Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Isro's second spaceport in Tamil Nadu's Kulasekaranpattinam, facilitating more efficient rocket launches, on February 28, said Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan.

PM Modi to inaugurate new spaceport in Tamil Nadu on Feb 28

India: PM Modi to inaugurate Isro's second spaceport in Tamil Nadu on Feb 28

Inspired by the idea of using AI in education, the KTCT Higher Secondary School, an educational endeavour of Kaduvayil Thangal Charitable Trust, in collaboration with MakerLabs Edutech Private Limited, introduced Iris, Kerala's first AI teacher. Watch in for more details!

India: Kerala introduces its first humanoid robot teacher

In the Indian state of Kerala, an unconventional development has tranformed the classroom experience for students. Now, imagine having a teacher who could effortlesly explain everything under the sun. Watch the video to know more.

India: Kerala boasts its first humanoid robot teacher, mimics human gestures

India's election dates are expected to be announced shortly, some say as early as next week. All parties are gearing up for the big contest while the ruling party - Bhartiya Jan Party - is confident of securing a third straight term.

Will Congress leader Rahul Gandhi contest from Wayanad, Kerala?

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate three significant technical facilities of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) during his visit to Kerala on Tuesday (Feb 27). Among these facilities is the Trisonic Wind Tunnel at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), which marks a milestone in the country's aerospace capabilities. Additionally,&nbsp;PM&nbsp;Modi is revealed the names of four test pilots selected for India's first human spaceflight mission, 'Gaganyaan,' during his visit.</p>

<p>Modi will inaugurate the Trisonic Wind Tunnel at the VSSC, a Semi-Cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility at the Isro propulsion complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, and the PSLV Integration Facility at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota. These facilities represent significant advancements in India's space technology and infrastructure.</p>

<p>The VSSC, serving as the lead centre of ISRO, is responsible for spearheading the design and development of launch vehicle technology. The inauguration of the Trisonic Wind Tunnel at VSSC underscores India's commitment to advancing aerospace research and development.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-finance-minister-initiates-monthly-rbi-meetings-with-fintech-firms-to-foster-regulatory-compliance-694262">Also read |&nbsp;India’s finance minister initiates monthly RBI meetings with fintech firms to foster regulatory compliance</a></p>

<h2><strong>Trisonic wind tunnel: Advancing aerospace research</strong></h2>

<p>The Trisonic Wind Tunnel is a critical asset for evaluating the aerodynamic characteristics and refining the designs of rockets and aircraft. With a test section size of 1.2 metres, it can generate speeds ranging from subsonic to supersonic, reaching up to four times the speed of sound (Mach number 4.0), as confirmed by ISRO sources.</p>

<p>The Semi-Cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility at Mahendragiri is a world-class facility designed to handle large flows of propellants. Standing at a towering height of 51 metres with a flame deflector depth of 30 metres, it signifies India's strides in propellant technology.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India: Azad Yousaf Kumar's family alleges he was forcibly recruited in Russia during Ukraine war</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-azad-yousaf-kumars-family-alleges-he-was-forcibly-recruited-in-russia-during-ukraine-war-694227/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The PSLV Integration Facility at Sriharikota is instrumental in increasing the launch frequency from the First Launch Pad (FLP). With essential systems like the Integration Building, Service Building, Rail Track, and associated infrastructure, it is poised to bolster India's space launch capabilities.</p>

<p>In addition to the official programmes, Prime Minister Modi will participate in the conclusion ceremony of the 'padayatra' organised by the BJP's state unit.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate three significant technical facilities of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) during his visit to Kerala on Tuesday (Feb 27).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate three significant technical facilities of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) during his visit to Kerala on Tuesday (Feb 27). Among these facilities is the Trisonic Wind Tunnel at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), which marks a milestone in the country's aerospace capabilities. Additionally, PM Modi is revealed the names of four test pilots selected for India's first human spaceflight mission, 'Gaganyaan,' during his visit. Modi will inaugurate the Trisonic Wind Tunnel at the VSSC, a Semi-Cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility at the Isro propulsion complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, and the PSLV Integration Facility at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota. These facilities represent significant advancements in India's space technology and infrastructure. The VSSC, serving as the lead centre of ISRO, is responsible for spearheading the design and development of launch vehicle technology. The inauguration of the Trisonic Wind Tunnel at VSSC underscores India's commitment to advancing aerospace research and development. Also read | India’s finance minister initiates monthly RBI meetings with fintech firms to foster regulatory compliance Trisonic wind tunnel: Advancing aerospace research The Trisonic Wind Tunnel is a critical asset for evaluating the aerodynamic characteristics and refining the designs of rockets and aircraft. With a test section size of 1.2 metres, it can generate speeds ranging from subsonic to supersonic, reaching up to four times the speed of sound (Mach number 4.0), as confirmed by ISRO sources. The Semi-Cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility at Mahendragiri is a world-class facility designed to handle large flows of propellants. Standing at a towering height of 51 metres with a flame deflector depth of 30 metres, it signifies India's strides in propellant technology. Also watch | India: Azad Yousaf Kumar's family alleges he was forcibly recruited in Russia during Ukraine war The PSLV Integration Facility at Sriharikota is instrumental in increasing the launch frequency from the First Launch Pad (FLP). With essential systems like the Integration Building, Service Building, Rail Track, and associated infrastructure, it is poised to bolster India's space launch capabilities. In addition to the official programmes, Prime Minister Modi will participate in the conclusion ceremony of the 'padayatra' organised by the BJP's state unit. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi's Kerala visit: Indian PM to inaugurate three major ISRO facilities

The Indian state of Kerala has begun intense patrolling and is banking on hundreds of cameras after two people died in attacks by elephants in the last 3 weeks. In recent times at least four districts across Kerala have been witnessing a spike in man-animal conflicts that have led to loss of life.

Karnataka government faces heat at home for relief to Kerala's elephant victim

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has slammed the Congress government in the southern Indian state of Karnataka for “illegally allocating” INR 15 lakh ($18,000) to the family member of a Kerala man who was reportedly killed by an elephant in the Wayanad district. Notably, Wayanad in Kerala is the home constituency of MP Rahul Gandhi, the de-facto leader of Congress.</p>

<p>BJP's Karnataka unit president BY Vijayendra on Monday (Feb 19) claimed that the Karnataka government was misusing taxpayers' money "to curry favour" with the former party president.</p>

<p>"Illegally allocating state fund of ₹ 15 lakh to a deceased individual from Rahul Gandhi's Wayanad constituency, falsely blaming an elephant from Karnataka, is an appalling betrayal," Vijayendra, a legislator from Shikaripura, said on social media.</p>

<p>He also said that while the state was struggling from crippling drought, leading many farmers to commit suicide, the government is busy plundering every last rupee of the state's coffers.</p>

<h2><strong>How the controversy erupted?</strong></h2>

<p>It all started when an elephant killed Ajeesh Joseph Panachiyil on February 10 in Wayanad. The elephant, however, originally belonged to Karnataka before being captured in November 2023 and translocated to the Bandipur Forest area.</p>

<p>The elephant later made its way into Wayanad.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India: No change in developmental cooperation with Maldives | India-Maldives tensions</strong></p>

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<p>The death of Ajeesh Joseph triggered tensions between residents of Pulpally and state forest authorities.</p>

<h2><strong>Visit of Rahul Gandhi</strong></h2>

<p>Sensing the tensions, the Wayanad MP broke away from his ongoing ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ (United India Justice March) and visited the family of the deceased on February 17.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi later called upon the Karnataka government to compensate the family of Ajeesh Joseph since the elephant was radio-collared in Karnataka.</p>

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<p>“Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi called up the minister and spoke to him and said that on humanitarian grounds compensation should be paid to the family of the victim since an elephant radio-collared in Karnataka is involved in the incident. He requested payment of compensation on humanitarian grounds. An amount of Rs 15 lakh has been allocated,” officials in the Karnataka Forest Ministry were quoted as saying by Indian Express.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has slammed the Congress government in the southern Indian state of Karnataka for “illegally allocating” INR 15 lakh ($18,000) to the family member of a Kerala man who was reportedly killed by an elephant in the Wayanad district.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has slammed the Congress government in the southern Indian state of Karnataka for “illegally allocating” INR 15 lakh ($18,000) to the family member of a Kerala man who was reportedly killed by an elephant in the Wayanad district. Notably, Wayanad in Kerala is the home constituency of MP Rahul Gandhi, the de-facto leader of Congress. BJP's Karnataka unit president BY Vijayendra on Monday (Feb 19) claimed that the Karnataka government was misusing taxpayers' money "to curry favour" with the former party president. "Illegally allocating state fund of ₹ 15 lakh to a deceased individual from Rahul Gandhi's Wayanad constituency, falsely blaming an elephant from Karnataka, is an appalling betrayal," Vijayendra, a legislator from Shikaripura, said on social media. He also said that while the state was struggling from crippling drought, leading many farmers to commit suicide, the government is busy plundering every last rupee of the state's coffers. How the controversy erupted? It all started when an elephant killed Ajeesh Joseph Panachiyil on February 10 in Wayanad. The elephant, however, originally belonged to Karnataka before being captured in November 2023 and translocated to the Bandipur Forest area. The elephant later made its way into Wayanad. Watch: India: No change in developmental cooperation with Maldives | India-Maldives tensions × The death of Ajeesh Joseph triggered tensions between residents of Pulpally and state forest authorities. Visit of Rahul Gandhi Sensing the tensions, the Wayanad MP broke away from his ongoing ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ (United India Justice March) and visited the family of the deceased on February 17. Rahul Gandhi later called upon the Karnataka government to compensate the family of Ajeesh Joseph since the elephant was radio-collared in Karnataka. Also read: Indian PM seeks to boost growth during Jammu visit through projects worth billions “Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi called up the minister and spoke to him and said that on humanitarian grounds compensation should be paid to the family of the victim since an elephant radio-collared in Karnataka is involved in the incident. He requested payment of compensation on humanitarian grounds. An amount of Rs 15 lakh has been allocated,” officials in the Karnataka Forest Ministry were quoted as saying by Indian Express. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP-Congress politics in Karnataka, Kerala over man reportedly killed by elephant. Here's what happened

The GSLV-F14 carrying INSAT-3D meteorological satellite was successfully launched on Saturday from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

ISRO successfully launches INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite

The countdown for the launch of the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite begins. ISRO prepares to launch its 16th mission on Feb 17.

India: INSAT-3DS to lift off from Sriharikota

ISRO commences countdown for 2nd launch mission of 2024

In a gruesome incident in South India, a wild elephant chased and trampled a 42-year-old man to death in the state of Kerala. The elephant had strayed into a human settlement in the state's district and attacked the man as the incident was caught on a CCTV camera.

Wild elephant chases, tramples man to death in Kerala, India

India's space regulator IN-SPACe revealed plans for about 30 space launches in the fourth quarter of 2023-24 and the next fiscal year.

India: Space regulator release plans for 30 launches over next 14 months

India’s female robot astronaut Vyommitra will fly into space ahead of Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) ambitious Gaganyaan mission – the country’s manned space flight carrying Indian astronauts into space – said the Union minister of science and technology, on Sunday (Feb 4).

Vyommitra: ISRO to launch India’s female robot astronaut into space ahead of Gaganyaan mission

<p>A court in the Indian state of Kerala, on Tuesday (Jan 30) sentenced to death 15 people associated with the now-banned Islamist outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) days after they were convicted of their role in the murder of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the sentence</strong></h2>

<p>The death sentence was given by Mavelikkara Additional District Judge VG Sreedevi to 15 people who were found guilty of the murder of 45-year-old BJP Other Backward Class (OBC) wing leader, Ranjith Sreenivasan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All 15 are associated with the now-banned PFI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-modi-comes-to-power-there-will-be-dictatorship-says-congress-chief-kharge-685004">If Modi comes to power 'there will be dictatorship,' says Congress chief Kharge</a></strong></p>

<p>Sreenivasan was said to have been brutally attacked and killed in his home in Kerala’s Alappuzha district in December 2021. The sentence comes after the prosecution&nbsp;sought a maximum sentence for the convicts, saying that they were a “trained killer squad”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sentence on Tuesday (Jan 30) came 10 days after the court found eight out of the 15 people accused in the case directly involved in the murder, while others were said to be guilty of criminal conspiracy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 15 convicted are Naisam, Ajmal, Anoop, Mohammed Aslam, Abdul Kalam alias Salam, Saffaruddin, Manshad, Jaseeb Raja, Navas, Sameer, Nazir, Abdul Kalam, Zakir Hussain, Shaji and Shernas Ashraf.</p>

<h2><strong>Local BJP leader’s ‘brutal’ murder</strong></h2>

<p>Sreenivasan was reportedly hacked to death in front of his wife, mother and minor daughter on December 19, 2021. In line with the cruel manner in which the victim was killed, the prosecution argued that it brings the case within the scope of the “rarest of the rarest” of crimes.</p>

<p>On January 20, the Kerala court found all 15 accused in the case guilty, with eight directly involved and four others, who showed up with deadly weapons at the scene of the crime, guilty of murder.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>It was also their job to prevent the victim from leaving the house or letting anyone who heard the screams enter. Additionally, the court also found three others who hatched the conspiracy to kill Sreenivasan&nbsp;guilty of murder.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fatal attack on Sreenivasan is regarded as an act of retaliation that took place hours after the PFI’s political wing, Social Democratic Party of India’s (SDPI) leader KS Shan was killed by a gang on December 18, 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The trial for the Shan murder case will commence on February 2.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A court in the Indian state of Kerala, on Tuesday (Jan 30) sentenced to death 15 people associated with the now-banned Islamist outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) days after they were convicted of their role in the murder of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, reported news agency PTI.

A court in the Indian state of Kerala, on Tuesday (Jan 30) sentenced to death 15 people associated with the now-banned Islamist outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) days after they were convicted of their role in the murder of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, reported news agency PTI. About the sentence The death sentence was given by Mavelikkara Additional District Judge VG Sreedevi to 15 people who were found guilty of the murder of 45-year-old BJP Other Backward Class (OBC) wing leader, Ranjith Sreenivasan. All 15 are associated with the now-banned PFI. ALSO READ | If Modi comes to power 'there will be dictatorship,' says Congress chief Kharge Sreenivasan was said to have been brutally attacked and killed in his home in Kerala’s Alappuzha district in December 2021. The sentence comes after the prosecution sought a maximum sentence for the convicts, saying that they were a “trained killer squad”. The sentence on Tuesday (Jan 30) came 10 days after the court found eight out of the 15 people accused in the case directly involved in the murder, while others were said to be guilty of criminal conspiracy. The 15 convicted are Naisam, Ajmal, Anoop, Mohammed Aslam, Abdul Kalam alias Salam, Saffaruddin, Manshad, Jaseeb Raja, Navas, Sameer, Nazir, Abdul Kalam, Zakir Hussain, Shaji and Shernas Ashraf. Local BJP leader’s ‘brutal’ murder Sreenivasan was reportedly hacked to death in front of his wife, mother and minor daughter on December 19, 2021. In line with the cruel manner in which the victim was killed, the prosecution argued that it brings the case within the scope of the “rarest of the rarest” of crimes. On January 20, the Kerala court found all 15 accused in the case guilty, with eight directly involved and four others, who showed up with deadly weapons at the scene of the crime, guilty of murder. ALSO READ | Section 144 imposed within 100 metre radius of Jharkhand CM Soren's residence It was also their job to prevent the victim from leaving the house or letting anyone who heard the screams enter. Additionally, the court also found three others who hatched the conspiracy to kill Sreenivasan guilty of murder. The fatal attack on Sreenivasan is regarded as an act of retaliation that took place hours after the PFI’s political wing, Social Democratic Party of India’s (SDPI) leader KS Shan was killed by a gang on December 18, 2021. The trial for the Shan murder case will commence on February 2. (With inputs from agencies)

India: 15 men linked to banned group PFI sentenced to death by Kerala court for killing of local BJP leader

A Kerala court has awarded death sentence to 14 PFI affiliated men convicted of killing BJP leader Ranjith Sreenivasan. The BJP’s OBC Morcha Secretary, was killed at his home on 19 December of 2021 right in front of his family.

India: Kerala court sentences 14 persons related to PFI to death for BJP leader's murder

<p>The governor of the southern Indian state of Kerala broke protocols of his office on Saturday (Jan 27) and staged a sit-in protest on the roadside when he was shown black flags by the members of a student wing backed by the ruling party. Governor <strong>Arif Mohammad Khan</strong> also accused the police personnel of being complicit in a ‘conspiracy’ and of shielding the protestors.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | "I will not leave from here. Police is giving them protection, " says Governor Arif Mohammed Khan after SFI activists held a protest against him in Kollam. Police present on the spot <a href="https://t.co/nQHF9PWqpr">https://t.co/nQHF9PWqpr</a> <a href="https://t.co/RHFFBRCh9s">pic.twitter.com/RHFFBRCh9s</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1751135613095755954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) currently rules the state and its student wing - Student Federation of India (SFI) - was holding a black flag protest against the governor.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why were SFI members protesting?</strong></h2>

<p>The SFI members were protesting against the governor’s alleged move to appoint the national ruling party BJP-backed nominees in the state-funded varsities.</p>

<p>A&nbsp;SFI worker as quoted by India Today said, “Without any qualifications, just because K Surendran recommended these nominees from the BJP office, they were taken to the senate. So, SFI has been staging state-wide protest against the governor for many months now. Today’s protest was part of that.”</p>

<p>K Surendran is the head of the BJP’s state unit.</p>

<p>It must be noted that in the capacity of the governor of the state, Khan also serves as the Chancellor of universities in Kerala.</p>

<p>So, when Khan’s motorcade swept past them at 11 am IST near Nilamel in Kollam district, they started waving black flags at him.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu under fire over 'anti-India' stance</strong></p>

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<p>This prompted the governor to rush out of his vehicle and walk towards the protestors. Police personnel formed a human shield around him as he loudly shouted at the student protestors.</p>

<h2><strong>Governor vs police</strong></h2>

<p>The governor then directed his ire against the police officials. “Will you allow protestors to muster along the Chief Minister’s route? I hold you accountable for the failure”, Khan told the supervisor officer at the scene.</p>

<p>He then seated himself on a chair on the roadside and rejected officials’ plea to continue his journey.</p>

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<p>Khan first demanded a copy of the first information report (FIR) filed against the students and what charges were slapped against them.</p>

<p>He also rejected the police’s statement that they had arrested 12 protestors. “There were more than 50 of them. Where are the rest? Is it a case of conspiracy?” he asked.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The governor of the southern Indian state of Kerala broke protocols of his office on Saturday (Jan 27) and staged a sit-in protest on the roadside when he was shown black flags by the members of a student wing backed by the ruling party.

The governor of the southern Indian state of Kerala broke protocols of his office on Saturday (Jan 27) and staged a sit-in protest on the roadside when he was shown black flags by the members of a student wing backed by the ruling party. Governor Arif Mohammad Khan also accused the police personnel of being complicit in a ‘conspiracy’ and of shielding the protestors. #WATCH | "I will not leave from here. Police is giving them protection, " says Governor Arif Mohammed Khan after SFI activists held a protest against him in Kollam. Police present on the spot https://t.co/nQHF9PWqpr pic.twitter.com/RHFFBRCh9s — ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2024 × Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) currently rules the state and its student wing - Student Federation of India (SFI) - was holding a black flag protest against the governor. Why were SFI members protesting? The SFI members were protesting against the governor’s alleged move to appoint the national ruling party BJP-backed nominees in the state-funded varsities. A SFI worker as quoted by India Today said, “Without any qualifications, just because K Surendran recommended these nominees from the BJP office, they were taken to the senate. So, SFI has been staging state-wide protest against the governor for many months now. Today’s protest was part of that.” K Surendran is the head of the BJP’s state unit. It must be noted that in the capacity of the governor of the state, Khan also serves as the Chancellor of universities in Kerala. So, when Khan’s motorcade swept past them at 11 am IST near Nilamel in Kollam district, they started waving black flags at him. Watch: Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu under fire over 'anti-India' stance × This prompted the governor to rush out of his vehicle and walk towards the protestors. Police personnel formed a human shield around him as he loudly shouted at the student protestors. Governor vs police The governor then directed his ire against the police officials. “Will you allow protestors to muster along the Chief Minister’s route? I hold you accountable for the failure”, Khan told the supervisor officer at the scene. He then seated himself on a chair on the roadside and rejected officials’ plea to continue his journey. Also read: Russia`s Putin heaps praise on PM Modi, says `can rely on India because...` Khan first demanded a copy of the first information report (FIR) filed against the students and what charges were slapped against them. He also rejected the police’s statement that they had arrested 12 protestors. “There were more than 50 of them. Where are the rest? Is it a case of conspiracy?” he asked. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan stages sit-in protest against police for 'shielding' protestors

The holiday is upon us and it is time to make merry but there are familiar concerns that are creeping back. There is talk about masking, restrictions and preventive measures after the detection of a new Covid-19 strain JN.1. Vikram Chandra speaks to Dr Randeep Guleria, former director of AIIMS Delhi about prevention, symptoms and vaccines.

Covid-19 India: WHO says, 'JN.1 poses low risk at present' | The India Story

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kerala’s Kochi Tuesday evening for a two-day visit of the state, where he held a mega roadshow from the Maharaja College ground to the government guest house.

PM Modi holds mega roadshow in Kerala, visits Leepakshi temple in Andhra Pradesh

The spread of JN.1 subvariant of Covid-19 is causing concern in UK, confirming the presence of the varinat in the UK. Health Secretary has expressed over the alarming rise in the cases.

UK Covid: Experts warn of another Covid wave in the UK by next week | World News | WION

Aditya L1, India's maiden mission to study the Sun, has reached its destination after successfully injecting into its final orbit on Saturday (January 6). ISRO performed the final manoeuvre to inject the spacecraft in the orbit at around 4 PM IST.

ISRO's first Sun mission Aditya-L1 to enter final orbit

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 1 January launched its first mission of the year 2024.

ISRO launches XPoSat to study black hole emissions

After a highly successful 2023, the Indian Space Agency, or ISRO is geared up for its maiden launch of this new year. India's PSLV-C58 mission is all set to launch the x-ray polarimeter satellite or XPOSAT today. The mission is the first dedicated polarimetry mission of the nation. The XPOSAT mission will try to unravel the mysteries of black holes...

ISRO's first mission of 2024, XPoSat, to be launched today

After a highly productive 2023, with the successful launch of the third Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-3 and the first Sun exploratory Aditya-L1, a buoyant Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will usher in 2024 with the launch of PSLV-C58/X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) mission on January 1st.

India: ISRO to usher in 2024 with XPoSat mission

After a highly productive 2023, with the successful launch of the third Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-3 and the first Sun exploratory Aditya-L1, a buoyant Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will usher in 2024 with the launch of PSLV-C58/X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) mission on January 1.

The most common cake that comes to mind when we talk of Christmas cakes is the plum cake and fruit cake. But there are some very unique and diverse cakes in India that have some very interesting back stories. In this segment we take a look at some of them.

Christmas: Mambally bakery in Kerala claims to have baked the first Christmas cake in India | WION

As millions of Americans plan their holiday travel, COVID levels are surging across the US, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand are also on guard.

Gravitas: Wuhan virus raises alarm in US

<p>India has reported a total of 22 cases of the COVID-19 subvariant JN.1, prompting health authorities to implement precautionary measures to curb further spread. While all reported cases exhibit mild symptoms, officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any clustering of infections.</p>

<h2><strong>Genomic sequencing directive</strong></h2>

<p>In response to a sudden increase in Covid&nbsp;cases across various states, the central government has instructed states to send samples of all positive test swabs for whole genome sequencing. This initiative aims to identify the specific set of mutations associated with the JN.1 subvariant.</p>

<p>As of the latest update, India recorded 640 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the active tally to 2,997. The total death toll stands at 5,33,328, with one new death reported in Kerala. The country's overall Covid-19 case tally has reached&nbsp;45000000.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-more-than-200-fresh-covid-cases-a-death-recorded-in-last-24-hours-672621">Also read |&nbsp;India: More than 200 fresh Covid cases, one death recorded in last 24 hours in Kerala</a></p>

<h2><strong>Affected states and individual surveillance guidelines</strong></h2>

<p>States experiencing a notable increase in Covid-19 cases include Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Goa, Puducherry, Gujarat, Telangana, Punjab, and Delhi. In response, several states are formulating individual surveillance guidelines.</p>

<p><strong>State-level responses</strong></p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Kerala:</strong> Health minister Veena George assures that the situation is under control, emphasizing the high testing rates in the state. Genomic sequencing has been underway since November.</li>
	<li><strong>Karnataka:</strong> Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao urges caution but reassures the public that no immediate restrictions will be imposed.</li>
	<li><strong>Rajasthan:</strong> Officials establish a state-level team for the prevention and control of Covid-19 infections in light of the rising cases.</li>
	<li><strong>Bihar:</strong> Chief minister Nitish Kumar chairs a meeting, directing officials to enhance testing rates and ensure the availability of essential resources in hospitals. He stressed on awareness campaigns about Covid-appropriate behaviour.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;COVID-19 India: WHO says, 'JN.1 poses low risk at present' | The India Story</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-india-who-says-jn1-poses-low-risk-at-present-the-india-story-672652/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Government data indicates that 93 per cent of those infected with the JN.1 subvariant exhibit mild symptoms and are isolating at home. Former WHO chief scientist Dr&nbsp;Soumya Swaminathan has urged people not to panic and has&nbsp;characterised&nbsp;the variant as a "variant of interest" rather than a "variant of concern." Only a small percentage of infected individuals require ventilator support, ICU admission, or oxygen support.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India has reported a total of 22 cases of the COVID-19 subvariant JN.1, prompting health authorities to implement precautionary measures to curb further spread. While all reported cases exhibit mild symptoms, officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any clustering of infections.

India has reported a total of 22 cases of the COVID-19 subvariant JN.1, prompting health authorities to implement precautionary measures to curb further spread. While all reported cases exhibit mild symptoms, officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any clustering of infections. Genomic sequencing directive In response to a sudden increase in Covid cases across various states, the central government has instructed states to send samples of all positive test swabs for whole genome sequencing. This initiative aims to identify the specific set of mutations associated with the JN.1 subvariant. As of the latest update, India recorded 640 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the active tally to 2,997. The total death toll stands at 5,33,328, with one new death reported in Kerala. The country's overall Covid-19 case tally has reached 45000000. Also read | India: More than 200 fresh Covid cases, one death recorded in last 24 hours in Kerala Affected states and individual surveillance guidelines States experiencing a notable increase in Covid-19 cases include Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Goa, Puducherry, Gujarat, Telangana, Punjab, and Delhi. In response, several states are formulating individual surveillance guidelines. State-level responses Kerala: Health minister Veena George assures that the situation is under control, emphasizing the high testing rates in the state. Genomic sequencing has been underway since November. Karnataka: Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao urges caution but reassures the public that no immediate restrictions will be imposed. Rajasthan: Officials establish a state-level team for the prevention and control of Covid-19 infections in light of the rising cases. Bihar: Chief minister Nitish Kumar chairs a meeting, directing officials to enhance testing rates and ensure the availability of essential resources in hospitals. He stressed on awareness campaigns about Covid-appropriate behaviour. Also watch | COVID-19 India: WHO says, 'JN.1 poses low risk at present' | The India Story Government data indicates that 93 per cent of those infected with the JN.1 subvariant exhibit mild symptoms and are isolating at home. Former WHO chief scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan has urged people not to panic and has characterised the variant as a "variant of interest" rather than a "variant of concern." Only a small percentage of infected individuals require ventilator support, ICU admission, or oxygen support. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid JN.1 scare: India registers 22 subvariant cases; Centre orders genome sequencing

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After Kerala, JN.1 variant has now been found in Goa. 21 new cases have been reported in India in the last 24 hours which makes it 2,669 active cases. Singapore has become a country of concern, Indonesia is asking travellers to be vigilant. In Malaysia, cases have doubled. This is December Deja Vu.

Covid-19 India: 2,669 active cases of Covid in India, highest surge in Kerala

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