<p>Priyanka Chopra Jonas seems to be missing this year's Oscars night. Just a few hours before the mega event the actress took social media to share her previous red carpet look from the event. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-oscars-2020-news-bong-joon-hos-wins-best-original-screenplay-award-for-parasite-279682">See the complete list of winners</a></p>

<p>Priyanka Chopra has always made a stunning appearance at the Academy Awards <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2020-red-carpet-brad-pitt-natalie-portman-billy-porter-pump-up-the-fashion-279675">red carpet</a> in the previous years.</p>

<p><strong>In pics:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2020-from-ruffles-to-tacky-shimmer-heres-our-worst-dressed-celebs-list-279757">From ruffles to tacky shimmer, here's our Oscars worst dressed celebs list</a><br />
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The actor shared pictures of her two previous appearances at the Oscars and her after-party look. “A little #throwback to my Oscars looks. Which one was your favorite? #Oscars #RedCarpet,” she wrote in a tweet.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-oscars-2020-bong-joon-hos-pays-tribute-to-martin-scorsese-in-his-best-director-winning-speech-279737"> Bong Joon-ho pays fitting tribute to Martin Scorsese in his winning speech&nbsp;at Oscars</a></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8XKHC_pSJc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">A little #throwback to my Oscars looks. ✨ Which one was your favorite? #Oscars2020</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/priyankachopra/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Priyanka Chopra Jonas</a> (@priyankachopra) on <time datetime="2020-02-09T21:50:46+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 9, 2020 at 1:50pm PST</time></p>
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<p>“Couldn’t make it to the #Oscars this year but I’ll be watching with you! Lemme know who you’re rooting for! #PCOscarParty,” she added. Priyanka had attended the 2016 and 2017 ceremonies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-brad-pitts-oscar-speech-was-about-his-kids-tarantino-and-trumps-impeachment-279812">Brad Pitt's Oscar speech was about his kids, Tarantino and Trump's impeachment</a></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8X6r8Op0yp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Throwing it back to one of the best parties of the year. Rounding up some of my favorite @VanityFair After Party looks. Swipe ➡️ to see.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/priyankachopra/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Priyanka Chopra Jonas</a> (@priyankachopra) on <time datetime="2020-02-10T04:55:14+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 9, 2020 at 8:55pm PST</time></p>
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<p>She also shared an Instagram story of her 2016 Oscars red carpet looks, she wrote along with a video,'' The Academy #Oscars''.<br />
<br />
Priyanka Chopra also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/priyanka-chopra-celebrates-parasite-win-at-oscars-craft-has-the-power-to-transcend-borders-and-languages-279801">congratulate</a>d&nbsp;the 'Parasite'&nbsp;team and said the craft of artists has the power to transcend borders. At the Oscars, 'Parasite'&nbsp;became the first foreign-language film to win the Best Picture accolade. It also took home the prize for Best Director, Best International Film and Best Original Screenplay.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She recently attended the Grammy Awards with her husband Nick Jonas, where she shocked many with her bold outfit. Priyanka was trolled on social media for her outfit that had a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/priyanka-chopra-gets-trolled-for-grammys-dress-celeb-friends-come-to-her-rescue-276968"> plunging neckline</a></p>

<p>On the work front, Priyanka recently wrapped up shoot for Netflix’s '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/priyanka-chopra-begins-the-white-tiger-in-delhi-its-hard-to-shoot-here-259778">The White Tiger</a>' with Rajkummar Rao. She is now in talks to star&nbsp;in Matrix 4 with Keanu Reeves. The Warner Bros. and the Village Roadshow film which is being directed by series co-creator Lana Wachowski.</p>


Priyanka Chopra Jonas seems to be missing this year's Oscars night. Just a few hours before the mega event the actress took social media to share her previous red carpet look from the event.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas seems to be missing this year's Oscars night. Just a few hours before the mega event the actress took social media to share her previous red carpet look from the event. See the complete list of winners Priyanka Chopra has always made a stunning appearance at the Academy Awards red carpet in the previous years. In pics: From ruffles to tacky shimmer, here's our Oscars worst dressed celebs list The actor shared pictures of her two previous appearances at the Oscars and her after-party look. “A little #throwback to my Oscars looks. Which one was your favorite? #Oscars #RedCarpet,” she wrote in a tweet. Watch: Bong Joon-ho pays fitting tribute to Martin Scorsese in his winning speech at Oscars View this post on Instagram A little #throwback to my Oscars looks. ✨ Which one was your favorite? #Oscars2020 A post shared by Priyanka Chopra Jonas (@priyankachopra) on Feb 9, 2020 at 1:50pm PST × “Couldn’t make it to the #Oscars this year but I’ll be watching with you! Lemme know who you’re rooting for! #PCOscarParty,” she added. Priyanka had attended the 2016 and 2017 ceremonies. Also read: Brad Pitt's Oscar speech was about his kids, Tarantino and Trump's impeachment View this post on Instagram Throwing it back to one of the best parties of the year. Rounding up some of my favorite @VanityFair After Party looks. Swipe ➡️ to see. A post shared by Priyanka Chopra Jonas (@priyankachopra) on Feb 9, 2020 at 8:55pm PST × She also shared an Instagram story of her 2016 Oscars red carpet looks, she wrote along with a video,'' The Academy #Oscars''. Priyanka Chopra also congratulated the 'Parasite' team and said the craft of artists has the power to transcend borders. At the Oscars, 'Parasite' became the first foreign-language film to win the Best Picture accolade. It also took home the prize for Best Director, Best International Film and Best Original Screenplay. She recently attended the Grammy Awards with her husband Nick Jonas, where she shocked many with her bold outfit. Priyanka was trolled on social media for her outfit that had a plunging neckline On the work front, Priyanka recently wrapped up shoot for Netflix’s 'The White Tiger' with Rajkummar Rao. She is now in talks to star in Matrix 4 with Keanu Reeves. The Warner Bros. and the Village Roadshow film which is being directed by series co-creator Lana Wachowski.

Priyanka Chopra didn't attend Oscars 2020 ceremony but has something for the fans!

<p>Ahead of his visit to India, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had met Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, Khan and Rajapaksa met in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo last week. During the meet, Khan offered assistance to Sri Lankan Air Force.</p>

<p>As per reports, Pakistan is eyeing to offer professional expertise and technical training to Sri Lankan Airforce.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Talking to visiting Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan in Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has acknowledged Pakistan's unwavering support to Sri Lanka in any hour of need," read a tweet posted by the Ministry of Information &amp; Broadcasting, Government of Pakistan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lanka-pm-to-offer-prayers-at-lord-venkateswara-temple-on-february-11-279491">Sri Lanka PM to offer prayers at Lord Venkateswara temple on February 11</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Talking to visiting Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan in Sri Lanka,, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has acknowledged Pakistan's unwavering support to Sri Lanka in any hour of need. <a href="https://t.co/q5ldld7J9p">pic.twitter.com/q5ldld7J9p</a></p>
— Information Ministry (@MoIB_Official) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoIB_Official/status/1225718443112042496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The ties between the Rajapaksa brothers and Pakistan military go deep in the past. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Prime Minister is on a five-day visit to India. As part of the visit, Rajapaksa visited Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday, Rajapaksa offered prayers at Sarnath Buddhist Temple during his visit to Varanasi.</p>

<p>Rajapaksa landed in the New Delhi on February 7 and held delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>The two sides focused on expanding cooperation over terrorism as well as promoting joint economic projects in Sri Lanka.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Ahead of his visit to India, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had met Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan last week. According to reports, Khan and Rajapaksa met in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo last week.

Ahead of his visit to India, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had met Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan last week. According to reports, Khan and Rajapaksa met in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo last week. During the meet, Khan offered assistance to Sri Lankan Air Force. As per reports, Pakistan is eyeing to offer professional expertise and technical training to Sri Lankan Airforce. "Talking to visiting Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan in Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has acknowledged Pakistan's unwavering support to Sri Lanka in any hour of need," read a tweet posted by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of Pakistan. Also read: Sri Lanka PM to offer prayers at Lord Venkateswara temple on February 11 Talking to visiting Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan in Sri Lanka,, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has acknowledged Pakistan's unwavering support to Sri Lanka in any hour of need. pic.twitter.com/q5ldld7J9p — Information Ministry (@MoIB_Official) February 7, 2020 × The ties between the Rajapaksa brothers and Pakistan military go deep in the past. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Prime Minister is on a five-day visit to India. As part of the visit, Rajapaksa visited Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar on Monday. On Sunday, Rajapaksa offered prayers at Sarnath Buddhist Temple during his visit to Varanasi. Rajapaksa landed in the New Delhi on February 7 and held delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two sides focused on expanding cooperation over terrorism as well as promoting joint economic projects in Sri Lanka. (With inputs from ANI)

Pak Air Chief met Sri Lankan PM ahead of India visit, offered assistance 

<p>Storm Ciara has triggered heavy rains and floods across Europe with the United Kingdom being the worst affected. Meanwhile, the coronavirus death toll in China rose to over 900 with over 40,000 infected, overtaking the global fatalities in the 2002-03 SARS epidemic.</p>

<p>Here are the top ten stories of the day:</p>

<p><strong>Death toll in China's coronavirus crosses 900 as WHO sends team to investigate</strong></p>

<p>The coronavirus death toll in China rose to above nine hundred with over 40,000 infected overtaking the global fatalities in the 2002-03 SARS epidemic. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-crosses-900-as-who-sends-team-to-investigate-279657">Read more</a></p>

<p><strong>Storm Ciara devastates UK; Yorkshire worst hit, flights disrupted</strong></p>

<p>Storm Ciara has triggered heavy rains and floods across Europe with the United Kingdom being the worst affected. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-ciara-devastates-uk-yorkshire-worst-hit-279711">Read more</a></p>

<p><strong>Heavily armed soldiers barge into Parliament in El Salvador</strong></p>

<p>Heavily-armed soldiers barged in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-salvador-president-clicks-selfie-on-un-podium-calls-on-trump-to-rethink-legal-migration-252564">El Salvador</a>'s parliament on Sunday as the president demanded lawmakers to approve a $109 million sanction. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-salvador-heavily-armed-soldiers-barge-into-parliament-279817">Read more</a></p>

<p><strong>Nearly 30 dead as Russia, Syria regime press Idlib assault</strong></p>

<p>Russian and regime bombardment on the last major rebel enclave in&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;has killed 29 civilians in a day.</p>

<p><strong>Solar orbiter takes off to capture first look at Sun's poles</strong></p>

<p>Europe and&nbsp;NASA's Solar Orbiter took off to space on Sunday night to an unprecedented mission to capture the first images of the Sun's poles. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-solar-orbiter-takes-off-to-capture-first-look-at-suns-poles-279765">Read more</a></p>

<p><strong>After Kenya and&nbsp;Ethiopia, locusts enter Uganda</strong></p>

<p>A locust infestation sweeping the&nbsp;Horn of Africa&nbsp;reached Uganda on Sunday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-kenya-ethiopia-locusts-enter-uganda-279768">Read more</a></p>

<p><strong>World Health Organisation warns overseas virus spread may be 'tip of the iceberg'</strong></p>

<p>The head of the&nbsp;World Health Organization&nbsp;has warned that confirmed cases of coronavirus being transmitted by people&nbsp;who&nbsp;have never travelled to&nbsp;China&nbsp;could be the "tip&nbsp;of the&nbsp;iceberg". <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organisation-warns-overseas-virus-spread-may-be-tip-of-the-iceberg-279719">Read more</a></p>

<p><strong>1000 bomb hoaxes a day in Moscow: Wave of blast threats sweeps country</strong></p>

<p>Muscovites&nbsp;are mystified by a flood of bomb hoaxes forcing the evacuation of courts, schools and malls while authorities appear unable to find the culprits even after months of disruption to public life. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1000-bomb-hoaxes-a-day-in-moscow-wave-of-blast-threats-sweeps-country-279847">Read more</a></p>

<p><strong>Facebook and Twitter decline Pelosi's plea to remove clip posted by Donald Trump</strong></p>

<p>Facebook&nbsp;and&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;have declined House of Representative Speaker&nbsp;Nancy Pelosi's request to remove an edited video posted by US President&nbsp;Donald Trump. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-facebook-and-twitter-decline-pelosis-plea-to-remove-doctored-clip-posted-by-donald-trump-279743">Read more</a></p>

<p><strong>Sinn Fein surges as most popular party in Irish election</strong></p>

<p>Nationalist party Sinn Fein won the popular vote in Ireland's general election, ballot counts revealed Sunday, with the one-time political wing of the IRA disrupting a duopoly of centre-right parties which have historically controlled the Republic.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Read more</a></p>


Storm Ciara has triggered heavy rains and floods across Europe with the United Kingdom being the worst affected. Meanwhile, the coronavirus death toll in China rose to over 900 with over 40,000 infected, overtaking the global fatalities in the 2002-03 SARS epidemic.

Storm Ciara has triggered heavy rains and floods across Europe with the United Kingdom being the worst affected. Meanwhile, the coronavirus death toll in China rose to over 900 with over 40,000 infected, overtaking the global fatalities in the 2002-03 SARS epidemic. Here are the top ten stories of the day: Death toll in China's coronavirus crosses 900 as WHO sends team to investigate The coronavirus death toll in China rose to above nine hundred with over 40,000 infected overtaking the global fatalities in the 2002-03 SARS epidemic. Read more Storm Ciara devastates UK; Yorkshire worst hit, flights disrupted Storm Ciara has triggered heavy rains and floods across Europe with the United Kingdom being the worst affected. Read more Heavily armed soldiers barge into Parliament in El Salvador Heavily-armed soldiers barged in El Salvador's parliament on Sunday as the president demanded lawmakers to approve a $109 million sanction. Read more Nearly 30 dead as Russia, Syria regime press Idlib assault Russian and regime bombardment on the last major rebel enclave in Syria has killed 29 civilians in a day. Solar orbiter takes off to capture first look at Sun's poles Europe and NASA's Solar Orbiter took off to space on Sunday night to an unprecedented mission to capture the first images of the Sun's poles. Read more After Kenya and Ethiopia, locusts enter Uganda A locust infestation sweeping the Horn of Africa reached Uganda on Sunday. Read more World Health Organisation warns overseas virus spread may be 'tip of the iceberg' The head of the World Health Organization has warned that confirmed cases of coronavirus being transmitted by people who have never travelled to China could be the "tip of the iceberg". Read more 1000 bomb hoaxes a day in Moscow: Wave of blast threats sweeps country Muscovites are mystified by a flood of bomb hoaxes forcing the evacuation of courts, schools and malls while authorities appear unable to find the culprits even after months of disruption to public life. Read more Facebook and Twitter decline Pelosi's plea to remove clip posted by Donald Trump Facebook and Twitter have declined House of Representative Speaker Nancy Pelosi's request to remove an edited video posted by US President Donald Trump. Read more Sinn Fein surges as most popular party in Irish election Nationalist party Sinn Fein won the popular vote in Ireland's general election, ballot counts revealed Sunday, with the one-time political wing of the IRA disrupting a duopoly of centre-right parties which have historically controlled the Republic. Read more

Top 10 world news today: Coronavirus death toll, storm Ciara and more

<p>India wants to double defence exports over the next five years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday, as the country seeks to cut its import bill amid a funding crunch that has forced successive governments to go slow on new orders.</p>

<p>"For several years India has been a net importer of defence products. We have taken measures to change it since 2014," Modi said in the city of Lucknow, addressing the inaugural ceremony of India's 11th defence expo.</p>

<p>"Our aim is to increase exports of defence products to five billion dollars in five years," Modi said, adding India exports about 170 billion rupees ($2.4 billion) of defence products.</p>

<p>India's defence export ambitions are soaring as Asia's third-largest economy suffers its worst slowdown in decades with the country's economic growth dropping to 4.5 per cent in July-September quarter – its lowest quarterly growth in six years.</p>

<p>Between 2013 and 2017, India was the world's top arms importer, accounting for 12 per cent of total imports globally, with Russia, Israel and the United States among the top suppliers.</p>

<p>According to government data, India's major defence export customers include Italy, Sri Lanka, Russia and France.</p>

<p>The exports, primarily made by government ordnance factories and private firms such as L&amp;T, Bharat Forge and Tata group, including offshore patrol vessels, helicopters, coastal surveillance systems and spares for radar.</p>

<p>India's armed forces, saddled with outdated aircraft and warships, are in dire need of funds for modernisation.</p>

<p>However, with the government possibly set to break its own fiscal deficit target due to slowing growth, funds allocated for modernisation have been barely enough, experts have said.</p>

<p>Laxman Behera, research fellow at Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, said in a report released on Tuesday that India's defence resource crunch had been acute in recent years.</p>

<p>India's budget for modernisation of weapons, aircraft and warships announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last week stood at 906 billion rupees, out of a total allocated defence budget of 3,230.5 billion rupees.</p>

<p>With a meagre hike of 2.55 billion rupees over the revised estimates of last year's budget, said Laxman from IDSA called funding for the country's military "grossly under-provisioned."</p>

<p>US&nbsp;ambassador to India Kenneth Juster said lower offset obligations, a mandatory financial commitment locally by global firms partnering with India and less regulations can help India bring in billions of dollars in foreign investment.</p>


India wants to double defence exports over the next five years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday, as the country seeks to cut its import bill amid a funding crunch that has forced successive governments to go slow on new orders.

India wants to double defence exports over the next five years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday, as the country seeks to cut its import bill amid a funding crunch that has forced successive governments to go slow on new orders. "For several years India has been a net importer of defence products. We have taken measures to change it since 2014," Modi said in the city of Lucknow, addressing the inaugural ceremony of India's 11th defence expo. "Our aim is to increase exports of defence products to five billion dollars in five years," Modi said, adding India exports about 170 billion rupees ($2.4 billion) of defence products. India's defence export ambitions are soaring as Asia's third-largest economy suffers its worst slowdown in decades with the country's economic growth dropping to 4.5 per cent in July-September quarter – its lowest quarterly growth in six years. Between 2013 and 2017, India was the world's top arms importer, accounting for 12 per cent of total imports globally, with Russia, Israel and the United States among the top suppliers. According to government data, India's major defence export customers include Italy, Sri Lanka, Russia and France. The exports, primarily made by government ordnance factories and private firms such as L&T, Bharat Forge and Tata group, including offshore patrol vessels, helicopters, coastal surveillance systems and spares for radar. India's armed forces, saddled with outdated aircraft and warships, are in dire need of funds for modernisation. However, with the government possibly set to break its own fiscal deficit target due to slowing growth, funds allocated for modernisation have been barely enough, experts have said. Laxman Behera, research fellow at Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, said in a report released on Tuesday that India's defence resource crunch had been acute in recent years. India's budget for modernisation of weapons, aircraft and warships announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last week stood at 906 billion rupees, out of a total allocated defence budget of 3,230.5 billion rupees. With a meagre hike of 2.55 billion rupees over the revised estimates of last year's budget, said Laxman from IDSA called funding for the country's military "grossly under-provisioned." US ambassador to India Kenneth Juster said lower offset obligations, a mandatory financial commitment locally by global firms partnering with India and less regulations can help India bring in billions of dollars in foreign investment.

India aims to double defence exports in five years amid resource crunch

<p>Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami’s announcement to categorize eight Cauvery delta districts as a ‘Special Protected Agricultural Zone’ has drawn flak from the principal opposition party DMK.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The move comes to ensure the state’s food security and has been welcomed by leaders from across party lines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The chief minister’s announcement gains significance as there has been continued opposition to projects like those involving hydrocarbon extraction, including Neduvasal in Pudukottai district. The government had also come under attack from the opposition parties and fringe outfits for allegedly attempting to bring in projects that would cause irreparable damage to the agricultural land.</p>

<p>The chief minister’s announcement was welcomed by their ally PMK’s leader Ramadoss, who welcomed the move and called it a “victory”, as it would prevent the desertification of the Cauvery districts. Tamil Nadu Congress chief KS Alagiri also had expressed that the move would benefit the farmers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-governor-has-complete-liberty-to-decide-on-rajiv-gandhi-assassination-convicts-mercy-plea-says-government-of-india-279245">TN Guv has complete liberty to decide on Rajiv Gandhi assassination convict’s mercy plea</a></strong></p>

<p>DMK MLA and principal secretary KN Nehru stated that the announcement regarding the protected agricultural zone was only meant to divert people’s attention from the betrayal of farmers in the delta region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He issued a statement challenging the chief minister to adopt a resolution in the Assembly, which would ensure that hydrocarbon exploration projects will be prohibited in the delta region, and cancel the exploration projects awarded to the Vedanta group and ONGC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The chief minister should also withdraw the letter written by Environment Minister KC Karuppannan, in which he had stated that public hearings and environmental clearances were not necessary for such projects. After that, he can make the announcement designating the delta region as a protected agricultural zone in the Assembly,” the DMK leader said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The DMK leader’s statement called the Chief Minister’s announcement a ‘farcical drama’, stating that the AIADMK government had approached the Supreme Court against the Madras High Court’s direction on a farm loan waiver.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If the CM thinks people would forget about the suicide of 13 farmers and the police action against farmers, he is day-dreaming”. The statement also condemned the CM’s statement that it was the erstwhile DMK government that had granted permission for hydrocarbon exploration projects.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During an official function on Sunday at Thalaivasal, in his native district Salem, the Chief Minister assured that the state government would never grant the go-ahead for projects such as hydrocarbon exploration in the delta region.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-minister-clarifies-after-video-of-him-making-tribal-children-remove-his-footwear-goes-viral-279123">Tamil Nadu minister clarifies after video of him making tribal children remove his footwear goes viral</a></strong></p>

<p>Farmers in the Cauvery delta region have been opposing the proposed hydrocarbon project of the Central government, which was meant to be executed by Vedanta Limited and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Limited.</p>

<p>In his speech, Palaniswami said that his government was taking the decision to declare the delta region as a protected agricultural zone in recognition of the farmers' concerns and toils. “I may be the chief minister, but I am a farmer too and would never permit any project that would affect farmers livelihood. This decision is to end the hardships faced by farmers”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He announced that the Cauvery delta regions in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Pudukottai, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Karur and<br />
Trichy districts would be categorized under a 'protected special agriculture zone'. The chief minister also added that the government would enact special legislation after seeking opinions from legal experts.</p>

<p>Palaniswami also accused senior DMK leader TR Baalu, for having been chosen to implement the project in Tamil Nadu in 2010. The DMK government in January 2011 signed an MoU with a private firm to drill borewells and conduct explorations for four years in the region, he stated.</p>

<p>The MoU was signed when DMK president MK Stalin was the deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu. But now, the DMK was conducting protests in the region and spreading lies among the public, he said.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami’s announcement to categorize eight Cauvery delta districts as a ‘Special Protected Agricultural Zone’ has drawn flak from the principal opposition party DMK.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami’s announcement to categorize eight Cauvery delta districts as a ‘Special Protected Agricultural Zone’ has drawn flak from the principal opposition party DMK. The move comes to ensure the state’s food security and has been welcomed by leaders from across party lines. The chief minister’s announcement gains significance as there has been continued opposition to projects like those involving hydrocarbon extraction, including Neduvasal in Pudukottai district. The government had also come under attack from the opposition parties and fringe outfits for allegedly attempting to bring in projects that would cause irreparable damage to the agricultural land. The chief minister’s announcement was welcomed by their ally PMK’s leader Ramadoss, who welcomed the move and called it a “victory”, as it would prevent the desertification of the Cauvery districts. Tamil Nadu Congress chief KS Alagiri also had expressed that the move would benefit the farmers. Also read: TN Guv has complete liberty to decide on Rajiv Gandhi assassination convict’s mercy plea DMK MLA and principal secretary KN Nehru stated that the announcement regarding the protected agricultural zone was only meant to divert people’s attention from the betrayal of farmers in the delta region. He issued a statement challenging the chief minister to adopt a resolution in the Assembly, which would ensure that hydrocarbon exploration projects will be prohibited in the delta region, and cancel the exploration projects awarded to the Vedanta group and ONGC. “The chief minister should also withdraw the letter written by Environment Minister KC Karuppannan, in which he had stated that public hearings and environmental clearances were not necessary for such projects. After that, he can make the announcement designating the delta region as a protected agricultural zone in the Assembly,” the DMK leader said. The DMK leader’s statement called the Chief Minister’s announcement a ‘farcical drama’, stating that the AIADMK government had approached the Supreme Court against the Madras High Court’s direction on a farm loan waiver. “If the CM thinks people would forget about the suicide of 13 farmers and the police action against farmers, he is day-dreaming”. The statement also condemned the CM’s statement that it was the erstwhile DMK government that had granted permission for hydrocarbon exploration projects. During an official function on Sunday at Thalaivasal, in his native district Salem, the Chief Minister assured that the state government would never grant the go-ahead for projects such as hydrocarbon exploration in the delta region. Also read: Tamil Nadu minister clarifies after video of him making tribal children remove his footwear goes viral Farmers in the Cauvery delta region have been opposing the proposed hydrocarbon project of the Central government, which was meant to be executed by Vedanta Limited and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Limited. In his speech, Palaniswami said that his government was taking the decision to declare the delta region as a protected agricultural zone in recognition of the farmers' concerns and toils. “I may be the chief minister, but I am a farmer too and would never permit any project that would affect farmers livelihood. This decision is to end the hardships faced by farmers”. He announced that the Cauvery delta regions in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Pudukottai, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Karur and Trichy districts would be categorized under a 'protected special agriculture zone'. The chief minister also added that the government would enact special legislation after seeking opinions from legal experts. Palaniswami also accused senior DMK leader TR Baalu, for having been chosen to implement the project in Tamil Nadu in 2010. The DMK government in January 2011 signed an MoU with a private firm to drill borewells and conduct explorations for four years in the region, he stated. The MoU was signed when DMK president MK Stalin was the deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu. But now, the DMK was conducting protests in the region and spreading lies among the public, he said.

Tamil Nadu: CM Palaniswami declares Cauvery delta 'protected agriculture zone', DMK calls it ‘farcical drama’

<p>Over 1.97 lakh passengers travelling in 1,818 flights have been screened for novel coronavirus, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Monday as he outlined the steps taken by the government to deal with the virus since its outbreak last month.</p>

<p>Issuing a suo motu statement in Lok Sabha, Vardhan also said that screening of passengers has been initiated at 12 major seaports and all minor ports in the country to identify passengers and crew members coming from China and to isolate them in case they are found symptomatic.</p>

<p>"As of today, a total of 1,818 flights have been screened covering a total of 1,97,192 passengers. Teams of specialist doctors were sent to all the airports to ensure effective screening and arrangement for isolation in the attached hospitals," Vardhan said.</p>

<p>In view of a confirmed case in Nepal, the government has initiated screening at all integrated check posts from Nepal in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim and Bihar, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Land Port Authorities, the health minister said.</p>

<p>China reported the outbreak of novel coronavirus on December 31, 2019. As of February 9, a total of 37,198 confirmed cases and 811 deaths have been reported in China. A total of 354 confirmed cases have been reported outside China from 27 countries (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan).</p>

<p>"In our country, three positive cases have been reported so far from Kerala. All these cases have a travel history from Wuhan, China. They have been isolated and are reported to be clinically stable," Vardhan said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-first-coronavirus-patient-on-path-to-recovery-tests-negative-for-infection-279844">India's first coronavirus patient on path to recovery, tests negative for infection</a></strong></p>

<p>The government has already constituted a GoM headed by the Health Minister to monitor coronavirus. Besides, gram sabhas are being organised in villages adjoining borders with Nepal to create awareness amongst people.</p>

<p>So far, 1,510 samples have been tested of which 1,507 were found negative. Three samples have tested positive and 27 samples are under process.</p>

<p>Vardhan said two Special Air India flights were operated between Delhi and Wuhan on January 31 and February 1 that brought back a total of 654 passengers -- 647 Indian citizens (including two Indian Embassy officials who were on the ground in Wuhan to coordinate the evacuation operation) and seven Maldivian nationals.</p>

<p>"I take this opportunity to thank Air India, its crew and our team of doctors and paramedical staff who executed this challenging operation and place on record the appreciation on behalf of this august house for their contribution," he said.</p>

<p>After the evacuation, the people are presently undergoing quarantine at special facilities created by the Indian Army in Manesar and by Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in Chawla Camp. 10 of the evacuees who were symptomatic have been shifted to isolation. All of them have tested negative for this disease and are stable. All other evacuees are being medically examined on a daily basis and are healthy, Vardhan added.</p>

<p>The minister said India has provided support to other countries in tackling the challenge posed by the disease. ICMR has offered to do testing of samples for other South-East Asian Region countries.</p>

<p>"Testing of samples from the Maldives has already been undertaken. Request from Afghanistan for samples testing has been agreed to. We have agreed to provide technical assistance to Bhutan in managing this infectious disease and screening of passengers also.</p>

<p>Using integrated disease surveillance network, all persons are tracked and the government is following 9,452 passengers across 29 states/UTs.</p>

<p>The state surveillance officers, district surveillance officers and rapid response teams of health professionals under the leadership of state Health Secretaries are monitoring all such people on a daily basis, he said. Sufficient isolation beds have been made available in tertiary facilities across the country to manage any outbreak.</p>

<p>369 symptomatic travellers have been referred to isolation facility and are being monitored, Vardhan informed the House.&nbsp;</p>


Over 1.97 lakh passengers travelling in 1,818 flights have been screened for novel coronavirus, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Monday as he outlined the steps taken by the government to deal with the virus since its outbreak last month.

Over 1.97 lakh passengers travelling in 1,818 flights have been screened for novel coronavirus, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Monday as he outlined the steps taken by the government to deal with the virus since its outbreak last month. Issuing a suo motu statement in Lok Sabha, Vardhan also said that screening of passengers has been initiated at 12 major seaports and all minor ports in the country to identify passengers and crew members coming from China and to isolate them in case they are found symptomatic. "As of today, a total of 1,818 flights have been screened covering a total of 1,97,192 passengers. Teams of specialist doctors were sent to all the airports to ensure effective screening and arrangement for isolation in the attached hospitals," Vardhan said. In view of a confirmed case in Nepal, the government has initiated screening at all integrated check posts from Nepal in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim and Bihar, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Land Port Authorities, the health minister said. China reported the outbreak of novel coronavirus on December 31, 2019. As of February 9, a total of 37,198 confirmed cases and 811 deaths have been reported in China. A total of 354 confirmed cases have been reported outside China from 27 countries (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan). "In our country, three positive cases have been reported so far from Kerala. All these cases have a travel history from Wuhan, China. They have been isolated and are reported to be clinically stable," Vardhan said. Also read: India's first coronavirus patient on path to recovery, tests negative for infection The government has already constituted a GoM headed by the Health Minister to monitor coronavirus. Besides, gram sabhas are being organised in villages adjoining borders with Nepal to create awareness amongst people. So far, 1,510 samples have been tested of which 1,507 were found negative. Three samples have tested positive and 27 samples are under process. Vardhan said two Special Air India flights were operated between Delhi and Wuhan on January 31 and February 1 that brought back a total of 654 passengers -- 647 Indian citizens (including two Indian Embassy officials who were on the ground in Wuhan to coordinate the evacuation operation) and seven Maldivian nationals. "I take this opportunity to thank Air India, its crew and our team of doctors and paramedical staff who executed this challenging operation and place on record the appreciation on behalf of this august house for their contribution," he said. After the evacuation, the people are presently undergoing quarantine at special facilities created by the Indian Army in Manesar and by Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in Chawla Camp. 10 of the evacuees who were symptomatic have been shifted to isolation. All of them have tested negative for this disease and are stable. All other evacuees are being medically examined on a daily basis and are healthy, Vardhan added. The minister said India has provided support to other countries in tackling the challenge posed by the disease. ICMR has offered to do testing of samples for other South-East Asian Region countries. "Testing of samples from the Maldives has already been undertaken. Request from Afghanistan for samples testing has been agreed to. We have agreed to provide technical assistance to Bhutan in managing this infectious disease and screening of passengers also. Using integrated disease surveillance network, all persons are tracked and the government is following 9,452 passengers across 29 states/UTs. The state surveillance officers, district surveillance officers and rapid response teams of health professionals under the leadership of state Health Secretaries are monitoring all such people on a daily basis, he said. Sufficient isolation beds have been made available in tertiary facilities across the country to manage any outbreak. 369 symptomatic travellers have been referred to isolation facility and are being monitored, Vardhan informed the House.

Coronavirus: Over 1.97 lakh travellers from 1,818 flights screened so far in India  

<p>Nepal's National Human Rights Commission has directed the government to immediately evacuate Nepali citizens from the Hubei province of China, the epicentre of coronavirus outbreak.</p>

<p>The instruction was made during an emergency meeting of the commission on Sunday, Himalayan Times reported.</p>

<p>The Nepal government initiated the process of evacuation of Nepalis from Hubei on February 1.</p>

<p>The embassy of Nepal in Beijing requested those interested in returning home to submit applications.</p>

<p>By February 2, 180 Nepalis including three minors have submitted application. However, the government still has not been able to confirm the evacuation date.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-first-coronavirus-patient-on-path-to-recovery-tests-negative-for-infection-279844">India's first coronavirus patient on path to recovery, tests negative for infection</a></strong></p>

<p>The government has not been able to finalise the location to house China evacuees as they will have to be quarantined for two weeks once they return home before they are released.</p>

<p>As of now, two buildings of Nepal Electricity Authority Training Centre in Bhaktapur have been vacated to quarantine Nepalis returning from China.</p>

<p>The environment and social study department and a hostel at the training centre have been vacated to house Nepalis. These facilities can accommodate up to 150 people.</p>

<p>The novel coronavirus was first detected in China's Wuhan city in late December and has since spread to more than 25 countries.</p>

<p>The death toll in the deadly outbreak in China and other parts of the world has reached 904, CNN reported citing Chinese authorities on Monday.</p>

<p>The number of infected people globally has now hit the 40,000 mark.&nbsp;</p>


Nepal's National Human Rights Commission has directed the government to immediately evacuate Nepali citizens from the Hubei province of China, the epicentre of coronavirus outbreak.

Nepal's National Human Rights Commission has directed the government to immediately evacuate Nepali citizens from the Hubei province of China, the epicentre of coronavirus outbreak. The instruction was made during an emergency meeting of the commission on Sunday, Himalayan Times reported. The Nepal government initiated the process of evacuation of Nepalis from Hubei on February 1. The embassy of Nepal in Beijing requested those interested in returning home to submit applications. By February 2, 180 Nepalis including three minors have submitted application. However, the government still has not been able to confirm the evacuation date. Also read: India's first coronavirus patient on path to recovery, tests negative for infection The government has not been able to finalise the location to house China evacuees as they will have to be quarantined for two weeks once they return home before they are released. As of now, two buildings of Nepal Electricity Authority Training Centre in Bhaktapur have been vacated to quarantine Nepalis returning from China. The environment and social study department and a hostel at the training centre have been vacated to house Nepalis. These facilities can accommodate up to 150 people. The novel coronavirus was first detected in China's Wuhan city in late December and has since spread to more than 25 countries. The death toll in the deadly outbreak in China and other parts of the world has reached 904, CNN reported citing Chinese authorities on Monday. The number of infected people globally has now hit the 40,000 mark.

Nepal right commission directs govt to evacuate Nepalis from Hubei province amid coronavirus outbreak

<p>As China struggles to contain the deadly coronavirus outbreak, India on Monday reported that its first confirmed case of the infection in Kerala is getting better and has now tested negative for the virus. &nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the test of Thrissur medical student came clean of any infection. The student will still be kept under observation and if the next test also comes negative, the patient will be considered fully recovered.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The patient, a medical student who returned from Wuhan, China, was confirmed with the virus on January 30.</p>

<p>The medical student's fifth swab sample came out negative. The patient will be considered completely&nbsp;cured if the next sample also turns out negative.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-coronavirus-chinese-doctor-who-exposed-sars-epidemic-is-under-house-arrest-279781">Coronavirus - Chinese doctor who exposed SARS epidemic under house arrest</a></strong></p>

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<p>Kerala had declared coronavirus a state disaster after three people from the state tested positive of the virus.</p>

<p>At present, as per reports, over 200 people are under quarantine in Thrissur and more than 3,000 people across the state are under observation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the coronavirus death toll in China has shot up to over 900. For the past week, China has been reporting over 70 deaths almost daily.</p>

<p>More than 40,000 are infected in the mainland, overtaking the global fatalities in the 2002-03 SARS epidemic.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-crosses-900-as-who-sends-team-to-investigate-279657">Death toll in China's coronavirus crosses 900 as WHO sends team to investigate</a></strong></p>

<p>China's health commission said at least 97 new deaths were reported in the last twenty-four hours mainly in Hubei province which is the epicentre of the virus.</p>

<p>A team of international experts led by the World Health Organization (WHO) left for China to help investigate the coronavirus epidemic.</p>

<p>In a tweet, Director-General of WHO Tedros said, "400 of the world’s leading experts will gather this week at the WHO HQ in Geneva to prioritise work on all the tools we need, including rapid diagnostics, a vaccine &amp; effective treatments."&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


As China struggles to contain the deadly coronavirus outbreak, India on Monday reported that its first confirmed case of the infection in Kerala is getting better and has now tested negative for the virus.

As China struggles to contain the deadly coronavirus outbreak, India on Monday reported that its first confirmed case of the infection in Kerala is getting better and has now tested negative for the virus. According to reports, the test of Thrissur medical student came clean of any infection. The student will still be kept under observation and if the next test also comes negative, the patient will be considered fully recovered. The patient, a medical student who returned from Wuhan, China, was confirmed with the virus on January 30. The medical student's fifth swab sample came out negative. The patient will be considered completely cured if the next sample also turns out negative. Also read: Coronavirus - Chinese doctor who exposed SARS epidemic under house arrest × Kerala had declared coronavirus a state disaster after three people from the state tested positive of the virus. At present, as per reports, over 200 people are under quarantine in Thrissur and more than 3,000 people across the state are under observation. Meanwhile, the coronavirus death toll in China has shot up to over 900. For the past week, China has been reporting over 70 deaths almost daily. More than 40,000 are infected in the mainland, overtaking the global fatalities in the 2002-03 SARS epidemic. Also read: Death toll in China's coronavirus crosses 900 as WHO sends team to investigate China's health commission said at least 97 new deaths were reported in the last twenty-four hours mainly in Hubei province which is the epicentre of the virus. A team of international experts led by the World Health Organization (WHO) left for China to help investigate the coronavirus epidemic. In a tweet, Director-General of WHO Tedros said, "400 of the world’s leading experts will gather this week at the WHO HQ in Geneva to prioritise work on all the tools we need, including rapid diagnostics, a vaccine & effective treatments."

India's first coronavirus patient on path to recovery, tests negative for infection

<p>The Ganga river is at the heart of Indian civilisation and our cultural and economic lifeline, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday.</p>

<p>Modi made the remarks on Twitter, replying to a post by Rajapaksa about his Sunday's trip to Varanasi where he got the "honour" of visiting the Ganga.</p>

<p>"Before leaving #Varanasi, I had the honour of visiting the sacred River Ganga."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Before leaving <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Varanasi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Varanasi</a>, I had the honour of visiting the sacred River Ganga. I commend PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NamamiGange?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NamamiGange</a> effort, not only because of the river’s spiritual and cultural significance but also because it is host to approximately 40% of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>’s population. <a href="https://t.co/kQ5Vedyju3">pic.twitter.com/kQ5Vedyju3</a></p>
— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) <a href="https://twitter.com/PresRajapaksa/status/1226726172064509954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I commend PM @narendramodis #NamamiGange effort, not only because of the rivers spiritual and cultural significance but also because it is host to approximately 40% of #Indias population," Rajapaksa tweeted, attaching a picture of his visit.</p>

<p>In his reply, Modi said the "Ganga is at the heart of our civilisation. It is our cultural and economic lifeline".</p>

<p>"I am glad you spent time in Varanasi and also went along the Ganga. The experience would have been wonderful," he added.</p>

<p>The Namami Gange programme was launched in 2014 to clean the river and improve its flow.</p>


The Ganga river is at the heart of Indian civilisation and our cultural and economic lifeline, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday.

The Ganga river is at the heart of Indian civilisation and our cultural and economic lifeline, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday. Modi made the remarks on Twitter, replying to a post by Rajapaksa about his Sunday's trip to Varanasi where he got the "honour" of visiting the Ganga. "Before leaving #Varanasi, I had the honour of visiting the sacred River Ganga." Before leaving #Varanasi, I had the honour of visiting the sacred River Ganga. I commend PM @narendramodi’s #NamamiGange effort, not only because of the river’s spiritual and cultural significance but also because it is host to approximately 40% of #India’s population. pic.twitter.com/kQ5Vedyju3 — Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) February 10, 2020 × "I commend PM @narendramodis #NamamiGange effort, not only because of the rivers spiritual and cultural significance but also because it is host to approximately 40% of #Indias population," Rajapaksa tweeted, attaching a picture of his visit. In his reply, Modi said the "Ganga is at the heart of our civilisation. It is our cultural and economic lifeline". "I am glad you spent time in Varanasi and also went along the Ganga. The experience would have been wonderful," he added. The Namami Gange programme was launched in 2014 to clean the river and improve its flow.

Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa commends Namami Gange programme

<p>Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Monday said "fear psychosis" is being created over novel coronavirus and dismissed the suggestion that migratory birds could be the reason behind its spread.</p>

<p>Speaking ahead of the 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) of wild animals, to be held next week in Gujarat, Javadekar said there was no relation between migratory birds and the virus.</p>

<p>"Let's not create a fear psychosis on the subject. There is no connection of coronavirus with migratory birds. As far as diseases or viruses from birds and animals are concerned, the conference will discuss these issues," he said.&nbsp;</p>


Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Monday said "fear psychosis" is being created over novel coronavirus and dismissed the suggestion that migratory birds could be the reason behind its spread.

Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Monday said "fear psychosis" is being created over novel coronavirus and dismissed the suggestion that migratory birds could be the reason behind its spread. Speaking ahead of the 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) of wild animals, to be held next week in Gujarat, Javadekar said there was no relation between migratory birds and the virus. "Let's not create a fear psychosis on the subject. There is no connection of coronavirus with migratory birds. As far as diseases or viruses from birds and animals are concerned, the conference will discuss these issues," he said.

No links between coronavirus, migratory birds; let's not create fear psychosis: Prakash Javadekar

<p>Indian shares settled lower for the second straight session on Monday as worries mounted over the economic impact of the new coronavirus outbreak amid a rising death toll.</p>

<p>The NSE Nifty 50 index finished 0.55 per cent lower at 12,031.50 and the S&amp;P BSE Sensex fell 0.39 per cent&nbsp;to 40,979.62.</p>

<p>Global shares traded lower as the virus claimed over 900 lives in China`s central Hubei province as of Sunday, a death toll that has exceeded that of the SARS epidemic two decades ago.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Beijing lifted some work and travel curbs, offering some reprieve to financial markets.</p>

<p>In the domestic market, metal stocks were the top drags, with the Nifty metals index shedding over 3 per cent.</p>

<p>Zee Entertainment dropped 7.73 per cent and was the top laggard, while UPL Ltd was the top gainer on the Nifty, rising 5.71 per cent.</p>


Indian shares settled lower for the second straight session on Monday as worries mounted over the economic impact of the new coronavirus outbreak amid a rising death toll.

Indian shares settled lower for the second straight session on Monday as worries mounted over the economic impact of the new coronavirus outbreak amid a rising death toll. The NSE Nifty 50 index finished 0.55 per cent lower at 12,031.50 and the S&P BSE Sensex fell 0.39 per cent to 40,979.62. Global shares traded lower as the virus claimed over 900 lives in China`s central Hubei province as of Sunday, a death toll that has exceeded that of the SARS epidemic two decades ago. Meanwhile, Beijing lifted some work and travel curbs, offering some reprieve to financial markets. In the domestic market, metal stocks were the top drags, with the Nifty metals index shedding over 3 per cent. Zee Entertainment dropped 7.73 per cent and was the top laggard, while UPL Ltd was the top gainer on the Nifty, rising 5.71 per cent.

Sensex, Nifty close lower on coronavirus worries

<p>Nestled in the lap of unparalleled beauty, Sweden is home to many gems to lure travellers from across the world. The Scandinavian nation has one more attraction to explore which is a newly-opened luxury spa hotel afloat on Lule River in Swedish Lapland.</p>

<p>Arctic Bath recently opened its gates to travellers and offers some of the most scintillating, breathtaking experiences to its visitors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The floating hotel is connected to the land via a wooden walkway, designed to stay afloat in the summer and freeze into the lake during the winters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The luxury hotel designed by architects Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi has 12 rooms - 6 of them are floating cabins while the rest are built on the land near the lakeshore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The main attraction of the Scandinavian retreat is a giant ice bath, strictly meant of the dauntless, while those too wary to brave the icy cold can warm up in cosy hot tubs, saunas and enjoy relaxing spa experiences.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haida-gwaii-pristine-canadian-remote-islands-where-only-12-tourists-are-allowed-at-a-time-279285">Pristine Canadian remote islands where only 12 tourists are allowed at a time&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>The hotel is all things wellness with yoga and mindfulness sessions for its visitors and a specially designed menu to please the palate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The restaurant uses locally-sourced ingredients to serve a gourmet spread to the visitors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With breathtaking views and soul-stirring wellness experience, the hotel offers a much-needed dialogue with nature and detox from the urban lifestyle.</p>

<p>Arctic Bath is around over an hour away from the Lulea&nbsp;Airport.</p>

<p>Those who book a stay at the scenic property during the winter would also get to gaze at the mystical Northern Lights light up the sky.</p>


Nestled in the lap of unparalleled beauty, Sweden is home to many gems to lure travellers from across the world. The Scandinavian nation has one more attraction to explore which is a newly-opened luxury spa hotel afloat on Lule River in Swedish Lapland.

Nestled in the lap of unparalleled beauty, Sweden is home to many gems to lure travellers from across the world. The Scandinavian nation has one more attraction to explore which is a newly-opened luxury spa hotel afloat on Lule River in Swedish Lapland. Arctic Bath recently opened its gates to travellers and offers some of the most scintillating, breathtaking experiences to its visitors. The floating hotel is connected to the land via a wooden walkway, designed to stay afloat in the summer and freeze into the lake during the winters. The luxury hotel designed by architects Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi has 12 rooms - 6 of them are floating cabins while the rest are built on the land near the lakeshore. The main attraction of the Scandinavian retreat is a giant ice bath, strictly meant of the dauntless, while those too wary to brave the icy cold can warm up in cosy hot tubs, saunas and enjoy relaxing spa experiences. Also read: Pristine Canadian remote islands where only 12 tourists are allowed at a time The hotel is all things wellness with yoga and mindfulness sessions for its visitors and a specially designed menu to please the palate. The restaurant uses locally-sourced ingredients to serve a gourmet spread to the visitors. With breathtaking views and soul-stirring wellness experience, the hotel offers a much-needed dialogue with nature and detox from the urban lifestyle. Arctic Bath is around over an hour away from the Lulea Airport. Those who book a stay at the scenic property during the winter would also get to gaze at the mystical Northern Lights light up the sky.

Sweden's newly-opened 'floating hotel' offers daunting ice baths, relaxing saunas and dialogue with nature

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