In pics: Death toll in Assam floods rises to 108, govt monitoring the situation

While Russia and China took turns in bashing western countries, India reaffirmed its neutrality at the BRICS summit. Will these political differences make BRICS ineffective? What are China's plans for this bloc? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India reaffirms neutrality at BRICS summit

India is currently experiencing an increase in the number of Covid cases and scientists warned on Friday (June 24) that a rise and fall in the number of instances is a frequent phenomenon when an infectious disease transits from a pandemic to an endemic phase. The scientists noted that the sudden increase in the number is caused by not using face protection, increased travel and social engagement and low uptake in Covid vaccines. Since June 10, there has been an increase in weekly cases reported in states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Telangana and Punjab, reported by PTI.

According to Dr Sanjay Rai, a leading epidemiologist at AIIMS, SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus that has undergone over 1,000 changes despite the fact there are only five types of variants.

He said, “India witnessed a very devastating second wave of Covid infections last year which was very unfortunate. But it has led to development of a community level natural immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Global evidence show that natural infection provides better and longer protection against COVID-19. Also, there has been a high vaccination coverage. Hence, a severe wave in the future is unlikely until a new mutant variant is capable of invading the existing natural immunity and causing severe disease.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/women-are-significantly-more-likely-than-men-to-get-long-covid-study-490535">Women are significantly more likely than men to get long Covid: Study</a>

Another expert Dr Chandrakant Lahariya said that SARS-CoV-2 is still prevalent. In a conversation with PTI he said, “Therefore, a rise and fall in the number of infections from time to time is very much expected because that is how infectious and respiratory disease behave. Which is why every rise in cases is not a reason of concern or worry.”

Watch |&nbsp;India sees surge in COVID cases | Health Minister reviews situation in high-level meet

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-sees-surge-in-covid-cases-health-minister-reviews-situation-in-high-level-meet-491371/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He further said that the majority of people in all age group categories are believed to have obtained immunity following the infection. Therefore, he said, people have evolved a hybrid immunity that protects people from later infections.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austria-to-scrap-mandatory-covid-vaccination-491231">Austria to scrap mandatory Covid vaccination, just months after making it a law</a>&nbsp;

As per official sources, 51 districts in India, including 12 in Kerala, 7 in Mizoram and 5 each in Maharashtra and Assam are reporting a weekly infection positivity rate of over 10 per cent.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

(With inputs from agencies)

India is currently experiencing an increase in the number of Covid cases and scientists warned on Friday (June 24) that a rise and fall in the number of instances is a frequent phenomenon when an infectious disease transits from a pandemic to an endemic phase.

India is currently experiencing an increase in the number of Covid cases and scientists warned on Friday (June 24) that a rise and fall in the number of instances is a frequent phenomenon when an infectious disease transits from a pandemic to an endemic phase. The scientists noted that the sudden increase in the number is caused by not using face protection, increased travel and social engagement and low uptake in Covid vaccines. Since June 10, there has been an increase in weekly cases reported in states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Telangana and Punjab, reported by PTI. According to Dr Sanjay Rai, a leading epidemiologist at AIIMS, SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus that has undergone over 1,000 changes despite the fact there are only five types of variants. He said, “India witnessed a very devastating second wave of Covid infections last year which was very unfortunate. But it has led to development of a community level natural immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Global evidence show that natural infection provides better and longer protection against COVID-19. Also, there has been a high vaccination coverage. Hence, a severe wave in the future is unlikely until a new mutant variant is capable of invading the existing natural immunity and causing severe disease.” Also read | Women are significantly more likely than men to get long Covid: Study Another expert Dr Chandrakant Lahariya said that SARS-CoV-2 is still prevalent. In a conversation with PTI he said, “Therefore, a rise and fall in the number of infections from time to time is very much expected because that is how infectious and respiratory disease behave. Which is why every rise in cases is not a reason of concern or worry.” Watch | India sees surge in COVID cases | Health Minister reviews situation in high-level meet He further said that the majority of people in all age group categories are believed to have obtained immunity following the infection. Therefore, he said, people have evolved a hybrid immunity that protects people from later infections. Also read | Austria to scrap mandatory Covid vaccination, just months after making it a law As per official sources, 51 districts in India, including 12 in Kerala, 7 in Mizoram and 5 each in Maharashtra and Assam are reporting a weekly infection positivity rate of over 10 per cent. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Rise and fall in cases is common when entering to endemic phase

Indian Health Minister held a review meeting amid a surge in COVID-19 cases. India's daily positivity rate currently stands at 3.94%. It also reported 17,336 new cases in the last 24 hours.

India sees surge in COVID cases | Health Minister reviews situation in high-level meet

In India, celebrations at a wedding turned into a tragedy as the groom accidentally kills a friend. The shocking incident happened during a wedding procession in the north Indian state of India, Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

In the Brahmnagar area of the Sonbhadra district of the state, the groom, identified as Manish Madheshia, accidentally killed his friend in a celebratory firing. The entire incident was recorded on a mobile phone's camera and the video has gone viral.&nbsp;

In the video, Madheshia can be seen holding a gun with several people around him. He was on a chariot when he tried to fire in the air as seen in the video.&nbsp;

In a tragic turn of events, a bullet hit his friend Babu Lal Yadav, who is reportedly an Army jawan. Media reports have stated that the gun belonged to Yadav. The gun has been seized by the police.&nbsp;

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
दूल्हे ने की हर्ष फायरिंग, आर्मी के जवान की हुई मौत। यूपी के <a href="https://twitter.com/sonbhadrapolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sonbhadrapolice</a> राबर्ट्सगंज का <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViralVideo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViralVideo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/breastislife?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#breastislife</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fearwomen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fearwomen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/7laX9OUIqD">pic.twitter.com/7laX9OUIqD</a>
— RAHUL PANDEY (@BhokaalRahul) <a href="https://twitter.com/BhokaalRahul/status/1539850001165058049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
थाना रॉबर्ट्सगंज क्षेत्रान्तर्गत आशीर्वाद वाटिका मे आयोजित वैवाहिक कार्यक्रम में दूल्हा मनीष मद्धेशिया नि0 रॉबर्ट्सगंज, सोनभद्र द्वारा की गयी हर्ष फायरिंग में गोली लगने से एक व्यक्ति (सेना में कार्यरत) बाबूलाल यादव की मृत्य हो गयी जिसके सम्बन्ध में <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DIG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DIG</a>/SP SBR द्वारा दी गयी बाइट- <a href="https://t.co/gS5QnfM28s">pic.twitter.com/gS5QnfM28s</a>
— Sonbhadra Police (@sonbhadrapolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/sonbhadrapolice/status/1539555007493640194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In India, celebratory firing at events, even with licensed guns, is a criminal offence.&nbsp;

As quoted by media reports, Sonbhadra Superintendent of Police Amrendra Pratap Singh confirmed that the groom and the victim were friends. The official further added that Yadav was rushed to the hospital but he succumbed to death.&nbsp;

An FIR has been registered by the victim's family. The groom has also been arrested.&nbsp;

In India, celebrations at a wedding turned into a tragedy as the groom accidentally kills a friend. The shocking incident happened during a wedding procession in the north Indian state of India, Uttar Pradesh.

In India, celebrations at a wedding turned into a tragedy as the groom accidentally kills a friend. The shocking incident happened during a wedding procession in the north Indian state of India, Uttar Pradesh. In the Brahmnagar area of the Sonbhadra district of the state, the groom, identified as Manish Madheshia, accidentally killed his friend in a celebratory firing. The entire incident was recorded on a mobile phone's camera and the video has gone viral. In the video, Madheshia can be seen holding a gun with several people around him. He was on a chariot when he tried to fire in the air as seen in the video. In a tragic turn of events, a bullet hit his friend Babu Lal Yadav, who is reportedly an Army jawan. Media reports have stated that the gun belonged to Yadav. The gun has been seized by the police. Watch the video here: दूल्हे ने की हर्ष फायरिंग, आर्मी के जवान की हुई मौत। यूपी के @sonbhadrapolice राबर्ट्सगंज का #ViralVideo #earthquake #breastislife #fearwomen #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/7laX9OUIqD — RAHUL PANDEY (@BhokaalRahul) June 23, 2022 × थाना रॉबर्ट्सगंज क्षेत्रान्तर्गत आशीर्वाद वाटिका मे आयोजित वैवाहिक कार्यक्रम में दूल्हा मनीष मद्धेशिया नि0 रॉबर्ट्सगंज, सोनभद्र द्वारा की गयी हर्ष फायरिंग में गोली लगने से एक व्यक्ति (सेना में कार्यरत) बाबूलाल यादव की मृत्य हो गयी जिसके सम्बन्ध में #DIG/SP SBR द्वारा दी गयी बाइट- pic.twitter.com/gS5QnfM28s — Sonbhadra Police (@sonbhadrapolice) June 22, 2022 × In India, celebratory firing at events, even with licensed guns, is a criminal offence. As quoted by media reports, Sonbhadra Superintendent of Police Amrendra Pratap Singh confirmed that the groom and the victim were friends. The official further added that Yadav was rushed to the hospital but he succumbed to death. An FIR has been registered by the victim's family. The groom has also been arrested.

India: Celebration turns into tragedy as groom accidentally kills friend; shocking incident caught on camera

India is going to Venus! After its trips to the Moon and Mars, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) wants to discover the mysteries of the hottest planet. Venus is a complex planet due to its dense atmosphere and surface activity. The air pressure on the surface of Venus is extremely high. About 90 times greater than the pressure at sea level on Earth. Several features of Venus make it stand out amongst the other planets of the Solar System. Here's wishing ISRO a successful mission, which is likely to take place in 2025.

India is going to Venus! hottest planet's mysteries will be revealed soon

India reported 13,313 new coronavirus cases and 38 fatalities on Thursday (June 23), as per the figures released by the Union Health Ministry, bringing the total number of active cases to 83,990 and brought the number of deaths to 5,24,941. The 38 deaths include 20 from Kerala, 4 from Uttar Pradesh, 3 from Delhi, 2 from West Bengal, 1 each from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Jammu &amp; Kashmir. The government reported that the national Covid recovery rate was recorded at 98.60 per cent, while the active cases make up 0.19 per cent of infections, reported by PTI.

In a span of 24 hours, there was an increase of 2,303 cases in the active COVID-19 caseload.

The number of people who have recovered from the virus surged to 4,27,36,027, while the case fatality rate has been reported at 1.21 per cent.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-says-indian-economy-expected-to-grow-by-75-this-year-490732">PM Narendra Modi says Indian economy expected to grow by 7.5% this year</a>

The national capital, Delhi recorded 928 new Covid cases with a positivity rate of 7.08 per cent and 3 fatalities from infection in 24 hours. It is for the first time after June 13 that the capital has logged less than 1,000 cases in a day.

As per the ministry, the weekly positivity rate was 2.81 per cent and the daily positivity rate was 2.03 per cent.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;India witnesses surge in covid cases, positivity rate stands at 2.73%

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-witnesses-surge-in-covid-cases-positivity-rate-stands-at-273-489398/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, Telangana continues to see a substantial rise Covid cases with 434 fresh infections reported on Wednesday (June 22), taking the overall tally to 7,97,138 cases.

Kerala saw a modest decrease in the number of cases on Wednesday (June 22), with the state reporting 3,890 infections bringing the total number to 66,12,607 cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-adds-12781-cases-positivity-rate-over-4-after-130-days-489841">COVID-19: India adds 12,781 cases, positivity rate over 4% after 130 days</a>

The health ministry emphasised that the comorbidities are to be blamed for more than 70 per cent of the deaths caused.

The ministry on its official websites stated, “Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research,” and state wise figures are being verified.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

(With inputs from agencies)

India reported 13,313 new coronavirus cases and 38 fatalities on Thursday (June 23), as per the figures released by the Union Health Ministry, bringing the total number of active cases to 83,990 and brought the number of deaths to 5,24,941.

India reported 13,313 new coronavirus cases and 38 fatalities on Thursday (June 23), as per the figures released by the Union Health Ministry, bringing the total number of active cases to 83,990 and brought the number of deaths to 5,24,941. The 38 deaths include 20 from Kerala, 4 from Uttar Pradesh, 3 from Delhi, 2 from West Bengal, 1 each from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Jammu & Kashmir. The government reported that the national Covid recovery rate was recorded at 98.60 per cent, while the active cases make up 0.19 per cent of infections, reported by PTI. In a span of 24 hours, there was an increase of 2,303 cases in the active COVID-19 caseload. The number of people who have recovered from the virus surged to 4,27,36,027, while the case fatality rate has been reported at 1.21 per cent. Also read | PM Narendra Modi says Indian economy expected to grow by 7.5% this year The national capital, Delhi recorded 928 new Covid cases with a positivity rate of 7.08 per cent and 3 fatalities from infection in 24 hours. It is for the first time after June 13 that the capital has logged less than 1,000 cases in a day. As per the ministry, the weekly positivity rate was 2.81 per cent and the daily positivity rate was 2.03 per cent. Watch | India witnesses surge in covid cases, positivity rate stands at 2.73% However, Telangana continues to see a substantial rise Covid cases with 434 fresh infections reported on Wednesday (June 22), taking the overall tally to 7,97,138 cases. Kerala saw a modest decrease in the number of cases on Wednesday (June 22), with the state reporting 3,890 infections bringing the total number to 66,12,607 cases. Also read | COVID-19: India adds 12,781 cases, positivity rate over 4% after 130 days The health ministry emphasised that the comorbidities are to be blamed for more than 70 per cent of the deaths caused. The ministry on its official websites stated, “Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research,” and state wise figures are being verified. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India reports 13,313 new cases and 38 fatalities

The leaders of the BRICS nations are meeting as the Russia-Ukraine war continues to rage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took center stage at the summit lauding BRIC nation's role in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

14th BRICS Summit: Russia trying to forge closer ties with Asia

Sri Lanka continues to reel under unprecedented economic crisis. Amid the turmoil, Indian delegation is going to visit Sri Lanka today and are expected to meet Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Indian delegates to meet Sri Lankan PM & President to assess crisis

Ending dependency on fossil fuels and switching to clean energy would create over 15 million new jobs in India by 2025 and nearly two million jobs in G7 countries, said a new report on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The latest report, 'Cutting Bills and Creating Jobs: the economic opportunities of a clean energy transition', published by the We Mean Business Coalition and Cambridge Econometrics, finds that across the G7 nations, policies designed to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels to net-zero will also create 1.92 million new jobs across the G7 by 2025 as opposed to business as usual.&nbsp;

The report, released just days ahead of the G7 leaders' summit in Berlin, called for phase out of domestic coal-fired power generation by 2030, saying that doing so will save families across G7 countries USD 480 per capita on their total annual energy bills (electricity, natural gas and petrol combined) by the same year.&nbsp;

The Group of Seven or the G7 countries comprise Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.&nbsp;

"The analysis also looked beyond the G7, finding that India would see the creation of over 15 million new jobs by 2025 by switching to cleaner energy," the report said.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) had said that the country has achieved its non-fossil fuel-based energy target, something that was to be completed by 2030.&nbsp;

According to the report, shifting to cleaner energy would create 9,00,000 new jobs in the US by 2025 along with a decline in annual energy bills by 25%, or $529, by 2030.&nbsp;

According to the report, in the European Union, household energy bills would be 28% or €409 ($430) lower in 2030 and by 2035 consumers would spend roughly half as much on their energy costs, saving almost €713 ($750) per year, compared to business as usual.&nbsp;

"As many of the world’s major economies experience record increases in gas and electricity bills, inflation, a cost-of-living crisis and more economic shocks expected, the report’s findings offer a clear path for governments to act.&nbsp;

"Setting ambitious climate policies to deliver clean energy will reduce household bills and create more jobs and growth, the report said.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) had said that clean energy is one key solution to deploy as fast as possible if the world is to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degree C.&nbsp;

"If governments act now to adopt policies like phasing out coal, increasing energy efficiency and scaling up renewable energy, they will generate savings for households, new jobs and growth," the report said.&nbsp;

Maria Mendiluce, CEO, We Mean Business Coalition said that with heatwaves hitting communities across the world, the climate emergency is more evident than ever.&nbsp;

"People want to see solutions now. This report highlights for the G7 leaders that an accelerated transition to clean energy is achievable.&nbsp;

It can help solve the climate crisis while driving down household costs and bringing more jobs and growth: a huge bonus to businesses and the people they serve and employ.&nbsp;

"To protect the world’s citizens from climate and economic disaster, we urge G7 leaders to implement the policies outlined in this report now," she said.&nbsp;

To accelerate the transition to clean energy, the report called on G7 leaders to commit to achieving fully decarbonized power systems in the G7 by 2035; phase out domestic coal-fired power generation by 2030 and rapidly scale up renewable energy deployment towards achieving 70% of power generation by 2030.&nbsp;

It also asked the G7 nations to commit to 100% sales of zero emissions (ZEVs) by 2035 for new light duty vehicles and increase public spending for energy efficiency, apart from setting out national action plans in 2022 to eliminate all fossil fuel subsidies by 2025.&nbsp;

It also suggested putting a meaningful price on carbon starting in 2022.&nbsp;

Ending dependency on fossil fuels and switching to clean energy would create over 15 million new jobs in India by 2025 and nearly two million jobs in G7 countries, said a new report on Wednesday.

Ending dependency on fossil fuels and switching to clean energy would create over 15 million new jobs in India by 2025 and nearly two million jobs in G7 countries, said a new report on Wednesday. The latest report, 'Cutting Bills and Creating Jobs: the economic opportunities of a clean energy transition', published by the We Mean Business Coalition and Cambridge Econometrics, finds that across the G7 nations, policies designed to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels to net-zero will also create 1.92 million new jobs across the G7 by 2025 as opposed to business as usual. The report, released just days ahead of the G7 leaders' summit in Berlin, called for phase out of domestic coal-fired power generation by 2030, saying that doing so will save families across G7 countries USD 480 per capita on their total annual energy bills (electricity, natural gas and petrol combined) by the same year. The Group of Seven or the G7 countries comprise Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. "The analysis also looked beyond the G7, finding that India would see the creation of over 15 million new jobs by 2025 by switching to cleaner energy," the report said. Earlier this year, India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) had said that the country has achieved its non-fossil fuel-based energy target, something that was to be completed by 2030. According to the report, shifting to cleaner energy would create 9,00,000 new jobs in the US by 2025 along with a decline in annual energy bills by 25%, or $529, by 2030. According to the report, in the European Union, household energy bills would be 28% or €409 ($430) lower in 2030 and by 2035 consumers would spend roughly half as much on their energy costs, saving almost €713 ($750) per year, compared to business as usual. "As many of the world’s major economies experience record increases in gas and electricity bills, inflation, a cost-of-living crisis and more economic shocks expected, the report’s findings offer a clear path for governments to act. "Setting ambitious climate policies to deliver clean energy will reduce household bills and create more jobs and growth, the report said. Earlier this year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) had said that clean energy is one key solution to deploy as fast as possible if the world is to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degree C. "If governments act now to adopt policies like phasing out coal, increasing energy efficiency and scaling up renewable energy, they will generate savings for households, new jobs and growth," the report said. Maria Mendiluce, CEO, We Mean Business Coalition said that with heatwaves hitting communities across the world, the climate emergency is more evident than ever. "People want to see solutions now. This report highlights for the G7 leaders that an accelerated transition to clean energy is achievable. It can help solve the climate crisis while driving down household costs and bringing more jobs and growth: a huge bonus to businesses and the people they serve and employ. "To protect the world’s citizens from climate and economic disaster, we urge G7 leaders to implement the policies outlined in this report now," she said. To accelerate the transition to clean energy, the report called on G7 leaders to commit to achieving fully decarbonized power systems in the G7 by 2035; phase out domestic coal-fired power generation by 2030 and rapidly scale up renewable energy deployment towards achieving 70% of power generation by 2030. It also asked the G7 nations to commit to 100% sales of zero emissions (ZEVs) by 2035 for new light duty vehicles and increase public spending for energy efficiency, apart from setting out national action plans in 2022 to eliminate all fossil fuel subsidies by 2025. It also suggested putting a meaningful price on carbon starting in 2022.

Rapid switch to clean energy would create over 15 million new jobs in India: Report

One of US President Joe Biden’s economic advisers has said that India and China may have been buying more Russian oil than previously believed by the US government. He said that purchase of Russian oil by the two large countries is easing supply constraints in global markets and driving the recent oil price decline.

West Texas Intermediate lost 5.6 per cent to $103.31 a barrel, while Brent was off 5.2 per cent at $108.62.

In an interview to the Bloomberg TV on Wednesday, Cecilia Rouse, chair of Biden’s Council of Economic Advisers, said, “Right now, in particular, oil markets are rather volatile.”

“I have heard part of the explanation is that China&nbsp;and&nbsp;India&nbsp;are actually purchasing more of Russian oil than maybe we believe, so that there’s more supply on the market.”

With West sanctions hanging over Russia in the wake of the Ukrainian war, Vladimir Putin has been selling the Russian oil to the Asian markets at a discount amid huge demand.

At the start of 2022, some two-thirds of Russian crude was being exported to Europe, now about 50 per cent of the nation’s oil is going to Asia, according to Gazprom Neft Chief Executive Officer Alexander Dyukov.

Most of the additional oil has gone to two countries—China and India—reports the New York Times citing shipping data by Kpler, a market research firm.

China’s imports of Russian oil rose 28 per cent in May from the previous month, hitting a record high and helping Russia overtake Saudi Arabia as China’s largest supplier.

The other biggest importer of Russian oil has been India, which has gone from taking in almost no Russian oil to bringing in more than 760,000 barrels a day.

Moreover, the Indian government has asked state-owned oil companies to buy large volumes of Russian crude as prices have fallen sharply during Moscow's war against Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Tuesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-oil-supplies-to-china-and-india-are-growing-noticeably-says-vladimir-putin-490706">Russian oil supplies to China and India are growing noticeably, says Vladimir Putin</a>

Indian companies have been finding ways to keep purchasing Russian oil despite the latest round of sanctions from Europe, the report said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cant-finger-point-india-says-german-envoy-lindner-on-russian-oil-import-484859">Can't 'finger point' India, says German Envoy Lindner on Russian oil import</a>

To boost the appeal of its oil, Russian petroleum company Rosneft has allowed traders to pay for its crude months after delivery without a letter of credit from a bank, the WSJ reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

One of US President Joe Biden’s economic advisers has said that India and China may have been buying more Russian oil than previously believed by the US government.

One of US President Joe Biden’s economic advisers has said that India and China may have been buying more Russian oil than previously believed by the US government. He said that purchase of Russian oil by the two large countries is easing supply constraints in global markets and driving the recent oil price decline. West Texas Intermediate lost 5.6 per cent to $103.31 a barrel, while Brent was off 5.2 per cent at $108.62. In an interview to the Bloomberg TV on Wednesday, Cecilia Rouse, chair of Biden’s Council of Economic Advisers, said, “Right now, in particular, oil markets are rather volatile.” “I have heard part of the explanation is that China and India are actually purchasing more of Russian oil than maybe we believe, so that there’s more supply on the market.” With West sanctions hanging over Russia in the wake of the Ukrainian war, Vladimir Putin has been selling the Russian oil to the Asian markets at a discount amid huge demand. At the start of 2022, some two-thirds of Russian crude was being exported to Europe, now about 50 per cent of the nation’s oil is going to Asia, according to Gazprom Neft Chief Executive Officer Alexander Dyukov. Most of the additional oil has gone to two countries—China and India—reports the New York Times citing shipping data by Kpler, a market research firm. China’s imports of Russian oil rose 28 per cent in May from the previous month, hitting a record high and helping Russia overtake Saudi Arabia as China’s largest supplier. The other biggest importer of Russian oil has been India, which has gone from taking in almost no Russian oil to bringing in more than 760,000 barrels a day. Moreover, the Indian government has asked state-owned oil companies to buy large volumes of Russian crude as prices have fallen sharply during Moscow's war against Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Tuesday. Also read | Russian oil supplies to China and India are growing noticeably, says Vladimir Putin Indian companies have been finding ways to keep purchasing Russian oil despite the latest round of sanctions from Europe, the report said. Also read | Can't 'finger point' India, says German Envoy Lindner on Russian oil import To boost the appeal of its oil, Russian petroleum company Rosneft has allowed traders to pay for its crude months after delivery without a letter of credit from a bank, the WSJ reported. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India, China purchasing more Russian oil than earlier believed, says US

India's imports from China surged 45% in the first quarter of 2022 while China's imports from India increased just 0.6%. Why is trade booming despite Chinese aggression in Ladakh? Palki Sharma tells you why India should decouple from China.

Gravitas: India-China trade booms despite border aggression

The Jamaican High Commissioner (HC) to India, Jason Keats Matthew Hall, has said India has a "remarkable vote of confidence" in Jamaican candidature for commonwealth Secretary-General.

The Jamaican High Commissioner (HC) to India, Jason Keats Matthew Hall, has said India has a "remarkable vote of confidence" in Jamaican candidature for commonwealth Secretary-General. Jamaica's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith is in the race for the secretary-general of the 54-member strong body. Both Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and his Jamaican counterpart had spoken to each other last month during which, the Jamaican candidature for commonwealth was discussed. Jason Keats Matthew Hall, who is the first resident High Commissioner to India, while speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal said, "Minister Johnson Smith’s qualifications and track record, she will be able to create a new era of unity, reinvigoration and reinvestment that will see the Commonwealth assume a pivotal role in the global quest for sustainable development and maintenance of global peace". The Commonwealth summit is underway in Rwanda's capital Kigali, with key meetings on Friday and Saturday. Canadian PM, British PM and Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar are in the country for the summit. The Jamaican high commissioner also talked about the recent visit of the Indian President to his country and the Indian diaspora connect. The Indian diaspora, of about 70,000 whose forefathers came from India, mainly from Eastern UP and Bihar as indentured labour from 1845-1917, makes up around 3% of the Jamaican population. WION: How do u see India and Jamaica ties? Jason Keats Matthew Hall: Jamaica and India have a long historic relationship dating back over 175 years to when indentured Indian labourers came to the Caribbean to effectively salvage the sugar plantation industry upon which we all depended heavily on. This year we celebrate 60 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations. There is a very strong mutual respect between our two nations that is characterized by multiple forms of cooperation and collaboration, multilaterally at the UN and its various bodies, G77, NAM, and The Commonwealth. Both countries are aligned in terms of the vision to strengthen, expand and reform these multilateral fora to make them more representative accountable, effective and responsive to the geopolitical realities of the 21 st century. Today our bilateral relations are at their strongest, with the recent opening of the High Commission in New Delhi in 2019, and a heightened level of activity and engagement it will grow even stronger. India has and continues to be a critical development partner for Jamaica over the years and Jamaica has the highest esteem for India and its role as a global leader in climate change resilience, response and mitigation as well as in the fields of technology, medical services, traditional medicine, in particular Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani and Homeopathy. Jamaica recognizes the tremendous contributions that India has made to the world-spanning millennia. We are especially grateful for India’s support at the outset of the Covid pandemic with a critical donation of vaccines and we now look to India as a leader in the global knowledge economy in which we hope to carve out a niche for ourselves, capitalizing on our strategic geographic positioning, strong economic growth, leveraging Indian advances in education and academic research. Jamaica presents a particularly strong value proposition to India as a potential gateway for Indian innovation to the wider region and the Americas, specifically in energy, logistics, manufacturing, mining, digital services (BPO, etc), pharma, medical services and creative industries. There are also opportunities for trade and the introduction of unique Jamaican lifestyle exports such as premium rum, coffee, condiments, spices as well as nutraceuticals. WION: Cricket has been a strong connection between the two countries Indian President gave kits during his visit Jason Keats Matthew Hall: It is great that we share this common love for the sport, especially cricket, where we have both enduring legacies of excellence. Jamaica recognizes the tremendous contribution that India has made to the game, in particular now with the IPL where many of our stars compete among the world’s elite in the sport. The gift of kits was well received and bodes well for further collaboration and cooperation in sport, extending beyond cricket as we will also be assisting India to develop its national athletics programme, particularly in track and field where Jamaica boasts an unbelievable track record on the global stage with the fastest man, and woman in the world and the envious record of having won more than a third of the total medals to be won in the sprint events at the Olympics and World Championships over the past century. Already, a few Indian athletes have undergone training in Jamaica and I am confident that in this vast, extremely diverse sub-continent where you will find future talent to join us on the medal podium. WION: How has the Indian President's visit helped strengthen the ties? Jason Keats Matthew Hall: The historic visit marks the highest-level visit from India ever, celebrating 60 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations between our two countries. During the visit there were many top-level exchanges between the President and Jamaica’s Governor-General as well as our Prime Minister, highlighting the steady growth in bilateral trade and investment and observing the scope for further cooperation. The leaders identified areas for cooperation in health and pharmaceuticals, ICT, logistics, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, tourism and BPO. An MOU on cooperation between the Sushma Swaraj Inst of Foreign Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade was signed and the stage set for other agreements on cultural exchanges, and other forms of collaboration to be signed in short order. President Kovind also inaugurated the India-Jamaica friendship and renamed a street in downtown Kingston after Dr BR Ambedkar. On the whole, the visit generated a great deal of awareness about Jamaica in India, it sets the stage for a follow-up visit of Prime Minister Holness to India where will see reciprocal initiatives. WION: In terms of the Indian diaspora, Jamaica being a Girmit country, how do you see the role in the country and ties with India Jason Keats Matthew Hall: The Indian diaspora in Jamaica have played a significant role in the country’s economic development contributing over the years at multiple levels in business, finance, the arts, sport, trade, medicine and digital services. Having such a successful diaspora bodes extremely well for extolling the virtues of our great nation and the wide range of opportunities that obtains, and will no doubt play a role in further strengthening the relations between our countries and generating awareness of Jamaica not only as a destination to visit but also a place to invest and live in. WION: Indian support for your FM's candidature for commonwealth SG. Has this been discussed with the Indian side? Jason Keats Matthew Hall: The Commonwealth is an extremely important multilateral organization; it is the third-largest with a membership of 54 states, and a combined population of 2.4 billion, spanning a diverse range of economies, and circumstances. India regards Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator The Honorable Kamina Johnson Smith as a strong candidate to bring about important change and leadership to the organization, recognizing our ability to build consensus and bring focus to the critical issues we now all face on the planet. This is a remarkable vote of confidence and we intend to live up to if not surpass expectations to transform the Commonwealth into a more accountable, representative and effective organization for the betterment and welfare of all of its member states. Jamaica believes that there is untapped potential in the Commonwealth and that with Minister Johnson Smith’s qualifications and track record, she will be able to create a new era of unity, reinvigoration and reinvestment that will see the Commonwealth assume a pivotal role in the global quest for sustainable development and maintenance of global peace and security, all critically needed at this time. India has been a very important supporter of our candidature for Secretary-General and we are confident that with Indian support and what is now the majority support of the member states, that Minister Johnson Smith will be the next Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations. WION: How do you see India and Caricom ties Jason Keats Matthew Hall: The CARICOM is a unique grouping of mostly SIDS along with Guyana and Belize. As such we face a unique set of social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities and challenges. Our inextricable link with India is profound given a large number of people of Indian descent, dispersed throughout the region. With India at the forefront of climate change resilience, etc. we see the relationship as a critical one and hope to continue to grow and strengthen it. As Jamaica strengthens relations with India so too will the Region. We are looking forward to a follow-up India-CARICOM summit where we will be able to craft a comprehensive programme for cooperation and collaboration. CARICOM with its 14 Nation states is an important ally for India in multilateral fora and presents a unified value proposition for the trade.

India has 'remarkable vote of confidence' in Jamaican candidature for commonwealth Secy general: HC Hall

According to the recently released Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules in India, couples who wish to become parents through surrogacy must get general health insurance coverage for a surrogate mother for a duration of 36 months. This insurance should cover sufficient pay for pregnancy-related issues or any complications faced by the surrogate. 
 
The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 came into force this year on January 25th. The Union Health Ministry in addition to this said that no surrogacy procedure should be attempted more than three times on the surrogate mother in a single cycle, reported by PTI.

However, the surrogate mother may be allowed for an abortion during the surrogacy process as per the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1971.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-tds-rule-for-doctors-and-social-media-influencers-490242">India to introduce new tax rules for social media influencers, doctors</a>

During the surrogacy procedures, cost of surrogacy clinic, the rules also stated the qualification and requirements for individuals working at a licensed surrogacy clinic. The rules also specify the structure of the surrogate mother’s permission form.&nbsp;

In this regard, the intended couple or woman must provide an affidavit as a guarantee of payment for all medical costs, health problems, surrogate mother’s personal loss, any sort of damage or illness as well as any other expenses that must be paid for the surrogate mother during the surrogacy procedure.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/13-mm-long-robot-fish-designed-by-scientists-to-eat-microplastics-in-oceans-490807">13-mm-long robot-fish designed by scientists to ‘eat’ microplastics in oceans</a>

A woman can opt for surrogacy if her uterus is missing or abnormal uterus, surgically removed uterus. One can choose not to participate if, among other things, they have experienced may pregnancies lost due to some unknown medical causes or if pregnancy poses a risk to her life.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

(With inputs from agencies)

According to the recently released Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules in India, couples who wish to become parents through surrogacy must get general health insurance coverage for a surrogate mother for a duration of 36 months.

According to the recently released Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules in India, couples who wish to become parents through surrogacy must get general health insurance coverage for a surrogate mother for a duration of 36 months. This insurance should cover sufficient pay for pregnancy-related issues or any complications faced by the surrogate. The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 came into force this year on January 25th. The Union Health Ministry in addition to this said that no surrogacy procedure should be attempted more than three times on the surrogate mother in a single cycle, reported by PTI. However, the surrogate mother may be allowed for an abortion during the surrogacy process as per the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1971. Also read | India to introduce new tax rules for social media influencers, doctors During the surrogacy procedures, cost of surrogacy clinic, the rules also stated the qualification and requirements for individuals working at a licensed surrogacy clinic. The rules also specify the structure of the surrogate mother’s permission form. In this regard, the intended couple or woman must provide an affidavit as a guarantee of payment for all medical costs, health problems, surrogate mother’s personal loss, any sort of damage or illness as well as any other expenses that must be paid for the surrogate mother during the surrogacy procedure. Also read | 13-mm-long robot-fish designed by scientists to ‘eat’ microplastics in oceans A woman can opt for surrogacy if her uterus is missing or abnormal uterus, surgically removed uterus. One can choose not to participate if, among other things, they have experienced may pregnancies lost due to some unknown medical causes or if pregnancy poses a risk to her life. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Couples choosing surrogacy should buy 36 months health insurance for surrogate mother

Sri Lanka continues to reel under the unprecedented economic crisis. Amid the turmoil, the Indian delegation has arrived in Colombo. During the 3 hours of visit, the Indian delegate will hold talks for additional support from India.

Indian delegation led by CEA Nageswaran in Sri Lanka to hold talks on additional aid

In a bid to strengthen defence and security ties, Australian defence Minister Richard Marles is in India on a four-day visit. Richard said, China is our bigges security anxiety and so is for India.

"China is our security anxiety and so is for India," says Australian defence minister

Sri Lanka continues to reel under unprecedented economic crisis. Amid the turmoil, Indian delegation arrived in Sri Lanka and expected to hold bilateral discussions with Sri Lankan authorities.

Indian officials to hold talks on additional aid in Sri Lanka

Recently a restaurant in North Carolina was voted as the most outstanding in America but what has got the world talking is its unique menu 'Indian street food'. Watch this interview!

Owners of America's Best Restaurant, 'Chai Pani' speak to WION

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: India: Opposition picks Prez candidate; Macron rejects PM's resignation

In a bid to strengthen defence and security ties, Australian defence Minister Richard Marles held talks with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh. Marles is in India on a four-day trip.

Australian defence minister Richard Marles in India on a four-day visit

In India, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has picked its Presidential candidate for the upcoming elections scheduled for next month. The former Governor of Jharkhand Draupadi Murmu is BJP's choice for the President's office and if elected, the 64 year old will be the first tribal woman to become the President of India

India's Bharatiya Janata Party names Draupadi Murmu for President's post

Indian auto market has continuously attracted MNC's. Stellantis is preparing for a fresh onslaught on Indian market. In a conversation with WION, Stellantis CEO Roland Bouchara said, Indian market could grow to 5 mn by 2030.

Indian auto market to be one of top 5: Stellantis India

Australian defence minister holds talks with Indian counterpart

Several countries, including Canada and India, have announced a ban on the use of single-use plastic. Earlier this year, 124 countries pledged to end plastic pollution in the near future. A recent report said single-use plastics account for 1/3rd of all plastic produced globally.

Different countries and their steps towards banning single-use plastic

india

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news