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Jul 01, 2021 ,  8:21AM Prime Minister to address doctors community at a programme organised by Indian Medical Association today @IMAIndiaOrg National Doctors' Day is being celebrated today. This day is observed on the 1st of July every year to acknowledge the role of doctors in keepin the nation healthy. Government established Doctors' Day in 1991 to recognize the contributions of former Bengal Chief Minister Dr BC Roy. He played an important role in the establishment of Medical Council of India and Indian Medical Association. He was also conferred with  Bharat Ratna on 4th February, 1961. In his ‘Mann ki Baat’ address last Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the contributions made by doctors and corona warriors during the Coronavirus pandemic. He said it is everyone's duty to thank doctors with an equal measure of affection and encourage them. Prime Minister Modi will address the doctors community at a programme organised by Indian Medical Ass...

Jul 01, 2021 ,  7:55AM Today is GST Day; Government to honour tax payers who have been part of GST's success story @cbic_india The Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, country’s biggest tax reform, is going to complete four years today. During these years, several key policy initiatives were taken by the government to make the GST system and compliance mechanism simple, transparent and technology driven. GST is a remarkable example of cooperative federalism wherein all the decisions have been taken in the GST Council through consensus. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, the GST has been a milestone in the economic landscape of India. The Government has decided to honour the taxpayers who have been a part of its success story.

Jul 01, 2021 ,  7:53AM Government's flagship programme- Digital India completes six years; PM Modi to virtually interact with beneficiaries AIR Pics The government's flagship programme- Digital India has completed six years today. The vision of Digital India programme is to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched this ambitious programme on 1st July ,2015. On the occasion, Mr Modi will today interact with beneficiaries of ‘Digital India’ via video conferencing. The programme is being organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad will also be present on the occasion. AIR correspondent reports, ‘Digital India’ has turned out to be one of the biggest success story of New India. It has enabled services, brought Government closer to citizens, promoted citizen engagement and empowered people. The Digi...

Jun 30, 2021 ,  9:35PM Govt clears BharatNet implementation through PPP Model in 16 States @PrakashJavdekar Union Cabinet has given approval to provide additional 19 thousand 41 crore rupees for BharatNet for broadband facility to each village through BharatNet PPP Model.   Giving details about this decision, Union Minister for Communications Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the Union Cabinet has accorded approval for revised implementation strategy of BharatNet through Public Private Partnership mode in 16 States of the country with optical fibre connectivity to all inhabited villages.   He said, it has been given in principal approval with a total expenses of 29 thousand 432 crore rupees out of which the viability gap funding of the government of India will be 19 thousand 41 crore rupees.   The States covered under it are Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya,...

Jun 30, 2021 ,  9:20PM PM Modi lauds GST system on completion of its four years FILE PIC Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said, GST has been a milestone in the economic landscape of India.   Mr Modi said, It has decreased the number of taxes, compliance burden and overall tax burden on common man while significantly increasing transparency, compliance and overall collection.   It has been four years since the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) law, country’s biggest tax reform, on July 1, 2017.

Jun 30, 2021 ,  9:09PM CCEA approves Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme for power DISCOMs worth over Rs. 3 lakh crore LOGO The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a Reforms-based and Results-linked, Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.  The Scheme seeks to improve the operational efficiencies and financial sustainability of all DISCOMs and Power Departments excluding Private Sector DISCOMs by providing conditional financial assistance to them for strengthening of supply infrastructure. The assistance will be based on meeting pre-qualifying criteria as well as upon achievement of basic minimum benchmarks by the DISCOM evaluated on the basis of agreed evaluation framework tied to financial improvements. Addressing media, Minister of Power R K Singh said that the Scheme will have an outlay of over 3 lakh crore rupees with an estimated Gross Budgetary Support of 97 thousand 631 crore rupees by the Central government. He said that it is proposed t...

Jun 30, 2021 ,  9:07PM Union Cabinet approve Rs 6.28 lakh crore stimulus package announced by FM Nirmala Sitharaman File Pic The Union Cabinet gave approval to the stimulus package of 6 lakh 28 thousand crore rupees announced by the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Package on Monday. Addressing media after the Cabinet Meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said that a Loan Guarantee Scheme of 2 lakh 60 thousand crore rupees comprising 1.1 lakh crore rupees  Loan Guarantee Scheme for Covid Affected sectors and 1.5 lakh crore rupees for Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme was given approval. He informed that the interest rate on the loan will be will be in range from 7 per cent to 8.25 per cent. In another decision, Mr Javadekar said,the government has also given approval to the announcement made regarding extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, PKGKAY from May to November t...

Jun 30, 2021 ,  2:39PM GST system to complete four years tomorrow File Pic The Goods and Service Tax system is going to complete four years tomorrow. During the four years, several key policy initiatives have been taken by the government to make the GST system and compliance mechanism simple, transparent and technology driven.    Meanwhile Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said, GST has been a milestone in the economic landscape of India. Mr Modi said, it has decreased the number of taxes, compliance burden and overall tax burden on common man while significantly increasing transparency, compliance and overall collection. It has been four years since the introduction  of Goods  and Services Tax (GST) law,  country’s  biggest tax reform, on July 1, 2017.   GST is a remarkable example of cooperative federalism wherein all the decisions have been taken in the GST Council by consensus. By replacing multi-layered, complex indi...

Jun 30, 2021 ,  2:10PM Commercial International Flights to remain suspended till July 31 File Pic The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) today issued a circular saying Scheduled Commercial International Flights to remain suspended till 31st of July. However, it said, The restrictions shall not be applicable on international cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA.    Earlier, in an advisory DGCA said that the Airport Director or Terminal Manager should ensure that all passengers are wearing masks and following social distancing norms. The circular said, failing which passengers would be either warned or handed over to the security agencies for action as per law. 

Jun 30, 2021 ,  2:09PM SC directs Centre to frame guidelines for payment of ex-gratia compensation to families of COVID-19 victims File Pic The Supreme Court today directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to frame guidelines for payment of ex-gratia compensation to family members of persons who succumbed to COVID-19.   A three-judge bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan, in its judgement, also directed the NDMA to ascertain within six weeks ex-gratia amount that can be paid to the family members of those who died due to the infection.   The court’s order came in response to a plea seeking ex-gratia of four lakh rupees each to the families of all those who succumbed to the virus. The Centre had submitted by affidavit that State Governments cannot afford to pay this and had argued in favour of a broader approach including health interventions.

Jun 30, 2021 ,  12:37PM PM Modi to hold meeting with Council of Ministers today @narendramodi Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting with the Council of Ministers later in the day today. He is expected to review the overall COVID-19 situation in the country and discuss the ongoing vaccination programme.   Political observers feel the Council of Ministers meeting assumes significance as it is being held at a time when political circles are abuzz with speculation of a Cabinet expansion and reshuffle. The meeting will be held virtually.

Jun 30, 2021 ,  8:22AM Pradhan Mantri Grameen Kalyan Anna Yojana extended for five more months from July to November File Pic Union Government has now extended the Pradhan Mantri Grameen Kalyan Anna Yojana for five months that is from July to November this year. Further allocation of 198.78 lakh MT foodgrains has been made under PMGKAY-IV for July to November. Lifting of foodgrains has been started by eight states - Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha, Telangana and Tripura. Over 1.06 LMT foodgrains have been lifted till yesterday.   Under PMGKAY-III, Food Corporation of India has supplied 77.42 LMT free foodgrains to all 36 States and UTs so far. Twenty three States and UTs have lifted full allocation for May-June 2021. Last date of lifting is 30th of June.

Jun 30, 2021 ,  8:16AM Kerala CM expresses concern over 11 % Covid test positivity rate in state File Pic Kerala witnessed a slight rise in the COVID graph as it confirmed 13,550 new positive cases yesterday. The present test positivity rate of the state is 11 per cent. 104 deaths were also reported due to COVID taking the death toll to 13,093. Meanwhile 10283 people recovered from the COVID and the state has 99,174 active cases.   Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan while briefing the media expressed concern regarding the TPR hike hovering over 10 per cent. He said that the COVID restrictions imposed will continue as such in areas where the TPR is continuously escalating. He also said that the spread of the pandemic is nowhere reaching below the minimum level. He added that the number of COVID patients is not declining significantly these days and hence the spread rate of the infection is expected to decline only at a very gradual pace throughout the state.

Jun 30, 2021 ,  8:13AM Govt says almost 91 % decline in daily new Covid cases noticed in country since highest reported peak @MoHFW_INDIA Union Health Ministry has said that the country is registering a continuous decline in daily cases of COVID-19 and considerable increase in the recovery rate.   Addressing media in New Delhi last evening, Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry Lav Agarwal said almost 91 per cent decline in daily new cases has been noticed since the highest reported peak in daily new cases. He said, in the last 24 hours, only 37 thousand 566 cases of corona infection were reported.   Mr Agarwal also informed that till 4th of May, there were 531 districts in the country which were reporting over 100 cases daily, now the number has come down to 111 districts. He informed that  till 10th of May there were over 37 lakh active cases in the country and after that a continuous decline in such cases were noticed and now, it has come down...

Jun 30, 2021 ,  8:10AM Union Home Ministry advises all states, UTs to carefully calibrate process of relaxing lockdown restrictions File Pic Union Home Ministry has asked all States and UTs to ensure implementation of targeted and prompt actions for COVID-19 Management. In a letter to Chief Secretaries of states and Administrators of UTs, Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla urged the states to issue directions to district and all other authorities to take necessary measures as advised by Health Ministry in their letter yesterday for management of COVID-19.   The Home Secretary said, many states and UTs have started relaxing restrictions with decline in the number of active cases. He said, the process of relaxing restrictions must be carefully calibrated.   Home Ministry has asked States and UTs to closely monitor case positivity and bed occupancy on regular basis. It has asked them to regularly monitor districts with higher number of active cases per million po...

Jun 29, 2021 ,  8:56PM Moderna COVID Vaccine granted permission for restricted use in country @MoHFW_INDIA NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr. V. K. Paul has informed that internationally developed Moderna COVID vaccine has been granted permission for restricted use, commonly known as emergency use authorisation, in the country.   During the media briefing, Dr Paul said that an application received from Moderna through its Indian Subsidiary CIPLA has been granted permission.   He said, this potentially opens up a clear possibility of the vaccine being imported into India in near future.   He said, with this addition, the country's vaccine basket will be richer as three vaccine Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik V are in operation.    Dr Paul also said that our efforts to invite and to have other internationally developed vaccines specifically Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson also continue and the process in this regard is on.

Jun 29, 2021 ,  8:26PM Over 33 crore COVID Vaccine Doses administered so far; Country takes lead in vaccination @COVIDNewsByMIB Mr Agarwal said, till 3 P.M. today, Indian has crossed the vaccination coverage of 33 crore mark. He also informed that in rural areas, the vaccination coverage from 1st of May to 24th of June is 9.72 crore doses which comprises 56 per cent of the total vaccination while in urban areas the coverage stands at 7.68 crore doses which is 44 per cent.

Jun 29, 2021 ,  8:08PM International cooperation is answer to COVID challenge: EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar @DrSJaishankar External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar today said that international cooperation is the answer to the COVID challenge, be it vaccines, medicines, PPE or oxygen.   Addressing the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting at Matera in Italy today, the Minister said, institutional multilateralism has been found wanting.   He said, reforms have many forms, but vaccine equity will be the immediate test.   He also said, real economy needs decentralised globalisation, including in manufacturing, food and health. He stressed that resilient supply chains must develop in parallel.   The Minister also met United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and reviewed the progress of bilateral Road Map.   They discussed the state of the world, regional issues, COVID and climate action.

Jun 29, 2021 ,  6:07PM Country registers continuous decline in daily cases of COVID-19, improvement in rate of recovery: Health Ministry @MoHFW_INDIA Union Health Ministry today said that the country is registering a continuous decline in daily cases of COVID-19 and further increase in rate of recovery from infection.   Addressing media in New Delhi this evening, Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry Lav Agarwal said that continuous decline in daily cases is being noticed since India reported a peak with nearly four lakh 14 thousand cases on 7th of May.   He said, now almost 91 per cent decline in daily new cases has been noticed since the highest reported peak in daily new cases. He said, in the last 24 hours, only 37 thousand 566 cases of corona infection were reported.   Mr Agarwal also informed that till 4th of May, there were 531 districts in the country which were reporting over 100 cases daily, now the number has come down to 111 distric...

Jun 29, 2021 ,  2:23PM Centre hands over investigation of drone strike at Air Force Station Jammu to NIA @NIA_India Center has handed over the investigation of drone strike at Air Force Station Jammu to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).   An NIA team led by Rakesh Balwal was among the first at the scene of the twin blasts in the high security technical area of the Jammu airport in the wee hours of Sunday. Low-flying drones were used to airdrop improvised explosive devices (IEDs) inside the air base.   Two Indian Air Force personnel sustained minor injuries in the explosions. However, the blasts did not cause any damage to equipment or aircraft. 

Jun 29, 2021 ,  2:22PM Industry bodies welcome centre's announcement of relief package to boost economy @nsitharamanoffc Various industry bodies have welcomed the steps taken by the Government to boost the economy and provide relief to the various sectors. Yesterday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharman announced a relief package of over six lakh 28 thousand crore rupees.   Senior Vice President of FICCI Sanjiv Mehta has welcomed the announcements made by the government  to support the economy. He said, focus of the new measures is well placed while some of the existing relief measures have been extended. He said, the emphasis on the COVID affected sectors was the need of the hour. He added that these steps would alleviate the stress amongst the affected sectors including MSMEs.   Another industry body CII has also expressed happiness over the slew of measures taken by the Government to provide thrust to the economy during the Covid-19 pandemic. Pre...

Jun 29, 2021 ,  2:21PM Modi govt committed to deregulation of Indian economy & ushering in systemic reforms: FM Nirmala Sitharaman @nsitharamanoffc Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that Narendra Modi government is committed to the deregulation of the economy and ushering in systemic reforms. She said what India needs is transformational, not incremental, changes. In an article in English daily, Mrs Sitharaman said the economy welcomed the breath of fresh air with the liberalisation of 1991. She recalled the political will of the then Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao and the then finance minister Dr Manmohan Singh for liberalising the economy 30 years back.   Finance Minister wrote, during his first term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensured the weeding out of 1,200 archaic laws and discarding 58 more in the second term. She mentioned that the previous government’s emotional but stand-alone call to remove poverty, garibi hatao, failed because it...

Jun 29, 2021 ,  2:19PM India at UN raises issue of drones being used for terror activities @IndiaUNNewYork India has raised at the UN, the issue of drone being used for terror activities. It came days after explosions at Air Force Station in Jammu with the help of low-flying drones.  New Delhi said, being a low-cost option and easily available, utilization of these aerial and sub-surface platforms for sinister purposes by terrorist groups such as intelligence collection, explosives delivery and targeted attacks have become an imminent danger for security agencies worldwide. This was stated by Special Secretary in the Home Ministry, V.S.K. Kaumudi, while addressing the 2nd UN High Level Conference of the Head of Counter Terrorism Agencies of the Member States. He added that the possibility of the use of weaponized drones for terrorist purposes against strategic and commercial assets call for serious attention by the member states.   Mr. Kaumudi said, toda...

Jun 29, 2021 ,  8:12AM Central govt plans to develop rating system for MSMEs msme.gov.in Central government is planning to develop a system of financial ratings for upcoming micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Union Minister for MSMEs Nitin Gadkari said that this system of ratings will help banks to make better credit judgments for such borrowers.   The Union Minister was speaking at the launch of the Maharashtra chapter of Indian Bank’s business mentoring programme for MSMEs. Mr Gadkari informed that as per the draft plan, the system of ratings for MSMEs will depend on the annual turnover, goods and services tax (GST) records, income tax records, exports and the credentials of each company.   Mr Gadkari added that the Ministry of MSME is working to develop a portal as a single-point platform for all the services offered by the government for small businesses. The Minister also said that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways expects the ...

Jun 29, 2021 ,  8:05AM Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT summons Facebook and Google officials to appear before it today Representational Pic Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information and Technology has summoned Facebook India and Google India to appear before it today. The committee will hear the views of the companies about safeguarding the rights of the citizens and prevention of misuse of social or online news media platforms including special emphasis on women security in the digital space.   This comes days after representatives of Twitter appeared before the panel to discuss India’s new IT rules and how to stop the misuse of the platform.

Jun 29, 2021 ,  8:02AM President Kovind to lay foundation stone of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar cultural centre in Lucknow today @rashtrapatibhvn President Ram Nath Kovind will lay the foundation stone of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar cultural centre in Lucknow today. In last leg of his five day visit to Uttar Pradesh, he reached Lucknow yesterday and met a host of dignitaries in Rajbhawan.   Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justice MN Bhandari and other dignitaries attended the high tea organised at Rajbhawan yesterday evening.   Today after laying the foundation stone for Ambedkar culture centre in the morning president will return to New Delhi on a special flight. AIR correspondent reports that the proposed Ambedkar culture centre is being developed by culture ministry of state. The Cultural Centre will have a 750 seated auditorium, library, picture gallery, museum, multipurpose hall, dormitory, cafeteria, parking and other basic facil...

Jun 29, 2021 ,  8:00AM Dept of Fertilisers prepares action plan to make India Aatmanirbhar in Rock Phosphate fert.nic.in Department of Fertilisers is ready with an action plan to make India Aatmanirbhar in Rock Phosphate, the key raw material of DAP and NPK Fertlisers. Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Mansukh Mandaviya held a meeting yesterday with officials and stakeholders of Fertiliser industries to improve the availability of phosphatic fertilisers and to reduce the dependence on imports.   Rock Phosphate is the key raw material for DAP and NPK fertilisers and India is 90 per cent dependent on imports. Volatility in international prices affects domestic prices of fertilisers and hinders the progress and development of agriculture sector in the country.   In view of this, the Minister had a meeting with stakeholders to expedite the exploration and mining of available rock phosphate reserves in India. He directed to commercially exploi...

Jun 28, 2021 ,  8:45PM Over 50 countries show interest in India's COWIN Portal Screen Grab COVID-19 Vaccine registration portal, CoWIN has become popular and foreign countries are showing interest in this technology.   Over 50 countries from across Central Asia, Latin America and Africa, are interested in it.   Chief Executive Officer of National Health Authority, Dr. R S  Sharma said, the Prime Minister's Office has directed to create an open-source version of CoWIN to be made available free of cost to any interested country.   

Jun 28, 2021 ,  8:19PM Centre announces stimulus package of Rs. 6,28,993 crore to boost economy @FinMinIndia The Union Government today announced stimulus package of Rs. 6,28,993 crore to boost economy during the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.   Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced several economic relief measures amid COVID pandemic including eight economic relief measures, of which four are absolutely new and one is specific to health infrastructure.   Addressing media in New Delhi, the Finance Minister announced Rs. 1.1 lakh crore Loan Guarantee Scheme for COVID affected sectors.   She said, of them Rs. 50 thousand crore will be for health sector.   The scheme aimed at upscaling medical infrastructure targeting unreserved areas.   Ms. Sitharaman said that the guarantee cover will be for expansion and new projects related to medical infrastructure in cities other than eight metropolitan cities.   The 50 per cent...

Jun 28, 2021 ,  2:29PM Delta plus is variant of concern & special surveillance being done in 12 States : Dr Harsh Vardhan @drharshvardhan Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that Delta plus is a variant of concern and special surveillance is being done in the 12 States wherein these variants have been detected. Addressing at the 29th Group of Ministers meeting today, the Union Minister said, scientists are studying about the severity, disease transmissibility and immune escape of this virus. He added that virus’ effect on the vaccine is being studied. Talking about the significant decline in Covid-19 cases, he said, 14 States are witnessing less than 100 cases per million in the country.   Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, India has surpassed the United States of America in administration of cumulative number of Covid vaccine doses to the beneficiaries. He said, over 32 crore 36 lakh vaccine doses have been administered in the country so f...

Jun 28, 2021 ,  2:28PM Dr Reddy's announces commercial launch of 2-DG AIR Dr. Reddys, a leading multinational pharmaceutical company today announced the commercial launch of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG). Dr. Reddy’s will supply to major Government as well as private hospitals across the country. In the initial weeks, the Company will make the drug available in hospitals across metros and Tier 1 cities, and subsequently expand coverage to the other parts of the country. The 2-DG manufactured by Dr. Reddy’s has a purity of 99.5 per cent and is being sold commercially under the brand name 2DGTM. The maximum retail price (MRP) of each sachet has been fixed at  990 rupees , with a subsidized rate offered to Government institutions. Enquiries for 2DGTM can be sent to 2DG@drreddys.com. 2-DG was developed by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and  Allied Sciences (INMAS), a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration w...

Jun 28, 2021 ,  2:27PM India surpasses US in administration of Covid Vaccine doses; PM Modi expresses happiness over significant achievement @MoHFW_INDIA India achieved another milestone in COVID19 vaccination and overtakes US in total number of Covid Vaccine doses administered. Health Ministry said, 32.36 Crore Vaccine Doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive.   Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed happiness over the significant landmark achieved by India in Covid vaccination drive. In a remarkable feat, India has surpassed the United States of America in administration of Covid vaccines. So far, over 32 crore 36 lakh doses   of Covid vaccines have been administered in the country which is 33 lakh more in comparison to vaccines administered in the USA.   In a tweet today, Mr. Modi has said, India’s vaccination drive keeps gaining momentum. Reiterating commitment for free vaccines to all, he congratulated those ...

Jun 28, 2021 ,  2:03PM Over 46,000 new cases of COVID-19 reported in last 24 hours; National recovery Rate improves to 96.80 per cent. @COVIDNewsByMIB Recovery Rate in chas further increased to 96.80 per cent. Total Recoveries across the country so far is over 2 crore 93 lakh. Over 58 thousand patients recovered during the last 24 hours. Daily recoveries continue to outnumber the Daily New Cases for the 46th consecutive day.   Over 46 thousand new cases were reported in last 24 hours. India's Active Caseload declined to over 5 lakh 72 thousand. Active cases constitute 1.89 per cent of total cases. Weekly Positivity Rate remains below 5 per cent and currently at 2.81 per cent. Daily positivity rate at 2.94 per cent and it is less than 5 per cent for 21 consecutive days.   979 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. The death toll due to Coronavirus pandemic has reached over 3 lakh 96 thousand.   Testing capacity has been substantially ramped u...

Jun 28, 2021 ,  8:29AM Delhi govt further relaxes Corona restrictions in National Capital File Pic Covid restrictions imposed in the national capital were further relaxed today as Delhi is witnessing decline in the Corona cases. As a part of further opening up of activities, Gyms and Yoga institutes have been permitted to open. The new relaxation came into effect at 5 this morning.   AIR correspondent reports that Covid situation in Delhi has significantly improved in the last few weeks due to continuous decline in corona virus cases. In view of this, Delhi Disaster Management Authority has decided to permit few activities. Gyms and Yoga Institutes have been allowed to function with 50 per cent capacity. Ceiling on the number of guests in the marriage function has also been raised from 20 to 50.   Owners of banquet halls, marriage halls, hotels, gyms and Yoga Institute shall be responsible for ensuring strict compliances of Covid Appropriate behaviour....

Jun 28, 2021 ,  8:21AM Rajnath Singh to inaugurate 63 bridges built by BRO in eight states @rajnathsingh From Kungyam village in eastern Ladakh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will virtually inaugurate 63 bridges today. From Kunjan bridge on Leh-Loma road, Minister will inaugurate 63 bridges built by Boarder Roads Organization (BRO) in Eight States across the country.   On the second day of his 3-day visit in Ladakh, defence minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurate a record number of 63 bridges at a click. Amongst the bridges, 11 in Ladakh, Four in Jammu and Kashmir, Three in Himachal Pradesh, Six in Uttarakhand, Eight in Sikkim, 29 in Arunachal Pradesh and one each in Nagaland and Manipur.   BRO used the latest technologies in building of these bridges. These are Class-70 bridges and can bear the load of movement of Tanks and other heavy vehicles. These bridges facilitate strategic and quicker access not just to Armed forces but to people living in...

Jun 28, 2021 ,  8:21AM Bangladesh govt imposes stricter lockdown in country from today AIR Bangladesh government has imposed strict lockdown in the country from today following a sharp rise in COVID 19 infection. All government and private offices will remain closed during the lockdown. No vehicles will be allowed to operate except for emergency and medical services.   Movement of people out of their home without urgent reason will be restricted but it will not be applicable for people working in media organisations. Bangladesh has been witnessing a sharp rise in COVID cases in recent weeks.

Jun 28, 2021 ,  8:20AM Haryana extends lockdown till July 5 with certain relaxations FILE PIC Haryana government has announced extension of the coronavirus lockdown by another week till July 5, while granting certain relaxations.   In a fresh order issued under the Disaster Management Act, the state government allowed university campuses to open for research scholars and practical classes in laboratories.   Anganwadi centres and creches under Women and Child Development Department will continue to remain closed till July 31 in the state.   The relaxations on reopening of shops, malls, restaurants, religious places, corporate offices, gatherings in weddings, funerals, open spaces etc will continue as currently in place.

Jun 27, 2021 ,  9:35PM Jammu Police averts major terror attack by Lashkar-e-Taiba operative AIR Pics The Jammu Police averted a major terror attack and recovered an improvised explosive device (IED) which was to be used to target a crowded area by an operative of terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).   According to Director General of Police, Dilbagh Singh, this IED was received by LeT outfit operative and was to be planted at some crowded place.   He said, the suspect is being interrogated.   More suspects are likely to be picked up in this foiled IED blast attempt.   The recovery of such a huge cache of explosive material has averted a major terror attack in Jammu, which was earlier today rocked by a drone attack.

Jun 27, 2021 ,  9:05PM Covid-19 recovery rate improves to 96.75%; more than 32.17 crore vaccine doses administered so far Representational Pic India has administered over 64.25 lakh vaccine doses to people across the country in the last 24 hours.   With this more than 32 crore 17 lakh vaccine doses have been administered under Nationwide Vaccination Drive.   50,040 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in the last 24 hours. A total of 57,944 patients also recovered from the infection during the last 24 hours taking the total recoveries to more than 2 crore 92 lakh 51 thousand.   Recovery Rate has now increased to 96.75 percent. In the last 24 hours, 1258 deaths were also reported in the country. 

Jun 27, 2021 ,  2:26PM PM Modi says, India accomplished unprecedented feat with administration of 86 lakh doses of COVID-19 vaccine in a single day AIR Pics Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said India accomplished an unprecedented feat when a record number of vaccine doses were administered to over 86 lakh people in a single day. Addressing the nation through his Mann Ki Baat programme on All India Radio, Mr Modi said the country achieved this feat on the 21st of June, when the next phase of vaccination campaign commenced. The Prime Minister said this became a topic for discussion everywhere as such a huge number of free vaccinations was administered by the government in a single day.

Jun 27, 2021 ,  2:25PM Do not to lower guard, Focus on vaccination and COVID-19 protocols urges Prime Minister AIR Pics The Prime Minister remembered Guru Prasad Mohapatra who was the Secretary to the Government of India. He was admitted to the hospital for COVID. At the same time, the Secretary was performing his official duties as well. Mr Modi said he toiled day and night to increase the oxygen producing capacities of the country and to ensure that oxygen reached far flung areas. He expressed sadness that the country lost this Karma Yogi to Corona. He added that to pay fitting tribute to every such Corona warrior, people must  follow COVID protocol fully and get vaccinated.

Jun 27, 2021 ,  2:23PM In Mann Ki Baat Programme, Prime Minister calls upon people to get vaccinated and stay safe AIR Pics Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that efforts must continue to ensure that every citizen is able to avail the safety that the vaccine provides. He pointed out that myriad organizations and members of civil society have come forward in many places in order to end vaccine hesitancy. The Prime Minister spoke to some people from Dulariya village of Betul district in Madhya Pradesh and allayed their misgivings about the vaccine. The Prime Minister said someday people of villages and forest dwellers displaying their capabilities and understanding in the pandemic will become a subject of case study for the world someday. He said village people set up quarantine centres, and made Covid protocol as per local requirements. He said village people ensured that no one went hungry and work in the fields continued even in the midst of the pandemic. The ...

The Prime Minister said he considers water conservation as a form of service to the country. He specially mentioned Satchidanand Bharti of Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand. Mr Bharti is a teacher and has imparted very good education to the people through his deeds. Due to his hard work, the huge water crisis in the Ufrainkhal area of Pauri Garhwal has come to an end. Mr Modi also spoke about a traditional method of water conservation, which is called Chalkhal. It involves digging a big pit to collect water. Mr Bharti also added some new methods to this tradition. He regularly got small and big ponds dug. Due to this, not only the hills of Ufrainkhal turned green, but the problem of drinking water of the people was also solved. Mr Modi expressed his awe that more than 30 thousand such water tanks were  constructed. He termed it very inspiring. He also noted how the people of Andhav village in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh have made an innovative effort and given a very interesting n...

Jun 27, 2021 ,  2:20PM PM advises people to support and encourage Olympic-Bound Athletes and not to pressurize them; Pays tribute to Milkha Singh AIR Pics The Prime Minister said most sportspersons hail from smaller towns and villages. He said the team going to the Tokyo Olympics has many such players whose lives are very inspiring. He mentioned Praveen Jadhav who hails from a village in Satara district of Maharashtra. He is very good at Archery. His parents run the family by working as labourers and now their son is going to participate in his first Olympics at Tokyo. Mr Modi said this is a matter of great pride not only for his parents but for the country. Similarly, he mentioned Neha Goyal who is a member of the women’s hockey team going to Tokyo. Her mother and sisters manage family expenses by working in a cycle factory. The Prime Minister also spoke about Deepika Kumari whose life has been full of ups and downs. Deepika’s father drives an auto rickshaw and he...

Jun 27, 2021 ,  8:25AM Madhya Pradesh govt lifts Sunday lockdown in the state with immediate effect File Pic Madhya Pradesh government has withdrawn Sunday lockdown in the state with immediate effect. However, the night curfew will continue across the state as earlier. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan cited improvement in the coronavirus situation in the state as reason for lifting the Sunday curfew. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that Corona is under control in Madhya Pradesh. 35 districts of the state did not report a single new positive case. State reported 46 new cases of Covid 19 while 204 patients have recovered from infection. Currently there are 927 active cases remaining in the state. The seven-day positivity rate is 0.1 percent. Meanwhile, on the fourth day of the Mega Vaccination Campaign , the state has topped the country in vaccination with the vaccination of more than 9 lakh 64 thousand people.

Jun 27, 2021 ,  8:15AM Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to pay a three-day visit to Ladakh beginning today Tweeted by @AIR Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be on a three-day visit to Ladakh from today. He will be accompanied by Army Chief, Gen MM Naravane. The Defence Minister will also visit forward posts during his visit to Ladakh. In his three day visit, Rajnath Singh will inaugurate several Border Roads Organization (BRO) projects built across the country, from Leh. Sunday morning, the Defence Minister will interact with the veteran service men. Later in the day, at 14 corps headquarters, the Defence minister will be briefed about the overall ground situation in eastern Ladakh. With the Commanders, he will review the operational preparedness. For the last one year, India and China had 11 rounds of talks to restore peace and tranquility along the line of actual control and maintain the status quo ante of pre April 2020. However, China didn't continue the diseng...

Jun 26, 2021 ,  8:55PM PM Modi to share his thoughts with people in 'Mann Ki Baat' programme at 11 A.M. tomorrow AIR Pics Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share his thoughts with the people in the country and abroad in the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme on All India Radio at 11 A.M. tomorrow.   It will be the 78th episode of the monthly radio programme.   It will be broadcast on the entire network of AIR and Doordarshan and also on AIR News website  www.newsonair.com  and newsonair Mobile App.   It will also be streamed live on the YouTube channels of AIR, DD News, PMO and Information and Broadcasting Ministry.   AIR will broadcast the programme in regional languages immediately after the Hindi broadcast.   The regional language versions will be repeated at 8 in the evening.

Jun 26, 2021 ,  8:33PM PM Modi holds meeting with top officials to review progress of vaccination & COVID situation in country File Pic Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held a meeting with top officials to review the progress of vaccination and COVID situation in the country.   Officials gave a detailed presentation to the Prime Minister on progress of vaccination in the country.   He was briefed about the age-wise vaccination coverage.   He was also briefed about the vaccine coverage among health care workers, frontline workers and general population in various states.   Officials apprised Mr Modi about the vaccine supply in the upcoming months and efforts being made to increase production.   He was informed that 3.77 crore doses have been administered in the last six days which is more than the entire population of countries like Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Canada.   It was also discussed that 128 districts in the cou...

Jun 26, 2021 ,  2:23PM PM Modi reviews Ayodhya Development Projects through video conferencing @narendramodi Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reviewed the development plan for Ayodhya. During the virtual meeting, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presented a vision document for the development of Ayodhya. Government officials made a presentation which encompassed various aspects of Ayodhya’s development. Ayodhya’s development is being envisaged as a Spiritual Centre, Global Tourism Hub and a sustainable Smart City. The Prime Minister described Ayodhya as a city that is etched in the cultural consciousness of every Indian. He said, Ayodhya should manifest the finest of our traditions and the best of our developmental transformations. He said, Ayodhya is both spiritual and sublime and the human ethos of this city must be matched by futuristic infrastructure, which is beneficial for everyone including tourists and pilgrims. Mr. Modi stressed that the coming...

Jun 26, 2021 ,  2:04PM Over 48 thousand fresh cases of Covid reported in last 24 hours; National recovery rate reaches 96.72 pct @MoHFW_INDIA The country continues to register significant decline in active caseloads and fresh cases of COVID-19. The Health and Family Welfare Ministry has said more than 64 thousand  patients have recovered from Covid and over 48 thousand new cases were reported  in the last 24 hours. The active caseload presently comprises 1.97 per cent of the cumulative positive cases and it is continuously declining. The country has registered a decline of over 17 thousand active cases in the last 24 hours. The country is also witnessing a declining trend in the weekly and daily positivity rate. India’s weekly positivity rate currently stands at 2.97 per cent and daily positivity rate is at 2.79 per cent. This is the 19th consecutive day when the country has reported a daily positivity rate below 5 per cent. India’s daily recoveries con...