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A total of 20 people who returned to India from the United Kingdom have tested positive for the new coronavirus variant so far.

On December 29, the Centre said that six UK returnees have been found to be positive with the new UK variant genome.

The samples of all passengers who tested positive after flying from the UK are being sent to laboratories for genome sequencing. Flights from the UK were banned from December 23 till December 31. 
 
"All these persons have been kept in single room isolation in designated Health Care facilities by respective State Governments. 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 Union Health ministry said in an official statement.

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, said the ministry.

There is no evidence to suggest that current vaccines will fail to protect against the SARS-CoV-2 mutants reported from the UK or South Africa, the government said.

The new SARS-CoV-2 variant could be as much as 70 percent more transmissible, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said. However, it is not yet known if the mutation causes a more severe version of the disease.

The presence of the new UK variant has already been reported by Denmark, Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, Lebanon and Singapore, so far.

(With inputs from agencies)

A total of 20 people who returned to India from the United Kingdom have tested positive for the new coronavirus variant so far. On December 29, the Centre said that six UK returnees have been found to be positive with the new UK variant genome.

A total of 20 people who returned to India from the United Kingdom have tested positive for the new coronavirus variant so far. On December 29, the Centre said that six UK returnees have been found to be positive with the new UK variant genome. The samples of all passengers who tested positive after flying from the UK are being sent to laboratories for genome sequencing. Flights from the UK were banned from December 23 till December 31. "All these persons have been kept in single room isolation in designated Health Care facilities by respective State Governments. 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 Union Health ministry said in an official statement. 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, said the ministry. There is no evidence to suggest that current vaccines will fail to protect against the SARS-CoV-2 mutants reported from the UK or South Africa, the government said. The new SARS-CoV-2 variant could be as much as 70 percent more transmissible, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said. However, it is not yet known if the mutation causes a more severe version of the disease. The presence of the new UK variant has already been reported by Denmark, Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, Lebanon and Singapore, so far. (With inputs from agencies)

UK mutant strain in India: Total 20 test positive for new Covid variant

The Indian government on Wednesday approved the export of&nbsp;indigenously built&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-ministry-to-decide-on-armys-rs-10000-crore-akash-missiles-proposal-for-pak-china-border-257288">Akash</a> missile system.&nbsp;The sale of India's missile system was approved by the cabinet chaired by PM Modi.

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"The export version of Akash will be different from the system currently deployed with Indian armed forces," defence minister Rajnath Sinh said, adding, "Akash is the country’s important missile with over 96 per cent indigenisation."

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Under the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtmaNirbharBharat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtmaNirbharBharat</a>, India is growing in its capabilities of manufacturing wide variety of Defence platforms &amp; missiles. 
 
The Cabinet chaired by PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji today approved the export of Akash Missile System and a Committee for faster Approvals has been created.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1344194870122967040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-nations-have-shown-interest-in-akash-missile-drdo-138241">Akash</a> is a surface-to-air missile system with a range of 25 kms. &nbsp;

"This decision by the Cabinet would help the country to improve its defence products and make them globally competitive," India's defence minister said.

"So far, Indian defence exports included parts/components etc. The export of big platforms was minimal," Rajnath Singh added.

India's defence minister said the government intends to focus on exporting high-value defence platform to meet the target of $5 billion defence export.

Rajnath Singh added that the sale of these weapons will also help to improve strategic relations with friendly foreign countries.

"After its induction in the Services, interest was shown in Akash missile by many friendly countries during International Exhibitions/Defence Expo/Aero India. The Cabinet approval will facilitate Indian manufactures to participate in RFI/RFP issued by various countries,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

The Indian government on Wednesday approved the export of indigenously built Akash missile system. The sale of India's missile system was approved by the cabinet chaired by PM Modi.

The Indian government on Wednesday approved the export of indigenously built Akash missile system. The sale of India's missile system was approved by the cabinet chaired by PM Modi. Watch: "The export version of Akash will be different from the system currently deployed with Indian armed forces," defence minister Rajnath Sinh said, adding, "Akash is the country’s important missile with over 96 per cent indigenisation." Under the #AtmaNirbharBharat, India is growing in its capabilities of manufacturing wide variety of Defence platforms & missiles. The Cabinet chaired by PM @narendramodi ji today approved the export of Akash Missile System and a Committee for faster Approvals has been created. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 30, 2020 × Akash is a surface-to-air missile system with a range of 25 kms. "This decision by the Cabinet would help the country to improve its defence products and make them globally competitive," India's defence minister said. "So far, Indian defence exports included parts/components etc. The export of big platforms was minimal," Rajnath Singh added. India's defence minister said the government intends to focus on exporting high-value defence platform to meet the target of $5 billion defence export. Rajnath Singh added that the sale of these weapons will also help to improve strategic relations with friendly foreign countries. "After its induction in the Services, interest was shown in Akash missile by many friendly countries during International Exhibitions/Defence Expo/Aero India. The Cabinet approval will facilitate Indian manufactures to participate in RFI/RFP issued by various countries,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

India to export indigenously built Akash missile system

India has the capability to hit terrorist targets across the border if the need arises, Defence Minster Rajanth Singh has said and noted that Pakistan has been indulging in notorious actions along the border since its creation.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, the minister said Pakistan has been resorting to 300-400 ceasefire violations in a few months but the Army gives a befitting reply.&nbsp;

"Ever since its existence, Pakistan has been indulging in notorious actions along the border," he said.

The minister said the troops were working to eradicate terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

"The country`s soldiers have proved that not only this side, but to eliminate terrorism they can go to the other side and attack terrorist hideouts if the need arises. India has that capability, that power," he said.&nbsp;

India had carried out surgical strike on terror launch pads across the border in 2016 after Uri terror attack. It had carried out an aerial strike on terror camp in Balakot in 2019 following terror attack Pulwama.&nbsp;

The minister had slammed Pakistan during the graduation parade at Airforce Academy in Dundigal earlier this month and said that the neighbouring country has continued with its "nefarious acts" on the border, even after losing four wars.

India has the capability to hit terrorist targets across the border if the need arises, Defence Minster Rajanth Singh has said and noted that Pakistan has been indulging in notorious actions along the border since its creation.

India has the capability to hit terrorist targets across the border if the need arises, Defence Minster Rajanth Singh has said and noted that Pakistan has been indulging in notorious actions along the border since its creation. In an exclusive interview with ANI, the minister said Pakistan has been resorting to 300-400 ceasefire violations in a few months but the Army gives a befitting reply. "Ever since its existence, Pakistan has been indulging in notorious actions along the border," he said. The minister said the troops were working to eradicate terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. "The country`s soldiers have proved that not only this side, but to eliminate terrorism they can go to the other side and attack terrorist hideouts if the need arises. India has that capability, that power," he said. India had carried out surgical strike on terror launch pads across the border in 2016 after Uri terror attack. It had carried out an aerial strike on terror camp in Balakot in 2019 following terror attack Pulwama. The minister had slammed Pakistan during the graduation parade at Airforce Academy in Dundigal earlier this month and said that the neighbouring country has continued with its "nefarious acts" on the border, even after losing four wars.

India has capability to hit terror targets across LoC if need arises: Rajnath Singh

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, wanted in connection with the estimated USD 2-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case, was on Tuesday further remanded in custody until January 7 by a UK court hearing his extradition case.

The 49-year-old businessman, who has been behind bars at Wandsworth Prison in south-west London since his arrest last year following India's extradition request for him, appeared via videolink for a routine 28-day remand hearing on Tuesday before Westminster Magistrates' Court in London.

The final hearings in the extradition case are scheduled over two days, on January 7 and 8 next year, when District Judge Samuel Goozee is scheduled to hear closing arguments from both sides before he hands down his judgment a few weeks later.

At the last full hearing in the case in November, Judge Goozee heard the arguments for and against the admissibility of certain witness statements provided by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) and ruled that the evidence to establish a prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against the fugitive diamantaire is broadly admissible.

He concluded that he considered himself "bound" by the previous UK court rulings in the extradition case of former Kingfisher Airlines chief Vijay Mallya.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian authorities, had stressed that the evidence, including witness statements under Section 161 of the Indian Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), meets the required threshold for the UK court to determine whether Modi has a case to answer before the Indian judicial system.

"The argument that this is a very specific case, distinguishable from Mallya is frankly nonsense," said CPS barrister Helen Malcolm.

That Mallya has a case to answer in India in his fraud and money laundering case has cleared various levels of the UK judicial system and is currently undergoing a "confidential" legal issue before UK Home Secretary Priti Patel can consider signing off on his extradition.

Modi's barrister, Clare Montgomery, who was also the defence counsel in Mallya's case, however, disputed that the Section 161 witness statements qualify as similar.

"The government of India case is not as strong as it was in Mallya," said Montgomery, as she also raised a specific issue over a witness who was said to speak no English in his testimony for the CBI but signed a statement in English for the ED.

Modi is the subject of two sets of criminal proceedings, with the CBI case relating to a large-scale fraud upon PNB through the fraudulent obtaining of "Letters of Understanding" (LoUs or loan agreements), and the ED case relating to the laundering of the proceeds of that fraud.

He also faces two additional charges of "causing the disappearance of evidence" and intimidating witnesses or criminal intimidation to cause death added to the CBI case.

The jeweller has been in prison since he was arrested on March 19, 2019, on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard and his attempts at seeking bail have been repeatedly turned down.

The charges against him centre around his firms Diamonds R Us, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamonds making fraudulent use of a credit facility offered by PNB or LoUs.

The CPS, on behalf of India, have told the court during the course of two separate set of hearings in May and September that a number of PNB staff conspired with Modi to ensure the LoUs were issued to his companies without ensuring they were subject to the required credit check, without recording the issuance of the LoUs and without charging the required commission upon the transactions.

Modi's defence team has sought to counter allegations of fraud by deposing witnesses to establish the volatility of the gems and jewellery trade and that the LoUs were standard practice.

His severe depression has also been raised as part of the arguments against extradition.

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, wanted in connection with the estimated USD 2-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case, was on Tuesday further remanded in custody until January 7 by a UK court hearing his extradition case.

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, wanted in connection with the estimated USD 2-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case, was on Tuesday further remanded in custody until January 7 by a UK court hearing his extradition case. The 49-year-old businessman, who has been behind bars at Wandsworth Prison in south-west London since his arrest last year following India's extradition request for him, appeared via videolink for a routine 28-day remand hearing on Tuesday before Westminster Magistrates' Court in London. The final hearings in the extradition case are scheduled over two days, on January 7 and 8 next year, when District Judge Samuel Goozee is scheduled to hear closing arguments from both sides before he hands down his judgment a few weeks later. At the last full hearing in the case in November, Judge Goozee heard the arguments for and against the admissibility of certain witness statements provided by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) and ruled that the evidence to establish a prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against the fugitive diamantaire is broadly admissible. He concluded that he considered himself "bound" by the previous UK court rulings in the extradition case of former Kingfisher Airlines chief Vijay Mallya. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian authorities, had stressed that the evidence, including witness statements under Section 161 of the Indian Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), meets the required threshold for the UK court to determine whether Modi has a case to answer before the Indian judicial system. "The argument that this is a very specific case, distinguishable from Mallya is frankly nonsense," said CPS barrister Helen Malcolm. That Mallya has a case to answer in India in his fraud and money laundering case has cleared various levels of the UK judicial system and is currently undergoing a "confidential" legal issue before UK Home Secretary Priti Patel can consider signing off on his extradition. Modi's barrister, Clare Montgomery, who was also the defence counsel in Mallya's case, however, disputed that the Section 161 witness statements qualify as similar. "The government of India case is not as strong as it was in Mallya," said Montgomery, as she also raised a specific issue over a witness who was said to speak no English in his testimony for the CBI but signed a statement in English for the ED. Modi is the subject of two sets of criminal proceedings, with the CBI case relating to a large-scale fraud upon PNB through the fraudulent obtaining of "Letters of Understanding" (LoUs or loan agreements), and the ED case relating to the laundering of the proceeds of that fraud. He also faces two additional charges of "causing the disappearance of evidence" and intimidating witnesses or criminal intimidation to cause death added to the CBI case. The jeweller has been in prison since he was arrested on March 19, 2019, on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard and his attempts at seeking bail have been repeatedly turned down. The charges against him centre around his firms Diamonds R Us, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamonds making fraudulent use of a credit facility offered by PNB or LoUs. The CPS, on behalf of India, have told the court during the course of two separate set of hearings in May and September that a number of PNB staff conspired with Modi to ensure the LoUs were issued to his companies without ensuring they were subject to the required credit check, without recording the issuance of the LoUs and without charging the required commission upon the transactions. Modi's defence team has sought to counter allegations of fraud by deposing witnesses to establish the volatility of the gems and jewellery trade and that the LoUs were standard practice. His severe depression has also been raised as part of the arguments against extradition.

PNB scam case: UK court extends diamond fugitive Nirav Modi's remand till January 7

After twenty people who returned to India from the United Kingdom tested positive for the new UK coronavirus <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2-year-old-in-uttar-pradesh-tests-positive-for-new-coronavirus-strain-353274">strain,</a> the traces of new strain was found in two people in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut and Gautam Buddh Nagar(Noida).

Watch:

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Authorities have sent the samples of all those who they had contacted to the labs for testing.

Uttar Pradesh officials said that 2,500 samples have been sent to the labs of all those who had come in contact with those returning from the UK.

The UK government had informed a fortnight ago that the new strain was "70 per cent" more transferable and had originated from South Africa. &nbsp;

The new strain has been detected in several countries including in Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, Australia, &nbsp;Sweden, France, Canada, Lebanon and Singapore.

Six people had tested positive for the new virus strain on Tuesday in India and were shifted to single room isolation at various health care facilities in the states.

"Comprehensive contact tracing has been initiated for co-travellers, family contacts and others. Genome sequencing on other specimens is going on," the health 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 ministry added.

According to India's health ministry, 33,000 passengers have disembarked at various Indian airports from the UK between November 25 to December 23 midnight.

India on Wednesday extended the flight ban to the UK to January 7 after announcing initially that it would be in force till December 31. The UK is one of the 23 countries with whom India shares an "air bubble".

After twenty people who returned to India from the United Kingdom tested positive for the new UK coronavirus strain, the traces of new strain was found in two people in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut and Gautam Buddh Nagar(Noida).

After twenty people who returned to India from the United Kingdom tested positive for the new UK coronavirus strain, the traces of new strain was found in two people in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut and Gautam Buddh Nagar(Noida). Watch: Authorities have sent the samples of all those who they had contacted to the labs for testing. Uttar Pradesh officials said that 2,500 samples have been sent to the labs of all those who had come in contact with those returning from the UK. The UK government had informed a fortnight ago that the new strain was "70 per cent" more transferable and had originated from South Africa. The new strain has been detected in several countries including in Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, Australia, Sweden, France, Canada, Lebanon and Singapore. Six people had tested positive for the new virus strain on Tuesday in India and were shifted to single room isolation at various health care facilities in the states. "Comprehensive contact tracing has been initiated for co-travellers, family contacts and others. Genome sequencing on other specimens is going on," the health 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 ministry added. According to India's health ministry, 33,000 passengers have disembarked at various Indian airports from the UK between November 25 to December 23 midnight. India on Wednesday extended the flight ban to the UK to January 7 after announcing initially that it would be in force till December 31. The UK is one of the 23 countries with whom India shares an "air bubble".

UK virus strain detected in two people in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut, Noida

In the second leg of India's mission Sagar 3, Indian Navy ship Kiltan reached Cambodia's Sihanoukville Port with 15 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance to deal with the floods. &nbsp;The country has been impacted by massive flooding. The aid was handed over to Cambodia’s National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC).&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, India's envoy to Cambodia Devyani Khobragade said&nbsp;the flood relief material to Cambodia has been given "under 'Mission SAGAR'&nbsp;as part of India’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) assistance to Friendly Foreign Countries.''

Adding," Mission SAGAR-III, is being undertaken in accordance with the vision of the Prime Minister of India&nbsp;Narendra Modi vision for Security and Growth for All in the Region. It highlights the importance that India attaches to Cambodia and her other maritime neighbors"

The technical halt of the INS Kiltan in Sihanoukville would be from 29 December 2020 to 01 January 2021. Before INS Kiltan, it was INS Sahyadri in November of 2019 to visit Cambodia.&nbsp;

Kiltan arrived from Vietnam to which India handed over 15 tons of food aid. The worst flooding in years in both Vietnam and Cambodia has leftover 100 dead and impacted millions. This is the first time India has sent aid to ASEAN member countries under its mission Sagar.

This year the Indian navy undertook three&nbsp;missions to reach out to the countries in the Indo pacific. Under its mission Sagar 1 and 2, New Delhi sent aid to deal with the COVID pandemic to nine&nbsp;Countries. Mission Sagar one saw, Indian navy sending covid related aid in form of medicine and food to 5 Indian ocean countries-- Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles which was followed by mission Sagar 2 under which it reached out to 4 African countries--Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Eritrea

In the second leg of India's mission Sagar 3, Indian Navy ship Kiltan reached Cambodia's Sihanoukville Port with 15 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance to deal with the floods.

In the second leg of India's mission Sagar 3, Indian Navy ship Kiltan reached Cambodia's Sihanoukville Port with 15 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance to deal with the floods. The country has been impacted by massive flooding. The aid was handed over to Cambodia’s National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC). Speaking to WION, India's envoy to Cambodia Devyani Khobragade said the flood relief material to Cambodia has been given "under 'Mission SAGAR' as part of India’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) assistance to Friendly Foreign Countries.'' Adding," Mission SAGAR-III, is being undertaken in accordance with the vision of the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi vision for Security and Growth for All in the Region. It highlights the importance that India attaches to Cambodia and her other maritime neighbors" The technical halt of the INS Kiltan in Sihanoukville would be from 29 December 2020 to 01 January 2021. Before INS Kiltan, it was INS Sahyadri in November of 2019 to visit Cambodia. Kiltan arrived from Vietnam to which India handed over 15 tons of food aid. The worst flooding in years in both Vietnam and Cambodia has leftover 100 dead and impacted millions. This is the first time India has sent aid to ASEAN member countries under its mission Sagar. This year the Indian navy undertook three missions to reach out to the countries in the Indo pacific. Under its mission Sagar 1 and 2, New Delhi sent aid to deal with the COVID pandemic to nine Countries. Mission Sagar one saw, Indian navy sending covid related aid in form of medicine and food to 5 Indian ocean countries-- Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles which was followed by mission Sagar 2 under which it reached out to 4 African countries--Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Eritrea

India sends 15 tonnes of flood aid to Cambodia

India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation's Subject Expert Committee(SEC) is set to hold a meeting today to decide on approving the Covishield vaccine developed by Serum Institute of India (SII) and AstraZeneca-Oxford University.

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The SEC will decide on whether to allow Covishield vaccine emergency use authorisation to combat COVID-19.

The SII had earlier submitted additional data to the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

Pfizer-BioNTech, Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India had earlier applied to the DCGI for the emergency use vaccine. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
SII chief Adar Poonawalla had earlier claimed that his company has already produced 40 million doses of the Oxford vaccine and was aiming to ramp up production to at least 100 million doses a month by March.

"We have 40-50 million doses of Covishield stockpiled. Once we get regulatory approvals in a few days, it'll be down to the government to decide how much they can take and how fast," Poonawalla said.&nbsp;

"All data on Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID19 vaccine submitted in India and UK. There are no concerns, regulators are closely reviewing documents and data," the SII chief executive added.

Poonawala said that although there could be a shortage of vaccine in the first half of the year, there could be an easing off later in 2021 around August September as other vaccine makers will be able to supply it.

India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation's Subject Expert Committee(SEC) is set to hold a meeting today to decide on approving the Covishield vaccine developed by Serum Institute of India (SII) and AstraZeneca-Oxford University.

India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation's Subject Expert Committee(SEC) is set to hold a meeting today to decide on approving the Covishield vaccine developed by Serum Institute of India (SII) and AstraZeneca-Oxford University. Watch: The SEC will decide on whether to allow Covishield vaccine emergency use authorisation to combat COVID-19. The SII had earlier submitted additional data to the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). Pfizer-BioNTech, Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India had earlier applied to the DCGI for the emergency use vaccine. SII chief Adar Poonawalla had earlier claimed that his company has already produced 40 million doses of the Oxford vaccine and was aiming to ramp up production to at least 100 million doses a month by March. "We have 40-50 million doses of Covishield stockpiled. Once we get regulatory approvals in a few days, it'll be down to the government to decide how much they can take and how fast," Poonawalla said. "All data on Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID19 vaccine submitted in India and UK. There are no concerns, regulators are closely reviewing documents and data," the SII chief executive added. Poonawala said that although there could be a shortage of vaccine in the first half of the year, there could be an easing off later in 2021 around August September as other vaccine makers will be able to supply it.

India's SEC to decide on approving Serum Institute of India's Covishield vaccine for emergency use authorisation

With new variant of the coronavirus already having made its way to India, the central government on Wednesday asked states to ensure that new year celebrations remain low-key and do not become superspreader events. Union Health Ministry all states to keep strict vigil on New Year celebrations. Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan wrote a letter to all states and union territories. In it, he said that although coronavirus cases in the country have been on the decline lately, the rise in cases in Europe and America meant that high level of precaution was necessary in India.

"You will appreciate that in the wake of New Year and various celebratory events associated with it as well as ongoing winter season, strict vigil is required to be maintained to curb all potential 'super spreader' events and places where crowds may gather," Bhushan said in the letter.

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The Ministry of Home Affairs has mandated that states and UTs, based on their assessment of the situation, may impose local restrictions, such as night curfew, with a view to contain the spread of COVID-19.?

The Home Ministry has also stipulated that there shall be no restriction on interstate and intra-state movement of persons and goods.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-extends-suspension-of-flights-with-britain-to-january-7-353317">India extends suspension of flights with Britain to January 7</a>

Drawing attention to this, the Union health secretary has urged the states to "promptly assess the local situation and consider imposition of appropriate restrictions on December 30 and 31, as well as on January 1, 2021

Maharashtra

The state has been worst-hit during coronavirus pandemic in India. Maharashtra, notably Mumbai made up for a large chunk of coronavirus cases in the country.

Maharashtra government on Wednesday extended the lockdown till January 31, 2021. On New Year's Eve, hotels, restaurants, pubs and bars will remain open only till 11 pm at night.

"Hotels, restaurants,pubs and bars will remain open tomorrow (December 31) till 11 pm. There is no restriction on people stepping out to buy medicines and visiting friends and family members (after 11 PM). Gathering of five or more people at public places is prohibited," said Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. He appealed to people to follow coronavirus guidelines.

The state government had clamped a night curfew between 11 PM and 6 AM from December 22 to January 5 after a new strain of the virus was found in the UK.

Coronavirus situation Delhi

Four Covid positive patients have been found infected with the new variant first detected in the UK, while around 200 people, including returnees from the UK and their contact have been put under institutional quarantine by the Delhi government, officials told IANS.

All four patients have been admitted in the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital.

The patients found infected with the new variant have been isolated separately in different rooms of a special ward designated for the patients suspected or found infected with the new variant, the hospital officials told IANS

The tally of positive patients suspected of carrying the new strain has reached 35 in the hospital. Of them, 20 have returned from the UK and the remaining are those who came in contact with them, officials confirmed.

The AAP government has quarantined around 200 people, who either returned from the UK within a month or are in contact with those travellers found positive, at two facilities.

The Delhi government has designated 2,000-bed LNJP as the nodal centre for isolation of persons who are suspected to have the new variant of the Covid-19.

The officials informed that more than 80 of them have been quarantined at a hotel in Aerocity while the rest are kept in a banquet hall turned quarantine facility situated near Chattarpur.

(With agency inputs)

With new variant of the coronavirus already having made its way to India, the central government on Wednesday asked states to ensure that new year celebrations remain low-key and do not become superspreader events.

With new variant of the coronavirus already having made its way to India, the central government on Wednesday asked states to ensure that new year celebrations remain low-key and do not become superspreader events. Union Health Ministry all states to keep strict vigil on New Year celebrations. Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan wrote a letter to all states and union territories. In it, he said that although coronavirus cases in the country have been on the decline lately, the rise in cases in Europe and America meant that high level of precaution was necessary in India. "You will appreciate that in the wake of New Year and various celebratory events associated with it as well as ongoing winter season, strict vigil is required to be maintained to curb all potential 'super spreader' events and places where crowds may gather," Bhushan said in the letter. × The Ministry of Home Affairs has mandated that states and UTs, based on their assessment of the situation, may impose local restrictions, such as night curfew, with a view to contain the spread of COVID-19.? The Home Ministry has also stipulated that there shall be no restriction on interstate and intra-state movement of persons and goods. Also Read | India extends suspension of flights with Britain to January 7 Drawing attention to this, the Union health secretary has urged the states to "promptly assess the local situation and consider imposition of appropriate restrictions on December 30 and 31, as well as on January 1, 2021 Maharashtra The state has been worst-hit during coronavirus pandemic in India. Maharashtra, notably Mumbai made up for a large chunk of coronavirus cases in the country. Maharashtra government on Wednesday extended the lockdown till January 31, 2021. On New Year's Eve, hotels, restaurants, pubs and bars will remain open only till 11 pm at night. "Hotels, restaurants,pubs and bars will remain open tomorrow (December 31) till 11 pm. There is no restriction on people stepping out to buy medicines and visiting friends and family members (after 11 PM). Gathering of five or more people at public places is prohibited," said Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. He appealed to people to follow coronavirus guidelines. The state government had clamped a night curfew between 11 PM and 6 AM from December 22 to January 5 after a new strain of the virus was found in the UK. Coronavirus situation Delhi Four Covid positive patients have been found infected with the new variant first detected in the UK, while around 200 people, including returnees from the UK and their contact have been put under institutional quarantine by the Delhi government, officials told IANS. All four patients have been admitted in the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital. The patients found infected with the new variant have been isolated separately in different rooms of a special ward designated for the patients suspected or found infected with the new variant, the hospital officials told IANS The tally of positive patients suspected of carrying the new strain has reached 35 in the hospital. Of them, 20 have returned from the UK and the remaining are those who came in contact with them, officials confirmed. The AAP government has quarantined around 200 people, who either returned from the UK within a month or are in contact with those travellers found positive, at two facilities. The Delhi government has designated 2,000-bed LNJP as the nodal centre for isolation of persons who are suspected to have the new variant of the Covid-19. The officials informed that more than 80 of them have been quarantined at a hotel in Aerocity while the rest are kept in a banquet hall turned quarantine facility situated near Chattarpur. (With agency inputs)

Mutant coronavirus: Centre asks states to ensure low-key New Year celebrations

India on Tuesday sought public comment on a proposal to make airbags mandatory for the front passenger in all cars from next year, in a move that could raise costs for automakers slowly seeing a revival in demand.

Carmakers are required to provide an airbag only for the driver, though Indian officials have been talking about the need to improve safety.

All new models manufactured from April 1, and existing models made from June 1, will have to meet the new guideline if approved, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said in the notification dated Dec 28.

It asked for suggestions and objections from the public within 30 days from Tuesday before the rule is implemented.

India on Tuesday sought public comment on a proposal to make airbags mandatory for the front passenger in all cars from next year, in a move that could raise costs for automakers slowly seeing a revival in demand.

India on Tuesday sought public comment on a proposal to make airbags mandatory for the front passenger in all cars from next year, in a move that could raise costs for automakers slowly seeing a revival in demand. Carmakers are required to provide an airbag only for the driver, though Indian officials have been talking about the need to improve safety. All new models manufactured from April 1, and existing models made from June 1, will have to meet the new guideline if approved, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said in the notification dated Dec 28. It asked for suggestions and objections from the public within 30 days from Tuesday before the rule is implemented.

India seeks comment on proposal to make airbags mandatory for car front passengers

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that they don't want any interruption of other countries and no one have the right to comment anytthing over India's integrity, After Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau express his concerns on ongoing farmers protest in India.

'We don't want any interruption in our country's internal matter', says India's Defence Minister

Six cases of a mutant strain of coronavirus that first surfaced in the UK, have been detected in the country. All six patients have recently returned from the UK, where cases have spiralled within days.

News Alert: Six UK returnees test positive for Mutant Strain

Actor-politician Rajinikanth on Tuesday announced that that he won't be entering politics citing health reasons.

“I see this health complication (hospitalisation) as a warning given to me by God,” the actor said in a 3-page statement issued on Tuesday.

"This decision of mine will disappoint my fans and people, but please forgive me," says Rajinikanth as he backs out of political debut.

“It is impossible to secure an uprising in politics and a big victory by solely depending on news media and social media for campaign after I start the political party. Those who have experience in politics will not deny this fact. I will have to go to the people for campaigning and meet thousands and lakhs of people,” he said.

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Actor Rajinikanth says, he will continue to work for people <a href="https://t.co/sufKxYejYW">https://t.co/sufKxYejYW</a> <a href="https://t.co/p9ab7pPwsD">pic.twitter.com/p9ab7pPwsD</a>
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“Even in a group of 120 people (crew of Annatthe), there was a coronavirus infection and I had to stay under doctors’ watch for three days. Now this coronavirus has changed its form and is spreading as a variant strain. Even if the vaccine comes, if something happens to my health since I take immunosuppressant, then people who have trusted me and joined me will have to face several difficulties mentally and financially. Just because people will question me after I gave my word on my entry into politics, I don’t prefer to sacrifice my allies and friends. Forgive me because this decision will cause disappointment to those in Rajini Makkal Mandram and those who expected that I will enter politics,” the superstar said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Actor-politician Rajinikanth on Tuesday announced that that he won't be entering politics citing health reasons. “I see this health complication (hospitalisation) as a warning given to me by God,” the actor said in a 3-page statement issued on Tuesday.

Actor-politician Rajinikanth on Tuesday announced that that he won't be entering politics citing health reasons. “I see this health complication (hospitalisation) as a warning given to me by God,” the actor said in a 3-page statement issued on Tuesday. "This decision of mine will disappoint my fans and people, but please forgive me," says Rajinikanth as he backs out of political debut. “It is impossible to secure an uprising in politics and a big victory by solely depending on news media and social media for campaign after I start the political party. Those who have experience in politics will not deny this fact. I will have to go to the people for campaigning and meet thousands and lakhs of people,” he said. Actor Rajinikanth says, he will continue to work for people https://t.co/sufKxYejYW pic.twitter.com/p9ab7pPwsD — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2020 × “Even in a group of 120 people (crew of Annatthe), there was a coronavirus infection and I had to stay under doctors’ watch for three days. Now this coronavirus has changed its form and is spreading as a variant strain. Even if the vaccine comes, if something happens to my health since I take immunosuppressant, then people who have trusted me and joined me will have to face several difficulties mentally and financially. Just because people will question me after I gave my word on my entry into politics, I don’t prefer to sacrifice my allies and friends. Forgive me because this decision will cause disappointment to those in Rajini Makkal Mandram and those who expected that I will enter politics,” the superstar said. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajinikanth says no to politics, citing health reasons

India reported 16,432 new Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours ending 8 am Tuesday, taking the country’s tally to 1,02,24,303. This is the lowest increase in daily cases in six months, since June 23.&nbsp;

Of the total, only 2.68 lakh are active cases. Over 98 lakh have recovered from the disease.&nbsp;

With 252 additional deaths reported on Monday, the death toll now stands at over 1.48 lakh.

Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Tuesday said 9,83,695 samples have been tested for coronavirus till Monday.&nbsp;

The total number of samples tested so far in India are 16,98,01,749 the top medical body stated.

The coronavirus active caseload remained below 3 lakh for the seventh consecutive day.

(With inputs from agencies)

India reported 16,432 new Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours ending 8 am Tuesday, taking the country’s tally to 1,02,24,303. This is the lowest increase in daily cases in six months, since June 23.

India reported 16,432 new Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours ending 8 am Tuesday, taking the country’s tally to 1,02,24,303. This is the lowest increase in daily cases in six months, since June 23. Of the total, only 2.68 lakh are active cases. Over 98 lakh have recovered from the disease. With 252 additional deaths reported on Monday, the death toll now stands at over 1.48 lakh. Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Tuesday said 9,83,695 samples have been tested for coronavirus till Monday. The total number of samples tested so far in India are 16,98,01,749 the top medical body stated. The coronavirus active caseload remained below 3 lakh for the seventh consecutive day. (With inputs from agencies)

India records 16,432 new Covid-19 cases, lowest daily rise in over 6 months

The coronavirus pandemic is now one year old, however, now the Wuhan virus has been mutating - changing shape, picking pace and infecting more people.

Virus mutations have been common. The Wuhan virus has mutated some 4,000 times, however, the world heard about it last month because one particular mutation was dangerous - called the UK strain. The new strain spreads faster and it has reached at least 13 countries including India.

The latest cases of the mutated UK strain is in India. The mutation has been found in six patients, all of them recently returned from the United Kingdom. The vaccines are round the corner but the threat is not past. This is not the time to let your guard down. The UK mutation is 70 per cent more infectious and more dangerous. &nbsp;

There were six cases of the UK strain in India even after India banned flights from the UK. These six people had already landed in India before the flight ban - they are all Indian citizens. Three of them are in Bengaluru, two in Hyderabad and one in Pune - all of them are in single room isolation.

Those who came in contact with them have been quarantined.&nbsp;

The UK strain is not deadlier but it spreads faster. The Wuhan virus has undergone 17 different changes and turned into what is called the UK variant. These 17 changes make it more infectious, and it spreads faster from one person to another. Also, from one cell to another.

The mutated virus spreads more quickly in the human body and it takes over a cell, replicates, enters another cell and repeats at a fast pace. It can potentially overwhelm your immune response make it harder for our body to fight back which means, more serious cases.

It could even mean more deaths and children and young people may be more vulnerable to this infection. Stepping up surveillance and contact tracing is one of the solutions. Reports say 33,000 passengers arrived from the UK between November 25 and December 23.

State governments across India are now reaching out to these passengers. They are being given swab tests and their contacts are also being tested. India however is finally looking at good news with fewer cases, fewer deaths. The pandemic has finally been controlled.

New infections fell to their lowest in more than six months. New cases have dropped below 20,000 for the second time in seven days but India isn't letting its guard down. The government has issued new guidelines with states and Union territories asked to keep a strict vigil.

A lot of hope is riding on vaccines. The good news is they will which is what most vaccine makers claim. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is being given in the US, UK and Europe. The company says the vaccine will be effective, if needed, they can modify it within six weeks the same is the case with the Oxford vaccine.

The Oxford vaccine makers AstraZeneca says the vaccine should be effective against mutations. The Oxford vaccine is yet to be approved by regulators for emergency use. It is the frontrunner in India. Indian drug regulators are reviewing the trial data of the Oxford vaccine with the rollout expected in January.

India has already conducted dry runs in four states. The Serum Institute has the license to supply the Oxford shots in India. Reports say the company has already made 40 to 50 million dozes also reviewing the Oxford shot is the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

Reports say London could give the green light by Thursday and India should follow soon after but it will be a while before everyone gets a shot. In the meantime wear your mask, wash your hands, avoid crowded spaces and maintain social distancing.

The best strategies are the simplest as legendary molecular biologist Joshua Lederberg described humanity's struggle against new diseases: "It's our wits versus their genes".

The coronavirus pandemic is now one year old, however, now the Wuhan virus has been mutating - changing shape, picking pace and infecting more people. Virus mutations have been common.

The coronavirus pandemic is now one year old, however, now the Wuhan virus has been mutating - changing shape, picking pace and infecting more people. Virus mutations have been common. The Wuhan virus has mutated some 4,000 times, however, the world heard about it last month because one particular mutation was dangerous - called the UK strain. The new strain spreads faster and it has reached at least 13 countries including India. The latest cases of the mutated UK strain is in India. The mutation has been found in six patients, all of them recently returned from the United Kingdom. The vaccines are round the corner but the threat is not past. This is not the time to let your guard down. The UK mutation is 70 per cent more infectious and more dangerous. There were six cases of the UK strain in India even after India banned flights from the UK. These six people had already landed in India before the flight ban - they are all Indian citizens. Three of them are in Bengaluru, two in Hyderabad and one in Pune - all of them are in single room isolation. Those who came in contact with them have been quarantined. The UK strain is not deadlier but it spreads faster. The Wuhan virus has undergone 17 different changes and turned into what is called the UK variant. These 17 changes make it more infectious, and it spreads faster from one person to another. Also, from one cell to another. The mutated virus spreads more quickly in the human body and it takes over a cell, replicates, enters another cell and repeats at a fast pace. It can potentially overwhelm your immune response make it harder for our body to fight back which means, more serious cases. It could even mean more deaths and children and young people may be more vulnerable to this infection. Stepping up surveillance and contact tracing is one of the solutions. Reports say 33,000 passengers arrived from the UK between November 25 and December 23. State governments across India are now reaching out to these passengers. They are being given swab tests and their contacts are also being tested. India however is finally looking at good news with fewer cases, fewer deaths. The pandemic has finally been controlled. New infections fell to their lowest in more than six months. New cases have dropped below 20,000 for the second time in seven days but India isn't letting its guard down. The government has issued new guidelines with states and Union territories asked to keep a strict vigil. A lot of hope is riding on vaccines. The good news is they will which is what most vaccine makers claim. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is being given in the US, UK and Europe. The company says the vaccine will be effective, if needed, they can modify it within six weeks the same is the case with the Oxford vaccine. The Oxford vaccine makers AstraZeneca says the vaccine should be effective against mutations. The Oxford vaccine is yet to be approved by regulators for emergency use. It is the frontrunner in India. Indian drug regulators are reviewing the trial data of the Oxford vaccine with the rollout expected in January. India has already conducted dry runs in four states. The Serum Institute has the license to supply the Oxford shots in India. Reports say the company has already made 40 to 50 million dozes also reviewing the Oxford shot is the United Kingdom. Reports say London could give the green light by Thursday and India should follow soon after but it will be a while before everyone gets a shot. In the meantime wear your mask, wash your hands, avoid crowded spaces and maintain social distancing. The best strategies are the simplest as legendary molecular biologist Joshua Lederberg described humanity's struggle against new diseases: "It's our wits versus their genes".

Why the Wuhan virus has now become deadlier

 New Delhi [India], December 29 (ANI): Megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Tuesday went down the memory lane and dug out a picture from the time when he pulled off the desi Michael Jackson in one of his films `Ganga Jamuna Saraswathi.`The 78-year-old actor took to Instagram to share the picture that sees him dressed in an all-black leather ensemble. Bachchan is seen dressed in a black leather jacket and matching trousers. He remembered how the director of `Ganga Jamuna Saraswathi` thought that he would replicate Michael Jackson in the film but he ended up failing. "When Manmohan Desai thought that I could replicate MJ in our film Ganga Jamuna Saraswati...What a failure I was," the actor wrote in the caption. The Manmohan Desai directorial also starred  Meenakshi Sheshadri, Jaya Prada, Amrish Puri, Mithun Chakraborty, Nirupa Roy, and Aruna Irani. (ANI) 

New Delhi [India], December 29 (ANI): Megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Tuesday went down the memory lane and dug out a picture from the time when he pulled off the desi Michael Jackson in one of his films `Ganga Jamuna Saraswathi.

New Delhi [India], December 29 (ANI): Megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Tuesday went down the memory lane and dug out a picture from the time when he pulled off the desi Michael Jackson in one of his films `Ganga Jamuna Saraswathi.`The 78-year-old actor took to Instagram to share the picture that sees him dressed in an all-black leather ensemble. Bachchan is seen dressed in a black leather jacket and matching trousers. He remembered how the director of `Ganga Jamuna Saraswathi` thought that he would replicate Michael Jackson in the film but he ended up failing. "When Manmohan Desai thought that I could replicate MJ in our film Ganga Jamuna Saraswati...What a failure I was," the actor wrote in the caption. The Manmohan Desai directorial also starred Meenakshi Sheshadri, Jaya Prada, Amrish Puri, Mithun Chakraborty, Nirupa Roy, and Aruna Irani. (ANI)

Amitabh Bachchan remembers pulling off desi ''MJ'' in ''Ganga Jamuna Saraswathi''

India reported its first six cases of the mutant coronavirus which was first spotted in the UK on Tuesday. Six passengers returning to India from the UK tested positive for the virus. The variant which was first spotted in the UK is reportedly more infectious than the original strain.

According to the Health Ministry, samples of three returnees from the United Kingdom tested positive for the mutant strain from the UK at NIMHANS in Bengaluru, while two tested positive at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad. In addition, one tested positive at the National Institute of Virology in Pune. All six people have been kept in isolation in a single room.

As the UK started vaccinating the masses for the existing novel coronavirus, British Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on December 14 that a new variant of the deadly virus has been identified in the country.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/not-out-of-control-says-who-director-general-tedros-adhanom-over-new-covid-19-variant-351484/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hancock, on Monday, reported at least 60 different local authorities have seen coronavirus infections which stem out of a new and unidentified variant.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-gene-can-protect-you-from-mutant-coronavirus-strains-353069" hreflang="en">This gene can protect you from mutant coronavirus strains</a>

"Over the last few days, thanks to our world-class genomic capability in the UK, we have identified a new variant of coronavirus which may be associated with the faster spread in the South of England," Hancock said.

After the reports of a new variant of COVID-19, World Health Organisation has said that there is no evidence to suggest that the mutation will impact the effectiveness of vaccines against the disease.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/not-true-south-africa-denies-new-variant-is-deadlier-than-uks-strain-352306" hreflang="en">'Not true': South Africa denies new variant is deadlier than UK's strain</a>

"We are aware of this genetic variant I think reported in about 1,000 individuals in England, and the authorities in the UK under Matt Hancock's leadership are obviously looking at the significance of this," WHO Health Emergencies Programme Executive Director Mike Ryan said at a WHO virtual press briefing.

India reported its first six cases of the mutant coronavirus which was first spotted in the UK on Tuesday. Six passengers returning to India from the UK tested positive for the virus.

India reported its first six cases of the mutant coronavirus which was first spotted in the UK on Tuesday. Six passengers returning to India from the UK tested positive for the virus. The variant which was first spotted in the UK is reportedly more infectious than the original strain. According to the Health Ministry, samples of three returnees from the United Kingdom tested positive for the mutant strain from the UK at NIMHANS in Bengaluru, while two tested positive at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad. In addition, one tested positive at the National Institute of Virology in Pune. All six people have been kept in isolation in a single room. As the UK started vaccinating the masses for the existing novel coronavirus, British Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on December 14 that a new variant of the deadly virus has been identified in the country. Hancock, on Monday, reported at least 60 different local authorities have seen coronavirus infections which stem out of a new and unidentified variant. Also read: This gene can protect you from mutant coronavirus strains "Over the last few days, thanks to our world-class genomic capability in the UK, we have identified a new variant of coronavirus which may be associated with the faster spread in the South of England," Hancock said. After the reports of a new variant of COVID-19, World Health Organisation has said that there is no evidence to suggest that the mutation will impact the effectiveness of vaccines against the disease. Also read: 'Not true': South Africa denies new variant is deadlier than UK's strain "We are aware of this genetic variant I think reported in about 1,000 individuals in England, and the authorities in the UK under Matt Hancock's leadership are obviously looking at the significance of this," WHO Health Emergencies Programme Executive Director Mike Ryan said at a WHO virtual press briefing.

India reports first six cases of mutant coronavirus from Britain

Slight relief from air pollution as Delhi`s Air Quality Index (AQI) improved to `poor` from `very poor` category on Tuesday, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

The national capital`s overall AQI stands at 280 said Ministry of Earth Science`s SAFAR. India Meteorological Department (IMD) Scientist RK Jenamani on Monday said that the AQI of Delhi will be in the `good` or `poor` category up to January 02.

Following the ongoing COVID-19 conditions, health experts have urged people to take extra precautions as respiratory diseases tend to worsen with a dip in temperature and a rise in pollution levels.

An AQI between 0-50 is marked good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101- 200 is moderate, 201- 300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor and 401-500 is considered severe.

According to SAFAR estimates updated at 8.29 am, most of the areas in the national capital including Delhi University, Lodhi Road, Mathura Road, and IIT-Delhi recorded air quality in the `poor` category. Pusa Road area has recorded Particulate Matter 10 at 189 which stands in the moderate category.

Slight relief from air pollution as Delhi`s Air Quality Index (AQI) improved to `poor` from `very poor` category on Tuesday, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

Slight relief from air pollution as Delhi`s Air Quality Index (AQI) improved to `poor` from `very poor` category on Tuesday, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). The national capital`s overall AQI stands at 280 said Ministry of Earth Science`s SAFAR. India Meteorological Department (IMD) Scientist RK Jenamani on Monday said that the AQI of Delhi will be in the `good` or `poor` category up to January 02. Following the ongoing COVID-19 conditions, health experts have urged people to take extra precautions as respiratory diseases tend to worsen with a dip in temperature and a rise in pollution levels. An AQI between 0-50 is marked good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101- 200 is moderate, 201- 300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor and 401-500 is considered severe. According to SAFAR estimates updated at 8.29 am, most of the areas in the national capital including Delhi University, Lodhi Road, Mathura Road, and IIT-Delhi recorded air quality in the `poor` category. Pusa Road area has recorded Particulate Matter 10 at 189 which stands in the moderate category.

Delhi's AQI improves to 'poor' from 'very poor' category

As India-China standoff continues along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-displays-rafale-sukhoi-fighters-on-88th-foundation-day-333586">Indian Air Force</a> chief RKS Bhadauria said today that China has deployed heavily along the border in eastern Ladakh to support the army.

Watch:

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"They have a large presence of radars, surface-to-air missiles and surface-to-surface missiles," Bhadauria said, adding,"Their deployment has been strong. We have taken all actions required to be taken."

Tensions between the two countries have been at boiling point for over six months after Indian and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-china-standoff-how-indian-army-is-preparing-to-take-on-chinas-pla-in-ladakhs-snow-clad-mountains-350186">Chinese</a> troops clashed at Galwan Valley on June 15-16 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, although the PLA lost soldiers as well but the Chinese foreign ministry has refused to divulge the casualty list.&nbsp;

"Any serious India-China conflict isn't good for China at the global front. If Chinese aspirations are global then it doesn't suit their grand plan," the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-indian-air-force-intends-to-counter-chinas-forward-airbase-close-to-lac-326902">Indian Air Force </a>chief added.

"What could be possible Chinese objectives for their action in north?...it's important that we recognise what they have really achieved," the Indian Air chief&nbsp;said.

IAF chief Bhadauria said the "low-cost and easy availability of simple disruptive technologies such as drones" by small state and non-state actors had them more "lethal, agile and capable of generating disproportionate effects".

"The evolving uncertainties and instability at the global geopolitical front have provided China with an opportunity to demonstrate its growing power," the Indian air chief said, however, he added that it "indirectly" brought to fore the "inadequate contribution of major powers to global security".

Indian and Chinese commanders have conducted several round of talks to ease tensions, however, several thousand Chinese troops continue to be deployed at the border leading India to station more troops to prevent any Chinese misadventure which had earlier taken place in Galwan.

Amid the ongoing border row, reports said India will conduct war games with the French Air Force with its newly bought Rafale fighter jets and SU-30 MKI fighters at Jodhpur. The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-china-standoff-how-indian-air-forces-5th-generation-fighter-jet-will-change-air-equation-in-south-asia-334475"> IAF</a> had last carried out an exercise with the French Air Force in July last year.

India had reached an agreement with France over the supply of 36 Rafale jets with the last consignment set to reach India by end 2022.

As India-China standoff continues along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), Indian Air Force chief RKS Bhadauria said today that China has deployed heavily along the border in eastern Ladakh to support the army.

As India-China standoff continues along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), Indian Air Force chief RKS Bhadauria said today that China has deployed heavily along the border in eastern Ladakh to support the army. Watch: "They have a large presence of radars, surface-to-air missiles and surface-to-surface missiles," Bhadauria said, adding,"Their deployment has been strong. We have taken all actions required to be taken." Tensions between the two countries have been at boiling point for over six months after Indian and Chinese troops clashed at Galwan Valley on June 15-16 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, although the PLA lost soldiers as well but the Chinese foreign ministry has refused to divulge the casualty list. "Any serious India-China conflict isn't good for China at the global front. If Chinese aspirations are global then it doesn't suit their grand plan," the Indian Air Force chief added. "What could be possible Chinese objectives for their action in north?...it's important that we recognise what they have really achieved," the Indian Air chief said. IAF chief Bhadauria said the "low-cost and easy availability of simple disruptive technologies such as drones" by small state and non-state actors had them more "lethal, agile and capable of generating disproportionate effects". "The evolving uncertainties and instability at the global geopolitical front have provided China with an opportunity to demonstrate its growing power," the Indian air chief said, however, he added that it "indirectly" brought to fore the "inadequate contribution of major powers to global security". Indian and Chinese commanders have conducted several round of talks to ease tensions, however, several thousand Chinese troops continue to be deployed at the border leading India to station more troops to prevent any Chinese misadventure which had earlier taken place in Galwan. Amid the ongoing border row, reports said India will conduct war games with the French Air Force with its newly bought Rafale fighter jets and SU-30 MKI fighters at Jodhpur. The IAF had last carried out an exercise with the French Air Force in July last year. India had reached an agreement with France over the supply of 36 Rafale jets with the last consignment set to reach India by end 2022.

India-China standoff: China has deployed radars, surface-to-air missiles & surface-to-surface missiles at LAC:  IAF chief Bhadauria

India’s economy could prove to be the “most resilient” in the subregion of South and South-West Asia over the long term, according to a report by the UN, which says a positive but lower economic growth post-COVID-19 pandemic and the country’s large market will continue to attract investments.

The report titled ‘Foreign Direct Investment Trends And Outlook In Asia And The Pacific 2020/2021’, and compiled by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), stated that inward FDI flows to South and South-West Asia slightly decreased by 2 per cent in 2019, from USD 67 billion in 2018 to USD 66 billion in 2019.

The growth, however, was mainly driven by India, which accounted for 77 per cent of the total inflows to the subregion and received USD 51 billion in 2019, up 20 per cent from the previous year.

The report, released last week, said the majority of these flows were destined for the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the construction of sub-sector.

Regarding the ICT sector, the report said the investment to India has evolved from information technology services for Multinational enterprises (MNEs) to the thriving local digital ecosystem where many domestic players, especially in e-commerce, have attracted considerable international investment.

The report added that FDI outflows from South and South-West Asia increased for the fourth consecutive year, modestly growing from USD 14.8 billion in 2018 to USD 15.1 billion in 2019.

The geographical spread of FDI outflows from the subregion remained uneven, with just two countries (India and Turkey) accounting for the vast majority of outflows in 2019, it said.

“As such, the slight increase in outward FDI was predominantly due to an increase in outflows from India, which accounted for 80 per cent of total outward investment from the subregion,” the report said, adding that in 2019, India invested USD 12.1 billion abroad, a 10 per cent increase compared with the previous year.

The report noted that in the short term, both inflows and outflows from and to the subregion are expected to decline.

In the first three quarters of 2020, the value of greenfield FDI inflows declined by 43 per cent compared to the same period last year, signaling a reversal of the growth trend in the subregion.

Most of the greenfield flows (87 per cent) were destined for India, although the overall greenfield inflows to the country declined by 29 per cent. Equally, FDI from India is projected to decline in 2020, with the largest MNEs revising their earnings down by 25 per cent in early 2020 due to the impacts of the pandemic.

“However, India’s economy could prove the most resilient in the subregion over the long term. FDI inflows have been steadily increasing and positive, albeit lower, economic growth after the pandemic and India’s large market will continue to attract market-seeking investment,” the report said.

India’s fast-growing telecom and digital space, in particular, could see a faster rebound as global venture capital firms and technology companies continue to show interest in the country’s market through acquisitions, it said.

It noted that Facebook and Google’s investment in Jio Platforms in 2020 worth USD 5.7 billion and USD 4.5 billion respectively were testaments to this trend.

“Estimates suggest that by 2025, core digital sectors such as IT and business process management, digital communication services, and electronics manufacturing could double in size.

“In addition, the pandemic has only further increased the tendency of many sectors such as agriculture, education, energy, financial services, logistics to digitalise, as COVID-19 has pushed many individual and companies to adopt digital solutions and processes,” the report said.

India has implemented a number of noteworthy investment policies and measures since 2019. Some of them include the relaxation of limits to FDI in the insurance sector, liberalisation of FDI rules which ended equity caps in several sectors including coal and lignite mining, contract manufacturing and single brand retail trading and increase in ceiling for FDI into the defense sector to 74 per cent via automatic approval route, it said.

In addition to these measures, and in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government also introduced intensified FDI screening procedures from neighbouring countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China and Nepal, it said.

The report said that as in previous years, inflows of greenfield investments have been unevenly distributed across the Asia-Pacific region. In 2019, Vietnam received the second largest share of inward greenfield investment (11 per cent), followed by India (10 per cent), and Sri Lanka (8 per cent).

Looking ahead, in the short-term investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing is forecast to decrease as many European and United States pharmaceutical companies may switch partly to more localised sourcing owing to supply-chain disruptions in the pharmaceuticals sector during COVID-19 pandemic.

“This will be important for pharmaceutical manufacturing hubs in the region, particularly in India,” the report said.

The report said that Asia-Pacific’s share in global FDI inflows dropped from 45 per cent in 2018 to 35 per cent in 2019, and its share in global FDI outflows decelerated from 52 per cent to 41 per cent.&nbsp;

India’s economy could prove to be the “most resilient” in the subregion of South and South-West Asia over the long term, according to a report by the UN, which says a positive but lower economic growth post-COVID-19 pandemic and the country’s large market will continue to attract investments.

India’s economy could prove to be the “most resilient” in the subregion of South and South-West Asia over the long term, according to a report by the UN, which says a positive but lower economic growth post-COVID-19 pandemic and the country’s large market will continue to attract investments. The report titled ‘Foreign Direct Investment Trends And Outlook In Asia And The Pacific 2020/2021’, and compiled by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), stated that inward FDI flows to South and South-West Asia slightly decreased by 2 per cent in 2019, from USD 67 billion in 2018 to USD 66 billion in 2019. The growth, however, was mainly driven by India, which accounted for 77 per cent of the total inflows to the subregion and received USD 51 billion in 2019, up 20 per cent from the previous year. The report, released last week, said the majority of these flows were destined for the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the construction of sub-sector. Regarding the ICT sector, the report said the investment to India has evolved from information technology services for Multinational enterprises (MNEs) to the thriving local digital ecosystem where many domestic players, especially in e-commerce, have attracted considerable international investment. The report added that FDI outflows from South and South-West Asia increased for the fourth consecutive year, modestly growing from USD 14.8 billion in 2018 to USD 15.1 billion in 2019. The geographical spread of FDI outflows from the subregion remained uneven, with just two countries (India and Turkey) accounting for the vast majority of outflows in 2019, it said. “As such, the slight increase in outward FDI was predominantly due to an increase in outflows from India, which accounted for 80 per cent of total outward investment from the subregion,” the report said, adding that in 2019, India invested USD 12.1 billion abroad, a 10 per cent increase compared with the previous year. The report noted that in the short term, both inflows and outflows from and to the subregion are expected to decline. In the first three quarters of 2020, the value of greenfield FDI inflows declined by 43 per cent compared to the same period last year, signaling a reversal of the growth trend in the subregion. Most of the greenfield flows (87 per cent) were destined for India, although the overall greenfield inflows to the country declined by 29 per cent. Equally, FDI from India is projected to decline in 2020, with the largest MNEs revising their earnings down by 25 per cent in early 2020 due to the impacts of the pandemic. “However, India’s economy could prove the most resilient in the subregion over the long term. FDI inflows have been steadily increasing and positive, albeit lower, economic growth after the pandemic and India’s large market will continue to attract market-seeking investment,” the report said. India’s fast-growing telecom and digital space, in particular, could see a faster rebound as global venture capital firms and technology companies continue to show interest in the country’s market through acquisitions, it said. It noted that Facebook and Google’s investment in Jio Platforms in 2020 worth USD 5.7 billion and USD 4.5 billion respectively were testaments to this trend. “Estimates suggest that by 2025, core digital sectors such as IT and business process management, digital communication services, and electronics manufacturing could double in size. “In addition, the pandemic has only further increased the tendency of many sectors such as agriculture, education, energy, financial services, logistics to digitalise, as COVID-19 has pushed many individual and companies to adopt digital solutions and processes,” the report said. India has implemented a number of noteworthy investment policies and measures since 2019. Some of them include the relaxation of limits to FDI in the insurance sector, liberalisation of FDI rules which ended equity caps in several sectors including coal and lignite mining, contract manufacturing and single brand retail trading and increase in ceiling for FDI into the defense sector to 74 per cent via automatic approval route, it said. In addition to these measures, and in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government also introduced intensified FDI screening procedures from neighbouring countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China and Nepal, it said. The report said that as in previous years, inflows of greenfield investments have been unevenly distributed across the Asia-Pacific region. In 2019, Vietnam received the second largest share of inward greenfield investment (11 per cent), followed by India (10 per cent), and Sri Lanka (8 per cent). Looking ahead, in the short-term investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing is forecast to decrease as many European and United States pharmaceutical companies may switch partly to more localised sourcing owing to supply-chain disruptions in the pharmaceuticals sector during COVID-19 pandemic. “This will be important for pharmaceutical manufacturing hubs in the region, particularly in India,” the report said. The report said that Asia-Pacific’s share in global FDI inflows dropped from 45 per cent in 2018 to 35 per cent in 2019, and its share in global FDI outflows decelerated from 52 per cent to 41 per cent.

India's economy could prove to be 'most resilient' in subregion over long term: UN

After India reported six cases of the mutant virus which had was reported in the UK, the Indian government said the vaccines will work against the variants detected in the UK and South Africa.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-reports-6-cases-of-new-covid-19-strain-as-uk-returnees-test-positive-353157/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"There is no evidence that the current vaccines will fail to protect against the coronavirus variants," &nbsp;K. Vijay Raghavan, principal scientific advisor to the Indian government, said. &nbsp;

"Prior to the news of the UK variant came in, we had done roughly 5,000 genome sequences across labs. Now we will be significantly increasing that number and would be working in a coordinated manner," Rajesh Bhushan, the health secretary said.

The health secretary informed that the daily new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-first-six-cases-of-mutant-coronavirus-from-britain-353077">coronavirus</a> cases had dropped to less than 17,000 after six months with daily deaths going down to less than 300 after six months.

The &nbsp;Rajesh Bhushan asserted that deaths were found to have occurred in 60 years&nbsp;&amp; above age group and 70 per cent of the deaths had occurred to males.

The health secretary said 63 per cent of total cases were reported in males &amp; 37 per cent cases in females with 8 per cent cases reported below the age of 17 years and 13 per cent in 18-25 yrs age group. The health secretary also informed that 39 per cent people were infected in the in 26-44 age group with 26 pr cent in 45-60 category and 14 per cent in the above 60-year category.

"Active cases in the country are less than 2.7 lakhs and is declining. Positivity rate in the country during the last week stood at only 2.25 per cent," Bhushan informed.

ICMR, meanwhile said it was important not to put too much "immune pressure" on the virus.&nbsp;

"We have to maintain judicious use of therapies which are going to benefit. If the benefit isn't established, we shouldn't use those therapies otherwise it will put pressure on the virus and it will tend to mutate more," he said.

After India reported six cases of the mutant virus which had was reported in the UK, the Indian government said the vaccines will work against the variants detected in the UK and South Africa.

After India reported six cases of the mutant virus which had was reported in the UK, the Indian government said the vaccines will work against the variants detected in the UK and South Africa. Watch: "There is no evidence that the current vaccines will fail to protect against the coronavirus variants," K. Vijay Raghavan, principal scientific advisor to the Indian government, said. "Prior to the news of the UK variant came in, we had done roughly 5,000 genome sequences across labs. Now we will be significantly increasing that number and would be working in a coordinated manner," Rajesh Bhushan, the health secretary said. The health secretary informed that the daily new coronavirus cases had dropped to less than 17,000 after six months with daily deaths going down to less than 300 after six months. The Rajesh Bhushan asserted that deaths were found to have occurred in 60 years & above age group and 70 per cent of the deaths had occurred to males. The health secretary said 63 per cent of total cases were reported in males & 37 per cent cases in females with 8 per cent cases reported below the age of 17 years and 13 per cent in 18-25 yrs age group. The health secretary also informed that 39 per cent people were infected in the in 26-44 age group with 26 pr cent in 45-60 category and 14 per cent in the above 60-year category. "Active cases in the country are less than 2.7 lakhs and is declining. Positivity rate in the country during the last week stood at only 2.25 per cent," Bhushan informed. ICMR, meanwhile said it was important not to put too much "immune pressure" on the virus. "We have to maintain judicious use of therapies which are going to benefit. If the benefit isn't established, we shouldn't use those therapies otherwise it will put pressure on the virus and it will tend to mutate more," he said.

No evidence current vaccines will fail against virus variants: Indian government

India reported its first six cases of the mutant coronavirus which was first spotted in the UK on Tuesday.

India reports 6 cases of new covid-19 strain as UK returnees test positive

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-railways-to-run-392-special-trains-during-festive-season-336841">Railway</a> minister Piyush Goyal today announced the successful completion of 180 kmph speed trial of the new design of Vistadome tourist coach.

The state-of-the-art coaches will mainly operate in tourist locations namely in Kashmir Valley, Darjeeling, Kalka Simla Railway, Nilgiri mountains among other popular destinations.

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Ending the Year on a Great Note: Indian Railways' 🚆 successfully completed 180 kmph speed trial of new design Vistadome tourist coach 
 
These coaches will make train journeys memorable for the passengers 🛤️ &amp; give further boost to tourism 🚞 <a href="https://t.co/3JxeVbQClg">pic.twitter.com/3JxeVbQClg</a>
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1343863326430830593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The coaches have large glass windows, glass roofs and observation lounge which makes viewing a "delightful experience" on these trains.

According to South Western Railway, Kalka - Shimla Railway which recognised by UNESCO offers see-through glass rooftop Vistadome coach for its special train (Him Darshan) express.

"Travelling in the Vistadome coach is a delightful experience," the South Western Railway said in its tweet.

The seats in the coaches can reportedly rotate 180 degrees and is equipped with Wi-Fi. It also has laminated glass sheets to protect it from shattering.

The coaches were rolled out by Indian Railways' Integral Coach Factory(ICF) in Chennai. The ICF had launched nine rakes in three phases.

According to the Railways, the ICF has also played a major role in the fabrication of first integrated sell-by Marathwada Rail Coach Factory at Latur.

Railway minister Piyush Goyal today announced the successful completion of 180 kmph speed trial of the new design of Vistadome tourist coach. The state-of-the-art coaches will mainly operate in tourist locations namely in Kashmir Valley, Darjeeling, Kalka Simla Railway, Nilgiri mountains among other popular destinations.

Railway minister Piyush Goyal today announced the successful completion of 180 kmph speed trial of the new design of Vistadome tourist coach. The state-of-the-art coaches will mainly operate in tourist locations namely in Kashmir Valley, Darjeeling, Kalka Simla Railway, Nilgiri mountains among other popular destinations. Ending the Year on a Great Note: Indian Railways' 🚆 successfully completed 180 kmph speed trial of new design Vistadome tourist coach These coaches will make train journeys memorable for the passengers 🛤️ & give further boost to tourism 🚞 pic.twitter.com/3JxeVbQClg — Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) December 29, 2020 × The coaches have large glass windows, glass roofs and observation lounge which makes viewing a "delightful experience" on these trains. According to South Western Railway, Kalka - Shimla Railway which recognised by UNESCO offers see-through glass rooftop Vistadome coach for its special train (Him Darshan) express. "Travelling in the Vistadome coach is a delightful experience," the South Western Railway said in its tweet. The seats in the coaches can reportedly rotate 180 degrees and is equipped with Wi-Fi. It also has laminated glass sheets to protect it from shattering. The coaches were rolled out by Indian Railways' Integral Coach Factory(ICF) in Chennai. The ICF had launched nine rakes in three phases. According to the Railways, the ICF has also played a major role in the fabrication of first integrated sell-by Marathwada Rail Coach Factory at Latur.

Indian Railways completes 180 kmph speed trial of Vistadome tourist coach

Extreme weather events due to climate change have cost the world billions in damages in 2020, says a new report, including the terrible floods that struck India cost $10 billion.

As many as 2,067 lives were lost during the June-October floods, the highest number of fatalities due to climate change-induced weather events this year, said global NGO Christian Aid in its report The Cost: A Year of Climate Breakdown, where 15 of the most damaging extreme weather events globally in 2020 were studied.&nbsp;

According to the report 10 of those events cost $1.5 billion or more.&nbsp;

The US was hit by the highest costs due to the record-breaking hurricane season and fires.

Most of these estimates are based only on insured losses, meaning the true financial costs are likely to be higher.

While the report focuses on financial costs, which are usually higher in richer countries because they have more valuable property, some extreme weather events in 2020 were devastating in poorer countries, even though the price tag was lower.

South Sudan, for example, experienced one of its worst floods on record, which killed 138 people and destroyed the year's crops.

Some of the disasters hit fast, like cyclone Amphan, which struck the Bay of Bengal in May and caused losses valued at $13 billion in just a few days.

Other events unfolded over months, like floods in China and India, which had an estimated cost of $32 billion and $10 billion respectively.

Six of the 10 most costly events took place in Asia, five of them associated with an unusually rainy monsoon.

And in Africa, huge locust swarms ravaged crops and vegetation across several countries, causing damages estimated at $8.5 billion.

The outbreak has been linked to wet conditions brought about by unusual rains fuelled by climate change.

But the impact of extreme weather was felt all over the world. In Europe, two extra-tropical cyclones, Ciara and Alex, had a combined cost of almost $6 billion.

The US suffered from both a record-breaking hurricane season and a record-breaking fire season adding up to more than $60 billion in damages.

Some less populated places also suffered the consequences of a warming world.

In Siberia, a heatwave during the first half of the year set a record in the city of Verkhoyansk, with temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius. 
A few months later, on the other side of the world, heat and drought drove the fires in Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.

While there were no human casualties reported from these events, the destruction of these areas has a great impact on biodiversity and the planet's capacity to respond to a warmer world.

While climate change may have influenced all these events, many of the countries that bear little responsibility for global warming were affected.

This includes Nicaragua, which was hit by hurricane Iota, the strongest storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, and the Philippines, where typhoons Goni and Vamco made landfall almost back-to-back.

These extreme events highlight the need for urgent climate action. 
The Paris Agreement, which set the goal of keeping temperature rise "well below" 2 degrees Celsius, and ideally 1.5 degrees, compared to pre-industrial levels, has just turned five years old.

Countries must commit to bold new targets ahead of the next climate conference, which will take place in Glasgow in November 2021.

The report's author Kat Kramer, Christian Aid's climate policy lead, told IANS: "The Covid-19 pandemic has understandably been a major worry this year. For millions of people in vulnerable parts of the world, climate breakdown has compounded this.

"The good news is that, like the vaccine for Covid-19, we do know how to fix the climate crisis. We need to keep fossil fuels in the ground, boost clean energy investment and help those who are suffering on the frontline.

"Whether it floods in Asia, locusts in Africa or storms in Europe and the Americas, climate change has continued to rage in 2020. It is vital that 2021 ushers in a new era of activity to turn this tide.

"With US President-elect Biden in the White House, social movements across the world calling for urgent action, post-Covid green recovery investment and a crucial UN climate summit hosted by the UK, there is a major opportunity for countries to put us on a path to a safe future." Roxy Mathew Koll, the climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune, said: "2020 was exceptionally warm, as far as the Indian Ocean is concerned. We saw record temperatures in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, straddling between 30-33 degrees Celsius.

"These high temperatures had the characteristics of marine heatwaves that might have led to the rapid intensification of the pre-monsoon cyclones Amphan and Nisarga. Amphan was one of the strongest cyclones ever recorded in the Bay of Bengal during the pre-monsoon season."

M. Shahjahan Mondal, a climate scientist and Director of the Institute of Flood and Water Management, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, said: "Scientific evidence shows that the intensity of the tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal has been increasing over the past few years because of the temperature rise, and cyclone Amphan was one of the strongest ever recorded this year as a consequence.

"Moreover, the 2020 flood was one of the worst in history (of Bangladesh), as more than a quarter of the country was under water."

"Not only is this linked with changing climatic conditions and global warming, but also linked with changing land-use patterns and deforestation. Unfortunately, the situation might be worsening in the coming years if we fail to achieve the Paris climate goal to restrict global warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius."

(With inputs from agencies)

Extreme weather events due to climate change have cost the world billions in damages in 2020, says a new report, including the terrible floods that struck India cost $10 billion.

Extreme weather events due to climate change have cost the world billions in damages in 2020, says a new report, including the terrible floods that struck India cost $10 billion. As many as 2,067 lives were lost during the June-October floods, the highest number of fatalities due to climate change-induced weather events this year, said global NGO Christian Aid in its report The Cost: A Year of Climate Breakdown, where 15 of the most damaging extreme weather events globally in 2020 were studied. According to the report 10 of those events cost $1.5 billion or more. The US was hit by the highest costs due to the record-breaking hurricane season and fires. Most of these estimates are based only on insured losses, meaning the true financial costs are likely to be higher. While the report focuses on financial costs, which are usually higher in richer countries because they have more valuable property, some extreme weather events in 2020 were devastating in poorer countries, even though the price tag was lower. South Sudan, for example, experienced one of its worst floods on record, which killed 138 people and destroyed the year's crops. Some of the disasters hit fast, like cyclone Amphan, which struck the Bay of Bengal in May and caused losses valued at $13 billion in just a few days. Other events unfolded over months, like floods in China and India, which had an estimated cost of $32 billion and $10 billion respectively. Six of the 10 most costly events took place in Asia, five of them associated with an unusually rainy monsoon. And in Africa, huge locust swarms ravaged crops and vegetation across several countries, causing damages estimated at $8.5 billion. The outbreak has been linked to wet conditions brought about by unusual rains fuelled by climate change. But the impact of extreme weather was felt all over the world. In Europe, two extra-tropical cyclones, Ciara and Alex, had a combined cost of almost $6 billion. The US suffered from both a record-breaking hurricane season and a record-breaking fire season adding up to more than $60 billion in damages. Some less populated places also suffered the consequences of a warming world. In Siberia, a heatwave during the first half of the year set a record in the city of Verkhoyansk, with temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius. A few months later, on the other side of the world, heat and drought drove the fires in Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. While there were no human casualties reported from these events, the destruction of these areas has a great impact on biodiversity and the planet's capacity to respond to a warmer world. While climate change may have influenced all these events, many of the countries that bear little responsibility for global warming were affected. This includes Nicaragua, which was hit by hurricane Iota, the strongest storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, and the Philippines, where typhoons Goni and Vamco made landfall almost back-to-back. These extreme events highlight the need for urgent climate action. The Paris Agreement, which set the goal of keeping temperature rise "well below" 2 degrees Celsius, and ideally 1.5 degrees, compared to pre-industrial levels, has just turned five years old. Countries must commit to bold new targets ahead of the next climate conference, which will take place in Glasgow in November 2021. The report's author Kat Kramer, Christian Aid's climate policy lead, told IANS: "The Covid-19 pandemic has understandably been a major worry this year. For millions of people in vulnerable parts of the world, climate breakdown has compounded this. "The good news is that, like the vaccine for Covid-19, we do know how to fix the climate crisis. We need to keep fossil fuels in the ground, boost clean energy investment and help those who are suffering on the frontline. "Whether it floods in Asia, locusts in Africa or storms in Europe and the Americas, climate change has continued to rage in 2020. It is vital that 2021 ushers in a new era of activity to turn this tide. "With US President-elect Biden in the White House, social movements across the world calling for urgent action, post-Covid green recovery investment and a crucial UN climate summit hosted by the UK, there is a major opportunity for countries to put us on a path to a safe future." Roxy Mathew Koll, the climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune, said: "2020 was exceptionally warm, as far as the Indian Ocean is concerned. We saw record temperatures in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, straddling between 30-33 degrees Celsius. "These high temperatures had the characteristics of marine heatwaves that might have led to the rapid intensification of the pre-monsoon cyclones Amphan and Nisarga. Amphan was one of the strongest cyclones ever recorded in the Bay of Bengal during the pre-monsoon season." M. Shahjahan Mondal, a climate scientist and Director of the Institute of Flood and Water Management, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, said: "Scientific evidence shows that the intensity of the tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal has been increasing over the past few years because of the temperature rise, and cyclone Amphan was one of the strongest ever recorded this year as a consequence. "Moreover, the 2020 flood was one of the worst in history (of Bangladesh), as more than a quarter of the country was under water." "Not only is this linked with changing climatic conditions and global warming, but also linked with changing land-use patterns and deforestation. Unfortunately, the situation might be worsening in the coming years if we fail to achieve the Paris climate goal to restrict global warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius." (With inputs from agencies)

2020’s weather disasters: India lost $10 billion, over 2000 killed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated India’s first fully-automated train service on Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line via video conference.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also attended the inauguration programme and the launch of fully operational National Common Mobility Card on the Airport Express Line.

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Delhi: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates India’s first driverless train on Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line &amp; launches National Common Mobility Card on the Airport Express Line, via video conferencing. <a href="https://t.co/QpDTPZ8Z3h">pic.twitter.com/QpDTPZ8Z3h</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1343432844685688832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The driverless trains will be fully automated, which will eliminate the possibility of human error, the government has said, adding that after the start of driverless services on the Magenta Line (Janakpuri West-Botanical Garden), the Pink Line (Majlis Park-Shiv Vihar) of Delhi Metro is expected to have driverless operations by mid-2021.

The Prime Minister's Office has said that these innovations will herald a new era of travelling comfort and enhanced mobility.

The National Common Mobility Card, which will be fully operationalised on the Airport Express Line, will enable anyone carrying a RuPay-Debit Card issued from any part of the country to travel on the route using it.

This facility will become available on the entire Delhi Metro network by 2022, the PMO said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated India’s first fully-automated train service on Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line via video conference. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also attended the inauguration programme and the launch of fully operational National Common Mobility Card on the Airport Express Line.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated India’s first fully-automated train service on Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line via video conference. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also attended the inauguration programme and the launch of fully operational National Common Mobility Card on the Airport Express Line. Delhi: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates India’s first driverless train on Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line & launches National Common Mobility Card on the Airport Express Line, via video conferencing. pic.twitter.com/QpDTPZ8Z3h — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2020 × The driverless trains will be fully automated, which will eliminate the possibility of human error, the government has said, adding that after the start of driverless services on the Magenta Line (Janakpuri West-Botanical Garden), the Pink Line (Majlis Park-Shiv Vihar) of Delhi Metro is expected to have driverless operations by mid-2021. The Prime Minister's Office has said that these innovations will herald a new era of travelling comfort and enhanced mobility. The National Common Mobility Card, which will be fully operationalised on the Airport Express Line, will enable anyone carrying a RuPay-Debit Card issued from any part of the country to travel on the route using it. This facility will become available on the entire Delhi Metro network by 2022, the PMO said. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi inaugurates India’s first driverless trains on Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line

India is setting the ground for the post-pandemic world and is&nbsp;slowly but surely stepping into a leadership role. The proofs are the&nbsp;unprecedented visits, cementing of ties, outreach programs, formation of startegic alliances and tapping into opportunities.

In October this year, India's army chief, General MM Naravane&nbsp;was in Myanmar and the next month&nbsp;he was in Nepal. Between the second and the third week of December, General MM Naravane visited Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The army chief's visit to Saudi Arabia was unprecedented. It came on the heels of Riyadh's deteriorating ties with Islamabad. Pakistan's army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa was not allowed to meet the Saudi crown prince in August but the Indian army chief was welcomed by the top Saudi generals.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-meets-qatari-amir-pm-discusses-economic-and-security-cooperation-353013" hreflang="en">Jaishankar meets Qatari Amir, PM; discusses economic and security cooperation</a>

General's visit also came on the heels of India's External Affairs minister S Jaishankar's visit to the UAE and Bahrain.

As we speak, Jaishankar is in Qatar for a two-day visit. He attended an India-Qatar business roundtable and interacted with the Indian community there. He is also expected to meet the Qatari deputy prime minsiter and foreign minister&nbsp;Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

At least 700,000 Indians live in Qatar. Many Indian workers have benefited from Qatar's recent labour reforms which includes a 25 per cent&nbsp;hike in the minimum wage and dilution of a clause that required workers to take the employer's consent before switching jobs.

In 2019, the bilateral trade between Qatar and India was worth $10.95 billion. The Qatar investment authority has invested $600 million in two Indian firms.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-chief-meets-south-koreas-top-military-brass-to-enhance-bilateral-ties-353007" hreflang="en">Indian Army chief meets South Korea's top military brass to enhance bilateral ties</a>

Jaishankar's visit is expected to focus on trade and energy cooperation. You will also see&nbsp;that the visit goes beyond all of this as it&nbsp;has a lot to do with West Asia's shifting sands and an emerging post-pandemic world — one that's being built on strategic alliances.

India views West Asia at its extended neighbourhood. West Asia is putting an end to historical and regional disputes. In the last five months, four Arab countries have formalised ties with Israel: UAE, Sudan, Morocco and Bahrain.

The gulf cooperation council countries recently held talks on ending a rift with Qatar. It is talking about lifting air, land and water blockade of Qatar because the region has a common enemy — Iran.

It just so happens that Iran is getting closer to China. However, another interesting observation is that China is also a country that India has a stand-off with in Ladakh.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eam-tells-indian-community-in-qatar-economic-confidence-visible-in-india-352884" hreflang="en">EAM tells Indian community in Qatar, economic confidence visible in India</a>

India's ties with West Asia are no longer anchored on just oil, diaspora and remittances. The relationship is now strategic as there are common foes.

West Asia is distancing itself from Pakistan, it is coming together against Iran and both —&nbsp;Iran and Pakistan — are close to China.

The virtual GCC discussion was held this morning at a time when India's foreign affairs minister is in Qatar.

There is another very significant visit that's underway. India's Army Chief is on a three-day visit to South Korea. Seoul has been one of India's major weapon suppliers. It also happens to be a country that is witnessing growing rift with China.

On General Naravane's agenda is bolstering of military cooperation. He will be calling on the Korean defence minister,&nbsp;Army chief,&nbsp;chairman of joint chiefs of staff and Korea's minister of defence aquisition planning administration.

Another point to consider is that South Korea is fighting Chinese aggression at East China sea. It is pushing for maritime rules-based order. There is also an online war as the South Korean band BTS faced a backlash from Chinese state media. The common foe is very clearly visible in these developments.

India is setting the ground for the post-pandemic world and is slowly but surely stepping into a leadership role. The proofs are the unprecedented visits, cementing of ties, outreach programs, formation of startegic alliances and tapping into opportunities.

India is setting the ground for the post-pandemic world and is slowly but surely stepping into a leadership role. The proofs are the unprecedented visits, cementing of ties, outreach programs, formation of startegic alliances and tapping into opportunities. In October this year, India's army chief, General MM Naravane was in Myanmar and the next month he was in Nepal. Between the second and the third week of December, General MM Naravane visited Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The army chief's visit to Saudi Arabia was unprecedented. It came on the heels of Riyadh's deteriorating ties with Islamabad. Pakistan's army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa was not allowed to meet the Saudi crown prince in August but the Indian army chief was welcomed by the top Saudi generals. Also read| Jaishankar meets Qatari Amir, PM; discusses economic and security cooperation General's visit also came on the heels of India's External Affairs minister S Jaishankar's visit to the UAE and Bahrain. As we speak, Jaishankar is in Qatar for a two-day visit. He attended an India-Qatar business roundtable and interacted with the Indian community there. He is also expected to meet the Qatari deputy prime minsiter and foreign minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. At least 700,000 Indians live in Qatar. Many Indian workers have benefited from Qatar's recent labour reforms which includes a 25 per cent hike in the minimum wage and dilution of a clause that required workers to take the employer's consent before switching jobs. In 2019, the bilateral trade between Qatar and India was worth $10.95 billion. The Qatar investment authority has invested $600 million in two Indian firms. Also read| Indian Army chief meets South Korea's top military brass to enhance bilateral ties Jaishankar's visit is expected to focus on trade and energy cooperation. You will also see that the visit goes beyond all of this as it has a lot to do with West Asia's shifting sands and an emerging post-pandemic world — one that's being built on strategic alliances. India views West Asia at its extended neighbourhood. West Asia is putting an end to historical and regional disputes. In the last five months, four Arab countries have formalised ties with Israel: UAE, Sudan, Morocco and Bahrain. The gulf cooperation council countries recently held talks on ending a rift with Qatar. It is talking about lifting air, land and water blockade of Qatar because the region has a common enemy — Iran. It just so happens that Iran is getting closer to China. However, another interesting observation is that China is also a country that India has a stand-off with in Ladakh. Also read| EAM tells Indian community in Qatar, economic confidence visible in India India's ties with West Asia are no longer anchored on just oil, diaspora and remittances. The relationship is now strategic as there are common foes. West Asia is distancing itself from Pakistan, it is coming together against Iran and both — Iran and Pakistan — are close to China. The virtual GCC discussion was held this morning at a time when India's foreign affairs minister is in Qatar. There is another very significant visit that's underway. India's Army Chief is on a three-day visit to South Korea. Seoul has been one of India's major weapon suppliers. It also happens to be a country that is witnessing growing rift with China. On General Naravane's agenda is bolstering of military cooperation. He will be calling on the Korean defence minister, Army chief, chairman of joint chiefs of staff and Korea's minister of defence aquisition planning administration. Another point to consider is that South Korea is fighting Chinese aggression at East China sea. It is pushing for maritime rules-based order. There is also an online war as the South Korean band BTS faced a backlash from Chinese state media. The common foe is very clearly visible in these developments.

How do India's growing ties with South Korea and Qatar pose a threat to China

Once the Drug Controller General India (DCGI) and scientists give the green signal to vaccine manufacturers in India, India will begin a mammoth exercise to inoculate the first group of 30 crore citizens.

India to conduct genome sequencing to detect new virus

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