A medic, in PPE suit, collects nasal swab for Covid-19 test (Photo: PTI)
12:12 PM
Man tries to drive into Ajit Doval's home in Delhi
A man was detained after he tried to drive into the residence of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in Delhi this morning. "According to the primary investigation, he seems to be mentally disturbed. He was driving a rented car," said Delhi Police, according to NDTV.com.
12:08 PM
India's gasoil, gasoline sales rebound
India's gasoil and gasoline sales rebounded in the first fortnight of February from the previous month, indicating a recovery in industrial and consumer demand as states lifted most of the Covi-19 induced restrictions, said Reuters. States have opened schools and colleges, and eased night-curfews among other curbs, after a sharp decline in infections.
11:30 AM
Taliban seeks talks with US for frozen funds
The Taliban have sought talks with the U.S. to reverse its decision to use the Afghan central bank’s reserves to compensate victims of the Sept. 11 attacks and support aid efforts in the country, a spokesman for the group said. The militant group will use “every diplomatic approach” to push President Joe Biden to reverse his decision and release the Afghan funds, said Zabihullah Mujahed in a phone interview Tuesday according to Bloomberg.
10:38 AM
Bappi Lahiri to be cremated Thursday
Composer Bappi Lahiri will be cremated in Mumbai Thursday morning after his son returns from Los Angeles, ANI reported. "We are seeking love and blessings for his sould,” said Lahiri’s family in a statement about his death.
10:04 AM
PM Modi pays tributes to Bappi Lahiri
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tributes to noted singer-composer Bappi Lahiri, saying his music was all-encompassing and it beautifully expressed diverse emotions.
Lahiri, who popularised disco music in India in the 80s and 90s, died following multiple health issues on Tuesday night, a doctor treating him at the CritiCare Hospital in Juhu said. He was 69.
"Shri Bappi Lahiri Ji's music was all encompassing, beautifully expressing diverse emotions. People across generations could relate to his works. His lively nature will be missed by everyone. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," the prime minister tweeted.
9:54 AM
Over 11.88 cr unutilized COVID-19 vaccine doses available with states, UTs: Centre
The Central Government on Wednesday said that more than 11.88 crore unutilized COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the States and Union Territories to be administered.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, "More than 171.48 crore (1,71,48,89,260) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Government of India (free of cost channel) and through the direct state procurement category."
9:53 AM
PM Modi offers prayers at Ravidas temple
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday offered prayers at the 'Shri Guru Ravidas Vishram Dham Mandir' in Karol Bagh here on the occasion of Ravidas Jayanti.
The mystic poet enjoys a nationwide following, especially among a section of the Dalits.
9:22 AM
India logs 30,615 new cases of Covid-19
India recorded 30,615 new cases of Covid-19 and 514 deaths from the disease in the last 24 hours, said the health ministry on Wednesday.
9:02 AM
Amit Shah mourns Bappi Lahiri's death
Home Minister Amit Shah says he is pained to hear of composer Bappi Lahiri’s death. "His demise leaves a big void in the world of Indian music. Bappi da will be remembered for his versatile singing and lively nature,” he says on Twitter.
8:29 AM
Janet Yellen to urge G20 help for developing countries to end pandemic
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will urge her G20 counterparts to work towards ending the Covid-19 pandemic in developing countries and ensuring they have the resources needed to support an equitable recovery, a US Treasury official said on Tuesday.
Yellen is due to participate virtually in the meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 major economies on Thursday and Friday.
The US Treasury official laid out US priorities for the meeting, which comes as Covid-19 Omicron variant cases are receding in many wealthy countries but are still rising in many developing countries. Host country Indonesia reported a daily record 57,049 new cases on Tuesday. Read on...
7:56 AM
Singer-composer Bappi Lahiri dies in Mumbai hospital, reports PTI
Singer-composer Bappi Lahiri dies in Mumbai hospital, reports PTI
7:53 AM
UK to co-host UN virtual summit on Afghanistan humanitarian crisis
UK on Tuesday (local time) said that it will co-host an upcoming United Nations virtual pledging summit to help address the growing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
The international aid conference will be organized next month to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, reported Tolo News.
In a press release, the UK government said the virtual pledging conference is aimed to help the UN raise USD 4.4 billion for Afghanistan, the largest amount it has ever requested for a single country
7:49 AM
Mizoram reports 1,616 fresh Covid cases
Mizoram reports 1,616 fresh Covid cases and one death in the last 24 hours, taking active cases to 11,469
The positivity rate stands at 23.56%
7:28 AM
Russian invasion of Ukraine remans a distinct possibility: Joe Biden
A Russian invasion of Ukraine remains a distinct possibility, said US President Joe Biden as his Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin left for a trip to the region amidst an escalating crisis in Europe.
Stating that any such move by Russian President Vladimir Putin will prove to be a "self-inflicted wound", Biden warned Moscow that the US and its allies will respond "decisively".
Biden said the US is still open for diplomacy to resolve the issue while stressing that more than 150,000 Russian troops remain on the Ukrainian border. Read on...
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