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With India’s Budget announcement round the corner, every tax payer longs for some pleasing announcements to be made by the government. &nbsp;

The best examples are the hike in the standard deduction and new ways to save tax. &nbsp;

The standard deduction is actually a relief allowed in gross salary income for salaried individuals and pensioners by the government under the rules. &nbsp;

Although the standard deduction affects every individual, whether one has opted for old or new tax regime, the ways to save tax, such as kids' education, belong to only the people, who have gone for old regime. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-budget-2022-important-terms-you-should-know-448628" hreflang="en">India's Budget 2022: Important terms you should know</a>

This year would not be any different. The citizens of the country have already pinned hopes on the Indian Finance Minister’s announcement about the Budget in this regard. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Till now, the standard deduction for salaried taxpayers, who are below the age of 60 years, is Rs 2,50,000. The rate is same for both tax regimes, new and old. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the old tax regime, the deduction is Rs 3,00,000 for taxpayers above 60 years of age and Rs 5,00,000 for people above 80 years of age. In new regime, the deduction is Rs 2,50,000 for everyone. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-budget-2022-what-is-the-sin-tax-is-it-in-this-years-budget-448627" hreflang="en">India's Budget 2022: What is the Sin Tax? Is it in this year's budget?&nbsp;</a>

Another standard deduction of Rs 50,000 is allowed for every individual going for old regime as per rules. &nbsp;

The deduction for the children’s tuition fee comes under section 80C and has a limit of Rs 1,50,000. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The raising of these limits by around 20% would be warmly welcomed by citizens as they have been witnessing tough times for last two years due to coronavirus pandemic. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The hike in the above limits would also encourage people to do more savings for future. If the government comes up with a tax relief related to COVID-19, the citizens will get the much-needed respite. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With India’s Budget announcement round the corner, every tax payer longs for some pleasing announcements to be made by the government. The best examples are the hike in the standard deduction and new ways to save tax.

With India’s Budget announcement round the corner, every tax payer longs for some pleasing announcements to be made by the government. The best examples are the hike in the standard deduction and new ways to save tax. The standard deduction is actually a relief allowed in gross salary income for salaried individuals and pensioners by the government under the rules. Although the standard deduction affects every individual, whether one has opted for old or new tax regime, the ways to save tax, such as kids' education, belong to only the people, who have gone for old regime. Also Read: India's Budget 2022: Important terms you should know This year would not be any different. The citizens of the country have already pinned hopes on the Indian Finance Minister’s announcement about the Budget in this regard. Till now, the standard deduction for salaried taxpayers, who are below the age of 60 years, is Rs 2,50,000. The rate is same for both tax regimes, new and old. In the old tax regime, the deduction is Rs 3,00,000 for taxpayers above 60 years of age and Rs 5,00,000 for people above 80 years of age. In new regime, the deduction is Rs 2,50,000 for everyone. Also Read: India's Budget 2022: What is the Sin Tax? Is it in this year's budget? Another standard deduction of Rs 50,000 is allowed for every individual going for old regime as per rules. The deduction for the children’s tuition fee comes under section 80C and has a limit of Rs 1,50,000. The raising of these limits by around 20% would be warmly welcomed by citizens as they have been witnessing tough times for last two years due to coronavirus pandemic. The hike in the above limits would also encourage people to do more savings for future. If the government comes up with a tax relief related to COVID-19, the citizens will get the much-needed respite. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s Budget 2022 expectations: Hike in standard deduction, tuition fee relief under income tax rules

India has raised with United States government attempts to desecrate Mahatma Gandhi's statue by Khalistani mob in Washington. This came after the mob attempted to desecrate the statue on India's Republic Day as a show of protest.

In response to questions at the weekly presser, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "There was also an attempt to desecrate the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Washington DC. We have taken up all these unfortunate incidents with the host governments and conveyed our concerns".&nbsp;

He further added, "We have requested a thorough investigation, action against all those involved and prevention of such incidents from happening in the future."

In the past, many attempts have been noticed for the desecration of Mahatma's statue in the US by extremist elements.&nbsp;

This has not just happened in Washington but similar instances have also taken place in front of the Indian consulate in Milan where Khalistani elements had put up their flag.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-man-gets-visa-to-visit-pakistani-brother-separated-during-partition-448547">Also read |&nbsp;Indian man gets visa to visit Pakistani brother separated during Partition</a>

Khalistanis have been active in several European countries, like Italy and the UK, where such kinds of activities have been noticed in the past as well.

The MEA spokesman highlighted that India attaches "utmost priority to the security of our diplomats abroad and the premises in which they work and live in" and "work closely with local authorities and host governments to ensure that adequate security is provided".

Many of these Khalistani elements have support from Pakistan as these protestors have been seen chanting pro-Pakistan slogans.

During PM Modi's visit to the US last year, Khalistani protestors were seen chanting pro-Pakistan slogans.&nbsp;

Interestingly, a strong social media presence has also been seen as videos of acts of desecration and acts of vandalisation in front of Indian missions have been instantly uploaded by Pro Khalistani anonymous Twitter handles.

India has raised with United States government attempts to desecrate Mahatma Gandhi's statue by Khalistani mob in Washington. This came after the mob attempted to desecrate the statue on India's Republic Day as a show of protest.

India has raised with United States government attempts to desecrate Mahatma Gandhi's statue by Khalistani mob in Washington. This came after the mob attempted to desecrate the statue on India's Republic Day as a show of protest. In response to questions at the weekly presser, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "There was also an attempt to desecrate the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Washington DC. We have taken up all these unfortunate incidents with the host governments and conveyed our concerns". He further added, "We have requested a thorough investigation, action against all those involved and prevention of such incidents from happening in the future." In the past, many attempts have been noticed for the desecration of Mahatma's statue in the US by extremist elements. This has not just happened in Washington but similar instances have also taken place in front of the Indian consulate in Milan where Khalistani elements had put up their flag. Also read | Indian man gets visa to visit Pakistani brother separated during Partition Khalistanis have been active in several European countries, like Italy and the UK, where such kinds of activities have been noticed in the past as well. The MEA spokesman highlighted that India attaches "utmost priority to the security of our diplomats abroad and the premises in which they work and live in" and "work closely with local authorities and host governments to ensure that adequate security is provided". Many of these Khalistani elements have support from Pakistan as these protestors have been seen chanting pro-Pakistan slogans. During PM Modi's visit to the US last year, Khalistani protestors were seen chanting pro-Pakistan slogans. Interestingly, a strong social media presence has also been seen as videos of acts of desecration and acts of vandalisation in front of Indian missions have been instantly uploaded by Pro Khalistani anonymous Twitter handles.

India raises attempts to desecrate Gandhi statue by Khalistanis with US

India reported 2,51,209 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours along with 627 deaths, the health ministry said.

The daily active cases stands at 21,05,611 with the positivity rate at over 15 per cent.

There have been 3,47,443 recoveries in the last 24 hours, the health ministry informed.&nbsp;The country had reported 2,86,384 new coronavirus cases with 573 fatalities on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Kerala's health minister Veena George said the Omicron variant was found in 94 per cent samples in the state as central health minister Mansukh Mandaviya is set to hold a review meeting with southern states including with governments of Union Territories.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-what-is-the-new-stealth-omicron-447976">Also Read:&nbsp;Explainer: What is the new 'stealth Omicron'?</a>

India's southern state of Tamil Nadu which has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases reported 28,515 coronavirus cases and 53 deaths on Thursday.

Karnataka reported over 38,000 cases along with 49 deaths, the state health department said while adding that the number of active cases was at 3,28,711. The positivity rate stands at over 20 per cent in the state.

India's western state of Maharashtra which has been hit the hardest due to the virus reported a drop in COVID-19 cases recording 25,425 COVID-19 cases and 42 deaths in 24 hours.

The number of active cases in Maharashtra stands at over 2,00,000. India's capital Delhi reported 4,291 COVID-19 cases with 34 deaths in 24 hours on Thursday. The number of active cases in the capital stands at 33,175 with the positivity rate at over 9 per cent.

(With inputs from Agencies)

India reported 2,51,209 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours along with 627 deaths, the health ministry said. The daily active cases stands at 21,05,611 with the positivity rate at over 15 per cent.

India reported 2,51,209 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours along with 627 deaths, the health ministry said. The daily active cases stands at 21,05,611 with the positivity rate at over 15 per cent. There have been 3,47,443 recoveries in the last 24 hours, the health ministry informed. The country had reported 2,86,384 new coronavirus cases with 573 fatalities on Thursday. Meanwhile, Kerala's health minister Veena George said the Omicron variant was found in 94 per cent samples in the state as central health minister Mansukh Mandaviya is set to hold a review meeting with southern states including with governments of Union Territories. Also Read: Explainer: What is the new 'stealth Omicron'? India's southern state of Tamil Nadu which has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases reported 28,515 coronavirus cases and 53 deaths on Thursday. Karnataka reported over 38,000 cases along with 49 deaths, the state health department said while adding that the number of active cases was at 3,28,711. The positivity rate stands at over 20 per cent in the state. India's western state of Maharashtra which has been hit the hardest due to the virus reported a drop in COVID-19 cases recording 25,425 COVID-19 cases and 42 deaths in 24 hours. The number of active cases in Maharashtra stands at over 2,00,000. India's capital Delhi reported 4,291 COVID-19 cases with 34 deaths in 24 hours on Thursday. The number of active cases in the capital stands at 33,175 with the positivity rate at over 9 per cent. (With inputs from Agencies)

India reports over 35k less coronavirus cases; 627 fatalities in 24 hours

The Indian government on Friday appointed V Anantha Nageswaran as the country’s new Chief Economic Advisor (CEA).

The Union Finance Ministry wrote on Twitter, “Government appoints Dr V Anantha Nageswaran as the Chief Economic Advisor and today, he has assumed charge.”

Nageswaran has replaced Krishnamurthy Subramanian, who demitted the office after completing his three-year term.

The move comes just days ahead of the presentation of India’s budget on February 1.

Nageswaran is a noted writer, author, teacher and consultant and has taught at several business schools and institutes of management in India and in Singapore.

From 2019 to 2021, Nageswaran remained a part-time visiting member of the economic advisory council to the Prime Minister of India.

Nageswaran holds a Post-Graduate Diploma from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. He completed his doctorate from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.&nbsp;

He was the Dean of the IFMR Graduate School of Business and a distinguished Visiting Professor of Economics at Krea University.

He served as an executive with Credit Suisse Group AG and Julius Baer Group.

The CEA is a secretary rank official attached to the finance ministry and is traditionally the main architect of the economic survey every year.

Former CEA Subramanian completed took charge on October 8, 2021. He announced that he will return to academia after resigning from the post.

A well-known Indian economist, Subramanian was appointed as CEA on December 7, 2018, after his predecessor Arvind Subramanian left the role.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian government on Friday appointed V Anantha Nageswaran as the country’s new Chief Economic Advisor (CEA). The Union Finance Ministry wrote on Twitter, “Government appoints Dr V Anantha Nageswaran as the Chief Economic Advisor and today, he has assumed charge.

The Indian government on Friday appointed V Anantha Nageswaran as the country’s new Chief Economic Advisor (CEA). The Union Finance Ministry wrote on Twitter, “Government appoints Dr V Anantha Nageswaran as the Chief Economic Advisor and today, he has assumed charge.” Nageswaran has replaced Krishnamurthy Subramanian, who demitted the office after completing his three-year term. The move comes just days ahead of the presentation of India’s budget on February 1. Nageswaran is a noted writer, author, teacher and consultant and has taught at several business schools and institutes of management in India and in Singapore. From 2019 to 2021, Nageswaran remained a part-time visiting member of the economic advisory council to the Prime Minister of India. Nageswaran holds a Post-Graduate Diploma from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. He completed his doctorate from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. He was the Dean of the IFMR Graduate School of Business and a distinguished Visiting Professor of Economics at Krea University. He served as an executive with Credit Suisse Group AG and Julius Baer Group. The CEA is a secretary rank official attached to the finance ministry and is traditionally the main architect of the economic survey every year. Former CEA Subramanian completed took charge on October 8, 2021. He announced that he will return to academia after resigning from the post. A well-known Indian economist, Subramanian was appointed as CEA on December 7, 2018, after his predecessor Arvind Subramanian left the role. (With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of budget 2022, Indian govt appoints Nageswaran as the new Chief Economic Advisor

The hearing of the Thanjavur alleged 'Forced Conversion' case in the Madras High court witnessed fierce arguments being put forth by the petitioner's counsel (victim's parents' lawyer) and the counsel of the concerned school, where the victim had studied.&nbsp; 
Hearing both sides and the prosecution (government counsel), Justice GR Swaminathan reserved his order, without specifying a date.

This case was originally filed by the victim's parents, who sought a CB-CID probe in the matter and raised questions about the integrity of the police investigation, into their minor daughter's suicide.&nbsp;

Representing the government, the prosecutor informed the court that the cops were investigating all angles and that over 50 witnesses had been questioned.&nbsp;

It was also added that Muthuvel, the individual who shot the girl's 'dying declaration' video was not cooperating with the probe. 
The counsel for the girl's parents made a slew of points that needed to be investigated.&nbsp;

Some of them included how the victim managed to obtain poison in the children's hostel, the need for her 'dying declaration' video shot by a third party to be taken as direct evidence.&nbsp;

The manner in which the cops ruled out the religious conversion angle at an initial stage was pointed out.&nbsp;

In addition to this, the Education Minister terming the act of shooting the dying declaration video 'wrong' was also mentioned.

Referring to the cause of suicide as a continuous process and the alleged attempt to forcibly convert the girl to Christianity, around two years ago, the Counsel said that confidential details of the probe, including new videos, were being leaked out after the phone, where it was recorded, was handed over to the cops.&nbsp;

A similar case of Sukanya, a student in a missionary-run institution, who ended her life in 2006 under mysterious circumstances and how it turned out to be a case of gang rape, was also brought up.&nbsp;

Quoting the victim's parents, the prosecutor said that the dying declaration video was shot on January 17 and that the parents raised this issue only after the daughter's death, on January 19.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/examine-victims-video-that-mentions-forced-conversion-court-tells-tamil-nadu-govt-in-student-suicide-case-447226">Also read |&nbsp;Examine victim’s video that mentions ‘forced-conversion’, Court tells Tamil Nadu Govt in student suicide case&nbsp;</a>

Stating that the victim's parents' statements were recorded thrice, the prosecutor said that their further allegations could be filed as an affidavit.&nbsp;

The school's counsel informed the court of having shared a confidential affidavit with the judge. This was done to protect the privacy of the family.&nbsp;

The allegations of conversion were also denied, adding that they were in the field of education for many years and that there were no complaints so far.&nbsp;

Allegations were also made against the girl receiving stepmotherly treatment at her home and questions were raised over why the family kept quiet over the conversion allegations for two years.&nbsp;

The school's counsel alleged that the said 'dying declaration' video was tailored and doctored.

It was also stated that the girl was more attached to the school than her home and that she generally did not go home on short vacations. Allegations were also made about the victim not being on good terms with her stepmother.&nbsp;

The school's counsel also alleged that the victim was under depression and care was being provided by the school.&nbsp;

The case pertains to a 17-year old girl from a poor background, who studied in a Christian Missionary school in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district. According to the police, the victim had consumed poisonous material on January 9 and had succumbed ten days later.&nbsp;

In an unverified video, she is seen saying, “In front of me also they asked my parents about converting me to Christianity so that she would make me study. She would also keep scolding me and not let me stay there”. When asked who she was referring to, the victim is heard saying, “Sister Rachel Mary."

When asked if she was tortured because she refused to convert to Christianity, the victim is heard saying “it could be possible”.

As per the Legal Rights Protection Forum’s (LRPF) complaint to India’s National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the victim’s school had been illegally converting children into Christianity and was imposing corporal punishments on those who resisted.&nbsp;

It added that this was causing mental agony to students and driving them to extreme steps.

“The victim was forced to convert to Christianity and when she refused the same, she was refused permission to return home from the hostel. She was made to clean toilets and wash dishes,” read the complaint.&nbsp;

It also adds that the child tried to end her life due to the atrocities inflicted upon her.&nbsp;

Last week, the bereaved parents approached the Madras High Court, seeking a CB-CID probe in this matter.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, the Madras High court had ordered that the phone in which these videos were recorded was to be submitted for forensic examination.&nbsp;

It was also added that the individual who shot these videos had to appear before the investigators.&nbsp;

While the court had asked for the authenticity of the video to be ascertained, it had also stated that the cops must not harass the person who shot it.

The hearing of the Thanjavur alleged 'Forced Conversion' case in the Madras High court witnessed fierce arguments being put forth by the petitioner's counsel (victim's parents' lawyer) and the counsel of the concerned school, where the victim had studied.

The hearing of the Thanjavur alleged 'Forced Conversion' case in the Madras High court witnessed fierce arguments being put forth by the petitioner's counsel (victim's parents' lawyer) and the counsel of the concerned school, where the victim had studied. Hearing both sides and the prosecution (government counsel), Justice GR Swaminathan reserved his order, without specifying a date. This case was originally filed by the victim's parents, who sought a CB-CID probe in the matter and raised questions about the integrity of the police investigation, into their minor daughter's suicide. Representing the government, the prosecutor informed the court that the cops were investigating all angles and that over 50 witnesses had been questioned. It was also added that Muthuvel, the individual who shot the girl's 'dying declaration' video was not cooperating with the probe. The counsel for the girl's parents made a slew of points that needed to be investigated. Some of them included how the victim managed to obtain poison in the children's hostel, the need for her 'dying declaration' video shot by a third party to be taken as direct evidence. The manner in which the cops ruled out the religious conversion angle at an initial stage was pointed out. In addition to this, the Education Minister terming the act of shooting the dying declaration video 'wrong' was also mentioned. Referring to the cause of suicide as a continuous process and the alleged attempt to forcibly convert the girl to Christianity, around two years ago, the Counsel said that confidential details of the probe, including new videos, were being leaked out after the phone, where it was recorded, was handed over to the cops. A similar case of Sukanya, a student in a missionary-run institution, who ended her life in 2006 under mysterious circumstances and how it turned out to be a case of gang rape, was also brought up. Quoting the victim's parents, the prosecutor said that the dying declaration video was shot on January 17 and that the parents raised this issue only after the daughter's death, on January 19. Also read | Examine victim’s video that mentions ‘forced-conversion’, Court tells Tamil Nadu Govt in student suicide case Stating that the victim's parents' statements were recorded thrice, the prosecutor said that their further allegations could be filed as an affidavit. The school's counsel informed the court of having shared a confidential affidavit with the judge. This was done to protect the privacy of the family. The allegations of conversion were also denied, adding that they were in the field of education for many years and that there were no complaints so far. Allegations were also made against the girl receiving stepmotherly treatment at her home and questions were raised over why the family kept quiet over the conversion allegations for two years. The school's counsel alleged that the said 'dying declaration' video was tailored and doctored. It was also stated that the girl was more attached to the school than her home and that she generally did not go home on short vacations. Allegations were also made about the victim not being on good terms with her stepmother. The school's counsel also alleged that the victim was under depression and care was being provided by the school. The case pertains to a 17-year old girl from a poor background, who studied in a Christian Missionary school in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district. According to the police, the victim had consumed poisonous material on January 9 and had succumbed ten days later. In an unverified video, she is seen saying, “In front of me also they asked my parents about converting me to Christianity so that she would make me study. She would also keep scolding me and not let me stay there”. When asked who she was referring to, the victim is heard saying, “Sister Rachel Mary." When asked if she was tortured because she refused to convert to Christianity, the victim is heard saying “it could be possible”. As per the Legal Rights Protection Forum’s (LRPF) complaint to India’s National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the victim’s school had been illegally converting children into Christianity and was imposing corporal punishments on those who resisted. It added that this was causing mental agony to students and driving them to extreme steps. “The victim was forced to convert to Christianity and when she refused the same, she was refused permission to return home from the hostel. She was made to clean toilets and wash dishes,” read the complaint. It also adds that the child tried to end her life due to the atrocities inflicted upon her. Last week, the bereaved parents approached the Madras High Court, seeking a CB-CID probe in this matter. Earlier this week, the Madras High court had ordered that the phone in which these videos were recorded was to be submitted for forensic examination. It was also added that the individual who shot these videos had to appear before the investigators. While the court had asked for the authenticity of the video to be ascertained, it had also stated that the cops must not harass the person who shot it.

'Forced Conversion' case: Madras High Court reserves order after hearing arguments of victim, school's counsel

Iconic buildings in India and Israel will be lit up on Saturday as both countries celebrate 30 years of the establishment of ties with fanfare.&nbsp;

It was on January 29th, 1992, that both countries established a formal relationship, which has since expanded into several areas, from agriculture to security.&nbsp;

The buildings will be lit up with the official logo that was launched to commemorate the occasion.

Earlier this week, the Israeli envoy to India, Naor Gilon, and the Indian envoy to Israel, Sanjeev Singla, officially launched the logo, which features the Star of David and the Ashoka Chakra and forms the numeral 30, depicting the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations.&nbsp;

The design was created by an Indian student, Nikhil Kumar Rai, a student of the National Institute of Design and also of BHU.&nbsp;

In India, the Gateway of India will be lit up in Mumbai. Israel also has a consulate in the city.&nbsp;

In Israel, the iconic Masada fortress, which overlooks the dead sea, will be lit up.&nbsp;

This is a strong show of support from the West Asian country, which sees India as a strategic partner.&nbsp;

Founded in the first century BC, it is one of Israel's most popular attractions. Other than this, the year will see high-profile visits, including by the Israeli foreign minister and the Prime Minister of India.

Israeli Ambassador Naor Gilon said 30-years milestone is "an important occasion to reflect on our mutual successes as well as a good opportunity to look ahead and shape the next 30 years of our relations".&nbsp;

Indian envoy Sanjeev Singla explained, "India and Israel are two ancient peoples, proud of their cultural heritage, and two vibrant democracies, eager to grasp the future. Together, we can shape a better future for India, Israel, and the world. "

A special video is also expected to be released that will highlight the people-to-people aspect of the relationship. This includes a mention of Maharaja Jam Sahib of Nawanagar, Gujarat.&nbsp;

He saved the lives of several Jewish children during World War 2 by providing them shelter and taking care of them. In 2016, the Polish Parliament passed a resolution to honour him. The top leadership of both countries are also likely to issue statements.

Iconic buildings in India and Israel will be lit up on Saturday as both countries celebrate 30 years of the establishment of ties with fanfare. It was on January 29th, 1992, that both countries established a formal relationship, which has since expanded into several areas, from agriculture to security.

Iconic buildings in India and Israel will be lit up on Saturday as both countries celebrate 30 years of the establishment of ties with fanfare. It was on January 29th, 1992, that both countries established a formal relationship, which has since expanded into several areas, from agriculture to security. The buildings will be lit up with the official logo that was launched to commemorate the occasion. Earlier this week, the Israeli envoy to India, Naor Gilon, and the Indian envoy to Israel, Sanjeev Singla, officially launched the logo, which features the Star of David and the Ashoka Chakra and forms the numeral 30, depicting the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations. The design was created by an Indian student, Nikhil Kumar Rai, a student of the National Institute of Design and also of BHU. In India, the Gateway of India will be lit up in Mumbai. Israel also has a consulate in the city. In Israel, the iconic Masada fortress, which overlooks the dead sea, will be lit up. This is a strong show of support from the West Asian country, which sees India as a strategic partner. Founded in the first century BC, it is one of Israel's most popular attractions. Other than this, the year will see high-profile visits, including by the Israeli foreign minister and the Prime Minister of India. Israeli Ambassador Naor Gilon said 30-years milestone is "an important occasion to reflect on our mutual successes as well as a good opportunity to look ahead and shape the next 30 years of our relations". Indian envoy Sanjeev Singla explained, "India and Israel are two ancient peoples, proud of their cultural heritage, and two vibrant democracies, eager to grasp the future. Together, we can shape a better future for India, Israel, and the world. " A special video is also expected to be released that will highlight the people-to-people aspect of the relationship. This includes a mention of Maharaja Jam Sahib of Nawanagar, Gujarat. He saved the lives of several Jewish children during World War 2 by providing them shelter and taking care of them. In 2016, the Polish Parliament passed a resolution to honour him. The top leadership of both countries are also likely to issue statements.

Iconic buildings to be lit up as India, Israel celebrate 30 years of ties

The ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, especially the recent increase in the number of cases in India has forced the nation to drop a popular and decades-old Budget-related tradition - the "Halwa ceremony"

The customary Halwa (a sweet dish) ceremony has been dropped for the first time this year in view of the pandemic situation in the nation's capital New Delhi.&nbsp;

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2022-23 in a paperless form for the second time on February 1. However, this year, the customary Halwa&nbsp;ceremony will not take place.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-a-union-budget-and-why-is-it-important-to-the-government-of-india-448180">What is a union budget and why is it important to the government of India?</a>

In a statement, the government said, "To mark the final stage of the Union Budget making process, sweets were provided to the core staff due to undergo "lock-in" at their workplaces, instead of a customary Halwa&nbsp;ceremony every year in view of the prevailing pandemic situation and the need to observe health safety protocols".&nbsp;

The tradition is quite old as ahead of the Budget presentation in the Parliament,&nbsp;Halwa&nbsp;is prepared in large quantities and served to the officers and support staff.&nbsp;

The halwa is served by the finance minister as a part of the Indian tradition of having something sweet before starting an important work.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-budget-2022-a-detailed-insight-to-how-the-document-is-prepared-448246">Union Budget 2022: A detailed insight to how the document is prepared</a>

The cases increased in the recents weeks, especially after the emergence Omicron variant. It is worth mentioning that more than 400 staff of Parliament were tested COVID-19 positive in the first week of January.&nbsp;

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu had reviewed the situation and directed that necessary measures be taken to contain the spread of the virus among the Secretariat officials and staff.

Meanwhile, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday. The VP, who is in Hyderabad, has asked those who came in contact with him to isolate themselves and get tested.

WATCH |&nbsp;India's Budget 2022 with Gautam Chikermane: India's performance in handling Covid crisis?

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The ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, especially the recent increase in the number of cases in India has forced the nation to drop a popular and decades-old Budget-related tradition - the "Halwa ceremony" The customary Halwa (a sweet dish) ceremony has been dropped for the first time this year in view of the pandemic situation in the nation's capital New Delhi.

The ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, especially the recent increase in the number of cases in India has forced the nation to drop a popular and decades-old Budget-related tradition - the "Halwa ceremony" The customary Halwa (a sweet dish) ceremony has been dropped for the first time this year in view of the pandemic situation in the nation's capital New Delhi. India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2022-23 in a paperless form for the second time on February 1. However, this year, the customary Halwa ceremony will not take place. ALSO READ | What is a union budget and why is it important to the government of India? In a statement, the government said, "To mark the final stage of the Union Budget making process, sweets were provided to the core staff due to undergo "lock-in" at their workplaces, instead of a customary Halwa ceremony every year in view of the prevailing pandemic situation and the need to observe health safety protocols". The tradition is quite old as ahead of the Budget presentation in the Parliament, Halwa is prepared in large quantities and served to the officers and support staff. The halwa is served by the finance minister as a part of the Indian tradition of having something sweet before starting an important work. ALSO READ | Union Budget 2022: A detailed insight to how the document is prepared The cases increased in the recents weeks, especially after the emergence Omicron variant. It is worth mentioning that more than 400 staff of Parliament were tested COVID-19 positive in the first week of January. Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu had reviewed the situation and directed that necessary measures be taken to contain the spread of the virus among the Secretariat officials and staff. Meanwhile, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday. The VP, who is in Hyderabad, has asked those who came in contact with him to isolate themselves and get tested. WATCH | India's Budget 2022 with Gautam Chikermane: India's performance in handling Covid crisis? ×

Halwa ceremony: Coronavirus forces India to drop a customary tradition ahead of Budget 2022 presentation

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lauded the National Cadet Corps, the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces for their contribution to the country and said that the government has created over 100,000 new cadets in the border areas of the country.&nbsp;

"The training I got in NCC and the things I learned here have provided me immense strength in delivering upon my responsibilities. Recently, I had also received an NCC alumni card as well," said Modi while addressing an NCC rally at Cariappa Ground in the country's capital Delhi.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-did-portuguese-colonialists-marry-indian-women-book-sheds-light-into-the-real-reason-448356" hreflang="en">Why did Portuguese colonialists marry Indian women? Book sheds light into the real reason</a>

In his remarks, PM Modi pointed out that the young country is witnessing such a historic festival with a different enthusiasm today.

"The country is celebrating the Amrit Mahotsav of its independence. When a young country becomes a witness to such a historic festival, there is a different enthusiasm in its celebration. It is visible even on this ground today. This is the vision of the youth power of India, which will fulfill our resolves," he said.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister said that in the last two years, the government has&nbsp;created over 100,000 (one lakh) new cadets in the border areas of the country.&nbsp;

"Today, when the country is moving forward with new resolutions, then our efforts are also going on to strengthen the NCC in the country. For this, a high-level review committee has been set up in the country. In the last two years, we have created one lakh, new cadets, in the border areas of the country," he said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-central-asia-to-establish-joint-working-group-on-afghanistan-chabahar-port-448373" hreflang="en">India, Central Asia to establish joint working group on Afghanistan, Chabahar port</a>

Further, he announced the formation of a high-level committee to empower NCC cadets.

"As the country walks ahead with a strengthened vision, we are taking steps to further empower the NCC as well. A high-level review committee has been formed" he said.

Further, the Prime Minister said that there are 90 universities in all parts of the country that offer a&nbsp;NCC elective.&nbsp;

He added that "the number of girl cadets here shows that India's ideas are changing. The nation needs your participation and service and there are immense opportunities for women in several sectors."

Watch |&nbsp;50% of manufacturing contribution in India's GDP comes from auto sector

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"Now the daughters of the country are taking admission in Sainik Schools. Women are getting huge responsibilities in the army. The daughters of the country are flying fighter planes in the Air Force. In such a situation, it should be our effort that more and more daughters should be included in NCC," he added.&nbsp;

Every year, the rally is held on January 28 as part of NCC's Republic Day Camp.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lauded the National Cadet Corps, the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces for their contribution to the country and said that the government has created over 100,000 new cadets in the border areas of the country.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lauded the National Cadet Corps, the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces for their contribution to the country and said that the government has created over 100,000 new cadets in the border areas of the country. "The training I got in NCC and the things I learned here have provided me immense strength in delivering upon my responsibilities. Recently, I had also received an NCC alumni card as well," said Modi while addressing an NCC rally at Cariappa Ground in the country's capital Delhi. Also read | Why did Portuguese colonialists marry Indian women? Book sheds light into the real reason In his remarks, PM Modi pointed out that the young country is witnessing such a historic festival with a different enthusiasm today. "The country is celebrating the Amrit Mahotsav of its independence. When a young country becomes a witness to such a historic festival, there is a different enthusiasm in its celebration. It is visible even on this ground today. This is the vision of the youth power of India, which will fulfill our resolves," he said. The Prime Minister said that in the last two years, the government has created over 100,000 (one lakh) new cadets in the border areas of the country. "Today, when the country is moving forward with new resolutions, then our efforts are also going on to strengthen the NCC in the country. For this, a high-level review committee has been set up in the country. In the last two years, we have created one lakh, new cadets, in the border areas of the country," he said. Also read | India, Central Asia to establish joint working group on Afghanistan, Chabahar port Further, he announced the formation of a high-level committee to empower NCC cadets. "As the country walks ahead with a strengthened vision, we are taking steps to further empower the NCC as well. A high-level review committee has been formed" he said. Further, the Prime Minister said that there are 90 universities in all parts of the country that offer a NCC elective. He added that "the number of girl cadets here shows that India's ideas are changing. The nation needs your participation and service and there are immense opportunities for women in several sectors." Watch | 50% of manufacturing contribution in India's GDP comes from auto sector "Now the daughters of the country are taking admission in Sainik Schools. Women are getting huge responsibilities in the army. The daughters of the country are flying fighter planes in the Air Force. In such a situation, it should be our effort that more and more daughters should be included in NCC," he added. Every year, the rally is held on January 28 as part of NCC's Republic Day Camp. (With inputs from agencies)

'India's ideas are changing': PM Modi applauds the fact that more girls are joining NCC

India and the Philippines on Friday signed the $374.96 million missile deal under which New Delhi will export&nbsp;the BrahMos missiles to the ASEAN country.

Manila has done the acquisition of shore-based anti-ship missile system for the Philippines Navy. The coastal defence regiment of the Philippine marines will be the primary employer of the missiles. The deal was conceptualised in 2017 and the office of the Philippines President approved its inclusion in the Horizon 2 Priority Projects in 2020.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-inks-deal-to-sell-brahmos-to-philippines-know-more-about-the-missile-444670">Also Read in Pics: Why the BrahMos missile deal matter to India</a>

The Indian government will be delivering three&nbsp;batteries and will be&nbsp;training&nbsp;the operators and maintainers as well as the necessary integrated logistics support in the deal. For India, it's a significant development since it's the biggest defence&nbsp;export in the history of independent India. It comes even as India has been focusing on local manufacturing of defence equipment.

BrahMos is a 1998 joint venture between Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya and India's Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It derives its names from two&nbsp;rivers - India's Brahmaputra and Russia's Moskva.&nbsp;BrahMos&nbsp;is one of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles which can be launched from ship, land, air or from submarines.

It&nbsp;is for the first time India has exported this missile to any country in the world. Sources have said that more countries are keen to buy the missile, especially in the ASEAN. The development comes even as China has been engaged in&nbsp;​aggressive actions in the Indo- Pacific, including with many countries of the ASEAN.

India and the Philippines on Friday signed the $374.96 million missile deal under which New Delhi will export the BrahMos missiles to the ASEAN country. Manila has done the acquisition of shore-based anti-ship missile system for the Philippines Navy.

India and the Philippines on Friday signed the $374.96 million missile deal under which New Delhi will export the BrahMos missiles to the ASEAN country. Manila has done the acquisition of shore-based anti-ship missile system for the Philippines Navy. The coastal defence regiment of the Philippine marines will be the primary employer of the missiles. The deal was conceptualised in 2017 and the office of the Philippines President approved its inclusion in the Horizon 2 Priority Projects in 2020. Also Read in Pics: Why the BrahMos missile deal matter to India The Indian government will be delivering three batteries and will be training the operators and maintainers as well as the necessary integrated logistics support in the deal. For India, it's a significant development since it's the biggest defence export in the history of independent India. It comes even as India has been focusing on local manufacturing of defence equipment. BrahMos is a 1998 joint venture between Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya and India's Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It derives its names from two rivers - India's Brahmaputra and Russia's Moskva. BrahMos is one of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles which can be launched from ship, land, air or from submarines. It is for the first time India has exported this missile to any country in the world. Sources have said that more countries are keen to buy the missile, especially in the ASEAN. The development comes even as China has been engaged in aggressive actions in the Indo- Pacific, including with many countries of the ASEAN.

India, Philippines sign $374 million BrahMos missile deal contract

As part of the outcome of the first India-Central Asia summit on Thursday, both sides have announced to establish joint working group on the use of Chabahar port and on Afghanistan issue.

The five Central Asian countries— Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan—and India have been closely following the Afghanistan crisis.

During the virtual summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said, “We all have the same concerns and objectives for regional security. We are all concerned about the developments in Afghanistan. In this context also, our mutual cooperation has become even more important for regional security and stability.”

The joint working group on Afghanistan will be formed at the senior officials’ level.

Notably, the latest development comes ahead of the Shanghai Corporation Organisation (SCO) conference that will be hosted by Uzbekistan in July this year to discuss the Afghanistan crisis.

Three Central Asian countries—Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan—share a land border with Afghanistan and are worried over the spillover effects from the Taliban takeover.

During the one-and-half-hour-long virtual summit, Afghanistan was discussed in detail with the leaders reaffirming the importance of UNSC Resolution 2593 that was adopted in 2021.

The resolution on Afghanistan was passed last year under the Indian presidency of the security council which says that Afghan territory should not be used to shelter terrorists and calls for the formation of an inclusive government.

Chabahar Port has been a key part of India's foreign policy to facilitate trade between India and Central Asia.

During his address, the PM highlighted, "Central Asia is central to India’s vision of an integrated and stable extended neighbourhood and as part of a roadmap will adopt integrated approach for regional connectivity and cooperation for the next 30 years."

There are plans are to include the Chabahar Port under the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that connects Mumbai to Moscow.

Many of these Central Asian countries are landlocked and view the INSTC as a key project to bolster trading activities.

Other key outcomes of the summit includes&nbsp;conducting the summit every two years, the establishment of India-Central Asia centre which will act as a secretariat, and more ministerial engagement at foreign, trade and cultural ministers' level.

Also, India will host a 100-member youth delegation from the Central Asian countries every year to promote greater understanding.

It has also been proposed that Joint Counter-Terrorism Exercises will be held between India and interested Central Asian countries.

To highlight the common linguistic and spiritual linkages, both sides have agreed to commission a ‘Dictionary of Common words used in India and Central Asian countries and showcase Buddhist exhibitions in Central Asian countries.

As part of the outcome of the first India-Central Asia summit on Thursday, both sides have announced to establish joint working group on the use of Chabahar port and on Afghanistan issue.

As part of the outcome of the first India-Central Asia summit on Thursday, both sides have announced to establish joint working group on the use of Chabahar port and on Afghanistan issue. The five Central Asian countries— Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan—and India have been closely following the Afghanistan crisis. During the virtual summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said, “We all have the same concerns and objectives for regional security. We are all concerned about the developments in Afghanistan. In this context also, our mutual cooperation has become even more important for regional security and stability.” The joint working group on Afghanistan will be formed at the senior officials’ level. Notably, the latest development comes ahead of the Shanghai Corporation Organisation (SCO) conference that will be hosted by Uzbekistan in July this year to discuss the Afghanistan crisis. Three Central Asian countries—Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan—share a land border with Afghanistan and are worried over the spillover effects from the Taliban takeover. During the one-and-half-hour-long virtual summit, Afghanistan was discussed in detail with the leaders reaffirming the importance of UNSC Resolution 2593 that was adopted in 2021. The resolution on Afghanistan was passed last year under the Indian presidency of the security council which says that Afghan territory should not be used to shelter terrorists and calls for the formation of an inclusive government. Chabahar Port has been a key part of India's foreign policy to facilitate trade between India and Central Asia. During his address, the PM highlighted, "Central Asia is central to India’s vision of an integrated and stable extended neighbourhood and as part of a roadmap will adopt integrated approach for regional connectivity and cooperation for the next 30 years." There are plans are to include the Chabahar Port under the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that connects Mumbai to Moscow. Many of these Central Asian countries are landlocked and view the INSTC as a key project to bolster trading activities. Other key outcomes of the summit includes conducting the summit every two years, the establishment of India-Central Asia centre which will act as a secretariat, and more ministerial engagement at foreign, trade and cultural ministers' level. Also, India will host a 100-member youth delegation from the Central Asian countries every year to promote greater understanding. It has also been proposed that Joint Counter-Terrorism Exercises will be held between India and interested Central Asian countries. To highlight the common linguistic and spiritual linkages, both sides have agreed to commission a ‘Dictionary of Common words used in India and Central Asian countries and showcase Buddhist exhibitions in Central Asian countries.

India, Central Asia to establish joint working group on Afghanistan, Chabahar port

'Doolally Sahib and the Black Zamindar', the new book by Indian parliamentarian, author and eminent journalist MJ Akbar, is a chronicle of racial relations between Indians and their last foreign invaders, sometimes infuriating but always compelling.

The book draws upon the letters, memoirs and journals of traders, travellers, bureaucrats, officials, officers and the occasional bishop.

A multitude of vignettes, combined with insight and analysis, reveal the deeply ingrained conviction of ‘white superiority’ that shaped this history.

How deep this conviction was is best illustrated by the fact that the British abandoned a large community of their own children because they were born of Indian mothers. The British took pride in being outsiders, even as their exploitative revenue policy turned periodic drought and famine into horrific catastrophes, killing impoverished Indians in millions.

There were also marvellous and heart-warming exceptions in this extraordinary panorama, people who transcended racial prejudice and served as a reminder of what might have been had the British made India a second home and merged with its culture instead of treating it as a fortune-hunter’s turf.

In these excerpts from the book, the author describes the intricacies of marital relations between the Portuguese and Indians and how the two cultures intertwined to influence the Goan cuisine.

What astonished early European contemporaries was the Portuguese willingness to marry Indian women. The reasons were practical rather than altruistic. It was an attempt&nbsp;to create a new loyal population through integration. Goa could be defended with forts, walls, ditches and cannon, but a long-term strategy required numbers.&nbsp;

Afonso de Albuquerque wrote to King Manuel that the Portuguese needed not only to build stone houses but to raise sons and daughters—with Indian wives—who would have a vested interest in Portuguese rule. This policy was approved but proved too radical for consensus and was discontinued after two years.&nbsp;

Social legitimacy, however, could not be so easily withdrawn in practice. Manuel’s successor, Joao III ‘the Pious’, famously ruled between 1521 and 1557 with the sword in one hand and a crucifix in the other. In 1522, Bishop Duarte Nunes advised the new king that it was&nbsp;a grave error to tolerate Hindu festivals and temples in Goa. In 1533, Pope Clement VII authorized the diocese of Goa with jurisdiction from the Cape of Good Hope to China and Japan, while King Joao reinforced his piety by introducing the Inquisition to Portugal in 1536. The Society of Jesus arrived in 1540. The charismatic Jesuit icon, St Francis Xavier, reached Goa in May 1542, on board the&nbsp;same ship as the new viceroy, Martim Afonso de Souza. The two dined at the same table.&nbsp;

Francis Xavier, bearing the title of Papal Nuncio, carried letters of introduction from the king to major rulers of the east. Goa’s Vicar General Miguel Vaz had already done some vigorous proselytization with the support of the government, implementing the policy of rigor de misericordia (pressure of moral&nbsp;force, which had been successfully used to expel Jews and Muslims in Portugal).

Xavier’s mission was to multiply the number of saved souls through conversion. He established institutions for religious administration and schools before he died on the Chinese island of Sancian in 1552. Miraculously, his corpse did not deteriorate and was

sent back to Goa in 1554, where it is preserved in the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Dr Fryer, as both an Anglican visitor and a medical doctor,&nbsp;was awed by the ‘Miraculous Relick’. Francis Xavier was canonized in 1622.

Portuguese policy served both God and Caesar. The church counted its blessings in numbers of new Catholics; the state needed loyalists in administration, military and trading. Privileges were granted to converts. By 1539, the five islands under Portuguese rule—Tiswadi, Divar, Chorao, Juv and Kumbarjuv—had an estimated 10,000 Catholics out of a population of about 40,000.

Priests of other Catholic orders flooded Goa. Conversion became competitive, and a saying became popular: viceroys come and go, Jesuits stay&nbsp;on forever.

The converts were reluctant to abandon all aspects of their traditional or ‘heathen’ culture, a fact which grated on the priests.&nbsp;While drinking water, for instance, they held the vessel above the mouth in the Indian manner and poured, for touching the vessel might invite ‘pollution’. There was relentless pressure to uproot tradition, inexorably linked as it was to the Hindu faith. King Joao III ordered all temples to be razed.

The Inquisition used torture in the service of religion. Dr Fryer describes a torture machine: Going the next Morning to the Palace-stairs, we saw their Sessions house, the bloody Prison of the Inquisition; and, in a principal Market-place, was raised an Engine a great height,&nbsp;at top like a Gibbet, with a Pulley, with steppings to go upon, as on a Flag staff, for the Strapado, which unhinges a man’s joints; a cruel Torture. Over against these Stairs, is an Island, where they burn (after exposing them to the Multitude) all those condemned by the Inquisitor, which are brought from the Sancto Officio dress’d up in the most horrid Shapes of Imps and Devils, and so delivered to the Executioner.&nbsp;

Fryer was prudent enough to ask no questions. The tribunal was particularly harsh on lower caste converts&nbsp;who, often attracted only by the worldly advantages of adopting Christianity, maintained convivial relations with ‘Gentoo’ relatives or went to local doctors when ill. They were consigned to the flames for apostasy or sorcery. There were instances of Hindus being smeared&nbsp;with beef. Soldiers were ordered to disperse any multitude at a Hindu festival; idol-worship was forbidden and many Brahmins decided to sell their property and leave. Official jobs were reserved for Catholics.&nbsp;

During the century of intense oppression, between 1550 and 1650, the Christian population rose from one-fifth to two-thirds. High-caste converts managed to protect their privileged cocoons, retaining old surnames, marrying and socializing within their old kin, creating a Catholic Christianity with Hindu characteristics.

Edicts were often ignored rather than resisted—the church had to keep renewing its list of taboos. Try as they might, the authorities&nbsp;could not force people to end their reverence for the cow. When temples were destroyed, worshippers hid their deities or sent them to a sanctuary outside Goa, bringing them back to the village annually to display their true fealty. There were economic reasons as well for the survival of Hinduism—a mass departure of Hindus would have led to scarcity in farm labour, artisans and sailing crew, thereby undermining the colonial project. Business required existing expertise. Merchants, tax collectors and bankers were Hindus, while most contracts were handled by the elite Saraswat Brahmins.

The Goan Indian kitchen, allied with clothes and manners, won a splendid victory over any attempt at ostracization or European&nbsp;snobbery.&nbsp;

In her fascinating study of food and colonial culture, Lizzie Collingham writes: When the Dutchman Jan Huyghen van Linschoten arrived in&nbsp;Goa in September 1583, almost a century after Vasco da Gama landed at Calicut, he was surprised to discover the wives of the Portuguese eating Indian food. A typical meal was boiled rice with a thin watery soup poured over it, salt fish, mango&nbsp;pickle, and a fish or meat sauce. These were dishes strange to a 16th century European whose staple diet was wheat bread and roast meats. Not only did the Portuguese in India eat unfamiliar food, they ate it with their hands in the Indian manner. Indeed, the women laughed at anyone they observed using a spoon.

The Portuguese were equally flexible in dress and personal habits. Adds Collingham: Many of the Portuguese settlers had adopted a variety of Indian habits. The men had discarded their tight knee-length hose for ‘a sort of breeches, called Candales, the like whereof I never saw in any part of Europe; for when they are ty’d they leave something like the tops of Boots on the&nbsp;Leg. Others under a short Doublet, wear wide silk Breeches; and some have them hand down to their Ankles’. Even more peculiar, they regularly changed their underclothes. In Europe, it was customary to rub oneself down with one’s old linen underclothes before putting on a fresh undershirt, and a bath was out of the question.

In contrast, the Portuguese in India were scrupulously clean. Besides regularly changing their linen, they took a bath at least once, and sometimes twice, a day. Nor did the women ever fail to wash ‘as often as they ease themselves or make water, or use the companiesof their husbands’… The women observed purdah, and wore veils when they went outside. Although the wealthy hung themselves with ‘jewels, and rosaries of Gold and Silver many times double’, to indicate their Christian faith, they wore Indian clothes: thin, almost transparent, swathes of material above the waist and petticoats, bare legs and colourful slippers below… the wives were said to spend their days idly chewing betel nut, and washing and rubbing themselves with sweet-smelling perfumes and sandalwood. These were all practices,

Linschoten observed, they had learned and ‘received of the Indian Heathens, which have these customs of long time’. Despite the ruthless demands of the Inquisition, which began to peter out towards the second half of the 18th century, the Portuguese were more comfortable with eastern culture than the English who followed them, perhaps because they understood the east far better than north Europeans. Portugal was ruled by Arab-Moor Muslims for more than five centuries, between 712 and 1249.

Goan fishermen found an effective way to keep churchmen content: the best of the daily catch was reserved for priests. Food was a synthesizer, if not an equalizer. Portuguese-Goan cooks used toddy, in the absence of yeast, to ferment dough, adding to the repertoire of a staple like bread. The Bebinca cake was made from milk, eggs and jaggery, a local substitute for sugar. They introduced confections like the marzipan, tart and Florentine. The spicy vindaloo was a meat preparation, a chilli-soaked variation of carne de vinho ealhos, or pork cooked in wine vinegar and garlic. The fame of Goan cooks spread.

John Ovington records in 1689 that the East India Company kitchen in Surat had an Indian and a Portuguese cook in addition to an Englishman. This eclectic popularity became more mainstream when the British took along Goan cooks to their Raj in 1814 at the end of their friendly occupation of Goa during the Napoleonic wars. Lizzie Collingham writes that by the middle of the 19th century: Goan cooks were especially sought after… These cooks introduced vindaloo into the repertoire of Anglo-Indian curries… Goan cookery books referred to it as a ‘Portuguese curry’. For the British, the Goans applied the techniques of vindaloo to all sorts of meats, with duck being the favourite.

By the 1920s a Goan cook had become a marker of status…The Goans had preserved the Portuguese talent for magical desserts and the British enthused over their chocolate fondants and sugar-coated fruits. A classic Anglo-Indian dish known as beveca, made from sugar, rice flour, coconut cream and rose water, was a simplified version of the Goan layered coconut&nbsp;cake, bebinca.

'Doolally Sahib and the Black Zamindar', the new book by Indian parliamentarian, author and eminent journalist MJ Akbar, is a chronicle of racial relations between Indians and their last foreign invaders, sometimes infuriating but always compelling.

'Doolally Sahib and the Black Zamindar', the new book by Indian parliamentarian, author and eminent journalist MJ Akbar, is a chronicle of racial relations between Indians and their last foreign invaders, sometimes infuriating but always compelling. The book draws upon the letters, memoirs and journals of traders, travellers, bureaucrats, officials, officers and the occasional bishop. A multitude of vignettes, combined with insight and analysis, reveal the deeply ingrained conviction of ‘white superiority’ that shaped this history. How deep this conviction was is best illustrated by the fact that the British abandoned a large community of their own children because they were born of Indian mothers. The British took pride in being outsiders, even as their exploitative revenue policy turned periodic drought and famine into horrific catastrophes, killing impoverished Indians in millions. There were also marvellous and heart-warming exceptions in this extraordinary panorama, people who transcended racial prejudice and served as a reminder of what might have been had the British made India a second home and merged with its culture instead of treating it as a fortune-hunter’s turf. In these excerpts from the book, the author describes the intricacies of marital relations between the Portuguese and Indians and how the two cultures intertwined to influence the Goan cuisine. What astonished early European contemporaries was the Portuguese willingness to marry Indian women. The reasons were practical rather than altruistic. It was an attempt to create a new loyal population through integration. Goa could be defended with forts, walls, ditches and cannon, but a long-term strategy required numbers. Afonso de Albuquerque wrote to King Manuel that the Portuguese needed not only to build stone houses but to raise sons and daughters—with Indian wives—who would have a vested interest in Portuguese rule. This policy was approved but proved too radical for consensus and was discontinued after two years. Social legitimacy, however, could not be so easily withdrawn in practice. Manuel’s successor, Joao III ‘the Pious’, famously ruled between 1521 and 1557 with the sword in one hand and a crucifix in the other. In 1522, Bishop Duarte Nunes advised the new king that it was a grave error to tolerate Hindu festivals and temples in Goa. In 1533, Pope Clement VII authorized the diocese of Goa with jurisdiction from the Cape of Good Hope to China and Japan, while King Joao reinforced his piety by introducing the Inquisition to Portugal in 1536. The Society of Jesus arrived in 1540. The charismatic Jesuit icon, St Francis Xavier, reached Goa in May 1542, on board the same ship as the new viceroy, Martim Afonso de Souza. The two dined at the same table. Francis Xavier, bearing the title of Papal Nuncio, carried letters of introduction from the king to major rulers of the east. Goa’s Vicar General Miguel Vaz had already done some vigorous proselytization with the support of the government, implementing the policy of rigor de misericordia (pressure of moral force, which had been successfully used to expel Jews and Muslims in Portugal). Xavier’s mission was to multiply the number of saved souls through conversion. He established institutions for religious administration and schools before he died on the Chinese island of Sancian in 1552. Miraculously, his corpse did not deteriorate and was sent back to Goa in 1554, where it is preserved in the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Dr Fryer, as both an Anglican visitor and a medical doctor, was awed by the ‘Miraculous Relick’. Francis Xavier was canonized in 1622. Portuguese policy served both God and Caesar. The church counted its blessings in numbers of new Catholics; the state needed loyalists in administration, military and trading. Privileges were granted to converts. By 1539, the five islands under Portuguese rule—Tiswadi, Divar, Chorao, Juv and Kumbarjuv—had an estimated 10,000 Catholics out of a population of about 40,000. Priests of other Catholic orders flooded Goa. Conversion became competitive, and a saying became popular: viceroys come and go, Jesuits stay on forever. The converts were reluctant to abandon all aspects of their traditional or ‘heathen’ culture, a fact which grated on the priests. While drinking water, for instance, they held the vessel above the mouth in the Indian manner and poured, for touching the vessel might invite ‘pollution’. There was relentless pressure to uproot tradition, inexorably linked as it was to the Hindu faith. King Joao III ordered all temples to be razed. The Inquisition used torture in the service of religion. Dr Fryer describes a torture machine: Going the next Morning to the Palace-stairs, we saw their Sessions house, the bloody Prison of the Inquisition; and, in a principal Market-place, was raised an Engine a great height, at top like a Gibbet, with a Pulley, with steppings to go upon, as on a Flag staff, for the Strapado, which unhinges a man’s joints; a cruel Torture. Over against these Stairs, is an Island, where they burn (after exposing them to the Multitude) all those condemned by the Inquisitor, which are brought from the Sancto Officio dress’d up in the most horrid Shapes of Imps and Devils, and so delivered to the Executioner. Fryer was prudent enough to ask no questions. The tribunal was particularly harsh on lower caste converts who, often attracted only by the worldly advantages of adopting Christianity, maintained convivial relations with ‘Gentoo’ relatives or went to local doctors when ill. They were consigned to the flames for apostasy or sorcery. There were instances of Hindus being smeared with beef. Soldiers were ordered to disperse any multitude at a Hindu festival; idol-worship was forbidden and many Brahmins decided to sell their property and leave. Official jobs were reserved for Catholics. During the century of intense oppression, between 1550 and 1650, the Christian population rose from one-fifth to two-thirds. High-caste converts managed to protect their privileged cocoons, retaining old surnames, marrying and socializing within their old kin, creating a Catholic Christianity with Hindu characteristics. Edicts were often ignored rather than resisted—the church had to keep renewing its list of taboos. Try as they might, the authorities could not force people to end their reverence for the cow. When temples were destroyed, worshippers hid their deities or sent them to a sanctuary outside Goa, bringing them back to the village annually to display their true fealty. There were economic reasons as well for the survival of Hinduism—a mass departure of Hindus would have led to scarcity in farm labour, artisans and sailing crew, thereby undermining the colonial project. Business required existing expertise. Merchants, tax collectors and bankers were Hindus, while most contracts were handled by the elite Saraswat Brahmins. The Goan Indian kitchen, allied with clothes and manners, won a splendid victory over any attempt at ostracization or European snobbery. In her fascinating study of food and colonial culture, Lizzie Collingham writes: When the Dutchman Jan Huyghen van Linschoten arrived in Goa in September 1583, almost a century after Vasco da Gama landed at Calicut, he was surprised to discover the wives of the Portuguese eating Indian food. A typical meal was boiled rice with a thin watery soup poured over it, salt fish, mango pickle, and a fish or meat sauce. These were dishes strange to a 16th century European whose staple diet was wheat bread and roast meats. Not only did the Portuguese in India eat unfamiliar food, they ate it with their hands in the Indian manner. Indeed, the women laughed at anyone they observed using a spoon. The Portuguese were equally flexible in dress and personal habits. Adds Collingham: Many of the Portuguese settlers had adopted a variety of Indian habits. The men had discarded their tight knee-length hose for ‘a sort of breeches, called Candales, the like whereof I never saw in any part of Europe; for when they are ty’d they leave something like the tops of Boots on the Leg. Others under a short Doublet, wear wide silk Breeches; and some have them hand down to their Ankles’. Even more peculiar, they regularly changed their underclothes. In Europe, it was customary to rub oneself down with one’s old linen underclothes before putting on a fresh undershirt, and a bath was out of the question. In contrast, the Portuguese in India were scrupulously clean. Besides regularly changing their linen, they took a bath at least once, and sometimes twice, a day. Nor did the women ever fail to wash ‘as often as they ease themselves or make water, or use the companiesof their husbands’… The women observed purdah, and wore veils when they went outside. Although the wealthy hung themselves with ‘jewels, and rosaries of Gold and Silver many times double’, to indicate their Christian faith, they wore Indian clothes: thin, almost transparent, swathes of material above the waist and petticoats, bare legs and colourful slippers below… the wives were said to spend their days idly chewing betel nut, and washing and rubbing themselves with sweet-smelling perfumes and sandalwood. These were all practices, Linschoten observed, they had learned and ‘received of the Indian Heathens, which have these customs of long time’. Despite the ruthless demands of the Inquisition, which began to peter out towards the second half of the 18th century, the Portuguese were more comfortable with eastern culture than the English who followed them, perhaps because they understood the east far better than north Europeans. Portugal was ruled by Arab-Moor Muslims for more than five centuries, between 712 and 1249. Goan fishermen found an effective way to keep churchmen content: the best of the daily catch was reserved for priests. Food was a synthesizer, if not an equalizer. Portuguese-Goan cooks used toddy, in the absence of yeast, to ferment dough, adding to the repertoire of a staple like bread. The Bebinca cake was made from milk, eggs and jaggery, a local substitute for sugar. They introduced confections like the marzipan, tart and Florentine. The spicy vindaloo was a meat preparation, a chilli-soaked variation of carne de vinho ealhos, or pork cooked in wine vinegar and garlic. The fame of Goan cooks spread. John Ovington records in 1689 that the East India Company kitchen in Surat had an Indian and a Portuguese cook in addition to an Englishman. This eclectic popularity became more mainstream when the British took along Goan cooks to their Raj in 1814 at the end of their friendly occupation of Goa during the Napoleonic wars. Lizzie Collingham writes that by the middle of the 19th century: Goan cooks were especially sought after… These cooks introduced vindaloo into the repertoire of Anglo-Indian curries… Goan cookery books referred to it as a ‘Portuguese curry’. For the British, the Goans applied the techniques of vindaloo to all sorts of meats, with duck being the favourite. By the 1920s a Goan cook had become a marker of status…The Goans had preserved the Portuguese talent for magical desserts and the British enthused over their chocolate fondants and sugar-coated fruits. A classic Anglo-Indian dish known as beveca, made from sugar, rice flour, coconut cream and rose water, was a simplified version of the Goan layered coconut cake, bebinca.

Why did Portuguese colonialists marry Indian women? Book sheds light into the real reason

Alphabet Inc`s Google will invest up to $1 billion in Bharti Airtel in a move that could help bolster the Indian telecom operator`s digital offerings, the companies said on Friday.

The investment includes a $700 million equity investment in Airtel at a price of 734 rupees ($9.77) per share and up to $300 million towards implementing commercial agreements, including investments in scaling Airtel`s offerings, the companies said.

The share issue is subject to regulatory and shareholder approval and comes months after Airtel raised up to 210 billion rupees through a sale of shares to existing shareholders.

Airtel shares were up 0.54 per cent at 711 rupees after the announcement.

Google announced plans less than two years ago to infuse $10 billion in India via its digitisation fund over five to seven years through equity deals and tie-ups.

Conglomerate Reliance Industries Ltd`s digital unit Jio Platforms, which houses Airtel`s telecom rival Jio, received an investment of $4.5 billion from Google in July 2020. In return, the US&nbsp;tech behemoth got a seat on Jio`s board.

Alphabet Inc`s Google will invest up to $1 billion in Bharti Airtel in a move that could help bolster the Indian telecom operator`s digital offerings, the companies said on Friday.

Alphabet Inc`s Google will invest up to $1 billion in Bharti Airtel in a move that could help bolster the Indian telecom operator`s digital offerings, the companies said on Friday. The investment includes a $700 million equity investment in Airtel at a price of 734 rupees ($9.77) per share and up to $300 million towards implementing commercial agreements, including investments in scaling Airtel`s offerings, the companies said. The share issue is subject to regulatory and shareholder approval and comes months after Airtel raised up to 210 billion rupees through a sale of shares to existing shareholders. Airtel shares were up 0.54 per cent at 711 rupees after the announcement. Google announced plans less than two years ago to infuse $10 billion in India via its digitisation fund over five to seven years through equity deals and tie-ups. Conglomerate Reliance Industries Ltd`s digital unit Jio Platforms, which houses Airtel`s telecom rival Jio, received an investment of $4.5 billion from Google in July 2020. In return, the US tech behemoth got a seat on Jio`s board.

Google to invest up to $1 billion in India telecom company Bharti Airtel

Why the BrahMos missile deal matters to India

According to reports, Air India's Srinagar-Delhi flight was held up for up to&nbsp;an hour at Srinagar airport allegedly due to an altercation between a senior Air India pilot and an aircraft maintenance engineer.

The pilot has reportedly complained to airline management. The controversy erupted after the pilot reportedly informed the ground staff that there was an "imbalance" of 1400 kg of fuel.&nbsp;

Fuel imbalance occurs when the fuel in both wings of the aircraft&nbsp;is not filled equally due to which the plane is not allowed to fly, according to the rules.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-resumes-flight-operations-to-us-after-5g-disruption-446124">Also Read:&nbsp;Air India resumes flight operations to US after 5G disruption</a>

The aircraft engineer allegedly refused to agree while forcing&nbsp;the pilot to accept the fuel imbalance even as the pilot refused.

Reports claim the maintenance engineer asked the pilot to report the incident as a "snag" in order to ground the aircraft.&nbsp;

The issue was finally resolved after another engineer addressed the issue and&nbsp;balanced the fuel in both wings as the Air India flight AI 826 took off after an hour. The pilot has reportedly complained about the engineer's "high headed behaviour".&nbsp;

The incident comes as Air India is set to be officially handed over to the Tata Group on Thursday. Air India operates in 101 destinations including 57 domestic operations and in 33 countries worldwide.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

According to reports, Air India's Srinagar-Delhi flight was held up for up to an hour at Srinagar airport allegedly due to an altercation between a senior Air India pilot and an aircraft maintenance engineer.

According to reports, Air India's Srinagar-Delhi flight was held up for up to an hour at Srinagar airport allegedly due to an altercation between a senior Air India pilot and an aircraft maintenance engineer. The pilot has reportedly complained to airline management. The controversy erupted after the pilot reportedly informed the ground staff that there was an "imbalance" of 1400 kg of fuel. Fuel imbalance occurs when the fuel in both wings of the aircraft is not filled equally due to which the plane is not allowed to fly, according to the rules. Also Read: Air India resumes flight operations to US after 5G disruption The aircraft engineer allegedly refused to agree while forcing the pilot to accept the fuel imbalance even as the pilot refused. Reports claim the maintenance engineer asked the pilot to report the incident as a "snag" in order to ground the aircraft. The issue was finally resolved after another engineer addressed the issue and balanced the fuel in both wings as the Air India flight AI 826 took off after an hour. The pilot has reportedly complained about the engineer's "high headed behaviour". The incident comes as Air India is set to be officially handed over to the Tata Group on Thursday. Air India operates in 101 destinations including 57 domestic operations and in 33 countries worldwide. (With inputs from Agencies)

Air India flight held up due to altercation between pilot and engineer: Report

India reported 2,86,384 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours with 573 fatalities.

The number of active cases stands at 22,02,472 with the daily positivity cases at over 19 per cent, the health ministry said.

The number of recoveries currently stands at 3,06,357, the ministry added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-survives-over-21-hours-on-skin-and-more-than-8-days-on-plastic-study-447942">Also Read|&nbsp;Omicron survives over 21 hours on skin and more than 8 days on plastic: Study</a>

On Wednesday the country had reported &nbsp;2,85,914 coronavirus cases along with 665 deaths with the number of active cases at 22,23,018. The daily positivity cases in the country was over 16 per cent.

India's capital city Delhi reported 7,498 fresh coronavirus cases with 29 deaths on Wednesday, health officials said. The positivity rate in Delhi is at over 10 per cent with 38,315 active cases.

India's southern state of Kerala which has witnessed a surge in coronavirus in the third wave recorded 49,771 coronavirus cases with over 3,00,000 active cases.&nbsp;

There were 63 deaths in the state in 24 hours on Thursday. The death toll due to the virus has reached over 52,000 in the state.

(With inputs from Agencies)

India reported 2,86,384 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours with 573 fatalities. The number of active cases stands at 22,02,472 with the daily positivity cases at over 19 per cent, the health ministry said.

India reported 2,86,384 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours with 573 fatalities. The number of active cases stands at 22,02,472 with the daily positivity cases at over 19 per cent, the health ministry said. The number of recoveries currently stands at 3,06,357, the ministry added. Also Read| Omicron survives over 21 hours on skin and more than 8 days on plastic: Study On Wednesday the country had reported 2,85,914 coronavirus cases along with 665 deaths with the number of active cases at 22,23,018. The daily positivity cases in the country was over 16 per cent. India's capital city Delhi reported 7,498 fresh coronavirus cases with 29 deaths on Wednesday, health officials said. The positivity rate in Delhi is at over 10 per cent with 38,315 active cases. India's southern state of Kerala which has witnessed a surge in coronavirus in the third wave recorded 49,771 coronavirus cases with over 3,00,000 active cases. There were 63 deaths in the state in 24 hours on Thursday. The death toll due to the virus has reached over 52,000 in the state. (With inputs from Agencies)

COVID-19 update: India reports marginal rise in cases; 573 deaths in 24 hours

India celebrated its 73rd Republic Day to mark the date when the Constitution of India came into effect and the country became a republic.

On the occasion, the nation showcased its military might and displayed the rich cultural diversity of the states and union territories during the parade at Rajpath at the nation's capital, New Delhi.&nbsp;

The parade had armoured personnel carriers, artillery guns and new-age battle tanks as India showed its prowess on the occasion.&nbsp;

Beautiful dance performances left the Rajpath vibrant and mesmerising. The celebrations commenced after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute at the national war memorial.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-republic-day-parade-pride-and-honour-as-lt-manisha-bohra-leads-all-male-aoc-contingent-watch-447670">India's Republic Day parade: Pride and honour as Lt. Manisha Bohra leads all-male AOC contingent - Watch</a>

After that, President Ram Nath Kovind arrived, escorted by his bodyguards on their magnificent bay and dark bay coloured mounts.

There were tableaux of 12 States and Union Territories and nine Ministries and Departments, which were prepared on various themes under 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'.

The view at Rajpath was just majestic, but celebrations took place across the country. Here's a look at how states and union territories celebrated Republic Day:

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal unfurled&nbsp;the national flag at his residence.&nbsp;

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Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal unfurls the national flag at his residence, on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/bzfJZBOA2O">pic.twitter.com/bzfJZBOA2O</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1486266812111421442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari unfurled&nbsp;the national flag at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. The Chief Minister of the state&nbsp;Uddhav Thackeray was also present.

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Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari unfurls the national flag at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. CM Uddhav Thackeray also present.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/PcjbeOg2Ky">pic.twitter.com/PcjbeOg2Ky</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1486187690127425538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath unfurled the national flag. Watch:

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73वें गणतंत्र दिवस के अवसर पर... <a href="https://t.co/ChnLD6HdMn">https://t.co/ChnLD6HdMn</a>
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/1486191911308521475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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For the first time in history, India's flag - the tricolour - was unfurled on the clock tower in the famous Lal Chowk area in Srinagar - a city in Jammu and Kashmir. This is for the first time after India's independence that the national flag has been unfurled on top of Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower).&nbsp; See exclusive images by WION:

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Republic2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Republic2022</a> | For the first time in history, India's flag - the tricolour - was unfurled on the clock tower in the famous Lal Chowk area in Srinagar - a city in Jammu and Kashmir 
 
Report by: <a href="https://twitter.com/idrees_lone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@idrees_lone</a><a href="https://t.co/xtTibzMnat">https://t.co/xtTibzMnat</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1486275246324084737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Bihar CM Nitish Kumar unfurled&nbsp;the tri-colour at his residence in the capital city of the state, Patna.&nbsp;

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Bihar CM Nitish Kumar unfurls the national flag at his residence in Patna <a href="https://t.co/Nl5zwKl0h5">pic.twitter.com/Nl5zwKl0h5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1486181751508856835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Republic Day was celebrated in Odisha as&nbsp;Governor Ganeshi Lal and CM Naveen Patnaik unfurled the national flag in Bhubaneswar.&nbsp;

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Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal and CM Naveen Patnaik unfurl the national flag in Bhubaneswar on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/1IK6pwFHa6">pic.twitter.com/1IK6pwFHa6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1486173091021877250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and CM MK Stalin took part in the Republic Day celebrations&nbsp;as they unfurled the flag.&nbsp;

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Chennai | Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and CM MK Stalin take part in 73rd <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDay</a> celebrations <a href="https://t.co/P8R9z1x1u8">pic.twitter.com/P8R9z1x1u8</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1486168208994607107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Ashok Gehlot, who is the CM of Rajasthan unfurled&nbsp;the national flag in Jaipur.&nbsp;

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Jaipur | Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot unfurls the national flag on the 73rd <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/fCHbj5fEVP">pic.twitter.com/fCHbj5fEVP</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1486164103970553857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar unfurled&nbsp;the national flag. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was also present at the parade at Red Road, Kolkata.&nbsp;

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West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar unfurls the national flag on the occasion of 73rd Republic Day. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and others also present at the parade at Red Road, Kolkata <a href="https://t.co/WPpcob1URw">pic.twitter.com/WPpcob1URw</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1486205167028834304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Assam&nbsp;CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said he is happy to watch the national flag being unfurled by&nbsp;his cabinet colleague UG Brahma at Tamulpur, which&nbsp;officially became&nbsp;a new district today.&nbsp;

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Happy to watch the national flag being unfurled by my cabinet colleague UG Brahma at Tamulpur, that officially becomes a new district today: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/JrCgb9Mi18">pic.twitter.com/JrCgb9Mi18</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1486224268098945024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan unfurled the national flag in Indore.

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Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan unfurled the national flag at Republic day celebrations, in Indore. <a href="https://t.co/eI72b3g2Q6">pic.twitter.com/eI72b3g2Q6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1486234262911459331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel unfurled the national flag in Bastar.&nbsp;

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Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel unfurled the national flag in Bastar on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/qY3ktgW4Q8">pic.twitter.com/qY3ktgW4Q8</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1486258230347300864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Governor of Telangana, Tamilisai Soundararajan unfurled the national flag in Hyderabad.&nbsp;

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Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel unfurled the national flag in Bastar on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/qY3ktgW4Q8">pic.twitter.com/qY3ktgW4Q8</a>
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Puducherry LG Tamilisai Soundararajan unfurled Tricolour on the occasion.&nbsp;

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Puducherry LG Tamilisai Soundararajan unfurled Tricolour on the occasion of Republic Day today <a href="https://t.co/5mF4jIGwuJ">pic.twitter.com/5mF4jIGwuJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1486306177600618496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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This year's parade was special as the swachhagrah, frontline workers, auto-rickshaw drivers, construction workers and labourers who prepared the majestic tableaus were among the special guests invited this year to the Republic Day parade.&nbsp;

The number of people allowed to attend the parade was curtailed to approximately 5,000-8,000 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, with seats reserved for construction workers, frontline health workers and others.

&nbsp;

India celebrated its 73rd Republic Day to mark the date when the Constitution of India came into effect and the country became a republic. On the occasion, the nation showcased its military might and displayed the rich cultural diversity of the states and union territories during the parade at Rajpath at the nation's capital, New Delhi.

India celebrated its 73rd Republic Day to mark the date when the Constitution of India came into effect and the country became a republic. On the occasion, the nation showcased its military might and displayed the rich cultural diversity of the states and union territories during the parade at Rajpath at the nation's capital, New Delhi. The parade had armoured personnel carriers, artillery guns and new-age battle tanks as India showed its prowess on the occasion. Beautiful dance performances left the Rajpath vibrant and mesmerising. The celebrations commenced after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute at the national war memorial. ALSO READ | India's Republic Day parade: Pride and honour as Lt. Manisha Bohra leads all-male AOC contingent - Watch After that, President Ram Nath Kovind arrived, escorted by his bodyguards on their magnificent bay and dark bay coloured mounts. There were tableaux of 12 States and Union Territories and nine Ministries and Departments, which were prepared on various themes under 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'. The view at Rajpath was just majestic, but celebrations took place across the country. Here's a look at how states and union territories celebrated Republic Day: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal unfurled the national flag at his residence. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal unfurls the national flag at his residence, on #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/bzfJZBOA2O — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2022 × Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari unfurled the national flag at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. The Chief Minister of the state Uddhav Thackeray was also present. Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari unfurls the national flag at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. CM Uddhav Thackeray also present.#RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/PcjbeOg2Ky — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2022 × Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath unfurled the national flag. Watch: 73वें गणतंत्र दिवस के अवसर पर... https://t.co/ChnLD6HdMn — Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 26, 2022 × For the first time in history, India's flag - the tricolour - was unfurled on the clock tower in the famous Lal Chowk area in Srinagar - a city in Jammu and Kashmir. This is for the first time after India's independence that the national flag has been unfurled on top of Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower). See exclusive images by WION: #Republic2022 | For the first time in history, India's flag - the tricolour - was unfurled on the clock tower in the famous Lal Chowk area in Srinagar - a city in Jammu and Kashmir Report by: @idrees_lonehttps://t.co/xtTibzMnat — WION (@WIONews) January 26, 2022 × Bihar CM Nitish Kumar unfurled the tri-colour at his residence in the capital city of the state, Patna. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar unfurls the national flag at his residence in Patna pic.twitter.com/Nl5zwKl0h5 — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2022 × Republic Day was celebrated in Odisha as Governor Ganeshi Lal and CM Naveen Patnaik unfurled the national flag in Bhubaneswar. Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal and CM Naveen Patnaik unfurl the national flag in Bhubaneswar on #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/1IK6pwFHa6 — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2022 × Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and CM MK Stalin took part in the Republic Day celebrations as they unfurled the flag. Chennai | Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and CM MK Stalin take part in 73rd #RepublicDay celebrations pic.twitter.com/P8R9z1x1u8 — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2022 × Ashok Gehlot, who is the CM of Rajasthan unfurled the national flag in Jaipur. Jaipur | Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot unfurls the national flag on the 73rd #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/fCHbj5fEVP — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2022 × West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar unfurled the national flag. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was also present at the parade at Red Road, Kolkata. West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar unfurls the national flag on the occasion of 73rd Republic Day. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and others also present at the parade at Red Road, Kolkata pic.twitter.com/WPpcob1URw — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2022 × Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said he is happy to watch the national flag being unfurled by his cabinet colleague UG Brahma at Tamulpur, which officially became a new district today. Happy to watch the national flag being unfurled by my cabinet colleague UG Brahma at Tamulpur, that officially becomes a new district today: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma#RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/JrCgb9Mi18 — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2022 × Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan unfurled the national flag in Indore. Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan unfurled the national flag at Republic day celebrations, in Indore. pic.twitter.com/eI72b3g2Q6 — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2022 × Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel unfurled the national flag in Bastar. Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel unfurled the national flag in Bastar on #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/qY3ktgW4Q8 — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2022 × Governor of Telangana, Tamilisai Soundararajan unfurled the national flag in Hyderabad. Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel unfurled the national flag in Bastar on #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/qY3ktgW4Q8 — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2022 × Puducherry LG Tamilisai Soundararajan unfurled Tricolour on the occasion. Puducherry LG Tamilisai Soundararajan unfurled Tricolour on the occasion of Republic Day today pic.twitter.com/5mF4jIGwuJ — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2022 × This year's parade was special as the swachhagrah, frontline workers, auto-rickshaw drivers, construction workers and labourers who prepared the majestic tableaus were among the special guests invited this year to the Republic Day parade. The number of people allowed to attend the parade was curtailed to approximately 5,000-8,000 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, with seats reserved for construction workers, frontline health workers and others.

From Assam to Tamil Nadu: Here's how the states celebrated Republic Day 2022

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the first India-Central Asia Summit on Thursday to strengthen ties with Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.Speaking at the summit, PM Modi stated that India shares excellent relations with all central asian nations.

Prime Minister Modi emphasised the importance of Central Asia in India's objective of a more integrated and stable extended neighbourhood.

PM Modi stated that mutual cooperation between India and Central Asia is critical for regional stability and prosperity.&nbsp;

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Addressing the India-Central Asia Summit. <a href="https://t.co/HMhScJGI15">https://t.co/HMhScJGI15</a>
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Aside from regional security and the Afghan situation, the leaders emphasised important subjects including trade and connectivity, development partnerships, culture, and people-to-people ties.

PM Modi made a historic trip to all of Central Asia in 2015. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/republic-day-2022-pm-narendra-modi-ditches-turban-goes-for-uttarakhand-cap-447741">Also read | Republic Day 2022: PM Narendra Modi ditches turban, goes for Uttarakhand cap</a>

Following it, high-level discussions took place in bilateral and multilateral forums.

The establishment of the India-Central Asia Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers, whose third meeting took place in New Delhi from December 18–20, 2021, has given a boost to India-Central Asia relations.&nbsp;

The participation of the Secretaries of National Security Councils of Central Asian countries in the Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan, held in New Delhi on November 10, 2021, outlined a common regional approach towards Afghanistan.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the first India-Central Asia Summit on Thursday to strengthen ties with Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the first India-Central Asia Summit on Thursday to strengthen ties with Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.Speaking at the summit, PM Modi stated that India shares excellent relations with all central asian nations. Prime Minister Modi emphasised the importance of Central Asia in India's objective of a more integrated and stable extended neighbourhood. PM Modi stated that mutual cooperation between India and Central Asia is critical for regional stability and prosperity. Addressing the India-Central Asia Summit. https://t.co/HMhScJGI15 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 27, 2022 × Aside from regional security and the Afghan situation, the leaders emphasised important subjects including trade and connectivity, development partnerships, culture, and people-to-people ties. PM Modi made a historic trip to all of Central Asia in 2015. Also read | Republic Day 2022: PM Narendra Modi ditches turban, goes for Uttarakhand cap Following it, high-level discussions took place in bilateral and multilateral forums. The establishment of the India-Central Asia Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers, whose third meeting took place in New Delhi from December 18–20, 2021, has given a boost to India-Central Asia relations. The participation of the Secretaries of National Security Councils of Central Asian countries in the Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan, held in New Delhi on November 10, 2021, outlined a common regional approach towards Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | ‘Central Asia is central to India's vision of a stable neighbourhood': PM Modi 

Amid the tense situation over Ukraine and talks with the west, Russia on Thursday said that it has kept Indian "partners" in the loop.

In response to a WION question at the weekly presser of the Russian foreign ministry, deputy director of the information and press department Alexey Zaytsev said," we are informing our Indian partners on the relevant security situation in Europe and corresponding negotiations."

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Russia is keen that the West gives it a security guarantee over Ukraine not joining the NATO alliance. A number of rounds of talks have happened between US and Russia in Geneva, including between US Secretary of State Blinken and Russian foreign minister Lavrov. West is concerned over the Russian invasion of Ukraine, something Moscow has been dismissing.

Zaytsev explained that "privilege partnership with New Delhi is one of the key tasks of our foreign policy" and both sides are "developing cooperation" in trade, economics and energy, military-technical, science and technology, space, and other spheres. He highlighted how both countries "support the concept of multipolarity in the world" and have a "close position" on a number of issues.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-are-natos-next-steps-if-russia-invades-ukraine-448121" hreflang="en">What are NATO's next steps if Russia invades Ukraine?</a>

Important to note, Russian Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had a meeting with Indian Envoy to Russia Pavan Kapoor earlier this month.

During the meet, they "exchanged views and&nbsp;assessments on the events in Geneva, Brussels, and&nbsp;Vienna on security guarantees for Russia" according to a Russian readout of the meet.

Interestingly, &nbsp;Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had led the talks from the Russian side in Geneva, where the US was represented by US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman. The Russian foreign ministry reaction comes even as Wendy Sherman made a telephonic call to India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla to brief on the situation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-security-concerns-should-be-taken-seriously-china-tells-us-on-ukraine-crisis-448018">Also read |&nbsp;Russia's security concerns should be taken seriously: China tells US on Ukraine crisis</a>

The Russian foreign ministry also commented on the former German Navy Chief Vice Admiral Kay-Achim Schönbach's comments in Delhi in which he called for good ties with Russia and that Ukraine can never join NATO. The Deputy Director said his statement, "reflects not only the views of the admiral", but also the "views of the political and military leaders of Germany".

The comments by the German Navy chief in Delhi had caused a diplomatic storm in Germany and Ukraine. In Ukraine, the foreign ministry had summoned the German envoy to lodge a protest. Later Schönbach stepped down and handed over his resignation.

Zaytsev pointed out that "such signals are getting to us though our diplomatic representations in Germany" and "Berlin has a healthy understanding of the true character of the political process including Ukraine and justifiability of Russian demands regarding the legal guarantees of the security of our country in the western borders bloc discipline of NATO sometimes silence these voices of reason in Germany."

Amid the tense situation over Ukraine and talks with the west, Russia on Thursday said that it has kept Indian "partners" in the loop. In response to a WION question at the weekly presser of the Russian foreign ministry, deputy director of the information and press department Alexey Zaytsev said," we are informing our Indian partners on the relevant security situation in Europe and corresponding negotiations.

Amid the tense situation over Ukraine and talks with the west, Russia on Thursday said that it has kept Indian "partners" in the loop. In response to a WION question at the weekly presser of the Russian foreign ministry, deputy director of the information and press department Alexey Zaytsev said," we are informing our Indian partners on the relevant security situation in Europe and corresponding negotiations." Russia is keen that the West gives it a security guarantee over Ukraine not joining the NATO alliance. A number of rounds of talks have happened between US and Russia in Geneva, including between US Secretary of State Blinken and Russian foreign minister Lavrov. West is concerned over the Russian invasion of Ukraine, something Moscow has been dismissing. Zaytsev explained that "privilege partnership with New Delhi is one of the key tasks of our foreign policy" and both sides are "developing cooperation" in trade, economics and energy, military-technical, science and technology, space, and other spheres. He highlighted how both countries "support the concept of multipolarity in the world" and have a "close position" on a number of issues. Also see | What are NATO's next steps if Russia invades Ukraine? Important to note, Russian Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had a meeting with Indian Envoy to Russia Pavan Kapoor earlier this month. During the meet, they "exchanged views and assessments on the events in Geneva, Brussels, and Vienna on security guarantees for Russia" according to a Russian readout of the meet. Interestingly, Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had led the talks from the Russian side in Geneva, where the US was represented by US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman. The Russian foreign ministry reaction comes even as Wendy Sherman made a telephonic call to India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla to brief on the situation. Also read | Russia's security concerns should be taken seriously: China tells US on Ukraine crisis The Russian foreign ministry also commented on the former German Navy Chief Vice Admiral Kay-Achim Schönbach's comments in Delhi in which he called for good ties with Russia and that Ukraine can never join NATO. The Deputy Director said his statement, "reflects not only the views of the admiral", but also the "views of the political and military leaders of Germany". The comments by the German Navy chief in Delhi had caused a diplomatic storm in Germany and Ukraine. In Ukraine, the foreign ministry had summoned the German envoy to lodge a protest. Later Schönbach stepped down and handed over his resignation. Zaytsev pointed out that "such signals are getting to us though our diplomatic representations in Germany" and "Berlin has a healthy understanding of the true character of the political process including Ukraine and justifiability of Russian demands regarding the legal guarantees of the security of our country in the western borders bloc discipline of NATO sometimes silence these voices of reason in Germany."

Amid tense situation over Ukraine, Russian foreign ministry says India kept in loop

The union budget is a budget prepared by the central government for the country as a whole. It is presented in two parts: the railway budget and the main budget.

While the railway budget shows the details of the estimated receipts and proposed expenditures along with the disbursement by the railway ministry with regards to the Indian railways only. The main budget shows financial planning for the entire economy describing in details the estimated receipts and proposed expenditures for the economy as a whole.

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The importance of a union budget are as follows:

Planned approach to government's activities: The importance of a budget has increased due to a tremendous rise in government activities. This calls for mobilisation of large resources to meet the expenditure required to undertake these activities. There has to be a definite planning with regard to the estimated revenue and proposed expenditure.

Integrated approach to fiscal operations: The government cannot take decisions regarding taxation, borrowings, expenditures, other fiscal measures at random. All these decisions and policies are interconnected and they must form a part of overall set of objectives which the government wants to pursue. A union budget serves this purpose.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-the-economic-survey-all-you-need-to-know-about-indias-annual-flagship-document-447230">Also read |&nbsp;What is the economic survey? All you need to know about India's annual flagship document</a>

Instrument of economic policy: A budget is not merely an exercise in revenue raising and planning expenditure, but it is a powerful instrument for implementing various economic and social objectives of the government. It is an important instrument of promoting economic development, reducing inequalities of income, efficient allocation of resources, etc.

Index of government's functioning: A budget is an important index of functioning of the government. A proper planning with regard to its revenue and expenditure reflects the effiency of the government. Absence of budgetary exercise regarding revenue and expenditure may lead to corruption, inefficiency and bankruptcy of the government. The budget is the mirror of the performance of the government.

Influences economic activities: Budgetary operations of the economy influence the functioning of the economy in an important way. There has been a large increase in the magnitude of the government's revenue and expenditure in India since the start of planning. Such a large scale public transactions through budget affects the economy in a crucial manner.

The union budget is a budget prepared by the central government for the country as a whole. It is presented in two parts: the railway budget and the main budget.

The union budget is a budget prepared by the central government for the country as a whole. It is presented in two parts: the railway budget and the main budget. While the railway budget shows the details of the estimated receipts and proposed expenditures along with the disbursement by the railway ministry with regards to the Indian railways only. The main budget shows financial planning for the entire economy describing in details the estimated receipts and proposed expenditures for the economy as a whole. The importance of a union budget are as follows: Planned approach to government's activities: The importance of a budget has increased due to a tremendous rise in government activities. This calls for mobilisation of large resources to meet the expenditure required to undertake these activities. There has to be a definite planning with regard to the estimated revenue and proposed expenditure. Integrated approach to fiscal operations: The government cannot take decisions regarding taxation, borrowings, expenditures, other fiscal measures at random. All these decisions and policies are interconnected and they must form a part of overall set of objectives which the government wants to pursue. A union budget serves this purpose. Also read | What is the economic survey? All you need to know about India's annual flagship document Instrument of economic policy: A budget is not merely an exercise in revenue raising and planning expenditure, but it is a powerful instrument for implementing various economic and social objectives of the government. It is an important instrument of promoting economic development, reducing inequalities of income, efficient allocation of resources, etc. Index of government's functioning: A budget is an important index of functioning of the government. A proper planning with regard to its revenue and expenditure reflects the effiency of the government. Absence of budgetary exercise regarding revenue and expenditure may lead to corruption, inefficiency and bankruptcy of the government. The budget is the mirror of the performance of the government. Influences economic activities: Budgetary operations of the economy influence the functioning of the economy in an important way. There has been a large increase in the magnitude of the government's revenue and expenditure in India since the start of planning. Such a large scale public transactions through budget affects the economy in a crucial manner.

What is a union budget and why is it important to the government of India?

The Indian government handed over Air India to the Tata Group on January 27, nearly 69 years after it was taken from the conglomerate.

Air India handed over to TATA Group, chairman meets PM Modi

The German Navy chief VAdm Kay-Achim Schönbach in Delhi has batted for good ties with Russia to rein in China in a remark that goes against the present narrative coming from Europe amid the deteriorating situation in eastern Europe.

Speaking at think-tank IDSA, he said, "Does Russia really want a&nbsp;small and tiny strip of Ukraine soil to&nbsp;integrate into the country?&nbsp;No, this is nonsense. Putin is probably putting pressure because he knows he can do it&nbsp;and he splits EU opinion. What he really wants is respect. "

He added, "He wants high-level respect and my God giving some respect is low cost, even no cost. If I was asked, it's easy to give him the respect he really demands and probably also deserves. Russia is an old country, Russia is important."

Last week saw hectic diplomacy&nbsp;with Russian and American foreign ministers meeting in Geneva to defuse the ongoing crisis in eastern Europe. While the West has been talking about the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has dismissed it.

German Navy chief explained that, "even we India, Germany, we need Russia, We need Russia against China....having this big country, even if it's not a democracy, as a bilateral partner, giving them a chance. It's easy and keeps Russia away from China because China needs resources of Russia".

Russia and China have a close partnership. Russian President Putin will be going to China in February to hold summit-level talks at the start of the controversial Beijing Winter Olympics, diplomatically boycotted by many western countries. A western pushback is seen pushing Moscow closer to Beijing even as Chinese aggressiveness in the region increases.

Asked about NATO's westward expansion, he said, "as long as the country has the sovereignty decides to join NATO&nbsp;and meets all requirements to be a member.... I would say yes" but clearly stated that, "Ukraine of course cannot meet the requirements because it's occupied&nbsp;in the Donbas region&nbsp;by the Russian Army or by what they call as militias".

Adding further he said,"Take other countries like Georgia. Georgia is willing to be a member....do they meet the requirements, yes, they do. Is it smart to have them as a member, no it's not." but he stressed that Baltic states like Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and countries like Sweden and Finland can become members according to "sovereign decision".

Russia doesn't want NATO to reach its borders&nbsp;with countries like Ukraine joining it. It wants "security guarantees" from the West and NATO that Ukraine doesn't join the security block. A number of talks this month between Russia and the US haven't yielded any results.

The German Navy chief expressed concern&nbsp;over China&nbsp;especially when it comes to debt-related problems it is has been causing in Africa. The German naval chief citing Chinese attempts at&nbsp;technology theft gave the example of how Kuka robotics, a German company was taken over&nbsp;by a Chinese company and there "whole technology was gone" and "China is not paying back".

Recalling German politicians view of China after many such developments, he said that they believe that "China is not that nice a country we probably thought off".

He talked about how the former German Chancellor was in "favour of China " and that the&nbsp;country is buying robotics but not "realising what this means to other countries". He gave parallels of the German understanding pointing that, "I am well aware when Germany even gives technology to Pakistan, it goes one by one through Pakistan in direction of India".

The visit of the German Navy chief to Delhi coincides with the visit of German frigate “Bayern” making a port call in Mumbai.

Bayern made a port call as part of its seven-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. The visit marks the last stop of the frigate’s deployment&nbsp;which saw German naval presence in the region after a decade. The frigate has been in the Indo-Pacific region since August last year on a patrol and training mission and has made port calls in various countries of the region.

The German Navy chief VAdm Kay-Achim Schönbach in Delhi has batted for good ties with Russia to rein in China in a remark that goes against the present narrative coming from Europe amid the deteriorating situation in eastern Europe.

The German Navy chief VAdm Kay-Achim Schönbach in Delhi has batted for good ties with Russia to rein in China in a remark that goes against the present narrative coming from Europe amid the deteriorating situation in eastern Europe. Speaking at think-tank IDSA, he said, "Does Russia really want a small and tiny strip of Ukraine soil to integrate into the country? No, this is nonsense. Putin is probably putting pressure because he knows he can do it and he splits EU opinion. What he really wants is respect. " He added, "He wants high-level respect and my God giving some respect is low cost, even no cost. If I was asked, it's easy to give him the respect he really demands and probably also deserves. Russia is an old country, Russia is important." Last week saw hectic diplomacy with Russian and American foreign ministers meeting in Geneva to defuse the ongoing crisis in eastern Europe. While the West has been talking about the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has dismissed it. German Navy chief explained that, "even we India, Germany, we need Russia, We need Russia against China....having this big country, even if it's not a democracy, as a bilateral partner, giving them a chance. It's easy and keeps Russia away from China because China needs resources of Russia". Russia and China have a close partnership. Russian President Putin will be going to China in February to hold summit-level talks at the start of the controversial Beijing Winter Olympics, diplomatically boycotted by many western countries. A western pushback is seen pushing Moscow closer to Beijing even as Chinese aggressiveness in the region increases. Asked about NATO's westward expansion, he said, "as long as the country has the sovereignty decides to join NATO and meets all requirements to be a member.... I would say yes" but clearly stated that, "Ukraine of course cannot meet the requirements because it's occupied in the Donbas region by the Russian Army or by what they call as militias". Adding further he said,"Take other countries like Georgia. Georgia is willing to be a member....do they meet the requirements, yes, they do. Is it smart to have them as a member, no it's not." but he stressed that Baltic states like Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and countries like Sweden and Finland can become members according to "sovereign decision". Russia doesn't want NATO to reach its borders with countries like Ukraine joining it. It wants "security guarantees" from the West and NATO that Ukraine doesn't join the security block. A number of talks this month between Russia and the US haven't yielded any results. The German Navy chief expressed concern over China especially when it comes to debt-related problems it is has been causing in Africa. The German naval chief citing Chinese attempts at technology theft gave the example of how Kuka robotics, a German company was taken over by a Chinese company and there "whole technology was gone" and "China is not paying back". Recalling German politicians view of China after many such developments, he said that they believe that "China is not that nice a country we probably thought off". He talked about how the former German Chancellor was in "favour of China " and that the country is buying robotics but not "realising what this means to other countries". He gave parallels of the German understanding pointing that, "I am well aware when Germany even gives technology to Pakistan, it goes one by one through Pakistan in direction of India". The visit of the German Navy chief to Delhi coincides with the visit of German frigate “Bayern” making a port call in Mumbai. Bayern made a port call as part of its seven-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. The visit marks the last stop of the frigate’s deployment which saw German naval presence in the region after a decade. The frigate has been in the Indo-Pacific region since August last year on a patrol and training mission and has made port calls in various countries of the region.

In Delhi, German Navy chief bats for good ties with Russia to rein in China, says Ukraine can't be NATO member

The United States has briefed India on Russian military "build-up" on Ukraine's border even as the situation in eastern Europe remains on the brink.

In a telephonic conversation with India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Wednesday, US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman spoke on a number of issues "including Russia’s concerning military build-up on Ukraine’s borders and regional issues" said a state department readout.

During the talks, both sides discussed a wide range of issues such as the Indo-Pacific&nbsp;situation, UNSC cooperation and the Iran-P5+1 negotiations that have been going on.

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FS <a href="https://twitter.com/harshvshringla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@harshvshringla</a> had a wide ranging telecon today with US <a href="https://twitter.com/DeputySecState?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeputySecState</a> Wendy Sherman. 
 
Inter alia reviewed upcoming bilateral engagements and the COVID pandemic, including supply of vaccines, and exchanged views on Indo-Pacific, Middle East, UNSC, India’s neighborhood, etc.
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1483854693575323648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The focus was also on dealing with the ongoing pandemic&nbsp;as they agreed to remain closely coordinated on "shared goals and priorities and reiterated the importance of a strong US-India partnership to mitigate the COVID-19 Omicron variant’s rapid advance."

The call from Washington comes even as US secretary of State Blinken is in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv to reassure the country against any possible Russian action. Blinken is set to meet Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday as both Washington abd&nbsp;Moscow hope to find a "diplomatic off-ramp", state department officials have said.

Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had a meeting with the Indian envoy to Russia Pavan Kapoor on Monday.

During the meeting&nbsp;they "exchanged views and&nbsp;assessments on the events in Geneva, Brussels and&nbsp;Vienna on security guarantees for Russia" according to a Russian readout.

Last week, Geneva saw eight-hour&nbsp;long US-Russia talks led by Ryabkov and&nbsp;Sherman to diffuse the crisis and understand each other's concerns. Moscow has been strongly opposing Ukraine's membership of NATO alliance which it sees as a&nbsp;threat to its security.

For India, both US and&nbsp;Russia are close partners. Russian President Putin was in Delhi last month for the annual summit&nbsp;while PM Modi was in Washington last year for a bilateral with US President Biden and&nbsp;participation at the Quad summit.

The United States has briefed India on Russian military "build-up" on Ukraine's border even as the situation in eastern Europe remains on the brink. In a telephonic conversation with India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Wednesday, US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman spoke on a number of issues "including Russia’s concerning military build-up on Ukraine’s borders and regional issues" said a state department readout.

The United States has briefed India on Russian military "build-up" on Ukraine's border even as the situation in eastern Europe remains on the brink. In a telephonic conversation with India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Wednesday, US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman spoke on a number of issues "including Russia’s concerning military build-up on Ukraine’s borders and regional issues" said a state department readout. During the talks, both sides discussed a wide range of issues such as the Indo-Pacific situation, UNSC cooperation and the Iran-P5+1 negotiations that have been going on. FS @harshvshringla had a wide ranging telecon today with US @DeputySecState Wendy Sherman. Inter alia reviewed upcoming bilateral engagements and the COVID pandemic, including supply of vaccines, and exchanged views on Indo-Pacific, Middle East, UNSC, India’s neighborhood, etc. — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) January 19, 2022 × The focus was also on dealing with the ongoing pandemic as they agreed to remain closely coordinated on "shared goals and priorities and reiterated the importance of a strong US-India partnership to mitigate the COVID-19 Omicron variant’s rapid advance." The call from Washington comes even as US secretary of State Blinken is in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv to reassure the country against any possible Russian action. Blinken is set to meet Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday as both Washington abd Moscow hope to find a "diplomatic off-ramp", state department officials have said. Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had a meeting with the Indian envoy to Russia Pavan Kapoor on Monday. During the meeting they "exchanged views and assessments on the events in Geneva, Brussels and Vienna on security guarantees for Russia" according to a Russian readout. Last week, Geneva saw eight-hour long US-Russia talks led by Ryabkov and Sherman to diffuse the crisis and understand each other's concerns. Moscow has been strongly opposing Ukraine's membership of NATO alliance which it sees as a threat to its security. For India, both US and Russia are close partners. Russian President Putin was in Delhi last month for the annual summit while PM Modi was in Washington last year for a bilateral with US President Biden and participation at the Quad summit.

US briefs India on Russia's military 'build-up' on Ukraine border

After 69 long years, India’s national carrier&nbsp;Air India was officially handed over to Tata Group on Thursday.

N Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Tata Sons—who control the entire Tata conglomerate—called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi earlier in the day ahead of the official handover.

However, even before the new and revamped airline takes off, the company seems to have already taken various measures to make the airline competitive again.

Part of this makeover includes making the cabin crew “well-groomed” and presentable to the passengers. And one way to make sure that the staff look good is to check their weight.

According to reports, Air India is planning to check the body mass index (BMI) of its cabin crew, as well as their overall grooming and appearance.

The order dated January 20, 2022, states that “grooming associates” have been assigned to record the BMI of cabin crew when they report for flight

“These observations must be compiled and sent to my office,” Vasudha Chandana, Executive Director —In-flight Services, Air India, said in the order to all cabin crew members.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tatas-introduce-enhanced-meal-service-on-air-india-flights-448035">Tatas introduce 'enhanced meal service' on Air India flights</a>

Each cabin crew shall be observed or assessed once on a quarterly basis, she noted.

But the order drew flak from the worker unions who deemed the missive as “dehumanising”.

The carrier's two unions —Air India Employees' Union (AIEU) and All India Cabin Crew Association (AICCA) —on Monday wrote a letter to Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Vikram Dev Dutt opposing the order on the grounds that it is dehumanising and in violation of rules prescribed by aviation regulator DGCA.

The AICCA has also threatened to seek legal recourse if the said requirement on BMI/weight checks by grooming associates is not withdrawn.

Among the other measures taken by the Tata management includes flight announcements addressing passengers as ‘Guests’, and a recorded message of Ratan Tata to be played in each and every flight.

The Tata group already has announced an ‘enhanced meal service’ in Air India’s four flights, namely AI864 Mumbai-Delhi, AI687 Mumbai-Delhi, AI945 Mumbai-Abu Dhabi and AI639 Mumbai-Bengaluru from January 27 only. This will be expanded in other flights and routes in a phased manner.

In October last year, Tata Group announced the winning bidder for Air India with a bid amount of Rs 18,000 crore. Tatas would pay Rs 2,700 crore cash and takeover Rs 15,300 crore of the airline's debt.

(With inputs from agencies)

After 69 long years, India’s national carrier Air India was officially handed over to Tata Group on Thursday. N Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Tata Sons—who control the entire Tata conglomerate—called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi earlier in the day ahead of the official handover.

After 69 long years, India’s national carrier Air India was officially handed over to Tata Group on Thursday. N Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Tata Sons—who control the entire Tata conglomerate—called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi earlier in the day ahead of the official handover. However, even before the new and revamped airline takes off, the company seems to have already taken various measures to make the airline competitive again. Part of this makeover includes making the cabin crew “well-groomed” and presentable to the passengers. And one way to make sure that the staff look good is to check their weight. According to reports, Air India is planning to check the body mass index (BMI) of its cabin crew, as well as their overall grooming and appearance. The order dated January 20, 2022, states that “grooming associates” have been assigned to record the BMI of cabin crew when they report for flight “These observations must be compiled and sent to my office,” Vasudha Chandana, Executive Director —In-flight Services, Air India, said in the order to all cabin crew members. Also read | Tatas introduce 'enhanced meal service' on Air India flights Each cabin crew shall be observed or assessed once on a quarterly basis, she noted. But the order drew flak from the worker unions who deemed the missive as “dehumanising”. The carrier's two unions —Air India Employees' Union (AIEU) and All India Cabin Crew Association (AICCA) —on Monday wrote a letter to Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Vikram Dev Dutt opposing the order on the grounds that it is dehumanising and in violation of rules prescribed by aviation regulator DGCA. The AICCA has also threatened to seek legal recourse if the said requirement on BMI/weight checks by grooming associates is not withdrawn. Among the other measures taken by the Tata management includes flight announcements addressing passengers as ‘Guests’, and a recorded message of Ratan Tata to be played in each and every flight. The Tata group already has announced an ‘enhanced meal service’ in Air India’s four flights, namely AI864 Mumbai-Delhi, AI687 Mumbai-Delhi, AI945 Mumbai-Abu Dhabi and AI639 Mumbai-Bengaluru from January 27 only. This will be expanded in other flights and routes in a phased manner. In October last year, Tata Group announced the winning bidder for Air India with a bid amount of Rs 18,000 crore. Tatas would pay Rs 2,700 crore cash and takeover Rs 15,300 crore of the airline's debt. (With inputs from agencies)

Tata takes over Air India. What does it mean for air hostesses?

Set to take over Air India from the Indian government, the Tata Group has taken first step towards managing the carrier by introducing "enhanced meal service" on&nbsp;four flights that will operate from Mumbai today (January 27) onwards.

The "enhanced meal service" will be provided on four flights -- AI864 (Mumbai-Delhi), AI687 (Mumbai-Delhi), AI945 (Mumbai-Abu Dhabi) and AI639 (Mumbai-Bengaluru) -- on Thursday.&nbsp;The takeover will take place after Thursday, as per officials.

After a competitive bidding process, the government had on October 8 last year sold Air India to Talace Private Limited -- a subsidiary of the Tata Group's holding company -- for Rs 18,000 crore.

The officials said the new date from which all Air India flights will fly under "Tata Group's banner or aegis" will be told to the employees later.

The "enhanced meal service" will be served on Mumbai-Newark flight and five Mumbai-Delhi flights on Friday, they noted.

The "enhanced meal service" -- devised by the Tata Group officials -- will be expanded to more flights in a staggered and phased manner, the officials added.

News agency IANS on Thursday quoted highly placed sources to say that Chairman of Tata Group N. Chandrasekaran was in national capital to meet key Central government officials before the formal handing over ceremony.

Earlier this week, in a communication to the airlines employees, a senior Air India official wrote: "The disinvestment of Air India is now decided to be on January 27, 2022.

"The closing balance sheet as on January 20 has to be provided today, i.e., January 24, so that it can be reviewed by Tatas and any changes can be effected on Wednesday."

The communication, which was reviewed by IANS, was sent to the employees by Director of Finance, Vinod Hejmadi.

The communication further read: "The next three days will be hectic for our department and I request all of you to give your best in these last three-four days before we get divested. We may have to work till late in the night to complete the task given to us."

Last month, the Competition Commission of India approved the acquisition of Air India, Air India Express and Air India SATS Airport Services by Talace, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Set to take over Air India from the Indian government, the Tata Group has taken first step towards managing the carrier by introducing "enhanced meal service" on four flights that will operate from Mumbai today (January 27) onwards.

Set to take over Air India from the Indian government, the Tata Group has taken first step towards managing the carrier by introducing "enhanced meal service" on four flights that will operate from Mumbai today (January 27) onwards. The "enhanced meal service" will be provided on four flights -- AI864 (Mumbai-Delhi), AI687 (Mumbai-Delhi), AI945 (Mumbai-Abu Dhabi) and AI639 (Mumbai-Bengaluru) -- on Thursday. The takeover will take place after Thursday, as per officials. After a competitive bidding process, the government had on October 8 last year sold Air India to Talace Private Limited -- a subsidiary of the Tata Group's holding company -- for Rs 18,000 crore. The officials said the new date from which all Air India flights will fly under "Tata Group's banner or aegis" will be told to the employees later. The "enhanced meal service" will be served on Mumbai-Newark flight and five Mumbai-Delhi flights on Friday, they noted. The "enhanced meal service" -- devised by the Tata Group officials -- will be expanded to more flights in a staggered and phased manner, the officials added. News agency IANS on Thursday quoted highly placed sources to say that Chairman of Tata Group N. Chandrasekaran was in national capital to meet key Central government officials before the formal handing over ceremony. Earlier this week, in a communication to the airlines employees, a senior Air India official wrote: "The disinvestment of Air India is now decided to be on January 27, 2022. "The closing balance sheet as on January 20 has to be provided today, i.e., January 24, so that it can be reviewed by Tatas and any changes can be effected on Wednesday." The communication, which was reviewed by IANS, was sent to the employees by Director of Finance, Vinod Hejmadi. The communication further read: "The next three days will be hectic for our department and I request all of you to give your best in these last three-four days before we get divested. We may have to work till late in the night to complete the task given to us." Last month, the Competition Commission of India approved the acquisition of Air India, Air India Express and Air India SATS Airport Services by Talace, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons. (With inputs from agencies)

Tatas introduce 'enhanced meal service' on Air India flights

Rahul Gandhi, an Indian Opposition politician, has written to Twitter Inc.'s CEO, alleging that he is the target of an attempt to limit his ability to gain followers on the platform, casting new insight on the drastic drop in the growth of Twitter followers for many.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gandhi revealed in a letter to Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal how his Twitter followers have decreased dramatically since August 2021.

Gandhi used the example of acquiring roughly 650,000 new followers in May 2021 to demonstrate how his Twitter account would attract an average of 8,000 to 10,000 new followers every day.

However, starting in August 2021, the number of new followers dropped to nearly zero.

Gandhi added that the reason for this, according to social media specialists, could be due to the topics he discussed on Twitter during these months.&nbsp; 
 
You can read the entire letter here:&nbsp;

<img alt="You can read the entire letter here: " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93ff71a7-7b2c-4c30-8da0-851701f1944f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_3.png" />

<img alt="You can read the entire letter here: " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8264790e-c4a2-446c-bb44-4c505fc87387" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_1.png" />

<img alt="You can read the entire letter here: " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c77219be-0189-44ca-a4bb-8610b88b6fba" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_0.png" />

Gandhi also claimed that his Twitter account was temporarily suspended for no apparent reason.

In August of last year, Rahul Gandhi's Twitter account, along with the accounts of roughly 5,000 other Congress officials and employees, was momentarily blocked for tweeting photographs of the parents of a juvenile rape and murder victim in Delhi.&nbsp;

According to ANI, a Twitter spokesperson claimed the follower counts are "meaningful" and "accurate."

"Twitter has zero-tolerance approach to platform manipulation and spam. We fight spam and malicious automation strategically and at scale with machine learning tools, and as part of those consistent and ongoing efforts to ensure a healthy service and credible accounts, follower counts can and do fluctuate," the spokesperson said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi, an Indian Opposition politician, has written to Twitter Inc.'s CEO, alleging that he is the target of an attempt to limit his ability to gain followers on the platform, casting new insight on the drastic drop in the growth of Twitter followers for many.

Rahul Gandhi, an Indian Opposition politician, has written to Twitter Inc.'s CEO, alleging that he is the target of an attempt to limit his ability to gain followers on the platform, casting new insight on the drastic drop in the growth of Twitter followers for many. Gandhi revealed in a letter to Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal how his Twitter followers have decreased dramatically since August 2021. Gandhi used the example of acquiring roughly 650,000 new followers in May 2021 to demonstrate how his Twitter account would attract an average of 8,000 to 10,000 new followers every day. However, starting in August 2021, the number of new followers dropped to nearly zero. Gandhi added that the reason for this, according to social media specialists, could be due to the topics he discussed on Twitter during these months. You can read the entire letter here: Gandhi also claimed that his Twitter account was temporarily suspended for no apparent reason. In August of last year, Rahul Gandhi's Twitter account, along with the accounts of roughly 5,000 other Congress officials and employees, was momentarily blocked for tweeting photographs of the parents of a juvenile rape and murder victim in Delhi. According to ANI, a Twitter spokesperson claimed the follower counts are "meaningful" and "accurate." "Twitter has zero-tolerance approach to platform manipulation and spam. We fight spam and malicious automation strategically and at scale with machine learning tools, and as part of those consistent and ongoing efforts to ensure a healthy service and credible accounts, follower counts can and do fluctuate," the spokesperson said. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian politician Rahul Gandhi is miffed that his Twitter following is not growing, writes to CEO

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