India administered over 2 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses today, says Health Ministry

Rajasthan: Max.200 people will be allowed at weddings. Regular classes for std 6-8 from 20th Sept and for std 1-5 from 27th Sept with 50% strength. Cinema halls/theaters/multiplexes allowed with 100% capacity from 9 am-10 pm; only those who took at least 1st dose of vaccine allowed

Rajasthan: Max.200 people will be allowed at weddings

Regular classes for std 6-8 from 20th Sept & for std 1-5 from 27th Sept with 50% strength

Cinema halls/theaters/multiplexes allowed with 100% capacity from 9 am-10 pm; only those who took at least 1st dose of vaccine allowed pic.twitter.com/Zb7mFDVilY

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2021

UN Secretary-General appoints Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi as new Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocate ahead of the start of the 76th UN General Assembly. (ANI)

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee approaches Delhi High Court challenging Enforcement Directorate summons. In his petition, he seeks the Court's direction to setting aside and quashing the summons under Sec 50 of PMLA. 

The petition further seeks issuance of direction to ED to not summon Abhishek Banerjee and Rujira Banerjee in New Delhi and carry out any further examination of them in Kolkata, West Bengal. (ANI)

We should not be disheartened. I believe that a time will come when not only Article 370 and Article 35A (will be reinstated) but the Government will be compelled to say that they did wrong and they will ask that what more do we want for J&K: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti in Rajouri 

We should not be disheartened. I believe that a time will come when not only Article 370 and Article 35A (will be reinstated) but the Government will be compelled to say that they did wrong and they will ask that what more do we want for J&K: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti in Rajouri pic.twitter.com/QDknbCTVyY

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2021

The concessional GST rates on Corona-related medicines have been extended till December 31st, 2021: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman after 45th GST Council meeting, in Lucknow (ANI)

Delhi's Rohini Court grants anticipatory bail to gangster-turned-activist Lakhbir Singh alias Lakha Sidhana, in connection with a Republic Day violence case. (ANI)

Over 2 crore doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to people in the country so far today. 

Over 2 Cr doses of the COVID vaccine have been administered to people in the country so far today. pic.twitter.com/MKQOUaAiyS

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2021

All countries have been victims of terrorism, so together we should ensure that the land of Afghanistan is not used to spread terrorism in any country. SCO Member Nations should develop strict norms over this issue: PM Modi at SCO-CSTO Outreach Summit on Afghanistan (ANI)

Neighbouring nations like us have been mostly affected by the chain of events that are taking place in Afghanistan. So, regional focus and regional cooperation are very important in this context: PM Narendra Modi at SCO-CSTO Outreach Summit on Afghanistan (ANI)

PM Modi will interact with healthcare workers and beneficiaries of the COVID19 vaccination programme in Goa on 18th September via video conferencing: Prime Minister's Office (PMO) (ANI input)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends via video conference the signing ceremony at SCO Summit being held in Tajikistan. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends via video conference the signing ceremony at SCO Summit being held in Tajikistan pic.twitter.com/xUCwXeysEA

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2021

1 billion (including both single-dose and double doses) COVID-19 vaccinations expected before mid-October: Sources (ANI)

Supreme Court dismisses a plea challenging the Kerala government's decision to hold class XI exams physically, amid rising COVID-19 cases. A Bench headed by Justice AM Khanwilkar said it was convinced with the explanation offered by the state government. (ANI)

Congress constitutes Screening Committee for forthcoming UP polls - Jitendra Singh to be the chairman, Deepender S Hooda & Varsha Gaikwad members. Gen Secy in-charge Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, party's UP chief Ajay Lallu, CLP leader Aradhana Misra Mona to be the ex-officio members.

Congress constitutes Screening Committee for forthcoming UP polls - Jitendra Singh to be the chairman, Deepender S Hooda & Varsha Gaikwad members.

Gen Secy in-charge Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, party's UP chief Ajay Lallu, CLP leader Aradhana Misra Mona to be the ex-officio members. pic.twitter.com/3Ihff6PnLN

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2021

India: NITI Aayog on Friday partnered with BYJU`S to provide school-going children in 112 districts across the country free access to the edtech company`s learning programmes.

"Technology has played a key role in helping ensure continuity and a lot of classrooms have moved to an online format. In many ways, this has catalysed the development of innovations in the education space and it is imperative for us to reimagine education and keep pace with these innovations," NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said in a statement. (IANS)

World: Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa too extended his greetings to Modi. "Warm wishes to my good friend, Prime Minister @narendramodi, as you step into another year of your life. I wish you strength, success and the best of health as you steer #India out of these difficult times," Mahinda tweeted.

World: Sri Lanka's top leadership and Nepal's Premier Sher Bahadur Deuba on Friday extended their greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 71st birthday, wishing him good health and success in leading the country.

"My heartfelt wishes to Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi on his birthday! May good health & strength accompany you in the journey through these difficult times," Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa tweeted.

New Delhi: Massive traffic jams hit parts of the national capital, including Lutyens' Delhi and ITO, on Friday amid a protest march organised by members of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) against the Centre's farm laws.

The Delhi Traffic Police alerted commuters about closure of specific roads and suggested diversions to avoid any inconvenience. It said most of the calls regarding traffic jam came from New Delhi, Dhaula Kuan, ITO, Vikas Marg, Delhi Gate, Karol Bagh areas. ITO stretch is heavily choked by the vehicles. There was also traffic at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital roundabout. (PTI)

New Delhi: The Delhi government has asked all private construction sites to follow its 14-point guidelines to prevent dust pollution in the city, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Friday. The government had conducted a review meeting with all state-run agencies engaged in construction work in Delhi and they were told to submit their action plan to prevent dust pollution by September 21.

New Delhi: "Leaders of Shiromani Akali Dal have been detained and are being taken to Sansad Marg Police Station," said Delhi Police. They were taking out a protest march in the national capital on the completion of one year of Centre's three farm laws. (ANI)

Lucknow: UP CM Yogi Adityanath distributes tool kits to 21,000 beneficiaries under 'Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana' and financial assistance to 11,000 beneficiaries of 'Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana' on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti.

Lucknow | UP CM Yogi Adityanath distributes tool kits to 21,000 beneficiaries under 'Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana' and financial assistance to 11,000 beneficiaries of 'Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana' on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti. pic.twitter.com/MwomVvIPSZ

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 17, 2021

New Delhi: BJP National President JP Nadda launches 'Seva Aur Samarpan Abhiyan' at BJP headquarter, on the occasion of PM Narendra Modi's 71st birthday. 

Delhi: BJP National President JP Nadda launches 'Seva Aur Samarpan Abhiyan' at BJP headquarter, on the occasion of PM Narendra Modi's 71st birthday pic.twitter.com/FUHRfSqCs9

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2021

World: "Great power competition is intensifying & territorial tensions becoming more challenging in the South China Sea, Taiwan & elsewhere. Visibly a pacific military capability is proceeding with unprecedented rate," said Australian High Commission. 

"Australia is striving to attain inclusive regional order where the rights of all states are respected. We want to contribute strategic reassurance measures that ensure no one country believes they can advance their strategic ambitions to conflict," Australian High Commission further stated. 

"It’s not about provoking particular regime or power, but about ensuring whether we've capabilities that can contribute along with India & other countries to return to type of behavior that threatens peace & security in India-pacific today & in future," it added. (ANI)

New Delhi: "A number of farmers have died and many are still sitting at the state borders but this government (Centre) is indifferent. We will continue our fight until the three farm laws are repealed," said SAD leader and former Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal. 

Delhi | A number of farmers have died and many are still sitting at the state borders but this government (Centre) is indifferent. We will continue our fight until the three farm laws are repealed: SAD leader and former Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal pic.twitter.com/p64GeE4HFC

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2021

SCO Summit: "SCO should develop a shared template to fight radicalism and extremism," said PM Narendra Modi at the summit. 

SCO summit: "India is committed to increasing its connectivity with Central Asia. We believe that landlocked Central Asian countries can benefit immensely by connecting with India's vast market," said PM Modi at SCO Summit. 

"Any connectivity initiative cannot be one-way. To ensure mutual trust, connectivity projects should be consultative, transparent and participatory. There should be respect for the territorial integrity of all countries," PM added.

Any connectivity initiative cannot be one-way. To ensure mutual trust, connectivity projects should be consultative, transparent and participatory. There should be respect for the territorial integrity of all countries: PM Modi during SCO Summit pic.twitter.com/UJA3ZC9Q1Q

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2021

SCO summit: "20th anniversary of SCO is right time to think about future of SCO. The biggest challenges in this area are related to-peace, security& trust deficit, & root cause of these problems is increasing radicalisation. Recent developments in Afghanistan have made this challenge clear," said PM Modi. 

"We must encourage our talented youngsters towards science & rational thinking. We can bring our startups & entrepreneurs together to make the innovative spirit towards making India a stakeholder in an emerging technology," he added. 

SCO summit: "This year we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of SCO. I welcome Iran as a new member country of the SCO. I also welcome the three new dialogue partners - Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Qatar," said PM Modi at SCO Summit. 

This year we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of SCO. I welcome Iran as a new member country of the SCO. I also welcome the three new dialogue partners - Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Qatar: PM Modi addresses SCO Summit pic.twitter.com/96DBBa40jI

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2021

Odisha: Artist Priyanka Sahani creates 8 ft-long portrait of PM Narendra Modi using food grains, on his 71st birthday.

"India's an agricultural country, so I made this portrait using food grains to pay respects to PM. It also reflects Odisha's tradition of Pattachitra," she said. 

Odisha | Artist Priyanka Sahani creates 8 ft-long portrait of PM Narendra Modi using food grains, on his 71st birthday

"India's an agricultural country, so I made this portrait using food grains to pay respects to PM. It also reflects Odisha's tradition of Pattachitra," she says pic.twitter.com/dZhMFpIcfR

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2021

India: Union Minister Piyush Goyal participated in two day-long G20 Sherpas’ meeting on 15-16 Sept, virtually. The agenda of the meeting was to discuss and exchange views on the Draft Rome Declaration, which would be adopted by G20 Leaders at the Rome Summit on 30-31 October 2021. 

The main themes of the Declaration were health and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, sustainable development, environment, climate and energy, gender equality, education, labour, employment, tourism, culture and digital economy. (ANI)

New Delhi: Shiromani Akali Dal takes out a protest march from Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib to the Parliament building on the completion of one year of the Centre's three farm laws. 

Delhi: Shiromani Akali Dal takes out a protest march from Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib to the Parliament building on the completion of one year of the Centre's three farm laws pic.twitter.com/MV0x0ZTRur

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2021

Lucknow: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chairs the 45th meeting of the GST Council. 

Lucknow | Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chairs the 45th meeting of the GST Council pic.twitter.com/0cpbtlogov

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 17, 2021

New Delhi: "Protest march led by Shiromani Akali Dal from Gurudwara Rakab Ganj to Parliament to be held today, is not permitted in view of existing guidelines to prevent & control virus spread. Section 144 has been imposed in the New Delhi district," said Delhi Police. 

India: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari wished PM Narendra Modi on his birthday. 

आप स्वस्थ और दीर्घायु रहें और आप के नेतृत्व में आत्मनिर्भर भारत का सपना पूरा हो यही कामना है।#HappyBdayModiji

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) September 17, 2021

India: Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani wished PM Narendra Modi on his birthday. 

प्रतिबद्धता और शुचिता की प्रतिमूर्ति, व जनकल्याण के लिए अपना जीवन समर्पित करने वाले देश के यशस्वी PM @narendramodi जी को जन्मदिन की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं।

आपके नेतृत्व में देश निरंतर प्रगति की ओर अग्रसर है। आपकी दीर्घायु व उत्तम स्वास्थ्य के लिए प्रार्थना करती हूँ। #HappyBdayModiji

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) September 17, 2021

New Delhi: "Entry/exit for Pandit Shree Ram Sharma and Bahadurgarh City have been closed," tweets Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. 

Security Update

Entry/exit for Pandit Shree Ram Sharma and Bahadurgarh City have been closed.

— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation I कृपया मास्क पहनें (@OfficialDMRC) September 17, 2021

New Delhi: "Few people have gathered here for protest which is being organised by Shiromani Akali Dal. We are in talks with their leaders & have clearly informed that there is no permission to hold a protest," said Deepak Yadav, DCP, New Delhi dist. 

Delhi | Few people have gathered here for protest which is being organised by Shiromani Akali Dal. We are in talks with their leaders & have clearly informed that there is no permission to hold a protest: Deepak Yadav, DCP, *New Delhi dist

Visuals from near Gurudwara Rakab Ganj pic.twitter.com/zBDX5m8gEe

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2021

New Delhi: Security personnel deployed at Delhi's Shankar road area, in view of a protest march to be held by Shiromani Akali Dal, against Centre's three farm laws. 

Security personnel deployed at Delhi's Shankar road area, in view of a protest march to be held by Shiromani Akali Dal, against Centre's three farm laws pic.twitter.com/jqEKdsDs5y

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2021

New Delhi: Vehicular movement affected at Jhandewalan-Panchkuian road ahead of a protest led by Shiromani Akali Dal in the national capital. 

Delhi: Vehicular movement affected at Jhandewalan-Panchkuian road ahead of a protest led by Shiromani Akali Dal in the national capital pic.twitter.com/1lTcLK22OX

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2021

Mumbai: A major fire broke out at Mandala scrap market in Mumbai's eastern suburb of Mankhurd early on Friday, but there was no report of any injury, civic officials said. The blaze erupted around 4.15 am at the scrap market located on Veer Jijamata Bhosale Marg, they said.

At least 10 fire engines and water takers were sent to the spot, the officials said. Thick black smoke billowing into the sky was visible. (PTI)

SCO summit: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday met with his counterparts from Iran, Armenia and Uzbekistan and exchanged views on the recent developments in Afghanistan, confronting regional challenges and the ways to boost bilateral ties.

Jaishankar, who is in the Tajik capital to attend a key meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on the situation in Afghanistan after its takeover by the Taliban last month, in a tweet said he was "glad to meet" Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on the sidelines of the SCO meet in Dushanbe. "Discussed strengthening our bilateral relations and working together on regional challenges," he said.

Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh is witnessing its worst-ever monsoon mayhem that has thrown normal life completely out of gear. Heavy and incessant rains since the past 40 hours have led to 38 deaths so far.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied with thunderstorm and lightning is very likely at one or two places over Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Kanpur Nagar, Unnao, Lucknow, Barabanki, Rae Bareli, Amethi, Sultanpur, Ayodhya, Ambedkar Nagar, Firozabad, Etawah, Aurraiya, Bareilly, Pilibhit and adjoining areas, the MeT has said.

Various districts have recorded over 22 mm of rainfall while Lucknow has recorded 235 mm rainfall in the past 36 hours. (IANS)

India: Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday on Friday.

"Happy Birthday to visionary leader who made self reliant India: Reformative India: Resilient India: Resurgent India: Glorious India:Super strong leader who Made Mother India Proud Globally," the Governor tweeted on Thursday night. (PTI)

India: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 71st birthday, and said his efforts towards development of the country have been a source of inspiration.

"Warm Birthday wishes to Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji.I pray for his long & healthy life.Your exceptional, tireless efforts towards development of New India have been a source of inspiration for all of us.May the nation continue to progress under your dynamic leadership & vision," Sinha tweeted. (PTI)

India: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman wished PM Narendra Modi on his birthday.

Greetings to @PMOIndia @narendramodi on his birthday today. My prayers for his long and healthy life.

Dedication to Maa Bharati has guided his every step. Very reassuring to have such leadership at such challenging times.

Honoured to serve under his guidance.

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) September 17, 2021

India: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wished PM Narendra Modi on his 71st birthday.

अपने अब तक के कार्यकाल में प्रधानमंत्रीजी ने विकास और सुशासन के कई नए अध्याय लिखे हैं। भारत को सशक्त, समृद्ध और स्वाभिमानी देश के रूप में विकसित करने का उनका स्वप्न पूरा हो, उनके जन्मदिन पर यही शुभकामना है। ईश्वर उन्हें उत्तम स्वास्थ्य एवं लम्बी आयु प्रदान करें।

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 17, 2021

India: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wished PM Narendra Modi on his 71st birthday.

Happy birthday, Modi ji.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 17, 2021

India: Union Home Minister Amit Shah wished PM Narendra Modi on his birthday. 

Birthday greetings from the entire nation to India's Pradhan Sevak PM Shri @narendramodi!#HappyBdayModiji pic.twitter.com/775hqtBfLr

— BJP (@BJP4India) September 17, 2021

India: President Ram Nath Kovind wished PM Narendra Modi on his birthday. 

भारत के प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi को जन्मदिन की हार्दिक बधाई और शुभकामनाएं। मेरी शुभेच्‍छा है कि आप स्‍वस्‍थ रहें और दीर्घायु प्राप्‍त कर ‘अहर्निशं सेवामहे’ की अपनी सर्वविदित भावना के साथ राष्‍ट्र सेवा का कार्य करते रहें।

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 17, 2021

India: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu wished PM Narendra Modi on his birthday. 

प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेंद्रभाई मोदी को जन्मदिन की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं! राष्ट्र की सेवा में समर्पित आपके स्वस्थ, सुदीर्घ यशस्वी जीवन की कामना करता हूं। @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/WAtAooTnnG

— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) September 17, 2021