The government on Sunday said it has directed all major ports to waive all charges for ships carrying oxygen and related equipment amid a massive surge in COVID-19 infections across the country.&nbsp;

In a statement, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said it has directed all major ports to accord the highest priority in the berthing sequence to the vessels carrying consignments of medical grade oxygen, oxygen tanks, oxygen bottles, portable oxygen generators and oxygen concentrators.&nbsp;

"In view of the excessive requirement of oxygen and related equipment in the country, the Government of India has directed all major ports, including the Kamarajar Port Limited, to waive-off all charges levied by major port trusts (including vessel-related charges, storage charges, etc)," the statement said.&nbsp;

Port chairpersons have been asked to personally supervise logistic operations to ensure unhindered movement of such consignments for berthing of such vessel on top priority in the port, unloading of oxygen-related cargo, coordination with customs and other authorities for speedy clearance, documentation and expeditious evacuation, it further said.&nbsp;

"We are facing an emergency situation due to the second wave of COVID-19. The major ports will start implementing the direction from today onwards," a senior government official said.&nbsp;

In case, the vessel is carrying other cargo or containers in addition to the said oxygen-related cargo, waiver of charges on a pro-rata basis, considering the overall cargo or containers handled at the port, should be provided for oxygen-related cargo to such vessels, the statement said.&nbsp;

The Ports Ministry will monitor the details of such vessels, cargo and time taken in the port from the time vessel entered in the port limits to exit of cargo from port gate.&nbsp;

The government on Saturday had waived customs duty on the import of vaccines as well as medical-grade oxygen and related equipment.&nbsp;

India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The government on Sunday said it has directed all major ports to waive all charges for ships carrying oxygen and related equipment amid a massive surge in COVID-19 infections across the country.

The government on Sunday said it has directed all major ports to waive all charges for ships carrying oxygen and related equipment amid a massive surge in COVID-19 infections across the country. In a statement, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said it has directed all major ports to accord the highest priority in the berthing sequence to the vessels carrying consignments of medical grade oxygen, oxygen tanks, oxygen bottles, portable oxygen generators and oxygen concentrators. "In view of the excessive requirement of oxygen and related equipment in the country, the Government of India has directed all major ports, including the Kamarajar Port Limited, to waive-off all charges levied by major port trusts (including vessel-related charges, storage charges, etc)," the statement said. Port chairpersons have been asked to personally supervise logistic operations to ensure unhindered movement of such consignments for berthing of such vessel on top priority in the port, unloading of oxygen-related cargo, coordination with customs and other authorities for speedy clearance, documentation and expeditious evacuation, it further said. "We are facing an emergency situation due to the second wave of COVID-19. The major ports will start implementing the direction from today onwards," a senior government official said. In case, the vessel is carrying other cargo or containers in addition to the said oxygen-related cargo, waiver of charges on a pro-rata basis, considering the overall cargo or containers handled at the port, should be provided for oxygen-related cargo to such vessels, the statement said. The Ports Ministry will monitor the details of such vessels, cargo and time taken in the port from the time vessel entered in the port limits to exit of cargo from port gate. The government on Saturday had waived customs duty on the import of vaccines as well as medical-grade oxygen and related equipment. India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds. (With inputs from agencies)

Govt asks major ports to waive all charges for ships carrying oxygen, related equipment  

The head of Sri Lanka's Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday accused the government of stalling investigations into Easter Sunday bombings two years ago that killed 279 people.&nbsp;

Nearly 200 people were arrested within days of the suicide attacks on hotels and churches by Islamist extremists, but no one has yet been charged.&nbsp;

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, who led commemorations on the second anniversary&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday, said he was&nbsp;'deeply saddened'&nbsp;by the lack of progress in the investigation.&nbsp;

"We have to stress that what is happening at the moment is an attitude of 'no care' where all factors are not properly investigated," the cardinal said at a commemorative service in Colombo.&nbsp;

He renewed his call for swift action against the perpetrators and said "political posturing and the need to safeguard alliances" was hindering the probe.&nbsp;

The cardinal has previously called for former president Maithripala Sirisena to be prosecuted for failing to prevent the attacks despite advance warnings.&nbsp;

An investigation ordered by Sirisena soon after the bombings found that he and his intelligence officials had precise information from India about the attack 17 days earlier, but failed to act.&nbsp;

Sirisena, who did not offer himself for re-election in November 2019 polls, is currently a legislator with the party of his successor Gotabaya Rajapaksa.&nbsp;

Although none of the 200 in custody have been indicted, 16 Muslim men among them were charged Tuesday in connection with desecrating Buddhist statues in December 2018.&nbsp;

The authorities have said that the destruction of the statues in Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka was the forerunner to the Easter Sunday attacks four months later.&nbsp;

A multi-religious remembrance service broadcast on television was led by Cardinal Ranjith at the St Anthony's Church where 56 people perished in the bombings.&nbsp;

Forty-five foreign nationals also died in the largest single terror attack in the history of the country. The attack came 10 years after the end of Sri Lanka's 37-year Tamil separatist war.&nbsp;

The head of Sri Lanka's Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday accused the government of stalling investigations into Easter Sunday bombings two years ago that killed 279 people.

The head of Sri Lanka's Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday accused the government of stalling investigations into Easter Sunday bombings two years ago that killed 279 people. Nearly 200 people were arrested within days of the suicide attacks on hotels and churches by Islamist extremists, but no one has yet been charged. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, who led commemorations on the second anniversary on Wednesday, said he was 'deeply saddened' by the lack of progress in the investigation. "We have to stress that what is happening at the moment is an attitude of 'no care' where all factors are not properly investigated," the cardinal said at a commemorative service in Colombo. He renewed his call for swift action against the perpetrators and said "political posturing and the need to safeguard alliances" was hindering the probe. The cardinal has previously called for former president Maithripala Sirisena to be prosecuted for failing to prevent the attacks despite advance warnings. An investigation ordered by Sirisena soon after the bombings found that he and his intelligence officials had precise information from India about the attack 17 days earlier, but failed to act. Sirisena, who did not offer himself for re-election in November 2019 polls, is currently a legislator with the party of his successor Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Although none of the 200 in custody have been indicted, 16 Muslim men among them were charged Tuesday in connection with desecrating Buddhist statues in December 2018. The authorities have said that the destruction of the statues in Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka was the forerunner to the Easter Sunday attacks four months later. A multi-religious remembrance service broadcast on television was led by Cardinal Ranjith at the St Anthony's Church where 56 people perished in the bombings. Forty-five foreign nationals also died in the largest single terror attack in the history of the country. The attack came 10 years after the end of Sri Lanka's 37-year Tamil separatist war.

Sri Lanka Catholics slam govt over Easter attacks probe 

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that New Delhi offers Africa "an honest partnership" and believes in "empowering rather than extracting from" local.

He said, "India offers Africa an honest partnership, and room to maximize its space under the sun and multiply its options. Africa is of course not without options, and by no stretch does India claim to be the only one. However, what we can promise is to be Africa’s most steadfast partner."

Highlighting how despite the "pandemic and through the lockdown", New Delhi "kept its critical supply lines open to Africa. Indian medicines reached and were made available to patients in many African countries" and "These adverse times will not last; but Africa-India friendship and cooperation, trust me, will."

The comments come even as New Delhi has been reaching out to the continent especially as a development partner and helping in capacity and human resource building.

India has provided duty-free, quota-free market access 33 African least developing nations and has invested in oil and gas sector--like an investment of $ 7 billion in a gas field in Mozambique and half a billion dollars in South Sudan. In terms of human resource, 50,000 training slots have been given by India to African students under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programmes.

EAM said, “Africa’s rise as one of the global system’s poles is not just desirable, it is absolutely necessary" and is "fundamental to our foreign policy thinking" as "broader global rebalancing is incomplete without the genuine emergence of Africa. Only then will the world’s strategic diversity come into full play."

Since 2015, 34 high-level visits, at the level of Indian President, Vice-President or Prime Minister, have taken place to Africa and in last 6 years, 100 African leaders have visited India for bilateral or multilateral meetings.&nbsp;

The Third India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015 in Delhi saw all 54 African nations participating. India has missions now in 38 African nations, a quarter of which have opened in the past two years.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that New Delhi offers Africa "an honest partnership" and believes in "empowering rather than extracting from" local.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that New Delhi offers Africa "an honest partnership" and believes in "empowering rather than extracting from" local. He said, "India offers Africa an honest partnership, and room to maximize its space under the sun and multiply its options. Africa is of course not without options, and by no stretch does India claim to be the only one. However, what we can promise is to be Africa’s most steadfast partner." Highlighting how despite the "pandemic and through the lockdown", New Delhi "kept its critical supply lines open to Africa. Indian medicines reached and were made available to patients in many African countries" and "These adverse times will not last; but Africa-India friendship and cooperation, trust me, will." The comments come even as New Delhi has been reaching out to the continent especially as a development partner and helping in capacity and human resource building. India has provided duty-free, quota-free market access 33 African least developing nations and has invested in oil and gas sector--like an investment of $ 7 billion in a gas field in Mozambique and half a billion dollars in South Sudan. In terms of human resource, 50,000 training slots have been given by India to African students under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programmes. EAM said, “Africa’s rise as one of the global system’s poles is not just desirable, it is absolutely necessary" and is "fundamental to our foreign policy thinking" as "broader global rebalancing is incomplete without the genuine emergence of Africa. Only then will the world’s strategic diversity come into full play." Since 2015, 34 high-level visits, at the level of Indian President, Vice-President or Prime Minister, have taken place to Africa and in last 6 years, 100 African leaders have visited India for bilateral or multilateral meetings. The Third India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015 in Delhi saw all 54 African nations participating. India has missions now in 38 African nations, a quarter of which have opened in the past two years.

India offers Africa an honest partnership: EAM Dr S Jaishankar 

Since April 1, the Centre has distributed more than 2.02 crore N95 masks and over 1.18 crore PPE kits among the states, Union territories and central institutions for free, the Union health ministry said on Friday.

In addition, 11,300 "Make in India" ventilators have so far been dispatched to various states, Union territories and central institutions, of which 6,154 have already been delivered to various hospitals, it said.

"The central government is also ensuring its installation/commissioning. This will help to bridge the massive gap in the availability of ventilators in COVID ICU facilities," the ministry said in a statement.

The health ministry is also supplying 1.02 lakh oxygen cylinders to the states and Union territories, of which 72,293 have been delivered to strengthen the oxygen-beds there.

Also, more than 6.12 crore HCQ tablets have been given to the states and Union territories.

The Union government, along with the states and Union territories, has been relentlessly working for the prevention, containment and management of COVID-19, the statement said.

The central role of the government has been in strengthening the health infrastructure to fight the pandemic, it added.

"Along with augmenting COVID-19 facilities, Centre has been providing medical supplies free of cost to the state and UT governments to supplement their efforts," the ministry said.

The statement underlined that most of the products supplied by the Centre were not being manufactured in the country in the beginning and there was a global demand due to the pandemic, resulting in a "scarce availability in the foreign markets".

However, with the combined efforts of the ministries of health, textiles, pharmaceuticals, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and others, the domestic industry has been encouraged to manufacture and supply essential medical equipment such as personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, N95 masks, and ventilators during this period. &nbsp;"With the result, resolve for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' has been strengthened and most of the supplies made by GOI are domestically manufactured," the ministry said.

Since April 1, the Centre has distributed more than 2.02 crore N95 masks and over 1.18 crore PPE kits among the states, Union territories and central institutions for free, the Union health ministry said on Friday.

Since April 1, the Centre has distributed more than 2.02 crore N95 masks and over 1.18 crore PPE kits among the states, Union territories and central institutions for free, the Union health ministry said on Friday. In addition, 11,300 "Make in India" ventilators have so far been dispatched to various states, Union territories and central institutions, of which 6,154 have already been delivered to various hospitals, it said. "The central government is also ensuring its installation/commissioning. This will help to bridge the massive gap in the availability of ventilators in COVID ICU facilities," the ministry said in a statement. The health ministry is also supplying 1.02 lakh oxygen cylinders to the states and Union territories, of which 72,293 have been delivered to strengthen the oxygen-beds there. Also, more than 6.12 crore HCQ tablets have been given to the states and Union territories. The Union government, along with the states and Union territories, has been relentlessly working for the prevention, containment and management of COVID-19, the statement said. The central role of the government has been in strengthening the health infrastructure to fight the pandemic, it added. "Along with augmenting COVID-19 facilities, Centre has been providing medical supplies free of cost to the state and UT governments to supplement their efforts," the ministry said. The statement underlined that most of the products supplied by the Centre were not being manufactured in the country in the beginning and there was a global demand due to the pandemic, resulting in a "scarce availability in the foreign markets". However, with the combined efforts of the ministries of health, textiles, pharmaceuticals, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and others, the domestic industry has been encouraged to manufacture and supply essential medical equipment such as personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, N95 masks, and ventilators during this period. "With the result, resolve for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' has been strengthened and most of the supplies made by GOI are domestically manufactured," the ministry said.

Over 2 cr N95 masks, 1.18 Cr PPE kits, 11,000 ventilators supplied to states, UTs since April 1: Government

Watch in WION Dispatch: Govt held two meetings with WhatsApp over spyware, it could be itself part of the conspiracy. Only names of govt critics have been surfaced. Watch this video to know more.

Govt sources: Govt held two meetings with WhatsApp, it could be itself part of conspiracy | WION Dispatch

The leader of South Korea's main opposition party shaved his head in Seoul to show dissent over South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Justice Minister Cho Kuk.

South Korean opposition leader shaves head publicly in protest against govt

BJP Leaders Reach Out To Congress Ahead Of The Monsoon Session.

Gravitas: Monsoon Session: Govt Reaches Out To Opposition

In a major setback to the Air India disinvestment process, the government today said no initial bids were received for the proposed stake sale and various options would be explored for the future of the debt-laden national carrier.

The deadline for submission of Expression of Interest (EoI) ended today with not a single bidder evincing interest in the airline, nearly one year after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government gave its nod for the stake sale.

In nearly two decades, this is the second time that Air India stake sale has not taken off. Back in 2001, during the then NDA government, the disinvestment process was scrapped.

"As informed by the transaction adviser, no response has been received for the Expression of Interest floated for the strategic disinvestment of Air India," the Civil Aviation Ministry said in a tweet.

"Further course of action will be decided appropriately," it added.

EY is the transaction adviser for the process.

Civil Aviation Secretary R N Choubey said the government was expecting better participation for the Air India stake sale and indicated that there could be a re-think on the strategy.

The alternative mechanism headed by the finance minister would decide the future course of action on Air India disinvestment, Choubey said, even as he emphasised that the government would not like the airline to lose the market share.

A joint forum of Air India employee unions claimed "victory" as the government failed to attract bidders.

To a query on the possible impact on the government's fiscal deficit and disinvestment target, Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg said, "We would need to look at what these options are whichever option is chosen... will have an implication for the current year".

The government has proposed to offload 76 per cent equity share capital of the national carrier as well as transfer the management control to private players, as per the preliminary information memorandum.

The transaction would involve Air India, its low-cost arm Air India Express and Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt Ltd. The latter is an equal joint venture between the national carrier and Singapore-based SATS Ltd.

Under the proposed disinvestment process, around Rs 33,000 crore debt would have remained with Air India. The national carrier's debt burden was about Rs 50,000 crore at the end of March 2017.

Earlier this month, the government had extended the EoI submission deadline to May 31 from the previous date of May 14. The qualified interested bidders were to be intimated on June 15.

"The buzz we received (about Air India stake sale) was certainly encouraging... The transaction adviser will be finding out what is it that they (potential bidders) still found to be a deterrent. We will sit together and take stock," he noted.

Choubey said the entire process has been a great learning experience and we are in a much better position to judge what the market wants.

"We, again and again, informed the market that the government has no intention of doing any kind of control other than whatever is the limited rights that we will get as part of shareholders' agreement. We did not leave it ambiguous. Our impression is that we were very very clear which ought to have given the comfort that the new buyer can run exactly as it wants," he said.

The government would retain 24 per cent stake in the national carrier, the winning bidder would be required to stay invested in the airline for at least three years, as per the memorandum that was issued on March 28.

Indicating that there would be a re-think on disinvestment strategy, Choubey said the government would factor in all the learnings, including those related to employees and debt while deciding the future course of action.

The government will ensure that the airline does not face "any operational difficulties following the latest developments", Choubey said.

He was responding to a query on whether the airline would now be having more financial uncertainties as there are decisions linked to the outcome of the disinvestment process.

In April, both IndiGo and Jet Airways had said that they would not be participating in the Air India disinvestment process. IndiGo was the first to evince interest in Air India disinvestment when the government had mooted the plan last year.

Explaining about the next steps, Choubey said the process involves going to the evaluation committee -- which is an inter-ministerial grouping -- under the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), then to the Core Group on Disinvestment headed by Cabinet Secretary and finally to the alternative mechanism.

The alternative mechanism on Air India is likely to take up the matter in a couple of weeks, he added.

"Various options are available and the alternate mechanism would take a call," he said, adding that current bid process cannot go forward since there are no EoIs.

Air India is staying afloat on a bailout package worth over Rs 30,000 crore approved by the previous UPA regime in 2012.

Aviation consultancy CAPA urged the government to carry out a comprehensive restructuring of debt-ridden Air India and followed by 100 per cent divestment with less complex terms.

A joint forum of Air India employee unions claimed "victory" as the government failed to attract bidders.

In a major setback to the Air India disinvestment process, the government today said no initial bids were received for the proposed stake sale and various options would be explored for the future of the debt-laden national carrier. The deadline for submission of Expression of Interest (EoI) ended today with not a single bidder evincing interest in the airline, nearly one year after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government gave its nod for the stake sale. In nearly two decades, this is the second time that Air India stake sale has not taken off. Back in 2001, during the then NDA government, the disinvestment process was scrapped. "As informed by the transaction adviser, no response has been received for the Expression of Interest floated for the strategic disinvestment of Air India," the Civil Aviation Ministry said in a tweet. "Further course of action will be decided appropriately," it added. EY is the transaction adviser for the process. Civil Aviation Secretary R N Choubey said the government was expecting better participation for the Air India stake sale and indicated that there could be a re-think on the strategy. The alternative mechanism headed by the finance minister would decide the future course of action on Air India disinvestment, Choubey said, even as he emphasised that the government would not like the airline to lose the market share. A joint forum of Air India employee unions claimed "victory" as the government failed to attract bidders. To a query on the possible impact on the government's fiscal deficit and disinvestment target, Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg said, "We would need to look at what these options are whichever option is chosen... will have an implication for the current year". The government has proposed to offload 76 per cent equity share capital of the national carrier as well as transfer the management control to private players, as per the preliminary information memorandum. The transaction would involve Air India, its low-cost arm Air India Express and Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt Ltd. The latter is an equal joint venture between the national carrier and Singapore-based SATS Ltd. Under the proposed disinvestment process, around Rs 33,000 crore debt would have remained with Air India. The national carrier's debt burden was about Rs 50,000 crore at the end of March 2017. Earlier this month, the government had extended the EoI submission deadline to May 31 from the previous date of May 14. The qualified interested bidders were to be intimated on June 15. "The buzz we received (about Air India stake sale) was certainly encouraging... The transaction adviser will be finding out what is it that they (potential bidders) still found to be a deterrent. We will sit together and take stock," he noted. Choubey said the entire process has been a great learning experience and we are in a much better position to judge what the market wants. "We, again and again, informed the market that the government has no intention of doing any kind of control other than whatever is the limited rights that we will get as part of shareholders' agreement. We did not leave it ambiguous. Our impression is that we were very very clear which ought to have given the comfort that the new buyer can run exactly as it wants," he said. The government would retain 24 per cent stake in the national carrier, the winning bidder would be required to stay invested in the airline for at least three years, as per the memorandum that was issued on March 28. Indicating that there would be a re-think on disinvestment strategy, Choubey said the government would factor in all the learnings, including those related to employees and debt while deciding the future course of action. The government will ensure that the airline does not face "any operational difficulties following the latest developments", Choubey said. He was responding to a query on whether the airline would now be having more financial uncertainties as there are decisions linked to the outcome of the disinvestment process. In April, both IndiGo and Jet Airways had said that they would not be participating in the Air India disinvestment process. IndiGo was the first to evince interest in Air India disinvestment when the government had mooted the plan last year. Explaining about the next steps, Choubey said the process involves going to the evaluation committee -- which is an inter-ministerial grouping -- under the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), then to the Core Group on Disinvestment headed by Cabinet Secretary and finally to the alternative mechanism. The alternative mechanism on Air India is likely to take up the matter in a couple of weeks, he added. "Various options are available and the alternate mechanism would take a call," he said, adding that current bid process cannot go forward since there are no EoIs. Air India is staying afloat on a bailout package worth over Rs 30,000 crore approved by the previous UPA regime in 2012. Aviation consultancy CAPA urged the government to carry out a comprehensive restructuring of debt-ridden Air India and followed by 100 per cent divestment with less complex terms.

No bidders for Air India stake sale; govt likely to re-think strategy

In the wake of Nipah virus claiming 10 lives in Kerala, the Goa government today said there was nothing to worry about in the state, but measures were still being taken to prevent its possible spread.

"As of now, there is no alert issued for Goa by any agency, including the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), whose team is in Kerala assessing the ground-level situation," Dr Utkarsh Betodkar, State Surveillance Officer of Directorate of Health Services said.

He said there was no need to panic as it has not affected the entire state of Kerala, but only a specific area of Kozhikode.

The Nipah virus has so far claimed 10 lives in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in north Kerala, while the condition of two persons undergoing treatment for the viral disease is said to be critical, the Kerala government has confirmed.

According to Betodkar, the Goa government was not taking any chances and has already contacted Manipal Centre for Virus Research (MCVR) to assess the situation.

Responding to a question, the officer said there was no need to screen the tourists arriving from Kerala.

"Screening of the tourists or visitors can happen only when there are specific guidelines issued by the Centre. Right now, there are no such guidelines," he said.

Fruit-eating bats are the primary host of the Nipah Virus, which can cause disease in both animals and humans.

So far, there is no vaccine against the virus, which was first identified in 1998 in Kampung Sungai Nipah, Malaysia.

The Nipah virus has so far claimed 10 lives in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in north Kerala.

In the wake of Nipah virus claiming 10 lives in Kerala, the Goa government today said there was nothing to worry about in the state, but measures were still being taken to prevent its possible spread. "As of now, there is no alert issued for Goa by any agency, including the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), whose team is in Kerala assessing the ground-level situation," Dr Utkarsh Betodkar, State Surveillance Officer of Directorate of Health Services said. He said there was no need to panic as it has not affected the entire state of Kerala, but only a specific area of Kozhikode. The Nipah virus has so far claimed 10 lives in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in north Kerala, while the condition of two persons undergoing treatment for the viral disease is said to be critical, the Kerala government has confirmed. According to Betodkar, the Goa government was not taking any chances and has already contacted Manipal Centre for Virus Research (MCVR) to assess the situation. Responding to a question, the officer said there was no need to screen the tourists arriving from Kerala. "Screening of the tourists or visitors can happen only when there are specific guidelines issued by the Centre. Right now, there are no such guidelines," he said. Fruit-eating bats are the primary host of the Nipah Virus, which can cause disease in both animals and humans. So far, there is no vaccine against the virus, which was first identified in 1998 in Kampung Sungai Nipah, Malaysia.

Nipah virus: No need to panic in Goa, says govt

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is undertaking his third round of campaigning in poll-bound Karnataka on Thursday.

The BJP has also lined up a galaxy of leaders, including Union home minister Rajnath Singh, to address public meetings in the next few days, BJP sources said.&nbsp;

On the second day of Karnataka poll campaign, PM Modi is on visit of Ballari and Bengaluru. India's prime minister stepped into the poll campaign on May 1 in a heated last leg burst addressing rallies in Mysuru, Udupi and Belagavi.&nbsp;PM Modi had addressed the farmers in Karnataka through the Namo App on Wednesday which was live-streamed across the poll-bound state.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-siddaramaiahs-pride-of-kannadigas-plank-a-master-ploy-or-flawed-parochial-approach-134369">Opinion — Siddaramaiah's 'pride of Kannadigas' plank a master ploy or 'flawed' parochial approach?</a>

PM Modi's&nbsp;speech at Ballari:&nbsp;

16:09 PM: PM Modi attacks Congress over illegal mining in Karnataka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Look at the rising illegal mining in the state. The Congress government here couldn't even frame a strong mining policy. Karnataka has a 'Sidda-Rupaiah Sarkar'. It has created a debt-burden for the state."

16:06 PM:&nbsp;Congress government in Karnataka is in 'sleep mode.' They did not spend the funds Centre allocated for development of the state, said PM.

16:00 PM: We wanted OBC Commission to get constitutional status but the Congress did not let it happen, the Prime Minister added.

16:00 PM: Congress indulges in vote-bank politics. They divide people on the grounds of caste. They are insensitive towards the tribal communities and the OBCs said PM.

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When we had got the opportunity to serve people of Karnataka earlier, so many development initiatives were undertaken. But sadly, Congress couldn't even ensure proper water supply despite the state being rich in water resources: PM Narendra Modi in Ballari <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/CzFlF6nfc8">pic.twitter.com/CzFlF6nfc8</a>
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Look at the rising illegal mining in state. Congress govt here couldn't even frame a strong mining policy. Karnataka has a 'Sidda-Rupaiah Sarkar'. It has created a debt-burden for the state: PM Modi in Ballari <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/bGi0paXYrx">pic.twitter.com/bGi0paXYrx</a>
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Congress has ruined the rich history & legacy of Ballari. By defaming Ballari, they have disrespected the people of this district. Your enthusiasm & zeal shows that the Congress is going to lose Karnataka: PM Narendra Modi in Ballari <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/crhyK3KvlY">pic.twitter.com/crhyK3KvlY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/991976738233159681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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15:16 PM:&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Congress leader Sonia Gandhi had promised Rs 3,000 crore packages for development of Ballari when she fought from here but once the Congress came to power, she forgot about it.&nbsp;

15:10&nbsp;PM: Congress has ruined the rich history and legacy of Ballari. By defaming Ballari, they have disrespected the people of this district, he said.

15:06 PM: "Looking at the number of people who have arrived at this rally in Ballari I can already see that Congress is going to lose its last bastion soon,"&nbsp;Modi said.

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Prime minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi are in Karnataka on Thursday as a part of their election campaigns in the state ahead of the May 12 assembly election.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is undertaking his third round of campaigning in poll-bound Karnataka on Thursday. The BJP has also lined up a galaxy of leaders, including Union home minister Rajnath Singh, to address public meetings in the next few days, BJP sources said. On the second day of Karnataka poll campaign, PM Modi is on visit of Ballari and Bengaluru. India's prime minister stepped into the poll campaign on May 1 in a heated last leg burst addressing rallies in Mysuru, Udupi and Belagavi. PM Modi had addressed the farmers in Karnataka through the Namo App on Wednesday which was live-streamed across the poll-bound state. Also read: Opinion — Siddaramaiah's 'pride of Kannadigas' plank a master ploy or 'flawed' parochial approach? PM Modi's speech at Ballari: 16:09 PM: PM Modi attacks Congress over illegal mining in Karnataka Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Look at the rising illegal mining in the state. The Congress government here couldn't even frame a strong mining policy. Karnataka has a 'Sidda-Rupaiah Sarkar'. It has created a debt-burden for the state." 16:06 PM: Congress government in Karnataka is in 'sleep mode.' They did not spend the funds Centre allocated for development of the state, said PM. 16:00 PM: We wanted OBC Commission to get constitutional status but the Congress did not let it happen, the Prime Minister added. 16:00 PM: Congress indulges in vote-bank politics. They divide people on the grounds of caste. They are insensitive towards the tribal communities and the OBCs said PM. When we had got the opportunity to serve people of Karnataka earlier, so many development initiatives were undertaken. But sadly, Congress couldn't even ensure proper water supply despite the state being rich in water resources: PM Narendra Modi in Ballari #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/CzFlF6nfc8 — ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2018 × Look at the rising illegal mining in state. Congress govt here couldn't even frame a strong mining policy. Karnataka has a 'Sidda-Rupaiah Sarkar'. It has created a debt-burden for the state: PM Modi in Ballari #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/bGi0paXYrx — ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2018 × Congress has ruined the rich history & legacy of Ballari. By defaming Ballari, they have disrespected the people of this district. Your enthusiasm & zeal shows that the Congress is going to lose Karnataka: PM Narendra Modi in Ballari #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/crhyK3KvlY — ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2018 × 15:16 PM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Congress leader Sonia Gandhi had promised Rs 3,000 crore packages for development of Ballari when she fought from here but once the Congress came to power, she forgot about it. 15:10 PM: Congress has ruined the rich history and legacy of Ballari. By defaming Ballari, they have disrespected the people of this district, he said. 15:06 PM: "Looking at the number of people who have arrived at this rally in Ballari I can already see that Congress is going to lose its last bastion soon," Modi said.

Karnataka elections 2018: 'Sidda-rupaiya' government expert at corruption, says Modi

Former finance minister P Chidambaram today said the "ghost" of demonetisation has come back to haunt the government and alleged that the Rs 2,000 notes were printed only to help hoarders.

In the wake of a cash crunch in some parts of the country, he also said there was a possibility that people have lost confidence in the banking system due to the "bank scams" and they were not putting their surplus money into the banks.

"The ghost of demonetisation has come back to haunt the Govt/RBI. Why are ATMs still being re-calibrated even 17 months after demonetisation?

"After demonetising 500 and 1000 rupee notes, Govt printed Rs 2000 notes! Now, Govt is complaining that Rs 2000 notes are being hoarded!! We always knew that Rs 2000 notes were printed only to help hoarders," he said in a series of tweets.

Dismissing the statement of the Reserve Bank of India that there was no shortage of currency in the system as "unsatisfactory", the senior Congress leader said if the RBI has printed and supplied sufficient cash, it must explain why there is a cash shortage.

"I also suspect that RBI seriously miscalculated demand for cash in the post-harvest season. Is it correct that currency in circulation has increased by only 2.75 percent since demonetisation? If so, I maintain that Govt/RBI are not allowing money supply to grow at the same rate as the nominal GDP," he said.

Chidambaram said he suspected ordinary people were withdrawing cash but not putting back into the banks their surplus cash.

"It is possible that there is some loss of confidence in the banking system, thanks to the bank scams," he said.

He said he supported the digitisation, but the government cannot force the pace of digitisation or arbitrarily reduce the supply of cash.

According to officials, cash position across the country is improving fast with over 80 percent of 2.2 lakh ATMs operating normally today.

Unusual spurt in demand for currency had led to many ATMs and banks running out of cash in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana and poll-bound Karnataka and some other states yesterday even as the government and the RBI assured the public that there was no currency shortage.

In the wake of cash crunch in some parts of the country, he also said there was a possibility that people have lost confidence in the banking system due to the "bank scams" and they were not putting their surplus money into the banks.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram today said the "ghost" of demonetisation has come back to haunt the government and alleged that the Rs 2,000 notes were printed only to help hoarders. In the wake of a cash crunch in some parts of the country, he also said there was a possibility that people have lost confidence in the banking system due to the "bank scams" and they were not putting their surplus money into the banks. "The ghost of demonetisation has come back to haunt the Govt/RBI. Why are ATMs still being re-calibrated even 17 months after demonetisation? "After demonetising 500 and 1000 rupee notes, Govt printed Rs 2000 notes! Now, Govt is complaining that Rs 2000 notes are being hoarded!! We always knew that Rs 2000 notes were printed only to help hoarders," he said in a series of tweets. Dismissing the statement of the Reserve Bank of India that there was no shortage of currency in the system as "unsatisfactory", the senior Congress leader said if the RBI has printed and supplied sufficient cash, it must explain why there is a cash shortage. "I also suspect that RBI seriously miscalculated demand for cash in the post-harvest season. Is it correct that currency in circulation has increased by only 2.75 percent since demonetisation? If so, I maintain that Govt/RBI are not allowing money supply to grow at the same rate as the nominal GDP," he said. Chidambaram said he suspected ordinary people were withdrawing cash but not putting back into the banks their surplus cash. "It is possible that there is some loss of confidence in the banking system, thanks to the bank scams," he said. He said he supported the digitisation, but the government cannot force the pace of digitisation or arbitrarily reduce the supply of cash. According to officials, cash position across the country is improving fast with over 80 percent of 2.2 lakh ATMs operating normally today. Unusual spurt in demand for currency had led to many ATMs and banks running out of cash in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana and poll-bound Karnataka and some other states yesterday even as the government and the RBI assured the public that there was no currency shortage.

'Ghost' of demonetisation has returned to haunt government: P Chidambaram

Nepal has stepped into a new era of political stability and economic development following the successful holding of the local, provincial and federal elections, President Bidya Devi Bhandari said today.

Nepal concluded the three phase of provincial, local and parliamentary elections as part of its efforts to implement the new Constitution that was promulgated in September 2015.

The new government led by Left parties under Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli convened its first Parliament session on March 5 after the Himalayan nation successfully held landmark provincial and federal elections.

While making her first address to a joint meeting of Parliament -- House of Representatives and National Assembly -- Bhandari said the significant phase of the Constitution implementation has been over following the successful holding of parliamentary and provincial elections.

This was Bhandari's first address in the Parliament after being re-elected as the head of state for the second time on March 14. 
The CPN-UML has 121 members, the NC has 63, and the CPN-MC has 53 while the Federal Socialist Forum Nepal has 17 and the Rashtriya Janata Party Nepal has 16 members.

The successful conclusion of elections has brought an end to the protracted political transition and uncertainty and induced rays of hope for prosperity, she said.

Bhandari underlined the need for cooperation with the neighbouring countries for the prosperity and development of the country.

She expressed hope that Nepal will be free from corruption and called on all to join hands to put an end to corruption prevalent in the country. She also called for a violence-free society, stating that the country should not involve in any kind of violence under any pretext.

Stating that Nepal was listed in the least-developed countries due to the weak governance and administrations, she said that from now onwards, the country should head towards the path of economic development at a faster pace.

As a large number of youths are going abroad in search of employment, it is high time for the government to address their expectations for the development of the country, the president added.

This was Bhandari's first address in the Parliament after being re-elected as the head of state for the second time on March 14.

Nepal has stepped into a new era of political stability and economic development following the successful holding of the local, provincial and federal elections, President Bidya Devi Bhandari said today. Nepal concluded the three phase of provincial, local and parliamentary elections as part of its efforts to implement the new Constitution that was promulgated in September 2015. The new government led by Left parties under Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli convened its first Parliament session on March 5 after the Himalayan nation successfully held landmark provincial and federal elections. While making her first address to a joint meeting of Parliament -- House of Representatives and National Assembly -- Bhandari said the significant phase of the Constitution implementation has been over following the successful holding of parliamentary and provincial elections. This was Bhandari's first address in the Parliament after being re-elected as the head of state for the second time on March 14. The CPN-UML has 121 members, the NC has 63, and the CPN-MC has 53 while the Federal Socialist Forum Nepal has 17 and the Rashtriya Janata Party Nepal has 16 members. The successful conclusion of elections has brought an end to the protracted political transition and uncertainty and induced rays of hope for prosperity, she said. Bhandari underlined the need for cooperation with the neighbouring countries for the prosperity and development of the country. She expressed hope that Nepal will be free from corruption and called on all to join hands to put an end to corruption prevalent in the country. She also called for a violence-free society, stating that the country should not involve in any kind of violence under any pretext. Stating that Nepal was listed in the least-developed countries due to the weak governance and administrations, she said that from now onwards, the country should head towards the path of economic development at a faster pace. As a large number of youths are going abroad in search of employment, it is high time for the government to address their expectations for the development of the country, the president added.

Nepal govt needs to focus on development, says President Bidya Devi Bhandari

The government today cleared the signing of an agreement between India and Vietnam to intensify economic cooperation and expand bilateral trade.

The decision, taken by the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here, comes ahead of Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang&#39;s three-day visit to India later this week.

India and Vietnam have set a target of USD 15 billion in bilateral trade by 2020, from around USD 7 billion at present.

&quot;The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would expand more bilateral trade and economic cooperation between India and Vietnam,&quot; an official statement said.&nbsp;

It aimed to intensify economic cooperation and expand bilateral trade

The government today cleared the signing of an agreement between India and Vietnam to intensify economic cooperation and expand bilateral trade. The decision, taken by the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here, comes ahead of Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang's three-day visit to India later this week. India and Vietnam have set a target of USD 15 billion in bilateral trade by 2020, from around USD 7 billion at present. "The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would expand more bilateral trade and economic cooperation between India and Vietnam," an official statement said.

Govt approves India, Vietnam pact to expand bilateral trade

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