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The number of people who have tested positive for the new UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the country has climbed to 71, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

These 71 cases include the 58 which were announced by the ministry till Tuesday.

"The total number of cases infected with the new strain of the novel coronavirus first reported in the UK now stands at 71," the ministry said.

All these persons have been kept in single room isolation in designated Health Care facilities by respective state governments, the ministry had said on Tuesday.

Their close contacts have also been put under quarantine.

Comprehensive contact tracing has been initiated for co-travellers, family contacts and others.

Genome sequencing on other specimens is going on, the ministry said.

The situation is under careful watch and regular advice is being provided to the states for enhanced surveillance, containment, testing and dispatch of samples to INSACOG labs.

The presence of the new UK variant has already been reported by several countries including Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, Lebanon and Singapore.

The Government of India took cognizance of the reports of virus reported from the UK and put in place a proactive and preventive strategy to detect and contain the mutant variant, it said.

This strategy includes temporary suspension of all flights coming from the &nbsp;UK &nbsp;with &nbsp;effect &nbsp;from &nbsp;the &nbsp;midnight of December 23 till January 7 and mandatory testing of all UK-returned air passengers through RT-PCR test.

The samples of all UK returnees found positive in RT-PCR test will be genome sequenced by a consortium of 10 government labs i.e. INSACOG.

All the international passengers who have arrived in India between December 9 and 22, if symptomatic and tested positive for COVID-19 will be subjected to genome sequencing as part of the Centre's strategy to detect the mutated UK variant in them.

Others will be followed up by the respective state and district surveillance officers and will be tested as per ICMR guidelines (even if asymptomatic) between 5th and 10th day, according to the Union Health Ministry's guidance document on genomic sequencing.

Epidemiological surveillance of the passengers, who have arrived in India since November 23 will be conducted in the community through active follow up.

Besides, standard operating protocol for states and UTs to tackle the mutant variant of SARS-CoV-2 was issued on December 22.

The number of people who have tested positive for the new UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the country has climbed to 71, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

The number of people who have tested positive for the new UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the country has climbed to 71, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday. These 71 cases include the 58 which were announced by the ministry till Tuesday. "The total number of cases infected with the new strain of the novel coronavirus first reported in the UK now stands at 71," the ministry said. All these persons have been kept in single room isolation in designated Health Care facilities by respective state governments, the ministry had said on Tuesday. Their close contacts have also been put under quarantine. Comprehensive contact tracing has been initiated for co-travellers, family contacts and others. Genome sequencing on other specimens is going on, the ministry said. The situation is under careful watch and regular advice is being provided to the states for enhanced surveillance, containment, testing and dispatch of samples to INSACOG labs. The presence of the new UK variant has already been reported by several countries including Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, Lebanon and Singapore. The Government of India took cognizance of the reports of virus reported from the UK and put in place a proactive and preventive strategy to detect and contain the mutant variant, it said. This strategy includes temporary suspension of all flights coming from the UK with effect from the midnight of December 23 till January 7 and mandatory testing of all UK-returned air passengers through RT-PCR test. The samples of all UK returnees found positive in RT-PCR test will be genome sequenced by a consortium of 10 government labs i.e. INSACOG. All the international passengers who have arrived in India between December 9 and 22, if symptomatic and tested positive for COVID-19 will be subjected to genome sequencing as part of the Centre's strategy to detect the mutated UK variant in them. Others will be followed up by the respective state and district surveillance officers and will be tested as per ICMR guidelines (even if asymptomatic) between 5th and 10th day, according to the Union Health Ministry's guidance document on genomic sequencing. Epidemiological surveillance of the passengers, who have arrived in India since November 23 will be conducted in the community through active follow up. Besides, standard operating protocol for states and UTs to tackle the mutant variant of SARS-CoV-2 was issued on December 22.

India detects total 71 cases of the new UK mutant coronavirus strain

The "unilateral and provocative" actions by the Chinese military to change the status quo by force in more than one area on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) were responded to in a "firm" and "non-escalatory way", the Defence Ministry has said in an annual report.

The report said Indian troops are well entrenched to counter any "misadventure" by Chinese forces and that the Indian Army is prepared for any eventuality, adding talks are also progressing to resolve the issue in an amicable manner.

Referring to the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 that marked one of the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in decades, the defence ministry said the Chinese side also suffered "significant casualties". 
Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the clashes.

"Unilateral and provocative actions by the Chinese to change the status quo by force, in more than one area on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), were responded to in a firm and non-escalatory way, ensuring the sanctity of our claims in Eastern Ladakh," it said.

"Indian Army has maintained all protocols and agreements between the two countries while the PLA escalated the situation by utilisation of unorthodox weapons and amassing a large number of troops," it added.

India and China are locked in an eight-month-long bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh that has significantly strained their ties. Both sides held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the row. However, no breakthrough has been achieved to end the standoff.

The defence ministry said the Indian Army, with assistance from IAF, mobilised troops including accretionary forces in a very short duration including heavy equipment like guns, tanks as also ammunition, rations and clothing.

On the June 15 incident, the report said, "In a major skirmish in Galwan, 20 brave Indian soldiers lost their lives while preventing PLA troops from entering into our territory. The Chinese also suffered significant casualties."

It said on August 28 and 29, Indian troops in a precautionary deployment, pre-empted Chinese "expansionist designs" and occupied heights along the southern bank of Pangong Tso. The report said Indian troops, braving inclement weather, continue to be deployed on these heights.

"Advance Winter Stocking (AWS) and winter preparations for the enhanced strength have been completed and troops are well entrenched to counter any misadventure by Chinese forces. While the Indian Army is prepared for any eventuality, talks are also progressing to resolve the issue in an amicable manner," it said.

The report said the Indian Army has resolutely countered adversaries on the Line of Control (LC) and the LAC. The force carried out relentless counter-insurgency and counter-terror operations.

The "unilateral and provocative" actions by the Chinese military to change the status quo by force in more than one area on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) were responded to in a "firm" and "non-escalatory way", the Defence Ministry has said in an annual report.

The "unilateral and provocative" actions by the Chinese military to change the status quo by force in more than one area on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) were responded to in a "firm" and "non-escalatory way", the Defence Ministry has said in an annual report. The report said Indian troops are well entrenched to counter any "misadventure" by Chinese forces and that the Indian Army is prepared for any eventuality, adding talks are also progressing to resolve the issue in an amicable manner. Referring to the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 that marked one of the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in decades, the defence ministry said the Chinese side also suffered "significant casualties". Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the clashes. "Unilateral and provocative actions by the Chinese to change the status quo by force, in more than one area on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), were responded to in a firm and non-escalatory way, ensuring the sanctity of our claims in Eastern Ladakh," it said. "Indian Army has maintained all protocols and agreements between the two countries while the PLA escalated the situation by utilisation of unorthodox weapons and amassing a large number of troops," it added. India and China are locked in an eight-month-long bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh that has significantly strained their ties. Both sides held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the row. However, no breakthrough has been achieved to end the standoff. The defence ministry said the Indian Army, with assistance from IAF, mobilised troops including accretionary forces in a very short duration including heavy equipment like guns, tanks as also ammunition, rations and clothing. On the June 15 incident, the report said, "In a major skirmish in Galwan, 20 brave Indian soldiers lost their lives while preventing PLA troops from entering into our territory. The Chinese also suffered significant casualties." It said on August 28 and 29, Indian troops in a precautionary deployment, pre-empted Chinese "expansionist designs" and occupied heights along the southern bank of Pangong Tso. The report said Indian troops, braving inclement weather, continue to be deployed on these heights. "Advance Winter Stocking (AWS) and winter preparations for the enhanced strength have been completed and troops are well entrenched to counter any misadventure by Chinese forces. While the Indian Army is prepared for any eventuality, talks are also progressing to resolve the issue in an amicable manner," it said. The report said the Indian Army has resolutely countered adversaries on the Line of Control (LC) and the LAC. The force carried out relentless counter-insurgency and counter-terror operations.

China escalated LAC issue using ‘unorthodox weapons: Defence Ministry

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday observed that the notional income of homemakers must be calculated on the basis of the ‘work, labour and sacrifices’ that they put in.

A three-judge bench of Justices N V Ramana, Abdul Nazeer, and Surya Kant said this while delivering its judgement in a case involving an insurance compensation. The case was in relation to the death of a couple - the husband, a teacher, and his wife,a homemaker who looked after their two children - in an accident in 2014.

A tribunal had ordered an insurance company to pay Rs 40.71 lakh as compensation to the family but the Delhi High Court, after hearing an appeal, reduced the amount to Rs 22 lakh.

"The sheer amount of time and effort that is dedicated to household work by individuals, who are more likely to be women than men, is not surprising when one considers the plethora of activities a housemaker undertakes," the report quoted Justice Ramana stating in his judgement spotlighting the gender inequality.

"A housemaker often prepares food for the entire family, manages the procurement of groceries and other household shopping needs, cleans and manages the house and its surroundings, undertakes decoration, repairs and maintenance work, looks after the needs of the children and any aged member of the household, manages budgets and so much more," wrote Justice Ramana.

Justice NV Ramana also said that "The conception that housemakers do not 'work' or that they do not add economic value to the household is a problematic idea that has persisted for many years and must be overcome."

Allowing the appeal filed by claimants, the bench enhanced the total motor accident compensation of Rs 22 lakhs awarded by the High Court to the claimants by Rs 11.20 lakhs to reach a new total of Rs 33.20 lakhs with 9% annual interest from May 2014.

(With input from agencies)

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday observed that the notional income of homemakers must be calculated on the basis of the ‘work, labour and sacrifices’ that they put in.

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday observed that the notional income of homemakers must be calculated on the basis of the ‘work, labour and sacrifices’ that they put in. A three-judge bench of Justices N V Ramana, Abdul Nazeer, and Surya Kant said this while delivering its judgement in a case involving an insurance compensation. The case was in relation to the death of a couple - the husband, a teacher, and his wife,a homemaker who looked after their two children - in an accident in 2014. A tribunal had ordered an insurance company to pay Rs 40.71 lakh as compensation to the family but the Delhi High Court, after hearing an appeal, reduced the amount to Rs 22 lakh. "The sheer amount of time and effort that is dedicated to household work by individuals, who are more likely to be women than men, is not surprising when one considers the plethora of activities a housemaker undertakes," the report quoted Justice Ramana stating in his judgement spotlighting the gender inequality. "A housemaker often prepares food for the entire family, manages the procurement of groceries and other household shopping needs, cleans and manages the house and its surroundings, undertakes decoration, repairs and maintenance work, looks after the needs of the children and any aged member of the household, manages budgets and so much more," wrote Justice Ramana. Justice NV Ramana also said that "The conception that housemakers do not 'work' or that they do not add economic value to the household is a problematic idea that has persisted for many years and must be overcome." Allowing the appeal filed by claimants, the bench enhanced the total motor accident compensation of Rs 22 lakhs awarded by the High Court to the claimants by Rs 11.20 lakhs to reach a new total of Rs 33.20 lakhs with 9% annual interest from May 2014. (With input from agencies)

Idea that ‘homemakers don’t work’ is problematic: Supreme Court

Tapan Misra, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist and former director of space application has claimed that he was poisoned by deadly Arsenic Trioxide three years ago. 
 
He was poisoned on May 23, 2017, during a promotion interview at ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru.

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<h5>"We, in ISRO, occasionally heard about highly suspicious death of Professor Vikram Sarabhai in 1971. Also heard occasional doubts about sudden death of Dr S Srinivasan, Director of VSSC IN 1999. Case of Shri Nambinarayanan in 1994 is well known. But I never thought that I will be at the receiving end of such mystery," Misra said.</h5>
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In a Facebook post titled "Long Kept Secret", Senior Advisor ISRO, Mishra claimed that in July 2017, Home Affairs security personnel met him and alerted him of arsenic poisoning and helped doctors to focus on the exact remedy.

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Long Kept Secret We, in ISRO, occasionally heard about highly suspicious death of Prof. Vikram Sarabhai in 1971. Also...
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tapan.misra.9">Tapan Misra</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/tapan.misra.9/posts/10220113571576070">Tuesday, 5 January 2021</a></blockquote>
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Mishra said he later suffered from health issues including severe breathing difficulty, unusual skin eruptions, skin shedding and fungal infections.
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Mishra said, "Someone definitely wanted to do some harm to ISRO. The only solution is to catch the culprit and punish them. It's not possible to provide security to 2,000 scientists."&nbsp;

"I have posted everything on Facebook regarding the incident. I do not know the reason behind this but I can only guess that it might be a consequence of working on a critical technology. There might be other reasons as well," he added.

Mishra further said, it was important to bring this in public domain in order to save other scientists in future."People take advantage of the silence. Agencies are looking into it. Surely it was no work of a street thug but some sophisticated espionage agency inside our organisation," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tapan Misra, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist and former director of space application has claimed that he was poisoned by deadly Arsenic Trioxide three years ago.

Tapan Misra, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist and former director of space application has claimed that he was poisoned by deadly Arsenic Trioxide three years ago. He was poisoned on May 23, 2017, during a promotion interview at ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru. "We, in ISRO, occasionally heard about highly suspicious death of Professor Vikram Sarabhai in 1971. Also heard occasional doubts about sudden death of Dr S Srinivasan, Director of VSSC IN 1999. Case of Shri Nambinarayanan in 1994 is well known. But I never thought that I will be at the receiving end of such mystery," Misra said. × In a Facebook post titled "Long Kept Secret", Senior Advisor ISRO, Mishra claimed that in July 2017, Home Affairs security personnel met him and alerted him of arsenic poisoning and helped doctors to focus on the exact remedy. Long Kept Secret We, in ISRO, occasionally heard about highly suspicious death of Prof. Vikram Sarabhai in 1971. Also... Posted by Tapan Misra on Tuesday, 5 January 2021 Mishra said he later suffered from health issues including severe breathing difficulty, unusual skin eruptions, skin shedding and fungal infections. Mishra said, "Someone definitely wanted to do some harm to ISRO. The only solution is to catch the culprit and punish them. It's not possible to provide security to 2,000 scientists." "I have posted everything on Facebook regarding the incident. I do not know the reason behind this but I can only guess that it might be a consequence of working on a critical technology. There might be other reasons as well," he added. Mishra further said, it was important to bring this in public domain in order to save other scientists in future."People take advantage of the silence. Agencies are looking into it. Surely it was no work of a street thug but some sophisticated espionage agency inside our organisation," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

ISRO scientist claims he was poisoned three years ago in an ‘espionage attack’

The United States on Tuesday welcomed the arrest of UN-designated terrorist Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi and urged Pakistan to hold him accountable for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

Lakhvi was arrested on Saturday by Pakistan`s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) during a raid conducted in Lahore.

The department`s spokesperson said that Lakhvi was arrested during a raid for allegedly financing terrorists.

"We welcome Pakistan`s arrest of terrorist leader Zaki ur Rehman Lakhvi as an important step in holding him responsible for his role in supporting terrorism and its financing," the United States Department of State Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs wrote on Twitter.

"We will follow his prosecution and sentencing closely and urge that he be held accountable for his involvement in the Mumbai attacks," it added.

The terrorist was behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 wherein 166 people were killed and 300 were left injured. Lakhvi was designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations under the United Nations Security Council Resolution in 2008 after the Mumbai attacks.

In April last year, Pakistan, which has long been accused of aiding and abetting terrorism, had removed about 1,800 names from its terrorist watchlist including that of 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, according to data collected by castellum.aI, a New York-based regulatory technology company.

Lakhvi is accused of abetment to murder, attempted murder, planning and executing the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.&nbsp;

The United States on Tuesday welcomed the arrest of UN-designated terrorist Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi and urged Pakistan to hold him accountable for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

The United States on Tuesday welcomed the arrest of UN-designated terrorist Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi and urged Pakistan to hold him accountable for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Lakhvi was arrested on Saturday by Pakistan`s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) during a raid conducted in Lahore. The department`s spokesperson said that Lakhvi was arrested during a raid for allegedly financing terrorists. "We welcome Pakistan`s arrest of terrorist leader Zaki ur Rehman Lakhvi as an important step in holding him responsible for his role in supporting terrorism and its financing," the United States Department of State Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs wrote on Twitter. "We will follow his prosecution and sentencing closely and urge that he be held accountable for his involvement in the Mumbai attacks," it added. The terrorist was behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 wherein 166 people were killed and 300 were left injured. Lakhvi was designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations under the United Nations Security Council Resolution in 2008 after the Mumbai attacks. In April last year, Pakistan, which has long been accused of aiding and abetting terrorism, had removed about 1,800 names from its terrorist watchlist including that of 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, according to data collected by castellum.aI, a New York-based regulatory technology company. Lakhvi is accused of abetment to murder, attempted murder, planning and executing the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

US urges Pak to hold designated terrorist LeT commander Lakhvi accountable for 26/11 Mumbai attacks

India has reported 18,088 new COVID-19 cases, 21,314 recoveries in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 1,03,74,932, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The national recovery rate to 96.36 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent.

The death toll increased to 1,50,114 with 264 people succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 99,97,272 pushing the national recovery rate to 96.36 per &nbsp;cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent.

The COVID-19 active caseload remained below 3 lakh for the 16th consecutive day.

There are 2,27,546, active cases of coronavirus infections in the country which comprises 2.19 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.

It went past 60 lakh on September 28, &nbsp;70 lakh on &nbsp;October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, &nbsp;90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

According to the ICMR, 17,74,63,405 samples have been tested up to January 5 with 9,31,408 &nbsp;samples being tested on Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

India has reported 18,088 new COVID-19 cases, 21,314 recoveries in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 1,03,74,932, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Wednesday.

India has reported 18,088 new COVID-19 cases, 21,314 recoveries in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 1,03,74,932, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Wednesday. The national recovery rate to 96.36 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent. The death toll increased to 1,50,114 with 264 people succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 99,97,272 pushing the national recovery rate to 96.36 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent. The COVID-19 active caseload remained below 3 lakh for the 16th consecutive day. There are 2,27,546, active cases of coronavirus infections in the country which comprises 2.19 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the ICMR, 17,74,63,405 samples have been tested up to January 5 with 9,31,408 samples being tested on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports 18,088 fresh COVID-19 cases, 264 succumb to virus in last 24 hours

The year 2020 started with massive wildfires in Australia that caused severe destruction and in 2021 the grim is back again, but this time India.

Nagaland's pristine Dzukou Valley is on fire and its unique flora and fauna are at risk.&nbsp;

Nearly 30 kms from Nagaland's capital Kohima, the valley is popular trekking for tourists.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-fire-in-nagalands-dzukou-valley-354471/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The fire is said to have started on the afternoon of December 29.&nbsp;

Since then, gusty winds have fuelled the raging inferno.&nbsp;

Emergency forces have since then jumped into action, helicopters have been deployed, camps have been set up at ground zero and over 200 firefighters are battling the blaze.&nbsp;

Visuals from the valley showed an IAF helicopter refilling a Bambi bucket with an approximate capacity of 3,500 litres to help douse the blaze.&nbsp;

This exercise is often used to extinguish the blazes.&nbsp;

However, the fire continues to rage and now spreading to the neighbouring state of Manipur.&nbsp;

The valley that is known for its biodiversity is seeing severe damage in its rich flora and fauna.&nbsp;

The focus is on the Dzukou Lilly and Blyth's Tragopan, the state bird of Nagaland, both of which are one of the major attraction sources for tourists.&nbsp;

Blyth's Tragopan that often falls prey to hunters is now facing an existential threat by the massive blazes.&nbsp;

The cause of fires is unknown, but several people blame humans for the devastation.&nbsp;

In 2006, the valley witnessed a similar scene which led to around 20 km of vegetation being reduced to ashes.&nbsp;

The cause of concern is the destruction could be worse this time.&nbsp;

The year 2020 started with massive wildfires in Australia that caused severe destruction and in 2021 the grim is back again, but this time India. Nagaland's pristine Dzukou Valley is on fire and its unique flora and fauna are at risk.

The year 2020 started with massive wildfires in Australia that caused severe destruction and in 2021 the grim is back again, but this time India. Nagaland's pristine Dzukou Valley is on fire and its unique flora and fauna are at risk. Nearly 30 kms from Nagaland's capital Kohima, the valley is popular trekking for tourists. Watch | The fire is said to have started on the afternoon of December 29. Since then, gusty winds have fuelled the raging inferno. Emergency forces have since then jumped into action, helicopters have been deployed, camps have been set up at ground zero and over 200 firefighters are battling the blaze. Visuals from the valley showed an IAF helicopter refilling a Bambi bucket with an approximate capacity of 3,500 litres to help douse the blaze. This exercise is often used to extinguish the blazes. However, the fire continues to rage and now spreading to the neighbouring state of Manipur. The valley that is known for its biodiversity is seeing severe damage in its rich flora and fauna. The focus is on the Dzukou Lilly and Blyth's Tragopan, the state bird of Nagaland, both of which are one of the major attraction sources for tourists. Blyth's Tragopan that often falls prey to hunters is now facing an existential threat by the massive blazes. The cause of fires is unknown, but several people blame humans for the devastation. In 2006, the valley witnessed a similar scene which led to around 20 km of vegetation being reduced to ashes. The cause of concern is the destruction could be worse this time.

Why fires in a Nagaland valley ringing alarm bells

The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the Central Government's plan for construction of the Central Vista project and the government's proposal to construct a new Parliament in Lutyen's Delhi.&nbsp;

"We hold that there are no infirmities in clearances given, change in land use," a three-judge bench of the court said in a majority verdict.

SC directed project proponent of Central Vista project to install smog tower and use anti-smog guns at all construction sites.

Earlier on December 10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the new Parliament building under the Central Vista project, which is expected to be completed by 2022. 
 
The Central Vista revamp, announced in September, 2019 envisages a new triangular Parliament building, with seating capacity for 900 to 1,200 MPs, which is to be constructed by August, 2022 when the country will be celebrating its 75th Independence Day.

The common Central Secretariat is likely to be built by 2024 under the project against which various pleas have been filed.

The apex court had earlier said that any change at the ground level made by authorities for the Central Vista project will be "at their own risk".

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the Central Government's plan for construction of the Central Vista project and the government's proposal to construct a new Parliament in Lutyen's Delhi.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the Central Government's plan for construction of the Central Vista project and the government's proposal to construct a new Parliament in Lutyen's Delhi. "We hold that there are no infirmities in clearances given, change in land use," a three-judge bench of the court said in a majority verdict. SC directed project proponent of Central Vista project to install smog tower and use anti-smog guns at all construction sites. Earlier on December 10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the new Parliament building under the Central Vista project, which is expected to be completed by 2022. The Central Vista revamp, announced in September, 2019 envisages a new triangular Parliament building, with seating capacity for 900 to 1,200 MPs, which is to be constructed by August, 2022 when the country will be celebrating its 75th Independence Day. The common Central Secretariat is likely to be built by 2024 under the project against which various pleas have been filed. The apex court had earlier said that any change at the ground level made by authorities for the Central Vista project will be "at their own risk". (With inputs from agencies)

Central vista project: Supreme Court gives go-ahead to redevelopment plan

India has warned that Syrian Chemical weapons can fall into the hands of terrorists, in the first public statement after New Delhi began its two-year term at the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member.

India's envoy to UN, TS Tirumurti said, "India remains concerned about the possibility of such weapons falling into the hands of terrorist organizations and individuals. Terrorist groups have taken advantage of the decade long conflict in Syria to entrench themselves posing a threat to the entire region."

"The world cannot afford to give these terrorists any sanctuary or dilute its fight against these terrorist groups,"&nbsp;Tirumurti added.

The Security Council on Tuesday took up the latest report on the activities of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in implementing Security Council resolution and its Executive Council decisions in relation to the elimination of the Syrian chemical weapons programme.

Ambassador Tirumurti highlighted New Delhi policy on chemical weapons, saying "India has been firmly opposed to any use of chemical weapons anywhere, at any time, by anybody, and under any circumstances. We strongly condemn the use of chemical weapons, and there can be no justification for their use."

It is important to note that India has provided a financial contribution of US$ 1 million to the OPCW Trust Fund for activities relating to the destruction of chemical stockpiles and related facilities in Syria.

On the situation in Syria, the Indian envoy emphasized that New Delhi "has consistently called for a comprehensive and peaceful resolution of the Syrian conflict through a Syrian-led dialogue, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria."

Pointing out that,"We have also contributed to the return of normalcy and rebuilding of Syria through humanitarian assistance and human resource development."

India supports both the Geneva and the Astana processes for peace in Syria.&nbsp;

India has warned that Syrian Chemical weapons can fall into the hands of terrorists, in the first public statement after New Delhi began its two-year term at the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member.

India has warned that Syrian Chemical weapons can fall into the hands of terrorists, in the first public statement after New Delhi began its two-year term at the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member. India's envoy to UN, TS Tirumurti said, "India remains concerned about the possibility of such weapons falling into the hands of terrorist organizations and individuals. Terrorist groups have taken advantage of the decade long conflict in Syria to entrench themselves posing a threat to the entire region." "The world cannot afford to give these terrorists any sanctuary or dilute its fight against these terrorist groups," Tirumurti added. The Security Council on Tuesday took up the latest report on the activities of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in implementing Security Council resolution and its Executive Council decisions in relation to the elimination of the Syrian chemical weapons programme. Ambassador Tirumurti highlighted New Delhi policy on chemical weapons, saying "India has been firmly opposed to any use of chemical weapons anywhere, at any time, by anybody, and under any circumstances. We strongly condemn the use of chemical weapons, and there can be no justification for their use." It is important to note that India has provided a financial contribution of US$ 1 million to the OPCW Trust Fund for activities relating to the destruction of chemical stockpiles and related facilities in Syria. On the situation in Syria, the Indian envoy emphasized that New Delhi "has consistently called for a comprehensive and peaceful resolution of the Syrian conflict through a Syrian-led dialogue, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria." Pointing out that,"We have also contributed to the return of normalcy and rebuilding of Syria through humanitarian assistance and human resource development." India supports both the Geneva and the Astana processes for peace in Syria.

At UNSC, India warns of Syrian chemical weapons falling into the hands of terrorists

India recorded 16,375 new cases of coronavirus, the lowest in over six months, taking the country's COVID-19 caseload to 1,03,56,844, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

The death toll increased to 1,49,850 with 201 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of people who have recuperated from coronavirus&nbsp;surged to 99,75,958 pushing the national recovery rate to 96.32 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent.

The COVID-19 active caseload remained below 3 lakh for the 15th consecutive day.

There are 2,31,036 active coronavirus infections in the country which&nbsp;comprises&nbsp;2.23 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28,&nbsp;70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

According to the ICMR, 17,65,31,997 samples have been tested up to January 4 with 8,96,236 samples being tested on Monday.

The 201 new fatalities include 29 from Maharashtra,&nbsp;25 from West Bengal, 24&nbsp;from Punjab, 19 from Kerala and 12? each from Delhi and Chhattisgarh.

A total of 1,49,850 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 49,695 from Maharashtra followed by 12,166 from Tamil Nadu, 12,110 from Karnataka, 10,597, from Delhi, 9,817 from West Bengal, 8,413 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,118 from Andhra Pradesh and 5,400 from Punjab.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of? Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

India recorded 16,375 new cases of coronavirus, the lowest in over six months, taking the country's COVID-19 caseload to 1,03,56,844, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

India recorded 16,375 new cases of coronavirus, the lowest in over six months, taking the country's COVID-19 caseload to 1,03,56,844, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The death toll increased to 1,49,850 with 201 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. The number of people who have recuperated from coronavirus surged to 99,75,958 pushing the national recovery rate to 96.32 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent. The COVID-19 active caseload remained below 3 lakh for the 15th consecutive day. There are 2,31,036 active coronavirus infections in the country which comprises 2.23 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the ICMR, 17,65,31,997 samples have been tested up to January 4 with 8,96,236 samples being tested on Monday. The 201 new fatalities include 29 from Maharashtra, 25 from West Bengal, 24 from Punjab, 19 from Kerala and 12? each from Delhi and Chhattisgarh. A total of 1,49,850 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 49,695 from Maharashtra followed by 12,166 from Tamil Nadu, 12,110 from Karnataka, 10,597, from Delhi, 9,817 from West Bengal, 8,413 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,118 from Andhra Pradesh and 5,400 from Punjab. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of? Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

COVID-19: India records lowest daily cases in over six months

More than 371,500 babies were born worldwide on New Year's Day and India is estimated to have recorded the highest number of births at around 60,000, according to the UN's children's agency.

UNICEF said that an estimated 371,504 babies were born around the world on New Year's Day.

Fiji in the Pacific was projected to have welcomed 2021's first baby while the United States would welcome its last.

Globally, over half of these births are estimated to have taken place in 10 countries: India (59,995), China (35,615), Nigeria (21,439), Pakistan (14,161), Indonesia (12,336), Ethiopia (12,006), the United States (10,312), Egypt (9,455), Bangladesh (9,236) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (8,640), it said.

In total, an estimated 140 million children will be born in 2021 and their average life expectancy is expected to be 84 years, the UN agency said.

"The children born today enter a world far different than even a year ago, and a New Year brings a new opportunity to reimagine it," UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said, calling on nations to make 2021 the year they start to build a fairer, safer, healthier world for children.

The year 2021 will also mark the 75th anniversary of UNICEF.

Over the course of the year, UNICEF and its partners will be commemorating the anniversary with events and announcements celebrating three-quarters of a century of protecting children from conflict, disease and exclusion and championing their right to survival, health and education.

"Today, as the world faces a global pandemic, economic slowdown, rising poverty and deepening inequality, the need for UNICEF's work is as great as ever," said Fore.

"For the last 75 years, throughout conflicts, displacements, natural disasters and crises, UNICEF has been there for the world's children.

As a New Year dawns, we renew our commitment to protect children, to speak up for their rights, and to make sure their voices are heard, no matter where they live," Fore said.

In response to the global pandemic, UNICEF launched the Reimagine campaign, a global effort to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic from becoming a lasting crisis for children.

Through the campaign, UNICEF is issuing an urgent appeal to governments, the public, donors and the private sector to join UNICEF as it seeks to respond, recover and reimagine a better, post-pandemic world.

For the estimates, UNICEF used vital registration and nationally representative household survey data to estimate the monthly and daily fractions of births in countries.

UNICEF used the annual live births numbers and period life expectancy from the latest revision of the UN's World Population Prospects (2019) to estimate the babies born on January 1, 2021 and their cohort life expectancy.

More than 371,500 babies were born worldwide on New Year's Day and India is estimated to have recorded the highest number of births at around 60,000, according to the UN's children's agency.

More than 371,500 babies were born worldwide on New Year's Day and India is estimated to have recorded the highest number of births at around 60,000, according to the UN's children's agency. UNICEF said that an estimated 371,504 babies were born around the world on New Year's Day. Fiji in the Pacific was projected to have welcomed 2021's first baby while the United States would welcome its last. Globally, over half of these births are estimated to have taken place in 10 countries: India (59,995), China (35,615), Nigeria (21,439), Pakistan (14,161), Indonesia (12,336), Ethiopia (12,006), the United States (10,312), Egypt (9,455), Bangladesh (9,236) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (8,640), it said. In total, an estimated 140 million children will be born in 2021 and their average life expectancy is expected to be 84 years, the UN agency said. "The children born today enter a world far different than even a year ago, and a New Year brings a new opportunity to reimagine it," UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said, calling on nations to make 2021 the year they start to build a fairer, safer, healthier world for children. The year 2021 will also mark the 75th anniversary of UNICEF. Over the course of the year, UNICEF and its partners will be commemorating the anniversary with events and announcements celebrating three-quarters of a century of protecting children from conflict, disease and exclusion and championing their right to survival, health and education. "Today, as the world faces a global pandemic, economic slowdown, rising poverty and deepening inequality, the need for UNICEF's work is as great as ever," said Fore. "For the last 75 years, throughout conflicts, displacements, natural disasters and crises, UNICEF has been there for the world's children. As a New Year dawns, we renew our commitment to protect children, to speak up for their rights, and to make sure their voices are heard, no matter where they live," Fore said. In response to the global pandemic, UNICEF launched the Reimagine campaign, a global effort to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic from becoming a lasting crisis for children. Through the campaign, UNICEF is issuing an urgent appeal to governments, the public, donors and the private sector to join UNICEF as it seeks to respond, recover and reimagine a better, post-pandemic world. For the estimates, UNICEF used vital registration and nationally representative household survey data to estimate the monthly and daily fractions of births in countries. UNICEF used the annual live births numbers and period life expectancy from the latest revision of the UN's World Population Prospects (2019) to estimate the babies born on January 1, 2021 and their cohort life expectancy.

At nearly 60,000, India records highest number of babies born on New Year's Day: UNICEF

Vietnam, the world's third biggest exporter of rice, has started buying the grain from rival India for the first time in decades after local prices jumped to their highest in nine years amid limited domestic supplies, four industry officials told Reuters.

The purchases highlight tightening supplies in Asia, which could lift rice prices in 2021 and even force traditional buyers of rice from Thailand and&nbsp;Vietnam&nbsp;to switch to India, the world's biggest exporter of the grain.

Indian traders have been contracted to export 70,000 tonnes of 100 per cent&nbsp;broken rice for January and February shipments at around $310 per tonne on a free-on-board (FOB) basis, the industry officials say.

"For the first time we are exporting to&nbsp;Vietnam," B.V. Krishna Rao, president of the Rice Exporters Association, told Reuters on Monday. "Indian prices are very attractive. The huge price difference is making exports possible."

Dwindling supplies and continued Philippine buying have lifted&nbsp;Vietnamese rice export prices to a fresh nine-year high.

Vietnam's 5 per cent&nbsp;broken rice is offered around $500-$505 per tonne, significantly higher compared to Indian prices of $381-$387.

The shrinking supplies will heighten concerns about food insecurity with sub-Saharan Africa among the areas where import demand has been increasing due partly to population growth.

Chronic and acute hunger is on the rise, impacting vulnerable households in almost every country, with the COVID-19 pandemic reducing incomes and disrupting supply chains, according to the World Bank.

Stockpiling

Traders said the global pandemic has also prompted&nbsp;Vietnam&nbsp;and other countries to stockpile rice.

Vietnam&nbsp;announced last year it would stockpile 270,000 tonnes of rice to ensure food availability amid coronavirus-driven supply chain disruptions worldwide.

Traders in&nbsp;Vietnam&nbsp;said the rice from India had been stockpiled in government reserves since 2016/17 and its relatively cheap price reflected low quality.

"The rice quality is so poor that it is not good for direct consumption for humans, but only for producing animal feeds and beer," said a rice trader based in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam's total paddy output in 2020 fell 1.85% to 42.69 million tonnes, equivalent to around 21.35 million tonnes of rice, preliminary data from the government's General Statistics Office showed.

The country's rice exports in 2020 were forecast to have fallen by 3.5&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;to 6.15 million tonnes.

Robust demand from Asian and African countries has also been lifting Indian prices but they are still very competitive due to ample stocks, said Nitin&nbsp;Gupta, vice president of Olam India's rice&nbsp;business.

Vietnam&nbsp;could make more purchases as long as the price difference remains, Gupta said.

In December, the world's biggest rice importer China started buying Indian rice for the first time in at least three decades due to tightening supplies from Thailand, Myanmar and&nbsp;Vietnam&nbsp;and an offer of sharply discounted prices.

In 2020 India exported a record 14 million tonnes of rice, provisional data from the trade ministry showed.

Vietnam, the world's third biggest exporter of rice, has started buying the grain from rival India for the first time in decades after local prices jumped to their highest in nine years amid limited domestic supplies, four industry officials told Reuters.

Vietnam, the world's third biggest exporter of rice, has started buying the grain from rival India for the first time in decades after local prices jumped to their highest in nine years amid limited domestic supplies, four industry officials told Reuters. The purchases highlight tightening supplies in Asia, which could lift rice prices in 2021 and even force traditional buyers of rice from Thailand and Vietnam to switch to India, the world's biggest exporter of the grain. Indian traders have been contracted to export 70,000 tonnes of 100 per cent broken rice for January and February shipments at around $310 per tonne on a free-on-board (FOB) basis, the industry officials say. "For the first time we are exporting to Vietnam," B.V. Krishna Rao, president of the Rice Exporters Association, told Reuters on Monday. "Indian prices are very attractive. The huge price difference is making exports possible." Dwindling supplies and continued Philippine buying have lifted Vietnamese rice export prices to a fresh nine-year high. Vietnam's 5 per cent broken rice is offered around $500-$505 per tonne, significantly higher compared to Indian prices of $381-$387. The shrinking supplies will heighten concerns about food insecurity with sub-Saharan Africa among the areas where import demand has been increasing due partly to population growth. Chronic and acute hunger is on the rise, impacting vulnerable households in almost every country, with the COVID-19 pandemic reducing incomes and disrupting supply chains, according to the World Bank. Stockpiling Traders said the global pandemic has also prompted Vietnam and other countries to stockpile rice. Vietnam announced last year it would stockpile 270,000 tonnes of rice to ensure food availability amid coronavirus-driven supply chain disruptions worldwide. Traders in Vietnam said the rice from India had been stockpiled in government reserves since 2016/17 and its relatively cheap price reflected low quality. "The rice quality is so poor that it is not good for direct consumption for humans, but only for producing animal feeds and beer," said a rice trader based in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam's total paddy output in 2020 fell 1.85% to 42.69 million tonnes, equivalent to around 21.35 million tonnes of rice, preliminary data from the government's General Statistics Office showed. The country's rice exports in 2020 were forecast to have fallen by 3.5 per cent to 6.15 million tonnes. Robust demand from Asian and African countries has also been lifting Indian prices but they are still very competitive due to ample stocks, said Nitin Gupta, vice president of Olam India's rice business. Vietnam could make more purchases as long as the price difference remains, Gupta said. In December, the world's biggest rice importer China started buying Indian rice for the first time in at least three decades due to tightening supplies from Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam and an offer of sharply discounted prices. In 2020 India exported a record 14 million tonnes of rice, provisional data from the trade ministry showed.

Vietnam buys Indian rice for first time in decades

Samples of Avian influenza has been confirmed in 1800 migratory birds in Himachal Pradesh, making it the fifth state to report cases of the bird flu.

Bird flu is a highly infectious and severe respiratory disease in birds caused by the H5N1 influenza virus, which can occasionally infect humans as well.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Archana Sharma said the laboratory at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly detected avian influenza in the samples of dead birds while citing the information conveyed by the Centre.

At the same time, she said that her department was awaiting confirmation by the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, as it was the nodal body for testing this disease.

The local administration has already sounded an alert by banning all the human activities within a 10-km radius of the Pong wetlands in Kangra district.

Earlier, Haryana, Rajasthan, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh confirmed bird flu to be the cause of death for hundreds of birds.

According to the Bird Count India, a partnership comprising organizations and groups, over the past seven-10 days there have been reports of wild birds dying in separate incidents at different locations in the country.

"If you encounter a wild bird that is dead or dying, do not approach it, and under any circumstances do not touch it given the possibility (however small) that it might be infected with avian influenza. H5N1 is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe illness in people," it warned. 
&nbsp;

Samples of Avian influenza has been confirmed in 1800 migratory birds in Himachal Pradesh, making it the fifth state to report cases of the bird flu. Bird flu is a highly infectious and severe respiratory disease in birds caused by the H5N1 influenza virus, which can occasionally infect humans as well.

Samples of Avian influenza has been confirmed in 1800 migratory birds in Himachal Pradesh, making it the fifth state to report cases of the bird flu. Bird flu is a highly infectious and severe respiratory disease in birds caused by the H5N1 influenza virus, which can occasionally infect humans as well. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Archana Sharma said the laboratory at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly detected avian influenza in the samples of dead birds while citing the information conveyed by the Centre. At the same time, she said that her department was awaiting confirmation by the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, as it was the nodal body for testing this disease. The local administration has already sounded an alert by banning all the human activities within a 10-km radius of the Pong wetlands in Kangra district. Earlier, Haryana, Rajasthan, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh confirmed bird flu to be the cause of death for hundreds of birds. According to the Bird Count India, a partnership comprising organizations and groups, over the past seven-10 days there have been reports of wild birds dying in separate incidents at different locations in the country. "If you encounter a wild bird that is dead or dying, do not approach it, and under any circumstances do not touch it given the possibility (however small) that it might be infected with avian influenza. H5N1 is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe illness in people," it warned.

1,800 migratory birds die due to Avian flu outbreak in Himachal Pradesh

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-pm-boris-johnson-calls-india-indispensable-partner-ahead-of-delhi-visit-next-month-350001">Boris Johnson</a> who was set to visit India for Republic Day celebrations on January 26 has postponed his visit.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-announces-another-national-lockdown-354504/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Downing Street said the PM Johnson's visit has been postponed due to the coronavirus crisis.

England entered stringent lockdown on Monday amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

"The prime minister spoke to Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi this morning, to express his regret that he will be unable to visit India later this month as planned," newswire AFP quoted Downing Street spokesman as saying.

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told a television channel that the national lockdown in England could last till March with&nbsp;measures to be reviewed from February 15.&nbsp;

India's Prime Minister's Office(PMO) said that PM Modi had a telephone conversation today with the Prime Minister of UK Boris Johnson and he expressed regret over his inability to attend India's forthcoming Republic Day celebrations in view of the changed COVID-19 situation prevailing in the UK. &nbsp;

"He reiterated his keenness to visit India in the near future," PMO said in a statement.

"The leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation between both countries, including in the area of making COVID-19 vaccines available for the world," the PMO informed.

The national lockdown in England was announced on Monday&nbsp;after the British government revealed a new variant of the virus had entered Britain from South Africa a fortnight ago which was "70 per cent" more transferable.

England has been rolling out its vaccines at a fast pace amid the virus surge with supermarkets Tesco, Morrisons and Boots declaring they are ready to chip in to provide space and&nbsp;refrigerated lorries.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom has been hit hard due to the virus with the cases surging to over 2.7 million along with over 75,540 fatalities.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson who was set to visit India for Republic Day celebrations on January 26 has postponed his visit. Watch: Downing Street said the PM Johnson's visit has been postponed due to the coronavirus crisis.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson who was set to visit India for Republic Day celebrations on January 26 has postponed his visit. Watch: Downing Street said the PM Johnson's visit has been postponed due to the coronavirus crisis. England entered stringent lockdown on Monday amid a surge in coronavirus cases. "The prime minister spoke to Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi this morning, to express his regret that he will be unable to visit India later this month as planned," newswire AFP quoted Downing Street spokesman as saying. Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told a television channel that the national lockdown in England could last till March with measures to be reviewed from February 15. India's Prime Minister's Office(PMO) said that PM Modi had a telephone conversation today with the Prime Minister of UK Boris Johnson and he expressed regret over his inability to attend India's forthcoming Republic Day celebrations in view of the changed COVID-19 situation prevailing in the UK. "He reiterated his keenness to visit India in the near future," PMO said in a statement. "The leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation between both countries, including in the area of making COVID-19 vaccines available for the world," the PMO informed. The national lockdown in England was announced on Monday after the British government revealed a new variant of the virus had entered Britain from South Africa a fortnight ago which was "70 per cent" more transferable. England has been rolling out its vaccines at a fast pace amid the virus surge with supermarkets Tesco, Morrisons and Boots declaring they are ready to chip in to provide space and refrigerated lorries. The United Kingdom has been hit hard due to the virus with the cases surging to over 2.7 million along with over 75,540 fatalities.

UK PM Boris Johnson postpones India visit due to virus surge in England

India's Ministry of Defence(MOD) in its year-end review 2020 on Tuesday&nbsp;asserted that "defending the territorial integrity of India in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-stand-off-violent-clash-at-galwan-valley-was-planned-by-chinese-government-top-us-panel-346823">Galwan</a> Valley has been the most shining example of the valour of our forces in which 20 brave India soldiers made the supreme sacrifice."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/report-china-planned-the-galwan-skirmish-gravitas-347032/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"India categorically conveyed to China that any attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo at the border is unacceptable and that India is determined to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said.

The Indian Army informed that budgetary constraints for "capability development" and meeting other requirements have been removed. The review noted that the induction of eight Rafale&nbsp;aircraft in September 2020 is a "gamechanger" for India’s national security.

The forces also informed that air version of supersonic BrahMos Air missile was integrated into the Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft last year.

"The strength of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-china-standoff-how-indian-navys-marcos-can-change-the-game-along-pangong-lake-in-eastern-ladakh-346930">Indian Navy</a> furthered with the commissioning of INS Kavaratti, a fully combat-ready Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) stealth corvette and commissioning of warship IN LCU L57," it added.

"​Unilateral and provocative actions by the Chinese to change the status quo by force in more than one area on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) were responded to in a firm and non-escalatory way ensuring the sanctity of our claims in eastern Ladakh," the Indian Army said in its review.

On Pakistan's activities along the Line of Contol(LoC), the Indian Army said: "High level of alertness by troops blunted Pakistan’s endeavours to infiltrate terrorists into the Valley, at the same time high tempo of kinetic operations in the hinterland ensured denial of operational space to terrorist organisations." &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

The Army said the internal security situation in the north eastern states in India has improved considerably with a large number of surrenders of insurgent cadres.

"Excellent understanding and coordination with Myanmar&nbsp;(OP SUNRISE) have made it difficult for Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs) to set up camps there," it said while lauding the efforts of stellar role played by the Army and other security forces ensuring reduction in violence levels.

India's Ministry of Defence(MOD) in its year-end review 2020 on Tuesday asserted that "defending the territorial integrity of India in Galwan Valley has been the most shining example of the valour of our forces in which 20 brave India soldiers made the supreme sacrifice.

India's Ministry of Defence(MOD) in its year-end review 2020 on Tuesday asserted that "defending the territorial integrity of India in Galwan Valley has been the most shining example of the valour of our forces in which 20 brave India soldiers made the supreme sacrifice." Watch: "India categorically conveyed to China that any attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo at the border is unacceptable and that India is determined to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said. The Indian Army informed that budgetary constraints for "capability development" and meeting other requirements have been removed. The review noted that the induction of eight Rafale aircraft in September 2020 is a "gamechanger" for India’s national security. The forces also informed that air version of supersonic BrahMos Air missile was integrated into the Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft last year. "The strength of Indian Navy furthered with the commissioning of INS Kavaratti, a fully combat-ready Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) stealth corvette and commissioning of warship IN LCU L57," it added. "Unilateral and provocative actions by the Chinese to change the status quo by force in more than one area on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) were responded to in a firm and non-escalatory way ensuring the sanctity of our claims in eastern Ladakh," the Indian Army said in its review. On Pakistan's activities along the Line of Contol(LoC), the Indian Army said: "High level of alertness by troops blunted Pakistan’s endeavours to infiltrate terrorists into the Valley, at the same time high tempo of kinetic operations in the hinterland ensured denial of operational space to terrorist organisations." The Army said the internal security situation in the north eastern states in India has improved considerably with a large number of surrenders of insurgent cadres. "Excellent understanding and coordination with Myanmar (OP SUNRISE) have made it difficult for Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs) to set up camps there," it said while lauding the efforts of stellar role played by the Army and other security forces ensuring reduction in violence levels.

India-China standoff: Defending India's territorial integrity at Galwan shining example of valour, says defence ministry in year-end review

Various global leaders such as tech genius Bill Gates and the&nbsp;Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus have congratulated India for its quick and decisive actions regarding the coronavirus vaccine.

"It’s great to see India’s leadership in scientific innovation and vaccine manufacturing capability as the world works to end the COVID-19 pandemic," Bill Gates tweeted on Tuesday while tagging the Prime Minister's official Twitter account.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-begin-coronavirus-vaccine-roll-out-in-10-days-government-354599" hreflang="en">India to begin coronavirus vaccine roll out in 10 days: Government</a>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It’s great to see India’s leadership in scientific innovation and vaccine manufacturing capability as the world works to end the COVID-19 pandemic <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ds4f3tmrm3">https://t.co/Ds4f3tmrm3</a>
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillGates/status/1346184604827279360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The message has come two days after the&nbsp;Drug Controller General of India approved AstraZeneca/Oxford's vaccine Covishield — which is being&nbsp;manufactured by the Serum Institute of India — and&nbsp;Bharat Biotech's&nbsp;indigenously developed vaccine Covaxin.

Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also took to Twitter to congratulate India for this achievement. "India continues to take decisive action &amp; demonstrate its resolve to end COVID19 pandemic. As the Earth globe europe-africa’s largest vaccine producer it’s well placed to do so," he said. "If we #ACTogether, we can ensure effective &amp; safe vaccines are used to protect the most vulnerable everywhere."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> continues to take decisive action &amp; demonstrate its resolve to end <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> pandemic. As the 🌍’s largest vaccine producer it’s well placed to do so. 
If we <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ACTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ACTogether</a>, we can ensure effective &amp; safe vaccines are used to protect the most vulnerable everywhere <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros/status/1346203046959865860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-vaccine-rollout-354478">WATCH|</a>

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Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has assured people that India will soon be beginning the world's biggest&nbsp;inoculation drive. "World's biggest COVID-19 vaccination programme set to begin in India. For this, the country is proud of the contributions of its scientists and technicians," Modi said.

"As the largest vaccine producing country in the world, I want to give one more assurance to the global community today. India's vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis," he continued.

On Tuesday, the Indian government also announced that the country is all set to&nbsp;roll out its coronavirus vaccination campaign within ten days as part of emergency use authorisation(EUA).&nbsp;

Various global leaders such as tech genius Bill Gates and the Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus have congratulated India for its quick and decisive actions regarding the coronavirus vaccine.

Various global leaders such as tech genius Bill Gates and the Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus have congratulated India for its quick and decisive actions regarding the coronavirus vaccine. "It’s great to see India’s leadership in scientific innovation and vaccine manufacturing capability as the world works to end the COVID-19 pandemic," Bill Gates tweeted on Tuesday while tagging the Prime Minister's official Twitter account. Also read| India to begin coronavirus vaccine roll out in 10 days: Government It’s great to see India’s leadership in scientific innovation and vaccine manufacturing capability as the world works to end the COVID-19 pandemic @PMOIndia https://t.co/Ds4f3tmrm3 — Bill Gates (@BillGates) January 4, 2021 × The message has come two days after the Drug Controller General of India approved AstraZeneca/Oxford's vaccine Covishield — which is being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India — and Bharat Biotech's indigenously developed vaccine Covaxin. Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also took to Twitter to congratulate India for this achievement. "India continues to take decisive action & demonstrate its resolve to end COVID19 pandemic. As the Earth globe europe-africa’s largest vaccine producer it’s well placed to do so," he said. "If we #ACTogether, we can ensure effective & safe vaccines are used to protect the most vulnerable everywhere." #India continues to take decisive action & demonstrate its resolve to end #COVID19 pandemic. As the 🌍’s largest vaccine producer it’s well placed to do so. If we #ACTogether, we can ensure effective & safe vaccines are used to protect the most vulnerable everywhere @narendramodi — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) January 4, 2021 × WATCH| × Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has assured people that India will soon be beginning the world's biggest inoculation drive. "World's biggest COVID-19 vaccination programme set to begin in India. For this, the country is proud of the contributions of its scientists and technicians," Modi said. "As the largest vaccine producing country in the world, I want to give one more assurance to the global community today. India's vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis," he continued. On Tuesday, the Indian government also announced that the country is all set to roll out its coronavirus vaccination campaign within ten days as part of emergency use authorisation(EUA).

Bill Gates and other world leaders applaud India for quick vaccine production

Tens of thousands of poultry will be slaughtered in India after an outbreak of deadly avian influenza was found to have killed scores of birds across the country, officials said Tuesday.

At least six Indian states have stepped up efforts to contain two strains of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1800-migratory-birds-die-due-to-avian-flu-outbreak-in-himachal-pradesh-354508"> bird flu</a> -- H5N1 and H5N8 -- in recent days after the deaths of thousands of migratory birds, ducks, crows and chickens.

H5N8, an Avian influenza subtype among poultry and wild birds, has spread across several countries since early last year.

Officials in northern Himachal Pradesh state said carcasses were found over the past week at a Himalayan lake that witnesses large flocks of migratory birds during the winter season.

"The death toll in the last week or so at the Pong lake crossed 2,400 migratory birds. Over 600 birds died on Monday," state wildlife chief Archana Sharma told AFP.

Samples sent to the Indian National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases tested positive for H5N1, officials added.

Most of the dead were Central Asian high-altitude bar-headed geese -- one of the world's highest flying birds -- that migrate to South Asia in their thousands during the winter season.

Local authorities have banned the sale and export of poultry in the region and have stepped-up testing to control the spread.

The mass deaths came amid a cull of nearly 35,000 poultry in southern Kerala state, where an H5N8 virus outbreak killed up to 12,000 ducks.

Authorities said the slaughter was ordered within a one kilometre (0.6 mile) radius of the infection epicentre.

In northern Haryana state authorities said nearly 150,000 chickens died mysteriously across several poultry farms in Barwala district. Neighbouring Punjab also reported similar deaths.

More than 20 farms said their flocks were wiped out by an "unknown disease" and samples have been sent to labs for testing.

Western Rajasthan and central Madhya Pradesh states have also reported hundreds of crow deaths caused by H5N1 and H5N8 over past weeks.&nbsp;

Rajasthan had already seen nearly 4,500 crows and herons die over several months from avian flu.

India has witnessed bouts of devastating bird flu outbreaks in recent decades, most seriously in 2008, when millions of poultry were culled.

Tens of thousands of poultry will be slaughtered in India after an outbreak of deadly avian influenza was found to have killed scores of birds across the country, officials said Tuesday.

Tens of thousands of poultry will be slaughtered in India after an outbreak of deadly avian influenza was found to have killed scores of birds across the country, officials said Tuesday. At least six Indian states have stepped up efforts to contain two strains of bird flu -- H5N1 and H5N8 -- in recent days after the deaths of thousands of migratory birds, ducks, crows and chickens. H5N8, an Avian influenza subtype among poultry and wild birds, has spread across several countries since early last year. Officials in northern Himachal Pradesh state said carcasses were found over the past week at a Himalayan lake that witnesses large flocks of migratory birds during the winter season. "The death toll in the last week or so at the Pong lake crossed 2,400 migratory birds. Over 600 birds died on Monday," state wildlife chief Archana Sharma told AFP. Samples sent to the Indian National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases tested positive for H5N1, officials added. Most of the dead were Central Asian high-altitude bar-headed geese -- one of the world's highest flying birds -- that migrate to South Asia in their thousands during the winter season. Local authorities have banned the sale and export of poultry in the region and have stepped-up testing to control the spread. The mass deaths came amid a cull of nearly 35,000 poultry in southern Kerala state, where an H5N8 virus outbreak killed up to 12,000 ducks. Authorities said the slaughter was ordered within a one kilometre (0.6 mile) radius of the infection epicentre. In northern Haryana state authorities said nearly 150,000 chickens died mysteriously across several poultry farms in Barwala district. Neighbouring Punjab also reported similar deaths. More than 20 farms said their flocks were wiped out by an "unknown disease" and samples have been sent to labs for testing. Western Rajasthan and central Madhya Pradesh states have also reported hundreds of crow deaths caused by H5N1 and H5N8 over past weeks. Rajasthan had already seen nearly 4,500 crows and herons die over several months from avian flu. India has witnessed bouts of devastating bird flu outbreaks in recent decades, most seriously in 2008, when millions of poultry were culled.

Thousands of birds to be culled over avian flu outbreak in India

The Indian government announced today that it is preparing to roll out its coronavirus vaccination campaign within ten days as part of emergency&nbsp;use authorisation(EUA).&nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-vaccine-rollout-354478/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Union health ministry said that there are 41 cold storage system in India and vaccines will be distributed from these&nbsp;centres which would be digitally monitored.

"There are four primary vaccine stores called GMSD located in Karnal, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata and there are 37 vaccine stores in the country. They store vaccines in bulk," health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said.

The health secretary informed that the overall burden on health delivery structure has declined appreciably with 44 per cent of active cases in the hospital with moderate or severe coronavirus symptoms and 56 per cent cases who have mild or asymptomatic symptoms and are in home isolation.&nbsp;

"The active cases in the country is less than 2.5 lakhs and continues to decline," the health secretary said.

India has the second-highest coronavirus infection cases in the world, according to Johns Hopkins coronavirus resource centre with over 10.3 million cases and over 149, 840 fatalities.

The government informed that 286 sites across 125 districts in all states and Union Territories have been prepared as "model session sites".

The government asserted that vaccination teams have been identified and trained with all SOPs operationalised against COVID-19.

The Indian government announced today that it is preparing to roll out its coronavirus vaccination campaign within ten days as part of emergency use authorisation(EUA).

The Indian government announced today that it is preparing to roll out its coronavirus vaccination campaign within ten days as part of emergency use authorisation(EUA). Watch: Union health ministry said that there are 41 cold storage system in India and vaccines will be distributed from these centres which would be digitally monitored. "There are four primary vaccine stores called GMSD located in Karnal, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata and there are 37 vaccine stores in the country. They store vaccines in bulk," health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said. The health secretary informed that the overall burden on health delivery structure has declined appreciably with 44 per cent of active cases in the hospital with moderate or severe coronavirus symptoms and 56 per cent cases who have mild or asymptomatic symptoms and are in home isolation. "The active cases in the country is less than 2.5 lakhs and continues to decline," the health secretary said. India has the second-highest coronavirus infection cases in the world, according to Johns Hopkins coronavirus resource centre with over 10.3 million cases and over 149, 840 fatalities. The government informed that 286 sites across 125 districts in all states and Union Territories have been prepared as "model session sites". The government asserted that vaccination teams have been identified and trained with all SOPs operationalised against COVID-19.

India to begin coronavirus vaccine roll out in 10 days: Government

We all tend to know what the coming year has in store for us and even rely on astrology and tarot to forecast the year ahead.

However, politics and international relations don't work that way.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-fireworks-australia-new-zealand-welcome-2021-353638">With fireworks, India, other nations welcome 2021 as celebrations turn low-key</a>

<h1>Let's look at what awaits India in the new year vis-a-vis the world.&nbsp;</h1>

<h2>Vaccine manufacturing</h2>

The most important thing this year for India will be vaccine manufacturing and the world will be relying on the country for large-scale production and supply.

The Serum Institute of India is producing Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, Hyderabad-based Biological E has struck a deal for the shot being developed by Johnson &amp; Johnson's subsidiary.&nbsp;

Reports say Biological E may also manufacture the vaccine being developed by Houston's Baylor College of Medicine.&nbsp;

Indian Immunologicals Ltd has entered into a partnership with Australia's Griffith University.&nbsp;

Dr Reddy's has a deal to produce 100 million doses of the Sputnik V.&nbsp;

India's vaccine makers are known for their safety measures and effectiveness. But, going forward, India's role will be beyond large-scale vaccine supply and in 2021, the country will also be looking for equitable distribution of vaccines.&nbsp;

To ensure that distribution is not skewed towards wealthy countries, India will be supplying 100 million doses of vaccines to middle-income countries.&nbsp;

It has promised 30 million shots to Bangladesh. Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering has said that India's lead to develop vaccines "is a source of hope for all of us".

In 2021, India will be the world's hope for global vaccination.&nbsp;

<h2>Reviving the economy</h2>

This year, another big task for India will be getting its economy back on track.

In 2020, India entered its first recession since Independence.

The country needs to restructure its balance sheets, improve monetary policy transmission.

The IMF predicts that it will take India at least three years to recover from the pandemic blow to get its per capita GDP back to pre-pandemic levels.&nbsp;

As the Indian economy gets back on its feet, it can try to use the opportunity to include more digital technology.&nbsp;

<h2>The China challenge</h2>

China is another big challenge for India in 2021 and this hurdle is multi-fold.

First, India will have to look at ways to restructure the supply China, weed out Chinese products.&nbsp;

Secondly, India will have to get the dragon off its back at Ladakh.

It should work towards defining the Line of Actual Control or find alternatives, maybe military options.&nbsp;

India has a headway here as it controls the heights at the LAC.&nbsp;

The third challenge from China is autocracy. It will be up to India, the world's biggest democracy to stop China from spreading its aggressive and autocratic wings.&nbsp;

<h2>A 5G alliance</h2>

In 2021, a 5G alliance also awaits India, a group that will stand opposed to reliance on Chinese technology.&nbsp;

The grouping is expected to include the world's biggest democracies, India, Australia, South Korea, France, Canada, Germany, Japan, Italy, the US and the UK.&nbsp;

Along with these countries, India will try to create an alternative pool of 5G equipment and technologies so that the world can boycott Chinese technology.&nbsp;

<h2>Regional stability and terrorism</h2>

Finally, India will also continue to work towards regional stability and anti-terrorism in 2021. New Delhi will also have to find a balance between putting its neighbourhood first and at the same time forming strategic alliances.&nbsp;

<h1>Now let's zoom out and see what awaits the world in 2021.&nbsp;</h1>

The vaccines might be here, but most of the world will not get it next year. Rich countries have secured 51 per cent of the supplies. The poor countries have fallen behind.&nbsp;

As per an estimate, the world needs 15 million doses, but COVAX, the global initiative for equitable access to immunisation has agreements in place to secure just around two billion doses.&nbsp;

Low-income countries might have to wait until 2023 or 2024 for vaccination and with the new strains and shortage of vaccine supplies, the world still needs lockdowns.&nbsp;

We all tend to know what the coming year has in store for us and even rely on astrology and tarot to forecast the year ahead. However, politics and international relations don't work that way.

We all tend to know what the coming year has in store for us and even rely on astrology and tarot to forecast the year ahead. However, politics and international relations don't work that way. Also read | With fireworks, India, other nations welcome 2021 as celebrations turn low-key Let's look at what awaits India in the new year vis-a-vis the world. Vaccine manufacturing The most important thing this year for India will be vaccine manufacturing and the world will be relying on the country for large-scale production and supply. The Serum Institute of India is producing Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, Hyderabad-based Biological E has struck a deal for the shot being developed by Johnson & Johnson's subsidiary. Reports say Biological E may also manufacture the vaccine being developed by Houston's Baylor College of Medicine. Indian Immunologicals Ltd has entered into a partnership with Australia's Griffith University. Dr Reddy's has a deal to produce 100 million doses of the Sputnik V. India's vaccine makers are known for their safety measures and effectiveness. But, going forward, India's role will be beyond large-scale vaccine supply and in 2021, the country will also be looking for equitable distribution of vaccines. To ensure that distribution is not skewed towards wealthy countries, India will be supplying 100 million doses of vaccines to middle-income countries. It has promised 30 million shots to Bangladesh. Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering has said that India's lead to develop vaccines "is a source of hope for all of us". In 2021, India will be the world's hope for global vaccination. Reviving the economy This year, another big task for India will be getting its economy back on track. In 2020, India entered its first recession since Independence. The country needs to restructure its balance sheets, improve monetary policy transmission. The IMF predicts that it will take India at least three years to recover from the pandemic blow to get its per capita GDP back to pre-pandemic levels. As the Indian economy gets back on its feet, it can try to use the opportunity to include more digital technology. The China challenge China is another big challenge for India in 2021 and this hurdle is multi-fold. First, India will have to look at ways to restructure the supply China, weed out Chinese products. Secondly, India will have to get the dragon off its back at Ladakh. It should work towards defining the Line of Actual Control or find alternatives, maybe military options. India has a headway here as it controls the heights at the LAC. The third challenge from China is autocracy. It will be up to India, the world's biggest democracy to stop China from spreading its aggressive and autocratic wings. A 5G alliance In 2021, a 5G alliance also awaits India, a group that will stand opposed to reliance on Chinese technology. The grouping is expected to include the world's biggest democracies, India, Australia, South Korea, France, Canada, Germany, Japan, Italy, the US and the UK. Along with these countries, India will try to create an alternative pool of 5G equipment and technologies so that the world can boycott Chinese technology. Regional stability and terrorism Finally, India will also continue to work towards regional stability and anti-terrorism in 2021. New Delhi will also have to find a balance between putting its neighbourhood first and at the same time forming strategic alliances. Now let's zoom out and see what awaits the world in 2021. The vaccines might be here, but most of the world will not get it next year. Rich countries have secured 51 per cent of the supplies. The poor countries have fallen behind. As per an estimate, the world needs 15 million doses, but COVAX, the global initiative for equitable access to immunisation has agreements in place to secure just around two billion doses. Low-income countries might have to wait until 2023 or 2024 for vaccination and with the new strains and shortage of vaccine supplies, the world still needs lockdowns.

What India has in store for world in 2021

Kazakhstan has backed the use of Chabahar&nbsp;port, with its envoy saying by June of this year, a link will be established that will connect the country via the Caspian sea. Speaking exclusively to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Kazakh envoy&nbsp;Yerlan Alimbayev said, "Kazakhstan will not only join, we are actually in a process. We initiated this process and we were expected the Chabahar connection will be done"

Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country, bordering the Aral and Caspian seas, both of which are inland seas with no access to oceans.&nbsp;The comments by the envoy come even as India is keen that the port expands India's connection not only to Afghanistan but to the wider Central Asian region. Last month India, Uzbekistan, and Iran had a trilateral talk on the use of the port. The trilateral talk has been expanded with India set to Invite Afghanistan as well.

The Kazakh envoy also spoke on the upcoming parliamentary elections in his country. In October of 2021, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree setting the date for the elections to the Majilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan to be held on 10th January.&nbsp;

WION: Elections are going to happen in your country. If you can give some details.

Yerlan Alimbayev:&nbsp;We will have the parliamentary elections on January 10, 2021, to the lower chamber of the Parliament of Kazakhstan --Majlis. Given in the situation, we are having the elections after new political reforms conducted by the first president then taken by our President. So far, we have five&nbsp;parties participating in the elections. And we are expecting the results the next day on 11. Some papers/voting will be brought from abroad. So final results by 12 January.

WION: Will Indian observers also be present?

Yerlan Alimbayev:&nbsp;Our election commission sent an invitation to the election commission of India but due to the pandemic and absence of direct flight they could not make it. They sent, the election commission of India sent a letter explaining this. Within the framework of the Shanghai cooperation organization, we have some Indian observers.

WION: How have the ties been between the two&nbsp;countries? We know a number of high-level visits are being planned...including of the Kazakh President.

Yerlan Alimbayev:&nbsp;We have some highest- and high-level visits postponed from 2020. The visit of Lok Sabha speaker to Kazakhstan, visit of high-level Parliament delegation from Kazakhstan to India. We expect this to happen this year. We have this year, some high-level meetings between the ministries. We have the 14th intergovernmental commission meeting--by the minister of trade of Kazakhstan and from India, minister of petroleum and gas. We have several joint working groups headed by ministers. For example, on trade and economy, transport, and logistics. We have a special working group on pharmacy, on military-technical cooperation. All these events were postponed in 2020, so we will have them this year.

WION: How keen is Kazakhstan on the Chabahar port project?

Yerlan Alimbayev: Kazakhstan will not only join, we are actually in a process. We initiated this process and we were expected the Chabahar connection will be done and hopefully, as set by the transport ministry of Iran, it will be done, finish by June of this year. A small part of the connection will be done by Zahedan--Babar Abbas which will be done to the Caspian seaport of Iran. From that place, Kazakhstan will be part of the North-South International transport corridor. So we already part of NSITC. India, during the virtual summit with Uzbekistan, invited to join that. Chabahar is part of it. Kazakhstan is the east part of NSITC. As a country, being the biggest trade partner of India in Central Asia, we are in a position to support any kind of communication links to make our trade and people-to-people contact much easier and wider.

WION: So, will it be right to say, we will join the project by year-end?

Yerlan Alimbayev: Yes, we are already part of Chabahar.&nbsp; It's a process. My minister of foreign affairs mentioned last year that, even before in 2019 that Chabahar port is the most appropriate connecting point if logistic companies, trade partners from India, and other countries hesitate to use Bander Abbas due to restrictions, Chabahar is the best option. We are continuously talking about the use of Chabahar since 2015 and Kazakhstan announced and proposed a consortium for use of the port. In 2017 we had a joint meeting between Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, India, and Kazakhstan for use of the Chabahar port. Finally, it is coming to a realization and we will have it with India Uzbekistan having a working group with Iran. Kazakhstan is much eager to be part of it.

WION: Amid the COVID crisis, how have both the countries continued talks. Also any talks on COVID vaccine?

Yerlan Alimbayev: Despite the pandemic, we had several bilateral events. Our foreign ministers met in Moscow, they had also virtual meet within the framework of the India Central Asia Dialogue. We have several cultural events online, we have joined several meetings. We have lost 2000 people due to covid. We are developing our own vaccines. Three&nbsp;vaccines are on the way, two&nbsp;of them under trial. We are working with our partner Russia, and Pfizer. With India, we are ready and open to discuss but it is up to India. As you know yesterday, it was announced India will not allow the export of vaccines till April. We are open and we can discuss with the Indian government.

&nbsp;

Kazakhstan has backed the use of Chabahar port, with its envoy saying by June of this year, a link will be established that will connect the country via the Caspian sea.

Kazakhstan has backed the use of Chabahar port, with its envoy saying by June of this year, a link will be established that will connect the country via the Caspian sea. Speaking exclusively to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Kazakh envoy Yerlan Alimbayev said, "Kazakhstan will not only join, we are actually in a process. We initiated this process and we were expected the Chabahar connection will be done" Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country, bordering the Aral and Caspian seas, both of which are inland seas with no access to oceans. The comments by the envoy come even as India is keen that the port expands India's connection not only to Afghanistan but to the wider Central Asian region. Last month India, Uzbekistan, and Iran had a trilateral talk on the use of the port. The trilateral talk has been expanded with India set to Invite Afghanistan as well. The Kazakh envoy also spoke on the upcoming parliamentary elections in his country. In October of 2021, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree setting the date for the elections to the Majilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan to be held on 10th January. WION: Elections are going to happen in your country. If you can give some details. Yerlan Alimbayev: We will have the parliamentary elections on January 10, 2021, to the lower chamber of the Parliament of Kazakhstan --Majlis. Given in the situation, we are having the elections after new political reforms conducted by the first president then taken by our President. So far, we have five parties participating in the elections. And we are expecting the results the next day on 11. Some papers/voting will be brought from abroad. So final results by 12 January. WION: Will Indian observers also be present? Yerlan Alimbayev: Our election commission sent an invitation to the election commission of India but due to the pandemic and absence of direct flight they could not make it. They sent, the election commission of India sent a letter explaining this. Within the framework of the Shanghai cooperation organization, we have some Indian observers. WION: How have the ties been between the two countries? We know a number of high-level visits are being planned...including of the Kazakh President. Yerlan Alimbayev: We have some highest- and high-level visits postponed from 2020. The visit of Lok Sabha speaker to Kazakhstan, visit of high-level Parliament delegation from Kazakhstan to India. We expect this to happen this year. We have this year, some high-level meetings between the ministries. We have the 14th intergovernmental commission meeting--by the minister of trade of Kazakhstan and from India, minister of petroleum and gas. We have several joint working groups headed by ministers. For example, on trade and economy, transport, and logistics. We have a special working group on pharmacy, on military-technical cooperation. All these events were postponed in 2020, so we will have them this year. WION: How keen is Kazakhstan on the Chabahar port project? Yerlan Alimbayev: Kazakhstan will not only join, we are actually in a process. We initiated this process and we were expected the Chabahar connection will be done and hopefully, as set by the transport ministry of Iran, it will be done, finish by June of this year. A small part of the connection will be done by Zahedan--Babar Abbas which will be done to the Caspian seaport of Iran. From that place, Kazakhstan will be part of the North-South International transport corridor. So we already part of NSITC. India, during the virtual summit with Uzbekistan, invited to join that. Chabahar is part of it. Kazakhstan is the east part of NSITC. As a country, being the biggest trade partner of India in Central Asia, we are in a position to support any kind of communication links to make our trade and people-to-people contact much easier and wider. WION: So, will it be right to say, we will join the project by year-end? Yerlan Alimbayev: Yes, we are already part of Chabahar. It's a process. My minister of foreign affairs mentioned last year that, even before in 2019 that Chabahar port is the most appropriate connecting point if logistic companies, trade partners from India, and other countries hesitate to use Bander Abbas due to restrictions, Chabahar is the best option. We are continuously talking about the use of Chabahar since 2015 and Kazakhstan announced and proposed a consortium for use of the port. In 2017 we had a joint meeting between Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, India, and Kazakhstan for use of the Chabahar port. Finally, it is coming to a realization and we will have it with India Uzbekistan having a working group with Iran. Kazakhstan is much eager to be part of it. WION: Amid the COVID crisis, how have both the countries continued talks. Also any talks on COVID vaccine? Yerlan Alimbayev: Despite the pandemic, we had several bilateral events. Our foreign ministers met in Moscow, they had also virtual meet within the framework of the India Central Asia Dialogue. We have several cultural events online, we have joined several meetings. We have lost 2000 people due to covid. We are developing our own vaccines. Three vaccines are on the way, two of them under trial. We are working with our partner Russia, and Pfizer. With India, we are ready and open to discuss but it is up to India. As you know yesterday, it was announced India will not allow the export of vaccines till April. We are open and we can discuss with the Indian government.

Kazakhstan bats for Chabahar port; envoy says process underway for use via Caspian sea

Heavy snowfall has covered the Kashmir valley. Road and air transport has come to a grinding halt. Flights are expected to stay grounded for the 2nd consecutive day.

Heavy snowfall covers Kashmir valley, road & air transportation halted

India's multi-billion dollar deal to purchase the Russia-made S-400 air defence system may trigger US sanctions on New Delhi, a US Congressional report has warned.

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) - an independent and bipartisan research wing of US Congress - in its latest report to Congress, said India is "eager for more technology-sharing and co-production initiatives, while the United States urges more reforms in India's defence offsets policy and higher Foreign Direct Investment caps in its defence sector."

Prepared for the members of the Congress for them to take informed decisions, the report went on to warn that "India's multi-billion dollar deal to purchase the Russia-made S-400 air defence system may trigger US sanctions on India under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act."

The CRS' reports are neither official reports of the US Congress nor reflect the view of Congressmen. They are prepared by independent experts for the lawmakers to take informed decisions.

In October 2018, India had signed a $5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, despite a warning from the Trump administration that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions.

In 2019, India made the first tranche of payment of around $800 million to Russia for the missile systems.

The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system.

Last month, Russia had said that implementation of its ongoing defence deals with India, including the supply of a batch of S-400 missile systems, is advancing well notwithstanding the threat of US sanctions.

At a press conference in New Delhi last month, Russian ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev appeared to criticise the US sanctions on Turkey for procuring the S-400 missile systems under a $2.5 billion deal, saying Moscow does not recognise such unilateral actions.

"We do not recognise or welcome unilateral sanctions as a language or tool or instrument of interstate or international relations, other than those applied by the UN Security Council," he said.

"As far as India is concerned, we share the same platform. India's position is also crystal clear. No sanctions are acknowledged other than those imposed by the UN Security Council. Whatever the future is, we believe that our ties could withstand the coming challenges," he said.

India's multi-billion dollar deal to purchase the Russia-made S-400 air defence system may trigger US sanctions on New Delhi, a US Congressional report has warned.

India's multi-billion dollar deal to purchase the Russia-made S-400 air defence system may trigger US sanctions on New Delhi, a US Congressional report has warned. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) - an independent and bipartisan research wing of US Congress - in its latest report to Congress, said India is "eager for more technology-sharing and co-production initiatives, while the United States urges more reforms in India's defence offsets policy and higher Foreign Direct Investment caps in its defence sector." Prepared for the members of the Congress for them to take informed decisions, the report went on to warn that "India's multi-billion dollar deal to purchase the Russia-made S-400 air defence system may trigger US sanctions on India under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act." The CRS' reports are neither official reports of the US Congress nor reflect the view of Congressmen. They are prepared by independent experts for the lawmakers to take informed decisions. In October 2018, India had signed a $5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, despite a warning from the Trump administration that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions. In 2019, India made the first tranche of payment of around $800 million to Russia for the missile systems. The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. Last month, Russia had said that implementation of its ongoing defence deals with India, including the supply of a batch of S-400 missile systems, is advancing well notwithstanding the threat of US sanctions. At a press conference in New Delhi last month, Russian ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev appeared to criticise the US sanctions on Turkey for procuring the S-400 missile systems under a $2.5 billion deal, saying Moscow does not recognise such unilateral actions. "We do not recognise or welcome unilateral sanctions as a language or tool or instrument of interstate or international relations, other than those applied by the UN Security Council," he said. "As far as India is concerned, we share the same platform. India's position is also crystal clear. No sanctions are acknowledged other than those imposed by the UN Security Council. Whatever the future is, we believe that our ties could withstand the coming challenges," he said.

India's S-400 missile deal with Russia may trigger US sanctions: Report

Indian government has approved two of its top COVID-19 vaccine contenders Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin for emergency use on Sunday. Meanwhile, the government has conducted two vaccine dry runs to identify the shortcomings of the process and rectify it. As per reports COVID-19 vaccine in the country is likely to be rolled out in January.

Here's all you need to know about the process

Is it mandatory to take the vaccine?

No, taking the vaccine is voluntary.

First recipients of the Covid vaccine

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Saturday said that free coronavirus vaccines will be provided to 3 crore frontline workers in the first base of the mega vaccination drive in India.

"In first phase of COVID-19 Vaccination, free vaccine shall be provided across the nation to most prioritised beneficiaries that include 1 crore healthcare and 2 crore frontline workers," Vardhan wrote on Twitter.

People over 50 years of age and people with comorbidities will also be part of priority groups.

How do we register for Covid-19 vaccination?

As per reports, the COVID-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network (Co-WIN) system will be used to track the enlisted beneficiaries for vaccination and COVID-19 vaccines on a real-time basis.

Only pre-registered beneficiaries will be vaccinated per the prioritization – there will be no provision for on-the-spot registrations.

The registered mobile number will be used to inform the eligible beneficiaries. 
 
Currently, common people cannot register for the upcoming vaccine for the coronavirus pandemic as only officials have access to it for now.&nbsp; 
 
Once live, the Co-WIN app or website will give three options for registration including self-registration, individual registration, and bulk upload. The logistics of it have not yet been revealed.&nbsp;

What are the required documents for registration?

One of the following document will be required for registration – Driving licence, PAN card, bank passbook, passport, pension document, MGNERGA job card, voter ID, official IDs of MPs/ MLAs/ MLCs, government-issued service ID card and health insurance smartcard issued by Ministry of Labour.

Photo ID is a must for both registration and verification of beneficiary at the session site to ensure that the intended person is vaccinated, the guidelines state.

How will one know if they are eligible for vaccination?

The eligible beneficiaries would be informed through their mobile number.

How many doses of the vaccine would be required?

The government has said that two doses of the vaccine 28 days apart must be administered for a beneficiary.

Will the covid-19 vaccine be given to everyone simultaneously?

No, the vaccination process would take place in phases. The first phase would include high-risk groups as aforementioned.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian government has approved two of its top COVID-19 vaccine contenders Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin for emergency use on Sunday.

Indian government has approved two of its top COVID-19 vaccine contenders Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin for emergency use on Sunday. Meanwhile, the government has conducted two vaccine dry runs to identify the shortcomings of the process and rectify it. As per reports COVID-19 vaccine in the country is likely to be rolled out in January. Here's all you need to know about the process Is it mandatory to take the vaccine? No, taking the vaccine is voluntary. First recipients of the Covid vaccine Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Saturday said that free coronavirus vaccines will be provided to 3 crore frontline workers in the first base of the mega vaccination drive in India. "In first phase of COVID-19 Vaccination, free vaccine shall be provided across the nation to most prioritised beneficiaries that include 1 crore healthcare and 2 crore frontline workers," Vardhan wrote on Twitter. People over 50 years of age and people with comorbidities will also be part of priority groups. How do we register for Covid-19 vaccination? As per reports, the COVID-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network (Co-WIN) system will be used to track the enlisted beneficiaries for vaccination and COVID-19 vaccines on a real-time basis. Only pre-registered beneficiaries will be vaccinated per the prioritization – there will be no provision for on-the-spot registrations. The registered mobile number will be used to inform the eligible beneficiaries. Currently, common people cannot register for the upcoming vaccine for the coronavirus pandemic as only officials have access to it for now. Once live, the Co-WIN app or website will give three options for registration including self-registration, individual registration, and bulk upload. The logistics of it have not yet been revealed. What are the required documents for registration? One of the following document will be required for registration – Driving licence, PAN card, bank passbook, passport, pension document, MGNERGA job card, voter ID, official IDs of MPs/ MLAs/ MLCs, government-issued service ID card and health insurance smartcard issued by Ministry of Labour. Photo ID is a must for both registration and verification of beneficiary at the session site to ensure that the intended person is vaccinated, the guidelines state. How will one know if they are eligible for vaccination? The eligible beneficiaries would be informed through their mobile number. How many doses of the vaccine would be required? The government has said that two doses of the vaccine 28 days apart must be administered for a beneficiary. Will the covid-19 vaccine be given to everyone simultaneously? No, the vaccination process would take place in phases. The first phase would include high-risk groups as aforementioned. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid vaccination drive in India: Registration, process and documents needed

Inaugurating a 450-km natural gas pipeline between Kochi in Kerala to Mangaluru in Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that a gas-based economy is crucial for Atmanirbhar Bharat and work is being done in the direction of "One Nation, One Gas Grid".

PM set out his government's energy roadmap, envisaging more than double the share of cleaner natural gas in the consumption basket, diversifying sources of energy, connecting the nation with one gas pipeline grid and bringing affordable fuel to people and industry.

"It is an honour to dedicate the 450-km pipeline to the nation. This is an important day for India, especially for people of Karnataka and Kerala. India is focusing on gas-based economy and lot of work is being done on `One Nation, One Gas Grid`. The gas-based economy is also crucial for Atmanirbhar Bharat," said PM Modi at the inauguration.&nbsp;

"It is an important day for India, especially for the people of Karnataka and Kerala. These two states are being connected via a natural gas pipeline. I congratulate everyone as the pipeline is a futuristic step towards a clean energy ecosystem," he added.&nbsp;

Governors and Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Kerala, along with Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas were also present during the event. Kochi-Mangaluru Natural Gas Pipeline will have a positive impact on economic growth, the Prime Minister stated.

"It is an example that if we work together, nothing is impossible," he added. "The Kochi-Mangaluru pipeline is an example that if everyone works together by prioritising development, no goal is unachievable. This pipeline is going to prove very important in accelerating the development of both the states," said PM Modi.&nbsp;

"It is not just a pipeline but it will be a major driver of development in both states," he added.&nbsp; 
The Kochi-Mangaluru pipeline will increase the ease of living for millions of people in both states. This pipeline will reduce the expenses of the poor, middle class and entrepreneurs of both the states, the Prime Minister stated.&nbsp;

"The Kochi-Mangaluru pipeline will be the medium of gas distribution system in cities. It will become a medium for developing CNG-based transport systems in many cities," he added.&nbsp;

According to the PMO, the 450 km long pipeline has been built by GAIL (India) Ltd. It has a transportation capacity of 12 Million Metric Standard Cubic Metres per day and will carry natural gas from the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Regasification Terminal at Kochi (Kerala) to Mangaluru (Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka), while passing through Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.The total cost of the project was about Rs 3,000 crore and its construction created over 12 lakh man-days of employment. Laying of the pipeline was an engineering challenge as the route of the pipeline necessitated it to cross water bodies at more than 100 locations.

This was done through a special technique called the Horizontal Directional Drilling method.The pipeline will supply environment-friendly and affordable fuel in the form of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to households and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to the transportation sector.It will also supply Natural Gas to commercial and industrial units across the districts along the pipeline. Consumption of cleaner fuel will help in improving air quality by curbing air pollution.

(With inputs from agencies)

Inaugurating a 450-km natural gas pipeline between Kochi in Kerala to Mangaluru in Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that a gas-based economy is crucial for Atmanirbhar Bharat and work is being done in the direction of "One Nation, One Gas Grid".

Inaugurating a 450-km natural gas pipeline between Kochi in Kerala to Mangaluru in Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that a gas-based economy is crucial for Atmanirbhar Bharat and work is being done in the direction of "One Nation, One Gas Grid". PM set out his government's energy roadmap, envisaging more than double the share of cleaner natural gas in the consumption basket, diversifying sources of energy, connecting the nation with one gas pipeline grid and bringing affordable fuel to people and industry. "It is an honour to dedicate the 450-km pipeline to the nation. This is an important day for India, especially for people of Karnataka and Kerala. India is focusing on gas-based economy and lot of work is being done on `One Nation, One Gas Grid`. The gas-based economy is also crucial for Atmanirbhar Bharat," said PM Modi at the inauguration. "It is an important day for India, especially for the people of Karnataka and Kerala. These two states are being connected via a natural gas pipeline. I congratulate everyone as the pipeline is a futuristic step towards a clean energy ecosystem," he added. Governors and Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Kerala, along with Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas were also present during the event. Kochi-Mangaluru Natural Gas Pipeline will have a positive impact on economic growth, the Prime Minister stated. "It is an example that if we work together, nothing is impossible," he added. "The Kochi-Mangaluru pipeline is an example that if everyone works together by prioritising development, no goal is unachievable. This pipeline is going to prove very important in accelerating the development of both the states," said PM Modi. "It is not just a pipeline but it will be a major driver of development in both states," he added. The Kochi-Mangaluru pipeline will increase the ease of living for millions of people in both states. This pipeline will reduce the expenses of the poor, middle class and entrepreneurs of both the states, the Prime Minister stated. "The Kochi-Mangaluru pipeline will be the medium of gas distribution system in cities. It will become a medium for developing CNG-based transport systems in many cities," he added. According to the PMO, the 450 km long pipeline has been built by GAIL (India) Ltd. It has a transportation capacity of 12 Million Metric Standard Cubic Metres per day and will carry natural gas from the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Regasification Terminal at Kochi (Kerala) to Mangaluru (Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka), while passing through Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.The total cost of the project was about Rs 3,000 crore and its construction created over 12 lakh man-days of employment. Laying of the pipeline was an engineering challenge as the route of the pipeline necessitated it to cross water bodies at more than 100 locations. This was done through a special technique called the Horizontal Directional Drilling method.The pipeline will supply environment-friendly and affordable fuel in the form of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to households and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to the transportation sector.It will also supply Natural Gas to commercial and industrial units across the districts along the pipeline. Consumption of cleaner fuel will help in improving air quality by curbing air pollution. (With inputs from agencies)

‘One nation, one gas grid’: PM Modi inaugurates Kochi-Mangaluru GAIL pipeline

Tamil Nadu has made significant progress in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic as the state surpassed 8 lakh (8,00,429) recoveries on Sunday. The active cases in the state stand at 8,127( 1% of total reported cases), which is among the lowest when compared with the worst hit states in India.&nbsp;

However, a recent cluster that has emerged in some of the upscale hotels in Chennai city has been a cause for concern, at a time when the state has opened up almost entirely. 4392 staff of star hotels and other hotels were tested and 125 of those samples returned positive, 2014 returned negative, while 491 results are awaited.&nbsp;

Of the 2226 employees of star hotels in the city, 1303 employees were tested and 114 have returned positive. In the case of other category hotels there are 4190 staff, of which 11 tested positive, from the 1417 tests conducted.&nbsp;

According to Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Dr. J. Radhakrishnan, such routine testing would be carried out over the next three weeks, as a measure of abundant precaution. Testing of staff would be carried out at hotels that have banquet halls, marriage halls, hostels, colleges, hostels for working men and women etc.

Recently, another cluster had emerged in the IIT-Madras campus, largely owing to a common dining area that catered to over 700 persons. Following inspections on campus, it was decided to provide food in the student's rooms.

On Sunday, the state health bulletin reported 867 new cases, of which, 236 were from Chennai. Ten deaths were added, thus taking the death toll to 12,156.&nbsp;

Of the nearly 2300 persons who travelled into the state from the UK, between November 25th and December 23rd, 21,146 persons have been traced. 44 of them have tested positive as on Sunday and the results of seven persons are awaited.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu has made significant progress in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic as the state surpassed 8 lakh (8,00,429) recoveries on Sunday. The active cases in the state stand at 8,127( 1% of total reported cases), which is among the lowest when compared with the worst hit states in India.

Tamil Nadu has made significant progress in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic as the state surpassed 8 lakh (8,00,429) recoveries on Sunday. The active cases in the state stand at 8,127( 1% of total reported cases), which is among the lowest when compared with the worst hit states in India. However, a recent cluster that has emerged in some of the upscale hotels in Chennai city has been a cause for concern, at a time when the state has opened up almost entirely. 4392 staff of star hotels and other hotels were tested and 125 of those samples returned positive, 2014 returned negative, while 491 results are awaited. Of the 2226 employees of star hotels in the city, 1303 employees were tested and 114 have returned positive. In the case of other category hotels there are 4190 staff, of which 11 tested positive, from the 1417 tests conducted. According to Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Dr. J. Radhakrishnan, such routine testing would be carried out over the next three weeks, as a measure of abundant precaution. Testing of staff would be carried out at hotels that have banquet halls, marriage halls, hostels, colleges, hostels for working men and women etc. Recently, another cluster had emerged in the IIT-Madras campus, largely owing to a common dining area that catered to over 700 persons. Following inspections on campus, it was decided to provide food in the student's rooms. On Sunday, the state health bulletin reported 867 new cases, of which, 236 were from Chennai. Ten deaths were added, thus taking the death toll to 12,156. Of the nearly 2300 persons who travelled into the state from the UK, between November 25th and December 23rd, 21,146 persons have been traced. 44 of them have tested positive as on Sunday and the results of seven persons are awaited.

Tamil Nadu gets past 8 lakh COVID-19 recoveries; new cluster emerges in Chennai hotels

India approved two Wuhan virus vaccines over the weekend. The emergency-use approvals were given to the Oxford-Astrazeneca shot - Covishield and the Bharat Biotech vaccine - Covaxin.

Both are two-shot vaccines and both are easy to store and distribute. The vaccines have been approved and administering shots is the next step. As India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi described it - India will be starting the largest vaccination programme in the world.

The task is to vaccinate over 1.3 billion people. However, no timeline has been announced so far but mass vaccination is expected to start soon. Reports claim it can be as early as this week.

Healthcare workers and frontline workers are set to get vaccinated first. They make up the first priority group and they will be administered the vaccine for free. The second group includes persons above the age of 50 and persons with co-morbidities.

The Wuhan virus vaccination is being called India's most ambitious vaccination drive ever. Mock drills have already been held in 125 districts and across all states with at least 96,000 vaccinators trained.

Cold chain infrastructure has been upgraded. India has secured enough shots to vaccinate its priority group. Those eligible for the vaccine in the first phase will be notified through a text message. They will be informed about the health facility they need to go to for the shot. They will also be provided a date and time.

India has kept the vaccination voluntary, however, that's not the government's biggest challenge since as with most things in India, politics is the biggest hurdle.

Despite all the checks, India has not been able to immunise itself from vaccine politics. India's vaccination programme has come under criticism. Most of it has been directed towards the approval of Covaxin - the home-grown vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech and ICMR the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR).

Critics say it has not been vetted properly and was approved prematurely.

The director of India's premier medical institute AIIMS suggested that Covaxin be kept as a backup vaccine. India's opposition leaders have questioned the lack of efficacy data for Covaxin. They also raised questions around the safety of the shot as some called it a "BJP vaccine" tagging it to the ruling party at the Centre in India.

As for the questions about the efficacy &amp; trail data, the managing director of Bharat Biotech Krishna Ella opened Pandora's box. He named a vaccine company and said that it was giving paracetamol to its volunteers suppressing adverse reactions.

He also said that while most vaccine makers have data of around 1,000 volunteers. Bharat Biotech is the only company with data of 25,000 people and that the company has carried out "200 per cent honest clinical trials".

He said that most vaccines will not be effective in the second year. None of the vaccine makers have said if their shots will be effective in case of transmission of the virus. WION has not been able to independently verify any of it.

These are desperate times call for desperate measures. Vaccine makers want to sell their shots, politicians want to play politics over vaccines and governments want to roll out vaccines as soon as possible. Accusations and mudslinging don't help anyone, avoiding transparency however is even worse.

India approved two Wuhan virus vaccines over the weekend. The emergency-use approvals were given to the Oxford-Astrazeneca shot - Covishield and the Bharat Biotech vaccine - Covaxin.

India approved two Wuhan virus vaccines over the weekend. The emergency-use approvals were given to the Oxford-Astrazeneca shot - Covishield and the Bharat Biotech vaccine - Covaxin. Both are two-shot vaccines and both are easy to store and distribute. The vaccines have been approved and administering shots is the next step. As India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi described it - India will be starting the largest vaccination programme in the world. The task is to vaccinate over 1.3 billion people. However, no timeline has been announced so far but mass vaccination is expected to start soon. Reports claim it can be as early as this week. Healthcare workers and frontline workers are set to get vaccinated first. They make up the first priority group and they will be administered the vaccine for free. The second group includes persons above the age of 50 and persons with co-morbidities. The Wuhan virus vaccination is being called India's most ambitious vaccination drive ever. Mock drills have already been held in 125 districts and across all states with at least 96,000 vaccinators trained. Cold chain infrastructure has been upgraded. India has secured enough shots to vaccinate its priority group. Those eligible for the vaccine in the first phase will be notified through a text message. They will be informed about the health facility they need to go to for the shot. They will also be provided a date and time. India has kept the vaccination voluntary, however, that's not the government's biggest challenge since as with most things in India, politics is the biggest hurdle. Despite all the checks, India has not been able to immunise itself from vaccine politics. India's vaccination programme has come under criticism. Most of it has been directed towards the approval of Covaxin - the home-grown vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech and ICMR the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR). Critics say it has not been vetted properly and was approved prematurely. The director of India's premier medical institute AIIMS suggested that Covaxin be kept as a backup vaccine. India's opposition leaders have questioned the lack of efficacy data for Covaxin. They also raised questions around the safety of the shot as some called it a "BJP vaccine" tagging it to the ruling party at the Centre in India. As for the questions about the efficacy & trail data, the managing director of Bharat Biotech Krishna Ella opened Pandora's box. He named a vaccine company and said that it was giving paracetamol to its volunteers suppressing adverse reactions. He also said that while most vaccine makers have data of around 1,000 volunteers. Bharat Biotech is the only company with data of 25,000 people and that the company has carried out "200 per cent honest clinical trials". He said that most vaccines will not be effective in the second year. None of the vaccine makers have said if their shots will be effective in case of transmission of the virus. WION has not been able to independently verify any of it. These are desperate times call for desperate measures. Vaccine makers want to sell their shots, politicians want to play politics over vaccines and governments want to roll out vaccines as soon as possible. Accusations and mudslinging don't help anyone, avoiding transparency however is even worse.

Politics overtakes COVID-19 vaccination programme in India

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Covid vaccination drive in India: Registration, process and documents needed