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<p>Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday (April 23) told Bloomberg that India needs Russian help to defend its borders.</p>

<p>India and Russia are long-time allies and New Delhi procures most of its military hardware from Moscow.</p>

<p>"You have a neighbour who joins hands with another neighbour, both of whom are against me. In the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, God forbid, if there are alliances created, India has to be strong enough to protect itself,'' Sitharaman said alluding to China and Pakistan.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-reels-under-russian-strikes-as-eastern-cities-remain-under-siege-473248/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"India wants to be friends with the European Union and the Western, free, liberal world," she added, "but not as a weak friend that needs desperate help here and there."</p>

<p>Sitharaman is in Washington to attend the annual spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.</p>

<p>British Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently visited India and signed a "new and expanded" defence and security partnership.</p>

<p>Political experts had said it was a move by the West to reduce India's reliance on its biggest military supplier Russia.</p>

<p>Although India has abstained from voting against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it has condemned the killing in Bucha and provided humanitarian aid to Kyiv.</p>

<p><strong>Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/can-fly-16000-miles-in-one-hour-how-deadly-is-russias-nuke-capable-satan-2-sarmat-missile-472592">Strike any target on earth at 16,000 miles/hour? How deadly is Russia's nuke-capable 'Satan 2' Sarmat missile?</a></strong></p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had told US President Joe Biden that he had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky.</p>

<p>Washington has asked New Delhi to limit bilateral relations with Moscow by reducing its oil trade with Russia.</p>

<p>In response, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said, "India's approach should be guided by our national beliefs and values, by our national interest, and by our national strategy."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Adding that European countries such as France and Germany were still buying oil from Russia, Jaishankar said, "So what should India do in these circumstances? At the time when energy costs have spiked, clearly, we need to ensure that the common person in India is not subject to an additional and unavoidable burden. Similarly, fertiliser prices have a direct implication for the livelihoods of the majority of our population."</p>

<p>According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, ''We will be ready to supply any goods which India wants to buy."</p>

<p>"I have no doubt that a way would be (found) to bypass the artificial impediments which illegal unilateral sanctions by the West create. This relates also to the area of military-technical cooperation," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday (April 23) told Bloomberg that India needs Russian help to defend its borders. India and Russia are long-time allies and New Delhi procures most of its military hardware from Moscow.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday (April 23) told Bloomberg that India needs Russian help to defend its borders. India and Russia are long-time allies and New Delhi procures most of its military hardware from Moscow. "You have a neighbour who joins hands with another neighbour, both of whom are against me. In the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, God forbid, if there are alliances created, India has to be strong enough to protect itself,'' Sitharaman said alluding to China and Pakistan. "India wants to be friends with the European Union and the Western, free, liberal world," she added, "but not as a weak friend that needs desperate help here and there." Sitharaman is in Washington to attend the annual spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently visited India and signed a "new and expanded" defence and security partnership. Political experts had said it was a move by the West to reduce India's reliance on its biggest military supplier Russia. Although India has abstained from voting against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it has condemned the killing in Bucha and provided humanitarian aid to Kyiv. Also see | Strike any target on earth at 16,000 miles/hour? How deadly is Russia's nuke-capable 'Satan 2' Sarmat missile? Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had told US President Joe Biden that he had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. Washington has asked New Delhi to limit bilateral relations with Moscow by reducing its oil trade with Russia. In response, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said, "India's approach should be guided by our national beliefs and values, by our national interest, and by our national strategy." Adding that European countries such as France and Germany were still buying oil from Russia, Jaishankar said, "So what should India do in these circumstances? At the time when energy costs have spiked, clearly, we need to ensure that the common person in India is not subject to an additional and unavoidable burden. Similarly, fertiliser prices have a direct implication for the livelihoods of the majority of our population." According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, ''We will be ready to supply any goods which India wants to buy." "I have no doubt that a way would be (found) to bypass the artificial impediments which illegal unilateral sanctions by the West create. This relates also to the area of military-technical cooperation," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says India needs Russian help to defend its borders

<p>The Indian Army on Saturday organised a cricket tournament in Srinagar's Army Headquarters. Around 16 teams participated in the tournament from all the districts of Kashmir Valley. The Indian army has been continuously taking initiatives to engage youth in the valley in different sports and cultural activities.</p>

<p>Students from various schools participated in the tournament and thanked the Indian army for providing a platform to showcase their talent. The Indian army says that this tournament is the start of many such events. They will also be starting a female cricket tournament soon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''We have 16 teams in total and have been organised by Chinar Corps Indian Army. All the matches, in the beginning, would be played in army headquarters, and later we will be playing in TRC grounds. We are continuously being approached by youngsters and schools to organise such cricket tournaments. A lot of schools and colleges are approaching us to organise these tournaments. IPL has many Kashmiris but they lack the platform, and we are trying our best to give them that platform. We will plan a football tournament and a special tournament with girls too. There is no positive engagement here with the youth, so many are involved in drug addiction, and we want them to stay away from drugs and play sports. We will also be organising a lot of cultural programmes too. A girl cricket tournament is in pipeline,'' said Abhishek Sahu, Major, Indian Army.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/nia-chief-visits-jammu-encounter-site-security-forces-on-high-alert-ahead-of-pm-modis-visit-473156" hreflang="en">NIA chief visits Jammu encounter site; high alert ahead of PM Modi's visit</a></strong></p>

<p>The local cricket coaches in the Valley have appreciated the initiative taken by the Indian army. The local coaches say that it will put the Kashmiri youngsters in the right direction.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-forces-beef-up-security-in-the-kashmir-valley-after-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-470003/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>''It's a great initiative by the Indian army to provide a platform for the youth to play sports. There are 16 teams and sports are as important as studies, there are so many youths involved in drugs these days and to keep them away, Sports plays a very important role. We should promote sports. '' said Zahid Hussain, Cricket Coach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are few such opportunities for the Kashmiri Youth. Although Kashmir has a lot of talent but lacks the platforms where the youth can showcase it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''Sports are extremely important for the youngsters and we stay fit if we play sports. This is a great platform, and we can learn a lot and achieve great heights. We have come with a purpose to win this tournament,'' said Reyan A, Student.</p>

<p>These Initiatives by the Indian army are to provide a platform for the youngsters so that they can represent the state and country at National and International levels.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian Army on Saturday organised a cricket tournament in Srinagar's Army Headquarters. Around 16 teams participated in the tournament from all the districts of Kashmir Valley.

The Indian Army on Saturday organised a cricket tournament in Srinagar's Army Headquarters. Around 16 teams participated in the tournament from all the districts of Kashmir Valley. The Indian army has been continuously taking initiatives to engage youth in the valley in different sports and cultural activities. Students from various schools participated in the tournament and thanked the Indian army for providing a platform to showcase their talent. The Indian army says that this tournament is the start of many such events. They will also be starting a female cricket tournament soon. ''We have 16 teams in total and have been organised by Chinar Corps Indian Army. All the matches, in the beginning, would be played in army headquarters, and later we will be playing in TRC grounds. We are continuously being approached by youngsters and schools to organise such cricket tournaments. A lot of schools and colleges are approaching us to organise these tournaments. IPL has many Kashmiris but they lack the platform, and we are trying our best to give them that platform. We will plan a football tournament and a special tournament with girls too. There is no positive engagement here with the youth, so many are involved in drug addiction, and we want them to stay away from drugs and play sports. We will also be organising a lot of cultural programmes too. A girl cricket tournament is in pipeline,'' said Abhishek Sahu, Major, Indian Army. Also read | NIA chief visits Jammu encounter site; high alert ahead of PM Modi's visit The local cricket coaches in the Valley have appreciated the initiative taken by the Indian army. The local coaches say that it will put the Kashmiri youngsters in the right direction. ''It's a great initiative by the Indian army to provide a platform for the youth to play sports. There are 16 teams and sports are as important as studies, there are so many youths involved in drugs these days and to keep them away, Sports plays a very important role. We should promote sports. '' said Zahid Hussain, Cricket Coach. There are few such opportunities for the Kashmiri Youth. Although Kashmir has a lot of talent but lacks the platforms where the youth can showcase it. ''Sports are extremely important for the youngsters and we stay fit if we play sports. This is a great platform, and we can learn a lot and achieve great heights. We have come with a purpose to win this tournament,'' said Reyan A, Student. These Initiatives by the Indian army are to provide a platform for the youngsters so that they can represent the state and country at National and International levels. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Army organises cricket tournament in Srinagar to increase youth engagement in activities

<p>India has repatriated a woman sailor of the Seychelles Coast Guard, for whom India provided mid-sea assistance and medical evacuation during an emergency, while she was off India's Western coast, near Lakshadweep. This act of goodwill has further enhanced the bilateral ties between India and the Indian Ocean littoral state. Notably, India's Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Hari Kumar is on a three-day (Apr 21-23rd) visit to Seychelles to further deepen the ties.</p>

<p>On April 14th, the sailor was on-board the Seychelles Coast Guard vessel SCGS Zoroaster transiting Indian waters and sailing back home, when she reported severe abdominal pain. Since the foreign ship Zoroaster was being escorted by Indian Navy's INS Garuda, the sailor was shifted to the Indian ship for further medical management and evacuation. Later that afternoon, India's indigenously-built Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), operated from the Indian Navy's INS Garuda base in Kochi successfully completed the medical evacuation.</p>

<p>Then, the patient who was brought to INS Garuda Naval Air Base in Kochi was shifted to INHS Sanjivani by ambulance and was observed to be in a stable condition. In order to facilitate a medical evacuation, the Indian Navy had prepared the ALH and Sea King 42C helicopters at Kochi. Eventually, the ALH chopper with a Naval Medical officer on-board took off from the base and headed towards INS Sharda, which was 15 km north of Minicoy Islands, off India's West Coast. In a little over four hours from the time of the chopper having lifted off from Kochi, the patient was brought to the city for further treatment, on April 14th .&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seychelles Peoples Defence Force Ship Zoroaster was on a goodwill visit to Kochi from 11-12th April 2022. Zoroaster is a Fast Attack Craft constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders Engineering (GRSE) Kolkata and presented to Seychelles People’s Defence Force in 2021. The ship is on her return passage to Seychelles after participating in multi-lateral exercise MILAN-22 at Visakhapatnam. The ship also visited Kochi in January 2022 during her passage to Visakhapatnam. The visit of Zoroaster to Kochi has enhanced the defence cooperation between the two countries.</p>


India has repatriated a woman sailor of the Seychelles Coast Guard, for whom India provided mid-sea assistance and medical evacuation during an emergency, while she was off India's Western coast, near Lakshadweep.

India has repatriated a woman sailor of the Seychelles Coast Guard, for whom India provided mid-sea assistance and medical evacuation during an emergency, while she was off India's Western coast, near Lakshadweep. This act of goodwill has further enhanced the bilateral ties between India and the Indian Ocean littoral state. Notably, India's Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Hari Kumar is on a three-day (Apr 21-23rd) visit to Seychelles to further deepen the ties. On April 14th, the sailor was on-board the Seychelles Coast Guard vessel SCGS Zoroaster transiting Indian waters and sailing back home, when she reported severe abdominal pain. Since the foreign ship Zoroaster was being escorted by Indian Navy's INS Garuda, the sailor was shifted to the Indian ship for further medical management and evacuation. Later that afternoon, India's indigenously-built Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), operated from the Indian Navy's INS Garuda base in Kochi successfully completed the medical evacuation. Then, the patient who was brought to INS Garuda Naval Air Base in Kochi was shifted to INHS Sanjivani by ambulance and was observed to be in a stable condition. In order to facilitate a medical evacuation, the Indian Navy had prepared the ALH and Sea King 42C helicopters at Kochi. Eventually, the ALH chopper with a Naval Medical officer on-board took off from the base and headed towards INS Sharda, which was 15 km north of Minicoy Islands, off India's West Coast. In a little over four hours from the time of the chopper having lifted off from Kochi, the patient was brought to the city for further treatment, on April 14th . Seychelles Peoples Defence Force Ship Zoroaster was on a goodwill visit to Kochi from 11-12th April 2022. Zoroaster is a Fast Attack Craft constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders Engineering (GRSE) Kolkata and presented to Seychelles People’s Defence Force in 2021. The ship is on her return passage to Seychelles after participating in multi-lateral exercise MILAN-22 at Visakhapatnam. The ship also visited Kochi in January 2022 during her passage to Visakhapatnam. The visit of Zoroaster to Kochi has enhanced the defence cooperation between the two countries.

After her recovery, India repatriates Seychelles Coast Guard sailor who had mid-sea medical emergency

<p>The COVID-19 cluster in IIT-Madras in Chennai has grown to a total of 55 cases, a significant number considering that there are only 286 active cases recorded in the southern state. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan, the 55 cases on campus were confirmed after performing 1,420 tests over the last couple of days. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that most of the students had mild symptoms, such as throat irritation and fever, while their blood oxygen saturation levels remained safe. With this cluster emerging and the pan-India trend of rising cases, the Tamil Nadu Government will be ramping up daily COVID-19 testing from 14,000 per day to 18,000 and eventually 25,000. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-18-sri-lankan-refugees-reach-tamil-nadu-shores-total-influx-reaches-60-473051" hreflang="en">India: 18 Sri Lankan refugees reach Tamil Nadu shores, total influx reaches 60</a></strong></p>

<p>Elaborating on the cases in Tamil Nadu, Dr Radhakrishnan, said, of the 286 active cases, only 17 were hospitalised, whereas the others were either isolated at home or in isolation facilities. Further, he stated that two patients are in the intensive care unit and seven of them are under oxygen support. On the cases in IIT Madras, he pointed towards the possibility of the spread having originated from students, who had recently travelled from other parts of the country and joined campus. &nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Total of 55 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> cases in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iitmadras?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iitmadras</a> confirmed from 1400+ tests<br />
<br />
Y'day, when 33 cases were confirmed on campus, <a href="https://twitter.com/iitmadras?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iitmadras</a> went ahead with an in-person press meet on "Covid management"<br />
<br />
In a statement, IITM says they are fully geared up to meet exigency, all students vaxxed <a href="https://t.co/qHUYCyyR0q">pic.twitter.com/qHUYCyyR0q</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1517754741211934720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Friday, when a total of 33 cases were reported from the IIT Madras Campus, the institute had gone ahead with an in-person press meet on covid management, despite there being a known outbreak of a COVID-19 cluster and the further risk of spread. Notably, the institute had not formally communicated about the virus outbreak on campus or the prevailing situation there, when rolling out in-person invitations. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: More Sri Lankan refugees reach India</strong></p>

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<p>In a statement, IIT Madras later said that they were fully geared up to meet any exigency and all students were vaccinated, the institute would handle the current cases effectively, based on the lessons they learnt from handling the outbreaks during past three waves. &nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, Dr Radhakrishnan emphasised the need for people across Tamil Nadu to mask-up and follow Covid protocols. While stressing that the masking rule had never been relaxed by the government, he said that the collection of a Rs 500 penalty from mask-rule violators would resume with immediate effect. Allaying concerns of COVID-19 bed shortages that may arise, he said that there were more than 1.1 lakh beds in Tamil Nadu at present, in comparison with 1.8 lakh beds during the peak phase of the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>


The COVID-19 cluster in IIT-Madras in Chennai has grown to a total of 55 cases, a significant number considering that there are only 286 active cases recorded in the southern state.

The COVID-19 cluster in IIT-Madras in Chennai has grown to a total of 55 cases, a significant number considering that there are only 286 active cases recorded in the southern state. According to Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan, the 55 cases on campus were confirmed after performing 1,420 tests over the last couple of days. He added that most of the students had mild symptoms, such as throat irritation and fever, while their blood oxygen saturation levels remained safe. With this cluster emerging and the pan-India trend of rising cases, the Tamil Nadu Government will be ramping up daily COVID-19 testing from 14,000 per day to 18,000 and eventually 25,000. Also Read | India: 18 Sri Lankan refugees reach Tamil Nadu shores, total influx reaches 60 Elaborating on the cases in Tamil Nadu, Dr Radhakrishnan, said, of the 286 active cases, only 17 were hospitalised, whereas the others were either isolated at home or in isolation facilities. Further, he stated that two patients are in the intensive care unit and seven of them are under oxygen support. On the cases in IIT Madras, he pointed towards the possibility of the spread having originated from students, who had recently travelled from other parts of the country and joined campus. Total of 55 #COVID19 cases in #iitmadras confirmed from 1400+ tests Y'day, when 33 cases were confirmed on campus, @iitmadras went ahead with an in-person press meet on "Covid management" In a statement, IITM says they are fully geared up to meet exigency, all students vaxxed pic.twitter.com/qHUYCyyR0q — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 23, 2022 × On Friday, when a total of 33 cases were reported from the IIT Madras Campus, the institute had gone ahead with an in-person press meet on covid management, despite there being a known outbreak of a COVID-19 cluster and the further risk of spread. Notably, the institute had not formally communicated about the virus outbreak on campus or the prevailing situation there, when rolling out in-person invitations. Watch: Gravitas: More Sri Lankan refugees reach India × In a statement, IIT Madras later said that they were fully geared up to meet any exigency and all students were vaccinated, the institute would handle the current cases effectively, based on the lessons they learnt from handling the outbreaks during past three waves. On Friday, Dr Radhakrishnan emphasised the need for people across Tamil Nadu to mask-up and follow Covid protocols. While stressing that the masking rule had never been relaxed by the government, he said that the collection of a Rs 500 penalty from mask-rule violators would resume with immediate effect. Allaying concerns of COVID-19 bed shortages that may arise, he said that there were more than 1.1 lakh beds in Tamil Nadu at present, in comparison with 1.8 lakh beds during the peak phase of the pandemic.

Covid cases multiply at IIT Madras; Health authorities advise caution across Tamil Nadu in India

<p>A total of 18 Sri Lankan nationals illegally arrived on Indian shores on Thursday and Friday, at different locations in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Arriving in three batches, these members belonging to different families had taken the arduous boat ride from the northern and eastern parts to Sri Lanka, to alight on Indian territory, fleeing the severe economic crisis back at home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the initial investigation and procedures, all 18 members are said to have been taken to the Mandapam refugee camp in the same district.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In batches, y'day &amp; today 18 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Srilankan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Srilankan</a> nationals fled the island nation &amp; reached <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indian</a> shores <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> via boat..<br />
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With this 18, the total influx since March 22nd has risen to 60<br />
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Feel sorry &amp; sad for their plight of having to sell everything for cash, flee across the sea <a href="https://t.co/AauEdTQ0bV">pic.twitter.com/AauEdTQ0bV</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1517532195749265408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>With this batch of six men, five women, and seven children having fled to India over the last month, the total count of refugees that have arrived here has touched sixty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since March 22nd , Lankan Tamils from the lowest strata of Sri Lankan society have been taking the extreme step of selling all of their belongings, leaving their homes and fleeing to India, in batches, by paying huge sums of money to fishermen and agents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The economic crisis that has devastated the island nation has taken a severe toll on daily wage earners and those from the less-fortunate sections of society, whose wages have been stagnant amid skyrocketing prices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The worst-ever crisis faced by the island nation is primarily caused by a shortage of foreign currency to import essential commodities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, over-reliance on tourism revenue, and the export of tea, spices, and other consumables all contributed to the country's demise.</p>

<p>Angry and distraught citizens are out in protest against the government's handling of the debt-ridden economy. Protests demanding the resignation of President Rajapaksa and his Sri Lanka Podujana (Peramuna)-led government have only intensified.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Rajapaksa-clan, which until recently held all important portfolios in the government, has been facing severe backlash over widespread allegations of large-scale corruption.</p>


A total of 18 Sri Lankan nationals illegally arrived on Indian shores on Thursday and Friday, at different locations in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district. Arriving in three batches, these members belonging to different families had taken the arduous boat ride from the northern and eastern parts to Sri Lanka, to alight on Indian territory, fleeing the severe economic crisis back at home.

A total of 18 Sri Lankan nationals illegally arrived on Indian shores on Thursday and Friday, at different locations in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district. Arriving in three batches, these members belonging to different families had taken the arduous boat ride from the northern and eastern parts to Sri Lanka, to alight on Indian territory, fleeing the severe economic crisis back at home. Following the initial investigation and procedures, all 18 members are said to have been taken to the Mandapam refugee camp in the same district. In batches, y'day & today 18 #Srilankan nationals fled the island nation & reached #indian shores #TamilNadu via boat.. With this 18, the total influx since March 22nd has risen to 60 Feel sorry & sad for their plight of having to sell everything for cash, flee across the sea pic.twitter.com/AauEdTQ0bV — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 22, 2022 × With this batch of six men, five women, and seven children having fled to India over the last month, the total count of refugees that have arrived here has touched sixty. Since March 22nd , Lankan Tamils from the lowest strata of Sri Lankan society have been taking the extreme step of selling all of their belongings, leaving their homes and fleeing to India, in batches, by paying huge sums of money to fishermen and agents. The economic crisis that has devastated the island nation has taken a severe toll on daily wage earners and those from the less-fortunate sections of society, whose wages have been stagnant amid skyrocketing prices. The worst-ever crisis faced by the island nation is primarily caused by a shortage of foreign currency to import essential commodities. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, over-reliance on tourism revenue, and the export of tea, spices, and other consumables all contributed to the country's demise. Angry and distraught citizens are out in protest against the government's handling of the debt-ridden economy. Protests demanding the resignation of President Rajapaksa and his Sri Lanka Podujana (Peramuna)-led government have only intensified. The Rajapaksa-clan, which until recently held all important portfolios in the government, has been facing severe backlash over widespread allegations of large-scale corruption.

18 Sri Lankan refugees reach Tamil Nadu shores, total influx reaches 60

India: 18 Sri Lankan refugees reach Tamil Nadu shores, total influx reaches 60

<p>From building IIT Bombay's maiden student satellite 'Pratham', to working on developing a safer fuel and more efficient engine for satellites, the founders of Indian start-up 'Manastu' have come a long way.</p>

<p>On the occasion of their venture's fifth anniversary, Tushar and Ashtesh, the duo behind Manastu threw light onto their interesting offerings and the company’s future projects. Notably, the Indian start-up hopes to fly their newly-developed system to space by early 2023 and also have their technology commercialised.</p>

<p>After being placed in orbit by rockets, satellites have to rely on their on-board fuel and engines to make maneuvers, in order to avoid colliding with space debris and to remain in their precise orbits, while functioning in the harsh environments of space. While this task has been handled for several decades by engines powered by fuels such as Mono methyl hydrazine, such fuels are toxic, highly volatile and cancer-causing, thus raising several concerns over their safety.</p>

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<p>According to Ashtesh, who serves as the CTO at Manastu, they have developed a new propulsion technology for satellites and it will be powered by 'MS-289' which is a proprietary blend of Hydrogen peroxide and additives. In order to initiate the combustion of this novel fuel, the company will be using a chemical catalyst, that performs the similar function of a sparkplug in an automobile. About this technology, the company says "Fuel is as safe as common salt, hence less safety precautions and less infrastructure cost, Agile System due to ability to produce higher thrust compared to Electric Propulsion, 50 per cent&nbsp;Higher Performance due to higher combustion temperature and higher density of our fuel and engine design".</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-space-start-up-pixxel-to-have-constellation-of-20-satellites-by-2024-468329">Also read |&nbsp;Indian Space start-up 'Pixxel' to have constellation of 20 satellites by 2024</a></strong></p>

<p>Three variants of this propulsion system have been built- to meet the requirements of satellites of different sizes (weighing over 100kg, small cube satellites etc. In addition to this, as part of their future endeavours they aim to develop satellite refuelling systems that can help extend the life of in orbit satellites.</p>

<p>Similar to an aerial-refuelling tanker that can extend the range of aircraft, this concept hopes to create a mechanism where a tanker(carrying satellite-grade) fuel can dock with a satellite and fill its tank, to extend its life. At the end of the satellite's operational life, similar tankers would also be used to de-orbit the satellite, thus preventing it from becoming space debris and a threat to other orbital assets.</p>

<p>By September this year, five-year-old company is optimistic about conducting a final test that involves putting the satellites through the rigours of space-like conditions(thermovac test), at a test facility. Once this test is complete, the team hopes to launch their satellite to space in early 2023 and prove its practical worthiness and capabilities, following which they can commercialise the technology.</p>

<p>According to team Manastu, India's state-run Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed up to have this technology onboard an Indian strategic satellite, whereas a French company is also in talks to utilise this system in the final stage of their rocket, for orbit correction and maneuvers.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


From building IIT Bombay's maiden student satellite 'Pratham', to working on developing a safer fuel and more efficient engine for satellites, the founders of Indian start-up 'Manastu' have come a long way.

From building IIT Bombay's maiden student satellite 'Pratham', to working on developing a safer fuel and more efficient engine for satellites, the founders of Indian start-up 'Manastu' have come a long way. On the occasion of their venture's fifth anniversary, Tushar and Ashtesh, the duo behind Manastu threw light onto their interesting offerings and the company’s future projects. Notably, the Indian start-up hopes to fly their newly-developed system to space by early 2023 and also have their technology commercialised. After being placed in orbit by rockets, satellites have to rely on their on-board fuel and engines to make maneuvers, in order to avoid colliding with space debris and to remain in their precise orbits, while functioning in the harsh environments of space. While this task has been handled for several decades by engines powered by fuels such as Mono methyl hydrazine, such fuels are toxic, highly volatile and cancer-causing, thus raising several concerns over their safety. According to Ashtesh, who serves as the CTO at Manastu, they have developed a new propulsion technology for satellites and it will be powered by 'MS-289' which is a proprietary blend of Hydrogen peroxide and additives. In order to initiate the combustion of this novel fuel, the company will be using a chemical catalyst, that performs the similar function of a sparkplug in an automobile. About this technology, the company says "Fuel is as safe as common salt, hence less safety precautions and less infrastructure cost, Agile System due to ability to produce higher thrust compared to Electric Propulsion, 50 per cent Higher Performance due to higher combustion temperature and higher density of our fuel and engine design". Also read | Indian Space start-up 'Pixxel' to have constellation of 20 satellites by 2024 Three variants of this propulsion system have been built- to meet the requirements of satellites of different sizes (weighing over 100kg, small cube satellites etc. In addition to this, as part of their future endeavours they aim to develop satellite refuelling systems that can help extend the life of in orbit satellites. Similar to an aerial-refuelling tanker that can extend the range of aircraft, this concept hopes to create a mechanism where a tanker(carrying satellite-grade) fuel can dock with a satellite and fill its tank, to extend its life. At the end of the satellite's operational life, similar tankers would also be used to de-orbit the satellite, thus preventing it from becoming space debris and a threat to other orbital assets. By September this year, five-year-old company is optimistic about conducting a final test that involves putting the satellites through the rigours of space-like conditions(thermovac test), at a test facility. Once this test is complete, the team hopes to launch their satellite to space in early 2023 and prove its practical worthiness and capabilities, following which they can commercialise the technology. According to team Manastu, India's state-run Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed up to have this technology onboard an Indian strategic satellite, whereas a French company is also in talks to utilise this system in the final stage of their rocket, for orbit correction and maneuvers.

Green fuel-powered satellite engine made by Indian start-up 'Manastu' to reach orbit by early 2023

<p>India, often called the land of Kama Sutra, is often shy to talk about sex publicly. The topic is often a big no-no in families.</p>

<p>The situation may not be better in case of married couples who may suffer because of lack of communication and privacy.</p>

<p>Some 'sex start-ups' are trying to shatter the walls of silence around the topic often considered taboo in the largely conservative country.</p>

<p>MyMuse, founded by Anushka and Sahil Gupta, are tackling this with tongue-in-cheek marketing and creative euphemisms, which they say make the products (adult toys) seem less intimidating and encourage first-time buyers.</p>

<p>"Diwali is coming and so should you! And as always, we're urging you to save the fireworks for the bedroom," exclaimed one such advertisement on Facebook before one of India's biggest religious holidays, and its customary pyrotechnics, last year.</p>

<p>"There's this shame, guilt and fear associated with buying something that should be used in your intimate areas, and that's the first thing we wanted to turn around," Anushka says.</p>

<p>MyMuse is one of a growing number of businesses riding a wave of sexual liberation amongst urban young professionals, already navigating global trends on Instagram and comfortable with dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble and Hinge.</p>

<p>Investors too are betting on this untapped market in the vast country of 1.4 billion: India's nascent sex toys sector was valued at $91 million by TechSci Research in 2020, and predicted to grow 16 percent annually.</p>

<p>There are a growing number of services for India's sexually curious: fellow start-up Gizmoswala offers same-day delivery on bondage kits for Mumbai residents, while LoveTreats exhorts online shoppers to discover their "naughty side" with lingerie sets and remote-controlled vibrators</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


India, often called the land of Kama Sutra, is often shy to talk about sex publicly. The topic is often a big no-no in families. The situation may not be better in case of married couples who may suffer because of lack of communication and privacy.

India, often called the land of Kama Sutra, is often shy to talk about sex publicly. The topic is often a big no-no in families. The situation may not be better in case of married couples who may suffer because of lack of communication and privacy. Some 'sex start-ups' are trying to shatter the walls of silence around the topic often considered taboo in the largely conservative country. MyMuse, founded by Anushka and Sahil Gupta, are tackling this with tongue-in-cheek marketing and creative euphemisms, which they say make the products (adult toys) seem less intimidating and encourage first-time buyers. "Diwali is coming and so should you! And as always, we're urging you to save the fireworks for the bedroom," exclaimed one such advertisement on Facebook before one of India's biggest religious holidays, and its customary pyrotechnics, last year. "There's this shame, guilt and fear associated with buying something that should be used in your intimate areas, and that's the first thing we wanted to turn around," Anushka says. MyMuse is one of a growing number of businesses riding a wave of sexual liberation amongst urban young professionals, already navigating global trends on Instagram and comfortable with dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble and Hinge. Investors too are betting on this untapped market in the vast country of 1.4 billion: India's nascent sex toys sector was valued at $91 million by TechSci Research in 2020, and predicted to grow 16 percent annually. There are a growing number of services for India's sexually curious: fellow start-up Gizmoswala offers same-day delivery on bondage kits for Mumbai residents, while LoveTreats exhorts online shoppers to discover their "naughty side" with lingerie sets and remote-controlled vibrators (With inputs from agencies)

These 'sex start-ups' in India are changing conversations around 'taboos'

<p>Famous Indian archaeologist KK Muhammed revealed that 27 temples were demolished to build the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque near Qutub Minar in Delhi, during a debate at a World Heritage Day event in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal on Monday (April 18).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Remnants of temples, including Lord Ganesha's temple, were discovered near Qutub Minar. It establishes the existence of a temple," said the 69-year-old, who has been honoured with India's fourth highest civilian honor, Padma Shri.</p>

<p>Muhammed, however, said that the Qutub Minar was a different structure with its own minarets, adding that relevant evidence must be thoroughly examined before a conclusion can be reached.</p>

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<p>The Delhi Tourism website says, "An inscription over its eastern gate provocatively informs us that it was built with material obtained from demolishing ’27 Hindu temples."</p>

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<h5>Karingamannu Kuzhiyil Muhammed is an Indian archaeologist. He was the Archaeological Survey of India's Regional Director (North). In 2019, President Ram Nath Kovind awarded him the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honour.</h5>
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<p>At the Mangaluru Lit Fest in 2019, KK Muhammed, one of the archaeologists involved in the excavation of the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi site, had said it was advisable for Muslims to voluntarily hand over the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Idgah in Mathura, Lord Krishna's birthplace, to the Hindus. In Ayodhya, he added, they squandered a golden opportunity.</p>

<p>While these constructions were merely mosques for Muslims, they were locations of high devotion for Hindus, just as Mecca-Madina was for Muslims, according to Muhammad.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Famous Indian archaeologist KK Muhammed revealed that 27 temples were demolished to build the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque near Qutub Minar in Delhi, during a debate at a World Heritage Day event in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal on Monday (April 18).

Famous Indian archaeologist KK Muhammed revealed that 27 temples were demolished to build the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque near Qutub Minar in Delhi, during a debate at a World Heritage Day event in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal on Monday (April 18). "Remnants of temples, including Lord Ganesha's temple, were discovered near Qutub Minar. It establishes the existence of a temple," said the 69-year-old, who has been honoured with India's fourth highest civilian honor, Padma Shri. Muhammed, however, said that the Qutub Minar was a different structure with its own minarets, adding that relevant evidence must be thoroughly examined before a conclusion can be reached. × The Delhi Tourism website says, "An inscription over its eastern gate provocatively informs us that it was built with material obtained from demolishing ’27 Hindu temples." Karingamannu Kuzhiyil Muhammed is an Indian archaeologist. He was the Archaeological Survey of India's Regional Director (North). In 2019, President Ram Nath Kovind awarded him the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honour. × At the Mangaluru Lit Fest in 2019, KK Muhammed, one of the archaeologists involved in the excavation of the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi site, had said it was advisable for Muslims to voluntarily hand over the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Idgah in Mathura, Lord Krishna's birthplace, to the Hindus. In Ayodhya, he added, they squandered a golden opportunity. While these constructions were merely mosques for Muslims, they were locations of high devotion for Hindus, just as Mecca-Madina was for Muslims, according to Muhammad. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque near Qutub Minar was built after demolishing 27 temples: Archaeologist KK Muhammed

<p>Keeping in line with the trend that is seen across India, COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the Southern state of Tamil Nadu. Amid widespread laxity among the public in wearing masks, the Government also announced the resumption of imposing fines of Rs.500 from those found violating the mask rule.</p>

<p>In what is now the largest reported COVID-19 case cluster in Tamil Nadu, IIT-Madras in Chennai has 30 active COVID-19 cases, from tests of 700 samples.</p>

<p>According to senior Tamil Nadu Government officials, measures are underway to facilitate the collection of 2,000 samples per day from IIT Madras, thus indicating the possibility of a further explosion in cases. It must also be noted that such targeted testing(as seen in IIT) has not yet commenced elsewhere in the state, in standalone establishments that see large crowds.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yesterday, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> reported 39 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID</a> cases, of this,12 were from <a href="https://twitter.com/iitmadras?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iitmadras</a><br />
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Of 256 active cases in the state, 30 are from this institute<br />
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Question is, how would the daily case numbers look like, when such targeted testing is done in offices, colleges etc. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CovidIsntOver?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CovidIsntOver</a> <a href="https://t.co/muyIynqUdD">https://t.co/muyIynqUdD</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1517437908382535682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking to the media, Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Dr. J. Radhakrishnan said that preventive measures were being implemented in all 19 hostels on the IIT campus, of which 8 of them had the most cases.</p>

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<p>He also emphasised the Institute's responsibility to isolate/confine those that undergo COVID-19 tests, till such time the results are available. This is recommended to prevent intermingling of students, as an infected person could spread the virus to tens of others, by the time he/she received a positive test result.</p>

<p>Despite the rise in cases on campus and the prevailing risk of exposure, IIT Madras has invited journalists to their campus for attending an in-person event on Covid Management.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Of 256 active <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID</a> cases in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> , 30 are from <a href="https://twitter.com/iitmadras?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iitmadras</a> &amp; the number is expected to grow<br />
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Of 256 - 2 ICU, 7 O2 support, 9 normal hosp, rest are at home<br />
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Most ppl have throat issue/fever<br />
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Despite the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid_19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid_19</a> risk on campus, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iitm?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iitm</a> chooses publicity over public safety <a href="https://t.co/842YQO1nYl">https://t.co/842YQO1nYl</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1517432766543319040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>While the Health Secretary said that there was nothing to panic about, he touched upon the importance of mask-wearing, temperature screening, and sanitizing all crowded spaces. He added that Tamil Nadu had not relaxed the mask-wearing rule and that merely the collection of fines from non-mask-wearers were stopped. However, he announced that people who were found violating the mask rule in public places would henceforth be fined Rs.500.</p>

<p>As of Thursday, Tamil Nadu reported 39 new COVID cases, of which 12 were from IIT Madras alone.&nbsp;</p>


Keeping in line with the trend that is seen across India, COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the Southern state of Tamil Nadu. Amid widespread laxity among the public in wearing masks, the Government also announced the resumption of imposing fines of Rs.

Keeping in line with the trend that is seen across India, COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the Southern state of Tamil Nadu. Amid widespread laxity among the public in wearing masks, the Government also announced the resumption of imposing fines of Rs.500 from those found violating the mask rule. In what is now the largest reported COVID-19 case cluster in Tamil Nadu, IIT-Madras in Chennai has 30 active COVID-19 cases, from tests of 700 samples. According to senior Tamil Nadu Government officials, measures are underway to facilitate the collection of 2,000 samples per day from IIT Madras, thus indicating the possibility of a further explosion in cases. It must also be noted that such targeted testing(as seen in IIT) has not yet commenced elsewhere in the state, in standalone establishments that see large crowds. Yesterday, #TamilNadu reported 39 #COVID cases, of this,12 were from @iitmadras Of 256 active cases in the state, 30 are from this institute Question is, how would the daily case numbers look like, when such targeted testing is done in offices, colleges etc. #CovidIsntOver https://t.co/muyIynqUdD — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 22, 2022 × Speaking to the media, Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Dr. J. Radhakrishnan said that preventive measures were being implemented in all 19 hostels on the IIT campus, of which 8 of them had the most cases. He also emphasised the Institute's responsibility to isolate/confine those that undergo COVID-19 tests, till such time the results are available. This is recommended to prevent intermingling of students, as an infected person could spread the virus to tens of others, by the time he/she received a positive test result. Despite the rise in cases on campus and the prevailing risk of exposure, IIT Madras has invited journalists to their campus for attending an in-person event on Covid Management. Of 256 active #COVID cases in #TamilNadu , 30 are from @iitmadras & the number is expected to grow Of 256 - 2 ICU, 7 O2 support, 9 normal hosp, rest are at home Most ppl have throat issue/fever Despite the #Covid_19 risk on campus, #iitm chooses publicity over public safety https://t.co/842YQO1nYl — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 22, 2022 × While the Health Secretary said that there was nothing to panic about, he touched upon the importance of mask-wearing, temperature screening, and sanitizing all crowded spaces. He added that Tamil Nadu had not relaxed the mask-wearing rule and that merely the collection of fines from non-mask-wearers were stopped. However, he announced that people who were found violating the mask rule in public places would henceforth be fined Rs.500. As of Thursday, Tamil Nadu reported 39 new COVID cases, of which 12 were from IIT Madras alone.

Mask-wearing rule was never relaxed, says Tamil Nadu government, as COVID-19 cases rise

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<p>Days after Egypt announced the decision to allow the import of Indian wheat, the Egyptian ambassador to New Delhi Wael Hamed said that his country is "very much interested in building relations with India."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Egyptian call to add India to the list of countries from where wheat can be imported comes even global wheat prices have increased in a major way due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both Russia and Ukraine have been major exporters of wheat, something that has been hard hit due to the ongoing war.</p>

<p>Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, envoy Wael explained, "Egypt has been traditionally importing wheat from other countries, we have been traditionally importing from Russia and Ukraine something like 80% of our yearly needs", adding, "Prices have risen to unprecedented level". India is being looked up as a potential source to fill the global shortfall in wheat supplies.</p>

<p>According to the Indian government release over the weekend, the country aims to export three million tonnes of wheat to Egypt in 2023. Officials from agriculture quarantine and pest risk analysis of Egypt visited various processing units, port facilities and farms in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. During his visit to Dubai last month, Union Commerce &amp; Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also met Egypt’s Minister of Planning &amp; Economic Development Dr Hala El-Said and discussed India's readiness to supply high-quality wheat towards ensuring Egypt's food security.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong>&nbsp;What is the rationale behind this decision of allowing Indian Wheat?</p>

<p><strong>Wael Hamed:</strong>&nbsp;The crisis between Ukraine and Russia has led to drastic increases in the prices of wheat internationally. Egypt has traditionally been one of the largest importers of wheat at the international level. Maybe until last year, we were the largest importer, this year we may be 2nd or the 3rd largest importer in the world. India at the same time is one of the largest producers. It hasn't been big country when it comes to exports of wheat so far, but it seems India has been willing to go into export market of wheat and Egypt being one of the largest importers of wheat, definitely Egypt is very much interested in building relations with India.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong>&nbsp;A team from Egypt was in India regarding this...</p>

<p><strong>Wael Hamed:</strong>&nbsp;Yes, they actually visited many places. They stayed here; they came last week. They stayed here for something 4-5 days. Very hectic 4-5 days. Indian side prepared an extensive program for them. They were able to inspect, have a look at fields, look at production in India also, at the labs in which wheat is being analysed for its nutrients and the quality of the wheat India is producing. The purpose of the visit basically is to gather as much information as possible on Indian Wheat and how good and adequate it is for the Egyptian market so as to make sure it is the kind of wheat we want to provide to our citizens. Wheat is a strategic commodity and every country puts its own standards for wheat and this was the main purpose for the visit of our experts last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong>&nbsp;When will the export from India to Egypt start, and any quantity you looking at?</p>

<p><strong>Wael Hamed:</strong>&nbsp;Our production is normally around 9 million tonnes but our consumption is 21-22 million tonnes a year, this means we import 12-13 million tonnes every year. It is very difficult to imagine that India will be willing to export that much. That anyone country can fulfil that gap, the 9 million tonnes Egypt produces and approximately 22 million tonnes we consume. So far there haven't been any commercial discussions that I know of. All that happened so far is that Egyptian experts were here, they actually find Indian Wheat is good enough to be imported into Egypt. In what quantities, by when, by whom henceforth, it will be subject to commercial discussion that will come at a later stage.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong>&nbsp;Indian Trade minister Goyal talked about his meeting with the Egyptian minister in Dubai and the process started...If you can talk about that, a chit was exchanged</p>

<p><strong>Wael Hamed:</strong>&nbsp;Before taking a call that was that important, that strategic of adding one country to the list of certified exporters of wheat to Egypt, a lot of communication and lot of interaction and meetings take place because this is really a big call. I am sure, that many such meetings took place, and you rightly mentioned the meeting of your minister of commerce and our minister and they actually discussed but there have been numerous discussions on the issue, even before this meeting in Dubai. My understanding is that many of the contacts took place even before the meeting took place between the 2 trade ministers in Dubai. The main result is we received the Egyptian experts last week and that we are here already discussing the possibility of in the future importing wheat from India.</p>

<p><strong>WION:&nbsp;</strong>Are there other countries from where Egypt is importing wheat? and do you think India can full fill the need of the world, in terms of wheat amid the ongoing conflict?</p>

<p><strong>Wael Hamed:</strong>&nbsp;Egypt has been traditionally importing wheat from other countries, we have been traditionally importing from Russia and Ukraine something like 80% of our yearly needs, and this is the reason behind the problem we are in now, the shortage we are facing. But we have also been importing from other countries, including France, Romania, the US, Argentina and other countries as well. We have traditionally been, an important importer of wheat and one good thing about being an importer is that you sometimes have the ability to impact the international prices. When you are a big importer, you are a price setter, this gives an ability to have communication with several countries that export wheat and also have our input. When it comes to India when I was speaking on production, our production is 9 million tonnes and we import 12 million tonnes to fill in the gap, that is 22 million tons. India produces approximately 110 million tonnes and consumes something like 105-103 million tonnes. The surplus that India has, is good to have a surplus but I am not sure whether the kind of surplus India has can actually make a big difference in the international market or not. We hope it will, everyone in the world needs to see the global supply chain of major agriculture products coming back to normal and back to stability. I hope India can open this.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong>&nbsp;How has the Russian invasion of Ukraine impacted the wheat prices?</p>

<p><strong>Wael Hamed:</strong>&nbsp;Everybody has been noticing this. Prices have risen to an unprecedented level, in the past I think one ton of wheat used to be around $380, now we see prices as high as $500. This is very big increase, because Russia was the number one wheat producer at the international level and Ukraine comes at number 4 or 5. Both of them together account for a big share of the market. The market has been for sure impacted and when I say Egypt is price setter, this doesn't mean that Egypt is the only country that has an influence on price. It means, that we as one of the biggest buyers have an influence. That when Egypt comes into the market, the price has to respond in a certain way, that is different when other smaller buyers come into the market and try to behave in this way or that way. A big importer and exporter are important when it comes to price mechanism of wheat in international affairs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong>&nbsp;How do you see ties between the two countries?</p>

<p><strong>Wael Hamed:</strong>&nbsp;I hope what we can expect in the coming period is an intensification of the relationship between Egypt and India. Not only in terms of economic interaction, and trade just like wheat which is very important and adds to the strategic relationship between the 2 countries, because this is actually a very strategic commodity. But also, in terms of exchange at a higher level. As you might know, we very expecting the visit of his excellency PM Modi to Egypt in 2020, unfortunately, the visit did not take place but we are still hopeful this will be able to take place sometime this year. When it comes to relationships, both countries have enormous horizons and potential. If we put our hands together, we can make benefit both countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Egypt to import a million tons of Indian wheat amid shortage due to Russia-Ukraine war</strong></p>

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Days after Egypt announced the decision to allow the import of Indian wheat, the Egyptian ambassador to New Delhi Wael Hamed said that his country is "very much interested in building relations with India.

Days after Egypt announced the decision to allow the import of Indian wheat, the Egyptian ambassador to New Delhi Wael Hamed said that his country is "very much interested in building relations with India." Egyptian call to add India to the list of countries from where wheat can be imported comes even global wheat prices have increased in a major way due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both Russia and Ukraine have been major exporters of wheat, something that has been hard hit due to the ongoing war. Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, envoy Wael explained, "Egypt has been traditionally importing wheat from other countries, we have been traditionally importing from Russia and Ukraine something like 80% of our yearly needs", adding, "Prices have risen to unprecedented level". India is being looked up as a potential source to fill the global shortfall in wheat supplies. According to the Indian government release over the weekend, the country aims to export three million tonnes of wheat to Egypt in 2023. Officials from agriculture quarantine and pest risk analysis of Egypt visited various processing units, port facilities and farms in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. During his visit to Dubai last month, Union Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also met Egypt’s Minister of Planning & Economic Development Dr Hala El-Said and discussed India's readiness to supply high-quality wheat towards ensuring Egypt's food security. WION: What is the rationale behind this decision of allowing Indian Wheat? Wael Hamed: The crisis between Ukraine and Russia has led to drastic increases in the prices of wheat internationally. Egypt has traditionally been one of the largest importers of wheat at the international level. Maybe until last year, we were the largest importer, this year we may be 2nd or the 3rd largest importer in the world. India at the same time is one of the largest producers. It hasn't been big country when it comes to exports of wheat so far, but it seems India has been willing to go into export market of wheat and Egypt being one of the largest importers of wheat, definitely Egypt is very much interested in building relations with India. WION: A team from Egypt was in India regarding this... Wael Hamed: Yes, they actually visited many places. They stayed here; they came last week. They stayed here for something 4-5 days. Very hectic 4-5 days. Indian side prepared an extensive program for them. They were able to inspect, have a look at fields, look at production in India also, at the labs in which wheat is being analysed for its nutrients and the quality of the wheat India is producing. The purpose of the visit basically is to gather as much information as possible on Indian Wheat and how good and adequate it is for the Egyptian market so as to make sure it is the kind of wheat we want to provide to our citizens. Wheat is a strategic commodity and every country puts its own standards for wheat and this was the main purpose for the visit of our experts last week. WION: When will the export from India to Egypt start, and any quantity you looking at? Wael Hamed: Our production is normally around 9 million tonnes but our consumption is 21-22 million tonnes a year, this means we import 12-13 million tonnes every year. It is very difficult to imagine that India will be willing to export that much. That anyone country can fulfil that gap, the 9 million tonnes Egypt produces and approximately 22 million tonnes we consume. So far there haven't been any commercial discussions that I know of. All that happened so far is that Egyptian experts were here, they actually find Indian Wheat is good enough to be imported into Egypt. In what quantities, by when, by whom henceforth, it will be subject to commercial discussion that will come at a later stage. WION: Indian Trade minister Goyal talked about his meeting with the Egyptian minister in Dubai and the process started...If you can talk about that, a chit was exchanged Wael Hamed: Before taking a call that was that important, that strategic of adding one country to the list of certified exporters of wheat to Egypt, a lot of communication and lot of interaction and meetings take place because this is really a big call. I am sure, that many such meetings took place, and you rightly mentioned the meeting of your minister of commerce and our minister and they actually discussed but there have been numerous discussions on the issue, even before this meeting in Dubai. My understanding is that many of the contacts took place even before the meeting took place between the 2 trade ministers in Dubai. The main result is we received the Egyptian experts last week and that we are here already discussing the possibility of in the future importing wheat from India. WION: Are there other countries from where Egypt is importing wheat? and do you think India can full fill the need of the world, in terms of wheat amid the ongoing conflict? Wael Hamed: Egypt has been traditionally importing wheat from other countries, we have been traditionally importing from Russia and Ukraine something like 80% of our yearly needs, and this is the reason behind the problem we are in now, the shortage we are facing. But we have also been importing from other countries, including France, Romania, the US, Argentina and other countries as well. We have traditionally been, an important importer of wheat and one good thing about being an importer is that you sometimes have the ability to impact the international prices. When you are a big importer, you are a price setter, this gives an ability to have communication with several countries that export wheat and also have our input. When it comes to India when I was speaking on production, our production is 9 million tonnes and we import 12 million tonnes to fill in the gap, that is 22 million tons. India produces approximately 110 million tonnes and consumes something like 105-103 million tonnes. The surplus that India has, is good to have a surplus but I am not sure whether the kind of surplus India has can actually make a big difference in the international market or not. We hope it will, everyone in the world needs to see the global supply chain of major agriculture products coming back to normal and back to stability. I hope India can open this. WION: How has the Russian invasion of Ukraine impacted the wheat prices? Wael Hamed: Everybody has been noticing this. Prices have risen to an unprecedented level, in the past I think one ton of wheat used to be around $380, now we see prices as high as $500. This is very big increase, because Russia was the number one wheat producer at the international level and Ukraine comes at number 4 or 5. Both of them together account for a big share of the market. The market has been for sure impacted and when I say Egypt is price setter, this doesn't mean that Egypt is the only country that has an influence on price. It means, that we as one of the biggest buyers have an influence. That when Egypt comes into the market, the price has to respond in a certain way, that is different when other smaller buyers come into the market and try to behave in this way or that way. A big importer and exporter are important when it comes to price mechanism of wheat in international affairs. WION: How do you see ties between the two countries? Wael Hamed: I hope what we can expect in the coming period is an intensification of the relationship between Egypt and India. Not only in terms of economic interaction, and trade just like wheat which is very important and adds to the strategic relationship between the 2 countries, because this is actually a very strategic commodity. But also, in terms of exchange at a higher level. As you might know, we very expecting the visit of his excellency PM Modi to Egypt in 2020, unfortunately, the visit did not take place but we are still hopeful this will be able to take place sometime this year. When it comes to relationships, both countries have enormous horizons and potential. If we put our hands together, we can make benefit both countries. WATCH | Egypt to import a million tons of Indian wheat amid shortage due to Russia-Ukraine war ×

'Interested in building relations', Egyptian envoy Wael on his country allowing import of Indian Wheat

<p>Pakistan has been yet again seen misusing the Kartarpur corridor, by holding a business meeting and its intelligence services trying to engage with the incoming Indian pilgrims. The corridor gives rare visa-free access to Indian pilgrims to the holy Darbar Singh Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan from the Indian side.</p>

<p>Recently, a Rotary club meeting took place on the campus of the holy Gurudwara something that has been taken note of by the Indian side. As far as Pakistan intel services and officials are concerned, they are seen trying to interact with Indian pilgrims in an attempt to cultivate them, sources have pointed out. These activities will be seen as actions going contrary to the India Pakistan pact on Kartarpur signed in 2019.</p>

<p>​Pakistan in a number of meetings that happened ahead of the opening of Gurudwara had assured that no anti-India activity will be allowed using the corridor. During the meetings, which discussed the modalities of the pact, the Indian side had a number of times underscored the need to ensure a safe and secure environment for its pilgrims.</p>

<p>The corridor which was opened with much fanfare in 2019 had its operations suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis. It was again opened for the movement of pilgrims in November of 2021 as the Covid crisis receded. To use the corridor RT PCR reports are required and covid complaint behaviours are mandatory now.</p>

<p>The Gurudwara is considered to be one of the holiest places in Sikhism. It's believed to be the final resting place of Guru Nanak. Kartarpur is located in Pakistan's Narowal district across the Ravi river, about four km from Dera Baba Nanak, India.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan has been yet again seen misusing the Kartarpur corridor, by holding a business meeting and its intelligence services trying to engage with the incoming Indian pilgrims.

Pakistan has been yet again seen misusing the Kartarpur corridor, by holding a business meeting and its intelligence services trying to engage with the incoming Indian pilgrims. The corridor gives rare visa-free access to Indian pilgrims to the holy Darbar Singh Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan from the Indian side. Recently, a Rotary club meeting took place on the campus of the holy Gurudwara something that has been taken note of by the Indian side. As far as Pakistan intel services and officials are concerned, they are seen trying to interact with Indian pilgrims in an attempt to cultivate them, sources have pointed out. These activities will be seen as actions going contrary to the India Pakistan pact on Kartarpur signed in 2019. Pakistan in a number of meetings that happened ahead of the opening of Gurudwara had assured that no anti-India activity will be allowed using the corridor. During the meetings, which discussed the modalities of the pact, the Indian side had a number of times underscored the need to ensure a safe and secure environment for its pilgrims. The corridor which was opened with much fanfare in 2019 had its operations suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis. It was again opened for the movement of pilgrims in November of 2021 as the Covid crisis receded. To use the corridor RT PCR reports are required and covid complaint behaviours are mandatory now. The Gurudwara is considered to be one of the holiest places in Sikhism. It's believed to be the final resting place of Guru Nanak. Kartarpur is located in Pakistan's Narowal district across the Ravi river, about four km from Dera Baba Nanak, India.

Concerns over Pakistan misusing the Kartarpur corridor

<p>UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed readiness to offer more visas to Indians in return for a free trade agreement, reported Reuters.</p>

<p>"I have always been in favour of talented people coming to this country," Johnson told reporters on the plane on his way to India.</p>

<p>"We are short to the tune of hundreds of thousands of people in our economy and we need to have a progressive approach and we will,” he added.</p>

<p>Johnson arrived in Ahmedabad city in western Gujarat state on Thursday, kick-starting his two-day visit to India. His visit comes in the backdrop of domestic political turmoil over the 'Partygate' scandal, Russia-Ukraine war and the situation in the Indo-Pacific.</p>

<p>According to reports, the British prime minister is expected to announce a raft of commercial agreements.</p>

<p>The UK High Commission Thursday said on that British and Indian businesses will confirm more than 1 billion pounds in new investments and export deals in areas ranging from software engineering to health, creating almost 11,000 jobs across the UK.</p>

<p>“As I arrive in India today, I see vast possibilities for what our two great nations can achieve together. From next-generation 5G telecoms and AI to new partnerships in health research and renewable energy —the UK and India are leading the world," Johnson was quoted as saying by the high commission.</p>

<p>"Our powerhouse partnership is delivering jobs, growth and opportunities for our people, and it will only go from strength to strength in the coming years," he said.</p>

<p>Johnson will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday after concluding his engagements in Gujarat on Thursday.</p>

<p>The British prime minister will visit a new factory being opened by a top British firm in Gujarat, as well as a biotechnology university working in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh.</p>

<p>In a statement, the high commission said Johnson will use his visit to India to "boost our collaboration with one of the world's fastest-growing economies, slashing trade barriers for UK businesses and driving jobs and growth at home".</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Boris Johnson to visit India amid Partygate row</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed readiness to offer more visas to Indians in return for a free trade agreement, reported Reuters. "I have always been in favour of talented people coming to this country," Johnson told reporters on the plane on his way to India.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed readiness to offer more visas to Indians in return for a free trade agreement, reported Reuters. "I have always been in favour of talented people coming to this country," Johnson told reporters on the plane on his way to India. "We are short to the tune of hundreds of thousands of people in our economy and we need to have a progressive approach and we will,” he added. Johnson arrived in Ahmedabad city in western Gujarat state on Thursday, kick-starting his two-day visit to India. His visit comes in the backdrop of domestic political turmoil over the 'Partygate' scandal, Russia-Ukraine war and the situation in the Indo-Pacific. According to reports, the British prime minister is expected to announce a raft of commercial agreements. The UK High Commission Thursday said on that British and Indian businesses will confirm more than 1 billion pounds in new investments and export deals in areas ranging from software engineering to health, creating almost 11,000 jobs across the UK. “As I arrive in India today, I see vast possibilities for what our two great nations can achieve together. From next-generation 5G telecoms and AI to new partnerships in health research and renewable energy —the UK and India are leading the world," Johnson was quoted as saying by the high commission. "Our powerhouse partnership is delivering jobs, growth and opportunities for our people, and it will only go from strength to strength in the coming years," he said. Johnson will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday after concluding his engagements in Gujarat on Thursday. The British prime minister will visit a new factory being opened by a top British firm in Gujarat, as well as a biotechnology university working in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh. In a statement, the high commission said Johnson will use his visit to India to "boost our collaboration with one of the world's fastest-growing economies, slashing trade barriers for UK businesses and driving jobs and growth at home". Watch | Gravitas: Boris Johnson to visit India amid Partygate row (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Johnson indicates more visas to Indians in return for free trade deal

<p>Amid fears and speculations over the fourth coronavirus (COVID-19) wave in India, the country reported 2,380 new cases on Thursday (April 21), up 15 per cent from yesterday. On Wednesday, India had reported 2,067 new Covid cases. In the span of 24 hours, there is an increase of 1,093 cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the data released by the country's Union Health Ministry on Thursday, the total tally of Covid cases in India is 4,30,49,974. Meanwhile, the active cases in the country are 13,433.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The data, which was updated at 8am (local time) revealed that the death toll climbed to 5,22,062 with 56 new fatalities. The active cases comprise 0.03 per cent of the total infections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry said that the national COVID-19 recovery rate remained at 98.76 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/covid-fourth-wave-in-india-heres-what-we-know-so-far-472464">Covid fourth wave in India? Here's what we know so far</a></strong></p>

<p>Amid a rise in cases, the central government on Tuesday (April 19) wrote a letter to some states, advising them to take pre-emptive actions in case required.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajesh Bhushan, who is the country's Union health secretary, suggested the five states to follow the strategy of "test-track-treat-vaccination and adherence to covid-19 appropriate behaviour".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The five states mentioned in the letter include Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Mizoram, Maharashtra and Delhi. The health ministry has advised all states to continue monitoring the spread of infection.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As far as the probable fourth Covid wave in India is concerned, Manindra Agrawal, who is a professor at IIT Kanpur, recently told the media outlet India Today that the fourth wave of Covid is unlikely.&nbsp;</p>

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Over 2.53 Cr. 1st dose vaccines administered for age group 12-14 years<br />
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India's Active caseload currently stands at 13,433<br />
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2,380 new cases reported in the last 24 hours<br />
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Details: <a href="https://t.co/smQz3IzSaK">https://t.co/smQz3IzSaK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LargestVaccinationDrive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LargestVaccinationDrive</a> <a href="https://t.co/HbkjN4ZbzP">pic.twitter.com/HbkjN4ZbzP</a></p>
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<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Authorities ease COVID rules in Shanghai amid worsening situation in China's financial hub</strong></p>

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Amid fears and speculations over the fourth coronavirus (COVID-19) wave in India, the country reported 2,380 new cases on Thursday (April 21), up 15 per cent from yesterday.

Amid fears and speculations over the fourth coronavirus (COVID-19) wave in India, the country reported 2,380 new cases on Thursday (April 21), up 15 per cent from yesterday. On Wednesday, India had reported 2,067 new Covid cases. In the span of 24 hours, there is an increase of 1,093 cases. As per the data released by the country's Union Health Ministry on Thursday, the total tally of Covid cases in India is 4,30,49,974. Meanwhile, the active cases in the country are 13,433. The data, which was updated at 8am (local time) revealed that the death toll climbed to 5,22,062 with 56 new fatalities. The active cases comprise 0.03 per cent of the total infections. The ministry said that the national COVID-19 recovery rate remained at 98.76 per cent. IN PICS | Covid fourth wave in India? Here's what we know so far Amid a rise in cases, the central government on Tuesday (April 19) wrote a letter to some states, advising them to take pre-emptive actions in case required. Rajesh Bhushan, who is the country's Union health secretary, suggested the five states to follow the strategy of "test-track-treat-vaccination and adherence to covid-19 appropriate behaviour". The five states mentioned in the letter include Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Mizoram, Maharashtra and Delhi. The health ministry has advised all states to continue monitoring the spread of infection. As far as the probable fourth Covid wave in India is concerned, Manindra Agrawal, who is a professor at IIT Kanpur, recently told the media outlet India Today that the fourth wave of Covid is unlikely. #COVID19 Updates Over 2.53 Cr. 1st dose vaccines administered for age group 12-14 years India's Active caseload currently stands at 13,433 2,380 new cases reported in the last 24 hours Details: https://t.co/smQz3IzSaK #IndiaFightsCorona #LargestVaccinationDrive pic.twitter.com/HbkjN4ZbzP — PIB India (@PIB_India) April 21, 2022 × WATCH | Authorities ease COVID rules in Shanghai amid worsening situation in China's financial hub ×

Amid 4th Covid wave fears, India reports 2,380 new cases, active cases increase to 13,433

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson who is on a landmark two-day visit in India, received a warm ceremonial welcome at the President's house earlier this morning. Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi his 'khas dost' (special friend), British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Monday said that India and the United Kingdom are on path to sign a free-trade agreement by Diwali this year.

UK PM Boris Johnson calls PM Modi his 'special friend'; India, UK sign host of MoUs

<p>Ahead of crucial talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Boris Johnson, UK has said that it will offer New Delhi "know-how" on building fighter jets.</p>

<p>The development is likely to provide a much-needed boost for India’s ‘Make in India’ programme in the defence sector.</p>

<p>A statement from UK Prime Minister's Office said that the country will "support for new Indian-designed and built fighter jets, offering the best of British know-how on building battle-winning aircraft."</p>

<p>The offer is being seen as London's attempts to away&nbsp;India’s reliance on Russia for its defence needs. India imports a bulk of defence equipments, including spare parts, from Russia.</p>

<p>The UK statement explained that it "will also seek to support India’s requirements for new technology to identify and respond to threats in the Indian Ocean".</p>

<p>This comes in the wake of increased Chinese presence in the region engaged in IUU—illegal, unreported and unregulated activities.</p>

<p>Last year, UK deployed its Carrier Strike Group in Indian Ocean Region as part of its strategic tilt to the Indo-Pacific.</p>

<p>Ahead of his meeting with the Indian PM, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "The world faces growing threats from autocratic states which seek to undermine democracy, choke off free and fair trade and trample on sovereignty.”</p>

<p>"UK’s partnership with India is a beacon in these stormy seas,” he added.</p>

<p>The UK PM is on a two-day visit to India, with the first day being spent in Gujarat on Thursday.</p>


Ahead of crucial talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Boris Johnson, UK has said that it will offer New Delhi "know-how" on building fighter jets.

Ahead of crucial talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Boris Johnson, UK has said that it will offer New Delhi "know-how" on building fighter jets. The development is likely to provide a much-needed boost for India’s ‘Make in India’ programme in the defence sector. A statement from UK Prime Minister's Office said that the country will "support for new Indian-designed and built fighter jets, offering the best of British know-how on building battle-winning aircraft." The offer is being seen as London's attempts to away India’s reliance on Russia for its defence needs. India imports a bulk of defence equipments, including spare parts, from Russia. The UK statement explained that it "will also seek to support India’s requirements for new technology to identify and respond to threats in the Indian Ocean". This comes in the wake of increased Chinese presence in the region engaged in IUU—illegal, unreported and unregulated activities. Last year, UK deployed its Carrier Strike Group in Indian Ocean Region as part of its strategic tilt to the Indo-Pacific. Ahead of his meeting with the Indian PM, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "The world faces growing threats from autocratic states which seek to undermine democracy, choke off free and fair trade and trample on sovereignty.” "UK’s partnership with India is a beacon in these stormy seas,” he added. The UK PM is on a two-day visit to India, with the first day being spent in Gujarat on Thursday.

UK to offer India know-how in building fighter jets

<p>In an ongoing encounter in North Kashmir’s Malwah area of Baramulla district, the top commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), along with one other terrorist, has been been killed by security forces.</p>

<p>Jammu and Kashmir Police have identified the slain commander as Mohammad Yousuf Kantroo. He was the longest surviving commander of the Lashkar. The other terrorist has not been identified yet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police also said that Yousuf was active since 2017 but had a long association with other terror groups since 2000. He has been involved in killings of civilians and personnel</p>

<p>“Top LeT terrorist Commander Yousuf Kantroo killed in Baramulla encounter. He was involved in several killings of civilians &amp; personnel including recent killing of Jammu and Kashmir Police SPO &amp; his brother, a soldier and a civilian in Budgam district. A big success for us,” Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, said.</p>

<p>In the encounter, three soldiers were injured. All of them have been admitted at the hospital and their condition is said to be stable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The injured soldiers received minor injuries,” Kumar added.</p>

<p>The operation is still underway, and security forces believe that there could be more terrorists hiding in the area.</p>

<p>The encounter ensued following a cordon and search operation in the district about the presence of the terrorists.</p>

<p>The search operation turned into an encounter after the terrorists fired upon the forces.</p>


In an ongoing encounter in North Kashmir’s Malwah area of Baramulla district, the top commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), along with one other terrorist, has been been killed by security forces.

In an ongoing encounter in North Kashmir’s Malwah area of Baramulla district, the top commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), along with one other terrorist, has been been killed by security forces. Jammu and Kashmir Police have identified the slain commander as Mohammad Yousuf Kantroo. He was the longest surviving commander of the Lashkar. The other terrorist has not been identified yet. The police also said that Yousuf was active since 2017 but had a long association with other terror groups since 2000. He has been involved in killings of civilians and personnel “Top LeT terrorist Commander Yousuf Kantroo killed in Baramulla encounter. He was involved in several killings of civilians & personnel including recent killing of Jammu and Kashmir Police SPO & his brother, a soldier and a civilian in Budgam district. A big success for us,” Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, said. In the encounter, three soldiers were injured. All of them have been admitted at the hospital and their condition is said to be stable. “The injured soldiers received minor injuries,” Kumar added. The operation is still underway, and security forces believe that there could be more terrorists hiding in the area. The encounter ensued following a cordon and search operation in the district about the presence of the terrorists. The search operation turned into an encounter after the terrorists fired upon the forces.

Top LeT commander killed in Jammu & Kashmir encounter, combing operation underway

<p>Angry Twitter users slammed an unidentified person who was trying to make fun of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a video that has gone viral on social media forum.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the short clip, the man who is believed to be from New York, US, was pointing out PM Modi's image on&nbsp;the coronavirus (COVID-19) certificate, which is issued by the government of India for those who are jabbed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video has been shared by Anurag Minus Verma, whose Twitter handle is @confusedvichar. In his caption, he wrote: "Showed the vaccine certificate outside a Blues club in Manhattan, New York as it was mandatory. The certificate had the picture of Modi. American gentleman who was checking it was totally amazed by the Modi picture in the certificate."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/on-day-of-indias-visit-uk-pm-faces-calls-to-apologise-for-colonial-era-massacre-of-tribals-472549">UK PM Johnson indicates more visas to Indians in return for free trade deal</a></strong></p>

<p>In the comment section, users slammed the content of the video, saying, "Not nice, making fun of PM and posting on Twitter. Please have some decency."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another user wrote: "I just looked up my mum's certificate and it has all her details at the top and at the bottom there is Modi's message. I find nothing wrong with it."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He has managed COVID 19 better than ANYONE ELSE on the planet. Tell them their Pfizer vaccine is nowhere near COVAXIN. Indian supremacy in COVID vaccine sector is the route [sic] cause lf this jealousy," another user wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ&nbsp; | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/interested-in-building-relations-egyptian-envoy-wael-on-his-country-allowing-import-of-indian-wheat-472537">'Interested in building relations', Egyptian envoy Wael on his country allowing import of Indian Wheat</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Showed the vaccine certificate outside a Blues club in Manhattan, New York as it was mandatory. The certificate had the picture of Modi.<br />
<br />
American gentleman who was checking it was totally amazed by the Modi picture in the certificate. Here is what he said: <a href="https://t.co/HcNNo3ydYA">pic.twitter.com/HcNNo3ydYA</a></p>
— Anurag Minus Verma (@confusedvichar) <a href="https://twitter.com/confusedvichar/status/1516980365512036354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Here are some reactions from social media users:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><img alt="PM Modi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1f27ae13-fbd4-49ce-907f-5229827beb6e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_45.jpg" /></p>

<p>In December last year, India's Kerala High Court dismissed a plea seeking the removal of PM Modi's photo from the Covid certificates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The petition was dismissed with a fine of $1320 (INR 100,000). The Court stated that it was "frivolous" and had "ulterior motives" and also called it "publicity oriented" and indicated that the petitioner probably also had a "political agenda".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kerala High Court had said that during the pandemic, vaccines are playing an important role in curbing the spread of the virus and boosting people's immunity against it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Court said that if the Prime Minister is sending a message with his photograph that with the help of jabs and strict control, India will defeat the virus, "what is wrong with it?"&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Boris Johnson's India visit: India-UK to ink investment deals, Russia-Ukraine talks on agenda too</strong></p>

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Angry Twitter users slammed an unidentified person who was trying to make fun of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a video that has gone viral on social media forum.

Angry Twitter users slammed an unidentified person who was trying to make fun of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a video that has gone viral on social media forum. In the short clip, the man who is believed to be from New York, US, was pointing out PM Modi's image on the coronavirus (COVID-19) certificate, which is issued by the government of India for those who are jabbed. The video has been shared by Anurag Minus Verma, whose Twitter handle is @confusedvichar. In his caption, he wrote: "Showed the vaccine certificate outside a Blues club in Manhattan, New York as it was mandatory. The certificate had the picture of Modi. American gentleman who was checking it was totally amazed by the Modi picture in the certificate." ALSO READ | UK PM Johnson indicates more visas to Indians in return for free trade deal In the comment section, users slammed the content of the video, saying, "Not nice, making fun of PM and posting on Twitter. Please have some decency." Another user wrote: "I just looked up my mum's certificate and it has all her details at the top and at the bottom there is Modi's message. I find nothing wrong with it." "He has managed COVID 19 better than ANYONE ELSE on the planet. Tell them their Pfizer vaccine is nowhere near COVAXIN. Indian supremacy in COVID vaccine sector is the route [sic] cause lf this jealousy," another user wrote. ALSO READ | 'Interested in building relations', Egyptian envoy Wael on his country allowing import of Indian Wheat Watch the video here: Showed the vaccine certificate outside a Blues club in Manhattan, New York as it was mandatory. The certificate had the picture of Modi. American gentleman who was checking it was totally amazed by the Modi picture in the certificate. Here is what he said: pic.twitter.com/HcNNo3ydYA — Anurag Minus Verma (@confusedvichar) April 21, 2022 × Here are some reactions from social media users: In December last year, India's Kerala High Court dismissed a plea seeking the removal of PM Modi's photo from the Covid certificates. The petition was dismissed with a fine of $1320 (INR 100,000). The Court stated that it was "frivolous" and had "ulterior motives" and also called it "publicity oriented" and indicated that the petitioner probably also had a "political agenda". Kerala High Court had said that during the pandemic, vaccines are playing an important role in curbing the spread of the virus and boosting people's immunity against it. The Court said that if the Prime Minister is sending a message with his photograph that with the help of jabs and strict control, India will defeat the virus, "what is wrong with it?" WATCH | Boris Johnson's India visit: India-UK to ink investment deals, Russia-Ukraine talks on agenda too ×

Social media furious over video of US man appearing to mock PM Modi over Covid certificate

<p>The Maldives government has taken strong action against anti-India campaigns that are carried out in the country by the supporters of former president Abdulla Yameen and his party the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).</p>

<p>The Maldives Police on Thursday issued a statement that they have removed all ‘India out’ banners from the residence of Yameen and the headquarters of his PPM party.</p>

<p>Under Yameen, who was the president from 2013 to 2018, the country had drifted close to China. His presidency was controversial, especially his declaration of a state of emergency that saw arbitrary arrest of politicians and judges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier Maldives Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed had expressed concerns over the ‘India out’ banners that were put up across the national capital Male by the opposition.</p>

<p>He said that these banners against a friendly country should not be allowed.</p>

<p>According to Avas, a Maldives newspaper, Nasheed in the parliament said, “My opinion is that the law does not allow large banners that disparage neighbouring countries to be hung from tall buildings of Male City.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has issued an executive order that has called for action against such campaigns that insinuate hatred towards any country.</p>

<p>India and Maldives share a close relationship, from people to people ties to maritime security.</p>

<p>India has been involved in a number of development projects in the country. This year itself has seen a plethora of high-level visits to the country from India, which includes the visit of India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Doval and Navy chief Admiral R&nbsp;Hari Kumar.</p>


The Maldives government has taken strong action against anti-India campaigns that are carried out in the country by the supporters of former president Abdulla Yameen and his party the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

The Maldives government has taken strong action against anti-India campaigns that are carried out in the country by the supporters of former president Abdulla Yameen and his party the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). The Maldives Police on Thursday issued a statement that they have removed all ‘India out’ banners from the residence of Yameen and the headquarters of his PPM party. Under Yameen, who was the president from 2013 to 2018, the country had drifted close to China. His presidency was controversial, especially his declaration of a state of emergency that saw arbitrary arrest of politicians and judges. Earlier Maldives Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed had expressed concerns over the ‘India out’ banners that were put up across the national capital Male by the opposition. He said that these banners against a friendly country should not be allowed. According to Avas, a Maldives newspaper, Nasheed in the parliament said, “My opinion is that the law does not allow large banners that disparage neighbouring countries to be hung from tall buildings of Male City.” Meanwhile, Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has issued an executive order that has called for action against such campaigns that insinuate hatred towards any country. India and Maldives share a close relationship, from people to people ties to maritime security. India has been involved in a number of development projects in the country. This year itself has seen a plethora of high-level visits to the country from India, which includes the visit of India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Doval and Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar.

Maldives takes strong action against anti-India campaigns

<p>In a bizarre incident, a home guard from Indian state Andhra Pradesh forcibly took away a vehicle from a family of six who was proceeding to Tirumala to visit the temple of Lord Venkateswara. The home guard took the vehicle saying that it was needed for the convoy of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy who is&nbsp;supposed to travel to Prakasam District of the state on April 22.</p>

<p>The incident took place at Ongole in Andhra Pradesh. The home guard approached the family when it was having food at a hotel. The home guard said that the car (a Toyota Innova) along with its driver was needed as Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was due to visit the district.</p>

<p>Baffled by this development, the family tried to reason with the home guard but couldn't succeed. The family had to spend the night at Ongole bus stand.</p>

<p>The issue took political turn when former state chief minister Chandrababu Naidu criticised the current government</p>

<p>"Who gave the right to officials to cause such inconvenience and suffering to a family by obstructing their journey?'' asked Naidu&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Has the state economy slipped into such a pitiable state that it was not able to arrange a car outof its own resources for the CM's convoy? What sort of example the officials were sending to civil society by resorting to such a car snatching incident?" he said further.</p>

<p>Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed his displeasure at the incident. He has ordered strict action against the erring officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This kind of measure will not be tolerated especially when people are in trouble," said the CM in a statement.</p>

<p>Acting on CM's order, the Andhra Pradesh Transport Department has suspended P Rupal Reddy, the home guard and A Sandhya, Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector, holding them responsible for this incident.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


In a bizarre incident, a home guard from Indian state Andhra Pradesh forcibly took away a vehicle from a family of six who was proceeding to Tirumala to visit the temple of Lord Venkateswara.

In a bizarre incident, a home guard from Indian state Andhra Pradesh forcibly took away a vehicle from a family of six who was proceeding to Tirumala to visit the temple of Lord Venkateswara. The home guard took the vehicle saying that it was needed for the convoy of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy who is supposed to travel to Prakasam District of the state on April 22. The incident took place at Ongole in Andhra Pradesh. The home guard approached the family when it was having food at a hotel. The home guard said that the car (a Toyota Innova) along with its driver was needed as Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was due to visit the district. Baffled by this development, the family tried to reason with the home guard but couldn't succeed. The family had to spend the night at Ongole bus stand. The issue took political turn when former state chief minister Chandrababu Naidu criticised the current government "Who gave the right to officials to cause such inconvenience and suffering to a family by obstructing their journey?'' asked Naidu "Has the state economy slipped into such a pitiable state that it was not able to arrange a car outof its own resources for the CM's convoy? What sort of example the officials were sending to civil society by resorting to such a car snatching incident?" he said further. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed his displeasure at the incident. He has ordered strict action against the erring officials. This kind of measure will not be tolerated especially when people are in trouble," said the CM in a statement. Acting on CM's order, the Andhra Pradesh Transport Department has suspended P Rupal Reddy, the home guard and A Sandhya, Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector, holding them responsible for this incident.

Home guard snatches citizen's vehicle 'for CM', gets suspended by chief minister

<p>Two terrorists arrested by the Delhi Police said they met a Pakistan Army Major while undergoing training in Pakistan, vindicating&nbsp;New Delhi’s long-held assertion that Islamabad is perpetrating terrorism in India.</p>

<p>They identified the army personnel after they were shown a photo of him with IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman who was in Pakistani custody three years ago, the Indian Express newspaper reported citing a chargesheet filed in a Delhi court.</p>

<p>The two terrorists— Zeeshan Qamar (28), a resident of Allahabad in UP, and Osama alias Sami (22), a resident of Jamia Nagar in Delhi—identified Pakistani Major Hamza, a resident of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir who lives in Islamabad.</p>

<p>“He was the head of the training which accused Zeeshan and Osama took from one Jabbar, Rawalpindi. Hamza also told them that he was also present at the time of arrest of Wing Commander Abhinandan, who was captured at Pakistan border during retaliation of Balakot air strike. He is a Major in Pak Army,” Investigation Officer ACP Lalit Mohan Negi states in the chargesheet.</p>

<p>The Delhi court took note of the chargesheet on Monday that was filed on February 9 this year.</p>

<p>Zeeshan and Osama were arrested last year from their alleged role in a terror plot.</p>

<p>According to the chargesheet, Osama and Zeeshan got training in 2021 in Pakistan and were getting instructions from the Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI.</p>

<p>“They were asked to conduct recce of suitable locations in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh for planting IEDs,” it said.</p>

<p>Apart from these two, the Delhi Police had also arrested Jaan Mohammed Sheikh (47) from Maharashtra, Moolchand alias Saaju (47) from UP’s Rae Bareli, Mohd Abu Bakar (23) from UP’s Bahraich and Mohd Amir Javed (31) from Lucknow, in September.</p>

<p>Indian Air Force (IAF) commander Abhinandan Varthaman was held captive by Pakistan for 60 hours after his aircraft was shot down in an aerial dogfight.</p>

<p>The Pakistan Army was forced to release him due to the extensive pressure by the Indian side along with the international intervention into the matter.</p>

<p>Varthaman was part of the Srinagar-based 51 squadron and had flown to thwart an aerial attack launched by the Pakistanis on February 27, 2019.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two terrorists arrested by the Delhi Police said they met a Pakistan Army Major while undergoing training in Pakistan, vindicating New Delhi’s long-held assertion that Islamabad is perpetrating terrorism in India.

Two terrorists arrested by the Delhi Police said they met a Pakistan Army Major while undergoing training in Pakistan, vindicating New Delhi’s long-held assertion that Islamabad is perpetrating terrorism in India. They identified the army personnel after they were shown a photo of him with IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman who was in Pakistani custody three years ago, the Indian Express newspaper reported citing a chargesheet filed in a Delhi court. The two terrorists— Zeeshan Qamar (28), a resident of Allahabad in UP, and Osama alias Sami (22), a resident of Jamia Nagar in Delhi—identified Pakistani Major Hamza, a resident of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir who lives in Islamabad. “He was the head of the training which accused Zeeshan and Osama took from one Jabbar, Rawalpindi. Hamza also told them that he was also present at the time of arrest of Wing Commander Abhinandan, who was captured at Pakistan border during retaliation of Balakot air strike. He is a Major in Pak Army,” Investigation Officer ACP Lalit Mohan Negi states in the chargesheet. The Delhi court took note of the chargesheet on Monday that was filed on February 9 this year. Zeeshan and Osama were arrested last year from their alleged role in a terror plot. According to the chargesheet, Osama and Zeeshan got training in 2021 in Pakistan and were getting instructions from the Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI. “They were asked to conduct recce of suitable locations in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh for planting IEDs,” it said. Apart from these two, the Delhi Police had also arrested Jaan Mohammed Sheikh (47) from Maharashtra, Moolchand alias Saaju (47) from UP’s Rae Bareli, Mohd Abu Bakar (23) from UP’s Bahraich and Mohd Amir Javed (31) from Lucknow, in September. Indian Air Force (IAF) commander Abhinandan Varthaman was held captive by Pakistan for 60 hours after his aircraft was shot down in an aerial dogfight. The Pakistan Army was forced to release him due to the extensive pressure by the Indian side along with the international intervention into the matter. Varthaman was part of the Srinagar-based 51 squadron and had flown to thwart an aerial attack launched by the Pakistanis on February 27, 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

2 terrorists held in India met Pak Army Major who is seen in photo with IAF's Abhinandan

<p>Amid fears of the fourth coronavirus (COVID-19) wave in India, especially in the nation's capital, health experts on Thursday (April 21) said that&nbsp;is a possibility that new variants are emerging of the Omicron&nbsp;and they are being sequenced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Delhi on Wednesday (April 20) reported 1,009 fresh cases, the highest since February 10, while the positivity rate is 5.70 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the latest development, the health expert suggested&nbsp;that there are eight variants of Omicron. He added that among those eight, one is dominating and causing the surge in cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/amid-4th-covid-wave-fears-india-reports-2380-new-cases-active-cases-increase-to-13433-472560">Amid 4th Covid wave fears, India reports 2,380 new cases, active cases increase to 13,433</a></strong></p>

<p>The Omicron variant, which was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) from South Africa in November last year, led to a massive surge in Covid cases globally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking to India-based news agency ANI, Dr SK Sarin, Director, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) said that there is a possibility of new variants of Omicron in Delhi while adding that the samples at the ILBS lab have been sequenced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is a possibility that new variants are emerging of the Omicron and they are being sequenced," said Dr Sarin, adding, "I think by today at our institute ILBS many samples have been sequenced and I think there are eight variants of which one is now dominating, we will come to know slowly."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Sarin also warned people and urged them to be careful. He said, "I would suggest people should be very careful. There is a fear that children may get infected because they are not adequately vaccinated. People must wear masks."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There's a possibility that new variants of Omicron are emerging. Many samples were sequenced at ILBS. I think there're 8 variants of Omicron, which one is the dominating variant,we'll know soon: Dr SK Sarin, Director, Institute of Liver&amp;Biliary Sciences,on Delhi Covid cases surge <a href="https://t.co/HtAMlOYwFD">pic.twitter.com/HtAMlOYwFD</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1517066299502858241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Here's is Covid data released on April 21:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> Updates<br />
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Over 2.53 Cr. 1st dose vaccines administered for age group 12-14 years<br />
<br />
India's Active caseload currently stands at 13,433<br />
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2,380 new cases reported in the last 24 hours<br />
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Details: <a href="https://t.co/smQz3IzSaK">https://t.co/smQz3IzSaK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LargestVaccinationDrive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LargestVaccinationDrive</a> <a href="https://t.co/HbkjN4ZbzP">pic.twitter.com/HbkjN4ZbzP</a></p>
— PIB India (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1517005663209426944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Another expert said 4th wave is unlikely</strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, in another report, Manindra Agrawal, who is a professor at IIT Kanpur, weighed in on the reports of the fourth Covid wave in India is concerned. He recently told the media outlet India Today that the fourth wave of Covid is unlikely.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India: Mask mandate back in New Delhi as COVID-19 cases surge</strong></p>

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Amid fears of the fourth coronavirus (COVID-19) wave in India, especially in the nation's capital, health experts on Thursday (April 21) said that is a possibility that new variants are emerging of the Omicron and they are being sequenced.

Amid fears of the fourth coronavirus (COVID-19) wave in India, especially in the nation's capital, health experts on Thursday (April 21) said that is a possibility that new variants are emerging of the Omicron and they are being sequenced. Delhi on Wednesday (April 20) reported 1,009 fresh cases, the highest since February 10, while the positivity rate is 5.70 per cent. In the latest development, the health expert suggested that there are eight variants of Omicron. He added that among those eight, one is dominating and causing the surge in cases. ALSO READ | Amid 4th Covid wave fears, India reports 2,380 new cases, active cases increase to 13,433 The Omicron variant, which was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) from South Africa in November last year, led to a massive surge in Covid cases globally. While speaking to India-based news agency ANI, Dr SK Sarin, Director, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) said that there is a possibility of new variants of Omicron in Delhi while adding that the samples at the ILBS lab have been sequenced. "There is a possibility that new variants are emerging of the Omicron and they are being sequenced," said Dr Sarin, adding, "I think by today at our institute ILBS many samples have been sequenced and I think there are eight variants of which one is now dominating, we will come to know slowly." Dr Sarin also warned people and urged them to be careful. He said, "I would suggest people should be very careful. There is a fear that children may get infected because they are not adequately vaccinated. People must wear masks." There's a possibility that new variants of Omicron are emerging. Many samples were sequenced at ILBS. I think there're 8 variants of Omicron, which one is the dominating variant,we'll know soon: Dr SK Sarin, Director, Institute of Liver&Biliary Sciences,on Delhi Covid cases surge pic.twitter.com/HtAMlOYwFD — ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2022 × Here's is Covid data released on April 21: #COVID19 Updates Over 2.53 Cr. 1st dose vaccines administered for age group 12-14 years India's Active caseload currently stands at 13,433 2,380 new cases reported in the last 24 hours Details: https://t.co/smQz3IzSaK #IndiaFightsCorona #LargestVaccinationDrive pic.twitter.com/HbkjN4ZbzP — PIB India (@PIB_India) April 21, 2022 × Another expert said 4th wave is unlikely Meanwhile, in another report, Manindra Agrawal, who is a professor at IIT Kanpur, weighed in on the reports of the fourth Covid wave in India is concerned. He recently told the media outlet India Today that the fourth wave of Covid is unlikely. WATCH | India: Mask mandate back in New Delhi as COVID-19 cases surge ×

COVID-19 in India: Amid fourth wave fears, new variants of the Omicron 'possibly emerging' in New Delhi

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="16">Fresh out of engineering college, on his first day of having joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1985, S. Somanath was responsible for carrying out at least five tasks, of which he knew nothing about. There were no classes, no training, but the only saving grace for the freshly-minted engineer was the opportunity to meet scientists working on various projects in the organisation and to learn from their experience. "We learnt from people and were allowed to fail… I'm not sure how many times I failed. Every time I did something, there was always a failure. " Dr. S. Somanath, who currently serves as Chairman, ISRO, smiles and reminisces about his initial days in the Indian Space Agency. He was speaking at an event organised by Indian space start-up 'Manastu Space'.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="18">Recalling the time when he worked on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) project, Dr. Somanath said that ISRO's organisational culture encouraged even the junior-most people to take decisions, test and fabricate components, and share the test results with their bosses. "Many of my efforts during PSLV time were met with many problems and failures… This learning came to us not by accident, but through many failures… I have seen at least ten instances of fasteners failing and causing havoc in joints…" he said.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="18"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-start-ups-satellite-gets-tested-at-isro-facility-awaits-launch-through-pslv-rocket-469393">Indian start-up's satellite gets tested at ISRO facility, awaits launch through PSLV rocket &nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="20">On the level of knowledge and attention to detail that ISRO has developed over the years, the Chairman said that ISRO's engineers know so much more about nuts and bolts, than one can ever study in an engineering college. However, he also added that even today, ISRO's teams were studying to gain more understanding about nuts and bolts, as the understanding of them has not ended even today. Citing an example, he said that a typical rocket structure comprises 3,000 fasteners or rivets and how the failure of even one rivet could cause a catastrophic failure. Likewise, he also made a mention of how a single electronic circuit connection failure out of lakhs of connections could lead to a failure. It was principles like these that were constantly re-established in the minds of the scientists, in order to foster an unimaginable level of attention to detail.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: ISRO launches EOS-04 satellite</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-isro-launches-eos-04-satellite-453149/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="22">"Whenever you leave anything to chance or because some big man said it would work, there is no guarantee that it will work. We have to prove it on paper with analytics, calculations, and theoretical foundations, and this proof is required every single time, "Somanath said, while emphasising the need for a critical mindset and a cynical approach. He added that every successful space system is the result of a questioning mindset and that inculcating a "tomorrow it is likely to fail"&nbsp;mindset in designers and engineers would result in wonderful systems.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="24">As a message to students willing to foray into the space sector, Somanath said that space technology was nothing special and that it was the same engineering sciences (electrical, mechanical, and chemical) that make everyday products. However, he explained that space technology was different in terms of applying the science and carrying out the project execution. Listing out the key abilities and skills of a space scientist, he emphasized upon having a deep understanding in one domain and stated that such an understanding cannot be obtained from textbooks or the best Universities. Instead, he said that such knowledge could be acquired only by working with experts who have already burnt their fingers by making multiple attempts.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="24"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-team-to-probe-suspected-chinese-rocket-debris-that-fell-in-maharashtra-village-468775">ISRO team to probe suspected Chinese rocket debris that fell in Maharashtra village</a></strong></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="26">However, he also cautioned that people must take a balanced approach between the radical ideas of youngsters and the cynical approach of senior scientists. He explained that following a safe and cynical approach (of seniors) could prevent losses, but also curtail innovation, whereas the new ideas of youth can help think up and execute out-of-the-box ideas and foster innovation (with the obvious risks of losses).</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="28">On developing subject matter expertise in one domain at least, he said that anyone could do an average job, but only an expert could perform a highly-skilled job. "If you appreciate the expertise of another person, you can work as a team, because being an expert in a single domain can't help you achieve anything. With experts from across domains joining you, "even ordinary people with expertise can make things possible," he concluded.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Fresh out of engineering college, on his first day of having joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1985, S. Somanath was responsible for carrying out at least five tasks, of which he knew nothing about.

Fresh out of engineering college, on his first day of having joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1985, S. Somanath was responsible for carrying out at least five tasks, of which he knew nothing about. There were no classes, no training, but the only saving grace for the freshly-minted engineer was the opportunity to meet scientists working on various projects in the organisation and to learn from their experience. "We learnt from people and were allowed to fail… I'm not sure how many times I failed. Every time I did something, there was always a failure. " Dr. S. Somanath, who currently serves as Chairman, ISRO, smiles and reminisces about his initial days in the Indian Space Agency. He was speaking at an event organised by Indian space start-up 'Manastu Space'. Recalling the time when he worked on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) project, Dr. Somanath said that ISRO's organisational culture encouraged even the junior-most people to take decisions, test and fabricate components, and share the test results with their bosses. "Many of my efforts during PSLV time were met with many problems and failures… This learning came to us not by accident, but through many failures… I have seen at least ten instances of fasteners failing and causing havoc in joints…" he said. Also read | Indian start-up's satellite gets tested at ISRO facility, awaits launch through PSLV rocket On the level of knowledge and attention to detail that ISRO has developed over the years, the Chairman said that ISRO's engineers know so much more about nuts and bolts, than one can ever study in an engineering college. However, he also added that even today, ISRO's teams were studying to gain more understanding about nuts and bolts, as the understanding of them has not ended even today. Citing an example, he said that a typical rocket structure comprises 3,000 fasteners or rivets and how the failure of even one rivet could cause a catastrophic failure. Likewise, he also made a mention of how a single electronic circuit connection failure out of lakhs of connections could lead to a failure. It was principles like these that were constantly re-established in the minds of the scientists, in order to foster an unimaginable level of attention to detail. Watch | India: ISRO launches EOS-04 satellite "Whenever you leave anything to chance or because some big man said it would work, there is no guarantee that it will work. We have to prove it on paper with analytics, calculations, and theoretical foundations, and this proof is required every single time, "Somanath said, while emphasising the need for a critical mindset and a cynical approach. He added that every successful space system is the result of a questioning mindset and that inculcating a "tomorrow it is likely to fail" mindset in designers and engineers would result in wonderful systems. As a message to students willing to foray into the space sector, Somanath said that space technology was nothing special and that it was the same engineering sciences (electrical, mechanical, and chemical) that make everyday products. However, he explained that space technology was different in terms of applying the science and carrying out the project execution. Listing out the key abilities and skills of a space scientist, he emphasized upon having a deep understanding in one domain and stated that such an understanding cannot be obtained from textbooks or the best Universities. Instead, he said that such knowledge could be acquired only by working with experts who have already burnt their fingers by making multiple attempts. Also read | ISRO team to probe suspected Chinese rocket debris that fell in Maharashtra village However, he also cautioned that people must take a balanced approach between the radical ideas of youngsters and the cynical approach of senior scientists. He explained that following a safe and cynical approach (of seniors) could prevent losses, but also curtail innovation, whereas the new ideas of youth can help think up and execute out-of-the-box ideas and foster innovation (with the obvious risks of losses). On developing subject matter expertise in one domain at least, he said that anyone could do an average job, but only an expert could perform a highly-skilled job. "If you appreciate the expertise of another person, you can work as a team, because being an expert in a single domain can't help you achieve anything. With experts from across domains joining you, "even ordinary people with expertise can make things possible," he concluded.

ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath recalls his early days at ISRO, what it takes to be a space scientist

<p>In February 2018, the Narendra Modi-led government launched a new bovine-centric scheme aimed at fulfilling India’s twin objectives—increase the income of farmers and provide clean energy.</p>

<p>GOBAR-DHAN—an amalgamation of two words gobar (cow dung) and dhan (wealth)— was launched as an extension to India’s cleanliness campaign, Swachh Bharat Mission, focussing on keeping villages clean, providing a clear revenue stream for rural households, and generation of energy from cattle waste.</p>

<p>The Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBAR-DHAN) scheme seeks to augment the income of farmers by converting biodegradable waste into compressed biogas (CBG) and aims at attracting entrepreneurs for establishing community-based CBG plants in rural areas.</p>

<p>India’s Hindu community has long venerated the cows. Rural households have for years used sun-dried cow dungs as a fuel to heat stoves, despite government efforts to phase it out with subsidised gas cylinders.</p>

<p>But now, after four years since the launch, Indian farmers are finally reaping the benefits of continuing with their age-old practice.</p>

<p>According to AFP, villages on the outskirts of the central Indian city of Indore are being handsomely rewarded for handing over their mounds of cattle waste in a pilot project to help meet the city's power needs.</p>

<p>A 46-year-old farmer said that he has sold nearly a dozen truckloads of fresh manure at $235 per shipment —more than the monthly income of the average Indian farming household.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-prime-minister-narendra-modi-appeals-to-farmers-to-adopt-natural-farming-439330">&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeals to farmers to adopt natural farming</a></p>

<p>"We have a very good quality dung, and we keep the dung clean to ensure it fetches the best price," AFP quoted Suresh Sisodia as saying.</p>

<p>Under the project, cattle dung, along with household waste, is sent to the plant to produce flammable methane gas and an organic residue that can be used as fertiliser.</p>

<p>Even though the intake capacity of the plant is limited for the time being, officials are working to increase the plant’s capacity to make through 500 tonnes of waste, including at least 25 tonnes of bovine waste, each day —enough to power the city's public transit system, with plenty left over.</p>

<p>"One half will run Indore buses and the other half will be sold to industrial clients," plant boss Nitesh Kumar Tripathi told AFP.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Would you use a toothpaste made of cow dung &amp; urine?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-would-you-use-a-toothpaste-made-of-cow-dung-urine-282096/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In February 2018, the Narendra Modi-led government launched a new bovine-centric scheme aimed at fulfilling India’s twin objectives—increase the income of farmers and provide clean energy.

In February 2018, the Narendra Modi-led government launched a new bovine-centric scheme aimed at fulfilling India’s twin objectives—increase the income of farmers and provide clean energy. GOBAR-DHAN—an amalgamation of two words gobar (cow dung) and dhan (wealth)— was launched as an extension to India’s cleanliness campaign, Swachh Bharat Mission, focussing on keeping villages clean, providing a clear revenue stream for rural households, and generation of energy from cattle waste. The Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBAR-DHAN) scheme seeks to augment the income of farmers by converting biodegradable waste into compressed biogas (CBG) and aims at attracting entrepreneurs for establishing community-based CBG plants in rural areas. India’s Hindu community has long venerated the cows. Rural households have for years used sun-dried cow dungs as a fuel to heat stoves, despite government efforts to phase it out with subsidised gas cylinders. But now, after four years since the launch, Indian farmers are finally reaping the benefits of continuing with their age-old practice. According to AFP, villages on the outskirts of the central Indian city of Indore are being handsomely rewarded for handing over their mounds of cattle waste in a pilot project to help meet the city's power needs. A 46-year-old farmer said that he has sold nearly a dozen truckloads of fresh manure at $235 per shipment —more than the monthly income of the average Indian farming household. Also read | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeals to farmers to adopt natural farming "We have a very good quality dung, and we keep the dung clean to ensure it fetches the best price," AFP quoted Suresh Sisodia as saying. Under the project, cattle dung, along with household waste, is sent to the plant to produce flammable methane gas and an organic residue that can be used as fertiliser. Even though the intake capacity of the plant is limited for the time being, officials are working to increase the plant’s capacity to make through 500 tonnes of waste, including at least 25 tonnes of bovine waste, each day —enough to power the city's public transit system, with plenty left over. "One half will run Indore buses and the other half will be sold to industrial clients," plant boss Nitesh Kumar Tripathi told AFP. Watch | Gravitas: Would you use a toothpaste made of cow dung & urine? (With inputs from agencies)

How Modi govt’s cow dung scheme is solving India’s energy crisis and doubling farmers’ income

<p>Breaking all records in the fruits sale, Jammu and Kashmir has been selling watermelons worth Rs 50 million (US $6,56,000 approx.) every day in the Kashmir valley during the month of Ramadan (which started on April 2 and will last till May 2)</p>

<p>According to the official data, more than 100 trucks carrying watermelon made a stoppage at the Fruit Mandi of Srinagar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The produce is being brought from various Indian states, including Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.</p>

<p>''We have been making watermelon sales worth Rs 50 million every day. In the month of Ramadan, it's very warm and the demand for this fruit increases a lot. This time of the year, the produce is mainly coming from Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra,'' said Bashir Ahmad, President, Fruit Mandi, Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Fruit Mandi has around 300 shops, of which 70 per cent of the shops have started dealing with watermelons, helping the sellers make a brisk business.</p>

<p>According to the officials, Kashmir is one of the biggest consumers of watermelon in the country. And since the produce is brought from far-flung states, the price goes up. Officials say the cost will come down once the produce starts coming from Punjab.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''The transportation cost of watermelon is steep. Kashmiris love watermelon and I think if we compare it across the country, most of the sale takes place in Kashmir alone,'' Ahmad said.&nbsp;</p>


Breaking all records in the fruits sale, Jammu and Kashmir has been selling watermelons worth Rs 50 million (US $6,56,000 approx.) every day in the Kashmir valley during the month of Ramadan (which started on April 2 and will last till May 2) According to the official data, more than 100 trucks carrying watermelon made a stoppage at the Fruit Mandi of Srinagar.

Breaking all records in the fruits sale, Jammu and Kashmir has been selling watermelons worth Rs 50 million (US $6,56,000 approx.) every day in the Kashmir valley during the month of Ramadan (which started on April 2 and will last till May 2) According to the official data, more than 100 trucks carrying watermelon made a stoppage at the Fruit Mandi of Srinagar. The produce is being brought from various Indian states, including Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. ''We have been making watermelon sales worth Rs 50 million every day. In the month of Ramadan, it's very warm and the demand for this fruit increases a lot. This time of the year, the produce is mainly coming from Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra,'' said Bashir Ahmad, President, Fruit Mandi, Kashmir. The Fruit Mandi has around 300 shops, of which 70 per cent of the shops have started dealing with watermelons, helping the sellers make a brisk business. According to the officials, Kashmir is one of the biggest consumers of watermelon in the country. And since the produce is brought from far-flung states, the price goes up. Officials say the cost will come down once the produce starts coming from Punjab. ''The transportation cost of watermelon is steep. Kashmiris love watermelon and I think if we compare it across the country, most of the sale takes place in Kashmir alone,'' Ahmad said.

Kashmir breaking all records in watermelon sales during Ramadan

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met his British counterpart Boris Johnson. Both leaders held talks aimed at further expanding co-operation in areas of defence, trade and clean energy.

PM Modi meets his UK counterpart PM Boris Johnson; Ukraine war, Indo-pacific likely to be discussed

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