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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met seven Indian Covid vaccine manufacturers, including Serum Institute of India’s chief Adar Poonawalla.<o:p></o:p>

This meeting took place a few days after India achieved a historic milestone of administering one billion COVID-19 vaccines to eligible population. The goal has been achieved in nearly nine months, which includes the time the country battled second wave and shortage of vaccine supply.

<o:p></o:p>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vocal-for-local-pm-modi-urges-people-to-buy-made-in-india-products-on-diwali-422855">‘Vocal for local’: PM Modi urges people to buy ‘Made in India’ products on Diwali</a>

PM Modi met representatives of Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Zydus Cadila, Biological E, Gennova Biopharma and Panacea Biotech.<o:p></o:p>

His meeting with the representatives is understood to concentrate on ensuring adequate supply of vaccines in the country in the next few months.<o:p></o:p>

As some European and western countries battle an incoming third wave, India is hoping to administer another billion Covid vaccines in the next three to four months. Dr NK Arora, the chief of Expert Group on Vaccine Administration has claimed that the government is aiming to vaccinate almost all of the eligible population by the end of this year.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-administers-1-billion-doses-of-wuhan-virus-vaccines-422782">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-administers-1-billion-doses-of-wuhan-virus-vaccines-422782/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We finished 50 crores [500 million] on 7th August. In October, we had expected 100 crores because that was the supply side, we knew about it. Then in the coming three months, we have the arrangement for about 80-90 crore doses. In fact, by January we will have nearly 100 crore doses. We should be able to do it (another 100 crore) within the next three to four months," he said.<o:p></o:p>

Given the recent achievement and the incoming festival season, the meeting of PM Modi with vaccine manufacturers might bring out positive and concrete plans to ensure more people get vaccinated in the upcoming days.<o:p></o:p>

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar also attended the meeting with PM Modi.<o:p></o:p>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met seven Indian Covid vaccine manufacturers, including Serum Institute of India’s chief Adar Poonawalla. This meeting took place a few days after India achieved a historic milestone of administering one billion COVID-19 vaccines to eligible population.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met seven Indian Covid vaccine manufacturers, including Serum Institute of India’s chief Adar Poonawalla. This meeting took place a few days after India achieved a historic milestone of administering one billion COVID-19 vaccines to eligible population. The goal has been achieved in nearly nine months, which includes the time the country battled second wave and shortage of vaccine supply. Also read | ‘Vocal for local’: PM Modi urges people to buy ‘Made in India’ products on Diwali PM Modi met representatives of Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Zydus Cadila, Biological E, Gennova Biopharma and Panacea Biotech. His meeting with the representatives is understood to concentrate on ensuring adequate supply of vaccines in the country in the next few months. As some European and western countries battle an incoming third wave, India is hoping to administer another billion Covid vaccines in the next three to four months. Dr NK Arora, the chief of Expert Group on Vaccine Administration has claimed that the government is aiming to vaccinate almost all of the eligible population by the end of this year. WATCH | "We finished 50 crores [500 million] on 7th August. In October, we had expected 100 crores because that was the supply side, we knew about it. Then in the coming three months, we have the arrangement for about 80-90 crore doses. In fact, by January we will have nearly 100 crore doses. We should be able to do it (another 100 crore) within the next three to four months," he said. Given the recent achievement and the incoming festival season, the meeting of PM Modi with vaccine manufacturers might bring out positive and concrete plans to ensure more people get vaccinated in the upcoming days. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar also attended the meeting with PM Modi.

PM Modi meets Covid vaccine manufacturers after India administers 1 billion doses

In the early hours of Saturday, Indian Coast Guard conducted a mid-sea rescue following the collision of MV Navious Venus and fishing boat Sijumon – 01 near India’s southernmost region.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-fishermans-mortal-remains-returned-by-lankan-navy-2-still-in-custody-423294" hreflang="en">Indian fisherman’s mortal remains returned by Lankan Navy; 2 still in custody &nbsp;</a>

Two crew members of the fishing boat were thrown overboard due to the impact of collision, following which, Indian Coast Guard vessel Shaurya rescued them, based on information provided by ICG Station, Vizhinjam. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-11-of-17-missing-trekkers-found-dead-as-iafs-rescue-op-continues-423219" hreflang="en">Uttarakhand: 11 of 17 missing trekkers found dead as IAF’s rescue op continues</a>&nbsp;

After initial medical assistance and first aid, the two fishermen were transferred from ICGS Shaurya to another Coast Guard platform C-427. The duo were then taken to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College by a medical team from Indian Coast Guard Station, Vizhinjam.

<img alt="Brief 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1149ac56-3554-4d53-a7ba-23c8a725b787" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Fisher%202.jpg" />

Fishing boat Shujumon-01 entered the Colachal fishing harbour with its remaining 15 crew, while being safely escorted by other local fishing boats.

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In a wee hours operation <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaCoastGuard</a> rescue two indian fishermen off kerala-TN coast, after a merchant vessel and the fishing boat collided. 
 
Two fishers were taken to Thiruvananthapuram hospital, the boat involved in crash returned to its harbour in Colachel, TN<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://t.co/iHWedpP2Ov">pic.twitter.com/iHWedpP2Ov</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1451853309585727489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The pictures and videos of the wee-hours incident show Indian Coast Guard personnel helping the two middle-aged fishermen&nbsp;climb onto the coast guard ship, following which they were given first aid. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the early hours of Saturday, Indian Coast Guard conducted a mid-sea rescue following the collision of MV Navious Venus and fishing boat Sijumon – 01 near India’s southernmost region.

In the early hours of Saturday, Indian Coast Guard conducted a mid-sea rescue following the collision of MV Navious Venus and fishing boat Sijumon – 01 near India’s southernmost region. Also Read: Indian fisherman’s mortal remains returned by Lankan Navy; 2 still in custody Two crew members of the fishing boat were thrown overboard due to the impact of collision, following which, Indian Coast Guard vessel Shaurya rescued them, based on information provided by ICG Station, Vizhinjam. Also Read: Uttarakhand: 11 of 17 missing trekkers found dead as IAF’s rescue op continues After initial medical assistance and first aid, the two fishermen were transferred from ICGS Shaurya to another Coast Guard platform C-427. The duo were then taken to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College by a medical team from Indian Coast Guard Station, Vizhinjam. Fishing boat Shujumon-01 entered the Colachal fishing harbour with its remaining 15 crew, while being safely escorted by other local fishing boats. In a wee hours operation @IndiaCoastGuard rescue two indian fishermen off kerala-TN coast, after a merchant vessel and the fishing boat collided. Two fishers were taken to Thiruvananthapuram hospital, the boat involved in crash returned to its harbour in Colachel, TN#India pic.twitter.com/iHWedpP2Ov — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 23, 2021 × The pictures and videos of the wee-hours incident show Indian Coast Guard personnel helping the two middle-aged fishermen climb onto the coast guard ship, following which they were given first aid.

Indian Coast Guard rescues 2 fishermen after fishing boat-merchant vessel mid-sea collision

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived here on Saturday for his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since Article 370 was revoked in August 2019 and drove straight to meet the family of a police officer killed by terrorists earlier this year.

Shah, who will also be visiting Jammu where he will address a public rally, will review the security situation in the Valley during his three-day trip to the union territory and also flag off the inaugural Srinagar-Sharjah flight.

He was received at the Srinagar airport by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and other senior officials of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, officials said.

From the airport, Shah went straight to the residence of Inspector Parvaiz Ahmad in Nowgam on the outskirts of the city. The police officer was shot dead on June 22 as he was returning home after praying at a local mosque.

This is Shah's first visit since Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 was revoked on August 5, 2019, and the state bifurcated into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Security was beefed up across Kashmir ahead of Shah's visit that comes in the wake of the spate of civilians, particularly non-locals and minorities, being killed. Additional forces had been deployed, particularly in the city, officials said.

Later, Shah reviewed the security scenario at a meeting held at the Raj Bhawan here and attended by top civil administration officials, including Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and senior security officials from the Army, CRPF, police and other agencies, officials said.

The home minister was briefed about the steps taken to eliminate terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir and counter-infiltration measures taken by the forces, the officials said.

Shah's visit to Kashmir comes in the backdrop of 11 civilian killings in the valley in October alone. Five of those killed were labourers from Bihar, while three, including two teachers, belonged to minority communities in Kashmir.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived here on Saturday for his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since Article 370 was revoked in August 2019 and drove straight to meet the family of a police officer killed by terrorists earlier this year.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived here on Saturday for his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since Article 370 was revoked in August 2019 and drove straight to meet the family of a police officer killed by terrorists earlier this year. Shah, who will also be visiting Jammu where he will address a public rally, will review the security situation in the Valley during his three-day trip to the union territory and also flag off the inaugural Srinagar-Sharjah flight. He was received at the Srinagar airport by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and other senior officials of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, officials said. From the airport, Shah went straight to the residence of Inspector Parvaiz Ahmad in Nowgam on the outskirts of the city. The police officer was shot dead on June 22 as he was returning home after praying at a local mosque. This is Shah's first visit since Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 was revoked on August 5, 2019, and the state bifurcated into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Security was beefed up across Kashmir ahead of Shah's visit that comes in the wake of the spate of civilians, particularly non-locals and minorities, being killed. Additional forces had been deployed, particularly in the city, officials said. Later, Shah reviewed the security scenario at a meeting held at the Raj Bhawan here and attended by top civil administration officials, including Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and senior security officials from the Army, CRPF, police and other agencies, officials said. The home minister was briefed about the steps taken to eliminate terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir and counter-infiltration measures taken by the forces, the officials said. Shah's visit to Kashmir comes in the backdrop of 11 civilian killings in the valley in October alone. Five of those killed were labourers from Bihar, while three, including two teachers, belonged to minority communities in Kashmir.

Amit Shah in J&K for first visit since abrogation of Article 370; meets slain cop's family

At least 11 of 17 trekkers including tourists, porters and guides were reported dead on Friday after going missing on Monday in Uttarakhand due to heavy snowfall and inclement weather. &nbsp;&nbsp;

They had lost their way in the bad weather. The Indian Air Force is currently conducting a massive rescue operation in the area. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/need-to-ensure-afghan-territory-is-not-used-to-attack-any-country-say-jaishankar-uk-counterpart-423172" hreflang="en">Need to ensure Afghan territory is not used to attack any country, say Jaishankar, UK counterpart</a>

The survivors were given first aid at Harsil and the sent to District Hospital, Uttarkashi. For the rest of the trekkers, the rescue operation will be conducted on Saturday, said sources. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Two members of the team were rescued on Thursday. They were hurt and are currently undergoing treatment, said an official. They had gone missing during a trek to Chitkul in Himachal Pradesh via Harsil in Uttarkashi.&nbsp;

Uttarkashi’s search and rescue teams spotted five bodies of trekkers on Thursday. Two members of the team were also found dead in Himachal Pradesh, said Uttarkashi district disaster management officer Devendra Patwal. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-ambulance-service-employed-to-rescue-people-from-remote-areas-in-himalayan-uttarakhand-state-423163" hreflang="en">Air ambulance service employed to rescue people from remote areas in Himalayan Uttarakhand state</a>

Search is still going on for the two missing members of the team with the help of a helicopter, Colonel Rajendra Prasad of 9 Bihar Regiment said. &nbsp;

The team, which consisted of eight trekkers, went missing on a trek to Chitkul recently. In the team, one person was from Delhi and the rest were from West Bengal and three cooks were also there. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

At least 11 of 17 trekkers including tourists, porters and guides were reported dead on Friday after going missing on Monday in Uttarakhand due to heavy snowfall and inclement weather.

At least 11 of 17 trekkers including tourists, porters and guides were reported dead on Friday after going missing on Monday in Uttarakhand due to heavy snowfall and inclement weather. They had lost their way in the bad weather. The Indian Air Force is currently conducting a massive rescue operation in the area. Also Read: Need to ensure Afghan territory is not used to attack any country, say Jaishankar, UK counterpart The survivors were given first aid at Harsil and the sent to District Hospital, Uttarkashi. For the rest of the trekkers, the rescue operation will be conducted on Saturday, said sources. Two members of the team were rescued on Thursday. They were hurt and are currently undergoing treatment, said an official. They had gone missing during a trek to Chitkul in Himachal Pradesh via Harsil in Uttarkashi. Uttarkashi’s search and rescue teams spotted five bodies of trekkers on Thursday. Two members of the team were also found dead in Himachal Pradesh, said Uttarkashi district disaster management officer Devendra Patwal. Also Read: Air ambulance service employed to rescue people from remote areas in Himalayan Uttarakhand state Search is still going on for the two missing members of the team with the help of a helicopter, Colonel Rajendra Prasad of 9 Bihar Regiment said. The team, which consisted of eight trekkers, went missing on a trek to Chitkul recently. In the team, one person was from Delhi and the rest were from West Bengal and three cooks were also there. (With inputs from agencies)

Uttarakhand: 11 of 17 missing trekkers found dead as IAF’s rescue op continues

India on Saturday registered 16,326 fresh Covid cases and 666 deaths, according to the latest data from the Union Health Ministry.

The new fatalities have increased the overall death toll to 4,53,708.

The recovery of 17,677 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally to 3,35,32,126.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-proposes-mutual-recognition-of-covid-vaccine-certificates-to-pakistan-423132">India proposes mutual recognition of Covid vaccine certificates to Pakistan</a>

Consequently, India's recovery rate stands at 98.16 per cent, currently at its highest peak since March 2020.

The active caseload remains below the 2 lakh mark and is presently at 1,73,728 which is lowest in 233 days.

Active cases presently constitute 0.51 per cent of the country`s total positive cases, which is the lowest since March 2020.

The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 13,64,681 tests being conducted.

With this, the country has so far conducted over 59.84 crore cumulative tests.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-doctors-affirm-us-study-that-says-first-dose-of-covid-19-vaccine-boosts-mental-health-422841">Indian doctors affirm US study that says first dose of COVID-19 vaccine boosts mental health</a>

While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, the weekly positivity rate at 1.24 per cent has remained less than 2 per cent for the last 29 days now.

The daily positivity rate at 1.20 per cent has been below 2 per cent for last 19 days and less than 3 per cent for 54 consecutive days now.

With the administration of 68,48,417 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 inoculation coverage has reached 101.3 crore.

This has been achieved through 1,00,29,602 sessions.

India on Saturday registered 16,326 fresh Covid cases and 666 deaths, according to the latest data from the Union Health Ministry. The new fatalities have increased the overall death toll to 4,53,708.

India on Saturday registered 16,326 fresh Covid cases and 666 deaths, according to the latest data from the Union Health Ministry. The new fatalities have increased the overall death toll to 4,53,708. The recovery of 17,677 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally to 3,35,32,126. Also Read | India proposes mutual recognition of Covid vaccine certificates to Pakistan Consequently, India's recovery rate stands at 98.16 per cent, currently at its highest peak since March 2020. The active caseload remains below the 2 lakh mark and is presently at 1,73,728 which is lowest in 233 days. Active cases presently constitute 0.51 per cent of the country`s total positive cases, which is the lowest since March 2020. The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 13,64,681 tests being conducted. With this, the country has so far conducted over 59.84 crore cumulative tests. Also Read | Indian doctors affirm US study that says first dose of COVID-19 vaccine boosts mental health While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, the weekly positivity rate at 1.24 per cent has remained less than 2 per cent for the last 29 days now. The daily positivity rate at 1.20 per cent has been below 2 per cent for last 19 days and less than 3 per cent for 54 consecutive days now. With the administration of 68,48,417 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 inoculation coverage has reached 101.3 crore. This has been achieved through 1,00,29,602 sessions.

India logs 16,326 fresh Covid cases, 666 deaths

Fifty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) teams, special sniper units, drones and sharpshooters have been deployed ahead of Indian home minister Amit Shah’s three-day visit, to the northern Jammu and Kashmir state, which has witnessed a spate of civilian killings by the terrorists recently.

Notably, this will be the minister’s first visit to the Union Territory since its formation following the scrapping of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.

Shah will arrive in Srinagar on Saturday accompanied by the other senior officials of the home ministry, heads of most of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the intelligence agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB).

Temporary checkpoints and new bunkers have been created in Srinagar and other parts of the Valley. For the first time since 1990s, women CRPF personnel have been deployed in the city centre, Lal Chowk, and other areas to frisk women.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorists-involved-in-killing-migrant-workers-in-jk-eliminated-police-422491">Terrorists involved in killing migrant workers in J&amp;K eliminated: Police</a>

The authorities have also suspended mobile internet in some parts of the Valley as a precautionary measure.

The visit comes in the backdrop of heightened terrorism activity in the state. Eleven civilians—most from the minority communities, including migrant labourers from other states—were shot down in targeted killings by the terrorists this month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-13-terrorists-killed-in-9-encounters-after-civilian-killings-421340">J&amp;K: 13 terrorists killed in 9 encounters after civilian killings</a>

The visit also comes amidst ongoing anti-terror operations in Poonch forests, where nine Army personnel were killed, increasing use of drones by Pakistan to ferry weapons and explosives along the Line of Control border, and attacks on security establishments in the region.

As per the itinerary schedule, Shah will hold security review meetings with armed forces and will meet the families of those killed in the recent civilian killings.

Apart from that, Amit Shah will reportedly inaugurate a direct flight between Srinagar and Sharjah on the first day of his visit and lay foundation stones of two medical colleges.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/19-year-old-pakistani-terrorist-ali-babar-patra-surrendered-in-jk-416600">19-year-old Pakistani terrorist, Ali Babar Patra, surrendered in J&amp;K</a>

He is then scheduled to chair a meeting of the Unified Command to review the security situation on the ground.

On Sunday, Amit Shah will travel to Jammu where he will address a public rally.

On Monday, the Union Home Minister is likely to meet sarpanches (village heads) to address their concerns before flying out.

(With inputs from agencies)

Fifty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) teams, special sniper units, drones and sharpshooters have been deployed ahead of Indian home minister Amit Shah’s three-day visit, to the northern Jammu and Kashmir state, which has witnessed a spate of civilian killings by the terrorists recently.

Fifty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) teams, special sniper units, drones and sharpshooters have been deployed ahead of Indian home minister Amit Shah’s three-day visit, to the northern Jammu and Kashmir state, which has witnessed a spate of civilian killings by the terrorists recently. Notably, this will be the minister’s first visit to the Union Territory since its formation following the scrapping of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. Shah will arrive in Srinagar on Saturday accompanied by the other senior officials of the home ministry, heads of most of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the intelligence agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Temporary checkpoints and new bunkers have been created in Srinagar and other parts of the Valley. For the first time since 1990s, women CRPF personnel have been deployed in the city centre, Lal Chowk, and other areas to frisk women. Also read | Terrorists involved in killing migrant workers in J&K eliminated: Police The authorities have also suspended mobile internet in some parts of the Valley as a precautionary measure. The visit comes in the backdrop of heightened terrorism activity in the state. Eleven civilians—most from the minority communities, including migrant labourers from other states—were shot down in targeted killings by the terrorists this month. Also read | J&K: 13 terrorists killed in 9 encounters after civilian killings The visit also comes amidst ongoing anti-terror operations in Poonch forests, where nine Army personnel were killed, increasing use of drones by Pakistan to ferry weapons and explosives along the Line of Control border, and attacks on security establishments in the region. As per the itinerary schedule, Shah will hold security review meetings with armed forces and will meet the families of those killed in the recent civilian killings. Apart from that, Amit Shah will reportedly inaugurate a direct flight between Srinagar and Sharjah on the first day of his visit and lay foundation stones of two medical colleges. Also read | 19-year-old Pakistani terrorist, Ali Babar Patra, surrendered in J&K He is then scheduled to chair a meeting of the Unified Command to review the security situation on the ground. On Sunday, Amit Shah will travel to Jammu where he will address a public rally. On Monday, the Union Home Minister is likely to meet sarpanches (village heads) to address their concerns before flying out. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s Jammu and Kashmir turns into fortress ahead of home minister Amit Shah’s 3-day visit

India's Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday directed officials to start air ambulance service to rescue people from remote villages and inaccessible areas following incessant rains.

In another tweet, he also ordered to airlift three people who have been injured in Chamoli district's Maithana village.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rain-in-indias-northern-states-claims-46-lives-alert-sounded-in-southern-kerala-state-422189">Rain in India's northern states claims 46 lives, alert sounded in southern Kerala state</a>

Those injured have been shifted to Dehradun hospital for better treatment. Earlier on Friday, Dhami met families of two people who went missing in the landslide in the Dungri village of Chamoli district. Two people went missing as heavy rain triggered a landslide at Dungri village in Karnaprayag tehsil, Chamoli district on October 20.

Rescue operations by the local administration and Disaster management agencies were launched, as per the district magistrate Himanshu Khurana.

Amid torrential rains, the hilly state has witnessed flooded roads, buildings, landslides and overflowing rivers leaving people stranded in various places.

On Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted an aerial survey of rain-affected areas of Uttarakhand and said effective coordination between various agencies and timely warnings had helped contain the loss of life and property in the state.

The death toll in the rain-battered Uttarakhand has mounted to 64 and 11 people are still missing according to official estimates.&nbsp;

India's Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday directed officials to start air ambulance service to rescue people from remote villages and inaccessible areas following incessant rains.

India's Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday directed officials to start air ambulance service to rescue people from remote villages and inaccessible areas following incessant rains. In another tweet, he also ordered to airlift three people who have been injured in Chamoli district's Maithana village. Also Read | Rain in India's northern states claims 46 lives, alert sounded in southern Kerala state Those injured have been shifted to Dehradun hospital for better treatment. Earlier on Friday, Dhami met families of two people who went missing in the landslide in the Dungri village of Chamoli district. Two people went missing as heavy rain triggered a landslide at Dungri village in Karnaprayag tehsil, Chamoli district on October 20. Rescue operations by the local administration and Disaster management agencies were launched, as per the district magistrate Himanshu Khurana. Amid torrential rains, the hilly state has witnessed flooded roads, buildings, landslides and overflowing rivers leaving people stranded in various places. On Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted an aerial survey of rain-affected areas of Uttarakhand and said effective coordination between various agencies and timely warnings had helped contain the loss of life and property in the state. The death toll in the rain-battered Uttarakhand has mounted to 64 and 11 people are still missing according to official estimates.

Air ambulance service employed to rescue people from remote areas in Himalayan Uttarakhand state

India and UK on Friday agreed on the need to ensure that Afghan territory should not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists.

This statement was issued after India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held bilateral talks with the visiting UK Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss and discussed several issues including strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and countering terrorism and radical extremism.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jaishankar-calls-on-israeli-prez-pm-discusses-bilateral-relations-422302">Jaishankar calls on Israeli Prez, PM; discusses bilateral relations</a>

A statement issued by External Affairs Ministry said that Mr Jaishankar and Ms Truss discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest while sharing their commitment to a multi-polar world and multilateralism.

"They agreed to strengthen cooperation in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific, on countering terrorism and radical extremism, and addressing emerging challenges in the cyber and space domains," the statement said.

"On Afghanistan, the need for full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance was discussed, as also the need for Afghan territory not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists, or to plan or to finance terrorist attacks," it added.

Both Ministers undertook a detailed review of the Roadmap 2030 launched during the India-UK Virtual Summit held on May 4, 2021.

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India and UK Roadmap 2030 aimed to elevate the India-UK relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and this will also guide cooperation for the next 10 years covering all aspects of our multi-faceted relations.

During her stay in New Delhi, Ms Truss also met the Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman and the Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav.

On October 23, she will be visiting Mumbai where she will participate in business and defence engagements held in connection with the visit of Carrier Strike Group 21 (CSG21) to India. She would also pay her respects at the memorial to honour the victims of the terrorist attack in Mumbai on &nbsp;November 26, 2008.

India and UK on Friday agreed on the need to ensure that Afghan territory should not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists.

India and UK on Friday agreed on the need to ensure that Afghan territory should not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists. This statement was issued after India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held bilateral talks with the visiting UK Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss and discussed several issues including strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and countering terrorism and radical extremism. Also Read | Jaishankar calls on Israeli Prez, PM; discusses bilateral relations A statement issued by External Affairs Ministry said that Mr Jaishankar and Ms Truss discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest while sharing their commitment to a multi-polar world and multilateralism. "They agreed to strengthen cooperation in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific, on countering terrorism and radical extremism, and addressing emerging challenges in the cyber and space domains," the statement said. "On Afghanistan, the need for full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance was discussed, as also the need for Afghan territory not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists, or to plan or to finance terrorist attacks," it added. Both Ministers undertook a detailed review of the Roadmap 2030 launched during the India-UK Virtual Summit held on May 4, 2021. Also Read | Jaishankar discusses expanding academic research between India, Israel India and UK Roadmap 2030 aimed to elevate the India-UK relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and this will also guide cooperation for the next 10 years covering all aspects of our multi-faceted relations. During her stay in New Delhi, Ms Truss also met the Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman and the Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav. On October 23, she will be visiting Mumbai where she will participate in business and defence engagements held in connection with the visit of Carrier Strike Group 21 (CSG21) to India. She would also pay her respects at the memorial to honour the victims of the terrorist attack in Mumbai on November 26, 2008.

Need to ensure Afghan territory is not used to attack any country, say Jaishankar, UK counterpart

The Indian government has defended in the Delhi High Court the legal validity of its new IT rule requiring messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, to trace&nbsp;the first originator of the information, saying that the law empowers it to expect such entities to create safe cyberspace and counter illegal content either themselves or by assisting the law enforcement agencies.

The government said that Section 87 of the Information Technology Act gave it the power to formulate Rule 4(2) of the Intermediary Rules -- which mandates a significant social media intermediary to enable the identification of the first originator of information in legitimate state interest&nbsp;of curbing the menace of fake news and offences concerning national security and public order as well as women and children.

In its affidavit filed in response to WhatsApp's challenge to the rule on the ground that breaking the encryption invades its users&nbsp;privacy, the Centre has claimed that platforms monetise users&nbsp;information for business/ commercial purposes are not legally entitled to claim that it protects privacy.

Also Read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-to-pay-french-publishers-for-news-content-422671">Facebook to pay French publishers for news content</a>

Petitioners (WhatsApp and Facebook), being multi-billion dollar enterprises, almost singularly on the basis of mining, owning and storing the private data of natural persons across the world and thereafter monetizing the same, cannot claim any representative privacy right on behalf of the natural persons using the platform,&nbsp;said the affidavit filed by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

WhatsApp collects users&nbsp;personal information and shares it with Facebook and third-party entities for business/commercial purposes (WhatsApp's privacy policy of 2016 and its 2021 update). In fact, the regulators of various countries dearly hold that Facebook should be fixed with accountability for its services and data management practices,&nbsp;it added.

The government&nbsp;said reasons regarding 'technical difficulties cannot be an excuse to refuse compliance to the law of the land and if a platform does not have the means to trace the first originator&nbsp;without breaking the encryption then it is the platform which ought to develop such mechanism&nbsp;in larger public duty.

The Rule does not contemplate the platforms breaking the end-to-end encryption. The Rule only contemplates the platform to provide the details of the first originator by any means or mechanism available with the platform. If the platform does not have such means, the platform ought to develop such mechanism considering the platforms widespread prevalence and the larger public duty, the affidavit said.

The government said if the intermediary is not able to prevent or detect the criminal activities happening on its platform, then the problem lies in the platform's architecture and the platform must rectify their architecture and not expect the change of legislation. Reasons regarding 'technical difficulties' cannot be an excuse to refuse compliance to the law of the land.

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In August, a bench headed by Chief Justice DN Patel had sought the Centre's stand on WhatsApp petition challenging new rule on the ground it violates the right to privacy and is unconstitutional.

WhatsApp's parent company Facebook has also mounted a similar challenge to the rule.

In its plea, WhatsApp had said that the traceability requirement forced it break end-to-end encryption&nbsp;and thus infringe upon the fundamental rights to privacy and free speech of the hundreds of millions of citizens using its platform to communicate privately and securely.

The Centre, in its response, has said that the petition by WhatsApp is not maintainable as a challenge to the constitutionality of any Indian law is not maintainable at the instance of a foreign commercial entity. 
It further claimed that Rule 4(2) is an embodiment of competing rights of citizens of India&nbsp;and aims to preserve the rights of vulnerable citizens within the cyberspace who can be or are victims of cyber-crime.

The government said there are checks and balances to ensure that the rule is not misused or invoked in cases where other less intrusive means are effective in identifying the originator of the information. 
The identification of the first originator pertains only to viral content relating to heinous crimes, as specified in the rule, and not identifying all users or citizens, it said.

If the IT Rules 2021 are not implemented the law enforcement agencies will have difficulty in tracing the origin of fake messages and such messages will percolate in other platforms thereby disturbing peace and harmony in the society further leading to public order issues,&nbsp;the affidavit said.

The government has also said that in case of any legal proceeding having any message on the platform as evidence, WhatsApp would lose the defence of 'intermediary protection' but it does not mean that WhatsApp will be held guilty and its officials would be legally responsible.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/whatsapp-adds-indian-rupee-symbol-to-chat-box-for-digital-payments-417405">WhatsApp adds Indian Rupee symbol to chat box for digital payments&nbsp;</a>

The courts can include WhatsApp as a respondent and consider 'Contributory Negligence' and 'Vicarious liability on WhatsApp and its executives' (under Section 85). Such liabilities will fructify only when such a case comes up and WhatsApp is named as an entity that it is sufficiently proved that it has contributed to the commission of the crime,&nbsp;it added.

The government also said that the Supreme Court itself had asked the Central government to take all the steps necessary to identify persons who create and circulate electronic information&nbsp;about certain offences such as sexual abuse.&nbsp;

The Indian government has defended in the Delhi High Court the legal validity of its new IT rule requiring messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, to trace the first originator of the information, saying that the law empowers it to expect such entities to create safe cyberspace and counter illegal content either themselves or by assisting the law enforcement agencies.

The Indian government has defended in the Delhi High Court the legal validity of its new IT rule requiring messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, to trace the first originator of the information, saying that the law empowers it to expect such entities to create safe cyberspace and counter illegal content either themselves or by assisting the law enforcement agencies. The government said that Section 87 of the Information Technology Act gave it the power to formulate Rule 4(2) of the Intermediary Rules -- which mandates a significant social media intermediary to enable the identification of the first originator of information in legitimate state interest of curbing the menace of fake news and offences concerning national security and public order as well as women and children. In its affidavit filed in response to WhatsApp's challenge to the rule on the ground that breaking the encryption invades its users privacy, the Centre has claimed that platforms monetise users information for business/ commercial purposes are not legally entitled to claim that it protects privacy. Also Read | Facebook to pay French publishers for news content Petitioners (WhatsApp and Facebook), being multi-billion dollar enterprises, almost singularly on the basis of mining, owning and storing the private data of natural persons across the world and thereafter monetizing the same, cannot claim any representative privacy right on behalf of the natural persons using the platform, said the affidavit filed by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. WhatsApp collects users personal information and shares it with Facebook and third-party entities for business/commercial purposes (WhatsApp's privacy policy of 2016 and its 2021 update). In fact, the regulators of various countries dearly hold that Facebook should be fixed with accountability for its services and data management practices, it added. The government said reasons regarding 'technical difficulties cannot be an excuse to refuse compliance to the law of the land and if a platform does not have the means to trace the first originator without breaking the encryption then it is the platform which ought to develop such mechanism in larger public duty. The Rule does not contemplate the platforms breaking the end-to-end encryption. The Rule only contemplates the platform to provide the details of the first originator by any means or mechanism available with the platform. If the platform does not have such means, the platform ought to develop such mechanism considering the platforms widespread prevalence and the larger public duty, the affidavit said. The government said if the intermediary is not able to prevent or detect the criminal activities happening on its platform, then the problem lies in the platform's architecture and the platform must rectify their architecture and not expect the change of legislation. Reasons regarding 'technical difficulties' cannot be an excuse to refuse compliance to the law of the land. Also read | Facebook planning to change its name, announcement likely in a week: Report In August, a bench headed by Chief Justice DN Patel had sought the Centre's stand on WhatsApp petition challenging new rule on the ground it violates the right to privacy and is unconstitutional. WhatsApp's parent company Facebook has also mounted a similar challenge to the rule. In its plea, WhatsApp had said that the traceability requirement forced it break end-to-end encryption and thus infringe upon the fundamental rights to privacy and free speech of the hundreds of millions of citizens using its platform to communicate privately and securely. The Centre, in its response, has said that the petition by WhatsApp is not maintainable as a challenge to the constitutionality of any Indian law is not maintainable at the instance of a foreign commercial entity. It further claimed that Rule 4(2) is an embodiment of competing rights of citizens of India and aims to preserve the rights of vulnerable citizens within the cyberspace who can be or are victims of cyber-crime. The government said there are checks and balances to ensure that the rule is not misused or invoked in cases where other less intrusive means are effective in identifying the originator of the information. The identification of the first originator pertains only to viral content relating to heinous crimes, as specified in the rule, and not identifying all users or citizens, it said. If the IT Rules 2021 are not implemented the law enforcement agencies will have difficulty in tracing the origin of fake messages and such messages will percolate in other platforms thereby disturbing peace and harmony in the society further leading to public order issues, the affidavit said. The government has also said that in case of any legal proceeding having any message on the platform as evidence, WhatsApp would lose the defence of 'intermediary protection' but it does not mean that WhatsApp will be held guilty and its officials would be legally responsible. Also Read | WhatsApp adds Indian Rupee symbol to chat box for digital payments The courts can include WhatsApp as a respondent and consider 'Contributory Negligence' and 'Vicarious liability on WhatsApp and its executives' (under Section 85). Such liabilities will fructify only when such a case comes up and WhatsApp is named as an entity that it is sufficiently proved that it has contributed to the commission of the crime, it added. The government also said that the Supreme Court itself had asked the Central government to take all the steps necessary to identify persons who create and circulate electronic information about certain offences such as sexual abuse.

Indian govt in high court defends IT rule requiring WhatsApp to trace originator of message

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Italian Capital Rome and United Kingdom's Glasgow next week for two crucial summits — the G20 summit and the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP26).

He will be leaving for Rome on October 28 and will be in the city for the 16th G20 leaders' summit that takes place on&nbsp;October 30-31. It will naturally be an occasion for number of bilateral on the sidelines of the annual meet of the 20 most powerful economies.

The key priorities under Italian presidency will be on dealing with the Covid crisis and&nbsp;its economic impact. Last year, the summit took place virtually under the Saudi Presidency due to the Covid pandemic. That was the first time the summit happened virtually in more than a decade since its formation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-indian-covid-vaccine-manufacturers-after-administering-1-billion-doses-423333" hreflang="en">PM Modi meets Covid vaccine manufacturers after administering 1 billion doses</a>

However, there will be few notable absentees who&nbsp;won't be present in person at the summit. The ones who won't be able to attend&nbsp;the summit in-person are Russian president Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japan's new PM Fumio Kishida, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. While the Japanese PM and President Cyril Ramaphosa will be busy with elections during those dates, the Russian President had to skip the summit due to covid crisis at home.

Absence of Japanese, Russian and Chinese leaders means no in-person trilaterals such as JAI (Japan, America, India) or RIC (Russia, India, China) will happen. It had traditionally become a part of key meets on the sidelines of the G20 meetings.

Climate change will be another key focus at the G20 summit, which comes ahead of the crucial Glasgow climate summit from October 31 to November 12.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/need-to-ensure-afghan-territory-is-not-used-to-attack-any-country-say-jaishankar-uk-counterpart-423172" hreflang="en">Need to ensure Afghan territory is not used to attack any country, say Jaishankar, UK counterpart</a>

PM Modi will leave Rome on October 31 for Glasgow and he will address the meet on November 01. He is also expected to hold in person talks with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, something both sides were waiting for. This comes a little after the&nbsp;UK PM was invited to be the chief guest at India's republic day parade earlier this year, which was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.&nbsp;Later, PM Modi was scheduled to visit G7 leaders meet as special guest which also met the same fate.

Ahead of his UK visit, British foreign secretary Liz Truss is in India and on Friday held talks with her counterpart external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar. At the meeting, on Friday with EAM, FS Liz said, "There is so much more we can do in areas like sharing our expertise on the environment ahead of the COP26 summit, we are delighted the Prime Minister will be there."

Her visit coincides with the visit of UK chief of staff General Sir Nicholas Carter, Chief of Naval Staff of UK Admiral Tony Radakin (First Sea Lord). &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vocal-for-local-pm-modi-urges-people-to-buy-made-in-india-products-on-diwali-422855" hreflang="en">‘Vocal for local’: PM Modi urges people to buy ‘Made in India’ products on Diwali</a>

Meanwhile, Maiden India – UK Joint Tri-Service exercise Konkan Shakti are also underway from October 21 to 27. The harbor phase happened in Mumbai from October 21-23, the sea phase from 24th to 27th, land phase in Chaubatia with air tactical operations involving F35s and MiG 26Ks.

New Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba will also be in Glasgow, and a bilateral cant be ruled out with Indian PM. PM Modi will be back in the country on 3rd. This will be his third foreign visit amid the Covid pandemic. This year he has been to Bangladesh in March and US in September. Before pandemic hit, his last visit was in November 2019.

Next will also see key Asean summits and meetings, including the East Asia summit. The meetings are taking place virtually and India will be present in the meetings. Brunei is the host of ASEAN this year. PM was also invited for the Saudi Green Initiative and Middle east green initiative by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The Saudi summits are taking place in Riyadh from October 23-25, with India's environment minister representing the country in many of the meetings.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Italian Capital Rome and United Kingdom's Glasgow next week for two crucial summits — the G20 summit and the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP26).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Italian Capital Rome and United Kingdom's Glasgow next week for two crucial summits — the G20 summit and the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP26). He will be leaving for Rome on October 28 and will be in the city for the 16th G20 leaders' summit that takes place on October 30-31. It will naturally be an occasion for number of bilateral on the sidelines of the annual meet of the 20 most powerful economies. The key priorities under Italian presidency will be on dealing with the Covid crisis and its economic impact. Last year, the summit took place virtually under the Saudi Presidency due to the Covid pandemic. That was the first time the summit happened virtually in more than a decade since its formation. Also read | PM Modi meets Covid vaccine manufacturers after administering 1 billion doses However, there will be few notable absentees who won't be present in person at the summit. The ones who won't be able to attend the summit in-person are Russian president Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japan's new PM Fumio Kishida, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. While the Japanese PM and President Cyril Ramaphosa will be busy with elections during those dates, the Russian President had to skip the summit due to covid crisis at home. Absence of Japanese, Russian and Chinese leaders means no in-person trilaterals such as JAI (Japan, America, India) or RIC (Russia, India, China) will happen. It had traditionally become a part of key meets on the sidelines of the G20 meetings. Climate change will be another key focus at the G20 summit, which comes ahead of the crucial Glasgow climate summit from October 31 to November 12. Also read | Need to ensure Afghan territory is not used to attack any country, say Jaishankar, UK counterpart PM Modi will leave Rome on October 31 for Glasgow and he will address the meet on November 01. He is also expected to hold in person talks with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, something both sides were waiting for. This comes a little after the UK PM was invited to be the chief guest at India's republic day parade earlier this year, which was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic. Later, PM Modi was scheduled to visit G7 leaders meet as special guest which also met the same fate. Ahead of his UK visit, British foreign secretary Liz Truss is in India and on Friday held talks with her counterpart external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar. At the meeting, on Friday with EAM, FS Liz said, "There is so much more we can do in areas like sharing our expertise on the environment ahead of the COP26 summit, we are delighted the Prime Minister will be there." Her visit coincides with the visit of UK chief of staff General Sir Nicholas Carter, Chief of Naval Staff of UK Admiral Tony Radakin (First Sea Lord). Also read | ‘Vocal for local’: PM Modi urges people to buy ‘Made in India’ products on Diwali Meanwhile, Maiden India – UK Joint Tri-Service exercise Konkan Shakti are also underway from October 21 to 27. The harbor phase happened in Mumbai from October 21-23, the sea phase from 24th to 27th, land phase in Chaubatia with air tactical operations involving F35s and MiG 26Ks. New Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba will also be in Glasgow, and a bilateral cant be ruled out with Indian PM. PM Modi will be back in the country on 3rd. This will be his third foreign visit amid the Covid pandemic. This year he has been to Bangladesh in March and US in September. Before pandemic hit, his last visit was in November 2019. Next will also see key Asean summits and meetings, including the East Asia summit. The meetings are taking place virtually and India will be present in the meetings. Brunei is the host of ASEAN this year. PM was also invited for the Saudi Green Initiative and Middle east green initiative by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The Saudi summits are taking place in Riyadh from October 23-25, with India's environment minister representing the country in many of the meetings.

Indian PM Modi to visit Italy and UK next week

Mortal remains of Indian fisherman Rajkiran were repatriated on Saturday noon by the Sri Lankan Navy, by handing it over to an Indian fishing boat, near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) that separates both nations. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The mortal remains were taken to the Kottaipattinam fishing hamlet in Tamil Nadu’s Pudukottai district. However, two other fishermen, who accompanied Rajkiran, on the same boat, continue to remain in Lankan custody. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Fishing communities in Ramanathapuram and Pudukottai districts of Tamil Nadu held a protest condemning the Indian and Tamil Nadu governments for allegedly not protecting fishermen. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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They also angrily raised doubts over actions of Chief Minister MK Stalin, who had only offered Rs 10 lakh in compensation for the bereaved family, a meagre sum in comparison to the Rs 1 crore that Stalin used to demand, when he was an opposition leader. They also urged the Tamil Nadu and Indian Government to promulgate a law to protect fishermen. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Rajkiran, Xavier and Suganthiran left from their respective homes in the Kottaipattinam fishing hamlet in Southern Tamil Nadu, on Monday. On the same day, the fishing boat they were sailing in, ended up getting sunk near the Delft island (between India and Sri Lanka) owing to what the Sri Lankan Navy calls “a collision”, with their navy craft. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The fishing community from Ramanathapuram and Pudukottai districts in Tamil Nadu have been calling it a “deliberate action of colliding and sinking the Indian fishing boat”. They allege that the latest incident bears total resemblance to an incident from January this year - where a Lankan Navy Boat had allegedly crashed into an Indian fishing vessel, thus leading to the capture and torture and death of its four crew members. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<img alt="Brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a87a415-5840-4bd1-b480-bdebfbbefc99" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Fisherman%202.jpg" />

“The boat capsized because of them (Lankan forces), this was not an unexpected incident like they have been projecting. Their navy has radars and a collision like this can’t happen - they have chased the boat and it ended up like this. Sri Lanka is responsible,” complained Prabhakaran, a fisherman, who is said to have been traveling on another boat, that was near to the ill-fated one. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Regarding this incident, the Sri Lankan Navy has maintained that “the Indian vessel was poaching in Sri Lankan waters, across the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), on Monday”. They added that the collision occurred when the Lankan Navy craft was chasing away Indian fishing boats. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“One of the Indian fishing trawlers, with aggressive manoeuvres, in resistance to the chasing away action, was on an attempt to evade from the scene, making it collide with SLN craft in operation. In the process, it ultimately descended having lost its stability as well as due to the rough sea condition,” read the Lankan Navy statement. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-11-of-17-missing-trekkers-found-dead-as-iafs-rescue-op-continues-423219" hreflang="en">Uttarakhand: 11 of 17 missing trekkers found dead as IAF’s rescue op continues</a>&nbsp;

The issue between fishermen in Tamil Nadu and the Lankan Navy has been a long-standing and thorny one. It is often alleged that Indian fishermen deliberately head to Lankan waters and indulge in bottom trawling, an unsustainable fishing practice that affects the ecology and marine life in the long-term. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sri Lanka maintains that arrests of foreign fishermen are being done to protect the livelihood of their own fishing community. Recently, Lankan fishermen from the northern part of the island country had protested, demanding their government to act against Indian fishermen, who were trespassing into their waters. They made attempts to pressure the Indian and Sri Lankan authorities to act against those involved in illegal fishing. &nbsp;

According to India’s National Traditional Fishermen Federation, the latest incident involving the Sri Lankan Navy is seen as deliberate retribution for another recent untoward incident, which involved an Indian boat. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A few weeks back, a large Indian fishing trawler from Tamil Nadu had collided with and sunk&nbsp;a smaller Lankan fishing boat. While the Lankan boat was fully damaged and lost, the fishermen survived and returned to the shore. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It is believed that, had the Indian Government or Tamil Nadu government taken some action against the errant Indian boat and offered compensation to the Lankan fishermen, things would have been amicably resolved. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Indian fishermen believe that holding talks between them and their Sri Lankan counterparts would help resolve some of the misunderstandings that are based on the recent collision and alleged trespass.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mortal remains of Indian fisherman Rajkiran were repatriated on Saturday noon by the Sri Lankan Navy, by handing it over to an Indian fishing boat, near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) that separates both nations.

Mortal remains of Indian fisherman Rajkiran were repatriated on Saturday noon by the Sri Lankan Navy, by handing it over to an Indian fishing boat, near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) that separates both nations. The mortal remains were taken to the Kottaipattinam fishing hamlet in Tamil Nadu’s Pudukottai district. However, two other fishermen, who accompanied Rajkiran, on the same boat, continue to remain in Lankan custody. Fishing communities in Ramanathapuram and Pudukottai districts of Tamil Nadu held a protest condemning the Indian and Tamil Nadu governments for allegedly not protecting fishermen. Also Read: India’s Jammu and Kashmir turns into fortress ahead of home minister Amit Shah’s 3-day visit They also angrily raised doubts over actions of Chief Minister MK Stalin, who had only offered Rs 10 lakh in compensation for the bereaved family, a meagre sum in comparison to the Rs 1 crore that Stalin used to demand, when he was an opposition leader. They also urged the Tamil Nadu and Indian Government to promulgate a law to protect fishermen. Rajkiran, Xavier and Suganthiran left from their respective homes in the Kottaipattinam fishing hamlet in Southern Tamil Nadu, on Monday. On the same day, the fishing boat they were sailing in, ended up getting sunk near the Delft island (between India and Sri Lanka) owing to what the Sri Lankan Navy calls “a collision”, with their navy craft. The fishing community from Ramanathapuram and Pudukottai districts in Tamil Nadu have been calling it a “deliberate action of colliding and sinking the Indian fishing boat”. They allege that the latest incident bears total resemblance to an incident from January this year - where a Lankan Navy Boat had allegedly crashed into an Indian fishing vessel, thus leading to the capture and torture and death of its four crew members. “The boat capsized because of them (Lankan forces), this was not an unexpected incident like they have been projecting. Their navy has radars and a collision like this can’t happen - they have chased the boat and it ended up like this. Sri Lanka is responsible,” complained Prabhakaran, a fisherman, who is said to have been traveling on another boat, that was near to the ill-fated one. Regarding this incident, the Sri Lankan Navy has maintained that “the Indian vessel was poaching in Sri Lankan waters, across the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), on Monday”. They added that the collision occurred when the Lankan Navy craft was chasing away Indian fishing boats. “One of the Indian fishing trawlers, with aggressive manoeuvres, in resistance to the chasing away action, was on an attempt to evade from the scene, making it collide with SLN craft in operation. In the process, it ultimately descended having lost its stability as well as due to the rough sea condition,” read the Lankan Navy statement. Also Read | Uttarakhand: 11 of 17 missing trekkers found dead as IAF’s rescue op continues The issue between fishermen in Tamil Nadu and the Lankan Navy has been a long-standing and thorny one. It is often alleged that Indian fishermen deliberately head to Lankan waters and indulge in bottom trawling, an unsustainable fishing practice that affects the ecology and marine life in the long-term. Sri Lanka maintains that arrests of foreign fishermen are being done to protect the livelihood of their own fishing community. Recently, Lankan fishermen from the northern part of the island country had protested, demanding their government to act against Indian fishermen, who were trespassing into their waters. They made attempts to pressure the Indian and Sri Lankan authorities to act against those involved in illegal fishing. According to India’s National Traditional Fishermen Federation, the latest incident involving the Sri Lankan Navy is seen as deliberate retribution for another recent untoward incident, which involved an Indian boat. A few weeks back, a large Indian fishing trawler from Tamil Nadu had collided with and sunk a smaller Lankan fishing boat. While the Lankan boat was fully damaged and lost, the fishermen survived and returned to the shore. It is believed that, had the Indian Government or Tamil Nadu government taken some action against the errant Indian boat and offered compensation to the Lankan fishermen, things would have been amicably resolved. Indian fishermen believe that holding talks between them and their Sri Lankan counterparts would help resolve some of the misunderstandings that are based on the recent collision and alleged trespass.

Indian fisherman’s mortal remains returned by Lankan Navy; 2 still in custody  

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived at the Srinagar airport in Jammu and Kashmir for his three-day visit on Saturday. He chaired the security review meeting at Raj Bhawan, Srinagar at 12.30 pm. At 6 pm, he will inaugurate the first direct international flight between Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

Home Minister Amit Shah chairs security review meeting on 1st day of his 3-day J&K visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation a day after India achieved the major milestone after delivering 100 crore vaccine doses across India, at least 31% are fully vaccinated with two doses.

PM Narendra Modi addresses nation after India achieves milestone of 1 billion Covid vaccines doses

India has proposed mutual recognition of Covid vaccine certificates to Pakistan. This would mean that travellers from either country can enter the respective country without any hassles with regards to Covid vaccination, and will be allowed to leave the airport/ transport hub as per laid norms.

This will essentially ease&nbsp;the movement of people as Covid crisis abates.

So far, there hasn't been any word from Islamabad on the issue. However, if Pakistan agrees to it, this&nbsp;will help many Indian pilgrims, especially the Indian Sikh pilgrims who will be going to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur once it is opened. A corridor was opened to the holy Gurdwara, with much fanfare, that allowed visa free travel from India to Pakistan. However, operations had to be suspended as Covid took over the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-administer-next-billion-vaccines-in-next-3-4-months-vaccine-panel-head-422967" hreflang="en">India to administer next billion vaccines in next 3-4 months: Vaccine panel head</a>

Travel between India and Pakistan was impacted due to Covid, like every other country. However, before that, Islamabad had taken steps to decrease people to people movement in the aftermath of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. Pakistan had also suspended all rail, bus services between the two countries, following New Delhi's decision.

Indian proposal comes days after New Delhi sent out invite to Islamabad for National Security Advisors meet on Afghanistan. New Delhi will be hosting a meet of NSA in the second week of November with countries such as&nbsp;Pakistan, Iran, Russia, China and some central Asian countries.

For Pakistan, the country's&nbsp;NSA Moeed Yusuf who has been invited.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vocal-for-local-pm-modi-urges-people-to-buy-made-in-india-products-on-diwali-422855" hreflang="en">‘Vocal for local’: PM Modi urges people to buy ‘Made in India’ products on Diwali</a>

As on October 20, India has an agreement with 11 countries for mutual recognition vaccination certificate for individuals fully vaccinated with nationally recognised or WHO recognised COVID-19 vaccines. These countries are UK, France, Germany, Nepal, Belarus, Lebanon, Armenia, Ukraine, Belgium, Hungary and&nbsp;Serbia.

India is reaching out to more countries for mutual recognition of vaccine certificate. Earlier this week, India and Israel agreed on mutual recognition of Covid vaccine certificate which will help in easy movement of people. EAM, after his meeting with Israeli FM, Yair Lapid, said, "I know, in principle we have agreed on mutual recognition of our vaccination certification process. And while we are working that out, in the interim, Israel would allow people, having Covishield vaccines to travel to Israel".

India has proposed mutual recognition of Covid vaccine certificates to Pakistan. This would mean that travellers from either country can enter the respective country without any hassles with regards to Covid vaccination, and will be allowed to leave the airport/ transport hub as per laid norms.

India has proposed mutual recognition of Covid vaccine certificates to Pakistan. This would mean that travellers from either country can enter the respective country without any hassles with regards to Covid vaccination, and will be allowed to leave the airport/ transport hub as per laid norms. This will essentially ease the movement of people as Covid crisis abates. So far, there hasn't been any word from Islamabad on the issue. However, if Pakistan agrees to it, this will help many Indian pilgrims, especially the Indian Sikh pilgrims who will be going to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur once it is opened. A corridor was opened to the holy Gurdwara, with much fanfare, that allowed visa free travel from India to Pakistan. However, operations had to be suspended as Covid took over the world. Also read | India to administer next billion vaccines in next 3-4 months: Vaccine panel head Travel between India and Pakistan was impacted due to Covid, like every other country. However, before that, Islamabad had taken steps to decrease people to people movement in the aftermath of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. Pakistan had also suspended all rail, bus services between the two countries, following New Delhi's decision. Indian proposal comes days after New Delhi sent out invite to Islamabad for National Security Advisors meet on Afghanistan. New Delhi will be hosting a meet of NSA in the second week of November with countries such as Pakistan, Iran, Russia, China and some central Asian countries. For Pakistan, the country's NSA Moeed Yusuf who has been invited. Also read | ‘Vocal for local’: PM Modi urges people to buy ‘Made in India’ products on Diwali As on October 20, India has an agreement with 11 countries for mutual recognition vaccination certificate for individuals fully vaccinated with nationally recognised or WHO recognised COVID-19 vaccines. These countries are UK, France, Germany, Nepal, Belarus, Lebanon, Armenia, Ukraine, Belgium, Hungary and Serbia. India is reaching out to more countries for mutual recognition of vaccine certificate. Earlier this week, India and Israel agreed on mutual recognition of Covid vaccine certificate which will help in easy movement of people. EAM, after his meeting with Israeli FM, Yair Lapid, said, "I know, in principle we have agreed on mutual recognition of our vaccination certification process. And while we are working that out, in the interim, Israel would allow people, having Covishield vaccines to travel to Israel".

India proposes mutual recognition of Covid vaccine certificates to Pakistan

A day after India scripted history by administering one billion COVID-19 doses in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that it was a “beginning of a new chapter of a new India.”

In a televised address, Prime Minister Modi said that economic growth was getting a boost from rising vaccinations across the country and urged citizens to purchase locally manufactured products over the upcoming festive season.

“There was a time when we would hear ‘Made in this nation’, ‘Made in that country’, but now all Indians understand the significance of ‘Made in India’,” Modi said.

“Urge all Indians to support Indian producers by purchasing ‘Made in India’ items and to advocate for ‘Vocal for Local’.”

Modi also called for vigilance against COVID-19 and recommended wearing masks during festivals.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-billion-doses-india-showed-faith-in-science-innovations-pm-modi-422824">One billion doses:&nbsp;India showed faith in science, innovations, says&nbsp;PM Modi</a>

The Prime Minister said that India’s vaccination programme was “science-born, science-driven and science-based”.

“Yesterday, Oct 21, India achieved the difficult but extraordinary target of one billion, COVID-19 vaccine doses. This success is the success of India, success of every citizen,” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-crosses-historic-one-billion-covid-19-vaccine-milestone-422530">India crosses historic one billion COVID-19 vaccine milestone</a>

“It is a matter of pride for us that India’s vaccination programme has been science-born, science-driven and science-based," Modi said.

The country, he said, had only one mantra —that if the disease does not discriminate, then there cannot be any discrimination in the vaccination.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-vaccination-in-india-crosses-1-billion-what-about-its-neighbours-422545">COVID-19 vaccination in India crosses 1 billion. What about its neighbours?</a>

"That's why it was ensured that VIP culture was not allowed," he said.

He pointed towards apprehensions from several quarters that it would be very difficult to fight this epidemic in a democracy like India.

“It was also being said for India, for the people of India that how will so much restraint, how so much discipline work here? But for us, democracy means everyone`s cooperation,” he said

Modi said leaders from across the world congratulated India on crossing the milestone of 100 crore vaccinations, terming it a huge and extraordinary accomplishment.

“Today many people are comparing India’s vaccination programme with other countries of the world,” he said.

He further said that the speed with which India crossed the 100-crore mark is also being appreciated but we often forget that from where we have started this.

Meanwhile, more than 1.59 billion vaccine doses have been administered so far to the eligible beneficiaries, according to India’s health ministry.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after India scripted history by administering one billion COVID-19 doses in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that it was a “beginning of a new chapter of a new India.

A day after India scripted history by administering one billion COVID-19 doses in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that it was a “beginning of a new chapter of a new India.” In a televised address, Prime Minister Modi said that economic growth was getting a boost from rising vaccinations across the country and urged citizens to purchase locally manufactured products over the upcoming festive season. “There was a time when we would hear ‘Made in this nation’, ‘Made in that country’, but now all Indians understand the significance of ‘Made in India’,” Modi said. “Urge all Indians to support Indian producers by purchasing ‘Made in India’ items and to advocate for ‘Vocal for Local’.” Modi also called for vigilance against COVID-19 and recommended wearing masks during festivals. Also read | One billion doses: India showed faith in science, innovations, says PM Modi The Prime Minister said that India’s vaccination programme was “science-born, science-driven and science-based”. “Yesterday, Oct 21, India achieved the difficult but extraordinary target of one billion, COVID-19 vaccine doses. This success is the success of India, success of every citizen,” he said. Also read | India crosses historic one billion COVID-19 vaccine milestone “It is a matter of pride for us that India’s vaccination programme has been science-born, science-driven and science-based," Modi said. The country, he said, had only one mantra —that if the disease does not discriminate, then there cannot be any discrimination in the vaccination. Also read | COVID-19 vaccination in India crosses 1 billion. What about its neighbours? "That's why it was ensured that VIP culture was not allowed," he said. He pointed towards apprehensions from several quarters that it would be very difficult to fight this epidemic in a democracy like India. “It was also being said for India, for the people of India that how will so much restraint, how so much discipline work here? But for us, democracy means everyone`s cooperation,” he said Modi said leaders from across the world congratulated India on crossing the milestone of 100 crore vaccinations, terming it a huge and extraordinary accomplishment. “Today many people are comparing India’s vaccination programme with other countries of the world,” he said. He further said that the speed with which India crossed the 100-crore mark is also being appreciated but we often forget that from where we have started this. Meanwhile, more than 1.59 billion vaccine doses have been administered so far to the eligible beneficiaries, according to India’s health ministry. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Vocal for local’: PM Modi urges people to buy ‘Made in India’ products on Diwali

As India celebrates the occasion of having surpassed 100crore or 1 billion vaccinations against COVID-19, the country’s private airlines shared the joy of having been able to contribute. While Indigo mentioned their efforts in helping transport 67.9cr vaccines across the country, SpiceJet referred to their role in repatriating Indian citizens from abroad, transporting cargo and COVID-19 relief material.&nbsp;

 
“The airline carried 1727 tonnes of COVID vaccine via 4505 flights between January 12th and October 12th 2021, by adhering to all requisite precautionary measures” read the statement from Indigo. Congratulating the Indian Government on the milestone, William Boulter, Chief Commercial Officer, IndiGo said, “We feel privileged to be able to contribute to the national vaccination program through safe and hassle-free transportation of 67.9cr vaccine doses over the last nine months. It is an honour to be the largest transporter of covid vaccines in the country, carrying almost 190 tonnes of vaccine Cargo across the country every month. We remain committed to supporting the nation and will continue transporting the vaccines seamlessly, till the country is fully vaccinated.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-vaccination-in-india-crosses-1-billion-what-about-its-neighbours-422545">COVID-19 vaccination in India crosses 1 billion. What about its neighbours?</a>

SpiceJet unveiled a special livery to honor the contribution of the frontline workers who worked worked tirelessly to achieve the vaccination milestone. The special livery was unveiled at a grand event graced by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Ajay Singh, CMD, SpiceJet at Delhi’s IGI Airport. The livery which includes an image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and healthcare workers will adorn three Boeing 737 aircraft of SpiceJet. Congratulating the Prime Minister and the &nbsp;Government, Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet said, “The fact that a record 1 billion doses were administered in just 279 days is a testament to the efforts of our health workers and the cooperation of our citizens.”

 
According to SpiceJet, they had played an integral role in the war against COVID-19 by carrying record supplies of relief material, medicines and medical equipment, over the last 18 months. “ The airline has operated around 26,300 cargo flights since March 2020 and transported around 200,000 tonnes of cargo. Besides, the airline also airlifted close to 90,000 oxygen concentrators and relief material” read their statement. It adds that they had brought back 3.63 lakh Indian and foreign nationals stranded in different countries on more than 2100 special flights.&nbsp;

As India celebrates the occasion of having surpassed 100crore or 1 billion vaccinations against COVID-19, the country’s private airlines shared the joy of having been able to contribute.

As India celebrates the occasion of having surpassed 100crore or 1 billion vaccinations against COVID-19, the country’s private airlines shared the joy of having been able to contribute. While Indigo mentioned their efforts in helping transport 67.9cr vaccines across the country, SpiceJet referred to their role in repatriating Indian citizens from abroad, transporting cargo and COVID-19 relief material. “The airline carried 1727 tonnes of COVID vaccine via 4505 flights between January 12th and October 12th 2021, by adhering to all requisite precautionary measures” read the statement from Indigo. Congratulating the Indian Government on the milestone, William Boulter, Chief Commercial Officer, IndiGo said, “We feel privileged to be able to contribute to the national vaccination program through safe and hassle-free transportation of 67.9cr vaccine doses over the last nine months. It is an honour to be the largest transporter of covid vaccines in the country, carrying almost 190 tonnes of vaccine Cargo across the country every month. We remain committed to supporting the nation and will continue transporting the vaccines seamlessly, till the country is fully vaccinated.” Also Read | COVID-19 vaccination in India crosses 1 billion. What about its neighbours? SpiceJet unveiled a special livery to honor the contribution of the frontline workers who worked worked tirelessly to achieve the vaccination milestone. The special livery was unveiled at a grand event graced by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Ajay Singh, CMD, SpiceJet at Delhi’s IGI Airport. The livery which includes an image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and healthcare workers will adorn three Boeing 737 aircraft of SpiceJet. Congratulating the Prime Minister and the Government, Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet said, “The fact that a record 1 billion doses were administered in just 279 days is a testament to the efforts of our health workers and the cooperation of our citizens.” According to SpiceJet, they had played an integral role in the war against COVID-19 by carrying record supplies of relief material, medicines and medical equipment, over the last 18 months. “ The airline has operated around 26,300 cargo flights since March 2020 and transported around 200,000 tonnes of cargo. Besides, the airline also airlifted close to 90,000 oxygen concentrators and relief material” read their statement. It adds that they had brought back 3.63 lakh Indian and foreign nationals stranded in different countries on more than 2100 special flights.

India’s Private airlines recall journey to 1billion vaccinations, battle against COVID-19

PM Modi address to nation Live Updates: This comes only one day after India made history by administering over 1 billion COVID-19 vaccination shots. 

One billion doses | India showed faith in science, innovations: PM Modi

It’s been four days since Indian fishermen Rajkiran, Xavier and Suganthiran left from their respective homes in the Kottaipattinam fishing hamlet in Southern state of Tamil Nadu.

The fishing boat they were traveling in sunk near the Delft island (between India and Sri Lanka), owing to what the Sri Lankan Navy calls "a collision" with their Navy craft.

While the respective families of the fishermen and their community continue to wait for the return of Xavier and Suganthiran (who were arrested by the Lankan Navy), the family of Rajkiran would have to wait for a body bag.&nbsp;

During the course of the week, the fishing community from Ramanathapuram and Pudukottai districts in Tamil Nadu have been protesting what they call a "deliberate action of colliding and sinking the Indian fishing boat". They allege that the latest incident bears total resemblance to an incident from January this year where a Lankan navy boat had allegedly crashed into an Indian fishing vessel, thus leading to the capture and torture and death of its four crew members.&nbsp;

"Their boat capsized because of them (Lankan forces). This was not an unexpected incident like they have bene projecting. Their navy has radars and a collision like this cannot happen. They chased the boat and it ended up like this. Sri Lanka is responsible," complains Prabhakaran, a fisherman who is said to have been traveling on another boat, that was near to the ill-fated one.&nbsp;

The announcement of having retrieved the mortal remains came on Wednesday afternoon. However, as of Friday evening, there seems to be no indication of their impeding return. Fishermen community members were hoping to get back their two men and the mortal remains of the third fisherman&nbsp;by Friday evening — repatriation is usually done by night, so as to prevent law and order&nbsp;issues. However, they feel that their wait would be longer.&nbsp;

Representatives of the Indian Traditional Fishermen Federation are aggrieved over what they refer to as the "inaction of the central&nbsp;and the local government". They particularly feel let down by Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister MK Stalin, who had strongly voiced concerns of fishermen and made promises to help them, while he was an opposition leader. "Two days after this latest incident, our Chief Minister has written to the central government asking them to work towards securing the release of two fishermen and for retrieving the body of the third fishermen. However, it’s ironical that he sent this letter nearly eight hours after media reported about the body being retrieved from sea. When he was an opposition leader, he would shoot letters instantly," wondered a fishermen community leader who spoke to WION.

Regarding this incident, the Sri Lankan Navy has maintained that "the Indian vessel was poaching in Sri Lankan waters, across the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), on Monday." They added that the collision occurred when the Lankan navy craft was chasing away Indian fishing boats. "One of the Indian fishing trawlers, with aggressive manoeuvres, in resistance of chase away, was on an attempt to evade from the scene making it collided with SLN Craft in operation. In the process, it ultimately descended having lost its stability as well as due to the rough sea condition,” read the Lankan Navy statement.&nbsp;

The issue between fishermen in Tamil Nadu and the Lankan navy has been a long-standing and thorny one. It is often alleged that Indian fishermen deliberately head to Lankan waters — where the quality and quantity of catch is better —&nbsp;and indulge in bottom trawling, an unsustainable fishing practice that affects the ecology and marine life in the long-term.

Sri Lanka maintains that arrests of foreign fishermen are being done to protect the livelihood of their own fishing community. Recently, Lankan fishermen from the northern part of the island country had protested, demanding their government to act against Indian fishermen who were trespassing into their waters. They made attempts to pressure the Indian and Sri Lankan authorities to act against those involved in illegal fishing.

According to India's National Traditional Fishermen Federation, the latest incident involving the Sri Lankan Navy is seen as deliberate retribution for another recent untoward incident, which involved an Indian boat. A few weeks back, a large Indian fishing trawler from Tamil Nadu had collided with and had sunken a smaller Lankan fishing boat. While the Lankan boat was fully damaged and lost, the Lankan fishermen survived and returned to the shore. It is believed that, had the&nbsp;Tamil Nadu government taken some action against the errant Indian boat and offered compensation to the Lankan fishermen, things would have been amicably resolved. Indian fishermen believe that holding talks between them and their Sri Lankan counterparts would help resolve some of the misunderstandings that are based on the recent collision and alleged trespass.&nbsp;

It’s been four days since Indian fishermen Rajkiran, Xavier and Suganthiran left from their respective homes in the Kottaipattinam fishing hamlet in Southern state of Tamil Nadu.

It’s been four days since Indian fishermen Rajkiran, Xavier and Suganthiran left from their respective homes in the Kottaipattinam fishing hamlet in Southern state of Tamil Nadu. The fishing boat they were traveling in sunk near the Delft island (between India and Sri Lanka), owing to what the Sri Lankan Navy calls "a collision" with their Navy craft. While the respective families of the fishermen and their community continue to wait for the return of Xavier and Suganthiran (who were arrested by the Lankan Navy), the family of Rajkiran would have to wait for a body bag. During the course of the week, the fishing community from Ramanathapuram and Pudukottai districts in Tamil Nadu have been protesting what they call a "deliberate action of colliding and sinking the Indian fishing boat". They allege that the latest incident bears total resemblance to an incident from January this year where a Lankan navy boat had allegedly crashed into an Indian fishing vessel, thus leading to the capture and torture and death of its four crew members. "Their boat capsized because of them (Lankan forces). This was not an unexpected incident like they have bene projecting. Their navy has radars and a collision like this cannot happen. They chased the boat and it ended up like this. Sri Lanka is responsible," complains Prabhakaran, a fisherman who is said to have been traveling on another boat, that was near to the ill-fated one. The announcement of having retrieved the mortal remains came on Wednesday afternoon. However, as of Friday evening, there seems to be no indication of their impeding return. Fishermen community members were hoping to get back their two men and the mortal remains of the third fisherman by Friday evening — repatriation is usually done by night, so as to prevent law and order issues. However, they feel that their wait would be longer. Representatives of the Indian Traditional Fishermen Federation are aggrieved over what they refer to as the "inaction of the central and the local government". They particularly feel let down by Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister MK Stalin, who had strongly voiced concerns of fishermen and made promises to help them, while he was an opposition leader. "Two days after this latest incident, our Chief Minister has written to the central government asking them to work towards securing the release of two fishermen and for retrieving the body of the third fishermen. However, it’s ironical that he sent this letter nearly eight hours after media reported about the body being retrieved from sea. When he was an opposition leader, he would shoot letters instantly," wondered a fishermen community leader who spoke to WION. Regarding this incident, the Sri Lankan Navy has maintained that "the Indian vessel was poaching in Sri Lankan waters, across the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), on Monday." They added that the collision occurred when the Lankan navy craft was chasing away Indian fishing boats. "One of the Indian fishing trawlers, with aggressive manoeuvres, in resistance of chase away, was on an attempt to evade from the scene making it collided with SLN Craft in operation. In the process, it ultimately descended having lost its stability as well as due to the rough sea condition,” read the Lankan Navy statement. The issue between fishermen in Tamil Nadu and the Lankan navy has been a long-standing and thorny one. It is often alleged that Indian fishermen deliberately head to Lankan waters — where the quality and quantity of catch is better — and indulge in bottom trawling, an unsustainable fishing practice that affects the ecology and marine life in the long-term. Sri Lanka maintains that arrests of foreign fishermen are being done to protect the livelihood of their own fishing community. Recently, Lankan fishermen from the northern part of the island country had protested, demanding their government to act against Indian fishermen who were trespassing into their waters. They made attempts to pressure the Indian and Sri Lankan authorities to act against those involved in illegal fishing. According to India's National Traditional Fishermen Federation, the latest incident involving the Sri Lankan Navy is seen as deliberate retribution for another recent untoward incident, which involved an Indian boat. A few weeks back, a large Indian fishing trawler from Tamil Nadu had collided with and had sunken a smaller Lankan fishing boat. While the Lankan boat was fully damaged and lost, the Lankan fishermen survived and returned to the shore. It is believed that, had the Tamil Nadu government taken some action against the errant Indian boat and offered compensation to the Lankan fishermen, things would have been amicably resolved. Indian fishermen believe that holding talks between them and their Sri Lankan counterparts would help resolve some of the misunderstandings that are based on the recent collision and alleged trespass.

Four days on, wait continues for return of 2 arrested Indian fishermen, 1 body from Sri Lanka

Britain and India must step up their economic and security ties, foreign minister Liz Truss said ahead of a visit to Delhi where she will announce a green tech investment and pitch her vision of Britain's new role in the world to senior Indian ministers.

Truss, who was appointed as foreign secretary last month, has also held meetings in Saudi Arabia and Qatar as part of her post-Brexit push to build new diplomatic and defence alliances around the world.

She will meet Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in Delhi, and announce a $70 million investment to fund green tech infrastructure projects across India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-announces-14-billion-trade-deal-with-india-382740">Also read |&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson announces $1.4 billion trade deal with India</a>

"I want the UK and India and to step-up their partnership in critical areas like technology, investment, security, and defence," Truss said in a statement ahead of the visit.

"India is the world’s largest democracy, a tech and economic powerhouse, and a vital strategic partner for the UK."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-attend-cop26-climate-summit-in-glasgow-report-422680" hreflang="en">PM Modi to attend COP26 climate summit in Glasgow: Report</a>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Britain next month for the COP26 UN&nbsp;climate summit, Yadav told Reuters on Thursday.

Britain has identified greater influence in the Indo-Pacific region as its primary foreign policy aim, eyeing both the economic benefits of the rapidly expanding middle classes there and a means to challenge China's ambitions in the region.

In an effort to underline Britain's military commitment to security in the region, Truss will also visit a British aircraft carrier group, currently in Mumbai, having earlier this year passed through seas in which China is vying for influence.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson was forced to cancel a planned visit to India this year due to surging COVID-19 cases there, but the two leaders met virtually to agree a roadmap for deeper cooperation. They are also in early-stage trade talks.

Britain and India must step up their economic and security ties, foreign minister Liz Truss said ahead of a visit to Delhi where she will announce a green tech investment and pitch her vision of Britain's new role in the world to senior Indian ministers.

Britain and India must step up their economic and security ties, foreign minister Liz Truss said ahead of a visit to Delhi where she will announce a green tech investment and pitch her vision of Britain's new role in the world to senior Indian ministers. Truss, who was appointed as foreign secretary last month, has also held meetings in Saudi Arabia and Qatar as part of her post-Brexit push to build new diplomatic and defence alliances around the world. She will meet Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in Delhi, and announce a $70 million investment to fund green tech infrastructure projects across India. Also read | UK PM Boris Johnson announces $1.4 billion trade deal with India "I want the UK and India and to step-up their partnership in critical areas like technology, investment, security, and defence," Truss said in a statement ahead of the visit. "India is the world’s largest democracy, a tech and economic powerhouse, and a vital strategic partner for the UK." Also read | PM Modi to attend COP26 climate summit in Glasgow: Report Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Britain next month for the COP26 UN climate summit, Yadav told Reuters on Thursday. Britain has identified greater influence in the Indo-Pacific region as its primary foreign policy aim, eyeing both the economic benefits of the rapidly expanding middle classes there and a means to challenge China's ambitions in the region. In an effort to underline Britain's military commitment to security in the region, Truss will also visit a British aircraft carrier group, currently in Mumbai, having earlier this year passed through seas in which China is vying for influence. Prime Minister Boris Johnson was forced to cancel a planned visit to India this year due to surging COVID-19 cases there, but the two leaders met virtually to agree a roadmap for deeper cooperation. They are also in early-stage trade talks.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss says Britain and India must deepen defence, economic ties

The security forces in Kashmir will put an "aerial surveillance cover" over the areas where the minority community lives. There would be a cover over Srinagar’s main city centre Lal Chowk too. The security has been put on high alert across the union territory, ahead of the visit of Home Minister Amit Shah.&nbsp;

From now on, 15 areas that have minority community residents will be monitored through&nbsp;aerial surveillance. The number of security personnel on the ground has also been increased and new bunkers have been put in place at various locations in Srinagar city.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-administer-next-billion-vaccines-in-next-3-4-months-vaccine-panel-head-422967" hreflang="en">India to administer next billion vaccines in next 3-4 months: Vaccine panel head</a>

"In a high level meeting with&nbsp;the&nbsp;top officials of security agencies, we have decided that minority areas need to be more protected. The idea was given by&nbsp;DG JK police that we should have drone grid over these areas. We have identified around 15 areas in Srinagar which will be under the aerial surveillance from now on," said Mathev A John, Deputy Inspector General of CRPF (operations).

The city would have round-the-clock checkpoints&nbsp;in place jointly by the police and CRPF to keep a close watch on the suspects. The vigil will remain in place even after the visit of the Home Minister.&nbsp;

''Security has been increased, what we are doing is not only for the visit of the Home Minister but whatever we are introducing is on a long term basis. We are energising the nakas (checkpoints), starting a drone grid and continuing with flash nakas (checkpoints) and flash checking. The number of security personnel have been increased and bunkers have been relocated,''&nbsp;he added.

Kashmir has been on high alert since the recent civilian killings in the valley. Security forces claim to have killed six of the militants responsible for the killings of these civilians.&nbsp;

The security forces in Kashmir will put an "aerial surveillance cover" over the areas where the minority community lives. There would be a cover over Srinagar’s main city centre Lal Chowk too.

The security forces in Kashmir will put an "aerial surveillance cover" over the areas where the minority community lives. There would be a cover over Srinagar’s main city centre Lal Chowk too. The security has been put on high alert across the union territory, ahead of the visit of Home Minister Amit Shah. From now on, 15 areas that have minority community residents will be monitored through aerial surveillance. The number of security personnel on the ground has also been increased and new bunkers have been put in place at various locations in Srinagar city. Also read | India to administer next billion vaccines in next 3-4 months: Vaccine panel head "In a high level meeting with the top officials of security agencies, we have decided that minority areas need to be more protected. The idea was given by DG JK police that we should have drone grid over these areas. We have identified around 15 areas in Srinagar which will be under the aerial surveillance from now on," said Mathev A John, Deputy Inspector General of CRPF (operations). The city would have round-the-clock checkpoints in place jointly by the police and CRPF to keep a close watch on the suspects. The vigil will remain in place even after the visit of the Home Minister. ''Security has been increased, what we are doing is not only for the visit of the Home Minister but whatever we are introducing is on a long term basis. We are energising the nakas (checkpoints), starting a drone grid and continuing with flash nakas (checkpoints) and flash checking. The number of security personnel have been increased and bunkers have been relocated,'' he added. Kashmir has been on high alert since the recent civilian killings in the valley. Security forces claim to have killed six of the militants responsible for the killings of these civilians.

Kashmir: Aerial surveillance over areas where minority community lives

India received 41 per cent more rainfall than normal from October 1-21 with the Himalayan state Uttarakhand alone recording more than five times its normal precipitation, data by India's weather department showed on Thursday.

Providing a numerical perspective to the unusually heavy rains ravaging several parts of the country, particularly the hill state of Uttarakhand in the north and coastal Kerala in the south, the India Meteorological Department said the country received 84.8 mm against the normal 60.2 mm this month.

Of the 694 districts in the country, 45 per cent (311 districts in 16 states and union territories) recorded rainfall in large excess&nbsp;and 14 per cent (96 districts in six states and UTs).

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/death-toll-reaches-150-as-rains-lash-india-nepal-trigger-floods-and-landslides-422600">Death toll reaches 150 as rains lash India-Nepal, trigger floods and landslides</a>

Uttarakhand, where rains have claimed the lives of more than 54 people, recorded 192.6 mm against the usual 35.3 mm from October 1-20. The monsoon has wrought huge damage in the state, triggering floods and landslides that have blocked highways and smaller, key roads. Figures for the state were available till Wednesday, October 20.

Kerala received 445.1 mm of rainfall until October 20 as against the usual 303.4 mm. More than 40 people have been killed in Kerala, where videos of a house being swallowed by a swollen stream and landslides give a sense of how brutal the lashing was.

Heavy rains have also hit Sikkim, sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, displacing people and damaging property.

Experts attribute the extreme weather events to various causes, including warming of the seas, unabated development and delayed withdrawal of the monsoon.

Balaji Narsimhan, professor at the Civil Engineering department, IIT-Madras, said it was undoubtedly an unusual October&nbsp;and pointed to infrastructural challenges and unabated development.

Many of these extreme weather events have taken place earlier. But now places are more densely populated which amplifies the impact,&nbsp;Narasimhan, who also studied the 2015 Chennai floods, told PTI.

In December 2015, Chennai received its highest rain in 100 years in which more than 250 people were killed.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rain-in-indias-northern-states-claims-46-lives-alert-sounded-in-southern-kerala-state-422189">Rain in India's northern states claims 46 lives, alert sounded in southern Kerala state</a>

Discussing the situation in Kerala, Narsimhan said the state gets bountiful rainfall both during the Southwest monsoon and the Northeast monsoon but this year has been different.

Explaining the heavy rainfall, IMD Director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra said October saw the formation of two low pressure areas (cyclonic circulations that bring in rainfall and strong winds).

In Uttarakhand, he explained, the interaction between western disturbance and the low pressure area resulted in heavy rains this week.

The western disturbance over north India is a phenomenon typically observed in non-monsoon seasons.

The interaction of cold winds of western disturbance and the warm winds of the low pressure area bring in thunderstorms and heavy rainfall,&nbsp;Mohapatra said, adding that such interaction had taken place during the deadly deluge in Uttarakhand in 2013 in which hundreds of people were killed.

M Rajeevan, former Ministry of Earth Sciences secretary who has been studying the Southwest monsoon for more than three decades, said there is a delayed withdrawal of the monsoon.

Since the retreat has been late over the last few years, the IMD in 2020 had revised the withdrawal date from northwest India.

This year, the withdrawal of the Southwest monsoon from northwest India commenced on October 6, the second-most delayed withdrawal since 1975. In 2019, it had started on October 9.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-floods-77-dead-as-heavy-rains-floods-batter-nepal-422519/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The IMD said its complete withdrawal from the country is expected around October 26.

More importantly, the active conditions of Southwest monsoon which began in September

have still not ended. Usually, such an active phase does not last for a month, but this time it has,&nbsp;Rajeevan said.

Warming of seas around India is another factor, Rajeevan pointed out.

He said the warming of the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea helps in forming a cyclonic circulation. This year, it is aided by La Nina conditions the phenomenon is associated with the cooling of the Pacific waters and usually results in good rainfall activity&nbsp;and some remnants of cyclonic circulation from the Pacific Ocean.

Once these remnants enter the Bay of Bengal, the warm water aids in formation of cyclonic circulations.

In a paper published earlier this year, Rajeevan along with other meteorologists, said from 1970 to 2019, 7,063 extreme weather events killed 1,41,308 people in the country.&nbsp;

India received 41 per cent more rainfall than normal from October 1-21 with the Himalayan state Uttarakhand alone recording more than five times its normal precipitation, data by India's weather department showed on Thursday.

India received 41 per cent more rainfall than normal from October 1-21 with the Himalayan state Uttarakhand alone recording more than five times its normal precipitation, data by India's weather department showed on Thursday. Providing a numerical perspective to the unusually heavy rains ravaging several parts of the country, particularly the hill state of Uttarakhand in the north and coastal Kerala in the south, the India Meteorological Department said the country received 84.8 mm against the normal 60.2 mm this month. Of the 694 districts in the country, 45 per cent (311 districts in 16 states and union territories) recorded rainfall in large excess and 14 per cent (96 districts in six states and UTs). Also Read | Death toll reaches 150 as rains lash India-Nepal, trigger floods and landslides Uttarakhand, where rains have claimed the lives of more than 54 people, recorded 192.6 mm against the usual 35.3 mm from October 1-20. The monsoon has wrought huge damage in the state, triggering floods and landslides that have blocked highways and smaller, key roads. Figures for the state were available till Wednesday, October 20. Kerala received 445.1 mm of rainfall until October 20 as against the usual 303.4 mm. More than 40 people have been killed in Kerala, where videos of a house being swallowed by a swollen stream and landslides give a sense of how brutal the lashing was. Heavy rains have also hit Sikkim, sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, displacing people and damaging property. Experts attribute the extreme weather events to various causes, including warming of the seas, unabated development and delayed withdrawal of the monsoon. Balaji Narsimhan, professor at the Civil Engineering department, IIT-Madras, said it was undoubtedly an unusual October and pointed to infrastructural challenges and unabated development. Many of these extreme weather events have taken place earlier. But now places are more densely populated which amplifies the impact, Narasimhan, who also studied the 2015 Chennai floods, told PTI. In December 2015, Chennai received its highest rain in 100 years in which more than 250 people were killed. Also Read | Rain in India's northern states claims 46 lives, alert sounded in southern Kerala state Discussing the situation in Kerala, Narsimhan said the state gets bountiful rainfall both during the Southwest monsoon and the Northeast monsoon but this year has been different. Explaining the heavy rainfall, IMD Director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra said October saw the formation of two low pressure areas (cyclonic circulations that bring in rainfall and strong winds). In Uttarakhand, he explained, the interaction between western disturbance and the low pressure area resulted in heavy rains this week. The western disturbance over north India is a phenomenon typically observed in non-monsoon seasons. The interaction of cold winds of western disturbance and the warm winds of the low pressure area bring in thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, Mohapatra said, adding that such interaction had taken place during the deadly deluge in Uttarakhand in 2013 in which hundreds of people were killed. M Rajeevan, former Ministry of Earth Sciences secretary who has been studying the Southwest monsoon for more than three decades, said there is a delayed withdrawal of the monsoon. Since the retreat has been late over the last few years, the IMD in 2020 had revised the withdrawal date from northwest India. This year, the withdrawal of the Southwest monsoon from northwest India commenced on October 6, the second-most delayed withdrawal since 1975. In 2019, it had started on October 9. Watch The IMD said its complete withdrawal from the country is expected around October 26. More importantly, the active conditions of Southwest monsoon which began in September have still not ended. Usually, such an active phase does not last for a month, but this time it has, Rajeevan said. Warming of seas around India is another factor, Rajeevan pointed out. He said the warming of the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea helps in forming a cyclonic circulation. This year, it is aided by La Nina conditions the phenomenon is associated with the cooling of the Pacific waters and usually results in good rainfall activity and some remnants of cyclonic circulation from the Pacific Ocean. Once these remnants enter the Bay of Bengal, the warm water aids in formation of cyclonic circulations. In a paper published earlier this year, Rajeevan along with other meteorologists, said from 1970 to 2019, 7,063 extreme weather events killed 1,41,308 people in the country.

India received 41 per cent more rainfall during October 1-21, say weather officials

On Thursday, India achieved the milestone of administering one billion Covid vaccines to eligible population. As the world leaders came ahead to congratulate India, the country is already making its way to the next goal.<o:p></o:p>

As per the medical experts of the country, India will be able to achieve the target of administering another billion of vaccines in the next three to four months.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vocal-for-local-pm-modi-urges-people-to-buy-made-in-india-products-on-diwali-422855">‘Vocal for local’: PM Modi urges people to buy ‘Made in India’ products on Diwali</a></o:p>

In an exclusive interview to a media house, NDTV, Dr NK Arora, the chief of Expert Group on Vaccine Administration, said that the government and health experts are aiming to vaccinate almost all of the eligible population by the end of this year. <o:p></o:p>

"How do I reach 100% of the population by the end of the year? At least one dose we should be able to give most of the adults by the end of the year and within the next 4-6 weeks second doses will also be given," he said.<o:p></o:p>

The expert also added that while it took India over nine months to reach this target of administering one billion vaccine, the next billion can be achieved within the next three to four months. He explained that the reason behind this delay of India achieving the target was due to a delay in supply.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-administers-1-billion-doses-of-wuhan-virus-vaccines-422782">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-administers-1-billion-doses-of-wuhan-virus-vaccines-422782/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We finished 50 crores on 7th August. In October, we had expected 100 crores because that was the supply side, we knew about it. Then in the coming three months, we have the arrangement for about 80-90 crore doses. In fact, by January we will have nearly 100 crore doses. We should be able to do it (another 100 crore) within the next three to four months," he said.<o:p></o:p>

Till now, at least 31 per cent of the eligible population has been fully vaccinated and 75 per cent of the eligible population has received the first dose of approved Covid vaccines.<o:p></o:p>

Arora has claimed that as per the current progress, India will be able to vaccinate 100 per cent of the population with at least the first dose. We are left with 20% which is about 18-20 crore people who will have to be given an additional one dose. We think by the end of this year everybody will get at least one dose and there will be few who will be left for the second dose," he explained.<o:p></o:p>

On Thursday, India achieved the milestone of administering one billion Covid vaccines to eligible population. As the world leaders came ahead to congratulate India, the country is already making its way to the next goal.

On Thursday, India achieved the milestone of administering one billion Covid vaccines to eligible population. As the world leaders came ahead to congratulate India, the country is already making its way to the next goal. As per the medical experts of the country, India will be able to achieve the target of administering another billion of vaccines in the next three to four months. Also read | ‘Vocal for local’: PM Modi urges people to buy ‘Made in India’ products on Diwali In an exclusive interview to a media house, NDTV, Dr NK Arora, the chief of Expert Group on Vaccine Administration, said that the government and health experts are aiming to vaccinate almost all of the eligible population by the end of this year. "How do I reach 100% of the population by the end of the year? At least one dose we should be able to give most of the adults by the end of the year and within the next 4-6 weeks second doses will also be given," he said. The expert also added that while it took India over nine months to reach this target of administering one billion vaccine, the next billion can be achieved within the next three to four months. He explained that the reason behind this delay of India achieving the target was due to a delay in supply. WATCH | "We finished 50 crores on 7th August. In October, we had expected 100 crores because that was the supply side, we knew about it. Then in the coming three months, we have the arrangement for about 80-90 crore doses. In fact, by January we will have nearly 100 crore doses. We should be able to do it (another 100 crore) within the next three to four months," he said. Till now, at least 31 per cent of the eligible population has been fully vaccinated and 75 per cent of the eligible population has received the first dose of approved Covid vaccines. Arora has claimed that as per the current progress, India will be able to vaccinate 100 per cent of the population with at least the first dose. We are left with 20% which is about 18-20 crore people who will have to be given an additional one dose. We think by the end of this year everybody will get at least one dose and there will be few who will be left for the second dose," he explained.

India to administer next billion vaccines in next 3-4 months: Vaccine panel head

A new US study has found that the people who have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine are less likely to experience stress. Indian doctors affirm that there is a short term effect of vaccination in boosting mental health as highlighted by the study.However, the Indian doctors emphasized the lack of a similar study in India, which could establish a correlation between vaccination and its impact on mental health.

The research by the Centre for Economic and Social Research (CESR) at the University of Southern California published recently a study in the journal PLOS that stated, "Getting the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine resulted in significant improvements in mental health beyond improvement already achieved since mental distress peaked in spring 2020.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="onews.com/india-news/covid-19-vaccination-in-india-crosses-1-billion-what-about-its-neighbours-422545">COVID-19 vaccination in India crosses 1 billion. What about its neighbours?</a>

"The researchers analyzed 8,003 adults who were, surveyed at regular intervals between March 10, 2020, and March 31, 2021. It found out that "people who were vaccinated between December 2020 and March 2021 reported decreased mental distress levels in the surveys conducted after receiving the first dose."

Talking about the US study, Dr Nand Kumar, professor and in-charge, ICMR CARE in Neuromodulation for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, New Delhi said, "I think they have covered a good sample.

They have covered over 8000 people. It is a good study. But, for vaccines per se, there is no scientific data that says that there is any biological effect of the vaccine that can boost mental health. But vaccine certainly helps in improving mental health in general.

"Dr Kumar noted that it is not easy to compare the people who are vaccinated and who are not vaccinated on their mental health.

"They have looked at the short term effects of vaccination. There have used mental health questionnaire. It's not very easy to compare the people who are vaccinated and who are not vaccinated on their mental health. You need a very robust kind of randomized controlled trial. The short term is fine. A long term study requires logistic support and good funding and design. If the short term effect of the study is concerned, then, I agree with it," he stated.

"Certainly vaccination has improved mental health not directly but indirectly by boosting people confidence about safety that they are vaccinated and they are safe. People have become more outgoing, confident in going out and meeting people. The fear of the pandemic and that they will be affected by the virus has come down significantly. Before vaccination, there were anxiety, apprehension and fear of getting infected, fear of death," Dr Kumar added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/180000-healthcare-workers-may-have-died-due-to-covid-19-who-422734">180,000 healthcare workers may have died due to COVID-19: WHO</a>

Sharing his observation, Dr Jaswant Jangra, Senior resident Psychiatry at AIIMS New Delhi noted that people have become assured after getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

"The people, I have observed have become assured after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, that they won't get admitted in hospital due to the infection, that their chance of mortality would decrease after taking the COVID- 19 vaccine," said Dr Jangra. He said that he observed that his patients, especially the ones who have completed both the doses of vaccines are now feeling a bit relaxed and their relapses are less. "The stress levels and anxiety level pertaining to COVID- 19 is much less," noted Dr Jangra.

"However, India has not done any specific studies so far and there is a need for such studies to show a positive correlation between vaccination and mental health," he added.

Sharing his insight on the US study, a Psychiatrist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Dr Rajeev Mehta said, "This is not a direct effect of vaccines rather it's the impact of getting vaccinated. And it is true that it decreases anxiety levels.

"The purpose of the study was to examine short-term changes in mental distress after the first inoculation of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The researchers who undertook the study said the results should be interpreted as the short-term direct effects of getting a first vaccine dose.

"The overall contribution of vaccine uptake on improving mental health outcomes is potentially much larger, as it affects not only those vaccinated but also the unvaccinated," stated the study.

An unvaccinated individual may still benefit from the reduced prevalence rates in the population, may become less worried about loved ones, and may benefit from increased social and economic opportunities if the vaccine rollout results in more social and economic activity due to lower disease risk, added the study.

The experts also talked about the vaccine hesitancy that the people experienced when the vaccine rollout began. People with mental illness were the worst affected.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-crosses-historic-one-billion-covid-19-vaccine-milestone-422530">India crosses historic one billion COVID-19 vaccine milestone</a>

"People with obsessive fear, anxiety disorder had a lot of stress regarding COVID-19. Initially, they had apprehension before vaccination. They asked me whether we should go for vaccination or not. They stressed contraindications on vaccines. However, I always suggested they go for it," said Dr Jangra.

"A lot of my patients had anxiety whether the jab will produce any result or its just eyewash. Even when people started going for vaccination, there were rumours that soon after getting their vaccine jab, people are got the infection, however, it is false as, it might have been because the people did not follow social distancing, or they mingled with someone who has contracted Covid or has not sanitized their hands properly while waiting in the crowd that came to vaccinate themselves," said Dr Mehta.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-kingdom-covid-infection-rates-remain-stubbornly-high-422053/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"This misbelieve also created a lot of anxiety among people who generally avoided getting vaccinated or kept postponing it," added Dr Mehta.

About half of the population faced the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Poor sleep quality (40 per cent), stress (34 per cent), and psychological distress (34 per cent) were the most reported problems across various studies, stated a study published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, on the prevalence of psychological morbidities among the general population, healthcare workers, and COVID-19 patients.

Dr Kumar in this regard added, "There were relapses in the mental health patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they were not able to meet, there was no socialization, there was intense anxiety among people regarding the disease".

"About two-fifths (38.2 per cent) had anxiety and 10.5 per cent of the participants had depression. Overall, 40.5per cent of the participants had either anxiety or depression. Moderate level of stress was reported by about three-fourth (74.1 per cent) of the participants and 71.7 per cent reported poor well-being," stated Psychological impact of COVID-19 lockdown: An online survey from India under the aegis of the Indian Psychiatry Society.

A new US study has found that the people who have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine are less likely to experience stress. Indian doctors affirm that there is a short term effect of vaccination in boosting mental health as highlighted by the study.

A new US study has found that the people who have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine are less likely to experience stress. Indian doctors affirm that there is a short term effect of vaccination in boosting mental health as highlighted by the study.However, the Indian doctors emphasized the lack of a similar study in India, which could establish a correlation between vaccination and its impact on mental health. The research by the Centre for Economic and Social Research (CESR) at the University of Southern California published recently a study in the journal PLOS that stated, "Getting the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine resulted in significant improvements in mental health beyond improvement already achieved since mental distress peaked in spring 2020. Also Read | COVID-19 vaccination in India crosses 1 billion. What about its neighbours? "The researchers analyzed 8,003 adults who were, surveyed at regular intervals between March 10, 2020, and March 31, 2021. It found out that "people who were vaccinated between December 2020 and March 2021 reported decreased mental distress levels in the surveys conducted after receiving the first dose." Talking about the US study, Dr Nand Kumar, professor and in-charge, ICMR CARE in Neuromodulation for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, New Delhi said, "I think they have covered a good sample. They have covered over 8000 people. It is a good study. But, for vaccines per se, there is no scientific data that says that there is any biological effect of the vaccine that can boost mental health. But vaccine certainly helps in improving mental health in general. "Dr Kumar noted that it is not easy to compare the people who are vaccinated and who are not vaccinated on their mental health. "They have looked at the short term effects of vaccination. There have used mental health questionnaire. It's not very easy to compare the people who are vaccinated and who are not vaccinated on their mental health. You need a very robust kind of randomized controlled trial. The short term is fine. A long term study requires logistic support and good funding and design. If the short term effect of the study is concerned, then, I agree with it," he stated. "Certainly vaccination has improved mental health not directly but indirectly by boosting people confidence about safety that they are vaccinated and they are safe. People have become more outgoing, confident in going out and meeting people. The fear of the pandemic and that they will be affected by the virus has come down significantly. Before vaccination, there were anxiety, apprehension and fear of getting infected, fear of death," Dr Kumar added. Also Read | 180,000 healthcare workers may have died due to COVID-19: WHO Sharing his observation, Dr Jaswant Jangra, Senior resident Psychiatry at AIIMS New Delhi noted that people have become assured after getting vaccinated against COVID-19. "The people, I have observed have become assured after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, that they won't get admitted in hospital due to the infection, that their chance of mortality would decrease after taking the COVID- 19 vaccine," said Dr Jangra. He said that he observed that his patients, especially the ones who have completed both the doses of vaccines are now feeling a bit relaxed and their relapses are less. "The stress levels and anxiety level pertaining to COVID- 19 is much less," noted Dr Jangra. "However, India has not done any specific studies so far and there is a need for such studies to show a positive correlation between vaccination and mental health," he added. Sharing his insight on the US study, a Psychiatrist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Dr Rajeev Mehta said, "This is not a direct effect of vaccines rather it's the impact of getting vaccinated. And it is true that it decreases anxiety levels. "The purpose of the study was to examine short-term changes in mental distress after the first inoculation of the COVID-19 vaccine. The researchers who undertook the study said the results should be interpreted as the short-term direct effects of getting a first vaccine dose. "The overall contribution of vaccine uptake on improving mental health outcomes is potentially much larger, as it affects not only those vaccinated but also the unvaccinated," stated the study. An unvaccinated individual may still benefit from the reduced prevalence rates in the population, may become less worried about loved ones, and may benefit from increased social and economic opportunities if the vaccine rollout results in more social and economic activity due to lower disease risk, added the study. The experts also talked about the vaccine hesitancy that the people experienced when the vaccine rollout began. People with mental illness were the worst affected. Also Read | India crosses historic one billion COVID-19 vaccine milestone "People with obsessive fear, anxiety disorder had a lot of stress regarding COVID-19. Initially, they had apprehension before vaccination. They asked me whether we should go for vaccination or not. They stressed contraindications on vaccines. However, I always suggested they go for it," said Dr Jangra. "A lot of my patients had anxiety whether the jab will produce any result or its just eyewash. Even when people started going for vaccination, there were rumours that soon after getting their vaccine jab, people are got the infection, however, it is false as, it might have been because the people did not follow social distancing, or they mingled with someone who has contracted Covid or has not sanitized their hands properly while waiting in the crowd that came to vaccinate themselves," said Dr Mehta. Watch "This misbelieve also created a lot of anxiety among people who generally avoided getting vaccinated or kept postponing it," added Dr Mehta. About half of the population faced the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Poor sleep quality (40 per cent), stress (34 per cent), and psychological distress (34 per cent) were the most reported problems across various studies, stated a study published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, on the prevalence of psychological morbidities among the general population, healthcare workers, and COVID-19 patients. Dr Kumar in this regard added, "There were relapses in the mental health patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they were not able to meet, there was no socialization, there was intense anxiety among people regarding the disease". "About two-fifths (38.2 per cent) had anxiety and 10.5 per cent of the participants had depression. Overall, 40.5per cent of the participants had either anxiety or depression. Moderate level of stress was reported by about three-fourth (74.1 per cent) of the participants and 71.7 per cent reported poor well-being," stated Psychological impact of COVID-19 lockdown: An online survey from India under the aegis of the Indian Psychiatry Society.

Indian doctors affirm US study that says first dose of COVID-19 vaccine boosts mental health

The selection process for pilgrims for Haj 2022 will be based on several Covid-appropriate criteria, including complete inoculation with all required doses, and in accordance with the guidelines set by the governments of India and Saudi Arabia, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Friday.

After chairing a Haj review meeting here, Naqvi, who is the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, said the official announcement of Haj 2022 will be made in the first week of November and along with that the process of online application for Haj will also be started.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/grand-mosque-in-mecca-drops-social-distancing-421492">Grand Mosque in Mecca drops social distancing</a>

He said the Digital Health Card, "E-MASIHA" health facility and "E-luggage pre-tagging", providing all information regarding accommodation/transportation in Mecca-Madina, will be provided to all the Haj pilgrims.

Preparations for Haj 2022 have been started keeping in mind the health and Covid protocols of the Saudi Arabian government and the Government of India, he said.

The entire Haj 2022 process in India will be 100 per cent digital, Naqvi stressed, underlining that India sends the second largest number of Haj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia after Indonesia.

Naqvi said that arrangements for special training for Haj 2022 regarding Covid protocols and health and hygiene are being made in India and Saudi Arabia for the Haj pilgrims.

National and international protocol guidelines due to pandemic position will be implemented and followed strictly during Haj 2022, he said.

Naqvi said the entire Haj 2022 process will be held according to the necessary guidelines to be issued by the governments of India and Saudi Arabia in view of the coronavirus pandemic to ensure health and well-being of the people of the two countries.

Haj 2022 process is being chalked out after deliberations between the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Haj Committee of India, Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia and India's Consul General in Jeddah and other agencies keeping in view all aspects of challenges posed by the pandemic, a statement said.

The arrangements for Haj 2022 are being made under special circumstances with special norms, rules and regulations, eligibility criteria, age restrictions, health and fitness requirements and other relevant conditions of the Saudi Arabia government amid the pandemic.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-excessive-make-up-restricted-dressing-saudi-arabias-dress-code-for-formula-1-sparks-controversy-422060">No excessive make-up, restricted dressing: Saudi Arabia's dress code for Formula 1 sparks controversy</a>

Naqvi said the entire travel process for Haj 2022 is being planned with significant and important changes in view of the pandemic and its effect.

These include accommodation, period of stay of pilgrims, transportation, health and other facilities both in India and Saudi Arabia.

Naqvi said more than 3,000 women had applied for Haj 2020 and 2021 under without "Mehram" (male companion) category and their applications will be eligible for Haj 2022 also if they want to go to the pilgrimage next year.

Other women can also apply for Haj 2022 under without "Mehram" category, he added 
All the women under without "Mehram" category will be exempted from the lottery system, Naqvi said.

The Haj Review Meeting was attended by senior officials including Minority Affairs Ministry Secretary Renuka Kumar, Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ausaf Sayeed, Joint Secretary of Minority Affairs Ministry Nigar Fatima, External Affairs Joint Secretary (Gulf) Vipul, Civil Aviation Ministry Joint Secretary S K Sharma, Health Ministry Deputy DG Shri P K Sen, Haj Committee of India CEO Mohd Yakoob Shekha; India's Consul General in Jeddah Shahid Alam and Air India Executive Director Melwin D'Silva.

Expected Haj quota for 2022, Haj Air Charter, Corona protocols, vaccination, medical facilities, health card, transport in Saudi Arabia, Haj deputation of officials, Khadim Ul Hujjaj, Haj training, Embarkation Points and other issues were discussed in the Haj review meeting, the statement said.&nbsp;

The selection process for pilgrims for Haj 2022 will be based on several Covid-appropriate criteria, including complete inoculation with all required doses, and in accordance with the guidelines set by the governments of India and Saudi Arabia, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Friday.

The selection process for pilgrims for Haj 2022 will be based on several Covid-appropriate criteria, including complete inoculation with all required doses, and in accordance with the guidelines set by the governments of India and Saudi Arabia, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Friday. After chairing a Haj review meeting here, Naqvi, who is the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, said the official announcement of Haj 2022 will be made in the first week of November and along with that the process of online application for Haj will also be started. Also Read | Grand Mosque in Mecca drops social distancing He said the Digital Health Card, "E-MASIHA" health facility and "E-luggage pre-tagging", providing all information regarding accommodation/transportation in Mecca-Madina, will be provided to all the Haj pilgrims. Preparations for Haj 2022 have been started keeping in mind the health and Covid protocols of the Saudi Arabian government and the Government of India, he said. The entire Haj 2022 process in India will be 100 per cent digital, Naqvi stressed, underlining that India sends the second largest number of Haj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia after Indonesia. Naqvi said that arrangements for special training for Haj 2022 regarding Covid protocols and health and hygiene are being made in India and Saudi Arabia for the Haj pilgrims. National and international protocol guidelines due to pandemic position will be implemented and followed strictly during Haj 2022, he said. Naqvi said the entire Haj 2022 process will be held according to the necessary guidelines to be issued by the governments of India and Saudi Arabia in view of the coronavirus pandemic to ensure health and well-being of the people of the two countries. Haj 2022 process is being chalked out after deliberations between the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Haj Committee of India, Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia and India's Consul General in Jeddah and other agencies keeping in view all aspects of challenges posed by the pandemic, a statement said. The arrangements for Haj 2022 are being made under special circumstances with special norms, rules and regulations, eligibility criteria, age restrictions, health and fitness requirements and other relevant conditions of the Saudi Arabia government amid the pandemic. Also Read | No excessive make-up, restricted dressing: Saudi Arabia's dress code for Formula 1 sparks controversy Naqvi said the entire travel process for Haj 2022 is being planned with significant and important changes in view of the pandemic and its effect. These include accommodation, period of stay of pilgrims, transportation, health and other facilities both in India and Saudi Arabia. Naqvi said more than 3,000 women had applied for Haj 2020 and 2021 under without "Mehram" (male companion) category and their applications will be eligible for Haj 2022 also if they want to go to the pilgrimage next year. Other women can also apply for Haj 2022 under without "Mehram" category, he added All the women under without "Mehram" category will be exempted from the lottery system, Naqvi said. The Haj Review Meeting was attended by senior officials including Minority Affairs Ministry Secretary Renuka Kumar, Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ausaf Sayeed, Joint Secretary of Minority Affairs Ministry Nigar Fatima, External Affairs Joint Secretary (Gulf) Vipul, Civil Aviation Ministry Joint Secretary S K Sharma, Health Ministry Deputy DG Shri P K Sen, Haj Committee of India CEO Mohd Yakoob Shekha; India's Consul General in Jeddah Shahid Alam and Air India Executive Director Melwin D'Silva. Expected Haj quota for 2022, Haj Air Charter, Corona protocols, vaccination, medical facilities, health card, transport in Saudi Arabia, Haj deputation of officials, Khadim Ul Hujjaj, Haj training, Embarkation Points and other issues were discussed in the Haj review meeting, the statement said.

Selection of Haj pilgrims to be based on Covid-appropriate criteria

In the last 24 hours, India registered 15,786 fresh COVID-19 cases and 231 deaths, the Union Health Ministry announced on Friday.

With the new fatalities, the overall death toll has increased to 4,53,042.

The recovery of 18,641 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally to 3,35,14,449.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-crosses-historic-one-billion-covid-19-vaccine-milestone-422530">&nbsp;India crosses historic one billion COVID-19 vaccine milestone</a>

Consequently, India's recovery rate stands at 98.16 per cent, the highest since March 2020.

The active caseload remains below the 2 lakh mark and is presently at 1,75,745. Active cases presently constitute 0.51 per cent of the country's total positive cases, which is the lowest since March 2020.

The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-scripted-history-pm-narendra-modi-hails-indias-covid-19-vaccine-drive-422730/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The last 24 hours saw a total of 13,24,263 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 59.70 crore cumulative tests.

While the testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, the weekly positivity rate at 1.31 per cent has now remained less than 3 per cent for the last 119 days.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-will-easily-drag-on-deep-into-2022-warns-who-422531">Covid pandemic will easily drag on deep into 2022, warns WHO</a>

The daily positivity rate at 1.19 per cent has also remained below 3 per cent for the last 53 days and less than 5 per cent for 136 consecutive days now.

With the administration of 61,27,277 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 inoculation coverage has reached 100.59 crore.

This has been achieved through 99,59,884 sessions.

As per the Health Ministry, a total of 11,65,54,028 balance and unutilised vaccine doses are still available with the states/UTs.

In the last 24 hours, India registered 15,786 fresh COVID-19 cases and 231 deaths, the Union Health Ministry announced on Friday. With the new fatalities, the overall death toll has increased to 4,53,042.

In the last 24 hours, India registered 15,786 fresh COVID-19 cases and 231 deaths, the Union Health Ministry announced on Friday. With the new fatalities, the overall death toll has increased to 4,53,042. The recovery of 18,641 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally to 3,35,14,449. Also Read | India crosses historic one billion COVID-19 vaccine milestone Consequently, India's recovery rate stands at 98.16 per cent, the highest since March 2020. The active caseload remains below the 2 lakh mark and is presently at 1,75,745. Active cases presently constitute 0.51 per cent of the country's total positive cases, which is the lowest since March 2020. The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. Watch The last 24 hours saw a total of 13,24,263 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 59.70 crore cumulative tests. While the testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, the weekly positivity rate at 1.31 per cent has now remained less than 3 per cent for the last 119 days. Also Read | Covid pandemic will easily drag on deep into 2022, warns WHO The daily positivity rate at 1.19 per cent has also remained below 3 per cent for the last 53 days and less than 5 per cent for 136 consecutive days now. With the administration of 61,27,277 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 inoculation coverage has reached 100.59 crore. This has been achieved through 99,59,884 sessions. As per the Health Ministry, a total of 11,65,54,028 balance and unutilised vaccine doses are still available with the states/UTs.

India logs 15,786 fresh Covid cases, 231 deaths

On Friday afternoon, a level-4 fire broke out at a multi-story residential structure near the Lalbaug neighbourhood of Parel in South Mumbai.

There are up to 12 firefighter units on the scene attempting to put out the inferno.

On the 19th level of the Avighna Park Towers skyscraper, a fire has erupted.

At least one individual is said to have died as a result of the event.&nbsp;

The footage showed a guy plunging from the 19th storey of the building, which was engulfed in flames.

The huge fire emitted heavy plumes of black smoke that could be seen for kilometres in the air.

The bulk of the people, including numerous old folks and children, were able to flee on their own.

Soon after the tragedy, Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar and other top district officials arrived on the scene to monitor the rescue operation.

The origin of the incident, which is suspected to be a short-circuit, is being investigated, and the building is stated to have all fire-safety precautions in place, according to the inhabitants.

As a huge fire raged on that floor, videos showed dark plumes of smoke rising.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

On Friday afternoon, a level-4 fire broke out at a multi-story residential structure near the Lalbaug neighbourhood of Parel in South Mumbai. There are up to 12 firefighter units on the scene attempting to put out the inferno.

On Friday afternoon, a level-4 fire broke out at a multi-story residential structure near the Lalbaug neighbourhood of Parel in South Mumbai. There are up to 12 firefighter units on the scene attempting to put out the inferno. On the 19th level of the Avighna Park Towers skyscraper, a fire has erupted. At least one individual is said to have died as a result of the event. The footage showed a guy plunging from the 19th storey of the building, which was engulfed in flames. The huge fire emitted heavy plumes of black smoke that could be seen for kilometres in the air. The bulk of the people, including numerous old folks and children, were able to flee on their own. Soon after the tragedy, Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar and other top district officials arrived on the scene to monitor the rescue operation. The origin of the incident, which is suspected to be a short-circuit, is being investigated, and the building is stated to have all fire-safety precautions in place, according to the inhabitants. As a huge fire raged on that floor, videos showed dark plumes of smoke rising. (With inputs from agencies)

Massive fire at 60-storey residential building in Mumbai, 1 dead

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