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Mon, 06 July 2020
Maha allows pvt firms to test staff for Covid
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23:34 Maha allows pvt firms to test staff for Covid
Maharashtra government on Monday allowed private establishments to conduct COVID-19 tests of their staff subject to conditions.
'Maharashtra allows Private Establishments to conduct COVID-19 tests of their staff subject to conditions. This will not only help in Mission Begin Again but also increase testing and better track and trace,' Maharashtra Medical Education and Drugs Department tweeted.
According to the Union health ministry, Maharashtra has reported 2,06,619 cases including, 86,057 active cases, 1,11,740 discharged and 8,822 deaths as of Monday. -- ANI
23:01 Goa's ex-health minister succumbs to COVID-19
Former Goa health minister Suresh Amonkar died of COVID-19 infection on Monday, a health official said. He was 68.
"Amonkar remained admitted in the ESI hospital (in Margao) after testing positive for coronavirus since the last week of June. He succumbed to the infection on Monday evening," the official said, adding that Amonkar had been critical since the last few days.
State Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane also confirmed that Amonkar, a former president of the the Goa Bharatiya Janata Party, died of COVID-19 disease.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant tweeted, 'Deeply saddened by the passing away of Dr Suresh Amonkar, former President of BJP Goa Pradesh and Former Cabinet of Goa Govt. His contribution to the state of Goa is immense and will never be forgotten. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family'.
Amonkar was first elected to the Goa Legislative Assembly from Pale Assembly constituency, later renamed as Sankhalim in north Goa, in 1999 and 2002 elections.
'Deeply saddened to hear about the sad demise of former Health Minister & President of BJP Goa, Shri.Suresh Amonkar ji due to #COVID19. May God give his family the strength to overcome this tragic loss. My prayers are with his family & loved ones. May his soul rest in peace,' Rane tweeted. -- PTI
22:34 Chinese troops withdrawal a positive development: Cong
The Congress on Monday said China needs to realise that stability and peace at borders and restoration of status quo ante are a must to rebuild trust between the two countries as it termed reports of withdrawal of Chinese troops from Galwan Valley 'a positive development'.
The Congress also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should take the country into confidence and apologise for 'misleading' the people by saying that no Chinese intrusions had taken place.
Congress senior spokesperson Anand Sharma said disengagement and de-escalation is a priority on the Line of Actual Control and called upon India to insist for a pullback of Chinese troops from the Pangong Tso area.
"Reports of Chinese troops withdrawal from Galwan Valley is a positive development. Disengagement and de-escalation on LAC is a priority. India must insist for pullback in Pangong Tso. There is need for eternal vigil.
"China needs to realise that stability and peace at borders and restoration of status quo ante is a must to rebuild trust. Proud of our Army for standing firm in Nation's defence," Sharma said.
Party spokesperson Pawan Khera said the Indian Army has been trying to push the Chinese PLA back and the party is happy to hear reports that Chinese troops are going back.
"The prime minister should today use this opportunity to come out and address the nation, take the country into confidence, apologise to the country that 'Yes, I went wrong, I misled you' or maybe he wants to use some other words.
"He should come and take the country into confidence and clarify not just his past statement, which was unfortunate, but also how much of our territory is still under their occupation and how far had they come in and now how much have they withdrawn," he said, adding that the prime minister or the defence minister should clarify.
Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said select news channels are running that Chinese forces are withdrawing from P-14 and Indian territory in Galwan Valley.
"If correct, we welcome and salute our forces. But PM said no one ever occupied our territory. Did he then mislead the nation," he asked.
Khera said, "We are proud of our Army. We never had any doubt about the ability of our Army to do that and they have done that on several occasions in the past, whether it was Pakistan, whether it was China, our Army doesn't need anybody's certificate."
A day before Chinese military began pulling back from Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh, NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi agreed on an expeditious withdrawal of troops, holding that a complete disengagement at the 'earliest' was necessary for full restoration of peace in border areas and both sides should not allow differences to become disputes.
Chinese troops began removing tents early on Monday and started to withdraw from Galwan Valley, the site of a violent hand-to-hand clash between the two militaries on June 15 that left 20 Indian soldiers dead, government sources said.
Rearward movement of vehicles and troops was seen in Gogra Hot Springs as well but there was no confirmation of similar disengagement in Pangong Tso area, said the sources.
They said Chinese troops moved back around one kilometre from patrolling point 14, 15 and 17 in Galwan Valley. -- PTI
22:09 Pawar meets Uddhav over nixing transfer of DCPs
Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Monday called on Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, a day after the state government revoked the home department's order to transfer 10 deputy commissioners of police of Mumbai Police.
The hour-long meeting took place at Thackeray's private residence 'Matoshree' in suburban Bandra.
According to sources, the meeting was called in view of reports alleging lack of coordination among ruling Shiv Sena and NCP, which holds Home department.
"It was discussed during the meeting to ensure proper coordination on important decisions so that the allies are not seen as being on different pages," they said.
The government on Sunday revoked Home department's order to transfer 10 DCPs of the Mumbai Police.
Deshmukh had said that the CMO as well as the home department office revoked the transfers done by the Mumbai police commissioner.
He had also claimed that there was a good coordination among the MVA allies Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress- and there were no differences.
The minister, however, did not specify any reason behind the cancellation of the transfer order. -- PTI
21:36 Journalist undergoing Covid treatment ends life at AIIMS
A 37-year-old journalist undergoing treatment for COVID-19 at the AIIMS Trauma Centre in New Delhi died after allegedly jumping off the fourth floor of the hospital building on Monday afternoon, officials said.
The journalist used to work for a Hindi daily and was a resident of northeast Delhi's Bhajanpura, they said.
The incident took place around 2 pm. The man jumped from the fourth floor of the Trauma Centre and was shifted to ICU,Devender Arya, Deputy Commissioner of Police (southwest) said.
Doctors at the Trauma Centre, which has been converted to a dedicated COVID-19 facility, tried to revive him but he succumbed to the injuries, the hospital authorities said.
AIIMS issued a statement that said the journalist was admitted to AIIMS Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre on June 24 with COVID-19.
He was making significant recovery from COVID symptoms. He was stable on room air on Monday and was planned for shifting to a general ward from the ICU, it said.
He earlier had a surgery for frontal lobe meningioma (a type of brain tumour) at the G B Pant hospital New Delhi in March 2020.
"While he was at the Trauma Centre for treatment of COVID-19 he was having bouts of disorientation for which he was seen by a neurologist and psychiatrist and put on medication.
'The family members were regularly counselled regarding his condition. At around 1.55 pm today, he ran out of TC-1 where he was admitted. Hospital attendants ran after him and tried to stop him. He ran to fourth floor where he broke a window pane and jumped out,' the hospital said in the statement.
The reporter was immediately moved to the ICU in Trauma Centre in an ambulance. He was intubated and resuscitation was tried but unfortunately, he succumbed to injuries at 3.35 pm, it added. -- PTI
20:55 MHA allows universities to conduct exams
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday allowed universities and other academic institutions to conduct examinations during the ongoing 'Unlock 2' phase.
In a statement, the MHA said it has sent a letter to the Union Higher Education Secretary permitting universities and institutions to conduct examinations.
'The final-term examinations are to be compulsorily conducted as per the UGC guidelines on examinations and academic calendar for the universities and as per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) approved by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,' the statement said.
Various examinations conducted by universities and higher education institutions in the country have been suspended since March during the coronavirus-induced lockdown which first began on March 25.
Since June 1, the government has announced 'Unlock 1' for a month and again from July 1 'Unlock 2' for another month.
A host of activities have been allowed to operate during the 'Unlock' phases in all areas, barring containment zones. However, regular functioning of schools, colleges, universities and other academic institutions remain suspended. -- PTI
20:04 Delhi Covid tally tops 1 lakh, 1,379 fresh cases
Delhi's COVID-19 tally on Monday breached the one lakh-mark as the city recorded 1,379 fresh coronavirus cases, while the death toll mounted to 3,115, authorities said.
48 fatalities have been recorded in the last 24 hours, according to the Delhi health department bulletin.
On June 23, the national capital had reported its highest single-day spike of 3,947 cases.
However, in the last few days, the number of fresh cases have oscillated, not showing a particular trend in figures.
The Monday bulletin said the death toll from coronavirus infection has risen to 3,115 and the total number of cases mounted to 1,00,823. -- PTI
20:00
Galwan Valley map
19:12 India''s COVID-19 positivity rate at 6.73%
The coordinated efforts of the Centre and state governments to effectively manage the COVID-19 pandemic in the country has resulted in reduced COVID-19 positive rate in the country.
The national coronavirus positive rate stands at 6.73 per cent, as per the ministry of health and family welfare on June 6.
Further, the tests conducted per million population in the country is at 6,859.
The Centre has emphasised on increasing testing, prompt contact tracing and timely clinical management of the cases. It has also helped the states to significantly ramp up testing capacities.
At present, there are eight states and Union territories, as on July 5, with their "Positivity Rate" lesser than the national average and tests per million higher than the national average.
Puducherry with 5.55 per cent coronavirus positive rate and 12,592 tests conducted per million population is in the list, along with Chandigarh (4.36 per cent), and Assam (2.84 per cent) are the states/UTs included in the list.
Apart from the three, Tripura (2.72 per cent), Karnataka (2.64 per cent), Rajasthan (2.51 per cent), Goa (2.5 per cent), and Punjab (1.92 per cent) also feature in the list.
Goa with 44,129 tests conducted per million population tops the chart.
18:45 China should free Tibet, says BJP MP
BJP's Kangra MP Kishan Kapoor urged the Centre to confer the country's highest civilian order Bharat Ratna on the Dalai Lama and called for the freedom of Tibet from China.
The Bharat Ratna will be the best gift from the Union government to the Dalai Lama on his 85th birthday, said Kapoor, who congratulated the Tibetan spiritual leader on the occasion in Dharamshala on Monday.
"It is a matter of great fortune for the people of the state, especially the people of my constituency, that the Dalai Lama, after the exile from Tibet, settled in McLeodganj," he said.
Supporting the demand for a complete independence of Tibet, Kapoor said the way China has taken over it through excesses is unfortunate.
He said China is habitual of seizing neighbouring territories that is why it is laying claim to Russia's Vladivostok region even after signing a treaty with it nearly 150 years ago.
China should come forward to resolve the border dispute without violence like a good neighbour and hand over Tibet to the Dalai Lama, he said.
Earlier too, the demand for conferring the Bharat Ratna on the Dalai Lama has been made by several people.
Shanta Kumar, a senior BJP leader and former CM of Himachal Pradesh, had in April 2019 submitted to the Union Government a letter signed by the MPs of several political parties, supporting the Bharat Ratna for the Dalai Lama.
Former foreign secretary Nirupama Rao too had posted just days after the clash between Indian Army personnel and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley that he should be given the award.
Historian Ramachandra Guha in a article last year had argued that India should affirm its respect for the Dalai Lama by openly honouring him with the Bharat Ratna. -- PTI
18:36 RIL becomes first domestic firm to cross Rs 11.5 lakh cr m-cap mark
Reliance Industries Limited on Monday added another feather to its cap as its market valuation crossed Rs 11.5 lakh crore mark, the first by any domestic company.
The market heavyweight stock jumped 3.57 per cent to close at Rs 1,851.40 on the BSE. During the day, it rose by 3.94 per cent to a record high of Rs 1,858.
On the NSE, it gained 3.75 per cent to settle at Rs 1,855.
The company's market valuation rose by Rs 40,508.8 crore to Rs 11,73,677.35 crore at close of trade on the BSE.
In terms of volume, 9.49 lakh shares of the company were traded on the BSE and over 2 crore on the NSE.
Gains in Reliance Industries' shares were also instrumental in taking the BSE 30-share index higher by 465.86 points, or 1.29 per cent, to close at 36,487.28.
Reliance Industries, the country's most valued firm, last month became the first Indian company to cross the Rs 11 lakh crore market valuation mark.
Shares of Reliance Industries on Friday rose by nearly 2 per cent after announcement that Intel Capital will buy 0.39 per cent stake in Jio Platforms.
The stock has gained over 22 per cent this year so far. -- PTI
18:26 Maha: Hotels outside containment zones can operate from July 8
Further easing coronavirus-induced lockdown, the Maharashtra government on Monday decided to allow hotels and other entities providing accommodation services like lodges and guest houses outside containment zones to operate from July 8 at 33 per cent of their capacity.
The government announced the decision through a notification.
The permission has been granted on conditions of these entities adheringto social distancing norms and other protocols. -- PTI
18:18 Target China, not Rahul Gandhi: Congress to govt
The Congress on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of resorting to "cheap distractions and stunts" to "manage headlines" during the India-China border crisis, after the ruling party attacked Rahul Gandhi for not attending meetings of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence.
The opposition party also said that had the BJP government spent its energy in fighting China and supporting the armed forces, it would not have to "lie" and "mislead" the country on Chinese transgressions at the border.
The Congress' counter came after BJP chief J P Nadda took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi who has been firing salvos at the Modi government daily over the border stand-off.
Nadda had said that Gandhi does not attend a single meeting of Standing Committee on Defence but continues to demoralise the nation and question the valour of armed forces.
Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala hit back at Nadda, saying his "insidious comments" are making him look like a "poorer version of malicious BJP spokespersons".
"Had the BJP and the Modi Government spent its energy in fighting China and supporting our Armed Forces, you wouldn't need to lie on Chinese transgressions to mislead the nation," he said on Twitter.
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said the government has not called any meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence for the last over three months at a time when there has been tension at the border in Ladakh.
He claimed that the BJP is "rattled" because its "flimsy" and "individual-centric" foreign policy has failed and is resorting to "cheap diversionary tactics".
"Why resort to such cheap distractions. China is making incursions into Indian territory at 6-7 points in Ladakh and the prime minister is giving a clean chit to China, saying 'there has been no incursion and no one has occupied our land or post'," he said.
Accusing the BJP of resorting to headline management, the Congress leader said it does not work beyond a point.
"These are cheap stunts to manage headlines. Instead of responding to questions asked by Rahul Gandhi, whether on coronavirus, foreign policy, economy or the border standoff, you (the BJP) respond by attacking the one who has asked the question," he said.
Asking the BJP government to target China and not Gandhi, Khera said, "China will not go back by attacking Rahul Gandhi, so attack China instead".
Khera said the government should respond responsibly and answer questions posed to it.
"Your foreign policy has become a victim of event management. Governments do not run on headlines management. How long can you continue doing this?"he asked.
He alleged that the government has the habit of attacking the one asking hard questions, be it on the economy, the spread of virus, migrant labourers, foreign policy or the border issue.
"How long will you succeed in distractions," he asked.
Surjewala also posed several queries to the BJP chief.
"Is cutting Rs 11,000 CR of 'Dearness Pay' of 15 Lakh Members of our Armed Forces & 26 Lakh Military Pensioners (from 1/1/2020 to 30/6/2021) Modi Govt's way of encouragement or a Machiavellian hit job?" he tweeted
"Did the Estimates Committee of Parliament headed by ex BJP president, Sh. M.M.Joshi submit a report citing that defence expenditure was 'lowest since 1962'-lowest in 56 yrs? Is this Modi Government's way of enhancing the morale of our armed Forces?" -- PTI
17:43 Aadhaar-PAN linking deadline extended to March 31, 2021
The government on Monday extended the last date for linking Aadhaar and Permanent Account Number or PAN to March 31 next year.
The decision was taken keeping the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting difficulties in mind.
"Understanding and keeping in mind the times that we are in, we have extended deadlines. PAN - AADHAAR linking can be done till 31st March, 2021. We do hope this helps you plan things better," the Income Tax department said through its official Twitter handle today.
Earlier, in another big relief to tax assesses, the IT department had extended the last date of payment of self-assessment tax, in case of tax liability upto Rs 1 lakh till November 30, 2020. -- ANI
17:34 Sushant case: Cops record Bhansali's statement
Police recorded the statement of Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Mumbai on Monday in connection with the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, an official said.
Bhansali had offered films to Rajput, but they could not work together apparently due to date issues.
The director reached the Bandra police station along with his legal team around 12.30 pm and left at about 3.30 pm.
His statement was recorded, the official said.
Both Bhansali and Rajput admired each other's work and the director had offered him films four times, but their collaboration could not take off.
The Bandra police, who are probing angle of potential professional rivalry in Rajput's alleged suicide, are trying to understand the reason behind his depression.
Rajput (34) was found hanging in his apartment in suburban Bandra on June 14.
The police have so far recorded statements of 29 people, including Rajput's family members, his friends like actor Rhea Chakraborty, casting director Mukesh Chhabra, Yash Raj Films casting director Shanoo Sharma and actor Sanjana Sanghi, who was the late actor's co-star in her debut film Dil Bechara.
Rajput starred in films like MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Shuddh Desi Romance, Raabta, Chhichhore, Kedarnath and Sonchiriya. -- PTI
17:16 Covid+ve numbers fall in Delhi even as tests go up
The Centre on Monday said the average number of samples being tested per day for COVID-19 has gone up in Delhi from 5,481 to 18,766 in about a month and in spite of increased testing, the positivity rate has declined from around 30 per cent to 10 per cent in the last three weeks.
The government also said that the national positivity rate, percentage of samples testing coronavirus positive from the total number of samples, has also reduced and now stands at 6.73 per cent.
The Union, state and union territory governments have made a joint and coordinated effort to effectively manage the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the Union health ministry said in a statement. As part of the coordinated efforts, the Union government has emphasised on increasing testing, prompt contact tracing and timely clinical management of cases, the statement said. It has also helped states to significantly ramp up testing capacities, the ministry said. This has resulted in reduced positivity rate in the country and the national positivity rate stands at 6.73 per cent, it said.
As on July 5, the states with their positivity rate lesser than the national average and tests per million higher than the national average are Puducherry (5.55), Chandigarh (4.36), Assam (2.84), Tripura (2.72), Karnataka (2.64), Rajasthan (2.51), Goa (2.5), and Punjab (1.92). In Delhi, efforts being made by the Union Territory were significantly bolstered by the central government to ensure an increase in testing, the ministry said. Tests were ramped up through increased RT-PCR testing along with the new Rapid Antigen Point-of-Care (POC) tests which gives results in only about 30 minutes, the Centre said. -- PTI
17:10 30 ITBP docs inducted at Delhi's Covid care centre
A team of 30 freshly inducted doctors of ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) has been deployed at Sardar Patel COVID Care Centre and Hospital at Radha Soami Beas in Chattarpur. These doctors have been deployed at the centre as their first posting in service. "We are extremely proud to be serving the nation at the time of COVID19 crisis. We will put our best efforts to save the country and its people," Sagardeep Grewal, Assistant Commandant, Medical Officer, ITBP, says.
16:55 279 Maharashtra cops test Covid+ve in 24 hours
279 personnel of the Maharashtra Police tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of infections in the force to 5,454 out of which 1,078 cases are active. A total of 70 police personnel have died so far: Police.
According to the Johns Hopkins University in the United States, which has been compiling COVID-19 data from all over the world, India is at the eighth position in terms of the death toll due to the disease.
Of the 425 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, 151 are from Maharashtra. Of the 19,693 deaths reported so far, Maharashtra accounts for 8,822 deaths, followed by Delhi (3,067).
16:47 Russia's coronavirus count reaches 6,87,862 with over 6,000 new cases
Russia has recorded 6,611 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, which brings the cumulative total to 687,862, the response centre said Monday. The new cases were registered in all 85 regions, 1,907 of the 6,611 show no symptoms.
Moscow had 685 cases recorded, the highest daily count in Russia, followed by 292 cases in the Moscow region, 289 in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, and 280 in St. Petersburg.
In the last 24 hours, 3,579 people have been discharged from the hospital. The total of recoveries has reached 454,329. Over the same 24 hours, 135 people died, with the cumulative death toll reaching 10,296 people.
Moscow shows the slowest rate of increase in new cases at 0.3 per cent and is followed by the Moscow region, North Ossetia and Ingushetia with 0.5 per cent. -- PTI
16:38 NIA files chargesheet against former J-K DSP
Just in: The National Investigation Agency has filed a chargesheet against six persons and former DSP of J&K Police, Davinder Singh, in a terror case.
Suspended Jammu and Kashmir Deputy superintendent of police Davinder Singh, arrested while ferrying two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorists in a vehicle on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway earlier this year, was granted bail last month by a court in another terror case filed by Delhi Police after it failed to file a chargesheet within the prescribed time period.
16:37 14 days home quarantine for arrivals to K'taka
The Karnataka government has revised quarantine norms according to which those entering the state from other states, including from Maharashtra, shall be placed in 14-days home quarantine. A State government order with the subject line "Regulation of movement of persons from other States to Karnataka" reads: "Whereas the State Government vide Order dated June 30, issued unlock 2 guidelines which permit reopening of more activities in a calibrated manner, in areas outside the Containment Zones, and to extend lockdown in Containment Zone upto July 31. The guidelines also permit unrestricted interstate movement of persons and goods adhering to the SOPs/ Guidelines issued by the Department of Health and Family Welfare and Department of Revenue (Disaster Management)".
The quarantine norms are regularly reviewed and calibrated with the prevailing Unlock 2 guidelines and infusion of technology and community involvement to enforce the strict home quarantine.
In light of the above, the quarantine norms issued vide Order dated June 26, has been further modified and is follows -- persons coming from other State to Karnataka, including Maharashtra shall be placed in 14-days Home Quarantine," the order read.
Earlier, Karnataka had mandated 7 days government quarantine and another 7 days of home quarantine for all arrivals to the state.
16:30 In Covid hotbed Thane, +ve patient goes missing
A 71-year-old COVID-19 patient has gone missing from the newly-commissioned Global Hub Corona Hospital in Thane city, police said on Monday. A Kapurbawdi police station official said a missing person complaint has been filed and teams were out to trace the elderly patient.
"The man was first admitted to Kalwa hospital and then shifted to Global Hub Corona Hospital late night on June 29. His family was quarantined at the time. When they came out of isolation and started looking for the man, they could trace him and filed a complaint late Sunday night," the official told PTI.
The Global Hub Corona hospital is a temporary facility with 1,024 beds and was inaugurated a couple of weeks ago by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
In another incident, a woman and her three sons, all of whom tested positive for coronavirus, were nabbed on Saturday while trying to flee to their native place in Uttar Pradesh in violation of medical advice, a Thane civic official said.
The woman's husband had died of the infection at a hospital here and the family tried to escape quarantine after being detected with the infection, he added.
In Mira Bhayander municipal limits in the district, a woman claimed her husband who tested positive was abandoned in the rains two days ago, and he died of the infection after being admitted later in a hospital in Kandivali in Mumbai. PTI
16:13 How Chinese apps won over India
From hardware to software, Chinese companies have dominated the digital technologies space in India over the last few years, with more than a little push from the Chinese establishment, write Pranav Mukul, Karishma Mehrotra, Aashish Aryan, Sandeep Singh in the Indian Express, on how Chinese companies came to dominate India's digital space.
In India, the ground for this aggressive push from Chinese companies was laid in July 2014, when Xiaomi, often called the 'Apple of China', made its entry, followed by a flurry of Chinese brands such as Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, Realme etc. The influx of these Chinese companies peaked in 2016 when Reliance Jio launched its cheap data offerings, starting with its free Internet package that disrupted the telecom sector, they say, here.
15:57 News updates
PAN-AADHAAR linking deadline extendedtill 31st March, 2021. Understanding and keeping in mind the times that we are in, we have extended deadlines, the Income Tax Department, Government of India, announced.
-- The Union Government has emphasized on increasing testing, prompt contact tracing and timely clinical management of COVID-19 cases. The national Positivity Rate stands at 6.73% : Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
15:42 H1-B visa suspension to have Rs 1,200-cr impact on Indian IT firms: Crisil
Suspension of the H1-B visas by the US will cost domestic IT firms Rs 1,200 crore and have a marginal 0.25-0.30 per cent impact on their profitability, a domestic rating agency said on Monday.
An increase in local hiring over the last few years since the US the largest market for Indian IT firms - started curbing the visa issuances will help limit the impact on the Indian IT companies now, Crisil Ratings said. It can be noted that last month, the visas used by Indian tech professionals to work out of the US were suspended by the Donald Trump administration as it looked to arrest the rising unemployment.
Crisil, however, said that the marginal impact will be over and above the up to 2.50 per cent decline in IT firms' profits because of the COVID-19 pandemic and added that operating profitability is seen at 23 per cent in FY21 as per an analysis of 15 top firms' performance.
The US move on the H1-B and L1 visas will have limited impact because of the lower reliance on the entry system by hiring locally, it said, adding that renewals of the visas will be unaffected. -- PTI
15:40 Covid patient jumps to death
A COVID-19 positive patient allegedly committed suicide by jumping off the 4th floor of AIIMS Trauma Centre, today: Delhi Police
15:27 MEA note on the talks between Ajit Doval and Chinese FM
Update: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval has held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councilor Wang Yi, sources said.The talks took place over video call on Sunday.
According to sources, talks were held in a cordial and forward-looking manner.
The focus was on full and enduring restoration of peace and tranquillity and to work together to avoid such incidents in future, sources added.
The talks were held amid reports of mutual disengagement between India and China that has started at friction points along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh sector.
"There is mutual disengagement between the two sides on all the four friction points in the Eastern Ladakh sector including Patrolling Point 14 (Galwan valley), PP-15, Hot Springs and Finger area," Indian Army sources said.
The mutual disengagement in Galwan area is about one to two kilometres and is varied at different locations, sources said.The disengagement was agreed upon between both sides during the third Corps Commander-level meeting on July 1 at Chushul.
The disengagement is being seen as a result of intense diplomatic, military engagement and contacts in the past 48 hours.
These developments followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Leh on July 3 where a decisive and firm message was sent out. The Prime Minister's strong message on expansionism by some countries has got global attention, sources said, adding that the message on national security has been appreciated.
Disengagement of Chinese troops is being monitored by the Indian side at all four friction points including the PP-14 (Galwan river valley), PP-15, Hot Springs and Finger area. The extent of withdrawal is varied at different locations, said sources. -- ANI
File pic
15:17 CEAT Tyres makes foray into PPE segment, launches S95 mask
RPG group company CEAT Tyres on Monday announced its foray into the personal protective equipment (PPE) segment with the launch of anti-pollution S95 mask, GoSafe, amid an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country. The six-layered washable and reusable mask, priced at Rs 249 per unit, are available across its exclusive branded stores 'CEAT Shoppe' and also on various e-commerce websites, the company said in a release.
"CEAT Tyres has introduced the GoSafe S95 face mask to help India stay safe. With this, the company has made a foray into the PPE business in line with its commitment to safety," the tyre maker said in the release.
15:05 Not right to sack workers when biz activities resuming: Uddhav
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Monday expressed concern over several industries sacking workers at a time when the government is allowing resumption of business activities in the state, and said it was not right.
Thackeray made the remarks as he launched the state government's MahaJobs portal that aims to make available job opportunities to the 'sons of the soil' or domiciled persons.
The chief minister observed that migrant workers, who went to their native states due to the lockdown, have started coming back to Maharashtra slowly after his government allowed resumption of business activities.
"Today, we have jobs available, but there are no workers. Though this is the factual position, I noticed a strange scenario yesterday. Several industries have started slashing salaries of workers or are sacking them," he said.
"The sons of the soil or the migrant workers, who had not returned to their states and were reporting at workplaces, are being sacked. This is not right, Thackeray said. He said this issue needs to be discussed with industrialists as the state government is trying to resolve difficulties that they are facing. The MahaJobs portal is the need of the hour, he said, adding that the system works in a transparent manner.
Thackeray asked the authorities to take a regular stock of how useful the portal turns out in terms of how many of the applicants actually get jobs using the online platform, which will be run by the MaharashtraIndustrial Development Corporation. -- PTI
NSA Ajit Doval
14:47 NSA Doval, Chinese FM hold peace talks
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councilor Wang Yi over video call yesterday. Sources told news agency ANI that talks were held in a cordial and forward-looking manner. The focus of the conversation between Ajit Doval and the Chinese FM was the full and enduring restoration of peace and tranquility and to work together to avoid such incidents in future.
14:36 India-China: 'More dangerous than before'
"They have come to the conclusion that our relationship with the US has now reached a whole new stage where we are no longer neutral vis a vis the China-US thing and therefore, they want to try and take some counter measures," Shivshankar Menon, former national security adviser, former foreign secretary and former Indian ambassador to China, tells Rediff.com Senior Contributor Sheela Bhatt in the third part of an exclusive and eloquent interview. Read it here
14:25 China: Disengagement on border progressing
China's Global Times quotes Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian: "China and India have made progress coming up with effective measures for frontline troops to disengage and deescalate the border situation at the 3rd commander-level talks between the two militaries on June 30."
14:18 'Aug 15 for COVID-19 vaccine launch unfeasible'
The Indian Academy of Sciences, a Bengaluru-based body of scientists, has said the Indian Council for Medical Research's target to launch a coronavirus vaccine by August 15 is "unfeasible" and "unrealistic".
The IASc said while there is an unquestioned urgent need, vaccine development for use in humans requires scientifically executed clinical trials in a phased manner.
While administrative approvals can be expedited, the "scientific processes of experimentation and data collection have a natural time span that cannot be hastened without compromising standards of scientific rigour", the IASc said in a statement.
In its statement, the IASc referred to the ICMR's letter which states that "it is envisaged to launch the vaccine for public health use latest by 15th August 2020 after completion of all clinical trials".
The ICMR and Bharat Biotech India Limited, a private pharmaceutical company, are jointly developing the vaccine against the novel coronavirus -- SARS-CoV-2.
The IASc welcomes the exciting development of a candidate vaccine and wishes that the vaccine is quickly made available for public use, the statement said.
"However, as a body of scientists -- including many who are engaged in vaccine development -- IASc strongly believes that the announced timeline is unfeasible. This timeline has raised unrealistic hope and expectations in the minds of our citizens," it said.
Experts have also cautioned against rushing the process for developing a COVID-19 vaccine and stressed that it is not in accordance with the globally accepted norms to fast-track vaccine development for diseases of pandemic potential.
-- PTI
14:04 Coronavirus patient flees from hospital in UP
A coronavirus patient admitted in a government hospital here fled after giving a slip to the hospital staff, police said on Monday.
The patient, a resident of Revti area of Ballia, was admitted at the L 1 COVID hospital in Basantpur on July 2.
"A COVID-19 patient fled from L 1 COVID hospital in Basantpur on Sunday," Virendra Yadav, SHO, Sukhpura said.
He said efforts are on to trace the patient.
-- PTI
13:54 Rishi Sunak unveils 1.57 bn pounds arts, culture Covid rescue package
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has unveiled a 1.57-billion pounds rescue package of emergency grants and cheap loans for arts, culture and heritage industries to help them weather the impact of coronavirus lockdown. Thousands of organisations across a range of sectors including the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema will be able to access the funding boost put in place on Sunday night.
"Our world-renowned galleries, museums, heritage sites, music venues and independent cinemas are not only critical to keeping our economy thriving, employing more than 700,000 people, they're the lifeblood of British culture, said Sunak. That's why we're giving them the vital cash they need to safeguard their survival, helping to protect jobs and ensuring that they can continue to provide the sights and sounds that Britain is famous for," he said.
13:49 Learn to live with Covid, says Karnataka CM
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday said that the "country will have to learn to live with coronavirus as there are no options".
Yediyurappa made the remark after paying tribute to Babu Jagjivan Ram, on his death anniversary, at a ceremony in Vidhana Soudha.
"We don't have any other option, we have to learn to live with this virus. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the same thing. We have increased ambulances, we have made all arrangements to fight the pandemic. It is very important to safeguard ourselves," he said.
The Chief Minister added that the state government has made many arrangements to combat the widespread illness. According to the Union Health Ministry, there is 23,474 number of COVID-19 cases in the state and 372 people have died due to the illness. -- ANI
13:44 Kanpur attack: Reward for arrest of Vikas Dubey increased to Rs 2.5 lakh
The reward for the arrest of gangster Vikas Dubey involved in the killing of eight police personnel in Uttar Pradesh, has been increased to Rs 2.50 lakh, a senior police official said on Monday.
"The cash reward for the arrest of Vikas Dubey has been increased to Rs 2.50 lakh by UP Director General of Police H C Awasthy," Additional Director General Law and Order Prashant Kumar told PTI. Inspector General Kanpur Range Mohit Agarwal had on Sunday said that the reward for the arrest of Dubey was increased to Rs 1 lakh. -- PTI
13:40 WB govt has to be removed lock, stock, barrel: BJP
BJP president J P Nadda Monday launched a broadside against the TMC government in West Bengal, alleging criminalisation of politics and corruption have scaled new heights under it and calling for its ouster.
Lauding Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee for fighting for a united India and opposing the "appeasement politics" of Jawaharlal Nehru, Nadda said it is an honour to celebrate his birth anniversary at a time when the Modi government has fulfilled his dream of scrapping Article 370 that bestowed on Kashmir a special status. On one hand we have Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who fought for a united India and always kept his ideals and principles above anything, and on the other we have the present TMC government in Bengal for which clinging to power by any means is everything.
"Criminalisation of politics has scaled new heights, now we all hear about cut money in Bengal. We need to cut to size these leaders who demand cut money. We need to restore Bengal's glory and remove this government lock, stock and barrel, Nadda told a virtual rally for West Bengal on the birth anniversary of Mookerjee.
Speaking about Mookerjee's contributions to the nation, Nadda asserted it was because of the efforts of the Jana Sangh founder that West Bengal and large parts of Punjab are with India. It is due to Syama Prasad Mookerjee that Bengal and Punjab are with India. Otherwise they would have gone to Pakistan during Partition...He opposed the appeasement politics of Nehru in post-Independent India.... but the Congress has a bad habit of stifling democratic voices, he said.
He also attacked the state's Mamata Banerjee government over its handling of the COVID-19 crisis. "The West Bengal chief minister doesn't believe in cooperative federalism. She is not keen on sharing COVID data with the Centre," he alleged. PTI
13:34 Please donate plasma: Patra to Covid survivors
Sambit Patra, BJP leader, has a message for Covid survivors: "I donated blood plasma today. I was also infected with COVID-19. Prime Minister had given a clear message to all of us that we should serve people. I urge those who are fit and have recovered to donate plasma as it could save lives."
13:31 How China's assertiveness led to Australia's defence overhaul
It may well be the biggest shift in Australia's defence strategy in decades.
The Australian government has ordered the military to focus mainly on Australia's backyard, to acquire longer-range missiles to build up its own ability to deter threats from countries such as China, and cautioned the United States not to necessarily expect Australian participation in future coalition efforts in places like the Middle East. Read the report here
13:25 Ennio Morricone, Oscar-winning film composer, dies at 91
Ennio Morricone, the Oscar-winning film composer has died at the age of 91.
He died at dawn in a Rome hospital after falling and breaking his leg, his lawyer Giorgio Assumma said.
Morricone is best known internationally as the composer behind the instantly recognizable melodies from "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" and "Once Upon a Time in the West."
The Italian composer was famous for the scores of spaghetti Westerns and won an Academy Award for his score for Quentin Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight."
13:13 3 cops suspended over Kanpur encounter leak
Three police personnel, including two sub-inspectors and a constable, have been suspended on charges of laxity in duty in connection with the death of eight policemen in Kanpur, a senior official said on Monday.
"A preliminary inquiry has been initiated against all three policemen, including sub-inspectors Kunwarpal and Krishna Kumar Sharma and constable Rajeev, all posted at the Chaubeypur Police Station," Kanpur SSP Dinesh Kumar P said.
They have been suspended for laxity in duty in connection with the death of eight police personnel in Kanpur, a police PRO said.
An FIR would also be lodged against the policemen and they would face further action if their involvement is proved during the course of inquiry, the SSP added.
Meanwhile, the reward on gangster Vikas Dubey has now been increased to Rs 2.5 lakh from Rs 1 lakh earlier.
-- PTI
13:04 BJP's Sambit Patra donates plasma
BJP leader Sambit Patra donates plasma at Medanta hospital in Gurugram.
The national spokesperson of the BJP had been admitted to hospital in Gurgaon in May after he showed symptoms of coronavirus.
12:58 Sushant suicide case: Bhansali at police station
Director and Producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali arrives at Bandra police station to record his statement in connection with actor Sushant Singh Rajput's suicide case.
12:53 Thane Covid tally rises to 42,420, toll reaches 1,268
The number of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra's Thane district has gone up to 42,420 after 1,878 more people tested positive for the disease, officials said on Monday. Thane city accounts for over 25 per cent of the total cases in the district, as per an analysis of the data.
On Sunday, 1,878 people tested positive for coronavirus, taking the count of cases to 42,420, the district administration said in a medical bulletin.
Out of the fresh cases, Kalyan-Dombivali reported the maximum 482 cases, followed by Thane city-373, Mira Bhayandar-303, Ulhasnagar-251 and Navi Mumbai-191.
The remaining cases were reported from other civic limits in the district. Besides, 47 patients succumbed to the disease in the district on Sunday, raising the toll to 1,268. Out of the 47 deaths, 16 were reported from Thane city, as per the medical bulletin.
So far, Thane city has reported 10,731 coronavirus cases, Kalyan Dombivali-9,086, Navi Mumbai-7,793 Mira Bhayandar-4,314, Ulhasnagar-2,810, Bhiwandi Nizampur-2,319, Ambernath-2,200, Badlapur-973, and Thane rural-2,194. Thane city has till now also reported the maximum 402 deaths, followed by Navi Mumbai-244, Mira Bhayandar-162 and Kalyan Dombivali-140. The remaining fatalities have been reported from other civic limits.
12:41 COVID-19 tests in India cross one-crore mark
The total number of tests for detection of COVID-19 crossed the one-crore mark in India on Monday, an ICMR official said. A single-day jump of 24,248 COVID-19 cases took India's tally close to the 7-lakh mark on Monday, while the death toll due to the disease climbed to 19,693 with 425 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry.
"A cumulative total of1,00,04,101 samples have been tested till 11 am on Monday with 1,80,596 samples being tested on July 5," Scientist and media coordinator at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Lokesh Sharma said. There are now 1,105 testing labs in the country comprising 788 in the public sector and 317 private labs. The per day testing capacity is also fast growing,Sharma said.
Around 2,00,000 samples have been tested on an average daily for the last 14 days, he said. India had crossed the nine million-mark on July 1. "The per day testing capacity which was around 1.5 lakh on May 25 is more than three lakh per day now," Sharma said. Starting with one single laboratory at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune and then expanding to 100 laboratories in the beginning of the lockdown, the ICMR on June 23 validated the 1000th testing laboratory. Various steps taken by the central government have paved the way for enhanced testing for COVID-19, the health ministry had said earlier.
The Centre has strongly advised states and UTs to take immediate steps to facilitate testing at the earliest by enabling all qualified medical practitioners, including private practitioners, to prescribe COVID test to individual fulfilling the criteria for testing as per the ICMR guidelines."
12:37 'PM's visit to Leh sent out decisive message'
Update: The disengagement of Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan, Ladakh has begun. This is a result of intense diplomatic, military engagement and contacts in the past 48 hours. Details are awaited.
These meetings followed PM Modi's visit to Leh where a decisive and firm message was sent out, reports news agency ANI.
India's responsible stance and message at LAC has been globally recognised. Those invested in India-China relationship in Beijing are also of the opinion that the present stand-off should be resolved. India has sent out a decisive message that national security is paramount, sources told ANI.
The Chinese Army is removing tents and moving back from certain areas of the Galwan Valley, in a first sign of disengagement of troops from the area, government sources said on Monday. They said disengagement of the Chinese troops has started as per an agreement between the Corps Commander's of the two sides.
The Chinese Army is seen removing tents and structures at Patrolling Point 14, the sources said. Similar movement of vehicles of the Chinese Army is seen at Gogra Hot Spring area, the sources said. The Indian and Chinese armies are locked in a bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for the last seven weeks.
12:24 Kejriwal: Please donate plasma, it's painless
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's update on the corona virus cases in Delhi. "COVID-19 cases have crossed 1 lakh mark in Delhi but there is no need to panic as around 72,000 people have also recovered. Out of 25,000 active patients, 15,000 are being treated at home. Death rate has also come down.
"We've also started the country's first corona plasma bank. Our trials have shown that plasma therapy can help moderate patients improve significantly.
"The number of people who need plasma is more than those coming forward to donate it. I urge all those who are eligible to come forward and donate plasma. It will not cause any pain or weakness. Those donating plasma are doing selfless service to society.
"Our team is calling up people requesting them to donate plasma, if you receive such a call please don't refuse. Hospitals should also give counselling to patients who have recovered and encourage them to donate plasma."
12:08 Chinese army partially retreats from Galwan river
ANI reports that the Chinese Army has moved back tents, vehicles and troops by 1-2 km from locations where disengagement was agreed upon at Corps Commander level talks. Indian Army Sources say that Chinese heavy armoured vehicles are still present in depth areas in Galwan river area. Indian army monitoring the situation with caution.
11:56 Expect more rain in Mumbai today: IMD
Mumbai's suburbs and neighbouring Thane district received over 100 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours, the IMD said on Monday and predicted more heavy showers in those areas and other parts of Konkan Maharashtra. The observatory in Thane-Belapur Industrial Association area recorded 213.4 mm rainfall during the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Monday.
"Mumbai & around realised hvy rains with isol very hvy (>115.6 mm) at Thane/West Suburbs in last 24 hrs at 8.30 am 6 Jul. Mumbai, Konkan, isol hvy showers nxt 24 hrs," India Meteorological Department Mumbai's Deputy Director General K S Hosalikar said in a tweet.
The Santacruz weather station in Mumbai's western suburbs recorded 116.1 mm rainfall during the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Monday, while the Colaba weather station in South Mumbai recorded 12.4 mm downpour during the same period.
The Matheran bureau in Maharashtra's Raigad district recorded 90 mm rainfall during the 24-hour period, while the Dahanu observatory in Palghar district recorded 60.3 mm rain. Besides, the Nashik weather station reported 13.4 mm rainfall, the Ratnagiri bureau and the Harnai observatory in the district recorded 5.4 mm and 5.9 mm rain, respectively, and the Osmanabad district in Marathwada region of the state recorded 7.4 mm downpour during the period.
Hosalikar said the satellite images suggested dense clouds over Saurashtra and Kutch regions in Gujarat, and warned of extremely heavy rainfall in those areas. Mumbai and other parts of the Konkan region have been experiencing heavy rains since Friday. On Sunday, the Powai lake in suburban Mumbai started overflowing after the heavy downpour. PTI
Image: People fishing from a bridge after heavy rainfall, at Mahim Creek in Mumbai on Sunday.
11:45 Pak's coronavirus tally crosses 231,000-mark
Pakistan's coronavirus cases on Monday crossed the 231,000-mark after 3,344 new infections were detected in the last 24 hours, while 50 people died of the deadly disease, taking the death toll to 4,762, the health ministry said on Monday. According to the Ministry of National Health Services, the number of confirmed cases reached 231,818 after 3,344 new infections surfaced in the country, but 131,649 patients have also fully recovered from the COVID-19. The ministry also said that 56.78 per cent patients have recovered from the disease while those still infected are 43.21 per cent. A total of 1,420,623 tests have been performed, including 22,271 in the last 24 hours. PTI
11:42 Broadway actor Nick Cordero dies of COVID-19 complications at 41
Broadway actor Nick Cordero, who was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in "Bullets Over Broadway", has died after a battle with the coronavirus, his wife, fitness instructor Amanda Kloots said. He was 41. The actor, who spent weeks in the intensive care unit at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for the treatment of what initially was considered to be pneumonia, had a number of COVID-19 complications, which included him being put on ventilator, having his right leg amputated, losing more than 60 pounds. He was looking forward to receive a double-lung transplant.
Kloots shared the news of Cordero's death in a moving Instagram post on Sunday. "God has another angel in heaven now. My darling husband passed away this morning. He was surrounded in love by his family, singing and praying as he gently left this earth," the former Broadway dancer wrote. Kloots, who had been updating about her husband's health on social media since March, said her husband struggled with the infection for 95 days.
The couple, who met while working on "Bullets over Broadway" and married in 2017, share one-year-old son, Elvis. "I am in disbelief and hurting everywhere. My heart is broken as I cannot imagine our lives without him. Nick was such a bright light. He was everyone's friend, loved to listen, help and especially talk. He was an incredible actor and musician. He loved his family and loved being a father and husband. Elvis and I will miss him in everything we do, everyday," Kloots wrote alongside Cordero's picture. -- PTI
Pic: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images
11:23 Zydus gets Mexican regulator nod for Desidustat in test management of COVID-19
Pharmaceutical major Zydus Cadila said on Monday it has got approval from Mexico's Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS) for its one of its lead research candidate Desidustat to be tested in the management of COVID-19.
The clinical and regulatory development of Desidustat in COVID-19 is being executed in Mexico by Avant Sante Research Centre, a leading contract research organisation headquartered in Monterrey."The company will be conducting a phase 2b, multi-centre, open-label, randomised, comparator-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Desidustat tablet for the management of Covid-19 patients," said Zydus in a statement.
As a part of the study, 100 mg tablets of Desidustat will be administered for a period of 14 days along with recommended standard care during the trial.
Patients infected with COVID-19 have been reported to display signs of hypoxia, leading to organ failure and death despite the use of anti-virals, anti-inflammatory drugs or ventilators.
Zydus said the attack with the novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) will cause less and less haemoglobin that can carry oxygen and carbon dioxide. The lung cells have been reported to develop extremely intense poisoning and inflammation due to the inability to exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen frequently, which eventually results in ground-glass-like lung images. -- ANI
11:09 The Dalai Lama turns 85
Members of the Tibetan government-in-exile celebrate the Dalai Lama's 85th birthday in Dharamshala.
10:58 Rahul only knows how to demoralise India: BJP
Launching a fresh attack on Rahul Gandhi, BJP president J P Nadda said on Monday that the Congress leader "has not attended" a single meeting of Parliament's standing committee on defence but continues to "demoralise" the nation and question the valour of armed forces.
Nadda's tweets came following reports that Gandhi has attended none of the committee's meetings so far. There was no immediate reaction from the Congress to Nadda's attack.
"Rahul Gandhi does not attend a single meeting of Standing Committee on Defence. But sadly, he continues to demoralise the nation, question the valour of our armed forces and do everything that a responsible opposition leader should not do," the BJP president said.
He added, "Rahul Gandhi belongs to that glorious dynastic tradition where as far as defence is concerned, committees don't matter, only commissions do. Congress has many deserving members who understand parliamentary matters but one dynasty will never let such leaders grow. Really sad."
Gandhi has been leading his party's sharp criticism of the central government over a host of issues, including the continuing standoff between Indian and Chinese armies. The BJP has in turn accused him of lowering the morale of armed forces. -- PTI
10:15 BMC hospitals to begin using Remdesivir today
From Monday, BMC-run hospitals in Mumbai will start administering the drug Remdesivir to moderate and severely-ill patients. Until now, only Seven Hills hospital in the city had got Remdesivir stock on donation. KEM hospital, Sion hospital and Nair hospital, which are treating a huge number of Covid-19 patients, are yet to begin the use of the investigational anti-viral drug, reports the Indian Express.
The BMC has purchased 15,000 vials of Remdesivir from Hetero Healthcare at a cost of Rs 4,144 each. Hetero Healthcare, which is selling the drug under brand name Covifor, is one of the five companies that has signed a licensed agreement with Gilead Sciences to manufacture and distribute Remdesivir in India and Pakistan. The market price is Rs 5400, but BMC got the stock at a discounted rate for bulk order.
10:09 Cong urges Shivraj to not allocate revenue portfolio to 'Scindia camp'
Congress leader Govind Singh has requested Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan not to allocate the revenue portfolio to anyone from the "Scindia camp" and alleged that through the Revenue Minister, BJP MP Jyotiradtiya Scindia could get government land allotted to his trust.
"The Collector Officer along with the Government Advocates in the Gwalior High Court mentioned the government land in the name of Scindia. He gets government lands named after his trust by the help of Revenue Minister so I have requested the Chief Minister not to choose a Revenue Minister from the Scindia camp," said Singh.
The Chief Minister should save government property in the interest of seven and a half crore people, Singh said.At the same time, Singh also alleged that "after independence, government land was encroached by Scindia's family.
"After the allegations of the Congress leader, Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Vishwas Sarang hit back, stating that Congress leaders have lost their mental balance.
"If the same suggestion was given to former Chief Minister Kamal Nath then things would have been better. Scindia has fought for justice, he left Congress as the farmers' loan was not being waived off and when the Congress created chaos in the state. He didn't leave for his own benefit," said Sarang.In the then Kamal Nath-led government, Scindia's close aide Govind Singh was the Revenue Minister. -- ANI
09:58 India is now 3rd worst-hit by Covid
Update: India went past Russia on Sunday to become the third worst-hit nation by the COVID-19 pandemic. Only the US and Brazil are ahead of India in terms of total coronavirus infections. According to the Monday morning update of the Union Health Ministry, a single-day jump of 24,248 COVID-19 cases pushed India's tally to 6,97,413.
With a steady rise, the number of recoveries stands at 4,24,432 in the country, while one patient has migrated. There are 2,53,287 active coronavirus cases in the country, the data showed.
"Thus, 60.85 per cent of the patients have recovered so far," the ministry said. The total number of confirmed cases also includes foreigners who tested positive in India. -- PTI
09:41 Mumbai Police files FIR over threat call to Taj hotels
Mumbai Police has registered an FIR against an unknown person in connection with threat calls made to Taj Hotel and Taj Land Ends, last week.
"An FIR has been registered against an unknown person in connection with threat calls made to Taj Hotel and Taj Land Ends," the Mumbai Police said.
Last week, security outside Mumbai's two Taj hotels, located in Colaba and Bandra, and the nearby areas was tightened after a bomb threat call was received from Karachi.
"Security tightened outside Taj Hotels and nearby areas after a threat call was received yesterday from Karachi, Pakistan to blow up the hotels with bombs," said the Mumbai Police.
The police had said that the call from Karachi came on June 29.Taj Hotel was one of the venues which were targeted during the 26/11 attacks in 2008. -- ANI
Representational image
09:38 ICMR's claim to launch Covid vaccine by Aug 15 unscientific gaffe: Sibal
Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Sunday called the Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) claim to launch COVID-19 vaccine by August 15, an "unscientific gaffe".
Taking to Twitter, Sibal wrote, "Unscientific gaffes: ICMR claim: COVID 19 vaccine by August 15 Mahabharat over in 18 days; wait 21 days and this war will be won Chants of: Carona go, Carona go...Cow dung cures cancer Ganesh's head: miracle of surgery Such mindsets can never provide solutions."
The comments of the Congress leader came after ICMR DG Balram Bhargava's letter to Bharat Biotech and principal investigators of medical colleges to complete the trial procedure of indigenous COVID-19 vaccine in a fast track method so that results of a clinical trial can be launched by August 15.
Bharat Biotech had recently received a nod for a clinical trial of its vaccine - Covaxin.
A total of 12 institutes have been asked by the ICMR to fast track clinical trials of the vaccine as it is being considered the topmost priority projects which are being monitored by the government. -- ANI
09:31 24,248 Covid cases in 24 hrs, India tally 6,97,413
And the numbers are here. India reports a spike of 24,248 new COVID-19 cases and 425 deaths in the last 24 hours. Positive cases stand at 6,97,413 including 2,53,287 active cases, 4,24,433 cured/discharged/migrated & 19,693 deaths: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The total number of samples tested up to 5th July is 99,69,662 of which 1,80,596 samples were tested yesterday, the Indian Council of Medical Research, said.
09:18 US adds 40,000 new Covid-19 cases in 24 hours
The United States recorded 39,379 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours, a tally by Johns Hopkins University showed as infections continue to trend up around the country.
The country's total number of cases now stands at 2,876,143. The world's largest economy also recorded a further 234 fatalities, bringing the death toll to 129,891, the Baltimore-based institution's tracker showed.
Sunday's tally comes after a string of surging daily new infections, including a high of 57,683 on Friday. The lower number could be attributed to less reporting on the July 4th national holiday weekend.
The United States is the hardest-hit country in the global pandemic, both in caseload and deaths, and has struggled to respond to the devastation wrought by the virus. Some mayors say their cities reopened too early and worry that their health care systems will soon become overwhelmed.
09:00 Future Harvard case studies on failure to tackle COVID-19, demonetisation and GST: Rahul
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that future studies would be done by the Harvard Business School on "failures" to tackle COVID-19 pandemic, demonetisation and GST implementation.
"Future HBS (Harvard Business School) case studies on failure: 1. COVID-19. 2. Demonetisation. 3. GST implementation," tweeted the Congress leader on Monday.
Along with the tweet, Gandhi also shared a video with a visual of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the background and a graph depicting the number of COVID-19 cases increasing on a daily basis and India's changing position with respect to the increase in cases.
India has reported its highest-ever single-day spike of 24,850 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Sunday.
-- ANI
08:13 PM pays tributes to SP Mookerjee on his birth anniversary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tributes to Bharatiya Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his birth anniversary, saying he made courageous efforts to further India's unity.
Mookerjee was born on this day in 1901 in then Calcutta.
"I bow to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his Jayanti. A devout patriot, he made exemplary contributions towards India's development," Modi wrote on Twitter.
Mookerjee made courageous efforts to further India's unity, the prime minister said.
"His thoughts and ideals give strength to millions across the nation," he said.
-- PTI
07:46 Taj Mahal, other Agra monuments won't open today
The government has withdrawn a planned reopening of the Taj Mahal, citing the risk of new coronavirus infections spreading in Agra from visitors flocking to see the monument.
Local authorities issued a new advisory ordering an extension of lockdown curbs on monuments in and around Agra. The government order did not specify the duration of the lockdown for monuments that have been closed since March.
"In the interest of the public, it has been decided that opening monuments in Agra will not be advisable as of now", the district authorities said in a notice published in Hindi.
India's coronavirus infections are rising at the fastest pace in three months.
On Sunday, the health ministry reported a record single-day spike of 24,850 new cases and more than 600 deaths. That pushed India's overall tally to 673,165 cases, closing in on Russia, the third-most affected country globally.
While international flights remain suspended, domestic travel has been opened up, and the government is hoping visitors will start to trickle back to some popular destinations.
Containment zones, areas identified as most affected by the virus, remain under strict lockdown, with restricted access and movement of only essential goods and services.
"We don't expect visitors here because clusters around the Taj, including shops and hotels are closed," a local district administration official said in Agra.
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