Live: New cases drop by 20% as Covid testing dips

Monday’s count of 73,279 cases across the country was the lowest daily tally in September even as deaths reported on the day remained relatively high at 1,047. India’s daily Covid-19 case tally dropped by nearly 20% on Monday. Overall, India’s cases grew by 13% last week....

Provide food, aid to starving 1.2 lakh sex workers: SC to govts

Saddened by the plight of sex workers rendered jobless across the country, the Supreme Court on Monday told the Centre and states to urgently consider providing them relief in the form of dry rations, monetary assistance as well as masks, soaps and sanitisers. “Without...

With U-turn on bills, BJD surprises many

In a move that surprised political circles, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Sunday opposed the two farm bills in the Rajya Sabha. ​​​This is the first time BJD has opposed any legislation in the Rajya Sabha after NDA returned to power in 2019. From demonetisation to GST, CAA,...

Despite Covid, women still hold 52% of NREGS work

Out of a total 204.7 crore persondays of work generated under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) since April this year women account for 52.5% (107.4 crore) persondays. In terms of absolute numbers over 4.3 crore women have been provided...

Neighbourhood in focus: PM to hold e-summit with Rajapaksa

India’s immediate neighbourhood is coming into focus again with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to have his first virtual summit with Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa on September 26, his first with any leader in the neighbourhood. ​​​The summit could be right on the...

Govt, oppn agree to cut short Parl session

In the wake of some Union ministers and MPs testing positive for Covid-19 following the commencement of the monsoon session of Parliament, opposition parties and the government on Saturday arrived at a consensus to curtail the scheduled session after passage of important...