India`s tally of coronavirus infections reached nearly 24.7 million on Sunday, increasing&nbsp;by 311,170 new cases over the last 24 hours, while deaths rose by 4,077. 
 
The South Asian nation`s tally stands at 24.68 million with the death toll at 270,284, health ministry data showed.

India reported 311,170 new COVID-19 cases and 362,437 recoveries in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Sunday.

While new cases continued to decrease, 4,077 Covid-related deaths were reported across the country, a slight increase from yesterday`s figure (3,890).

326,098 new COVID cases were reported on Saturday. The total positive cases in the country stands at 2,46,84,077, including 2,07,95,335 recoveries and 36,18,458 active cases.

The death toll, meanwhile, stands at 2,70,284.A total of 18,22,20,164 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered across the country so far. A total of 31,48,50,143 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to May 15.

Of these, 18,32,950 samples were tested on Saturday, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said.

India`s tally of coronavirus infections reached nearly 24.7 million on Sunday, increasing by 311,170 new cases over the last 24 hours, while deaths rose by 4,077.

India`s tally of coronavirus infections reached nearly 24.7 million on Sunday, increasing by 311,170 new cases over the last 24 hours, while deaths rose by 4,077. The South Asian nation`s tally stands at 24.68 million with the death toll at 270,284, health ministry data showed. India reported 311,170 new COVID-19 cases and 362,437 recoveries in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Sunday. While new cases continued to decrease, 4,077 Covid-related deaths were reported across the country, a slight increase from yesterday`s figure (3,890). 326,098 new COVID cases were reported on Saturday. The total positive cases in the country stands at 2,46,84,077, including 2,07,95,335 recoveries and 36,18,458 active cases. The death toll, meanwhile, stands at 2,70,284.A total of 18,22,20,164 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered across the country so far. A total of 31,48,50,143 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to May 15. Of these, 18,32,950 samples were tested on Saturday, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said.

India adds 311,170 daily coronavirus infections to nearly 24.7 million

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday discussed the COVID-19 situation with the Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Puducherry over a phone call.

Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh are among the ten states that cumulatively account for 74.69 per cent of India's total active cases, said the Union Health Ministry.

Also read: <a href="Delhi extends lockdown by another week">Delhi extends lockdown by another week</a>

Rajasthan has 2,08,698 active cases of COVID-19, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 1,77,643 and Chhattisgarh at 1,10,401 cases.

As per the ministry, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are among the ten states that reported 74.7 per cent of the new cases in the last 24 hours.

Also read:<a href="India adds 311,170 daily coronavirus infections to nearly 24.7 million">&nbsp;India adds 311,170 daily coronavirus infections to nearly 24.7 million</a>

While Rajasthan reported 13,575 new cases in the last 24 hours, Uttar Pradesh recorded 12,513 new cases.

These two states are also among the ten states that account for 75.55 per cent of the new COVID deaths in the last 24 hours, said the ministry.

Uttar Pradesh reported 281 deaths while Rajasthan recorded 149 casualties in the last 24 hours, informed the ministry.

Meanwhile, India reported 3,11,170 new COVID-19 cases and 3,62,437 recoveries in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Sunday.

The cumulative caseload stands at 2,46,84,077, including 2,07,95,335 recoveries and 36,18,458 active cases. The death toll, meanwhile, stands at 2,70,284.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday discussed the COVID-19 situation with the Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Puducherry over a phone call.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday discussed the COVID-19 situation with the Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Puducherry over a phone call. Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh are among the ten states that cumulatively account for 74.69 per cent of India's total active cases, said the Union Health Ministry. Also read: Delhi extends lockdown by another week Rajasthan has 2,08,698 active cases of COVID-19, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 1,77,643 and Chhattisgarh at 1,10,401 cases. As per the ministry, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are among the ten states that reported 74.7 per cent of the new cases in the last 24 hours. Also read: India adds 311,170 daily coronavirus infections to nearly 24.7 million While Rajasthan reported 13,575 new cases in the last 24 hours, Uttar Pradesh recorded 12,513 new cases. These two states are also among the ten states that account for 75.55 per cent of the new COVID deaths in the last 24 hours, said the ministry. Uttar Pradesh reported 281 deaths while Rajasthan recorded 149 casualties in the last 24 hours, informed the ministry. Meanwhile, India reported 3,11,170 new COVID-19 cases and 3,62,437 recoveries in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Sunday. The cumulative caseload stands at 2,46,84,077, including 2,07,95,335 recoveries and 36,18,458 active cases. The death toll, meanwhile, stands at 2,70,284.

PM Modi reviews COVID-19 situation with CMs of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, UP, Puducherry

In the last 24 hours India has reported 311,000+ COVID-19 cases. Country's positivity rate has dipped below 20% this week.

Coronavirus Update: India reports 311,000+ COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

India has built a roadmap for vaccine procurement. By December, India plans to procure more than two billion doses - supplies that can vaccinate the entire adult population. Where will India get these vaccines from? Palki Sharma has the answers.

Gravitas | COVID surge: 2 billion vaccine doses for India by December?

How do India's vaccination numbers stack up against global data? Are western nations really pulling ahead in vaccinations? Palki Sharma tells you why a sluggish rollout is a global reality, masked by differences in population.

Gravitas: How long before we reach herd immunity?

Is India's top medical research body ICMR using an outdated prescription to treat Wuhan virus patients? ICMR's official treatment protocol encourages the use of HCQ & Ivermectin - drugs that leading global regulators advise against using. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Is India using an outdated prescription to treat COVID-19 patients?

Pakistani generals are developing a sudden urge to preach peace close to retirement. Is this about leaving a statesman's legacy or a genuine demand for cross-border peace? Palki Sharma decodes Pak army chief Bajwa's outreach to India.

Gravitas: Peace with India: Bajwa's retirement plan?

India reported 326,098 cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. 3,890 also succumbed to the virus in the same period. Several states have imposed lockdowns to curb the spread of the virus, and recoveries have now outnumbered fresh Covid infections.

COVID-19: India's positivity rate declines

Google is leading a determined effort by US tech giants to support a programme that gives work authorisation for spouses of those possessing H-1B foreign work visas, the most sought after among Indian IT professionals.&nbsp;

Goggle is joined by 30 other companies to support the H-4 EAD ((Employment Authorisation Document) programme.&nbsp;

An H-4 visa is issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to immediate family members (spouse and children under 21 years of age) of the H-1B visa holders.&nbsp;

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.&nbsp;

"Google is proud to support our nation's immigrants. We joined 30 other companies to protect the H-4 EAD programme which spurs innovation, creates jobs and opportunities, and helps families," Google CEO Sundar Pichai tweeted.&nbsp;

Google on Friday filed a legal brief in a lawsuit called Save Jobs USA vs US Department of Homeland Security.&nbsp;

Tech companies that signed onto the amicus brief include Adobe, Amazon, Apple, eBay, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, PayPal and Twitter.&nbsp;

"To support this important programme, we are leading an amicus brief with over 40 companies and organisations to preserve and protect the H-4 EAD programme," Catherine Lacavera, Vice President, Legal, Google, said in a blog post.&nbsp;

"This builds on an amicus brief we recently joined in support of a lawsuit filed by the American Immigration Lawyers Association to expedite the delayed processing time of H-4 work authorisations," she said.&nbsp;

Kent Walker, Senior Vice President, Global Affairs, Google, said H-4 EAD authorisations for the spouses of high-skilled workers help American companies recruit and retain the world's best talent.&nbsp;

"Today we led a business coalition filing on behalf of 30 companies to preserve and protect the programme," Walker said.&nbsp;

"H-4 EADs provide work authorisation to more than 90,000 H-4 visa-holders--more than 90 per cent women. COVID has disproportionately affected women. Ending this programme would make things worse, disrupting careers and reducing wages," he said.&nbsp;

"It doesn't make sense to welcome a person to the US to work but to make it harder for their spouse to work. That hurts their family and hurts our economy now and in the future," he added.&nbsp;

The plaintiff is Save Jobs USA, a group of computer workers formerly employed by Southern California Edison and replaced by foreign workers imported on H-1B guest worker visas.&nbsp;

Save Jobs USA filed the lawsuit in 2015. It was delayed as former president Donald Trump's administration considered rescinding the H-4 work rule. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Google is leading a determined effort by US tech giants to support a programme that gives work authorisation for spouses of those possessing H-1B foreign work visas, the most sought after among Indian IT professionals.

Google is leading a determined effort by US tech giants to support a programme that gives work authorisation for spouses of those possessing H-1B foreign work visas, the most sought after among Indian IT professionals. Goggle is joined by 30 other companies to support the H-4 EAD ((Employment Authorisation Document) programme. An H-4 visa is issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to immediate family members (spouse and children under 21 years of age) of the H-1B visa holders. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. "Google is proud to support our nation's immigrants. We joined 30 other companies to protect the H-4 EAD programme which spurs innovation, creates jobs and opportunities, and helps families," Google CEO Sundar Pichai tweeted. Google on Friday filed a legal brief in a lawsuit called Save Jobs USA vs US Department of Homeland Security. Tech companies that signed onto the amicus brief include Adobe, Amazon, Apple, eBay, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, PayPal and Twitter. "To support this important programme, we are leading an amicus brief with over 40 companies and organisations to preserve and protect the H-4 EAD programme," Catherine Lacavera, Vice President, Legal, Google, said in a blog post. "This builds on an amicus brief we recently joined in support of a lawsuit filed by the American Immigration Lawyers Association to expedite the delayed processing time of H-4 work authorisations," she said. Kent Walker, Senior Vice President, Global Affairs, Google, said H-4 EAD authorisations for the spouses of high-skilled workers help American companies recruit and retain the world's best talent. "Today we led a business coalition filing on behalf of 30 companies to preserve and protect the programme," Walker said. "H-4 EADs provide work authorisation to more than 90,000 H-4 visa-holders--more than 90 per cent women. COVID has disproportionately affected women. Ending this programme would make things worse, disrupting careers and reducing wages," he said. "It doesn't make sense to welcome a person to the US to work but to make it harder for their spouse to work. That hurts their family and hurts our economy now and in the future," he added. The plaintiff is Save Jobs USA, a group of computer workers formerly employed by Southern California Edison and replaced by foreign workers imported on H-1B guest worker visas. Save Jobs USA filed the lawsuit in 2015. It was delayed as former president Donald Trump's administration considered rescinding the H-4 work rule. (With inputs from agencies)

Google leads US tech giants' effort to support work authorisation for spouses of H-1B visa holders 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday Britain would accelerate its COVID-19 vaccination programme, to try to contain a fast-spreading variant first identified in India that could knock a re-opening of the economy off track.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom has delivered one of the world's fastest inoculation campaigns, giving a first shot to almost 70% of the adult population and a second to 36%, helping to reduce infection rates and deaths.&nbsp;

But the emergence of the B.1.617.2 variant in parts of northern England and London has prompted some scientists to call for the reopening to be delayed, and a rethink on the speed of the vaccine rollout. &nbsp;

"I believe we should trust in our vaccines to protect the public whilst monitoring the situation very closely because the race between our vaccination programme and the virus may be about to become a great deal tighter," Johnson told a news conference.&nbsp;

He said the government would accelerate remaining second doses to the over 50s and those clinically vulnerable to just eight weeks after the first dose, and would prioritise first doses for those eligible who had not yet come forward.&nbsp;

Even so, the spread of the variant could disrupt Britain's progress out of lockdown, making it more difficult to move to the final stage of a staggered reopening of the economy in June, he said.&nbsp;

Johnson had aimed to lift all restrictions on June 21, after allowing people in England from Monday to hug again, meet in small groups indoors and travel abroad.&nbsp;

Chris Whitty, England chief medical officer, said there was now confidence that B.1.617.2 was more transmissible than the 'Kent' variant that fuelled England's second wave of infections. He said B.1.617.2 could come to dominate in Britain.&nbsp;

Public Health England said on Thursday there had been 1,313 cases in England of B.1.617.2 in a week, more than double the previous week's figure, with four confirmed deaths.&nbsp;

Whitty said so far there had not been a significant increase in hospitalisations from the variant, which may be because more people had been vaccinated.&nbsp;

But both Johnson and Whitty said it was still early days, and scientists would need to scrutinise data over the next two or three weeks to truly see the impact of the variant.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday Britain would accelerate its COVID-19 vaccination programme, to try to contain a fast-spreading variant first identified in India that could knock a re-opening of the economy off track.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday Britain would accelerate its COVID-19 vaccination programme, to try to contain a fast-spreading variant first identified in India that could knock a re-opening of the economy off track. The United Kingdom has delivered one of the world's fastest inoculation campaigns, giving a first shot to almost 70% of the adult population and a second to 36%, helping to reduce infection rates and deaths. But the emergence of the B.1.617.2 variant in parts of northern England and London has prompted some scientists to call for the reopening to be delayed, and a rethink on the speed of the vaccine rollout. "I believe we should trust in our vaccines to protect the public whilst monitoring the situation very closely because the race between our vaccination programme and the virus may be about to become a great deal tighter," Johnson told a news conference. He said the government would accelerate remaining second doses to the over 50s and those clinically vulnerable to just eight weeks after the first dose, and would prioritise first doses for those eligible who had not yet come forward. Even so, the spread of the variant could disrupt Britain's progress out of lockdown, making it more difficult to move to the final stage of a staggered reopening of the economy in June, he said. Johnson had aimed to lift all restrictions on June 21, after allowing people in England from Monday to hug again, meet in small groups indoors and travel abroad. Chris Whitty, England chief medical officer, said there was now confidence that B.1.617.2 was more transmissible than the 'Kent' variant that fuelled England's second wave of infections. He said B.1.617.2 could come to dominate in Britain. Public Health England said on Thursday there had been 1,313 cases in England of B.1.617.2 in a week, more than double the previous week's figure, with four confirmed deaths. Whitty said so far there had not been a significant increase in hospitalisations from the variant, which may be because more people had been vaccinated. But both Johnson and Whitty said it was still early days, and scientists would need to scrutinise data over the next two or three weeks to truly see the impact of the variant. (With inputs from agencies)

UK to speed up vaccinations, warns B.1.617.2 variant may delay full reopening 

India has tweaked its vaccination rules. Those who recently recovered shouldn't take a shot before 6 months. The gap between the 1st & 2nd dose of Covishield has been increased to up to 16 weeks. This comes amid an acute shortage of vaccines. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: New rules for vaccination in India

As India grapple with a shortage of Coronavirus vaccines, the Centre government on Thursday said that over two billion doses will be made available in the country in five months between August and December, enough to vaccinate the entire population.

India plans to procure 2 billion vaccine shots by December

The European Union was one of the first blocks to announce assistance as India battles the deadly second wave of COVID-19. Since then leading EU countries have shared critical supplies like oxygen, ventilators and equipment with India. What lessons can India and rest of the world learn from Europe? What role can EU now play in assisting India with its pandemic response? Palki Sharma discusses with following guests: - Daniela Sezonov Tane; Romania's Ambassador to India - Adam Burakowski; Poland's Ambassador to India - Vincenzo De Luca; Italy' Ambassador to India - Freddy Svane; Denmark's Ambassador to India

Ambassadors' Roundtable: Fighting the pandemic | Prompt assistance to India from EU

India's pandemic death toll has crossed 250,000. With the risk of the third wave growing, India has now approved Covaxin trials for children between 2 to 18 years of age. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: India to begin Covaxin vaccine trials for kids

As increasing number of state across India complain of vaccine shortage, country's Science and Technology Ministry has said that the production capacity of Covaxin will be doubled in the next one to two months (May-June).

India: Production capacity of Covaxin to be doubled by May-June 2021

On Tuesday, India recorded its lowest count of daily cases in 14 days. New infections have dipped in major hotspots like Maharashtra and Delhi. Has India's deadly second wave peaked? Palki Sharma brings you an assessment.

Gravitas: India's COVID surge: Major hotspots register a dip in new cases

The Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mahmood Qureshi has backstepped over India's abrogation of article 370 that provides special status to the Jammu & Kashmir. 'we will only talk to India if article 370 restored to status quo', says Qureshi

'Will talk to India only if Article 370 restore': Pak FM Qureshi

India has recorded 4,250 COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours. This is the highest-ever death count that India has ever seen in a single day since the pandemic began in 2020. This is the third time in the span of 10 days that India has officially recorded over 4,000 deaths in 24 hours.

India records highest single day COVID-19 deaths since beginning of pandemic

Calling India, EU Leadership summit of 8th May a "turning point" in ties, the European Union's envoy to India Ugo Astuto has said, "we want to work together so that we can shape the global agenda". This is the 2nd time this format of one world leader and all 27 EU member states meet happened, the first was with US President in March this year.

India, EU leadership summit 'turning point' in ties says EU envoy Ugo Astuto

India made the 'incorrect assumption' that it was finished with the COVID-19 pandemic and opened up prematurely that has left the country in such 'dire straits', America's top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has told senators.&nbsp;

India has been severely affected by the unprecedented second wave of the coronavirus and hospitals in several states are reeling under the shortage of health workers, vaccines, oxygen, drugs and beds.&nbsp;

"The reason that India is in such dire straits now is that they had an original surge and made the incorrect assumption that they were finished with it, and what happened, they opened up prematurely and wind up having a surge right now that we're all very well aware of is extremely devastating," Fauci told the Senate Health, Education, Labour and Pensions Committee during a hearing on Tuesday on the COVID-19 response.&nbsp;

Dr Fauci, who is the Director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), is also the chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden.&nbsp;

Chairing the hearing, Senator Patty Murray said that the surge of COVID-19 that is devastating India is a painful reminder really that the US can't end the pandemic here until it ends it everywhere.&nbsp;

"I'm glad the Biden administration is leading that global fight by rejoining the World Health Organization and funding global vaccine efforts and committing to donate 60 million AstraZeneca vaccines to other countries by July 4," she said.&nbsp;

"India's outbreak underscores the need for a robust public health infrastructure in the US to respond appropriately to this pandemic and future outbreaks, as well," Senator Murray said as she asked Fauci what can the US learn from India's outbreak.&nbsp;

"One of the important things is don't ever underestimate the situation," Fauci said as he referred to India's incorrect assumption and premature opening up.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India made the 'incorrect assumption' that it was finished with the COVID-19 pandemic and opened up prematurely that has left the country in such 'dire straits', America's top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has told senators.

India made the 'incorrect assumption' that it was finished with the COVID-19 pandemic and opened up prematurely that has left the country in such 'dire straits', America's top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has told senators. India has been severely affected by the unprecedented second wave of the coronavirus and hospitals in several states are reeling under the shortage of health workers, vaccines, oxygen, drugs and beds. "The reason that India is in such dire straits now is that they had an original surge and made the incorrect assumption that they were finished with it, and what happened, they opened up prematurely and wind up having a surge right now that we're all very well aware of is extremely devastating," Fauci told the Senate Health, Education, Labour and Pensions Committee during a hearing on Tuesday on the COVID-19 response. Dr Fauci, who is the Director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), is also the chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden. Chairing the hearing, Senator Patty Murray said that the surge of COVID-19 that is devastating India is a painful reminder really that the US can't end the pandemic here until it ends it everywhere. "I'm glad the Biden administration is leading that global fight by rejoining the World Health Organization and funding global vaccine efforts and committing to donate 60 million AstraZeneca vaccines to other countries by July 4," she said. "India's outbreak underscores the need for a robust public health infrastructure in the US to respond appropriately to this pandemic and future outbreaks, as well," Senator Murray said as she asked Fauci what can the US learn from India's outbreak. "One of the important things is don't ever underestimate the situation," Fauci said as he referred to India's incorrect assumption and premature opening up. (With inputs from agencies)

India opened up prematurely, Dr Fauci on COVID-19 crisis 

India's Consul General in the Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra passed away at a hospital in Kabul on Monday.

It is learnt that Kalra tested positive for COVID-19, and died of a cardiac arrest at the hospital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO">India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO</a>

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar condoled Kalra's death.

"Deeply grieved at the passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A conscientious and dedicated colleague, he will be missed by us all. Sincerest condolences to his family," Jaishankar tweeted.

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Deeply grieved at the passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A conscientious and dedicated colleague, he will be missed by us all. Sincerest condolences to his family.
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Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla described Kalra as a dedicated officer who volunteered for a challenging assignment.

"Loss of a dedicated officer who volunteered for a challenging assignment. I spoke to Mrs Monika Kalra conveying heartfelt condolences of all @MEAIndia personnel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time," he tweeted.

Kalra had served in Indian missions in Muscat, Hanoi, Pretoria, Kuala Lumpur and Beijing.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said Kalra showed exemplary commitment and dedication to the national cause by volunteering for a posting under difficult conditions.@MEAIndia sincerely condoles passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif.

A sincere, hard working &amp; reliable officer, he showed exemplary commitment &amp; dedication to the national cause by volunteering for a posting under difficult conditions to Afghanistan," he said.

Bagchi said the MEA will extend all possible support to his family.

"He will be remembered fondly and missed by one &amp; all. @MEAIndia will extend all possible support to his family," he tweeted.

India's Consul General in the Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra passed away at a hospital in Kabul on Monday. It is learnt that Kalra tested positive for COVID-19, and died of a cardiac arrest at the hospital.

India's Consul General in the Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra passed away at a hospital in Kabul on Monday. It is learnt that Kalra tested positive for COVID-19, and died of a cardiac arrest at the hospital. Also read | India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar condoled Kalra's death. "Deeply grieved at the passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A conscientious and dedicated colleague, he will be missed by us all. Sincerest condolences to his family," Jaishankar tweeted. Deeply grieved at the passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A conscientious and dedicated colleague, he will be missed by us all. Sincerest condolences to his family. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 10, 2021 × Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla described Kalra as a dedicated officer who volunteered for a challenging assignment. "Loss of a dedicated officer who volunteered for a challenging assignment. I spoke to Mrs Monika Kalra conveying heartfelt condolences of all @MEAIndia personnel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time," he tweeted. Kalra had served in Indian missions in Muscat, Hanoi, Pretoria, Kuala Lumpur and Beijing. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said Kalra showed exemplary commitment and dedication to the national cause by volunteering for a posting under difficult conditions.@MEAIndia sincerely condoles passing away of Shri Vinesh Kalra, Consul General, Mazar-e-Sharif. A sincere, hard working & reliable officer, he showed exemplary commitment & dedication to the national cause by volunteering for a posting under difficult conditions to Afghanistan," he said. Bagchi said the MEA will extend all possible support to his family. "He will be remembered fondly and missed by one & all. @MEAIndia will extend all possible support to his family," he tweeted.

India's Consul General in Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif dies after testing positive for Covid

India's new infections and deaths still remain close to record highs. On Sunday, testing hit a new low. While a shortage of doses has slowed down India's vaccination drive. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Less than 3% of Indians have been fully vaccinated

The World Health Organization (WHO) on announced that the B.1.617 variant of COVID-19 which was first identified in India, also known as the Indian double mutant, is a ‘variant of concern’ at the global level. WHO said that the double mutant strain has been found to be transmitting more easily than the original version of Coronavirus.

WHO says double mutant strain identified in India 'a variant of concern'

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has condemned an alleged racist attack on a local woman of Indian descent after media reported she was kicked and abused for not wearing a mask, in a case that is being investigated by police. 
 
In a Facebook post on Monday night, Lee said while people may be anxious and stressed because of the COVID-19 pandemic "that does not justify racist attitudes and actions, much less physically abusing and assaulting someone because she belongs to a particular race, in this case Indian." 
 
Local media reported the 55-year-old Singaporean woman was walking briskly on Friday when a man shouted racial slurs at her for not wearing her mask above her nose and kicked her in the chest. 
 
Face masks are mandatory in public in Singapore, but can be removed when exercising, including brisk walking. 
 
In statement on Tuesday, Singapore police said a 30-year-old man had been arrested for public nuisance, uttering words with intent to wound the racial feelings of others and voluntarily causing hurt. 
 
A multicultural society, Singapore has strict laws regulating acts that could damage racial harmony. 
 
The alleged attack comes as Singapore tightens social distancing rules and with authorities detecting a rising number of locally acquired coronavirus variants, including a more contagious variant first detected in India. 
 
Other politicians in Singapore also condemned the alleged attack. 
 
"We felt indignant when Asians were attacked merely because of their race in other countries. Let us not allow such behaviour to take root here," said Grace Fu, minister for sustainability and the environment. 
 
Violent hate crimes against people of Asian ethnicity have risen especially in the United States, coinciding with the spread of the coronavirus first detected in China in late 2019. 
 
Chinese form about three-quarters of Singapore`s local population, followed by about 15% of Malays and 7.5% Indians. 
 
The finance and trade hub is also home to foreign workers from many countries, and has strict laws to keep harmony between different races and religions.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has condemned an alleged racist attack on a local woman of Indian descent after media reported she was kicked and abused for not wearing a mask, in a case that is being investigated by police.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has condemned an alleged racist attack on a local woman of Indian descent after media reported she was kicked and abused for not wearing a mask, in a case that is being investigated by police. In a Facebook post on Monday night, Lee said while people may be anxious and stressed because of the COVID-19 pandemic "that does not justify racist attitudes and actions, much less physically abusing and assaulting someone because she belongs to a particular race, in this case Indian." Local media reported the 55-year-old Singaporean woman was walking briskly on Friday when a man shouted racial slurs at her for not wearing her mask above her nose and kicked her in the chest. Face masks are mandatory in public in Singapore, but can be removed when exercising, including brisk walking. In statement on Tuesday, Singapore police said a 30-year-old man had been arrested for public nuisance, uttering words with intent to wound the racial feelings of others and voluntarily causing hurt. A multicultural society, Singapore has strict laws regulating acts that could damage racial harmony. The alleged attack comes as Singapore tightens social distancing rules and with authorities detecting a rising number of locally acquired coronavirus variants, including a more contagious variant first detected in India. Other politicians in Singapore also condemned the alleged attack. "We felt indignant when Asians were attacked merely because of their race in other countries. Let us not allow such behaviour to take root here," said Grace Fu, minister for sustainability and the environment. Violent hate crimes against people of Asian ethnicity have risen especially in the United States, coinciding with the spread of the coronavirus first detected in China in late 2019. Chinese form about three-quarters of Singapore`s local population, followed by about 15% of Malays and 7.5% Indians. The finance and trade hub is also home to foreign workers from many countries, and has strict laws to keep harmony between different races and religions.

Singapore PM condemns alleged attack on woman of Indian descent over mask

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