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ICMR chief suggests 3-point plan for unlocking, low positivity rate, vaccination, Covid-appropriate behaviour

While briefing the Covid situation in India, the ICMR chief Dr Balram Bhargava on Wednesday said lockdowns imposed by state governments to break the chain of transmission have to be lifted very gradually, very slowly to avoid Covid third wave.

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As the states planning to begin unlocking Covid restriction, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) director general Dr Balram Bharagava on Tuesday listed out the three conditions on which unlock decisions should be taken.

While briefing the Covid situation in India, the ICMR chief Dr Balram Bhargava on Wednesday said lockdowns imposed by state governments to break the chain of transmission have to be lifted very gradually, very slowly to avoid Covid third wave.

Speaking at a health ministry bulletin, Dr Bhargava suggested a three-point plan – focusing on a low positivity rate, vaccination and Covid-appropriate behaviour – to help states identify areas where the lockdown can be lifted. He said that increased testing and containment measures at the district level are not a sustainable solution and hence a mechanism is needed to unlock systematically.

He said re-opening revolves around three pillars – weekly positivity below 5%, at least 70% vaccination of vulnerable sections (elderly and 45+ with co-morbidities), and community-ownership of Covid-appropriate behaviour.

During the briefing, the head of India’s Covid-19 task force, Dr VK Paul also clarified that there will be no mixing of Covid-19 vaccine doses in India until enough scientific evidence on its effectiveness is gathered. It also clarified that there is no change in its SOP for vaccination, and all beneficiaries will get two doses of Covishield and Covaxin.

Several states including Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have begun the unlock process as nearly half of India’s districts are now reporting a seven-day positivity rate of less than 5 per cent. Last week Delhi extended its lockdown till June 7 but allowed manufacturing and construction businesses to resume work with conditions. The positivity rate in the city is below two per cent.

As the number of daily new cases continue to decrease – from a high over four lakh in 24 hours on May 7 and May 9 to around 1.32 lakh on Wednesday – focus has also shifted to vaccination, with the centre facing questions from experts and the Supreme Court over the availability of doses.

Dr Bhargava said the centre hoped to have around one crore vaccine doses available per day by mid-July, or early-August. He said the centre expected to have vaccinated the country by end-2021.

Read Also: BJP’s central leadership in Uttar Pradesh to review Covid handling before 2022 polls

Though, the Supreme Court flagged various flaws in the centre’s vaccination policy, including availability and pricing and asked to respond within two weeks.

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PM Modi marks Operation Sindoor anniversary, calls it India’s firm stand against terrorism

PM Modi said Operation Sindoor showcased India’s firm response against terrorism while paying tribute to the armed forces on the operation’s first anniversary.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s firm response against terrorism and highlighted the country’s commitment to national security.

Marking one year of the operation, the Prime Minister praised the courage, precision and professionalism of the Indian armed forces. He said the military action was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that had claimed the lives of 26 civilians in 2025.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as a calibrated tri-services operation targeting terror infrastructure linked to cross-border terrorism. Reports said the operation showcased coordinated action by the armed forces and was seen as a major counter-terror response by India.

On the anniversary of the operation, PM Modi also changed the display pictures across his social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The image carried the text “Operation Sindoor” along with the Indian tricolour design.

The Indian Air Force also shared visuals and messages recalling the operation and highlighting India’s military response. A video released by the force described the operation as a strong message against terrorism and referred to the precision strikes carried out during the mission.

Operation Sindoor was launched following the Pahalgam terror attack, after which India carried out strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, according to official statements and reports published at the time.

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Vijay meets Tamil Nadu Governor again as TVK pushes to prove majority

TVK chief Vijay held another meeting with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as the party intensified efforts to secure majority support after emerging as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections.

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Actor-turned-politician Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar again on Thursday as his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), continued efforts to prove it has enough support to form the next government in the state.

TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly after winning 108 seats, but it remains short of the majority mark of 118.

The Congress has extended support to TVK, adding five MLAs to Vijay’s side. However, the alliance still needs additional backing from other parties or independents to comfortably cross the halfway mark.

According to reports, the Governor has not yet been fully convinced that TVK currently has the required numbers to form a stable government. This has delayed clarity over the swearing-in ceremony and the formal invitation to form the government.

Political activity intensified after reports emerged that some AIADMK legislators were moved to a resort in Puducherry amid speculation over possible support to TVK. AIADMK leaders, however, publicly denied any internal crisis.

TVK sources have expressed confidence that the party will be able to demonstrate majority support during discussions with the Governor.

The Tamil Nadu election results marked a major political shift in the state, with TVK breaking the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in its first Assembly election contest.

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PM Modi changes social media profile pictures to mark Operation Sindoor anniversary

PM Modi changed his social media profile pictures to commemorate one year of Operation Sindoor, with several NDA leaders following the move.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday updated the display pictures of his social media accounts to mark the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor. The new image was seen across his profiles on X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp channels.

The updated profile picture carries the text “Operation Sindoor” on a black background along with elements of the Indian tricolour. One of the letters in the word “Sindoor” has been stylised using vermilion, commonly associated with married Hindu women.

Operation Sindoor was launched a year ago by Indian defence forces and the Border Security Force along the western border. The anniversary was also marked by several Union ministers and NDA leaders, who changed their social media profile pictures in a similar manner.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other senior leaders were among those who adopted the commemorative display image on social media platforms, according to reports.

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