India recorded 50,848 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours taking the country`s total caseload to over three crores, according to data released by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Wednesday. 
 
As it continued with a declining trend of coronavirus infection, the country reported 1,358 deaths. 
 
This is the sixth consecutive day in the last two months when the toll has been below the 2,000-mark. 
 
The overall tally of Covid-19 cases in the country now stands at 3,00,28,709. India has become the second country after the US to record more than three crore cases of Covid. India added one crore cases in the last 50 days. 
 
India`s total caseload had touched two crore-mark on May 3. 
 
It is also the 16th consecutive day when India reported less than one lakh new coronavirus cases. On March 23, India had recorded 47,262 cases while on June 22 India reported 42,640 cases. 
 
The active cases have now come down below 8 lakh. The country has 6,43,194 active cases presently and has witnessed 3,90,660 deaths so far. 
 
According to the Union Health Ministry, a total of 68,817 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours, taking the total discharge to 2,89,94,855 till date. 
 
The Health Ministry said that a total of 29,46,39,511 people have been vaccinated so far in the country, including 54,24,374 who were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours. 
 
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 39,59,73,198 samples have been tested up to June 22 for Covid-19. Of these 19,01,056 samples were tested on Tuesday

India recorded 50,848 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours taking the country`s total caseload to over three crores, according to data released by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Wednesday.

India recorded 50,848 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours taking the country`s total caseload to over three crores, according to data released by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Wednesday. As it continued with a declining trend of coronavirus infection, the country reported 1,358 deaths. This is the sixth consecutive day in the last two months when the toll has been below the 2,000-mark. The overall tally of Covid-19 cases in the country now stands at 3,00,28,709. India has become the second country after the US to record more than three crore cases of Covid. India added one crore cases in the last 50 days. India`s total caseload had touched two crore-mark on May 3. It is also the 16th consecutive day when India reported less than one lakh new coronavirus cases. On March 23, India had recorded 47,262 cases while on June 22 India reported 42,640 cases. The active cases have now come down below 8 lakh. The country has 6,43,194 active cases presently and has witnessed 3,90,660 deaths so far. According to the Union Health Ministry, a total of 68,817 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours, taking the total discharge to 2,89,94,855 till date. The Health Ministry said that a total of 29,46,39,511 people have been vaccinated so far in the country, including 54,24,374 who were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 39,59,73,198 samples have been tested up to June 22 for Covid-19. Of these 19,01,056 samples were tested on Tuesday

India reports 50,848 new COVID-19 cases, taking total infections to 30 million

AstraZeneca&nbsp;Plc's&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;is&nbsp;effective&nbsp;against&nbsp;Delta and Kappa&nbsp;variants, which were first&nbsp;identified&nbsp;in&nbsp;India, the company said on Tuesday, citing a study.

The study by the Oxford University investigated the ability of monoclonal antibodies in blood from recovered people and from those vaccinated to neutralize the Delta and Kappa&nbsp;variants, the statement said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/socialists-are-terrorists-describes-us-military-training-manual-393303">Also Read |&nbsp;Socialists are 'terrorists', describes US military training manual</a>

Last week, an analysis by the Public Health England (PHE) showed that&nbsp;vaccines made by Pfizer Inc and&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;offer high protection of more than 90%&nbsp;against&nbsp;hospitalization from the Delta variant.

The latest Oxford study results are built on the recent analysis by PHE, the company said.

The Delta variant is becoming the globally dominant version of the disease, the World Health Organization's chief scientist said on Friday.

AstraZeneca Plc's COVID-19 vaccine is effective against Delta and Kappa variants, which were first identified in India, the company said on Tuesday, citing a study.

AstraZeneca Plc's COVID-19 vaccine is effective against Delta and Kappa variants, which were first identified in India, the company said on Tuesday, citing a study. The study by the Oxford University investigated the ability of monoclonal antibodies in blood from recovered people and from those vaccinated to neutralize the Delta and Kappa variants, the statement said. Also Read | Socialists are 'terrorists', describes US military training manual Last week, an analysis by the Public Health England (PHE) showed that vaccines made by Pfizer Inc and AstraZeneca offer high protection of more than 90% against hospitalization from the Delta variant. The latest Oxford study results are built on the recent analysis by PHE, the company said. The Delta variant is becoming the globally dominant version of the disease, the World Health Organization's chief scientist said on Friday.

AstraZeneca vaccine effective against COVID-19 variants identified in India

India recorded 42,640 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the lowest since March 23, according to data released by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Tuesday. 
 
As it continued with a declining trend of coronavirus infection, the country reported 1,167 deaths. This is the fifth consecutive day in the last two months when the toll has been below the 2,000-mark. 
 
It is also the 15th consecutive day when India reported less than one lakh new coronavirus cases. On March 23, India had recorded 47,262 cases while on June 22 India reported 53,256 cases. 
 
The overall tally of COVID-19 cases in the country now stands at 2,99,77,861. 
 
The active cases have now come down below 800,000. The country has 662,521 active cases presently and has witnessed 389,302 deaths so far. 
 
According to the Union Health Ministry, a total of 81,839 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours, taking the total discharge to 2,89,26,038 till date. 
 
The Health Ministry said that a total of 28,87,66,201 people have been vaccinated so far in the country, including 86,16,373 who were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours. 
 
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 39,40,72,142 samples have been tested up to June 21 for Covid-19. Of these 16,64,360 samples were tested on Monday.

India recorded 42,640 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the lowest since March 23, according to data released by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Tuesday.

India recorded 42,640 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the lowest since March 23, according to data released by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Tuesday. As it continued with a declining trend of coronavirus infection, the country reported 1,167 deaths. This is the fifth consecutive day in the last two months when the toll has been below the 2,000-mark. It is also the 15th consecutive day when India reported less than one lakh new coronavirus cases. On March 23, India had recorded 47,262 cases while on June 22 India reported 53,256 cases. The overall tally of COVID-19 cases in the country now stands at 2,99,77,861. The active cases have now come down below 800,000. The country has 662,521 active cases presently and has witnessed 389,302 deaths so far. According to the Union Health Ministry, a total of 81,839 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours, taking the total discharge to 2,89,26,038 till date. The Health Ministry said that a total of 28,87,66,201 people have been vaccinated so far in the country, including 86,16,373 who were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 39,40,72,142 samples have been tested up to June 21 for Covid-19. Of these 16,64,360 samples were tested on Monday.

India logs 42,000 Covid cases and 1,167 deaths in 24 hours

Claiming that yoga originated in Nepal and not in India, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday said that much before the existence of India as a nation, yoga was and has been practiced in the Himalayan nation.

The prime minister was speaking at an event held at his residence Baluwatar on the occasion of International Yoga Day.&nbsp;

“Yoga originated in Nepal and not in India. There was no existence of India when Yoga started. There was no country like India because there were several fringe states when yoga came into practice in Nepal,” Oli said in his address.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Oli said Nepal could not take the practice of yoga across the globe due to which there was no international recognition.&nbsp;

“Many famous sages and Maharishis such as Patanjali, Kapilmuni, and Charaka were born in Nepal. They studied and practice here itself,” he added.&nbsp;

Oli said yoga got international recognition after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed to the UN to celebrate International Yoga Day.&nbsp;

International Day of Yoga has been celebrated annually on June 21 since 2015, following its inception by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014.

Prime Minister Modi, in his UN address, had suggested the date of 21 June, as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance in many parts of the world.

Meanwhile, Embassy of India in Kathmandu had earlier organised virtual seventh International Day of Yoga, as part of its ongoing celebration of India@75 'Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. 
&nbsp;

Claiming that yoga originated in Nepal and not in India, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday said that much before the existence of India as a nation, yoga was and has been practiced in the Himalayan nation.

Claiming that yoga originated in Nepal and not in India, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday said that much before the existence of India as a nation, yoga was and has been practiced in the Himalayan nation. The prime minister was speaking at an event held at his residence Baluwatar on the occasion of International Yoga Day. “Yoga originated in Nepal and not in India. There was no existence of India when Yoga started. There was no country like India because there were several fringe states when yoga came into practice in Nepal,” Oli said in his address. Prime Minister Oli said Nepal could not take the practice of yoga across the globe due to which there was no international recognition. “Many famous sages and Maharishis such as Patanjali, Kapilmuni, and Charaka were born in Nepal. They studied and practice here itself,” he added. Oli said yoga got international recognition after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed to the UN to celebrate International Yoga Day. International Day of Yoga has been celebrated annually on June 21 since 2015, following its inception by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. Prime Minister Modi, in his UN address, had suggested the date of 21 June, as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance in many parts of the world. Meanwhile, Embassy of India in Kathmandu had earlier organised virtual seventh International Day of Yoga, as part of its ongoing celebration of India@75 'Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

Nepal PM Oli claims yoga did not originate in India

300 million people practice Yoga around the World. It is India's tool for cultural diplomacy, and very different from South Korea's K-Pop or Japan's technology. Unlike China's Confucius centres, Yoga comes with no underlying designs. Palki Sharma brings you the details.

Gravitas: International Yoga Day, 2021

India has slammed UN special rapporteurs who have criticised the new IT rules announced in February. In a strongly worded rebuttal, the Indian mission in Geneva highlighted that "India's democratic credentials are well recognised" and "right to freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed under the Indian Constitution".

India responds to UN on new IT rules

India's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information technology came out hard on Twitter asking the social media platform to follow the law of the land instead of dilly-dallying. The social media platform has not fully implemented the new IT rules that were announced in February.

India Vs Twitter: Twitter pulled up for non-compliance

What to expect from Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi? Appointed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to the high-profile job of judiciary chief in 2019, Raisi was placed under US sanctions a few months later over human rights violations.

What Iran's new regime holds for India?

Indian envoy to Japan Sanjay Verma has said that India has been talking to&nbsp;'both sides'&nbsp;in Myanmar and has asked the military rulers of the country to&nbsp;'resolve the current situation'. Myanmar saw a military coup on&nbsp;February 1, reversing the democratic gains of the last many years with cases against the country's charismatic leader&nbsp;Aung&nbsp;San&nbsp;Suu&nbsp;Kyi.&nbsp;

Verma said, "In Myanmar,&nbsp;we have been formally and informally talking to both sides. We have urged the military junta,&nbsp;which is there at the moment to release all the political prisoners and support any attempt to resolve the current situation."&nbsp;

India backs the ASEAN initiative on resolution of the situation in the country. The initiative is a five-point agenda that calls for humanitarian assistance, cessation of violence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The envoy pointed out that India also&nbsp;'trying to find out if there could be any other track which will have a larger traction to resolve the issues', highlighting that "we have time and again talked about restoration of rule of law, restoration of provisions of the constitution of&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;and offered our assistance wherever we can...(and) collaborate with international partners for a positive forward movement. We are not necessarily looking at punishing the country."&nbsp;

He was responding to a question at the foreign&nbsp;correspondents&nbsp;club of Japan. During his answer to the question on&nbsp;Myanmar, he recalled how India did&nbsp;'play a role'&nbsp;last time the country was under military rule as was&nbsp;'required that time for the democratic institutions in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;and we are ready to do the same'.&nbsp;

On Friday, India abstained&nbsp;from voting during&nbsp;an&nbsp;UN resolution on an arms embargo on the country, calling the resolution,&nbsp;a move in haste. It has spoken multiple times at UNSC meetings on the situation in Myanmar, condemning the violence in the country. The envoy said,&nbsp;"Myanmar is our&nbsp;neighbouring&nbsp;country.&nbsp;Therefore,&nbsp;anything happening&nbsp;in Myanmar could have cross border implications, which&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;important for us."&nbsp;

India and Myanmar share maritime and land borders. India has been developing the Kaladan multimodal projects that increases connectivity between the&nbsp;two&nbsp;countries. Myanmar in the past has helped India deal with its insurgency in bordering states.&nbsp;

Indian envoy to Japan Sanjay Verma has said that India has been talking to 'both sides' in Myanmar and has asked the military rulers of the country to 'resolve the current situation'.

Indian envoy to Japan Sanjay Verma has said that India has been talking to 'both sides' in Myanmar and has asked the military rulers of the country to 'resolve the current situation'. Myanmar saw a military coup on February 1, reversing the democratic gains of the last many years with cases against the country's charismatic leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Verma said, "In Myanmar, we have been formally and informally talking to both sides. We have urged the military junta, which is there at the moment to release all the political prisoners and support any attempt to resolve the current situation." India backs the ASEAN initiative on resolution of the situation in the country. The initiative is a five-point agenda that calls for humanitarian assistance, cessation of violence. The envoy pointed out that India also 'trying to find out if there could be any other track which will have a larger traction to resolve the issues', highlighting that "we have time and again talked about restoration of rule of law, restoration of provisions of the constitution of Myanmar and offered our assistance wherever we can...(and) collaborate with international partners for a positive forward movement. We are not necessarily looking at punishing the country." He was responding to a question at the foreign correspondents club of Japan. During his answer to the question on Myanmar, he recalled how India did 'play a role' last time the country was under military rule as was 'required that time for the democratic institutions in Myanmar and we are ready to do the same'. On Friday, India abstained from voting during an UN resolution on an arms embargo on the country, calling the resolution, a move in haste. It has spoken multiple times at UNSC meetings on the situation in Myanmar, condemning the violence in the country. The envoy said, "Myanmar is our neighbouring country. Therefore, anything happening in Myanmar could have cross border implications, which will be important for us." India and Myanmar share maritime and land borders. India has been developing the Kaladan multimodal projects that increases connectivity between the two countries. Myanmar in the past has helped India deal with its insurgency in bordering states.

Talking to both sides in Myanmar, says Indian envoy to Japan 

India's envoy to Japan Sanjay Verma has said that Indo Pacific vision is the 'new currency' even as he listed out how Quad is a grouping of 'convergence of principles'. Japan, along with India, US and Australia are members of the Quad grouping and back the Indo Pacific vision that geographically sees Indian and Pacific oceans as one unit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In response to a question, Sanjay Verma speaking at Foreign&nbsp;Correspondents&nbsp;Club of Japan, said, "There is no conflict between the concept of Indo Pacific and Asia Pacific, which is an old concept. In fact, Indo Pacific has become the new currency, as compared to the old currency, which used to be Asia Pacific. Indo Pacific replaces Asia Pacific."&nbsp;&nbsp;

He explained that the Indo Pacific vision is shared by 'many countries' and groupings like ASEAN and 'many countries beyond Asia, which also share' the vision like the US and Australia. Indo Pacific is a region seen from eastern shores of Africa to the western coast of the US and a region driving the world's economy and hosting a large portion of world's population.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Asked about Quad, and India aligning itself to specific groups, Verma highlighted that, "Quad doesn't force us to leave or give up our independent foreign policy. It is autonomous and completely independent. It doesn't preclude the convergence of principles."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Adding, "Quad has certain principles, which have convergence and&nbsp;reverbrance&nbsp;with the Indian foreign policy ethos and that is very much there."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, this year saw the first-ever Quad leadership summit virtually in which leaders of all four member countries participated. Later, this year could see, first-ever in-person summit. While the Quad's history goes back to the aftermath of the 2004 Indian ocean Tsunami when these four countries worked together, but it is only in the last few years that the pace of regular engagement has increased.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"In Quad, the countries, which have come together, follow principles like democracy”, envoy pointed out, saying "there is dialogue and deliverables coming out of quad and I don't see quad going against the philosophy and principle of having an independent foreign policy by a country."&nbsp;&nbsp;

The emergence of groupings like Quad and Indo Pacific vision come at a time when world and Asia has seen an increase in Chinese aggressiveness. China has been aggressive with all four Quad countries, with India it has been creating troubles at LAC in Eastern Ladakh, with Japan over Senkaku islands, with Australia there have been trade issues and with US, from trade to Taiwan.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Indian envoy also spoke on Tokyo Olympics which Japan will be hosting next month, saying "our athletes are early waiting to come and join the event and try to do the best they can in the sporting event."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Olympics were to take place last year but got postponed due to the Covid crisis. This year, the Olympics are taking place amid heightened protocols to deal with the Covid virus.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Verma said, "The Olympics should generally be held on time so that athletes, who would participate, do not get disappointed", elaborating that "It is a global event, for which the world waits for four years and therefore, our view is that, with safety is of paramount importance. There cannot be a compromise with health issues. Neither for the athletes, nor for visitors or Japanese residents."&nbsp;&nbsp;

So far, 140 Indian athletes are confirmed to go to Japan for the Olympics. The number can increase as many qualifying events remain.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Expressing confidence on smooth Olympics, the envoy said, "Olympics should go ahead and I am sure, given the precautions taken by the Japanese govt and Japanese Olympic committee, we do not foresee any difficulty in going ahead with the event."&nbsp;

India's envoy to Japan Sanjay Verma has said that Indo Pacific vision is the 'new currency' even as he listed out how Quad is a grouping of 'convergence of principles'.

India's envoy to Japan Sanjay Verma has said that Indo Pacific vision is the 'new currency' even as he listed out how Quad is a grouping of 'convergence of principles'. Japan, along with India, US and Australia are members of the Quad grouping and back the Indo Pacific vision that geographically sees Indian and Pacific oceans as one unit. In response to a question, Sanjay Verma speaking at Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan, said, "There is no conflict between the concept of Indo Pacific and Asia Pacific, which is an old concept. In fact, Indo Pacific has become the new currency, as compared to the old currency, which used to be Asia Pacific. Indo Pacific replaces Asia Pacific." He explained that the Indo Pacific vision is shared by 'many countries' and groupings like ASEAN and 'many countries beyond Asia, which also share' the vision like the US and Australia. Indo Pacific is a region seen from eastern shores of Africa to the western coast of the US and a region driving the world's economy and hosting a large portion of world's population. Asked about Quad, and India aligning itself to specific groups, Verma highlighted that, "Quad doesn't force us to leave or give up our independent foreign policy. It is autonomous and completely independent. It doesn't preclude the convergence of principles." Adding, "Quad has certain principles, which have convergence and reverbrance with the Indian foreign policy ethos and that is very much there." Earlier, this year saw the first-ever Quad leadership summit virtually in which leaders of all four member countries participated. Later, this year could see, first-ever in-person summit. While the Quad's history goes back to the aftermath of the 2004 Indian ocean Tsunami when these four countries worked together, but it is only in the last few years that the pace of regular engagement has increased. "In Quad, the countries, which have come together, follow principles like democracy”, envoy pointed out, saying "there is dialogue and deliverables coming out of quad and I don't see quad going against the philosophy and principle of having an independent foreign policy by a country." The emergence of groupings like Quad and Indo Pacific vision come at a time when world and Asia has seen an increase in Chinese aggressiveness. China has been aggressive with all four Quad countries, with India it has been creating troubles at LAC in Eastern Ladakh, with Japan over Senkaku islands, with Australia there have been trade issues and with US, from trade to Taiwan. The Indian envoy also spoke on Tokyo Olympics which Japan will be hosting next month, saying "our athletes are early waiting to come and join the event and try to do the best they can in the sporting event." The Olympics were to take place last year but got postponed due to the Covid crisis. This year, the Olympics are taking place amid heightened protocols to deal with the Covid virus. Verma said, "The Olympics should generally be held on time so that athletes, who would participate, do not get disappointed", elaborating that "It is a global event, for which the world waits for four years and therefore, our view is that, with safety is of paramount importance. There cannot be a compromise with health issues. Neither for the athletes, nor for visitors or Japanese residents." So far, 140 Indian athletes are confirmed to go to Japan for the Olympics. The number can increase as many qualifying events remain. Expressing confidence on smooth Olympics, the envoy said, "Olympics should go ahead and I am sure, given the precautions taken by the Japanese govt and Japanese Olympic committee, we do not foresee any difficulty in going ahead with the event."

Indo Pacific is new currency, says Indian envoy to Japan Sanjay Verma; Backs Tokyo Olympics 

India's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information technology came hard on Twitter on Friday asking the social media platform to follow the law of the land instead of dilly-dallying. The social media platform has not fully implemented the new IT rules that were announced in February.

Indian govt to Twitter: Rule of land is supreme, not your policy

With the Chinese Navy getting new port projects in Sri Lanka, a top Indian Navy officer said that it 'could pose a threat' to Indian interests in the region and there is a need to keep a close watch on such activities.

China making inroads in Sri Lanka, India keeps a close watch

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Pakistani NSA Moeed Yusuf along with NSAs of other countries will be in Dushanbe, Tajikistan next week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO in-person meeting. The meet due on June 23 and 24 will see NSAs of SCO countries meeting in person.

SCO Meet 2021: India, Pakistan NSAs to take part in Shanghai Cooperation Organization meet

Lions housed in Chennai's Zoological park have tested positive for COVID-19. Watch this report to know more.

India: Chennai zoo lions infected with COVID-19 Delta variant

Pakistan's foreign minister has given the Taliban a clean chit in the ongoing violence in Afghanistan. He has accused India of having more influence 'than it ought to' in the region. Why is Shah Mahmood Qureshi dictating India's Afghan policy? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Pakistan's foreign minister accuses India of terrorism

Milkha Singh, one of India's greatest sportsperson, is no more. The 91 year old has passed away due to COVID-19 complications in Chandigarh.

Indian sporting icon Milkha Singh passes away at the age of 91

A third wave of coronavirus infections is likely to hit India by October, although it will be better controlled than the latest outbreak the pandemic will remain a public health threat for at least another year.

COVID-19: India to be hit by 3rd wave in October, claims study

India has gifted a statue of Buddha to Bhutan on the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche, considered as the second Buddha. Born in the&nbsp;eighth century India,&nbsp;Guru Rinpoche also known as Guru&nbsp;Padmasambhava&nbsp;was responsible for spreading Buddhism to Tibet, Bhutan and other parts of Asia. The statue as part of cultural connect is being given by Indian Council of Cultural Relations&nbsp;(ICCR)&nbsp;to Bhutan.&nbsp;

Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, president,&nbsp;ICCR at&nbsp;a&nbsp;virtual&nbsp;session&nbsp;organised&nbsp;by ICCR and Indian embassy in Bhutan said that the statue,"symbolises&nbsp;not just our age-old cultural ties, but also our shared commitment to the values that Buddha taught us and the relationship between Bharat and Bhutan is laced with cultural bondage since time immemorial...&nbsp;What was destroyed in Nalanda and other similar places are the assets saved by your monasteries,&nbsp;stupas..we&nbsp;owe a lot to our friends in Bhutan."&nbsp;

The&nbsp;size of the&nbsp;statue of Lord Buddha in a lotus pose is 3.3 feet. It is&nbsp;made of bronze and weighs approximately&nbsp;200 kg. It has been designed by renowned sculptor Naresh Kumar Kumawat.&nbsp;

At the virtual hand-over, Bhutan's Foreign minister Dr Tandi Dorji was present, who said,&nbsp;"This is a fitting tribute to our special relationship as the close bonds of friendship we enjoy today, have roots in our deep religious and spiritual connection."&nbsp;&nbsp;

He highlighted, that "Buddhism spread from its cradle in India and since its arrival in Bhutan, many great masters from India, most notable Guru&nbsp;Padmasambhava&nbsp;travelled to our country and blessed the land and its people."&nbsp;

Bhutan has many important places of pilgrimage associated with him including the Tiger's Nest monastery where he is said to have meditated. The Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche is a national holiday in Bhutan and will be observed on&nbsp;Sunday, June&nbsp;20&nbsp;this&nbsp;year. The birth anniversary comes on the 10th day of the 6th lunar month,&nbsp;which is usually June or July under the Gregorian calendar.&nbsp;

At the virtual event,&nbsp;explaining how "Guru Rinpoche's&nbsp;philosophy&nbsp;lies at the heart of Bhutan" India's envoy to Bhutan, Ruchira Kamboj said,&nbsp;"Our embassy feels great&nbsp;honour&nbsp;to hand over the statue of Buddha from India to Bhutan especially&nbsp;on this auspicious&nbsp;occasion".&nbsp;

Pointing out the importance of teachings of&nbsp;Guru&nbsp;Padmasambhava,&nbsp;like faithfulness, contentment,&nbsp;ICCR&nbsp;Director General, Dinesh&nbsp;Paitnaik&nbsp;on the occasion,&nbsp;said, "When we look at India, Bhutan relationship, we see faithfulness is actually the best relationship". Adding, "India is seen as land of Buddhism...it is&nbsp;a matter of&nbsp;proud and&nbsp;honour&nbsp;for us but with it comes a sense of responsibility to promote Buddhism and propagate its values."&nbsp;

On Sunday, the statue will be physically placed at the&nbsp;Tashichhoe&nbsp;Dzong. The development comes a day after India&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bhutan signed a pact on the environment under which both sides will share best practices in areas like prevention of air pollution, waste management, and climate change. Both sides will also work on joint projects under the pact.&nbsp;

India has gifted a statue of Buddha to Bhutan on the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche, considered as the second Buddha. Born in the eighth century India, Guru Rinpoche also known as Guru Padmasambhava was responsible for spreading Buddhism to Tibet, Bhutan and other parts of Asia.

India has gifted a statue of Buddha to Bhutan on the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche, considered as the second Buddha. Born in the eighth century India, Guru Rinpoche also known as Guru Padmasambhava was responsible for spreading Buddhism to Tibet, Bhutan and other parts of Asia. The statue as part of cultural connect is being given by Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) to Bhutan. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, president, ICCR at a virtual session organised by ICCR and Indian embassy in Bhutan said that the statue,"symbolises not just our age-old cultural ties, but also our shared commitment to the values that Buddha taught us and the relationship between Bharat and Bhutan is laced with cultural bondage since time immemorial... What was destroyed in Nalanda and other similar places are the assets saved by your monasteries, stupas..we owe a lot to our friends in Bhutan." The size of the statue of Lord Buddha in a lotus pose is 3.3 feet. It is made of bronze and weighs approximately 200 kg. It has been designed by renowned sculptor Naresh Kumar Kumawat. At the virtual hand-over, Bhutan's Foreign minister Dr Tandi Dorji was present, who said, "This is a fitting tribute to our special relationship as the close bonds of friendship we enjoy today, have roots in our deep religious and spiritual connection." He highlighted, that "Buddhism spread from its cradle in India and since its arrival in Bhutan, many great masters from India, most notable Guru Padmasambhava travelled to our country and blessed the land and its people." Bhutan has many important places of pilgrimage associated with him including the Tiger's Nest monastery where he is said to have meditated. The Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche is a national holiday in Bhutan and will be observed on Sunday, June 20 this year. The birth anniversary comes on the 10th day of the 6th lunar month, which is usually June or July under the Gregorian calendar. At the virtual event, explaining how "Guru Rinpoche's philosophy lies at the heart of Bhutan" India's envoy to Bhutan, Ruchira Kamboj said, "Our embassy feels great honour to hand over the statue of Buddha from India to Bhutan especially on this auspicious occasion". Pointing out the importance of teachings of Guru Padmasambhava, like faithfulness, contentment, ICCR Director General, Dinesh Paitnaik on the occasion, said, "When we look at India, Bhutan relationship, we see faithfulness is actually the best relationship". Adding, "India is seen as land of Buddhism...it is a matter of proud and honour for us but with it comes a sense of responsibility to promote Buddhism and propagate its values." On Sunday, the statue will be physically placed at the Tashichhoe Dzong. The development comes a day after India and Bhutan signed a pact on the environment under which both sides will share best practices in areas like prevention of air pollution, waste management, and climate change. Both sides will also work on joint projects under the pact.

Cultural Connect: India gifts Bhutan statue of Buddha on Guru Rinpoche's birth anniversary 

With 60,753 new Covid cases being reported in a day, India's total tally rose to 2,98,23,546, while the number of active cases stand at 7,60,019, the lowest in 74 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Saturday.&nbsp;

The death toll climbed to 3,85,137 with 1,647 fresh fatalities and active cases comprise 2.55 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 96.16 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;

A total of 19,02,009 tests were conducted on Friday, taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,92,07,637, it said.&nbsp;

The daily positivity rate was recorded 2.98 per cent. It has been less than five per cent for 12 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding that the weekly positivity rate has declined to 3.58 per cent.&nbsp;

Recoveries outnumbered daily cases for the 37th consecutive day and the number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 2,86,78,390. The case fatality rate stands at 1.29 per cent, the data said.&nbsp;

Cumulatively, 27,23,88,783 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.&nbsp;

The 1,647 new fatalities include 648 from Maharashtra, 287 from Tamil Nadu and 168 from Karnataka.&nbsp;

The 3,85,137 deaths reported so far in the country include 1,16,674 from Maharashtra, 33,602 from Karnataka, 30,835 from Tamil Nadu, 24,900 from Delhi, 22,081 from Uttar Pradesh, 17,240 from West Bengal, 15,771 from Punjab and 13,368 from Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

The health ministry said that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.&nbsp;

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

With 60,753 new Covid cases being reported in a day, India's total tally rose to 2,98,23,546, while the number of active cases stand at 7,60,019, the lowest in 74 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Saturday.

With 60,753 new Covid cases being reported in a day, India's total tally rose to 2,98,23,546, while the number of active cases stand at 7,60,019, the lowest in 74 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Saturday. The death toll climbed to 3,85,137 with 1,647 fresh fatalities and active cases comprise 2.55 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 96.16 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed. A total of 19,02,009 tests were conducted on Friday, taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,92,07,637, it said. The daily positivity rate was recorded 2.98 per cent. It has been less than five per cent for 12 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding that the weekly positivity rate has declined to 3.58 per cent. Recoveries outnumbered daily cases for the 37th consecutive day and the number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 2,86,78,390. The case fatality rate stands at 1.29 per cent, the data said. Cumulatively, 27,23,88,783 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. The 1,647 new fatalities include 648 from Maharashtra, 287 from Tamil Nadu and 168 from Karnataka. The 3,85,137 deaths reported so far in the country include 1,16,674 from Maharashtra, 33,602 from Karnataka, 30,835 from Tamil Nadu, 24,900 from Delhi, 22,081 from Uttar Pradesh, 17,240 from West Bengal, 15,771 from Punjab and 13,368 from Chhattisgarh. The health ministry said that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India records 60,753 fresh COVID-19 cases

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Pakistani NSA Moeed Yusuf along with NSAs of other countries will be in Dushanbe, Tajikistan next week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO in-person meeting. The meet due on June 23 and 24 will see NSAs of SCO countries meeting in person.

Tajikistan is the chair of the grouping and took the chairmanship of the SCO at a meeting of the SCO Heads of State Council in November of 2020. Ahead of the meet, early June saw a protocol meeting to decide the nitty-gritty of the meet.

Next week's SCO NSAs meet is expected to see participation of Russian NSA Nikolai Patrushev, Chinese counterpart.&nbsp;

Afghanistan is an observer member of SCO with Afghan NSA Hamdullah Mohib going to the city as part of his larger central Asia visit. Mohib and Doval could even hold bilateral meeting in Dushanbe which comes in the backdrop of US withdrawal from Afghanistan and increased violence by Taliban.

While there is no confirmation of Indian and Pakistani NSAs having a bilateral meeting, or pull aside, the development comes at a time when both New Delhi and Islamabad have been cautious in ties in the last few months. February saw the Indian, Pakistan army agreeing to observe the 2003 ceasefire pact at the LoC in Kashmir. Since then, the pact has stood and the area hasn't seen any firing.

Since February this year, twice--both India's external minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistan FM SM Qureshi have been in the same location but no meeting has happened. In March, both were in Dushanbe for the Heart of Asia meet on Afghanistan, later in April, both were in UAE for a bilateral visit, respectively.

Interestingly, Pak, Afghan NSA will also be present in Dushanbe. This comes even as Pakistan foreign minister SM Qureshi was seen defending the Taliban in an interview to an Afghan channel TOLO News's Lotfullah Najafizada. Pak FM said, "if you try and create this impression that the violence is high because of Taliban, that would be exaggeration."

SCO has 8 member states--Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and 4 central Asian countries--Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. 2017 saw India and Pakistan officially joining the grouping as full-fledged members. November last year saw India hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization heads of government meeting virtually. &nbsp;That was the first time India was hosting such a meet of the group, with India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu chairing it.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Pakistani NSA Moeed Yusuf along with NSAs of other countries will be in Dushanbe, Tajikistan next week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO in-person meeting.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Pakistani NSA Moeed Yusuf along with NSAs of other countries will be in Dushanbe, Tajikistan next week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO in-person meeting. The meet due on June 23 and 24 will see NSAs of SCO countries meeting in person. Tajikistan is the chair of the grouping and took the chairmanship of the SCO at a meeting of the SCO Heads of State Council in November of 2020. Ahead of the meet, early June saw a protocol meeting to decide the nitty-gritty of the meet. Next week's SCO NSAs meet is expected to see participation of Russian NSA Nikolai Patrushev, Chinese counterpart. Afghanistan is an observer member of SCO with Afghan NSA Hamdullah Mohib going to the city as part of his larger central Asia visit. Mohib and Doval could even hold bilateral meeting in Dushanbe which comes in the backdrop of US withdrawal from Afghanistan and increased violence by Taliban. While there is no confirmation of Indian and Pakistani NSAs having a bilateral meeting, or pull aside, the development comes at a time when both New Delhi and Islamabad have been cautious in ties in the last few months. February saw the Indian, Pakistan army agreeing to observe the 2003 ceasefire pact at the LoC in Kashmir. Since then, the pact has stood and the area hasn't seen any firing. Since February this year, twice--both India's external minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistan FM SM Qureshi have been in the same location but no meeting has happened. In March, both were in Dushanbe for the Heart of Asia meet on Afghanistan, later in April, both were in UAE for a bilateral visit, respectively. Interestingly, Pak, Afghan NSA will also be present in Dushanbe. This comes even as Pakistan foreign minister SM Qureshi was seen defending the Taliban in an interview to an Afghan channel TOLO News's Lotfullah Najafizada. Pak FM said, "if you try and create this impression that the violence is high because of Taliban, that would be exaggeration." SCO has 8 member states--Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and 4 central Asian countries--Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. 2017 saw India and Pakistan officially joining the grouping as full-fledged members. November last year saw India hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization heads of government meeting virtually. That was the first time India was hosting such a meet of the group, with India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu chairing it.

Exclusive: India, Pak NSA to be in Dushanbe next week for SCO NSAs meet

As India witnessed a second devastating surge in COVID-19 cases, help came from all around the world. However, some organisations use the crisis to collect funds illegitimately in the name of charity.

Report: Pakistan NGO misused COVID-19 relief funds collected to help India

What are India's stakes in US-Russia relations? Will a détente between the two powers benefit India? Palki Sharma tells you 5 reasons why India will be cheering for a thaw.

Gravitas | US-Russia thaw: What does it mean for India?

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that India's role in Afghanistan is more than it should be. He sought to question the need for India to have a large presence in Afghanistan simply on the ground that the two countries do not share a border.

Pak FM Qureshi says India has an excessive presence in Afghanistan

A 10 kiloliter mid-sea oil spill was reported from a Portuguese flagged container ship MV Devon, 450 km off Chennai coast. It occurred while the vessel was transiting the region, during its voyage from Colombo, Sri Lanka to Haldia, West Bengal.

Oil spill off Chennai coast, Indian Coast Guard monitoring situation

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