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International Monetary Fund chief economist Gita Gopinath will return to Harvard University in January as planned when her public service leave of absence from the university ends, the IMF said on Tuesday.

Gopinath, the IMF's first female chief economist, joined the fund in October 2018 and led new IMF analytical research on the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination targets as well as on climate change mitigation.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/virtual-quadrilateral-meet-india-israel-us-and-uae-agree-to-establish-joint-economic-forum-422125">Virtual quadrilateral meet: India, Israel, US and UAE agree to establish joint economic forum</a>

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva cited Gopinath's "tremendous" impact on the IMF's work.

"Gita also won the respect and admiration of colleagues in the Research Department, across the Fund, and throughout the membership for leading analytically rigorous work and policy-relevant projects with high impact and influence," Georgieva said in a statement.

Gopinath won praise for drafting a $50 billion proposal on ending the pandemic by vaccinating at least 40 per cent&nbsp;of the population in all countries by the end of 2021, a plan later endorsed by the World Bank, the World Trade Organization and the World Health Organization.

Her departure from the global crisis lender is unrelated to the ethics scandal that had raised questions about Georgieva's future as the IMF's leader, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Gopinath's leave from Harvard, already extended by one year, was ending, and her family had remained in Boston, the person said. She will remain at the IMF to oversee the release of the fund's next World Economic Outlook forecasts in January.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-electricity-demand-picks-up-in-october-as-coal-shortage-lingers-421311">India's electricity demand picks up in October as coal shortage lingers</a>

The IMF executive board last week cleared Georgieva of any wrongdoing related to allegations that in 2017, as the World Bank's chief executive, she put undue pressure on bank staff to alter data to favor China.

The US&nbsp;Treasury Department continues press for changes at the institutions to safeguard their integrity.

Gopinath told a news conference last week that the IMF takes data integrity "incredibly seriously" and has robust systems in place but is always looking for ways to improve.

International Monetary Fund chief economist Gita Gopinath will return to Harvard University in January as planned when her public service leave of absence from the university ends, the IMF said on Tuesday.

International Monetary Fund chief economist Gita Gopinath will return to Harvard University in January as planned when her public service leave of absence from the university ends, the IMF said on Tuesday. Gopinath, the IMF's first female chief economist, joined the fund in October 2018 and led new IMF analytical research on the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination targets as well as on climate change mitigation. Also Read | Virtual quadrilateral meet: India, Israel, US and UAE agree to establish joint economic forum IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva cited Gopinath's "tremendous" impact on the IMF's work. "Gita also won the respect and admiration of colleagues in the Research Department, across the Fund, and throughout the membership for leading analytically rigorous work and policy-relevant projects with high impact and influence," Georgieva said in a statement. Gopinath won praise for drafting a $50 billion proposal on ending the pandemic by vaccinating at least 40 per cent of the population in all countries by the end of 2021, a plan later endorsed by the World Bank, the World Trade Organization and the World Health Organization. Her departure from the global crisis lender is unrelated to the ethics scandal that had raised questions about Georgieva's future as the IMF's leader, according to a person familiar with the matter. Gopinath's leave from Harvard, already extended by one year, was ending, and her family had remained in Boston, the person said. She will remain at the IMF to oversee the release of the fund's next World Economic Outlook forecasts in January. Also Read | India's electricity demand picks up in October as coal shortage lingers The IMF executive board last week cleared Georgieva of any wrongdoing related to allegations that in 2017, as the World Bank's chief executive, she put undue pressure on bank staff to alter data to favor China. The US Treasury Department continues press for changes at the institutions to safeguard their integrity. Gopinath told a news conference last week that the IMF takes data integrity "incredibly seriously" and has robust systems in place but is always looking for ways to improve.

IMF chief economist Gopinath to leave fund, return to Harvard

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday said he had an interaction with WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on various issues related to health and the latter lauded the "mammoth efforts" undertaken by the Indian government for vaccination against COVID-19.

The cumulative number of Covid vaccine doses administered in India crossed 99 core on Tuesday and as the country is close to administering 100 crore doses, the Centre has urged the states to focus on the second-dose coverage of vaccination in light of an adequate availability of vaccine doses.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dcgi-seeks-technical-opinion-to-approve-covaxin-for-kids-421886">DCGI seeks 'technical opinion' to approve Covaxin for kids</a>

"Had a detailed interaction with DG WHO @DrTedros, accompanied by other senior officials of @WHO, on various issues related to health, including pandemic management and WHO reforms. DG WHO lauded the mammoth efforts undertaken by the Indian government for #COVID19 vaccination," Mandaviya said in a tweet.

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Had a detailed interaction with DG WHO <a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a>, accompanied by other senior officials of <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHO</a>, on various issues related to health, including pandemic management and WHO reforms. 
 
DG WHO lauded the mammoth efforts undertaken by the Indian government for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccination.
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya/status/1450493019866611712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

According to official sources, around 74.45 per cent of India's eligible adult population has been administered at least one dose of the Covid vaccine and around 30.63 per cent have received both doses.

"We are at 99 crores. Go for it India, continue to rapidly march towards our milestone of 100 crore #COVID19 vaccinations," Mandaviya said in another tweet.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday said he had an interaction with WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on various issues related to health and the latter lauded the "mammoth efforts" undertaken by the Indian government for vaccination against COVID-19.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday said he had an interaction with WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on various issues related to health and the latter lauded the "mammoth efforts" undertaken by the Indian government for vaccination against COVID-19. The cumulative number of Covid vaccine doses administered in India crossed 99 core on Tuesday and as the country is close to administering 100 crore doses, the Centre has urged the states to focus on the second-dose coverage of vaccination in light of an adequate availability of vaccine doses. Also Read | DCGI seeks 'technical opinion' to approve Covaxin for kids "Had a detailed interaction with DG WHO @DrTedros, accompanied by other senior officials of @WHO, on various issues related to health, including pandemic management and WHO reforms. DG WHO lauded the mammoth efforts undertaken by the Indian government for #COVID19 vaccination," Mandaviya said in a tweet. Had a detailed interaction with DG WHO @DrTedros, accompanied by other senior officials of @WHO, on various issues related to health, including pandemic management and WHO reforms. DG WHO lauded the mammoth efforts undertaken by the Indian government for #COVID19 vaccination. — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) October 19, 2021 × According to official sources, around 74.45 per cent of India's eligible adult population has been administered at least one dose of the Covid vaccine and around 30.63 per cent have received both doses. "We are at 99 crores. Go for it India, continue to rapidly march towards our milestone of 100 crore #COVID19 vaccinations," Mandaviya said in another tweet.

WHO director general has lauded India's Covid vaccination efforts: Health Minister

Heavy rains have triggered deadly floods and landslides, several people have been killed so far. The Indian army and airforce have been carrying out rescue operations along with state disaster management authorities.

India: Floods batter Uttarakhand, orange alert in Kerala

A video of Sikh men using their turban to rescue hikers in Canada has gone viral on social media. Kuljinder Kinda and his group have rescued two hikers from falling into a waterfall; they made a makeshift rope from their turbans to save complete strangers.

Sikhs use their turban to rescue men from falling into a waterfall

The mortal remains of an Indian fisherman from Tamil Nadu, who went missing at sea on Monday, were retrieved on Wednesday noon. The boat he was on-board had collided with a Sri Lankan vessel in the Palk Strait, the waters between India and Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Two other Indian fishermen who were on the same fishing boat (now sunken) are in Lankan custody since Monday. The two fishermen and the mortal remains of the third fisherman are expected to be repatriated by Wednesday night.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lankan-navy-says-2-indian-fishermen-rescued-1-missing-fishermen-allege-navy-sank-boat-422093" hreflang="en">Sri Lankan Navy says 2 Indian fishermen rescued, 1 missing; Fishermen allege Navy sank boat</a>

Three fishermen from Kottapattinam, in the Pudukottai district of Tamil Nadu, are said to have been fishing in the area surrounding Delft Island in the Palk Strait. Sri Lanka's navy has identified the two fishermen who were rescued as Xavier and Sakunthran, and the deceased as Rajkiran. In a show of solidarity, fishermen from Kottaipattinam did not venture out to sea on Wednesday.

According to an earlier statement from the Sri Lankan Navy, they rescued two Indian fishermen from a sinking Indian fishing boat that was “poaching” in Sri Lankan waters across the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), on Monday. The Lankan Navy maintains that while they were chasing away Indian fishing boats, one of those boats that was attempting to evade collided with a Navy craft, which eventually led to its sinking.&nbsp;

“As the said task being put in to practice, one of the Indian fishing trawlers, with aggressive manoeuvres, in resistance of chase away, was on an attempt to evade from the scene making it collided with SLN Craft in operation. In the process it ultimately descended having lost its stability as well as due to the rough sea condition” read the Lankan Navy statement on Monday’s incident.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-claims-indias-submarine-entered-its-waters-indian-sources-call-it-fake-422069" hreflang="en">Pak claims India's submarine entered its waters; Indian sources call it fake</a>

However, Indian fishermen allege that the Sri Lankan Navy vessel had deliberately crashed into the Indian fishing boat, with the intention of sinking it. They are of the impression that the third person(Rajkiran), whom they say was steering the boat from within the wheelhouse was trapped within and sank along with the boat.

The National Traditional Fishermen Federation of India believes that the incident involving the Sri Lankan Navy was deliberate retribution for another incident involving an Indian boat.

There was an incident a few weeks back when an Indian fishing trawler collided with and sank a smaller Lankan fishing boat. Even though the Lankan boat was completely damaged and lost, the Lankan fishermen survived and returned to shore.&nbsp;

It is contested that things could have been resolved amicably if the Indian government or Tamil Nadu government had taken action against the errant Indian boat and offered compensation to the Lankan fishermen.&nbsp;

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" hreflang="en">'Must convert it to usable cash', visually challenged senior approaches collector with 65k in demonetised cash</a>

The local fishermen also see an unfortunate similarity between Monday’s incident and one that took place in January this year. They allege that in a similar incident in January, the Lankan Navy had rammed their vessels into an Indian boat, which resulted in the death of four fishermen.&nbsp;&nbsp;

They believe that discussions between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen would resolve some of the misunderstandings arising from the collision and the alleged trespass. They are also aggrieved by the Tamil Nadu Government and the Indian Government's lack of concern for their lives.&nbsp;

In recent times, Northern Sri Lankan fishermen have also been protesting against Indian boats that venture into their waters, carrying out alleged illegal fishing activity. They've also made attempts to pressure the Indian and Sri Lankan authorities to take action against those engaged in illegal fishing.

The mortal remains of an Indian fisherman from Tamil Nadu, who went missing at sea on Monday, were retrieved on Wednesday noon. The boat he was on-board had collided with a Sri Lankan vessel in the Palk Strait, the waters between India and Sri Lanka.

The mortal remains of an Indian fisherman from Tamil Nadu, who went missing at sea on Monday, were retrieved on Wednesday noon. The boat he was on-board had collided with a Sri Lankan vessel in the Palk Strait, the waters between India and Sri Lanka. Two other Indian fishermen who were on the same fishing boat (now sunken) are in Lankan custody since Monday. The two fishermen and the mortal remains of the third fisherman are expected to be repatriated by Wednesday night. Also read | Sri Lankan Navy says 2 Indian fishermen rescued, 1 missing; Fishermen allege Navy sank boat Three fishermen from Kottapattinam, in the Pudukottai district of Tamil Nadu, are said to have been fishing in the area surrounding Delft Island in the Palk Strait. Sri Lanka's navy has identified the two fishermen who were rescued as Xavier and Sakunthran, and the deceased as Rajkiran. In a show of solidarity, fishermen from Kottaipattinam did not venture out to sea on Wednesday. According to an earlier statement from the Sri Lankan Navy, they rescued two Indian fishermen from a sinking Indian fishing boat that was “poaching” in Sri Lankan waters across the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), on Monday. The Lankan Navy maintains that while they were chasing away Indian fishing boats, one of those boats that was attempting to evade collided with a Navy craft, which eventually led to its sinking. “As the said task being put in to practice, one of the Indian fishing trawlers, with aggressive manoeuvres, in resistance of chase away, was on an attempt to evade from the scene making it collided with SLN Craft in operation. In the process it ultimately descended having lost its stability as well as due to the rough sea condition” read the Lankan Navy statement on Monday’s incident. Also read | Pak claims India's submarine entered its waters; Indian sources call it fake However, Indian fishermen allege that the Sri Lankan Navy vessel had deliberately crashed into the Indian fishing boat, with the intention of sinking it. They are of the impression that the third person(Rajkiran), whom they say was steering the boat from within the wheelhouse was trapped within and sank along with the boat. The National Traditional Fishermen Federation of India believes that the incident involving the Sri Lankan Navy was deliberate retribution for another incident involving an Indian boat. There was an incident a few weeks back when an Indian fishing trawler collided with and sank a smaller Lankan fishing boat. Even though the Lankan boat was completely damaged and lost, the Lankan fishermen survived and returned to shore. It is contested that things could have been resolved amicably if the Indian government or Tamil Nadu government had taken action against the errant Indian boat and offered compensation to the Lankan fishermen. Also read | 'Must convert it to usable cash', visually challenged senior approaches collector with 65k in demonetised cash The local fishermen also see an unfortunate similarity between Monday’s incident and one that took place in January this year. They allege that in a similar incident in January, the Lankan Navy had rammed their vessels into an Indian boat, which resulted in the death of four fishermen. They believe that discussions between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen would resolve some of the misunderstandings arising from the collision and the alleged trespass. They are also aggrieved by the Tamil Nadu Government and the Indian Government's lack of concern for their lives. In recent times, Northern Sri Lankan fishermen have also been protesting against Indian boats that venture into their waters, carrying out alleged illegal fishing activity. They've also made attempts to pressure the Indian and Sri Lankan authorities to take action against those engaged in illegal fishing.

Mortal remains of missing Indian fisherman retrieved, 2 others in Sri Lankan custody

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the Kushinagar international airport. It is an initiative to connect Buddhist pilgrimage sites around the world and facilitate the travel of pilgrims to the final resting place of Lord Buddha. PM Modi says Kushinagar international airport will boost connectivity and tourism.

Indian PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Kushinagar International Airport

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a long-lasting impact on many facets of human life globally.

It has caused significant illness and death in every area of the globe, developing into an unprecedented pandemic — the only one to afflict such a huge proportion of the world's population since the Spanish flu in the early 20th century.

The number of deaths and positive cases shocked and frightened the whole country. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-on-course-to-deliver-one-billion-covid-vaccinations-why-is-it-a-big-deal-422256">Also read | India on course to deliver one billion Covid vaccinations: Why is it a big deal?</a>

However, with the aid of stringent procedures rigidly followed by the health care system, the Indian government and its people, the disease was more or less stopped in its tracks.

Mass vaccinations, successful containment and mitigation methods, have proved to be a boon to the country.

The Indian health care system that has been frequently labelled as inefficient, sluggish and bureaucratic has gone on to demonstrate how even the most experienced observers may be misled by appearances. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dcgi-seeks-technical-opinion-to-approve-covaxin-for-kids-421886">DCGI seeks 'technical opinion' to approve Covaxin for kids</a>

It has convincingly demonstrated that, while it may resemble the good old ambassador car, it is propelled by none other than the prancing horse of Ferrari.

So what really has made a difference?&nbsp;

Clearly, India has learnt from past failures in organisation and deployment.

The country, in recent years, had tremendous failures in coordination between states and the centre when rollouts happened on ambitious, well-meaning schemes such as Goods and Services Tax.

In the past, there have been coordination failures, at least by way of allegations, in the Indian parliamentary elections. The greatest democratic exercise known to mankind.

But this time, in the face of an unprecedented crisis, India banded together. And more remarkably, the formless, shapeless, "system" seems to have come together to deliver the biggest vaccination drive ever, in the face of odds that the rest of the world, especially our friends in the West, imagined to be insurmountable. And remember, much of the developed world is still struggling with their vaccination drives due to a combination of ignorance, misinformation and logistical issues.

So, what really made the impossible possible for India? Whatever we may think of the "system" as Indians, it does react when it needs to, and it did.

Our civil services system, which is infamously difficult to get into, has delivered.

People who can make a difference have made a difference, proving that they can, and do, deliver when needed.

Most importantly, the political menagerie came together and understood that irrespective of their ideological differences, saving Indian lives is more important than anything else on the agenda.

So while people in Georgia still dispute the merits of the vaccine, people in Gorakhpur are lining up to get vaccinated.

We can reserve the discussion about who is "civilised" for another day.

For now, we can say for sure that the world can learn from India a thing or two about managing pandemics.&nbsp;

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a long-lasting impact on many facets of human life globally. It has caused significant illness and death in every area of the globe, developing into an unprecedented pandemic — the only one to afflict such a huge proportion of the world's population since the Spanish flu in the early 20th century.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a long-lasting impact on many facets of human life globally. It has caused significant illness and death in every area of the globe, developing into an unprecedented pandemic — the only one to afflict such a huge proportion of the world's population since the Spanish flu in the early 20th century. The number of deaths and positive cases shocked and frightened the whole country. Also read | India on course to deliver one billion Covid vaccinations: Why is it a big deal? However, with the aid of stringent procedures rigidly followed by the health care system, the Indian government and its people, the disease was more or less stopped in its tracks. Mass vaccinations, successful containment and mitigation methods, have proved to be a boon to the country. The Indian health care system that has been frequently labelled as inefficient, sluggish and bureaucratic has gone on to demonstrate how even the most experienced observers may be misled by appearances. Also Read | DCGI seeks 'technical opinion' to approve Covaxin for kids It has convincingly demonstrated that, while it may resemble the good old ambassador car, it is propelled by none other than the prancing horse of Ferrari. So what really has made a difference? Clearly, India has learnt from past failures in organisation and deployment. The country, in recent years, had tremendous failures in coordination between states and the centre when rollouts happened on ambitious, well-meaning schemes such as Goods and Services Tax. In the past, there have been coordination failures, at least by way of allegations, in the Indian parliamentary elections. The greatest democratic exercise known to mankind. But this time, in the face of an unprecedented crisis, India banded together. And more remarkably, the formless, shapeless, "system" seems to have come together to deliver the biggest vaccination drive ever, in the face of odds that the rest of the world, especially our friends in the West, imagined to be insurmountable. And remember, much of the developed world is still struggling with their vaccination drives due to a combination of ignorance, misinformation and logistical issues. So, what really made the impossible possible for India? Whatever we may think of the "system" as Indians, it does react when it needs to, and it did. Our civil services system, which is infamously difficult to get into, has delivered. People who can make a difference have made a difference, proving that they can, and do, deliver when needed. Most importantly, the political menagerie came together and understood that irrespective of their ideological differences, saving Indian lives is more important than anything else on the agenda. So while people in Georgia still dispute the merits of the vaccine, people in Gorakhpur are lining up to get vaccinated. We can reserve the discussion about who is "civilised" for another day. For now, we can say for sure that the world can learn from India a thing or two about managing pandemics.

India's mammoth COVID-19 vaccination drive: The body is an Ambassador car, but the engine is a Ferrari

The day was a little gloomy, even though the sun was shining bright. It was a little cold but we had just battled an extreme winter so this March weather didn’t feel that bad. Suddenly when my phone started buzzing, I thought I had forgotten someone's birthday and therefore the group messages are piling. However, the news they were discussing was not something I could have ever imagined. Our schools were getting shut due to Covid and we had no idea when will they reopen.

Vidhi Dahiya, a high school student in India remembers her last 'normal'&nbsp;days in the school. The girl who was once a high-energy, dance-addicted&nbsp;extrovert, has not been infected by Covid yet but has definitely caught on the slow-paced life since the pandemic.

It is not just her; many other students have now gone from hanging out daily with their friends to simply dropping a 'sup?' text message to their friends once a week.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/teachers-day-more-working-hours-lack-of-privacy-and-tech-ghost-how-teachers-coped-with-the-new-normal-of-virtual-teaching-410883">More working hours, lack of privacy and tech ghost: How teachers coped with the 'new normal' of virtual teaching</a>

The coronavirus pandemic not only altered the teaching style in schools, but has also brought a variety of other impacts for children. Sometimes, it seems they are more inclined towards technology now but they have also lost actual communication with their peers.

Some parents are worried that the pandemic-caused virtual teaching might be turning their children into introverts.

<img alt="Virtual classrooms" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="227d4f00-5607-4295-9daa-e18f802b56c0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SCHOOLS_MAC-13.jpg" />

"I felt I had become more introverted and inhibited during this period. I seem to feel some sort of inhibition towards physical contact, making friends or interacting with strangers," said Shianvi Dogra from Grade 6, Chaman Bhartiya School, Bengaluru, India. "I found it difficult to focus, and because I was isolated, I found it difficult to do my regular schoolwork such as taking notes."

However, experts are not in complete agreement with this as they feel this is a temporary change.

Sense of isolation

"Online sessions may have created a sense of isolation. There may not have been a complete shift for the extroverts but definitely a new perspective mention-worthy," said Vijayalakshmi K, Head of Student Wellness (Disha), The Narayana Group. "While the introverts have gained more comfort and seen their so-called shortcomings, the neutral effect of the work from home scenario has acted as a neutral pacifier."

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Vijayalakshmi K also believes that while virtual classrooms might have been a huge shift, children have been smart enough to utilise their energies into doing something creative while staying indoors.

"The huge spaces came down to small rooms at home. With little or no space where students had to learn to express themselves through social media in order to satisfy their attention needs," the expert said.

"Though play and interaction came down to zero, the students were able to spend their energies mentally through the virtual world."

<img alt="Virtual classrooms" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="40f13f35-9732-46ab-84e8-91d463ea86b3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/download.jpeg" />

Sandhya Gatti, Head of Pedagogy and Teacher Training, Chaman Bhartiya School agrees with Vijayalakshmi K. She also believes that while it may seem like children are turning into introverts, this change is temporary. "When children resume play, their natural personalities will come to the fore and they will be themselves again," Gatti said.

Shianvi Dogra also agreed to it as she has observed her personality changing back to her old-self since she has started going back to school. "The inhibitions I had developed during the pandemic, with regard to interacting with other people or approaching others, have reduced after I have recently started attending physical classes. I also feel more positive and energised and physically active as I cycle to school every day."

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However, she also urges parents and teachers to make sure children have the right support to manage this shift in their life. "Setting the right environment and expectations during this transition is crucial. For children who are still at home, it is important, that parents spend time with their children and give them opportunities to meet people and friends, with due precautions in place," she said.

Mental health

A survey conducted by the Gopal Narayan Singh University on more than 1,800 students from tier-1, 2 and 3 cities has revealed that while students do not report such a huge shift in their friend’s personalities, all of them do complain about similar problems — laziness, not motivated to write and not being able to stay without a gadget.

One thing that this survey pointed out was deteriorating mental health of students who were already seeking help from professionals. "Students who had any mental health issues could not reach out to the professionals as the parents wouldn’t encourage this," the survey states. Since they children stayed at home all day, they were also unable to share anything with their therapists and counsellors. "Some students who have had any previous diagnosis of depression or any other concern showed little or no improvement and got very delicate with the excessive care of self (as eating more and no exercise were noticed)."

Happily back on campus

Students are also welcoming the 'back to campus' days now, after staying home for more than a year. They were happy to meet their friends face-to-face and be able to interact with the teachers in pre-Covid normal way. Some students also took a sigh of relief with reopening of schools as poor network connectivity in their areas was leading to them missing out on all important school teachings and social interactions.

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While the students are happy about returning back to schools, the constant fear of getting infected, wearing masks, social distancing and constantly sanitising hands is taking away all the fun away from them.

"The one thing that I find irritating about the physical classroom right now, is the fact that I have to constantly sanitise my hands and even though I want to hug my friends, I cannot," Shianvi Dogra frowned.

Parents, pay heed

More experts around the world are now turning their focus on personality changes children have gone through during this pandemic. While we wait for experts to find a solution to this unexpected change, mental health experts are urging parents to pay more attention to their children's needs.

"Parents must allow children a healthy dose of open-air and physical activities for several important reasons. Spending time outdoors is a great immunity booster, channelises energies in the right direction, and keeps children mentally healthy and happy," said Ms Gatti. "Parents must give clear instructions to children about how to keep themselves safe with sanitisers and social distancing. When rightly communicated, most children will follow rules because they know it is their only way to keep outdoors accessible."

She also warns parents to make children aware about the dangers of the Covid pandemic but "we must be careful not to terrify them or project our fears onto them".

The day was a little gloomy, even though the sun was shining bright. It was a little cold but we had just battled an extreme winter so this March weather didn’t feel that bad.

The day was a little gloomy, even though the sun was shining bright. It was a little cold but we had just battled an extreme winter so this March weather didn’t feel that bad. Suddenly when my phone started buzzing, I thought I had forgotten someone's birthday and therefore the group messages are piling. However, the news they were discussing was not something I could have ever imagined. Our schools were getting shut due to Covid and we had no idea when will they reopen. Vidhi Dahiya, a high school student in India remembers her last 'normal' days in the school. The girl who was once a high-energy, dance-addicted extrovert, has not been infected by Covid yet but has definitely caught on the slow-paced life since the pandemic. It is not just her; many other students have now gone from hanging out daily with their friends to simply dropping a 'sup?' text message to their friends once a week. Also read | More working hours, lack of privacy and tech ghost: How teachers coped with the 'new normal' of virtual teaching The coronavirus pandemic not only altered the teaching style in schools, but has also brought a variety of other impacts for children. Sometimes, it seems they are more inclined towards technology now but they have also lost actual communication with their peers. Some parents are worried that the pandemic-caused virtual teaching might be turning their children into introverts. "I felt I had become more introverted and inhibited during this period. I seem to feel some sort of inhibition towards physical contact, making friends or interacting with strangers," said Shianvi Dogra from Grade 6, Chaman Bhartiya School, Bengaluru, India. "I found it difficult to focus, and because I was isolated, I found it difficult to do my regular schoolwork such as taking notes." However, experts are not in complete agreement with this as they feel this is a temporary change. Sense of isolation "Online sessions may have created a sense of isolation. There may not have been a complete shift for the extroverts but definitely a new perspective mention-worthy," said Vijayalakshmi K, Head of Student Wellness (Disha), The Narayana Group. "While the introverts have gained more comfort and seen their so-called shortcomings, the neutral effect of the work from home scenario has acted as a neutral pacifier." Also read | India Independence: These gems of Indian higher education are envy of the world Vijayalakshmi K also believes that while virtual classrooms might have been a huge shift, children have been smart enough to utilise their energies into doing something creative while staying indoors. "The huge spaces came down to small rooms at home. With little or no space where students had to learn to express themselves through social media in order to satisfy their attention needs," the expert said. "Though play and interaction came down to zero, the students were able to spend their energies mentally through the virtual world." Sandhya Gatti, Head of Pedagogy and Teacher Training, Chaman Bhartiya School agrees with Vijayalakshmi K. She also believes that while it may seem like children are turning into introverts, this change is temporary. "When children resume play, their natural personalities will come to the fore and they will be themselves again," Gatti said. Shianvi Dogra also agreed to it as she has observed her personality changing back to her old-self since she has started going back to school. "The inhibitions I had developed during the pandemic, with regard to interacting with other people or approaching others, have reduced after I have recently started attending physical classes. I also feel more positive and energised and physically active as I cycle to school every day." Also read | IDP to buy British Council India's English testing service IELTS for £130 million However, she also urges parents and teachers to make sure children have the right support to manage this shift in their life. "Setting the right environment and expectations during this transition is crucial. For children who are still at home, it is important, that parents spend time with their children and give them opportunities to meet people and friends, with due precautions in place," she said. Mental health A survey conducted by the Gopal Narayan Singh University on more than 1,800 students from tier-1, 2 and 3 cities has revealed that while students do not report such a huge shift in their friend’s personalities, all of them do complain about similar problems — laziness, not motivated to write and not being able to stay without a gadget. One thing that this survey pointed out was deteriorating mental health of students who were already seeking help from professionals. "Students who had any mental health issues could not reach out to the professionals as the parents wouldn’t encourage this," the survey states. Since they children stayed at home all day, they were also unable to share anything with their therapists and counsellors. "Some students who have had any previous diagnosis of depression or any other concern showed little or no improvement and got very delicate with the excessive care of self (as eating more and no exercise were noticed)." Happily back on campus Students are also welcoming the 'back to campus' days now, after staying home for more than a year. They were happy to meet their friends face-to-face and be able to interact with the teachers in pre-Covid normal way. Some students also took a sigh of relief with reopening of schools as poor network connectivity in their areas was leading to them missing out on all important school teachings and social interactions. While the students are happy about returning back to schools, the constant fear of getting infected, wearing masks, social distancing and constantly sanitising hands is taking away all the fun away from them. "The one thing that I find irritating about the physical classroom right now, is the fact that I have to constantly sanitise my hands and even though I want to hug my friends, I cannot," Shianvi Dogra frowned. Parents, pay heed More experts around the world are now turning their focus on personality changes children have gone through during this pandemic. While we wait for experts to find a solution to this unexpected change, mental health experts are urging parents to pay more attention to their children's needs. "Parents must allow children a healthy dose of open-air and physical activities for several important reasons. Spending time outdoors is a great immunity booster, channelises energies in the right direction, and keeps children mentally healthy and happy," said Ms Gatti. "Parents must give clear instructions to children about how to keep themselves safe with sanitisers and social distancing. When rightly communicated, most children will follow rules because they know it is their only way to keep outdoors accessible." She also warns parents to make children aware about the dangers of the Covid pandemic but "we must be careful not to terrify them or project our fears onto them".

Are virtual classrooms in post-pandemic world turning your kids into introverts than extroverts?

The number of COVID-19 vaccination doses delivered in India is set to surpass one billion. India has already provided more vaccination doses than any other country in the globe, with the exception of China.

India set to touch one billion Covid vaccinations mark

China has deployed 100 advanced and long-range rocket launchers at its high-altitude borders amid a standoff with India.

A source told Hong Kong-based South China Post that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has deployed over 100 PCL-181 light and truck mounted-howitzers to ramp up its defence for the winter season. &nbsp;

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The move has come&nbsp;after&nbsp;the Indian Army enhanced its deployment of M777 ultra-light howitzers at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

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>

India had recently added Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Heron I and ALH Dhruv choppers to its aviation brigade to counter China.&nbsp;

It is a twin-engine, multi-role, multi-mission new generation helicopter in the 5.5 ton weight class and is being used for quick mobilisation of troops.

As the Chinese People`s Liberation Army aggression at the Line of Actual Control, the force has increased frequency of surveillance at the border area to keep a tap on their activities.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-civilian-killings-indian-army-chief-visits-jammu-to-review-security-situation-421953">Amid civilian killings, Indian Army chief visits Jammu to review security situation</a>

Meanwhile, Rudra is the first Army Aviation aircraft to add 'teeth to the fleet of Army Aviation with its Mistral air-to-air missiles, 70 mm rockets, 20 mm guns and ATGMs.&nbsp;

The ALH (WSI) is a force multiplier for the field force commander with its potent weapons on board. This helicopter will be able to storm the enemy forces and hunt them down when required.

From Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh, India shares a total of 1,346-km-long LAC with China.

India and China have been engaged in border standoff for the past 18 months.

China has deployed 100 advanced and long-range rocket launchers at its high-altitude borders amid a standoff with India. A source told Hong Kong-based South China Post that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has deployed over 100 PCL-181 light and truck mounted-howitzers to ramp up its defence for the winter season.

China has deployed 100 advanced and long-range rocket launchers at its high-altitude borders amid a standoff with India. A source told Hong Kong-based South China Post that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has deployed over 100 PCL-181 light and truck mounted-howitzers to ramp up its defence for the winter season. The move has come after the Indian Army enhanced its deployment of M777 ultra-light howitzers at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Also read | LAC under constant surveillance amid increased activities of Chinese Army: Eastern Army commander India had recently added Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Heron I and ALH Dhruv choppers to its aviation brigade to counter China. It is a twin-engine, multi-role, multi-mission new generation helicopter in the 5.5 ton weight class and is being used for quick mobilisation of troops. As the Chinese People`s Liberation Army aggression at the Line of Actual Control, the force has increased frequency of surveillance at the border area to keep a tap on their activities. Also Read | Amid civilian killings, Indian Army chief visits Jammu to review security situation Meanwhile, Rudra is the first Army Aviation aircraft to add 'teeth to the fleet of Army Aviation with its Mistral air-to-air missiles, 70 mm rockets, 20 mm guns and ATGMs. The ALH (WSI) is a force multiplier for the field force commander with its potent weapons on board. This helicopter will be able to storm the enemy forces and hunt them down when required. From Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh, India shares a total of 1,346-km-long LAC with China. India and China have been engaged in border standoff for the past 18 months.

India-China standoff: Beijing deploys 100 rocket launchers at high altitude areas

An Indian Coast Guard (ICG) team in southern Tamil Nadu state seized 600 kilograms of sea cucumber from a small boat that was involved in smuggling.

The market value of seized sea cucumbers is said to be around Rs 30 million ($400,000 approximately).

Based on a tip-off, the ICG team tracked the suspect vessel at Mandapam, Ramanathapuram district, and cordoned off the road to block their escape.

Subsequently, the boat was found to be anchored off Uchhipalli coast in Ramanathapuram on Tuesday afternoon.

The Coast Guard teams&nbsp;then rummaged the vessel and recovered 31 gunny bags of sea cucumber weighing 600 kgs. The boat, along with seized sea cucumbers, were then brought to Mandapam and handed over to the forest department officials.

Sea cucumbers are an important constituent of the marine ecosystem as they play a key role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem.

By excreting the inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus, sea cucumbers enhance the productivity of benthic animals —those living on the ocean floor.

One of the by-products of the sea cucumber's digestion of sand is calcium carbonate, a key component of coral reef. To survive, coral reefs must accumulate calcium carbonate, and thus sea cucumbers play a vital role in their preservation.

Sea cucumbers also maintain the transparency of seawater by eating sewage. Feeding and excretion by sea cucumbers also increase alkalinity, which counteracts ocean acidification.

Illegal harvesting and overexploitation of these animals leads to poorer sediment health, reduced nutrient recycling and impacting biodiversity.

In India, sea cucumber is treated as an endangered species and is listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

An Indian Coast Guard (ICG) team in southern Tamil Nadu state seized 600 kilograms of sea cucumber from a small boat that was involved in smuggling. The market value of seized sea cucumbers is said to be around Rs 30 million ($400,000 approximately).

An Indian Coast Guard (ICG) team in southern Tamil Nadu state seized 600 kilograms of sea cucumber from a small boat that was involved in smuggling. The market value of seized sea cucumbers is said to be around Rs 30 million ($400,000 approximately). Based on a tip-off, the ICG team tracked the suspect vessel at Mandapam, Ramanathapuram district, and cordoned off the road to block their escape. Subsequently, the boat was found to be anchored off Uchhipalli coast in Ramanathapuram on Tuesday afternoon. The Coast Guard teams then rummaged the vessel and recovered 31 gunny bags of sea cucumber weighing 600 kgs. The boat, along with seized sea cucumbers, were then brought to Mandapam and handed over to the forest department officials. Sea cucumbers are an important constituent of the marine ecosystem as they play a key role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem. By excreting the inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus, sea cucumbers enhance the productivity of benthic animals —those living on the ocean floor. One of the by-products of the sea cucumber's digestion of sand is calcium carbonate, a key component of coral reef. To survive, coral reefs must accumulate calcium carbonate, and thus sea cucumbers play a vital role in their preservation. Sea cucumbers also maintain the transparency of seawater by eating sewage. Feeding and excretion by sea cucumbers also increase alkalinity, which counteracts ocean acidification. Illegal harvesting and overexploitation of these animals leads to poorer sediment health, reduced nutrient recycling and impacting biodiversity. In India, sea cucumber is treated as an endangered species and is listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

600 kgs of smuggled sea cucumber worth $4 million seized in India’s southern Tamil Nadu coast 

Pakistan is in the grip of a serious economic crisis, with the country requiring USD 51.6 billion in gross external funding over a two-year period (2021-2023) to meet its demands.

Despite the IMF's highly conservative forecasts, Pakistan's gross external finance demand is USD 23.6 billion in 2021-22 and USD 28 billion in 2022-23, according to The News International. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/naya-pakistan-15-million-unemployed-pakistanis-apply-for-a-peons-post-416583">Also read | 'Naya Pakistan': 1.5 million unemployed Pakistanis apply for a peon's post</a>

Pakistani officials are making last-ditch efforts to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the staff level to bridge the gap in external funding requirements. 
 
Watch | Fears of US sanctions surging affects Pakistan's economic fragility

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Without a deal with the IMF under the existing USD 6 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) during the ongoing talks in Washington, this massive gross external financing requirement will be jeopardised, according to The News International, due to the suspension of programme loans from other multilateral creditors such as the World Bank (WB) and Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank will continue to offer project loans, but given the capacity to complete projects, the payout will remain pitifully low.

According to The News International, credit rating agencies may further lower the country's ratings, making raising cash through the issuing of international bonds more expensive.

According to official sources, the IMF is requesting that distortions in the taxing system be removed, and that varied GST exemptions and rates be harmonised with the normal rate of 17 percent.&nbsp;

These depressing figures show that Pakistan is forced to borrow more money from local and foreign sources to pay its obligations, including loan repayments, since it has completely failed to implement appropriate changes in its tax collecting mechanisms.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan is in the grip of a serious economic crisis, with the country requiring USD 51.6 billion in gross external funding over a two-year period (2021-2023) to meet its demands.

Pakistan is in the grip of a serious economic crisis, with the country requiring USD 51.6 billion in gross external funding over a two-year period (2021-2023) to meet its demands. Despite the IMF's highly conservative forecasts, Pakistan's gross external finance demand is USD 23.6 billion in 2021-22 and USD 28 billion in 2022-23, according to The News International. Also read | 'Naya Pakistan': 1.5 million unemployed Pakistanis apply for a peon's post Pakistani officials are making last-ditch efforts to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the staff level to bridge the gap in external funding requirements. Watch | Fears of US sanctions surging affects Pakistan's economic fragility Without a deal with the IMF under the existing USD 6 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) during the ongoing talks in Washington, this massive gross external financing requirement will be jeopardised, according to The News International, due to the suspension of programme loans from other multilateral creditors such as the World Bank (WB) and Asian Development Bank (ADB). The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank will continue to offer project loans, but given the capacity to complete projects, the payout will remain pitifully low. According to The News International, credit rating agencies may further lower the country's ratings, making raising cash through the issuing of international bonds more expensive. According to official sources, the IMF is requesting that distortions in the taxing system be removed, and that varied GST exemptions and rates be harmonised with the normal rate of 17 percent. These depressing figures show that Pakistan is forced to borrow more money from local and foreign sources to pay its obligations, including loan repayments, since it has completely failed to implement appropriate changes in its tax collecting mechanisms. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's unending economic crisis: Imran govt needs $51.6 billion external financing over two year period

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Kushinagar international airport will boost connectivity and tourism.

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.

At the event, Modi said ''the airport won't just be a mode of air connectivity. Be it farmers, animal keepers, shopkeepers, workers, local industrialists-it'll benefit all. It'll create an ecosystem of business. Tourism will get maximum benefit, it'll generate employment for youth.''

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/namal-rajapaksa-100-lankan-buddhist-clergy-at-inauguration-of-kushinagar-international-airport-421269">&nbsp;Namal Rajapaksa, 100+ Lankan Buddhist clergy at inauguration of Kushinagar international airport</a>

He also highlighted that more than 900 new routes have been sanctioned under the Udaan scheme in the last few years, out of which more than 350 have also been introduced.

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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Tomorrow is a special day for our infrastructure and civil aviation sector. The Kushinagar International Airport will be inaugurated, with the inaugural flight landing from Colombo, whose passengers include a group of respected monks. This airport will benefit UP and Bihar. <a href="https://t.co/ZPraanod1o">pic.twitter.com/ZPraanod1o</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1450480492059394048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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While participating in the Abhidhamma Day at the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar, Modi planted a Bodhi tree sapling.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-man-wants-covid-certificate-without-pm-modis-picture-422025">Indian man wants Covid certificate without PM Modi's picture</a>

Eminent monks from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, South Korea, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia, and ambassadors of various countries were present at the event.

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Wonderful development, it'll give opportunity for Buddhist nations to come conveniently to most sacred place where Lord Buddha entered into parinirvana. It'll make Buddhist Circuit tourism convenient: Maj Gen Vetsop Namgyel,Bhutan's Ambassador to India on Kushinagar Int'l Airport <a href="https://t.co/yN49uvkNHV">pic.twitter.com/yN49uvkNHV</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1450720068443131907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Pointing out the similarities between Cambodia and, the country's ambassador Ung Sean said, ''In Cambodia, Buddism is the religion of our State. 85-89% of Cambodian people practice Buddhism.''

Ananda Prasad Sharma, Minister Counsel of Nepal said ''Opening of Kushinagar International Airport is very encouraging, especially for Buddhist devotees, to visit Kushinagar and Lumbini in Nepal too. It'll facilitate international travellers &amp; Buddhist devotees to visit Buddhist pilgrimage sites.''

According to Moe Kyaw Aung, Myanmar's ambassador to India, ''It'll greatly help pilgrims from Myanmar to visit Kushinagar as majority of our people are Buddhists. It's a very imp Buddhist Circuit site. Now they can directly come to Kushinagar. It'll bring convenience.''

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Kushinagar international airport will boost connectivity and tourism. 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.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Kushinagar international airport will boost connectivity and tourism. 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. At the event, Modi said ''the airport won't just be a mode of air connectivity. Be it farmers, animal keepers, shopkeepers, workers, local industrialists-it'll benefit all. It'll create an ecosystem of business. Tourism will get maximum benefit, it'll generate employment for youth.'' Also Read | Namal Rajapaksa, 100+ Lankan Buddhist clergy at inauguration of Kushinagar international airport He also highlighted that more than 900 new routes have been sanctioned under the Udaan scheme in the last few years, out of which more than 350 have also been introduced. 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. Tomorrow is a special day for our infrastructure and civil aviation sector. The Kushinagar International Airport will be inaugurated, with the inaugural flight landing from Colombo, whose passengers include a group of respected monks. This airport will benefit UP and Bihar. pic.twitter.com/ZPraanod1o — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 19, 2021 × While participating in the Abhidhamma Day at the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar, Modi planted a Bodhi tree sapling. Also Read | Indian man wants Covid certificate without PM Modi's picture Eminent monks from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, South Korea, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia, and ambassadors of various countries were present at the event. Wonderful development, it'll give opportunity for Buddhist nations to come conveniently to most sacred place where Lord Buddha entered into parinirvana. It'll make Buddhist Circuit tourism convenient: Maj Gen Vetsop Namgyel,Bhutan's Ambassador to India on Kushinagar Int'l Airport pic.twitter.com/yN49uvkNHV — ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2021 × Pointing out the similarities between Cambodia and, the country's ambassador Ung Sean said, ''In Cambodia, Buddism is the religion of our State. 85-89% of Cambodian people practice Buddhism.'' Ananda Prasad Sharma, Minister Counsel of Nepal said ''Opening of Kushinagar International Airport is very encouraging, especially for Buddhist devotees, to visit Kushinagar and Lumbini in Nepal too. It'll facilitate international travellers & Buddhist devotees to visit Buddhist pilgrimage sites.'' According to Moe Kyaw Aung, Myanmar's ambassador to India, ''It'll greatly help pilgrims from Myanmar to visit Kushinagar as majority of our people are Buddhists. It's a very imp Buddhist Circuit site. Now they can directly come to Kushinagar. It'll bring convenience.''

PM Modi says Kushinagar international airport will boost connectivity and tourism

Uttarakhand reported at least 42 rain-related deaths on Tuesday with many people still trapped under the rubble after landslides, while Uttar Pradesh witnessed four fatalities, even as heavy downpour in Kerala filled several dams to the brim and multiple districts were on alert.

In view of the incessant rains, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reiterated his appeal to Chardham yatris to stay where they are and not to resume their journeys before the weather improved.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rains-floods-kill-16-in-indias-uttarakhand-422018">&nbsp;Heavy rains, floods kill 16 in India's Uttarakhand</a>

"The number of casualties in Kumaon region alone has crossed 40," DIG Nilesh Anand Bharne told PTI. 
With 42 new fatalities in the Kumaon region, the death toll in the disaster has risen to 47 as five deaths were reported on Monday.

Of the 42 fresh deaths, 28 people were killed in Nainital district, six each in Almora and Champawat and one each in Pithoragarh and Udham Singh Nagar districts, the official said.

The connectivity to Nainital was restored in the evening after hours of struggle amid inclement weather, officials said.

Chief Minister Dhami undertook an aerial survey of the rain-hit areas and later interacted with the affected people on ground zero to make an assessment of the damages caused.

He announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of those killed in rain-related incidents across the state over the last two days.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-25-dead-after-heavy-rains-spark-landslides-in-indian-state-of-kerala-421650">At least 25 dead after heavy rains spark landslides in Indian state of Kerala</a>

Director General of Uttarakhand Police Ashok Kumar, who accompanied Chief Minister Dhami on a visit to the rain-hit areas of the Kumaon region, said roads, bridges and railway tracks have been damaged in Kathgodam and Lalkuan in Nainital and Rudrapur in Udham Singh Nagar.

It will take at least four-five days to repair the damaged tracks, Kumar told PTI.

Three Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters have arrived in the state and are assisting in relief and rescue operations. Two of them have been deployed in Nainital district, which has suffered extensive damage due to cloudbursts and landslides, Dhami said.

According to a rough estimate, around 100 pilgrims from different parts of Gujarat who had gone to Uttarakhand for the Chardham Yatra were stranded following heavy rains and landslides, Gujarat Revenue Minister Rajendra Trivedi said.

The National Disaster Response Force has rescued over 300 people from flood-affected areas of Uttarakhand, the federal force said on Tuesday.

The NDRF has deployed 15 teams in the state.

Rainfall was reported from other parts of the country as well including Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, according to the IMD, which forecast an intense spell of rain over east and northeast till Wednesday, and the south peninsular region during the next four-five days.

Authorities in the national capital said Prof Joginder Singh Marg in the western part of the city had been closed after the road caved in.

A 35-year-old woman and her mother-in-law died in Uttar Pradesh's Fathepur after a wall of their house collapsed following heavy rains.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-rains-death-toll-reaches-9-421432">&nbsp;Kerala Rains: Death toll reaches 9</a>

In Bareilly, also in UP, two labourers died of electrocution in Bisalpur road after coming in contact with a solar panel following heavy rains, police said.

In West Bengal, the Met department said heavy rainfall is very likely to continue till Thursday morning even as the low-pressure system that developed over the Gangetic Basin in the southern part of the state moved to Bihar, parts of which received heavy rains during the day.

The weatherman warned of extremely heavy rainfall over Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Alipurduar till Wednesday morning and downpour till Thursday over all sub-Himalayan districts.

The IMD forecast more rain on Wednesday in Odisha, which has already been battered by low-pressure area-induced downpour for the last three days. Fishermen were advised not to venture into the Bay of Bengal for the next 48 hours.

Down south in Kerala, after a relative respite of two days, the IMD Tuesday issued an Orange Alert for 11 districts of Kerala indicating heavy rainfall. The weatherman has put 12 districts in the state on Orange alert on Thursday also.

The IMD sounded an Orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur districts on October 20.

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An Orange alert has been issued for all districts other than Kannur and Kasaragod on October 21.

Idukki, Idamalayar, Pamba and Kakki, four major dams among the total 78 dams in the state have been opened to release the excess water.

Shutters of Cheruthoni dam, part of the Idukki reservoir in Kerala, were opened on Tuesday to create more storage capacity in anticipation of the heavy rainfall predicted in its catchment area over the next two days.

Various district administrations have issued alerts to the people living downstream and shifted them to relief camps set up in the state.

The IMD said a low-pressure area lies over Bihar and neighbourhood. Also due to strong southerly/southeasterly winds from Bay of Bengal, a heavy spell of rainfall activity is very likely to continue over east and northeast India till October&nbsp;

Uttarakhand reported at least 42 rain-related deaths on Tuesday with many people still trapped under the rubble after landslides, while Uttar Pradesh witnessed four fatalities, even as heavy downpour in Kerala filled several dams to the brim and multiple districts were on alert.

Uttarakhand reported at least 42 rain-related deaths on Tuesday with many people still trapped under the rubble after landslides, while Uttar Pradesh witnessed four fatalities, even as heavy downpour in Kerala filled several dams to the brim and multiple districts were on alert. In view of the incessant rains, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reiterated his appeal to Chardham yatris to stay where they are and not to resume their journeys before the weather improved. Also Read | Heavy rains, floods kill 16 in India's Uttarakhand "The number of casualties in Kumaon region alone has crossed 40," DIG Nilesh Anand Bharne told PTI. With 42 new fatalities in the Kumaon region, the death toll in the disaster has risen to 47 as five deaths were reported on Monday. Of the 42 fresh deaths, 28 people were killed in Nainital district, six each in Almora and Champawat and one each in Pithoragarh and Udham Singh Nagar districts, the official said. The connectivity to Nainital was restored in the evening after hours of struggle amid inclement weather, officials said. Chief Minister Dhami undertook an aerial survey of the rain-hit areas and later interacted with the affected people on ground zero to make an assessment of the damages caused. He announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of those killed in rain-related incidents across the state over the last two days. Also Read | At least 25 dead after heavy rains spark landslides in Indian state of Kerala Director General of Uttarakhand Police Ashok Kumar, who accompanied Chief Minister Dhami on a visit to the rain-hit areas of the Kumaon region, said roads, bridges and railway tracks have been damaged in Kathgodam and Lalkuan in Nainital and Rudrapur in Udham Singh Nagar. It will take at least four-five days to repair the damaged tracks, Kumar told PTI. Three Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters have arrived in the state and are assisting in relief and rescue operations. Two of them have been deployed in Nainital district, which has suffered extensive damage due to cloudbursts and landslides, Dhami said. According to a rough estimate, around 100 pilgrims from different parts of Gujarat who had gone to Uttarakhand for the Chardham Yatra were stranded following heavy rains and landslides, Gujarat Revenue Minister Rajendra Trivedi said. The National Disaster Response Force has rescued over 300 people from flood-affected areas of Uttarakhand, the federal force said on Tuesday. The NDRF has deployed 15 teams in the state. Rainfall was reported from other parts of the country as well including Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, according to the IMD, which forecast an intense spell of rain over east and northeast till Wednesday, and the south peninsular region during the next four-five days. Authorities in the national capital said Prof Joginder Singh Marg in the western part of the city had been closed after the road caved in. A 35-year-old woman and her mother-in-law died in Uttar Pradesh's Fathepur after a wall of their house collapsed following heavy rains. Also Read | Kerala Rains: Death toll reaches 9 In Bareilly, also in UP, two labourers died of electrocution in Bisalpur road after coming in contact with a solar panel following heavy rains, police said. In West Bengal, the Met department said heavy rainfall is very likely to continue till Thursday morning even as the low-pressure system that developed over the Gangetic Basin in the southern part of the state moved to Bihar, parts of which received heavy rains during the day. The weatherman warned of extremely heavy rainfall over Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Alipurduar till Wednesday morning and downpour till Thursday over all sub-Himalayan districts. The IMD forecast more rain on Wednesday in Odisha, which has already been battered by low-pressure area-induced downpour for the last three days. Fishermen were advised not to venture into the Bay of Bengal for the next 48 hours. Down south in Kerala, after a relative respite of two days, the IMD Tuesday issued an Orange Alert for 11 districts of Kerala indicating heavy rainfall. The weatherman has put 12 districts in the state on Orange alert on Thursday also. The IMD sounded an Orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur districts on October 20. Watch An Orange alert has been issued for all districts other than Kannur and Kasaragod on October 21. Idukki, Idamalayar, Pamba and Kakki, four major dams among the total 78 dams in the state have been opened to release the excess water. Shutters of Cheruthoni dam, part of the Idukki reservoir in Kerala, were opened on Tuesday to create more storage capacity in anticipation of the heavy rainfall predicted in its catchment area over the next two days. Various district administrations have issued alerts to the people living downstream and shifted them to relief camps set up in the state. The IMD said a low-pressure area lies over Bihar and neighbourhood. Also due to strong southerly/southeasterly winds from Bay of Bengal, a heavy spell of rainfall activity is very likely to continue over east and northeast India till October

Rain in India's northern states claims 46 lives, alert sounded in southern Kerala state

India and the UK held discussions on key issues of mutual interest pertaining to UN reforms, counterterrorism, peacekeeping and climate action, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday.

The discussions under the second India-UK Multilateral Dialogue were held on Monday in London.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-recognise-common-threats-coming-from-afghanistan-indian-envoy-to-russia-422098">&nbsp;India, Russia recognise common threats coming from Afghanistan: Indian envoy to Russia</a>

The Indian delegation was led by Prakash Gupta, Joint Secretary (UN Political), Ministry of External Affairs, while the UK side was led by Harriet Mathews, Deputy Political Director for UN, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The UK side congratulated India on its successful presidency of the UN Security Council in August 2021, the MEA said.

Discussions covered issues of mutual interest pertaining to UN reforms, counterterrorism, peacekeeping and climate action, it said.

Both sides also exchanged views on the Commonwealth Strategic Plan and priorities.

The delegations agreed to continue to work closely to further deepen their cooperation on multilateral issues, the statement said.

India and the UK held discussions on key issues of mutual interest pertaining to UN reforms, counterterrorism, peacekeeping and climate action, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday.

India and the UK held discussions on key issues of mutual interest pertaining to UN reforms, counterterrorism, peacekeeping and climate action, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday. The discussions under the second India-UK Multilateral Dialogue were held on Monday in London. Also Read | India, Russia recognise common threats coming from Afghanistan: Indian envoy to Russia The Indian delegation was led by Prakash Gupta, Joint Secretary (UN Political), Ministry of External Affairs, while the UK side was led by Harriet Mathews, Deputy Political Director for UN, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The UK side congratulated India on its successful presidency of the UN Security Council in August 2021, the MEA said. Discussions covered issues of mutual interest pertaining to UN reforms, counterterrorism, peacekeeping and climate action, it said. Both sides also exchanged views on the Commonwealth Strategic Plan and priorities. The delegations agreed to continue to work closely to further deepen their cooperation on multilateral issues, the statement said.

India, UK discuss UN reforms, counterterrorism, climate action

The number of COVID-19 vaccination doses delivered in India is set to surpass one billion.

India has already provided more vaccination doses than any other country in the globe, with the exception of China.

The billion-doses club would consist of only these two countries, as no other country has a population of anything close to 500 million.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dcgi-seeks-technical-opinion-to-approve-covaxin-for-kids-421886">DCGI seeks 'technical opinion' to approve Covaxin for kids</a>

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.

India faces logistical challenges in the delivery and storage of vaccinations, as well as in establishing a cold-chain network to distant locations where healthcare facilities are inadequate.

Add to that the fact that India was stricken by the pandemic's deadliest second wave as soon as the vaccines were made available to the general population, crippling the same health care system that was to be utilised for vaccine delivery.

Bloomberg's vaccination tracker, meanwhile, shows that just 20% of the country's 1.4 billion people are completely vaccinated.

Furthermore, the tracker indicated that 51% of individuals are only partially vaccinated. 
 
Just 17 per cent to 25 per cent of the population in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are completely vaccinated, while more than 70 per cent have yet to receive their first shot.

For the past 25 days, there have been fewer than 30,000 daily COVID infections in the country. For the past 114 days, there have been fewer than 50,000 daily new cases reported.

In India, 13,058 new coronavirus infections were reported on October 19, the fewest in 231 days, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases to 3,40,94,373.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-vaccine-effort-slows-as-dose-gap-trumps-output-jump-421741">&nbsp;India's vaccine effort slows as dose gap trumps output jump</a>

The death toll rose to 4,52,454 with 164 new deaths, but the number of active cases fell to 1,83,118, the lowest in 227 days.

The active cases account for 0.54 percent of overall infections, the lowest since March 2020, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was 98.14 per cent, the greatest since March 2020, according to the health ministry. 
 
Vaccine Maitri Programme

While India was vaccinating its citizens, it was not blind to the catastrophe unfolding in other nations. Earlier this year, India sent over 66 million doses of Covid vaccines to more than 70 nations as part of the Vaccine Maitri programme. Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Morocco, South Africa, Afghanistan, Mexico, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom were among the countries that benefited from the Vaccine Maitri project.

India is the world's largest vaccine manufacturer and one of the largest contributors to the World Health Organization's COVAX programme, under which more affluent countries such as the United States where Covid vaccines are manufactured contribute to other countries to ensure equitable distribution of the vaccines.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of COVID-19 vaccination doses delivered in India is set to surpass one billion. India has already provided more vaccination doses than any other country in the globe, with the exception of China. The billion-doses club would consist of only these two countries, as no other country has a population of anything close to 500 million. Also Read | DCGI seeks 'technical opinion' to approve Covaxin for kids 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. India faces logistical challenges in the delivery and storage of vaccinations, as well as in establishing a cold-chain network to distant locations where healthcare facilities are inadequate. Add to that the fact that India was stricken by the pandemic's deadliest second wave as soon as the vaccines were made available to the general population, crippling the same health care system that was to be utilised for vaccine delivery. Bloomberg's vaccination tracker, meanwhile, shows that just 20% of the country's 1.4 billion people are completely vaccinated. Furthermore, the tracker indicated that 51% of individuals are only partially vaccinated. Just 17 per cent to 25 per cent of the population in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are completely vaccinated, while more than 70 per cent have yet to receive their first shot. For the past 25 days, there have been fewer than 30,000 daily COVID infections in the country. For the past 114 days, there have been fewer than 50,000 daily new cases reported. In India, 13,058 new coronavirus infections were reported on October 19, the fewest in 231 days, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases to 3,40,94,373. Also Read | India's vaccine effort slows as dose gap trumps output jump The death toll rose to 4,52,454 with 164 new deaths, but the number of active cases fell to 1,83,118, the lowest in 227 days. The active cases account for 0.54 percent of overall infections, the lowest since March 2020, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was 98.14 per cent, the greatest since March 2020, according to the health ministry. Vaccine Maitri Programme While India was vaccinating its citizens, it was not blind to the catastrophe unfolding in other nations. Earlier this year, India sent over 66 million doses of Covid vaccines to more than 70 nations as part of the Vaccine Maitri programme. Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Morocco, South Africa, Afghanistan, Mexico, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom were among the countries that benefited from the Vaccine Maitri project. India is the world's largest vaccine manufacturer and one of the largest contributors to the World Health Organization's COVAX programme, under which more affluent countries such as the United States where Covid vaccines are manufactured contribute to other countries to ensure equitable distribution of the vaccines. (With inputs from agencies)

India on course to deliver one billion Covid vaccinations: Why is it a big deal?

In a tragic incident that took place in Kerala’s Kottayam district, all six members of a family lost their lives in the flood and landslides that took place over the weekend.

Their funeral was conducted on Monday evening at the Kavali St Mary’s Church in their home district. Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt performed the final rituals&nbsp;in the presence of members of the public and a minister from the Kerala cabinet and other senior officials.&nbsp;

Mr. Martin, the head of the family, his wife Sini, their daughters Sneha, Sona and Sandra and their grandmother Claramma perished in the landslides that wreaked havoc in their district on Saturday.

Their family lived near a church in Kavali&nbsp;which was among the places in Koottickal, Kottayam that was badly affected by landslides.&nbsp;

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Extremely sad instance of clergy having to perform final rituals for a family, where all six members perished in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaRains</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloods?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloods</a> in kollam district 
 
Couple, their three daughters and the grandmother (3 generations) gone too soon.. <a href="https://t.co/YbaqJ6LgNh">pic.twitter.com/YbaqJ6LgNh</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1450104166915862529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Besides the Martin family, even their neighbours’ houses are said to have been washed away with the occupants. Owing to the landslides, much of the town was inaccessible due to roadblocks caused by the debris.

In a tragic incident that took place in Kerala’s Kottayam district, all six members of a family lost their lives in the flood and landslides that took place over the weekend.

In a tragic incident that took place in Kerala’s Kottayam district, all six members of a family lost their lives in the flood and landslides that took place over the weekend. Their funeral was conducted on Monday evening at the Kavali St Mary’s Church in their home district. Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt performed the final rituals in the presence of members of the public and a minister from the Kerala cabinet and other senior officials. Mr. Martin, the head of the family, his wife Sini, their daughters Sneha, Sona and Sandra and their grandmother Claramma perished in the landslides that wreaked havoc in their district on Saturday. Their family lived near a church in Kavali which was among the places in Koottickal, Kottayam that was badly affected by landslides. Extremely sad instance of clergy having to perform final rituals for a family, where all six members perished in the #KeralaRains #KeralaFloods in kollam district Couple, their three daughters and the grandmother (3 generations) gone too soon.. pic.twitter.com/YbaqJ6LgNh — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 18, 2021 × Besides the Martin family, even their neighbours’ houses are said to have been washed away with the occupants. Owing to the landslides, much of the town was inaccessible due to roadblocks caused by the debris.

All six members of a family, spanning across three generations killed in Kerala floods

India's Indian Council for Cultural Relations(ICCR) will be doing a conference on Roma people in Croatia in April of 2022. The conference will be about the linkage of Roma people with&nbsp;India. &nbsp;

Romas are&nbsp;an ethnic group, an Indian origin minority found in large parts of the world, including Europe and the Americas. They are traditionally nomadic people who are descendants of people who came from Northern India in the 5th century BC.

Director General ICCR Dinesh K. Patnaik said, "We are doing a conference on Romas...they have strong links with India -&nbsp;genetics, culture, language. They are in a large part of the world. We are doing the first-ever conference on Romas in Croatia in the month of April and bringing together everybody".

In Europe, there are around 30 million Romas. Romas are known by different names in different countries, such as 'Zigeuner’ in Germany, 'Tsyiganes’ or 'Manus' in France, 'Tatara’ in Sweden, ‘Gitano’ in Spain, and ‘Tshingan’ in Turkey and Greece.

Interestingly, April 8 is observed as International Romani Day dedicated to celebrate Romani culture and raise awareness of the issues faced by them.

Romas&nbsp;are also referred as Romani people. They&nbsp;have faced persecution and discrimination in large parts of Europe&nbsp;including&nbsp;sterilisation. The Roma community has given the world distinguished painters like Pablo Picasso, famous comedian Sir Charlie Chaplin, singer-performer Elvis Presley, twice Oscar-winner Sir Michael Cain&nbsp;among others.

In the past, the&nbsp;Indian government has taken interest in highlighting links with Romas. In 2016, MEA had organized a conference regarding the Roma community. A total of 14 International speakers and 14 Indian scholars participated in the&nbsp;conference whose aim was to re-establish cultural and linguistic links with the Roma community.

Former Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee&nbsp;during a 2001 event meet on Roma had said, "The belief that the Romani people once upon a time belonged to northern India and continued to show various similarities in their customs and manners with the cultural heritage of India and its people&nbsp;offers scope for a very interesting study in human development and migration of people from one part of the world to another."

Romas&nbsp;have been keen to get Indian diaspora status&nbsp;and even PIO cards. It&nbsp;is still under evaluation by&nbsp;the Indian government. Other than the Roma conference, ICCR also plans to open a cultural centre in Saudi Arabia and plans to give special certificates to Indian restaurants with the largest footfall of locals.

India's Indian Council for Cultural Relations(ICCR) will be doing a conference on Roma people in Croatia in April of 2022. The conference will be about the linkage of Roma people with India.

India's Indian Council for Cultural Relations(ICCR) will be doing a conference on Roma people in Croatia in April of 2022. The conference will be about the linkage of Roma people with India. Romas are an ethnic group, an Indian origin minority found in large parts of the world, including Europe and the Americas. They are traditionally nomadic people who are descendants of people who came from Northern India in the 5th century BC. Director General ICCR Dinesh K. Patnaik said, "We are doing a conference on Romas...they have strong links with India - genetics, culture, language. They are in a large part of the world. We are doing the first-ever conference on Romas in Croatia in the month of April and bringing together everybody". In Europe, there are around 30 million Romas. Romas are known by different names in different countries, such as 'Zigeuner’ in Germany, 'Tsyiganes’ or 'Manus' in France, 'Tatara’ in Sweden, ‘Gitano’ in Spain, and ‘Tshingan’ in Turkey and Greece. Interestingly, April 8 is observed as International Romani Day dedicated to celebrate Romani culture and raise awareness of the issues faced by them. Romas are also referred as Romani people. They have faced persecution and discrimination in large parts of Europe including sterilisation. The Roma community has given the world distinguished painters like Pablo Picasso, famous comedian Sir Charlie Chaplin, singer-performer Elvis Presley, twice Oscar-winner Sir Michael Cain among others. In the past, the Indian government has taken interest in highlighting links with Romas. In 2016, MEA had organized a conference regarding the Roma community. A total of 14 International speakers and 14 Indian scholars participated in the conference whose aim was to re-establish cultural and linguistic links with the Roma community. Former Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee during a 2001 event meet on Roma had said, "The belief that the Romani people once upon a time belonged to northern India and continued to show various similarities in their customs and manners with the cultural heritage of India and its people offers scope for a very interesting study in human development and migration of people from one part of the world to another." Romas have been keen to get Indian diaspora status and even PIO cards. It is still under evaluation by the Indian government. Other than the Roma conference, ICCR also plans to open a cultural centre in Saudi Arabia and plans to give special certificates to Indian restaurants with the largest footfall of locals.

India to host meet on Romas in Croatia

A 29-year-old man in Greater Noida near New Delhi has been arrested for allegedly abducting on-duty traffic policeman. The policeman had stopped the car to check documents.

It was suspected that the car had been stolen and the accused the cop to get inside to check the documents. But once the police official sat in the car, the accused started the vehicle and took the cop to over 10-km-long drive before dumping him near a police post, said officials.

"Accused Sachin Rawal had stolen the Maruti Swift Dzire from a showroom in Gurgaon, Haryana two years ago on the pretext of taking the car out on a test drive," a police spokesperson said.

"Rawal, who lives in Ghodi Bacheda village in Greater Noida, had put on a forged number plate on his car, the number of which was same as that of a car belonging to a resident of his village," he said.

"On Sunday morning, the traffic police had started a vehicle checking campaign in Surajpur where Rawal's car was intercepted for inquiry following an input that he was travelling in a stolen vehicle," the official said.

Traffic constable Virendra Singh had asked Rawal to show the documents related to the vehicle. Rawal asked him to get inside the car and that he would show soft copies of the documents which he claimed were in his mobile phone.

"However, Rawal locked the car once the constable sat inside and took off. He later dumped the contable near Ajayabpur police chowki and sped away," the police spokesperson said.

An FIR was lodged at the Surajpur Police Station on Monday under IPC sections 364 (kidnapping), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 368 (wrongfully concealing or keeping in confinement, kidnapped or abducted person) and the accused was arrested later in the day, police said.

The car used in the crime has also been impounded, they added.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 29-year-old man in Greater Noida near New Delhi has been arrested for allegedly abducting on-duty traffic policeman. The policeman had stopped the car to check documents.

A 29-year-old man in Greater Noida near New Delhi has been arrested for allegedly abducting on-duty traffic policeman. The policeman had stopped the car to check documents. It was suspected that the car had been stolen and the accused the cop to get inside to check the documents. But once the police official sat in the car, the accused started the vehicle and took the cop to over 10-km-long drive before dumping him near a police post, said officials. "Accused Sachin Rawal had stolen the Maruti Swift Dzire from a showroom in Gurgaon, Haryana two years ago on the pretext of taking the car out on a test drive," a police spokesperson said. "Rawal, who lives in Ghodi Bacheda village in Greater Noida, had put on a forged number plate on his car, the number of which was same as that of a car belonging to a resident of his village," he said. "On Sunday morning, the traffic police had started a vehicle checking campaign in Surajpur where Rawal's car was intercepted for inquiry following an input that he was travelling in a stolen vehicle," the official said. Traffic constable Virendra Singh had asked Rawal to show the documents related to the vehicle. Rawal asked him to get inside the car and that he would show soft copies of the documents which he claimed were in his mobile phone. "However, Rawal locked the car once the constable sat inside and took off. He later dumped the contable near Ajayabpur police chowki and sped away," the police spokesperson said. An FIR was lodged at the Surajpur Police Station on Monday under IPC sections 364 (kidnapping), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 368 (wrongfully concealing or keeping in confinement, kidnapped or abducted person) and the accused was arrested later in the day, police said. The car used in the crime has also been impounded, they added. (With inputs from agencies)

Man abducts cop near Delhi when asked for car documents

Indian Army Chief General M M Naravane is on a two-day visit to the Jammu region where the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps will give him an update on security situation and operational preparedness, the Indian Army said.

The Indian Army said on Twitter on Monday: "General MM Naravane, COAS (Chief of Army Staff) is on a two-day visit to Jammu Region wherein GOC White Knight Corps will give an update on security situation and operational preparedness."

"COAS will visit forward areas and interact with troops and commanders on ground," it added.&nbsp;

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General MM Naravane <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COAS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COAS</a> is on a two day visit to Jammu Region wherein GOC White Knight Corps will give an update on security situation and operational preparedness. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COAS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COAS</a> will visit forward areas and interact with troops and commanders on ground. <a href="https://t.co/duufoKOCUT">pic.twitter.com/duufoKOCUT</a>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1450047467404267526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Army chief's visit comes in the backdrop of a spate of non-local civilian killings by terrorists.

Terrorists shot dead two non-local labourers and injured another on Sunday in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, the latest in the series of attacks targeting civilians.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-seven-terrorists-killed-in-five-operations-in-24-hours-420120">Jammu and Kashmir: Seven terrorists killed in five operations in 24 hours</a>

This was the third attack on non-local labourers in less than 24 hours. A street vendor from Bihar and a carpenter from Uttar Pradesh were shot dead by the ultras on Saturday evening.

Amid the spate of civilian killings, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had on Sunday vowed to avenge every drop of their blood by hunting down terrorists and their sympathisers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Army Chief General M M Naravane is on a two-day visit to the Jammu region where the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps will give him an update on security situation and operational preparedness, the Indian Army said.

Indian Army Chief General M M Naravane is on a two-day visit to the Jammu region where the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps will give him an update on security situation and operational preparedness, the Indian Army said. The Indian Army said on Twitter on Monday: "General MM Naravane, COAS (Chief of Army Staff) is on a two-day visit to Jammu Region wherein GOC White Knight Corps will give an update on security situation and operational preparedness." "COAS will visit forward areas and interact with troops and commanders on ground," it added. General MM Naravane #COAS is on a two day visit to Jammu Region wherein GOC White Knight Corps will give an update on security situation and operational preparedness. #COAS will visit forward areas and interact with troops and commanders on ground. pic.twitter.com/duufoKOCUT — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) October 18, 2021 × The Army chief's visit comes in the backdrop of a spate of non-local civilian killings by terrorists. Terrorists shot dead two non-local labourers and injured another on Sunday in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, the latest in the series of attacks targeting civilians. Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir: Seven terrorists killed in five operations in 24 hours This was the third attack on non-local labourers in less than 24 hours. A street vendor from Bihar and a carpenter from Uttar Pradesh were shot dead by the ultras on Saturday evening. Amid the spate of civilian killings, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had on Sunday vowed to avenge every drop of their blood by hunting down terrorists and their sympathisers. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid civilian killings, Indian Army chief visits Jammu to review security situation

&nbsp;A bankruptcy court in New York has dismissed a petition of Indian fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi and his associates, seeking dismissal of fraud allegations against them.

The allegations were made by Richard Levin, the court appointed trustee of three US corporations--Firestar Diamond, Fantasy Inc and A Jaffe--indirectly owned by Nirav Modi previously.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pandora-papers-how-nirav-modis-sister-purvi-opened-a-firm-in-british-virgin-islands-418099">Pandora papers: How Nirav Modi's sister Purvi opened a firm in British Virgin Islands</a>

Levin had also sought a minimum compensation of USD 15 million for harm&nbsp;suffered by the debtors of Modi and his associates Mihir Bhansali and Ajay Gandhi.

Southern District of New York Bankruptcy Court Judge Sean H Lane issued the order last Friday, in a major blow to the Indian fugitive and his accomplices.&nbsp;

SDNY Bankruptcy Court Judge Lane in a clear decision denied defendants Modi, Bansali and Gandhi's motions to dismiss US Trustee Richard Levin's amended complaint in the adversary proceeding arising out of Modi's initial chapter 11 bankruptcy petition, alleging fraud, breach of fiduciary duties, RICO and related state law claims,&nbsp;Indian American attorney Ravi Batra told PTI.

Explaining the 60-page order, Batra said Modi ploughed his profits back into his own company as additional sales to falsely raise the stock price/company valuation by setting up a scheme to defraud Punjab National Bank and others of over USD1 billion.

But to get the ill-gotten funds by bank fraud out of his companies, he engaged in a separate fraud to hide those withdrawals for personal benefit as if they were ordinary business transactions, Batra said.

According to the court order, Levin's petition sought to recover damages for harm inflicted by Modi and his two accomplishes on the debtors and their estates as a result of the his six-year extensive international fraud, money laundering and embezzlement scheme.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-concerned-as-china-denies-it-conducted-hypersonic-missile-test-421873">US 'concerned' as China denies it conducted hypersonic missile test</a>

It said from early 2011 to early 2018, Modi and his associates orchestrated and carried out a scheme to obtain loans, credits, or other funds under false pretences and without collateral? from numerous banks, including the PNB.

The bank fraud involved the use of letters of undertaking (LoUs), a financial instrument unique to India, designed to facilitate efficient import transactions. Modi and the co-conspirators sought to artificially inflate the import volumes of Modi's India-based companies with sham transactions so as to obtain more LoU funding, it alleged.

To carry out this scheme, Modi and his co-conspirators used a web of shell companies known as shadow entities&nbsp;based in Hong Kong and Dubai that posed as legitimate businesses to create fake import transactions and launder the proceeds, it said.

The PNB and the other defrauded banks are reported to have lost in excess of USD1 billion as a result of the fraud, the judge wrote in his order.

In his petition, Levin listed examples how Modi, Bhansali and Gandhi directly benefited from fraudulently issued LoUs and were involved in circular transactions until early 2013, when the debtors no longer directly participated in import and export transactions underlying LoU issuances and instead received proceeds indirectly through the shadow entities.

A bankruptcy court in New York has dismissed a petition of Indian fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi and his associates, seeking dismissal of fraud allegations against them.

A bankruptcy court in New York has dismissed a petition of Indian fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi and his associates, seeking dismissal of fraud allegations against them. The allegations were made by Richard Levin, the court appointed trustee of three US corporations--Firestar Diamond, Fantasy Inc and A Jaffe--indirectly owned by Nirav Modi previously. Also Read | Pandora papers: How Nirav Modi's sister Purvi opened a firm in British Virgin Islands Levin had also sought a minimum compensation of USD 15 million for harm suffered by the debtors of Modi and his associates Mihir Bhansali and Ajay Gandhi. Southern District of New York Bankruptcy Court Judge Sean H Lane issued the order last Friday, in a major blow to the Indian fugitive and his accomplices. SDNY Bankruptcy Court Judge Lane in a clear decision denied defendants Modi, Bansali and Gandhi's motions to dismiss US Trustee Richard Levin's amended complaint in the adversary proceeding arising out of Modi's initial chapter 11 bankruptcy petition, alleging fraud, breach of fiduciary duties, RICO and related state law claims, Indian American attorney Ravi Batra told PTI. Explaining the 60-page order, Batra said Modi ploughed his profits back into his own company as additional sales to falsely raise the stock price/company valuation by setting up a scheme to defraud Punjab National Bank and others of over USD1 billion. But to get the ill-gotten funds by bank fraud out of his companies, he engaged in a separate fraud to hide those withdrawals for personal benefit as if they were ordinary business transactions, Batra said. According to the court order, Levin's petition sought to recover damages for harm inflicted by Modi and his two accomplishes on the debtors and their estates as a result of the his six-year extensive international fraud, money laundering and embezzlement scheme. Also Read | US 'concerned' as China denies it conducted hypersonic missile test It said from early 2011 to early 2018, Modi and his associates orchestrated and carried out a scheme to obtain loans, credits, or other funds under false pretences and without collateral? from numerous banks, including the PNB. The bank fraud involved the use of letters of undertaking (LoUs), a financial instrument unique to India, designed to facilitate efficient import transactions. Modi and the co-conspirators sought to artificially inflate the import volumes of Modi's India-based companies with sham transactions so as to obtain more LoU funding, it alleged. To carry out this scheme, Modi and his co-conspirators used a web of shell companies known as shadow entities based in Hong Kong and Dubai that posed as legitimate businesses to create fake import transactions and launder the proceeds, it said. The PNB and the other defrauded banks are reported to have lost in excess of USD1 billion as a result of the fraud, the judge wrote in his order. In his petition, Levin listed examples how Modi, Bhansali and Gandhi directly benefited from fraudulently issued LoUs and were involved in circular transactions until early 2013, when the debtors no longer directly participated in import and export transactions underlying LoU issuances and instead received proceeds indirectly through the shadow entities.

US court dismisses plea filed by Indian fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, associates

The Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his counterparts from Israel, the United States, and the UAE have agreed to create a forum for economic cooperation between the countries.

During the quadrilateral meeting, possibilities for joint infrastructure projects in the fields of transportation, technology, maritime security, economics, and trade were discussed.

As part of the virtual meeting on Monday, Jaishankar, currently in Israel on a five-day visit, was accompanied by his Israeli counterpart, Yair Lapid.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abraham-accords-dividend-india-us-uae-israel-foreign-ministers-to-hold-meeting-421701">Abraham Accords dividend: India, US, UAE &amp; Israel foreign ministers to hold meeting</a>

Meanwhile, Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister, participated virtually, as the four leaders exchanged views on regional issues of concern.

"The ministers decided to establish an international forum for economic cooperation," said a statement issued by the Israeli Foreign Ministry after the meeting.

According to the statement, each minister will appoint a senior professional to a joint working group that will formulate options for cooperation in the areas identified by them.

The statement added that the ministers intend to hold an in-person meeting in the coming months at Expo 2020 in Dubai.

Watch |&nbsp;Foreign minister of the 4 nations meet virtually

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/foreign-minister-of-the-4-nations-meet-virtually-421954/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I think the word we're looking for here is synergy because this is what we're going to try and create starting with this meeting. Synergy that will help us work together on infrastructure, digital infrastructure, transport, maritime security and other things that preoccupy us all," said the Israeli Foreign Minister, who initiated the meeting during his visit to Washington, said at the start of the meeting Monday evening.

"The key to success is how quickly can we move from 'government-to-government' to 'business-to-business'," Lapid said. "How quickly can we turn this into a working process that will put boots on the ground, changing infrastructure around the world."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-israel-agree-to-start-fta-negotiation-vaccine-certificate-recognition-421779">India, Israel agree to start FTA negotiation, vaccine certificate recognition</a>

Jaishankar called the meeting "fruitful," saying they discussed how to work together more closely on global issues and economic growth.&nbsp;"Agreed on expeditious follow-up," he said in a tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A fruitful first meeting with Israeli APM and FM <a href="https://twitter.com/yairlapid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YairLapid</a>, UAE FM <a href="https://twitter.com/ABZayed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABZayed</a> and US Secretary of State <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecBlinken</a> this evening. 
 
Discussed working together more closely on economic growth and global issues. Agreed on expeditious follow-up. <a href="https://t.co/kVgFM0r6hs">pic.twitter.com/kVgFM0r6hs</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1450199506696355841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"I think it is very clear that on the big issues of our times we all think very similarly and what would be helpful would be if we could agree on some practical things to work upon," he said.

Meanwhile, an article in the Jerusalem Post newspaper noted the economic and defence industry advantages of the new ties and the potential to synergize the network of ties between Washington, Jerusalem, Abu Dhabi, and New Delhi.

Watch |&nbsp;WION tracks Jaishankar's Israel visit, economic growth and global issues on top agenda

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-tracks-jaishankars-israel-visit-economic-growth-and-global-issues-on-top-agenda-422105/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"That means that the whole can be more than the sum of its parts," it said.

Citing the growing power of near-peer rivals such as Russia and China, as well as regional states that oppose US policy, such as Iran and Turkey, the article said "That may be where the US-UAE-Israel-India connection comes together most of all, in presenting a moderate alternative to the aggressive extremist and authoritarian countries."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his counterparts from Israel, the United States, and the UAE have agreed to create a forum for economic cooperation between the countries.

The Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his counterparts from Israel, the United States, and the UAE have agreed to create a forum for economic cooperation between the countries. During the quadrilateral meeting, possibilities for joint infrastructure projects in the fields of transportation, technology, maritime security, economics, and trade were discussed. As part of the virtual meeting on Monday, Jaishankar, currently in Israel on a five-day visit, was accompanied by his Israeli counterpart, Yair Lapid. Also Read: Abraham Accords dividend: India, US, UAE & Israel foreign ministers to hold meeting Meanwhile, Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister, participated virtually, as the four leaders exchanged views on regional issues of concern. "The ministers decided to establish an international forum for economic cooperation," said a statement issued by the Israeli Foreign Ministry after the meeting. According to the statement, each minister will appoint a senior professional to a joint working group that will formulate options for cooperation in the areas identified by them. The statement added that the ministers intend to hold an in-person meeting in the coming months at Expo 2020 in Dubai. Watch | Foreign minister of the 4 nations meet virtually "I think the word we're looking for here is synergy because this is what we're going to try and create starting with this meeting. Synergy that will help us work together on infrastructure, digital infrastructure, transport, maritime security and other things that preoccupy us all," said the Israeli Foreign Minister, who initiated the meeting during his visit to Washington, said at the start of the meeting Monday evening. "The key to success is how quickly can we move from 'government-to-government' to 'business-to-business'," Lapid said. "How quickly can we turn this into a working process that will put boots on the ground, changing infrastructure around the world." Also read | India, Israel agree to start FTA negotiation, vaccine certificate recognition Jaishankar called the meeting "fruitful," saying they discussed how to work together more closely on global issues and economic growth. "Agreed on expeditious follow-up," he said in a tweet. A fruitful first meeting with Israeli APM and FM @YairLapid, UAE FM @ABZayed and US Secretary of State @SecBlinken this evening. Discussed working together more closely on economic growth and global issues. Agreed on expeditious follow-up. pic.twitter.com/kVgFM0r6hs — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 18, 2021 × "I think it is very clear that on the big issues of our times we all think very similarly and what would be helpful would be if we could agree on some practical things to work upon," he said. Meanwhile, an article in the Jerusalem Post newspaper noted the economic and defence industry advantages of the new ties and the potential to synergize the network of ties between Washington, Jerusalem, Abu Dhabi, and New Delhi. Watch | WION tracks Jaishankar's Israel visit, economic growth and global issues on top agenda "That means that the whole can be more than the sum of its parts," it said. Citing the growing power of near-peer rivals such as Russia and China, as well as regional states that oppose US policy, such as Iran and Turkey, the article said "That may be where the US-UAE-Israel-India connection comes together most of all, in presenting a moderate alternative to the aggressive extremist and authoritarian countries." (With inputs from agencies)

Virtual quadrilateral meet: India, Israel, US and UAE agree to establish joint economic forum

India logged 13,058 new coronavirus infections, the lowest in 231 days, taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,40,94,373, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

The death toll climbed to 4,52,454 with 164 fresh fatalities, while the active cases declined to 1,83,118, the lowest in 227 days, according to the data updated at 8 am.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-vaccine-effort-slows-as-dose-gap-trumps-output-jump-421741">&nbsp;India's vaccine effort slows as dose gap trumps output jump</a>

The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been below 30,000 for 25 straight days and less than 50,000 daily new cases have been reported for 114 consecutive days now.

The active cases comprise 0.54 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.14 per cent, the highest since March 2020, the ministry said.

A decrease of 6,576 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. 
As many as 11,81,314 tests were conducted on Monday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 59,31,06,188.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.11 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for last 50 days.

The weekly positivity rate was also recorded at 1.36 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 116 days, according to the ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,34,58,801, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.33 per cent.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-to-meet-next-week-to-consider-emergency-use-listing-of-indias-covaxin-421713">WHO to meet next week to consider emergency use listing of India's Covaxin</a>

The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 98.67 crore.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

India crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23.

The 164 new fatalities include 60 from Kerala and 27 from Maharashtra.

A total of 4,52,454 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,39,816 from Maharashtra, 37,953 from Karnataka, 35,912 from Tamil Nadu, 26,925 from Kerala, 25,089 from Delhi, 22,898 from Uttar Pradesh and 18,989 from West Bengal.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. 
"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India logged 13,058 new coronavirus infections, the lowest in 231 days, taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,40,94,373, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

India logged 13,058 new coronavirus infections, the lowest in 231 days, taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,40,94,373, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The death toll climbed to 4,52,454 with 164 fresh fatalities, while the active cases declined to 1,83,118, the lowest in 227 days, according to the data updated at 8 am. Also Read | India's vaccine effort slows as dose gap trumps output jump The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been below 30,000 for 25 straight days and less than 50,000 daily new cases have been reported for 114 consecutive days now. The active cases comprise 0.54 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.14 per cent, the highest since March 2020, the ministry said. A decrease of 6,576 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. As many as 11,81,314 tests were conducted on Monday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 59,31,06,188. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.11 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for last 50 days. The weekly positivity rate was also recorded at 1.36 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 116 days, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,34,58,801, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.33 per cent. Also Read | WHO to meet next week to consider emergency use listing of India's Covaxin The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 98.67 crore. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. India crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23. The 164 new fatalities include 60 from Kerala and 27 from Maharashtra. A total of 4,52,454 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,39,816 from Maharashtra, 37,953 from Karnataka, 35,912 from Tamil Nadu, 26,925 from Kerala, 25,089 from Delhi, 22,898 from Uttar Pradesh and 18,989 from West Bengal. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India logs 13,058 new COVID-19 infections, lowest rise in daily cases in 231 days

The Assam Police have sounded an alert over possible terror strikes by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and terror outfit al-Qaeda over alleged persecution of Muslims in the northeastern Indian state.

A circular issued by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) on Saturday said the alert has been issued following reports received from the Special Branch of the state police.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/11-civilians-killed-in-october-alone-in-terrorist-attacks-in-jk-421659">11 civilians killed in October alone in terrorist attacks in J&amp;K</a>

The circular said the ISI is planning to target individuals including the cadres from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—India's Hindu nationalist organisation—and army areas in Assam and other places in India.

"There is also a threat from global terror outfits to indulge in spectacular action by resorting to explosion of bombs/ IEDs in places of mass gathering/ mass transport/ religious places, etc," the circular stated.

Another input quoted in the circular said the al-Qaeda has called for jihad in Assam and Kashmir.

The circular further said the general secretariat of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has released a statement regarding the Dhalpur eviction drive in Assam's Darrang district, which had claimed the lives of two persons.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-attacks-on-civilians-continue-terrorists-kill-two-labourers-in-kulgam-421608">J&amp;K: Attacks on civilians continue, terrorists kill two labourers in Kulgam</a>

Over 20 people were injured, including policemen, in the anti-encroachment drive against illegal settlers? at Dhalpur in September.

In the statement released through Twitter, the OIC has condemned the systematic persecution and violence ramped up against the Muslim community in Assam'.

Given the inputs, the state's entire police machinery has been asked to take preventive and precautionary measures to thwart any evil design by global terror outfits and fundamental/ radical elements.

All ground sources and intelligence gathering machinery have been asked to be geared up in the districts.&nbsp;

The Assam Police have sounded an alert over possible terror strikes by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and terror outfit al-Qaeda over alleged persecution of Muslims in the northeastern Indian state.

The Assam Police have sounded an alert over possible terror strikes by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and terror outfit al-Qaeda over alleged persecution of Muslims in the northeastern Indian state. A circular issued by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) on Saturday said the alert has been issued following reports received from the Special Branch of the state police. Also Read | 11 civilians killed in October alone in terrorist attacks in J&K The circular said the ISI is planning to target individuals including the cadres from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—India's Hindu nationalist organisation—and army areas in Assam and other places in India. "There is also a threat from global terror outfits to indulge in spectacular action by resorting to explosion of bombs/ IEDs in places of mass gathering/ mass transport/ religious places, etc," the circular stated. Another input quoted in the circular said the al-Qaeda has called for jihad in Assam and Kashmir. The circular further said the general secretariat of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has released a statement regarding the Dhalpur eviction drive in Assam's Darrang district, which had claimed the lives of two persons. Also Read | J&K: Attacks on civilians continue, terrorists kill two labourers in Kulgam Over 20 people were injured, including policemen, in the anti-encroachment drive against illegal settlers? at Dhalpur in September. In the statement released through Twitter, the OIC has condemned the systematic persecution and violence ramped up against the Muslim community in Assam'. Given the inputs, the state's entire police machinery has been asked to take preventive and precautionary measures to thwart any evil design by global terror outfits and fundamental/ radical elements. All ground sources and intelligence gathering machinery have been asked to be geared up in the districts.

Alert in India's northeastern Assam state over threats from ISI, Al-Qaeda

This year let's celebrate an 'Eco-friendly Diwali'

In India schools are open, kids are back in the schools but they are not vaccinated. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) is yet to approve the Covaxin rule out for children.

India: Covaxin yet to get DCGI nod for kids

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