US leading the world in Covid-19 testing, India at second, says Trump

Trump assures that the vaccines against the novel coronavirus will be coming a lot sooner than expected

The United States is leading the world in terms of Covid-19 testing and India is at second position, President Donald Trump said while giving an update on his administration’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. So far more than 140,000 Americans have died due to coronavirus and 3.8 million have tested positive. While the US economy is slowly coming back to normal, the pandemic is now spreading in the Sun Belt of the country.

“As one family, we mourn every precious life that’s been lost. I pledge in their honour that we will develop a vaccine and we will defeat the virus. We’re doing very well with vaccine development and therapeutic development,” Donald Trump said at a White House news conference on Tuesday, his first on coronavirus after several weeks. “We’ve learned so much about this disease. And we know who the vulnerable are, and we are going to indeed shield them,” he said.

Trump assured that the vaccines against the novel coronavirus will be coming a lot sooner than expected. Replying to a question, Trump said the US is leading the world” in terms of Covid-19 testing. “We’re going to be over 50 million tests,” he said, adding that “second country is India with 12 million (tests). Then you have seven million, six million, and four million. I think that we are doing a tremendous amount of testing.”

Ayodhya's Ram temple to be 161-feet tall, two 'mandaps' added to design

The height of Ayodhya’s Ram temple would be 161-feet, an increase by 20-feet from the previous design, according to Nikhil Sompura, architect and the son of C Sompura, chief architect of the temple

The height of Ayodhya’s grand Ram temple would be 161-feet, an increase by 20-feet from the previous design which was prepared in 1988, according to Nikhil Sompura, architect and the son of C Sompura, chief architect of the temple.

“The earlier design was made in 1988, now over 30 years have passed and so the footfall will increase with time. People are also very enthusiastic about visiting the temple so we thought its size should be increased. In view of this, the height of the Ayodhya ram temple has been increased from 141-feet to 161-feet,” Nikhil Sompura told ANI here.He said that two mandaps’ have been added to the design.

“All pillars and the stones that were carved based on the earlier design will still be used, they will not be wasted. Only two ‘mandaps’ have been added to the design,” he added. Nikhil said that it was a matter of great pride for him and his family that they had been bestowed the honour of designing the temple and said that the shrine will be ready for devotees after 3.5 years.

“Once the ‘bhoomi-pujan’ is done in the presence of the Prime Minister, the construction work will start. The team of L & T, along with machinery and materials, have reached the spot and the work on foundation will start right away. It will take 3 to 3.5 years for the completion of the work,” he said.

India China row: P-8I aircraft deployed in Ladakh; MiG-29Ks to be moved

At present, the Navy has a fleet of around 40 MiG-29K jets and at least 18 of them are deployed on board the country’s aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya

The Indian Navy’s Poseidon 8I anti-submarine warfare aircraft have been deployed in eastern Ladakh to carry out surveillance along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and some of its MiG-29K jets are likely to be stationed in key IAF bases in the northern sector amid the border row with China, sources said on Tuesday. The sources said the military brass is considering deploying Indian Navy’s MiG-29K fighter jets in a couple of air bases in the northern sector as part of efforts to bring in tri-services synergy in dealing with national security challenges.

The maritime fighter jets will complement the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) efforts to significantly boost deep strikes and air dominance capabilities, they said At present, the Navy has a fleet of around 40 MiG-29K jets and at least 18 of them are deployed on board the country’s aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.

The IAF has already positioned almost all its frontline fighter jets like Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar and Mirage 2000 aircraft in the key frontier air bases in eastern Ladakh and elsewhere along the LAC, a move that came against the backdrop of the border row with China. Diplomatic and military talks between China and India are continuing for complete disengagement of troops from a number of friction points in eastern Ladakh.

Indian medical experts hail Oxford trial results for Covid-19 vaccine

From clinicians to pathology experts, doctors in the country feel the Oxford trials have been the ‘most transparent’ one by far

Medical experts in India on Monday hailed the results of Oxford University’s early-stage human trials for a Covid-19 vaccine, with some saying it’s the “most scientifically done” among all such exercises, while others expressing hope that the final trials will “bear fruit”. From clinicians to pathology experts, doctors in the country feel the Oxford trials have been the “most transparent” one by far.

“The Oxford University’s early-stage trial results have been were welcoming. Among all the trials being conducted globally, this one has been the most scientifically done and seems the most reliable one,” said Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine at Apollo Hospital here.

He said the plan and design of the trials and the whole logistics and demographic range of volunteers from 18-55 years has been “done the most scientifically” among all the trials going on globally. Chatterjee said the results have raised “good hope” and it is expected the final results will be in line, but “we need to wait for that before drawing any final conclusion”.,,Read More

Air India unions reject 'abominable' compulsory leave without pay plan

National carrier has a debt of around Rs 70,000 cr and the government started the process to sell it to a private entity in January

The government should halt Air India’s “abominable” compulsory leave without pay (LWP) offer as it is not voluntary and is “illegal”, six employee unions of the airline wrote to Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday. Air India, in an internal order on July 14, asked its departmental heads and regional directors to identify employees, based on various factors like efficiency, health and redundancy, who will be sent on LWP for up to five years.

Moreover, it said employees can voluntarily opt for the LWP scheme too.

“We are deeply ashamed to say that it seems that after praising our Air Indian Corona Warriors at grand functions, respectfully, the government has now turned a blind eye to this management’s ethnic cleansing of Air Indians at the lower levels, through compulsory LWP, redundancies and wage cuts,” the unions said in a joint letter to Puri.

“We once again request you to intervene and halt this abominable compulsory LWP scheme and grant us a meeting with yourself to discuss the way ahead for all of us together,” they said. The aviation sector has been significantly impacted due to the travel restrictions imposed in India and other countries in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. All airlines in India have taken cost-cutting measures such as pay cuts, LWP and firings of employees in order to conserve cash flow.

Punjabis, Jats physically strong but have less brains: Tripura CM

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb has courted controversy by saying Punjabis and Jats are physically strong but less brainy while Bengalis are known as very intelligent

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb has courted controversy by saying Punjabis and Jats are physically strong but less brainy while Bengalis are known as very intelligent. Every community in India is known with a certain type and character, the BJP leader said while addressing a programme at Agartala Press Club on Sunday.

A video clip of the chief minister’s statement has gone viral on social media.

“For Bengal or Bengalis, it is said that one should not challenge them when it is regarding intelligence. Bengalis are known as very intelligent and it is their identity,” Deb was heard saying in the clip.

Whereas, Punjabis and Jats are known for their physical strength, he said. “When we talk about the people of Punjab, we say he’s a Punjabi, a Sardar. They may have less intelligence but are very strong. One can’t win them over by strength but with love and affection. A large number of Jats live in Haryana. So what do people say about Jats? Jats are less intelligent but are very healthy. If one challenges a Jat, he will bring a gun from his house,” Deb said.

Coronavirus vaccine update: Oxford, Pfizer vaccines safe, give immunity

There are 23 coronavirus vaccine candidates in human trials, including Moderna, AstraZeneca Plc, BioNTech, Novavax, Sinovac, CanSino Biologics and Inovio. Catch latest updates on Covid-19 vaccine

In a major breakthrough, the early-stage human trial data has revealed that the coronavirus vaccine candidate developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University is safe. German biotech firm BioNTech and US drugmaker Pfizer also reported that their experimental Covid-19 vaccine was safe and induced an immune response in patients. 

The latest developments raise hope as these could contribute to ending the pandemic, which has infected over 14.7 million people worldwide and claimed over 600,000 lives so far. More than 150 possible vaccines are being developed and tested around the world, including in India, Britain, China, the US, Russia and Israel to try to stop the pandemic. At present, 23 vaccine candidates are in human clinical trials. These include those of Moderna, AstraZeneca Plc, BioNTech, Novavax, Sinovac, CanSino Biologics and Inovio Pharmaceuticals.

Coronavirus treatment: Updates on coronavirus vaccine/drug development:

Oxford coronavirus vaccine update: Vaccine safe, gives immunity

The early-stage human trial data has revealed that the Covid-19 vaccine candidate developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University is safe and induces immune response, with mild side effects in some participants, which scientists say can be treated with the commonly available pain medication paracetamol. 

The preliminary results of the Phase-I and -II trials, published in The Lancet journal, involved 1,107 healthy adults, and found that the vaccine induced an immune response, both via antibodies and the T-cells of the immune system, up to day 56 of the ongoing trial…

With 17 new cases, Covid-19 in China's northwest city continues to surge

China had largely contained local transmission of the virus before the Urumqi outbreak and has taken swift action to bring it under control

Numbers of confirmed coronavirus cases in China’s northwestern city of Urumqi continue to rise, with another 17 reported on Monday, bringing the total in China’s latest outbreak to at least 47. Another five cases were brought from outside the country, according to the National Health Commission.

No new deaths were reported, leaving the total at 4,634 among 83,682 cases, and 249 people remain in treatment. Another 158 people were being monitored in isolation for showing signs of having the virus or for testing positive without displaying symptoms. China had largely contained local transmission of the virus before the Urumqi outbreak and has taken swift action to bring it under control. The city has cut subway, bus and taxi service, closed some communities, imposed travel restrictions and ordered widespread testing.

Social controls are already tight across the Xinjiang region of which Urumqi is the capital as part of what Beijing calls a campaign to curb terrorism and religious extremism. Rights groups and foreign government have accused China on widespread human rights abuses against the region’s Uighurs and other Muslim minority groups.

Tibetan leader Dalai Lama condoles demise of US Congressman John Lewis

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has offered condolences on the passing away of US Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has offered condolences on the passing away of US Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis.

He expressed his sadness on his passing away while noting the great legacy of the deceased civil rights pioneer whose impact on the civil rights movement and US politics remains a huge inspiration for Americans and activists across the world. “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman John Lewis. He was not only a leader of the American civil rights movement; his principled commitment to non-violence and justice made him an inspiration and a moral beacon to the world at large.

“Like millions of people throughout the world, I am an admirer of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Whenever I talk about non-violence, I cite the examples of Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Dr Martin Luther King. Congressman Lewis not only knew Dr King but also gave him crucial support. Although I did not have the privilege of meeting Dr King myself, in meeting Congressman Lewis, I feel I have made a direct connection with him,” the spiritual leader said in a statement…Read More

PM Modi dials CMs, discusses Covid-19 situation amid spike in cases

During the conversation, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami apprised the PM that 48,000 Covid-19 tests – a national high – were being done daily

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday had telephonic conversations with chief ministers (CMs) of several states and discussed the situation of the Covid-19 cases, sources said. Sources added that he spoke to CMs of Bihar, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

During the conversation, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami apprised the PM that 48,000 Covid-19 tests — a national high — were being done daily (average), an official release said. The state has crossed 165,000 of cases.

60 mn followers on Twitter

The followers of PM Modi on Twitter have risen to 60 million. Modi uses Twitter extensively to share important information with the people. Most of his addresses are beamed live on his personal Twitter handle. Modi, who joined Twitter in January 2009, is following 2,354 accounts. In September 2019, he had 60 million followers.

Corona Kavach health insurance policy evokes good response: Insurers

Corona Kavach, which was launched on July 10 and is being offered by both general and health insurers, is a standard health insurance policy created to meet the treatment requirements for coronavirus

Amid spurt in Covid-19 cases in the country, Corona Kavach health insurance policy has evoked good response within days of its launch by almost all insurers. Corona Kavach, which was launched on July 10 and is being offered by both general and health insurers, is a standard health insurance policy created to meet the treatment requirements for coronavirus. The term of the policy ranges from three-and-a-half months to nine-and-a-half months, with maximum insured amount at Rs 5 lakh.

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has given a green signal to all general and health insurers to launch Corona Kavach policy to cover medical expenses of the Covid-19 positive patients. "The response has been tremendous as people are quite eager to buy these plans. Since these plans have gone live on the PolicyBazaar's website, the company has been selling 300-500 policies per day," said Amut Chhabra, Head-Health Insurance, Policybazaar.com.

Most customers buying these plans are young individuals, he said, adding that "the policies are very much affordable like Rs 208 monthly, which is a fairly cheap amount." Observing that the response to the Corona Kavach is from across the country, he said, the policy is "following the same trend as the corona situation right now in the country with people from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Delhi NCR showing massive interest in the newly launched plans".

TikTok enlists army of lobbyists as suspicions over China ties grow

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has threatened to ban the app over surveillance concerns

International News: TikTok, the wildly popular social media app known for its viral dance and lip sync clips, has been embraced by millions of students, celebrities and young adults across the United States. But the company’s ties to China could cripple its existence.

TikTok, which is owned by the China-based ByteDance, has become the latest target in the Trump administration’s long simmering security and economic battle with Beijing. It is now desperately trying to convince lawmakers and administration officials that its allegiance lies with the United States, not China. The social media company, which one year ago had virtually no lobbying presence in the nation’s capital, has hired a small army of more than 35 lobbyists to work on its behalf, including one with deep ties to President Trump.

Behind that buildup is a growing threat to one of TikTok’s most important markets. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has threatened to ban Chinese apps like TikTok, which are downloaded to mobile phones, over concerns they could be used for surveillance by the Chinese government. Peter Navarro, the White House trade adviser, called TikTok’s new chief executive an “American puppet” during a Fox Business interview on Sunday and said the administration would take “strong action” against the company and other Chinese social media apps.

A powerful US panel has opened a national security review into Bytedance’s 2018 purchase of Musical.ly, an app that was merged to form TikTok. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the US is examining whether the merged companies could give the Chinese government access to vast amounts of American data, including videos useful for training facial recognition software. And the Trump administration is weighing action against Chinese social media services like TikTok under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which allows the president to regulate international commerce in response to unusual and extraordinary threats, people familiar with the deliberations say.

Pakistan did not give unhindered consular access to Jadhav, says India

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said Jadhav was "visibly under stress" and indicated that clearly to the Indian consular officers

Current Affairs: India on Thursday said Pakistan did not give “unimpeded, unhindered and unconditional” consular access to Indian death row convict Kulbhushan Jadhav in violation of an order by an international tribunal and its officials left the meeting venue after lodging a protest. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said Jadhav was “visibly under stress” and indicated that clearly to the Indian consular officers, adding the arrangements did not permit a free conversation between them.

He said the consular officers could not engage Kulbhushan Jadhav on his legal rights and were prevented from obtaining his written consent for arranging his legal representation. Earlier, Pakistan announced that it provided consular access to Jadhav ahead of a deadline to file a review petition in a Pakistani court against his conviction by a military court on charges of espionage and terrorism.

“The consular officers were not given unimpeded, unhindered and unconditional access to Jadhav. On the contrary, Pakistani officials with an intimidating demeanour were present in close proximity of Jadhav and consular officers despite the protests of the Indian side,” Srivastava said.He said it was also evident from a camera that was visible that the conversation with Jadhav was being recorded.

Ladakh: Govt says 'intricate' discussions on disengagement continue

The Indian statement was silent on New Delhi's demand for China to ensure a reversion to the "status quo ante" of April, before PLA crossed the LAC at six points in Eastern Ladakh

After a 14-hour meeting in Ladakh between Chinese and Indian military commanders on Tuesday, the government said the two sides continue to discuss ways to disengage their troops that continue to face off in several locations. “The two sides remain committed to the objective of complete disengagement. This process is intricate and requires constant verification. They are taking it forward through regular meetings at diplomatic and military level,” said a ministry of defence (MoD) statement.

Sources close to the government admit there was no breakthrough in Tuesday’s fourth round of talks between India’s corps commander in Leh, Lieutenant General Harinder Singh and China’s commander of the South Xinjiang Military Region, Major General Liu Lin. “The Senior Commanders reviewed the progress on implementation of the first phase of disengagement and discussed further steps to ensure complete disengagement,” stated the MoD.

Tellingly, the defence ministry was silent on New Delhi’s demand for China to ensure a reversion to the “status quo ante” of April, before troops of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at six points in Eastern Ladakh...Read More

Reliance Jio's 2G-free India drive likely to hit Vodafone Idea hard

About 60% of Vodafone Idea's customer base is in the 2G space

Mukesh Ambani’s plan to make India ‘2G-mukt’ will hit the incumbent operators hard, especially Vodafone Idea given its large base of 2G subscribers. After racking up 100 million users for its 4G-enabled feature phones (JioPhone), Reliance Jio in partnership with Google is eyeing the entry-level smartphone segment. Jio is planning to win over 350 million 2G feature phone users by launching a smartphone ‘at a fraction of the current cost’.

Experts believe that Jio, which dominates the mobile broadband space (4G) with 58 per cent market share, could capture the incumbents’ market share in the feature phone segment with its new offering. While Bharti Airtel has 135 million 2G users, 47 per cent of its total subscriber base of 283 million, Vodafone Idea has 174 million 2G users, about 60 per cent of its total subscriber base of 291 million at the end of the March quarter.

Mayuresh Joshi, head of equity research at William O’Neil India, says: “Vodafone Idea has the highest 2G subscriber base among the top three operators. This coupled with a weak financial situation and inability to commit large capex investment will make it the most susceptible to subscriber loss. The ongoing churn for Vodafone could accelerate if Jio is able to launch a smartphone at a substantially lower cost in partnership with Google.”

Pokhriyal launches world's most affordable Covid-19 diagnostic kit by IIT-D

HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal virtually launched the world’s most affordable RT-PCR-based Covid-19 diagnostic kit ‘Corosure’ developed by IIT Delhi, and approved by the ICMR and DCGI

Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal on Wednesday virtually launched the world’s most affordable RT-PCR based COVID-19 diagnostic kit “Corosure” developed by IIT Delhi, and approved by the ICMR and DCGI.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that “Corosure”– COVID-19 Diagnostic Kit developed by IIT Delhi is a step towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India, read a release. He said that the country requires cheap and reliable testing which can help to control the pandemic.

“The Corosure Kit has been developed indigenously and is much cheaper than other kits. Our Prime Minister has always been encouraging the youth of the country to come forward and ensure a healthier India especially in the times of COVID 19 pandemic with their innovative research. The kit has received ICMR approval with the highest score and DCGI approved with a very high sensitivity and specificity,” Pokhriyal said…Read More

Tamil Nadu 12th result 2020 declared today on tnresults.nic.in: 92.34% pass

TN 12th result 2020: Here are the steps to Check the Tamil Nadu 12th result 2020 or Tamil Nadu HSC Result 2020

Tamil Nadu 12th result 2020: The Tamil Nadu Board of Secondary education has announced the class 12th results. The Candidates who appeared for the TN HSC or Tamil Nadu class 12th examinations can check their results on the official website of the board. This year, evaluation of answer sheets and TN plus two result declaration have been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, TN 12th result was declared on April 19. 91.30% of students qualified for higher education last year, a .02 per cent increase from 2018.

Here are the steps to Check the Tamil Nadu 12th result 2020 or Tamil Nadu HSC Result 2020:

Step 1: Go to the official website of Tamil Nadu Directorate of Government Examinations at tnresults.nic.in

Step 2: Find the ‘Tamil Nadu 12th result 2020’ tab.

Step 3: Click on Tamil Nadu 12th result 2020

Step 4: Enter your Roll number

Step 5: Download the Tamil Nadu 12th result 2020

Maharashtra HSC result 2020: How and where to check MSBSHSE 12th result

Maharashtra HSC result 2020: The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) will announce Maharashtra 12th result 2020 soon. Latest updates on MSBSHSE 12th result

Maharashtra HSC result 2020: The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) will announce High School Certificate (HSC) or Class 12 Result 2020 shortly. A total of 1.5 million students appeared for the MSBSHSE Class 12 exam and 1.765 million students appeared for the Maharashtra SSC exam.

How and where to check Maharashtra HSC result 2020

Students can check their Maharashtra 12th result 2020 at mahahsscboard.maharashtra.gov.in. Students can also download the online mark sheet in PDF format.

Maharashtra HSC Result: Steps to download MSBSHSE 12th Result 2020

Step 1. Visit the official website - mahresult.nic.in

Step 2. Click on HSC Result 2020 link

Step 3. Enter asked credentials

Step 4. Click submit to get Maharashtra 10th Result 2020

Step 5. Save the result once it appears on the screen

Maharashtra SSC exam 2020

Geography paper of Maharashtra SSC could not be conducted due to lockdown restrictions. The government has decided that marks for Geography subject would be given based on average marks received in five other subjects of the examination. The result of class 10 exam is set to be declared by the month-end...

174 Indians in US file lawsuit against Trump's proclamation on H-1B visa

Donald Trump, on June 22, suspended issuing of H-1B work visas till the end of the year

A group of 174 Indian nationals, including seven minors, has filed a lawsuit against the recent presidential proclamation on H-1B that would prevent them from entering the United States or a visa would not be issued to them. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson at the US District Court in the District of Columbia issued summonses on Wednesday to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad F Wolf, along with Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia.

ALSO READ: India expresses concern over US decision on foreign students' visas

The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court on Tuesday.

"The proclamation 10052's H-1B/H-4 visa ban hurts the United States' economy, separates families and defies the Congress. While the two former points render it unseemly, the latter point renders it unlawful," said the lawsuit filed by lawyer Wasden Banias on behalf of the 174 Indian nationals. The lawsuit seeks an order declaring the presidential proclamation on issuing new H-1B or H4 visas or admitting new H-1B or H-4 visa holders as unlawful. It also urges the court to compel the Department of State to issue decisions on pending requests for H-1B and H-4 visas.

Trump signs into law suspending US privileges to Hong Kong, blasts China

Beijing's new security law will end to Hong Kong's special status, say China critics.

International News: President Donald Trump signed into law the Hong Kong Autonomy Act on Tuesday and also gave his assent to an executive order ending US preferential treatment for Hong Kong. "Today, I signed a legislation and an executive order to hold China accountable for its oppressive actions against the people of Hong Kong," Trump told reporters at a White House press conference. The Hong Kong Autonomy Act was passed unanimously by the Congress, he said, adding that the law gives his administration powerful new tools to hold responsible the individuals in the entities involved in extinguishing Hong Kong's freedom.

"We have all watched what happened, not a good situation. Their freedom has been taken away, their rights have been taken away and with it goes Hong Kong in my opinion, because it will no longer be able to compete with free markets. A lot of people will be leaving Hong Kong I suspect and we are going to do a lot more business because of it because we just lost one competitor.

"We lost a very, very serious competitor, a competitor that we incentivised to take a lot of business and do well, and we gave them a lot of business by doing what we did. We gave them things that nobody else had the right to do and that gave them a big edge over other markets, and because of that edge, they have some really historic business, tremendous business, far bigger than anybody would have thought years ago when we did this gift. It was really a gift to freedom," Trump said...

Covid-19: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers to attract 18% GST, rules AAR

Springfields (India) Distilleries had moved Goa AAR over classification of the hand sanitizer and the applicable rate of GST.

Amid the ongoing debate over goods and services tax (GST) rate on hand sanitizers, the Goa bench of the GST Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) has held that the alcohol-based hygiene product will attract 18 per cent GST. It added that its classification as an essential commodity cannot be a criteria for exemption from GST.

Springfields (India) Distilleries had moved Goa AAR over classification of the hand sanitizer and the applicable rate of GST. It also sought an opinion on whether it will be exempt from GST as the consumer affairs ministry has classified hand sanitizers as essential commodity.

The applicant was of the view that hand sanitizers are covered under the medicament category, and should be taxed at 12 per cent under GST. However, the AAR bench ruled that, “Hand sanitizers manufactured by the applicant are of the category of alcohol-based sanitizers and are classifiable under heading 3808 of the Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN) to which the rate of GST applicable is 18 per cent.” Regarding the second query, the AAR said that there is a separate notification under GST law for exempted goods and services. “Merely classifying any goods as an essential commodity will not be the criteria for exempting such goods from GS.”

US Covid-19 vaccine test results bring 'good news,' final trial soon: Fauci

No matter how you slice this, this is good news, says Dr Anthony Fauci, the US government's top infectious disease expert

The first Covid-19 vaccine tested in the US revved up people's immune systems just the way scientists had hoped, researchers reported Tuesday, as the shots are poised to begin key final testing. No matter how you slice this, this is good news, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the US government's top infectious disease expert, told The Associated Press.

The experimental vaccine, developed by Fauci's colleagues at the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc., will start its most important step around July 27: A 30,000-person study to prove if the shots really are strong enough to protect against the coronavirus. But Tuesday, researchers reported anxiously awaited findings from the first 45 volunteers who rolled up their sleeves back in March. Sure enough, the vaccine provided a hoped-for immune boost.

Those early volunteers developed what are called neutralizing antibodies in their bloodstream -- molecules key to blocking infection -- at levels comparable to those found in people who survived Covid-19, the research team reported in the New England Journal of Medicine...Read More

Biden plans to reduce waiting time for Indians for work-based green cards

The total annual cap on green cards available for Indians is 20,000 leading to wait times stretching to decades

US leader Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic Party nominee for president, has announced an immigration agenda that will end the country-wise green card caps for employment visas so that wait times stretching to decades for Indians can be reduced if he is elected. His "Plan for Securing Our Values as a Nation of Immigrants" will also link H1-B visas to wages while increasing the number of such visas.

The Plan, which could be the basis of his manifesto for the November election when he is expected to take on President Donald Trump as the Democratic candidate, seeks overall to liberalise immigration to the US and increase the number of immigrants. It sends a mixed message for Indians with most aspects of the Plan favouring some categories of Indians but with one that may tighten regulations for some H1-B visas.

"Biden will support expanding the number of high-skilled visas and eliminating the limits on employment-based visas by country, which create unacceptably long backlogs," according to the Plan. The total annual cap on green cards available for Indians is 20,000 leading to wait times stretching to decades. Attempt by legislators from both parties to introduce laws to lift the cap have stalled in Congress.

Singapore economy enters recession, second-quarter GDP plunges record 41.2%

On a year-on year basis, gross domestic product (GDP) plummeted 12.6 per cent, preliminary data from the Ministry of Trade and Industry showed on Tuesday. Economists had forecast a 10.5% contraction

Singapore's economy slipped into recession in the second quarter, contracting by a record 41.2 per cent from the previous three months and is facing its biggest slump ever this year as coronavirus lockdown steps hammer the trade-reliant city-state. Economists polled by Reuters had expected a 37.4 per cent slump, but the pandemic took a heavy toll on the construction sector, which plunged 95.6 per cent.

ALSO READ: Singapore re-instates faith in PM Lee, Opposition strength rises

On a year-on year basis, gross domestic product (GDP) plummeted 12.6 per cent, preliminary data from the Ministry of Trade and Industry showed on Tuesday. Economists had forecast a 10.5% contraction. The GDP slump marked the second consecutive quarter of contractions for the wealthy city-state - having declined a revised 0.3 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter and 3.3 per cent quarter-on-quarter - meeting the definition for a technical recession. The city-state expects full-year GDP in the range of -7 per cent to -4 per cent, the biggest downturn in its histor.

The government has pumped in nearly S$100 billion (57 billion pounds) worth of stimulus to blunt the impact of the pandemic. The People's Action Party, which extended its unbroken rule in last week's election held in the midst of the pandemic, has said protecting Singaporean jobs is its biggest priority..

PM Oli claims Lord Ram for Nepal, says India created 'fake' Ayodhya

Nepalese leader's statement comes at a time when the two countries are holding back-channel talks after Kathmandu claimed Indian territories of Lipulekh-Kalapani in a new map.

Lord Ram was born in Nepal but India had created a "fake" Ayodhya as his birthplace, said K P Oli, the Himalayan nation’s Prime Minister, on Monday as ties between the two countries come under stress. Oli’s statement, as reported by the Himalayan Times, comes at a time when the two countries are holding back-channel talks after Nepal claimed Indian territories of Lipulekh-Kalapani in a new map released last month. "Balmiki Ashram is in Nepal and the holy place where King Dashrath had executed the rites to get the son is in Ridi. Dashrath's son Ram was not an Indian and Ayodhya is also in Nepal," Oli said.

ALSO READ: China uses corrupt leaders to make inroads into nations like Nepal: Report

Legend says Sita after she was abandoned by Ram, lived in the ashram of sage Valmiki with sons Lav and Kush on the bank of Narayani (Gandak River) along present-day Nepal border with Bihar. The place attracts a large number of pilgrims even today. Oli statement is likely to create a controversy in India, where the Supreme Court last year paved the way for the creation of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, where many Hindus believe the revered figure was born.

Kathmandu partially lifts ban on Indian news channels

Nepal's cable television operators on Monday partially lifted the ban on Indian private news channels. "A few news channels airing objectionable content are still banned in the country," said Dhurba Sharma, vice president of television operators' association...

Covid-19: Are India, others testing enough to get a true measure of spread?

Business Standard takes a look at daily and total tests done by all Indian states and 10 most affected countries globally

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases globally reached 13,236,249 on Tuesday, according to Worldometer. However, this number represents only the status of infection as captured through testing, as only lab-confirmed infections are counted as confirmed cases. This implies the true extent of the coronavirus pandemic’s spread could only be gauged by testing a lot.

In the words of World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the world needs to "Test, test, test. Test every suspected case". The WHO chief had suggested on March 16 that testing was the only way to understand the extent of the problem and find a solution. "You cannot fight a fire blindfolded," he had said...

Here's a look at how the 10 most affected countries by total cases are doing in terms of testing:

India’s coronavirus testing strategy

For detection of Covid-19, India is primarily using the real-time-polymerase chain reaction test method, more commonly known as RT-PCR and considered gold standard of frontline testing for the novel coronavirus. According to the American Society for Microbiology, the combination of excellent sensitivity and specificity, low contamination risk, and speed has made RT-PCR technology an appealing alternative to culture- or immunoassay-based testing methods for diagnosing many infectious diseases...Read More

Bullet train project acquires 60% land, but may fail to meet 2023 deadline

Apart from land acquisition, another major cause for concern before the project is cost escalation owing to a fall in the rupee against the Japanese yen.

Despite facing public protests and resistance from the Maharashtra government, the country’s first bullet train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai has been able to acquire almost 60 per cent of the land required for the project. However, meeting the December 2023 deadline is still a cause for concern for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pet project on the back of the Covid-19 outbreak.

“We are on fast track. We have acquired 60 per cent of the land required for the project. Interestingly, in Gujarat it goes up to around 77 per cent,” said Achal Khare, managing director of the National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL), the company in charge of India’s bullet train road map.

The total land requirement for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor project was reduced to 1,380.08 hectares (ha), from 1,434.47 ha late last year, mainly due to actual reconciliation of the project scope. Of the total land required, 1,004.91 ha is private land. So far, around 820-830 ha has been acquired by NHSRCL.

Lalu flouting rules, has set up court in prison hospital: Jharkhand BJP

Taking to Facebook, Shahdeo posted a photo of Lalu Yadav alleging that the latter was"openly violating the jail manual"\

Current Affair: Jharkhand BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo on Sunday alleged that veteran RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav who is currently lodged at RIMS Hospital in Ranchi is violating the jail manual by setting up a 'darbar' there.

Taking to Facebook, Shahdeo posted a photo of Lalu Yadav alleging that the latter was"openly violating the jail manual". "Openly violating Jail Manual. The darbar of former (Bihar) Chief Minister Lalu Prasad has been adorned even during the Corona period. The excuse - he had to see the Health Minister Banna Gupta ji. He is also talking on mobile. Take action Honorable Chief Minister." Shahdeo captioned the post in Hindi.

The photograph also shows State health minister. Lalu Prasad has been convicted in four fodder scam cases and was awarded up to 14 years of imprisonment. Imprisoned for corruption in Jharkhand, he has spent a large part of his sentence undergoing treatment at the RIMS...

Banaras Hindu University to study Use of Ashwagandha on Covid-19 warriors

IMS in BHU will study use of Ashwagandha as a test drug for prophylactic use among frontline health workers and Yashtimadhu for supplementary therapy as a standard treatment of Corona patients

The Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) in the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) will study the use of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) as a test drug for prophylactic use among frontline health workers and Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) for supplementary therapy as a standard treatment of Corona patients with mild and moderate symptoms.

According to Professor Anand Chaudhary, head of the department of Rasa Shastra, of Ayurveda faculty IMS-BHU and centre coordinator for the project, “As a part of the project of ministry of AYUSH, Indian Council of Medical Research and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, the university was assigned the task of conducting studies on Ashwagandha and Yashtimadhu.”

He said, “Ashwagandha will be tested for study in prophylactic use among frontline health workers of SSL Hospital of BHU and other healthcare workers, while Yashtimadhu will be tested as drug for adjunct therapy with the standard treatment of conventional medicine on Covid-19 patients under treatment in BHU with mild and moderate symptoms.”