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COVAXIN - The vaccine developed by India’s Bharat Biotech along with the National Institute of Virology is likely to&nbsp;work against the&nbsp;UK variant of the virus, a study claims.

The company shared a study on 26 participants which posited that it offers protection from the UK strain of coronavirus. COVAXIN is being used across India after receiving emergency-use authorisation earlier in January.

"Sera from the vaccine recipients could neutralise the UK-variant strains discounting the uncertainty around potential escape," scientists from the company wrote.

Bharat Biotech is collaborating with Indian Council of Medical Research’s NIV.

"It is unlikely that the mutation 501Y would be able to dampen the potential benefits of the vaccine in concern”, scientists wrote.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/covaxin-consent-form-assures-compensation-in-case-of-adverse-effects-357197" hreflang="en">Covaxin consent form assures compensation in case of adverse effects</a>

Earlier, US company Pfizer, along with its German partner BioNTech said that its vaccine is also likely to protect against the UK Strain.

The UK variant has spread across the world now, with 150 cases in India. UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson had recently claimed that the new variant is not only more transmissible, but also more fatal.

India’s drug regulator claims that COVAXIN can act against the whole body of a virus, instead of its spike-protein tip, making it more effective against mutations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/covaxin-will-protect-against-new-variants-of-coronavirus-indian-health-minister-harsh-vardhan-354381" hreflang="en">Covaxin will protect against new variants of coronavirus: Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan</a>

India began its vaccination drive on Jan 16, and has so far inoculated 2 million people, especially frontline workers including nurses and doctors. India has reported the most number of coronavirus cases in the world after the United States. The country has also approved the jab developed by Oxford University-AstraZeneca.

COVAXIN - The vaccine developed by India’s Bharat Biotech along with the National Institute of Virology is likely to work against the UK variant of the virus, a study claims.

COVAXIN - The vaccine developed by India’s Bharat Biotech along with the National Institute of Virology is likely to work against the UK variant of the virus, a study claims. The company shared a study on 26 participants which posited that it offers protection from the UK strain of coronavirus. COVAXIN is being used across India after receiving emergency-use authorisation earlier in January. "Sera from the vaccine recipients could neutralise the UK-variant strains discounting the uncertainty around potential escape," scientists from the company wrote. Bharat Biotech is collaborating with Indian Council of Medical Research’s NIV. "It is unlikely that the mutation 501Y would be able to dampen the potential benefits of the vaccine in concern”, scientists wrote. Also read: Covaxin consent form assures compensation in case of adverse effects Earlier, US company Pfizer, along with its German partner BioNTech said that its vaccine is also likely to protect against the UK Strain. The UK variant has spread across the world now, with 150 cases in India. UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson had recently claimed that the new variant is not only more transmissible, but also more fatal. India’s drug regulator claims that COVAXIN can act against the whole body of a virus, instead of its spike-protein tip, making it more effective against mutations. Also read: Covaxin will protect against new variants of coronavirus: Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan India began its vaccination drive on Jan 16, and has so far inoculated 2 million people, especially frontline workers including nurses and doctors. India has reported the most number of coronavirus cases in the world after the United States. The country has also approved the jab developed by Oxford University-AstraZeneca.

India's COVAXIN offers protection against UK variant of coronavirus: Study

The daily coronavirus recovered cases in India have been continuing to outnumber daily new cases since the last 20 days, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said here on Wednesday.

Total cumulative recoveries stand at 1,03,59,305 today with 12,689 patients recovered and discharged in the last 24 hours and the national recovery rate has further grown to 96.91 per cent.India`s total active caseload stands at 1,76,498 today and present active caseload now composes just 1.65 per cent of India`s total positive cases."India has one of the lowest daily new cases per million population (69) in the last 7 days," it said.

The ministry said these sustained encouraging results have been made possible with the Centre-led proactive and calibrated strategy of Test Track Treat Technology."Early identification through high and aggressive testing, prompt surveillance and tracking, supervised home isolation combined with high-quality medical care through Standard of Care protocol issued by the Centre have aided the sustained high number of recoveries," the MoHFW said.

The ministry further said there has been continued focus of the Union and State/UT governments on improved and effective clinical treatment in hospitals, supervised home isolation, use of non-invasive oxygen support, use of steroids, anticoagulants, and improved services of the ambulances for ferrying patients for prompt and timely treatment.

The Union Government has supported the State/UT governments with a sufficient quantity of ventilators, PPE kits and drugs. Tireless efforts of ASHA workers have ensured effective surveillance and tracking progress of the patients in supervised home isolation.

"The `eSanjeevani` digital platform has enabled telemedicine services, which have been successful in containing the spread of COVID while simultaneously enabling provisions for non-COVID essential healthcare. The Centre has also focussed on building the clinical management capacities of the doctors manning the ICUs," it added.

The `National e-ICU on COVID-19 Management` exercise conducted by domain experts from AIIMS, New Delhi has substantially helped in this.

According to the Health Ministry, as on January 27, 2021, till 8 am, more than 20 lakh (20,29,480) beneficiaries have received the vaccination under the countrywide COVID-19 vaccination exercise.In the last 24 hours, 5,671 people were vaccinated across 194 sessions.

A total of 36,572 sessions have been conducted so far.Around 84.52 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in nine states/UTs.Kerala has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries with 5,290 newly recovered cases. 2,106 people recovered in Maharashtra in the past 24 hours followed by 738 in Karnataka.Around 84.73 per cent of the new cases are from seven states and UTs.

Kerala continues to report the highest daily new cases at 6,293. It is followed by Maharashtra with 2,405, while Karnataka reported 529 new cases.Seven states/UTs account for 83.94 per cent of the new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (47). Kerala follows with 19 daily deaths and Chhattisgarh with 14.India has reported only one death per million population in the last seven days, it added.

The daily coronavirus recovered cases in India have been continuing to outnumber daily new cases since the last 20 days, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said here on Wednesday.

The daily coronavirus recovered cases in India have been continuing to outnumber daily new cases since the last 20 days, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said here on Wednesday. Total cumulative recoveries stand at 1,03,59,305 today with 12,689 patients recovered and discharged in the last 24 hours and the national recovery rate has further grown to 96.91 per cent.India`s total active caseload stands at 1,76,498 today and present active caseload now composes just 1.65 per cent of India`s total positive cases."India has one of the lowest daily new cases per million population (69) in the last 7 days," it said. The ministry said these sustained encouraging results have been made possible with the Centre-led proactive and calibrated strategy of Test Track Treat Technology."Early identification through high and aggressive testing, prompt surveillance and tracking, supervised home isolation combined with high-quality medical care through Standard of Care protocol issued by the Centre have aided the sustained high number of recoveries," the MoHFW said. The ministry further said there has been continued focus of the Union and State/UT governments on improved and effective clinical treatment in hospitals, supervised home isolation, use of non-invasive oxygen support, use of steroids, anticoagulants, and improved services of the ambulances for ferrying patients for prompt and timely treatment. The Union Government has supported the State/UT governments with a sufficient quantity of ventilators, PPE kits and drugs. Tireless efforts of ASHA workers have ensured effective surveillance and tracking progress of the patients in supervised home isolation. "The `eSanjeevani` digital platform has enabled telemedicine services, which have been successful in containing the spread of COVID while simultaneously enabling provisions for non-COVID essential healthcare. The Centre has also focussed on building the clinical management capacities of the doctors manning the ICUs," it added. The `National e-ICU on COVID-19 Management` exercise conducted by domain experts from AIIMS, New Delhi has substantially helped in this. According to the Health Ministry, as on January 27, 2021, till 8 am, more than 20 lakh (20,29,480) beneficiaries have received the vaccination under the countrywide COVID-19 vaccination exercise.In the last 24 hours, 5,671 people were vaccinated across 194 sessions. A total of 36,572 sessions have been conducted so far.Around 84.52 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in nine states/UTs.Kerala has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries with 5,290 newly recovered cases. 2,106 people recovered in Maharashtra in the past 24 hours followed by 738 in Karnataka.Around 84.73 per cent of the new cases are from seven states and UTs. Kerala continues to report the highest daily new cases at 6,293. It is followed by Maharashtra with 2,405, while Karnataka reported 529 new cases.Seven states/UTs account for 83.94 per cent of the new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (47). Kerala follows with 19 daily deaths and Chhattisgarh with 14.India has reported only one death per million population in the last seven days, it added.

India's daily COVID-19 recoveries outnumber new cases in last 20 days

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur and senior officials of the finance ministry on Saturday participated in the symbolic 'Halwa Ceremony' that marks the beginning of compilation of budget documents.

Unlike the past, the voluminous budget documents will not be printed this year following the COVID-19 protocol and will instead be distributed electronically to the Members of Parliament (MPs). Previously, the ceremony marked the launch of printing exercise for the budget.

This will be the first time since the presentation of independent India's first budget on November 26, 1947, that the documents containing income and expenditure statement of the Union government along with the finance bill, detailing new taxes and other measures for the new financial year, will not be physically printed.

"In an unprecedented initiative, Union Budget 2021-22 will be delivered in paperless form for the first time. The Union Budget 2021-22 is to be presented on February 1, 2021," the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

On the occasion, the Finance Minister also launched the 'Union Budget Mobile App' for hassle-free access of Budget documents by Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public using the simplest form of digital convenience.

The mobile App facilitates complete access to 14 Union Budget documents, including the Annual Financial Statement (commonly known as Budget), Demand for Grants (DG), Finance Bill etc. As prescribed by the Constitution, it said.

Finance Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey, Economic Affairs Secretary Tarun Bajaj, Financial Services Secretary Debasish Panda, DIPAM Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Expenditure Secretary T V Somanathan and Chief Economic Adviser K V Subramanian and other senior involved in the Budget preparation and compilation process, were also present in the customary pre-Budget event.

"Later, the finance minister reviewed the status of the compilation of the Union Budget 2021-22 and extended her best wishes to the officials concerned," it said.

The statement further said that the App has a user-friendly interface with embedded features of downloading, printing, search, zoom in and out, bidirectional scrolling, table of contents and external links, etc.

The App can also be downloaded from the Union Budget Web Portal (www.Indiabudget.Gov.In), it said, adding, the App has been developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) under the guidance of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA).

The Budget documents will be available on the Mobile App after the completion of the Budget Speech by the Finance Minister in Parliament on February 1.

As part of the ritual, ''halwa'' is prepared in a big ''kadhai'' (large frying pot) and served to the entire staff involved in the Budget making the exercise of the ministry.

Halwa was served while maintaining COVID protocol with all present in mask and those distributing sweets were wearing gloves.

The significance of the event is that after the sweet dish is served, a large number of officials and support staff, who are directly associated with the Budget making are required to stay in the ministry and remain cut off from their families till the presentation of the Budget in the Lok Sabha.

They are not even allowed to contact their near and dear ones through phone or any other form of communication, like e-mail.

This will be the first time since independence that physical copies of Budget documents will not be shared with MPs to avoid the risk of COVID-19 infection, the sources said, adding all MPs will get soft copies of the Budget and Economic Survey.

The familiar sight of trucks loaded with budget papers in Parliament on the budget day and scanning of these by the security guard will also be given a miss.

The Budget for FY22 will come against the backdrop of an economic contraction of 7.7 per cent, the first time in the history of independent India. So, all stakeholders have great expectations from the upcoming Budget, which could provide a healing touch to the pandemic-battered economy and push growth.

Even Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last month promised a 'never before' like Union Budget to the people of India.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur and senior officials of the finance ministry on Saturday participated in the symbolic 'Halwa Ceremony' that marks the beginning of compilation of budget documents.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur and senior officials of the finance ministry on Saturday participated in the symbolic 'Halwa Ceremony' that marks the beginning of compilation of budget documents. Unlike the past, the voluminous budget documents will not be printed this year following the COVID-19 protocol and will instead be distributed electronically to the Members of Parliament (MPs). Previously, the ceremony marked the launch of printing exercise for the budget. This will be the first time since the presentation of independent India's first budget on November 26, 1947, that the documents containing income and expenditure statement of the Union government along with the finance bill, detailing new taxes and other measures for the new financial year, will not be physically printed. "In an unprecedented initiative, Union Budget 2021-22 will be delivered in paperless form for the first time. The Union Budget 2021-22 is to be presented on February 1, 2021," the Finance Ministry said in a statement. On the occasion, the Finance Minister also launched the 'Union Budget Mobile App' for hassle-free access of Budget documents by Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public using the simplest form of digital convenience. The mobile App facilitates complete access to 14 Union Budget documents, including the Annual Financial Statement (commonly known as Budget), Demand for Grants (DG), Finance Bill etc. As prescribed by the Constitution, it said. Finance Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey, Economic Affairs Secretary Tarun Bajaj, Financial Services Secretary Debasish Panda, DIPAM Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Expenditure Secretary T V Somanathan and Chief Economic Adviser K V Subramanian and other senior involved in the Budget preparation and compilation process, were also present in the customary pre-Budget event. "Later, the finance minister reviewed the status of the compilation of the Union Budget 2021-22 and extended her best wishes to the officials concerned," it said. The statement further said that the App has a user-friendly interface with embedded features of downloading, printing, search, zoom in and out, bidirectional scrolling, table of contents and external links, etc. The App can also be downloaded from the Union Budget Web Portal (www.Indiabudget.Gov.In), it said, adding, the App has been developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) under the guidance of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA). The Budget documents will be available on the Mobile App after the completion of the Budget Speech by the Finance Minister in Parliament on February 1. As part of the ritual, ''halwa'' is prepared in a big ''kadhai'' (large frying pot) and served to the entire staff involved in the Budget making the exercise of the ministry. Halwa was served while maintaining COVID protocol with all present in mask and those distributing sweets were wearing gloves. The significance of the event is that after the sweet dish is served, a large number of officials and support staff, who are directly associated with the Budget making are required to stay in the ministry and remain cut off from their families till the presentation of the Budget in the Lok Sabha. They are not even allowed to contact their near and dear ones through phone or any other form of communication, like e-mail. This will be the first time since independence that physical copies of Budget documents will not be shared with MPs to avoid the risk of COVID-19 infection, the sources said, adding all MPs will get soft copies of the Budget and Economic Survey. The familiar sight of trucks loaded with budget papers in Parliament on the budget day and scanning of these by the security guard will also be given a miss. The Budget for FY22 will come against the backdrop of an economic contraction of 7.7 per cent, the first time in the history of independent India. So, all stakeholders have great expectations from the upcoming Budget, which could provide a healing touch to the pandemic-battered economy and push growth. Even Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last month promised a 'never before' like Union Budget to the people of India.

Union Budget 2021: Customary 'Halwa Ceremony' kickstarts process of compilation of documents

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2021-goes-paperless-hard-copies-not-to-be-printed-for-first-time-in-history-356417">Budget</a> session of Parliament will begin on January 29 with all COVID-related protocols including the shift system will be followed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2021-government-needs-credible-sources-for-additional-revenue-to-boost-economy-356849">Also Read: Government needs credible sources for additional revenue to boost economy</a>

The Budget session will on January 29. President Ram Nath Kovind will address the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament. The session will conclude on April 8. Both Houses will adjourn on February 15 and meet again on March 8.

The Budget will be presented by the government on February 1. The Economic Survey would be tabled in the Lok Sabha on January 29 after the President's address, according to reports.

India's lower House the Lok Sabha and upper House the Rajya Sabha will operate in shifts with the Rajya Sabha meeting in the forenoon and Lok Sabha in the evening between 4 pm and 9 pm, according to COVID-19 protocol. The Lok Sabha will sit for five hours during the Budget session.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2021-government-mulls-covid-cess-to-boost-revenue-356420">Also Read: Union Budget 2021- Government mulls COVID cess to boost revenue</a>

Question Hour will take place during the Budget session. &nbsp;

According to Lok Sabha secretariat, private members' business which usually takes place on Friday afternoons will also take place. The House members will be allowed to introduce their own bills which will be debated by the House.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had said earlier that the government will issue guidelines about the vaccination of parliamentarians before the start of the session.

Parliament members will need to compulsorily wear masks and maintain social distancing norms with everyone likely to undergo RT-PCR tests for coronavirus.

The Parliament officials will also undertake sanitisation of cars and other vehicles entering Parliament including various files.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Budget session of Parliament will begin on January 29 with all COVID-related protocols including the shift system will be followed.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Budget session of Parliament will begin on January 29 with all COVID-related protocols including the shift system will be followed. Also Read: Government needs credible sources for additional revenue to boost economy The Budget session will on January 29. President Ram Nath Kovind will address the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament. The session will conclude on April 8. Both Houses will adjourn on February 15 and meet again on March 8. The Budget will be presented by the government on February 1. The Economic Survey would be tabled in the Lok Sabha on January 29 after the President's address, according to reports. India's lower House the Lok Sabha and upper House the Rajya Sabha will operate in shifts with the Rajya Sabha meeting in the forenoon and Lok Sabha in the evening between 4 pm and 9 pm, according to COVID-19 protocol. The Lok Sabha will sit for five hours during the Budget session. Also Read: Union Budget 2021- Government mulls COVID cess to boost revenue Question Hour will take place during the Budget session. According to Lok Sabha secretariat, private members' business which usually takes place on Friday afternoons will also take place. The House members will be allowed to introduce their own bills which will be debated by the House. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had said earlier that the government will issue guidelines about the vaccination of parliamentarians before the start of the session. Parliament members will need to compulsorily wear masks and maintain social distancing norms with everyone likely to undergo RT-PCR tests for coronavirus. The Parliament officials will also undertake sanitisation of cars and other vehicles entering Parliament including various files.

Budget session of Parliament: Key dates, Covid-19 protocol & more

For weeks, farmers' unions have been protesting in and outside the nation’s capital, demanding the withdrawal of recently passed legislation they say, without evidence, was designed to benefit corporates.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-run-riot-in-delhi-on-republic-day-359493">Also read | Farmers run riot in Delhi on Republic Day</a> 
 
There have been multiple rounds of talks with the government but the stalemate continues.

A faction of farmers believe that these bills will severely impoverish them but the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has a different point of view.

IMF's Chief Economist Gita Gopinath has said that India's recently-enacted agriculture laws have the potential to increase farmers' income.

"Indian agriculture is in need of reforms. There are multiple areas where the reforms are needed, including infrastructure," the Chief Economist of the Washington-based global financial institution said on Tuesday.

The three agri laws, enacted in September last year, have been projected by the Indian government as major reforms in the agriculture sector that will remove middlemen and allow farmers to sell their products anywhere in the country.

Gopinath, in response to a question on the new farm laws, said: "These particular farm laws were in the area of marketing. It was widening the market for farmers. Being able to sell to multiple outlets besides the Mandis without having to pay a tax. And this had the potential to raise, in our view, farmers' incomes."

"That said, every time reform is put in place, there are transition costs. One has to make sure and pay close attention that it's not harming vulnerable farmers, to make sure that the social safety net is provided. Clearly, there is a discussion right now and we'll see what comes out if it," she said.

Thousands of farmers in India, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at several Delhi border points since November 28 last year, demanding a repeal of the farm laws and a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops.

So far, 11 rounds of talks have taken place between the government and farmer leaders with both sides hardening their positions.

In the last round of talks, the government offered to suspend the laws for 1-1.5 years and form a joint committee to find solutions, in return for protesting farmers going back to their respective homes from Delhi borders.

However, farmer leaders said that they would settle for nothing less than a complete repeal of the laws, which they find pro-corporate, and a legal guarantee for the procurement of crops at government-fixed MSP.

The Samkyukt Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of 41 farmer unions, is leading the protest against the three central farm laws at several border points of Delhi.

Tuesday's tractor parade in New Delhi, which was to highlight the demands of the farmer unions to repeal three new Agri laws, dissolved into anarchy on the streets of the city as tens of thousands of protesters broke through barriers, fought with police, overturned vehicles and hoisted a religious flag from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort.

The Kisan Morcha has disassociated itself from those who indulged in violence during the tractor parade and alleged that some "antisocial elements" infiltrated their otherwise peaceful movement.

(With inputs from agencies)

For weeks, farmers' unions have been protesting in and outside the nation’s capital, demanding the withdrawal of recently passed legislation they say, without evidence, was designed to benefit corporates.

For weeks, farmers' unions have been protesting in and outside the nation’s capital, demanding the withdrawal of recently passed legislation they say, without evidence, was designed to benefit corporates. Also read | Farmers run riot in Delhi on Republic Day There have been multiple rounds of talks with the government but the stalemate continues. A faction of farmers believe that these bills will severely impoverish them but the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has a different point of view. IMF's Chief Economist Gita Gopinath has said that India's recently-enacted agriculture laws have the potential to increase farmers' income. "Indian agriculture is in need of reforms. There are multiple areas where the reforms are needed, including infrastructure," the Chief Economist of the Washington-based global financial institution said on Tuesday. The three agri laws, enacted in September last year, have been projected by the Indian government as major reforms in the agriculture sector that will remove middlemen and allow farmers to sell their products anywhere in the country. Gopinath, in response to a question on the new farm laws, said: "These particular farm laws were in the area of marketing. It was widening the market for farmers. Being able to sell to multiple outlets besides the Mandis without having to pay a tax. And this had the potential to raise, in our view, farmers' incomes." "That said, every time reform is put in place, there are transition costs. One has to make sure and pay close attention that it's not harming vulnerable farmers, to make sure that the social safety net is provided. Clearly, there is a discussion right now and we'll see what comes out if it," she said. Thousands of farmers in India, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at several Delhi border points since November 28 last year, demanding a repeal of the farm laws and a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops. So far, 11 rounds of talks have taken place between the government and farmer leaders with both sides hardening their positions. In the last round of talks, the government offered to suspend the laws for 1-1.5 years and form a joint committee to find solutions, in return for protesting farmers going back to their respective homes from Delhi borders. However, farmer leaders said that they would settle for nothing less than a complete repeal of the laws, which they find pro-corporate, and a legal guarantee for the procurement of crops at government-fixed MSP. The Samkyukt Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of 41 farmer unions, is leading the protest against the three central farm laws at several border points of Delhi. Tuesday's tractor parade in New Delhi, which was to highlight the demands of the farmer unions to repeal three new Agri laws, dissolved into anarchy on the streets of the city as tens of thousands of protesters broke through barriers, fought with police, overturned vehicles and hoisted a religious flag from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort. The Kisan Morcha has disassociated itself from those who indulged in violence during the tractor parade and alleged that some "antisocial elements" infiltrated their otherwise peaceful movement. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s new agriculture laws have potential to raise farm income: IMF's Gita Gopinath

Weeks after actor Rajinikanth firmly reinforced his intention to stay out of electoral politics, his close aide has now come out with a statement, saying that Rajini’s political vision can be fulfilled. “Soon, I will be before you as a changemaker, ready to serve” the letter from R. Arjunamoorthy, who was designated as the Chief Coordinator of Rajini’s impending political party cryptically states.&nbsp;

Arjunamaoorthy adds that he wished to not use the picture of the actor, as the Superstar was now fulfilling his professional commitments as a filmstar. “I touch the feet and seek the blessings of Rajini who introduced me to the masses and embark on this journey to bring change, with the hope that I will bring significant change,” he says.&nbsp;

This announcement seems interesting, as it comes from someone who is seen among the close confidantes of the actor. It is notable that Rajini had made it clear to all fans and followers that he is firm on his decision, owing to health and that “No means no” regarding his political foray.&nbsp;

Shortly after Rajini had made the announcement to not foray into politics, his close advisor Tamilaruvi Manian too had stated that he would be quitting politics once and for all.&nbsp;

Recently, an announcement from Actor Rajinikanth’s unified fan club has said that their members are free to join other political parties if they wished. It added that they could join any party of their choice, after submitting their resignation to the Rajini Makkal Mandram.&nbsp;

“Under any circumstance, Rajini will be my leader. I am a Rajini fan and I take pride in it. Owing to that concern, we will never bring disrepute to his name. With the blessings of Rajinikanth, we will fulfil his wishes” the letter mentions.&nbsp;

Arjunamoorthy was associated with the BJP intellectual wing prior to joining hands with actor Rajinikanth, hence it remains to be seen whether he is hinting at a return to the BJP or whether he would be announcing a new party or outfit along with fellow Rajini fans.&nbsp;

This announcement can also be seen in the context of what Thuglak Editor S.Gurumurthy had told Zee media earlier. Gurmurthy shared his opinion that Rajini would influence public affairs without having to formally enter electoral politics.&nbsp;

“Rajini’s stature is different and his words can bring about change. I believe that he can create an impact in politics without formally stepping in. That’s what Rajini has indicated in the penultimate para of his statement (in Tamil) - ‘Without getting into electoral politics, I will serve the people of Tamil Nadu in ways that I can’. This service is not referring to charity, this is going to be political in nature” Gurumurthy had told Zee Media in an exclusive conversation.

Weeks after actor Rajinikanth firmly reinforced his intention to stay out of electoral politics, his close aide has now come out with a statement, saying that Rajini’s political vision can be fulfilled.

Weeks after actor Rajinikanth firmly reinforced his intention to stay out of electoral politics, his close aide has now come out with a statement, saying that Rajini’s political vision can be fulfilled. “Soon, I will be before you as a changemaker, ready to serve” the letter from R. Arjunamoorthy, who was designated as the Chief Coordinator of Rajini’s impending political party cryptically states. Arjunamaoorthy adds that he wished to not use the picture of the actor, as the Superstar was now fulfilling his professional commitments as a filmstar. “I touch the feet and seek the blessings of Rajini who introduced me to the masses and embark on this journey to bring change, with the hope that I will bring significant change,” he says. This announcement seems interesting, as it comes from someone who is seen among the close confidantes of the actor. It is notable that Rajini had made it clear to all fans and followers that he is firm on his decision, owing to health and that “No means no” regarding his political foray. Shortly after Rajini had made the announcement to not foray into politics, his close advisor Tamilaruvi Manian too had stated that he would be quitting politics once and for all. Recently, an announcement from Actor Rajinikanth’s unified fan club has said that their members are free to join other political parties if they wished. It added that they could join any party of their choice, after submitting their resignation to the Rajini Makkal Mandram. “Under any circumstance, Rajini will be my leader. I am a Rajini fan and I take pride in it. Owing to that concern, we will never bring disrepute to his name. With the blessings of Rajinikanth, we will fulfil his wishes” the letter mentions. Arjunamoorthy was associated with the BJP intellectual wing prior to joining hands with actor Rajinikanth, hence it remains to be seen whether he is hinting at a return to the BJP or whether he would be announcing a new party or outfit along with fellow Rajini fans. This announcement can also be seen in the context of what Thuglak Editor S.Gurumurthy had told Zee media earlier. Gurmurthy shared his opinion that Rajini would influence public affairs without having to formally enter electoral politics. “Rajini’s stature is different and his words can bring about change. I believe that he can create an impact in politics without formally stepping in. That’s what Rajini has indicated in the penultimate para of his statement (in Tamil) - ‘Without getting into electoral politics, I will serve the people of Tamil Nadu in ways that I can’. This service is not referring to charity, this is going to be political in nature” Gurumurthy had told Zee Media in an exclusive conversation.

‘With the blessings of Rajinikanth, we’ll fulfil his wishes’ says close aide regarding Rajini’s political vision

Four Indian Army Jawans were injured after terrorists lobbed a grenade on a road opening party (ROP) of the army in South Kashmir's Kulgam district on Wednesday morning, officials said.

Army said the attack took place when troops were doing a sanitisation drill in the general area of Shamsipura at Khanabal in Kulgam.

The terrorist attack took place at 10:15 am.

"Terrorists lobbed a grenade on Army`s Road Opening Party during the sanitisation drill at 1015 hours today in general area Shamshipura, Khanabal, Kulgam. Four soldiers sustained splinter injuries. Provided first aid and have been evacuated to 92 Base Hospital," the army said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Four Indian Army Jawans were injured after terrorists lobbed a grenade on a road opening party (ROP) of the army in South Kashmir's Kulgam district on Wednesday morning, officials said.

Four Indian Army Jawans were injured after terrorists lobbed a grenade on a road opening party (ROP) of the army in South Kashmir's Kulgam district on Wednesday morning, officials said. Army said the attack took place when troops were doing a sanitisation drill in the general area of Shamsipura at Khanabal in Kulgam. The terrorist attack took place at 10:15 am. "Terrorists lobbed a grenade on Army`s Road Opening Party during the sanitisation drill at 1015 hours today in general area Shamshipura, Khanabal, Kulgam. Four soldiers sustained splinter injuries. Provided first aid and have been evacuated to 92 Base Hospital," the army said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Four Army jawans injured in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam

China's&nbsp;ByteDance&nbsp;is cutting the size of its India team and is unsure when it will make a comeback, the company told employees in an internal memo on Wednesday, months after its popular TikTok video app was banned.

The move came after India decided to retain its ban on TikTok and 58 other Chinese apps following responses from the companies on issues such as compliance and privacy.

The ban dates from last year when political tension between the neighbours rose over their disputed border.

"We initially hoped that this situation would be short-lived...we find that has not been the case,"&nbsp;ByteDance&nbsp;wrote in the memo to staff in India, seen by Reuters.

"We simply cannot responsibly stay fully staffed while our apps remain un-operational...we don't know when we will make a comeback in India"

In a statement, Tiktok said it was disappointing that despite its efforts it had not received a clear direction on how and when its apps could be re-instated.

"It is deeply regretful that after supporting our 2,000-plus employees in India for more than half a year, we have no choice but to scale back the size of our workforce," it said, but gave no further specifics.

At the time of last year's ban, the Indian government described the apps as "prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India". The move followed a skirmish with Chinese troops at a disputed Himalayan border site that killed 20 Indian troops.

TikTok had committed to spend $1 billion in the region. Before the ban it had become one of the fastest-growing social media apps in India, once its largest market in terms of users.

China's ByteDance is cutting the size of its India team and is unsure when it will make a comeback, the company told employees in an internal memo on Wednesday, months after its popular TikTok video app was banned.

China's ByteDance is cutting the size of its India team and is unsure when it will make a comeback, the company told employees in an internal memo on Wednesday, months after its popular TikTok video app was banned. The move came after India decided to retain its ban on TikTok and 58 other Chinese apps following responses from the companies on issues such as compliance and privacy. The ban dates from last year when political tension between the neighbours rose over their disputed border. "We initially hoped that this situation would be short-lived...we find that has not been the case," ByteDance wrote in the memo to staff in India, seen by Reuters. "We simply cannot responsibly stay fully staffed while our apps remain un-operational...we don't know when we will make a comeback in India" In a statement, Tiktok said it was disappointing that despite its efforts it had not received a clear direction on how and when its apps could be re-instated. "It is deeply regretful that after supporting our 2,000-plus employees in India for more than half a year, we have no choice but to scale back the size of our workforce," it said, but gave no further specifics. At the time of last year's ban, the Indian government described the apps as "prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India". The move followed a skirmish with Chinese troops at a disputed Himalayan border site that killed 20 Indian troops. TikTok had committed to spend $1 billion in the region. Before the ban it had become one of the fastest-growing social media apps in India, once its largest market in terms of users.

ByteDance says cutting India workforce, unsure of comeback

Twitter has taken strong action against 300 Twitter accounts which&nbsp;may&nbsp;have been used to incite violence in Delhi on January 26. Twitter was also concerned that the visuals of the violent developments in Delhi on Republic Day could be used by many for their own propaganda.

A Twitter spokesperson in response to the WION question said, “We have taken strong enforcement action to protect the conversation on the service from attempts to incite violence, abuse and threats that could trigger the risk of offline harm by blocking certain terms that violate our rules for trends."

Explaining, "Using a combination of technology and human review, Twitter worked at scale and took action on hundreds of accounts and Tweets that have been in violation of the Twitter Rules, suspending more than 300 accounts engaged in spam and platform manipulation."

The statement pointed out, regardless of any political beliefs and background, action has been taken on accounts that have violated the Twitter Rules. "We are monitoring the situation closely and remain vigilant, and strongly encourage those on the service to report anything they believe is in violation of the rules", the statement said.

Twitter also made sure any several hashtags that might have used to spread violence and incite actions are prohibited from appearing in the trends section. The Indian govt has a number of times reached out to Twitter on misinformation being spread through fake and "ghost" Twitter accounts.&nbsp;Twitter has been working with Indian Law Enforcement agencies to ensure a clear way to "report content with valid legal process", and such requests are regularly disclosed in the company's biannual Twitter Transparency Report.

In the past, outlawed groups like Sikh for Justice (SFJ) and its chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu have been active on social media and have been spreading their own "Khalistani" propaganda. Pannun, who has been declared as a terrorist under the UAPA by India had announced $250,000 for anyone who will raise Khalistani flag at the India Gate on Republic day on platforms like Twitter and social media. In an attempt to incite the situation number of fake profiles have been created on Twitter, something that Indian authorities have raised concern many times--privately and publicly.

Twitter has taken strong action against 300 Twitter accounts which may have been used to incite violence in Delhi on January 26. Twitter was also concerned that the visuals of the violent developments in Delhi on Republic Day could be used by many for their own propaganda.

Twitter has taken strong action against 300 Twitter accounts which may have been used to incite violence in Delhi on January 26. Twitter was also concerned that the visuals of the violent developments in Delhi on Republic Day could be used by many for their own propaganda. A Twitter spokesperson in response to the WION question said, “We have taken strong enforcement action to protect the conversation on the service from attempts to incite violence, abuse and threats that could trigger the risk of offline harm by blocking certain terms that violate our rules for trends." Explaining, "Using a combination of technology and human review, Twitter worked at scale and took action on hundreds of accounts and Tweets that have been in violation of the Twitter Rules, suspending more than 300 accounts engaged in spam and platform manipulation." The statement pointed out, regardless of any political beliefs and background, action has been taken on accounts that have violated the Twitter Rules. "We are monitoring the situation closely and remain vigilant, and strongly encourage those on the service to report anything they believe is in violation of the rules", the statement said. Twitter also made sure any several hashtags that might have used to spread violence and incite actions are prohibited from appearing in the trends section. The Indian govt has a number of times reached out to Twitter on misinformation being spread through fake and "ghost" Twitter accounts. Twitter has been working with Indian Law Enforcement agencies to ensure a clear way to "report content with valid legal process", and such requests are regularly disclosed in the company's biannual Twitter Transparency Report. In the past, outlawed groups like Sikh for Justice (SFJ) and its chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu have been active on social media and have been spreading their own "Khalistani" propaganda. Pannun, who has been declared as a terrorist under the UAPA by India had announced $250,000 for anyone who will raise Khalistani flag at the India Gate on Republic day on platforms like Twitter and social media. In an attempt to incite the situation number of fake profiles have been created on Twitter, something that Indian authorities have raised concern many times--privately and publicly.

Delhi clashes: Twitter suspended 300 accounts on Tuesday

India on Jaunary 26 displayed its military might and cultural diversity during Republic Day parade on Rajpath.&nbsp;

A total of 32 tableaus from 17 states and union territories, six from the Defence ministry and nine from other Union ministries and paramilitary forces — depicted India’s rich cultural heritage, economic progress and defence prowess on Rajpath.

Six tableaux of the defence ministry also attended the event.

School children performed folk arts and crafts displaying skills and dexterity handed down from generations. Bajasal, a folk dance from Kalahandi in Odisha, the Fit India Movement and Aatmanirbhar Bharat were also displayed on the Rajpath.

This year, the attendance to the Republic Day parade was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those below 15 years of age and above 65 were not allowed among the visitors at the venue.

The parade also witnessed several major changes. The contingents only marched a distance of 3.5 km instead of the usual 8.5 km and for the first time in 55 years, no foreign dignitary attended the January 26 parade.

However, a 122-member contingent of the Bangladesh armed forces marched on Rajpath. They carried the legacy of legendary muktijoddhas of Bangladesh, who fought against "oppression and mass atrocities" and liberated the country in 1971.

Designed after the theme 'Ayodhya: Cultural Heritage of Uttar Pradesh', the tableau of Uttar Pradesh also displays Ram Mandir. The forepart of the middle tableau shows Deepotsava of Ayodhya, in which millions of earthen lamps are lit.

India is currently celebrating the Swarnim Vijay Varsh -- the Golden Jubilee year -- commemorating the country's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh.

The Indian Army showcased its main battle tank T-90 Bhishma, infantry combat vehicle BMP-II-Sarath, mobile autonomous launcher of the BrahMos missile system, multi-launcher rocket system Pinaka, electronic warfare system Samvijay among others during the parade on Tuesday.

The Navy's tableau at the Republic Day parade this year displayed models of Indian naval ship (INS) Vikrant and naval operations that were conducted during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

The Air Force exhibited models of light combat aircraft Tejas and indigenously developed anti-tank guided missile Dhruvastra on its tableaus during the parade. Scaled-down models of the Light Combat Helicopter, Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet and Rohini radar were also part of the IAF tableaux.

A total of 38 IAF aircraft, include Rafale, and four planes of the Indian Army participated in the flypast.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) presented two tableaus at this year's parade, one showcasing light combat aircraft Tejas' successful take off from aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya in 2020, and another displaying full complement of the anti-tank guided missile systems.

The Republic Day parade ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial in the morning.

The tricolour was unfurled followed by the national anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. The parade commenced with President Ram Nath Kovind taking the salute.

Seventeen tableaux from various states and union territories, namely, Gujarat, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Tripura, West Bengal, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi and Ladakh were showcased during the parade, depicting the geographical and rich cultural diversity of the country.

The tableaux highlighted the vision for Ladakh to be carbon neutral, the Sun temple at Modhera in Mehsana District of Gujarat, tea-tribes of Assam, shore temple and other monuments of Pallava Dynasty in Tamil Nadu, Bhakti Movement and saints of Maharashtra, among others.

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Jaunary 26 displayed its military might and cultural diversity during Republic Day parade on Rajpath. A total of 32 tableaus from 17 states and union territories, six from the Defence ministry and nine from other Union ministries and paramilitary forces — depicted India’s rich cultural heritage, economic progress and defence prowess on Rajpath.

India on Jaunary 26 displayed its military might and cultural diversity during Republic Day parade on Rajpath. A total of 32 tableaus from 17 states and union territories, six from the Defence ministry and nine from other Union ministries and paramilitary forces — depicted India’s rich cultural heritage, economic progress and defence prowess on Rajpath. Six tableaux of the defence ministry also attended the event. School children performed folk arts and crafts displaying skills and dexterity handed down from generations. Bajasal, a folk dance from Kalahandi in Odisha, the Fit India Movement and Aatmanirbhar Bharat were also displayed on the Rajpath. This year, the attendance to the Republic Day parade was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those below 15 years of age and above 65 were not allowed among the visitors at the venue. The parade also witnessed several major changes. The contingents only marched a distance of 3.5 km instead of the usual 8.5 km and for the first time in 55 years, no foreign dignitary attended the January 26 parade. However, a 122-member contingent of the Bangladesh armed forces marched on Rajpath. They carried the legacy of legendary muktijoddhas of Bangladesh, who fought against "oppression and mass atrocities" and liberated the country in 1971. Designed after the theme 'Ayodhya: Cultural Heritage of Uttar Pradesh', the tableau of Uttar Pradesh also displays Ram Mandir. The forepart of the middle tableau shows Deepotsava of Ayodhya, in which millions of earthen lamps are lit. India is currently celebrating the Swarnim Vijay Varsh -- the Golden Jubilee year -- commemorating the country's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. The Indian Army showcased its main battle tank T-90 Bhishma, infantry combat vehicle BMP-II-Sarath, mobile autonomous launcher of the BrahMos missile system, multi-launcher rocket system Pinaka, electronic warfare system Samvijay among others during the parade on Tuesday. The Navy's tableau at the Republic Day parade this year displayed models of Indian naval ship (INS) Vikrant and naval operations that were conducted during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The Air Force exhibited models of light combat aircraft Tejas and indigenously developed anti-tank guided missile Dhruvastra on its tableaus during the parade. Scaled-down models of the Light Combat Helicopter, Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet and Rohini radar were also part of the IAF tableaux. A total of 38 IAF aircraft, include Rafale, and four planes of the Indian Army participated in the flypast. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) presented two tableaus at this year's parade, one showcasing light combat aircraft Tejas' successful take off from aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya in 2020, and another displaying full complement of the anti-tank guided missile systems. The Republic Day parade ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial in the morning. The tricolour was unfurled followed by the national anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. The parade commenced with President Ram Nath Kovind taking the salute. Seventeen tableaux from various states and union territories, namely, Gujarat, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Tripura, West Bengal, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi and Ladakh were showcased during the parade, depicting the geographical and rich cultural diversity of the country. The tableaux highlighted the vision for Ladakh to be carbon neutral, the Sun temple at Modhera in Mehsana District of Gujarat, tea-tribes of Assam, shore temple and other monuments of Pallava Dynasty in Tamil Nadu, Bhakti Movement and saints of Maharashtra, among others. (With inputs from agencies)

Republic Day 2021: India showcases might with Rafale, Brahmos on Rajpath

Following COVID protocols, only 25,000 people will be allowed to attend the ceremony at Rajpath as opposed to over one lakh spectators who usually attended the event every year. The parade will be shorter this year. Instead of marching up to the Red Fort, the parade will end at the national stadium. Only tableaux will be allowed at the Red Fort.

Republic Day 2021 live: India’s full military might and cultural diversities on display at Rajpath

India has reiterated its position on the Israel-Palestine conflict and pointed out its consistent support to "Palestinian nation-building efforts" during a discussion on the issue at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Speaking at the meet, India's envoy to UN &nbsp;T.S. Tirumurti highlighted New Delhi's "human resource development and institutional building" for Palestine and has "currently undertaking several projects in many sectors, including health, education and, the technology of around USD 72 million."

India has also provided over 250 scholarships for Palestinian youth and officials on an annual basis. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Tirumurti said, "India has supplied critical life-saving drugs and medical equipment to Palestine as assistance."

On the peace process, the Indian envoy reaffirmed its India's policy for "just and comprehensive solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict", welcoming "all peaceful efforts to achieve the two-State solution, through direct negotiations between the two parties."

New Delhi's policy on the issue has been supporting for a sovereign and independent Palestine living side by side in peace and security with Israel.

India has reiterated its position on the Israel-Palestine conflict and pointed out its consistent support to "Palestinian nation-building efforts" during a discussion on the issue at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

India has reiterated its position on the Israel-Palestine conflict and pointed out its consistent support to "Palestinian nation-building efforts" during a discussion on the issue at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Speaking at the meet, India's envoy to UN T.S. Tirumurti highlighted New Delhi's "human resource development and institutional building" for Palestine and has "currently undertaking several projects in many sectors, including health, education and, the technology of around USD 72 million." India has also provided over 250 scholarships for Palestinian youth and officials on an annual basis. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Tirumurti said, "India has supplied critical life-saving drugs and medical equipment to Palestine as assistance." On the peace process, the Indian envoy reaffirmed its India's policy for "just and comprehensive solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict", welcoming "all peaceful efforts to achieve the two-State solution, through direct negotiations between the two parties." New Delhi's policy on the issue has been supporting for a sovereign and independent Palestine living side by side in peace and security with Israel.

Consistently supported Palestinian nation-building efforts, says India's Tirumurti

Ronaldo, who used to entertain tourists and wildlife enthusiasts from many decades at a sanctuary in Indian state of Tamil Nadu died in a dastardly attack which later became a fatal injury. WION brings you a report.

Elephant dies after dastardly attack in Tamil Nadu, two arrested

As India celebrated its 72nd Republic Day on Tuesday, several nations congratulated India on the historic event.

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Glimpses from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDay</a> celebrations at the <a href="https://twitter.com/EOIBeijing?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EOIBeijing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheEmbassyFamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheEmbassyFamily</a> <a href="https://t.co/jq8t7tGtgx">pic.twitter.com/jq8t7tGtgx</a>
— India in China (@EOIBeijing) <a href="https://twitter.com/EOIBeijing/status/1353907852692254722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;The Indian embassy officials in Beijing celebrated India's Republic Day with a "mesmerizing rendition of &nbsp;Vande Mataram".&nbsp;

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Glimpses from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDay</a> celebrations at the <a href="https://twitter.com/EOIBeijing?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EOIBeijing</a> 
 
A truly mesmerizing rendition of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vandemataram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vandemataram</a> <a href="https://t.co/d6u6PNeVbc">pic.twitter.com/d6u6PNeVbc</a>
— India in China (@EOIBeijing) <a href="https://twitter.com/EOIBeijing/status/1353907103828643840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Bulgaria PM Boyko Borissov wished India extending warm greetings to the people of India for continued peace and prosperity.

"India is a natural partner and friend of &nbsp;Bulgaria and I am confident that our relationship will continue to flourish," the Bulgarian PM said.

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Warmest greetings and wishes for continued peace and prosperity to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and the people of India on the occasion of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDay2021</a>. 🇮🇳 is a natural partner and friend of 🇧🇬 and I am confident that our relationship will continue to flourish.<a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a>
— Boyko Borissov (@BoykoBorissov) <a href="https://twitter.com/BoykoBorissov/status/1354048146964434955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India's neighbour Sri Lanka also extended its best wishes on Republic Day, including Australia which celebrated Australia Day on January 26.

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Best wishes from the Government and the people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a> to the Government and the people of the Commonwealth of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Australia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Australia</a> on the occasion of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustraliaDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustraliaDay</a>, 26 January 2021! 🇦🇺🇱🇰<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustraliaDayJan26?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustraliaDayJan26</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DiplomacyLk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DiplomacyLk</a><a href="https://twitter.com/AusHCSriLanka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AusHCSriLanka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/dfat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dfat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SLinAustralia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SLinAustralia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SLinSydney?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SLinSydney</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/slcgmel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@slcgmel</a> <a href="https://t.co/Xsyi2sWbaD">pic.twitter.com/Xsyi2sWbaD</a>
— MFA SL 🇱🇰 (@MFA_SriLanka) <a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_SriLanka/status/1353914417164001281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India embassy officials celebrated the Republic Day in Riyadh. &nbsp;The Tricolour was unfurled by Ambassador Ausaf Sayeed which was then followed by the playing of the national anthem.

&nbsp;Ambassador Ausaf Sayeed read out President Kovind's message to a gathering of Indian community members.

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The 72nd Republic Day of India was celebrated today at the Embassy of India, Riyadh. The Tricolour was unfurled by Ambassador <a href="https://twitter.com/drausaf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@drausaf</a> followed by the playing of the National Anthem. Ambassador read out the President’s Message to a limited gathering of Indian community members. <a href="https://t.co/kR4FNPJsp5">pic.twitter.com/kR4FNPJsp5</a>
— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbRiyadh/status/1353982067365834752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to President Kovind and PM Modi on the occasion of India's Republic Day. "Kindly accept heartfelt congratulations on the national day – the Republic Day," President Putin said in a tweet.

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1/4 Russian President Vladimir <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Putin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Putin</a> sent his greetings to <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rashtrapatibhvn</a> H.E. Mr Ram Nath Kovind and <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> H.E. Mr <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> on the occasion of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDay</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Putin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Putin</a>: Kindly accept heartfelt congratulations on the national day – the Republic Day. <a href="https://t.co/41gezG1pZf">pic.twitter.com/41gezG1pZf</a>
— Russia in India (@RusEmbIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/RusEmbIndia/status/1354026359727775744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Indian embassy in Bhutan also celebrated Republic Day on Tuesday morning with the hosting of the national flag.

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Republic Day celebrations at the India House Estate, Thimphu this morning.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDay2021</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMBhutan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMBhutan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FMBhutan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FMBhutan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianDiplomacy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianDiplomacy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KuenselOnline?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KuenselOnline</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BBSBhutan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBSBhutan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BhutanT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhutanT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JournalistBt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JournalistBt</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BhutanTODAY?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhutanTODAY</a> <a href="https://t.co/uiajNClIpP">pic.twitter.com/uiajNClIpP</a>
— India in Bhutan (@Indiainbhutan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiainbhutan/status/1353973401275273217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In Pakistan, High Commission of India celebrated the 72nd Republic Day with "great enthusiasm". Charge d'Affaires Suresh Kumar unfurled the tricolour and read excerpts from President Kovind's message after that cultural program of patriotic songs and poems was organised.

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High Commission of India in Pakistan celebrated the 72nd Republic Day with great enthusiasm. Charge d'Affaires Suresh Kumar unfurled the tricolour and read excerpts from Hon'ble Rashtrapati ji’s message. A cultural program of patriotic songs and poems was organised.<a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/6YGxYxyM59">pic.twitter.com/6YGxYxyM59</a>
— India in Pakistan (@IndiainPakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainPakistan/status/1353962532394987521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Officials in Indian High Commission in Malé also celebrated the Republic Day by unfurling the country's flag and organized a cultural event to mark the occasion.

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Unfurling of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tiranga?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tiranga</a> 🇮🇳! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDay</a> celebrations <a href="https://t.co/ALcBVdFuvB">pic.twitter.com/ALcBVdFuvB</a>
— India in Maldives (@HCIMaldives) <a href="https://twitter.com/HCIMaldives/status/1353940512806297600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As India celebrated its 72nd Republic Day on Tuesday, several nations congratulated India on the historic event. Glimpses from #RepublicDay celebrations at the @EOIBeijing #TheEmbassyFamily pic.

As India celebrated its 72nd Republic Day on Tuesday, several nations congratulated India on the historic event. Glimpses from #RepublicDay celebrations at the @EOIBeijing #TheEmbassyFamily pic.twitter.com/jq8t7tGtgx — India in China (@EOIBeijing) January 26, 2021 × The Indian embassy officials in Beijing celebrated India's Republic Day with a "mesmerizing rendition of Vande Mataram". Glimpses from #RepublicDay celebrations at the @EOIBeijing A truly mesmerizing rendition of #Vandemataram pic.twitter.com/d6u6PNeVbc — India in China (@EOIBeijing) January 26, 2021 × Bulgaria PM Boyko Borissov wished India extending warm greetings to the people of India for continued peace and prosperity. "India is a natural partner and friend of Bulgaria and I am confident that our relationship will continue to flourish," the Bulgarian PM said. Warmest greetings and wishes for continued peace and prosperity to PM @narendramodi and the people of India on the occasion of #RepublicDay2021. 🇮🇳 is a natural partner and friend of 🇧🇬 and I am confident that our relationship will continue to flourish.@PMOIndia — Boyko Borissov (@BoykoBorissov) January 26, 2021 × India's neighbour Sri Lanka also extended its best wishes on Republic Day, including Australia which celebrated Australia Day on January 26. Best wishes from the Government and the people of #SriLanka to the Government and the people of the Commonwealth of #Australia on the occasion of #AustraliaDay, 26 January 2021! 🇦🇺🇱🇰#AustraliaDayJan26 #lka #DiplomacyLk@AusHCSriLanka @dfat @SLinAustralia @SLinSydney @slcgmel pic.twitter.com/Xsyi2sWbaD — MFA SL 🇱🇰 (@MFA_SriLanka) January 26, 2021 × India embassy officials celebrated the Republic Day in Riyadh. The Tricolour was unfurled by Ambassador Ausaf Sayeed which was then followed by the playing of the national anthem. Ambassador Ausaf Sayeed read out President Kovind's message to a gathering of Indian community members. The 72nd Republic Day of India was celebrated today at the Embassy of India, Riyadh. The Tricolour was unfurled by Ambassador @drausaf followed by the playing of the National Anthem. Ambassador read out the President’s Message to a limited gathering of Indian community members. pic.twitter.com/kR4FNPJsp5 — India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) January 26, 2021 × Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to President Kovind and PM Modi on the occasion of India's Republic Day. "Kindly accept heartfelt congratulations on the national day – the Republic Day," President Putin said in a tweet. 1/4 Russian President Vladimir #Putin sent his greetings to @rashtrapatibhvn H.E. Mr Ram Nath Kovind and @PMOIndia H.E. Mr @narendramodi on the occasion of the #RepublicDay.#Putin: Kindly accept heartfelt congratulations on the national day – the Republic Day. pic.twitter.com/41gezG1pZf — Russia in India (@RusEmbIndia) January 26, 2021 × The Indian embassy in Bhutan also celebrated Republic Day on Tuesday morning with the hosting of the national flag. Republic Day celebrations at the India House Estate, Thimphu this morning.#RepublicDay2021 @PMBhutan @FMBhutan @PMOIndia @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @PIB_India @KuenselOnline @BBSBhutan @BhutanT @JournalistBt @BhutanTODAY pic.twitter.com/uiajNClIpP — India in Bhutan (@Indiainbhutan) January 26, 2021 × In Pakistan, High Commission of India celebrated the 72nd Republic Day with "great enthusiasm". Charge d'Affaires Suresh Kumar unfurled the tricolour and read excerpts from President Kovind's message after that cultural program of patriotic songs and poems was organised. High Commission of India in Pakistan celebrated the 72nd Republic Day with great enthusiasm. Charge d'Affaires Suresh Kumar unfurled the tricolour and read excerpts from Hon'ble Rashtrapati ji’s message. A cultural program of patriotic songs and poems was organised.@MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/6YGxYxyM59 — India in Pakistan (@IndiainPakistan) January 26, 2021 × Officials in Indian High Commission in Malé also celebrated the Republic Day by unfurling the country's flag and organized a cultural event to mark the occasion. Unfurling of the #Tiranga 🇮🇳! #RepublicDay celebrations pic.twitter.com/ALcBVdFuvB — India in Maldives (@HCIMaldives) January 26, 2021 ×

India's foreign embassy officials celebrate Republic Day

On 72nd Republic Day, India to showcase its military might, cultural diversity. With the national capital on Tuesday witnessing two big events--Republic Day celebrations and a farmers' tractor parade--the city has been brought under heavy security cover

India: Strict COVID-19 rules in place for Republic Day celebrations

India celebrates its 72nd Republic Day on Tuesday (January 26, 2021), which will be the first to be organized amid the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, the Republic Day celebrations will be a quieter affair as there will be a shorter parade, no chief guest to grace the occasion and much less public participation in the event.

India: First Republic Day parade without chief guest in 55 years

Interesting facts about India's annual Republic Day celebrations

India has honoured Indian American Narinder Singh Kapany with Padma Vibhushan, the 2nd highest award of the country. Known as the ''father of fibre optics'', he coined the term fibre optics. Calling him a "pioneering Indian-American Scientist popularly known as the Father of Fibre Optics", official Indian govt release announcing the honour said he "laid the foundation for today's high-speed internet technology"

He is being honoured posthumously. Kapany, born in India's Moga in 1926, died last year. Meanwhile speaking to WION, his daughter Kiran said the family is "truly humbled" &amp; "overwhelmed".

Kiran said, "On behalf of my children, Ari and Misha, and my brother Raj Kapany and his children, Tara and Nikki and myself, &nbsp;I would like to thank the Govt of India for bestowing the Padma Vibhushan award on our dear father."

Adding, "We are truly humbled and grateful by all the warm wishes and condolences we are receiving from all over the world honouring and remembering our dear father. We have been overwhelmed by this tremendous outpouring of emotion."

On his work on Fibre Optics, she said, "We realize how deeply he touched so many lives and how he laid the groundwork for so many to know that they could also reach for the stars. We&nbsp;thank you with all our hearts."

Narinder Singh Kapany has also been honoured in the past with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the Indian government.

India has honoured Indian American Narinder Singh Kapany with Padma Vibhushan, the 2nd highest award of the country. Known as the ''father of fibre optics'', he coined the term fibre optics.

India has honoured Indian American Narinder Singh Kapany with Padma Vibhushan, the 2nd highest award of the country. Known as the ''father of fibre optics'', he coined the term fibre optics. Calling him a "pioneering Indian-American Scientist popularly known as the Father of Fibre Optics", official Indian govt release announcing the honour said he "laid the foundation for today's high-speed internet technology" He is being honoured posthumously. Kapany, born in India's Moga in 1926, died last year. Meanwhile speaking to WION, his daughter Kiran said the family is "truly humbled" & "overwhelmed". Kiran said, "On behalf of my children, Ari and Misha, and my brother Raj Kapany and his children, Tara and Nikki and myself, I would like to thank the Govt of India for bestowing the Padma Vibhushan award on our dear father." Adding, "We are truly humbled and grateful by all the warm wishes and condolences we are receiving from all over the world honouring and remembering our dear father. We have been overwhelmed by this tremendous outpouring of emotion." On his work on Fibre Optics, she said, "We realize how deeply he touched so many lives and how he laid the groundwork for so many to know that they could also reach for the stars. We thank you with all our hearts." Narinder Singh Kapany has also been honoured in the past with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the Indian government.

India honours 'Father of Fibre Optics' with Padma Vibhushan; daughter says overwhelmed

The Serum Institute of India (SII) will supply Saudi Arabia with 3 million AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses priced at $5.25 each in about a week on behalf of the British drugmaker, its chief executive told Reuters on Monday. 
 
SII has no immediate plans, however, to divert supplies to Europe, even though AstraZeneca has come under pressure from the EU to deliver more shots after announcing a big cut in shipments due to production problems at a Belgian factory. 
 
SII, the world`s biggest vaccine manufacturer, has partnered with AstraZeneca, the Gates Foundation and the Gavi vaccine alliance to make up to a billion doses for poorer countries. 
 
The Indian company supplies doses on behalf of AstraZeneca but is also free to strike its own supply deals. 
 
"We continue to support AstraZeneca wherever they need support. We are happy to do so," Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla told Reuters in an interview. 
 
"But we have not been asked to supply any more products for Europe because then that would mean supplies to Africa and India would suffer, and we certainly don`t want that," he said. "Once I satisfy that I can look at other, richer nations. Six months to a year, that could change." 
 
He said the doses destined for Saudi Arabia would be shipped in a week or 10 days. SII is also supplying South Africa with 1.5 million doses at the same price of $5.25 each on behalf of AstraZeneca. 
 
"We have our hands full, in fact, with the volumes even we need to supply," Poonawalla said. "We have been on time and we are able to supply to all these nations." 
 
The pricing of the deal between South Africa and AstraZeneca has sparked some controversy as it is higher than the $3 a dose that South Africa and other countries on the continent are due to pay for the vaccine under an African Union arrangement. 
 
AstraZeneca has said it will not profit from the vaccine during the pandemic. 
 
Brazil last week received 2 million doses of the vaccine from SII and Poonawalla said it also paid about $5 per dose. 
 
Poonawalla said that SII would raise production of the AstraZeneca vaccine by 30% by the end of March from its current daily output of about 2.4 million doses, once the third and final facility making the shot comes online. 
 
SII also plans to start stockpiling a vaccine candidate from US&nbsp;company Novavax Inc in a few months, despite a fire last week that killed five people and damaged one of its new plants in the western Indian city of Pune. 
 
Poonawalla said SII had no intention of partnering with companies such as Pfizer Inc whose COVID-19 vaccine needs to be stored at about minus 70 Celsius (minus 94 Fahrenheit) as India currently lacks such facilities. 
 
Pfizer, which developed the shot with Germany`s BioNTech, told Reuters it would pursue its request for India to approve the vaccine if the government committed to buying shots. 
 
Pfizer was the first drugmaker to seek emergency use authorisation for its vaccine in India in early December but it has yet to be approved. 
 
India`s drug regulator says Pfizer officials failed to attend subsequent meetings it had called. The US&nbsp;drugmaker says its officials had not been given enough notice.

The Serum Institute of India (SII) will supply Saudi Arabia with 3 million AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses priced at $5.25 each in about a week on behalf of the British drugmaker, its chief executive told Reuters on Monday.

The Serum Institute of India (SII) will supply Saudi Arabia with 3 million AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses priced at $5.25 each in about a week on behalf of the British drugmaker, its chief executive told Reuters on Monday. SII has no immediate plans, however, to divert supplies to Europe, even though AstraZeneca has come under pressure from the EU to deliver more shots after announcing a big cut in shipments due to production problems at a Belgian factory. SII, the world`s biggest vaccine manufacturer, has partnered with AstraZeneca, the Gates Foundation and the Gavi vaccine alliance to make up to a billion doses for poorer countries. The Indian company supplies doses on behalf of AstraZeneca but is also free to strike its own supply deals. "We continue to support AstraZeneca wherever they need support. We are happy to do so," Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla told Reuters in an interview. "But we have not been asked to supply any more products for Europe because then that would mean supplies to Africa and India would suffer, and we certainly don`t want that," he said. "Once I satisfy that I can look at other, richer nations. Six months to a year, that could change." He said the doses destined for Saudi Arabia would be shipped in a week or 10 days. SII is also supplying South Africa with 1.5 million doses at the same price of $5.25 each on behalf of AstraZeneca. "We have our hands full, in fact, with the volumes even we need to supply," Poonawalla said. "We have been on time and we are able to supply to all these nations." The pricing of the deal between South Africa and AstraZeneca has sparked some controversy as it is higher than the $3 a dose that South Africa and other countries on the continent are due to pay for the vaccine under an African Union arrangement. AstraZeneca has said it will not profit from the vaccine during the pandemic. Brazil last week received 2 million doses of the vaccine from SII and Poonawalla said it also paid about $5 per dose. Poonawalla said that SII would raise production of the AstraZeneca vaccine by 30% by the end of March from its current daily output of about 2.4 million doses, once the third and final facility making the shot comes online. SII also plans to start stockpiling a vaccine candidate from US company Novavax Inc in a few months, despite a fire last week that killed five people and damaged one of its new plants in the western Indian city of Pune. Poonawalla said SII had no intention of partnering with companies such as Pfizer Inc whose COVID-19 vaccine needs to be stored at about minus 70 Celsius (minus 94 Fahrenheit) as India currently lacks such facilities. Pfizer, which developed the shot with Germany`s BioNTech, told Reuters it would pursue its request for India to approve the vaccine if the government committed to buying shots. Pfizer was the first drugmaker to seek emergency use authorisation for its vaccine in India in early December but it has yet to be approved. India`s drug regulator says Pfizer officials failed to attend subsequent meetings it had called. The US drugmaker says its officials had not been given enough notice.

Saudi Arabia to get three million AstraZeneca shots in about a week from India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid homage to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on the Republic Day.

The iconic memorial in the India Gate complex behind the canopy was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 25, 2019.

The National War Memorial is an Indian national monument built to honour and remember soldiers of the Indian military who gave the supreme sacrifice in armed conflicts of Independent India.

Spread over an area of approximately 40 acres, National War Memorial comprises four concentric circles, namely -- the 'Amar Chakra', 'Veerta Chakra', 'Tyag Chakra' and the 'Rakshak Chakra' with names of 25,942 soldiers inscribed in golden letters on granite tablets.

It also includes a central 15.5-m obelisk, an eternal flame and six bronze murals depicting famous battles fought by the Indian Army, Air Force and the Navy in a covered gallery (Veerta Chakra).

The memorial is dedicated to soldiers killed during the Indo-China War in 1962, Indo-Pakistan Wars in 1947, 1965 and 1971, Indian Peace Keeping Force Operations in Sri Lanka and in the Kargil Conflict in 1999, and also those in the UN peacekeeping missions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid homage to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on the Republic Day. The iconic memorial in the India Gate complex behind the canopy was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 25, 2019.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid homage to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on the Republic Day. The iconic memorial in the India Gate complex behind the canopy was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 25, 2019. The National War Memorial is an Indian national monument built to honour and remember soldiers of the Indian military who gave the supreme sacrifice in armed conflicts of Independent India. Spread over an area of approximately 40 acres, National War Memorial comprises four concentric circles, namely -- the 'Amar Chakra', 'Veerta Chakra', 'Tyag Chakra' and the 'Rakshak Chakra' with names of 25,942 soldiers inscribed in golden letters on granite tablets. It also includes a central 15.5-m obelisk, an eternal flame and six bronze murals depicting famous battles fought by the Indian Army, Air Force and the Navy in a covered gallery (Veerta Chakra). The memorial is dedicated to soldiers killed during the Indo-China War in 1962, Indo-Pakistan Wars in 1947, 1965 and 1971, Indian Peace Keeping Force Operations in Sri Lanka and in the Kargil Conflict in 1999, and also those in the UN peacekeeping missions. (With inputs from agencies)

Republic Day 2021: PM Narendra Modi pays homage to fallen soldiers at National War Memorial

India has honoured former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe with Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award of the country. India has also honoured two Bangladeshi national Col Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir, veteran of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation war, Sanjida Khatun(musicologist) with "Padma Shri".

India confers Padma Vibhushan award to former Japan PM Shinzo Abe

Remembering the day India's constitution came into effect

The IMF on Tuesday projected an impressive 11.5 per cent growth rate for India in 2021, making the country the only major economy of the world to register a double-digit growth this year amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

The International Monetary Fund's growth projections for India in its latest World Economic Outlook Update released on Tuesday reflected a strong rebound in the economy, which is estimated to have contracted by eight per cent in 2020 due to the pandemic.

In its latest update, the IMF projected a 11.5 per cent growth rate for India in 2021. This makes India the only major economy of the world to register a double-digit growth in 2021, it said.

China is next with 8.1 per cent growth in 2021 followed by Spain (5.9 per cent) and France (5.5 per cent).

Revising its figures, the IMF said that in 2020, the Indian economy is estimated to have contracted by eight per cent. China is the only major country which registered a positive growth rate of 2.3 per cent in 2020.

India's economy, the IMF said, is projected to grow by 6.8 per cent in 2022 and that of China by 5.6 per cent.

With the latest projections, India regains the tag of the fastest developing economies of the world.

IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath, during a virtual press conference to release the WEO update, said that India has somewhat a faster pace of recovery, but cumulatively by the end of 2022, it is nine per cent below its pre-pandemic projected level.

"Cumulatively by the end of 2022, India is still nine per cent below its pre pandemic projected level,"&nbsp;Gopinath said.

"We are seeing India come back to its 2019 levels and 2021, but it's still below. Why do we have these upgrades (in IMF's growth projections for India)....because the activity and mobility particularly came back much faster than expected in India. We have not seen another wave,"&nbsp;Gopinath said.

"In fact, we are seeing a very strong decline in cases, which is again a bit different from other parts of the world. So, these factors, including what we're seeing in terms of high frequency indicators, point to have some what faster pace of recovery. But again, there is still some distance to go,"&nbsp;Gopinath said.

Early this month, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva had said that India actually has taken very decisive action, very decisive steps to deal with the pandemic and to deal with the economic consequences of it.

India, she said, went for a very dramatic lockdown for a country of this size of population with people clustered so closely together. And then India moved to more targeted restrictions and lockdowns.

The IMF on Tuesday projected an impressive 11.5 per cent growth rate for India in 2021, making the country the only major economy of the world to register a double-digit growth this year amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

The IMF on Tuesday projected an impressive 11.5 per cent growth rate for India in 2021, making the country the only major economy of the world to register a double-digit growth this year amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The International Monetary Fund's growth projections for India in its latest World Economic Outlook Update released on Tuesday reflected a strong rebound in the economy, which is estimated to have contracted by eight per cent in 2020 due to the pandemic. In its latest update, the IMF projected a 11.5 per cent growth rate for India in 2021. This makes India the only major economy of the world to register a double-digit growth in 2021, it said. China is next with 8.1 per cent growth in 2021 followed by Spain (5.9 per cent) and France (5.5 per cent). Revising its figures, the IMF said that in 2020, the Indian economy is estimated to have contracted by eight per cent. China is the only major country which registered a positive growth rate of 2.3 per cent in 2020. India's economy, the IMF said, is projected to grow by 6.8 per cent in 2022 and that of China by 5.6 per cent. With the latest projections, India regains the tag of the fastest developing economies of the world. IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath, during a virtual press conference to release the WEO update, said that India has somewhat a faster pace of recovery, but cumulatively by the end of 2022, it is nine per cent below its pre-pandemic projected level. "Cumulatively by the end of 2022, India is still nine per cent below its pre pandemic projected level," Gopinath said. "We are seeing India come back to its 2019 levels and 2021, but it's still below. Why do we have these upgrades (in IMF's growth projections for India)....because the activity and mobility particularly came back much faster than expected in India. We have not seen another wave," Gopinath said. "In fact, we are seeing a very strong decline in cases, which is again a bit different from other parts of the world. So, these factors, including what we're seeing in terms of high frequency indicators, point to have some what faster pace of recovery. But again, there is still some distance to go," Gopinath said. Early this month, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva had said that India actually has taken very decisive action, very decisive steps to deal with the pandemic and to deal with the economic consequences of it. India, she said, went for a very dramatic lockdown for a country of this size of population with people clustered so closely together. And then India moved to more targeted restrictions and lockdowns.

IMF projects 11.5% growth rate for India in 2021

The Indian capital is heading towards herd immunity against COVID-19. According to a report, the latest Sero Survey has found that 50 to 60 percent of people in one district have developed antibodies to the virus.

Delhi Sero Survey indicates herd immunity against COVID-19

India celebrated its 72nd Republic Day today. It was a day when India proudly displays its military might and cultural diversity while&nbsp;celebrating&nbsp;its unsung heroes.

However, today’s Republic Day celebration was hijacked by a protest that turned into a riot as protesters chased policemen using tractors as tanks in the heart of Delhi.

The majestic Red Fort was overrun by hundreds of so-called farmers even as leaders of the farmer protests wasted no time in dissociating themselves from it.

The state-run buses were hit by tractors as public property was vandalised.

These farmers were protesting against India’s new farm laws. There have been multiple rounds of talks with the government but the stalemate continues. In order to demonstrate their dissent, the farmers had sought permission for a tractor rally on Republic Day. The Supreme Court of India had left the decision to the Delhi Police.

The Delhi Police had given permission for the tractor rally with farmers allotted a specific route for their rally largely on the outskirts of the capital so that the residents of Delhi were not inconvenienced.

However, as the farm groups approached Delhi, they not only diverted from the agreed route but also broke through the barricades. The police tried to stop them and in some cases used brute force as clashes ensued. There were reports of violence and vandalism from many parts of the capital and within hours, the protesting farmers entered the Red Fort complex.

The attempt to embarrass the government on a day like this is evident but it comes at a huge cost for the protesters since their own leaders have begun condemning the violence and whatever public sympathy they had seems to be eroding.

India celebrated its 72nd Republic Day today. It was a day when India proudly displays its military might and cultural diversity while celebrating its unsung heroes.

India celebrated its 72nd Republic Day today. It was a day when India proudly displays its military might and cultural diversity while celebrating its unsung heroes. However, today’s Republic Day celebration was hijacked by a protest that turned into a riot as protesters chased policemen using tractors as tanks in the heart of Delhi. The majestic Red Fort was overrun by hundreds of so-called farmers even as leaders of the farmer protests wasted no time in dissociating themselves from it. The state-run buses were hit by tractors as public property was vandalised. These farmers were protesting against India’s new farm laws. There have been multiple rounds of talks with the government but the stalemate continues. In order to demonstrate their dissent, the farmers had sought permission for a tractor rally on Republic Day. The Supreme Court of India had left the decision to the Delhi Police. The Delhi Police had given permission for the tractor rally with farmers allotted a specific route for their rally largely on the outskirts of the capital so that the residents of Delhi were not inconvenienced. However, as the farm groups approached Delhi, they not only diverted from the agreed route but also broke through the barricades. The police tried to stop them and in some cases used brute force as clashes ensued. There were reports of violence and vandalism from many parts of the capital and within hours, the protesting farmers entered the Red Fort complex. The attempt to embarrass the government on a day like this is evident but it comes at a huge cost for the protesters since their own leaders have begun condemning the violence and whatever public sympathy they had seems to be eroding.

Farmers run riot in Delhi on Republic Day

India's 72nd Republic Day celebration has been hijacked by protests that has turned into a riot. Thousands of farmers break through barricades to enter New Delhi as India holds military parade to mark Republic Day.

Farmer protest turns violent in India | Farmers break barricades, attack cops on duty

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