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Home delivery of liquor will start from May 7 in Punjab with the state excise and taxation department issuing an order for opening of liquor vends on Wednesday

The liquor stores would be allowed to open only during the curfew relaxation period, officials said.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government on Wednesday evening changed the curfew relaxation timing to ensure no overcrowding at shops. Now the shops will open from 7 am till 3 pm. Earlier, the relaxation was given from 9 am till 1 pm.

However, the timing of delivery of liquor will be decided by the respective assistant excise and taxation commissioners in consultation with deputy commissioners, the order stated.

Though there is no provision of home delivery of liquor in the Punjab Excise Act 1914 and the Excise Rules, the decision in this regard has been taken to ensure social distancing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it said.

The delivery of liquor at people’s doorsteps will be allowed only during the lockdown period, the order said.

Only two litres of liquor will be allowed through home delivery to a buyer against a cash memo.

People deputed for home delivery of liquor will be issued identity cards by the department and they will also carry curfew pass, as per the order.

Home delivery of Punjab Medium Liquor (PML) will not be allowed, it said.

At liquor vends, directions have been issued to ensure adherence to social distancing norms and arrangement of sanitiser, it stated.

Not more than five people will be allowed to stand outside a liquor shop, the order said.

Liquor contractors who have paid 50 per cent of the license fee to the state government will be allowed to open their shops, it said.

The Punjab government had earlier urged the Centre to allow the opening of liquor shops in the state to mop up tax revenue.

Home delivery of liquor in West Bengal, website launched

The West Bengal government on Wednesday allowed home delivery of liquor and the State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO) launched a website through which people over 21 years of age can place orders.

The move was aimed at avoiding large gatherings at standalone ‘OFF’ shops which reopened on Monday, industry sources said.

Customers can place orders through the website https://excise.wb.gov.in/eRetail/Page/eRetail_Login.aspx after registering themselves by providing necessary details such as address and mobile number, among others.

After registration, they can order liquor from the designated stores that are on the website.

Liquor worth over Rs 100 crore were sold in the first two days of reopening of the shops, said Sushmita Mukherjee, the assistant secretary of West Bengal ON, OFF, CS, and Hotel Owners Association.

Home delivery of liquor will start from May 7 in Punjab with the state excise and taxation department issuing an order for opening of liquor vends on Wednesday The liquor stores would be allowed to open only during the curfew relaxation period, officials said.

Home delivery of liquor will start from May 7 in Punjab with the state excise and taxation department issuing an order for opening of liquor vends on Wednesday The liquor stores would be allowed to open only during the curfew relaxation period, officials said. Meanwhile, the Punjab government on Wednesday evening changed the curfew relaxation timing to ensure no overcrowding at shops. Now the shops will open from 7 am till 3 pm. Earlier, the relaxation was given from 9 am till 1 pm. However, the timing of delivery of liquor will be decided by the respective assistant excise and taxation commissioners in consultation with deputy commissioners, the order stated. Though there is no provision of home delivery of liquor in the Punjab Excise Act 1914 and the Excise Rules, the decision in this regard has been taken to ensure social distancing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it said. The delivery of liquor at people’s doorsteps will be allowed only during the lockdown period, the order said. Only two litres of liquor will be allowed through home delivery to a buyer against a cash memo. People deputed for home delivery of liquor will be issued identity cards by the department and they will also carry curfew pass, as per the order. Home delivery of Punjab Medium Liquor (PML) will not be allowed, it said. At liquor vends, directions have been issued to ensure adherence to social distancing norms and arrangement of sanitiser, it stated. Not more than five people will be allowed to stand outside a liquor shop, the order said. Liquor contractors who have paid 50 per cent of the license fee to the state government will be allowed to open their shops, it said. The Punjab government had earlier urged the Centre to allow the opening of liquor shops in the state to mop up tax revenue. Home delivery of liquor in West Bengal, website launched The West Bengal government on Wednesday allowed home delivery of liquor and the State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO) launched a website through which people over 21 years of age can place orders. The move was aimed at avoiding large gatherings at standalone ‘OFF’ shops which reopened on Monday, industry sources said. Customers can place orders through the website https://excise.wb.gov.in/eRetail/Page/eRetail_Login.aspx after registering themselves by providing necessary details such as address and mobile number, among others. After registration, they can order liquor from the designated stores that are on the website. Liquor worth over Rs 100 crore were sold in the first two days of reopening of the shops, said Sushmita Mukherjee, the assistant secretary of West Bengal ON, OFF, CS, and Hotel Owners Association.

Two states start home delivery of liquor to avoid crowd at outlets

A boiler explosion occurred&nbsp;in Tamil Nadu's&nbsp;Cuddalore area. The explosion happened in Neyveli Lignite Corporation's plant, a coal-mining company.

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Tamil Nadu: At least 7 persons have been injured after blast in a boiler at Neyveli Lignite corporation Ltd in Cuddalore district, earlier today. More details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/aCzlVCsECG">pic.twitter.com/aCzlVCsECG</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1258382142393860096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The explosion, that took place late evening on Thursday,&nbsp;has left seven people injured, according to the initial reports.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/visakhapatnam-gas-leak-chilling-scenes-bring-back-memories-of-bhopal-gas-tragedy-297163">Also read:&nbsp;Visakhapatnam gas leak: Chilling scenes bring back memories of Bhopal gas tragedy</a>

NLC India Limited has not given any comment on this tragedy, so far. The top officials were&nbsp;enroute the plant. Tamil Nadu police and fire department have already taken control of&nbsp;the site of the explosion.

Officials have started a detailed investigation about the boiler explosion.

This comes after two gas leaks, one in Vizag and one in Chhattisgarh, which took place on Thursday and has left hundreds hospitalised and more than 10 people have lost their lives.

A boiler explosion occurred in Tamil Nadu's Cuddalore area. The explosion happened in Neyveli Lignite Corporation's plant, a coal-mining company. Tamil Nadu: At least 7 persons have been injured after blast in a boiler at Neyveli Lignite corporation Ltd in Cuddalore district, earlier today.

A boiler explosion occurred in Tamil Nadu's Cuddalore area. The explosion happened in Neyveli Lignite Corporation's plant, a coal-mining company. Tamil Nadu: At least 7 persons have been injured after blast in a boiler at Neyveli Lignite corporation Ltd in Cuddalore district, earlier today. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/aCzlVCsECG — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2020 × The explosion, that took place late evening on Thursday, has left seven people injured, according to the initial reports. Also read: Visakhapatnam gas leak: Chilling scenes bring back memories of Bhopal gas tragedy NLC India Limited has not given any comment on this tragedy, so far. The top officials were enroute the plant. Tamil Nadu police and fire department have already taken control of the site of the explosion. Officials have started a detailed investigation about the boiler explosion. This comes after two gas leaks, one in Vizag and one in Chhattisgarh, which took place on Thursday and has left hundreds hospitalised and more than 10 people have lost their lives.

Boiler blasts in Tamil Nadu; at least seven people injured

Air India's first repatriation flight took off from Kochi for Abu Dhabi on Thursday afternoon. The flight will be bringing back Indian nationals to the country soon.

Air India Express IX419 is being used for the biggest repatriation operation of the Indian government to bring back the&nbsp;Indian nationals stranded in the Gulf countries due to the coronavirus pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-samudra-setu-ins-jalashwa-set-to-evacuate-stranded-indians-from-maldives-297209">Also read:&nbsp;Operation Samudra Setu: INS Jalashwa set to evacuate stranded Indians from Maldives</a>

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1st flight with 175 stranded Indians from abroad will land in Kochi from Abu Dhabi at around 2140 hrs. The second flight will also be to Kerala, having 175 stranded Indians. 
 
Location of pic: India's operation room, Dubai<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID</a> <a href="https://t.co/jbaDRQ31de">https://t.co/jbaDRQ31de</a> <a href="https://t.co/ARJTc71i3u">pic.twitter.com/ARJTc71i3u</a>
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The first flight will land in Kerala&nbsp;around 9:40pm. The Kochi flight is bringing back 175 Indian nationals from Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;The second flight will also bring 175 stranded Indians from Dubai to Kozhikode, and will land around 10:30pm.

Air India will continue the rescue operation for Indians stranded in&nbsp;Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, Muscat, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Malaysia, Philippines, UAE, Bangladesh, the US and the UK.

However, the focus remains on the Gulf countries, where around 3 lakh people are stranded, according to reports.

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Repatriation of Indian nationals begins from UAE<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid</a> <a href="https://t.co/rrbouSfDfo">https://t.co/rrbouSfDfo</a> <a href="https://t.co/rKCuADft7E">pic.twitter.com/rKCuADft7E</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1258360615246200832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shramik-trains-over-163-run-so-far-more-than-160-lakh-migrants-ferried-297207">Also read:&nbsp;Shramik Trains: Over 163 run so far, more than 1.60 lakh migrants ferried</a>

Around 14,600 citizens are expected to be brought back to the country in 64 flights within the first week of the operation.

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United Arab Emirates: 177 Indians, including 4 infants have boarded their flight from Abu Dhabi for Kochi, Kerala. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VandeBharatMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VandeBharatMission</a> <a href="https://t.co/8d5a4OrYO9">pic.twitter.com/8d5a4OrYO9</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1258382635497209859?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Around 60 pilots and 120 cabin crew members are providing their services in the&nbsp;operation. All the staff members and the workers have been asked to practice precaution and wear PPE suits during the flight.

Before take-off, passengers will be provided with two face masks, one 100ml sanitiser bottle, a snack box and a bottle of water at their respective seats. &nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Air India's first repatriation flight took off from Kochi for Abu Dhabi on Thursday afternoon. The flight will be bringing back Indian nationals to the country soon.

Air India's first repatriation flight took off from Kochi for Abu Dhabi on Thursday afternoon. The flight will be bringing back Indian nationals to the country soon. Air India Express IX419 is being used for the biggest repatriation operation of the Indian government to bring back the Indian nationals stranded in the Gulf countries due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Operation Samudra Setu: INS Jalashwa set to evacuate stranded Indians from Maldives 1st flight with 175 stranded Indians from abroad will land in Kochi from Abu Dhabi at around 2140 hrs. The second flight will also be to Kerala, having 175 stranded Indians. Location of pic: India's operation room, Dubai#COVID https://t.co/jbaDRQ31de pic.twitter.com/ARJTc71i3u — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) May 7, 2020 × The first flight will land in Kerala around 9:40pm. The Kochi flight is bringing back 175 Indian nationals from Abu Dhabi. The second flight will also bring 175 stranded Indians from Dubai to Kozhikode, and will land around 10:30pm. Air India will continue the rescue operation for Indians stranded in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, Muscat, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Malaysia, Philippines, UAE, Bangladesh, the US and the UK. However, the focus remains on the Gulf countries, where around 3 lakh people are stranded, according to reports. Repatriation of Indian nationals begins from UAE#Covid https://t.co/rrbouSfDfo pic.twitter.com/rKCuADft7E — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) May 7, 2020 × Also read: Shramik Trains: Over 163 run so far, more than 1.60 lakh migrants ferried Around 14,600 citizens are expected to be brought back to the country in 64 flights within the first week of the operation. United Arab Emirates: 177 Indians, including 4 infants have boarded their flight from Abu Dhabi for Kochi, Kerala. #VandeBharatMission pic.twitter.com/8d5a4OrYO9 — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2020 × Around 60 pilots and 120 cabin crew members are providing their services in the operation. All the staff members and the workers have been asked to practice precaution and wear PPE suits during the flight. Before take-off, passengers will be provided with two face masks, one 100ml sanitiser bottle, a snack box and a bottle of water at their respective seats. (With inputs from ANI)

India's biggest repatriation operation begins; Air India flight to land in Kochi tonight

The killing of Kashmir's most wanted terrorist, Riyaz Naikoo, who carried a reward of Rs 12 lakh&nbsp;is being termed by the security forces as a major success in Jammu and Kashmir.

Naikoo, the "operational commander"&nbsp;of banned terror outfit Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, according to police was involved in several terror crimes from abductions of policemen to killings.&nbsp;

The operation which killed Naikoo wasn't easy for the men in uniform. Both human and technical intelligence was gathered and aligned for months altogether.&nbsp;

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/covid-19-pakistan-to-lift-shutdown-in-phases-from-saturday-297240">Also read:&nbsp;COVID-19: Pakistan to lift shutdown in phases from Saturday</a>

A special team of Jammu and Kashmir police was formed which was headed by the deputy inspector general south Kashmir range Atul Goyal, who spent years in the NIA, before returning back to JKP cadre. It was under his command and close eye, the operation to kill Naikoo took place, police say.&nbsp;

"For six months, we were generating intelligence (on Naikoo), busted (terrorist) hideouts. We had teams working day and night, even some only slept for 2 to 3 hours and kept tracking overground workers and interrogating them," says Vijay Kumar, Inspector-General of Police, Kashmir.&nbsp;

The police say a small team of security forces was initially sent to Beigpora village in Awantipora and soon CRPF men arrived too. The area which is the native village of Riyaz was cordoned off by a joint team of security forces.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/190-pakistanis-stranded-in-india-for-over-two-months-due-to-coronavirus-lockdown-return-home-296839">Also Read:&nbsp;190 Pakistanis stranded in India return home</a>

"On the first day, we found nothing in the same area but the cordon continued and searches too. The next day, terrorists&nbsp;finally opened fire and we retaliated," Vijay says.&nbsp;

Security forces managed to bust a web of hideouts in the area during the operation. As many as six hideouts were busted and in the seventh, Naikoo was found. Police say that there were no tunnels but only hideouts.&nbsp;

"Riyaz would release video and instigate people, he had the power to influence the youth to join terrorism," IG Kashmir said.&nbsp;

In the last four months, security forces have launched 27 anti-terrorist&nbsp;operations in which 64 terrorists have been killed this year which includes Qari Yasir of Jaish-e-Muhammad, Burhan Koka of Ansar Ghazwatul Hind and Riyaz Naikoo of Hizb.&nbsp;

Giving out numbers, police say&nbsp;they have arrested 25 active terrorists and 125 overground workers of terrorists, recently.&nbsp;

Forces say he was the "backbone" of Lashkar-e-Taiba in north Kashmir. J&amp;K police blame Pakistan for creating 'The Resistance Front' (TRF) under international pressure for its activities in the valley.

"TRF claimed all those terrorists&nbsp;who were in our Lashkar list. We have also shut their telegram channel through&nbsp;which they issued statements," Vijar Kumar said.

The killing of Kashmir's most wanted terrorist, Riyaz Naikoo, who carried a reward of Rs 12 lakh is being termed by the security forces as a major success in Jammu and Kashmir.

The killing of Kashmir's most wanted terrorist, Riyaz Naikoo, who carried a reward of Rs 12 lakh is being termed by the security forces as a major success in Jammu and Kashmir. Naikoo, the "operational commander" of banned terror outfit Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, according to police was involved in several terror crimes from abductions of policemen to killings. The operation which killed Naikoo wasn't easy for the men in uniform. Both human and technical intelligence was gathered and aligned for months altogether. Also read: COVID-19: Pakistan to lift shutdown in phases from Saturday A special team of Jammu and Kashmir police was formed which was headed by the deputy inspector general south Kashmir range Atul Goyal, who spent years in the NIA, before returning back to JKP cadre. It was under his command and close eye, the operation to kill Naikoo took place, police say. "For six months, we were generating intelligence (on Naikoo), busted (terrorist) hideouts. We had teams working day and night, even some only slept for 2 to 3 hours and kept tracking overground workers and interrogating them," says Vijay Kumar, Inspector-General of Police, Kashmir. The police say a small team of security forces was initially sent to Beigpora village in Awantipora and soon CRPF men arrived too. The area which is the native village of Riyaz was cordoned off by a joint team of security forces. Also Read: 190 Pakistanis stranded in India return home "On the first day, we found nothing in the same area but the cordon continued and searches too. The next day, terrorists finally opened fire and we retaliated," Vijay says. Security forces managed to bust a web of hideouts in the area during the operation. As many as six hideouts were busted and in the seventh, Naikoo was found. Police say that there were no tunnels but only hideouts. "Riyaz would release video and instigate people, he had the power to influence the youth to join terrorism," IG Kashmir said. In the last four months, security forces have launched 27 anti-terrorist operations in which 64 terrorists have been killed this year which includes Qari Yasir of Jaish-e-Muhammad, Burhan Koka of Ansar Ghazwatul Hind and Riyaz Naikoo of Hizb. Giving out numbers, police say they have arrested 25 active terrorists and 125 overground workers of terrorists, recently. Forces say he was the "backbone" of Lashkar-e-Taiba in north Kashmir. J&K police blame Pakistan for creating 'The Resistance Front' (TRF) under international pressure for its activities in the valley. "TRF claimed all those terrorists who were in our Lashkar list. We have also shut their telegram channel through which they issued statements," Vijar Kumar said.

Multiple hideouts, 6 months & 24x7 work led to killing of Riyaz Naikoo in J&K

As the lockdown 3.0 started, several restrictions were eased. However, schools and colleges are still operating through online classes. Now, people are hoping for the lockdown to end after it was extended for the second time.&nbsp;

However, several states have decided to keep the schools shut to keep the students safe from getting infected by the virus, and to contain the spread of coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-biggest-repatriation-operation-begins-air-india-flight-to-land-in-kochi-tonight-297236">Also read:&nbsp;India's biggest repatriation operation begins; first flight to land in Kochi</a>

Assam's State Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ordered all state-run schools and colleges to commence summer vacations for the whole month of May.

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Assam govt has decided to declare summer vacation for schools and colleges from May 1 to May 31: State Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma <a href="https://t.co/rvw6YtXw8P">pic.twitter.com/rvw6YtXw8P</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1258363297646206976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Punjab, too, on Thursday has declared summer vacations for a month, starting from May 15.

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The Punjab Government has decided to declare summer vacation in Government Colleges and Universities of the state from May 15 to June 15.
— Government of Punjab (@PunjabGovtIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabGovtIndia/status/1258339299616911365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Delhi's Education Ministry, too, declared summer vacations from May 11 to June 30 for all schools and colleges. The statement, issued by the education department on Wednesday, directed the schools and colleges to not call the students to the campuses for any kind of work.

Schools and colleges all over the nation have been shut since mid-March. Majority of the institutes have started conducting online classes.

The HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has announced that no exams for&nbsp;class 10 will be conducted nationwide, except for students of&nbsp;Northeast Delhi. The datesheet for class 12's remaining exams is also expected to be announced soon.

However, Goa, being a green zone, has decided to resume the state-board examinations. Class 10's exams will resume from May 20, and class 12's will resume from May 21 under the supervision of&nbsp;Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education.

The state government has granted permission for resuming the examinations, on the condition that all precautions for social distancing are followed.

Students seeking Prime Minister's Research Fellowship can also take a sigh of relief as the required GATE score has been decreased, as announced on Thursday.

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The required GATE score has been reduced to 650 from 750 apart from minimum CGPA of 8 or equivalent, for the students from any recognized institute/university (other than IISc/ IITs/NITs/IISERs/IIEST/CF IIITs): Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal <a href="https://t.co/c4zfx00fpP">https://t.co/c4zfx00fpP</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1258360718459535361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Union Human Resource Development Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal, has also announced on Thursday that the JEE Advanced examination will be conducted on August 23.

As the lockdown 3.0 started, several restrictions were eased. However, schools and colleges are still operating through online classes. Now, people are hoping for the lockdown to end after it was extended for the second time.

As the lockdown 3.0 started, several restrictions were eased. However, schools and colleges are still operating through online classes. Now, people are hoping for the lockdown to end after it was extended for the second time. However, several states have decided to keep the schools shut to keep the students safe from getting infected by the virus, and to contain the spread of coronavirus. Also read: India's biggest repatriation operation begins; first flight to land in Kochi Assam's State Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ordered all state-run schools and colleges to commence summer vacations for the whole month of May. Assam govt has decided to declare summer vacation for schools and colleges from May 1 to May 31: State Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma pic.twitter.com/rvw6YtXw8P — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2020 × Punjab, too, on Thursday has declared summer vacations for a month, starting from May 15. The Punjab Government has decided to declare summer vacation in Government Colleges and Universities of the state from May 15 to June 15. — Government of Punjab (@PunjabGovtIndia) May 7, 2020 × Delhi's Education Ministry, too, declared summer vacations from May 11 to June 30 for all schools and colleges. The statement, issued by the education department on Wednesday, directed the schools and colleges to not call the students to the campuses for any kind of work. Schools and colleges all over the nation have been shut since mid-March. Majority of the institutes have started conducting online classes. The HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has announced that no exams for class 10 will be conducted nationwide, except for students of Northeast Delhi. The datesheet for class 12's remaining exams is also expected to be announced soon. However, Goa, being a green zone, has decided to resume the state-board examinations. Class 10's exams will resume from May 20, and class 12's will resume from May 21 under the supervision of Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education. The state government has granted permission for resuming the examinations, on the condition that all precautions for social distancing are followed. Students seeking Prime Minister's Research Fellowship can also take a sigh of relief as the required GATE score has been decreased, as announced on Thursday. The required GATE score has been reduced to 650 from 750 apart from minimum CGPA of 8 or equivalent, for the students from any recognized institute/university (other than IISc/ IITs/NITs/IISERs/IIEST/CF IIITs): Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal https://t.co/c4zfx00fpP — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2020 × Union Human Resource Development Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal, has also announced on Thursday that the JEE Advanced examination will be conducted on August 23.

JEE Advanced date announced; schools declare summer vacations

Today is day 1 of India's biggest repatriation mission. Over the next week, India will bring back more than 14000 Indian nationals who are stuck in foreign countries due to travel restrictions imposed.

COVID-19 Pandemic: India's biggest repatriation mission to bring back stranded Indians in foreign countries

The gas leak at LG Polymers in Visakhapatnam on Thursday has resulted in eleven deaths so far and more than hundred people have been hospitalised. The early stage of investigation has revealed that it was reportedly due to the leakage of styrene gas.

This gas leak results&nbsp;in&nbsp;difficulties in breathing, rashes, irritation of the throat and&nbsp;sour eyes in humans as well as animals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/11-killed-and-over-500-hospitalised-after-vizag-pharma-gas-leak-297117">Also read:&nbsp;11 killed and over 500 hospitalised after Vizag pharma gas leak</a>

As of now, affected people have been hospitalised&nbsp;and the rest have been evacuated from the area. Everyone around the area has been advised to wear wet masks at all times to protect themselves from the gas.

Styrene gas is a synthetic chemical. It is a flammable liquid that has a sweet odour but no colour. The gas, which is highly volatile, is used for production of rubber,&nbsp;polystyrene plastics and latex. It is also used in cigarettes, tanks and&nbsp;bathtubs.

The components can be found in&nbsp;resin of liquidambar trees, tar, cinnamon, coffee beans, and peanuts.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vizag-gas-leak-from-virat-kohli-to-yuvraj-singh-sports-fraternity-extend-condolences-to-families-affected-297176">Also read:Vizag gas leak: From Kohli to Yuvraj, sports fraternity extend condolences</a>

While the sudden exposure to the gas can cause breathing problems combined with itchiness, and can also lead to depression, long hours of exposure can lead to loss of consciousness, cancer and even death.

As styrene is a liquid gas, it is a bit confusing for the experts as to how did the gas spread by air. The experts believe that either there was leakage of some other gas too with styrene, or there was some sort of explosion that led to the gas spreading in the air.&nbsp;

Further detailed investigations are being conducted for a better understanding of what happened at the early hours on Thursday in the factory.

The gas leak at LG Polymers in Visakhapatnam on Thursday has resulted in eleven deaths so far and more than hundred people have been hospitalised. The early stage of investigation has revealed that it was reportedly due to the leakage of styrene gas.

The gas leak at LG Polymers in Visakhapatnam on Thursday has resulted in eleven deaths so far and more than hundred people have been hospitalised. The early stage of investigation has revealed that it was reportedly due to the leakage of styrene gas. This gas leak results in difficulties in breathing, rashes, irritation of the throat and sour eyes in humans as well as animals. Also read: 11 killed and over 500 hospitalised after Vizag pharma gas leak As of now, affected people have been hospitalised and the rest have been evacuated from the area. Everyone around the area has been advised to wear wet masks at all times to protect themselves from the gas. Styrene gas is a synthetic chemical. It is a flammable liquid that has a sweet odour but no colour. The gas, which is highly volatile, is used for production of rubber, polystyrene plastics and latex. It is also used in cigarettes, tanks and bathtubs. The components can be found in resin of liquidambar trees, tar, cinnamon, coffee beans, and peanuts. Also read:Vizag gas leak: From Kohli to Yuvraj, sports fraternity extend condolences While the sudden exposure to the gas can cause breathing problems combined with itchiness, and can also lead to depression, long hours of exposure can lead to loss of consciousness, cancer and even death. As styrene is a liquid gas, it is a bit confusing for the experts as to how did the gas spread by air. The experts believe that either there was leakage of some other gas too with styrene, or there was some sort of explosion that led to the gas spreading in the air. Further detailed investigations are being conducted for a better understanding of what happened at the early hours on Thursday in the factory.

Vizag leak: Understanding the effects of styrene gas

Indians waiting at Dubai airport: Screening before boarding

At least 11 people died and 800 have been hospitalized after a chemical gas leakage inside a pharmaceutical company at RR Venkatapuram village in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam on Thursday (May 7).

11 dead, 800 hospitalized after styrene gas leak in Vizag | Visakhapatnam

As Karnataka denied entry to the migrant workers, a group of almost 150 migrant labourers arrived at the Campal area of Panaji on Wednesday night.&nbsp;

The chaos happened as the workers apparently failed to prove their identity as a Karnataka resident. The workers claim to have proper permission from the Goa government to travel back to their hometowns in Karnataka. However, they were denied entry to the state and had to return back to Goa.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/11-killed-and-over-500-hospitalised-after-vizag-pharma-gas-leak-297117">Also read:&nbsp;11 killed and over 500 hospitalised after Vizag pharma gas leak</a>

The labourers were asked to present Aadhar card or some other proof of valid identification card with a Karnataka address on it. However, as some of them failed to present it, they were denied entry.

Deputy Collector Vivek HP, along with a team of senior officials went to the Campal area to meet the stranded labourers on Wednesday night. He has assured the labourers that he will talk to Karnataka government and help them migrate back to their hometowns.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/53000-total-covid-19-cases-in-india-now-death-toll-jumps-to-1783-297123">Also read:&nbsp;53,000 total COVID-19 cases in India now; death toll jumps to 1783</a>

Migrant labourers were also spotted on the mumbai-Nashik highway, trying to walk or cycle back to their hometowns. A lot of labourers are walking back to their native villages which are hundreds of kilometers away.

These migrants have been travelling in the early hours of the day and after the sun sets, to avoid the heat.

Some NGOs have been helping these migrants by providing them food packets, water and essential medicines.

As Karnataka denied entry to the migrant workers, a group of almost 150 migrant labourers arrived at the Campal area of Panaji on Wednesday night. The chaos happened as the workers apparently failed to prove their identity as a Karnataka resident.

As Karnataka denied entry to the migrant workers, a group of almost 150 migrant labourers arrived at the Campal area of Panaji on Wednesday night. The chaos happened as the workers apparently failed to prove their identity as a Karnataka resident. The workers claim to have proper permission from the Goa government to travel back to their hometowns in Karnataka. However, they were denied entry to the state and had to return back to Goa. Also read: 11 killed and over 500 hospitalised after Vizag pharma gas leak The labourers were asked to present Aadhar card or some other proof of valid identification card with a Karnataka address on it. However, as some of them failed to present it, they were denied entry. Deputy Collector Vivek HP, along with a team of senior officials went to the Campal area to meet the stranded labourers on Wednesday night. He has assured the labourers that he will talk to Karnataka government and help them migrate back to their hometowns. Also read: 53,000 total COVID-19 cases in India now; death toll jumps to 1783 Migrant labourers were also spotted on the mumbai-Nashik highway, trying to walk or cycle back to their hometowns. A lot of labourers are walking back to their native villages which are hundreds of kilometers away. These migrants have been travelling in the early hours of the day and after the sun sets, to avoid the heat. Some NGOs have been helping these migrants by providing them food packets, water and essential medicines.

Migrant workers denied entry into Karnataka; Goa offers help

As many as seven workers of a paper mill were hospitalised after being exposed to a gas leak reportedly while cleaning a tank in the mill in the early hours of Thursday, Raigarh Superintendent of Police (SP) Santosh Singh said. 
Three of them are in critical condition, the SP said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/11-killed-and-over-500-hospitalised-after-vizag-pharma-gas-leak-297117" hreflang="en">11 killed and over 500 hospitalised after Vizag pharma gas leak</a>

"The interrogation of the mill owner is underway. The incident was reported in the early hours of Thursday," he added. 
This is the second incident of a gas leak to have occurred today.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/poisonous-gas-leakage-at-indian-pharmaceutical-chemical-plant-wreaks-havoc-297190">Poisonous gas leakage at Visakhapatnam plant wreaks havoc</a>

Styrene gas leaked from LG Polymers industry in RR Venkatapuram village in Visakhapatnam early morning today, claiming 11 lives.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As many as seven workers of a paper mill were hospitalised after being exposed to a gas leak reportedly while cleaning a tank in the mill in the early hours of Thursday, Raigarh Superintendent of Police (SP) Santosh Singh said.

As many as seven workers of a paper mill were hospitalised after being exposed to a gas leak reportedly while cleaning a tank in the mill in the early hours of Thursday, Raigarh Superintendent of Police (SP) Santosh Singh said. Three of them are in critical condition, the SP said. Also read: 11 killed and over 500 hospitalised after Vizag pharma gas leak "The interrogation of the mill owner is underway. The incident was reported in the early hours of Thursday," he added. This is the second incident of a gas leak to have occurred today. Also see: Poisonous gas leakage at Visakhapatnam plant wreaks havoc Styrene gas leaked from LG Polymers industry in RR Venkatapuram village in Visakhapatnam early morning today, claiming 11 lives.

7 paper mill workers in Chhattisgarh hospitalised after gas leak exposure

India’s massive exercise called 'Vande Bharat Mission' to bring back lakhs of its citizens stranded abroad is currently underway. Watch this video to know more.

COVID-19: India's repatriation mission day 1, Vande Matram Mission

Indian ambassador to UAE&nbsp;Pavan Kapoor&nbsp;said today that the process of repatriation of overseas Indians will be beginning amid&nbsp;the coronavirus crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vande-bharat-india-kicks-off-biggest-repatriation-mission-amid-covid-19-crisis-297087">Also Read:&nbsp;Vande Bharat: India kicks off biggest repatriation mission amid COVID-19 crisis</a>

UAE has the largest diaspora of Indians, the ambassador said.

The evacuation process to repatriate Indians in Maldives will commence from Friday&nbsp;with INS Jalashwa carrying 750 citizens to Kochi in Kerala as part of the first phase of the operation called "Samudra Setu".

"Evacuation operation will be conducted in two phases - first to Kochi in Kerala and second to Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. It will be a big relief for Indians," Indian envoy to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir said.

"For Maldives, we will witness evacuation operation in next few days, the largest ever evacuation in our history," the Indian envoy to Maldives added.

India's ministry of defence said that evacuees will undergo mandatory quarantine as per SOPs in the quarantine facilities run by Army, Navy and Air Force in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

"Armed Forces have kept in readiness six quarantine facilities that can accommodate up to 2,100 Indians being evacuated from several countries," the ministry of defence said.

The defence ministry said that it had dispatched Naval ships with medical teams and aid supplies to several countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in an effort to bring back the stranded Indians.

(With ANI inputs)

Indian ambassador to UAE Pavan Kapoor said today that the process of repatriation of overseas Indians will be beginning amid the coronavirus crisis. Also Read: Vande Bharat: India kicks off biggest repatriation mission amid COVID-19 crisis UAE has the largest diaspora of Indians, the ambassador said.

Indian ambassador to UAE Pavan Kapoor said today that the process of repatriation of overseas Indians will be beginning amid the coronavirus crisis. Also Read: Vande Bharat: India kicks off biggest repatriation mission amid COVID-19 crisis UAE has the largest diaspora of Indians, the ambassador said. The evacuation process to repatriate Indians in Maldives will commence from Friday with INS Jalashwa carrying 750 citizens to Kochi in Kerala as part of the first phase of the operation called "Samudra Setu". "Evacuation operation will be conducted in two phases - first to Kochi in Kerala and second to Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. It will be a big relief for Indians," Indian envoy to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir said. "For Maldives, we will witness evacuation operation in next few days, the largest ever evacuation in our history," the Indian envoy to Maldives added. India's ministry of defence said that evacuees will undergo mandatory quarantine as per SOPs in the quarantine facilities run by Army, Navy and Air Force in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. "Armed Forces have kept in readiness six quarantine facilities that can accommodate up to 2,100 Indians being evacuated from several countries," the ministry of defence said. The defence ministry said that it had dispatched Naval ships with medical teams and aid supplies to several countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in an effort to bring back the stranded Indians. (With ANI inputs)

Operation Samudra Setu: INS Jalashwa set to evacuate stranded Indians from Maldives

The Indian Railways on Thursday said it has run over 163 Shramik Special trains since May 1 and ferried home over 1.60 lakh migrants stranded in various parts of the country due to the COVID-19-induced lockdown.

Railways said that it ran 56 Shramik special trains on Wednesday and 14 so far on Thursday, taking the total tally to 163.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/53000-total-covid-19-cases-in-india-now-death-toll-jumps-to-1783-297123" hreflang="en">53,000 total COVID-19 cases in India now; death toll jumps to 1783</a>

"We are planning to run some more trains by the end of the day," a railway spokesperson said.Till Wednesday night railways had run 149 such trains.

Every special train has 24 coaches, each with a capacity of 72 seats. But the national transporter is allowing only 54 people in a coach to maintain social distancing norms by not allotting the middle berth to any passenger.

While the railways has officially not stated how much it has spent so far on these services, the cost for which the government says has been shared on an 85:15 ratio with states, officials indicated that the national transporter has spent around Rs 80 lakh per service.

Since the beginning of the services, Gujarat remained one of the top originating stations, followed by Kerala. Among the receiving states, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh remained the top states.

Earlier, the railways drew flak from opposition parties for making these services chargeable.

In its guidelines, the railways has said the trains will ply only if they have 90 per cent occupancy and the "states should collect the ticket fare".

The Indian Railways on Thursday said it has run over 163 Shramik Special trains since May 1 and ferried home over 1.60 lakh migrants stranded in various parts of the country due to the COVID-19-induced lockdown.

The Indian Railways on Thursday said it has run over 163 Shramik Special trains since May 1 and ferried home over 1.60 lakh migrants stranded in various parts of the country due to the COVID-19-induced lockdown. Railways said that it ran 56 Shramik special trains on Wednesday and 14 so far on Thursday, taking the total tally to 163. Also read: 53,000 total COVID-19 cases in India now; death toll jumps to 1783 "We are planning to run some more trains by the end of the day," a railway spokesperson said.Till Wednesday night railways had run 149 such trains. Every special train has 24 coaches, each with a capacity of 72 seats. But the national transporter is allowing only 54 people in a coach to maintain social distancing norms by not allotting the middle berth to any passenger. While the railways has officially not stated how much it has spent so far on these services, the cost for which the government says has been shared on an 85:15 ratio with states, officials indicated that the national transporter has spent around Rs 80 lakh per service. Since the beginning of the services, Gujarat remained one of the top originating stations, followed by Kerala. Among the receiving states, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh remained the top states. Earlier, the railways drew flak from opposition parties for making these services chargeable. In its guidelines, the railways has said the trains will ply only if they have 90 per cent occupancy and the "states should collect the ticket fare".

Shramik Trains: Over 163 run so far, more than 1.60 lakh migrants ferried

A total of 24 Tablighi Jamaat members from Karnataka and Assam were booked for staying in a mosque without giving information to police in Kairana town in Shamli district, a police official said.

According to SHO Yashpal Dhama, a case was registered on Wednesday against 24 people of the Jamaat under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/53000-total-covid-19-cases-in-india-now-death-toll-jumps-to-1783-297123" hreflang="en">53,000 total COVID-19 cases in India now; death toll jumps to 1783</a>

The accused were found residing in Patwari mosque in Kairana town in Shamli district since April 23.

In another similar case, police registered a case against 10 Tablighi Jamaat members for residing in a mosque without giving prior information at Shernagar village under New Mandi police station in Muzaffarnagar district.

Police said a case was registered on Wednesday against the 10 Jamaat members under IPC Section 188 and Section 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Act in this connection.

Among the 10 people, one member tested positive for the virus and Shernagar village was declared a hotspot by authorities.

The Jamaat members residing in Shernagar village had apparently come from Delhi's Nizamuddin on March 23.

A total of 24 Tablighi Jamaat members from Karnataka and Assam were booked for staying in a mosque without giving information to police in Kairana town in Shamli district, a police official said.

A total of 24 Tablighi Jamaat members from Karnataka and Assam were booked for staying in a mosque without giving information to police in Kairana town in Shamli district, a police official said. According to SHO Yashpal Dhama, a case was registered on Wednesday against 24 people of the Jamaat under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. Also read: 53,000 total COVID-19 cases in India now; death toll jumps to 1783 The accused were found residing in Patwari mosque in Kairana town in Shamli district since April 23. In another similar case, police registered a case against 10 Tablighi Jamaat members for residing in a mosque without giving prior information at Shernagar village under New Mandi police station in Muzaffarnagar district. Police said a case was registered on Wednesday against the 10 Jamaat members under IPC Section 188 and Section 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Act in this connection. Among the 10 people, one member tested positive for the virus and Shernagar village was declared a hotspot by authorities. The Jamaat members residing in Shernagar village had apparently come from Delhi's Nizamuddin on March 23.

UP: 24 Tablighi members from Assam, Karnataka booked for 'spreading' COVID-19

An India built a state-of-the-art energy-efficient hospital in Mauritius, which was opened by Indian PM Modi and PM of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth last year on October 3rd is being used to deal with the COVID crisis, Indian envoy to the country has told WION. Speaking exclusively to our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, India's High Commissioner to Mauritius Tanmaya Lal while talking about the COVID situation in the country lauded the "leadership of the country is taking commendable steps on various fronts to contain the pandemic" and thanked them for "testing and other procedures required" of several Indian workers after one Indian worker was confirmed COVID positive case. He also talked about the ongoing repatriation process for which the mission is currently getting ready and expects around 1000 Indians who may want to return. Remember Mauritius was one of the first countries to which India sent Hydroxychloroquine. 
 
WION: How are India and Mauritius cooperating on Covid? We sent them HCQ.&nbsp; 
 
Tanmaya Lal: Well, as you are aware, India and Mauritius share a very special relationship. As part of our close ties, there is a longstanding partnership between our countries on the issue of public healthcare. On the Covid pandemic also we are engaging very closely. Mauritius was one of the first partner countries where India was able to bring medicines. Government of Mauritius had made an early request for Hydroxychloroquine and some other medicines. The first consignment of around 13 tons of medicines from India arrived in Mauritius on 15 April. This included half a million tablets of Hydroxychloroquine. This was greatly appreciated here. Hon. Vice Prime Minister Mrs Dookun received the consignment at the airport. Warm messages were exchanged between our Prime Ministers on this. The gesture was well-liked by people, healthcare specialists and received wide media attention. We are working to bring the next consignment of essential medicines in the coming days. This will also include Ayurvedic medicines that have been requested by the Government of Mauritius. You may know that last October Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and Prime Minister Modi had jointly e-inaugurated a new state-of-the-art Hospital in Mauritius as part of our development partnership. The Hospital is currently being extensively used in the context of Coronavirus situation. There are many other ongoing and earlier instances of our partnership in the healthcare sector including in Ayush and traditional medicines fields. In February this year, two senior experts from Mauritius participated in an International Ayush Conference in India. On Monday both India and Mauritius participated in the online meeting of the Contact Group of Non-Aligned Movement on Covid 19. I must point out that the Government of Mauritius has been extremely supportive in helping us take care of the Indian nationals here. Their senior leadership has reassured us of their attention to any facilitation required. They assisted with testing and other procedures required in cases of the large number of Indian workers, which became necessary after one Indian worker was confirmed as a Covid positive case. We are grateful for their help.&nbsp;

WION: How has the Indian mission reached out to stranded Indians in the country?&nbsp; 
 
Tanmaya Lal: There are around 10,000 Indian nationals in Mauritius. We estimate that around 1,000 of these may need to return to India. These mainly include hotel interns, students, tourists, workers and other professionals. The High Commission has been proactive in reaching out to the Indian nationals here. We are in regular touch with colleges where these students are studying; hotels where interns were working and their agents; and companies where Indian workers are deployed. My colleagues have reached out personally to hundreds of Indians in Mauritius and are also in touch with many of the parents in India and landlords where interns, students and tourists are staying to facilitate their welfare. We have facilitated the issue of various permits and special passes, transport, and medicines during the curfew. We are operating three helplines that are operational 24x7. We are very active in our messaging on social media including Twitter, Facebook and Website. I also reach out through regular video messages. In the initial days of the lockdown and curfew, when supermarkets had been closed down, the Mission worked hard to procure essential groceries and my colleagues went out to distribute these for a large number of those who were facing serious problems. My colleagues also visited colleges and institutions where a large number of Indian students are studying to ascertain the conditions including the food arrangements.&nbsp;

WION: How has the ground situation in Mauritius changed?&nbsp; 
 
Tanmaya Lal: Mauritius is a small remote island but its population density is among the highest in the world. Their economy, especially the tourism sector, and supplies are to a very large extent dependent on the external environment. Despite such concerns and limitations, the Government of Mauritius took strong measures at an early stage to stop international traffic and impose lockdown and then Curfew. The leadership of the country is taking commendable steps on various fronts to contain the pandemic, ensure essential supplies, and institute supportive measures for vulnerable sections and businesses. While the curfew remains extended until the end of this month, a carefully phased reopening is being planned. There are daily high-level briefings. Testing is going on. Mauritius is doing comparatively well in this regard according to the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Quarantine measures are strictly imposed. The graph of infected cases appears to be flattening. Mass Testing has now commenced.&nbsp;

WION: Have we shared any Indian containment model and how are the Indian diplomats doing?&nbsp; 
 
Tanmaya Lal: There is a lot of interest in the Mauritian leadership and public health experts in understanding the developments and best practices in India. I have personally shared many of the steps underway and containment plans in India with their leadership. At the same time, there is interest in the research being carried out in India especially on drugs and vaccine development and other affordable practical innovations on medical equipment. We are sharing these extensively on our social media platforms also. There is also serious interest in the use of Ayurveda for boosting immunity. I have shared Ayush guidelines with them. We are also regularly sharing these on social media. Mauritian experts are attending some of the technical webinars on managing Covid pandemic organized under our ITEC programme by Indian medical institutions, including by the All India Institute for Ayurveda. Our Culture Centre is conducting online Yoga classes, which also has a high resonance here. Let me thank you for asking about my colleagues. The pandemic and the curfew has also been a quick learning curve for all of us. While we are mostly working from home and engaging regularly through video conferencing, many of us also have to move out daily as part of our work. My colleagues have visited the Medical College before the Curfew and were present at the airport when the last commercial flight was departing to assist Indian students and tourists before the travel restrictions kicked in. They have also assisted a large number of Indians by going out to procure and distribute groceries when required despite the curfew and risks of infection. At the individual level, we continue to take precautions and our morale remains high. We are now engaged in preparing for arrangements for the Indians who need to return to India.

An India built a state-of-the-art energy-efficient hospital in Mauritius, which was opened by Indian PM Modi and PM of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth last year on October 3rd is being used to deal with the COVID crisis, Indian envoy to the country has told WION.

An India built a state-of-the-art energy-efficient hospital in Mauritius, which was opened by Indian PM Modi and PM of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth last year on October 3rd is being used to deal with the COVID crisis, Indian envoy to the country has told WION. Speaking exclusively to our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, India's High Commissioner to Mauritius Tanmaya Lal while talking about the COVID situation in the country lauded the "leadership of the country is taking commendable steps on various fronts to contain the pandemic" and thanked them for "testing and other procedures required" of several Indian workers after one Indian worker was confirmed COVID positive case. He also talked about the ongoing repatriation process for which the mission is currently getting ready and expects around 1000 Indians who may want to return. Remember Mauritius was one of the first countries to which India sent Hydroxychloroquine. WION: How are India and Mauritius cooperating on Covid? We sent them HCQ. Tanmaya Lal: Well, as you are aware, India and Mauritius share a very special relationship. As part of our close ties, there is a longstanding partnership between our countries on the issue of public healthcare. On the Covid pandemic also we are engaging very closely. Mauritius was one of the first partner countries where India was able to bring medicines. Government of Mauritius had made an early request for Hydroxychloroquine and some other medicines. The first consignment of around 13 tons of medicines from India arrived in Mauritius on 15 April. This included half a million tablets of Hydroxychloroquine. This was greatly appreciated here. Hon. Vice Prime Minister Mrs Dookun received the consignment at the airport. Warm messages were exchanged between our Prime Ministers on this. The gesture was well-liked by people, healthcare specialists and received wide media attention. We are working to bring the next consignment of essential medicines in the coming days. This will also include Ayurvedic medicines that have been requested by the Government of Mauritius. You may know that last October Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and Prime Minister Modi had jointly e-inaugurated a new state-of-the-art Hospital in Mauritius as part of our development partnership. The Hospital is currently being extensively used in the context of Coronavirus situation. There are many other ongoing and earlier instances of our partnership in the healthcare sector including in Ayush and traditional medicines fields. In February this year, two senior experts from Mauritius participated in an International Ayush Conference in India. On Monday both India and Mauritius participated in the online meeting of the Contact Group of Non-Aligned Movement on Covid 19. I must point out that the Government of Mauritius has been extremely supportive in helping us take care of the Indian nationals here. Their senior leadership has reassured us of their attention to any facilitation required. They assisted with testing and other procedures required in cases of the large number of Indian workers, which became necessary after one Indian worker was confirmed as a Covid positive case. We are grateful for their help. WION: How has the Indian mission reached out to stranded Indians in the country? Tanmaya Lal: There are around 10,000 Indian nationals in Mauritius. We estimate that around 1,000 of these may need to return to India. These mainly include hotel interns, students, tourists, workers and other professionals. The High Commission has been proactive in reaching out to the Indian nationals here. We are in regular touch with colleges where these students are studying; hotels where interns were working and their agents; and companies where Indian workers are deployed. My colleagues have reached out personally to hundreds of Indians in Mauritius and are also in touch with many of the parents in India and landlords where interns, students and tourists are staying to facilitate their welfare. We have facilitated the issue of various permits and special passes, transport, and medicines during the curfew. We are operating three helplines that are operational 24x7. We are very active in our messaging on social media including Twitter, Facebook and Website. I also reach out through regular video messages. In the initial days of the lockdown and curfew, when supermarkets had been closed down, the Mission worked hard to procure essential groceries and my colleagues went out to distribute these for a large number of those who were facing serious problems. My colleagues also visited colleges and institutions where a large number of Indian students are studying to ascertain the conditions including the food arrangements. WION: How has the ground situation in Mauritius changed? Tanmaya Lal: Mauritius is a small remote island but its population density is among the highest in the world. Their economy, especially the tourism sector, and supplies are to a very large extent dependent on the external environment. Despite such concerns and limitations, the Government of Mauritius took strong measures at an early stage to stop international traffic and impose lockdown and then Curfew. The leadership of the country is taking commendable steps on various fronts to contain the pandemic, ensure essential supplies, and institute supportive measures for vulnerable sections and businesses. While the curfew remains extended until the end of this month, a carefully phased reopening is being planned. There are daily high-level briefings. Testing is going on. Mauritius is doing comparatively well in this regard according to the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Quarantine measures are strictly imposed. The graph of infected cases appears to be flattening. Mass Testing has now commenced. WION: Have we shared any Indian containment model and how are the Indian diplomats doing? Tanmaya Lal: There is a lot of interest in the Mauritian leadership and public health experts in understanding the developments and best practices in India. I have personally shared many of the steps underway and containment plans in India with their leadership. At the same time, there is interest in the research being carried out in India especially on drugs and vaccine development and other affordable practical innovations on medical equipment. We are sharing these extensively on our social media platforms also. There is also serious interest in the use of Ayurveda for boosting immunity. I have shared Ayush guidelines with them. We are also regularly sharing these on social media. Mauritian experts are attending some of the technical webinars on managing Covid pandemic organized under our ITEC programme by Indian medical institutions, including by the All India Institute for Ayurveda. Our Culture Centre is conducting online Yoga classes, which also has a high resonance here. Let me thank you for asking about my colleagues. The pandemic and the curfew has also been a quick learning curve for all of us. While we are mostly working from home and engaging regularly through video conferencing, many of us also have to move out daily as part of our work. My colleagues have visited the Medical College before the Curfew and were present at the airport when the last commercial flight was departing to assist Indian students and tourists before the travel restrictions kicked in. They have also assisted a large number of Indians by going out to procure and distribute groceries when required despite the curfew and risks of infection. At the individual level, we continue to take precautions and our morale remains high. We are now engaged in preparing for arrangements for the Indians who need to return to India.

India built hospital in Mauritius opened last year being used for covid operations

Vande Bharat Mission: 8 flights to arrive back in India today

Speaking exclusively to our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Thimphu, Indian envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj said New Delhi has sent three medical consignments to the country which included Hydroxychloroquine and made sure around 1,700 stranded Bhutanese citizens in eight Indian cities can go back via special Druk Air flights.

WION Exclusive: Indian envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj speaks to WION

Poisonous gas leakage at Indian pharmaceutical chemical plant wreaks havoc

At least eleven people, including a child, have been killed and over 500 have been rushed to&nbsp;emergency services after toxic gas leaked at a&nbsp;pharmaceutical chemical plant in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/visakhapatnam-gas-leak-chilling-scenes-bring-back-memories-of-bhopal-gas-tragedy-297163">Also read: Chilling scenes bring back memories of Bhopal gas tragedy</a>

South Korean battery maker LG Chemical Ltd, the owner of the facility, located around 14 kilometers away from Visakhapatnam city, said the gas leak had been brought under control.

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"We are looking into the exact damages, cause of the death and details of the incident," the company said in a statement.

As per reports, the leakage happened around 3 am at&nbsp;LG Polymers&nbsp;industry at RR Venkatapuram near Naiduthota area close to Gopalapatnam.&nbsp;The incident led to panic among locals in the 3km-radius area.

Sources said that police, fire tenders and ambulances reached the spot to control the situation.

Residents near the chemical gas plant&nbsp;reported of burning sensation in their eyes and difficulty in breathing, officials said.&nbsp;

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation tweeted about the incident:&nbsp;

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There is gas leakage identified at LG Polymers in Gopalpatnam. Requesting Citizens around these locations not to come out of houses for the sake of safety precautions.
— Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) (@GVMC_OFFICIAL) <a href="https://twitter.com/GVMC_OFFICIAL/status/1258214533044162560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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As precautionary measures, the colonies and villages around the industry may leave to the safer locations. PLEASE USE WET CLOTH AS MASK TO COVER NOSE AND MOUTH.
— Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) (@GVMC_OFFICIAL) <a href="https://twitter.com/GVMC_OFFICIAL/status/1258224574568644608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Photos posted on social media showed at least a hundred people trying to help the injured and putting them into waiting ambulances. Some people can be seen wearing masks and helping those who are showing signs of difficulty in breathing.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted to gas leak incident and said that he has spoken to officials at the Home Affairs ministry and the NDMA regarding the incident.&nbsp;

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Spoke to officials of MHA and NDMA regarding the situation in Visakhapatnam, which is being monitored closely. 
 
I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1258253228308742147?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

At least eleven people, including a child, have been killed and over 500 have been rushed to emergency services after toxic gas leaked at a pharmaceutical chemical plant in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

At least eleven people, including a child, have been killed and over 500 have been rushed to emergency services after toxic gas leaked at a pharmaceutical chemical plant in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Also read: Chilling scenes bring back memories of Bhopal gas tragedy South Korean battery maker LG Chemical Ltd, the owner of the facility, located around 14 kilometers away from Visakhapatnam city, said the gas leak had been brought under control. "We are looking into the exact damages, cause of the death and details of the incident," the company said in a statement. As per reports, the leakage happened around 3 am at LG Polymers industry at RR Venkatapuram near Naiduthota area close to Gopalapatnam. The incident led to panic among locals in the 3km-radius area. Sources said that police, fire tenders and ambulances reached the spot to control the situation. Residents near the chemical gas plant reported of burning sensation in their eyes and difficulty in breathing, officials said. The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation tweeted about the incident: There is gas leakage identified at LG Polymers in Gopalpatnam. Requesting Citizens around these locations not to come out of houses for the sake of safety precautions. — Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) (@GVMC_OFFICIAL) May 7, 2020 × As precautionary measures, the colonies and villages around the industry may leave to the safer locations. PLEASE USE WET CLOTH AS MASK TO COVER NOSE AND MOUTH. — Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) (@GVMC_OFFICIAL) May 7, 2020 × Photos posted on social media showed at least a hundred people trying to help the injured and putting them into waiting ambulances. Some people can be seen wearing masks and helping those who are showing signs of difficulty in breathing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted to gas leak incident and said that he has spoken to officials at the Home Affairs ministry and the NDMA regarding the incident. Spoke to officials of MHA and NDMA regarding the situation in Visakhapatnam, which is being monitored closely. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 7, 2020 ×

11 killed and over 500 hospitalised after Vizag pharma gas leak

South Korean company LG Chem on Thursday said that gas leak at its plant in southern India had been brought under control.

LG Chem, which operates the Visakhapatnam polymers plant killed at least nine people, said it is cooperating with Indian authorities to help residents and employees.

Andhra Pradesh DGP Damodar Goutam Sawang also said that right now gas has been neutralised. One of the antidotes is drinking a lot of water. Around 800 were shifted to hospital, many have been discharged. The investigation will be carried out to see how this happened.

"The gas leakage is now under control, but the leaked gas can cause nausea and dizziness, so we are investing every effort to ensure proper treatment is provided swiftly," LG Chem said in a statement.

"We are investigating the extent of damage and the exact cause of the leak and deaths," it added in a statement.

South Korean company LG Chem on Thursday said that gas leak at its plant in southern India had been brought under control. LG Chem, which operates the Visakhapatnam polymers plant killed at least nine people, said it is cooperating with Indian authorities to help residents and employees.

South Korean company LG Chem on Thursday said that gas leak at its plant in southern India had been brought under control. LG Chem, which operates the Visakhapatnam polymers plant killed at least nine people, said it is cooperating with Indian authorities to help residents and employees. Andhra Pradesh DGP Damodar Goutam Sawang also said that right now gas has been neutralised. One of the antidotes is drinking a lot of water. Around 800 were shifted to hospital, many have been discharged. The investigation will be carried out to see how this happened. "The gas leakage is now under control, but the leaked gas can cause nausea and dizziness, so we are investing every effort to ensure proper treatment is provided swiftly," LG Chem said in a statement. "We are investigating the extent of damage and the exact cause of the leak and deaths," it added in a statement.

LG Chem says Visakhapatnam factory gas leak under control, investigating cause

India's mega repatriation plan to bring back thousands of thousands of its stranded nationals from abroad has started with the first flight to land in Kerala in the night.&nbsp;

1st flight with 175 stranded Indians from abroad will land in Kochi from Abu Dhabi at around 2140 hrs. The Air India Express flight will leave UAE at 1615 local time. The second flight will also be to Kerala, having 175 stranded Indians. It will come from Dubai and land in Kozhikode at around 2230 hr. 
&nbsp; 
India will be bringing back around 14600 of its citizens in 64 flights in the first week of the repatriation process.

Flights will get back stranded Indians from 12 countries—6 from the Gulf, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, 3 from ASEAN--Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, 1 from the neighbourhood which is Bangladesh and US, UK.&nbsp;

Maximum flights will be to Kerala at 15, followed by Tamil Nadu &amp; NCR at 11, Maharashtra and Telangana at 7, Gujarat at 5, Karnataka and J&amp;K at 3 and Punjab and UP at 1.

Focus remains on the gulf where 3 lakh people have registered for repatriation. Of the 64, 25 flights will be coming from the gulf, and of the gulf, 10 flights will come from UAE, which hosts the largest number of Indians globally, many of them blue-collared workers.

The first flight from Saudi Arabia is scheduled to operate from Riyadh to Kozhikode on May 08, 2020, and the other 4 flights would operate on Riyadh-Delhi; Dammam-Kochi; Jeddah-Kochi and Jeddah-Delhi sectors. 
&nbsp; 
7 flights will come each from Bangladesh, UK, Malaysia, US, 5 from Singapore, Philipines, Saudi Arabia, 4 from Kuwait, 2 each from Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Indian Navy's Operation Samudra Setu to evacuate Indians from the Maldives will begin from tomorrow and ahead of that INS Jalashwa has entered Male port.

Indian envoy to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir speaking to WION exclusively on the operation said, "Around midday of 8th of May, the first group of about 700 Indians will set sail back home, back to Kochi, that will be the first lot. After that, we are planning a few other evacuations though Navy ship."

INS Jalashwa Indian Navy's largest Amphibious platform (Landing Platform Dock) can carry 1000 troops. With the current social distancing, norms can carry 500-700 people. The repatriation will be in 2 phases via 2 ships with the first group being taken to Kochi, then Tuticorin. Priority will be given to medical cases, women and those who lost jobs.

The French embassy in a statement said, "During this period of a public health crisis, the Indian and the French navies are fully engaged in the Samudra Setu and Resilience operations respectively to aid people facing the ordeal of the COVID-19 epidemic." 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Last year the 17th edition of Varuna, the Indo-French naval exercise saw both the Navies reaching a decisive phase in interoperability.

This is Independent India's largest repatriation mission to bring back its citizens stranded abroad due to COVID-19 pandemic. India will be getting back 1,92,000 people in the first phase of the mammoth exercise with the focus on the Gulf.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
On Monday India's envoy to UAE Pavan Kapoor speaking exclusively to WION said, "I am glad that we are starting this process of repatriation for those who urgently need to return to India. We look forward to working closely with the UAE authorities to make this process as smooth and efficient as we can."

The largest-ever evacuation carried out by India was the 1990 airlift of Indians from Kuwait during the Gulf War in which 170,000 Indian expatriates were from the west Asian country.

Around 11,000 stranded Indians have registered with Indian mission in Moscow, 1200 in New Zealand, 390 Indian nationals with High Commission of Nairobi, 265 at the Indian mission in Mexico, 2000 at India's mission in Canada and five Indians in Somalia have also registered so that they can get back home. Only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to travel and Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for the process had been prepared in this regard. 
&nbsp; 
"State Governments are being advised to make arrangements, including for testing, quarantine and onward movement of the returning Indians in their respective States.", MHA in a statement said.

The facilitation will only be on "compelling grounds" and will be done via planes and naval ships on payment basis and non-scheduled commercial flights would be arranged for air travel. During the process of getting back, all health protocols like social distancing norms will have to be followed.

The evacuees after reaching the destination would have to register on the Indian government's Aarogya Setu app which has been developed to alert about COVID-19 crisis and alerts regarding it.&nbsp;

After being medically screened, they will be quarantined for 14 days in a hospital or an institutional quarantine on payment-basis by the State governments which will be followed by COVID test at the end of the given period.

Earlier this year, India brought back approximately 2500 of its citizens and 48 foreign nationals from China, Japan, Iran and Italy.

2015 Operation Raahat saw India bringing back around 4600 of its citizens while Operation Sankat Mochan of 2016 saw India bringing back 600 of its nationals from South Sudan. 2011 Operation Safe Homecoming to bring back Indians from war-torn Libya saw 15000 Indian nationals being brought back.

The first decade of the century saw Operation Sukoon in which Indian Navy got back 1764 Indians and was the largest evacuation operations conducted by the Navy since World War II.

India's mega repatriation plan to bring back thousands of thousands of its stranded nationals from abroad has started with the first flight to land in Kerala in the night.

India's mega repatriation plan to bring back thousands of thousands of its stranded nationals from abroad has started with the first flight to land in Kerala in the night. 1st flight with 175 stranded Indians from abroad will land in Kochi from Abu Dhabi at around 2140 hrs. The Air India Express flight will leave UAE at 1615 local time. The second flight will also be to Kerala, having 175 stranded Indians. It will come from Dubai and land in Kozhikode at around 2230 hr. India will be bringing back around 14600 of its citizens in 64 flights in the first week of the repatriation process. Flights will get back stranded Indians from 12 countries—6 from the Gulf, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, 3 from ASEAN--Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, 1 from the neighbourhood which is Bangladesh and US, UK. Maximum flights will be to Kerala at 15, followed by Tamil Nadu & NCR at 11, Maharashtra and Telangana at 7, Gujarat at 5, Karnataka and J&K at 3 and Punjab and UP at 1. Focus remains on the gulf where 3 lakh people have registered for repatriation. Of the 64, 25 flights will be coming from the gulf, and of the gulf, 10 flights will come from UAE, which hosts the largest number of Indians globally, many of them blue-collared workers. The first flight from Saudi Arabia is scheduled to operate from Riyadh to Kozhikode on May 08, 2020, and the other 4 flights would operate on Riyadh-Delhi; Dammam-Kochi; Jeddah-Kochi and Jeddah-Delhi sectors. 7 flights will come each from Bangladesh, UK, Malaysia, US, 5 from Singapore, Philipines, Saudi Arabia, 4 from Kuwait, 2 each from Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. Meanwhile, Indian Navy's Operation Samudra Setu to evacuate Indians from the Maldives will begin from tomorrow and ahead of that INS Jalashwa has entered Male port. Indian envoy to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir speaking to WION exclusively on the operation said, "Around midday of 8th of May, the first group of about 700 Indians will set sail back home, back to Kochi, that will be the first lot. After that, we are planning a few other evacuations though Navy ship." INS Jalashwa Indian Navy's largest Amphibious platform (Landing Platform Dock) can carry 1000 troops. With the current social distancing, norms can carry 500-700 people. The repatriation will be in 2 phases via 2 ships with the first group being taken to Kochi, then Tuticorin. Priority will be given to medical cases, women and those who lost jobs. The French embassy in a statement said, "During this period of a public health crisis, the Indian and the French navies are fully engaged in the Samudra Setu and Resilience operations respectively to aid people facing the ordeal of the COVID-19 epidemic." Last year the 17th edition of Varuna, the Indo-French naval exercise saw both the Navies reaching a decisive phase in interoperability. This is Independent India's largest repatriation mission to bring back its citizens stranded abroad due to COVID-19 pandemic. India will be getting back 1,92,000 people in the first phase of the mammoth exercise with the focus on the Gulf. On Monday India's envoy to UAE Pavan Kapoor speaking exclusively to WION said, "I am glad that we are starting this process of repatriation for those who urgently need to return to India. We look forward to working closely with the UAE authorities to make this process as smooth and efficient as we can." The largest-ever evacuation carried out by India was the 1990 airlift of Indians from Kuwait during the Gulf War in which 170,000 Indian expatriates were from the west Asian country. Around 11,000 stranded Indians have registered with Indian mission in Moscow, 1200 in New Zealand, 390 Indian nationals with High Commission of Nairobi, 265 at the Indian mission in Mexico, 2000 at India's mission in Canada and five Indians in Somalia have also registered so that they can get back home. Only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to travel and Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for the process had been prepared in this regard. "State Governments are being advised to make arrangements, including for testing, quarantine and onward movement of the returning Indians in their respective States.", MHA in a statement said. The facilitation will only be on "compelling grounds" and will be done via planes and naval ships on payment basis and non-scheduled commercial flights would be arranged for air travel. During the process of getting back, all health protocols like social distancing norms will have to be followed. The evacuees after reaching the destination would have to register on the Indian government's Aarogya Setu app which has been developed to alert about COVID-19 crisis and alerts regarding it. After being medically screened, they will be quarantined for 14 days in a hospital or an institutional quarantine on payment-basis by the State governments which will be followed by COVID test at the end of the given period. Earlier this year, India brought back approximately 2500 of its citizens and 48 foreign nationals from China, Japan, Iran and Italy. 2015 Operation Raahat saw India bringing back around 4600 of its citizens while Operation Sankat Mochan of 2016 saw India bringing back 600 of its nationals from South Sudan. 2011 Operation Safe Homecoming to bring back Indians from war-torn Libya saw 15000 Indian nationals being brought back. The first decade of the century saw Operation Sukoon in which Indian Navy got back 1764 Indians and was the largest evacuation operations conducted by the Navy since World War II.

India's mega repatriation plan to bring back stranded citizens begins; first flight to reach Kerala in night

Unconscious children being carried by parents in their arms, people laying on roads, health workers scrambling to attend to those affected by the styrene vapour leak and residents fleeing were some of the scenes that played out near here on Thursday, bringing back grim memories of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nine-killed-and-over-300-hospitalised-after-vizag-pharma-gas-leak-297117">Also read: Nine killed and over 300 hospitalised after Vizag pharma gas leak</a> 
 
The leak of styrene, a chemical used to make synthetic rubber and resins, among others, occurred in the wee hours of Thursday while people were still fast asleep.

Women and children were seen lying on roads struggling to breathe, reminiscent of the infamous Bhopal gas tragedy when a leak from the Union Carbide plant left around 3,500 dead and many maimed.

<img alt="Visakhapatnam" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d34c8e49-5648-4801-b12c-e5741289fe1a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_34.jpg" />

A victim of the gas leakage at the LG Polymers unit located at RR Venkatapuram near Gopalapatnam in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. (Photo courtesy: IANS)

The worst-hit Gopalapatnam village reverberated with cries of people for help.

Many people fell unconscious during their sleep, a villager said.

Affected people, suffering writ large on their faces, were rushed to hospitals in autorickshaws and on two-wheelers.

Visakhapatnam Collector Vinay Chand said 20 ambulances were pressed into service as soon information about the gas leak was received.

Exposure to styrene, also known as ethenylbenzene, vinylbenzene can affect the central nervous system (CNS), causing headache, fatigue, weakness, and depression.

It is primarily used in the production of polystyrene plastics and resins.

The gas leak took place at LG Polymers chemical plant.&nbsp;

LG Polymers was established in 1961 as "Hindustan Polymers" for manufacturing Polystyrene and its co-polymers at Visakhapatnam. It merged with McDowell &amp; Co. Ltd of UB Group in 1978, according to the company's website.

Taken over by LG Chem (South Korea), Hindustan Polymers was renamed LG Polymers India Private Limited (LGPI) in July 1997.

Unconscious children being carried by parents in their arms, people laying on roads, health workers scrambling to attend to those affected by the styrene vapour leak and residents fleeing were some of the scenes that played out near here on Thursday, bringing back grim memories of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.

Unconscious children being carried by parents in their arms, people laying on roads, health workers scrambling to attend to those affected by the styrene vapour leak and residents fleeing were some of the scenes that played out near here on Thursday, bringing back grim memories of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy. Also read: Nine killed and over 300 hospitalised after Vizag pharma gas leak The leak of styrene, a chemical used to make synthetic rubber and resins, among others, occurred in the wee hours of Thursday while people were still fast asleep. Women and children were seen lying on roads struggling to breathe, reminiscent of the infamous Bhopal gas tragedy when a leak from the Union Carbide plant left around 3,500 dead and many maimed. A victim of the gas leakage at the LG Polymers unit located at RR Venkatapuram near Gopalapatnam in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. (Photo courtesy: IANS) The worst-hit Gopalapatnam village reverberated with cries of people for help. Many people fell unconscious during their sleep, a villager said. Affected people, suffering writ large on their faces, were rushed to hospitals in autorickshaws and on two-wheelers. Visakhapatnam Collector Vinay Chand said 20 ambulances were pressed into service as soon information about the gas leak was received. Exposure to styrene, also known as ethenylbenzene, vinylbenzene can affect the central nervous system (CNS), causing headache, fatigue, weakness, and depression. It is primarily used in the production of polystyrene plastics and resins. The gas leak took place at LG Polymers chemical plant. LG Polymers was established in 1961 as "Hindustan Polymers" for manufacturing Polystyrene and its co-polymers at Visakhapatnam. It merged with McDowell & Co. Ltd of UB Group in 1978, according to the company's website. Taken over by LG Chem (South Korea), Hindustan Polymers was renamed LG Polymers India Private Limited (LGPI) in July 1997.

Visakhapatnam gas leak: Chilling scenes bring back memories of Bhopal gas tragedy

At least eight people died and several fell ill due to chemical gas leakage inside a pharmaceutical company at RR Venkatapuram village in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam on Thursday (May 7).

PM Modi speaks to Andhra Pradesh CM on Visakhapatnam gas leak

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the nation on the occasion of Buddha Purnima and urged people to take inspiration from each other and stay resolved in their fight against coronavirus.

Speaking at a virtual global Buddha Purnima event, Modi said, "People world over working selflessly for others in these difficult times are worthy of praise."

Buddha Purnima, also called Buddha Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

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Remembering the noble teachings of Lord Buddha. <a href="https://t.co/nQWoa5qNX0">https://t.co/nQWoa5qNX0</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1258237759539437570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi also expressed that India's growth will always be aiding global growth. Buddha Purnima celebrations this year are being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"While India is making every effort to save the life of every Indian today,? it is also taking its global obligations equally seriously. India is standing strong and selflessly in these difficult times with those facing trouble in India or abroad," he said.&nbsp;

"For us, this time of crisis is the time for extending help to those that need it. That is why countries across the world have looked towards India for help during this crisis and we too have reached out to them," he said.&nbsp;

"The goals and standards of our success change with time, but we need to keep in mind is that our work should be done with a sense of compassion and service for mankind," he said.

"Times have changed, conditions have changed, systems of society have changed, but the message of Lord Buddha has been constantly flowing in our lives. This is possible only because Buddha is not just a name but also a sacred thought. An idea that beats in the heart of every human being guides humanity," he said.

(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the nation on the occasion of Buddha Purnima and urged people to take inspiration from each other and stay resolved in their fight against coronavirus.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the nation on the occasion of Buddha Purnima and urged people to take inspiration from each other and stay resolved in their fight against coronavirus. Speaking at a virtual global Buddha Purnima event, Modi said, "People world over working selflessly for others in these difficult times are worthy of praise." Buddha Purnima, also called Buddha Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Remembering the noble teachings of Lord Buddha. https://t.co/nQWoa5qNX0 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 7, 2020 × PM Modi also expressed that India's growth will always be aiding global growth. Buddha Purnima celebrations this year are being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "While India is making every effort to save the life of every Indian today,? it is also taking its global obligations equally seriously. India is standing strong and selflessly in these difficult times with those facing trouble in India or abroad," he said. "For us, this time of crisis is the time for extending help to those that need it. That is why countries across the world have looked towards India for help during this crisis and we too have reached out to them," he said. "The goals and standards of our success change with time, but we need to keep in mind is that our work should be done with a sense of compassion and service for mankind," he said. "Times have changed, conditions have changed, systems of society have changed, but the message of Lord Buddha has been constantly flowing in our lives. This is possible only because Buddha is not just a name but also a sacred thought. An idea that beats in the heart of every human being guides humanity," he said. (With inputs from PTI)

'India's growth will always aid global growth': PM Modi at Buddha Purnima event

The Islamic holy month of Ramzan (also known as Ramadan) is just a couple of days away. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is dedicated to fasting (Sawm) and is meant for attaining spiritual wisdom and reward called Thawab.

Ramzan in the times of Coronavirus

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