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Top officials of the Australian and Dutch Space agencies expressed interest in collaborating and working closely with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-private-sector-ready-to-support-country-in-achieving-space-goals-isro-chief-dr-k-sivan-412807">Indian Space Research Organization</a> (ISRO).&nbsp;

While the two countries have had several decades of experience in the field of space technology, it was only over the last decade that they formally established their respective Space Agencies. It is noteworthy that, unlike India, Australia and Netherlands don’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme and that they work with other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions.&nbsp;

The representatives of the foreign space agencies spoke at the inaugural session on "Building NewSpace in India" at the international space conference.

According to Mr. Anthony Murfett, deputy head, Australian Space Agency(ASA), space would be a key part of Australia’s focus areas in the years to come. The plan involves startups and businesses and their solutions to transform agriculture, disaster management among other areas. The ASA, which was established nearly three years ago is looking for domestic and international collaborations for the same.&nbsp;

“The Australian government is proud to be supporting the Gaganyaan mission, by tracking through Australia’s territory on the Coco’s (Keeling) islands. It shows that Australia can be a trusted partner - we were a partner to NASA during the Apollo missions, we were a partner to Japan during Hayabusa 1&amp;2 and now we’re working with India on Gaganyaan mission” said Murfett.&nbsp;

ISRO would also be launching two satellites that are meant to provide communications, tracking support for its human-carrying spacecraft known as IDRSS(Indian Data Relay System Satellites).

The satellites would be placed nearly 36,000km above the equator(where it would remain in sync with Earth’s rotation or geostationary orbit) and will offer near-total tracking and communication with India’s space assets.

In addition to space-based tracking, there would be ground-based and floating platforms(ships) that would be used to track Gaganyaan as it orbits the Earth.

Citing immense opportunities for industries to collaborate, the Australian Space official said that ASA and ISRO had recently updated their Memorandum of Understanding to underscore the stronger bilateral relationship.

“Australia is looking to invest and also be a partner and facilitator of business to transform the economy and also through regulation. We are establishing facilities to test space hardware in Australia, the&nbsp;official added.&nbsp;

The Netherlands Space Office(NSO), the Dutch Space agency also expressed interest in greater collaboration with ISRO.

Representing the agency, Deputy Director, Mr Nico van Putten said that though NSO was formally established in 2009, it was among the founding members of the European Space Agency, over four decades ago.

“Between the Netherlands and India air quality monitoring is an area of cooperation and there is massive data collection by the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the Sentinel-5P mission, that was launched in 2017. More than 50% of the Netherlands is below sea-level&nbsp;so we are interested in water and agriculture and it is one of our specifics” Van Putten said.

Putten also&nbsp;shared images of NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) monitoring over India that showcased the difference&nbsp;in pollution levels between pre-pandemic and pandemic lockdown last year.

Top officials of the Australian and Dutch Space agencies expressed interest in collaborating and working closely with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

Top officials of the Australian and Dutch Space agencies expressed interest in collaborating and working closely with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). While the two countries have had several decades of experience in the field of space technology, it was only over the last decade that they formally established their respective Space Agencies. It is noteworthy that, unlike India, Australia and Netherlands don’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme and that they work with other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions. The representatives of the foreign space agencies spoke at the inaugural session on "Building NewSpace in India" at the international space conference. According to Mr. Anthony Murfett, deputy head, Australian Space Agency(ASA), space would be a key part of Australia’s focus areas in the years to come. The plan involves startups and businesses and their solutions to transform agriculture, disaster management among other areas. The ASA, which was established nearly three years ago is looking for domestic and international collaborations for the same. “The Australian government is proud to be supporting the Gaganyaan mission, by tracking through Australia’s territory on the Coco’s (Keeling) islands. It shows that Australia can be a trusted partner - we were a partner to NASA during the Apollo missions, we were a partner to Japan during Hayabusa 1&2 and now we’re working with India on Gaganyaan mission” said Murfett. ISRO would also be launching two satellites that are meant to provide communications, tracking support for its human-carrying spacecraft known as IDRSS(Indian Data Relay System Satellites). The satellites would be placed nearly 36,000km above the equator(where it would remain in sync with Earth’s rotation or geostationary orbit) and will offer near-total tracking and communication with India’s space assets. In addition to space-based tracking, there would be ground-based and floating platforms(ships) that would be used to track Gaganyaan as it orbits the Earth. Citing immense opportunities for industries to collaborate, the Australian Space official said that ASA and ISRO had recently updated their Memorandum of Understanding to underscore the stronger bilateral relationship. “Australia is looking to invest and also be a partner and facilitator of business to transform the economy and also through regulation. We are establishing facilities to test space hardware in Australia, the official added. The Netherlands Space Office(NSO), the Dutch Space agency also expressed interest in greater collaboration with ISRO. Representing the agency, Deputy Director, Mr Nico van Putten said that though NSO was formally established in 2009, it was among the founding members of the European Space Agency, over four decades ago. “Between the Netherlands and India air quality monitoring is an area of cooperation and there is massive data collection by the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the Sentinel-5P mission, that was launched in 2017. More than 50% of the Netherlands is below sea-level so we are interested in water and agriculture and it is one of our specifics” Van Putten said. Putten also shared images of NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) monitoring over India that showcased the difference in pollution levels between pre-pandemic and pandemic lockdown last year.

Australia, Netherlands keen to collaborate with ISRO

The valley of Kashmir is being enthralled by a young voice these days. Every morning, the 20-year-old female radio jockey would take up issues faced by women and discuss the grievances of locals on her show to get their matters resolved.&nbsp;

Samaniya Bhat is the youngest radio jockey in the valley and the first female RJ from north Kashmir.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She recently graduated from Baramulla College in Mass Communication and Journalism and has been working with Radio Chinar 90.4 FM since February this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;The radio station auditioned more than 250 candidates before signing her for the position.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Samaniya has also become a champion of issues related to women. She hosts a show called Halla Bol, where she speaks to young achievers— mostly women—from north Kashmir.&nbsp;The station is fast becoming a voice for the people from the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I was always told by my teachers to take up radio jockeying, but I wasn’t keen. But then I got a call for the auditions one day, and finally got selected. And here I am, loving every bit of it. Radio is a very creative field. When you get to speak to listeners, you get to know what’s happening in their lives. I get calls and they discuss their problems. There was a girl recently who spoke about how she wasn’t allowed to study further after graduation and was made to sit at home. She told me that whenever she listens to me, it gives hope,” she said.&nbsp;

Samaniya has become an inspiration for the youth in the valley. She is the first one from her area to take up radio jockey as a profession. She says she has pushed the barrier and wants other girls to follow their dreams, too.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Most of the&nbsp;time,&nbsp;I get calls from women. They get happy whenever they talk to me. They sometimes think that I am an old lady and usually get inspired by my story. I am from the old town&nbsp;of&nbsp;Baramulla,&nbsp;and not many girls from the area take up such a profession. I am the first girl from Baramulla to work as an RJ. A lot of girls now want to do things which are different. Most of them who call me say that they would have been married off otherwise after graduation, but are now resisting their families and pursuing further studies. My advice to many such women is:&nbsp;always listen to your heart and do what you want to do,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The radio station is based out of North Kashmir’s Sopore town and is run by a team of four youngsters. The station has become a hit within a short span of time. The station mostly takes up local issues and has gained a lot of popularity due to that.&nbsp;

“It’s becoming famous with each passing day. We talk about the local issues and grievances, and we raise them with the local administration to get those issues resolved. We also give a platform to the locals to showcase their talents. They appreciate this part of radio Chinar,” said&nbsp;Sahil Muzaffar, radio jockey and station head of Radio Chinar.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The valley of Kashmir is being enthralled by a young voice these days. Every morning, the 20-year-old female radio jockey would take up issues faced by women and discuss the grievances of locals on her show to get their matters resolved.

The valley of Kashmir is being enthralled by a young voice these days. Every morning, the 20-year-old female radio jockey would take up issues faced by women and discuss the grievances of locals on her show to get their matters resolved. Samaniya Bhat is the youngest radio jockey in the valley and the first female RJ from north Kashmir. She recently graduated from Baramulla College in Mass Communication and Journalism and has been working with Radio Chinar 90.4 FM since February this year. The radio station auditioned more than 250 candidates before signing her for the position. Samaniya has also become a champion of issues related to women. She hosts a show called Halla Bol, where she speaks to young achievers— mostly women—from north Kashmir. The station is fast becoming a voice for the people from the region. “I was always told by my teachers to take up radio jockeying, but I wasn’t keen. But then I got a call for the auditions one day, and finally got selected. And here I am, loving every bit of it. Radio is a very creative field. When you get to speak to listeners, you get to know what’s happening in their lives. I get calls and they discuss their problems. There was a girl recently who spoke about how she wasn’t allowed to study further after graduation and was made to sit at home. She told me that whenever she listens to me, it gives hope,” she said. Samaniya has become an inspiration for the youth in the valley. She is the first one from her area to take up radio jockey as a profession. She says she has pushed the barrier and wants other girls to follow their dreams, too. “Most of the time, I get calls from women. They get happy whenever they talk to me. They sometimes think that I am an old lady and usually get inspired by my story. I am from the old town of Baramulla, and not many girls from the area take up such a profession. I am the first girl from Baramulla to work as an RJ. A lot of girls now want to do things which are different. Most of them who call me say that they would have been married off otherwise after graduation, but are now resisting their families and pursuing further studies. My advice to many such women is: always listen to your heart and do what you want to do,” she said. The radio station is based out of North Kashmir’s Sopore town and is run by a team of four youngsters. The station has become a hit within a short span of time. The station mostly takes up local issues and has gained a lot of popularity due to that. “It’s becoming famous with each passing day. We talk about the local issues and grievances, and we raise them with the local administration to get those issues resolved. We also give a platform to the locals to showcase their talents. They appreciate this part of radio Chinar,” said Sahil Muzaffar, radio jockey and station head of Radio Chinar.

Meet the youngest and first female RJ from north Kashmir

India and Singapore will link their respective fast payment systems -- Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and PayNow -- to enable users to make instant, low-cost fund transfers on a reciprocal basis, the Reserve Bank said on Tuesday.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced the project to link the fast payment systems. The linkage is targeted for operationalisation by July 2022, the RBI said in a statement.

"The UPI-PayNow linkage will enable users of each of the two fast payment systems to make instant, low-cost fund transfers on a reciprocal basis without a need to get onboarded onto the other payment system," it said.

RBI said the UPI-PayNow linkage is a significant milestone in the development of infrastructure for cross-border payments between India and Singapore, and closely aligns with the G20''s financial inclusion priorities of driving faster, cheaper and more transparent cross-border payments.

The linkage builds upon the earlier efforts of NPCI International Private Limited (NIPL) and Network for Electronic Transfers (NETS) to foster cross-border interoperability of payments using cards and QR codes, between India and Singapore.

It will further anchor trade, travel and remittance flows between the two countries.

This initiative is also in line with RBI''s vision of reviewing corridors and charges for inbound cross-border remittances outlined in the Payment Systems Vision Document 2019-21.

It is to be mentioned here that UPI is a mobile-based fast payment system that facilitates customers to make round the clock payments instantly using a Virtual Payment Address (VPA) created by the customer.

This eliminates the risk of sharing bank account details by the remitter. UPI supports both Person-to-Person (P2P) and Person-to-Merchant (P2M) payments and enables a user to send or receive money.

PayNow is the fast payment system of Singapore which enables peer-to-peer funds transfer service, available to retail customers through participating banks and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NFIs) in Singapore.

It enables users to send and receive instant funds from one bank or e-wallet account to another in Singapore by using just their mobile number, Singapore NRIC/FIN, or VPA.

India and Singapore will link their respective fast payment systems -- Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and PayNow -- to enable users to make instant, low-cost fund transfers on a reciprocal basis, the Reserve Bank said on Tuesday.

India and Singapore will link their respective fast payment systems -- Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and PayNow -- to enable users to make instant, low-cost fund transfers on a reciprocal basis, the Reserve Bank said on Tuesday. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced the project to link the fast payment systems. The linkage is targeted for operationalisation by July 2022, the RBI said in a statement. "The UPI-PayNow linkage will enable users of each of the two fast payment systems to make instant, low-cost fund transfers on a reciprocal basis without a need to get onboarded onto the other payment system," it said. RBI said the UPI-PayNow linkage is a significant milestone in the development of infrastructure for cross-border payments between India and Singapore, and closely aligns with the G20''s financial inclusion priorities of driving faster, cheaper and more transparent cross-border payments. The linkage builds upon the earlier efforts of NPCI International Private Limited (NIPL) and Network for Electronic Transfers (NETS) to foster cross-border interoperability of payments using cards and QR codes, between India and Singapore. It will further anchor trade, travel and remittance flows between the two countries. This initiative is also in line with RBI''s vision of reviewing corridors and charges for inbound cross-border remittances outlined in the Payment Systems Vision Document 2019-21. It is to be mentioned here that UPI is a mobile-based fast payment system that facilitates customers to make round the clock payments instantly using a Virtual Payment Address (VPA) created by the customer. This eliminates the risk of sharing bank account details by the remitter. UPI supports both Person-to-Person (P2P) and Person-to-Merchant (P2M) payments and enables a user to send or receive money. PayNow is the fast payment system of Singapore which enables peer-to-peer funds transfer service, available to retail customers through participating banks and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NFIs) in Singapore. It enables users to send and receive instant funds from one bank or e-wallet account to another in Singapore by using just their mobile number, Singapore NRIC/FIN, or VPA.

India, Singapore launch project to link payment systems for instant fund transfers

Apple's iMessage targeted by Pegasus spyware from Israeli firm NSO, says cybersecurity watchdog

Apple's iMessage targeted by Pegasus spyware from Israeli firm NSO, says cybersecurity watchdog

Apple's iMessage targeted by Pegasus spyware from Israeli firm NSO, says cybersecurity watchdog Test

The government is in process of getting a GI (Geographical Indication) tag for Kashmiri Bats. As per a recent study, this will serve as a great marketing strategy for selling these bats in international markets. The GI tagging will also help in increasing the prices of the Kashmir willow bats.

Kashmir willow bats to get GI tagging for a big boost in international markets

India saw a single-day rise of 27,254 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-over-28500-coronavirus-cases-active-cases-decline-412513">COVID-19</a> cases, taking the infection tally in the country to 3,32,64,175, while the count of active cases declined to 3,74,269, according to the health ministry.

The death toll due to the disease has climbed to 4,42,874, with 219 daily fatalities being recorded, the ministry said.

The count of daily new cases has remained below 50,000 for 78 consecutive days now, according to the ministry.

The tally of active cases has declined to 3,74,269, which comprises 1.13 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.54 per cent, the ministry added.

A reduction of 10,652 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.&nbsp;Also, 12,08,247 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the country on Sunday, taking the total of such examinations to 54,30,14,076.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.26 per cent. This has been below three per cent for the last 14 days, and below five per cent for 97 consecutive days now, the ministry said.

The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.11 per cent. The figure has been below three per cent for the last 80 days, according to the health ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has surged to 3,24,47,032, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.33 per cent.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to co-morbidities.

"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 saw a single-day rise of 27,254 new COVID-19 cases, taking the infection tally in the country to 3,32,64,175, while the count of active cases declined to 3,74,269, according to the health ministry.

India saw a single-day rise of 27,254 new COVID-19 cases, taking the infection tally in the country to 3,32,64,175, while the count of active cases declined to 3,74,269, according to the health ministry. The death toll due to the disease has climbed to 4,42,874, with 219 daily fatalities being recorded, the ministry said. The count of daily new cases has remained below 50,000 for 78 consecutive days now, according to the ministry. The tally of active cases has declined to 3,74,269, which comprises 1.13 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.54 per cent, the ministry added. A reduction of 10,652 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. Also, 12,08,247 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the country on Sunday, taking the total of such examinations to 54,30,14,076. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.26 per cent. This has been below three per cent for the last 14 days, and below five per cent for 97 consecutive days now, the ministry said. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.11 per cent. The figure has been below three per cent for the last 80 days, according to the health ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has surged to 3,24,47,032, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.33 per cent. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to co-morbidities. "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 reports 27,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours; active cases decline

India will get this month the third set of Swiss bank account details of its nationals under an automatic exchange of information pact with Switzerland and this will include for the first time the data about real estate properties owned by Indians there, officials said.

Marking a key milestone in the Indian government's fight against black money allegedly stashed abroad, India will get this month the complete information on flats, apartments and condominiums owned by Indians in Switzerland as also on earnings made from such properties to help it look into tax liabilities associated with those assets.

The move assumes significance on the part of Switzerland as well as the European Alpine nation is trying hard to reposition itself as a key global financial centre while warding off the long-persisting perception about the Swiss banking system being an alleged safe haven for black money.

While it would be the third time that India will get details about bank accounts and other financial assets held by Indians in Switzerland, it will be the first time that the information being shared with India would include information about the real estate assets.

While the Swiss government has agreed to share details of real estate assets, the information about contributions to non-profit organisations and other such foundations, as also details on investments in digital currencies still remain out of bounds from the automatic exchange of information framework, officials said.

Experts and those engaged in the business of attracting investments to Switzerland said the move would help clear misconceptions about all fund inflows into Swiss assets being illicit and would go a long way in establishing Switzerland as a preferred investment destination, including for real estate properties.

India had received the first set of details from Switzerland under AEOI (Automatic Exchange of Information) in September 2019. It was among 75 countries to get such information that year.

In September 2020, India received the second set of Swiss bank account details of its nationals and entities, along with 85 other recipient countries with whom Switzerland's Federal Tax Administration (FTA) exchanged information on financial accounts within the framework of global standards on AEOI last year.

From this year, Switzerland's Federal Council, the country's top governing body, has decided to implement a key recommendation of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, under which Swiss authorities will also share details about investments made by foreigners in the Swiss real estate sector.

However, some other recommendations of the Global Forum, including about sharing of information on digital currency accounts and contributions made to foundations and non-profit organisations are yet to be accepted and therefore those details would not be shared by Switzerland with India or any other countries for now.

Hectic lobbying is underway globally to convince Switzerland to start sharing information about digital currency accounts and contributions made to non-profit entities as well.

In each of the last two years, Switzerland has shared details about nearly three million financial accounts with various jurisdictions, while the count is expected to be higher this year.

For the last two years, India has been among prominent countries with which Switzerland has shared details about financial accounts of clients of Swiss banks and various other financial institutions, while it is also expected to figure high this year with regard to details about real estate properties.

Resident and non-resident Indians, as well as Indian companies, would account for a sizeable number in the overall list of those figuring in this year's exchange of information by Switzerland, officials privy to the development said.

&nbsp;

India will get this month the third set of Swiss bank account details of its nationals under an automatic exchange of information pact with Switzerland and this will include for the first time the data about real estate properties owned by Indians there, officials said.

India will get this month the third set of Swiss bank account details of its nationals under an automatic exchange of information pact with Switzerland and this will include for the first time the data about real estate properties owned by Indians there, officials said. Marking a key milestone in the Indian government's fight against black money allegedly stashed abroad, India will get this month the complete information on flats, apartments and condominiums owned by Indians in Switzerland as also on earnings made from such properties to help it look into tax liabilities associated with those assets. The move assumes significance on the part of Switzerland as well as the European Alpine nation is trying hard to reposition itself as a key global financial centre while warding off the long-persisting perception about the Swiss banking system being an alleged safe haven for black money. While it would be the third time that India will get details about bank accounts and other financial assets held by Indians in Switzerland, it will be the first time that the information being shared with India would include information about the real estate assets. While the Swiss government has agreed to share details of real estate assets, the information about contributions to non-profit organisations and other such foundations, as also details on investments in digital currencies still remain out of bounds from the automatic exchange of information framework, officials said. Experts and those engaged in the business of attracting investments to Switzerland said the move would help clear misconceptions about all fund inflows into Swiss assets being illicit and would go a long way in establishing Switzerland as a preferred investment destination, including for real estate properties. India had received the first set of details from Switzerland under AEOI (Automatic Exchange of Information) in September 2019. It was among 75 countries to get such information that year. In September 2020, India received the second set of Swiss bank account details of its nationals and entities, along with 85 other recipient countries with whom Switzerland's Federal Tax Administration (FTA) exchanged information on financial accounts within the framework of global standards on AEOI last year. From this year, Switzerland's Federal Council, the country's top governing body, has decided to implement a key recommendation of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, under which Swiss authorities will also share details about investments made by foreigners in the Swiss real estate sector. However, some other recommendations of the Global Forum, including about sharing of information on digital currency accounts and contributions made to foundations and non-profit organisations are yet to be accepted and therefore those details would not be shared by Switzerland with India or any other countries for now. Hectic lobbying is underway globally to convince Switzerland to start sharing information about digital currency accounts and contributions made to non-profit entities as well. In each of the last two years, Switzerland has shared details about nearly three million financial accounts with various jurisdictions, while the count is expected to be higher this year. For the last two years, India has been among prominent countries with which Switzerland has shared details about financial accounts of clients of Swiss banks and various other financial institutions, while it is also expected to figure high this year with regard to details about real estate properties. Resident and non-resident Indians, as well as Indian companies, would account for a sizeable number in the overall list of those figuring in this year's exchange of information by Switzerland, officials privy to the development said.

Switzerland to share information on real estate assets owned by Indian nationals

(Reuters) - Talking points from the Premier League weekend: RONALDO NOW POSES A DIFFERENT GOAL THREAT Cristiano Ronaldo`s return to Manchester United and the Premier League after 12 years away could not have gone more perfectly on Saturday. Two goals on his second debut for the club in a 4-1 win over Newcastle United was just what the adoring United fans wanted to see. His first strike perhaps gave an indication of what role the 36-year-old will play this time around. The Portuguese forward showed great striker instincts to tap home after Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman had fumbled the ball. It was a poacher`s goal that his manager was proud of and one that indicated Ronaldo is now less about the trickery and step-overs and more of an old fashioned, out-and-out hitman. "People will say that first goal is just a tap-in but there is more to it than that," United`s manager and former striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said. "It is anticipating rebound, it was a great goal." SAUL HAS CHELSEA DEBUT TO FORGET, LUKAKU SHINES Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel had said loan signing Saul Niguez had the perfect profile https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/tuchel-excited-by-saul-signing-says-midfielder-was-chelsea-target-years-2021-09-10 to slot into their midfield but he had a debut to forget after a poor performance in the 3-0 win over Aston Villa https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/lukaku-kovacic-break-stamford-bridge-ducks-chelsea-beat-villa-3-0-2021-09-11 saw him hooked off at halftime for Jorginho. Saul was added to the starting lineup with N`Golo Kante out injured but the Spaniard was well off the pace in a match where striker Romelu Lukaku scored twice on his second debut at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea moved into second place. The 26-year-old from Atletico Madrid was dispossessed three times in 45 minutes, with Tuchel saying he made some "big mistakes" and struggled with the intensity of the game. "You could see he isn`t fully adapted, it`s completely my responsibility," Tuchel said. "I had the feeling he could jump in for us and play at that level. I thought it was maybe better to change him, but it doesn`t change anything." SALAH JOINS 100 CLUB AS LIVERPOOL REJUVENATION CONTINUES Only four players have got there faster, and only 30 in total, but Mohamed Salah`s opener in Liverpool`s 3-0 win at Leeds United on Sunday earned him a spot among an elite group of players with 100 Premier League goals to their name. Ninety-eight goals for Liverpool and two for Chelsea were scored from 162 appearances, with only Alan Shearer, Harry Kane, Sergio Aguero and Thierry Henry notching a century quicker. Salah has scored eight goals in his last 12 Premier League starts, a run that has coincided with Liverpool going 14 games unbeaten to once again look like title contenders - a contribution that has not gone unnoticed by his manager. "Mo`s record is crazy," Juergen Klopp said after the Leeds win. "He is still hungry and I don`t know how many records he can break. "Since he joined us he has been the perfect player - a top class player." SILVA NOT LOOKING LIKE THE FALL GUY AT CITY When Manchester City signed another top quality attacking midfielder in the shape of 100 million pounds ($138.43 million)British record signing Jack Grealish in the close season it appeared Bernardo Silva`s days at the club were numbered. The 27-year-old was linked with a move by British media, with competition for places so tough given Grealish was added to a list of attackers that included Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, Ferran Torres and many more. But the determined Portuguese has worked hard and made himself a key component again for manager Pep Guardiola, earning City a hard-fought 1-0 win at Leicester City on Saturday with a well-taken winner and seems keen to stay put. "I love the club, I love my team mates, I love football here," the determined Silva said. "I`m enjoying it and I`m always going to give my best." KANE FALLS FLAT AS EDOUARD HAS DEBUT TO REMEMBER Harry Kane had a day to forget as Tottenham Hotspur slumped to a first league defeat of the season in a 3-0 loss at Crystal Palace, whose new signing Odsonne Edouard fared rather better. For the first time in his Premier League career, England striker Kane had neither a shot nor touch in the opposition box in a game where he completed the full 90 minutes as 10-man Spurs endured a miserable afternoon at Selhurst Park on Saturday. The London side`s new manager Nuno Espirito Santo tasted a league defeat for the first time as Spurs boss, three players were missing due to quarantine restrictions, defender Eric Dier went off injured while Japhet Tanganga was sent off. The encounter went rather well for Edouard, though, as he became only the fourth player in Premier League history to score more than once as a substitute on their debut and the first since Sergio Aguero for Manchester City against Swansea City back in August 2011. ($1 = 0.7224 pounds) (Reporting by Peter Hall and Rohith Nair; Editing by Ken Ferris)

(Reuters) - Talking points from the Premier League weekend: RONALDO NOW POSES A DIFFERENT GOAL THREAT Cristiano Ronaldo`s return to Manchester United and the Premier League after 12 years away could not have gone more perfectly on Saturday.

(Reuters) - Talking points from the Premier League weekend: RONALDO NOW POSES A DIFFERENT GOAL THREAT Cristiano Ronaldo`s return to Manchester United and the Premier League after 12 years away could not have gone more perfectly on Saturday. Two goals on his second debut for the club in a 4-1 win over Newcastle United was just what the adoring United fans wanted to see. His first strike perhaps gave an indication of what role the 36-year-old will play this time around. The Portuguese forward showed great striker instincts to tap home after Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman had fumbled the ball. It was a poacher`s goal that his manager was proud of and one that indicated Ronaldo is now less about the trickery and step-overs and more of an old fashioned, out-and-out hitman. "People will say that first goal is just a tap-in but there is more to it than that," United`s manager and former striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said. "It is anticipating rebound, it was a great goal." SAUL HAS CHELSEA DEBUT TO FORGET, LUKAKU SHINES Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel had said loan signing Saul Niguez had the perfect profile https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/tuchel-excited-by-saul-signing-says-midfielder-was-chelsea-target-years-2021-09-10 to slot into their midfield but he had a debut to forget after a poor performance in the 3-0 win over Aston Villa https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/lukaku-kovacic-break-stamford-bridge-ducks-chelsea-beat-villa-3-0-2021-09-11 saw him hooked off at halftime for Jorginho. Saul was added to the starting lineup with N`Golo Kante out injured but the Spaniard was well off the pace in a match where striker Romelu Lukaku scored twice on his second debut at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea moved into second place. The 26-year-old from Atletico Madrid was dispossessed three times in 45 minutes, with Tuchel saying he made some "big mistakes" and struggled with the intensity of the game. "You could see he isn`t fully adapted, it`s completely my responsibility," Tuchel said. "I had the feeling he could jump in for us and play at that level. I thought it was maybe better to change him, but it doesn`t change anything." SALAH JOINS 100 CLUB AS LIVERPOOL REJUVENATION CONTINUES Only four players have got there faster, and only 30 in total, but Mohamed Salah`s opener in Liverpool`s 3-0 win at Leeds United on Sunday earned him a spot among an elite group of players with 100 Premier League goals to their name. Ninety-eight goals for Liverpool and two for Chelsea were scored from 162 appearances, with only Alan Shearer, Harry Kane, Sergio Aguero and Thierry Henry notching a century quicker. Salah has scored eight goals in his last 12 Premier League starts, a run that has coincided with Liverpool going 14 games unbeaten to once again look like title contenders - a contribution that has not gone unnoticed by his manager. "Mo`s record is crazy," Juergen Klopp said after the Leeds win. "He is still hungry and I don`t know how many records he can break. "Since he joined us he has been the perfect player - a top class player." SILVA NOT LOOKING LIKE THE FALL GUY AT CITY When Manchester City signed another top quality attacking midfielder in the shape of 100 million pounds ($138.43 million)British record signing Jack Grealish in the close season it appeared Bernardo Silva`s days at the club were numbered. The 27-year-old was linked with a move by British media, with competition for places so tough given Grealish was added to a list of attackers that included Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, Ferran Torres and many more. But the determined Portuguese has worked hard and made himself a key component again for manager Pep Guardiola, earning City a hard-fought 1-0 win at Leicester City on Saturday with a well-taken winner and seems keen to stay put. "I love the club, I love my team mates, I love football here," the determined Silva said. "I`m enjoying it and I`m always going to give my best." KANE FALLS FLAT AS EDOUARD HAS DEBUT TO REMEMBER Harry Kane had a day to forget as Tottenham Hotspur slumped to a first league defeat of the season in a 3-0 loss at Crystal Palace, whose new signing Odsonne Edouard fared rather better. For the first time in his Premier League career, England striker Kane had neither a shot nor touch in the opposition box in a game where he completed the full 90 minutes as 10-man Spurs endured a miserable afternoon at Selhurst Park on Saturday. The London side`s new manager Nuno Espirito Santo tasted a league defeat for the first time as Spurs boss, three players were missing due to quarantine restrictions, defender Eric Dier went off injured while Japhet Tanganga was sent off. The encounter went rather well for Edouard, though, as he became only the fourth player in Premier League history to score more than once as a substitute on their debut and the first since Sergio Aguero for Manchester City against Swansea City back in August 2011. ($1 = 0.7224 pounds) (Reporting by Peter Hall and Rohith Nair; Editing by Ken Ferris)

Soccer-Premier League talking points

In an effort to combat the second wave of COVID-19 in the financial year 2020-21, India Inc has spent a huge sum of over Rs 16 billion, said a study conducted by CSR knowledge and impact intelligence portal CSRBOX. &nbsp;

In the study, over 350 public listed companies were included. It has revealed that over 750 corporate social responsibility initiatives were launched in response to the second wave. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Kashmir willow bats to get GI tagging for a big boost in international markets

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Almost 35% of these projects were implemented in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. &nbsp;

The report, which has been titled CSR Response to COVID 2.0, says corporate India supported by providing over 200 oxygen plants, setting up more than 75 makeshift hospitals and covid wards with over 10,000 beds, 3,500 ventilators and 140,000 oxygen concentrators. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-adults-in-six-states-union-territories-have-got-first-vaccine-dose-indian-health-ministry-412776" hreflang="en">All adults in six states, Union Territories have got first vaccine dose: Indian health ministry</a>

Around 33 companies contributed over Rs 1.5 billion to conduct community awareness activities in 17 states. &nbsp;

CSRBOX founder and CEO Bhomik Shah said, “Corporates have responded to covid with great urgency and remarkable flexibility, fast-tracking CSR project approvals for the timely procurement of essential medical supplies, working in tandem with central, state governments and local agencies. We have witnessed unprecedented involvement by corporate India in responding to the situation on the ground."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In an effort to combat the second wave of COVID-19 in the financial year 2020-21, India Inc has spent a huge sum of over Rs 16 billion, said a study conducted by CSR knowledge and impact intelligence portal CSRBOX.

In an effort to combat the second wave of COVID-19 in the financial year 2020-21, India Inc has spent a huge sum of over Rs 16 billion, said a study conducted by CSR knowledge and impact intelligence portal CSRBOX. In the study, over 350 public listed companies were included. It has revealed that over 750 corporate social responsibility initiatives were launched in response to the second wave. Watch: Kashmir willow bats to get GI tagging for a big boost in international markets × Almost 35% of these projects were implemented in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. The report, which has been titled CSR Response to COVID 2.0, says corporate India supported by providing over 200 oxygen plants, setting up more than 75 makeshift hospitals and covid wards with over 10,000 beds, 3,500 ventilators and 140,000 oxygen concentrators. Also Read | All adults in six states, Union Territories have got first vaccine dose: Indian health ministry Around 33 companies contributed over Rs 1.5 billion to conduct community awareness activities in 17 states. CSRBOX founder and CEO Bhomik Shah said, “Corporates have responded to covid with great urgency and remarkable flexibility, fast-tracking CSR project approvals for the timely procurement of essential medical supplies, working in tandem with central, state governments and local agencies. We have witnessed unprecedented involvement by corporate India in responding to the situation on the ground." (With inputs from agencies)

To combat COVID-19's second wave, India Inc spent over Rs 16 billion

Reports say an article published by a Chinese website eight years ago has gone viral in the Communist nation which detailed future wars with Taiwan, Russia and India.

Beijing-based website Sohu, which is widely known for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uyghur-linked-etim-group-has-left-afghanistan-taliban-to-china-412735">Chinese</a> government propaganda, had published a bizarre&nbsp;article in 2013 which serialised wars China would likely engage in from 2020 to 2060. The article has taken&nbsp;Chinese social media by storm amid the country's&nbsp;current tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan.

The report said China will engage in “reconquest” of "Southern Tibet" which China uses to denote India’s Arunachal Pradesh which has a border with Tibet. The report claimed China will be at war with India between 2035-40.

Watch:

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The report openly suggests the Chinese could incite disintegration of India as a strategy and if it fails then it could provoke conditions for an India-Pakistan war over Kashmir and takeover Arunachal Pradesh when Indian forces&nbsp;are distracted with their neighbour.

The Sohu report also maintains the country would first go to war with Taiwan between 2020 and 2025 to "unify" it with the mainland while sending the Taiwan government an "ultimatum" in 2020. It describes war with Taiwan as a "three-month ordeal" without the US and Japan's intervention. &nbsp;

China's President Xi Jinping had earlier threatened Taiwan with "consequences" amid its growing closeness with the United States and the repeated arms sale by the US government to the island nation. Xi&nbsp;had said Taiwan could be unified with China by force "if necessary". China has consistently maintained that&nbsp;Taiwan is a breakaway province and it would ultimately be unified with the country.&nbsp;

The South China Sea region is also on top of the Chinese agenda, according to the report. In 2025, after annexing Taiwan, China would seek to "reconquer" the Spratly Islands and send warnings to countries who claim the areas in the disputed territory.&nbsp;

The report claimed the US will not directly confront China but will push Vietnam and the Philippines to take on the Communist nation's powerful army since the US would have learnt from their inventions in Taiwan, it claimed. The report said China will set a "deadline" of 2028 before starting the war.

The Sohu report also mentioned China's ambitions in the Senkaku Islands with the start of the "fourth war" between 2040 to 2045 and conflict over Outer Mongolia from 2045 to 2050.

In the end, China will finally go to war with Russia from 2055-2060, the report said and will reclaim lost territories. The report said PLA will be able to beat the Russian forces.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Reports say an article published by a Chinese website eight years ago has gone viral in the Communist nation which detailed future wars with Taiwan, Russia and India.

Reports say an article published by a Chinese website eight years ago has gone viral in the Communist nation which detailed future wars with Taiwan, Russia and India. Beijing-based website Sohu, which is widely known for Chinese government propaganda, had published a bizarre article in 2013 which serialised wars China would likely engage in from 2020 to 2060. The article has taken Chinese social media by storm amid the country's current tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan. The report said China will engage in “reconquest” of "Southern Tibet" which China uses to denote India’s Arunachal Pradesh which has a border with Tibet. The report claimed China will be at war with India between 2035-40. Watch: The report openly suggests the Chinese could incite disintegration of India as a strategy and if it fails then it could provoke conditions for an India-Pakistan war over Kashmir and takeover Arunachal Pradesh when Indian forces are distracted with their neighbour. The Sohu report also maintains the country would first go to war with Taiwan between 2020 and 2025 to "unify" it with the mainland while sending the Taiwan government an "ultimatum" in 2020. It describes war with Taiwan as a "three-month ordeal" without the US and Japan's intervention. China's President Xi Jinping had earlier threatened Taiwan with "consequences" amid its growing closeness with the United States and the repeated arms sale by the US government to the island nation. Xi had said Taiwan could be unified with China by force "if necessary". China has consistently maintained that Taiwan is a breakaway province and it would ultimately be unified with the country. The South China Sea region is also on top of the Chinese agenda, according to the report. In 2025, after annexing Taiwan, China would seek to "reconquer" the Spratly Islands and send warnings to countries who claim the areas in the disputed territory. The report claimed the US will not directly confront China but will push Vietnam and the Philippines to take on the Communist nation's powerful army since the US would have learnt from their inventions in Taiwan, it claimed. The report said China will set a "deadline" of 2028 before starting the war. The Sohu report also mentioned China's ambitions in the Senkaku Islands with the start of the "fourth war" between 2040 to 2045 and conflict over Outer Mongolia from 2045 to 2050. In the end, China will finally go to war with Russia from 2055-2060, the report said and will reclaim lost territories. The report said PLA will be able to beat the Russian forces. (With inputs from Agencies)

'China will beat Russia in war': Bizarre article that also talks about reunifying Taiwan, taking Arunachal Pradesh from India goes viral after 8 years

India's health minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed that people in six states and Union Territories have&nbsp;been given the first dose of the vaccine covering 100 per cent of the adult population.

It included people from Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Dadra &amp; Nagar Haveli&nbsp;and Daman and Diu.

According to government data, 5.2 million&nbsp;vaccine doses were administered on Sunday.

"Congratulations to these states and Union Territories for administering the first COVID-19 vaccine dose to 100 per cent of the adult population. Special appreciation for the health workers in these regions for their diligence and commitment, the office of Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in a tweet.

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Congratulations to these States &amp; UTs for administering the first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccine dose to 100% of the adult population. 
 
Special appreciation for the health workers in these regions for their diligence &amp; commitment 👏 <a href="https://t.co/pH89J7lhtF">pic.twitter.com/pH89J7lhtF</a>
— Office of Mansukh Mandaviya (@OfficeOf_MM) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOf_MM/status/1437056217428291588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The minister also lauded the special efforts of the health workers in achieving the feat.

India had begun its vaccination&nbsp;campaign on January 16 starting with&nbsp;frontline healthcare workers and then it was extended to cover those over 60. India's health officials later expanded the vaccination drive to cover everyone over 45 from April 1. &nbsp;All those over 18 years were allowed vaccination from May 1.

Meanwhile, India reported 27,254 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours on Monday even as the number of active cases continued to decline.

The death toll due to the virus in the country has climbed to 4,42,874 with 219 fatalities reported in the last 24 hours.

However, the number of active cases in the country declined on Monday, according to the health ministry comprising 1.13 per cent of the total infections.

(With inputs from Agencies)

India's health minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed that people in six states and Union Territories have been given the first dose of the vaccine covering 100 per cent of the adult population.

India's health minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed that people in six states and Union Territories have been given the first dose of the vaccine covering 100 per cent of the adult population. It included people from Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. According to government data, 5.2 million vaccine doses were administered on Sunday. "Congratulations to these states and Union Territories for administering the first COVID-19 vaccine dose to 100 per cent of the adult population. Special appreciation for the health workers in these regions for their diligence and commitment, the office of Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in a tweet. Congratulations to these States & UTs for administering the first #COVID19 vaccine dose to 100% of the adult population. Special appreciation for the health workers in these regions for their diligence & commitment 👏 pic.twitter.com/pH89J7lhtF — Office of Mansukh Mandaviya (@OfficeOf_MM) September 12, 2021 × The minister also lauded the special efforts of the health workers in achieving the feat. India had begun its vaccination campaign on January 16 starting with frontline healthcare workers and then it was extended to cover those over 60. India's health officials later expanded the vaccination drive to cover everyone over 45 from April 1. All those over 18 years were allowed vaccination from May 1. Meanwhile, India reported 27,254 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours on Monday even as the number of active cases continued to decline. The death toll due to the virus in the country has climbed to 4,42,874 with 219 fatalities reported in the last 24 hours. However, the number of active cases in the country declined on Monday, according to the health ministry comprising 1.13 per cent of the total infections. (With inputs from Agencies)

All adults in six states, Union Territories have got first vaccine dose: Indian health ministry

Oscar Fernandes, a former union minister and Rajya Sabha member, died on September 13 after being hospitalised for injuries sustained in an accident.

He was 80 years old.

Oscar has been receiving treatment in the Mangalore's Yenepoya Hospital's ICU since July.

He had a check-up for a strong headache while doing normal dialysis.

He was admitted to the hospital's ICU due to internal injuries. 
 
Fernandes, born on March 27, 1941, to Rockey Fernandes and Leonis Fernandes, started his political career as Councillor of Udupi Municipal Council in 1972. He is survived by his wife Blossom Fernandes, son and a daughter. 
 
During the UPA government, he was the Minister of Highways.

Fernandes is regarded to have a solid working relationship with Congress leaders at all levels.

He served as the AICC General Secretary and was a close confidant of former Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

He used to be a troubleshooter when it came to handling various situations.&nbsp;

A slew of prominent Congress figures, including former chief minister Siddaramaiah and State Congress chairman D K Shivakumar, as well as Lok Sabha opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge, had rushed to pay their respects to the Congress veteran.

Oscar Fernandes, a former union minister and Rajya Sabha member, died on September 13 after being hospitalised for injuries sustained in an accident. He was 80 years old.

Oscar Fernandes, a former union minister and Rajya Sabha member, died on September 13 after being hospitalised for injuries sustained in an accident. He was 80 years old. Oscar has been receiving treatment in the Mangalore's Yenepoya Hospital's ICU since July. He had a check-up for a strong headache while doing normal dialysis. He was admitted to the hospital's ICU due to internal injuries. Fernandes, born on March 27, 1941, to Rockey Fernandes and Leonis Fernandes, started his political career as Councillor of Udupi Municipal Council in 1972. He is survived by his wife Blossom Fernandes, son and a daughter. During the UPA government, he was the Minister of Highways. Fernandes is regarded to have a solid working relationship with Congress leaders at all levels. He served as the AICC General Secretary and was a close confidant of former Congress President Sonia Gandhi. He used to be a troubleshooter when it came to handling various situations. A slew of prominent Congress figures, including former chief minister Siddaramaiah and State Congress chairman D K Shivakumar, as well as Lok Sabha opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge, had rushed to pay their respects to the Congress veteran.

Oscar Fernandes, senior Congress leader and former Union Minister, passes away in Mangalore

According to reports, the Indian diaspora can now get a green card in the United States by paying a supplemental fee which is also categorised as "super-fee" allowing them to jump the queue and obtain permanent visas.

The US government earmarks 1.40 lakh green cards for employment-based applicants each year with a seven per cent cap for each country. Indians are known to apply heavily for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-biden-withdraws-plans-to-shelve-h4-work-permit-allowing-spouses-of-h1-b-holders-to-work-in-us-359861">H-1B visa</a> work visa.

According to a study, India had reached an incredible 7.41 lakh green card backlog in the EB2 and EB3 skilled category in April last year which would mean a wait time of 84 years.

David J Bier, immigration policy analyst at Cato Institute, said: “Employment-based applicants can adjust if they have waited two years from their priority date. This is almost like abolishing the employment-based caps for adjustment applicants who can pay $5000. Awesome!”&nbsp;

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Employment-based applicants can adjust if they have waited 2 years from their priority date. Since the whole process takes from labor cert to completion about that, this is almost like abolishing the EB caps for adjustment applicants who can pay $5K. Awesome! <a href="https://t.co/JIlt0y91lK">pic.twitter.com/JIlt0y91lK</a>
— David Bier (@David_J_Bier) <a href="https://twitter.com/David_J_Bier/status/1436683070569172993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Reports say "legal dreamers" in America who are categorised as children belonging to H-1B visa holders who have turned 21 and those who have aged out or will age out can also get permanent residency and citizenship through the Reconciliation Bill released by the US House Judiciary Committee.

Despite the heavy rush for H-1 B visas, reports said the US government has no plans to do away with the caps for green cards involving countries or increase the annual quota of work visas in the country.

The H-1B visa is used in a big way by US technology companies which hire large number of Indians every year.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to reports, the Indian diaspora can now get a green card in the United States by paying a supplemental fee which is also categorised as "super-fee" allowing them to jump the queue and obtain permanent visas.

According to reports, the Indian diaspora can now get a green card in the United States by paying a supplemental fee which is also categorised as "super-fee" allowing them to jump the queue and obtain permanent visas. The US government earmarks 1.40 lakh green cards for employment-based applicants each year with a seven per cent cap for each country. Indians are known to apply heavily for the H-1B visa work visa. According to a study, India had reached an incredible 7.41 lakh green card backlog in the EB2 and EB3 skilled category in April last year which would mean a wait time of 84 years. David J Bier, immigration policy analyst at Cato Institute, said: “Employment-based applicants can adjust if they have waited two years from their priority date. This is almost like abolishing the employment-based caps for adjustment applicants who can pay $5000. Awesome!” Employment-based applicants can adjust if they have waited 2 years from their priority date. Since the whole process takes from labor cert to completion about that, this is almost like abolishing the EB caps for adjustment applicants who can pay $5K. Awesome! pic.twitter.com/JIlt0y91lK — David Bier (@David_J_Bier) September 11, 2021 × Reports say "legal dreamers" in America who are categorised as children belonging to H-1B visa holders who have turned 21 and those who have aged out or will age out can also get permanent residency and citizenship through the Reconciliation Bill released by the US House Judiciary Committee. Despite the heavy rush for H-1 B visas, reports said the US government has no plans to do away with the caps for green cards involving countries or increase the annual quota of work visas in the country. The H-1B visa is used in a big way by US technology companies which hire large number of Indians every year. (With inputs from Agencies)

US green card: Indians may now be able to jump backlog queue by paying 'super fee'

To provide a "cutting-edge technology to enhance India's counter-terror capabilities", Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to launch the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) soon, official sources said. &nbsp;

The final "synchronisation and testing" of the ambitious electronic database seems to be going on so that it can go live without any hiccups. It was mooted after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008.

Watch:&nbsp;Indian PM Narendra Modi, UK PM Boris Johnson recalls deadly 9/11 terror attacks

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Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah indicated that NATGRID may finally see the light of day. It has been conceptualised as a seamless and secure database for information on terrorists, economic crimes and similar incidents. &nbsp;

During the 51st Foundation Day of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) on September 4, Shah said, "Had corona (COVID-19) not been there, the Prime Minister would have dedicated NATGRID to the country. I am hopeful that the Prime Minister will dedicate NATGRID to the country in some time."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-undertaking-maintenance-of-mauritius-coast-guards-patrol-vessel-412614" hreflang="en">India undertaking maintenance of Mauritius Coast Guard’s patrol vessel</a> &nbsp;

Envisaged as a robust mechanism to track suspects, the NATGRID can help in preventing terrorist attacks with real-time data and access to classified information like immigration, banking, individual taxpayers, air and train travels. &nbsp;

In 2008, the 26/11 terrorist siege in Mumbai exposed the deficiency that security agencies had no mechanism to look for vital information on a real-time basis. &nbsp;

In 2010, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had given approval to the Rs 3,400-crore NATGRID project. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

To provide a "cutting-edge technology to enhance India's counter-terror capabilities", Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to launch the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) soon, official sources said.

To provide a "cutting-edge technology to enhance India's counter-terror capabilities", Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to launch the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) soon, official sources said. The final "synchronisation and testing" of the ambitious electronic database seems to be going on so that it can go live without any hiccups. It was mooted after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. Watch: Indian PM Narendra Modi, UK PM Boris Johnson recalls deadly 9/11 terror attacks × Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah indicated that NATGRID may finally see the light of day. It has been conceptualised as a seamless and secure database for information on terrorists, economic crimes and similar incidents. During the 51st Foundation Day of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) on September 4, Shah said, "Had corona (COVID-19) not been there, the Prime Minister would have dedicated NATGRID to the country. I am hopeful that the Prime Minister will dedicate NATGRID to the country in some time." Also Read: India undertaking maintenance of Mauritius Coast Guard’s patrol vessel Envisaged as a robust mechanism to track suspects, the NATGRID can help in preventing terrorist attacks with real-time data and access to classified information like immigration, banking, individual taxpayers, air and train travels. In 2008, the 26/11 terrorist siege in Mumbai exposed the deficiency that security agencies had no mechanism to look for vital information on a real-time basis. In 2010, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had given approval to the Rs 3,400-crore NATGRID project. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM Modi to launch National Intelligence Grid soon to fight terror

India and Australia have called for "broad-based and inclusive government" in Afghanistan, which is "necessary" for "long term peace and stability" of the country, a point in the joint statement released after the first 2+2 foreign and defence minister dialogue on Saturday. &nbsp;

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton held the 2+2 dialogue in New Delhi in which a range of issues like Indo-pacific, Afghanistan, defence ties were discussed.&nbsp;

The joint statement said that the ministers "expressed deep concern about the situation in Afghanistan" and called on the "Taliban to guarantee safe passage for foreign nationals and Afghans wanting to leave the country". &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;India-Australia 2+2 dialogue underway, focus on expanding strategic ties

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Afghanistan saw Taliban takeover in August, after the fall of national capital Kabul. What followed has been heartbreaking visuals of many Afghans trying to leave the country fearing Taliban reprisal.&nbsp;

In the joint statement, they "reiterated calls on those in positions of power and authority" across Afghanistan to "adhere to counterterrorism commitments and human rights, in accordance with" United Nations Security Council Resolution 2593. &nbsp;

The resolution was passed under the Indian chairmanship of the council on August 30 and is a key document when it comes to situation in Afghanistan and Taliban commitments on counter terror. &nbsp;

Ministers also agreed to "remain alert to the broader repercussions of the developments in Afghanistan for the ongoing terrorist threats around the world, and in our region." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-undertaking-maintenance-of-mauritius-coast-guards-patrol-vessel-412614" hreflang="en">India undertaking maintenance of Mauritius Coast Guard’s patrol vessel</a>

The worry over Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for international terror groups have been a concern globally. India has raised it publicly at multilateral forum at UN and privately with many of its allies, especially with regards to Pakistan-based international terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed finding a safe haven.&nbsp;

In the joint statement, ministers "noted reports of a rapid roll-back on women and girls’ rights and access to services and public spaces, as well as targeted violence against women’s rights defenders", and called on for "protection of rights of women and children and their full participation in public life". &nbsp;

Past few weeks have seen restrictions being imposed on women, especially ability to work. Kabul saw massive protest, many of the participants were women, who were beaten up by Taliban, according to videos, which emerged on social media.&nbsp;

India and Australia have called for "broad-based and inclusive government" in Afghanistan, which is "necessary" for "long term peace and stability" of the country, a point in the joint statement released after the first 2+2 foreign and defence minister dialogue on Saturday.

India and Australia have called for "broad-based and inclusive government" in Afghanistan, which is "necessary" for "long term peace and stability" of the country, a point in the joint statement released after the first 2+2 foreign and defence minister dialogue on Saturday. India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton held the 2+2 dialogue in New Delhi in which a range of issues like Indo-pacific, Afghanistan, defence ties were discussed. The joint statement said that the ministers "expressed deep concern about the situation in Afghanistan" and called on the "Taliban to guarantee safe passage for foreign nationals and Afghans wanting to leave the country". Watch: India-Australia 2+2 dialogue underway, focus on expanding strategic ties × Afghanistan saw Taliban takeover in August, after the fall of national capital Kabul. What followed has been heartbreaking visuals of many Afghans trying to leave the country fearing Taliban reprisal. In the joint statement, they "reiterated calls on those in positions of power and authority" across Afghanistan to "adhere to counterterrorism commitments and human rights, in accordance with" United Nations Security Council Resolution 2593. The resolution was passed under the Indian chairmanship of the council on August 30 and is a key document when it comes to situation in Afghanistan and Taliban commitments on counter terror. Ministers also agreed to "remain alert to the broader repercussions of the developments in Afghanistan for the ongoing terrorist threats around the world, and in our region." Also Read: India undertaking maintenance of Mauritius Coast Guard’s patrol vessel The worry over Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for international terror groups have been a concern globally. India has raised it publicly at multilateral forum at UN and privately with many of its allies, especially with regards to Pakistan-based international terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed finding a safe haven. In the joint statement, ministers "noted reports of a rapid roll-back on women and girls’ rights and access to services and public spaces, as well as targeted violence against women’s rights defenders", and called on for "protection of rights of women and children and their full participation in public life". Past few weeks have seen restrictions being imposed on women, especially ability to work. Kabul saw massive protest, many of the participants were women, who were beaten up by Taliban, according to videos, which emerged on social media.

India, Australia call for inclusive government in Afghanistan for stability

India is undertaking a scheduled maintenance of Mauritius Coast Guard Ship (MCGS) Barracuda at GRSE Kolkata. Garden Reach Shipbuilders &amp; Engineers Kolkata (GRSE), an Indian government enterprise is one of the key shipyards of the country.

Indian Navy chief Adm Karambir Singh visited the shipyard last week to review the ongoing maintenance activities and interacted with the crew of the vessel. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;India-Australia 2+2 dialogue underway, focus on expanding strategic ties

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The ship is in the final stages of the maintenance and shall undergo sea-trials shortly, which will be monitored jointly by both Indian Navy and Mauritius Coast Guard crew. Post the successful completion of the trials, MCGS Barracuda would be ready to sail to Mauritius.

The development is being seen as not only the support to the Mauritius Coast Guard from India but also in terms of capacity building. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-gujarat-state-gets-new-cm-ahead-of-crucial-elections-next-year-412583" hreflang="en">India’s Gujarat state gets new CM ahead of crucial elections next year</a>

Important to note that MCGS Barracuda was the first warship to be exported by an Indian shipyard and was built by GRSE. &nbsp;It was delivered to the Mauritian Coast Guard during PM Modi's visit to the country. It was commissioned into Mauritius National Coast Guard in March 2015.

It was the first ‘Made to Order’ warship constructed by India for any foreign country, and is seen as a testimony to the strong relationship between the two countries. &nbsp;

Indian Navy has been playing an important role in terms of reaching out to nations of the Indian Ocean. Amid Covid crisis, it reached out to countries of the area and provided them relief as part of Sagar missions.&nbsp;

India is undertaking a scheduled maintenance of Mauritius Coast Guard Ship (MCGS) Barracuda at GRSE Kolkata. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Kolkata (GRSE), an Indian government enterprise is one of the key shipyards of the country.

India is undertaking a scheduled maintenance of Mauritius Coast Guard Ship (MCGS) Barracuda at GRSE Kolkata. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Kolkata (GRSE), an Indian government enterprise is one of the key shipyards of the country. Indian Navy chief Adm Karambir Singh visited the shipyard last week to review the ongoing maintenance activities and interacted with the crew of the vessel. Watch: India-Australia 2+2 dialogue underway, focus on expanding strategic ties × The ship is in the final stages of the maintenance and shall undergo sea-trials shortly, which will be monitored jointly by both Indian Navy and Mauritius Coast Guard crew. Post the successful completion of the trials, MCGS Barracuda would be ready to sail to Mauritius. The development is being seen as not only the support to the Mauritius Coast Guard from India but also in terms of capacity building. Also Read: India’s Gujarat state gets new CM ahead of crucial elections next year Important to note that MCGS Barracuda was the first warship to be exported by an Indian shipyard and was built by GRSE. It was delivered to the Mauritian Coast Guard during PM Modi's visit to the country. It was commissioned into Mauritius National Coast Guard in March 2015. It was the first ‘Made to Order’ warship constructed by India for any foreign country, and is seen as a testimony to the strong relationship between the two countries. Indian Navy has been playing an important role in terms of reaching out to nations of the Indian Ocean. Amid Covid crisis, it reached out to countries of the area and provided them relief as part of Sagar missions.

India undertaking maintenance of Mauritius Coast Guard’s patrol vessel

India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday named party lawmaker Bhupendra Patel as the next Chief Minister of western Gujarat state— the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

59-year-old Patel was unanimously elected BJP legislature party leader in Gandhinagar city.

His name was proposed by Vijay Rupani who had resigned from the CM post on Saturday, surprising many.

The new leader is expected to meet the state governor, Acharya Devvrat, to stake claim to form the government.

Patel won the 2017 Gujarat Legislative Assembly elections from Ahmedabad`s Ghatlodia constituency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/western-indian-state-of-gujarats-chief-minister-vijay-rupani-resigns-412357">Western Indian state of Gujarat’s Chief Minister Vijay Rupani resigns</a>

He holds a diploma in civil engineering and is considered close to former CM Anandiben Patel, who won from the seat in 2012 polls.

Earlier, he served as a municipal councillor in Ahmedabad. He has been the chairman of Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) and used to head the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation standing committee.&nbsp;Bhupendra Patel belongs to the influential Patel community.

Watch

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The latest development comes as the elections to the 182-member Gujarat Assembly are due in December 2022.

Rupani, the fourth chief minister to demit office in BJP-ruled states during the coronavirus pandemic, was sworn in as chief minister, his second stint as CM in December 2017.

Rupani, who completed five years in office on August 7 this year, first became the chief minister on August 7, 2016, following the resignation of incumbent Anandiben Patel, and continued in the office after the BJP's victory in the 2017 Assembly elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday named party lawmaker Bhupendra Patel as the next Chief Minister of western Gujarat state— the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday named party lawmaker Bhupendra Patel as the next Chief Minister of western Gujarat state— the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 59-year-old Patel was unanimously elected BJP legislature party leader in Gandhinagar city. His name was proposed by Vijay Rupani who had resigned from the CM post on Saturday, surprising many. The new leader is expected to meet the state governor, Acharya Devvrat, to stake claim to form the government. Patel won the 2017 Gujarat Legislative Assembly elections from Ahmedabad`s Ghatlodia constituency. Also read | Western Indian state of Gujarat’s Chief Minister Vijay Rupani resigns He holds a diploma in civil engineering and is considered close to former CM Anandiben Patel, who won from the seat in 2012 polls. Earlier, he served as a municipal councillor in Ahmedabad. He has been the chairman of Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) and used to head the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation standing committee. Bhupendra Patel belongs to the influential Patel community. Watch The latest development comes as the elections to the 182-member Gujarat Assembly are due in December 2022. Rupani, the fourth chief minister to demit office in BJP-ruled states during the coronavirus pandemic, was sworn in as chief minister, his second stint as CM in December 2017. Rupani, who completed five years in office on August 7 this year, first became the chief minister on August 7, 2016, following the resignation of incumbent Anandiben Patel, and continued in the office after the BJP's victory in the 2017 Assembly elections. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s Gujarat state gets new CM ahead of crucial elections next year

The probe report regarding the crash of the Air India flight in Kerala's Kozhikode said that the actions of the pilot resulted in the crash of the airplane.

Probe report on crash of the Air India flight in Kerala's Kozhikode out

India's border forces and armed police units deployed in the counter-terrorism grid have been directed by the central security establishment to prepare and administer a new training module on the Taliban and its modus operandi to the troops in view of the "emerging" scenario following the Islamic militia taking over Afghanistan.

Stating that the fall of Kabul to the Taliban last month may have a "serious bearing" on the security situation in India, the ground forces and their intelligence setup have been asked to update both their strategy, tactics and combat syllabus on the new "geo-political situation in central and south Asia and its grave security implication on India's borders and the hinterland."

The directive issued by the security establishment a few days back also envisages a scenario where infiltration from across the border from Pakistan on India's west and illegal entry of terrorist operatives from open fronts in the east may increase including that by foreign terrorist fighters.

Officials in the central security forces and intelligence wings acknowledged the new developments that have taken place in the neighbourhood after the Taliban swiftly took over almost all provinces of Afghanistan last month following the US military retreating from their 20-year war in that country launched after the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001 in their country.

A senior officer told PTI that the existing training module of border guarding forces like the BSF and SSB, state police units and those involved in counter-terrorist duties like the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police have an existing title "changing dynamics of border management".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/what-starts-in-afghanistan-does-not-stay-in-afghanistan-china-india-and-iran-grapple-with-the-fallout-405693">What starts in Afghanistan does not stay in Afghanistan: China, India, and Iran grapple with the fallout</a>

"This included information on the Taliban as well but it was not updated. That is being added through open-source authentic information and others available in a classified manner to us and the focus is the developments of the last twenty years that took place in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks," the officer said.

Watch

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A full-fledged training, intelligence and combat module on Taliban, its leadership and their modus operandi is being prepared apart from specific case studies that have taken place in that country and the region, he said.

The directives have been forwarded to the central and state police forces which have multiple levels of training centres and academies to train their personnel and officers during induction and while in service.

"It is very important for the last man standing at the border, a checkpost or under a police jurisdiction to know about the Taliban's history and linked activities and strategies.

"Senior and top commanders of the security forces may know most of the things about Afghanistan and Taliban situation but they draw their operational strength from the troops or the constable standing on the ground. They need to be informed well," another senior officer working in the training management division of a paramilitary force said.

At least one such session has been conducted in two central forces post the issuance of the new directives while a webinar for all these forces is being planned in a combined manner to be held later this month, a Union home ministry official said.

A third officer said the latest directions make it clear that such sessions should also be held for the troops and commanding officers on the ground during "daily operational briefing sessions" in their area of deployment and case studies on the Taliban are being prepared in "local and vernacular languages" for the troops.

The security forces are also enhancing their training quota of personnel for understanding IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and vehicle-borne IEDs (VBIEDs).

"IEDs remain a constant threat to the security personnel and their operations everywhere be it anti-Naxal operations or counter-terrorist duties.

"However, for those deployed in the Kashmir valley knowing IEDs and VBIEDs, their detection and crippling is very important post the Afghanistan development," one of the officers cited above said and referred to the fatal and non-fatal casualties suffered by the NATO forces from IEDs in Afghanistan.

India's border forces and armed police units deployed in the counter-terrorism grid have been directed by the central security establishment to prepare and administer a new training module on the Taliban and its modus operandi to the troops in view of the "emerging" scenario following the Islamic militia taking over Afghanistan.

India's border forces and armed police units deployed in the counter-terrorism grid have been directed by the central security establishment to prepare and administer a new training module on the Taliban and its modus operandi to the troops in view of the "emerging" scenario following the Islamic militia taking over Afghanistan. Stating that the fall of Kabul to the Taliban last month may have a "serious bearing" on the security situation in India, the ground forces and their intelligence setup have been asked to update both their strategy, tactics and combat syllabus on the new "geo-political situation in central and south Asia and its grave security implication on India's borders and the hinterland." The directive issued by the security establishment a few days back also envisages a scenario where infiltration from across the border from Pakistan on India's west and illegal entry of terrorist operatives from open fronts in the east may increase including that by foreign terrorist fighters. Officials in the central security forces and intelligence wings acknowledged the new developments that have taken place in the neighbourhood after the Taliban swiftly took over almost all provinces of Afghanistan last month following the US military retreating from their 20-year war in that country launched after the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001 in their country. A senior officer told PTI that the existing training module of border guarding forces like the BSF and SSB, state police units and those involved in counter-terrorist duties like the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police have an existing title "changing dynamics of border management". Also read | What starts in Afghanistan does not stay in Afghanistan: China, India, and Iran grapple with the fallout "This included information on the Taliban as well but it was not updated. That is being added through open-source authentic information and others available in a classified manner to us and the focus is the developments of the last twenty years that took place in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks," the officer said. Watch A full-fledged training, intelligence and combat module on Taliban, its leadership and their modus operandi is being prepared apart from specific case studies that have taken place in that country and the region, he said. The directives have been forwarded to the central and state police forces which have multiple levels of training centres and academies to train their personnel and officers during induction and while in service. "It is very important for the last man standing at the border, a checkpost or under a police jurisdiction to know about the Taliban's history and linked activities and strategies. "Senior and top commanders of the security forces may know most of the things about Afghanistan and Taliban situation but they draw their operational strength from the troops or the constable standing on the ground. They need to be informed well," another senior officer working in the training management division of a paramilitary force said. At least one such session has been conducted in two central forces post the issuance of the new directives while a webinar for all these forces is being planned in a combined manner to be held later this month, a Union home ministry official said. A third officer said the latest directions make it clear that such sessions should also be held for the troops and commanding officers on the ground during "daily operational briefing sessions" in their area of deployment and case studies on the Taliban are being prepared in "local and vernacular languages" for the troops. The security forces are also enhancing their training quota of personnel for understanding IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and vehicle-borne IEDs (VBIEDs). "IEDs remain a constant threat to the security personnel and their operations everywhere be it anti-Naxal operations or counter-terrorist duties. "However, for those deployed in the Kashmir valley knowing IEDs and VBIEDs, their detection and crippling is very important post the Afghanistan development," one of the officers cited above said and referred to the fatal and non-fatal casualties suffered by the NATO forces from IEDs in Afghanistan.

Indian security forces to have training module on Taliban

A passenger plane carrying 190 passengers had crashed at the Calicut airport in the southern Indian state of Kerala last year. Now, an investigation has concluded that the crash might have happened due to 'human error'.<o:p></o:p>

The Air India Express was bringing 190 passengers from Dubai to India as part of repatriation flights in times of the Covid pandemic. <o:p></o:p>

During landing, the Boeing 737 skidded off the runway in rain and crashed landed by breaking in two parts. The crash ended up taking lives of 21 people, including both the pilots and injured nearly 75 passengers.

The extensive probe report cited several factors that led to the tragedy. Here are the main points:

<o:p>Bad weather</o:p>

The aircraft was attempting to land repeatedly in bad weather. First attempt was aborted as the pilots did not find the appropriate conditions to land the plane. However, in their final attempt, the investigators claim, the pilots ended up making several violations.

In such bad weather, a miss on the runway can lead to a disastrous outcome, like the one observed during the Calicut crash.

<o:p>Inadequate briefing</o:p>

The report by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau claims that the pilots did not carry out "adequate briefing" for landing with tailwinds in the poor weather. The experts believe that a failure to "quickly calculate accurate landing data in adverse weather conditions" led to the deadly crash.

<o:p>In addition, the pilots also failed to "make the mandatory announcement for the cabin crew to be seated on the first approach for landing... This is a very serious omission and compromises cabin crew".</o:p>

The pilot also failed to follow the proper protocol and instead of aborting the landing mission, he continued to descend the plane in unstabilised conditions.&nbsp;

"The probable cause of the accident was the non-adherence to standard operating procedures by the pilot flying, wherein, he continued an unstabilised approach and landed beyond the touchdown zone, halfway down the runway, in spite of a go around call by the pilot monitoring, which warranted a mandatory go around and the failure of the pilot monitoring to take over controls and execute a go around," the report said.

Faulty parts

The windshield wiper of the aircraft was also not functioning properly, the report claims. Experts have concluded that windshield wiper on the PIC side stopped functioning. The pilot in command (PIC) was also recorded giving an unusual detailed briefing to&nbsp;flight officer (FO), which raises doubts that the crew was already familiar with the unreliable windshield but had failed to raise the issue.

<o:p>Landing in heavy rain with a faulty wiper was not an ideal approach and should have been avoided or delayed, the experts believe.</o:p>

Compromise on safety

The pilots and the crew members were seasoned experts who were aware of the Indian monsoon. Even then, the PIC continued for second approach of the&nbsp;Kozhikode runway without assessing the risk involved, the report claims. The FO, too, ignored the violation of the SOP.

In addition to this, the Pilot Monitoring failed to make the mandatory announcement for the cabin crew to be seated during the first approach to the&nbsp;Kozhikode runway, which results in another omission of SOP and puts the lives of cabin crew in danger.

The pilot, experts believe, should have assessed the risk involved due to the Indian monsoon and decided to not to divert even after the 'missed approach'. This decision was taken by the pilots&nbsp;even though alternate airfields were available and the aircraft had enough fuel to redirect.

Unprescribed medicines, cognitive deficits

The report has also hinted that there might be a possibility that the PIC was taking some unprescribed medicines that may have "caused subtle cognitive deficits".

Experts said the PIC was taking anti-diabetic drugs which were not prescribed to him by any doctor and those may have caused&nbsp;mild hypoglycaemia.

This&nbsp;"probably contributed to errors in complex decision making as well as susceptibility to perceptual errors. The possibility of visual illusions causing errors in distance and depth perception cannot be ruled out due to degraded visual cues of orientation due to low visibility and sub optimal performance of the PIC's windshield wiper in rain," the report claims.

Human errors and system failures have contributed to the crash of the aircraft, as per experts. "These usually occur due to prevailing safety culture that give rise to errors, mistakes and violation of routine tasks performed by people operating within the system," the report says.<o:p></o:p>

A passenger plane carrying 190 passengers had crashed at the Calicut airport in the southern Indian state of Kerala last year. Now, an investigation has concluded that the crash might have happened due to 'human error'.

A passenger plane carrying 190 passengers had crashed at the Calicut airport in the southern Indian state of Kerala last year. Now, an investigation has concluded that the crash might have happened due to 'human error'. The Air India Express was bringing 190 passengers from Dubai to India as part of repatriation flights in times of the Covid pandemic. During landing, the Boeing 737 skidded off the runway in rain and crashed landed by breaking in two parts. The crash ended up taking lives of 21 people, including both the pilots and injured nearly 75 passengers. The extensive probe report cited several factors that led to the tragedy. Here are the main points: Bad weather The aircraft was attempting to land repeatedly in bad weather. First attempt was aborted as the pilots did not find the appropriate conditions to land the plane. However, in their final attempt, the investigators claim, the pilots ended up making several violations. In such bad weather, a miss on the runway can lead to a disastrous outcome, like the one observed during the Calicut crash. Inadequate briefing The report by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau claims that the pilots did not carry out "adequate briefing" for landing with tailwinds in the poor weather. The experts believe that a failure to "quickly calculate accurate landing data in adverse weather conditions" led to the deadly crash. In addition, the pilots also failed to "make the mandatory announcement for the cabin crew to be seated on the first approach for landing... This is a very serious omission and compromises cabin crew". The pilot also failed to follow the proper protocol and instead of aborting the landing mission, he continued to descend the plane in unstabilised conditions. "The probable cause of the accident was the non-adherence to standard operating procedures by the pilot flying, wherein, he continued an unstabilised approach and landed beyond the touchdown zone, halfway down the runway, in spite of a go around call by the pilot monitoring, which warranted a mandatory go around and the failure of the pilot monitoring to take over controls and execute a go around," the report said. Faulty parts The windshield wiper of the aircraft was also not functioning properly, the report claims. Experts have concluded that windshield wiper on the PIC side stopped functioning. The pilot in command (PIC) was also recorded giving an unusual detailed briefing to flight officer (FO), which raises doubts that the crew was already familiar with the unreliable windshield but had failed to raise the issue. Landing in heavy rain with a faulty wiper was not an ideal approach and should have been avoided or delayed, the experts believe. Compromise on safety The pilots and the crew members were seasoned experts who were aware of the Indian monsoon. Even then, the PIC continued for second approach of the Kozhikode runway without assessing the risk involved, the report claims. The FO, too, ignored the violation of the SOP. In addition to this, the Pilot Monitoring failed to make the mandatory announcement for the cabin crew to be seated during the first approach to the Kozhikode runway, which results in another omission of SOP and puts the lives of cabin crew in danger. The pilot, experts believe, should have assessed the risk involved due to the Indian monsoon and decided to not to divert even after the 'missed approach'. This decision was taken by the pilots even though alternate airfields were available and the aircraft had enough fuel to redirect. Unprescribed medicines, cognitive deficits The report has also hinted that there might be a possibility that the PIC was taking some unprescribed medicines that may have "caused subtle cognitive deficits". Experts said the PIC was taking anti-diabetic drugs which were not prescribed to him by any doctor and those may have caused mild hypoglycaemia. This "probably contributed to errors in complex decision making as well as susceptibility to perceptual errors. The possibility of visual illusions causing errors in distance and depth perception cannot be ruled out due to degraded visual cues of orientation due to low visibility and sub optimal performance of the PIC's windshield wiper in rain," the report claims. Human errors and system failures have contributed to the crash of the aircraft, as per experts. "These usually occur due to prevailing safety culture that give rise to errors, mistakes and violation of routine tasks performed by people operating within the system," the report says.

Calicut: Air India Express crashed because of 'human error' of pilots, report claims

India saw a single-day rise of 28,591 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-34973-new-covid-19-cases-260-fatalities-in-single-day-412017">coronavirus </a>infections, taking the overall tally to 3,32,36,921, even as active cases declined by nearly 6,600 in a day to stand at 3,84,921, according to Union Health Ministry.

The death toll climbed to 4,42,655 with 338 daily fatalities reported on Sunday.

The number of active cases declined by 6,595 in a span of 24 hours to stand at 3,84,921&nbsp;constituting 1.16 per cent of the total infections&nbsp;while the COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.51 per cent, the health ministry said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-indian-states-administering-covid-19-vaccines-at-faster-pace-than-foreign-nations-412155">Also Read:&nbsp;Five Indian states administering COVID-19 vaccines at faster pace than foreign nations</a>

Also, 15,30,125 tests were conducted on Saturday, taking the cumulative number of tests conducted so far for the detection of COVID-19 in the country to 54,18,05,829.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.87 per cent. It has been less than 3 per cent for the past 13 days. The Weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.17 per cent. It has been below 3 per cent for the past 79 days, according to the health ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,24,09,345, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.33 per cent.

On Friday, India logged 34,973 new coronavirus infections with the death toll climibing to 4,42,009 with 260 fresh fatalities. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.96 per cent.

The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.31 per cent.&nbsp;

India saw a single-day rise of 28,591 coronavirus infections, taking the overall tally to 3,32,36,921, even as active cases declined by nearly 6,600 in a day to stand at 3,84,921, according to Union Health Ministry.

India saw a single-day rise of 28,591 coronavirus infections, taking the overall tally to 3,32,36,921, even as active cases declined by nearly 6,600 in a day to stand at 3,84,921, according to Union Health Ministry. The death toll climbed to 4,42,655 with 338 daily fatalities reported on Sunday. The number of active cases declined by 6,595 in a span of 24 hours to stand at 3,84,921 constituting 1.16 per cent of the total infections while the COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.51 per cent, the health ministry said. Also Read: Five Indian states administering COVID-19 vaccines at faster pace than foreign nations Also, 15,30,125 tests were conducted on Saturday, taking the cumulative number of tests conducted so far for the detection of COVID-19 in the country to 54,18,05,829. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.87 per cent. It has been less than 3 per cent for the past 13 days. The Weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.17 per cent. It has been below 3 per cent for the past 79 days, according to the health ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,24,09,345, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.33 per cent. On Friday, India logged 34,973 new coronavirus infections with the death toll climibing to 4,42,009 with 260 fresh fatalities. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.96 per cent. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.31 per cent.

India records over 28,500 coronavirus cases; active cases decline

India and Australia on Saturday began a high-level foreign and defence ministerial dialogue aimed at further ramping up their overall defence and strategic cooperation including in the Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing military assertiveness in the region.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the inaugural 'two-plus-two' talks here with their Australian counterparts Marise Payne and Peter Dutton.

The in-person talks are taking place at a time the global focus has been on the situation in Afghanistan and the issue is likely to figure in the deliberations.

While Singh held wide-ranging discussions with Australian defence minister Dutton on Friday, Jaishankar met foreign minister Payne ahead of the 'two-plus-two' dialogue. 
In their talks, the two defence ministers discussed the fragile security situation in Afghanistan and their "common concerns" relating to the possible spread of terrorism from the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

The foreign and defence ministerial talks are taking place amid renewed efforts by the Quad member countries to expand cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Besides India and Australia, the Quad comprises the US and Japan.

In an address at an event organised by the Observer Research Organisation, Payne on Friday said the Quad has evolved "swiftly" and very "effectively" and commended India for taking a strong leadership role in the region.

Talking about "significant challenges" facing the Indo-Pacific, the Australian foreign minister said Canberra seeks a region where rights of large and small countries are respected and that no "single dominant power" dictates the outcome for others.

The dialogue between the foreign and defence ministers was instituted as part of an overall goal to expand strategic cooperation between the two countries. 
India has such a framework for talks with a very few countries including the US and Japan.

The defence and military cooperation between India and Australia is on an upswing in the last few years.

In June last year, India and Australia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support during an online summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.

The Australian Navy was part of the recent Malabar naval exercise that also featured navies of India, the US and Japan.&nbsp;

India and Australia on Saturday began a high-level foreign and defence ministerial dialogue aimed at further ramping up their overall defence and strategic cooperation including in the Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing military assertiveness in the region.

India and Australia on Saturday began a high-level foreign and defence ministerial dialogue aimed at further ramping up their overall defence and strategic cooperation including in the Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing military assertiveness in the region. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the inaugural 'two-plus-two' talks here with their Australian counterparts Marise Payne and Peter Dutton. The in-person talks are taking place at a time the global focus has been on the situation in Afghanistan and the issue is likely to figure in the deliberations. While Singh held wide-ranging discussions with Australian defence minister Dutton on Friday, Jaishankar met foreign minister Payne ahead of the 'two-plus-two' dialogue. In their talks, the two defence ministers discussed the fragile security situation in Afghanistan and their "common concerns" relating to the possible spread of terrorism from the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The foreign and defence ministerial talks are taking place amid renewed efforts by the Quad member countries to expand cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Besides India and Australia, the Quad comprises the US and Japan. In an address at an event organised by the Observer Research Organisation, Payne on Friday said the Quad has evolved "swiftly" and very "effectively" and commended India for taking a strong leadership role in the region. Talking about "significant challenges" facing the Indo-Pacific, the Australian foreign minister said Canberra seeks a region where rights of large and small countries are respected and that no "single dominant power" dictates the outcome for others. The dialogue between the foreign and defence ministers was instituted as part of an overall goal to expand strategic cooperation between the two countries. India has such a framework for talks with a very few countries including the US and Japan. The defence and military cooperation between India and Australia is on an upswing in the last few years. In June last year, India and Australia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support during an online summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison. The Australian Navy was part of the recent Malabar naval exercise that also featured navies of India, the US and Japan.

India, Australia hold inaugural '2+2' talks

After holding the inaugural India-Australia two-plus-two dialogue, Aussie Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, said India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). &nbsp;

The MEA spokesperson said, our leaders’ guidance and commitment to the India-Australia relations has lent significant momentum to our ties.

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Call on PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> by Australian FM <a href="https://twitter.com/MarisePayne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarisePayne</a> and Defence Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterDutton_MP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PeterDutton_MP</a>. 
 
Our Leaders’ guidance and commitment to the 🇮🇳 🇦🇺 relations has lent significant momentum to our ties. <a href="https://t.co/NAeXWHacB4">pic.twitter.com/NAeXWHacB4</a>
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“Call on PM @narendramodi by Australian FM @MarisePayne and Defence Minister @PeterDutton_MP. Our leaders’ guidance and commitment to the India-Australia relations has lent significant momentum to our ties,” said Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson, MEA, India.

Watch:&nbsp;India-Australia 2+2 dialogue underway, focus on expanding strategic ties &nbsp;

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At the dialogue, the foreign and defence ministers of the two countries vowed to work towards a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The region has been witnessing increasing Chinese assertiveness. &nbsp;

As the dialogue coincided with the 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks, both sides strongly called for combating terrorism without any compromise. &nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajath Singh held extensive talks with their Australian counterparts. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-and-australia-share-an-important-partnership-says-rajnath-singh-412340" hreflang="en">India and Australia share an important partnership, says Rajnath Singh</a>

The two countries also held a detailed discussion on the situation in the war-torn country. On Saturday, India and Australia asserted that Afghanistan must not allow its soil to be used in any manner for terrorism and it should never again become a safe haven for "breeding and training" of terrorists. &nbsp;

In the talks, the leaders of both sides also deliberated on the situation in the Indo-Pacific, South China Sea, ways to further deepen bilateral defence and trade cooperation and to effectively deal with the challenges of coronavirus pandemic. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After holding the inaugural India-Australia two-plus-two dialogue, Aussie Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, said India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

After holding the inaugural India-Australia two-plus-two dialogue, Aussie Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, said India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The MEA spokesperson said, our leaders’ guidance and commitment to the India-Australia relations has lent significant momentum to our ties. Call on PM @narendramodi by Australian FM @MarisePayne and Defence Minister @PeterDutton_MP. Our Leaders’ guidance and commitment to the 🇮🇳 🇦🇺 relations has lent significant momentum to our ties. pic.twitter.com/NAeXWHacB4 — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) September 11, 2021 × “Call on PM @narendramodi by Australian FM @MarisePayne and Defence Minister @PeterDutton_MP. Our leaders’ guidance and commitment to the India-Australia relations has lent significant momentum to our ties,” said Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson, MEA, India. Watch: India-Australia 2+2 dialogue underway, focus on expanding strategic ties × At the dialogue, the foreign and defence ministers of the two countries vowed to work towards a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The region has been witnessing increasing Chinese assertiveness. As the dialogue coincided with the 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks, both sides strongly called for combating terrorism without any compromise. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajath Singh held extensive talks with their Australian counterparts. Also Read: India and Australia share an important partnership, says Rajnath Singh The two countries also held a detailed discussion on the situation in the war-torn country. On Saturday, India and Australia asserted that Afghanistan must not allow its soil to be used in any manner for terrorism and it should never again become a safe haven for "breeding and training" of terrorists. In the talks, the leaders of both sides also deliberated on the situation in the Indo-Pacific, South China Sea, ways to further deepen bilateral defence and trade cooperation and to effectively deal with the challenges of coronavirus pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

After 2+2 dialogue, Australian ministers call on Indian PM Modi

America's Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry would travel to India next week, during which the two countries would launch the Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue, the State Department has said.

As part of America's efforts to engage with international counterparts on actions to address the climate crisis, the State Department said Kerry will meet with Indian counterparts and private sector leaders to discuss efforts to raise global climate ambition and speed up India's clean energy transition.

"During his visit, the United States and India will launch the Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue (CAFMD), one of the two main tracks of the US-India Agenda 2030 Partnership that

President (Joe) Biden and Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi announced at the Leaders Summit on Climate in April 2021,? the State Department said on Friday.

Kerry will bolster the US' bilateral and multilateral climate efforts ahead of the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will be held from October 31 to November 12, 2021, in Glasgow, United Kingdom, the media release said.&nbsp;

America's Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry would travel to India next week, during which the two countries would launch the Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue, the State Department has said.

America's Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry would travel to India next week, during which the two countries would launch the Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue, the State Department has said. As part of America's efforts to engage with international counterparts on actions to address the climate crisis, the State Department said Kerry will meet with Indian counterparts and private sector leaders to discuss efforts to raise global climate ambition and speed up India's clean energy transition. "During his visit, the United States and India will launch the Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue (CAFMD), one of the two main tracks of the US-India Agenda 2030 Partnership that President (Joe) Biden and Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi announced at the Leaders Summit on Climate in April 2021,? the State Department said on Friday. Kerry will bolster the US' bilateral and multilateral climate efforts ahead of the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will be held from October 31 to November 12, 2021, in Glasgow, United Kingdom, the media release said.

India and US to launch Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue

Leaders from India and Australia are holding a key meeting in New Delhi. The 2+2 meeting is being held by defence and foreign ministers of both the countries. The focus primarily is laid on Indo-Pacific, maritime security and Afghanistan crisis as well.

India-Australia 2+2 dialogue underway, focus on expanding strategic ties

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