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Drug major Sun Pharmaceutical Industries on Friday said it has commenced phase-2 clinical trials on AQCH, a plant-derived drug, for potential treatment of COVID-19.

The company received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for conducting the trials of the phytopharmaceutical drug in April this year, Sun Pharma said in a statement.

"The clinical trials will be conducted across 12 centres in India on 210 patients. The treatment duration for patients will be 10 days. The results of the clinical trials are expected by October 2020," it added.

Human safety study of AQCH has already been completed and the drug has been found safe at the recommended dose for phase-2 study, Sun Pharma said.

"This is the first phytopharmaceutical drug approved for clinical trials by the DCGI as a potential treatment for COVID-19. AQCH has shown anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects in in-vitro studies conducted in collaboration with ICGEB, Italy," Sun Pharma MD Dilip Shanghvi said.

These results combined with information on mechanism of action through in-vitro and small animal studies give us the confidence to evaluate this potential treatment option for COVID-19 patients, he added.

AQCH, which is being developed for dengue, has shown broad antiviral effect in in vitro studies and hence is being tested as a potential treatment option for COVID-19, Sun Pharma said.

"Our efforts to develop a safe, effective and affordable drug against dengue started about 13 years ago. The collaborating team quickly initiated studies for the development of a drug against COVID-19," Department of Biotechnology Secretary Renu Swarup said.

Stating that Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has had a close association with the Indian pharma industry, CSIR DG Shekhar C Mande said the council ?welcomes this collaboration with Sun Pharma in taking forward AQCH into clinical trials for COVID-19 patients. This collaboration aligns with our scientific rationale for the quickest way to develop drugs against SARS-CoV-2".

Shares of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries were trading at Rs 504.15 per scrip on BSE, up 1.67 per cent from their previous close.&nbsp;

Drug major Sun Pharmaceutical Industries on Friday said it has commenced phase-2 clinical trials on AQCH, a plant-derived drug, for potential treatment of COVID-19.

Drug major Sun Pharmaceutical Industries on Friday said it has commenced phase-2 clinical trials on AQCH, a plant-derived drug, for potential treatment of COVID-19. The company received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for conducting the trials of the phytopharmaceutical drug in April this year, Sun Pharma said in a statement. "The clinical trials will be conducted across 12 centres in India on 210 patients. The treatment duration for patients will be 10 days. The results of the clinical trials are expected by October 2020," it added. Human safety study of AQCH has already been completed and the drug has been found safe at the recommended dose for phase-2 study, Sun Pharma said. "This is the first phytopharmaceutical drug approved for clinical trials by the DCGI as a potential treatment for COVID-19. AQCH has shown anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects in in-vitro studies conducted in collaboration with ICGEB, Italy," Sun Pharma MD Dilip Shanghvi said. These results combined with information on mechanism of action through in-vitro and small animal studies give us the confidence to evaluate this potential treatment option for COVID-19 patients, he added. AQCH, which is being developed for dengue, has shown broad antiviral effect in in vitro studies and hence is being tested as a potential treatment option for COVID-19, Sun Pharma said. "Our efforts to develop a safe, effective and affordable drug against dengue started about 13 years ago. The collaborating team quickly initiated studies for the development of a drug against COVID-19," Department of Biotechnology Secretary Renu Swarup said. Stating that Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has had a close association with the Indian pharma industry, CSIR DG Shekhar C Mande said the council ?welcomes this collaboration with Sun Pharma in taking forward AQCH into clinical trials for COVID-19 patients. This collaboration aligns with our scientific rationale for the quickest way to develop drugs against SARS-CoV-2". Shares of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries were trading at Rs 504.15 per scrip on BSE, up 1.67 per cent from their previous close.

Indian drug major initiates phase-2 clinical trials for potential COVID-19 medicine

After reports that a teacher worked in 25 schools simultaneously and earned over Rs 1 crore as salary in 13 months, the Uttar Pradesh government on Friday said a probe is on and "nothing has been confirmed so far".

"Acting on media reports, Additional Director, Basic Education was ordered to probe the matter. Nothing has been confirmed so far. The name of a teacher has come to light. She is absconding now. It is being said that Rs 1 crore was paid as salary. This is not at all true. No such thing has been confirmed," Director General School Education Vijay Kiran Anand PTI.

"A probe is on and if allegations are true, an FIR will be lodged. The transfer of money (salary) in her bank account has also not been done. Divisional officers are investigating the matter. Strict action will be taken if any teacher is found to be working as a proxy teacher in other schools," the officer said.

According to complaints, a woman teacher who is native of Mainpuri worked in over 25 schools and drew a salary of over Rs one crore.

There are allegations that she worked as a science teacher in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya in Ambedkar Nagar, Baghpat, Aligarh, Saharanpur, Prayagraj and other places.

KGBV teachers are appointed on contract and get Rs 30,000 as pay.

After reports that a teacher worked in 25 schools simultaneously and earned over Rs 1 crore as salary in 13 months, the Uttar Pradesh government on Friday said a probe is on and "nothing has been confirmed so far".

After reports that a teacher worked in 25 schools simultaneously and earned over Rs 1 crore as salary in 13 months, the Uttar Pradesh government on Friday said a probe is on and "nothing has been confirmed so far". "Acting on media reports, Additional Director, Basic Education was ordered to probe the matter. Nothing has been confirmed so far. The name of a teacher has come to light. She is absconding now. It is being said that Rs 1 crore was paid as salary. This is not at all true. No such thing has been confirmed," Director General School Education Vijay Kiran Anand PTI. "A probe is on and if allegations are true, an FIR will be lodged. The transfer of money (salary) in her bank account has also not been done. Divisional officers are investigating the matter. Strict action will be taken if any teacher is found to be working as a proxy teacher in other schools," the officer said. According to complaints, a woman teacher who is native of Mainpuri worked in over 25 schools and drew a salary of over Rs one crore. There are allegations that she worked as a science teacher in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya in Ambedkar Nagar, Baghpat, Aligarh, Saharanpur, Prayagraj and other places. KGBV teachers are appointed on contract and get Rs 30,000 as pay.

'Nothing confirmed so far': Yogi government on UP teacher earning Rs 1 crore by simultaneously working in 25 schools

After two Pakistan High Commission officials caught on espionage charges and expelled from India.&nbsp;

The car of India’s Charge d’ Affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia was chased in the Pakistani capital Islamabad by a motorcycle-borne person suspected to belong to Pakistan’s notorious spy-agency ISI, Indian Government sources confirmed late on Thursday evening.

In a video shared by the news agency ANI, &nbsp;a bike-borne man was seen following Ahluwalia's car. According to sources, the ISI has stationed multiple persons in cars and bikes outside his residence in a bid to harass and intimidate the Indian diplomat.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Islamabad: Vehicle of India's Chargé d'affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia was chased by a Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) member. ISI has stationed multiple persons in cars and bikes outside his residence to harass and intimidate him. <a href="https://t.co/TVchxF8Exz">pic.twitter.com/TVchxF8Exz</a>
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“The matter of harassment of Indian personnel and obstruction in the discharge of their normal functioning is being taken up through established diplomatic channels," Govt sources said.

After two Pakistan High Commission officials caught on espionage charges and expelled from India. The car of India’s Charge d’ Affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia was chased in the Pakistani capital Islamabad by a motorcycle-borne person suspected to belong to Pakistan’s notorious spy-agency ISI, Indian Government sources confirmed late on Thursday evening.

After two Pakistan High Commission officials caught on espionage charges and expelled from India. The car of India’s Charge d’ Affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia was chased in the Pakistani capital Islamabad by a motorcycle-borne person suspected to belong to Pakistan’s notorious spy-agency ISI, Indian Government sources confirmed late on Thursday evening. In a video shared by the news agency ANI, a bike-borne man was seen following Ahluwalia's car. According to sources, the ISI has stationed multiple persons in cars and bikes outside his residence in a bid to harass and intimidate the Indian diplomat. #WATCH Islamabad: Vehicle of India's Chargé d'affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia was chased by a Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) member. ISI has stationed multiple persons in cars and bikes outside his residence to harass and intimidate him. pic.twitter.com/TVchxF8Exz — ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2020 × “The matter of harassment of Indian personnel and obstruction in the discharge of their normal functioning is being taken up through established diplomatic channels," Govt sources said.

Indian diplomat Gaurav Ahluwalia harassed by ISI in Islamabad after Pakistan spies sent home 

A woman has alleged that her father, who had tested positive for coronavirus, was not admitted in time by a Delhi government hospital -- due to which he died on Thursday.

The authorities have, however, denied the charges.

The woman, Amarpreet Kaur, took to Twitter earlier in the day, saying, "My dad is having high fever. We need to shift him to hospital. I am standing outside LNJP Delhi and they are not taking him in. He is having corona, high fever and breathing problem. He won't survive without help. Pls help."

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My dad is having high fever. We need to shift him to hospital. I am standing outside LNJP Delhi &amp; they are not taking him in. He is having corona, high fever and breathing problem. He won't survive without help. Pls help <a href="https://twitter.com/raghav_chadha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@raghav_chadha</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SatyendarJain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SatyendarJain</a>
— Amarpreet (@amar_hrhelpdesk) <a href="https://twitter.com/amar_hrhelpdesk/status/1268374863351173120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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An hour later, she again tweeted, saying, "He is no more. The govt failed us."

Her tweets were widely circulated on social media.

The authorities at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital, a dedicated COVID-19 facility, denied the charge, saying the patient was "brought dead".

According to information shared by the hospital, the 68-year-old man, who also had asthma, died at 7:37 am.

"According to a report from the emergency department, the man was tested for COVID-19 at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) and the report came on June 1, in which he was found positive for coronavirus infection," a senior official said.

He was sent to home quarantine from there.

On Thursday, he was brought to the casualty department of the hospital in an "unconscious state" and with a flat ECG line, and declared "brought dead".

Amarpreet Kaur lives in Gurgaon with her husband Mandeep Singh, who said the family members rushed to the hospital after getting to know about his father-in-law's condition.

"My father-in-law was taken in a car by my wife's brother and a cousin, accompanied by my mother-in-law," Singh said, and alleged that the LNJP Hospital staff "were not willing to see my father-in-law, even as he fainted in the car".

"They are saying he was brought dead, but was he even attended to.&nbsp;The staff kept saying go to Ganga Ram Hospital. We were just at a loss," he alleged, the charge again denied by the LNJP Hospital authorities.

Singh also alleged that the family "never received any call" from the SGRH on the positive COVID-19 status of his father-in-law.

A spokesperson of the SGRH denied the charge, saying, "There is no truth in these allegations. However, we sympathise with the family for their loss."

Singh also claimed that the family had approached three-four other private and government hospitals a few days ago, but "could not get admission" in any of those facilities, adding that they found out that beds were available at the LNJP Hospital, so he was taken there.

Later, in a statement, the LNJP Hospital rejected the claims of the family as "incorrect and false", saying the man was brought to the hospital between 7:10 am and 7:30 am, was "not refused admission and examined by a doctor".

It also claimed that the first tweet was put up by&nbsp;Kaur at 8:05 am and subsequently, she sent out another tweet, saying her father died at 9:08 am, but he died at 7:37 am.

Singh responded to it and claimed that the tweets were "put out from his wife's account by a friend of hers", as she was scrambling to get her father medical attention and hence, there could have been a delay.

Asked if the man's family was made to wait at the hospital, a source said, the LNJP Hospital, being a dedicated facility, sees a "lot of rush" of patients.

"Also, there are four doctors in the casualty department, who can attend to only four patients at a time following all social-distancing and other safety guidelines. But the triage team looks out for any person in the queue, who needs immediate medical attention," the source said.

The woman later tweeted seeking COVID-19 tests for all family members.

"I lost my father today morning to COVID we want other family members to get tested today only. which labs are not doing they are in danger.&nbsp;We are trying since morning. My mother, brother, his wife and two kids. Pls help (sic)," she said.

(with inputs from PTI)

A woman has alleged that her father, who had tested positive for coronavirus, was not admitted in time by a Delhi government hospital -- due to which he died on Thursday.

A woman has alleged that her father, who had tested positive for coronavirus, was not admitted in time by a Delhi government hospital -- due to which he died on Thursday. The authorities have, however, denied the charges. The woman, Amarpreet Kaur, took to Twitter earlier in the day, saying, "My dad is having high fever. We need to shift him to hospital. I am standing outside LNJP Delhi and they are not taking him in. He is having corona, high fever and breathing problem. He won't survive without help. Pls help." My dad is having high fever. We need to shift him to hospital. I am standing outside LNJP Delhi & they are not taking him in. He is having corona, high fever and breathing problem. He won't survive without help. Pls help @raghav_chadha @ArvindKejriwal @SatyendarJain — Amarpreet (@amar_hrhelpdesk) June 4, 2020 × An hour later, she again tweeted, saying, "He is no more. The govt failed us." Her tweets were widely circulated on social media. The authorities at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital, a dedicated COVID-19 facility, denied the charge, saying the patient was "brought dead". According to information shared by the hospital, the 68-year-old man, who also had asthma, died at 7:37 am. "According to a report from the emergency department, the man was tested for COVID-19 at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) and the report came on June 1, in which he was found positive for coronavirus infection," a senior official said. He was sent to home quarantine from there. On Thursday, he was brought to the casualty department of the hospital in an "unconscious state" and with a flat ECG line, and declared "brought dead". Amarpreet Kaur lives in Gurgaon with her husband Mandeep Singh, who said the family members rushed to the hospital after getting to know about his father-in-law's condition. "My father-in-law was taken in a car by my wife's brother and a cousin, accompanied by my mother-in-law," Singh said, and alleged that the LNJP Hospital staff "were not willing to see my father-in-law, even as he fainted in the car". "They are saying he was brought dead, but was he even attended to. The staff kept saying go to Ganga Ram Hospital. We were just at a loss," he alleged, the charge again denied by the LNJP Hospital authorities. Singh also alleged that the family "never received any call" from the SGRH on the positive COVID-19 status of his father-in-law. A spokesperson of the SGRH denied the charge, saying, "There is no truth in these allegations. However, we sympathise with the family for their loss." Singh also claimed that the family had approached three-four other private and government hospitals a few days ago, but "could not get admission" in any of those facilities, adding that they found out that beds were available at the LNJP Hospital, so he was taken there. Later, in a statement, the LNJP Hospital rejected the claims of the family as "incorrect and false", saying the man was brought to the hospital between 7:10 am and 7:30 am, was "not refused admission and examined by a doctor". It also claimed that the first tweet was put up by Kaur at 8:05 am and subsequently, she sent out another tweet, saying her father died at 9:08 am, but he died at 7:37 am. Singh responded to it and claimed that the tweets were "put out from his wife's account by a friend of hers", as she was scrambling to get her father medical attention and hence, there could have been a delay. Asked if the man's family was made to wait at the hospital, a source said, the LNJP Hospital, being a dedicated facility, sees a "lot of rush" of patients. "Also, there are four doctors in the casualty department, who can attend to only four patients at a time following all social-distancing and other safety guidelines. But the triage team looks out for any person in the queue, who needs immediate medical attention," the source said. The woman later tweeted seeking COVID-19 tests for all family members. "I lost my father today morning to COVID we want other family members to get tested today only. which labs are not doing they are in danger. We are trying since morning. My mother, brother, his wife and two kids. Pls help (sic)," she said. (with inputs from PTI)

Delhi woman alleges coronavirus positive father died due to delay in treatment

The BJP on Wednesday rejected the allegation that starvation was behind the death of passengers on 'Shramik Special' trains and said the manner in which the issue was being "politicised" was unprecedented.

"None of the deaths in Shramik trains has been caused by hunger or starvation as per postmortem reports.

Natural deaths have occurred on trains earlier too but the manner in which unfortunate deaths of shramiks (labourers) have been politicised is unprecedented without (critics) waiting to know about the exact cause of deaths," the BJP said in a statement.

Its spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain cited details of postmortem reports and comments of some of the deceased's family members to claim that they suffered from pre-existing conditions.

Dashrath Prajapati (30) suffered from chronic kidney disease, the health of Ram Ratan Ground (63) had been deteriorating, Ibrar Ahmed's postmortem report found brain stroke as cause of death and not dehydration while Arbina Khatoon suffered from pre-existing mental ailment, Hussain said, referring to some of those who died during their journey.

"We are not here to do petty politics. Government believes in tackling the problems head-on, and addressing it," he said.

The BJP's statement came after Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi hit out at the central government, saying this has been "admitted" that at least 81 deaths have happened and there are allegations that more fatalities occurred but were not being declared by the railways.

The opposition party demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, accusing the government of distorting facts on payments for these train services.

The Congress said the central government has not spent a single penny on running special trains for migrant workers returning home as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has made it clear before the Supreme Court that state governments receiving or sending migrants were to pay for them.

Hussain reiterated that the Railways bore 85 per cent of the total cost of getting the migrants back to their home states, while the remaining 15 per cent was charged from the states.

The solicitor general also said the same in the Supreme Court when asked who will pay the fare which is covered by the state, Hussain said.

'Shramik Special' trains are being supplied with multiple meals and adequate drinking water, with over 1. 5 crore meals and two crore packaged water bottles having been provided by the railways free of cost, he said.

As many as 4197 of these special trains have carried 58 lakh passengers to their home states between May 1 and June 3, the BJP leader said.

The BJP on Wednesday rejected the allegation that starvation was behind the death of passengers on 'Shramik Special' trains and said the manner in which the issue was being "politicised" was unprecedented.

The BJP on Wednesday rejected the allegation that starvation was behind the death of passengers on 'Shramik Special' trains and said the manner in which the issue was being "politicised" was unprecedented. "None of the deaths in Shramik trains has been caused by hunger or starvation as per postmortem reports. Natural deaths have occurred on trains earlier too but the manner in which unfortunate deaths of shramiks (labourers) have been politicised is unprecedented without (critics) waiting to know about the exact cause of deaths," the BJP said in a statement. Its spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain cited details of postmortem reports and comments of some of the deceased's family members to claim that they suffered from pre-existing conditions. Dashrath Prajapati (30) suffered from chronic kidney disease, the health of Ram Ratan Ground (63) had been deteriorating, Ibrar Ahmed's postmortem report found brain stroke as cause of death and not dehydration while Arbina Khatoon suffered from pre-existing mental ailment, Hussain said, referring to some of those who died during their journey. "We are not here to do petty politics. Government believes in tackling the problems head-on, and addressing it," he said. The BJP's statement came after Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi hit out at the central government, saying this has been "admitted" that at least 81 deaths have happened and there are allegations that more fatalities occurred but were not being declared by the railways. The opposition party demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, accusing the government of distorting facts on payments for these train services. The Congress said the central government has not spent a single penny on running special trains for migrant workers returning home as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has made it clear before the Supreme Court that state governments receiving or sending migrants were to pay for them. Hussain reiterated that the Railways bore 85 per cent of the total cost of getting the migrants back to their home states, while the remaining 15 per cent was charged from the states. The solicitor general also said the same in the Supreme Court when asked who will pay the fare which is covered by the state, Hussain said. 'Shramik Special' trains are being supplied with multiple meals and adequate drinking water, with over 1. 5 crore meals and two crore packaged water bottles having been provided by the railways free of cost, he said. As many as 4197 of these special trains have carried 58 lakh passengers to their home states between May 1 and June 3, the BJP leader said.

'Issue being politicised': BJP says no death in Shramik trains due to starvation

Cyclone Nisarga which spared Mumbai after it made landfall near adjoining Alibaug is now a depression over west Vidarbha region in Maharashtra and will weaken further, the India Meteorological Department(IMD) said on Thursday.

Cyclone Nisarga made landfall near Alibaug, about 110 km from here on Wednesday, sparing India's financial centre which is already reeling under the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Deep Depression weakened into a Depression over west Vidarbha (Maharashtra) at 0530 IST of 4th June, to move east- northeastwards and weaken into a Well Marked Low-Pressure Area (WML) by today evening," the department tweeted.

The cyclone had the coastal districts of Maharashtra from the Arabian Sea with wind speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour (kmph) on Wednesday afternoon.

Mumbai was on edge as it braced for the cyclone after a gap of 72 years.

The neighbouring coastal districts of Raigad and Palghar bore the brunt of the storm experiencing strong winds, heavy rainfall and raging sea surge.

Tidal waves measuring up to 6-8 feet lashed parts of the coastal areas.

Tin roofs erected on the terraces of residential apartments flew away in some places and several trees and electricity poles were also uprooted.

A 58-year-old man died after a power transformer fell on him while he was rushing home to escape the cyclone fury in Raigad district, while s 65-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man died in house collapse after the tin sheets on the roof were blown in separate incidents in Pune district, officials said.

Mumbaikars heaved a sigh of relief as the cyclone's damage appeared limited to uprooting of trees in some areas that led to vehicles being crushed.

Cyclone Nisarga which spared Mumbai after it made landfall near adjoining Alibaug is now a depression over west Vidarbha region in Maharashtra and will weaken further, the India Meteorological Department(IMD) said on Thursday.

Cyclone Nisarga which spared Mumbai after it made landfall near adjoining Alibaug is now a depression over west Vidarbha region in Maharashtra and will weaken further, the India Meteorological Department(IMD) said on Thursday. Cyclone Nisarga made landfall near Alibaug, about 110 km from here on Wednesday, sparing India's financial centre which is already reeling under the COVID-19 pandemic. "Deep Depression weakened into a Depression over west Vidarbha (Maharashtra) at 0530 IST of 4th June, to move east- northeastwards and weaken into a Well Marked Low-Pressure Area (WML) by today evening," the department tweeted. The cyclone had the coastal districts of Maharashtra from the Arabian Sea with wind speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour (kmph) on Wednesday afternoon. Mumbai was on edge as it braced for the cyclone after a gap of 72 years. The neighbouring coastal districts of Raigad and Palghar bore the brunt of the storm experiencing strong winds, heavy rainfall and raging sea surge. Tidal waves measuring up to 6-8 feet lashed parts of the coastal areas. Tin roofs erected on the terraces of residential apartments flew away in some places and several trees and electricity poles were also uprooted. A 58-year-old man died after a power transformer fell on him while he was rushing home to escape the cyclone fury in Raigad district, while s 65-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man died in house collapse after the tin sheets on the roof were blown in separate incidents in Pune district, officials said. Mumbaikars heaved a sigh of relief as the cyclone's damage appeared limited to uprooting of trees in some areas that led to vehicles being crushed.

Cyclone Nisarga turns into depression over Vidarbha, to weaken further

India's Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea seeking the Centre to amend the constitution and replace the word 'India' with 'Bharat'. According to reports, the petitioner wanted to get over the "colonial" name and use "Bharat"&nbsp;as a sense of pride.

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The Supreme Court asked the petitioner to send a written copy of his plea to concerned ministries that will decide representation appropriately.

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The Delhi-based petitioner said the time is ripe to recognise the country by its original name rather than its "English"&nbsp;name.&nbsp;

The plea revolves around Article 1 will ensure "the citizens of this country to get over the colonial past."

The plea read: "The removal of the English name, though appears symbolic, will instil a sense of pride in our nationality, especially for the future generations. In fact, replacing India with Bharat would justify the hard-fought freedom achieved by our ancestors."

"The nature of injury being caused to the public is the loss of identity and ethos as inheritors of the hard-won freedom from foreign rule," the plea contended.

India's Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea seeking the Centre to amend the constitution and replace the word 'India' with 'Bharat'. According to reports, the petitioner wanted to get over the "colonial" name and use "Bharat" as a sense of pride.

India's Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea seeking the Centre to amend the constitution and replace the word 'India' with 'Bharat'. According to reports, the petitioner wanted to get over the "colonial" name and use "Bharat" as a sense of pride. Also read: Raveesh Kumar appointed as next Ambassador of India to Finland The Supreme Court asked the petitioner to send a written copy of his plea to concerned ministries that will decide representation appropriately. Also read: Armies of India and China to hold Lt Gen level talks on June 6 to resolve Ladakh crisis The Delhi-based petitioner said the time is ripe to recognise the country by its original name rather than its "English" name. The plea revolves around Article 1 will ensure "the citizens of this country to get over the colonial past." The plea read: "The removal of the English name, though appears symbolic, will instil a sense of pride in our nationality, especially for the future generations. In fact, replacing India with Bharat would justify the hard-fought freedom achieved by our ancestors." "The nature of injury being caused to the public is the loss of identity and ethos as inheritors of the hard-won freedom from foreign rule," the plea contended.

Supreme Court rejects plea to change India's name to 'Bharat'

COVID-19 fatalities in Maharashtra spiked by 122 on Wednesday, the highest in a single day, including 49 from worst-hit Mumbai, taking the death toll to 2,587, Health department said.

The number of cases shot up by 2,560 to 74,860, it said.

A total of 996 patients were discharged from hospitals in the day, taking the tally of the recovered cases to 32,329 so far, a statement said.

The number of active cases in the state now stands at 39,935, it said, adding that a total of 4,97,276 samples have been tested so far.

"Of the 122 deaths, 60 fatalities were reported from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including 49 from Mumbai alone," the statement said.

Pune city, another major hotspot, reported 19 more deaths in a day, it added.

Mumbai on Wednesday reported 1,276 new COVID-19 cases and 49 deaths, taking the case count to 43,262 and the number of fatalities to 1,417, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

A total of 259 patients were discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours from various COVID facilities, taking the tally of recovered cases to 17,472, it said.

The number of active cases now stands at 24,373.

"27 of the 49 deceased had pre-existing underlying health conditions," the BMC said in a release.

A total of 795 new suspected patients have been admitted in various hospitals.

Meanwhile, as rains lashed parts of Mumbai and suburbs earlier in the day, the civic body has issued an advisory fearing a rise in monsoon-related diseases in addition to the coronavirus infections.

"All citizens are requested not to ignore any fever and not to self-medicate," it said.

The civic body also asked citizens to visit nearby clinics or inform community health volunteers if they experience symptoms like fever with chills, joint pains, rashes, cough, breathlessness, diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat, and jaundice.

"All high-risk citizens having co-morbidities should continue to take their prescribed medicines and senior citizens take special care and not to go out of house," it said.

The civic body appealed to citizens to maintain premises of their residential buildings and surrounding areas clean to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes in any disposed articles.

It also asked people to void outside food and to follow personal hygiene.

The MMR accounts for 56,794 coronavirus cases and 1,742 deaths, it stated.

The total number of cases in Pune Municipal Corporation limits now stands at 7,390 with 343 deaths, while the Aurangabad city has reported 1,609 cases and 83 fatalities, it said.

The case count for Solapur city stood at 973 and fatalities at 80.

Malegaon, a hotspot in Nashik district, did not report any fresh case or death on Wednesday.

As of Tuesday, it had reported 762 cases and 58 deaths, it said.

The tally of cases in Nagpur city is 596 with 11 deaths.

601 cases with 27 fatalities have been recorded in Akola city till date.

The number of containment zones in Maharashtra now stands at 3,661.

The COVID 19 tally in Maharashtra: total cases 74,860, recoveries 32,329, deaths 2,587, active cases 39,935 and people tested 4,97,276.

COVID-19 fatalities in Maharashtra spiked by 122 on Wednesday, the highest in a single day, including 49 from worst-hit Mumbai, taking the death toll to 2,587, Health department said.

COVID-19 fatalities in Maharashtra spiked by 122 on Wednesday, the highest in a single day, including 49 from worst-hit Mumbai, taking the death toll to 2,587, Health department said. The number of cases shot up by 2,560 to 74,860, it said. A total of 996 patients were discharged from hospitals in the day, taking the tally of the recovered cases to 32,329 so far, a statement said. The number of active cases in the state now stands at 39,935, it said, adding that a total of 4,97,276 samples have been tested so far. "Of the 122 deaths, 60 fatalities were reported from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including 49 from Mumbai alone," the statement said. Pune city, another major hotspot, reported 19 more deaths in a day, it added. Mumbai on Wednesday reported 1,276 new COVID-19 cases and 49 deaths, taking the case count to 43,262 and the number of fatalities to 1,417, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. A total of 259 patients were discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours from various COVID facilities, taking the tally of recovered cases to 17,472, it said. The number of active cases now stands at 24,373. "27 of the 49 deceased had pre-existing underlying health conditions," the BMC said in a release. A total of 795 new suspected patients have been admitted in various hospitals. Meanwhile, as rains lashed parts of Mumbai and suburbs earlier in the day, the civic body has issued an advisory fearing a rise in monsoon-related diseases in addition to the coronavirus infections. "All citizens are requested not to ignore any fever and not to self-medicate," it said. The civic body also asked citizens to visit nearby clinics or inform community health volunteers if they experience symptoms like fever with chills, joint pains, rashes, cough, breathlessness, diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat, and jaundice. "All high-risk citizens having co-morbidities should continue to take their prescribed medicines and senior citizens take special care and not to go out of house," it said. The civic body appealed to citizens to maintain premises of their residential buildings and surrounding areas clean to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes in any disposed articles. It also asked people to void outside food and to follow personal hygiene. The MMR accounts for 56,794 coronavirus cases and 1,742 deaths, it stated. The total number of cases in Pune Municipal Corporation limits now stands at 7,390 with 343 deaths, while the Aurangabad city has reported 1,609 cases and 83 fatalities, it said. The case count for Solapur city stood at 973 and fatalities at 80. Malegaon, a hotspot in Nashik district, did not report any fresh case or death on Wednesday. As of Tuesday, it had reported 762 cases and 58 deaths, it said. The tally of cases in Nagpur city is 596 with 11 deaths. 601 cases with 27 fatalities have been recorded in Akola city till date. The number of containment zones in Maharashtra now stands at 3,661. The COVID 19 tally in Maharashtra: total cases 74,860, recoveries 32,329, deaths 2,587, active cases 39,935 and people tested 4,97,276.

Maharashtra COVID-19 cases up by 2,560 to 74,860; 122 die in one day

India has recorded 9,304 new coronavirus COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours taking the total tally to 2,16,919 on Thursday (June 4).

COVID-19: India records 9,304 cases, 260 deaths in last 24 hours

An elephant in the Indian state of Kerala died after she was fed a pineapple stuffed with crackers. &nbsp;The crackers burst in her mouth.

She was badly injured. She walked in pain for days. She was hungry, but couldn't eat with an injured mouth. Finally, she walked up to a river and stood there.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<img alt="zz" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="15ecac90-70c9-4980-a5ac-aad30e069ae4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_126.jpg" />

The poor elephant has her mouth and trunk in the water--- perhaps trying to find some relief from the pain.

The forest official who posted the&nbsp;picture and narrated the elephant's story said&nbsp;that "she had a sixth sense that she was going to die".

Forest officials tried to help her, two elephants were brought to lead her out of the river but nothing worked and the injured elephant died on May 27.

And that's not it, the autopsy report revealed that the elephant was pregnant. The baby was murdered along with its mother.

It is animal cruelty at its worst and&nbsp;inhuman. Reports say the elephant meandered into the village in search of food.

She was pregnant and&nbsp;her desperation drove her out of her habitat. Animals do not enjoy walking into villages or destroying farms leave alone entering a city packed with humans, cars and pollution.

&nbsp;From the leopards in Mumbai's Borivali to the tigers in Sunderbans or this pregnant elephant. It is the same story.&nbsp;

Humans encroach into their territory drive them out of the wild that results in killing them when they come looking for food or capturing them and putting them in zoos.

Reports claim that pineapples laden with explosives are a common practice in Kerala. They are used by locals to protect their field from wild boars.

Now an FIR has been lodged. There should be exemplary punishment. When humans show cruelty we call them animals.

The fact is humans are the only animals who have proven to be capable of such cruelty.

An elephant in the Indian state of Kerala died after she was fed a pineapple stuffed with crackers. The crackers burst in her mouth. She was badly injured. She walked in pain for days.

An elephant in the Indian state of Kerala died after she was fed a pineapple stuffed with crackers. The crackers burst in her mouth. She was badly injured. She walked in pain for days. She was hungry, but couldn't eat with an injured mouth. Finally, she walked up to a river and stood there. The poor elephant has her mouth and trunk in the water--- perhaps trying to find some relief from the pain. The forest official who posted the picture and narrated the elephant's story said that "she had a sixth sense that she was going to die". Forest officials tried to help her, two elephants were brought to lead her out of the river but nothing worked and the injured elephant died on May 27. And that's not it, the autopsy report revealed that the elephant was pregnant. The baby was murdered along with its mother. It is animal cruelty at its worst and inhuman. Reports say the elephant meandered into the village in search of food. She was pregnant and her desperation drove her out of her habitat. Animals do not enjoy walking into villages or destroying farms leave alone entering a city packed with humans, cars and pollution. From the leopards in Mumbai's Borivali to the tigers in Sunderbans or this pregnant elephant. It is the same story. Humans encroach into their territory drive them out of the wild that results in killing them when they come looking for food or capturing them and putting them in zoos. Reports claim that pineapples laden with explosives are a common practice in Kerala. They are used by locals to protect their field from wild boars. Now an FIR has been lodged. There should be exemplary punishment. When humans show cruelty we call them animals. The fact is humans are the only animals who have proven to be capable of such cruelty.

Elephant killed after being fed with pineapple stuffed with crackers

Jammu &amp; Kashmir has witnessed the highest single-day spike in coronavirus cases. On Thursday, the Union Territory recorded 285 new cases taking the tally to 3,142.

According to the statement released by the Information and Public Relations Department, 63 cases were from the Jammu division whereas 222 were from the Kashmir division.&nbsp;

A total of 35 deaths have been recorded in the Union Territory and has recovered 1,048 patients. The number of active cases is 2,059 out of which 571 are in Jammu division and 1,488 are in Kashmir division.&nbsp;

India reported 9,304 new COVID-19 cases and 260 deaths in the last 24 hours. As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data released on Thursday, a total number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 2,16,919 including 1,06,737 active cases.

As many as 1,04,107 people have been cured/discharged/migrated. The death toll has now reached 6,075.

The Coronavirus outbreak (officially known as Covid-19), which started in China, has so far killed over 382,479 people across the globe and infected 6,451,966 (as on June 3, 2020). The virus has spread to 187 countries.

Of the total 42,42,718 COVID-19 samples tested so far, 1,39,485 samples have been tested in the past 24 hours, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed the highest single-day spike in coronavirus cases. On Thursday, the Union Territory recorded 285 new cases taking the tally to 3,142.

Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed the highest single-day spike in coronavirus cases. On Thursday, the Union Territory recorded 285 new cases taking the tally to 3,142. According to the statement released by the Information and Public Relations Department, 63 cases were from the Jammu division whereas 222 were from the Kashmir division. A total of 35 deaths have been recorded in the Union Territory and has recovered 1,048 patients. The number of active cases is 2,059 out of which 571 are in Jammu division and 1,488 are in Kashmir division. India reported 9,304 new COVID-19 cases and 260 deaths in the last 24 hours. As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data released on Thursday, a total number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 2,16,919 including 1,06,737 active cases. As many as 1,04,107 people have been cured/discharged/migrated. The death toll has now reached 6,075. The Coronavirus outbreak (officially known as Covid-19), which started in China, has so far killed over 382,479 people across the globe and infected 6,451,966 (as on June 3, 2020). The virus has spread to 187 countries. Of the total 42,42,718 COVID-19 samples tested so far, 1,39,485 samples have been tested in the past 24 hours, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

J&K witnesses highest single-day spike in coronavirus cases

India on Thursday pledged $15 million to the international vaccine alliance GAVI during the virtual summit in London amid the coronavirus pandemic.

India's Prime Minister&nbsp;Modi addressed the virtual Global Vaccine Summit in London hosted by UK PM Boris Johnson in which over 50 ​countries and business leaders including UN agencies participated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-for-global-public-good-says-un-chief-antonio-guterres-at-virtual-global-vaccine-summit-in-london-303340">Also Read: COVID-19 vaccine for global public good, says UN chief Antonio Guterres</a>

China which also took part in&nbsp;the summit and pledged $20 million for the vaccine&nbsp;alliance GAVI.

The virtual summit aimed at raising at least $7.4 billion in funding for GAVI was also attended by billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates, whose foundation pledged $1.6 billion.

Addressing the summit, US President Trump in a recorded message to the conference, said:: "As the coronavirus has shown, there are no borders. It doesn't discriminate. It's mean, it's nasty. But we can all take care of it together... we will work hard. We will work strong."

Government pledged upto $8.8 billion for global vaccines to help immunisation programmes which was stalled due to the coronavirus pandmeic.

India on Thursday pledged $15 million to the international vaccine alliance GAVI during the virtual summit in London amid the coronavirus pandemic. India's Prime Minister Modi addressed the virtual Global Vaccine Summit in London hosted by UK PM Boris Johnson in which over 50 countries and business leaders including UN agencies participated.

India on Thursday pledged $15 million to the international vaccine alliance GAVI during the virtual summit in London amid the coronavirus pandemic. India's Prime Minister Modi addressed the virtual Global Vaccine Summit in London hosted by UK PM Boris Johnson in which over 50 countries and business leaders including UN agencies participated. Also Read: COVID-19 vaccine for global public good, says UN chief Antonio Guterres China which also took part in the summit and pledged $20 million for the vaccine alliance GAVI. The virtual summit aimed at raising at least $7.4 billion in funding for GAVI was also attended by billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates, whose foundation pledged $1.6 billion. Addressing the summit, US President Trump in a recorded message to the conference, said:: "As the coronavirus has shown, there are no borders. It doesn't discriminate. It's mean, it's nasty. But we can all take care of it together... we will work hard. We will work strong." Government pledged upto $8.8 billion for global vaccines to help immunisation programmes which was stalled due to the coronavirus pandmeic.

India pledges $15 million for vaccine development in London summit

A pregnant wild elephant in Kerala’s Silent Valley Forest fell victim to an act of human cruelty after a pineapple filled with powerful crackers offered by a man exploded in her mouth when she chomped on it.

Kerala: Pregnant elephant dies in Kerala left the whole world shocked

Maharashtra on Thursday reported 2,933 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-defence-secretary-ajay-kumar-tests-coronavirus-positive-sources-303117">coronavirus&nbsp;</a>cases with 123 deaths which is the highest number of fatalities in the last 24 hours in the state.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-mumbais-slum-area-dharavi-reports-23-cases-death-toll-rises-to-71-303315">Also Read:&nbsp;Mumbai's slum area Dharavi reports 23 COVID-19 cases; death toll rises to 71</a>

The state health department said the total number of cases had risen to 77,793 with the death toll due to the virus climbing to 2710.

Meanwhile, Mumbai reported 1,442 new coronavirus cases and 48 deaths in 24 hours with the total number of positive cases surging to 44,704. The death toll in Indian financial capital has now reached 1,465.

In West Bengal, 368 new coronavirus cases were reported with the total number of cases rising to 6,876 in the state. The state health department said 283 people have died due to the virus.

In Jammu and Kashmir, 285 cases were reported with the total number of cases rising to 3142 including 2,059 active cases.

In Haryana, 327 new coronavirus cases were reported with the total number of cases in the state rising to 3,281, including 24 deaths.

Maharashtra on Thursday reported 2,933 new coronavirus cases with 123 deaths which is the highest number of fatalities in the last 24 hours in the state. Also Read: Mumbai's slum area Dharavi reports 23 COVID-19 cases; death toll rises to 71 The state health department said the total number of cases had risen to 77,793 with the death toll due to the virus climbing to 2710.

Maharashtra on Thursday reported 2,933 new coronavirus cases with 123 deaths which is the highest number of fatalities in the last 24 hours in the state. Also Read: Mumbai's slum area Dharavi reports 23 COVID-19 cases; death toll rises to 71 The state health department said the total number of cases had risen to 77,793 with the death toll due to the virus climbing to 2710. Meanwhile, Mumbai reported 1,442 new coronavirus cases and 48 deaths in 24 hours with the total number of positive cases surging to 44,704. The death toll in Indian financial capital has now reached 1,465. In West Bengal, 368 new coronavirus cases were reported with the total number of cases rising to 6,876 in the state. The state health department said 283 people have died due to the virus. In Jammu and Kashmir, 285 cases were reported with the total number of cases rising to 3142 including 2,059 active cases. In Haryana, 327 new coronavirus cases were reported with the total number of cases in the state rising to 3,281, including 24 deaths.

COVID-19: Maharashtra reports highest single day death toll; Mumbai reports 1,442 new cases

Google has removed the Mitron and Remove China Apps from its Play Store for policy violations.

Google removes Mitron and 'Remove China apps' from Play Store

India reported 9,304 new COVID-19 cases and 260 deaths in the last 24 hours. As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data released on Thursday, a total number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 2,16,919 including 1,06,737 active cases.

As many as 1,04,107 people have been cured/discharged/migrated. The death toll has now reached 6,075.

The Coronavirus outbreak (officially known as Covid-19), which started in China, has so far killed over 382,479 people across the globe and infected 6,451,966 (as on June 3, 2020). The virus has spread to 187 countries. 
 
Of the total 42,42,718 COVID-19 samples tested so far, 1,39,485 samples have been tested in the past 24 hours, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Of the total 2,16,919 &nbsp;COVID-19 cases across the nation as many as 1,04,107 patients were cured of the viral disease, said the health ministry on Thursday. This took India's COVID-19 recovery rate to 47.99 per cent.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Health Ministry issues guidelines for ENT (ear, nose, and throat) &nbsp;practice during the pandemic and informed that COVID-19 patients having symptoms suggestive of either ENT or respiratory symptoms, should be seen in separate screening clinic and not in ENT OPD, the health ministry issued the guideline.

(With inputs from agencies)

India reported 9,304 new COVID-19 cases and 260 deaths in the last 24 hours. As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data released on Thursday, a total number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 2,16,919 including 1,06,737 active cases.

India reported 9,304 new COVID-19 cases and 260 deaths in the last 24 hours. As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data released on Thursday, a total number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 2,16,919 including 1,06,737 active cases. As many as 1,04,107 people have been cured/discharged/migrated. The death toll has now reached 6,075. The Coronavirus outbreak (officially known as Covid-19), which started in China, has so far killed over 382,479 people across the globe and infected 6,451,966 (as on June 3, 2020). The virus has spread to 187 countries. Of the total 42,42,718 COVID-19 samples tested so far, 1,39,485 samples have been tested in the past 24 hours, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Of the total 2,16,919 COVID-19 cases across the nation as many as 1,04,107 patients were cured of the viral disease, said the health ministry on Thursday. This took India's COVID-19 recovery rate to 47.99 per cent. Meanwhile, Health Ministry issues guidelines for ENT (ear, nose, and throat) practice during the pandemic and informed that COVID-19 patients having symptoms suggestive of either ENT or respiratory symptoms, should be seen in separate screening clinic and not in ENT OPD, the health ministry issued the guideline. (With inputs from agencies)

9,304 new COVID-19 cases and 260 deaths in the last 24 hours – highest ever spike

India's Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar has tested positive for coronavirus, following which the defence ministry carried out a massive contact-tracing exercise.

Ajay Kumar's condition is stable and he is currently under home-quarantine.

At least 35 officials working at the ministry's headquarters in South Block in the Raisina Hills have been sent on home quarantine after reports of Kumar testing positive for the infection emerged on Wednesday morning.

It is learnt that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh did not attend office as part of a precautionary measure.

The offices of the defence minister, the defence secretary, the Army Chief and the Navy Chief are on the first floor of the South Block.

Sources said all laid down protocols on contact-tracing and quarantining of people are being scrupulously followed.

(with inputs from PTI)

India's Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar has tested positive for coronavirus, following which the defence ministry carried out a massive contact-tracing exercise. Ajay Kumar's condition is stable and he is currently under home-quarantine.

India's Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar has tested positive for coronavirus, following which the defence ministry carried out a massive contact-tracing exercise. Ajay Kumar's condition is stable and he is currently under home-quarantine. At least 35 officials working at the ministry's headquarters in South Block in the Raisina Hills have been sent on home quarantine after reports of Kumar testing positive for the infection emerged on Wednesday morning. It is learnt that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh did not attend office as part of a precautionary measure. The offices of the defence minister, the defence secretary, the Army Chief and the Navy Chief are on the first floor of the South Block. Sources said all laid down protocols on contact-tracing and quarantining of people are being scrupulously followed. (with inputs from PTI)

India's Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar tests coronavirus positive: Sources

Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI has attempted to chase the vehicle of India's Chargé d'affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia on June 4. The Pakistani intelligence service has also stationed multiple persons in cars and bikes outside the Indian diplomat's residence in an attempt to harass and intimidate him. Watch report.

ISI member chases Indian Diplomat's vehicle in Pakistan

It is a hard task to stop netizens trolling after news breaks, with memes, jokes, and abuses on the subject of discussion filling the internet in seconds. And something similar happened when a report claimed on Wednesday night that fugitive Vijay Mallya will be flown back to India as soon as all the legalities are completed.

Now, we are still not sure whether the news is accurate or not, but the idea of Mallya returning to&nbsp;India has made Twitter berserk, with hilarious jokes doing the rounds.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-loses-final-chance-to-appeal-against-india-extradition-plea-298675">Vijay Mallya loses final chance to appeal against India extradition plea</a>

A Twitter user made a meme of popular Bollywood movie, Mujhse Shaadi Karoge, referring to banks asking Mallya to look them into their eyes.&nbsp; &nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayMallya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayMallya</a> will be brought back to india tonight! 
 
Banks - <a href="https://t.co/hWzZex5qTx">pic.twitter.com/hWzZex5qTx</a>
— Kartikkk 🇮🇳 (@tweetasmer) <a href="https://twitter.com/tweetasmer/status/1268384567305486336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Another netizen on Twitter wrote, signaling banks breathing a sigh of relief after the announcement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Bankers hearing about Extradition of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayMallya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayMallya</a> <a href="https://t.co/lPM0pBFV83">pic.twitter.com/lPM0pBFV83</a>
— Ankush (@_James_Bong) <a href="https://twitter.com/_James_Bong/status/1268383718563024897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Indian Bankers be like.. 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayMallya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayMallya</a> <a href="https://t.co/bzqW6jpOFF">pic.twitter.com/bzqW6jpOFF</a>
— VipuL DeeP 🇮🇳 (@VipulDeep) <a href="https://twitter.com/VipulDeep/status/1268382354701037568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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All Banks now like.. 🤗🤗🤗🤗 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayMallya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayMallya</a> <a href="https://t.co/PzFmb0UpsC">pic.twitter.com/PzFmb0UpsC</a>
— Bhagchand kumawat (@Bhagchandkumaw2) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bhagchandkumaw2/status/1268363947033473026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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After knowing that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayMallya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayMallya</a> will be coming to India tonight 
 
Le bank managers: <a href="https://t.co/Hz94cUXZNk">pic.twitter.com/Hz94cUXZNk</a>
— Sohail Nadaf (@Dr_Sarcasm_999) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dr_Sarcasm_999/status/1268271741182160896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayMallya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayMallya</a> 
Fugitive Vijay Mallya will land soon at Mumbai Airport in the custody of CBI and ED. 
 
SBI: <a href="https://t.co/ZrUqx2CBJM">pic.twitter.com/ZrUqx2CBJM</a>
— DEV (@_i_am_Dev) <a href="https://twitter.com/_i_am_Dev/status/1268259705425559552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On Wednesday, citing Indian government sources, news agency IANS said that Mallya will be in India anytime soon in the coming days.&nbsp;

"As he has lost his appeal in the UK Supreme Court there, we have completed all the legal process for his extradition," the source further said.&nbsp;

However, today a report by Times of India said that Mallya, who owns Rs 9,961 crore to Indian banks, will not be extradited anytime soon, quoting Mallya's personal assistant and a senior official of Indian high commission in London.&nbsp;

The Indian official in London said that media has picked up old statements of CBI, India's central investigation agency. "The situation has not changed. There are delays," the official said.&nbsp;

Mallya is accused of defrauding as many as 17 Indian banks and fled the country in March 2016.&nbsp;

It is a hard task to stop netizens trolling after news breaks, with memes, jokes, and abuses on the subject of discussion filling the internet in seconds. And something similar happened when a report claimed on Wednesday night that fugitive Vijay Mallya will be flown back to India as soon as all the legalities are completed.

It is a hard task to stop netizens trolling after news breaks, with memes, jokes, and abuses on the subject of discussion filling the internet in seconds. And something similar happened when a report claimed on Wednesday night that fugitive Vijay Mallya will be flown back to India as soon as all the legalities are completed. Now, we are still not sure whether the news is accurate or not, but the idea of Mallya returning to India has made Twitter berserk, with hilarious jokes doing the rounds. Also read | Vijay Mallya loses final chance to appeal against India extradition plea A Twitter user made a meme of popular Bollywood movie, Mujhse Shaadi Karoge, referring to banks asking Mallya to look them into their eyes. #VijayMallya will be brought back to india tonight! Banks - pic.twitter.com/hWzZex5qTx — Kartikkk 🇮🇳 (@tweetasmer) June 4, 2020 × Another netizen on Twitter wrote, signaling banks breathing a sigh of relief after the announcement. Bankers hearing about Extradition of #VijayMallya pic.twitter.com/lPM0pBFV83 — Ankush (@_James_Bong) June 4, 2020 × Indian Bankers be like.. #VijayMallya pic.twitter.com/bzqW6jpOFF — VipuL DeeP 🇮🇳 (@VipulDeep) June 4, 2020 × All Banks now like.. 🤗🤗🤗🤗 #VijayMallya pic.twitter.com/PzFmb0UpsC — Bhagchand kumawat (@Bhagchandkumaw2) June 4, 2020 × After knowing that #VijayMallya will be coming to India tonight Le bank managers: pic.twitter.com/Hz94cUXZNk — Sohail Nadaf (@Dr_Sarcasm_999) June 3, 2020 × #VijayMallya Fugitive Vijay Mallya will land soon at Mumbai Airport in the custody of CBI and ED. SBI: pic.twitter.com/ZrUqx2CBJM — DEV (@_i_am_Dev) June 3, 2020 × On Wednesday, citing Indian government sources, news agency IANS said that Mallya will be in India anytime soon in the coming days. "As he has lost his appeal in the UK Supreme Court there, we have completed all the legal process for his extradition," the source further said. However, today a report by Times of India said that Mallya, who owns Rs 9,961 crore to Indian banks, will not be extradited anytime soon, quoting Mallya's personal assistant and a senior official of Indian high commission in London. The Indian official in London said that media has picked up old statements of CBI, India's central investigation agency. "The situation has not changed. There are delays," the official said. Mallya is accused of defrauding as many as 17 Indian banks and fled the country in March 2016.

Twitterati share hilarious memes following reports of Vijay Mallya being extradited soon

Mahatma Gandhi’s statue outside the Indian Embassy in Washington DC desecrated by unruly elements involved in the ongoing protests in the US.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-cops-charged-in-floyd-death-one-faces-2nd-degree-murder-count-homicide-303080">Also read: Four cops charged in Floyd death, one faces 2nd-degree murder count homicide</a>

The United States Park police have launched an investigation into the desecration of the statue.

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Mahatma Gandhi’s statue outside the Indian Embassy in Washington DC desecrated by unruly elements of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlackLivesMatter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlackLivesMatter</a> protesters. Sources tell ANI that United States Park Police have launched an investigation, more details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/jxRpIhqd2W">pic.twitter.com/jxRpIhqd2W</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1268352866919444480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Protests have erupted across the US over the death of an African-American man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Floyd died on 25 May after a white cop pressed his knee on the African-American man’s neck.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/george-floyds-final-words-seen-across-skies-in-the-us-cities-302975">In Pics: George Floyd's final words seen across skies in the US cities</a>

Following the incident, protesters have taken to the streets across the country to protest against police brutality and racial injustice. Some of the protesters have also resorted to violence and looting.

Mahatma Gandhi’s statue outside the Indian Embassy in Washington DC desecrated by unruly elements involved in the ongoing protests in the US. Also read: Four cops charged in Floyd death, one faces 2nd-degree murder count homicide The United States Park police have launched an investigation into the desecration of the statue.

Mahatma Gandhi’s statue outside the Indian Embassy in Washington DC desecrated by unruly elements involved in the ongoing protests in the US. Also read: Four cops charged in Floyd death, one faces 2nd-degree murder count homicide The United States Park police have launched an investigation into the desecration of the statue. Mahatma Gandhi’s statue outside the Indian Embassy in Washington DC desecrated by unruly elements of #BlackLivesMatter protesters. Sources tell ANI that United States Park Police have launched an investigation, more details awaited. pic.twitter.com/jxRpIhqd2W — ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2020 × Protests have erupted across the US over the death of an African-American man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Floyd died on 25 May after a white cop pressed his knee on the African-American man’s neck. In Pics: George Floyd's final words seen across skies in the US cities Following the incident, protesters have taken to the streets across the country to protest against police brutality and racial injustice. Some of the protesters have also resorted to violence and looting.

Mahatma Gandhi statue outside Indian Embassy in Washington DC desecrated

Tamil Nadu on Thursday reported 1,373 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/9304-new-covid-19-cases-and-260-deaths-in-the-last-24-hours-highest-ever-spike-303097">coronavirus</a> cases and 12 deaths taking the total number of cases to 27,256, the state health department said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-mumbais-slum-area-dharavi-reports-23-cases-death-toll-rises-to-71-303315">Also Read:&nbsp;Mumbai's slum area Dharavi reports 23 COVID-19 cases; death toll rises to 71</a>

The death toll in the state due to the virus has climbed to 220 with 12,132 active cases.

The Airport Authority of India said its office at Chennai airport will remain closed from Friday till June 7 for sanitization after two employees at the office were detected with coronavirus.

In neighboring Kerala, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that 94 coronavirus cases were reported along with three deaths with &nbsp;884 active cases in the state.

In Karnataka, 257 new coronavirus cases were reported with four deaths taking the total number of cases to 4,320. The death toll due to the virus has risen to 57.

The&nbsp;number of virus cases in Punjab has climbed to 2,415 with 39 new cases reported in the last 24 hours.

In Uttar Pradesh, 371 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours with 15 deaths taking the total number of cases to 9,237 in the state. The death toll due to COVID-19 has risen to 245.

 
&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu on Thursday reported 1,373 new coronavirus cases and 12 deaths taking the total number of cases to 27,256, the state health department said. Also Read: Mumbai's slum area Dharavi reports 23 COVID-19 cases; death toll rises to 71 The death toll in the state due to the virus has climbed to 220 with 12,132 active cases.

Tamil Nadu on Thursday reported 1,373 new coronavirus cases and 12 deaths taking the total number of cases to 27,256, the state health department said. Also Read: Mumbai's slum area Dharavi reports 23 COVID-19 cases; death toll rises to 71 The death toll in the state due to the virus has climbed to 220 with 12,132 active cases. The Airport Authority of India said its office at Chennai airport will remain closed from Friday till June 7 for sanitization after two employees at the office were detected with coronavirus. In neighboring Kerala, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that 94 coronavirus cases were reported along with three deaths with 884 active cases in the state. In Karnataka, 257 new coronavirus cases were reported with four deaths taking the total number of cases to 4,320. The death toll due to the virus has risen to 57. The number of virus cases in Punjab has climbed to 2,415 with 39 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. In Uttar Pradesh, 371 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours with 15 deaths taking the total number of cases to 9,237 in the state. The death toll due to COVID-19 has risen to 245.

COVID-19: Airport authority of India's office in Chennai to close after employees test positive

According to reports, the situation at the face-off points between the Indian Army and the PLA remains unchanged. 
&nbsp; 
Officially both sides have reiterated faith in dialogue and diplomacy. Here are a few steps New Delhi should avoid taking.

India should not formally stop imports from China. New Delhi and Beijing are members of the World Trade Organization(WTO). India cannot altogether stop imports from China in lieu of their membership, also, the exports from China to India are reportedly just 3 per cent of the total exports to the world, so stopping trade will cause a little dent in the Chinese economy.

Boycotting Chinese companies may also not be a solution. The calls to go local are good, but the reality is China dominates the cellphone market in India. Chinese brands like Oppo, Vivo and One Plus are said to have 40 per cent of the combined market share in the cellphone market.

Calls to boycott the Chinese products may force these companies to wrap up their operations. It may lead to temporary yet significant economic losses. India needs to be strategic in hitting back at China.

India should take these steps. Number one, use hard power. New Delhi needs to be firm in its dealings with Beijing. It must be prepared to increase its operations in the Malacca Strait and the Indian Ocean.

The Strait of Malacca is a narrow waterway between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It accounts for nearly 80 per cent Chinese oil imports.&nbsp;

Experts say an increase in activites in this region could perturb Chinese overtures on the LAC but in doing so India will have to build consensus with Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, so that there is no perception of undermining their sovereignty.

Number two: Use soft power. A strategy that should focus on mining the weaknesses of China. China's image has taken a beating due to the Wuhan virus. A number of companies are shifting base from China. India should attract investments from such companies after all India has similar things to offer - considerable land, low-cost labour and ease of establishing industries.

India must make the most of these advantages. The Indian government should also prioritise signing free trade agreements with other big economies. Trade agreements that will not only increase India's economic power but also increase the world's stake in safeguarding Indian interests.

At present China doesn't seem to have the appetite to wage an all-out war. It cannot afford one since the global sentiments are against it but China is a silent and discreet player, hostile takeovers and low-level military actions are already a reality.

India needs to be alert, watchful and prepared.

According to reports, the situation at the face-off points between the Indian Army and the PLA remains unchanged. Officially both sides have reiterated faith in dialogue and diplomacy.

According to reports, the situation at the face-off points between the Indian Army and the PLA remains unchanged. Officially both sides have reiterated faith in dialogue and diplomacy. Here are a few steps New Delhi should avoid taking. India should not formally stop imports from China. New Delhi and Beijing are members of the World Trade Organization(WTO). India cannot altogether stop imports from China in lieu of their membership, also, the exports from China to India are reportedly just 3 per cent of the total exports to the world, so stopping trade will cause a little dent in the Chinese economy. Boycotting Chinese companies may also not be a solution. The calls to go local are good, but the reality is China dominates the cellphone market in India. Chinese brands like Oppo, Vivo and One Plus are said to have 40 per cent of the combined market share in the cellphone market. Calls to boycott the Chinese products may force these companies to wrap up their operations. It may lead to temporary yet significant economic losses. India needs to be strategic in hitting back at China. India should take these steps. Number one, use hard power. New Delhi needs to be firm in its dealings with Beijing. It must be prepared to increase its operations in the Malacca Strait and the Indian Ocean. The Strait of Malacca is a narrow waterway between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It accounts for nearly 80 per cent Chinese oil imports. Experts say an increase in activites in this region could perturb Chinese overtures on the LAC but in doing so India will have to build consensus with Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, so that there is no perception of undermining their sovereignty. Number two: Use soft power. A strategy that should focus on mining the weaknesses of China. China's image has taken a beating due to the Wuhan virus. A number of companies are shifting base from China. India should attract investments from such companies after all India has similar things to offer - considerable land, low-cost labour and ease of establishing industries. India must make the most of these advantages. The Indian government should also prioritise signing free trade agreements with other big economies. Trade agreements that will not only increase India's economic power but also increase the world's stake in safeguarding Indian interests. At present China doesn't seem to have the appetite to wage an all-out war. It cannot afford one since the global sentiments are against it but China is a silent and discreet player, hostile takeovers and low-level military actions are already a reality. India needs to be alert, watchful and prepared.

Soft and hard power: Steps India needs to take to counter China

A pilot of SpiceJet airlines was looted in the middle of the night at gunpoint, attacked by a knife in the national capital Delhi on Wednesday.

Yuvraj Tewatia was in his office cab and on the way to Indira Gandhi International airport from his house in Faridabad at around 1:00 am IST when a group of masked men in motorcycles blocked his way and forcibly stopped his car.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-maharashtra-records-2560-cases-death-toll-in-delhi-rises-to-606-303063">COVID-19: Maharashtra records 2,560 cases; death toll in Delhi rises to 606</a>

According to the police complaint, the accused broke the windows of the car using rods, robbed his belongings, and took away the cash that he was carrying. They also hit the pilot with a pistol grip and attacked him with a knife, which left him bleeding.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-lg-anil-baijal-approves-release-of-manu-sharma-in-jessica-lal-murder-case-302674">Delhi LG Anil Baijal approves release of Manu Sharma in Jessica Lal murder case</a>

After the accused left, the pilot called the cops and a case of robbery was registered.&nbsp;

The police said that Tewatia received "minor injuries", the driver is unhurt and the accused are yet to be nabbed.&nbsp;

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Devender Arya said Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) was patrolling the area near IIT flyover, where the incident occurred and they spotted the vehicle after getting an alert.&nbsp;

"The ERV chased the bikers till Mehrauli, which is quite a distance. We are evaluating all the footage from CCTV cameras from the flyover to the place in Mehrauli, and are in the process of identifying the accused," the DCP said, reported The Indian Express.

Arya also said that the registration number of the bikes have been noted down by the ERV officials.&nbsp;

A pilot of SpiceJet airlines was looted in the middle of the night at gunpoint, attacked by a knife in the national capital Delhi on Wednesday. Yuvraj Tewatia was in his office cab and on the way to Indira Gandhi International airport from his house in Faridabad at around 1:00 am IST when a group of masked men in motorcycles blocked his way and forcibly stopped his car.

A pilot of SpiceJet airlines was looted in the middle of the night at gunpoint, attacked by a knife in the national capital Delhi on Wednesday. Yuvraj Tewatia was in his office cab and on the way to Indira Gandhi International airport from his house in Faridabad at around 1:00 am IST when a group of masked men in motorcycles blocked his way and forcibly stopped his car. Also read | COVID-19: Maharashtra records 2,560 cases; death toll in Delhi rises to 606 According to the police complaint, the accused broke the windows of the car using rods, robbed his belongings, and took away the cash that he was carrying. They also hit the pilot with a pistol grip and attacked him with a knife, which left him bleeding. Also read | Delhi LG Anil Baijal approves release of Manu Sharma in Jessica Lal murder case After the accused left, the pilot called the cops and a case of robbery was registered. The police said that Tewatia received "minor injuries", the driver is unhurt and the accused are yet to be nabbed. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Devender Arya said Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) was patrolling the area near IIT flyover, where the incident occurred and they spotted the vehicle after getting an alert. "The ERV chased the bikers till Mehrauli, which is quite a distance. We are evaluating all the footage from CCTV cameras from the flyover to the place in Mehrauli, and are in the process of identifying the accused," the DCP said, reported The Indian Express. Arya also said that the registration number of the bikes have been noted down by the ERV officials.

Delhi: SpiceJet pilot robbed at gunpoint, attacked by knife

India's financial capital, Mumbai, has largely escaped a cyclone that barrelled through the country's western coast.

Cyclone Nisarga: City of Mumbai spared from Substantial damage

Widespread anger erupted in India, with common people, central government, and celebrities speaking against the horrific killing of a pregnant elephant in Kerala.&nbsp;

A few days ago, a pregnant elephant lost her life after she was fed with a pineapple full of firecrackers.&nbsp;

Prominent sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik made his trademark sand art on a beach at Puri in eastern India to pay his tributes to the deceased animal. He shared his artwork on social media, which said, "Humanity has failed again". He further said that his latest artwork is for a cause to save elephants.&nbsp;

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Humanity has failed again........... 
One of my SandArt on save <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Elephant?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Elephant</a>. <a href="https://t.co/nzcM4PNDvr">pic.twitter.com/nzcM4PNDvr</a>
— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) <a href="https://twitter.com/sudarsansand/status/1268206270168723460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The post immediately went viral, with over 56,000 likes and more than 10,000 retweets.

Earlier today, the Central government also took cognizance with Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar saying that the Central government has taken a "serious note" of the incident.&nbsp;

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Central Government has taken a very serious note of the killing of an elephant in Mallapuram, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>. We will not leave any stone unturned to investigate properly and nab the culprit(s). This is not an Indian culture to feed fire crackers and kill.<a href="https://twitter.com/moefcc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@moefcc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBHindi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIBHindi</a>
— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrakashJavdekar/status/1268381204782465027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"We will not leave any stone unturned to investigate properly and nab the culprit(s). This is not an Indian culture to feed firecrackers and kill," Javadekar said in a Twitter post.&nbsp;

BJP MP and environmental activist Maneka Gandhi slammed the state government of Kerala for the incident. She further said that one elephant is killed in Kerala in every three days. She also expressed her concern over the declining population of elephants in the country.&nbsp;

Kerala's Forest Minister K Raju told news agency ANI that strict actions would be taken against culprits who did this act.&nbsp;

One of India's prominent industrialist Ratan Tata on Twitter wrote: "Such criminal acts against innocent animals are no different than acts of meditated murder against other humans".&nbsp;

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— Ratan N. Tata (@RNTata2000) <a href="https://twitter.com/RNTata2000/status/1268202497216319489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Justice needs to prevail," he added.

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Maybe animals are less wild and humans less human. What happened with that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/elephant?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#elephant</a> is heartbreaking, inhumane and unacceptable! Strict action should be taken against the culprits. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllLivesMatter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AllLivesMatter</a> <a href="https://t.co/sOmUsL3Ayc">pic.twitter.com/sOmUsL3Ayc</a>
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1268162503520862208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Film star Akshay Kumar also slammed the inhumane act and comedian Kapil Sharma endorsing the petition demanding justice for the elephant.&nbsp;

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My eyes start tearing whenever I even think of this story. Glad its getting the attention it is online &amp; in politics. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaElephantMurder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaElephantMurder</a> <a href="https://t.co/oKNK98esya">https://t.co/oKNK98esya</a>
— Priyanka Deo (@priyankadeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankadeo/status/1268420969049157632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Shame on Humanity. She trusted humans that was her fault. 
Pregnant elephant was fed a pineapple stuffed with firecrackers. 
 
The earth was made for all BEINGS, not just for Human Beings. 
 
End Of Humanity.. 😢<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaElephantMurder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaElephantMurder</a> <a href="https://t.co/KGLxnXnKEo">pic.twitter.com/KGLxnXnKEo</a>
— Fareed Ahmed (@_Fareedahmed_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_Fareedahmed_/status/1268437054658142208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In social media too, users expressed their grief and anger on the incident, with words like "cruel humanity", "end of humanity" being used widely.&nbsp;

Widespread anger erupted in India, with common people, central government, and celebrities speaking against the horrific killing of a pregnant elephant in Kerala.

Widespread anger erupted in India, with common people, central government, and celebrities speaking against the horrific killing of a pregnant elephant in Kerala. A few days ago, a pregnant elephant lost her life after she was fed with a pineapple full of firecrackers. Prominent sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik made his trademark sand art on a beach at Puri in eastern India to pay his tributes to the deceased animal. He shared his artwork on social media, which said, "Humanity has failed again". He further said that his latest artwork is for a cause to save elephants. Humanity has failed again........... One of my SandArt on save #Elephant. pic.twitter.com/nzcM4PNDvr — Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) June 3, 2020 × The post immediately went viral, with over 56,000 likes and more than 10,000 retweets. Earlier today, the Central government also took cognizance with Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar saying that the Central government has taken a "serious note" of the incident. Central Government has taken a very serious note of the killing of an elephant in Mallapuram, #Kerala. We will not leave any stone unturned to investigate properly and nab the culprit(s). This is not an Indian culture to feed fire crackers and kill.@moefcc @PIB_India @PIBHindi — Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) June 4, 2020 × "We will not leave any stone unturned to investigate properly and nab the culprit(s). This is not an Indian culture to feed firecrackers and kill," Javadekar said in a Twitter post. BJP MP and environmental activist Maneka Gandhi slammed the state government of Kerala for the incident. She further said that one elephant is killed in Kerala in every three days. She also expressed her concern over the declining population of elephants in the country. Kerala's Forest Minister K Raju told news agency ANI that strict actions would be taken against culprits who did this act. One of India's prominent industrialist Ratan Tata on Twitter wrote: "Such criminal acts against innocent animals are no different than acts of meditated murder against other humans". pic.twitter.com/sFwcDyxcgA — Ratan N. Tata (@RNTata2000) June 3, 2020 × "Justice needs to prevail," he added. Maybe animals are less wild and humans less human. What happened with that #elephant is heartbreaking, inhumane and unacceptable! Strict action should be taken against the culprits. #AllLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/sOmUsL3Ayc — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) June 3, 2020 × Film star Akshay Kumar also slammed the inhumane act and comedian Kapil Sharma endorsing the petition demanding justice for the elephant. My eyes start tearing whenever I even think of this story. Glad its getting the attention it is online & in politics. #KeralaElephantMurder https://t.co/oKNK98esya — Priyanka Deo (@priyankadeo) June 4, 2020 × Shame on Humanity. She trusted humans that was her fault. Pregnant elephant was fed a pineapple stuffed with firecrackers. The earth was made for all BEINGS, not just for Human Beings. End Of Humanity.. 😢#KeralaElephantMurder pic.twitter.com/KGLxnXnKEo — Fareed Ahmed (@_Fareedahmed_) June 4, 2020 × In social media too, users expressed their grief and anger on the incident, with words like "cruel humanity", "end of humanity" being used widely.

'Humanity failed again': Artists, common man join chorus against horrific elephant killing

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian PM Scott Morrison will hold the first-ever Virtual Leaders Summit on Thursday morning that will see several announcements including on Mutual logistics support arrangement (MLSA).

PM Modi to hold virtual summit with Australian PM Scott Morrison today

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