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UK brings in isolation measures to contain monkeypox spread
Anyone who has had direct or household contact with a confirmed case of monkeypox, and therefore at the highest risk of having caught the rare virus, is being advised to isolate for 21 days by UK health authorities in updated advice on Monday. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said close contacts of someone with “unprotected direct contact” with a confirmed case of monkeypox are advised to provide their details for contact tracing, forgo travel, and avoid contact with immunosuppressed people, pregnant women, and children under 12. The agency is also providing close contacts of such cases with an established smallpox vaccine that can help protect against monkeypox.
Zelensky says 87 killed in May 17 Russian strike on base
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday that 87 people were killed in a Russian attack earlier this month on a military base in a region of northern Ukraine that was earlier reclaimed by Kyiv’s forces. “Today, under the rubble in Desna, there are 87 victims. Eighty-seven corpses, victims who were killed,” Zelensky said during an address to the Davos summit, referring to Russian strikes on May 17 on a village that is home to a Ukrainian military base in the Chernigiv region.
Sensex closes 38 points down in volatile session; metal stocks crash
The Indian stock markets key indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed in the red in a volatile session on Monday after the government announced a slew of fiscal measures on the weekend to ease inflationary pressure. The 30 stock S&P BSE Sensex closed 37.78 points or 0.07 per cent down at 54,288.61 points against its previous session’s close at 54,326.39 points.
PM Modi’s address to Indian diaspora in Japan: Key quotes
Here are some of PM Modi’s key quotes from his address to the Indian community in Japan:
- ‘It is going to be 70 years of India- Japan diplomatic relations. India & Japan are natural partners. Japan has played an important role in India’s growth & development.
- Our relationship with Japan is one of strength, respect & common resolve for the world. Our relationship with Japan is that of Buddha, of knowledge, of meditation.
- World needs to follow the path shown by Buddha to save humanity from challenges like violence, anarchy, terrorism, climate change.
- India is leading the climate change negotiations. From declaring the target of becoming Net-Zero till 2070 to initiating the International Solar Alliance, India is serious about working on green future.
- 40% of the digital transactions that happen across the world are from India’
IMD issues orange alert for Himachal, Uttarakhand & J-K
- In the hills like Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand and J&K we have kept an orange level warning because the convection is higher today,” Senior Scientist RK Jenamani told ANI.
- An orange alert is issued when there is isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall consecutively for three days.
- Earlier, there has been snowfall in the higher region like Dhauladhar and others.
India and Japan are natural partners, PM Modi in Tokyo.
- India and Japan are natural partners, PM Narendra Modi tells Indian community in Tokyo.
- Japan has played important role in India’s development journey: Modi
- World needs to follow path shown by Buddha to save humanity from challenges like violence, anarchy, terrorism, climate change: PM
DCW raises alarm
Some MCD schools are “horror houses where students & teachers are extremely unsafe”, DCW says after inspection.
Will increase investment support
The signing of IIA would lead to enhanced investment support provided by US International Development Finance Corporation in India
Strengthening partnership
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and CEO of US International Development Finance Corporation, Scott Nathan sign the India-USA Investment Incentive Agreement
Ukrainian court sentences Russian soldier in first war crimes trial
- Ukrainian court sentences Russian soldier to life in prison in first war crimes trial since invasion.
- Captured soldier Sgt Vadim Shishimarin was convicted of killing Oleksandr Shelipov, 62, in the north-eastern village of Chupakhivka on 28 February.
- He admitted shooting Mr Shelipov but said he had been acting on orders and asked forgiveness of his widow.
- Multiple other alleged war crimes are being investigated by Ukraine.
Zelenskyy calls for more sanctions on Russia and more funds
- We need at least $5 billion per month of funding: Zelenskyy
- Sanctions need to go further to stop Russia’s aggression, including an oil embargo, all of its banks blocked and cutting off trade with Russia completely, he said
- If aggressors lose everything, countries would lose motivation to start wars, says Zelenskyy
- There should be no trade with Russia, world needs to set a precedent, he said.
Varanasi court reserves order, verdict to be pronounced tomorrow
The hearing was completed & the decision has been kept reserved. The next date of hearing will be given. We had given an application to provide us with CD and photographs of the report submitted by the commission,” says Advocate Vishnu Jain, representing the Hindu side
Delhi: 8 people injured as buildings collapsed following heavy rains, storm
- Houses collapsed in Jawalpuri, Gokalpuri, Shankar road and Moti Nagar areas.
- Not just buildings, visuals emerged of trees uprooted in places like Lodhi Gardens.
- This also caused traffic snarls on various stretches of the capital city including ITO, DND and near AIIMS.
- According to the fire department, three persons received minor injuries after a house collapsed in west Delhi’s Jawalpuri.
- The trio are being treated at the Sanjay Gandhi Hospital.
Kashi Vishwanath temple – Gyanvapi mosque case hearing
Hearing of the arguments complete, Varanasi court reserves the decision until tomorrow
Hyundai launches GRAND i10 NIOS Corporate Edition at Rs 6.28 lakh
- Powered by 1.2 litre petrol engine, the new model trim comes with both manual and automatic powertrains.
- The five-speed manual variant is priced at Rs 6.28 lakh while the automated manual transmission (AMT) is tagged at Rs 6.97 lakh.
- Based on the Magna trim, the Corporate Edition comes with all black interiors with red colour inserts (Seats, AC Vents and Gear Boot) and other features like 17.14 cm touch screen infotainment with navigation through smartphone mirroring.
- It also comes with electric folding ORVM with LED turn indicator on outside mirror as standar
Russia lays terms for return to negotiations
Russian deputy foreign minister says Moscow will be ready to return to negotiations with Kyiv when Ukraine demonstrates ‘a constructive response’ : IFAX
Gyanvapi hearing begins in Varanasi Court
ECB exit from negative interest rates ‘likely’ by end of Q3: Lagarde
- “Based on the current outlook, we are likely to be in a position to exit negative interest rates by the end of the third quarter,” Lagarde said.
- The ECB’s deposit rate is currently -0.5%, meaning banks are charged to park cash at the central bank.
- “If we see inflation stabilising at 2% over the medium term, a progressive further normalisation of interest rates towards the neutral rate will be appropriate,” Lagarde added.
WHO’s Tedros says the covid-19 pandemic is far from over
- Tedros says it’s clear that the world was and remains unprepared for pandemic
Jet Airways appoints four new senior executives
- Prabh Sharan Singh has been appointed as Chief Digital Officer
- HR Jagannath, Vice President – Engineering
- Mark Turner: Vice President – Inflight Product and Services
- Vishesh Khanna: Vice President – Sales, Distribution, and Customer Engagement
Biden announces economic bloc with 12 Asia-Pacific nations to counter China
- President Biden will begin an economic bloc with a dozen Asia-Pacific nations meant to counter China and reassert U.S. influence in the region.
- The signatories joining the US in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework are Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Along with the United States, they represent 40% of world GDP.
- The countries said in a joint statement that the pact will help them collectively “prepare our economies for the future” following disruptions from the coronavirus pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- The alliance comes five years after Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership
Hope to start broadband internet service on SpiceJet aircraft soon: CMD
- SpiceJet will induct more Boeing 737 Max aircraft over the next few months and it hopes to start broadband internet service on its planes soon, CMD Ajay Singh said.
- In his email to employees on the 17th anniversary of the airline, Singh said the carrier continues to fly with the highest loads month after month and expects to soar even higher in the coming months.
Plan to launch operations by July: Akasa Air
On track to receive first 737 Max plane by mid-June, launch commercial ops by July: Akasa Air
RBI wants to raise rates in next few meetings, at least in the next meeting: RBI Governor
- Will bring down liquidity in a calibrated and phased manner, says RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das
- Broadly, RBI wants to raise rates in next few meetings, at least in the next meeting, adds Governor
- One of the reasons for ‘out of turn’ action, was to avoid a steep hike in June
- We can also take other actions in intervening period before October
- Liquidity will normalise over 2-3 years, Das said.
- Will not allow runaway depreciation of Rupee
- RBI will use all instruments to ensure orderly trend in the yield curve, he said.
- On fiscal deficit he said he is hopeful that government will maintain the fiscal deficit target
- We will be able to manage the current account deficit very comfortably this year,” he said, noting that India’s exports have remained robust.
- “Import is sustaining at higher prices which means that the domestic demand is reviving,” he added.
- Inflation projection will be realistically given in next MPC meet in June
- Private consumption has become positive, said Das
Oil at $110 per barrel pose ‘bigger threats’ than inflation: Hardeep Puri
- “If oil prices remain at $110 (per barrel) you are not just talking about inflation, then you’re talking about bigger threats. You know, that’s where the R (recession) word comes in,” Puri said.
- “And if the global economy goes in that direction, everyone, including the oil producers, everyone will have to face the consequences then inflation,” he said.
India set to be leader in green hydrogen: Hardeep Puri
- India is more conscious of going for green energy than any other country in the world, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said in Davos.
- He said special emphasis is being given on green hydrogen, biofuel blending and exploration and production of biofuel from alternative sources.
- Puri asserted that India would eventually become a leader in the green hydrogen space.
- The target of 20 per cent of ethanol blending has been brought forward from 2030 to 2025 and it would be definitely achieved, he said.
Gurugram issues work-from-home advisory to private offices due to heavy rain
Gurugram administration issues advisory for privates offices and companies urging them to work from home on May 23 to avoid congestion and traffic jams on city road. Most parts of the city are facing waterlogging and traffic jams.
India set to continue radical reforms: Kant
- “A slew of radical reforms has been carried out by India in the recent years that have put India on a growth trajectory for many decades to come”., Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said in Davos.
- Startup India movement has seen the number of startups in the country rising from double-digits to tens of thousands now and the emergence of unicorns even at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic has been phenomenal, he said
AstraZeneca says COVID shot approved in EU as booster
- AstraZeneca said its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, has been approved in the EU by the region’s medical regulator as a third-dose booster in adults following a panel recommendation last week.
Tata Power, Tata Motors to install 7 MWP solar rooftop project In Pune
Project to generate 23 million units of electricity
No possibility of 4th COVID-19 wave in current situation: Maha health minister
- Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said nearly 200 to 250 cases were being reported in the state everyday and there was not much increase in these numbers.
- “The COVID-19 recovery rate is very good and Maharashtra has seen very good vaccination results. Hence, I feel that in the present situation, there is no possibility of a fourth wave (of the viral infection),” the minister said.
- On Sunday, Maharashtra reported 326 COVID-19 cases, while the death toll stood at 1,47,856 as no fresh fatality was recorded.
US President Joe Biden Recession in US not inevitable, says economy has ‘problems
- US President Joe Biden Recession in US not inevitable, says economy has ‘problems,’ but ‘less consequential than the rest of the world’
- US would respond militarily if China invades Taiwan, says ‘that’s the commitment we made.
- Biden says China is ‘flirting with danger’ over Taiwan
- “We remain committed to supporting peace & stability in Taiwan Strait. The US stands firmly with Japan and other nations not to let that happen,” he said.
- Biden says ‘considering’ lifting some China trade tariffs
- Russia must pay ‘long-term price’ for Ukraine invasion: Biden
- Biden says 13 countries to join new Asia-Pacific trade framework
- Biden also supports Japan becoming permanent member of the UN Security Council
- Japan, US to monitor Chinese naval activity, China-Russia exercises: Kishida
- Biden says 13 countries to join new Asia-Pacific trade framework
Delhi flights update
At least 19 flights have been diverted to Jaipur, Lucknow, Indore, Amritsar, and Mumbai: Delhi airport
Beijing urges millions to keep working from home as COVID cases rise
- Capital sees biggest daily caseload in month-old outbreak
- Shanghai lines up new tests, curbs ahead of June 1 lockdown lift
- Beijing authorities extended work-from-home guidance for many of its 22 million residents to stem a persistent COVID-19 outbreak, while Shanghai deployed more testing and curbs to hold on to its hard-won ‘zero COVID’ status after two months of lockdown.
- Beijing reported 99 new cases, up from 61 the previous day – the largest daily tally so far during a month-old outbreak.
- In Shanghai fewer than 600 daily cases were reported for May 22, with none outside quarantined areas, as there has been the case for much of the past week.
- Shanghai and elsewhere in China are leaving behind significant economic damage and disruption to global supply chains and international trade.
Weather forecast for the next few days
- By day after tomorrow, the weather will start clearing up. The temperature will start rising but heatwave will not make a comeback for at least 4-5 days”: Mahesh Palawat (@Mpalawat), vice president, Skymet Weather, on Delhi Rains
- These are first strong and intense pre-monsoon showers over Delhi-NCR: Skymet
- Delhi recorded 17.2 degree minimum temperature today on May 23. its lowest during decade for May. Record is of 15.2 degree on May 2nd in 1982.
- IMD predicted the rain and thunderstorm to continue in Delhi NCR for the next two hours.
Global Covid caseload tops 525.5 million
- The deaths have surged to more than 6.27 million and vaccinations to over 11.44 billion, according to the Johns Hopkins University.
- The current global caseload and the death toll stood at 525,577,051 and 6,277,152, respectively.
- The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 83,281,329 and 1,002,173, respectively.
- India accounts for the second highest caseload at 43,136,371.
- The nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are Brazil (665,854), India (524,413), Russia (370,721), Mexico (324,617).
OMCs stocks fall sharply, Auto stocks jump after excise cut
- OMCs stocks fall sharply after Government reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel & gave subsidy of Rs 200 on gas cylinders
- OIl India, IGL, HPCL Down 2.5% in early trade
- Gail, Gujarat Gas slip around 1.5%
- Auto stocks up: Maruti rises 3%; Hero up 2.4%; TVS & Eicher gain over 1%
Weather Update
- Heavy rainfall causes waterlogging and traffic congestion in different parts of Delhi and Gurugram
- As per Delhi Airport website, over 40 departure flights delayed; around 18 arrival flights to Delhi airport delayed due to bad weather and other related issues as of now. Two flights cancelled.
- Power cuts in parts of Delhi & Noida
Indian equity and currency markets open higher
- Sensex jumps 310.91 points to 54,637.30 in early trade; Nifty climbs 83.35 points to 16,349.50
- Rupee also appreciated 4 paise to 77.66 against US dollar in early trade.
Covid-19 India cases
- India reports 2,022 fresh cases, 2,099 recoveries, and 46 deaths in the last 24 hours
- Total active cases are 14,832. Daily positivity rate 0.69%
PM Modi arrives in Japan to attend Quad summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Japan on a two-day visit to attend a summit of the Quad leaders which is aimed at further bolstering cooperation among the member nations of the influential grouping and discussing developments in the Indo-Pacific region.
PM Modi hails ASHA workers for ensuring healthy India
Congratulating all ASHA workers for bagging WHO Director-General’s Global Health Leaders’ Award, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that they are at the forefront of the campaign to ensure a healthy India.
Haryana: Several parts of Gurugram face waterlogging
Singapore tourism numbers soar, Indians visitors ranked first
Singapore tourism numbers have been climbing since it re-opened its borders to foreign visitors earlier this year with Indians making the largest number of visitors by country of origin. The island city-state now accepts all fully vaccinated travellers from around the world without any need for testing or quarantine.
Heavy rain, thunderstorm hit Delhi, flight operations affected
Flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport were affected as several parts of the national capital and the NCR received heavy rain with thunderstorm. The airport authorities have requested the passengers to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information.
Third possible case of monkeypox found in the US
Health authorities said they may have found a third case of the monkeypox virus in the United States and are running tests on a patient in South Florida to confirm if the person has contracted the disease, which is staging a rare outbreak outside of Africa.
Biden to lay out in Japan who’s joining new Asia trade pact
Biden is set to launch a new Indo-Pacific trade pact designed to signal US dedication to the region and address the need for stability in commerce after the chaos caused by the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
China’s Covid report
Mainland China reported 869 new coronavirus cases on May 22, of which 187 were symptomatic and 682 were asymptomatic.
US, 6 others say they support APEC after Russian invasion protest
Representatives of seven nations, including those who walked out of an Asia-Pacific trade ministers meeting in Bangkok to protest Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, said they support the organization and host nation Thailand.
Argentina reports first suspected case of monkeypox
Argentina’s health ministry said it had detected a suspected case of monkeypox in Buenos Aires, amid growing global alarm over rising cases in Europe and elsewhere of the viral infection more common to west and central Africa.
Delhi: Strong winds and rain lash parts of National Capital
Anthony Albanese sworn in as Australia’s new Prime Minister, reports AFP
Australia’s Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese was sworn in as the country’s new prime minister before flying out to attend an international summit in Tokyo.
