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As India on Thursday achieved the milestone of administering 1billion COVID-19 vaccine doses so far, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech Dr Krishna Ella lauded the government's system for this achievement.

Terming the country's nationwide vaccination drive, a "significant success", Dr Ella said, "Credit goes to country's scientists and also government system that delivered vaccine to the last mile of delivery. We proved to the world that Indian industry can do it."

"It is a significant achievement and sets a mark for Indian industry that we can help global health at large," he added.

In a landmark achievement, India's cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage crossed 1billion doses on Thursday.

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>

A total of 1billion vaccine doses have been administered so far to eligible beneficiaries, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

India's COVID-19 vaccination drive was launched on January 16, 2021. Initially, the vaccination was opened for Health Care Workers (HCWs) only.

From February 2, front line workers were made eligible for vaccination. These included State and Central Police personnel, Armed Force Personnel, Home Guards, Civil Defence &amp; Disaster Management Volunteers, Municipal workers, Prison Staff, PRI Staff and Revenue workers involved in containment and surveillance, Railway Protection Force and election Staff.

The vaccination drive was expanded from March 1 to include persons above 60 years of age and those above 45 years with associated specified 20 comorbidities. It was further expanded to all people above 45 years of age from April 1. From May 1, all persons above 18 years of age were made eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;

As India on Thursday achieved the milestone of administering 1billion COVID-19 vaccine doses so far, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech Dr Krishna Ella lauded the government's system for this achievement.

As India on Thursday achieved the milestone of administering 1billion COVID-19 vaccine doses so far, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech Dr Krishna Ella lauded the government's system for this achievement. Terming the country's nationwide vaccination drive, a "significant success", Dr Ella said, "Credit goes to country's scientists and also government system that delivered vaccine to the last mile of delivery. We proved to the world that Indian industry can do it." "It is a significant achievement and sets a mark for Indian industry that we can help global health at large," he added. In a landmark achievement, India's cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage crossed 1billion doses on Thursday. Also Read | COVID-19 vaccination in India crosses 1 billion. What about its neighbours? A total of 1billion vaccine doses have been administered so far to eligible beneficiaries, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. India's COVID-19 vaccination drive was launched on January 16, 2021. Initially, the vaccination was opened for Health Care Workers (HCWs) only. From February 2, front line workers were made eligible for vaccination. These included State and Central Police personnel, Armed Force Personnel, Home Guards, Civil Defence & Disaster Management Volunteers, Municipal workers, Prison Staff, PRI Staff and Revenue workers involved in containment and surveillance, Railway Protection Force and election Staff. The vaccination drive was expanded from March 1 to include persons above 60 years of age and those above 45 years with associated specified 20 comorbidities. It was further expanded to all people above 45 years of age from April 1. From May 1, all persons above 18 years of age were made eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.

One billion COVID-19 vaccine doses: Bharat Biotech chairman lauds govt; terms it significant feat

Top Israeli diplomat to India Rony Yedidia-Clein has said that the foreign minister ministers of India, UAE, Israel and the US will be meeting again in Dubai.

The foreign ministers of the four countries had met earlier this week virtually with focus on trade, climate and maritime security. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the Israel embassy in Delhi, Rony Yedidia-Clein, said,"We are very hopeful that this will really bring a synergy of the trade and cooperation that has been going between the countries, meaning we make whole of it bigger than the sum of its parts, something we are looking forward to."

Her comments come even as India's&nbsp;external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar is on a visit to Israel. She said the visit will help cement the relationship, adding, "very, very hopeful, either the Israeli prime minister will visit here or hopefully the Indian PM will visit Israel". India and Israel have had close engagement and&nbsp;in the past&nbsp;has seen visits by both the prime minister and the president of the country. Both countries will soon celebrate the establishment of 30 years of formal relationship.

WION: How do you view S Jaishankar's visit?

Rony Yedidia-Clein: We see it as a very good visit, it is been quite a long visit&nbsp;from Sunday afternoon to Thursday which is quite unusual in terms of regular diplomatic engagement.

He has been able to see a number of things, not just in offices and conference rooms. He has been able to see Israel, visited&nbsp;many places in the Old City&nbsp;of Jerusalem.

Also, in terms of intimacy, he&nbsp;has had a number of good meetings with our foreign minister, just this morning with the prime minister,&nbsp;president and speaker of Knesset and so the intimacy of these meeting and the level of conversation has really been quite good and helped in cementing an already good relationship between India and Israel. We have not been able to have high-level visits due to COVID-19,&nbsp; so we are happy to see restarting of the visits.

WION: If you can list the outcome of the visit?

Rony Yedidia-Clein: Israel has joined the International Solar Alliance(ISA) which is an Indian initiative and is really wonderful.

Also, we have the agreement in principle to recognise each other's vaccination certificate which&nbsp;is a very important thing for us. We also see going forward&nbsp;joint celebration of 30 year anniversary of our diplomatic relations, also a new agreement for women in the STEM ( science, technology, engineering and mathematics) studies which is very important for the women of both countries and that is something we will be cooperating in coming months. So, a variety of things we are cooperating on and this visit has cemented them.

WION: How do both countries plan to celebrate the 30th year of the establishment of formal ties?

Rony Yedidia-Clein:&nbsp;We are looking forward to really a wide range of different activities, we have high-level visits and are very, very hopeful, either the Israeli prime minister will visit here or hopefully the Indian PM will visit Israel, maybe later in the year..within that framework of the anniversary, we are also hoping to see other ministers visiting back and forth.

Our embassy here is working with the Indian embassy in Israel on a number of programmes, we are doing a lot of cultural programmes in India.&nbsp;We really are celebrating this wonderful relationship. The fact that we have gained so much over the year, both in terms of visibility and the scope of the relationship is remarkable and we are ready to celebrate it.

WION: You just mentioned the high-level visits...can you&nbsp;elaborate on it?

Rony Yedidia-Clein: That is what we are planning and it has been part of the conversations going on this week. There has been a remarkable level of intimacy and also the chemistry is there. They really had very good conversations, and these conversations will go on. The PMs will be speaking again over the next few weeks and we do hope, sometime during 2022 there will be high-level visits, and there will be lower visits by ministers.

WION: Crucial aspect was people to people ties..how do you plan to take it forward?

Rony Yedidia-Clein: As I said&nbsp;the relationship has gone from something that was under the radar and just based on security, nobody knew about it - to something that is very vibrant, very much alive and very visible.

We see Israelis are waiting to come after COVID-19. They want to come to India and see&nbsp;wonderful sites and Indians who come to Israel are really welcome. We see cultural exchanges, business going on, trade has gone to up to $4 billion a number that does not include security, military trade. Also, $4 billion from almost nothing in 30 years&nbsp;is quite an achievement&nbsp;thanks to the people and&nbsp;business connection. That is because of Israelis coming here, Indians going to Israel, talking to Israelis, utilising the relationship to make friends and make money.

WION: How do you view support to Israel from India, you have seen it on Twitter as well...

Rony Yedidia-Clein: We love it, it's great, we really feel the love of Indian people for us, and we love them back. It is a tremendous feeling that when we open our Twitter feed in the morning and we see the tremendous tweets about how much Indians love Israel and we probably have the best job of any Israeli diplomat, we feel the love here, not like diplomats in other countries where they have to strike a little bit more for it. It's really fantastic.

WION: We saw the Quad, India, Israel, US and UAE FMs virtual meet. Will a mechanism be evolved? Will there be more meetings?

Rony Yedidia-Clein: I don't know, if a formal mechanism means an office that will be set up, that is something that I know about. There will be meetings, the four&nbsp;ministers will each nominate a high-level professional from either their foreign ministry or from another ministry who will be part of the four-member working group and then the working group will get together to see how they can bring businesses together in order to work together.

There will be a high-level meeting of the ministers again&nbsp;probably in Dubai, which has been suggested and probably will happen. We are very hopeful that this will really bring synergy in&nbsp;trade and cooperation that has been going between the countries&nbsp;meaning we make the whole of it bigger than the sum of its parts, something we are looking forward to.

My foreign minister has said that he loves the word synergy, which means the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and he really sees this as synergetic geometric cooperation.

WION: And is Quad a direct outcome of the Abraham Accord?

Rony Yedidia-Clein: Yes, of course, Abraham Accord&nbsp;is something that has been blessed by India. India was one of the first countries to congratulate on that accord and it can bring peace and prosperity to the Middle east. The Abraham Accord&nbsp;is something that all the countries of the Middle East, at some stage will hopefully be joining and will bring peace in&nbsp;the Middle East and prosperity to all the people of those countries.

WION: Is Quad against any country in particular?

Rony Yedidia-Clein:&nbsp;We don't see it against any country, we see it as a positive force&nbsp;for peace and prosperity.

Top Israeli diplomat to India Rony Yedidia-Clein has said that the foreign minister ministers of India, UAE, Israel and the US will be meeting again in Dubai. The foreign ministers of the four countries had met earlier this week virtually with focus on trade, climate and maritime security.

Top Israeli diplomat to India Rony Yedidia-Clein has said that the foreign minister ministers of India, UAE, Israel and the US will be meeting again in Dubai. The foreign ministers of the four countries had met earlier this week virtually with focus on trade, climate and maritime security. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the Israel embassy in Delhi, Rony Yedidia-Clein, said,"We are very hopeful that this will really bring a synergy of the trade and cooperation that has been going between the countries, meaning we make whole of it bigger than the sum of its parts, something we are looking forward to." Her comments come even as India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar is on a visit to Israel. She said the visit will help cement the relationship, adding, "very, very hopeful, either the Israeli prime minister will visit here or hopefully the Indian PM will visit Israel". India and Israel have had close engagement and in the past has seen visits by both the prime minister and the president of the country. Both countries will soon celebrate the establishment of 30 years of formal relationship. WION: How do you view S Jaishankar's visit? Rony Yedidia-Clein: We see it as a very good visit, it is been quite a long visit from Sunday afternoon to Thursday which is quite unusual in terms of regular diplomatic engagement. He has been able to see a number of things, not just in offices and conference rooms. He has been able to see Israel, visited many places in the Old City of Jerusalem. Also, in terms of intimacy, he has had a number of good meetings with our foreign minister, just this morning with the prime minister, president and speaker of Knesset and so the intimacy of these meeting and the level of conversation has really been quite good and helped in cementing an already good relationship between India and Israel. We have not been able to have high-level visits due to COVID-19, so we are happy to see restarting of the visits. WION: If you can list the outcome of the visit? Rony Yedidia-Clein: Israel has joined the International Solar Alliance(ISA) which is an Indian initiative and is really wonderful. Also, we have the agreement in principle to recognise each other's vaccination certificate which is a very important thing for us. We also see going forward joint celebration of 30 year anniversary of our diplomatic relations, also a new agreement for women in the STEM ( science, technology, engineering and mathematics) studies which is very important for the women of both countries and that is something we will be cooperating in coming months. So, a variety of things we are cooperating on and this visit has cemented them. WION: How do both countries plan to celebrate the 30th year of the establishment of formal ties? Rony Yedidia-Clein: We are looking forward to really a wide range of different activities, we have high-level visits and are very, very hopeful, either the Israeli prime minister will visit here or hopefully the Indian PM will visit Israel, maybe later in the year..within that framework of the anniversary, we are also hoping to see other ministers visiting back and forth. Our embassy here is working with the Indian embassy in Israel on a number of programmes, we are doing a lot of cultural programmes in India. We really are celebrating this wonderful relationship. The fact that we have gained so much over the year, both in terms of visibility and the scope of the relationship is remarkable and we are ready to celebrate it. WION: You just mentioned the high-level visits...can you elaborate on it? Rony Yedidia-Clein: That is what we are planning and it has been part of the conversations going on this week. There has been a remarkable level of intimacy and also the chemistry is there. They really had very good conversations, and these conversations will go on. The PMs will be speaking again over the next few weeks and we do hope, sometime during 2022 there will be high-level visits, and there will be lower visits by ministers. WION: Crucial aspect was people to people ties..how do you plan to take it forward? Rony Yedidia-Clein: As I said the relationship has gone from something that was under the radar and just based on security, nobody knew about it - to something that is very vibrant, very much alive and very visible. We see Israelis are waiting to come after COVID-19. They want to come to India and see wonderful sites and Indians who come to Israel are really welcome. We see cultural exchanges, business going on, trade has gone to up to $4 billion a number that does not include security, military trade. Also, $4 billion from almost nothing in 30 years is quite an achievement thanks to the people and business connection. That is because of Israelis coming here, Indians going to Israel, talking to Israelis, utilising the relationship to make friends and make money. WION: How do you view support to Israel from India, you have seen it on Twitter as well... Rony Yedidia-Clein: We love it, it's great, we really feel the love of Indian people for us, and we love them back. It is a tremendous feeling that when we open our Twitter feed in the morning and we see the tremendous tweets about how much Indians love Israel and we probably have the best job of any Israeli diplomat, we feel the love here, not like diplomats in other countries where they have to strike a little bit more for it. It's really fantastic. WION: We saw the Quad, India, Israel, US and UAE FMs virtual meet. Will a mechanism be evolved? Will there be more meetings? Rony Yedidia-Clein: I don't know, if a formal mechanism means an office that will be set up, that is something that I know about. There will be meetings, the four ministers will each nominate a high-level professional from either their foreign ministry or from another ministry who will be part of the four-member working group and then the working group will get together to see how they can bring businesses together in order to work together. There will be a high-level meeting of the ministers again probably in Dubai, which has been suggested and probably will happen. We are very hopeful that this will really bring synergy in trade and cooperation that has been going between the countries meaning we make the whole of it bigger than the sum of its parts, something we are looking forward to. My foreign minister has said that he loves the word synergy, which means the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and he really sees this as synergetic geometric cooperation. WION: And is Quad a direct outcome of the Abraham Accord? Rony Yedidia-Clein: Yes, of course, Abraham Accord is something that has been blessed by India. India was one of the first countries to congratulate on that accord and it can bring peace and prosperity to the Middle east. The Abraham Accord is something that all the countries of the Middle East, at some stage will hopefully be joining and will bring peace in the Middle East and prosperity to all the people of those countries. WION: Is Quad against any country in particular? Rony Yedidia-Clein: We don't see it against any country, we see it as a positive force for peace and prosperity.

India, UAE, Israel, US foreign ministers to meet in Dubai, says top Israeli diplomat Rony Yedidia-Clein

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday discussed expanding academic research and technology collaboration between India and Israel to drive the future of the bilateral ties during his meeting with presidents and senior leadership of various Israeli universities.

Jaishankar, who arrived here on Sunday, is on a five-day visit to Israel as part of India's efforts to further enrich the strategic ties besides exploring new areas of bilateral collaboration. It is Jaishankar's first visit to the country as the external affairs minister.

"Expanding our academic research and technology collaboration through meetings with University Presidents and senior leadership in Tel Aviv today," Jaishankar tweeted, sharing a series of photographs of the meeting.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Expanding our academic research and technology collaboration through meetings with University Presidents and senior leadership in Tel Aviv today. 
 
Included <a href="https://twitter.com/TelAvivUni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TelAvivUni</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/HebrewU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HebrewU</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Uhaifa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UHaifa</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/TechnionLive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TechnionLive</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/bengurionu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bengurionu</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Bar_ilan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bar_ilan</a> universities and <a href="https://twitter.com/CheMalag?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CheMalag</a>. <a href="https://t.co/y8I6HgiOyO">pic.twitter.com/y8I6HgiOyO</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1450823096173162504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He also tagged several Israeli institutions, including Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University, Technion Israel (Israel Institute of Technology) and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, in his tweet.

"Together our collaboration will drive the India-Israel partnership in the coming years," Jaishankar added.

On Wednesday, Jaishankar called on Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and held wide-ranging discussions with them on bilateral ties and on regional and global issues.

India and Israel elevated bilateral relations to a strategic partnership during the historic visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel in July 2017.

Since then, the relationship between the two countries has focused on expanding knowledge-based partnership, which includes collaboration in innovation and research, including boosting the 'Make in India' initiative.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday discussed expanding academic research and technology collaboration between India and Israel to drive the future of the bilateral ties during his meeting with presidents and senior leadership of various Israeli universities.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday discussed expanding academic research and technology collaboration between India and Israel to drive the future of the bilateral ties during his meeting with presidents and senior leadership of various Israeli universities. Jaishankar, who arrived here on Sunday, is on a five-day visit to Israel as part of India's efforts to further enrich the strategic ties besides exploring new areas of bilateral collaboration. It is Jaishankar's first visit to the country as the external affairs minister. "Expanding our academic research and technology collaboration through meetings with University Presidents and senior leadership in Tel Aviv today," Jaishankar tweeted, sharing a series of photographs of the meeting. Expanding our academic research and technology collaboration through meetings with University Presidents and senior leadership in Tel Aviv today. Included @TelAvivUni, @HebrewU, @UHaifa, @TechnionLive, @bengurionu, @bar_ilan universities and @CheMalag. pic.twitter.com/y8I6HgiOyO — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 20, 2021 × He also tagged several Israeli institutions, including Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University, Technion Israel (Israel Institute of Technology) and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, in his tweet. "Together our collaboration will drive the India-Israel partnership in the coming years," Jaishankar added. On Wednesday, Jaishankar called on Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and held wide-ranging discussions with them on bilateral ties and on regional and global issues. India and Israel elevated bilateral relations to a strategic partnership during the historic visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel in July 2017. Since then, the relationship between the two countries has focused on expanding knowledge-based partnership, which includes collaboration in innovation and research, including boosting the 'Make in India' initiative.

Jaishankar discusses expanding academic research between India, Israel

Security forces on Wednesday killed four terrorists, including two commanders of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), who were involved in the killing of migrant labourers in Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

While two terrorists were killed in the encounter at Dragad in Shopian, two others were killed in a gunbattle in Kulgam district, a police official said, adding so far 15 terrorists have been killed in two weeks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-terrorists-security-forces-clash-in-jks-kulgam-1-soldier-killed-129760">Also Read:&nbsp;Two security personnel, 2 civilians injured in Kulgam encounter</a>

One soldier lost his life while two others sustained injuries in the Shopian operation.

"Police and Army neutralised LeT district commander (Gulzar Ahmad Reshi) of Kulgam and one other, who were involved in killings of two poor labourers from Bihar on 17/10/21 at Wanpoh," IGP Kashmir zone Vijay Kumar said.

According to a defence spokesman, a joint operation was launched on Wednesday evening after information was received about the movement of two terrorists along the road Ashmuji-Devsar in Kulgam district.&nbsp;

"The area was cordoned off and contact established at about 07.40 PM. Repeated surrender appeals were turned down by terrorists," the spokesman said.

He said the terrorists opened fire, forcing the security forces to retaliate.

"In the ensuing firefight, two terrorists were killed. An AK rifle and other warlike stores have been recovered," he added.

Earlier in the day, security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Dragad area of Shopian district following information about the presence of terrorists, the officials said.

They said the search operation turned into an encounter after the terrorists opened fire on the security forces who retaliated.

The officials said two terrorists of The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of Lashkar-e-Toiba, were killed.

Three security force personnel also sustained injuries in the operation. One of the injured soldiers later succumbed to injuries at a hospital, the officials said.

"One of the killed terrorists has been identified as Adil Ah Wani, active since 7/2020... So far, 15 terrorists have been neutralised in two&nbsp;weeks," IGP Kumar said.

He said Wani was involved in the killing of Saghir Ahmad, a carpenter from Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur.

"Adil Wani was District Commander Shopian of proscribed terror outfit LeT," Kumar said.

Security forces on Wednesday killed four terrorists, including two commanders of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), who were involved in the killing of migrant labourers in Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

Security forces on Wednesday killed four terrorists, including two commanders of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), who were involved in the killing of migrant labourers in Jammu and Kashmir, police said. While two terrorists were killed in the encounter at Dragad in Shopian, two others were killed in a gunbattle in Kulgam district, a police official said, adding so far 15 terrorists have been killed in two weeks. Also Read: Two security personnel, 2 civilians injured in Kulgam encounter One soldier lost his life while two others sustained injuries in the Shopian operation. "Police and Army neutralised LeT district commander (Gulzar Ahmad Reshi) of Kulgam and one other, who were involved in killings of two poor labourers from Bihar on 17/10/21 at Wanpoh," IGP Kashmir zone Vijay Kumar said. According to a defence spokesman, a joint operation was launched on Wednesday evening after information was received about the movement of two terrorists along the road Ashmuji-Devsar in Kulgam district. "The area was cordoned off and contact established at about 07.40 PM. Repeated surrender appeals were turned down by terrorists," the spokesman said. He said the terrorists opened fire, forcing the security forces to retaliate. "In the ensuing firefight, two terrorists were killed. An AK rifle and other warlike stores have been recovered," he added. Earlier in the day, security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Dragad area of Shopian district following information about the presence of terrorists, the officials said. They said the search operation turned into an encounter after the terrorists opened fire on the security forces who retaliated. The officials said two terrorists of The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of Lashkar-e-Toiba, were killed. Three security force personnel also sustained injuries in the operation. One of the injured soldiers later succumbed to injuries at a hospital, the officials said. "One of the killed terrorists has been identified as Adil Ah Wani, active since 7/2020... So far, 15 terrorists have been neutralised in two weeks," IGP Kumar said. He said Wani was involved in the killing of Saghir Ahmad, a carpenter from Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur. "Adil Wani was District Commander Shopian of proscribed terror outfit LeT," Kumar said.

Terrorists involved in killing migrant workers in J&K eliminated: Police

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Atleast 70 people killed as a result of aggressive landslides and flash floods in Indian states of Uttarakhand and Kerala. The Indian army and airforce have been carrying out rescue operations along with state disaster management authorities.

Floods in Uttarakhand, Kerala: Over 70 dead

Today, the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses delivered in India surpassed the one billion mark.

Already, India has administered more vaccine doses than any other country in the world apart from China.

India's status as a worldwide vaccine and biologics production powerhouse has grown because the government has been conducting a massive vaccination campaign for its massive eligible population. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-crosses-historic-one-billion-covid-19-vaccine-milestone-422530">Also read | India crosses historic one billion COVID-19 vaccine milestone</a>

India plans to vaccinate all eligible residents by the start of the year 2022, but experts believe the effort must step up speed to reach the objective. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-mammoth-covid-19-vaccination-drive-the-body-is-an-ambassador-car-but-the-engine-is-a-ferrari-422325">Also read | India's mammoth COVID-19 vaccination drive: The body is an Ambassador car, but the engine is a Ferrari</a>

Here is a statistical comparison of India's vaccination campaign to those of its neighbours:

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Country</td>
			<td>Total Doses</td>
			<td>Per 100 people</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>India</td>
			<td>1,00,11,36,000</td>
			<td>72</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pakistan</td>
			<td>100,399,945</td>
			<td>44.58</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bangladesh</td>
			<td>58,338,364</td>
			<td>35.08</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

(Data sources:Covidvax.live/continent/asia) 
 
In Pakistan, amid all the myths and misinformation regarding the jabs, vaccine reluctance is a genuine problem.

Anti-vaxxers in the Islamic nation are also using forged vaccination certificates to avoid government regulations against unvaccinated people.

Countries and areas with the highest incomes vaccinate their citizens more than 20 times quicker than those with the lowest incomes.

Just 2.7% of people in low-income nations have gotten at least one dosage.

The most recent global vaccination rate is 26,193,513 doses per day on average.

It will take another 6 months to cover 75% of the population at the current rate.

Around the world, almost 6.66 billion doses have been delivered in 184 countries. 47.5% of the world population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The most recent pace was around 26.2 million doses per day.

There have already been enough doses delivered to fully vaccinate 43.4 percent of the world's population, but the distribution has been uneven.

(With inputs from agencies)

Today, the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses delivered in India surpassed the one billion mark. Already, India has administered more vaccine doses than any other country in the world apart from China.

Today, the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses delivered in India surpassed the one billion mark. Already, India has administered more vaccine doses than any other country in the world apart from China. India's status as a worldwide vaccine and biologics production powerhouse has grown because the government has been conducting a massive vaccination campaign for its massive eligible population. Also read | India crosses historic one billion COVID-19 vaccine milestone India plans to vaccinate all eligible residents by the start of the year 2022, but experts believe the effort must step up speed to reach the objective. Also read | India's mammoth COVID-19 vaccination drive: The body is an Ambassador car, but the engine is a Ferrari Here is a statistical comparison of India's vaccination campaign to those of its neighbours: Country Total Doses Per 100 people India 1,00,11,36,000 72 Pakistan 100,399,945 44.58 Bangladesh 58,338,364 35.08 (Data sources:Covidvax.live/continent/asia) In Pakistan, amid all the myths and misinformation regarding the jabs, vaccine reluctance is a genuine problem. Anti-vaxxers in the Islamic nation are also using forged vaccination certificates to avoid government regulations against unvaccinated people. Countries and areas with the highest incomes vaccinate their citizens more than 20 times quicker than those with the lowest incomes. Just 2.7% of people in low-income nations have gotten at least one dosage. The most recent global vaccination rate is 26,193,513 doses per day on average. It will take another 6 months to cover 75% of the population at the current rate. Around the world, almost 6.66 billion doses have been delivered in 184 countries. 47.5% of the world population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The most recent pace was around 26.2 million doses per day. There have already been enough doses delivered to fully vaccinate 43.4 percent of the world's population, but the distribution has been uneven. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 vaccination in India crosses 1 billion. What about its neighbours?

An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in the Chanapora area in Srinagar on Thursday, police said.

"Encounter has started at Chanapora area of Srinagar. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow," the Kashmir Zone police said.

There are no reports of any casualties so far but the exchange of fire took place for several minutes, officials said.

They said a search operation is going on to track down the terrorists.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorists-involved-in-killing-migrant-workers-in-jk-eliminated-police-422491">Also Read |&nbsp;Terrorists involved in killing migrant workers in J&amp;K eliminated</a>

Meanwhile, the mortal remains of Karnveer Singh, a soldier with the Indian Army who lost his life during an encounter with terrorists at Dragad in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian, would be brought to his native Deomau Daldal village in Madhya Pradesh's Satna district by Thursday evening, an official said.

Singh, 25, lost his life and two other soldiers suffered injuries in the gunbattle at Shopian on Wednesday in which two terrorists were killed.

"The body of Karnveer Singh would be brought by around 6 pm today," Satna Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Rajesh Shahi said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-civilian-killings-indian-army-chief-visits-jammu-to-review-security-situation-421953">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid civilian killings, Indian Army chief visits Jammu</a>

Singh's acquaintances said that when his family was about to start celebrating his birthday as per the Hindu calendar at his village, they came to know about his death.

Singh's father had last spoken to his son on Tuesday night, just hours before he went on his final duty, they said.

According to the ADM, Singh, who was with 21 Rajput Battalion, hailed from a family of soldiers. He had joined the Army in 2017 when his father Ravi Kumar Singh retired as subedar major from the military. 
&nbsp;

An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in the Chanapora area in Srinagar on Thursday, police said. "Encounter has started at Chanapora area of Srinagar.

An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in the Chanapora area in Srinagar on Thursday, police said. "Encounter has started at Chanapora area of Srinagar. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow," the Kashmir Zone police said. There are no reports of any casualties so far but the exchange of fire took place for several minutes, officials said. They said a search operation is going on to track down the terrorists. Also Read | Terrorists involved in killing migrant workers in J&K eliminated Meanwhile, the mortal remains of Karnveer Singh, a soldier with the Indian Army who lost his life during an encounter with terrorists at Dragad in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian, would be brought to his native Deomau Daldal village in Madhya Pradesh's Satna district by Thursday evening, an official said. Singh, 25, lost his life and two other soldiers suffered injuries in the gunbattle at Shopian on Wednesday in which two terrorists were killed. "The body of Karnveer Singh would be brought by around 6 pm today," Satna Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Rajesh Shahi said. Also Read: Amid civilian killings, Indian Army chief visits Jammu Singh's acquaintances said that when his family was about to start celebrating his birthday as per the Hindu calendar at his village, they came to know about his death. Singh's father had last spoken to his son on Tuesday night, just hours before he went on his final duty, they said. According to the ADM, Singh, who was with 21 Rajput Battalion, hailed from a family of soldiers. He had joined the Army in 2017 when his father Ravi Kumar Singh retired as subedar major from the military.

Encounter between security forces, terrorists underway in Srinagar

China has been an aggressor against India along the Himalayan border, a top American diplomat nominated by President Joe Biden as his next envoy to Beijing has told lawmakers, stating that the US must hold the Chinese government accountable for failing to play by the rules.

Nicholas Burns told members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during his confirmation hearing on Wednesday that the US will challenge China where it must, including when Beijing takes actions that run counter to America's values and interests; threaten the security of the United States or its allies and partners; or undermine the rules-based international order.

"Beijing has been an aggressor against India along their Himalayan border; against Vietnam, the Philippines, and others in the South China Sea; against Japan in the East China Sea; and has launched an intimidation campaign against Australia and Lithuania," Burns said.

China claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims.

Beijing is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea. It has built up and militarised many of the islands and reefs it controls in the region. Both areas are stated to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources and are also vital to global trade.

Burns said that the "Chinese genocide in Xinjiang and abuses in Tibet, its smothering of Hong Kong's autonomy and freedoms, and its bullying of Taiwan are unjust, and must stop”.

Beijing's recent actions against Taiwan are especially objectionable and the US is right to continue to adhere to its one-China policy, he said.

“We are also right to support the peaceful resolution of disputes, and to oppose unilateral actions that undermine the status quo and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” he said.

Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state - but China views the self-ruled island as a breakaway province. Beijing has not ruled out the possible use of force to achieve unification.

Burns told lawmakers that the US will compete and compete vigorously with China where it should, including on jobs and the economy, critical infrastructure and emerging technologies.

It will cooperate with China where it is in its interest, including on climate change, counternarcotics, global health and non-proliferation, he told members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

China, he said, seeks to become the most powerful military, economic, and political actor in the Indo Pacific.

"We must stand with our allies and partners to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific, including by maintaining America's commercial and military superiority in 21st century technologies.

"We also must hold the PRC (People's Republic of China) accountable for failing to play by the rules on trade and investment, including its thefts of intellectual property, use of state subsidies, dumping of goods and unfair labour practices.

"These actions harm American workers and businesses," Burns added.

The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.

As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in the Gogra area in August and in the north and south banks of the Pangong lake in February.

 
&nbsp;

China has been an aggressor against India along the Himalayan border, a top American diplomat nominated by President Joe Biden as his next envoy to Beijing has told lawmakers, stating that the US must hold the Chinese government accountable for failing to play by the rules.

China has been an aggressor against India along the Himalayan border, a top American diplomat nominated by President Joe Biden as his next envoy to Beijing has told lawmakers, stating that the US must hold the Chinese government accountable for failing to play by the rules. Nicholas Burns told members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during his confirmation hearing on Wednesday that the US will challenge China where it must, including when Beijing takes actions that run counter to America's values and interests; threaten the security of the United States or its allies and partners; or undermine the rules-based international order. "Beijing has been an aggressor against India along their Himalayan border; against Vietnam, the Philippines, and others in the South China Sea; against Japan in the East China Sea; and has launched an intimidation campaign against Australia and Lithuania," Burns said. China claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims. Beijing is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea. It has built up and militarised many of the islands and reefs it controls in the region. Both areas are stated to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources and are also vital to global trade. Burns said that the "Chinese genocide in Xinjiang and abuses in Tibet, its smothering of Hong Kong's autonomy and freedoms, and its bullying of Taiwan are unjust, and must stop”. Beijing's recent actions against Taiwan are especially objectionable and the US is right to continue to adhere to its one-China policy, he said. “We are also right to support the peaceful resolution of disputes, and to oppose unilateral actions that undermine the status quo and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” he said. Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state - but China views the self-ruled island as a breakaway province. Beijing has not ruled out the possible use of force to achieve unification. Burns told lawmakers that the US will compete and compete vigorously with China where it should, including on jobs and the economy, critical infrastructure and emerging technologies. It will cooperate with China where it is in its interest, including on climate change, counternarcotics, global health and non-proliferation, he told members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. China, he said, seeks to become the most powerful military, economic, and political actor in the Indo Pacific. "We must stand with our allies and partners to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific, including by maintaining America's commercial and military superiority in 21st century technologies. "We also must hold the PRC (People's Republic of China) accountable for failing to play by the rules on trade and investment, including its thefts of intellectual property, use of state subsidies, dumping of goods and unfair labour practices. "These actions harm American workers and businesses," Burns added. The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry. As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in the Gogra area in August and in the north and south banks of the Pangong lake in February.

China has been aggressor along Himalayan border, says US diplomat

It is a big day for India as today it achieved the historic milestone of completing 1 billion (100 crores) doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, nine months after it launched “the world’s biggest vaccination drive”.

India celebrates historic milestone, hits 1 billion Covid-19 vaccine milestone

As India successfully vaccinated more than 100 crore citizens on Thursday, WHO Chief congratulated the country and PM Modi for this achievement.<o:p></o:p>

Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, took to Twitter to send out his best wishes and congratulate the Indian government for achieving this important milestone.

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Congratulations, Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>, the scientists, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/healthworkers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#healthworkers</a> and people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>, on your efforts to protect the vulnerable populations from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> and achieve <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccinEquity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaccinEquity</a> targets.<a href="https://t.co/ngVFOszcmE">https://t.co/ngVFOszcmE</a>
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros/status/1451078629232979969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Congratulations, Prime Minister @narendramodi, the scientists, #healthworkers and people of #India, on your efforts to protect the vulnerable populations from #COVID19 and achieve #VaccinEquity targets,"&nbsp;he tweeted.

<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

His message came a few hours after India successfully administered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/historic-milestone-pm-modi-world-leaders-congratulate-india-for-administering-one-billion-covid-19-doses-422544">one billion</a> Covid vaccines after nearly 10 months of starting the vaccination campaign in the country.<o:p></o:p>

The historic mark was crossed at around 9:47 am on Thursday (October 21) morning, as per the CoWIN website — the digital platform used to manage immunisation records.

<o:p>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></o:p>

Calling it a 'historic' moment, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated all doctors, nurses, emergency workers, citizens and all others involved.<o:p></o:p>

"We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians," PM Modi tweeted. "Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. #VaccineCentury."

<o:p></o:p>

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India scripts history. 
 
We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. 
 
Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccineCentury?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaccineCentury</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1451051712387731458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=&lt;blockquote class=twitter-tweet&gt;&lt;p lang=en dir=ltr&gt;India scripts history. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccineCentury?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccineCentury?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&gt;#VaccineCentury&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1451051712387731458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw href=https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1451051712387731458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&gt;October 21, 2021&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; <script async src=https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js charset=utf-8></script>" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
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Several other dignitaries such as the Bhutan’s foreign minister Tandi Dorji, Bhiutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, Israeli Prime Minister Neftali Bennett&nbsp;and WHO’s regional director of South Asia Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, among several others, also congratulated the Indian government and citizens for achieveing this important milestone.<o:p></o:p>

The Indian government has also been helping neighbouring countries with vaccine supply to ensure that the world is able to eradicate the dangerous coronavirus as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p>

As India successfully vaccinated more than 100 crore citizens on Thursday, WHO Chief congratulated the country and PM Modi for this achievement. Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, took to Twitter to send out his best wishes and congratulate the Indian government for achieving this important milestone.

As India successfully vaccinated more than 100 crore citizens on Thursday, WHO Chief congratulated the country and PM Modi for this achievement. Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, took to Twitter to send out his best wishes and congratulate the Indian government for achieving this important milestone. Congratulations, Prime Minister @narendramodi, the scientists, #healthworkers and people of #India, on your efforts to protect the vulnerable populations from #COVID19 and achieve #VaccinEquity targets.https://t.co/ngVFOszcmE — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) October 21, 2021 × "Congratulations, Prime Minister @narendramodi, the scientists, #healthworkers and people of #India, on your efforts to protect the vulnerable populations from #COVID19 and achieve #VaccinEquity targets," he tweeted. His message came a few hours after India successfully administered one billion Covid vaccines after nearly 10 months of starting the vaccination campaign in the country. The historic mark was crossed at around 9:47 am on Thursday (October 21) morning, as per the CoWIN website — the digital platform used to manage immunisation records. Also read | India crosses historic one billion COVID-19 vaccine milestone Calling it a 'historic' moment, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated all doctors, nurses, emergency workers, citizens and all others involved. "We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians," PM Modi tweeted. "Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. #VaccineCentury." India scripts history. We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. #VaccineCentury — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 21, 2021 × Several other dignitaries such as the Bhutan’s foreign minister Tandi Dorji, Bhiutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, Israeli Prime Minister Neftali Bennett and WHO’s regional director of South Asia Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, among several others, also congratulated the Indian government and citizens for achieveing this important milestone. The Indian government has also been helping neighbouring countries with vaccine supply to ensure that the world is able to eradicate the dangerous coronavirus as soon as possible.

WHO chief congratulates PM Modi for administering one billion COVID-19 doses

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, said Reuters quoting India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The climate summit is expected to boost efforts for steeper emissions cut tp tackle global warming.

Amid uncertainty over Chinese President Xi Jinping's presence in the summit, the attendance of PM Modi is seen as critical.&nbsp;

India is world's third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases. China has more emissions than India.

Both nations, which have not yet come forward with stronger pledges to cut emissions, known as nationally determined contributions or NDCs, face pressure to do so at the conference.

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"The prime minister is going to Glasgow," Indian Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said in an interview, adding that the country was doing more than its bit in tackling climate change.

"India's NDCs are quite ambitious," Yadav told Reuters. "We are doing more than our fair share. Our NDCs are more progressive than major polluters."

The country is on track to increase green energy capacity to 450 GW by 2030, he said. It has installed more than 100 GW of renewable energy, which accounts for more than 25% of overall capacity.

Growing public pressure for action on climate change has spurred promises by countries and companies worldwide to contribute to the effort, which will be reviewed and amended at Glasgow.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-putin-wont-attend-cop26-climate-summit-at-glasgow-kremlin-422349">President Putin won't attend COP26 climate summit at Glasgow: Kremlin</a>

Energy-hungry India has not yet committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, considered a vital goal in limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Its cabinet, chaired by Modi, will decide the position to be taken at COP26, most probably within a week, a spokesperson of the environment ministry said.

Government sources have told Reuters that India was unlikely to bind itself to a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as tougher deadlines would hit demand growth projected to outstrip that of any other nation over the next two decades.

Last month, India's chief economic adviser K.V. Subramanian said rich nations needed to commit much more than $100 billion to help poor countries fight climate change, due to their high historical share of emissions.

"Even today, India's per capita greenhouse emission is one-third of the world average," Yadav, the minister, said.

About 120 countries have submitted revised NDCs, but there is a lack of consistency with no common timeframe for meeting pledges.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, said Reuters quoting India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The climate summit is expected to boost efforts for steeper emissions cut tp tackle global warming.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, said Reuters quoting India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The climate summit is expected to boost efforts for steeper emissions cut tp tackle global warming. Amid uncertainty over Chinese President Xi Jinping's presence in the summit, the attendance of PM Modi is seen as critical. India is world's third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases. China has more emissions than India. Both nations, which have not yet come forward with stronger pledges to cut emissions, known as nationally determined contributions or NDCs, face pressure to do so at the conference. × "The prime minister is going to Glasgow," Indian Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said in an interview, adding that the country was doing more than its bit in tackling climate change. "India's NDCs are quite ambitious," Yadav told Reuters. "We are doing more than our fair share. Our NDCs are more progressive than major polluters." The country is on track to increase green energy capacity to 450 GW by 2030, he said. It has installed more than 100 GW of renewable energy, which accounts for more than 25% of overall capacity. Growing public pressure for action on climate change has spurred promises by countries and companies worldwide to contribute to the effort, which will be reviewed and amended at Glasgow. Also Read | President Putin won't attend COP26 climate summit at Glasgow: Kremlin Energy-hungry India has not yet committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, considered a vital goal in limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Its cabinet, chaired by Modi, will decide the position to be taken at COP26, most probably within a week, a spokesperson of the environment ministry said. Government sources have told Reuters that India was unlikely to bind itself to a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as tougher deadlines would hit demand growth projected to outstrip that of any other nation over the next two decades. Last month, India's chief economic adviser K.V. Subramanian said rich nations needed to commit much more than $100 billion to help poor countries fight climate change, due to their high historical share of emissions. "Even today, India's per capita greenhouse emission is one-third of the world average," Yadav, the minister, said. About 120 countries have submitted revised NDCs, but there is a lack of consistency with no common timeframe for meeting pledges. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi to attend COP26 climate summit in Glasgow: Report

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan today visited Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail to meet his son Aryan Khan, who was denied bail yesterday and has been in jail since October 8 in connection with the drugs-on-cruise case.

Indian Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan meets son Aryan Khan in Mumbai Jail

As India scripted history on Thursday for administering a billion COVID-19 doses, prominent leaders and key personalities in India and the world congratulated the country for reaching the significant milestone.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to congratulate the “collective spirit of 1.3 billion people" and express gratitude to the medical practitioners for their effort.

"India scripts history. We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. #VaccineCentury," he tweeted.

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India scripts history. 
 
We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. 
 
Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccineCentury?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaccineCentury</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1451051712387731458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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WHO’s regional director of South Asia Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh also congratulated the Indian people for the historic feat.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/WHOSEARO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHOSEARO</a>’s Regional Director Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh congratulates <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> for crossing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/100CroreVaccination?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#100CroreVaccination</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccineCentury?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaccineCentury</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://t.co/AcPhv5u3o8">pic.twitter.com/AcPhv5u3o8</a>
— WHO South-East Asia (@WHOSEARO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHOSEARO/status/1451052218660966401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Among the first foreign dignitaries to laud India was Bhutan’s foreign minister Tandi Dorji,&nbsp;along with country's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering.&nbsp;

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In what is a huge accomplishment not just for your country but the world, India hit the one billion mark of COVID-19 vaccination doses. On behalf of the people of Bhutan, I congratulate India! <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/1Af27xKOOF">https://t.co/1Af27xKOOF</a> <a href="https://t.co/zVcRRECc6S">pic.twitter.com/zVcRRECc6S</a>
— PM Bhutan (@PMBhutan) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMBhutan/status/1451055499701489669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Congratulations India 🇮🇳 for administering 1 billion COVID-19 vaccinations - a historic milestone!
— ForeignMinisterBhutan (@FMBhutan) <a href="https://twitter.com/FMBhutan/status/1451046204704313354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Israeli Prime Minister Neftali Bennett&nbsp;also extended his wishes to the Indian people.

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Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> on leading India's successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign that has now administered more than 1 billion vaccines to the Indian people. 
 
These life-saving vaccines are helping us all defeat the global pandemic. 
🇮🇱💉🇮🇳
— Naftali Bennett בנט (@naftalibennett) <a href="https://twitter.com/naftalibennett/status/1451119609843752963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India’s health minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited the COVID-19 War Room in national capital Delhi and interacted with staff to mark the historic achievement.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visits COVID19 War Room in Delhi, interacts with staff and distributes sweets to mark India achieving one billion COVID19 vaccinations. Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan also present <a href="https://t.co/WlaTi76dJJ">pic.twitter.com/WlaTi76dJJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1451051452458160128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India’s home minister Amit Shah also joined his peers and tweeted in Hindi saying, "I thank all the scientists, researchers and health workers who have contributed in this Mahayagya (feat) by overcoming many challenges and congratulate Modi ji who is determined for the safety and health of every person. Jai Hind!"

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इस ऐतिहासिक उपलब्धि पर पूरे देश को बधाई देता हूँ। 
 
अनेकों चुनौतियों को पार कर इस महायज्ञ में अपना योगदान देने वाले सभी वैज्ञानिकों, शोधकर्ताओं व स्वास्थ्यकर्मियों का आभार व हर व्यक्ति की सुरक्षा व स्वास्थ्य हेतु संकल्पित मोदी जी का अभिनन्दन करता हूँ। 
 
जय हिन्द! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccineCentury?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaccineCentury</a> <a href="https://t.co/YDB0fxlTJN">pic.twitter.com/YDB0fxlTJN</a>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1451053676009639941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

As India scripted history on Thursday for administering a billion COVID-19 doses, prominent leaders and key personalities in India and the world congratulated the country for reaching the significant milestone.

As India scripted history on Thursday for administering a billion COVID-19 doses, prominent leaders and key personalities in India and the world congratulated the country for reaching the significant milestone. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to congratulate the “collective spirit of 1.3 billion people" and express gratitude to the medical practitioners for their effort. "India scripts history. We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. #VaccineCentury," he tweeted. India scripts history. We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. #VaccineCentury — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 21, 2021 × WHO’s regional director of South Asia Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh also congratulated the Indian people for the historic feat. .@WHOSEARO’s Regional Director Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh congratulates #India for crossing #100CroreVaccination.#VaccineCentury #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/AcPhv5u3o8 — WHO South-East Asia (@WHOSEARO) October 21, 2021 × Among the first foreign dignitaries to laud India was Bhutan’s foreign minister Tandi Dorji, along with country's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering. In what is a huge accomplishment not just for your country but the world, India hit the one billion mark of COVID-19 vaccination doses. On behalf of the people of Bhutan, I congratulate India! @narendramodi @PMOIndia https://t.co/1Af27xKOOF pic.twitter.com/zVcRRECc6S — PM Bhutan (@PMBhutan) October 21, 2021 × Congratulations India 🇮🇳 for administering 1 billion COVID-19 vaccinations - a historic milestone! — ForeignMinisterBhutan (@FMBhutan) October 21, 2021 × Israeli Prime Minister Neftali Bennett also extended his wishes to the Indian people. Congratulations to @narendramodi on leading India's successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign that has now administered more than 1 billion vaccines to the Indian people. These life-saving vaccines are helping us all defeat the global pandemic. 🇮🇱💉🇮🇳 — Naftali Bennett בנט (@naftalibennett) October 21, 2021 × India’s health minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited the COVID-19 War Room in national capital Delhi and interacted with staff to mark the historic achievement. #WATCH Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visits COVID19 War Room in Delhi, interacts with staff and distributes sweets to mark India achieving one billion COVID19 vaccinations. Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan also present pic.twitter.com/WlaTi76dJJ — ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2021 × India’s home minister Amit Shah also joined his peers and tweeted in Hindi saying, "I thank all the scientists, researchers and health workers who have contributed in this Mahayagya (feat) by overcoming many challenges and congratulate Modi ji who is determined for the safety and health of every person. Jai Hind!" इस ऐतिहासिक उपलब्धि पर पूरे देश को बधाई देता हूँ। अनेकों चुनौतियों को पार कर इस महायज्ञ में अपना योगदान देने वाले सभी वैज्ञानिकों, शोधकर्ताओं व स्वास्थ्यकर्मियों का आभार व हर व्यक्ति की सुरक्षा व स्वास्थ्य हेतु संकल्पित मोदी जी का अभिनन्दन करता हूँ। जय हिन्द! #VaccineCentury pic.twitter.com/YDB0fxlTJN — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 21, 2021 ×

‘Historic milestone’: PM Modi, world leaders congratulate India for administering one billion COVID-19 doses

Floods have battered Nepal as the death toll has now risen to 88. Days of heavy rainfall has triggered landslides, rescue ops have also been hampered as roads were cut off, watch this report for more.

Nepal Floods: Death toll rises to 88, rescue work hampered as roads remain cut off

On October 21 (Thursday), overall coverage for India's COVID-19 vaccination drive exceeded the 1 billion mark, marking a watershed moment.&nbsp;

According to the CoWIN site, the digital platform used to manage immunisation records, a total of 1 billion vaccination doses had been provided to eligible recipients at 9:47 am today. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/historic-milestone-pm-modi-world-leaders-congratulate-india-for-administering-one-billion-covid-19-doses-422544">Also read | ‘Historic milestone’: PM Modi, world leaders congratulate India for administering one billion COVID-19 doses</a> 
 
The achievement was accomplished more than 10 months after India's COVID-19 vaccination programme began on January 16. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-vaccination-in-india-cross-100-billion-what-about-its-neighbours-422545">Also read | COVID-19 vaccination in India cross 100 billion. What about its neighbours?</a> 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed it a "triumph of Indian science" in India's fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

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India scripts history. 
 
We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. 
 
Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccineCentury?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaccineCentury</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1451051712387731458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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For a country that had supply constraints and vaccine reluctance in the early stages, reaching the 1 billion mark is a significant accomplishment in and of itself. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-mammoth-covid-19-vaccination-drive-the-body-is-an-ambassador-car-but-the-engine-is-a-ferrari-422325">Also read | India's mammoth COVID-19 vaccination drive: The body is an Ambassador car, but the engine is a Ferrari</a> 
 
 
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Initially, the vaccine was exclusively available to Health Care Workers (HCWs). Front-line employees became eligible for vaccination on February 2.

State and Central Police officers, Armed Force members, Home Guards, Civil Defence &amp; Disaster Management Volunteers, Municipal employees, Prison Staff, PRI Staff, and Revenue workers involved in confinement and surveillance, Railway Protection Force, and election staff were among those participating initially.&nbsp;

The vaccination campaign was expanded on March 1 to cover those over the age of 60 and those over the age of 45 who have one of the designated 20 comorbidities.

From April 1, it was extended to all adults above the age of 45.

COVID-19 vaccination became available to all adults over the age of 18 on May 1.&nbsp;

The figure is twice the amount of vaccinations provided in the United States, five times that of Japan, nine times that of Germany, and 10 times that of France, according to the government in a presentation lauding the "vaccine century."&nbsp;

The central government recalled the journey to 1 billion vaccine doses in a presentation that detailed the milestones reached by the countrywide immunisation campaign from its inception on January 16, 2021.

It stated that CoWIN had so far enrolled 760 million&nbsp;beneficiaries.

It also stated that for the first time, India deployed drones to distribute vaccinations to remote areas of the country.&nbsp;

The country recorded 14,623 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, in addition to 197 deaths in the previous 24 hours. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

On October 21 (Thursday), overall coverage for India's COVID-19 vaccination drive exceeded the 1 billion mark, marking a watershed moment. According to the CoWIN site, the digital platform used to manage immunisation records, a total of 1 billion vaccination doses had been provided to eligible recipients at 9:47 am today.

On October 21 (Thursday), overall coverage for India's COVID-19 vaccination drive exceeded the 1 billion mark, marking a watershed moment. According to the CoWIN site, the digital platform used to manage immunisation records, a total of 1 billion vaccination doses had been provided to eligible recipients at 9:47 am today. Also read | ‘Historic milestone’: PM Modi, world leaders congratulate India for administering one billion COVID-19 doses The achievement was accomplished more than 10 months after India's COVID-19 vaccination programme began on January 16. Also read | COVID-19 vaccination in India cross 100 billion. What about its neighbours? Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed it a "triumph of Indian science" in India's fight against the coronavirus pandemic. India scripts history. We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. #VaccineCentury — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 21, 2021 × For a country that had supply constraints and vaccine reluctance in the early stages, reaching the 1 billion mark is a significant accomplishment in and of itself. Also read | India's mammoth COVID-19 vaccination drive: The body is an Ambassador car, but the engine is a Ferrari Initially, the vaccine was exclusively available to Health Care Workers (HCWs). Front-line employees became eligible for vaccination on February 2. State and Central Police officers, Armed Force members, Home Guards, Civil Defence & Disaster Management Volunteers, Municipal employees, Prison Staff, PRI Staff, and Revenue workers involved in confinement and surveillance, Railway Protection Force, and election staff were among those participating initially. The vaccination campaign was expanded on March 1 to cover those over the age of 60 and those over the age of 45 who have one of the designated 20 comorbidities. From April 1, it was extended to all adults above the age of 45. COVID-19 vaccination became available to all adults over the age of 18 on May 1. The figure is twice the amount of vaccinations provided in the United States, five times that of Japan, nine times that of Germany, and 10 times that of France, according to the government in a presentation lauding the "vaccine century." The central government recalled the journey to 1 billion vaccine doses in a presentation that detailed the milestones reached by the countrywide immunisation campaign from its inception on January 16, 2021. It stated that CoWIN had so far enrolled 760 million beneficiaries. It also stated that for the first time, India deployed drones to distribute vaccinations to remote areas of the country. The country recorded 14,623 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, in addition to 197 deaths in the previous 24 hours. (With inputs from agencies)

India crosses historic one billion COVID-19 vaccine milestone

The World Health Organisation has congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after country achieved over a billion COVID-19 vaccinations milestone today. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus post a tweet to congratulate PM Modi, scientists, health workers and the people of India.

WHO congratulates PM Modi as India crossed 1-billion jab mark

India and China have agreed to hold another round of meeting to resolve the border dispute at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the two sides agreed to hold the 14th round of military talks to achieve the objective of complete disengagement from all the friction points along the LAC in the western sector in accordance with the existing bilateral pacts and protocols.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-beijing-deploys-100-rocket-launchers-at-high-altitude-areas-422291">Also read |&nbsp;India-China standoff: Beijing deploys 100 rocket launchers at high altitude areas</a>

The meeting will focus on the Hot Springs near Kongka La, which is a pre-condition for the Chinese troops to go back to their permanent bases.&nbsp;

India also wants the restoration of patrolling rights in Charding Nullah Junction and Depsang Bulge. But the People's Liberation Army has displayed a belligerent attitude.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lac-under-constant-surveillance-amid-increased-activities-of-chinese-army-eastern-army-commander-421982" hreflang="en">LAC under constant surveillance amid increased activities of Chinese Army: Eastern Army commander</a>

The diplomatic talks take place under the framework of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC).

From Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh, India shares a total of 1,346-km-long LAC with China.

The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.

As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in the Gogra area in August and in the north and south banks of the Pangong lake in February.

India and China have agreed to hold another round of meeting to resolve the border dispute at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the two sides agreed to hold the 14th round of military talks to achieve the objective of complete disengagement from all the friction points along the LAC in the western sector in accordance with the existing bilateral pacts and protocols.

India and China have agreed to hold another round of meeting to resolve the border dispute at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the two sides agreed to hold the 14th round of military talks to achieve the objective of complete disengagement from all the friction points along the LAC in the western sector in accordance with the existing bilateral pacts and protocols. Also read | India-China standoff: Beijing deploys 100 rocket launchers at high altitude areas The meeting will focus on the Hot Springs near Kongka La, which is a pre-condition for the Chinese troops to go back to their permanent bases. India also wants the restoration of patrolling rights in Charding Nullah Junction and Depsang Bulge. But the People's Liberation Army has displayed a belligerent attitude. Also read | LAC under constant surveillance amid increased activities of Chinese Army: Eastern Army commander The diplomatic talks take place under the framework of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC). From Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh, India shares a total of 1,346-km-long LAC with China. The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry. As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in the Gogra area in August and in the north and south banks of the Pangong lake in February.

India-China standoff: New Delhi and Beijing agree to hold another meeting to resolve border dispute

As India scripted history by crossing 1-billion vaccination mark, Prime Minister Modi congratulated countrymen, including doctors, nurses and other medical staff that worked day and night to achieve this feat.

PM Modi congratulates countrymen as India crosses 1- billion vaccination mark

India today achieved the historic milestone of completing 1 billion (100 crore) doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, nine months after it launched “the world’s biggest vaccination drive”.

Covid-19: India crosses 1 billion vaccination mark

A month after his unceremonious resignation from the Congress party, ex-Chief of Punjab Captain Amarinder Singh announced his intention to launch his own political organisation, according to media reports.

In an interview with The Print, the former Congress leader, who resigned due to "continuous humiliation," claimed his party is likely to establish a pre-poll coalition with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Aside from that, he is trying to form an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) splinter groups, particularly the Dhindsa and Brahmpura factions, before the Punjab elections early next year.&nbsp;

Captain Amarinder Singh, a well regarded and popular leader, single-handedly revived the Congress in Punjab after 10 years, defeating the SAD-BJP coalition as well as the AAP with a landslide win of 77 seats in the 117-member Assembly.

Meanwhile, with 20 seats, the Aam Aadmi Party emerged as the biggest opposition.&nbsp;

Captain Amarinder Singh, without a question, deserves credit for the Congress' resurgence in Punjab, not just in the 2017 elections, but well beyond.

Already responsible for Operation Blue Star in 1984, the Congress regime was linked to enforced disappearances and encounter murders of Sikhs in the 1990s.

The party needed a face that wasn't tarnished by its history, which is where Captain Amarinder Singh stepped in.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A month after his unceremonious resignation from the Congress party, ex-Chief of Punjab Captain Amarinder Singh announced his intention to launch his own political organisation, according to media reports.

A month after his unceremonious resignation from the Congress party, ex-Chief of Punjab Captain Amarinder Singh announced his intention to launch his own political organisation, according to media reports. In an interview with The Print, the former Congress leader, who resigned due to "continuous humiliation," claimed his party is likely to establish a pre-poll coalition with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Aside from that, he is trying to form an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) splinter groups, particularly the Dhindsa and Brahmpura factions, before the Punjab elections early next year. Captain Amarinder Singh, a well regarded and popular leader, single-handedly revived the Congress in Punjab after 10 years, defeating the SAD-BJP coalition as well as the AAP with a landslide win of 77 seats in the 117-member Assembly. Meanwhile, with 20 seats, the Aam Aadmi Party emerged as the biggest opposition. Captain Amarinder Singh, without a question, deserves credit for the Congress' resurgence in Punjab, not just in the 2017 elections, but well beyond. Already responsible for Operation Blue Star in 1984, the Congress regime was linked to enforced disappearances and encounter murders of Sikhs in the 1990s. The party needed a face that wasn't tarnished by its history, which is where Captain Amarinder Singh stepped in. (With inputs from agencies)

Amarinder Singh to launch his own party before Punjab polls, may ally with BJP: Report

While hearing an alleged sexual harassment complaint against a Special DGP rank officer, the Madras High Court raised serious questions about the Tamil Nadu Police department.&nbsp;

As the victim, a woman IPS officer, was driving to file a complaint against her superior, a police officer, a Superintendent of Police(SP) had blocked her car and&nbsp;tried to dissuade her from filing the complaint.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mortal-remains-of-missing-indian-fisherman-retrieved-2-others-in-sri-lankan-custody-422376" hreflang="en">Mortal remains of missing Indian fisherman retrieved, 2 others in Sri Lankan custody</a>

A co-accused in the case, the Superintendent of Police (SP), had approached the Court to drop his name from the case, claiming that he was only acting under instructions from his superior, the Special DGP.&nbsp;

However, the presiding judge, Justice Velmurugan was not swayed by this statement, and instead questioned if the suspended cop would murder someone if he was ordered to do so by a senior. Additionally, the Judge stated that only lawful instructions could be followed.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-mammoth-covid-19-vaccination-drive-the-body-is-an-ambassador-car-but-the-engine-is-a-ferrari-422325" hreflang="en">India's mammoth COVID-19 vaccination drive: The body is an Ambassador car, but the engine is a Ferrari</a>

The Judge went on to ask how the common public would have faith in the Police Department when senior officers face such allegations. He observed that only 10 per cent of the police officers were discharging their duties as per their conscience and that such incidents were a shame to the department.&nbsp;

As the Court did not entertain the plea to discharge him from the case, the suspended SP withdrew his case.&nbsp;

While hearing an alleged sexual harassment complaint against a Special DGP rank officer, the Madras High Court raised serious questions about the Tamil Nadu Police department.

While hearing an alleged sexual harassment complaint against a Special DGP rank officer, the Madras High Court raised serious questions about the Tamil Nadu Police department. As the victim, a woman IPS officer, was driving to file a complaint against her superior, a police officer, a Superintendent of Police(SP) had blocked her car and tried to dissuade her from filing the complaint. Also read | Mortal remains of missing Indian fisherman retrieved, 2 others in Sri Lankan custody A co-accused in the case, the Superintendent of Police (SP), had approached the Court to drop his name from the case, claiming that he was only acting under instructions from his superior, the Special DGP. However, the presiding judge, Justice Velmurugan was not swayed by this statement, and instead questioned if the suspended cop would murder someone if he was ordered to do so by a senior. Additionally, the Judge stated that only lawful instructions could be followed. Also read | India's mammoth COVID-19 vaccination drive: The body is an Ambassador car, but the engine is a Ferrari The Judge went on to ask how the common public would have faith in the Police Department when senior officers face such allegations. He observed that only 10 per cent of the police officers were discharging their duties as per their conscience and that such incidents were a shame to the department. As the Court did not entertain the plea to discharge him from the case, the suspended SP withdrew his case.

'Would you commit murder if superior officer instructs you?', Madras HC asks accused cop

In a small salon in a nondescript town in northern India, a haircut is not just a trim or a crew cut but an opportunity to get some art embossed on the back of your head.

Brothers Rajwinder Singh Sidhu and Gurwinder Singh Sidhu in Dabwali town in India's Punjab state are now famous in their small part of the world for giving haircuts shaped in images of the customer's choice.

From the Taj Mahal, complete with its many turrets and towers, to a lifelike portrait of pop star Michael Jackson, the brothers use a range of trimmers, scissors and pencils, among other tools, to get every minute detail of hairdos correct.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/must-convert-it-to-usable-cash-visually-challenged-senior-approaches-collector-with-65k-in-demonetised-cash-422086">'Must convert it to usable cash', visually challenged senior approaches collector with 65k in demonetised cash</a>

"In the beginning we used to give anyone we could get hold off free haircuts so that we could practice our skills on them. Some days we used to practice till 2.00 a.m., because during the day we used to run the regular salon," Rajwinder, the younger of the two brothers, told Reuters in an interview.

<img alt="Gurwinder Singh Sidhu gives finishing touches to the hair of a customer after making a hair tattoo in the shape of a lion on his head in Dabwali" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a766b920-b208-43f7-9ad5-1e2c8564ebf0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/barber2.jpg" />

These days the brothers, aged 29 and 31, charge anywhere between $20-$30 for their special hairdos, and say they have plans to take their business outside of India as well.

From requests of images of Bollywood stars to popular sportspersons and even an impression of Mickey Mouse, the brothers' salon is seeing a steady stream of customers who want to draw attention to themselves at social gatherings or events but do not want something lasting, like traditional tattoos.

"Today, I got a tattoo of the Taj Mahal. The monument is very beautiful and with this tattoo, I will stand out in the crowd," said salon customer Darbar Singh, showing off his brand new haircut.

In a small salon in a nondescript town in northern India, a haircut is not just a trim or a crew cut but an opportunity to get some art embossed on the back of your head.

In a small salon in a nondescript town in northern India, a haircut is not just a trim or a crew cut but an opportunity to get some art embossed on the back of your head. Brothers Rajwinder Singh Sidhu and Gurwinder Singh Sidhu in Dabwali town in India's Punjab state are now famous in their small part of the world for giving haircuts shaped in images of the customer's choice. From the Taj Mahal, complete with its many turrets and towers, to a lifelike portrait of pop star Michael Jackson, the brothers use a range of trimmers, scissors and pencils, among other tools, to get every minute detail of hairdos correct. Also Read | 'Must convert it to usable cash', visually challenged senior approaches collector with 65k in demonetised cash "In the beginning we used to give anyone we could get hold off free haircuts so that we could practice our skills on them. Some days we used to practice till 2.00 a.m., because during the day we used to run the regular salon," Rajwinder, the younger of the two brothers, told Reuters in an interview. These days the brothers, aged 29 and 31, charge anywhere between $20-$30 for their special hairdos, and say they have plans to take their business outside of India as well. From requests of images of Bollywood stars to popular sportspersons and even an impression of Mickey Mouse, the brothers' salon is seeing a steady stream of customers who want to draw attention to themselves at social gatherings or events but do not want something lasting, like traditional tattoos. "Today, I got a tattoo of the Taj Mahal. The monument is very beautiful and with this tattoo, I will stand out in the crowd," said salon customer Darbar Singh, showing off his brand new haircut.

Indian barber siblings turn heads into canvasses by giving unusual haircuts

India reported 14,623 fresh Covid cases on Wednesday, 12 per cent higher than Tuesday and registered 197 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry data.

With the new 197 fatalities, the overall death toll has increased to 4,52,651.

The recovery of 19,446 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients to 3,34,78,247.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-man-wants-covid-certificate-without-pm-modis-picture-422025">&nbsp;Indian man wants Covid certificate without PM Modi's picture</a>

Consequently, India's recovery rate stands at 98.15 per cent, currently at its highest peak since March 2020.

The active caseload has fallen below 2 lakh mark and is presently at 1,78,098, which is now lowest in 229 days. Active cases presently constitute 0.52 per cent of the country's total positive cases.

The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 13,23,702 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 59.44 crore cumulative tests.

While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, weekly positivity rate at 1.34 per cent remains less than 3 per cent for the last 117 days now. The daily positivity rate stands at 1.10 per cent, below 3 per cent for the last 51 days and below 5 per cent for 134 consecutive days now.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-960-million-covid-19-vaccines-administered-in-india-says-health-ministry-420498">Over 960 million COVID-19 vaccines administered in India, says health ministry</a>

With the administration of 41,36,142 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India's Covid vaccination coverage has exceeded 99.12 crore as per provisional reports till 7 a.m. on Wednesday. This has been achieved through 97,99,506 sessions.

According to the data shared by the health ministry, over 10.78 cr balance and unutilized vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.

India reported 14,623 fresh Covid cases on Wednesday, 12 per cent higher than Tuesday and registered 197 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry data.

India reported 14,623 fresh Covid cases on Wednesday, 12 per cent higher than Tuesday and registered 197 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry data. With the new 197 fatalities, the overall death toll has increased to 4,52,651. The recovery of 19,446 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients to 3,34,78,247. Also Read | Indian man wants Covid certificate without PM Modi's picture Consequently, India's recovery rate stands at 98.15 per cent, currently at its highest peak since March 2020. The active caseload has fallen below 2 lakh mark and is presently at 1,78,098, which is now lowest in 229 days. Active cases presently constitute 0.52 per cent of the country's total positive cases. The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 13,23,702 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 59.44 crore cumulative tests. While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, weekly positivity rate at 1.34 per cent remains less than 3 per cent for the last 117 days now. The daily positivity rate stands at 1.10 per cent, below 3 per cent for the last 51 days and below 5 per cent for 134 consecutive days now. Also Read | Over 960 million COVID-19 vaccines administered in India, says health ministry With the administration of 41,36,142 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India's Covid vaccination coverage has exceeded 99.12 crore as per provisional reports till 7 a.m. on Wednesday. This has been achieved through 97,99,506 sessions. According to the data shared by the health ministry, over 10.78 cr balance and unutilized vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.

India adds 14,623 fresh Covid cases, 197 deaths in a day

The Indian government has slammed an article in The Economist magazine that highlighted a digital divide in the country. The government said that that article was “inaccurate and biased", it "betrays a severe lack of journalistic diligence" and “contradicts even the past reports” published in the same publication.

The government comments came on an October 16 article titled ‘India’s high-tech governance risks leaving behind its poorest citizens’. The article claimed that though initiatives like Aadhaar provided boost to digital payments and reach of benefits of government schemes it left millions without benefit due to India's size and reasons like poverty and challenges in providing electrical supply and internet coverage.

An excerpt from the article read, "“Given India’s immense scale and complexity, and with its deep pool of highly skilled workers, its governments have increasingly turned to high-tech solutions for all sorts of problems. Generally these have eased burdens on both rulers and the governed, despite some expected glitches. Administrative infrastructure such as Aadhaar has propelled such conveniences as digital payments, internet shopping and online schooling. Yet precisely because of India’s size and poverty, tens of millions still are left out—because they are poor, illiterate, disabled, lack electricity, do not possess a smartphone or cannot connect to a mobile or Wi-Fi network.”

The government countered the assertion by pointing at the boost in number of Indians who got Aadhaar card till June, 2021

“As per UIDAI data in the last one year, the UIDAI has issued around 36 crore new Aadhaar cards to the adult population. In this period the highest number of Aadhaar cards was issued in January 2021 when 53.4 lakh (5.34 million) new Aadhaar card holders were added to the list of Indian population having a digital identity,” the government said in a rejoinder. It was issued in response to The Economist article. It was reportedly issued by&nbsp;Union Information &amp; Broadcasting Ministry.

Government quoted excerpts from a past article published in the magazine to say that the latest assertions contradict what was said in the publication earlier. The title of the past write-up is ‘Time for proof’.

"Creating a digital ID system is hard and expensive. Yet India, a gigantic and largely poor country, has managed it. Its "Aadhaar" biometric system has created digital identities for 1.3bn people….it has streamlined government services and massively reduced fraud. If rural Indians can prove who they are online, it is scandalous that many Brits and Americans cannot," the excerpt from The Economist said as quoted in the rejoinder.

The Indian government has slammed an article in The Economist magazine that highlighted a digital divide in the country. The government said that that article was “inaccurate and biased", it "betrays a severe lack of journalistic diligence" and “contradicts even the past reports” published in the same publication.

The Indian government has slammed an article in The Economist magazine that highlighted a digital divide in the country. The government said that that article was “inaccurate and biased", it "betrays a severe lack of journalistic diligence" and “contradicts even the past reports” published in the same publication. The government comments came on an October 16 article titled ‘India’s high-tech governance risks leaving behind its poorest citizens’. The article claimed that though initiatives like Aadhaar provided boost to digital payments and reach of benefits of government schemes it left millions without benefit due to India's size and reasons like poverty and challenges in providing electrical supply and internet coverage. An excerpt from the article read, "“Given India’s immense scale and complexity, and with its deep pool of highly skilled workers, its governments have increasingly turned to high-tech solutions for all sorts of problems. Generally these have eased burdens on both rulers and the governed, despite some expected glitches. Administrative infrastructure such as Aadhaar has propelled such conveniences as digital payments, internet shopping and online schooling. Yet precisely because of India’s size and poverty, tens of millions still are left out—because they are poor, illiterate, disabled, lack electricity, do not possess a smartphone or cannot connect to a mobile or Wi-Fi network.” The government countered the assertion by pointing at the boost in number of Indians who got Aadhaar card till June, 2021 “As per UIDAI data in the last one year, the UIDAI has issued around 36 crore new Aadhaar cards to the adult population. In this period the highest number of Aadhaar cards was issued in January 2021 when 53.4 lakh (5.34 million) new Aadhaar card holders were added to the list of Indian population having a digital identity,” the government said in a rejoinder. It was issued in response to The Economist article. It was reportedly issued by Union Information & Broadcasting Ministry. Government quoted excerpts from a past article published in the magazine to say that the latest assertions contradict what was said in the publication earlier. The title of the past write-up is ‘Time for proof’. "Creating a digital ID system is hard and expensive. Yet India, a gigantic and largely poor country, has managed it. Its "Aadhaar" biometric system has created digital identities for 1.3bn people….it has streamlined government services and massively reduced fraud. If rural Indians can prove who they are online, it is scandalous that many Brits and Americans cannot," the excerpt from The Economist said as quoted in the rejoinder.

India calls article in The Economist on digital divide 'inaccurate'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in an event marking Abhidhamma Day at the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar on the auspicious occasion of Ashwin Poornima on Wednesday.

Eminent monks from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, South Korea, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia and ambassadors of various countries will take part in the Abhidhamma Day event.

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Union Ministry of Culture, International Buddhist Confederation in association with the Government of Uttar Pradesh has organised the event.

A Sri Lankan delegation consisting of 123 delegates including a 12-member Holy Relic entourage led by current Mahanayaka of Waskaduwa Temple is attending the event with Holy Relics.

The delegation also comprises of Anunayakas (deputy heads) of all four Nikatas (orders) of Buddhism in Sri Lanka i.e., Asgiriya, Amarapura, Ramanya, Malwatta as well as 5 ministers of the Government of Sri Lanka led by Cabinet Minister Namal Rajapakshe.

The highlight of the event is the Exposition of Holy Buddha Relic being brought from Waskaduwa Subuddhi Rajvihara Temple, Sri Lanka by the Mahanayaka of the temple.

The Prime Minister will offer prayers to the Holy Relic and also visit the Mahaparinirvana temple to offer flowers and chivar to the reclining statue of Buddha. The ancient city of Kushinagar is the final resting place of Gautama Buddha, where he attained Mahaparinirvana after his death. It is among the most important pilgrim spots for Buddhists since ancient times.

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The inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Kushinagar International Airport is an important landmark connecting the Buddhist- pilgrimage- holy sites for Buddhists around the world.

The Prime Minister will also do 'Chivar Dana'&nbsp;to monks from Sri Lanka and other countries attending the event. Chivar refers to a "monk's robe". The period after three-month-long Varshavas, observed as a retreat by monks and nuns by staying in vihara during rainy season, is a time of giving, for the laity to express gratitude to Sangh. "Lay Buddhists bring donations to temples, especially new robes for the monks and nuns. Also the gift of the atthaparikara (in Sri Lanka it is known as Atapirikara) - the Eight Requisites - is part of the offerings. However, dana of Chivara can also be given on other occasions," the release said.

The Prime Minister has offered Chivar and Sangha Dana on several occasions both in India and abroad.

He had offered it at Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka temple, Colombo in 2014, sacred Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya to senior monks from various countries in October 2015 and Vesak Buddha Poornima Diwas event in 2018 at New Delhi to senior monks and nuns from various countries.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-deletes-tweet-that-called-pm-modi-illiterate-422052">Congress deletes tweet that called PM Modi 'illiterate'</a>

Paintings of Ajanta Frescos, Buddhist sutra calligraphy, Buddhist artefacts excavated from Vadnagar and other sites in Gujarat will also be exhibited.

The PM will also view an exhibition of recreation paintings of Ajanta cave frescos by late MR Pimpare of Aurangabad. The exhibition also comprises Buddhist calligraphy of Sutras by noted calligrapher Jamyang Dorjee of Sikkim.

The works of Buddhist art and artefacts excavated from various sites of Gujarat showcases the span of Buddhism in India and the various sources of origins from where it travelled and spread to different directions in the world.

"Vadnagar once thrived with a large Buddhist Vihara where ancient travellers described seeing a congregation of 10,000 Buddhist monks. The exhibition is curated by Ms Kshipra," the release said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in an event marking Abhidhamma Day at the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar on the auspicious occasion of Ashwin Poornima on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in an event marking Abhidhamma Day at the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar on the auspicious occasion of Ashwin Poornima on Wednesday. Eminent monks from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, South Korea, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia and ambassadors of various countries will take part in the Abhidhamma Day event. Also Read | Namal Rajapaksa, 100+ Lankan Buddhist clergy at inauguration of Kushinagar international airport Union Ministry of Culture, International Buddhist Confederation in association with the Government of Uttar Pradesh has organised the event. A Sri Lankan delegation consisting of 123 delegates including a 12-member Holy Relic entourage led by current Mahanayaka of Waskaduwa Temple is attending the event with Holy Relics. The delegation also comprises of Anunayakas (deputy heads) of all four Nikatas (orders) of Buddhism in Sri Lanka i.e., Asgiriya, Amarapura, Ramanya, Malwatta as well as 5 ministers of the Government of Sri Lanka led by Cabinet Minister Namal Rajapakshe. The highlight of the event is the Exposition of Holy Buddha Relic being brought from Waskaduwa Subuddhi Rajvihara Temple, Sri Lanka by the Mahanayaka of the temple. The Prime Minister will offer prayers to the Holy Relic and also visit the Mahaparinirvana temple to offer flowers and chivar to the reclining statue of Buddha. The ancient city of Kushinagar is the final resting place of Gautama Buddha, where he attained Mahaparinirvana after his death. It is among the most important pilgrim spots for Buddhists since ancient times. Also Read | Indian man wants Covid certificate without PM Modi's picture The inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Kushinagar International Airport is an important landmark connecting the Buddhist- pilgrimage- holy sites for Buddhists around the world. The Prime Minister will also do 'Chivar Dana' to monks from Sri Lanka and other countries attending the event. Chivar refers to a "monk's robe". The period after three-month-long Varshavas, observed as a retreat by monks and nuns by staying in vihara during rainy season, is a time of giving, for the laity to express gratitude to Sangh. "Lay Buddhists bring donations to temples, especially new robes for the monks and nuns. Also the gift of the atthaparikara (in Sri Lanka it is known as Atapirikara) - the Eight Requisites - is part of the offerings. However, dana of Chivara can also be given on other occasions," the release said. The Prime Minister has offered Chivar and Sangha Dana on several occasions both in India and abroad. He had offered it at Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka temple, Colombo in 2014, sacred Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya to senior monks from various countries in October 2015 and Vesak Buddha Poornima Diwas event in 2018 at New Delhi to senior monks and nuns from various countries. Also Read | Congress deletes tweet that called PM Modi 'illiterate' Paintings of Ajanta Frescos, Buddhist sutra calligraphy, Buddhist artefacts excavated from Vadnagar and other sites in Gujarat will also be exhibited. The PM will also view an exhibition of recreation paintings of Ajanta cave frescos by late MR Pimpare of Aurangabad. The exhibition also comprises Buddhist calligraphy of Sutras by noted calligrapher Jamyang Dorjee of Sikkim. The works of Buddhist art and artefacts excavated from various sites of Gujarat showcases the span of Buddhism in India and the various sources of origins from where it travelled and spread to different directions in the world. "Vadnagar once thrived with a large Buddhist Vihara where ancient travellers described seeing a congregation of 10,000 Buddhist monks. The exhibition is curated by Ms Kshipra," the release said.

A boost to Buddhist pilgrimage: PM Modi to inaugurate Kushinagar airport

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