At least 30 people have been killed because of sudden torrential rains and flooding in southern India, officials said Thursday.

In Hyderabad city, home to top IT companies, nine people were killed when a wall collapsed on them and 10 others died from electrocution and drowning, a local official told AFP.

Dramatic images showed cars being washed away by swirling waters, bridges submerged by swollen rivers and trucks stranded on roads inundated by flooding Wednesday.

Eight members of a family, who were standing in their balcony to watch the rain, were also washed away due to sudden flooding in Hyderabad.&nbsp;

Two of them were found dead and the search is on for the remaining six, the Times of India reported.&nbsp; 
Personnel from the army and the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed to evacuate stranded residents.

Weather officials blamed the sudden deluge on a depression in the Bay of Bengal.&nbsp;

Telangana state is the hardest hit area but the &nbsp;flooding has also affected neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Flash floods kill hundreds of people across India every year, with experts blaming poor construction and warning systems for the fatalities.

At least 30 people have been killed because of sudden torrential rains and flooding in southern India, officials said Thursday. In Hyderabad city, home to top IT companies, nine people were killed when a wall collapsed on them and 10 others died from electrocution and drowning, a local official told AFP.

At least 30 people have been killed because of sudden torrential rains and flooding in southern India, officials said Thursday. In Hyderabad city, home to top IT companies, nine people were killed when a wall collapsed on them and 10 others died from electrocution and drowning, a local official told AFP. Dramatic images showed cars being washed away by swirling waters, bridges submerged by swollen rivers and trucks stranded on roads inundated by flooding Wednesday. Eight members of a family, who were standing in their balcony to watch the rain, were also washed away due to sudden flooding in Hyderabad. Two of them were found dead and the search is on for the remaining six, the Times of India reported. Personnel from the army and the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed to evacuate stranded residents. Weather officials blamed the sudden deluge on a depression in the Bay of Bengal. Telangana state is the hardest hit area but the flooding has also affected neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Flash floods kill hundreds of people across India every year, with experts blaming poor construction and warning systems for the fatalities.

Heavy rains kill 30 in southern India

India's financial city Mumbai is now facing a complete blackout. It is currently being said that a grid failure has caused a massive power outage in Mumbai and surrounding areas.

India: Citywide power outage in Mumbai due to grid failure

Indian Superfan of Trump Bussa Krishna was worried over Trump’s health as soon as he heard that the US President tested COVID positive. He died of a massive cardiac arrest at Toopran.

Indian Superfan upset over Trump's health dies

IMF has said that India's gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to contract by 10.3% due to the impact of the national lockdown and the income shock experienced by households and firms due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

IMF's biannual world economic outlook: India's GDP to contract

China has reacted to India's big infrastructural push along the LAC in Ladakh. China said that the Indian side has been ramping up intracultural development along the border and stepping up military deployment. Watch report.

India-China border standoff: Infrastructure along LAC, cause of tensions

The Indian Air Force on Saturday displayed its aerial might by carrying out sorties in the Leh-Ladakh region near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). India’s preparedness to protect its territory and uphold its territorial integrity was marked by sorties by C-17 Globemaster, Ilyushin-76 and Antonio-32 transport, along with the Apache and Chinook heavy-lift choppers.

India-China standoff: MiG 29, Chinook part of the operation in Ladakh

Inching closer to overtake the united states, India's coronavirus cases have now surged past the 7 million mark. In the last 24-hours, India has recorded 74,383 cases. Watch report,

Coronavirus pandemic: India COVID-19 cases cross 7 million mark

The World Bank has said India’s GDP is expected to further contract by 9.6% this fiscal as a reflection of the economic slump the country has suffered due to the national lockdown induced by the coronavirus pandemic.

World Bank: India's GDP to contract in FY21

The pomp and grandeur Associated with Navratri in Gujarat will be largely missing this year as the state government on Friday banned organisation of any 'garba' event during the upcoming festival due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The government said it will not allow any type of garba event in the state during Navratri, starting from October 17, and also released a set of guidelines for the festive season, which usually sees large gatherings, a fertile ground for COVID-19 spread.&nbsp;

For the upcoming festivals, the BJP government released standard operating procedures (SOPs) which stress on COVID-19-appropriate behaviour by citizens to curb the infection.

No big, medium or small scale garba event will be allowed in the state during the nine-day festival, the government said.

Garba is a popular folk dance of Gujarat and is performed with passion and fervour during the Navratri festival.

The government, however, will allow collective prayers to Goddess Durga where number of people should not be more than 200, it said in a release.

The time limit of prayers will beof one hour, but nobody can perform garba at such gatherings, it said. 
Prior permission of government authorities has been made mandatory for organisation of community prayer programmes during Navratri.

At prayer gatherings, COVID-19-related norms such as social distancing, covering of face with masks and use of sanitisers will be mandatory, the release said.

The government said citizens above 65, children below 10 years, pregnant women and people with comorbidities should avoid participating in any public programme during the festivals.

Navratri is one of the most popular festivals of Gujarat and is called the longest dance festival of the world. Revellers dance to the tune of traditional music and songs for nine nights.

The government said event such as burning of effigies of Ravana, Ramlila yatras, rallies, melas (congregations), exhibitions would not be allowed during the festive season (from Navratri to Diwali).

It advised people to celebrate festivals like Dussehra, Durga puja, Diwali, Gujarati New Year, Bhai dooj and Sharad Poornima at their homes with their families.

In the SOPs, the government said up to 100 people can attend functions such as marriage and the same number will be allowed at funerals.

During any event, the organisers will have to do floor marking with minimum distance of 6 feet, it said. 
Thermal scanners are compulsory at Navratri community prayers and other events, the release said.

The pomp and grandeur Associated with Navratri in Gujarat will be largely missing this year as the state government on Friday banned organisation of any 'garba' event during the upcoming festival due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The pomp and grandeur Associated with Navratri in Gujarat will be largely missing this year as the state government on Friday banned organisation of any 'garba' event during the upcoming festival due to the coronavirus pandemic. The government said it will not allow any type of garba event in the state during Navratri, starting from October 17, and also released a set of guidelines for the festive season, which usually sees large gatherings, a fertile ground for COVID-19 spread. For the upcoming festivals, the BJP government released standard operating procedures (SOPs) which stress on COVID-19-appropriate behaviour by citizens to curb the infection. No big, medium or small scale garba event will be allowed in the state during the nine-day festival, the government said. Garba is a popular folk dance of Gujarat and is performed with passion and fervour during the Navratri festival. The government, however, will allow collective prayers to Goddess Durga where number of people should not be more than 200, it said in a release. The time limit of prayers will beof one hour, but nobody can perform garba at such gatherings, it said. Prior permission of government authorities has been made mandatory for organisation of community prayer programmes during Navratri. At prayer gatherings, COVID-19-related norms such as social distancing, covering of face with masks and use of sanitisers will be mandatory, the release said. The government said citizens above 65, children below 10 years, pregnant women and people with comorbidities should avoid participating in any public programme during the festivals. Navratri is one of the most popular festivals of Gujarat and is called the longest dance festival of the world. Revellers dance to the tune of traditional music and songs for nine nights. The government said event such as burning of effigies of Ravana, Ramlila yatras, rallies, melas (congregations), exhibitions would not be allowed during the festive season (from Navratri to Diwali). It advised people to celebrate festivals like Dussehra, Durga puja, Diwali, Gujarati New Year, Bhai dooj and Sharad Poornima at their homes with their families. In the SOPs, the government said up to 100 people can attend functions such as marriage and the same number will be allowed at funerals. During any event, the organisers will have to do floor marking with minimum distance of 6 feet, it said. Thermal scanners are compulsory at Navratri community prayers and other events, the release said.

No garba in Gujarat this Navratri due to coronavirus

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday condoled the death of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, stating that he was an efficient administrator who worked closely with him and was an important Dalit leader face in the Central government of many parties.

In his condolence letter to Ram Vilas Paswan`s son, Chirag Paswan, who is an MP from Jamui in Bihar and is the chief of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), the former Prime Minister said,&nbsp;

"I have learnt with profound sorrow about the passing away of your beloved father. He was an important Dalit leader face in the Central government of many parties.

"Recalling his stint with Ram Vilas Paswan from 2004 to 2014 during the United Progressive Alliance 1 and 2 governments at the Centre, Singh said, "I have very warm recollections of my association with him as a member of the UPA government which I led in 2004. The veteran socialist leader was also a very efficient administrator who worked very closely with me as a Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, and also served as Minister in various ministries."

The veteran Congress leader said Ram Vilas Paswan was a mass leader with a wide popularity, which was evident from the fact that he won Parliament elections with a record majority from his constituency.

"He was also a leader who was loved and respected by all irrespective of their political leniency. In his death, the country has lost one of its greatest Dalit and socialist leaders, who always stood for the cause of poor and downtrodden of the scoiety," he said.Earlier today, the mortal remains of Paswan were taken to his residence in New Delhi from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where he breathed his last on Thursday.

The Union Minister, who hailed from Bihar, passed away at the age of 74. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President JP Nadda, and several senior leaders paid tribute to the late leader at his residence in the national capital.&nbsp;

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday condoled the death of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, stating that he was an efficient administrator who worked closely with him and was an important Dalit leader face in the Central government of many parties.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday condoled the death of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, stating that he was an efficient administrator who worked closely with him and was an important Dalit leader face in the Central government of many parties. In his condolence letter to Ram Vilas Paswan`s son, Chirag Paswan, who is an MP from Jamui in Bihar and is the chief of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), the former Prime Minister said, "I have learnt with profound sorrow about the passing away of your beloved father. He was an important Dalit leader face in the Central government of many parties. "Recalling his stint with Ram Vilas Paswan from 2004 to 2014 during the United Progressive Alliance 1 and 2 governments at the Centre, Singh said, "I have very warm recollections of my association with him as a member of the UPA government which I led in 2004. The veteran socialist leader was also a very efficient administrator who worked very closely with me as a Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, and also served as Minister in various ministries." The veteran Congress leader said Ram Vilas Paswan was a mass leader with a wide popularity, which was evident from the fact that he won Parliament elections with a record majority from his constituency. "He was also a leader who was loved and respected by all irrespective of their political leniency. In his death, the country has lost one of its greatest Dalit and socialist leaders, who always stood for the cause of poor and downtrodden of the scoiety," he said.Earlier today, the mortal remains of Paswan were taken to his residence in New Delhi from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where he breathed his last on Thursday. The Union Minister, who hailed from Bihar, passed away at the age of 74. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President JP Nadda, and several senior leaders paid tribute to the late leader at his residence in the national capital.

Ram Vilas Paswan was efficient administrator, stood for cause of poor, downtrodden: Manmohan Singh

Google is facing a new antitrust case in India in which the US tech giant is alleged to have abused its Android operating system's position in the smart television market. Watch report.

Google faces new antitrust case in India over abuse in smart TVs market

India's coronavirus tally has crossed the 67-lakh with a spike of 72,049 new COVID-19 cases and 986 deaths in the last 24 hours.

According to the Union Health Ministry, Total tally, as of Wednesday, stands at 67,57,132 including 9,07,883 active cases, 57,44,694 recoveries &nbsp;and 1,04,555 deaths, as per Union Health Ministry data.

The ministry also said that India's Positivity Rate is steadily maintained below 10 per cent. The cumulative figure is 8.28 per cent and the daily figure is 7.52 per cent. 
 
Meanwhile, the overall number of global coronavirus cases has topped 35.7 million, while the deaths have increased to more than 1,048,700, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

As of Wednesday, the total number of cases stood at 35,733,340 and the fatalities rose to 1,048,742, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's coronavirus tally has crossed the 67-lakh with a spike of 72,049 new COVID-19 cases and 986 deaths in the last 24 hours. According to the Union Health Ministry, Total tally, as of Wednesday, stands at 67,57,132 including 9,07,883 active cases, 57,44,694 recoveries and 1,04,555 deaths, as per Union Health Ministry data.

India's coronavirus tally has crossed the 67-lakh with a spike of 72,049 new COVID-19 cases and 986 deaths in the last 24 hours. According to the Union Health Ministry, Total tally, as of Wednesday, stands at 67,57,132 including 9,07,883 active cases, 57,44,694 recoveries and 1,04,555 deaths, as per Union Health Ministry data. The ministry also said that India's Positivity Rate is steadily maintained below 10 per cent. The cumulative figure is 8.28 per cent and the daily figure is 7.52 per cent. Meanwhile, the overall number of global coronavirus cases has topped 35.7 million, while the deaths have increased to more than 1,048,700, according to the Johns Hopkins University. As of Wednesday, the total number of cases stood at 35,733,340 and the fatalities rose to 1,048,742, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. (With inputs from agencies)

986 deaths in last 24 hours takes India's coronavirus toll to 1,04,555

The spike in India’s daily coronavirus infections dropped below 65,000 on Tuesday and the total recoveries surpassed 56 lakh improving the recovery rate to 84.70 per cent, the Union Health Ministry said.

India reported 61,267 fresh infections of the novel Coronavirus, taking the case tally to 66,85,082, health officials said.&nbsp;

This is the lowest daily spike since August.

Though the cases are increasing, the recovery rate is 84.34 per cent in India which is less that Chile that has over 92 per cent cure rate, while US that tops the Covid-19 cases in the world has around 33 per cent recovery rate.

The fatality rate has come down to 1.55 per cent, the data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.&nbsp;

Out of the total cases, 9,19,023 are currently active, 56,62,490 have been discharged, while 1,03,569 lost the battle against the viral disease.

Maharashtra continues to be the worst-hit with a total of 14,53,653 cases, including 38,347 deaths; followed by Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

Meanwhile, the World Bank has said that the novel coronavirus pandemic will likely drive up child mortality rates in developing countries by slightly less than half of the current rate.

"Our early estimates suggest a potential increase of up to 45 percent in child mortality because of health service shortfalls and reduction in access to food," World Bank president David Malpass said during a virtual discussion ahead of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund annual meetings next week.

(With inputs from agencies)

The spike in India’s daily coronavirus infections dropped below 65,000 on Tuesday and the total recoveries surpassed 56 lakh improving the recovery rate to 84.70 per cent, the Union Health Ministry said.

The spike in India’s daily coronavirus infections dropped below 65,000 on Tuesday and the total recoveries surpassed 56 lakh improving the recovery rate to 84.70 per cent, the Union Health Ministry said. India reported 61,267 fresh infections of the novel Coronavirus, taking the case tally to 66,85,082, health officials said. This is the lowest daily spike since August. Though the cases are increasing, the recovery rate is 84.34 per cent in India which is less that Chile that has over 92 per cent cure rate, while US that tops the Covid-19 cases in the world has around 33 per cent recovery rate. The fatality rate has come down to 1.55 per cent, the data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. Out of the total cases, 9,19,023 are currently active, 56,62,490 have been discharged, while 1,03,569 lost the battle against the viral disease. Maharashtra continues to be the worst-hit with a total of 14,53,653 cases, including 38,347 deaths; followed by Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Meanwhile, the World Bank has said that the novel coronavirus pandemic will likely drive up child mortality rates in developing countries by slightly less than half of the current rate. "Our early estimates suggest a potential increase of up to 45 percent in child mortality because of health service shortfalls and reduction in access to food," World Bank president David Malpass said during a virtual discussion ahead of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund annual meetings next week. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: India reports 61,267 new cases, 884 deaths

The Department of School Education and Literacy and the Ministry of Education on Monday (October 5, 2020) issued guidelines for reopening of schools in India.

India: Schools to reopen from October 15, government issues SOPs

India's coronavirus tally crossed 66-lakh with a spike of 74,442 new cases and 903 deaths reported in last 24 hours, according to the Health Ministry on Monday.

With 74,442 new cases, the tally reaches 66,23,816 including 9,34,427 active cases, 55,86,704 recoveries and 1,02,685 deaths as per Union Health Ministry data.

According to the Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare, India has exceeded 140 tests per day per million population as advised by the World Health Organisation by nearly 6 times. Several states/UTs have demonstrated better performance than the national average.

Meanwhile, The Government of India hopes to receive up to 50 crore doses of coronavirus vaccine by July 2021 to inoculate about 25 crore people, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday, as infections in the world’s second-worst affected country continue to surge.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's coronavirus tally crossed 66-lakh with a spike of 74,442 new cases and 903 deaths reported in last 24 hours, according to the Health Ministry on Monday. With 74,442 new cases, the tally reaches 66,23,816 including 9,34,427 active cases, 55,86,704 recoveries and 1,02,685 deaths as per Union Health Ministry data.

India's coronavirus tally crossed 66-lakh with a spike of 74,442 new cases and 903 deaths reported in last 24 hours, according to the Health Ministry on Monday. With 74,442 new cases, the tally reaches 66,23,816 including 9,34,427 active cases, 55,86,704 recoveries and 1,02,685 deaths as per Union Health Ministry data. According to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India has exceeded 140 tests per day per million population as advised by the World Health Organisation by nearly 6 times. Several states/UTs have demonstrated better performance than the national average. Meanwhile, The Government of India hopes to receive up to 50 crore doses of coronavirus vaccine by July 2021 to inoculate about 25 crore people, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday, as infections in the world’s second-worst affected country continue to surge. (With inputs from agencies)

903 deaths in last 24 hours takes India's coronavirus toll to 1,02,685

The prompt spread of the deadly Covid-19 virus has raised concerns over surface-to-humans transmissions, including through currency notes.&nbsp;

The possible spread of coronavirus through currency notes has been reviving concerns around handling of cash during an epidemic.

Traders’ body Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Sunday said that in response to the issue around currency notes being possible carriers of viruses included Covid-19, the Reserve Bank of India has “hinted that ‘the currency notes could be carriers of bacteria and viruses including Covid virus’,” according to a statement by CAIT.&nbsp;

The body had written a letter to the Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraman on March 9, 2020, seeking clarity on the issue but the letter was forwarded to the RBI. The latter responded to CAIT on October 3, 2020, over an email, a copy of which was shared by CAIT.

“RBI could not deny the fact and their reply fully indicates that the currency notes do carry viruses and bacteria,” the statement cited CAIT National President B.C. Bhartia and Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal as saying. RBI, however, in its reply to the letter said, “In this (currency notes carrying Covid-19 and other viruses) connection, we inform that the Reserve Bank, in terms of its clean note policy, provides good quality banknotes to the members of the public. With this objective in view, the banknotes received back from circulation are examined and those fit for circulation are reissued while the others (soiled and mutilated) are destroyed so as to maintain the quality of banknotes in circulation.”

RBI in its annual report released on August 29, 2019, had said that value and volume of banknotes in circulation increased by 17 per cent and 6.2 per cent to Rs 21,109 billion and 108,759 million pieces, respectively, during 2018-19.&nbsp;

The World Health Organisation has already advised taking measures to maintain proper hygiene post handling of notes.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The prompt spread of the deadly Covid-19 virus has raised concerns over surface-to-humans transmissions, including through currency notes. The possible spread of coronavirus through currency notes has been reviving concerns around handling of cash during an epidemic.

The prompt spread of the deadly Covid-19 virus has raised concerns over surface-to-humans transmissions, including through currency notes. The possible spread of coronavirus through currency notes has been reviving concerns around handling of cash during an epidemic. Traders’ body Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Sunday said that in response to the issue around currency notes being possible carriers of viruses included Covid-19, the Reserve Bank of India has “hinted that ‘the currency notes could be carriers of bacteria and viruses including Covid virus’,” according to a statement by CAIT. The body had written a letter to the Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraman on March 9, 2020, seeking clarity on the issue but the letter was forwarded to the RBI. The latter responded to CAIT on October 3, 2020, over an email, a copy of which was shared by CAIT. “RBI could not deny the fact and their reply fully indicates that the currency notes do carry viruses and bacteria,” the statement cited CAIT National President B.C. Bhartia and Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal as saying. RBI, however, in its reply to the letter said, “In this (currency notes carrying Covid-19 and other viruses) connection, we inform that the Reserve Bank, in terms of its clean note policy, provides good quality banknotes to the members of the public. With this objective in view, the banknotes received back from circulation are examined and those fit for circulation are reissued while the others (soiled and mutilated) are destroyed so as to maintain the quality of banknotes in circulation.” RBI in its annual report released on August 29, 2019, had said that value and volume of banknotes in circulation increased by 17 per cent and 6.2 per cent to Rs 21,109 billion and 108,759 million pieces, respectively, during 2018-19. The World Health Organisation has already advised taking measures to maintain proper hygiene post handling of notes. (With inputs from agencies)

RBI couldn’t deny that currency notes carry Covid-19, says CAIT

The Government of India hopes to receive up to 50 crore doses of coronavirus vaccine by July 2021 to inoculate about 25 crore people, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday, as infections in the world’s second-worst affected country continue to surge. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-firm-breaks-promise-made-to-bangladesh-on-covid-19-vaccine-trials-332517">Also read | Chinese firm breaks promise made to Bangladesh on COVID-19 vaccine trials</a> 
 
Dr Harsh Vardhan also expressed hope that we should have "very significant control" over COVID-19 by Diwali.

"...hopefully that in the next couple of months, maybe by Diwali time, we should have a very significant control over the coronavirus," Vardhan said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-scales-up-testing-capacity-from-1-in-january-to-over-77-cr-in-october-health-ministry-332379">Also read | India scales up testing capacity from 1 in January to over 7.7 cr in October: Health ministry</a>

"But, the virus has taught us a certain lesson, it has taught us there has to be a new normal and we need to be more diligent about, more cautious about our lifestyle...," he added.

According to the Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare, India has exceeded 140 tests per day per million population as advised by the World Health Organisation by nearly 6 times. Several states/UTs have demonstrated better performance than the national average.

India has set up committees to look into various aspects of the vaccine supply chain, including availability timelines for various vaccines, while obtaining commitments from manufacturers to ensure the maximum doses are available, Vardhan said.

He said the federal government is committed to taking all measures to ensure “fair and equitable” distribution of vaccines once they are ready. The South Asian nation, second only to the United States in caseload, has scope for higher infections as a large chunk of the population remains unexposed to the virus, a survey showed on Tuesday.

To prioritise the distribution of coronavirus vaccines, the health ministry aims to prepare a list of key personnel, such as frontline health workers, by the end of the month.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Government of India hopes to receive up to 50 crore doses of coronavirus vaccine by July 2021 to inoculate about 25 crore people, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday, as infections in the world’s second-worst affected country continue to surge.

The Government of India hopes to receive up to 50 crore doses of coronavirus vaccine by July 2021 to inoculate about 25 crore people, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday, as infections in the world’s second-worst affected country continue to surge. Also read | Chinese firm breaks promise made to Bangladesh on COVID-19 vaccine trials Dr Harsh Vardhan also expressed hope that we should have "very significant control" over COVID-19 by Diwali. "...hopefully that in the next couple of months, maybe by Diwali time, we should have a very significant control over the coronavirus," Vardhan said. Also read | India scales up testing capacity from 1 in January to over 7.7 cr in October: Health ministry "But, the virus has taught us a certain lesson, it has taught us there has to be a new normal and we need to be more diligent about, more cautious about our lifestyle...," he added. According to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India has exceeded 140 tests per day per million population as advised by the World Health Organisation by nearly 6 times. Several states/UTs have demonstrated better performance than the national average. India has set up committees to look into various aspects of the vaccine supply chain, including availability timelines for various vaccines, while obtaining commitments from manufacturers to ensure the maximum doses are available, Vardhan said. He said the federal government is committed to taking all measures to ensure “fair and equitable” distribution of vaccines once they are ready. The South Asian nation, second only to the United States in caseload, has scope for higher infections as a large chunk of the population remains unexposed to the virus, a survey showed on Tuesday. To prioritise the distribution of coronavirus vaccines, the health ministry aims to prepare a list of key personnel, such as frontline health workers, by the end of the month. (With inputs from agencies)

25 crore Indians to get coronavirus vaccine by July, 2021: Government

India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla along with country’s army chief General M.M. Naravane is visiting Myanmar on October 4 and 5. Shringla and Naravane meet State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the commander-in-chief of Myanmar’s powerful army.

WION Dispatch: How Myanmar is firmly in China's grip

Foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane met Myanmar’s state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi for talks on taking forward bilateral relations in a wide range of areas.

Indian foreign secretary, army chief meet Aung San Suu Kyi

Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria has sent a message to Pakistan and China. He said that the IAF is now prepared for a two-front war. Watch video.

IAF Chief: Ready for a two-front war, warns China and Pakistan

Just before the beginning of the festival season in India, the auto sector is showing signs of revival. Is the recovery permanent or is it a temporary rise?

Spur in Indian auto sector in the festival season

London's public transport authority has banned Indian ride-hailing company Ola citing 'public safety' failings.

London bans India's Ola over safety reasons

The government of India has planned to provide COVID vaccines to around 25 crore (250 million) people - of the country's 130 crore (1.3 billion) - by July 2021. Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said the government would receive between 400 and 500 million vaccine doses for this purpose and that it would ensure "equitable access".

India's roadmap for vaccine distribution: Health workers on priority list

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh’s Rohtang on October 3, which connects Solang Valley near Manali to Sissu in Lahaul and Spiti district. The Atal Tunnel is the longest highway tunnel in the world (9.02-km), built at an altitude of 3,000 meters.

Indian PM inaugurates Atal Tunnel | Designed for traffic density of 3000 cars, 1500 trucks

In a gesture signifying close India-Kuwait ties, the Indian flag was at half-mast in the country and at all the Indian missions across the world on Sunday as New Delhi paid its homage to departed Amir of Kuwait, Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The Amir died last week on 29th September. He had served as the foreign minister of the country for over forty years and Amir for over fourteen years.

India's envoy to Kuwait, Sibi George called him a "great friend and well-wisher" of&nbsp;India.&nbsp;

"He contributed immensely in building our bilateral partnership. He visited India several occasions including his memorable State visit," said George.

"As Amir, he welcomed several hundreds of thousands of Indians to Kuwait. We cherish his special liking for Indians and the special care he took for Indians here," he added.

Over one million Indian community members are present in Kuwait, making them the largest expatriate community in the West Asian country.

The Envoy said, "with his passing away, the Indian Community in Kuwait has also lost a benevolent leader who showered special care and affection on them. Indians today are loved and respected in this country.".

The Indian flag was at half-mast at the Indian mission in Kuwait, with Indian diplomats and officials marking 2 minutes of silence in his honour at 11 am local time.

The Indian President and Prime Minister had also sent out condolence message on the demise of Kuwaiti leader. PM Modi in his message said,"His highness played a leading role in strengthening our bilateral relations, and always took special care of the Indian community in Kuwait". External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had visited the Kuwaiti Embassy in New Delhi to sign the condolence book.

In a gesture signifying close India-Kuwait ties, the Indian flag was at half-mast in the country and at all the Indian missions across the world on Sunday as New Delhi paid its homage to departed Amir of Kuwait, Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

In a gesture signifying close India-Kuwait ties, the Indian flag was at half-mast in the country and at all the Indian missions across the world on Sunday as New Delhi paid its homage to departed Amir of Kuwait, Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The Amir died last week on 29th September. He had served as the foreign minister of the country for over forty years and Amir for over fourteen years. India's envoy to Kuwait, Sibi George called him a "great friend and well-wisher" of India. "He contributed immensely in building our bilateral partnership. He visited India several occasions including his memorable State visit," said George. "As Amir, he welcomed several hundreds of thousands of Indians to Kuwait. We cherish his special liking for Indians and the special care he took for Indians here," he added. Over one million Indian community members are present in Kuwait, making them the largest expatriate community in the West Asian country. The Envoy said, "with his passing away, the Indian Community in Kuwait has also lost a benevolent leader who showered special care and affection on them. Indians today are loved and respected in this country.". The Indian flag was at half-mast at the Indian mission in Kuwait, with Indian diplomats and officials marking 2 minutes of silence in his honour at 11 am local time. The Indian President and Prime Minister had also sent out condolence message on the demise of Kuwaiti leader. PM Modi in his message said,"His highness played a leading role in strengthening our bilateral relations, and always took special care of the Indian community in Kuwait". External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had visited the Kuwaiti Embassy in New Delhi to sign the condolence book.

Indian flag flies at half-mast out of respect for departed Amir of Kuwait

The Uttar Pradesh state government has transferred the Hathras rape case to the CBI for further investigation.

Hathras rape and murder: State govt transfers case to CBI

At least 76.62 per cent of the active coronavirus cases have been reported from 10 states and union territories (UTs), the Union Health Ministry said on Friday. According to the ministry, Maharashtra is leading the states` tally with more than 2.5 lakh cases. Karnataka follows with more than 1 lakh cases.

The government informed that active cases contribute only 14.74 per cent to the positive caseload of the country.As per the health ministry data, Maharashtra alone has contributed to about 2,59,490 new COVID-19 cases, while Andhra Pradesh has reported at least 57,858 cases.&nbsp;

Karnataka has contributed to 1,10,431 cases, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed 50,378 cases, Tamil Nadu has reported 46,396 cases, Odisha is contributing to 31,795 cases, Kerala has seen 72,418 cases, while Assam has reported 34,163 cases. Telangana has reported 28,620 cases and Chhattisgarh has reported 30,468 cases.

So far, India has reported about 6.39 million COVID-19 cases and 99,773 deaths due to the virus. About 78,877 recoveries have been registered in the last 24 hours in the country. This has resulted in a continuous increase in the national recovery rate, which is currently pegged at 83.70 per cent.

"India`s total recoveries are 53,52,078 till date. The last 10 lakh recoveries were added in just 12 days. About 10 States and UTs account for 72 per cent of the newly recovered cases. Maharashtra has the highest number of newly recovered cases followed by Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka," the health ministry said in a statement.

The health ministry further said there are about 14 States or UTs in the country which have less than 5,000 active cases.A total of 81,484 new confirmed cases have been reported in the last 24 hours in the country.In the last 24 hours, Puducherry has alone contributed to about 4,994 new cases, while Goa has reported at least 4,977 cases.&nbsp;

Himachal Pradesh has contributed to 3,416 cases, Andhra Pradesh has witnessed 2,955 cases, Manipur has reported 2,402 cases, Chandigarh is contributing to 1,884 cases, Meghalaya has seen 1,750 cases, while Nagaland has reported 1,083 cases. Ladakh has witnessed about 1,067 cases, Sikkim has reported to 636 cases, Mizoram has witnessed 328 cases, Andaman and Nicobar Island has seen 172 cases while Daman and Diu, Dadar and Nagar Haveli has reported 113 cases.

About 1,095 COVID-19 deaths have been registered in the past 24 hours from 10 States and UTs accounting for at least 83.37 per cent fatality.Maharashtra reported 394 deaths followed by Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh with 130 and 80 deaths, respectively.&nbsp;

West Bengal has reported 59 fatalities, Tamil Nadu has witnessed 66 deaths, Andhra Pradesh has seen 41 mortality, Punjab has reported 45 deaths, Delhi has witnessed 40 fatalities. Kerala and Chattisgarh has witnessed 29 deaths respectively in the last 24 hours, said the government.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

At least 76.62 per cent of the active coronavirus cases have been reported from 10 states and union territories (UTs), the Union Health Ministry said on Friday. According to the ministry, Maharashtra is leading the states` tally with more than 2.

At least 76.62 per cent of the active coronavirus cases have been reported from 10 states and union territories (UTs), the Union Health Ministry said on Friday. According to the ministry, Maharashtra is leading the states` tally with more than 2.5 lakh cases. Karnataka follows with more than 1 lakh cases. The government informed that active cases contribute only 14.74 per cent to the positive caseload of the country.As per the health ministry data, Maharashtra alone has contributed to about 2,59,490 new COVID-19 cases, while Andhra Pradesh has reported at least 57,858 cases. Karnataka has contributed to 1,10,431 cases, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed 50,378 cases, Tamil Nadu has reported 46,396 cases, Odisha is contributing to 31,795 cases, Kerala has seen 72,418 cases, while Assam has reported 34,163 cases. Telangana has reported 28,620 cases and Chhattisgarh has reported 30,468 cases. So far, India has reported about 6.39 million COVID-19 cases and 99,773 deaths due to the virus. About 78,877 recoveries have been registered in the last 24 hours in the country. This has resulted in a continuous increase in the national recovery rate, which is currently pegged at 83.70 per cent. "India`s total recoveries are 53,52,078 till date. The last 10 lakh recoveries were added in just 12 days. About 10 States and UTs account for 72 per cent of the newly recovered cases. Maharashtra has the highest number of newly recovered cases followed by Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka," the health ministry said in a statement. The health ministry further said there are about 14 States or UTs in the country which have less than 5,000 active cases.A total of 81,484 new confirmed cases have been reported in the last 24 hours in the country.In the last 24 hours, Puducherry has alone contributed to about 4,994 new cases, while Goa has reported at least 4,977 cases. Himachal Pradesh has contributed to 3,416 cases, Andhra Pradesh has witnessed 2,955 cases, Manipur has reported 2,402 cases, Chandigarh is contributing to 1,884 cases, Meghalaya has seen 1,750 cases, while Nagaland has reported 1,083 cases. Ladakh has witnessed about 1,067 cases, Sikkim has reported to 636 cases, Mizoram has witnessed 328 cases, Andaman and Nicobar Island has seen 172 cases while Daman and Diu, Dadar and Nagar Haveli has reported 113 cases. About 1,095 COVID-19 deaths have been registered in the past 24 hours from 10 States and UTs accounting for at least 83.37 per cent fatality.Maharashtra reported 394 deaths followed by Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh with 130 and 80 deaths, respectively. West Bengal has reported 59 fatalities, Tamil Nadu has witnessed 66 deaths, Andhra Pradesh has seen 41 mortality, Punjab has reported 45 deaths, Delhi has witnessed 40 fatalities. Kerala and Chattisgarh has witnessed 29 deaths respectively in the last 24 hours, said the government.

76% active COVID-19 cases reported from 10 States and UTs: Health Ministry

Russia has said that it is working with India for "common approaches" for development in pacific and Indian ocean, even as both celebrate 20 years of establishment of "strategic partnership". Both sides signed the “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership” in October 2000 during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin that year.

Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev speaking on the occasion said, "strategic partners means to proceed from the unity of destinies and to form common approaches and views on common on issues directly connected to the existence of our countries and peoples".

Explaining,"These include jointly finding solutions to problem....working out common approaches to the vision of regional development: in Pacific and Indian Oceans, or in Persian Gulf."

The comments assume significance even as India and the United States are working on Indo-Pacific concept, which New Delhi has also raised with Moscow.&nbsp;

The Russian envoy mentioned how both countries are jointly dealing with "Covid-19 pandemic, countering new challenges and threats-- terrorism, drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, attempts to rewrite the history of the Great Victory".

Amid the COVID crisis, India had sent hydroxychloroquine used in the treatment of the disease to Russia. Russia is sending its COVID vaccine Sputnik V to India, but subject to regulatory approval in the country.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-journalist-dies-after-setting-herself-on-fire-332243">Russian journalist dies after setting herself on fire</a>

This year also marks 10 years since India and Russia elevated the relationship to the level of “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.&nbsp;

The envoy said, "Special and privileged partnership" can be described by "unprecedented, unparalleled level of confidence" and "it means a situation when partner’s views, opinions, positions are by default embedded in Moscow’s or New Delhi’s approaches to key problems of the day or to key problems of developing our bilateral relations."

Adding," future of Eurasia and other regions of the world belongs to this partnership"

Last month saw both Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meets. In November, Russia as the host is expected to host a virtual meeting of SCO and BRICS head of state.

Russia has said that it is working with India for "common approaches" for development in pacific and Indian ocean, even as both celebrate 20 years of establishment of "strategic partnership".

Russia has said that it is working with India for "common approaches" for development in pacific and Indian ocean, even as both celebrate 20 years of establishment of "strategic partnership". Both sides signed the “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership” in October 2000 during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin that year. Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev speaking on the occasion said, "strategic partners means to proceed from the unity of destinies and to form common approaches and views on common on issues directly connected to the existence of our countries and peoples". Explaining,"These include jointly finding solutions to problem....working out common approaches to the vision of regional development: in Pacific and Indian Oceans, or in Persian Gulf." The comments assume significance even as India and the United States are working on Indo-Pacific concept, which New Delhi has also raised with Moscow. The Russian envoy mentioned how both countries are jointly dealing with "Covid-19 pandemic, countering new challenges and threats-- terrorism, drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, attempts to rewrite the history of the Great Victory". Amid the COVID crisis, India had sent hydroxychloroquine used in the treatment of the disease to Russia. Russia is sending its COVID vaccine Sputnik V to India, but subject to regulatory approval in the country. Also Read | Russian journalist dies after setting herself on fire This year also marks 10 years since India and Russia elevated the relationship to the level of “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The envoy said, "Special and privileged partnership" can be described by "unprecedented, unparalleled level of confidence" and "it means a situation when partner’s views, opinions, positions are by default embedded in Moscow’s or New Delhi’s approaches to key problems of the day or to key problems of developing our bilateral relations." Adding," future of Eurasia and other regions of the world belongs to this partnership" Last month saw both Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meets. In November, Russia as the host is expected to host a virtual meeting of SCO and BRICS head of state.

Working on common approaches with India in Pacific, Indian Ocean: Russia

India has surpassed the mark of 100,000 coronavirus deaths after the US and Brazil. The country has reported 169 deaths in the last 24-hours.

Coronavirus Pandemic: India recovery rate highest in the world

Ahead of the elections in Myanmar India's Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane is expected to visit Myanmar by next week. Foreign Secretary of India Harsh V Shringla will also accompany the Chief.

Indian Army Chief, Foreign Secretary to visit Myanmar: Visit amid Chinese influence in the region

The Supreme Court has accepted the suggestions of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation on refunding passengers for flights booked during the lockdown for travel during the period.

India's Supreme Court: Cancelled tickets to be fully refunded

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