The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said only B.1.617.2, one of the three strains of the B.1.617 COVID-19 variant first detected in India, is a variant of concern now and noted that lower rates of transmission have been observed for the other two lineages.

The B.1.617 variant was first detected in India and was divided in three lineages - B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.3.

A US-based organisation, which was established by an Odia woman, donated nearly Rs 50 lakh to the Odisha Chief Minister's relief fund to support the state in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic, an official release said.

'Our Biswas', which is managed by Joyasree Mahanti, has been working for women empowerment in different parts of Odisha since 2008, the release said.

Gold price on Wednesday rose to Rs 46,900 for 10 gm from Rs 46,700 and silver was at Rs 72,600 per kg, according to Good Returns website.

Gold jewellery price varies across India, the second-largest consumer of the metal, due to excise duty, state taxes, and making changes.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Tuesday issued directions on the usage of the new COVID-19 drug 2-DG.

The DRDO said that patients with uncontrolled diabetes, severe cardiac problem, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), severe hepatic and renal impairment should be cautious before taking this medicine. The drug can be given to patients under the care and prescription of doctors, DRDO said.

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), has permitted contributors to withdraw a non-refundable COVID-19 advance from their savings. This is the second time it has allowed such a relief measure due to the ongoing pandemic, the Labour Ministry said in a statement.

Members who have already availed the first COVID-19 advance can now opt for a second advance also.

Bajaj Auto on Tuesday reported 114 per cent growth in its total vehicle sales at 2,71,862 units in May compared to the same month last year.

The company had sold 1,27,128 vehicles in May last year, Bajaj Auto said in a statement.

India reported 1,27,510 new infections in 24 hours -- its lowest in 50 days, as 2,795 more succumbed to the pandemic, the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry said on Tuesday.

This is the least number of fresh infection reported after April 8, when India recorded 1,31,968 cases while on April 7, India witnessed 1,26,789 fresh cases.

Delhi will allow liquor delivery at homes through mobile apps or websites under the amended excise rules, seeking to boost its revenues as it eases a weeks-long lockdown to contain Covid-19.

According to the Delhi Excise (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which was published in a gazette notification on Monday, holders of a licence called L-13 will be allowed to deliver liquor at the doorstep of people.

Upset over yoga guru Ramdev's remarks on allopathy, members of the Federation of Resident Doctors Associations (FORDA) launched a protest in Delhi on Tuesday as part of a nationwide stir, seeking an open apology from him or action against him, FORDA officials said.

Issuing a call for protest on May 29, FORDA had emphasised that healthcare services will not be hampered due to the stir.

MG Motor India on Tuesday reported sales of 1,016 units in May 2021 impacted by lockdown imposed to curb the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic along with production constraints due to diversion of oxygen for medical use.

The retail business was severely impacted as almost all markets remained closed during the lockdown for most part of the month of May 2021, the company said in a statement.

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