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New Delhi, Apr 13 (PTI) India's drug regulator has granted permission for restricted emergency use of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V with certain conditions, the Union Health Ministry announced on Tuesday, while stating that Dr Reddy's Laboratories will import the vaccine for use in the country.

The approval by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) paves the way for a third vaccine to be available in the country.

12 Apr 2021; MEMO: Dubai has signed an agreement with General Motors Co's majority-owned Cruise self-driving car subsidiary to operate its autonomous vehicles in Dubai starting in 2023, Reuters reported the emirate's crown prince announcing today.

Mumbai, Apr 12 (PTI) The rupee opened on a weak note and fell below the 75 per US dollar level in early trade on Monday amid lacklustre opening in domestic equities ahead of the release of key macro-economic data.

Moreover, rising crude oil prices, foreign fund outflows, spiking COVID-19 cases and heavy selling in domestic equities weighed on the domestic currency.

New Delhi, Apr 12 (PTI) Investors' wealth tumbled by Rs 6,86,708.74 crore in morning trade on Monday following massive losses in the equity market as sentiments remained muted amid increasing COVID-19 cases in the country.

The 30-share BSE benchmark index plunged 1,479.15 points to 48,112.17 in morning trade.

Tracking losses in equities, the market capitalization of BSE-listed companies eroded by Rs 6,86,708.74 crore to Rs 2,02,76,533.13 crore.

Dubai, Apr 12 (AP-PTI) Dubai is parting with a longstanding requirement that restaurants be covered by curtains in the daytime during Ramadan to shield the sight of food from people fasting.

The move, announced Sunday by the city-state's Economic Development Department, is the latest change aimed at boosting tourism in the autocratically ruled Muslim nation.

Restaurants will be allowed to serve customers without putting in place curtains, dividers or facades as has been the mandatory practice previously, the state-run WAM news agency said.

11 Apr 2021; MEMO: US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Jerusalem today amid nuclear deal negotiations with Iran, The New Arab reported.

The two-day visit comes as President Joe Biden's administration starts talks to rejoin the nuclear deal with Iran that was scrapped by former US President Donald Trump; a move that was applauded by Israel, who have always opposed the 2015 nuclear deal.

11 Apr 2021; MEMO: Senior leader of the Houthis in Yemen Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi on Friday proposed a five-term initiative to mend the rift between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt regarding the Renaissance Dam crisis, Rai Al- Youm reported.

11 Apr 2021; MEMO: The head of the Libyan National Unity Government will visit Turkey on Monday for talks, a government spokesperson told Anadolu Agency late Saturday.

Mohammed Hammude said a high-level delegation led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah will include five deputy prime ministers and 14 ministers, as well as the Prime Minister of the General Staff Gen. Mohammed Al-Haddad along with other officials.

New Delhi, Apr 11 (PTI) Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have withdrawn a net Rs 929 crore from Indian markets so far this month amid concerns over rising COVID-19 cases denting the economic recovery.

The reversal of buying trend came after FPIs invested Rs 17,304 crore in March, Rs 23,663 crore in February and Rs 14,649 crore in January.

Ghaziabad, Apr (PTI) Farmers protesting against the Centre's farm laws blocked both sides of the Eastern Peripheral Expressway near Dasna town here on Saturday.

The call for a 24-hour blockade was given by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of farmer unions spearheading the agitation.

The blockade started at 8 am and will last 24 hours till Sunday morning.