Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Sunday expressed hope that we should have "very significant control" over<a href="COVID-19"> COVID-19</a> by Diwali.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-75829-new-cases-indias-tally-crosses-65-lakh-mark-332396">Also Read:&nbsp;With 75,829 new cases, India’s tally crosses 65-lakh mark</a>

"...hopefully that in the next couple of months, maybe by Diwali time, we should have a very significant control over the coronavirus," Vardhan said.

Addressing the Nation First webinar series organised by Ananthkumar Foundation, he said experts like Dr Devi Prasad Shetty and Dr C N Manjnath will probably agree that after some time this will also become endemic like many other viruses which have come to the globe in the past.

"But, the virus has taught us a certain lesson, it has taught us there has to be a new normal and we need to be more diligent about, more cautious about our lifestyle...," he added.

Vardhan also expressed hope about having a vaccine against COVID-19 by the end of this year.

"We are not lagging behind anyone else in the whole world in our efforts to contribute towards the vaccine against COVID... In India we have about 7-8 vaccine candidates, three of them in the clinical trial phases and rest in the pre- clinical trials and by the end of this year we hope to be able to get a vaccine against COVID," he said.

The Minister said there was only one lab in February which has now increased to 1,583 nationwide, and out of this more than 1,000 are government labs.

The country is conducting about 1 million tests per day which is way ahead of the target, he said.

Noting that there is no more scarcity of PPE kits, ventilators and N95 masks in the country, Vardhan further said everyday five lakh PPE kits are produced in the country, while 10 manufacturers are producing N95 masks, and 25 producers are manufacturing ventilators.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Sunday expressed hope that we should have "very significant control" over COVID-19 by Diwali. Also Read: With 75,829 new cases, India’s tally crosses 65-lakh mark ".

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Sunday expressed hope that we should have "very significant control" over COVID-19 by Diwali. Also Read: With 75,829 new cases, India’s tally crosses 65-lakh mark "...hopefully that in the next couple of months, maybe by Diwali time, we should have a very significant control over the coronavirus," Vardhan said. Addressing the Nation First webinar series organised by Ananthkumar Foundation, he said experts like Dr Devi Prasad Shetty and Dr C N Manjnath will probably agree that after some time this will also become endemic like many other viruses which have come to the globe in the past. "But, the virus has taught us a certain lesson, it has taught us there has to be a new normal and we need to be more diligent about, more cautious about our lifestyle...," he added. Vardhan also expressed hope about having a vaccine against COVID-19 by the end of this year. "We are not lagging behind anyone else in the whole world in our efforts to contribute towards the vaccine against COVID... In India we have about 7-8 vaccine candidates, three of them in the clinical trial phases and rest in the pre- clinical trials and by the end of this year we hope to be able to get a vaccine against COVID," he said. The Minister said there was only one lab in February which has now increased to 1,583 nationwide, and out of this more than 1,000 are government labs. The country is conducting about 1 million tests per day which is way ahead of the target, he said. Noting that there is no more scarcity of PPE kits, ventilators and N95 masks in the country, Vardhan further said everyday five lakh PPE kits are produced in the country, while 10 manufacturers are producing N95 masks, and 25 producers are manufacturing ventilators.

Virus has taught us to be more cautious about our lifestyle: Harsh Vardhan

Trump's physician Sean Conley said that US president's oxygen levels had dropped twice briefly and he is being treated with steroids.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/doctors-say-president-donald-trump-is-doing-well-others-express-concern-332499/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-talks-of-real-test-ahead-in-his-fight-against-coronavirus-infection-332478">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump talks of 'real test' ahead in his fight against coronavirus infection</a>

"Since we spoke last, the president has continued to improve. As with any illness, there are frequent ups and downs over the course," Conley said. Trump's medical team said the US president could be discharged as early as Monday.

Dr. Brian Garibaldi said that the president completed a second dose of remdesivir and the first dose of dexamethasone on Friday. The medical team said Trump continues to improve and he is without fever and hasn't complained of shortness of breath.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-to-know-about-sean-conley-trumps-white-house-physician-332498">Also Read:&nbsp;What to know about Sean Conley, Trump's White House physician</a>

The medical team is continuing to monitor Trump's cardiac functions.

"Yesterday there was an episode when his oxygen dropped down to about 93 per cent," they added.

Trump's physician Sean Conley said that US president's oxygen levels had dropped twice briefly and he is being treated with steroids. Watch: Also Read: Trump talks of 'real test' ahead in his fight against coronavirus infection "Since we spoke last, the president has continued to improve.

Trump's physician Sean Conley said that US president's oxygen levels had dropped twice briefly and he is being treated with steroids. Watch: Also Read: Trump talks of 'real test' ahead in his fight against coronavirus infection "Since we spoke last, the president has continued to improve. As with any illness, there are frequent ups and downs over the course," Conley said. Trump's medical team said the US president could be discharged as early as Monday. Dr. Brian Garibaldi said that the president completed a second dose of remdesivir and the first dose of dexamethasone on Friday. The medical team said Trump continues to improve and he is without fever and hasn't complained of shortness of breath. Also Read: What to know about Sean Conley, Trump's White House physician The medical team is continuing to monitor Trump's cardiac functions. "Yesterday there was an episode when his oxygen dropped down to about 93 per cent," they added.

Trump's oxygen levels dropped twice, could be discharged Monday: Doctors

The South Pacific territory of New Caledonia chose to remain French on Sunday, narrowly rejecting independence in a tightly-fought referendum marked by a high turnout.

The vote rejecting a breakaway from France after almost 170 years came in at 53.26 percent, down from 56.7 percent in a referendum two years ago.

French President Emmanuel Macron -- who had said previously that "France would be less beautiful without New Caledonia" -- on Sunday said he was grateful to the archipelago's voters.

"I welcome this sign of confidence in the republic with a profound sense of gratitude," Macron said from his office.

He added that he also felt "humility" at the outcome which showed a clear progression of the pro-independence vote compared with the referendum in 2018.

Sunday's vote was part of a carefully negotiated decolonisation plan agreed in 1998 which ended a deadly conflict between the mostly pro-independence indigenous Kanak population and the descendants of European settlers.

That violence culminated in a bloody, drawn-out hostage crisis in 1988 that saw 19 separatists killed, along with six police and special forces personnel.

- 'Quite surprising' - 
Another referendum can be held by 2022 so long as the poll is requested by at least a third of the local legislature.

"We are going to get a third referendum," said Roch Wamytan, president of the pro-independence Congress party, as yes-voters celebrated their performance across the territory.

Macron said in his Sunday address that "we now have two years for dialogue and to imagine the future, and not just the institutional future."

Political observers had forecast a win for the no-vote, but few expected it to be so close.

"The results are quite surprising, with numbers showing real progress for the yes camp," said Pierre-Christophe Pantz, a New Caledonia-based geopolitics expert.

In the capital Noumea, a loyalist stronghold, the pro-independence vote added nearly four points to come in at 23.3 percent.

Overall turnout was 85.64 percent, more than four points higher than last time, as the prospect of a tight race brought voters out in droves, patiently awaiting their turn at polling stations.

"I waited 45 minutes. It's very important for me to vote," said retiree Germaine Le Demezet in Noumea.&nbsp;

"I have children and grandchildren here, the future needs to be clear and we need to know what's going to happen to us."

- 'We need to know' - 
New Caledonia has taken strict measures to keep coronavirus out of the territory, and with case numbers low, the referendum took place without masks and other measures.&nbsp;

New Caledonia, situated between Australia and Fiji and sometimes called "The Pebble", was seized by France in 1853 and is home to 270,000 people.

The economy's mainstays are the production of metals, especially nickel of which New Caledonia is a major global producer, as well as tourism and financial support from mainland France.

The French government, from more than 16,000 kilometres (10,000 miles) away, subsidises the territory with around 1.5 billion euros ($1.75 billion) every year, the equivalent of more than 15 percent of New Caledonia's gross domestic product.

The last colonies to gain independence from France were Djibouti in 1977 and Vanuatu in 1980.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex said in the run-up to the poll that he planned to talk to all the main actors after the referendum. 
&nbsp;

The South Pacific territory of New Caledonia chose to remain French on Sunday, narrowly rejecting independence in a tightly-fought referendum marked by a high turnout.

The South Pacific territory of New Caledonia chose to remain French on Sunday, narrowly rejecting independence in a tightly-fought referendum marked by a high turnout. The vote rejecting a breakaway from France after almost 170 years came in at 53.26 percent, down from 56.7 percent in a referendum two years ago. French President Emmanuel Macron -- who had said previously that "France would be less beautiful without New Caledonia" -- on Sunday said he was grateful to the archipelago's voters. "I welcome this sign of confidence in the republic with a profound sense of gratitude," Macron said from his office. He added that he also felt "humility" at the outcome which showed a clear progression of the pro-independence vote compared with the referendum in 2018. Sunday's vote was part of a carefully negotiated decolonisation plan agreed in 1998 which ended a deadly conflict between the mostly pro-independence indigenous Kanak population and the descendants of European settlers. That violence culminated in a bloody, drawn-out hostage crisis in 1988 that saw 19 separatists killed, along with six police and special forces personnel. - 'Quite surprising' - Another referendum can be held by 2022 so long as the poll is requested by at least a third of the local legislature. "We are going to get a third referendum," said Roch Wamytan, president of the pro-independence Congress party, as yes-voters celebrated their performance across the territory. Macron said in his Sunday address that "we now have two years for dialogue and to imagine the future, and not just the institutional future." Political observers had forecast a win for the no-vote, but few expected it to be so close. "The results are quite surprising, with numbers showing real progress for the yes camp," said Pierre-Christophe Pantz, a New Caledonia-based geopolitics expert. In the capital Noumea, a loyalist stronghold, the pro-independence vote added nearly four points to come in at 23.3 percent. Overall turnout was 85.64 percent, more than four points higher than last time, as the prospect of a tight race brought voters out in droves, patiently awaiting their turn at polling stations. "I waited 45 minutes. It's very important for me to vote," said retiree Germaine Le Demezet in Noumea. "I have children and grandchildren here, the future needs to be clear and we need to know what's going to happen to us." - 'We need to know' - New Caledonia has taken strict measures to keep coronavirus out of the territory, and with case numbers low, the referendum took place without masks and other measures. New Caledonia, situated between Australia and Fiji and sometimes called "The Pebble", was seized by France in 1853 and is home to 270,000 people. The economy's mainstays are the production of metals, especially nickel of which New Caledonia is a major global producer, as well as tourism and financial support from mainland France. The French government, from more than 16,000 kilometres (10,000 miles) away, subsidises the territory with around 1.5 billion euros ($1.75 billion) every year, the equivalent of more than 15 percent of New Caledonia's gross domestic product. The last colonies to gain independence from France were Djibouti in 1977 and Vanuatu in 1980. French Prime Minister Jean Castex said in the run-up to the poll that he planned to talk to all the main actors after the referendum.

New Caledonia rejects independence from France

France reported 16,972 coronavirus cases on Saturday with 49 fatalities as Paris braced for maximum coronavirus alert.

Watch:&nbsp;

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The number of hospitalizations in the country has risen to a 10-week high of 6,590 with the total number of cases at 563,535 which is the second-highest in Western Europe.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/woodrow-wilson-and-donald-trump-two-presidents-two-pandemics-and-two-lies-332426">Also Read: Woodrow Wilson and Donald Trump: Two Presidents, two pandemics and two lies</a>

The country had recorded 281,025 cases till end August but the number of cases has gone up substantially, worrying health experts and government authorities.

The death toll due to the virus has shot up to 31,956. Amid the growing number of cases the government has decided to tighten restrictions around the French capital with risk of complete closure of bars and cafes as health minister Olivier Veran declared "we'll have no choice".

The maximum alert protocol has already been raised in Aix-en-Provence, Marseille and the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe.

Amid the risk of complete closure of bars, Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo said, "it's not a done deal" although she acknowledged that the health situation was "very serious" even though the government said it would be focussing on entities which serve alcoholic drinks without food.

The government, however, has almost ruled out a complete lockdown which was imposed in the country from mid-March to mid-May.

France reported 16,972 coronavirus cases on Saturday with 49 fatalities as Paris braced for maximum coronavirus alert. Watch: The number of hospitalizations in the country has risen to a 10-week high of 6,590 with the total number of cases at 563,535 which is the second-highest in Western Europe.

France reported 16,972 coronavirus cases on Saturday with 49 fatalities as Paris braced for maximum coronavirus alert. Watch: The number of hospitalizations in the country has risen to a 10-week high of 6,590 with the total number of cases at 563,535 which is the second-highest in Western Europe. Also Read: Woodrow Wilson and Donald Trump: Two Presidents, two pandemics and two lies The country had recorded 281,025 cases till end August but the number of cases has gone up substantially, worrying health experts and government authorities. The death toll due to the virus has shot up to 31,956. Amid the growing number of cases the government has decided to tighten restrictions around the French capital with risk of complete closure of bars and cafes as health minister Olivier Veran declared "we'll have no choice". The maximum alert protocol has already been raised in Aix-en-Provence, Marseille and the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe. Amid the risk of complete closure of bars, Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo said, "it's not a done deal" although she acknowledged that the health situation was "very serious" even though the government said it would be focussing on entities which serve alcoholic drinks without food. The government, however, has almost ruled out a complete lockdown which was imposed in the country from mid-March to mid-May.

Paris braces for maximum COVID-19 alert level amid rising cases

As President Donald Trump remains hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after testing positive for the coronavirus, one doctor is at the center of his treatment: Sean Conley, the White House physician.

Watch:

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Stepping out of the hospital with a team of doctors behind him Saturday, Conley gave an optimistic update on Trump’s condition at a news conference. He said the president was “doing very well” and in “exceptionally good spirits” after spending Friday night at the hospital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-talks-of-real-test-ahead-in-his-fight-against-coronavirus-infection-332478">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump talks of 'real test' ahead in his fight against coronavirus infection</a>

The news conference put a national spotlight on Conley, who offered a distinctly different outlook from what Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, told reporters later.

Here’s what we know about Conley.

He became the president’s physician two years ago. 

Conley took on the role of White House physician in 2018 after Dr. Ronny Jackson was nominated to be secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Jackson withdrew his name from consideration for that post amid accusations of inappropriate workplace behavior and was subsequently promoted by Trump to the position of assistant to the president and chief White House medical adviser. He is now running for a House seat in Texas.

In March 2018, Conley was named acting White House physician, and he was officially appointed to the position by Trump in May 2018.

He specializes in osteopathic medicine. 

Conley graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2006, according to records from the Virginia Board of Medicine. Doctors of osteopathic medicine tend to emphasize community medicine and preventive care, take a more holistic approach to medicine and rely heavily on physical diagnosis compared with traditional doctors of medicine.

Conley, who received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame, has served as an emergency doctor for the US Navy since 2006.

A native of Pennsylvania, Conley completed his residency at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, in 2013. After his residency, Conley served as chief of trauma for the NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit in Afghanistan.

He served as director of the medical center’s Combat Trauma Research Group for a little over two years.

He supported Trump&nbsp;taking hydroxychloroquine. 

In May, Conley gained attention after revealing that Trump had started taking hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug, while under his care.

Many experts have questioned drug’s effectiveness in treating, preventing or curing COVID-19 despite claims from Trump.

The Food and Drug Administration warned in April that it should be used only in clinical trials or in hospitals. The agency also said the drug could cause dangerous heart rhythm problems.

In a letter in May discussing Trump’s use of hydroxychloroquine, Conley said he and the president had “concluded the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks.”

At the news conference Saturday, Conley told reporters that Trump was not taking hydroxychloroquine.

“We discussed it,” Conley said. “He asked about it. He’s not on it now.”

As President Donald Trump remains hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after testing positive for the coronavirus, one doctor is at the center of his treatment: Sean Conley, the White House physician.

As President Donald Trump remains hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after testing positive for the coronavirus, one doctor is at the center of his treatment: Sean Conley, the White House physician. Watch: Stepping out of the hospital with a team of doctors behind him Saturday, Conley gave an optimistic update on Trump’s condition at a news conference. He said the president was “doing very well” and in “exceptionally good spirits” after spending Friday night at the hospital. Also Read: Trump talks of 'real test' ahead in his fight against coronavirus infection The news conference put a national spotlight on Conley, who offered a distinctly different outlook from what Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, told reporters later. Here’s what we know about Conley. He became the president’s physician two years ago. Conley took on the role of White House physician in 2018 after Dr. Ronny Jackson was nominated to be secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Jackson withdrew his name from consideration for that post amid accusations of inappropriate workplace behavior and was subsequently promoted by Trump to the position of assistant to the president and chief White House medical adviser. He is now running for a House seat in Texas. In March 2018, Conley was named acting White House physician, and he was officially appointed to the position by Trump in May 2018. He specializes in osteopathic medicine. Conley graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2006, according to records from the Virginia Board of Medicine. Doctors of osteopathic medicine tend to emphasize community medicine and preventive care, take a more holistic approach to medicine and rely heavily on physical diagnosis compared with traditional doctors of medicine. Conley, who received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame, has served as an emergency doctor for the US Navy since 2006. A native of Pennsylvania, Conley completed his residency at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, in 2013. After his residency, Conley served as chief of trauma for the NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit in Afghanistan. He served as director of the medical center’s Combat Trauma Research Group for a little over two years. He supported Trump taking hydroxychloroquine. In May, Conley gained attention after revealing that Trump had started taking hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug, while under his care. Many experts have questioned drug’s effectiveness in treating, preventing or curing COVID-19 despite claims from Trump. The Food and Drug Administration warned in April that it should be used only in clinical trials or in hospitals. The agency also said the drug could cause dangerous heart rhythm problems. In a letter in May discussing Trump’s use of hydroxychloroquine, Conley said he and the president had “concluded the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks.” At the news conference Saturday, Conley told reporters that Trump was not taking hydroxychloroquine. “We discussed it,” Conley said. “He asked about it. He’s not on it now.”

What to know about Sean Conley, Trump's White House physician

Belarus police used water cannon against demonstrators over disputed election with several people detained.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-canada-impose-sanctions-on-belarus-president-alexander-lukashenko-331194">Read:&nbsp;UK, Canada impose sanctions on Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko</a>

Reports said protesters were not just detained in capital Minsk but in other places as well including Vitebsk and Gomel as police termed it an illegal gathering.

Watch:&nbsp;

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The clashes come after the United States imposed sanctions on eight Belarusian officials as street protests continue posing the biggest challenge to Lukashenko's 26-year rule.

Amid the crisis, Lukashenko spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin as the Kremlin said: "the problems that have arisen will soon be resolved".

Belarus foreign ministry spokesman Anatoly Glaz said, "We are imposing visa sanctions against the most biased representatives of European institutions, including the European Parliament and the states - EU members," after EU sanctions were announced.

The foreign ministry has also withdrawn the accreditation of all foreign journalists in the country as the situation in the country continues to deteriorate although it claimed that it was not trying to "cleanse" the news reporting field.

At least 13,000 people have been arrested so far amid protests with several Opposition leaders either jailed or exiled even as &nbsp;Lukashenko accused Western countries of supporting protesters and trying to destabilise the country.

Belarus police used water cannon against demonstrators over disputed election with several people detained. Read: UK, Canada impose sanctions on Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko Reports said protesters were not just detained in capital Minsk but in other places as well including Vitebsk and Gomel as police termed it an illegal gathering.

Belarus police used water cannon against demonstrators over disputed election with several people detained. Read: UK, Canada impose sanctions on Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko Reports said protesters were not just detained in capital Minsk but in other places as well including Vitebsk and Gomel as police termed it an illegal gathering. Watch: The clashes come after the United States imposed sanctions on eight Belarusian officials as street protests continue posing the biggest challenge to Lukashenko's 26-year rule. Amid the crisis, Lukashenko spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin as the Kremlin said: "the problems that have arisen will soon be resolved". Belarus foreign ministry spokesman Anatoly Glaz said, "We are imposing visa sanctions against the most biased representatives of European institutions, including the European Parliament and the states - EU members," after EU sanctions were announced. The foreign ministry has also withdrawn the accreditation of all foreign journalists in the country as the situation in the country continues to deteriorate although it claimed that it was not trying to "cleanse" the news reporting field. At least 13,000 people have been arrested so far amid protests with several Opposition leaders either jailed or exiled even as Lukashenko accused Western countries of supporting protesters and trying to destabilise the country.

Belarus police use water cannon in Minsk amid anti-Lukashenko protests

India and Bangladesh Navy took part in a bilateral exercise in the Bay of Bengal on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-historic-first-two-women-officers-to-operate-helicopters-from-indian-navy-warships-329187">Also Read:&nbsp;In historic first, two women officers to operate helicopters from Indian Navy warships&nbsp;</a>

Indian Navy ships Kiltan, Khukri and Bangladesh Navy ships Abu Bakr, Prottoy&nbsp;&amp; MPA undertook manoeuvres, surface drills, helo operations and seamanship evolutions.

IN &amp; BN ships will undertake the third edition of Coordinated Patrol CORPAT along IMBL on October 4 and 5.

The edition of Bongosagar and IN-BN CORPAT is significant in view of Mujib Barsho, 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.&nbsp;

In September, India Navy had conducted exercises with the Russian naval forces in the Bay of Bengal. Indian and Russian naval forces had carried out several drills including surface and anti-aircraft drills, helicopter operations, manoeuvres and cross-deck flying as part of the exercise.

The Russian navy had deployed its destroyer Admiral Vinogradov, destroyer Admiral Tributs and fleet tanker Boris Butoma of the Pacific Fleet based at Vladivostok. The Indian Navy on its part deployed guided-missile destroyer Ranvijay and fleet tanker Shakti along with helicopters. 
&nbsp; 
India's naval drill in the Bay of Bengal assumes particular significance given the tense situation at the LAC where tensions between Indian and Chinese troops has been festering for several months now ever since the Galwan Valley clash on June 15. 
&nbsp;

India and Bangladesh Navy took part in a bilateral exercise in the Bay of Bengal on Saturday. Also Read: In historic first, two women officers to operate helicopters from Indian Navy warships Indian Navy ships Kiltan, Khukri and Bangladesh Navy ships Abu Bakr, Prottoy & MPA undertook manoeuvres, surface drills, helo operations and seamanship evolutions.

India and Bangladesh Navy took part in a bilateral exercise in the Bay of Bengal on Saturday. Also Read: In historic first, two women officers to operate helicopters from Indian Navy warships Indian Navy ships Kiltan, Khukri and Bangladesh Navy ships Abu Bakr, Prottoy & MPA undertook manoeuvres, surface drills, helo operations and seamanship evolutions. IN & BN ships will undertake the third edition of Coordinated Patrol CORPAT along IMBL on October 4 and 5. The edition of Bongosagar and IN-BN CORPAT is significant in view of Mujib Barsho, 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In September, India Navy had conducted exercises with the Russian naval forces in the Bay of Bengal. Indian and Russian naval forces had carried out several drills including surface and anti-aircraft drills, helicopter operations, manoeuvres and cross-deck flying as part of the exercise. The Russian navy had deployed its destroyer Admiral Vinogradov, destroyer Admiral Tributs and fleet tanker Boris Butoma of the Pacific Fleet based at Vladivostok. The Indian Navy on its part deployed guided-missile destroyer Ranvijay and fleet tanker Shakti along with helicopters. India's naval drill in the Bay of Bengal assumes particular significance given the tense situation at the LAC where tensions between Indian and Chinese troops has been festering for several months now ever since the Galwan Valley clash on June 15.

India, Bangladesh conduct naval exercise in Bay of Bengal

Just hours after it was announced that US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-wife-melania-test-positive-for-coronavirus-world-leaders-wish-speedy-recovery-331890">Donald Trump </a>and First Lady Melania had contacted coronavirus, Vice-President Mike Pence office said that he and the Second Lady Karen Pence had tested negative for COVID-19.&nbsp;

"Vice President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-tests-negative-for-coronavirus-set-on-campaign-trail-332106">Pence</a> remains in good health and wishes the Trumps well in their recovery," the statement said.

Watch:

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China hopes US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and his wife Melania will soon recover after testing positive for the coronavirus, a foreign ministry spokesperson told Reuters on Friday.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Melania Trump said she was "feeling good" and "hoping for speedy recovery".

Trump could temporarily hand over power to his vice president should he become incapacitated. Under Section 3 of the US Constitution's 25th Amendment, adopted in 1967 following the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963, Trump could declare in writing his inability to discharge his duties as US President. Pence would then assume charge as "acting president".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/internet-explodes-with-memes-after-trump-who-called-covid-19-a-hoax-tests-positive-331985">Also Read:&nbsp;Internet explodes with memes after Trump, who called COVID-19 a 'hoax', tests positive</a>

Trump would regain his powers by declaring in writing again that he is again ready to discharge his duties.

There is also a historical precedent for such a move although only for a short period of times. On June 29, 2002, the then President George W. Bush invoked Section 3, temporarily transferring his powers to Vice President Dick Cheney before undergoing a colonoscopy. Cheney was acting president from 7:09 a.m. to 9:24 a.m. George W. Bush invoked Section 3 once again before another colonoscopy. Cheney was acting president from 7:16 a.m. to 9:21 a.m.

However, Section 4 of the US Constitution is much tougher under which the vice president and a majority of either Cabinet officials or “such other body as Congress may by law provide” can inform leaders in the two houses of Congress that the president “is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office”.

In such a case, the vice president takes over as acting president.

Just hours after it was announced that US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania had contacted coronavirus, Vice-President Mike Pence office said that he and the Second Lady Karen Pence had tested negative for COVID-19.

Just hours after it was announced that US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania had contacted coronavirus, Vice-President Mike Pence office said that he and the Second Lady Karen Pence had tested negative for COVID-19. "Vice President Pence remains in good health and wishes the Trumps well in their recovery," the statement said. Watch: China hopes US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania will soon recover after testing positive for the coronavirus, a foreign ministry spokesperson told Reuters on Friday. Meanwhile, Melania Trump said she was "feeling good" and "hoping for speedy recovery". Trump could temporarily hand over power to his vice president should he become incapacitated. Under Section 3 of the US Constitution's 25th Amendment, adopted in 1967 following the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963, Trump could declare in writing his inability to discharge his duties as US President. Pence would then assume charge as "acting president". Also Read: Internet explodes with memes after Trump, who called COVID-19 a 'hoax', tests positive Trump would regain his powers by declaring in writing again that he is again ready to discharge his duties. There is also a historical precedent for such a move although only for a short period of times. On June 29, 2002, the then President George W. Bush invoked Section 3, temporarily transferring his powers to Vice President Dick Cheney before undergoing a colonoscopy. Cheney was acting president from 7:09 a.m. to 9:24 a.m. George W. Bush invoked Section 3 once again before another colonoscopy. Cheney was acting president from 7:16 a.m. to 9:21 a.m. However, Section 4 of the US Constitution is much tougher under which the vice president and a majority of either Cabinet officials or “such other body as Congress may by law provide” can inform leaders in the two houses of Congress that the president “is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office”. In such a case, the vice president takes over as acting president.

Trump tests positive: US Vice President Mike Pence tests negative for coronavirus

Trump's doctor White House physician Sean Conley said that he was doing 'very well' in hospital after the US president was detected with coronavirus on Friday. Watch: The President is not in any support system, Conley asserted while adding, "the president has been fever free for over 24 hours.

Trump's doctor White House physician Sean Conley said that he was doing 'very well' in hospital after the US president was detected with coronavirus on Friday. Watch: The President is not in any support system, Conley asserted while adding, "the president has been fever free for over 24 hours." Dr Sean Conley clarified his comments about the timeline saying he incorrectly used the term "72 hour" and said Trump was diagnosed on Thursday and received Regeron's antibody cocktail on Friday. Also Read | Trump having 'trouble breathing' at hospital: Report Trump was admitted at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Saturday as a precaution after the White House announced on Friday that both he and the First Lady Melania Trump had contracted the virus. Doctors, Nurses and ALL at the GREAT Walter Reed Medical Center, and others from likewise incredible institutions who have joined them, are AMAZING!!!Tremendous progress has been made over the last 6 months in fighting this PLAGUE. With their help, I am feeling well! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 3, 2020 × President Trump's oxygen saturation level is at 96 per cent, Dr Conley said while informing that the US president wasn't receiving any extra oxygen and wasn't experiencing any breathing problem. Going welI, I think! Thank you to all. LOVE!!! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 3, 2020 × Also Read: Here's a list of Trump WH, campaign staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 "He had a cough, fever and felt run down," Conley added. Trump's doctor said that all indications are "he will remain off of oxygen going forward." "We are monitoring him closely for any complication-his cardiac function, liver and kidney are functioning well. He is walking around, is in good spirit," Trump's physician said.

Trump not in any support system, experiencing no breathing problem: Doctor

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s vital signs Saturday were concerning as doctors mounted an aggressive effort to treat him and he was not out of danger, a person close to the situation said, even as the coronavirus infected an ever-widening swath of the president’s aides and&nbsp;allies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-not-in-any-support-system-experiencing-no-breathing-problem-doctor-332321">Also Read: Trump experiencing no breathing problem, says Doctor</a>

While doctors maintained during a televised briefing that Trump was “doing very well” after a night at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, they refused to provide critical details and left open the impression that the president was known to be sick a day earlier than previously reported.

Shortly after the upbeat briefing by the doctors, a person familiar with the president’s health gave a more sober assessment to reporters at Walter Reed on the condition of anonymity.

“The president’s vitals over the last 24 hours were very concerning, and the next 48 hours will be critical in terms of his care,” this person said. “We’re still not on a clear path to a full recovery.”

Two people close to the White House said in separate interviews with The New York Times that the president had trouble breathing Friday and that his oxygen level dropped, prompting his doctors to give him supplemental oxygen while at the White House and decide to transfer him to Walter Reed where he could be monitored with better equipment and treated more rapidly in case of trouble.

Dr. Sean P. Conley, the White House physician, told reporters outside Walter Reed that the president was not currently on supplemental oxygen Saturday but repeatedly declined to say definitively whether he had ever been on oxygen.

“None at this moment and yesterday with the team, while we were all here, he was not on oxygen,” he said, seeming to suggest that there was a period Friday when he was.

Conley likewise seemed to suggest that the president was first diagnosed with the virus Wednesday rather than Thursday night when Trump disclosed that he had tested positive on Twitter. While describing what he said was the president’s progress, he said Trump was “just 72 hours into the diagnosis now,” which would mean midday Wednesday.

Asked about that, Conley did not clarify but said that Thursday afternoon “we repeated testing and, given clinical indications, had a little bit more concern.” Late that night, he said “we got the PCR confirmation that he was” positive. Trump attended campaign events on both Wednesday night and Thursday, which would be after the point 72 hours earlier.

The confusion came from a briefing where Conley and his team offered a relentlessly positive assessment of Trump’s condition.

“This morning the president is doing very well,” Conley said. “At this time, the team and I are extremely happy with the progress the president has made.”

The doctors said Trump had been free of fever for 24 hours and had blood pressure and heart rates that were normal for him. Asked why he moved Trump to the hospital, Conley said, “Because he’s the president of the United States.”

Dr. Sean N. Dooley, another physician treating the president, said Trump was feeling optimistic.

“He’s in exceptionally good spirits,” Dooley said. He added that the president told his doctors, “I feel like I could walk out of here today.”

The outbreak claimed a third Republican senator Saturday as Ron Johnson of Wisconsin reported testing positive as did former Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey. Other Republicans close to Trump were being tested and awaiting results as the weekend opened. In the course of barely 24 hours, the president, his wife, his campaign manager, his party chairperson, his senior adviser, his former counselor and now three Republican senators have all tested positive for the virus, along with several reporters.

The White House medical unit was investigating Trump’s announcement of his nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court last weekend as a likely source of the virus’s spread. More than a half-dozen people who attended the event Sept. 26 or were with the president on Air Force One flying to a campaign rally in Pennsylvania later in the evening have now tested positive.

While the ceremony itself was outdoors in the Rose Garden, most of the people in attendance other than reporters were not wearing masks or keeping socially distant. A number of people also joined Trump and Barrett inside the White House for a reception, again without masks and in some cases shaking hands and hugging without evident regard for the dangers of the virus.

With the election just 31 days away, White House officials sought Saturday to project as much of a business-as-usual image as possible, insisting that the president can govern the country from his hospital bed and that there was no need to transfer power to Vice President Mike Pence. Even as doctors hovered over Trump, his staff Friday night issued a report on his buy-American drive and announced some minor appointments. On Saturday morning, the White House announced that the president had signed two bills appointing members to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

Trump has been suffering from a cough, congestion, fatigue and a fever, according to people informed about his condition, and some of the symptoms worsened as Friday progressed, including the drop in oxygen level that alarmed the president. Plans for him to convalesce at the White House were abruptly scrubbed in favor of sending him to the hospital for what officials said would be a few days.

One reason, according to an administration official, was that it would be better for the president to leave while he could still walk on his own power to the helicopter rather than risk getting sicker and having the politically damaging image of needing assistance to be transported to the hospital later.

Once at Walter Reed, the president’s breathing improved, according to the people knowledgeable about his situation. In a tweet just before midnight Friday, Trump gave a positive but vague update.

“Going well, I think!” he wrote. “Thank you to all. LOVE!!!”

Conley afterward released a statement reporting that Trump was “doing very well” and “not requiring supplemental oxygen.” The doctor said that the president had “completed his first dose” of remdesivir and was “resting comfortably.”

The use of remdesivir came after a variety of other treatments were administered at the White House on Friday before the president was flown to Walter Reed. Trump received a single 8-gram dose of polyclonal antibody combination, an experimental treatment that the White House obtained special permission to try, as well as zinc, vitamin D, an anti-heartburn medicine called famotidine, melatonin and aspirin.

Melania Trump, the first lady, who also is sick, remained at the White House while the rest of the president’s family members have tested negative but were being retested to confirm those results since it can take some time before the virus is detectable.

“Thanks to all those who so lovingly have reached out about @realDonaldTrump and the rest of the family,” Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, wrote on Twitter on Saturday morning. “It truly means a lot to us. I tested negative so I’ll give it a few more days out of and abundance of caution and test again and if I’m clear I’ll be back to work asap.”

Among those who tested positive Saturday was Christie, who helped Trump prepare for his campaign debate Tuesday.

“I just received word that I am positive for COVID-19,” Christie wrote on Twitter. He added: “I will be receiving medical attention today and will keep the necessary folks apprised of my condition.”

Two of the three senators who have now tested positive for the virus, Mike Lee of Utah and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, were at the Barrett announcement and serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee that will consider her nomination, further complicating a confirmation drive that was already testing speed limits and a razor-thin majority to get done before the election, as Trump has insisted.

Johnson was not at the event because he was quarantining from a previous exposure to someone with the virus. He emerged from 14 days of quarantine after testing negative and returned to Washington on Tuesday, his office said, but attended lunch with other Senate Republicans that put him in the same room with Lee and Tillis. He was tested again Friday.

“This test came back positive,” Ben Voelkel, a spokesperson for the senator, said in a statement. “Senator Johnson feels healthy and is not experiencing symptoms. He will remain isolated until given the all-clear by his doctor.”

If all three Republicans were unable to vote, then Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the majority leader, would not have enough support to force through confirmation of Barrett. Because two moderate Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, have already indicated that they oppose installing a new justice before the election, that would leave McConnell with 48 Republicans to 49 Democrats and the two dissenting Republicans.

But Republican leaders vowed to push ahead with the confirmation on the hope that the infected senators would not get sick and therefore be able to return in time for a preelection vote. One option being discussed was holding the Judiciary Committee vote in the Senate chamber with the infected senators perched in the galleries overlooking the floor, far from their colleagues.

The president’s illness forced him off the campaign trail with just a month until the Nov. 3 election. Trump’s events have been canceled, as have those of his immediate family for the moment while they confirm negative test results, leaving it to Pence, who has tested negative for the virus, to pick up the burden of the contest against former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee.

The Trump campaign announced Saturday that Pence would host an unspecified campaign event Thursday in Peoria, Arizona.

“Joe Biden has turned his back on Arizonans by advocating for the far-left’s agenda of harsh regulations and high taxes,” the statement said.

Biden has said he is praying for Trump’s speedy recovery, and his campaign has taken down negative television advertisements assailing the president’s handling of the coronavirus crisis that has killed more than 208,000 people in the United States so far. But the candidate was not backing off his own campaign schedule.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s vital signs Saturday were concerning as doctors mounted an aggressive effort to treat him and he was not out of danger, a person close to the situation said, even as the coronavirus infected an ever-widening swath of the president’s aides and allies.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s vital signs Saturday were concerning as doctors mounted an aggressive effort to treat him and he was not out of danger, a person close to the situation said, even as the coronavirus infected an ever-widening swath of the president’s aides and allies. Also Read: Trump experiencing no breathing problem, says Doctor While doctors maintained during a televised briefing that Trump was “doing very well” after a night at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, they refused to provide critical details and left open the impression that the president was known to be sick a day earlier than previously reported. Shortly after the upbeat briefing by the doctors, a person familiar with the president’s health gave a more sober assessment to reporters at Walter Reed on the condition of anonymity. “The president’s vitals over the last 24 hours were very concerning, and the next 48 hours will be critical in terms of his care,” this person said. “We’re still not on a clear path to a full recovery.” Two people close to the White House said in separate interviews with The New York Times that the president had trouble breathing Friday and that his oxygen level dropped, prompting his doctors to give him supplemental oxygen while at the White House and decide to transfer him to Walter Reed where he could be monitored with better equipment and treated more rapidly in case of trouble. Dr. Sean P. Conley, the White House physician, told reporters outside Walter Reed that the president was not currently on supplemental oxygen Saturday but repeatedly declined to say definitively whether he had ever been on oxygen. “None at this moment and yesterday with the team, while we were all here, he was not on oxygen,” he said, seeming to suggest that there was a period Friday when he was. Conley likewise seemed to suggest that the president was first diagnosed with the virus Wednesday rather than Thursday night when Trump disclosed that he had tested positive on Twitter. While describing what he said was the president’s progress, he said Trump was “just 72 hours into the diagnosis now,” which would mean midday Wednesday. Asked about that, Conley did not clarify but said that Thursday afternoon “we repeated testing and, given clinical indications, had a little bit more concern.” Late that night, he said “we got the PCR confirmation that he was” positive. Trump attended campaign events on both Wednesday night and Thursday, which would be after the point 72 hours earlier. The confusion came from a briefing where Conley and his team offered a relentlessly positive assessment of Trump’s condition. “This morning the president is doing very well,” Conley said. “At this time, the team and I are extremely happy with the progress the president has made.” The doctors said Trump had been free of fever for 24 hours and had blood pressure and heart rates that were normal for him. Asked why he moved Trump to the hospital, Conley said, “Because he’s the president of the United States.” Dr. Sean N. Dooley, another physician treating the president, said Trump was feeling optimistic. “He’s in exceptionally good spirits,” Dooley said. He added that the president told his doctors, “I feel like I could walk out of here today.” The outbreak claimed a third Republican senator Saturday as Ron Johnson of Wisconsin reported testing positive as did former Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey. Other Republicans close to Trump were being tested and awaiting results as the weekend opened. In the course of barely 24 hours, the president, his wife, his campaign manager, his party chairperson, his senior adviser, his former counselor and now three Republican senators have all tested positive for the virus, along with several reporters. The White House medical unit was investigating Trump’s announcement of his nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court last weekend as a likely source of the virus’s spread. More than a half-dozen people who attended the event Sept. 26 or were with the president on Air Force One flying to a campaign rally in Pennsylvania later in the evening have now tested positive. While the ceremony itself was outdoors in the Rose Garden, most of the people in attendance other than reporters were not wearing masks or keeping socially distant. A number of people also joined Trump and Barrett inside the White House for a reception, again without masks and in some cases shaking hands and hugging without evident regard for the dangers of the virus. With the election just 31 days away, White House officials sought Saturday to project as much of a business-as-usual image as possible, insisting that the president can govern the country from his hospital bed and that there was no need to transfer power to Vice President Mike Pence. Even as doctors hovered over Trump, his staff Friday night issued a report on his buy-American drive and announced some minor appointments. On Saturday morning, the White House announced that the president had signed two bills appointing members to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. Trump has been suffering from a cough, congestion, fatigue and a fever, according to people informed about his condition, and some of the symptoms worsened as Friday progressed, including the drop in oxygen level that alarmed the president. Plans for him to convalesce at the White House were abruptly scrubbed in favor of sending him to the hospital for what officials said would be a few days. One reason, according to an administration official, was that it would be better for the president to leave while he could still walk on his own power to the helicopter rather than risk getting sicker and having the politically damaging image of needing assistance to be transported to the hospital later. Once at Walter Reed, the president’s breathing improved, according to the people knowledgeable about his situation. In a tweet just before midnight Friday, Trump gave a positive but vague update. “Going well, I think!” he wrote. “Thank you to all. LOVE!!!” Conley afterward released a statement reporting that Trump was “doing very well” and “not requiring supplemental oxygen.” The doctor said that the president had “completed his first dose” of remdesivir and was “resting comfortably.” The use of remdesivir came after a variety of other treatments were administered at the White House on Friday before the president was flown to Walter Reed. Trump received a single 8-gram dose of polyclonal antibody combination, an experimental treatment that the White House obtained special permission to try, as well as zinc, vitamin D, an anti-heartburn medicine called famotidine, melatonin and aspirin. Melania Trump, the first lady, who also is sick, remained at the White House while the rest of the president’s family members have tested negative but were being retested to confirm those results since it can take some time before the virus is detectable. “Thanks to all those who so lovingly have reached out about @realDonaldTrump and the rest of the family,” Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, wrote on Twitter on Saturday morning. “It truly means a lot to us. I tested negative so I’ll give it a few more days out of and abundance of caution and test again and if I’m clear I’ll be back to work asap.” Among those who tested positive Saturday was Christie, who helped Trump prepare for his campaign debate Tuesday. “I just received word that I am positive for COVID-19,” Christie wrote on Twitter. He added: “I will be receiving medical attention today and will keep the necessary folks apprised of my condition.” Two of the three senators who have now tested positive for the virus, Mike Lee of Utah and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, were at the Barrett announcement and serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee that will consider her nomination, further complicating a confirmation drive that was already testing speed limits and a razor-thin majority to get done before the election, as Trump has insisted. Johnson was not at the event because he was quarantining from a previous exposure to someone with the virus. He emerged from 14 days of quarantine after testing negative and returned to Washington on Tuesday, his office said, but attended lunch with other Senate Republicans that put him in the same room with Lee and Tillis. He was tested again Friday. “This test came back positive,” Ben Voelkel, a spokesperson for the senator, said in a statement. “Senator Johnson feels healthy and is not experiencing symptoms. He will remain isolated until given the all-clear by his doctor.” If all three Republicans were unable to vote, then Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the majority leader, would not have enough support to force through confirmation of Barrett. Because two moderate Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, have already indicated that they oppose installing a new justice before the election, that would leave McConnell with 48 Republicans to 49 Democrats and the two dissenting Republicans. But Republican leaders vowed to push ahead with the confirmation on the hope that the infected senators would not get sick and therefore be able to return in time for a preelection vote. One option being discussed was holding the Judiciary Committee vote in the Senate chamber with the infected senators perched in the galleries overlooking the floor, far from their colleagues. The president’s illness forced him off the campaign trail with just a month until the Nov. 3 election. Trump’s events have been canceled, as have those of his immediate family for the moment while they confirm negative test results, leaving it to Pence, who has tested negative for the virus, to pick up the burden of the contest against former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee. The Trump campaign announced Saturday that Pence would host an unspecified campaign event Thursday in Peoria, Arizona. “Joe Biden has turned his back on Arizonans by advocating for the far-left’s agenda of harsh regulations and high taxes,” the statement said. Biden has said he is praying for Trump’s speedy recovery, and his campaign has taken down negative television advertisements assailing the president’s handling of the coronavirus crisis that has killed more than 208,000 people in the United States so far. But the candidate was not backing off his own campaign schedule.

Trump’s symptoms ‘very concerning’ as virus infects more GOP allies

Attacking the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the country's defence interests were compromised for a long time as their governments kept "playing around with files" and delayed procurement of fighter jets, arms, ammunition and other strategic equipment.

Addressing public meetings in Himachal Pradesh after inaugurating strategically-important Atal Tunnel, the prime minister also took a swipe at the Opposition's protest against farm and labour laws, saying those parties also had similar ideas but lacked the courage to implement these measures because they focussed on elections while his government looked at the country's and farmers' welfare.

"Nothing is more important for us than the defence of the country. But for a long time, the country has also witnessed an era when the defence interests of the country were compromised. The Air Force of the country kept demanding a modern fighter plane, while they kept opening and closing files after files, and kept playing around with those files," he said at Rohtang after inaugurating the tunnel.

PM Modi's reference assumes significance in the wake of the government's repeated assertion that the UPA regime had delayed decisions on the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets from France.

"Be it ammunition, modern rifles, bulletproof jackets, equipment that are used in cold weather conditions, everything was kept in abeyance. There was a time when the strength of our ordnance factories would make many jitters, but the country's ordnance factories were left on their own," he said after inaugurating the 9.02-km tunnel, which reduces the travel distance between Manali and Leh by 46 km and the travel time by four to five hours.

It has been billed as the world's longest highway tunnel, connecting Manali and Leh and built at a cost of over Rs 3,000 crore.

Hitting out at the Congress, which headed the coalition government at the Centre during 2004-14, Modi cited a number of strategically important projects, from the Atal tunnel to the airstrip at Daulat Beg Oldi in Ladakh and Tejas fighter aircraft production, to assert that they were delayed or almost forgotten.

A world-class organization like the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was created for indigenous fighter aircraft, helicopters, but attention was not given to strengthen it, he said.

The selfishness of people who had been in power for years prevented our military capabilities from being strengthened, Modi said. He questioned as to what "compulsion" and "pressure" might have been behind the delay in projects, without directly naming the Congress.

His government, the prime minister said, has deployed all its strength to develop border infrastructure, adding that never before has work been done at such a big scale, be it building roads, bridges, or tunnels.

For long, he said, border projects could never come out of the planning stage and those which did got stuck or were kept on the back burner and neglected.

The then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had inaugurated the approach road to Atal Tunnel in 2002, but the project was almost forgotten after his government was gone, Modi said, targeting the Congress-led UPA dispensation.

Work on only 1,300 meters was completed by 2013-14, he noted, adding that the project would have been completed by 2040 by this pace before his government took charge in 2014 and speeded it up at an unprecedented rate.

"Our govt increased the pace of construction from 300 meters/year to 1400 meters/year and completed the project in 2020," Modi said. In just six years the government completed the work of 26 years, he said.

He said that according to a 2005 assessment, the tunnel would have been ready in about nine and a half crore rupees but due to continuous delays, today it has taken about Rs 3,200 crore.

Just like the Atal tunnel, this treatment was meted out to several such projects, the prime minister said, adding that Daulat Beg Oldi airstrip remained closed for four to five decades. 
"There was no political will. I can talk about dozens of projects that are important from the strategic point of view, but for years they were neglected," he said, hitting out at the previous Congress-led governments.

In this context, he also referred to the Kosi mega-bridge in Bihar which was envisaged by the Vajpayee government and inaugurated by him last month.

Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader Veerbhadra Singh recently said the project was originally envisaged by former prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1972, while a foundation stone was laid for the tunnel in 2010 by the then UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

Later, addressing his public meeting in more than six months ever since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic forced a nationwide lockdown in March, Modi said the inauguration of the Atal tunnel is part of the central government's resolve that the benefit of development should reach every part of the country and to every person.

"The reason was that some districts did not serve the political benefit of some people. Now work is being done with new thinking of 'Sabke saath se, sabke vishvaas se, sabka vikaas ho raha hai' (Development for all is happening with help of everyone and with the trust of everyone)," Modi said at the public meeting in Sissu village of Lahaul-Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh. 
"There has been a transformation in the government's way of work. Now, schemes are not made based on how many votes are there in an area. Now the effort is that no Indian is left out," he said.

At his second public meeting at Solang Valley, Modi took a swipe at the Opposition's protest against farm reform laws, saying those parties also had the same idea but lacked the courage to implement these measures because they focussed on elections while his government looked at the country's and farmers' welfare.

Modi said those protesting against the laws wanted farmers to live in the previous century, and are now jolted by his government's attack on middlemen.

Attacking the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the country's defence interests were compromised for a long time as their governments kept "playing around with files" and delayed procurement of fighter jets, arms, ammunition and other strategic equipment.

Attacking the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the country's defence interests were compromised for a long time as their governments kept "playing around with files" and delayed procurement of fighter jets, arms, ammunition and other strategic equipment. Addressing public meetings in Himachal Pradesh after inaugurating strategically-important Atal Tunnel, the prime minister also took a swipe at the Opposition's protest against farm and labour laws, saying those parties also had similar ideas but lacked the courage to implement these measures because they focussed on elections while his government looked at the country's and farmers' welfare. "Nothing is more important for us than the defence of the country. But for a long time, the country has also witnessed an era when the defence interests of the country were compromised. The Air Force of the country kept demanding a modern fighter plane, while they kept opening and closing files after files, and kept playing around with those files," he said at Rohtang after inaugurating the tunnel. PM Modi's reference assumes significance in the wake of the government's repeated assertion that the UPA regime had delayed decisions on the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets from France. "Be it ammunition, modern rifles, bulletproof jackets, equipment that are used in cold weather conditions, everything was kept in abeyance. There was a time when the strength of our ordnance factories would make many jitters, but the country's ordnance factories were left on their own," he said after inaugurating the 9.02-km tunnel, which reduces the travel distance between Manali and Leh by 46 km and the travel time by four to five hours. It has been billed as the world's longest highway tunnel, connecting Manali and Leh and built at a cost of over Rs 3,000 crore. Hitting out at the Congress, which headed the coalition government at the Centre during 2004-14, Modi cited a number of strategically important projects, from the Atal tunnel to the airstrip at Daulat Beg Oldi in Ladakh and Tejas fighter aircraft production, to assert that they were delayed or almost forgotten. A world-class organization like the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was created for indigenous fighter aircraft, helicopters, but attention was not given to strengthen it, he said. The selfishness of people who had been in power for years prevented our military capabilities from being strengthened, Modi said. He questioned as to what "compulsion" and "pressure" might have been behind the delay in projects, without directly naming the Congress. His government, the prime minister said, has deployed all its strength to develop border infrastructure, adding that never before has work been done at such a big scale, be it building roads, bridges, or tunnels. For long, he said, border projects could never come out of the planning stage and those which did got stuck or were kept on the back burner and neglected. The then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had inaugurated the approach road to Atal Tunnel in 2002, but the project was almost forgotten after his government was gone, Modi said, targeting the Congress-led UPA dispensation. Work on only 1,300 meters was completed by 2013-14, he noted, adding that the project would have been completed by 2040 by this pace before his government took charge in 2014 and speeded it up at an unprecedented rate. "Our govt increased the pace of construction from 300 meters/year to 1400 meters/year and completed the project in 2020," Modi said. In just six years the government completed the work of 26 years, he said. He said that according to a 2005 assessment, the tunnel would have been ready in about nine and a half crore rupees but due to continuous delays, today it has taken about Rs 3,200 crore. Just like the Atal tunnel, this treatment was meted out to several such projects, the prime minister said, adding that Daulat Beg Oldi airstrip remained closed for four to five decades. "There was no political will. I can talk about dozens of projects that are important from the strategic point of view, but for years they were neglected," he said, hitting out at the previous Congress-led governments. In this context, he also referred to the Kosi mega-bridge in Bihar which was envisaged by the Vajpayee government and inaugurated by him last month. Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader Veerbhadra Singh recently said the project was originally envisaged by former prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1972, while a foundation stone was laid for the tunnel in 2010 by the then UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Later, addressing his public meeting in more than six months ever since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic forced a nationwide lockdown in March, Modi said the inauguration of the Atal tunnel is part of the central government's resolve that the benefit of development should reach every part of the country and to every person. "The reason was that some districts did not serve the political benefit of some people. Now work is being done with new thinking of 'Sabke saath se, sabke vishvaas se, sabka vikaas ho raha hai' (Development for all is happening with help of everyone and with the trust of everyone)," Modi said at the public meeting in Sissu village of Lahaul-Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh. "There has been a transformation in the government's way of work. Now, schemes are not made based on how many votes are there in an area. Now the effort is that no Indian is left out," he said. At his second public meeting at Solang Valley, Modi took a swipe at the Opposition's protest against farm reform laws, saying those parties also had the same idea but lacked the courage to implement these measures because they focussed on elections while his government looked at the country's and farmers' welfare. Modi said those protesting against the laws wanted farmers to live in the previous century, and are now jolted by his government's attack on middlemen.

PM Modi inaugurates Atal Tunnel, attacks Congress

India-China standoff: How US drones along LAC can tilt the balance in India's favour against China

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