Latest LIVE: Modi blames previous govts for 'neglecting' religious places

From PM Modi's Kedarnath, Badrinath visit to coronavirus cases, catch all the latest developments from across the globe here

2:58 PM

India rice export curbs to end a decade of price stability

India's recent curbs on rice exports could trigger a rally in global prices after more than a decade of stability, traders said, as New Delhi's protectionist move coincides with falling output in other major producers and rising global demand.

Uneven monsoon rains hit rice planting in India, prompting the export restrictions in September, and floods have cut output in Pakistan even as consumption has grown in top importers such as Bangladesh and the Philippines. That's why forecasters are saying global demand will outstrip production in 2022/23.

This is bad for Asian and African countries that use rice as a staple, some of which import as much as 60% of their supply.

2:24 PM

Agni Prime New Generation Ballistic Missile testfires successfully

Agni Prime New Generation Ballistic Missile was today successfully testfired by India off the coast of Odisha at around 0945 hrs: Defence officials

2:02 PM

Urge all tourists to spend at least 5% of travel budget on buying local products: PM

"I appeal to all tourists in the country to spend at least 5% of their travel budget on buying local products," says PM Modi at Mana village in Uttarakhand

1:48 PM

Every village located in border areas to be considered first village of India: PM

"Mana village is considered the last village in India. But from now onwards, every village located in the border areas will be considered as the first village of India," says PM Modi at Mana village, Uttarakhand

1:44 PM

2 Army ALH, IAF's Mi-17 deployed for search op after military chopper crash in Arunachal

The Indian Army that crashed in the Upper Siang district today had taken off from Likabali. Search and rescue team rushed to the spot. Two Army ALH & one IAF Mi-17 being deployed for search and rescue operation, says Defence PRO, Guwahati

1:24 PM

Appreciate efforts taken by Interpol across world to maintain law and security: Shah

India is one of the oldest members of Interpol. Such an organisation is important for international cooperation. I appreciate efforts taken by Interpol across world to maintain law and security, says Union Home Minister Amit Shah at valedictory event of 90th Annual General Assembly of Interpol
He adds, "Government of India has formed the Indian Cyber Forensic Centre to keep a check on rising cyber crimes. Crime has now become borderless, have to think above conventional geographical crimes," quotes ANI

1:12 PM

Air India appoints Henry Donohoe as head of safety, security & quality

Air India has appointed Henry Donohoe as the Head of Safety, Security and Quality from November 7.

An Irish national, Donohoe started his career at Aer Lingus in 1978 and became its Chief Pilot before going on to head key departments including Safety, Quality, Flight Operations and Engineering.

 

12:52 PM

Covishield production stopped in Dec 2021, says Serum Institute's CEO

Adar Poonawalla, the chief executive officer of Serum Institute of India (SII), said on Thursday that the company stopped manufacturing Covishield vaccines starting December 2021, according to a report in The Economic Times. He added that of the total stock available at that time approximately 100 million doses had already expired.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN) annual general meeting, he said that there is little demand for booster vaccines due to both- the overall lack of energy among people and their fatigue from the pandemic.

While talking about Covishield and Covovax vaccines, Poonawala said, "Now, Covovax should be allowed in two weeks. So I think they will and should probably have the policy to mix boosters. If WHO allowed it, then maybe the Indian regulator will and should allow it. But again, boosters have no demand at the moment. There is lethargy generally. People are fed up of COVID, vaccines. To be honest, I am also fed up with it. We all are."

 

12:26 PM

HPV vaccine production delayed due to Covid, to start supply in early 2023: SII

Serum Institute of India (SII) had to defer HPV vaccine production by two years due to the focus on COVID, and will start supplying small quantities of the dose to the Indian government in early 2023, a top official has said.

Exports will have to wait till 2024, its chief executive Adar Poonawalla told reporters here on Thursday evening, adding that the company has to build a scale of manufacturing to over 150 million for that.

 

12:06 PM

Odisha braces for heavy rainfall early next week due to possible cyclone in Bay of Bengal

Odisha bracing for heavy rainfall early next week due to impact of possible cyclone in Bay of Bengal, which is likely to skirt state and move towards West Bengal and Bangladesh, says IMD

 

12:02 PM

Military chopper crashes near Arunachal Pradesh's Migging

A military chopper crashed near singging village, 25 kms away from the Tuting headquarters in the Upper Siang district today. Site of accident not connected by road, rescue team sent. Further details awaited: Defence PRO, Guwahati

11:39 AM

SpiceJet to suspend services in Sikkim due to operational constraints

SpiceJet, the only carrier that runs daily flights to and from the greenfield airport in Sikkim's Pakyong, will suspend services in the hill state from October 30 due to "operational constraints".

According to a spokesperson of the budget airline, bad weather and low visibility were bottlenecks that led to the decision.

"SpiceJet flights to and from Pakyong airport have been temporarily suspended with effect from October 30, 2022, due to operational constraints owing to the bad weather condition and low visibility at Pakyong.

 

11:16 AM

PM Modi arrives at Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand's Chamoli

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district

11:02 AM

Dengue patient in UP transfused fruit juice instead of platelets, dies; hospital sealed

A private hospital in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj has been sealed for allegedly transfusing fruit juice instead of blood platelets to a dengue patient who later died, police said.

After a video of the alleged incident went viral on social media, the district administration swung into action and the hospital was sealed on Thursday on the direction of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak.

The patient, Pradeep Pandey, was shifted to another hospital, where he died after his condition deteriorated, officials said. However, no FIR has been registered at the local police station.

 

10:39 AM

PM Modi to visit Ayodhya on eve of Deepavali

On the eve of Deepavali, PM Modi will visit Ayodhya, UP on October 23. PM will offer prayers to Lord Ramlala Virajman, followed by inspection of Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra site. He'll perform the Rajyabhishek of symbolic Bhagwan Shree Ram, says PMO.

PM Modi will witness aarti at New Ghat, Saryu river, which will be followed by the kickstart of the grand Deepotsav celebrations by the Prime Minister: PMO