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It's been two weeks since the omicron variant was first detected and there is still no consensus on where it first emerged — Africa or Europe?<o:p></o:p>

Scientists are split on its origin, but what they agree on is that this variant is odd. It doesn't resemble any previous variants and has the highest number of mutations, which could make it more transmissible, cause a more severe infection and even render vaccines ineffective.<o:p></o:p>

However, these are just hypotheses that are yet to be proven. While scientists are still debating these possibilities, the cases, meanwhile, are rising.<o:p></o:p>

Last Friday, 23 countries had detected the omicron variant and as of today, this variant has spread to 38 countries.<o:p></o:p>

A few days ago, India discovered its first two cases of omicron in Karnataka and three days later the variant has spread to three other states and the national capital — eight cases have been reported in Maharashtra, nine in Rajasthan, one each in Gujarat and New Delhi. Most of those infected recently travelled abroad but there are also some with no travel history whatsoever.<o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">What is India's omicron strategy? &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></h2>

If the second wave has taught us anything, it is that you cannot prepare enough and India cannot look at other countries to decide its pandemic response; it needs its own strategy and solutions.<o:p></o:p>

The India government has prepared a list of ‘at-risk’ countries even though international flights are still operational in India. Travellers from these countries will be strictly monitored and all positive cases will be isolated, and then sent for genome sequencing to find out if they have the omicron variant.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, the government has decided to put all public events on hold till January 15, 2022.<o:p></o:p>

At the same time, New Delhi has strictly ruled out imposing a lockdown. Dr VK Paul, the head of India's COVID-19 task force, has categorically said that imposing a lockdown is not yet required. Instead, the government’s aim will be to test, track and treat all new cases.<o:p></o:p>

Until we find out how dangerous this variant really is, India will have to remain consistent in its response and focus on improving in some key areas.

<h3 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Super-spreader events</o:p></h3>

It can start by putting an end to gatherings that could turn out to be super-spreader events, such as election rallies. At least five states are going to polls next year and election rallies have already begun, crowds are turning up in large numbers. It's almost like déjà vu. Last year, too, several states went to polls during which huge rallies were held. In the end, the outcome was disastrous.<o:p></o:p>

So, should election rallies continue the way they are or is there a need to tone them down by reducing the number of people attending? The election commission needs to take a call immediately.

<h3 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Genome sequencing</o:p></h3>

The second area of concern is genome sequencing — a process used to track how the virus is mutating or multiplying. India is doing more on this front but it still performs poorly on a global level.<o:p></o:p>

According to one report, it has sampled just 0.2 per cent of its total cases, which is a measly figure. Denmark has conducted genome sequencing of 46 per cent of its cases, Australia has 21 per cent, UK 12 per cent and Switzerland nine per cent. So, why is India, which just recovered from a deadly second wave, lagging behind?

<h3 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Stringency</o:p></h3>

The third area where India needs to improve is stringency. Announcing restrictions and social distancing measures won't be enough. India will have to be more stringent in executing them and will have to strictly follow up on whether people are following those rules.<o:p></o:p>

According to the Oxford government response tracker, India, the second most populous country in the world, has a stringency index of 45.8, which is lower than China, Germany, Indonesia and the UK.<o:p></o:p>

India will have to be stricter in the days ahead if it wants to stop omicron from spreading. New Delhi India will have to revisit all the challenges it faced during the second wave this past summer, re-haul its approach, chalk out new strategies and be equipped on all fronts.<o:p></o:p>

It's been two weeks since the omicron variant was first detected and there is still no consensus on where it first emerged — Africa or Europe? Scientists are split on its origin, but what they agree on is that this variant is odd.

It's been two weeks since the omicron variant was first detected and there is still no consensus on where it first emerged — Africa or Europe? Scientists are split on its origin, but what they agree on is that this variant is odd. It doesn't resemble any previous variants and has the highest number of mutations, which could make it more transmissible, cause a more severe infection and even render vaccines ineffective. However, these are just hypotheses that are yet to be proven. While scientists are still debating these possibilities, the cases, meanwhile, are rising. Last Friday, 23 countries had detected the omicron variant and as of today, this variant has spread to 38 countries. A few days ago, India discovered its first two cases of omicron in Karnataka and three days later the variant has spread to three other states and the national capital — eight cases have been reported in Maharashtra, nine in Rajasthan, one each in Gujarat and New Delhi. Most of those infected recently travelled abroad but there are also some with no travel history whatsoever. What is India's omicron strategy? If the second wave has taught us anything, it is that you cannot prepare enough and India cannot look at other countries to decide its pandemic response; it needs its own strategy and solutions. The India government has prepared a list of ‘at-risk’ countries even though international flights are still operational in India. Travellers from these countries will be strictly monitored and all positive cases will be isolated, and then sent for genome sequencing to find out if they have the omicron variant. Meanwhile, the government has decided to put all public events on hold till January 15, 2022. At the same time, New Delhi has strictly ruled out imposing a lockdown. Dr VK Paul, the head of India's COVID-19 task force, has categorically said that imposing a lockdown is not yet required. Instead, the government’s aim will be to test, track and treat all new cases. Until we find out how dangerous this variant really is, India will have to remain consistent in its response and focus on improving in some key areas. Super-spreader events It can start by putting an end to gatherings that could turn out to be super-spreader events, such as election rallies. At least five states are going to polls next year and election rallies have already begun, crowds are turning up in large numbers. It's almost like déjà vu. Last year, too, several states went to polls during which huge rallies were held. In the end, the outcome was disastrous. So, should election rallies continue the way they are or is there a need to tone them down by reducing the number of people attending? The election commission needs to take a call immediately. Genome sequencing The second area of concern is genome sequencing — a process used to track how the virus is mutating or multiplying. India is doing more on this front but it still performs poorly on a global level. According to one report, it has sampled just 0.2 per cent of its total cases, which is a measly figure. Denmark has conducted genome sequencing of 46 per cent of its cases, Australia has 21 per cent, UK 12 per cent and Switzerland nine per cent. So, why is India, which just recovered from a deadly second wave, lagging behind? Stringency The third area where India needs to improve is stringency. Announcing restrictions and social distancing measures won't be enough. India will have to be more stringent in executing them and will have to strictly follow up on whether people are following those rules. According to the Oxford government response tracker, India, the second most populous country in the world, has a stringency index of 45.8, which is lower than China, Germany, Indonesia and the UK. India will have to be stricter in the days ahead if it wants to stop omicron from spreading. New Delhi India will have to revisit all the challenges it faced during the second wave this past summer, re-haul its approach, chalk out new strategies and be equipped on all fronts.

As Omicron variant of Covid spreads, is India really ready this time?

"Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India is short but highly productive & substantive. There were excellent discussions between the two leaders", says Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) during a media briefing on 21st India-Russia annual summit.

Russian President Putin's India visit is short but highly productive, says Indian MEA

In a joint statement, Russia&nbsp;said India is a reliable partner in the development of the Russian Far East.&nbsp;President Putin supported Prime Minister Modi’s concept of Sangam as a development tool for the region.

President Putin and PM Modi advocated the need to increase bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2025.

India is interested in cooperation with Russia on the northern sea route, the joint statement said.&nbsp;The two leaders reaffirmed that energy cooperation is a key pillar of the bilateral ties and an energy bridge between the two countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-perceive-india-as-a-great-power-and-trusted-friend-says-president-putin-to-pm-modi-434635">Also Read:&nbsp;We perceive India as a great power and trusted friend, says President Putin</a>

The two sides noted the wide-ranging collaboration between the oil and gas companies of the two countries, including between JSC Rosneft Oil company and oil and gas public sector undertakings of India in implementing the Vankorneft, Sakhalin-1 and Taas-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha projects in Russia and Nayara Energy Limited’s oil refinery in India.&nbsp;

President Putin and PM Modi reaffirmed the importance of full implementation of JCPOA and expressed support for efforts aimed at early restoration of the nuclear deal with Iran and to&nbsp;work towards denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

India offered Russia to continue to jointly build production facilities in Indian industrial cities "from scratch".

Both countries agreed to continue promoting mutual settlements in national currencies&nbsp;which will help reduce cost and time as well as risks involved in payments.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-tried-to-undermine-deal-russian-foreign-minister-on-s-400-missile-system-supplies-to-india-434631">Also Read: ‘US tried to undermine deal’: Russian foreign minister on S-400 missile system supplies to India</a>

President Putin and PM Modi called for close cooperation on Afghanistan and the creation of a consultative mechanism between the security councils of the two countries. The two leaders also decided to provide humanitarian aid to the Afghan people immediately.

Russia and&nbsp;India also welcomed the easing of visa formalities, including the introduction of electronic visas and agreed to continue work visa regime facilitation.

Both countries called for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to reflect current global realities while&nbsp;reiterating their commitment to enhanced cooperation within BRICS.&nbsp;

Russia and India also agreed to study the possibility of implementing projects for the construction of nuclear power plants in third countries and explore prospects for cooperation in the development of launch vehicles and peaceful use of outer space.&nbsp;

India and Russia also&nbsp;noted the significant progress achieved in the construction of the remaining nuclear power plant units at Kudankulam.

Putin and Modi reaffirm commitment to boost Russian crude oil production under long term contracts and boost India's LNG imports.

The Russian president also invited PM Modi to visit Russia next year.&nbsp;

India is interested in Russia's membership in the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, according to a joint statement issued following the Monday meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

(With inputs from Agencies)

In a joint statement, Russia said India is a reliable partner in the development of the Russian Far East. President Putin supported Prime Minister Modi’s concept of Sangam as a development tool for the region.

In a joint statement, Russia said India is a reliable partner in the development of the Russian Far East. President Putin supported Prime Minister Modi’s concept of Sangam as a development tool for the region. President Putin and PM Modi advocated the need to increase bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2025. India is interested in cooperation with Russia on the northern sea route, the joint statement said. The two leaders reaffirmed that energy cooperation is a key pillar of the bilateral ties and an energy bridge between the two countries. Also Read: We perceive India as a great power and trusted friend, says President Putin The two sides noted the wide-ranging collaboration between the oil and gas companies of the two countries, including between JSC Rosneft Oil company and oil and gas public sector undertakings of India in implementing the Vankorneft, Sakhalin-1 and Taas-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha projects in Russia and Nayara Energy Limited’s oil refinery in India. President Putin and PM Modi reaffirmed the importance of full implementation of JCPOA and expressed support for efforts aimed at early restoration of the nuclear deal with Iran and to work towards denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. India offered Russia to continue to jointly build production facilities in Indian industrial cities "from scratch". Both countries agreed to continue promoting mutual settlements in national currencies which will help reduce cost and time as well as risks involved in payments. Also Read: ‘US tried to undermine deal’: Russian foreign minister on S-400 missile system supplies to India President Putin and PM Modi called for close cooperation on Afghanistan and the creation of a consultative mechanism between the security councils of the two countries. The two leaders also decided to provide humanitarian aid to the Afghan people immediately. Russia and India also welcomed the easing of visa formalities, including the introduction of electronic visas and agreed to continue work visa regime facilitation. Both countries called for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to reflect current global realities while reiterating their commitment to enhanced cooperation within BRICS. Russia and India also agreed to study the possibility of implementing projects for the construction of nuclear power plants in third countries and explore prospects for cooperation in the development of launch vehicles and peaceful use of outer space. India and Russia also noted the significant progress achieved in the construction of the remaining nuclear power plant units at Kudankulam. Putin and Modi reaffirm commitment to boost Russian crude oil production under long term contracts and boost India's LNG imports. The Russian president also invited PM Modi to visit Russia next year. India is interested in Russia's membership in the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, according to a joint statement issued following the Monday meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. (With inputs from Agencies)

In joint statement, India, Russia address trade, Afghanistan, UN Security Council reforms and solar alliance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (December 6) said that the relation between India and Russia is truly a unique and reliable model of interstate friendship. During the 21st annual India-Russia summit, Modi hailed the Indo-Russia bilateral ties as a 'special and privileged' strategic partnership.&nbsp;

PM Modi received the Russian President Vladimir Putin at Hyderabad House in New Delhi as it was the first in-person between the two leaders since they met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in 2019 in Brasilia.&nbsp;

To honour the crucial relations between the two nations, PM Modi gifted exquisite Agate Bowls to President Putin made by the tribal community and artisans of Gujarat, which is the western state of India.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-perceive-india-as-a-great-power-and-trusted-friend-says-president-putin-to-pm-modi-434635">We perceive India as a great power and trusted friend, says President Putin to PM Modi</a>

<img alt="Agates" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76af65a9-33e3-4cdf-9be5-13ad45d5c801" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202021-12-06%20at%208.15.53%20PM.jpeg" />

<img alt="Agates" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9667c2b5-99c3-4483-9f37-34418b832ea0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202021-12-06%20at%208.15.31%20PM.jpeg" />

Agates — known for their finesse and brightness — are hard semi-precious stones, used as a gemstone in ornaments and found all over the world in places including India, Asia, the USA, Africa, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Italy and Nepal.&nbsp;

Several varieties of Agate such as the Jasper, bloodstone, chocolate stone, etc are found in India and are found mainly in parts of Bombay, Chennai and in the state of Orissa.&nbsp;

IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-modi-putin-summit-india-russia-hail-strategic-partnership-434655">Modi-Putin summit: India, Russia hail strategic partnership</a>

However, it is found predominantly in Khambhat, in the western part of Gujarat as artisans make beautiful ornaments and decor articles — one such article is Agate Bowls, which has been gifted by PM Modi to the Russian President.&nbsp;

The making of Agate Bowls needs remarkable craftsmanship as it is created from a single stone, without any joins.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Добро пожаловать, г-н президент! 
 
Welcome to India my friend President Putin. Our meeting today will strengthen our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The initiatives that we take today will further increase the scope of our cooperation to new areas. <a href="https://twitter.com/KremlinRussia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KremlinRussia</a> <a href="https://t.co/v699GK4BEM">pic.twitter.com/v699GK4BEM</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1467846947365134336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (December 6) said that the relation between India and Russia is truly a unique and reliable model of interstate friendship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (December 6) said that the relation between India and Russia is truly a unique and reliable model of interstate friendship. During the 21st annual India-Russia summit, Modi hailed the Indo-Russia bilateral ties as a 'special and privileged' strategic partnership. PM Modi received the Russian President Vladimir Putin at Hyderabad House in New Delhi as it was the first in-person between the two leaders since they met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in 2019 in Brasilia. To honour the crucial relations between the two nations, PM Modi gifted exquisite Agate Bowls to President Putin made by the tribal community and artisans of Gujarat, which is the western state of India. ALSO READ | We perceive India as a great power and trusted friend, says President Putin to PM Modi Agates — known for their finesse and brightness — are hard semi-precious stones, used as a gemstone in ornaments and found all over the world in places including India, Asia, the USA, Africa, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Italy and Nepal. Several varieties of Agate such as the Jasper, bloodstone, chocolate stone, etc are found in India and are found mainly in parts of Bombay, Chennai and in the state of Orissa. IN PICS | Modi-Putin summit: India, Russia hail strategic partnership However, it is found predominantly in Khambhat, in the western part of Gujarat as artisans make beautiful ornaments and decor articles — one such article is Agate Bowls, which has been gifted by PM Modi to the Russian President. The making of Agate Bowls needs remarkable craftsmanship as it is created from a single stone, without any joins. Добро пожаловать, г-н президент! Welcome to India my friend President Putin. Our meeting today will strengthen our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The initiatives that we take today will further increase the scope of our cooperation to new areas. @KremlinRussia pic.twitter.com/v699GK4BEM — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 6, 2021 ×

Gift from Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi gives exquisite Agate Bowls to Russian President Vladimir Putin

India’s Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the Nagaland firing incident, in which security forces opened fire on civilians killing 14 and injuring 11, was a case of “mistaken identity”.

In a statement in Lok Sabha, Shah, while expressing regret, said the probe will be completed within a month and asserted that all agencies must ensure such happenings do not recur while taking action against insurgents.

He said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the matter.

He further said that the government is keeping a close watch on the evolving situation and necessary measures are being taken to ensure peace and tranquillity in the region.

The state authorities, as a precautionary measure, have imposed prohibitory orders in the affected areas, he informed the House.

Shah offered deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the case of mistaken identity on December 4 and subsequent episodes.

"The Government of India sincerely regrets this unfortunate incident in Nagaland and offers its deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives," the home minister said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/13-civilians-gunned-down-in-nagaland-by-security-forces-1-soldier-killed-in-rioting-434403">13 civilians gunned down in Nagaland by security forces; 1 soldier killed in rioting</a>

Narrating the sequence of events, Shah said the Army received information on the movement of insurgents in Nagaland's Mon and '21 Para Commando' unit laid an ambush.

A vehicle was signalled to stop but it tried to speed away. Suspecting the presence of insurgents in the vehicle, the security personnel opened fire, he said.

Six out of eight occupants of the vehicle died in the firing by security forces, Shah said, adding that later, it was found to be "a case of mistaken identity".

Two persons who sustained injuries were evacuated to the medical facilities by the Army personnel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-inks-ceasefire-agreement-with-another-insurgent-group-in-northeastern-state-of-nagaland-411690">India inks ceasefire agreement with another insurgent group in northeastern state of Nagaland</a>

He said local people, on getting news of the firing, surrounded and attacked the troops and one soldier was killed in the violence while several others were injured.

Shah said that in self-defence and to disperse the crowd, the troops had to open fire in which seven more civilians were killed.

He said that on Sunday evening, an agitated crowd targeted Assam Rifles company operating base and forces had to open fire in which one civilian was killed.

It has been decided that all agencies must ensure such incidents do not happen in the future during action against insurgents, the minister said.

Quoting an Army statement, Shah said the cause of the unfortunate loss of lives is being investigated at the highest level and appropriate action will be taken as per law.

India’s Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the Nagaland firing incident, in which security forces opened fire on civilians killing 14 and injuring 11, was a case of “mistaken identity”.

India’s Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the Nagaland firing incident, in which security forces opened fire on civilians killing 14 and injuring 11, was a case of “mistaken identity”. In a statement in Lok Sabha, Shah, while expressing regret, said the probe will be completed within a month and asserted that all agencies must ensure such happenings do not recur while taking action against insurgents. He said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the matter. He further said that the government is keeping a close watch on the evolving situation and necessary measures are being taken to ensure peace and tranquillity in the region. The state authorities, as a precautionary measure, have imposed prohibitory orders in the affected areas, he informed the House. Shah offered deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the case of mistaken identity on December 4 and subsequent episodes. "The Government of India sincerely regrets this unfortunate incident in Nagaland and offers its deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives," the home minister said. Also read | 13 civilians gunned down in Nagaland by security forces; 1 soldier killed in rioting Narrating the sequence of events, Shah said the Army received information on the movement of insurgents in Nagaland's Mon and '21 Para Commando' unit laid an ambush. A vehicle was signalled to stop but it tried to speed away. Suspecting the presence of insurgents in the vehicle, the security personnel opened fire, he said. Six out of eight occupants of the vehicle died in the firing by security forces, Shah said, adding that later, it was found to be "a case of mistaken identity". Two persons who sustained injuries were evacuated to the medical facilities by the Army personnel. Also read | India inks ceasefire agreement with another insurgent group in northeastern state of Nagaland He said local people, on getting news of the firing, surrounded and attacked the troops and one soldier was killed in the violence while several others were injured. Shah said that in self-defence and to disperse the crowd, the troops had to open fire in which seven more civilians were killed. He said that on Sunday evening, an agitated crowd targeted Assam Rifles company operating base and forces had to open fire in which one civilian was killed. It has been decided that all agencies must ensure such incidents do not happen in the future during action against insurgents, the minister said. Quoting an Army statement, Shah said the cause of the unfortunate loss of lives is being investigated at the highest level and appropriate action will be taken as per law.

Indian govt says Nagaland firing incident case of ‘mistaken identity', expresses regret

India has achieved another milestone in the vaccination campaign against coronavirus with over half of the country's adult population, which means 50 percent of the people over the age of 18 years have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

India achieves new COVID-19 vaccine milestone, 50% of adults fully vaccinated

President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Monday to conduct talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as India and Russia signed a mega defence contract to jointly manufacture AK-203 assault rifles.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh had earlier met his Russian colleague Sergey Shoigu to conduct strategic talks as the two countries moved to strengthen defence ties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-sign-pact-for-ak-203-rifles-renew-military-cooperation-for-10-years-434504">Also Read:&nbsp;India, Russia sign pact for AK-203 rifles, renew military cooperation&nbsp;</a>

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said PM Modi and the Russian President will adopt a joint statement after their talks. PM Modi had arrived at the summit venue at Hyderabad House in New Delhi ahead of the Russian president's visit.

Earlier in the day, defence minister Rajnath Singh, external affairs minister S Jaishankar along with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and Russian defence minister Gen Sergey Shoigu had taken part in 2+2 dialogue.

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Just completed the first ever 2+2 meeting with Russia. 
 
A productive exchange of perspectives on cross-cutting and inter-related issues. 
 
Will be reporting it to the Annual Summit later today. <a href="https://t.co/WvMxsIl2GI">pic.twitter.com/WvMxsIl2GI</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1467800939314638848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ak-203-rifles-to-s-400-air-defence-system-what-to-expect-from-power-packed-india-russia-summit-434494">Also Read:&nbsp;AK-203 rifles to S-400 air defence system: What to expect from power-packed India-Russia summit</a>

India's defence minister said talks between the Russian President and PM Modi is of critical importance while describing the 2+2 ministerial dialogue as a special initiative between the two countries.

(With inputs from Agencies)

President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Monday to conduct talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as India and Russia signed a mega defence contract to jointly manufacture AK-203 assault rifles.

President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Monday to conduct talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as India and Russia signed a mega defence contract to jointly manufacture AK-203 assault rifles. India's defence minister Rajnath Singh had earlier met his Russian colleague Sergey Shoigu to conduct strategic talks as the two countries moved to strengthen defence ties. Also Read: India, Russia sign pact for AK-203 rifles, renew military cooperation Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said PM Modi and the Russian President will adopt a joint statement after their talks. PM Modi had arrived at the summit venue at Hyderabad House in New Delhi ahead of the Russian president's visit. Earlier in the day, defence minister Rajnath Singh, external affairs minister S Jaishankar along with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and Russian defence minister Gen Sergey Shoigu had taken part in 2+2 dialogue. Just completed the first ever 2+2 meeting with Russia. A productive exchange of perspectives on cross-cutting and inter-related issues. Will be reporting it to the Annual Summit later today. pic.twitter.com/WvMxsIl2GI — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 6, 2021 × Also Read: AK-203 rifles to S-400 air defence system: What to expect from power-packed India-Russia summit India's defence minister said talks between the Russian President and PM Modi is of critical importance while describing the 2+2 ministerial dialogue as a special initiative between the two countries. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russian President Putin arrives in India; meets PM Modi

Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said despite the intervention from US, the deal to supply the S-400 air defence missile system to India was being implemented.

Lavrov, who is in New Delhi for the India-Russia summit and inaugural 2+2 dialogue, said India had made clear that it was a sovereign country, suggesting that it follows an independent foreign policy.

“We witnessed attempts on the part of the United States to undermine this cooperation &amp; to make India obey the American orders, to follow the American vision of how this region should be developed,” Lavrov told news agency ANI.

He said the $5.43-billion S-400 ‘Triumf’ missile systems deal doesn't have only a symbolic meaning, but also has a practical meaning for Indian defence capability, adding “the deal has been implemented.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-india-defence-cooperation-important-for-relations-between-the-two-countries-russian-defence-minister-434593">Russia-India defence cooperation important for relations between the two countries: Russian Defence Minister</a>

“Our Indian friends clearly and firmly explained that they are a sovereign country and they will decide whose weapons to buy and who is going to be a partner of India in this and other areas,” Lavrov added.

The deal with Moscow has often been the soring point between India and the US, as a 2017 US law prevents the ally countries from buying Russian military hardware.

The Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) was passed in the US&nbsp;in 2017, on the back of the supposed involvement of Russia in the 2016 US presidential elections.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-sign-pact-for-ak-203-rifles-renew-military-cooperation-for-10-years-434504">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-sign-pact-for-ak-203-rifles-renew-military-cooperation-for-10-years-434504">India, Russia sign pact for AK-203 rifles, renew military cooperation for 10-years&nbsp;</a>

The Act champions sanctions on any country that has defence or intelligence ties with Russia.

The US has already imposed CAATSA on Turkey, a NATO ally, for the purchase of a batch of S-400 missile defence systems from Russia, however, it has yet to take a call on India.

Watch |&nbsp;India-Russia hold first 2+2 dialogue, ink defence pacts to expand military ties

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Two days before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi, the United States on Saturday urged all of its allies and partners to forgo transactions with Russia that risk triggering sanctions under the CAATSA.

It further said that no decision has been taken on grating a potential waiver to India on purchasing Russia’s S-400 missile system

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said despite the intervention from US, the deal to supply the S-400 air defence missile system to India was being implemented.

Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said despite the intervention from US, the deal to supply the S-400 air defence missile system to India was being implemented. Lavrov, who is in New Delhi for the India-Russia summit and inaugural 2+2 dialogue, said India had made clear that it was a sovereign country, suggesting that it follows an independent foreign policy. “We witnessed attempts on the part of the United States to undermine this cooperation & to make India obey the American orders, to follow the American vision of how this region should be developed,” Lavrov told news agency ANI. He said the $5.43-billion S-400 ‘Triumf’ missile systems deal doesn't have only a symbolic meaning, but also has a practical meaning for Indian defence capability, adding “the deal has been implemented.” Also read | Russia-India defence cooperation important for relations between the two countries: Russian Defence Minister “Our Indian friends clearly and firmly explained that they are a sovereign country and they will decide whose weapons to buy and who is going to be a partner of India in this and other areas,” Lavrov added. The deal with Moscow has often been the soring point between India and the US, as a 2017 US law prevents the ally countries from buying Russian military hardware. The Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) was passed in the US in 2017, on the back of the supposed involvement of Russia in the 2016 US presidential elections. Also read | India, Russia sign pact for AK-203 rifles, renew military cooperation for 10-years The Act champions sanctions on any country that has defence or intelligence ties with Russia. The US has already imposed CAATSA on Turkey, a NATO ally, for the purchase of a batch of S-400 missile defence systems from Russia, however, it has yet to take a call on India. Watch | India-Russia hold first 2+2 dialogue, ink defence pacts to expand military ties Two days before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi, the United States on Saturday urged all of its allies and partners to forgo transactions with Russia that risk triggering sanctions under the CAATSA. It further said that no decision has been taken on grating a potential waiver to India on purchasing Russia’s S-400 missile system (With inputs from agencies)

‘US tried to undermine deal’: Russian foreign minister on S-400 missile system supplies to India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the friendship between India and Bangladesh to commemorate 'Maitri Diwas' on Monday (December 6). PM Modi also added that he is looking forward to continuing working with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to strengthen the existing ties.&nbsp;

The official website of India's Ministry of External Affairs stated that it was decided to commemorate December 6 as 'Maitri Diwas' during PM Modi's visit to the neighbouring country in March 2021, when he attended the national day of Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Worth noting and as mentioned by MEA, 10 days before the liberation of Bangladesh, India had recognised the country on December 6 in 1971. India was one of the first countries to establish bilateral diplomatic ties with Bangladesh.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-india-defence-cooperation-important-for-relations-between-the-two-countries-russian-defence-minister-434593">Russia-India defence cooperation important for relations between the two countries: Russian Defence Minister</a>

Taking to his Twitter, PM Modi wrote: "Today India and Bangladesh commemorate Maitri Diwas. We jointly recall and celebrate the foundations of our 50 years of friendship. I look forward to continue working with H.E. PM Sheikh Hasina to further expand and deepen our ties."&nbsp;

Not just India and Bangladesh, the 'Maitri Diwas' is commemorated in 18 other countries as well. These countries are Belgium, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Russia, Qatar, Singapore, UK, Australia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE and USA.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-sign-pact-for-ak-203-rifles-renew-military-cooperation-for-10-years-434504">India, Russia sign pact for AK-203 rifles, renew military cooperation for 10-years</a>

"The holding of Maitri Diwas is a reflection of the deep and abiding friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh that has been forged in blood and shared sacrifices," wrote MEA.&nbsp;

As far as the ties between the two nations are concerned, Bangladesh is an important pillar of India's Neighbourhood First Policy and both share progressive, comprehensive and substantial cooperation in diverse areas ranging from security, border management and defence, infrastructure, health, culture, etc. &nbsp;

India and Bangladesh have closely cooperated to tackle the challenges posed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the friendship between India and Bangladesh to commemorate 'Maitri Diwas' on Monday (December 6). PM Modi also added that he is looking forward to continuing working with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to strengthen the existing ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the friendship between India and Bangladesh to commemorate 'Maitri Diwas' on Monday (December 6). PM Modi also added that he is looking forward to continuing working with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to strengthen the existing ties. The official website of India's Ministry of External Affairs stated that it was decided to commemorate December 6 as 'Maitri Diwas' during PM Modi's visit to the neighbouring country in March 2021, when he attended the national day of Bangladesh. Worth noting and as mentioned by MEA, 10 days before the liberation of Bangladesh, India had recognised the country on December 6 in 1971. India was one of the first countries to establish bilateral diplomatic ties with Bangladesh. ALSO READ | Russia-India defence cooperation important for relations between the two countries: Russian Defence Minister Taking to his Twitter, PM Modi wrote: "Today India and Bangladesh commemorate Maitri Diwas. We jointly recall and celebrate the foundations of our 50 years of friendship. I look forward to continue working with H.E. PM Sheikh Hasina to further expand and deepen our ties." Not just India and Bangladesh, the 'Maitri Diwas' is commemorated in 18 other countries as well. These countries are Belgium, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Russia, Qatar, Singapore, UK, Australia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE and USA. ALSO READ | India, Russia sign pact for AK-203 rifles, renew military cooperation for 10-years "The holding of Maitri Diwas is a reflection of the deep and abiding friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh that has been forged in blood and shared sacrifices," wrote MEA. As far as the ties between the two nations are concerned, Bangladesh is an important pillar of India's Neighbourhood First Policy and both share progressive, comprehensive and substantial cooperation in diverse areas ranging from security, border management and defence, infrastructure, health, culture, etc. India and Bangladesh have closely cooperated to tackle the challenges posed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

'Maitri Diwas': PM Narendra Modi looking forward to 'expand and deepen' ties between India and Bangladesh

Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu highlighted the importance of defence cooperation between Russia and India during his meeting with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday (December 6). He said he is confident that both countries will help in enhancing "regional security".&nbsp;

Russia's defence minister and his Indian counterpart, along with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Russia counterpart Sergey Lavrov, held a 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in the Indian capital.&nbsp;

In his opening remarks, Shoigu said, "Russia-India defence cooperation is important for the relations between our two countries during these times. I am confident Russia and India will help in enhancing regional security."&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-sign-pact-for-ak-203-rifles-renew-military-cooperation-for-10-years-434504">India, Russia sign pact for AK-203 rifles, renew military cooperation for 10-years</a>

It is important to note that greements for procurement of 7.63x39mm assault rifles AK-203 and protocol on amending agreement on cooperation for Kalashnikov series small arms manufacturing were signed during the defence ministers' meetings.&nbsp;

Rajnath Singh also tweeted, "Had a productive, fruitful and substantial bilateral discussions on defence cooperation with the Russian Defence Minister, General Sergey Shoigu in New Delhi today. India values its special and privileged strategic partnership with Russia."&nbsp;

Singh also noted that it was a great pleasure to discuss and exchange opinions on certain significant issues of common interest between the two nations. He further added that India "deeply appreciates" Russia's strong support.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-visit-russian-president-to-reach-new-delhi-today-for-india-russia-summit-434452">Putin visit: Russian President to reach New Delhi today for India-Russia summit</a>

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Had a productive, fruitful and substantial bilateral discussions on defence cooperation with the Russian Defence Minister, General Sergey Shoigu in New Delhi today. India values its special and privileged strategic partnership with Russia. <a href="https://t.co/9WNBx6m7ok">pic.twitter.com/9WNBx6m7ok</a>
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The crucial meeting comes ahead of Russian President, Vladimir Putin's visit to India during which he will meet Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The meeting is their first in-person meeting since the BRICS summit in November 2019.

It is expected that both countries will sign more than 10 agreements following the talks between PM Modi and President Putin. These agreements will be in the fields of space, culture, science and technology, defence etc.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;India-Russia ties are special, says FM Jaishankar ahead of crucial Modi-Putin meet

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Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu highlighted the importance of defence cooperation between Russia and India during his meeting with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday (December 6).

Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu highlighted the importance of defence cooperation between Russia and India during his meeting with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday (December 6). He said he is confident that both countries will help in enhancing "regional security". Russia's defence minister and his Indian counterpart, along with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Russia counterpart Sergey Lavrov, held a 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in the Indian capital. In his opening remarks, Shoigu said, "Russia-India defence cooperation is important for the relations between our two countries during these times. I am confident Russia and India will help in enhancing regional security." ALSO READ | India, Russia sign pact for AK-203 rifles, renew military cooperation for 10-years It is important to note that greements for procurement of 7.63x39mm assault rifles AK-203 and protocol on amending agreement on cooperation for Kalashnikov series small arms manufacturing were signed during the defence ministers' meetings. Rajnath Singh also tweeted, "Had a productive, fruitful and substantial bilateral discussions on defence cooperation with the Russian Defence Minister, General Sergey Shoigu in New Delhi today. India values its special and privileged strategic partnership with Russia." Singh also noted that it was a great pleasure to discuss and exchange opinions on certain significant issues of common interest between the two nations. He further added that India "deeply appreciates" Russia's strong support. ALSO READ | Putin visit: Russian President to reach New Delhi today for India-Russia summit Had a productive, fruitful and substantial bilateral discussions on defence cooperation with the Russian Defence Minister, General Sergey Shoigu in New Delhi today. India values its special and privileged strategic partnership with Russia. pic.twitter.com/9WNBx6m7ok — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 6, 2021 × The crucial meeting comes ahead of Russian President, Vladimir Putin's visit to India during which he will meet Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The meeting is their first in-person meeting since the BRICS summit in November 2019. It is expected that both countries will sign more than 10 agreements following the talks between PM Modi and President Putin. These agreements will be in the fields of space, culture, science and technology, defence etc. Watch: India-Russia ties are special, says FM Jaishankar ahead of crucial Modi-Putin meet ×

Russia-India defence cooperation important for relations between the two countries: Russian Defence Minister

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Indian Navy: The Make-in-India story | WION Wideangle

India and Russia signed a Rs 51 billion contract on Monday for the joint manufacturing of over 500,000 AK-203 assault rifles at a factory in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi region.

A bilateral meeting between defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian colleague Sergey Shoigu sealed the agreement.&nbsp;

According to authorities, the two nations also extended their military-technical cooperation agreement for the years 2021-31.&nbsp;

"India deeply appreciates Russia’s strong support for India. We hope that our cooperation will bring peace, prosperity and stability to the entire region. Glad that a number of agreements/contracts/protocols were signed pertaining to small arms and military cooperation," Rajnath Singh tweeted on Monday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-visit-russian-president-to-reach-new-delhi-today-for-india-russia-summit-434452">Also read | Putin visit: Russian President to reach New Delhi today for India-Russia summit</a>

The news came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin set to meet for their annual meeting this evening.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas Plus: India &amp; Russia: A time-tested friendship

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Watch | A recap of Putin-Modi's relationship | India-Russia Meeting

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AK-203: Rifles with a range of more than three football fields to be manufactured in Uttar Pradesh

The centre has given its approval for a gun manufacturing factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, to produce over five lakh high-powered AK-203 rifles.

The contemporary AK-203 will be manufactured in collaboration with Russia, which produced the original AK-47.

This assault rifle uses the significantly bigger 7.62 mm ammunition, which has superior penetrating force, whereas comparable guns use the smaller 5.56 mm rounds, which have less stopping power.

The contemporary version of the Russian-origin rifle is lightweight and sturdy, with an effective range of 300 metres, or more than three football fields.

(With inputs from agencies)

India and Russia signed a Rs 51 billion contract on Monday for the joint manufacturing of over 500,000 AK-203 assault rifles at a factory in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi region.

India and Russia signed a Rs 51 billion contract on Monday for the joint manufacturing of over 500,000 AK-203 assault rifles at a factory in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi region. A bilateral meeting between defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian colleague Sergey Shoigu sealed the agreement. According to authorities, the two nations also extended their military-technical cooperation agreement for the years 2021-31. "India deeply appreciates Russia’s strong support for India. We hope that our cooperation will bring peace, prosperity and stability to the entire region. Glad that a number of agreements/contracts/protocols were signed pertaining to small arms and military cooperation," Rajnath Singh tweeted on Monday. Also read | Putin visit: Russian President to reach New Delhi today for India-Russia summit The news came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin set to meet for their annual meeting this evening. Watch | Gravitas Plus: India & Russia: A time-tested friendship Watch | A recap of Putin-Modi's relationship | India-Russia Meeting AK-203: Rifles with a range of more than three football fields to be manufactured in Uttar Pradesh The centre has given its approval for a gun manufacturing factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, to produce over five lakh high-powered AK-203 rifles. The contemporary AK-203 will be manufactured in collaboration with Russia, which produced the original AK-47. This assault rifle uses the significantly bigger 7.62 mm ammunition, which has superior penetrating force, whereas comparable guns use the smaller 5.56 mm rounds, which have less stopping power. The contemporary version of the Russian-origin rifle is lightweight and sturdy, with an effective range of 300 metres, or more than three football fields. (With inputs from agencies)

India, Russia sign pact for AK-203 rifles, renew military cooperation for 10-years 

India and Russia are due to hold first 2+2 format dialogue in New Delhi on December 6. Both countries are expected to discuss key bilateral, regional and international issues. Situation in the Indo-Pacific may be discussed as well. The inaugural meeting of the newly instituted 2 + 2 dialogue mechanism between both countries will be held at the level of the foreign and defence ministers.&nbsp;

"Both ministers are expected to discuss bilateral, regional and international political and defence issues within this format, as you know, we have with very few countries," The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said on Thursday.

He also informed that "the day (December 6) will begin with Defence Minister and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Shoygu, co-chairing what is known as the Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation, in the morning."

Ministers of India and Russia are expected to hold detailed discussions over key regional and international topics. Developments in Afghanistan and Syria may also be discussed.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russian-president-vladimir-putin-to-arrive-in-india-on-december-6-for-a-short-visit-434245">Russian President Vladimir Putin to arrive in India on December 6 for a short visit</a>

The ministers are expected to hold in-depth discussions of the key regional and international topics, including the situation in the Asia-Pacific region and developments in Afghanistan and Syria, as well as exchange views on interaction within the SCO and Russia, India and China (RIC), the Russian embassy had said in a statement on Friday.

"On December 6, Sergey Lavrov and Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu will meet with their Indian colleagues @DrSJaishankar and @rajnathsingh in New Delhi. &nbsp;They will discuss key regional and international matters, including in the Asia-Pacific," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia had said in a tweet.

Bagchi had said that Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive here on Monday for the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit.

This will be the first in-person meeting between Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after their meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Brasilia in November 2019.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India and Russia are due to hold first 2+2 format dialogue in New Delhi on December 6. Both countries are expected to discuss key bilateral, regional and international issues.

India and Russia are due to hold first 2+2 format dialogue in New Delhi on December 6. Both countries are expected to discuss key bilateral, regional and international issues. Situation in the Indo-Pacific may be discussed as well. The inaugural meeting of the newly instituted 2 + 2 dialogue mechanism between both countries will be held at the level of the foreign and defence ministers. "Both ministers are expected to discuss bilateral, regional and international political and defence issues within this format, as you know, we have with very few countries," The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said on Thursday. He also informed that "the day (December 6) will begin with Defence Minister and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Shoygu, co-chairing what is known as the Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation, in the morning." Ministers of India and Russia are expected to hold detailed discussions over key regional and international topics. Developments in Afghanistan and Syria may also be discussed. Also Read | Russian President Vladimir Putin to arrive in India on December 6 for a short visit The ministers are expected to hold in-depth discussions of the key regional and international topics, including the situation in the Asia-Pacific region and developments in Afghanistan and Syria, as well as exchange views on interaction within the SCO and Russia, India and China (RIC), the Russian embassy had said in a statement on Friday. "On December 6, Sergey Lavrov and Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu will meet with their Indian colleagues @DrSJaishankar and @rajnathsingh in New Delhi. They will discuss key regional and international matters, including in the Asia-Pacific," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia had said in a tweet. Bagchi had said that Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive here on Monday for the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit. This will be the first in-person meeting between Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after their meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Brasilia in November 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Inaugural India-Russia 2+2 dialogue to take place today

India and Russia are likely to sign 10 bilateral agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi on Monday evening.

According to reports, these agreements will be in various fields like space, culture, science and technology, and defence, among others.

"About 10 bilateral agreements will be signed, which are quite important and include some semi-confidential ones. Work is still ongoing on them. We are confident that the package of agreements will be signed as part of the visit, " Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov has told news agency ANI.

He, however, declined to name the agreements as they were still being finalized, but added, "They are important for the development of bilateral ties in most diverse areas."

Earlier, Russian envoy Nikolay R Kudashev indicated that India and Russia would achieve "military understandings" during Putin’s visit.

He said that "some new understandings in the spheres like connectivity, space, science and technology, education, arts and culture" will be achieved.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-visit-russian-president-to-reach-new-delhi-today-for-india-russia-summit-434452">Putin visit: Russian President to reach New Delhi today for India-Russia summit</a>

Russian President Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be meeting today for the 21st India-Russia summit.

This is the first in-person meeting between the two leaders after meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in November 2019.

Since then, there have been six telephonic conversations between the two leaders.

Apart from that, the summit would also witness the first 2+2 dialogue meeting between the countries to discuss key bilateral, regional, and international issues, including the Indo-Pacific.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ak-203-assault-rifles-and-s-400-air-defence-system-india-russia-power-packed-summit-434494">AK-203 assault rifles and S-400 air defence system: India-Russia power-packed summit</a>

The inaugural meeting of the newly instituted 2+2 dialogue mechanism between both countries will be held at the level of the foreign and defence ministers.

Watch |&nbsp;India and Russia expected to sign 10 pacts, first 2+2 meet between two nations

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"Both ministers are expected to discuss bilateral, regional, and international political and defence issues within this format. As you know, we have very few countries with which to coordinate, "Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday.

He also informed us that the 21st India-Russia summit will begin with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Shoygu, co-chairing what is known as the Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation, in the morning."

(With inputs from agencies)

India and Russia are likely to sign 10 bilateral agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi on Monday evening. According to reports, these agreements will be in various fields like space, culture, science and technology, and defence, among others.

India and Russia are likely to sign 10 bilateral agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi on Monday evening. According to reports, these agreements will be in various fields like space, culture, science and technology, and defence, among others. "About 10 bilateral agreements will be signed, which are quite important and include some semi-confidential ones. Work is still ongoing on them. We are confident that the package of agreements will be signed as part of the visit, " Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov has told news agency ANI. He, however, declined to name the agreements as they were still being finalized, but added, "They are important for the development of bilateral ties in most diverse areas." Earlier, Russian envoy Nikolay R Kudashev indicated that India and Russia would achieve "military understandings" during Putin’s visit. He said that "some new understandings in the spheres like connectivity, space, science and technology, education, arts and culture" will be achieved. Also read | Putin visit: Russian President to reach New Delhi today for India-Russia summit Russian President Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be meeting today for the 21st India-Russia summit. This is the first in-person meeting between the two leaders after meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in November 2019. Since then, there have been six telephonic conversations between the two leaders. Apart from that, the summit would also witness the first 2+2 dialogue meeting between the countries to discuss key bilateral, regional, and international issues, including the Indo-Pacific. Also read | AK-203 assault rifles and S-400 air defence system: India-Russia power-packed summit The inaugural meeting of the newly instituted 2+2 dialogue mechanism between both countries will be held at the level of the foreign and defence ministers. Watch | India and Russia expected to sign 10 pacts, first 2+2 meet between two nations "Both ministers are expected to discuss bilateral, regional, and international political and defence issues within this format. As you know, we have very few countries with which to coordinate, "Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday. He also informed us that the 21st India-Russia summit will begin with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Shoygu, co-chairing what is known as the Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation, in the morning." (With inputs from agencies)

India-Russia to sign 10 agreements, including space and defence, during Putin's visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a short visit to India on December 6. He is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the evening during which the focus of the talks will be the ongoing delivery of the S-400 missile defence systems.&nbsp;

Putin will be in India for a period of six to seven hours.

Russian envoy Nikolay R Kudashev on Friday said that India and Russia will achieve “military understandings” during his visit.&nbsp;

The day will begin with defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoygu convening the Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation. Also, external affairs minister Jaishankar will be meeting his counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/military-understandings-will-be-achieved-during-putins-india-visit-russian-envoy-kudashev-433934">Also read |&nbsp;‘Military understandings’ will be achieved during Putin’s India visit: Russian envoy Kudashev</a>

After this, there will be an inaugural meeting of the newly instituted 2 + 2 mechanism.

The 21st India-Russia Annual Summit is expected to begin in the afternoon.&nbsp;This is being considered as an eventful day for India-Russia ties.

Earlier, Jaishankar had said that the relation between India and Russia have been among the steadiest&nbsp;in the world after the second world war.

During the meeting,&nbsp;both India and Russia, are expected to seal a few deals.&nbsp;

"One can expect a set of agreements and deals (to be signed). One could easily await some new understandings in the spheres like connectivity, space, science and technology, education, arts and culture, and also some military understandings, reflecting the growing level of confidence," said Kudhashev during his conversation with WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a short visit to India on December 6. He is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the evening during which the focus of the talks will be the ongoing delivery of the S-400 missile defence systems.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a short visit to India on December 6. He is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the evening during which the focus of the talks will be the ongoing delivery of the S-400 missile defence systems. Putin will be in India for a period of six to seven hours. Russian envoy Nikolay R Kudashev on Friday said that India and Russia will achieve “military understandings” during his visit. The day will begin with defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoygu convening the Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation. Also, external affairs minister Jaishankar will be meeting his counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. Also read | ‘Military understandings’ will be achieved during Putin’s India visit: Russian envoy Kudashev After this, there will be an inaugural meeting of the newly instituted 2 + 2 mechanism. The 21st India-Russia Annual Summit is expected to begin in the afternoon. This is being considered as an eventful day for India-Russia ties. Earlier, Jaishankar had said that the relation between India and Russia have been among the steadiest in the world after the second world war. During the meeting, both India and Russia, are expected to seal a few deals. "One can expect a set of agreements and deals (to be signed). One could easily await some new understandings in the spheres like connectivity, space, science and technology, education, arts and culture, and also some military understandings, reflecting the growing level of confidence," said Kudhashev during his conversation with WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin to arrive in India on December 6 for a short visit

At least 13 civilians were gunned down by security forces in Nagaland's Mon district, police said on Sunday, adding that it is investigating whether the incident was a case of mistaken identity.

One soldier also died in rioting which followed. The incident took place between Oting and Tiru villages when some daily-wage labourers were returning home in a pick-up van from a coal mine on Saturday evening, the police officer said.

The vehicle was allegedly fired upon by Army personnel, who were conducting an operation in the area after receiving inputs on the movement of militants of Yung Aung faction of proscribed outfit NSCN (K), he said. An angry mob soon surrounded army vehicles at the spot and in the ensuing melee a soldier died and at least three vehicles were torched.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/december-4-1971-how-indian-navys-operation-trident-in-1971-destroyed-karachi-port-347507" hreflang="en">How Indian Navy's 'Operation Trident' in 1971 destroyed Karachi port</a>

Ordering a Court of Inquiry into the incident, Army said one of its personnel was killed and several others were seriously injured. It said that the incident and its aftermath is "deeply regretted" and the unfortunate loss of lives is being investigated at the highest level.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio promised a high-level probe into the incident and appealed to all sections of the society to maintain peace.

An investigation is underway to ascertain whether the incident was a case of mistaken identity, the officer said. Mon shares a porous international border with Myanmar, where the Yung Aung faction of NSCN (K) is based.

The situation is under control and police is conducting spot verification, he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-keeping-close-eye-on-chinese-activities-in-indian-ocean-says-newly-appointed-navy-chief-433967" hreflang="en">India keeping close eye on Chinese activities in Indian Ocean: Navy Chief</a>

Official sources said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief Gen M M Naravane have been briefed about the incident.

"Based on credible intelligence of likely movement of insurgents, a specific operation was planned to be conducted in the area of Tiru, Mon District, Nagaland. The incident and its aftermath are deeply regretted. The cause of the unfortunate loss of lives is being investigated at the highest level and appropriate action will be taken as per the course of law," a statement issued by the headquarters of the Army's 3 Corps said.

"The security forces have suffered severe injuries in the incident including one soldier who succumbed to the injuries," it added. 
Rio tweeted "the unfortunate incident leading to killing of civilians at Oting, Mon, is highly condemnable. Condolences to the bereaved families &amp; speedy recovery of those injured. High level SIT will investigate &amp; justice delivered as per the law of the land. Appeal for peace from all sections."

Home Minister Amit Shah too tweeted his anguish and expressed ''deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives. A high-level SIT constituted by the State govt will thoroughly probe this incident to ensure justice to the bereaved families.''

Reacting to the incident, Gandhi tweeted, "This is heart-wrenching. GOI must give a real reply. What exactly is the home ministry doing when neither civilians nor security personnel are safe in our own land?" In protest against the incident, the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisaiton (ENPO) urged the six tribes of the region to withdraw participation from the ongoing Hornbill Festival, which is the state's biggest tourism extravaganza.

"While expressing deep sorrow and sadness over the indiscriminate firing by Indian security force where more than 10 daily wage laborers from Oting village were blatantly killed, the ENPO vehemently condemn the barbaric act of the security force," a release issued the organisation said.

The ENPO asked the six tribes to hoist black flags in their respective Morungs at Hornbill Festival venue Naga Heritage Village in Kisama near the state capital against the incident.

"It has to be understood by all concerned that this order/move is not against the State Govt., but to show resentment against the security forces who have committed this heinous crime, and to show solidarity of the 6 tribes," it said.

Abu Mehta, advisor to the chief minister, said that two minutes' silence will be observed and prayers will be held at Kisama for those killed in the incident.&nbsp;

At least 13 civilians were gunned down by security forces in Nagaland's Mon district, police said on Sunday, adding that it is investigating whether the incident was a case of mistaken identity.

At least 13 civilians were gunned down by security forces in Nagaland's Mon district, police said on Sunday, adding that it is investigating whether the incident was a case of mistaken identity. One soldier also died in rioting which followed. The incident took place between Oting and Tiru villages when some daily-wage labourers were returning home in a pick-up van from a coal mine on Saturday evening, the police officer said. The vehicle was allegedly fired upon by Army personnel, who were conducting an operation in the area after receiving inputs on the movement of militants of Yung Aung faction of proscribed outfit NSCN (K), he said. An angry mob soon surrounded army vehicles at the spot and in the ensuing melee a soldier died and at least three vehicles were torched. Also read | How Indian Navy's 'Operation Trident' in 1971 destroyed Karachi port Ordering a Court of Inquiry into the incident, Army said one of its personnel was killed and several others were seriously injured. It said that the incident and its aftermath is "deeply regretted" and the unfortunate loss of lives is being investigated at the highest level. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio promised a high-level probe into the incident and appealed to all sections of the society to maintain peace. An investigation is underway to ascertain whether the incident was a case of mistaken identity, the officer said. Mon shares a porous international border with Myanmar, where the Yung Aung faction of NSCN (K) is based. The situation is under control and police is conducting spot verification, he said. Also read | India keeping close eye on Chinese activities in Indian Ocean: Navy Chief Official sources said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief Gen M M Naravane have been briefed about the incident. "Based on credible intelligence of likely movement of insurgents, a specific operation was planned to be conducted in the area of Tiru, Mon District, Nagaland. The incident and its aftermath are deeply regretted. The cause of the unfortunate loss of lives is being investigated at the highest level and appropriate action will be taken as per the course of law," a statement issued by the headquarters of the Army's 3 Corps said. "The security forces have suffered severe injuries in the incident including one soldier who succumbed to the injuries," it added. Rio tweeted "the unfortunate incident leading to killing of civilians at Oting, Mon, is highly condemnable. Condolences to the bereaved families & speedy recovery of those injured. High level SIT will investigate & justice delivered as per the law of the land. Appeal for peace from all sections." Home Minister Amit Shah too tweeted his anguish and expressed ''deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives. A high-level SIT constituted by the State govt will thoroughly probe this incident to ensure justice to the bereaved families.'' Reacting to the incident, Gandhi tweeted, "This is heart-wrenching. GOI must give a real reply. What exactly is the home ministry doing when neither civilians nor security personnel are safe in our own land?" In protest against the incident, the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisaiton (ENPO) urged the six tribes of the region to withdraw participation from the ongoing Hornbill Festival, which is the state's biggest tourism extravaganza. "While expressing deep sorrow and sadness over the indiscriminate firing by Indian security force where more than 10 daily wage laborers from Oting village were blatantly killed, the ENPO vehemently condemn the barbaric act of the security force," a release issued the organisation said. The ENPO asked the six tribes to hoist black flags in their respective Morungs at Hornbill Festival venue Naga Heritage Village in Kisama near the state capital against the incident. "It has to be understood by all concerned that this order/move is not against the State Govt., but to show resentment against the security forces who have committed this heinous crime, and to show solidarity of the 6 tribes," it said. Abu Mehta, advisor to the chief minister, said that two minutes' silence will be observed and prayers will be held at Kisama for those killed in the incident.

13 civilians gunned down in Nagaland by security forces; 1 soldier killed in rioting

The new variant of coronavirus is spreading rapidly across India. Seven more cases of the Omicron have been reported in Maharashtra and nine in Jaipur today.<o:p></o:p>

With the additional cases in Maharashtra and Jaipur, the tally of Omicron infections has increased to 21&nbsp;in India. Out of these 21, eight are in Maharashtra, nine in Jaipur, one in Delhi and Gujarat each, and two in Bangalore.

<o:p>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-how-well-prepared-is-india-to-tackle-a-possible-spread-of-new-covid-variant-434064">Omicron: How well-prepared is India to tackle a possible spread of new Covid variant?</a></o:p>

Out of the seven new Omicron cases reported in Maharashtra on Sunday, six are in Pimpri and one in Pune. “Four persons who returned from foreign tours and three of their close contacts have tested positive for the new variant,” Maharashtra health ministry said.<o:p></o:p>

In addition to this, two close contacts of a Covid positive patient with Omicron variant in Gujarat have also tested positive for coronavirus. However, it is not yet clear if they have been infected with the same variant or not.<o:p></o:p>

It is also being reported that Jaipur has reported nine cases of Omicron variant. All these nine patients are reported to be from the same family.&nbsp;Four of these patients had returned from South Africa and the rest of five had been in contact with the first four.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-heres-what-the-pandemic-will-look-like-in-2022-434239">WATCH |</a></o:p>

India reported its first case of Omicron variant when a 72-year-old Zimbabwe resident travelled to Jamnagar, Gujarat and tested positive for coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health has warned that the concerns with regard to the new strain developing immunoescape mechanism should be critically addressed. The report has urged the government and experts to do an efficacy check on the existing vaccines against coronavirus conduct more extensive research to analyse the need and urgency of booster shots against the new variant of COVID-19.<o:p></o:p>

"The committee believes that timely detection and isolation of potentially infectious people is very crucial in reducing the impact of the pandemic. The importance of diagnostic testing therefore, cannot be overlooked," the panel said in its report<o:p></o:p>

The new variant of coronavirus is spreading rapidly across India. Seven more cases of the Omicron have been reported in Maharashtra and nine in Jaipur today. With the additional cases in Maharashtra and Jaipur, the tally of Omicron infections has increased to 21 in India.

The new variant of coronavirus is spreading rapidly across India. Seven more cases of the Omicron have been reported in Maharashtra and nine in Jaipur today. With the additional cases in Maharashtra and Jaipur, the tally of Omicron infections has increased to 21 in India. Out of these 21, eight are in Maharashtra, nine in Jaipur, one in Delhi and Gujarat each, and two in Bangalore. Also read | Omicron: How well-prepared is India to tackle a possible spread of new Covid variant? Out of the seven new Omicron cases reported in Maharashtra on Sunday, six are in Pimpri and one in Pune. “Four persons who returned from foreign tours and three of their close contacts have tested positive for the new variant,” Maharashtra health ministry said. In addition to this, two close contacts of a Covid positive patient with Omicron variant in Gujarat have also tested positive for coronavirus. However, it is not yet clear if they have been infected with the same variant or not. It is also being reported that Jaipur has reported nine cases of Omicron variant. All these nine patients are reported to be from the same family. Four of these patients had returned from South Africa and the rest of five had been in contact with the first four. WATCH | India reported its first case of Omicron variant when a 72-year-old Zimbabwe resident travelled to Jamnagar, Gujarat and tested positive for coronavirus. Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health has warned that the concerns with regard to the new strain developing immunoescape mechanism should be critically addressed. The report has urged the government and experts to do an efficacy check on the existing vaccines against coronavirus conduct more extensive research to analyse the need and urgency of booster shots against the new variant of COVID-19. "The committee believes that timely detection and isolation of potentially infectious people is very crucial in reducing the impact of the pandemic. The importance of diagnostic testing therefore, cannot be overlooked," the panel said in its report

Covid: India reports 16 new cases of Omicron variant, tally rises to 21

Indian capital&nbsp;Delhi, on December 5, reported its first-ever case of the new Covid variant Omicron, taking the country's total tally of new strain cases to five.

A Tanzanian returnee who had been admitted to a local hospital is positive for the new variant.

News agency PTI quoting an unnamed official said, "The patient's travel history is being collated and contacts being traced."&nbsp; 
The official further said that 12 samples had been sent to the National Centre for Disease Control. Out of those, one was found carrying the new Covid strain.&nbsp;

The first case was detected from India's western Gujarat state, where a 72-year-old man tested positive. A resident of Zimbabwe, he had returned to Jamnagar city on November 28.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-how-well-prepared-is-india-to-tackle-a-possible-spread-of-new-covid-variant-434064">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron: How well-prepared is India to tackle a possible spread of new Covid variant?</a>

The second case was reported from the neighbouring Maharashtra state. The person infected by the strain returned from South Africa to Kalyan Dombivali municipal area near Mumbai, Maharashtra state's health department said.&nbsp;

After that two people, including, a 66-year-old South African national and an Indian doctor, tested positive for the new strain in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The foreigner somehow managed to escape from India. However, the doctor is under quarantine at his home.

The WHO has said that Omicron may spread more quickly than any other strain.

India expects the Omicron variant to cause less severe illness, due to rising vaccination rates.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian capital Delhi, on December 5, reported its first-ever case of the new Covid variant Omicron, taking the country's total tally of new strain cases to five.

Indian capital Delhi, on December 5, reported its first-ever case of the new Covid variant Omicron, taking the country's total tally of new strain cases to five. A Tanzanian returnee who had been admitted to a local hospital is positive for the new variant. News agency PTI quoting an unnamed official said, "The patient's travel history is being collated and contacts being traced." The official further said that 12 samples had been sent to the National Centre for Disease Control. Out of those, one was found carrying the new Covid strain. The first case was detected from India's western Gujarat state, where a 72-year-old man tested positive. A resident of Zimbabwe, he had returned to Jamnagar city on November 28. Also read | Omicron: How well-prepared is India to tackle a possible spread of new Covid variant? The second case was reported from the neighbouring Maharashtra state. The person infected by the strain returned from South Africa to Kalyan Dombivali municipal area near Mumbai, Maharashtra state's health department said. After that two people, including, a 66-year-old South African national and an Indian doctor, tested positive for the new strain in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The foreigner somehow managed to escape from India. However, the doctor is under quarantine at his home. The WHO has said that Omicron may spread more quickly than any other strain. India expects the Omicron variant to cause less severe illness, due to rising vaccination rates. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian capital reports first case of Omicron variant, taking country's total to 5

In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 variant Omicron, Japan will add India, Greece, Romania and four US states under strict quarantine vigilance.

Japanese nationals and foreign residents travelling to Japan from India, Greece, Romania and four US states will have to undergo stringent quarantine regulations Sunday onwards, in order to control the spread of the Omicron variant, reported Kyodo news.

While, foreign residents, as well as Japanese nationals travelling from Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and New York to Japan, will have to mandatorily spend three days of their two-week quarantine at government-designated facilities, reported Kyodo news.

With emerging Omicron cases in the country and to curb the further spread, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno on Friday announced the expansion of the list addressing a press conference.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-capital-reports-first-case-of-omicron-variant-taking-countrys-total-to-5-434252">Also read |&nbsp;Indian capital reports first case of Omicron variant, taking country's total to 5</a>

A government task force made the decision to control the increasing number of new variant cases in Japan.

The list for three-day mandatory quarantine at government-designated facilities already includes countries such as Austria, Ecuador and France.

While many are being subject to stringent quarantine requirements, such as staying in government-designated facilities for over 10 days, reported Kyodo News.

The first Omicron case was reported on Tuesday in Japan, causing it to deny re-entry of all foreigners, including residents with long-term visas, who have recently been to any of 10 African countries likely to have widespread infections of the variant.

The country has further banned new entries by foreigners from around the globe.

In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 variant Omicron, Japan will add India, Greece, Romania and four US states under strict quarantine vigilance. Japanese nationals and foreign residents travelling to Japan from India, Greece, Romania and four US states will have to undergo stringent quarantine regulations Sunday onwards, in order to control the spread of the Omicron variant, reported Kyodo news.

In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 variant Omicron, Japan will add India, Greece, Romania and four US states under strict quarantine vigilance. Japanese nationals and foreign residents travelling to Japan from India, Greece, Romania and four US states will have to undergo stringent quarantine regulations Sunday onwards, in order to control the spread of the Omicron variant, reported Kyodo news. While, foreign residents, as well as Japanese nationals travelling from Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and New York to Japan, will have to mandatorily spend three days of their two-week quarantine at government-designated facilities, reported Kyodo news. With emerging Omicron cases in the country and to curb the further spread, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno on Friday announced the expansion of the list addressing a press conference. Also read | Indian capital reports first case of Omicron variant, taking country's total to 5 A government task force made the decision to control the increasing number of new variant cases in Japan. The list for three-day mandatory quarantine at government-designated facilities already includes countries such as Austria, Ecuador and France. While many are being subject to stringent quarantine requirements, such as staying in government-designated facilities for over 10 days, reported Kyodo News. The first Omicron case was reported on Tuesday in Japan, causing it to deny re-entry of all foreigners, including residents with long-term visas, who have recently been to any of 10 African countries likely to have widespread infections of the variant. The country has further banned new entries by foreigners from around the globe.

Omicron scare: Japan imposes strict quarantine rules for travellers from India

Following the Indian government’s warning, Starlink, the satellite internet division of Elon Musk-led SpaceX, has said that it will apply for a commercial licence early next year to provide broadband and other services.

“We hope to have applied for a commercial licence on or before 31st January 2022 (unless we hit some major roadblock),” Sanjay Bhargava, Starlink Country Director, India at SpaceX said in a LinkedIn post.

If the company can roll out its services by April, it aims to have 200,000 Starlink devices in India by December 2022, it said in a presentation posted by Bhargava. The company has previously said it expects 80 per cent of these devices to be in rural areas.

On November 27, the Indian government had issued a missive after the company started taking pre-bookings for satellite broadband services.

The Department of Telecom (DoT) had said that Starlink Internet Services is not licensed to offer satellite-based internet services in India, and advised the public to refrain from subscribing to its services.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dont-subscribe-elon-musk-backed-starlink-services-till-it-gets-licence-indian-government-tells-public-432309">Don’t subscribe Elon Musk-backed Starlink services till it gets licence, Indian government tells public</a>

DoT made it clear that the company should “get licence before offering Satellite-based services”.

While Starlink has already received over 5,000 pre-orders for its devices in India, it has not begun any services.

Starlink is one of a growing number of companies launching small satellites as part of a low-Earth orbit network to provide low-latency broadband internet services around the world, with a particular focus on remote areas that terrestrial internet infrastructure struggles to reach.

Its competitors include Amazon.com's Kuiper and OneWeb which is co-owned by the British government and India's Bharti Enterprises.

(With inputs from agencies)

Following the Indian government’s warning, Starlink, the satellite internet division of Elon Musk-led SpaceX, has said that it will apply for a commercial licence early next year to provide broadband and other services.

Following the Indian government’s warning, Starlink, the satellite internet division of Elon Musk-led SpaceX, has said that it will apply for a commercial licence early next year to provide broadband and other services. “We hope to have applied for a commercial licence on or before 31st January 2022 (unless we hit some major roadblock),” Sanjay Bhargava, Starlink Country Director, India at SpaceX said in a LinkedIn post. If the company can roll out its services by April, it aims to have 200,000 Starlink devices in India by December 2022, it said in a presentation posted by Bhargava. The company has previously said it expects 80 per cent of these devices to be in rural areas. On November 27, the Indian government had issued a missive after the company started taking pre-bookings for satellite broadband services. The Department of Telecom (DoT) had said that Starlink Internet Services is not licensed to offer satellite-based internet services in India, and advised the public to refrain from subscribing to its services. Also read | Don’t subscribe Elon Musk-backed Starlink services till it gets licence, Indian government tells public DoT made it clear that the company should “get licence before offering Satellite-based services”. While Starlink has already received over 5,000 pre-orders for its devices in India, it has not begun any services. Starlink is one of a growing number of companies launching small satellites as part of a low-Earth orbit network to provide low-latency broadband internet services around the world, with a particular focus on remote areas that terrestrial internet infrastructure struggles to reach. Its competitors include Amazon.com's Kuiper and OneWeb which is co-owned by the British government and India's Bharti Enterprises. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk’s Starlink caves in to Indian govt’s warning, to apply for licence by Jan 2022

India reported two more cases of Omicron&nbsp;Covid variant on Saturday, taking the country's total tally of new strain cases to four.

The first case was detected from India's western Gujarat state, where a 72-year-old man tested positive.

A resident of Zimbabwe, he had returned to Jamnagar city on November 28.

The sample of the elderly man was sent for genome sequencing, after he tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, it said.

Gujarat's Commissioner of Health Jai Prakash Shivhare confirmed that the man was found infected with the Omicron strain.

The second case was reported from the neighbouring Maharashtra state in Mumbai city.&nbsp;

The infected man&nbsp;returned from South Africa to Kalyan Dombivali municipal area near Mumbai, Maharashtra state's health department said.

"On November 24, the passenger reported a mild fever after landing in Mumbai. He had not taken any COVID-19 vaccine. However, no other symptoms were observed. This mildly symptomatic patient is being treated at the Covid Care Centre in Kalyan-Dombivali,"&nbsp;a government statement said.

Watch |&nbsp;India details plan to combat omicron threat

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-details-plan-to-combat-omicron-threat-434163/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier on Thursday, two people—a 66-year-old South African national and an India doctor—tested positive for the new strain in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

While the foreigner escaped from India, the doctor is under quarantine at his home.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-how-well-prepared-is-india-to-tackle-a-possible-spread-of-new-covid-variant-434064">Omicron: How well-prepared is India to tackle a possible spread of new Covid variant?</a>

Meanwhile, India reported 8,603 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, taking the total to 34.62 million. Deaths rose by 415 to 470,530.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month asked officials to focus on countries identified at risk, after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new variant to be "of concern".

Up to 84% have received at least one dose, with more than 125 million people due for a second shot.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-highly-transmissible-could-become-dominant-says-whos-top-scientist-433999">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron variant highly transmissible, could become dominant, says WHO's top scientist</a>

The WHO said Omicron, initially detected in South Africa, may spread more quickly than other forms of the virus.

India expects the Omicron variant to cause less severe illness, due to rising vaccination rates and high prior exposure to the Delta variant that infected nearly 70% of the population by July.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-in-india-dont-need-fear-says-health-ministry-as-first-2-cases-found-one-patient-fully-vaccinated-433526">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated</a>

The WHO has said it had not seen any reports of deaths relating to the new Omicron variant.

The WHO said it was collecting evidence about the variant of concern (VOC), as countries around the world scramble to stop it from spreading.

But despite a growing number of countries registering infections with the new variant, no deaths have yet been reported to the UN health agency.

(With inputs from agencies)

India reported two more cases of Omicron Covid variant on Saturday, taking the country's total tally of new strain cases to four. The first case was detected from India's western Gujarat state, where a 72-year-old man tested positive.

India reported two more cases of Omicron Covid variant on Saturday, taking the country's total tally of new strain cases to four. The first case was detected from India's western Gujarat state, where a 72-year-old man tested positive. A resident of Zimbabwe, he had returned to Jamnagar city on November 28. The sample of the elderly man was sent for genome sequencing, after he tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, it said. Gujarat's Commissioner of Health Jai Prakash Shivhare confirmed that the man was found infected with the Omicron strain. The second case was reported from the neighbouring Maharashtra state in Mumbai city. The infected man returned from South Africa to Kalyan Dombivali municipal area near Mumbai, Maharashtra state's health department said. "On November 24, the passenger reported a mild fever after landing in Mumbai. He had not taken any COVID-19 vaccine. However, no other symptoms were observed. This mildly symptomatic patient is being treated at the Covid Care Centre in Kalyan-Dombivali," a government statement said. Watch | India details plan to combat omicron threat Earlier on Thursday, two people—a 66-year-old South African national and an India doctor—tested positive for the new strain in Bengaluru, Karnataka. While the foreigner escaped from India, the doctor is under quarantine at his home. Also read | Omicron: How well-prepared is India to tackle a possible spread of new Covid variant? Meanwhile, India reported 8,603 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, taking the total to 34.62 million. Deaths rose by 415 to 470,530. Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month asked officials to focus on countries identified at risk, after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new variant to be "of concern". Up to 84% have received at least one dose, with more than 125 million people due for a second shot. Also read | Omicron variant highly transmissible, could become dominant, says WHO's top scientist The WHO said Omicron, initially detected in South Africa, may spread more quickly than other forms of the virus. India expects the Omicron variant to cause less severe illness, due to rising vaccination rates and high prior exposure to the Delta variant that infected nearly 70% of the population by July. Also read | Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated The WHO has said it had not seen any reports of deaths relating to the new Omicron variant. The WHO said it was collecting evidence about the variant of concern (VOC), as countries around the world scramble to stop it from spreading. But despite a growing number of countries registering infections with the new variant, no deaths have yet been reported to the UN health agency. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports two more Omicron cases, total tally reaches 4

December 4, 1971: How Indian Navy's 'Operation Trident' in 1971 destroyed Karachi port

Amid growing concerns over the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, a parliamentary committee has recommended that the efficacy of Covid vaccines must be evaluated and the government conduct more research to examine the need for booster doses to contain the new strain 
 
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health, which presented its report on Friday, also said that concerns with regard to the new strain developing immunoescape mechanism should be critically addressed.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/whos-chief-scientist-soumya-swaminathan-asks-people-not-to-panic-433996/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In view of loss of life during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the committee noted that the measures taken by the health ministry to contain or prevent the spread of SARS-COV-2 proved to be squarely inadequate and suggested that the focus should be on strengthening health infrastructure, ensuring adequate availability of beds, supply of oxygen cylinders and essential medicines. 
 
With the threat of a third wave looming around, the government should utilise the time in strengthening public health infrastructure.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-omicron-in-india-updates-two-cases-found-in-karnataka-433212" hreflang="en">LIVE: India reports third Omicron case from Gujarat</a> 
 
This is evident from the fact that unlike the first wave (which peaked in September 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic, which largely was restricted to urban areas where testing was introduced rapidly, the second wave (peaked in May) largely spread through rural towns and villages, it said in its report 
 
The committee, thus, observed that there is a dire need for improving the geographical spread of testing facilities in rural regions of the country. It also recommended establishing sync between PHCs/CHCs with the VRDLs in the states. 
 
In its report, the committee said it apprehends that a rise in mutations in the virus may lead to reporting of more virulent and transmissible strain of the Covid virus in the country and strongly recommended the Union health ministry to adopt a zero-tolerance COVID-19 policy and closely track Covid cases across the country.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/omicron-travel-chaos-countries-that-imposed-travel-curbs-over-new-covid-variant-432196">Omicron travel chaos: Countries that imposed travel curbs over new Covid variant</a> 
 
"The committee believes that timely detection and isolation of potentially infectious people is very crucial in reducing the impact of the pandemic. The importance of diagnostic testing therefore, cannot be overlooked," the panel said in its report 
 
Besides, the government must aggressively keep pushing the vaccination programme in terms of granting approval to more vaccines, ramping up vaccine production, enhancing delivery capacity and increasing the vaccination rate, the committee said in its recommendations 
 
"With the incidence of highly mutated Omicron (B.1.1.529) strain of Covid virus, the committee strongly believes that the efficacy of the vaccines must be evaluated. The concerns with regards to the new strain developing immunoescape mechanism need to be critically addressed," it recommended 
 
An efficient and widely deployed testing mechanism will go a long way in preventing the spread of the infection, the panel noted 
 
The committee said although the second wave came almost six months after the peak of the first wave, India's testing infrastructure remained "abysmal and highly insufficient" 
 
The report stated that to combat the current pandemic and other future emergencies, India must realise its full testing capacity and augment this capacity even further and that the government should ensure that the testing should far outpace the growth of the cases to arrest future waves of Covid early 
 
"The committee also noted that with the new strain of Covid, Omicron (B.1.1.529), exhibiting 30 plus mutations, tracking and testing facilities especially at airports must also be strengthened and rigorous testing and screening of travellers must be carried out," it said 
 
"The committee is also concerned about the efficacy of the present vaccines and the possibility of mutated strain like Omicron evading vaccine immunity. The committee, therefore recommends the government to conduct more research and examine the need of administering booster dose of vaccines for containing the newer strain of virus," the committee said in its recommendations 
 
The committee recommended Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia INSACOG to closely monitor the new strain of the virus and work towards upgrading the genome sequencing infrastructure in the country 
 
With WHO designating Omicorn as a "Variant of Concern", the government must take immediate measures to prevent the transmission of any newer strains in the country, the committee said in its recommendations 
 
Further noting that the North-East region was engulfed during the second wave of the pandemic, the committee said it is high time the ministry pulls up its socks and take concrete steps to improve the largely insufficient healthcare facilities in the North-East Region of the country. 
 
The committee also sought to be apprised of the 'plan of action' with respect to utilisation of Rs 64,179.55 crore allocated for strengthening public health infrastructure for pandemic preparedness.

&nbsp;

Amid growing concerns over the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, a parliamentary committee has recommended that the efficacy of Covid vaccines must be evaluated and the government conduct more research to examine the need for booster doses to contain the new strain The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health, which presented its report on Friday, also said that concerns with regard to the new strain developing immunoescape mechanism should be critically addressed.

Amid growing concerns over the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, a parliamentary committee has recommended that the efficacy of Covid vaccines must be evaluated and the government conduct more research to examine the need for booster doses to contain the new strain The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health, which presented its report on Friday, also said that concerns with regard to the new strain developing immunoescape mechanism should be critically addressed. In view of loss of life during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the committee noted that the measures taken by the health ministry to contain or prevent the spread of SARS-COV-2 proved to be squarely inadequate and suggested that the focus should be on strengthening health infrastructure, ensuring adequate availability of beds, supply of oxygen cylinders and essential medicines. With the threat of a third wave looming around, the government should utilise the time in strengthening public health infrastructure. Also read | LIVE: India reports third Omicron case from Gujarat This is evident from the fact that unlike the first wave (which peaked in September 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic, which largely was restricted to urban areas where testing was introduced rapidly, the second wave (peaked in May) largely spread through rural towns and villages, it said in its report The committee, thus, observed that there is a dire need for improving the geographical spread of testing facilities in rural regions of the country. It also recommended establishing sync between PHCs/CHCs with the VRDLs in the states. In its report, the committee said it apprehends that a rise in mutations in the virus may lead to reporting of more virulent and transmissible strain of the Covid virus in the country and strongly recommended the Union health ministry to adopt a zero-tolerance COVID-19 policy and closely track Covid cases across the country. Also see | Omicron travel chaos: Countries that imposed travel curbs over new Covid variant "The committee believes that timely detection and isolation of potentially infectious people is very crucial in reducing the impact of the pandemic. The importance of diagnostic testing therefore, cannot be overlooked," the panel said in its report Besides, the government must aggressively keep pushing the vaccination programme in terms of granting approval to more vaccines, ramping up vaccine production, enhancing delivery capacity and increasing the vaccination rate, the committee said in its recommendations "With the incidence of highly mutated Omicron (B.1.1.529) strain of Covid virus, the committee strongly believes that the efficacy of the vaccines must be evaluated. The concerns with regards to the new strain developing immunoescape mechanism need to be critically addressed," it recommended An efficient and widely deployed testing mechanism will go a long way in preventing the spread of the infection, the panel noted The committee said although the second wave came almost six months after the peak of the first wave, India's testing infrastructure remained "abysmal and highly insufficient" The report stated that to combat the current pandemic and other future emergencies, India must realise its full testing capacity and augment this capacity even further and that the government should ensure that the testing should far outpace the growth of the cases to arrest future waves of Covid early "The committee also noted that with the new strain of Covid, Omicron (B.1.1.529), exhibiting 30 plus mutations, tracking and testing facilities especially at airports must also be strengthened and rigorous testing and screening of travellers must be carried out," it said "The committee is also concerned about the efficacy of the present vaccines and the possibility of mutated strain like Omicron evading vaccine immunity. The committee, therefore recommends the government to conduct more research and examine the need of administering booster dose of vaccines for containing the newer strain of virus," the committee said in its recommendations The committee recommended Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia INSACOG to closely monitor the new strain of the virus and work towards upgrading the genome sequencing infrastructure in the country With WHO designating Omicorn as a "Variant of Concern", the government must take immediate measures to prevent the transmission of any newer strains in the country, the committee said in its recommendations Further noting that the North-East region was engulfed during the second wave of the pandemic, the committee said it is high time the ministry pulls up its socks and take concrete steps to improve the largely insufficient healthcare facilities in the North-East Region of the country. The committee also sought to be apprised of the 'plan of action' with respect to utilisation of Rs 64,179.55 crore allocated for strengthening public health infrastructure for pandemic preparedness.

Omicron: Parliamentary panel recommends evaluation of vaccines, more research for booster dose

Life in India was coming back to normal after experiencing a deadly second wave earlier this year. Just when everyone thought things are going to be just how they were before the Delta variant hit the nation, another variant of Covid, namely Omicron, emerged in South Africa. It rapidly spread to various parts of the world, including India.

On Thursday, the Central government reported two cases of the Omicron variant in the Southern state of Karnataka.

As fears of the new variant have engulfed the nation, there is one question that needs to be answered- Is India prepared to tackle the spread of the growing Omicron variant?

One of the most concerning things about this new variant is its transmissibility rate. While experts have been warning of its low virulence, there is a fear that it may cause more infections than any previous variant.&nbsp;

Earlier, on Friday, the World Health Organization's chief scientist, Soumya Swaminathan said that the Omicron variant could become dominant because it is highly transmissible.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-highly-transmissible-could-become-dominant-says-whos-top-scientist-433999">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron variant highly transmissible, could become dominant, says WHO's top scientist</a>

"It is possible that it could become dominant variant," Swaminathan said. She further added that it is too early to predict if the Omicron variant is milder than other variants of the deadly coronavirus. "How worried should we be? We need to be prepared and cautious, not panic, because we're in a different situation to a year ago," Swaminathan said.&nbsp;

As per the scientists, the symptoms, as of now, are mild. Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry said, "All Omicron related cases are found to have mild symptoms so far...In all such cases in the country and across the world so far, no severe symptom has been noted. WHO has said that its emerging evidence is being studied."

Will the vaccines work against new variant? 
India, in October, achieved a new milestone of administering a billion vaccine doses. However, with the emergence of this new variant, there has come a big question mark on the vaccination status.

While ICMR DG Dr Balram Bhargava has said that at this stage it is very premature to comment on the efficacy of the vaccines, WHO Chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan has said that a new vaccine may not be needed.&nbsp;

Swaminathan in her interview with Reuters said that as of now, there is conclusive evidence about Omicron's impact on the effectiveness of antibodies.&nbsp;"It does seem to be able to overcome some of the natural immunity from previous infection."

"The fact that they're not getting sick ... that means the vaccines are still providing protection and we would hope that they would continue to provide protection," she said.

The head of India’s Covid task, Dr V K Paul has said that the vaccine manufacturers are also examining the issue of vaccine efficacy.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-in-india-dont-need-fear-says-health-ministry-as-first-2-cases-found-one-patient-fully-vaccinated-433526">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated</a>

Elaborating on the importance of getting vaccinated, he said that vaccination remains “the most critical tool”. 
He said that Indians are fortunate enough to have the tool in abundance.

Are there any chances of a third wave?&nbsp;

As of now, the severity of the variant is not clear. But keeping in mind the pace at which it is spreading, it is likely to move to more states in India. The scientific evidence, pertaining to the new variant, is still evolving.

(With inputs from agencies)

Life in India was coming back to normal after experiencing a deadly second wave earlier this year. Just when everyone thought things are going to be just how they were before the Delta variant hit the nation, another variant of Covid, namely Omicron, emerged in South Africa.

Life in India was coming back to normal after experiencing a deadly second wave earlier this year. Just when everyone thought things are going to be just how they were before the Delta variant hit the nation, another variant of Covid, namely Omicron, emerged in South Africa. It rapidly spread to various parts of the world, including India. On Thursday, the Central government reported two cases of the Omicron variant in the Southern state of Karnataka. As fears of the new variant have engulfed the nation, there is one question that needs to be answered- Is India prepared to tackle the spread of the growing Omicron variant? One of the most concerning things about this new variant is its transmissibility rate. While experts have been warning of its low virulence, there is a fear that it may cause more infections than any previous variant. Earlier, on Friday, the World Health Organization's chief scientist, Soumya Swaminathan said that the Omicron variant could become dominant because it is highly transmissible. Also read | Omicron variant highly transmissible, could become dominant, says WHO's top scientist "It is possible that it could become dominant variant," Swaminathan said. She further added that it is too early to predict if the Omicron variant is milder than other variants of the deadly coronavirus. "How worried should we be? We need to be prepared and cautious, not panic, because we're in a different situation to a year ago," Swaminathan said. As per the scientists, the symptoms, as of now, are mild. Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry said, "All Omicron related cases are found to have mild symptoms so far...In all such cases in the country and across the world so far, no severe symptom has been noted. WHO has said that its emerging evidence is being studied." Will the vaccines work against new variant? India, in October, achieved a new milestone of administering a billion vaccine doses. However, with the emergence of this new variant, there has come a big question mark on the vaccination status. While ICMR DG Dr Balram Bhargava has said that at this stage it is very premature to comment on the efficacy of the vaccines, WHO Chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan has said that a new vaccine may not be needed. Swaminathan in her interview with Reuters said that as of now, there is conclusive evidence about Omicron's impact on the effectiveness of antibodies. "It does seem to be able to overcome some of the natural immunity from previous infection." "The fact that they're not getting sick ... that means the vaccines are still providing protection and we would hope that they would continue to provide protection," she said. The head of India’s Covid task, Dr V K Paul has said that the vaccine manufacturers are also examining the issue of vaccine efficacy. Also read | Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated Elaborating on the importance of getting vaccinated, he said that vaccination remains “the most critical tool”. He said that Indians are fortunate enough to have the tool in abundance. Are there any chances of a third wave? As of now, the severity of the variant is not clear. But keeping in mind the pace at which it is spreading, it is likely to move to more states in India. The scientific evidence, pertaining to the new variant, is still evolving. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron: How well-prepared is India to tackle a possible spread of new Covid variant?

International flights arriving in Tamil Nadu from Singapore and the UK have been put under close watch after two passengers tested positive for COVID-19. The two passengers have been isolated and admitted to the hospital.&nbsp;

According to the Tamil Nadu government, samples for genome sequencing and identifying the COVID-19 variant are also being tested. This comes a day after two cases of the new variant of concern Omicron were detected in the neighbouring state Karnataka.&nbsp;

Elaborating on this, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Subramanian said that the Singapore returnee had tested positive at the Trichy airport and the 10-year old boy, returning from the UK had&nbsp;tested positive at Chennai. He also added that the passengers who sat in adjoining rows, air attendants, other close contacts, and families of the two travellers were being tested and monitored.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-in-india-dont-need-fear-says-health-ministry-as-first-2-cases-found-one-patient-fully-vaccinated-433526">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated</a>

Currently, passengers from 21 high-risk countries including the UK, South Africa, Hong Kong, Botswana, Israel, Singapore etc, are undergoing mass fever screening, after landing in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

Following the fever screening, the passengers undergo RTPCR tests. Those who test positive are admitted and isolated in government hospitals, while those testing negative would have to undergo 7-day home quarantine and monitoring.&nbsp;

Requesting the public to not panic, the Minister assured that the Tamil Nadu government would immediately announce if an Omicron case is detected.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-free-covid-treatment-if-not-vaccinated-in-this-southern-indian-state-433657">Also read |&nbsp;No free Covid treatment if not vaccinated in this southern Indian state</a>

He also urged the public to follow standard COVID-19 protocols and ensure that all eligible people had taken both jabs of the COVID-19 vaccines.&nbsp;

In terms of daily RTPCR testing, he said that Tamil Nadu was performing over one lakh tests, of which only around 700 persons were testing positive.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

International flights arriving in Tamil Nadu from Singapore and the UK have been put under close watch after two passengers tested positive for COVID-19. The two passengers have been isolated and admitted to the hospital.

International flights arriving in Tamil Nadu from Singapore and the UK have been put under close watch after two passengers tested positive for COVID-19. The two passengers have been isolated and admitted to the hospital. According to the Tamil Nadu government, samples for genome sequencing and identifying the COVID-19 variant are also being tested. This comes a day after two cases of the new variant of concern Omicron were detected in the neighbouring state Karnataka. Elaborating on this, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Subramanian said that the Singapore returnee had tested positive at the Trichy airport and the 10-year old boy, returning from the UK had tested positive at Chennai. He also added that the passengers who sat in adjoining rows, air attendants, other close contacts, and families of the two travellers were being tested and monitored. Also read | Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated Currently, passengers from 21 high-risk countries including the UK, South Africa, Hong Kong, Botswana, Israel, Singapore etc, are undergoing mass fever screening, after landing in Tamil Nadu. Following the fever screening, the passengers undergo RTPCR tests. Those who test positive are admitted and isolated in government hospitals, while those testing negative would have to undergo 7-day home quarantine and monitoring. Requesting the public to not panic, the Minister assured that the Tamil Nadu government would immediately announce if an Omicron case is detected. Also read | No free Covid treatment if not vaccinated in this southern Indian state He also urged the public to follow standard COVID-19 protocols and ensure that all eligible people had taken both jabs of the COVID-19 vaccines. In terms of daily RTPCR testing, he said that Tamil Nadu was performing over one lakh tests, of which only around 700 persons were testing positive.

Two people from UK and Singapore test positive for Covid in South India; further tests underway

In a bid to improve the vaccination rate, the chief minister (CM) of India’s south Kerala state announced that those who are not following COVID-19 prevention measures, like vaccination, will not be provided free treatment.

CM Pinarayi Vijayan also said that teachers and staff of educational institutions who have not taken both doses of the vaccine due to any illness or allergies, must produce a government doctor's certificate or they should get vaccinated before taking classes.

If they do not get vaccinated, they will have to get a negative RT-PCR test every week at their own cost, he said and added that these directions were being issued to ensure safety of the students going back to school and colleges.

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No more free treatment for those who do not cooperate with Covid prevention measures. Non vaccinated teachers and employees who work from offices or interact with public, will have to submit weekly results of RTPCR tests, paid for by themselves, to ensure safety of all.
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijayanpinarayi/status/1465692111219531780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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These directions would also apply to employees working in offices and public places, he said in the meeting according to the release.

The CM, in a Covid review meeting, said the government will not pay for the treatment of those who become COVID positive without receiving the vaccine, according to a release issued by the state government. Those who are unable to get vaccinated due to diseases, allergies, etc. should produce a government doctor's certificate, he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-in-india-dont-need-fear-says-health-ministry-as-first-2-cases-found-one-patient-fully-vaccinated-433526">Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated</a>

He further said that the health department has been directed to organise a special vaccination drive from December 1 to 15 in the state and District Collectors have been asked to make preparations for the same.

In view of the new variant of coronavirus, he has directed strengthening of the vigilance, including strict checking of travel history of those arriving from abroad, in the state and ensuring adherence to the COVID protocols without any lapse, the release said.

Kerala on Wednesday recorded 5,405 fresh COVID-19 cases and 403 deaths, raising the caseload to 51,35,390 and the toll to 40,535 respectively.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to improve the vaccination rate, the chief minister (CM) of India’s south Kerala state announced that those who are not following COVID-19 prevention measures, like vaccination, will not be provided free treatment.

In a bid to improve the vaccination rate, the chief minister (CM) of India’s south Kerala state announced that those who are not following COVID-19 prevention measures, like vaccination, will not be provided free treatment. CM Pinarayi Vijayan also said that teachers and staff of educational institutions who have not taken both doses of the vaccine due to any illness or allergies, must produce a government doctor's certificate or they should get vaccinated before taking classes. If they do not get vaccinated, they will have to get a negative RT-PCR test every week at their own cost, he said and added that these directions were being issued to ensure safety of the students going back to school and colleges. No more free treatment for those who do not cooperate with Covid prevention measures. Non vaccinated teachers and employees who work from offices or interact with public, will have to submit weekly results of RTPCR tests, paid for by themselves, to ensure safety of all. — Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) November 30, 2021 × These directions would also apply to employees working in offices and public places, he said in the meeting according to the release. The CM, in a Covid review meeting, said the government will not pay for the treatment of those who become COVID positive without receiving the vaccine, according to a release issued by the state government. Those who are unable to get vaccinated due to diseases, allergies, etc. should produce a government doctor's certificate, he said. Also read | Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated He further said that the health department has been directed to organise a special vaccination drive from December 1 to 15 in the state and District Collectors have been asked to make preparations for the same. In view of the new variant of coronavirus, he has directed strengthening of the vigilance, including strict checking of travel history of those arriving from abroad, in the state and ensuring adherence to the COVID protocols without any lapse, the release said. Kerala on Wednesday recorded 5,405 fresh COVID-19 cases and 403 deaths, raising the caseload to 51,35,390 and the toll to 40,535 respectively. (With inputs from agencies)

No free Covid treatment if not vaccinated in this southern Indian state

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