<ul><li>The Sensex was trading 1.32% higher, while the Nifty50 was up 1.21%. </li><li>The rally was led by banking and financial stocks.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/">Check out the latest news and updates on Business Insider.</a> </li></ul>Indian benchmark stock index, Sensex advanced over 500 points in early trade on Monday, driven by gains in index-heavyweights HDFC, Reliance Industries and ICICI Bank amid persistent foreign fund inflow and a positive trend in global peers. The Sensex was trading 1.32% higher, while the Nifty50 was up 1.21%. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Top Nifty Gainers </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Top Nifty Losers </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">ONGC </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Airtel </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Adani Ports </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">JSW Steel </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Indian Oil </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Eicher Motors </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Wipro </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Kotak Bank </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Infratel </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9907650000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Shree Chem </td></tr></tbody></table>*as of August 31, 10:15 am These are the top stocks that are buzzing in trade today: Future Retail shares gain nearly 18% Share of Future Retail gained nearly 18% during the morning trade hours on August 31. The surge came after RIL acquired the retail, wholesale, logistics and warehousing business of Future Group for ₹24,713 crore. This also bought a rally in other Future subsidiaries. All the other three subsidiaries — Future Enterprises gained, Future Lifestyle Fashions, Future Consumer — were trading flat after hitting a 5% upper-circuit set by stock-exchanges. RIL also gained 2%. GVK Power and Infrastructure gained nearly 10% GVK Power and Infrastructure shares gained nearly 10% after it informed stock-exchanges that it along with its subsidiaries, GVK Airport Developers Limited and GVK Airport Holdings Limited, have agreed to cooperate with Adani Airport Holdings for its airports business. Post this deal Adani group will acquire all debt from various GVK lenders including a Goldman Sachs led consortium and HDFC, the stock-filing said. Adani ports also gained 4% after this. Indiabulls Ventures was down 8% Indiabulls Ventures shares lost nearly 8% on early trading hours after the company told investors that it would raise nearly ₹588 crore via share sale to a clutch of investors. ONGC gained 5% ahead of the board meet State-owned ONGC gained nearly 5% as its board is slated to meet on September 1 to consider raising funds of up to ₹45,000 crore. According to the stock-exchange filing, the board will also consider and approve the company’s financial results for the quarter ended June 30. Indian Oil Corporation gained 4% Indian Oil Corporation shares gained 4% on August 31 after the company said it is investing ₹14,800 crore in expanding the capacity of its Barauni refinery in Bihar. This <a href="https://www.manufacturingtodayindia.com/products-suppliers/8219-ioc-to-undertake-barauni-refinery-expansion-worth-rs-14800-cr">is the part of over 2,800 projects being executed under the government’s </a>Atma Nirbhar Bharat campaign to boost domestic production and create jobs. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/top-stocks-to-watch-ril-future-enterprises-hcl-technologies-future-retail-itc-indiabulls-ventures-rbl-bank-inox-wind-and-more/articleshow/77843125.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Top stocks to watch in trade— RIL, Future Enterprises, HCL Technologies, Future Retail, ITC, Indiabulls Ventures, RBL Bank, Inox Wind and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/retail/news/heres-why-reliance-retail-with-almost-12000-stores-bought-future-retail-which-has-just-1500-outlets/articleshow/77843965.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Here’s why Reliance Retail with almost 12,000 stores bought Future Retail which has just 1500 outlets</a>

Top stock movers — GVK, Future Enterprises, Future Retail, RIL, IOC, Wipro, Adani Ports, ONGC and more

<ul><li>The Union Ministry of Law and Justice on August 21 cleared the appointment of Kumar to the post after <keyword id="6358437" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="election-commissioner">Election Commissioner</keyword> <keyword id="124932" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ashok-Lavasa">Ashok Lavasa</keyword>, who is known to have had a tense relationship with the Narendra Modi government, resigned from his post with effect from August 31 to join the Asian Development Bank as Vice President.</li><li>Former <keyword id="46929" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Finance-secretary">Finance Secretary</keyword> and retired IAS officer <keyword id="173016" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajeev-Kumar">Rajeev Kumar</keyword> on Tuesday assumed charge as the third Election Commissioner, alongside Sunil Arora, the chief of the panel, and Sushil Chandra. </li></ul>Former Finance Secretary and retired IAS officer Rajeev Kumar on Tuesday assumed charge as the third Election Commissioner, alongside Sunil Arora, the chief of the panel, and Sushil Chandra. The Union Ministry of Law and Justice on August 21 cleared the appointment of Kumar to the post after Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa, who is known to have had a tense relationship with the Narendra Modi government, resigned from his post with effect from August 31 to join the Asian Development Bank as Vice President. An avid trekker with keen interest in Indian classical and devotional music, Kumar, a 1984 batch IAS officer of the Jharkhand cadre, joined the Commission in presence of Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra. Born on February 19, 1960, Kumar has worked in various Ministries at the Centre and his state cadre of Bihar and Jharkhand during the span of more than 36 years of Central government service. AAcquiring his academic degrees of B.SC, LL.B, PGDM and MA Public Policy, Kumar has extensive work experience across Social Sector, Environment and Forests, Human Resources, Finance and Banking Sector. He also has a keen commitment to use of technology applications and to bring about amendments in extant policy regime towards greater transparency, delivery of services to citizens directly, eliminating intermediaries. Retired as Union Finance Secretary in February 2020, Kumar was thereafter appointed as Chairman Public Enterprises Selection Board from April 2020 till demitting office on August 31, 2020. He has also been Establishment Officer, Department of Personnel and Training from 2015-17 and prior to that Joint Secretary, Department of Expenditure with earlier assignments in Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Forests as also Education department in state cadre. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/supreme-court-asks-airtel-vodafone-idea-and-others-to-pay-agr-dues-over-10-years/articleshow/77866137.cms">Supreme Court directs Airtel, Vodafone Idea and others to pay AGR dues over 10 years</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/this-startup-a-linkedin-like-platform-for-indias-blue-collar-workers-gets-more-funds-from-lightspeed-and-sequoia/articleshow/77866010.cms">This startup – a LinkedIn like platform for India’s blue-collar workers – gets more funds from Lightspeed and Sequoia</a>

Former Finance Secretary Rajeev Kumar assumes charge as Election Commissioner of India

Close to one fifth or 18 per <keyword id="11081593" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="cent-citizens">cent citizens</keyword> or someone in their social network could not find a Covid-19 dose when they went for <keyword id="54639" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="vaccination">vaccination</keyword> in the first 10 days of April, as per a Local Circles survey. However, amid the 2nd wave of Covid cases across the country, India is now reporting over 1,50,000 daily cases far surpassing the peak of 97,400 it hit in 2020. As India expands its vaccination drive with vaccines now being made available to all above the age of 45 and plans to inoculate 50 lakh people each day, leaders of some states in India are reporting a vaccine shortage. Citizens from locations like Mumbai and parts of the Delhi National Capital region have also shared their feedback on LocalCircles suggesting that some hospitals have boards indicating that they either have limited doses or no doses available on a particular day. However, the <keyword id="6354750" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="health">Health</keyword> Minister Harsh Vardhan has indicated that the country has enough doses. To understand what people are exactly facing on the ground, LocalCircles has conducted a survey to gauge if people who have gone to the vaccination centers have in fact experienced this shortage as claimed by some. The survey received more than 24,000 responses from citizens located in 255 districts of India. 18 per cent citizens or someone in their social network who could not find a vaccine dose when they went for vaccination in the first 10 days of April. India has administered over 10 crore vaccine doses to its citizens since the immunization drive began on January 16 this year It has also supplied more than 481 lakh doses of Covid-19 to more than 80 countries across the world under the 'vaccine maitri' program as well as under direct supply agreements by the <keyword id="95879" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Serum-Institute-of-India">Serum Institute of India</keyword>. As per the survey, however, the worrying factor is that amidst the spike in Covid cases across India, media ground reports from states are suggesting that just over five days of vaccine stocks are currently remaining, while an additional week's supply is in the pipeline. In states like Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, current stocks are for less than two days and in others, like <keyword id="6357961" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="odisha">Odisha</keyword> have barely enough for four days. The spokesperson of the <keyword id="6374106" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="ministry-of-external-affairs">Ministry of External Affairs</keyword> has said that India's move on the export of vaccines would be done keeping in mind the domestic requirements, the survey said. As posts and comments were received from people across India about vaccination centers displaying their current stock level as well as some people returning from vaccination centers without getting inoculated, the survey sought to understand from citizens if they or anyone in their social network faced a scenario in the first 10 days of April that they or someone in their network went to get vaccinated and the center was out of vaccine stock. In response, 6 per cent said "happened with 4 or more individuals in my social network", 6 per cent said "happened with 2-3 individuals in my social network", and another 6 per cent said "happened with one individual in my social network". There were, however, 76 per cent saying "did not happen with anyone", while 6 per cent couldn't' say. The aggregate response indicated that 18 per cent of citizens had someone in their social network who could not get a vaccine dose when they went for vaccination in the first 10 days of April. This question in the survey received 9,016 responses. It may be noted that many senior citizens got their first dose in the first 10 days of March and were scheduled to go for getting their second dose during the first 10 days of April. As per Local Circles, some went as scheduled and some decided to follow the revised 6-8 week gap between two doses of <keyword id="6409874" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="astrazeneca">Astrazeneca</keyword> vaccine or Serum's Covishield in India. 18 per cent of citizens or their family/friends facing the issue of going to a vaccination center but not getting the vaccine is something that must be looked into by the Central and State Governments, the survey said. The shortage may be due to suboptimal local distribution, while it is also possible that certain centers or locations have a genuine shortage. It must also be noted that as the 2nd wave of Covid strengthened in India, 77 per cent of citizens in the LocalCircles survey in April expressed interest in taking the vaccine. The number stood at 38 per cent when India started its vaccination drive thereby marking a major decline in vaccine hesitancy in the 80 days period. This decline in vaccine hesitancy could also be contributing to the demand-supply mismatch, the survey said. As per the survey, the Serum Institute of India currently produces 2 million vaccines a day, and Bharat Biotech produces 0.3 million vaccines in a day. If India continues to vaccinate 3 million people a day and if these two providers are unable to scale their production, India will need to import vaccines from other countries. Such a move has the support of 56 per cent of citizens surveyed who are in favour of India getting <keyword id="44612" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pfizer">Pfizer</keyword>, Moderna, and J&amp;J to conduct trials and make the vaccine available here by June. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/nokia-x20-specifications-nokia-new-phones-price-in-india/articleshow/81981039.cms">Six new Nokia smartphones announced – price, specifications and availability details you should know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/founders-take-note-heres-why-most-startups-fail/articleshow/81981138.cms">Founders, take note: here’s why most startups fail</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/google-phone-app-now-lets-you-record-calls-automatically-from-unknown-numbers/articleshow/81982791.cms">Google Phone app now lets you record calls automatically from unknown numbers</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/adar-poonawalla-serum-institute-of-india-has-bought-stake-policybazaar/articleshow/81985425.cms">Serum Institute of India buys into IPO-bound insurance unicorn PolicyBazaar, as True North sells part stake in secondary sale</a>

Vaccine shortage in India — 18% people could not find COVID-19 dose when they went for vaccination in first ten days of April, says survey

New Delhi, Feb 24 () The Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Monday asked the West Bengal government to join the ambitious central scheme, PM-Kisan, which completed one year of operation without the state on board. Barring West Bengal, all other states and union territories are implementing the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) which has benefited 8.45 crore farmers so far in the country, against the target of 14 crore farmers. The minister also launched PM-Kisan mobile App on completion of one year of the implementation of the scheme. Tomar said: "West Bengal has not yet joined the scheme. There are 70 lakh farmers in the state. Benefits worth about Rs 4,000 crore will reach to these farmers if implemented." Of the 70 lakh farmers from the state, about 10 lakh farmers have already self-registered for the scheme via the online portal of PM-Kisan, he said and added the cash benefit to these farmers will reach once the state government verifies the data. Stating that the cash benefit under the scheme will not only help farmers but also boost the state economy, Tomar said: "Our officials have approached the state government in this regard many times. I have also written twice to the chief minister urging to join the scheme. But no reply has come yet from the CM." Tomar said some states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Sikkim are slow in authenticating their farmers' data and the central government is pursuing with them seriously. The aim is to achieve the target of 14 crore farmers by next year. On PM-Kisan portal, the centre has received data of total 9.74 crore farmers. Already, payment has been made to 8.45 crore farmers, he said. About 85 per cent of the farmers data registered under the scheme has been Aadhar verified, the rest will be completed soon, he added. Under the scheme, the centre is paying Rs 6,000 annually in three equal installments to eligible farmers. LUX DRRDRR

Centre appeals WB govt to join PM-Kisan scheme

New Delhi, May 15 () The coronavirus cases neared the 8,000 mark in Delhi on Wednesday, while the city government revised the death toll to 106, following an audit prompted by a controversy over mismatch of figures given by it and hospitals. The 20 deaths which have been added took place in April and May, the authorities said, days after the Delhi government was accused of under-reporting the fatalities but it had sought to blame the hospitals claiming they were not providing the death reports in a timely manner. Notwithstanding the constant surge in cases, a large number of people, who responded to a call by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to give their suggestions on the situation post-May 17 when the third phase of the lockdown will end, favoured allowing more economic activities in Delhi, sources said. The total number of coronavirus cases in Delhi climbed to 7,998 after 359 fresh cases were reported, a bulletin by the Health Department said. It said the 20 deaths reported took place in April and May as per case sheets received from hospitals and audited by the COVID-19 death committee. After the controversy, the Delhi government had issued standard operating procedure (SOP) for hospitals and other health facilities in the city on reporting fatalities due to coronavirus. Of the deceased patients, 58 were aged 60 and above, accounting for over 54 per cent of the fatalities here. Twenty-eight of them were aged between 50-59 years and 20 were less than 50 years, the bulletin said. Kejriwal had on Tuesday sought views from Delhiites on how to ease curbs after May 17, but said the lockdown cannot be completely lifted in view of the rising number of cases. In response, more than 4.76 lakh WhatsApp messages, 39,000 calls and 10,700 emails were received till 5 Pm Wednesday, the Chief Minister's Office said. A team has been formed to analyse these messages, sources said. They added that most people favoured allowing more economic activities in the national capital post May 17. However, the decision will be in accordance with the Centre's guidelines, the sources noted. The responses have been received under various categories such as industrial and MSME operations, transportation, education, and day-to-day activities of the people such as commercial and non-commercial activities, a statement said. Delhi has been under the lockdown since March 23. The transport department is also holding discussions to develop a protocol for safe public transport amid COVID-19 pandemic. A decision on resumption of full-fledged services will depend on Centre's guidelines, said a senior government functionary. Meanwhile, three special Shramik trains carrying migrant workers left the national capital for Bhagalpur, Barauni and Darbhanga in Bihar. Delhi's Labour Minister Gopal Rai said the AAP government will pay fares for all migrant workers. Separately, four trains from Mumbai, Ahemdabad, Patna and Howrah brought people stranded in different parts of the country to the national capital. But many passengers carrying heavy luggage stood clueless outside the railway station for hours as there was no bus, cab or any other transport option available for onward journeys. "We can give you Rs 6,000 maximum if you take us to Roorkee (in Uttarakhand, a distance of about 200 km)," a man said to a driver who reached the station to pick up a family which had already booked his taxi. Another man was seen asking a rickshaw-puller to take him to Anand Vihar. Ratnakar, a resident of Uttam Nagar, who had gone to his village in Bihar's Begusarai district, said he had no idea about suspension of public transport in Delhi. His father, who is in his 60s, said if they start walking, they would reach home by evening. "Why have they started running trains when there is no bus or metro available? We had no clue that there will be no public transport whatsoever in Delhi," he said. In the evening, the Delhi Police said the stranded passengers can now avail DTC buses for their onward journey from the station. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Railways) Harendra K Singh said they made elaborate arrangements in close coordination with railway authorities to ensure passengers experience no inconvenience while travelling, but at the same time follow the guidelines issued to contain the spread of coronavirus. "For the passengers boarding trains, a dedicated corridor was made on the Paharganj side where people queued up, all wearing masks and maintaining social distance. After thermal scanning, they boarded the trains. Sanitiser dispensers were placed at prominent places for the passengers," Singh said. After eight persons working in the New Delhi district magistrate's office were found coronavirus positive, the premises were sealed, officials said. Hardly five kilometres away, Rail Bhavan, the headquarters of the Indian Railways, was also shut after an RPF staffer tested positive. With more than 100 of its personnel testing positive for COVID-19 so far, the Delhi Police said some hospitals have reserved beds for it for any emergency admissions as many in the force are deployed at "sensitive" locations like containment zones and quarantine centres. Among those infected, 35 police personnel have recovered from the infection and resumed their duties, officials said. GVS KND BUN AMP VIT PR RT

Delhi govt revises coronavirus death toll to 106 after controversy; Cases near 8,000

New Delhi, The Indian Railways plans to reintroduce the Ramayana Circuit tours in March this year during Navratras with five air conditioned (AC) coaches, which will cover places associated with Lord Ram as mentioned in the epic Ramayana, after its successful run last year. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) said that the Ramayana Express will run this year during the Navratras from March 28. The IRCTC in a statement said that the special train will have 10 coaches which include five sleeper class non-AC coaches and five AC 3 tier coaches. Last year, the national transporter had run Ramayana Express with only sleeper class coaches which was a huge success and the response of the general public was so tremendous that all the available seats were booked in merely seven days' time. "Considering the previous response IRCTC Ltd has decided to launch this unique product in which some AC 3 tier coaches have also been added in addition to Sleeper class coaches," the IRCTC said. According to the IRCTC, the special train will start its journey from Delhi on March 28 and passengers can board this train from Safdarjung, <keyword id="44991" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ghaziabad">Ghaziabad</keyword>, Moradabad, Bareily and Lucknow stations. The train covers important destinations connected with the life of Lord Ram in India and Sri Lanka. While the Indian leg will be covered by train, the Sri Lankan tour will be undertaken by flight from Chennai. The IRCTC said that in the 16 night-17 day tour, tourists will be visiting the places associated with Lord Ram also known as 'Ramayana Circuit of India'. "Major places covered in this journey are Ram Janmabhoomi and Hanuman Garhi at Ayodhya, Bharat <keyword id="47393" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mandir">Mandir</keyword> at Nandigram, Sita Mata Mandir at Sitamarhi (Bihar), and Janakpur (Nepal), <keyword id="491219" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tulsi-Manas">Tulsi Manas</keyword> Mandir and Sankat Mochan Mandir at Varanasi, <keyword id="7442403" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="sita-samahit-sthal">Sita Samahit Sthal</keyword> at Sitamarhi (UP), Triveni Sangam , Hanuman Mandir and Bharadwaj Ashram at Prayag, Shringi Rishi Mandir at <keyword id="122671" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shringverpur">Shringverpur</keyword> , Ramghat and Sati Anusuiya Mandir at Chitrakoot, Panchvati at Nasik, Anjanadri Hill and Hanuman Janm Sthal at Hampi &amp; Jyotirlinga Shiva Mandir at Rameshwaram," it said. In Sri Lanka, they will visit Sita Mata Mandir, Ashok Vatika, Vibhishana Temple and Shiva Temple at Munneshwaram-Munnavari among other sites. According to IRCTC, the Indian leg of the journey in the sleeper class will cost Rs 16,065 per person whereas for the AC class Rs 26,775 per person will be charged. And those going to Sri Lanka will have to pay Rs 37,800 per person with only 40 limited seats. The passengers willing to travel to Sri Lanka will be required to de-board the Ramayana Express on 15th day at Chennai on April 11 and from there they will be taken by flight to Colombo. According to IRCTC, there are 360 berths in sleeper class and 330 berths in AC 3 tier class. Considering Navratra period, all the food to be served to the travellers will be cooked without onions and garlic.

These trains will take you to all the places that Lord Ram visited

New Delhi, Jan 29 () IndiGrid, the country's first infrastructure investment trust in the power sector, on Wednesday announced acquisition of power transmission firm East North Interconnection Company Ltd (ENICL) for Rs 1,020 crore.
 ENICL is part of inter state transmission scheme network and consists of two 400 KV transmission lines with a total 900 circuit kilometers across Assam, Bihar and West Bengal, which were set up to evacuate power from north-east and eastern states to the northern region of India. 
 The Board of the Investment Manager of IndiGrid has approved the acquisition of ENICL at a value of Rs 1,020 crore, a company statement said. 
 The acquisition would increase the AUM of IndiGrid by 10 per cent to Rs 12,100 crore, it added. 
 IndiGrid had signed an extension of Right of First Offer deed with Sterlite Power for ENICL as disclosed in the Offer Document dated May 4, 2019, the statement said.
 As IndiGrid is leveraged at 45 per cent net debt/AUM, it will be able to acquire the ENICL without any dilution. 
 This acquisition will be funded by internal accruals, proceeds from the preference issue done in May 2019 and new debt.
 The acquisition is expected to be consummated during the fourth quarter of 2019-20, subject to unitholders' approval, execution of definitive agreements and regulatory approvals.
 Upon acquisition of the ENICL, the IndiGrid's net debt/AUM will continue to be below 49 per cent. 
 IndiGrid's portfolio will increase to nine power transmission projects with a total network of 20 power transmission lines that span more than 5,800 circuit kilometres across 13 Indian states post this acquisition.
 Harsh Shah, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGrid, said, "IndiGrid has another Rs 65 billion (Rs 6500 crore) pipeline of transmission projects under the framework agreement with Sterlite Power to reach an AUM of Rs 180 billion (Rs 18,000 crore) over next two years. We are committed to growing IndiGrid with accretive acquisition of operating projects with long-term stable cash flows and low counter-party risks to achieve Rs 300 billion (Rs 30,000 crore) of AUM by 2022, while providing predictable and growing distributions to our investors."
 IndiGrid is the first infrastructure investment trust in the Indian power sector. It is managed by Sterlite Investment Managers Ltd which is majority owned by PE firm KKR. 
 Last May, Indigrid raised Rs 2,510 crore through preferential issue of which KKR and GIC contributed Rs 2,060 crore. KKS PSK MR

IndiGrid to acquire power transmission firm ENCIL for Rs 1,020 cr

Chennai, May 14 () Nearly 50 days after being strandeddue to the COVID-19 induced lockdown, about 1,000 passengersarrived here on Thursday night by a Delhi-Chennai train, thefirst to this city since limited rail services resumed in thecountry.As the train chugged into the highly disinfected DrMGR Chennai Central railway station here, a team of healthworkers and a posse of police took positions at vantage pointsto receive the passengers.The state health department had formed teams comprising400 members to thermal screen all the passengers and thechecks were carried out.The train arrived at 8.10 PM and a health officialpresent at the station said all the passengers will be shiftedto quarantine facilities post screening."They would be given the option to either stay in thehotels identified as quarantine facilities or at their homes.Those with coronavirus symptoms would be immediatelyshifted to the isolation wards in government hospitals," hesaid.A couple of passengers to whom spoke seemed to berelieved that they could finally reunite with their familiesafter a near three-month lockdown induced seperation."I am relieved that the health workers allowed me to gohome, though I have been asked to remain in isolation in myhouse for 21 days.The lockdown had not only geographically separated mefrom my family but also made it extremely arduous to live inDelhi," said Shankar, who arrived by the special train.Vijayawada native Rajasekhar was happy to get back tohis family, as he was stranded in his hometown following theannouncement of the lockdown."I had been to Vijayawada, my hometown, before thelockdown came into force and had to remain there separatedfrom my wife and children in Chennai where I work. I am glad Iam able to make it to Chennai finally," the man, who boardedthe train at Vijayawada, said.Earlier, the Tamil Nadu government, which is againstresumption of train services till May 31, had written to theCentre that the Railways should quarantine those arriving bythe special trains.The state government's concerns over the possible spreadof the contagion stems from the influx of passengers from thecoronavirus-hit states or nations, even as its own cumulativetally is close to 10,000 infections.Earlier, the state government succeeded in tracing andisolating 1,365 cases from the Tablighi Jamaat congregation inDelhi in March and another 4,000 odd from foreign arrivals.Most of these cases have been treated and dischargedafter testing negative for the virus.The state has reservations about hosting a new group of1,000 post the Koyambedu vegetable market in Chennai, whichturned into a super spreader with over 3,000 cases linked toit since April end.With the railways ministry deciding to operate thespecials, the state government, however, made its ownarrangement for screening the passengers and quarantiningthem.Earlier, hundreds of migrant workers from Assam whodescended upon the Dr MGR Chennai Central railway station herehoping to board a special to reach their homes were stopped bythe police and sent back.Following information that a special train was arrangedfor Assam, many people walked all the way to the centralstation where they gathered.The police put up barricades and prevented them fromentering the station. After convincing them that they have toobtain necessary permit from the authorities concerned, thepolice took them in a bus to Gurunanak College here where theywere provided food and shelter.On Thursday, the Southern Railway continued to operatemigrant special Shramik Express trains, from Chennai andCoimbatore to destinations in Bihar, Assam and Odisha to ferrystranded guest workers in the state.Meanwhile, on the aviation front, an Air India specialflight carrying 167 stranded Indians from Manila,landed here on Thursday night.After the health protocols, they will be taken to therespective quarantine facilities, officials said. CORR SAROH ROH

Stranded passengers arrive in Chennai, screened for COVID-19

India’s coronavirus tally inches closer to 150,000 mark— with more than 6,500 new cases in a day

(Eds: Updating)        New Delhi, May 7 () The national capital on Thursday reported its highest spike in coronavirus cases in a day with 448 fresh cases and the total number of COVID-19 patients nearly touched 6,000, a health bulletin said.       According to the bulletin, the total number of coronavirus cases now stands at 5,980. With one more fresh fatality, the death toll has risen to 66.         This week has recorded the highest spike in coronavirus cases in Delhi – May 6 reported 428 cases and May 3 reported 427.         The day also saw 389 recoveries, the highest so far in a single day.   Over 1,000 migrant workers from Madhya Pradesh, stranded in the national capital for nearly 40 days due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown, left for their state in a special Shramik train.             Health Minister Satyendra Jain said the government was in constant touch with all the states regarding sending the migrant labourers and other stranded people to their homes.             A railway official said the second Shramik train carrying stranded migrant labourers will leave Delhi for Bihar on Friday.              "First train carrying 1,050 migrants from Delhi left for Chattarpur, MP, today at 8 pm. A series of such trains would be carrying migrants to diff parts of India in the coming days," Delhi transport minister Kailash Gahlot tweeted.            After chaos outside liquor shops for four days, the AAP government has launched an e-token service for those buying liquor. The decision has been taken to encourage people to avoid standing in long queues in violation of social distancing norms.                While applying for an e-token, the buyer's name and phone number will be required and the e-coupon will be sent at the registered mobile number. Through the e-token the person will be allowed to buy liquor from a nearby shop at an allotted time.            The migrant workers leaving for Madhya Pradesh were screened by the authorities. Around 10,000 migrant workers are staying in government-run shelters in the national capital.            Carrying their belongings, the migrants arrived at the railway station in over 70 buses arranged by the Delhi government to board the special train for Madhya Pradesh.             After alighting from the buses, the passengers stood in circular rings some feet apart from each other outside the station in accordance with social-distancing norms.            They were allowed in the station in batches and railway officials guided them to the train.             On the platform also, authorities have marked white circular rings for the passengers to stand at a safe distance from each other.            "I was at a shelter home in Roop Nagar for the last eight days. I polish marble slabs for a living. I will come back when things get back to normal," said Balram Kumar, one of the outbound migrants.            Thousands of migrant labourers across the country were stranded after the nationwide lockdown was announced due to the coronavirus pandemic.             The Railways started the migrant special services from May 1 and has since then operated 171 such trains.             Of the total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital, more than one-third have been reported between May 1 and 7.             Jain said the growth rate of COVID-19 cases in Delhi was around 8 per cent till Wednesday. Earlier the rate was 20 per cent, then it dropped to 15 per cent and further dropped to 12 per cent.            "Delhi government is monitoring the situation 24×7 to ensure that the virus does not spread further. Compared to western countries the situation in India is much better," he said.            The total number of containment zones in Delhi are 83, while 17 have been de-contained.              Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced an exgratia of Rs 1 crore to the family of Delhi Police constable Amit Kumar who died of coronavirus.            "Amit ji did not care for his life and kept serving us Delhi people. He got infected with corona and passed away. I pay homage to his sacrifice on behalf of all Delhi people. An ex gratia of Rs one crore will be given to his family," Kejriwal said in a tweet.             The 31-year-old constable, who hailed from Sonipat, was posted at Bharat Nagar Police Station in northwest Delhi, police said. The constable is survived by his wife and a 3-year-old son, he added.            East Delhi MP Gautam Gambhir said his Gautam Gambhir Foundation will take care of the education of the constable's son.            "The administration failed him. The system failed him. Delhi failed him. We can't bring Constable Amit back, but I assure that I will look after his child like my own. GGF will take care of his complete education. #DelhiFailedAmit #CoronaWarriorsIndia," Gambhir tweeted.             Kumar's last rites were held at the Punjabi Bagh crematorium. Joint Commissioner of Police (Northern Range) Manish Agrawal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest) Vijayanta Arya and other officers of the district paid their last respects to the deceased.  NIT ASG BUN KND AMP PR  RDMRDM

Coronavirus cases in national capital nearly 6,000; first train carrying migrants to MP leaves Delhi

By Trisha Mukherjee New Delhi, Apr 11 () The devastating impact of coronavirus crisis was evident in the pictures – hordes of homeless migrant workers on long marches back to their villages; many urban slum dwellers, living on the edges of the society in normal times, left destitute, clamouring for food. But it has not been all gloom and doom. Amid the crisis has risen an outpouring of empathy from ordinary people across India led by the civil society, who have stepped up to help migrant labourers, domestic helps, construction workers, and small scale workers who were left jobless because of the nationwide lockdown. From every part of the country, Indian are coming forward with donations, big and small, on crowdfunding sites, with online transfers, and even good old cash left in envelopes at their gates."People have been incredibly generous," said Rohini Malur of Bengaluru-based NGO Hasiru Dala, which has raised a whopping Rs 38.27 lakh in just 17 days, surpassing its goal of Rs 36 lakh. Malur said the donors gave an average of Rs. 3000 each.Hasiru Dala used crowdfunding to collect money for providing dry ration kits to ragpickers and daily wage labourers in six cities of Karnataka -- Bengaluru, Mysuru, Tumakuru, Davanagere and the twins cities of Hubli-Dharwad. The kits contain 25 kg rice, 5 kg lentils, 2 litres of cooking oil, salt, chilli powder, 500 grams of groundnuts, 500 grams jaggery and soaps. Worth Rs. 1600 each, the kits are expected to last for 21 days. "The families we have identified are the most vulnerable and need immediate support. They have no BPL/ration card, no public housing, and no predictable income," Malur told . Hasiru Dala had identified 3,500 vulnerable families but has managed to help 4,661 families since March 24, the day the lockdown was announced. Besides depending on "a little" funding from corporate houses, and seeking donations on their website, Hasiru Dala also tied up with the crowdfunding site KETTO, which has offered to waive off its service charges completely. According to the International Labour Organisation, the COVID-19 crisis has the potential to push around 40 crore informal sector workers in India deeper into poverty, with the lockdown and other containment measures affecting jobs and earnings.A similar drive is being conducted by Project Potential in Bihar, which is aiding daily wage workers who have returned from tea gardens, farms, and brick kilns by raising money on crowdfunding site Give India, which also has waived off its fee."With the nationwide lockdown daily wage labourers are without a livelihood. Many of these families lack ration cards or bank accounts, and even for those who have them, ATMs are often inaccessible or lack money once people reach them," Abodh Kumar of Project Potential told .To encourage the villagers, especially the children to stay indoors, Project Potential has also included a board game of Ludo in the aid packet"Most of the population is tribal/adivasi. It is difficult to keep the children from going out. So we thought Ludo would help keep them engaged indoors," Kumar said. An awareness program run separately by the group on WhatsApp goes to 265 villages in the state, disseminatign precautionary and preventive information about the novel coronavirus in the local dialects of Surjapuri, Rajbanshi and Santhali. Individuals too, have stepped up to do their bit for those working in informal sectors, whose services help keep the middle and upper class households functional. Ameena Talwar, a resident of Delhi's posh Vasant Kunj area has been raising money from the people in her locality for the last two weeks to first distribute ration to their domestic help such as maids and drivers, as well as neighbourhood gardeners, sweepers and construction workers camped at half-finished projects. "When I decided to do this, many people told me it wouldn't work, but the response has been overwhelming. People keep money in envelopes outside their gates to ensure social distancing, and I collect it from there. I managed to raise Rs 2 lakh in a week," Talwar said. She first created packets worth Rs 800 each containing 1 litre oil, salt, sugar, wheat flour, dal, biscuits and five bars of soap. To expand her relief work, she has now tied up with the NGO Prabhaav Foundation to also reach out to those living in the slum across the road from her neighbourhood. The new packets cost Rs 525 each and have the same things except the flour has been reduced from 10 kgs to 5 kgs and 2 kgs of rice has been added.Several former and current students of Kolkata's Presidency and Jadavpur Universities have also come together to create the Quarantined Student Youth Network that has undertaken a food distribution drive to help migrant labourers in Delhi and Bengal who have been hit the worst by the lockdown."We have got money from people both within and outside the country, and they have been generous. I managed to raise 1.5 lakh within a single day," Debojit Thakur, a PHD scholar said. The Gurgaon Nagrik Ekta Manch (GNEM) has been feeding cooked meals to nearly 25,000 people, including daily wagers, industrial workers, construction labourers, domestic workers, and housekeeping staff every single day since March 27. Its temporary kitchen in Gurgaon's Shri Ram School produces nearly 15,000 meals every day. The rest are provided by different contributors including food delivery app Swiggy, said Saba Dewan from the GNEM."We are also providing ration kits which would last a family of five for about 10 days. We also feel that dry food makes people feel more secure," Dewan said. TIR VJVJ

Hope in coronavirus times: Help pours in for those hit by lockdown

Coronavirus cases in India rise to 21,393— a 6-month-old and a teen join the growing list of patients

German luxury carmaker <keyword id="6363321" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Audi">Audi</keyword> is set to announce a major investment for the <keyword id="47445" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Indian-market">Indian market</keyword> in 3-4 months to expand business and double sales to 20,000 units by 2018. 
 "An internal discussion is going on to <keyword id="47916" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="invest">invest</keyword> in India for the expansion of our capacities. The detailed announcement will be made in the next three to four months," <keyword id="148913" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Audi-India">Audi India</keyword> Head <keyword id="1636962" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="joe-king">Joe King</keyword> said today. 
 
When asked about the quantum of investment, he refused to divulge, but said that "this is going to be a major investment by the company". 
 Asked if Audi India will be setting up a new facility or expanding capacities at the existing plant of <keyword id="166267" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Volkswagen-Group">Volkswagen Group</keyword> company <keyword id="6361542" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Skoda">Skoda</keyword> in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, King said: "It can be anything." 
 
Audi currently has an installed capacity to produce 14,000 units annually on a single shift basis in India. 
 
He said the company is looking for a long-term strategy for the Indian market and hopes to maintain its leadership position in the luxury car segment. 
 
"Conservatively, we should cross 20,000 units sales mark by 2018. It can be done before also. We are confident of retaining the leadership position till then," King said. 
 
Audi had sold 10,851 units in 2014 and remained the largest luxury carmaker for the second consecutive year. 
 "Currently, 96 per cent of our sales are assembled in India. This helps us in offering products at a competitive prices. Because of this, we have been able to capture a <keyword id="34527" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="market-share">market share</keyword> of 34 per cent in the luxury segment and we will maintain this in future," King said. 
 
The market share that the company enjoys in India is the highest for Audi across all its operations in the world, he added. 
 
King said the company is looking to increase its sales by 10-15 per cent during 2015. 
 
 
"Last year, the luxury car market grew by 3 per cent, but we grew by 9 per cent," he added. 
 
King said there has been some positive momentum seen in the market after the new government came to the power at the Centre and the company hopes that this will continue for some time in future. 
 
Yesterday, the company entered the North Eastern market by opening its first dealership in Guwahati, which is expected to sell 150-200 units in the first year. 
 
Yesterday, King had said Audi India is targeting 2,500- 3,000 units this year in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odhisa and North East. 
 
Earlier this month, the company had stated that it was focusing on long-term sustainability of its business in India while maintaining the top slot. 
 "The important part is the foundation that we are building to ensure long-term leadership of Audi in India and not just rather looking at monthly volumes and competition," Member of the Board of Management of <keyword id="147139" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Audi-AG">Audi AG</keyword> <keyword id="1592691" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Luca-de-Meo">Luca de Meo</keyword> had earlier said. 
 
The maker of popular brands like sports utility vehicles Q3, Q5 and sedan A3 also wants to maintain a bigger presence in the premium luxury segment.

Audi is loving the attention its getting in India,
and this is how it plans to reciprocate

The recent phenomenon of <keyword id="6355333" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Brexit">Brexit</keyword> where Britain decided through a referendum to leave <keyword id="6355110" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="European-Union">European Union</keyword> has brought the debate on perils of a <keyword id="6354914" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Democracy">democracy</keyword> back to the fore. Back home the episode of the release of Udta Punjab and the tale of ‘death’ of the writer Perumal Murugan are some of the instances which have put a question mark over the idea of democracy. Although the judiciary came out with landmark judgments on both the issues, but it certainly has initiated the debate that “too much of democracy” can lead to its own undoing. This takes me back to one of the discussions, which I happened to be a part of, on advantages of a benevolent dictator in a country like India against a struggling democracy. While this can be a good exercise to understand the perspective of people in favour of democracy or those opposing it, it is important to clearly identify the issues hurting the idea of Indian democracy today. 
 
There exists no single model or concept which can clearly define a democracy and provide us with a benchmark to analyse India’s democratic performance so far. Instead it has been an amalgamation of theories and ideas which have evolved into our current understanding of a democracy. This underscores the complication associated with the process and makes it difficult to compare Indian way of democracy with other countries. There have been efforts to quantify the performance at a global level. One example is the recent initiative (2006) of Economic Intelligence Unit to compile a Democracy Index. The Democracy Index measures the state of democracy in 167 participating countries based on five broad categories: electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties, functioning of the government, political participation and political culture. The 2015 ranking is headed by Norway with an aggregate score of 9.93 on a scale of 10. The US is placed at 20th position and India, the largest democracy in the world, is ranked 35th. While the parameters of assessment can be debated on the fact that it does not take into account India’s long struggle for independence and quick democratic turnaround, but more importantly another critical non-political dimension missing in the index is the people and the society which is an essential constituent of a healthy democracy. And this is where the Indian democracy struggles the most. There is a Global Democracy Ranking published by the Democracy Ranking Association in Austria which factors in the dimension of ‘Quality of Society’ and India is ranked 68th in it, well below the likes of Tunisia, Namibia and Senegal. A closer look at the dimension of ‘Quality of Society’, which comprises parameters like socio-economic and gender inequality, knowledge based information society, research and education, health status, environment etc., clearly demonstrates shortcomings of Indian democracy. 
 
One very important factor which has had significant impact on the democratic functioning of our country is knowledge-based critical thinking. India has struggled to establish a society based on scientific temper and rational thinking. Section V of our Constitution, Article 51A on ‘Fundamental Duties’ states that “it shall be the duty of every citizen of India.. To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform”. Even our first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru had evoked scientific temper and critical thinking as “a way of life, a process of thinking, a method of acting and associating with our fellowmen”. Unfortunately, the current education system has not been conducive to promoting reasoning, original ideas, opinions and innovations. The incentives are misaligned right from the students, teachers and administration to all the way to the Ministry of Human Resource Development, in charge of the education policies of the country. The obsession with the quantification of performance in form of marks, revenue or the number of premiere institutes in the country have completely ruined the ecosystem of rational thinking and this is what is hurting the democracy the most. The episode of Bihar Board toppers is a case in point. The ability to logically think through any reasoning and then make an informed choice is what lies at the core of a successful democracy and currently it is not happening in our country. A society driven by rational thinkers has the potential to convert all the violent clashes and conflicts to a healthy debate of ideas and ideologies within a democratic framework. Imagine the impact it can have on all the issues of the country ranging from militant insurgencies to ideological extremism. This will also have a direct impact the performance of political community and the general ‘political culture’ of India. There will be less of rhetoric and more of quality discussion on public policies. The onus of changing demo-crack-tic India to a functional democratic India is both on the policy makers as well as on us. 
 
The criticism of Indian democracy should not be directed towards the inherent nature of its processes and institutions rather more towards the lack of support from its constituents in form of critical thinking and scientific temper. Note that India today stands at a very precarious position with its demography and any form of conformism without reasoning can result in a system which would be superficially democratic but inherently a dictatorship.. benevolent or not !! 
 
(The article has been authored by an IIM Bangalore student - <keyword id="3504238" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rishabh-Raj">Rishabh Raj</keyword>, and all the views expressed above are that of the author.)

You Searched For "bihar board 10thresult" and got 15 results

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Former Finance Secretary Rajeev Kumar assumes charge as Election Commissioner of India

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Vaccine shortage in India — 18% people could not find COVID-19 dose when they went for vaccination in first ten days of April, says survey

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Centre appeals WB govt to join PM-Kisan scheme

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Delhi govt revises coronavirus death toll to 106 after controversy; Cases near 8,000

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These trains will take you to all the places that Lord Ram visited

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IndiGrid to acquire power transmission firm ENCIL for Rs 1,020 cr

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Stranded passengers arrive in Chennai, screened for COVID-19

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India’s coronavirus tally inches closer to 150,000 mark— with more than 6,500 new cases in a day

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Coronavirus cases in national capital nearly 6,000; first train carrying migrants to MP leaves Delhi

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Hope in coronavirus times: Help pours in for those hit by lockdown

PTI

Coronavirus cases in India rise to 21,393— a 6-month-old and a teen join the growing list of patients

Navdeep Yadav

Audi is loving the attention its getting in India, and this is how it plans to reciprocate

BI India Bureau

An IIM-B student tells us why India is not a democracy, it's inherently a dictatorship

Guest Author

The entire list and a brief profile of 'Delhi ke nirmata'⁠— the makers of Delhi felicitated at Kejriwal's oath taking ceremony

BI India Bureau