to your knowledge that the use of valved respirator N-95 masks is detrimental to the measures adopted for preventing the spread of coronavirus as it does not prevent the virus from escaping out of the mask. In view of the above, I request you to instruct all concerned to follow the use of face/mouth cover and prevent inappropriate use of N-95 masks,” DGHS Rajiv Garg said in the letter. Also read: Delhi reports under 1,000 coronavirus cases first time in over 35 days The government had in April issued an advisory on the use of homemade protective cover for face and mouth, asking people to wear it, particularly when they step out of their residences. The advisory stressed such face covers must be washed and cleaned each day, as instructed, and stated that any used cotton cloth can be used to make this face cover. The colour of the fabric does not matter but one must ensure that the fabric is washed well in boiling water for five minutes and dried well before making the face cover. Adding salt to this water is recommended, it said. It also listed the procedures of making such homemade masks, asking to ensure it fits the face well and there are no gaps on the sides. It urges people to wash hands thoroughly before wearing the face cover, switching to another fresh one as the face cover becomes damp or humid, and never reusing it after single use without cleaning it. “Never share the face cover with anyone. Every member in a family should have separate face cover,” the advisory stated. India’s COVID-19 case tally crossed the 11-lakh mark on Monday, while the total number of recovered patients increased to over seven lakh, according to Union health ministry data. The death toll due to the disease rose to 27,497 with 681 fatalities reported in one day. The ministry data updated at 8 am on Monday showed that a record single-day jump of 40,425 COVID-19 cases had taken the total number of cases to 11,18,043.

Government warns against use of N-95 masks with valved respirators

The 22nd Governor of Madhya Pradesh Lalji Tandon passed away after a prolonged illness on Tuesday (July 21) at a hospital in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow.&nbsp;

Tandon was admitted to a private hospital in Lucknow with breathing problems and fever. He was put on critical care ventilator support few days ago, PTI reporterd.

Tandon's son Ashutosh Tandon announced the demise of his father on Twitter. "Babuji is no more," Lalji Tandon tweeted.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Ashutosh Tandon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e043070-6934-482b-9e8f-acca03aba7e4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/lalji-tandon11.JPG" />

Earlier, Medical Director of Medanta Hospital said that the condition of Tandon, who is undergoing treatment at a hospital here is "now stable and still on critical care ventilator".

Tandon was a senior member of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a close confidant of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

(With inputs from agencies)

The 22nd Governor of Madhya Pradesh Lalji Tandon passed away after a prolonged illness on Tuesday (July 21) at a hospital in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. Tandon was admitted to a private hospital in Lucknow with breathing problems and fever.

The 22nd Governor of Madhya Pradesh Lalji Tandon passed away after a prolonged illness on Tuesday (July 21) at a hospital in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. Tandon was admitted to a private hospital in Lucknow with breathing problems and fever. He was put on critical care ventilator support few days ago, PTI reporterd. Tandon's son Ashutosh Tandon announced the demise of his father on Twitter. "Babuji is no more," Lalji Tandon tweeted. Earlier, Medical Director of Medanta Hospital said that the condition of Tandon, who is undergoing treatment at a hospital here is "now stable and still on critical care ventilator". Tandon was a senior member of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a close confidant of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. (With inputs from agencies)

Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon passes away at 85

India's first coronavirus vaccine 'COVAXIN' human trials will begin on July 21 at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), Delhi after its Ethics Committee gave its nod. COVAXIN is an indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine. Watch report.

'Covaxin' human trial begins in AIIMS: Phase 1 & 2 trials of potential vaccine

A very new entrant into politics, but her recent elevation into a party post has made headlines for various reasons. But Vidya Rani Veerappan says she’ll remain unaffected by the bouquets and brickbats, while letting her work and social service do the talking.

Vidya, a law graduate, who also runs a small kids’ school in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district joined India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata party in February this year. &nbsp;In the previous week, a party announcement stated that she had been elevated as Tamil Nadu State Vice-president of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha(BJYM), the party’s youth wing.&nbsp;

Vidya’s late father is the forest brigand Veerappan, who operated in the vast forest areas in the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border areas. He was into smuggling sandalwood and had been gunned down a Special Task Force (STF) of the Tamil Nadu Police in 2004. Veerappan had a fearsome reputation during his heydays, when he was into poaching elephants for ivory, smuggling sandalwood, kidnapping high-profile individuals and killing forest officials and policemen.&nbsp;

Speaking confidently in English, Vidya says that her motivation to join politics had risen from having seen the suffering around her, while growing up. “I saw many people suffering from the clash in between my late father and the Police. Many were mentally and economically affected and they didn’t have basic education, I wanted to reach out &nbsp;and serve them” she told WION.&nbsp;

She says that joining politics was not a sudden decision and that she has always been keen on social service. When asked about her new party post, she says that it didn’t come as a surprise. “Although the announcement was made on social media, I was called about a week earlier and asked about my willingness to serve with an active, young team. When I joined the BJP in February, I felt I am in the right track” she says.

Recalling memories of her father, she says she had only met him once, when she was around six years of age. “I know the person that my father is. I don’t know much about the cases against him. But, he was a good human being and the public told me this. I’m proud of the good human being that he was” Vidya said.

She says that she would appreciate it when naysayers question her about work rather than attack her on the personal front. “If they ask about my profession and social service, that would be a constructive discussion. But if at all they resort to personal slurs, let them be. I’m not someone who would care about it” she adds.&nbsp;

Employing about 7 faculty members, Vidya’s school has usual classes and other activities until noon, following which they have co-curriculars. On weekends, they offer &nbsp;Spoken English classes and civil services coaching, that are handled by high-achievers in those subjects.&nbsp;

A very new entrant into politics, but her recent elevation into a party post has made headlines for various reasons. But Vidya Rani Veerappan says she’ll remain unaffected by the bouquets and brickbats, while letting her work and social service do the talking.

A very new entrant into politics, but her recent elevation into a party post has made headlines for various reasons. But Vidya Rani Veerappan says she’ll remain unaffected by the bouquets and brickbats, while letting her work and social service do the talking. Vidya, a law graduate, who also runs a small kids’ school in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district joined India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata party in February this year. In the previous week, a party announcement stated that she had been elevated as Tamil Nadu State Vice-president of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha(BJYM), the party’s youth wing. Vidya’s late father is the forest brigand Veerappan, who operated in the vast forest areas in the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border areas. He was into smuggling sandalwood and had been gunned down a Special Task Force (STF) of the Tamil Nadu Police in 2004. Veerappan had a fearsome reputation during his heydays, when he was into poaching elephants for ivory, smuggling sandalwood, kidnapping high-profile individuals and killing forest officials and policemen. Speaking confidently in English, Vidya says that her motivation to join politics had risen from having seen the suffering around her, while growing up. “I saw many people suffering from the clash in between my late father and the Police. Many were mentally and economically affected and they didn’t have basic education, I wanted to reach out and serve them” she told WION. She says that joining politics was not a sudden decision and that she has always been keen on social service. When asked about her new party post, she says that it didn’t come as a surprise. “Although the announcement was made on social media, I was called about a week earlier and asked about my willingness to serve with an active, young team. When I joined the BJP in February, I felt I am in the right track” she says. Recalling memories of her father, she says she had only met him once, when she was around six years of age. “I know the person that my father is. I don’t know much about the cases against him. But, he was a good human being and the public told me this. I’m proud of the good human being that he was” Vidya said. She says that she would appreciate it when naysayers question her about work rather than attack her on the personal front. “If they ask about my profession and social service, that would be a constructive discussion. But if at all they resort to personal slurs, let them be. I’m not someone who would care about it” she adds. Employing about 7 faculty members, Vidya’s school has usual classes and other activities until noon, following which they have co-curriculars. On weekends, they offer Spoken English classes and civil services coaching, that are handled by high-achievers in those subjects.

Question my work, instead of resorting to personal attacks, says Vidya Rani Veerappan

'It is to bring to your knowledge that the use of valved respirator N-95 masks is detrimental to the measures adopted for preventing the spread of coronavirus as it does not prevent the virus from escaping out the the mask', says Officials.

Indian Govt warns against use of N-95 face masks

A National Centre for Disease Control surveillance of the Delhi population has shown that 23.48 per cent of the people have developed antibodies to the disease

Your Story: 1 in 4 Delhi Residents infected with COVID-19

US defense secretary Mark Esper said today that the "relationship with India is "one of the all-important defense relationships of the 21st century.

Relationship with India important, monitoring LAC very closely: US Defense Secretary

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday promised more policy interventions to revive the economy, and emphasised that green shoots are visible and the agriculture sector is driving growth.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday promised more policy interventions to revive the economy, and emphasised that green shoots are visible and the agriculture sector is driving growth. Indicators like electricity and fuel consumption, inter and intra-state movement of goods, PMI data and retail financial transactions are witnessing a pick-up, she said. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi too had said the Indian economy has started seeing "green shoots" of recovery and the country remains one of the most open economies in the world. Speaking at the India Ideas Summit, Sitharaman said the government has announced a stimulus package totalling 10 per cent of the GDP which was having its impact on economic revival. "All options are open...Interventions will happen in future," Sitharaman said, assuring the industry that the government will not shy away from taking more steps to ensure early revival of the economy. The minister further said the "agriculture sector is driving the growth." P

Govt open to announcing more measures to boost growth, says FM

Over the past few months, the world as we know it has undergone drastic changes. coronavirus pandemic has completely transformed our lives – from the way we educate our children to the way we work and conduct business.

One such sphere greatly affected by COVID-19 is diplomacy, a profession which involves a fair amount of travel, physical meetings. The way diplomacy is conducted was scuppered by travel restrictions, border closures and shelter-in-place orders.

As the novel coronavirus spread globally, leaders hunkered down at home and diplomats had to adapt to working from home and hold virtual meetings.

Among the world leaders, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads in rankings in terms of true reach as calculated by klear. com. The Indian prime minister reaches on average 40 million followers or 70 per cent of his followers with his tweets while US President Trump reaches 24 per cent of his followers.&nbsp;

Narendra Modi: 40.8 mn true reach, 70% of total followers 
Donald trump: 20.3 mn true reach, 25% of total followers 
PMO India: 16 mn true reach, 45% of total followers 
Imran khan: 7.5 mn true reach, 64% of total followers 
Joko Widodo: 6.5 mn true reach, 48% of total followers

Trump with 81.1mn, 33% follower growth, leads among the most followed leaders in 2020. Indian PM Modi has 57.9mn followers with 21% followers growth.

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Pope Francis: 51.2mn, 6% 
PMO India: 35.9mn, 23% 
President Trump: 30.2mn, 17% 
The white House: 22.8mn, 23% 
Turkish President Erdogan: 16.1mn, 17% 
Joko Widodo: 13.8mn, 20% 
Imran khan: 11.8mn, 22%

Trump is also the most effective world leader&nbsp;on Twitter as each one of his tweets garners on average 24,000 retweets which is slightly better than Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who garners 23,573 retweets per tweet.

Over the past few months, the world as we know it has undergone drastic changes. coronavirus pandemic has completely transformed our lives – from the way we educate our children to the way we work and conduct business.

Over the past few months, the world as we know it has undergone drastic changes. coronavirus pandemic has completely transformed our lives – from the way we educate our children to the way we work and conduct business. One such sphere greatly affected by COVID-19 is diplomacy, a profession which involves a fair amount of travel, physical meetings. The way diplomacy is conducted was scuppered by travel restrictions, border closures and shelter-in-place orders. As the novel coronavirus spread globally, leaders hunkered down at home and diplomats had to adapt to working from home and hold virtual meetings. Among the world leaders, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads in rankings in terms of true reach as calculated by klear. com. The Indian prime minister reaches on average 40 million followers or 70 per cent of his followers with his tweets while US President Trump reaches 24 per cent of his followers. Narendra Modi: 40.8 mn true reach, 70% of total followers Donald trump: 20.3 mn true reach, 25% of total followers PMO India: 16 mn true reach, 45% of total followers Imran khan: 7.5 mn true reach, 64% of total followers Joko Widodo: 6.5 mn true reach, 48% of total followers Trump with 81.1mn, 33% follower growth, leads among the most followed leaders in 2020. Indian PM Modi has 57.9mn followers with 21% followers growth. Pope Francis: 51.2mn, 6% PMO India: 35.9mn, 23% President Trump: 30.2mn, 17% The white House: 22.8mn, 23% Turkish President Erdogan: 16.1mn, 17% Joko Widodo: 13.8mn, 20% Imran khan: 11.8mn, 22% Trump is also the most effective world leader on Twitter as each one of his tweets garners on average 24,000 retweets which is slightly better than Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who garners 23,573 retweets per tweet.

PM Modi leads in 'true reach' of leaders worldwide in Twiplomacy: Study

India will be conducting a naval exercise with America. It is the clearest signal to China on a potential military alliance that it faces.&nbsp;

The naval exercise will be conducted by the USS Nimitz which is one the largest warships&nbsp;in the world and, it is nuclear powered.

The American battle groups will join Indian warships near the Andaman and Nicobar islands. It is India's response to China’s military aggression in the high seas.

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The Indian navy’s eastern fleet is carrying out a five-day long exercise off the coast of Andaman and Nicobar islands, today, the American ships joined them.&nbsp;

The exercise was quite similar to the one carried out with the Japanese navy last month. India will be conducting more drills in the Indian Ocean as it is expanding its alliance on the high seas.

Reports say India is now ready to extend an invitation to Australia for the Malabar exercise which is an annual affair. It involves training both at sea and on land. The participants are usually India, the United States and Japan.

Australia’s inclusion will be a clear signal that the quad is no more just a theory. It is taking clear shape with a clear mission. The quad or strategic quadrilateral involves four countries -&nbsp;India, Australia, Japan and the United States. It was conceptualised as a strategic counter to China in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

It's been talked about for more than a decade, and Beijing has never liked the idea. Beijing calls it an "anti-China coalition". The members of the quad had been going slow to accommodate China's concerns and sensitivities but not anymore.

They are meeting in the Malabar exercise. In 2007, India had invited Australia and Singapore to join it and China was furious. It issued a demarche to the United States, India, Japan and Australia slamming the expansion of the exercise.

However, this time, India seems to have made up its mind. Australia will join the drill with quad now on the front-burner. India and its allies are gearing up to contain China from blocking Chinese apps, scrutinising Chinese companies and holding China accountable on global platforms - the pushback comes in many forms.

In the US, there is bipartisan support for India's role against China. A group of nine lawmakers from both parties have introduced a resolution which urges China to de-escalate through diplomatic means at the Ladakh border.

The moves and messages from America to Japan and Australia have clear implications for Beijing. Firstly, it shows India has allies and China has angry neighbours.

Secondly, it also demonstrates that India has global support and China will face retaliation if provoked. Also, all options - diplomatic, strategic and military are on the table when it comes to dealing with China.

India will be conducting a naval exercise with America. It is the clearest signal to China on a potential military alliance that it faces. The naval exercise will be conducted by the USS Nimitz which is one the largest warships in the world and, it is nuclear powered.

India will be conducting a naval exercise with America. It is the clearest signal to China on a potential military alliance that it faces. The naval exercise will be conducted by the USS Nimitz which is one the largest warships in the world and, it is nuclear powered. The American battle groups will join Indian warships near the Andaman and Nicobar islands. It is India's response to China’s military aggression in the high seas. The Indian navy’s eastern fleet is carrying out a five-day long exercise off the coast of Andaman and Nicobar islands, today, the American ships joined them. The exercise was quite similar to the one carried out with the Japanese navy last month. India will be conducting more drills in the Indian Ocean as it is expanding its alliance on the high seas. Reports say India is now ready to extend an invitation to Australia for the Malabar exercise which is an annual affair. It involves training both at sea and on land. The participants are usually India, the United States and Japan. Australia’s inclusion will be a clear signal that the quad is no more just a theory. It is taking clear shape with a clear mission. The quad or strategic quadrilateral involves four countries - India, Australia, Japan and the United States. It was conceptualised as a strategic counter to China in the Indo-Pacific. It's been talked about for more than a decade, and Beijing has never liked the idea. Beijing calls it an "anti-China coalition". The members of the quad had been going slow to accommodate China's concerns and sensitivities but not anymore. They are meeting in the Malabar exercise. In 2007, India had invited Australia and Singapore to join it and China was furious. It issued a demarche to the United States, India, Japan and Australia slamming the expansion of the exercise. However, this time, India seems to have made up its mind. Australia will join the drill with quad now on the front-burner. India and its allies are gearing up to contain China from blocking Chinese apps, scrutinising Chinese companies and holding China accountable on global platforms - the pushback comes in many forms. In the US, there is bipartisan support for India's role against China. A group of nine lawmakers from both parties have introduced a resolution which urges China to de-escalate through diplomatic means at the Ladakh border. The moves and messages from America to Japan and Australia have clear implications for Beijing. Firstly, it shows India has allies and China has angry neighbours. Secondly, it also demonstrates that India has global support and China will face retaliation if provoked. Also, all options - diplomatic, strategic and military are on the table when it comes to dealing with China.

US warship Nimitz to take part in naval exercise with India near Andaman and Nicobar islands

The India-US drills on the high seas is a move to deter China. In fact, naval power could be India's answer to Chinese aggression. The exercises help New Delhi to only project its power but, it also adds to Xi Jinping’s headaches.

The Indian Ocean neighbourhood from the Strait of Hormuz between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to the Strait of Malacca near the Andaman and Nicobar islands has more than 60 per cent of the world’s petroleum exports which moves from the shipping lane and India can choke China right there.

The Strait of Malacca has been a headache for China. In 2003, former Chinese president Hu Jintao had referred to it as “the Malacca dilemma" because China needs it open and India has the power to control it.

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The Malacca Strait is a shallow and narrow waterway. It is one of the most congested waterways in the world. Reports say around 75,000 ships pass through the Strait. It is also a seaway that links the Indian Ocean with the South China Sea and whoever controls it can place a stranglehold on China’s energy supplies.

In 2016, 80 per cent of China’s oil supplies passed through the Malacca Straits, if India were to control it, then China will lose access to a vital artery for global trade and Chinese ships will have to take a longer route.

According to an estimate, China’s shipping costs could increase by more than $64 million if the Strait of Malacca is closed for even a week, another estimate says alternative routes could cost Beijing anywhere between $84 to 220 billion a year.

A situation like that would add to China’s problems. It already faces a territorial dispute in the South China Sea and with tensions are growing last week as the United States declared that most of China's claims to the South China Sea illegal, New Delhi too has taken a stand.

The ministry of external affairs issued a statement which questioned China's attempts to grab territory in the South China Sea. China knows the Strait of Malacca is its achilles heel, so, it has been sending ships close to the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Last year, Chinese naval vessel Shin Yang-1 was chased away by the Indian navy which was allegedly snooping near the islands. Now, with drills in the area, New Delhi has sent a message to Beijing that it won’t have its way on the high seas.

The India-US drills on the high seas is a move to deter China. In fact, naval power could be India's answer to Chinese aggression. The exercises help New Delhi to only project its power but, it also adds to Xi Jinping’s headaches.

The India-US drills on the high seas is a move to deter China. In fact, naval power could be India's answer to Chinese aggression. The exercises help New Delhi to only project its power but, it also adds to Xi Jinping’s headaches. The Indian Ocean neighbourhood from the Strait of Hormuz between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to the Strait of Malacca near the Andaman and Nicobar islands has more than 60 per cent of the world’s petroleum exports which moves from the shipping lane and India can choke China right there. The Strait of Malacca has been a headache for China. In 2003, former Chinese president Hu Jintao had referred to it as “the Malacca dilemma" because China needs it open and India has the power to control it. The Malacca Strait is a shallow and narrow waterway. It is one of the most congested waterways in the world. Reports say around 75,000 ships pass through the Strait. It is also a seaway that links the Indian Ocean with the South China Sea and whoever controls it can place a stranglehold on China’s energy supplies. In 2016, 80 per cent of China’s oil supplies passed through the Malacca Straits, if India were to control it, then China will lose access to a vital artery for global trade and Chinese ships will have to take a longer route. According to an estimate, China’s shipping costs could increase by more than $64 million if the Strait of Malacca is closed for even a week, another estimate says alternative routes could cost Beijing anywhere between $84 to 220 billion a year. A situation like that would add to China’s problems. It already faces a territorial dispute in the South China Sea and with tensions are growing last week as the United States declared that most of China's claims to the South China Sea illegal, New Delhi too has taken a stand. The ministry of external affairs issued a statement which questioned China's attempts to grab territory in the South China Sea. China knows the Strait of Malacca is its achilles heel, so, it has been sending ships close to the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Last year, Chinese naval vessel Shin Yang-1 was chased away by the Indian navy which was allegedly snooping near the islands. Now, with drills in the area, New Delhi has sent a message to Beijing that it won’t have its way on the high seas.

China's 'Malacca dilemma': How India can control the Dragon on the high seas

A Delhi court on Tuesday allowed 121 people from Kyrgyzstan and Indonesia to walk free on payment of different fines, after they accepted mild charges under the plea bargain process related to various violations including visa norms while attending Tablighi Jamaat event during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Metropolitan Magistrate Rajat Goyal allowed 98 Indonesians to walk free on payment of a fine of Rs 10,000 each, said advocate Ashima Mandla appearing for them.

The court directed them to deposit the fine to PM CARES Fund.

Metropolitan Magistrate Rohit Gullia allowed 23 foreign nationals from Kyrgyzstan to walk free on payment of a fine of Rs 5,000 each.

Sub-divisional magistrate of Defence Colony, who was the complainant in the case, Assistant Commissioner of Police of Lajpat Nagar and Inspector of Nizamuddin said they have no objection to their plea bargain.

However, two foreign nationals each from Kyrgyzstan and Indonesia did not plead guilty to the charges against them and claimed trial before the court.

Under plea bargaining, the accused plead guilty to the offence praying for a lesser punishment. The Criminal Procedure of Code allows for plea bargaining in cases where the maximum&nbsp;punishment is 7-year imprisonment; offences don't affect the socio-economic conditions of the society and the offence is not committed against a woman or a child below 14 years.

The foreigners were chargesheeted for attending the religious congregation at Nizamuddin Markaz event in the national capital by allegedly violating visa conditions, indulging in missionary activities illegally and violating government guidelines, issued in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

They were granted bail earlier by the court on a personal bond of Rs 10,000 each.

A Delhi court on Tuesday allowed 121 people from Kyrgyzstan and Indonesia to walk free on payment of different fines, after they accepted mild charges under the plea bargain process related to various violations including visa norms while attending Tablighi Jamaat event during the COVID-19 lockdown.

A Delhi court on Tuesday allowed 121 people from Kyrgyzstan and Indonesia to walk free on payment of different fines, after they accepted mild charges under the plea bargain process related to various violations including visa norms while attending Tablighi Jamaat event during the COVID-19 lockdown. Metropolitan Magistrate Rajat Goyal allowed 98 Indonesians to walk free on payment of a fine of Rs 10,000 each, said advocate Ashima Mandla appearing for them. The court directed them to deposit the fine to PM CARES Fund. Metropolitan Magistrate Rohit Gullia allowed 23 foreign nationals from Kyrgyzstan to walk free on payment of a fine of Rs 5,000 each. Sub-divisional magistrate of Defence Colony, who was the complainant in the case, Assistant Commissioner of Police of Lajpat Nagar and Inspector of Nizamuddin said they have no objection to their plea bargain. However, two foreign nationals each from Kyrgyzstan and Indonesia did not plead guilty to the charges against them and claimed trial before the court. Under plea bargaining, the accused plead guilty to the offence praying for a lesser punishment. The Criminal Procedure of Code allows for plea bargaining in cases where the maximum punishment is 7-year imprisonment; offences don't affect the socio-economic conditions of the society and the offence is not committed against a woman or a child below 14 years. The foreigners were chargesheeted for attending the religious congregation at Nizamuddin Markaz event in the national capital by allegedly violating visa conditions, indulging in missionary activities illegally and violating government guidelines, issued in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak in the country. They were granted bail earlier by the court on a personal bond of Rs 10,000 each.

Tablighi Jamaat case: Court sets 121 foreigners free after fine payment

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