TOP 10 news @ 7 AM

This year, the World Day Against Child Labour focuses on the need to protect children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The International Labour Organisation has warned that as seen during past epidemics, children already engaged in labour and others from vulnerable sections are at a greater risk of being exploited. Meanwhile, the historic Jama Masjid will be closed for congregational namaz with immediate effect till June 30 in view of critical COVID-19 conditions in New Delhi. This and more read all the top national stories at a glance.

1. World Day Against Child Labour: Protecting our kids amidst global pandemic

This year, the World Day Against Child Labour focuses on the need to protect children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The International Labour Organisation has warned that as seen during past epidemics, children already engaged in labour and others from vulnerable sections are at a greater risk of being exploited.

2. Jama Masjid closed till June 30 due to 'critical' COVID-19 situation in Delhi: Shahi Imam

Syed Ahmed Bukhari, Shahi Imam of the historic Jama Masjid has said that the mosque will be closed for congregational namaz with immediate effect till June 30 in view of "critical" conditions in the city due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. The development comes after the Shahi Imam's secretary Amanullah died due to the novel coronavirus at the Safdarjung Hospital on Tuesday night.

3. ‘Smoke on the water, fire in the sky’, inferno blazes for third day in Assam’s Baghjan

The 16-day old gas leak at an OIL rig in eastern Assam has developed into a huge fire now that has scorched everything that has come its way. Two firefighters have lost their lives while about six people have been injured. About 8,000 people have been evacuated to 12 shelters.

4. Vande Bharat Mission: Cancer patient in Singapore united with her mother in Trichy

A cancer patient in Singapore was united with her mother in Trichy through the Vande Bharat Mission. The Indian High Commission in Singapore took to Twitter to reveal the news thanking Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Bala, Air India Express, among others.

5. Fire breaks out at chemical godown in Delhi's Swaroop Nagar

A major fire broke out at a chemical godown in northwest Delhi's Swaroop Nagar on Thursday evening. A call about the blaze was received around 7.40 pm and 16 fire tenders were rushed to the spot.

6. India asks UK not to consider any request for asylum by Vijay Mallya

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava has said that Indian govt has asked the UK not to consider any request for asylum by fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya as there appeared to be no ground for his persecution in the country.

7. Increase in number of containment zones needs immediate attention: Dr Harsh Vardhan

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan said that prompt action must be taken to increase the number of COVID-19 containment zones in order to arrest the spread of the deadly virus. This comes after a few states reported a spike in the number of coronavirus cases.

8. Babri masjid demolition case: Court records statements of 2 more accused

A special CBI court recorded statements of two more accused in the Babri masjid demolition case, including BJP MP Lallu Singh, allowing them to explain away prosecution evidence against them over their roles in razing the structure. The court also directed the remaining of 32 accused to furnish their addresses as it mulled over the possibility of recording their statements through video conferences.

9. CAIT launches mask, glass as part of 'Indian Goods- Our Pride' campaign to boycott Chinese goods

In the first phase of its initiative to boycott China, CAIT made a list of 3,000 items that are currently imported from China and can be easily replaced by goods manufactured in the country. CAIT has decided to boycott finished goods imported from China in the first phase.

10. Rahul Gandhi, former US diplomat Nicholas Burns to discuss global fallout of COVID-19 pandemic

Congress MP and former party chief Rahul Gandhi will be holding an interactive session with former US diplomat Nicholas Burns on Friday to discuss “How the Covid-19 crisis is reshaping the world order”.