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The prime minister will also inaugurate the fully operational National Common Mobility Card service on the Airport Express Line at 11 AM via video conferencing.

PM Narendra Modi to flag-off India's first driverless train on December 28

India on Monday logged 20,021 fresh Covid-19 infections taking the total number of cases to 1,02,07,871, along with 279 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the tally of fatalities to 1,47,901, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. 
 
In the last 24 hours, 21,131 people have recovered, taking the total number of the recovered people to 97,82,669. There are 2,77,301 active cases. The recovery rate stands at 95.83 per cent while the fatality rate is 1.45 as per cent. 
 
A total of 16,88,18,054 samples have been tested for Covid-19 till now. Of these, 7,15,397 samples were tested on Sunday, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said. 
 
Maharashtra continues to be the worst-hit state to the date with 19,13,382 cases. 
 
Over 70 per cent of the daily new cases are being reported by 10 states and union territory -- Kerala, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Gujarat. 
 
Over 75 per cent of the deaths are being reported from Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh. 
 
A new strain of the Covid-19 virus has appeared in the UK. The mutant is said to be 70 per cent more aggressive, according to reports. Flights and other forms of transport to and from the UK are being shut down. 
&nbsp;

India on Monday logged 20,021 fresh Covid-19 infections taking the total number of cases to 1,02,07,871, along with 279 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the tally of fatalities to 1,47,901, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

India on Monday logged 20,021 fresh Covid-19 infections taking the total number of cases to 1,02,07,871, along with 279 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the tally of fatalities to 1,47,901, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. In the last 24 hours, 21,131 people have recovered, taking the total number of the recovered people to 97,82,669. There are 2,77,301 active cases. The recovery rate stands at 95.83 per cent while the fatality rate is 1.45 as per cent. A total of 16,88,18,054 samples have been tested for Covid-19 till now. Of these, 7,15,397 samples were tested on Sunday, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said. Maharashtra continues to be the worst-hit state to the date with 19,13,382 cases. Over 70 per cent of the daily new cases are being reported by 10 states and union territory -- Kerala, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Over 75 per cent of the deaths are being reported from Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh. A new strain of the Covid-19 virus has appeared in the UK. The mutant is said to be 70 per cent more aggressive, according to reports. Flights and other forms of transport to and from the UK are being shut down.

India logs 20,000 COVID-19 cases, 279 deaths in 24 hours

A cold wave is likely to grip parts of Delhi over the next four days as frosty winds from the Himalayas have started blowing towards the plains, weather department officials said on Monday.&nbsp;

The minimum temperature in the national capital settled at 5.6 degrees Celsius as against 6 degrees Celsius on Sunday. The India Meteorological Department said the mercury may drop to three degrees Celsius on New Year's Eve.

&nbsp;Cold wave conditions are predicted in parts of the city over the next four days, it said. Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the regional forecasting centre of the IMD, said a Western Disturbance led to "scattered to fairly widespread" snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

&nbsp;The wind system has withdrawn. Now, cold and dry northerly/northwesterly winds from the western Himalayas will bring the minimum temperature in north India down by three to five degrees Celsius, he said.

"Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are likely in isolated pockets over Punjab, Haryana, UP and north Rajasthan. Ground frost and dense fog is likely in isolated pockets in the region," the IMD added. For the plains, the IMD declares a?cold?wave?when the minimum temperature is 10 degrees Celsius or below and is 4.5 notches less than normal.

&nbsp;On Sunday last, the Safdarjung Observatory, which provides representative data for the city, recorded a minimum of 3.4 degrees Celsius, the lowest this season so far.

A cold wave is likely to grip parts of Delhi over the next four days as frosty winds from the Himalayas have started blowing towards the plains, weather department officials said on Monday.

A cold wave is likely to grip parts of Delhi over the next four days as frosty winds from the Himalayas have started blowing towards the plains, weather department officials said on Monday. The minimum temperature in the national capital settled at 5.6 degrees Celsius as against 6 degrees Celsius on Sunday. The India Meteorological Department said the mercury may drop to three degrees Celsius on New Year's Eve. Cold wave conditions are predicted in parts of the city over the next four days, it said. Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the regional forecasting centre of the IMD, said a Western Disturbance led to "scattered to fairly widespread" snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The wind system has withdrawn. Now, cold and dry northerly/northwesterly winds from the western Himalayas will bring the minimum temperature in north India down by three to five degrees Celsius, he said. "Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are likely in isolated pockets over Punjab, Haryana, UP and north Rajasthan. Ground frost and dense fog is likely in isolated pockets in the region," the IMD added. For the plains, the IMD declares a?cold?wave?when the minimum temperature is 10 degrees Celsius or below and is 4.5 notches less than normal. On Sunday last, the Safdarjung Observatory, which provides representative data for the city, recorded a minimum of 3.4 degrees Celsius, the lowest this season so far.

Cold wave to grip Delhi for the next four days

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar on Monday met Qatar's top leaders including Qatari Amir, prime minister, deputy prime minister, foreign minister and interior minister and discussed strengthening the economic and security bilateral cooperation, among other issues.&nbsp;

On his meeting with Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, Jaishankar also handed over a personal communication from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. &nbsp;

He also praised the amir's "warm sentiments for Indian community" and for his "vision" of taking the bilateral partnership to a "new level".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Called on H.H. <a href="https://twitter.com/TamimBinHamad?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TamimBinHamad</a>, Amir of Qatar. Handed over a personal communication from PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>. Deeply value H.H.'s warm sentiments for Indian community. Impressed by his vision of taking our partnership to a new level. <a href="https://t.co/3UJpkc9zP1">pic.twitter.com/3UJpkc9zP1</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1343549447578464256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Deeply value H.H.'s warm sentiments for Indian community. Impressed by his vision of taking our partnership to a new level," Jaishankar wrote in a tweet.&nbsp;

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Warm meeting with H.H Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. His leadership continues to guide India-Qatar relations. Appreciated his insights on global and regional developments. <a href="https://t.co/8g0udJWoGq">pic.twitter.com/8g0udJWoGq</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1343557067798323201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He also met former Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and said his "leadership continues to guide India-Qatar relations" in a tweet.

During his meet with Prime Minister and Interior Minister Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Jaishankar thanked him for looking after the Indian community during the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

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Called on PM and Interior Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/KBKAlThani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KBKAlThani</a>. Thanked him for the care given to the Indian community in Qatar during COVID times. Discussed strengthening our bilateral economic and security cooperation. <a href="https://t.co/3OWVqT2yN2">pic.twitter.com/3OWVqT2yN2</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1343548827828178945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He also said that the duo discussed strengthening economic and security cooperation.&nbsp;

Jaishankar also met Qatar's Deputy Prime Minter Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, who is also his counterpart, in which they discussed regional and multilateral developments.

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Thank <a href="https://twitter.com/MBA_AlThani_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MBA_AlThani_</a> Deputy PM and Foreign Minister of Qatar for a very productive visit. Reviewed the entire gamut of our growing partnership. Discussed regional and multilateral developments. Looking forward to welcoming him to India for the Joint Commission meeting. <a href="https://t.co/f1UY1gCCyK">pic.twitter.com/f1UY1gCCyK</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1343569398024560640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He also called his visit "productive" in the meet with deputy PM.&nbsp;

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar on Monday met Qatar's top leaders including Qatari Amir, prime minister, deputy prime minister, foreign minister and interior minister and discussed strengthening the economic and security bilateral cooperation, among other issues.

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar on Monday met Qatar's top leaders including Qatari Amir, prime minister, deputy prime minister, foreign minister and interior minister and discussed strengthening the economic and security bilateral cooperation, among other issues. On his meeting with Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, Jaishankar also handed over a personal communication from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also praised the amir's "warm sentiments for Indian community" and for his "vision" of taking the bilateral partnership to a "new level". Called on H.H. @TamimBinHamad, Amir of Qatar. Handed over a personal communication from PM @narendramodi. Deeply value H.H.'s warm sentiments for Indian community. Impressed by his vision of taking our partnership to a new level. pic.twitter.com/3UJpkc9zP1 — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 28, 2020 × "Deeply value H.H.'s warm sentiments for Indian community. Impressed by his vision of taking our partnership to a new level," Jaishankar wrote in a tweet. Warm meeting with H.H Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. His leadership continues to guide India-Qatar relations. Appreciated his insights on global and regional developments. pic.twitter.com/8g0udJWoGq — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 28, 2020 × He also met former Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and said his "leadership continues to guide India-Qatar relations" in a tweet. During his meet with Prime Minister and Interior Minister Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Jaishankar thanked him for looking after the Indian community during the coronavirus pandemic. Called on PM and Interior Minister @KBKAlThani. Thanked him for the care given to the Indian community in Qatar during COVID times. Discussed strengthening our bilateral economic and security cooperation. pic.twitter.com/3OWVqT2yN2 — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 28, 2020 × He also said that the duo discussed strengthening economic and security cooperation. Jaishankar also met Qatar's Deputy Prime Minter Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, who is also his counterpart, in which they discussed regional and multilateral developments. Thank @MBA_AlThani_ Deputy PM and Foreign Minister of Qatar for a very productive visit. Reviewed the entire gamut of our growing partnership. Discussed regional and multilateral developments. Looking forward to welcoming him to India for the Joint Commission meeting. pic.twitter.com/f1UY1gCCyK — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 28, 2020 × He also called his visit "productive" in the meet with deputy PM.

Jaishankar meets Qatari Amir, PM; discusses economic and security cooperation

The Government of India is starting dry run in four states — Punjab, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat — from today. The exercise will continue for two days, December 28 and 29, in two districts each.

The mock drill will be like the actual vaccination drive but there will be no vaccine administration. Data will be fed to the Co-WIN app, cold storage will be tested and vaccine transportation from cold storage to the sites, crowd management etc will be checked

All the four states will report their observations to the centre recorded during the program. The government plans to cover 30 crore people in the first phase when it rolls out Covid vaccine. &nbsp;

A total of 2,360 training sessions have been held so far, and 7,000 officials have been trained, including medical officers and vaccinators.

Though India has not given a nod to any vaccine for emergency use, Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine, tested and manufactured in India by Serum Institute, is the front-runner. Once the UK drug regulator gives its approval to the vaccine, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation is likely to hold a meeting where the details will be reviewed and the nod will be given after evaluation.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Government of India is starting dry run in four states — Punjab, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat — from today. The exercise will continue for two days, December 28 and 29, in two districts each.

The Government of India is starting dry run in four states — Punjab, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat — from today. The exercise will continue for two days, December 28 and 29, in two districts each. The mock drill will be like the actual vaccination drive but there will be no vaccine administration. Data will be fed to the Co-WIN app, cold storage will be tested and vaccine transportation from cold storage to the sites, crowd management etc will be checked All the four states will report their observations to the centre recorded during the program. The government plans to cover 30 crore people in the first phase when it rolls out Covid vaccine. A total of 2,360 training sessions have been held so far, and 7,000 officials have been trained, including medical officers and vaccinators. Though India has not given a nod to any vaccine for emergency use, Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine, tested and manufactured in India by Serum Institute, is the front-runner. Once the UK drug regulator gives its approval to the vaccine, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation is likely to hold a meeting where the details will be reviewed and the nod will be given after evaluation. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus vaccine dry run: India to hold two-day dummy drive in four states

Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane kickstarted his three-day visit to South Korea on Monday where he held talks with Seoul's top military brass to bolster bilateral military engagement, officials said.&nbsp;

Naravane held talks with Korea's defence minister, chief of joint staff, amongst others where they exchanged views on defence cooperation, the Indian embassy in Korea and Indian Army said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-general-naravanes-saudi-visit-sheds-light-on-paks-break-up-with-arab-world-349792">Indian Army General Naravane's Saudi visit sheds light on Pak's break-up with Arab world</a>

"A new era of India-ROK armed forces partnership! During the first-ever visit of an Indian Army Chief to ROK, Gen Naravane had useful discussions with Minister of National Defence Gen Suh Wook, Chairman of Joint Chief of Staff Gen Won In-choul and DAPA Minister Kang Eun-ho today," wrote in a tweet.&nbsp;

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A new era of India-ROK armed forces partnership! During the first-ever visit of an Indian Army Chief to ROK, Gen Naravane had useful discussions with Minister of National Defence Gen Suh Wook, Chairman of Joint Chief of Staff Gen Won In-choul and DAPA Minister Kang Eun-ho today. <a href="https://t.co/YRbKcKAYk1">pic.twitter.com/YRbKcKAYk1</a>
— India in ROK (@IndiainROK) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainROK/status/1343495870977769473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"General MM Naravane #COAS interacted with Mr Gang Eun Ho #Minister of #DAPA #RepublicofKorea and exchanged views on defence cooperation," Indian Army tweeted.&nbsp;

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General MM Naravane <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COAS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COAS</a> interacted with Mr Gang Eun Ho <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Minister?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Minister</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DAPA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DAPA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicofKorea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicofKorea</a> and exchanged views on defence cooperation.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Friendship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Friendship</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> <a href="https://t.co/df98ZPNfR4">pic.twitter.com/df98ZPNfR4</a>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1343538722411663361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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South Korea has been a major defence supplier to India and earlier Indian Army had said that the purpose of the army chief's visit is to enhance defence relations between both the countries.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-army-chief-naravane-meets-top-saudi-generals-349638/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Naravané's visit is coming two weeks after he concluded a six-day tour to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Last month, he also tripped to Nepal where he was conferred upon the honorary rank of 'General of the Nepal Army' amid the tensed ties between both the Himalayan neighbours.&nbsp;

Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane kickstarted his three-day visit to South Korea on Monday where he held talks with Seoul's top military brass to bolster bilateral military engagement, officials said.

Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane kickstarted his three-day visit to South Korea on Monday where he held talks with Seoul's top military brass to bolster bilateral military engagement, officials said. Naravane held talks with Korea's defence minister, chief of joint staff, amongst others where they exchanged views on defence cooperation, the Indian embassy in Korea and Indian Army said. Also read | Indian Army General Naravane's Saudi visit sheds light on Pak's break-up with Arab world "A new era of India-ROK armed forces partnership! During the first-ever visit of an Indian Army Chief to ROK, Gen Naravane had useful discussions with Minister of National Defence Gen Suh Wook, Chairman of Joint Chief of Staff Gen Won In-choul and DAPA Minister Kang Eun-ho today," wrote in a tweet. A new era of India-ROK armed forces partnership! During the first-ever visit of an Indian Army Chief to ROK, Gen Naravane had useful discussions with Minister of National Defence Gen Suh Wook, Chairman of Joint Chief of Staff Gen Won In-choul and DAPA Minister Kang Eun-ho today. pic.twitter.com/YRbKcKAYk1 — India in ROK (@IndiainROK) December 28, 2020 × "General MM Naravane #COAS interacted with Mr Gang Eun Ho #Minister of #DAPA #RepublicofKorea and exchanged views on defence cooperation," Indian Army tweeted. General MM Naravane #COAS interacted with Mr Gang Eun Ho #Minister of #DAPA #RepublicofKorea and exchanged views on defence cooperation.#Friendship #IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/df98ZPNfR4 — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 28, 2020 × South Korea has been a major defence supplier to India and earlier Indian Army had said that the purpose of the army chief's visit is to enhance defence relations between both the countries. Watch | Naravané's visit is coming two weeks after he concluded a six-day tour to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Last month, he also tripped to Nepal where he was conferred upon the honorary rank of 'General of the Nepal Army' amid the tensed ties between both the Himalayan neighbours.

Indian Army chief meets South Korea's top military brass to enhance bilateral ties

Protesting farmer unions Monday agreed "in-principle" to a government proposal of holding the next round of talks on the new agricultural laws on December 30, but said the Centre should have spelt out the agenda of the meeting in its invite.

Abhimanyu Kohar, a member of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha -- an umbrella body of 40 unions protesting against the contentious legislations -- said the farmers have agreed to go for the meeting on the date proposed by the Centre.

The farmers' acceptance of the proposal came hours after the Centre sent them a letter suggesting December 30 as the date for the dialogue, against December 29 the protesting unions wanted.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/varanasi-farmers-learn-to-use-drones-for-seed-plantation-352684" hreflang="en">Varanasi farmers learn to use drones for seed plantation</a>

"In our letter sent to the government on December 26, we had clearly mentioned that repeal of three farm laws and legal guarantee for MSP should be part of the agenda for fresh talks, but despite this, the government in letter today has not mentioned any specific agenda," Kohar told PTI.

"But, we have agreed in-principle to hold talks with the government," he said.

The government's latest invite followed a proposal made by unions last week to hold the talks on Tuesday, December 29, on agenda including modalities for the repeal of the three laws enacted in September.

Kohar said the government proposing to hold the talks on December 30, instead of agreeing to farmers' suggestion of December 29, shows the Centre wants to assert its control.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-farmers-agree-to-meet-government-over-contentious-farm-laws-352618" hreflang="en">Indian farmers agree to meet government over contentious farm laws</a>

Meanwhile, the Singhu border where thousands of farmers have been camping in protest against the new laws since November 28, visibly swelled up on Monday as new protestors joined in over the weekend.

Navigating the highway-turned-township became challenging with the pathways being cramped as tractors and trolleys of new protestors occupied more and more space at the protest site.

Having already completed one month, the farmers said they were prepared for a long haul, and that essentials such as food and clothing are coming in in sufficient quantities to sustain their agitation.

Apprehensive that the new laws will lead to the elimination of the MSP regime and the mandi system, the farmers have been demanding the three legislations be repealed. The government, on the other hand, has been projecting the laws as major reforms in the agriculture sector.

Several farmers who had gone to their villages after spending a few days at the protest sites have returned with their families.

Amrinder Singh from Patiala had gone back home on December 4, and returned on Saturday with his wife and sister. "More people are coming in, and to keep our fight going, each house in every village in Punjab is giving Rs 1,000."

"More people will be coming from Fatehgarh Sahib on January 2 after a religious event there gets over," he said.&nbsp;

Protesting farmer unions Monday agreed "in-principle" to a government proposal of holding the next round of talks on the new agricultural laws on December 30, but said the Centre should have spelt out the agenda of the meeting in its invite.

Protesting farmer unions Monday agreed "in-principle" to a government proposal of holding the next round of talks on the new agricultural laws on December 30, but said the Centre should have spelt out the agenda of the meeting in its invite. Abhimanyu Kohar, a member of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha -- an umbrella body of 40 unions protesting against the contentious legislations -- said the farmers have agreed to go for the meeting on the date proposed by the Centre. The farmers' acceptance of the proposal came hours after the Centre sent them a letter suggesting December 30 as the date for the dialogue, against December 29 the protesting unions wanted. Also read| Varanasi farmers learn to use drones for seed plantation "In our letter sent to the government on December 26, we had clearly mentioned that repeal of three farm laws and legal guarantee for MSP should be part of the agenda for fresh talks, but despite this, the government in letter today has not mentioned any specific agenda," Kohar told PTI. "But, we have agreed in-principle to hold talks with the government," he said. The government's latest invite followed a proposal made by unions last week to hold the talks on Tuesday, December 29, on agenda including modalities for the repeal of the three laws enacted in September. Kohar said the government proposing to hold the talks on December 30, instead of agreeing to farmers' suggestion of December 29, shows the Centre wants to assert its control. Also read| Indian farmers agree to meet government over contentious farm laws Meanwhile, the Singhu border where thousands of farmers have been camping in protest against the new laws since November 28, visibly swelled up on Monday as new protestors joined in over the weekend. Navigating the highway-turned-township became challenging with the pathways being cramped as tractors and trolleys of new protestors occupied more and more space at the protest site. Having already completed one month, the farmers said they were prepared for a long haul, and that essentials such as food and clothing are coming in in sufficient quantities to sustain their agitation. Apprehensive that the new laws will lead to the elimination of the MSP regime and the mandi system, the farmers have been demanding the three legislations be repealed. The government, on the other hand, has been projecting the laws as major reforms in the agriculture sector. Several farmers who had gone to their villages after spending a few days at the protest sites have returned with their families. Amrinder Singh from Patiala had gone back home on December 4, and returned on Saturday with his wife and sister. "More people are coming in, and to keep our fight going, each house in every village in Punjab is giving Rs 1,000." "More people will be coming from Fatehgarh Sahib on January 2 after a religious event there gets over," he said.

Protesting farmers agree to government proposal for talks on December 30

Serum Institute of India is expecting the Indian government to give approval to the&nbsp;Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for emergency use in the next few days, the company said on Monday.

As of now, the pharmaceutical company has already produced 40 to million doses of the Oxford vaccine and is aiming to ramp up production to at least 100 million doses a month by March, provided a new facility is established,&nbsp;Serum Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla reported.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-chief-claims-vaccine-works-against-new-strain-of-coronavirus-352737">AstraZeneca chief claims vaccine works against new strain of coronavirus</a>

He is also hoping to ramp up the production to 300 million doses of the vaccine by July 2021 to meet the rising demand, considering the new variants being identified in several parts of the world.

"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;

He also assured that all related data has been provided to the concerned authorities of the UK and India. "All data on Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID19 vaccine submitted in India and UK. The re are no concerns, regulators are closely reviewing documents and data," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-launches-mass-covid-19-vaccination-drive-352837">WATCH|</a>

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Poonawalla has also reported&nbsp;that since India is a part of 'COVAX', at least 50 per cent of all the produce will be given to India. He also added that considering India's population, "probably end up giving the majority of those 50 million doses to India first".

Hinting towards a "good news from the UK very soon", he notified that the&nbsp;AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is aiming to get licensed by January 2021.&nbsp;

Poonawalla has also warned of an expected shortage of the COVID-19 vaccines in the first half of the new year, but added that "we will see easing off by August-September 2021 as other vaccine manufactures will also be able to supply"

Serum Institute of India is expecting the Indian government to give approval to the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for emergency use in the next few days, the company said on Monday.

Serum Institute of India is expecting the Indian government to give approval to the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for emergency use in the next few days, the company said on Monday. As of now, the pharmaceutical company has already produced 40 to million doses of the Oxford vaccine and is aiming to ramp up production to at least 100 million doses a month by March, provided a new facility is established, Serum Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla reported. Also read| AstraZeneca chief claims vaccine works against new strain of coronavirus He is also hoping to ramp up the production to 300 million doses of the vaccine by July 2021 to meet the rising demand, considering the new variants being identified in several parts of the world. "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. He also assured that all related data has been provided to the concerned authorities of the UK and India. "All data on Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID19 vaccine submitted in India and UK. The re are no concerns, regulators are closely reviewing documents and data," he said. WATCH| × Poonawalla has also reported that since India is a part of 'COVAX', at least 50 per cent of all the produce will be given to India. He also added that considering India's population, "probably end up giving the majority of those 50 million doses to India first". Hinting towards a "good news from the UK very soon", he notified that the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is aiming to get licensed by January 2021. Poonawalla has also warned of an expected shortage of the COVID-19 vaccines in the first half of the new year, but added that "we will see easing off by August-September 2021 as other vaccine manufactures will also be able to supply"

India to approve AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine soon: Adar Poonawalla

Union Minister for Road Transport and&nbsp;Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday confirmed that&nbsp;American electric vehicle company Tesla will begin its operations in India in early 2021.

Gadkari said that Elon Musk-led Tesla will initially begin with sales and perhaps venture towards assembly, sales, and manufacturing.

The confirmation comes after a report by ET&nbsp;Auto claimed&nbsp;that Tesla will launch Model 3 in India in June 2021&nbsp;and the bookings for the same will begin from next month. It also said that the company will start deliveries from the end of the first quarter of 2021-22.

“India is going to become a number 1 manufacturing hub for auto in five years,” Gadkari said in a recent interview with 'The Indian Express'&nbsp;

Gadkari, who has been pushing the use of electric cars in India, also added that some companies are working on indigenously producing affordable cars in electric variants although they are not as advanced as Tesla.

In October, Tesla CEO Elon Musk had recommended that the organization will come to India in 2021 while reacting to a tweet from India. "One year from now without a doubt," Musk had answered when a handle called Tesla Club India checked with him about the organization's advancement in India.&nbsp;

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In 2016, Tesla has gathered $1000 store from intrigued purchasers with regards to India. Be that as it may, those shoppers are as yet hanging tight for their vehicles and some of them had told indianexpress.com they felt let somewhere near the organization.&nbsp;

In 2017, a year after the organization began taking appointments, Musk had said his vehicles could come to India in the late spring, yet later accused FDI standards for the delay.&nbsp;

“Maybe I’m misinformed, but I was told that 30 per cent&nbsp;of parts must be locally sourced and the supply doesn’t yet exist in India to support that,” he had tweeted.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday confirmed that American electric vehicle company Tesla will begin its operations in India in early 2021.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday confirmed that American electric vehicle company Tesla will begin its operations in India in early 2021. Gadkari said that Elon Musk-led Tesla will initially begin with sales and perhaps venture towards assembly, sales, and manufacturing. The confirmation comes after a report by ET Auto claimed that Tesla will launch Model 3 in India in June 2021 and the bookings for the same will begin from next month. It also said that the company will start deliveries from the end of the first quarter of 2021-22. “India is going to become a number 1 manufacturing hub for auto in five years,” Gadkari said in a recent interview with 'The Indian Express' Gadkari, who has been pushing the use of electric cars in India, also added that some companies are working on indigenously producing affordable cars in electric variants although they are not as advanced as Tesla. In October, Tesla CEO Elon Musk had recommended that the organization will come to India in 2021 while reacting to a tweet from India. "One year from now without a doubt," Musk had answered when a handle called Tesla Club India checked with him about the organization's advancement in India. Next year for sure — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 2, 2020 × In 2016, Tesla has gathered $1000 store from intrigued purchasers with regards to India. Be that as it may, those shoppers are as yet hanging tight for their vehicles and some of them had told indianexpress.com they felt let somewhere near the organization. In 2017, a year after the organization began taking appointments, Musk had said his vehicles could come to India in the late spring, yet later accused FDI standards for the delay. “Maybe I’m misinformed, but I was told that 30 per cent of parts must be locally sourced and the supply doesn’t yet exist in India to support that,” he had tweeted.

Tesla to start operation in India in early 2021, confirms Nitin Gadkari

Lovers do promise to bring moon for their beloved, but believe it or not but a husband, in reality, has taken this hyperbole seriously.&nbsp;

Dharmendra Anija from Ajmer in northwestern India knew that bringing moon would not be possible for wife, so instead, he did the next best thing.

He gifted her wife Sapna three acres of land on the moon on their wedding anniversary.&nbsp;

Dharmendra said he wanted to do "something different" rather than gifting common gifts like cars and jewellery.&nbsp;

"It was our wedding anniversary on December 24. I wanted to do something special for her. Everyone gifts earthly possessions like cars and jewellery, but I wanted to do something different. Therefore, I purchased land on the moon for her," Dharmendra told news agency ANI.&nbsp;

"I'm happy. I think I'm the first man in Rajasthan to buy land on the Moon."

He said that he booked the land from Luna Society International based in New York City, US and the process to acquire the land took about a year to finalise.&nbsp;

Delighted by the gift, Sapna said she feels the couple are "on the moon"&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"I'm extremely happy. I never expected he would gift me something so special. The party was organised by professional event organisers, and the setting was surreal. It felt like we are literally on the moon. There during the ceremony, he gifted me a framed certificate of the property document," she said.

Lovers do promise to bring moon for their beloved, but believe it or not but a husband, in reality, has taken this hyperbole seriously. Dharmendra Anija from Ajmer in northwestern India knew that bringing moon would not be possible for wife, so instead, he did the next best thing.

Lovers do promise to bring moon for their beloved, but believe it or not but a husband, in reality, has taken this hyperbole seriously. Dharmendra Anija from Ajmer in northwestern India knew that bringing moon would not be possible for wife, so instead, he did the next best thing. He gifted her wife Sapna three acres of land on the moon on their wedding anniversary. Dharmendra said he wanted to do "something different" rather than gifting common gifts like cars and jewellery. "It was our wedding anniversary on December 24. I wanted to do something special for her. Everyone gifts earthly possessions like cars and jewellery, but I wanted to do something different. Therefore, I purchased land on the moon for her," Dharmendra told news agency ANI. "I'm happy. I think I'm the first man in Rajasthan to buy land on the Moon." He said that he booked the land from Luna Society International based in New York City, US and the process to acquire the land took about a year to finalise. Delighted by the gift, Sapna said she feels the couple are "on the moon" "I'm extremely happy. I never expected he would gift me something so special. The party was organised by professional event organisers, and the setting was surreal. It felt like we are literally on the moon. There during the ceremony, he gifted me a framed certificate of the property document," she said.

For her beloved: Believe it or not but a husband fulfils promise of moon for her wife

Right of being represented through a lawyer is part of due process clause, the Supreme Court has said while setting aside the Allahabad High Court order which had dismissed an appeal filed by a man in a 1987 murder case noting that his counsel had not appeared during the hearing.

The apex court, which restored the appeal and asked the high court to consider taking it for hearing at an early date, said it was open for the high court to appoint an amicus curiae to assist it when the petitioner was not represented before it through lawyer in the matter.

It is well accepted that right of being represented through a counsel is part of due process clause and is referable to the right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India,&nbsp;a bench headed by Justice U U Lalit said.

In case the advocate representing the cause of the accused, for one reason or the other was not available, it was open to the court to appoint an amicus curiae to assist the court but the cause in any case ought not to be allowed to go unrepresented,&nbsp;the bench, also comprising Justices Vineet Saran and S Ravindra Bhat, said in its December 18 order.

The top court passed the order while hearing a plea filed by the convict against the April 2017 verdict of high court which had dismissed his appeal challenging the trial court judgement awarding him life term in a murder case.

It noted the submission of petitioner's lawyer that the appeal was disposed of by the high court in the absence of any representation on behalf of the appellant.

The bench said the high court, while noting that the man was not represented through lawyer during the hearing, went into the matter and affirmed the view taken by the trial court. 
In the circumstances, we have no other alternative but to set-aside the judgment passed by the high court and to restore criminal appeal to the file of the high court to be disposed of afresh, the apex court said.

It noted that the man, who was on bail while his appeal was pending in the high court, has since been taken in custody. 
In the circumstances, we request the high court to consider taking up criminal appeal.

For hearing at an early date and in order to facilitate the exercise, we direct the registry of the high court to list the appeal before the appropriate court on January 11, 2021 for directions, the bench said.

It said the convict shall appear before the high court through advocate on January 11 and in case of any default, the high court may consider appointing an amicus curiae to assist it in the matter.

During the pendency of the matter before the high court, the appellant shall continue to remain in custody, the bench said while disposing of the plea.

The man, along with another accused, were convicted by a trial court in the murder case and they were sentenced to life term.

One of the convicts had died during pendency of his appeal before the high court and proceedings related to him were abated.

Right of being represented through a lawyer is part of due process clause, the Supreme Court has said while setting aside the Allahabad High Court order which had dismissed an appeal filed by a man in a 1987 murder case noting that his counsel had not appeared during the hearing.

Right of being represented through a lawyer is part of due process clause, the Supreme Court has said while setting aside the Allahabad High Court order which had dismissed an appeal filed by a man in a 1987 murder case noting that his counsel had not appeared during the hearing. The apex court, which restored the appeal and asked the high court to consider taking it for hearing at an early date, said it was open for the high court to appoint an amicus curiae to assist it when the petitioner was not represented before it through lawyer in the matter. It is well accepted that right of being represented through a counsel is part of due process clause and is referable to the right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, a bench headed by Justice U U Lalit said. In case the advocate representing the cause of the accused, for one reason or the other was not available, it was open to the court to appoint an amicus curiae to assist the court but the cause in any case ought not to be allowed to go unrepresented, the bench, also comprising Justices Vineet Saran and S Ravindra Bhat, said in its December 18 order. The top court passed the order while hearing a plea filed by the convict against the April 2017 verdict of high court which had dismissed his appeal challenging the trial court judgement awarding him life term in a murder case. It noted the submission of petitioner's lawyer that the appeal was disposed of by the high court in the absence of any representation on behalf of the appellant. The bench said the high court, while noting that the man was not represented through lawyer during the hearing, went into the matter and affirmed the view taken by the trial court. In the circumstances, we have no other alternative but to set-aside the judgment passed by the high court and to restore criminal appeal to the file of the high court to be disposed of afresh, the apex court said. It noted that the man, who was on bail while his appeal was pending in the high court, has since been taken in custody. In the circumstances, we request the high court to consider taking up criminal appeal. For hearing at an early date and in order to facilitate the exercise, we direct the registry of the high court to list the appeal before the appropriate court on January 11, 2021 for directions, the bench said. It said the convict shall appear before the high court through advocate on January 11 and in case of any default, the high court may consider appointing an amicus curiae to assist it in the matter. During the pendency of the matter before the high court, the appellant shall continue to remain in custody, the bench said while disposing of the plea. The man, along with another accused, were convicted by a trial court in the murder case and they were sentenced to life term. One of the convicts had died during pendency of his appeal before the high court and proceedings related to him were abated.

Right of being represented through lawyer is part of due process clause, says SC

While other nations have started the mass immunization progarms, India is ensuring that all facilities are in place before starting it's mass immunization process early next year to make the plan clear and more convinient.

India begins 2-day dry run vaccination process across four states

Indian Space startup, Skyroot Aerospace, has proven the crucial propulsion technology of their maiden rocket Vikram-1, with the latest test-firing of an engine. Vikram-1 rocket is powered by four engines- three solid-fuel stages and one Liquid-fuel stage that the firm has designed and developed. In August this year, the company had tested their liquid-fueled engine and now has proven the technology of the solid-fueled engine(Kalam-5), by successfully test-firing a miniature version.&nbsp;

Solid motors or solid-fueled engines are high thrust, low-cost rocket engines with propellant in solid form. They are highly reliable as they have very few moving parts. The Engine Testing was done at a private test facility on Dec 22nd in Nagpur owned by Solar Industries, which is India's largest explosives manufacturer and a leading Space and Defence contractor (also partner and investor in Skyroot).&nbsp;

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Theoretically, this means that the company is close to realizing their dreams of putting together an orbital-class rocket, as its propulsion technology is the hardest to master.&nbsp;

A typical rocket consists of two or more stages, each of which would have its own engines(either single or packed in a cluster). Simply put, a rocket is a combination of multiple engines(stages) that are vertically stacked.&nbsp;

“This test demonstrates the capability of our technology for the Vikram-1 rocket. Though we have fired a scaled-down engine during this successful demonstration, it must be noted that building a smaller engine is also a complex process. This successful test firing gives us the confidence that the bigger models will succeed” Pawan K Chandana, CEO, Skyroot Aerospace told Zee Media.&nbsp;

The Engine ‘Kalam-5’, is named so for its peak Sea Level thrust of 5.3kN. It is notable that the engine is built with an advanced carbon composite structure in a completely automated process. While Carbon composite cases are very challenging to design and manufacture, they are five-times lighter than steel, hence improving efficiency. Kalam is a series of five solid-fueled rocket engines with a thrust ranging from 5kN to 1000kN (approx 100Tons). In terms of technical specifications, Kalam-5 is designed to take 66 atmospheres and 30000C of combustion pressure and temperature respectively.&nbsp;

Team Skyroot had earlier told Zee Media that they were planning a maiden launch by December 2021. They added that the decision to launch a live satellite or a dummy payload would be taken by mid-2021, based on demand.&nbsp;

Indian Space startup, Skyroot Aerospace, has proven the crucial propulsion technology of their maiden rocket Vikram-1, with the latest test-firing of an engine. Vikram-1 rocket is powered by four engines- three solid-fuel stages and one Liquid-fuel stage that the firm has designed and developed.

Indian Space startup, Skyroot Aerospace, has proven the crucial propulsion technology of their maiden rocket Vikram-1, with the latest test-firing of an engine. Vikram-1 rocket is powered by four engines- three solid-fuel stages and one Liquid-fuel stage that the firm has designed and developed. In August this year, the company had tested their liquid-fueled engine and now has proven the technology of the solid-fueled engine(Kalam-5), by successfully test-firing a miniature version. Solid motors or solid-fueled engines are high thrust, low-cost rocket engines with propellant in solid form. They are highly reliable as they have very few moving parts. The Engine Testing was done at a private test facility on Dec 22nd in Nagpur owned by Solar Industries, which is India's largest explosives manufacturer and a leading Space and Defence contractor (also partner and investor in Skyroot). Theoretically, this means that the company is close to realizing their dreams of putting together an orbital-class rocket, as its propulsion technology is the hardest to master. A typical rocket consists of two or more stages, each of which would have its own engines(either single or packed in a cluster). Simply put, a rocket is a combination of multiple engines(stages) that are vertically stacked. “This test demonstrates the capability of our technology for the Vikram-1 rocket. Though we have fired a scaled-down engine during this successful demonstration, it must be noted that building a smaller engine is also a complex process. This successful test firing gives us the confidence that the bigger models will succeed” Pawan K Chandana, CEO, Skyroot Aerospace told Zee Media. The Engine ‘Kalam-5’, is named so for its peak Sea Level thrust of 5.3kN. It is notable that the engine is built with an advanced carbon composite structure in a completely automated process. While Carbon composite cases are very challenging to design and manufacture, they are five-times lighter than steel, hence improving efficiency. Kalam is a series of five solid-fueled rocket engines with a thrust ranging from 5kN to 1000kN (approx 100Tons). In terms of technical specifications, Kalam-5 is designed to take 66 atmospheres and 30000C of combustion pressure and temperature respectively. Team Skyroot had earlier told Zee Media that they were planning a maiden launch by December 2021. They added that the decision to launch a live satellite or a dummy payload would be taken by mid-2021, based on demand.

Skyroot Aerospace becomes first Indian company to test fire a solid-fueled rocket engine

The external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar who is on a 2-day Qatar visit has told the Indian community that the economic impact of covid "can be put behind us" and the "economic confidence is visible".

In over one hour virtual meet, EAM said, &nbsp;"The general sense is Economy is coming back and coming back very very strongly. The feeling is Q1 &amp; Q2 of this financial year was obviously extremely tough, the feeling is now, all the feedback we get in terms of the critical sectors of the economy have been very positive."

Explaining that ,"there are areas, particularly the services sector, informal sector where recovery is not going to be so rapid. But again, there is economic confidence which is also visible, both the feeling that we can put the pandemic behind us as well as the economic consequences can be put behind us"

India's growth contracted to minus 23.9% in the first quarter of this financial year, and in the 2nd quarter, it came out at minus 7.5 % as the COVID crisis took a toll on the Economy. India along with all major economies saw contraction due to the pandemic.

EAM said India is "shifting gears" via Atmanirbhar Bharat which is "an expression, a desire to build stronger capabilities at home so that our participation in global economic activities is more effective"

Adding, "one of the issues with COVID has been that a lot of countries have been redoing supply chains, looking at on shoring many activities...Qatar is looking at its own near-term future, they have their own priorities, world cup football is significant among them and these are opportunities to draw the countries closer"

Qatar hosts more than 7 lakh Indians with bilateral trade at $10.95 billion in FY 2019-20. This is EAM's first visit to West Asia amidst the COVID pandemic. In September he made a stopover in Iran while going to Moscow, November saw a visit to UAE and Bahrain and currently, he is in Qatar. The increased high-level engagement between India and West Asian capitals comes even as both sides come closer in a number of areas from security to defence to people to people ties.

The external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar who is on a 2-day Qatar visit has told the Indian community that the economic impact of covid "can be put behind us" and the "economic confidence is visible".

The external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar who is on a 2-day Qatar visit has told the Indian community that the economic impact of covid "can be put behind us" and the "economic confidence is visible". In over one hour virtual meet, EAM said, "The general sense is Economy is coming back and coming back very very strongly. The feeling is Q1 & Q2 of this financial year was obviously extremely tough, the feeling is now, all the feedback we get in terms of the critical sectors of the economy have been very positive." Explaining that ,"there are areas, particularly the services sector, informal sector where recovery is not going to be so rapid. But again, there is economic confidence which is also visible, both the feeling that we can put the pandemic behind us as well as the economic consequences can be put behind us" India's growth contracted to minus 23.9% in the first quarter of this financial year, and in the 2nd quarter, it came out at minus 7.5 % as the COVID crisis took a toll on the Economy. India along with all major economies saw contraction due to the pandemic. EAM said India is "shifting gears" via Atmanirbhar Bharat which is "an expression, a desire to build stronger capabilities at home so that our participation in global economic activities is more effective" Adding, "one of the issues with COVID has been that a lot of countries have been redoing supply chains, looking at on shoring many activities...Qatar is looking at its own near-term future, they have their own priorities, world cup football is significant among them and these are opportunities to draw the countries closer" Qatar hosts more than 7 lakh Indians with bilateral trade at $10.95 billion in FY 2019-20. This is EAM's first visit to West Asia amidst the COVID pandemic. In September he made a stopover in Iran while going to Moscow, November saw a visit to UAE and Bahrain and currently, he is in Qatar. The increased high-level engagement between India and West Asian capitals comes even as both sides come closer in a number of areas from security to defence to people to people ties.

EAM tells Indian community in Qatar, economic confidence visible in India

The Indian Space Research Organization or ISRO has started phase one of the training of 4 Bhutanese engineers. The engineers are being trained under a joint India and Bhutan project to develop a satellite for Bhutan.

Phase one of the training will take place at ISRO's UR Rao Satellite center (URSC) from 28th December 2020 to 25th February 2021 and will involve theoretical and technical aspects. It will also involve visits to labs and test facilities. The 2nd phase of training will focus on developing the satellite for Bhutan--INS-2B.

The satellite will be used to map the country's natural resources and for disaster management. An India Bhutan Joint working group is implementing the project.These engineers are from Bhutan's department of information technology and telecom which comes under Ministry of Information and communication.

A release by the Indian mission in Bhutan said, "Cooperation in new frontiers such as space technology has been given an impetus by the leadership of the countries and will be bolstered further through the joint development of the small satellite for Bhutan."

Last month, during a virtual meet between both the Indian and Bhutanese PM, India announced that the small satellite will be launched in 2021 and for that as part of capacity building, ISRO will train 4 Bhutanese engineers.

Announcing the development at the launch of phase 2 of RuPay card in the country virtually, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said," I am happy to tell you, next year ISRO is planning to send a Bhutanese satellite to outer space next year and work is going on in full pace. For this 4 Bhutanese space, engineers will be trained in India from December by ISRO. I congratulate these Bhutanese nationals. "

The project was first announced during PM Modi's Bhutan visit in August 2019. During that visit, a ground Earth station for South Asia Satellite was inaugurated in Thimphu.

India led south Asia satellite project was launched in 2017. Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives are part of the project. New Delhi has offered to increase the bandwidth on an additional transponder on the satellite "as per Bhutan's requirements" and "as a gift".

The Indian Space Research Organization or ISRO has started phase one of the training of 4 Bhutanese engineers. The engineers are being trained under a joint India and Bhutan project to develop a satellite for Bhutan.

The Indian Space Research Organization or ISRO has started phase one of the training of 4 Bhutanese engineers. The engineers are being trained under a joint India and Bhutan project to develop a satellite for Bhutan. Phase one of the training will take place at ISRO's UR Rao Satellite center (URSC) from 28th December 2020 to 25th February 2021 and will involve theoretical and technical aspects. It will also involve visits to labs and test facilities. The 2nd phase of training will focus on developing the satellite for Bhutan--INS-2B. The satellite will be used to map the country's natural resources and for disaster management. An India Bhutan Joint working group is implementing the project.These engineers are from Bhutan's department of information technology and telecom which comes under Ministry of Information and communication. A release by the Indian mission in Bhutan said, "Cooperation in new frontiers such as space technology has been given an impetus by the leadership of the countries and will be bolstered further through the joint development of the small satellite for Bhutan." Last month, during a virtual meet between both the Indian and Bhutanese PM, India announced that the small satellite will be launched in 2021 and for that as part of capacity building, ISRO will train 4 Bhutanese engineers. Announcing the development at the launch of phase 2 of RuPay card in the country virtually, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said," I am happy to tell you, next year ISRO is planning to send a Bhutanese satellite to outer space next year and work is going on in full pace. For this 4 Bhutanese space, engineers will be trained in India from December by ISRO. I congratulate these Bhutanese nationals. " The project was first announced during PM Modi's Bhutan visit in August 2019. During that visit, a ground Earth station for South Asia Satellite was inaugurated in Thimphu. India led south Asia satellite project was launched in 2017. Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives are part of the project. New Delhi has offered to increase the bandwidth on an additional transponder on the satellite "as per Bhutan's requirements" and "as a gift".

India begins training of four Bhutanese space engineers for satellite launch

Farmers from the&nbsp;city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh are now learning how to use drones to plant seeds in their farms. 
 
A team of experts led by the Director of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Ramesh Chand, recently visited the Khutahan village to demonstrate the use of drones during farming. 
 
"The technology will help farmers reduce the cost of farming and increase their efficiency," Chand told the media. He said the farmers were satisfied with the experiment. 
 
He opined that the drones were used in the fields of the `rice-wheat cropping system`, where tractors could not be used for tilling due to wet soil. This cropping system is the main feature of the Indo-Gangetic plains. 
 
He said both rice and wheat have different soil requirements. If rice needs stagnant water conditions, wheat requires well-pulverised soil balanced with moisture, air and thermal regime. Due to this a key feature of the `rice-wheat cropping system` is the annual conversion of soil from aerobic to anaerobic and then back to aerobic conditions. 
 
He said the use of drones could not only enhance overall performance but also encourage farmers to solve other assorted barriers and receive plenty of benefits through precision agriculture. 
 
The demand for drone technology equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and remote sensing features is rising because of its advantages. The system allows drones to shoot pods, seeds and crucial nutrients in the soil. 
 
This technology not only reduces the cost but also increases consistency and efficiency. "It took just 15 minutes to sow the seeds in a field of one bigha," he said, adding that some research and development is needed for further improvement in drone sowing which could also be used in paddy plantation.

Farmers from the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh are now learning how to use drones to plant seeds in their farms. A team of experts led by the Director of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Ramesh Chand, recently visited the Khutahan village to demonstrate the use of drones during farming.

Farmers from the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh are now learning how to use drones to plant seeds in their farms. A team of experts led by the Director of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Ramesh Chand, recently visited the Khutahan village to demonstrate the use of drones during farming. "The technology will help farmers reduce the cost of farming and increase their efficiency," Chand told the media. He said the farmers were satisfied with the experiment. He opined that the drones were used in the fields of the `rice-wheat cropping system`, where tractors could not be used for tilling due to wet soil. This cropping system is the main feature of the Indo-Gangetic plains. He said both rice and wheat have different soil requirements. If rice needs stagnant water conditions, wheat requires well-pulverised soil balanced with moisture, air and thermal regime. Due to this a key feature of the `rice-wheat cropping system` is the annual conversion of soil from aerobic to anaerobic and then back to aerobic conditions. He said the use of drones could not only enhance overall performance but also encourage farmers to solve other assorted barriers and receive plenty of benefits through precision agriculture. The demand for drone technology equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and remote sensing features is rising because of its advantages. The system allows drones to shoot pods, seeds and crucial nutrients in the soil. This technology not only reduces the cost but also increases consistency and efficiency. "It took just 15 minutes to sow the seeds in a field of one bigha," he said, adding that some research and development is needed for further improvement in drone sowing which could also be used in paddy plantation.

Varanasi farmers learn to use drones for seed plantation

Delhi's air quality turned 'severe' again on Sunday as high moisture content due to light rains in neighbouring areas made pollutants heavier, weather department officials said.

The city's 24-hour averge air quality index (AQI) was 396, which falls in the "very poor" category. However, it rose to 406 by 10 pm.

The 24-hour average AQI was 337 on Saturday, 357 on Friday, 423 on Thursday, 433 on Wednesday and 418 on Tuesday.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".

Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the India Meteorological Department's regional forecasting centre, said light rainfall in neighbouring areas due to a Western Disturbance increased moisture content in the air.

"Water droplets suspended in the air and made pollutants heavier which do not get dispersed easily even with a moderate wind speed," he said.

A marginal improvement is likely as wind speed picks up during the day, Srivastava said.

He central government's Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi said the city's ventilation index -- a product of mixing depth and average wind speed was 3,500 metre square per second.

Mixing is the vertical height in which pollutants are suspended in the air. It reduces on cold days with calm wind speed.

A ventilation index lower than 6,000 sqm/second, with the average wind speed less than 10 kmph, is unfavourable for dispersal of pollutants.

Delhi's air quality turned 'severe' again on Sunday as high moisture content due to light rains in neighbouring areas made pollutants heavier, weather department officials said.

Delhi's air quality turned 'severe' again on Sunday as high moisture content due to light rains in neighbouring areas made pollutants heavier, weather department officials said. The city's 24-hour averge air quality index (AQI) was 396, which falls in the "very poor" category. However, it rose to 406 by 10 pm. The 24-hour average AQI was 337 on Saturday, 357 on Friday, 423 on Thursday, 433 on Wednesday and 418 on Tuesday. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the India Meteorological Department's regional forecasting centre, said light rainfall in neighbouring areas due to a Western Disturbance increased moisture content in the air. "Water droplets suspended in the air and made pollutants heavier which do not get dispersed easily even with a moderate wind speed," he said. A marginal improvement is likely as wind speed picks up during the day, Srivastava said. He central government's Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi said the city's ventilation index -- a product of mixing depth and average wind speed was 3,500 metre square per second. Mixing is the vertical height in which pollutants are suspended in the air. It reduces on cold days with calm wind speed. A ventilation index lower than 6,000 sqm/second, with the average wind speed less than 10 kmph, is unfavourable for dispersal of pollutants.

Delhi's air quality turns 'severe' again

 London [UK], December 27 (ANI): A research has revealed that mussels, oysters and scallops possess the highest levels of contamination due to microplastic among all seafood.This research was conducted by researchers from the Hull York Medical School and the University of Hull. In order to investigate the levels of microplastic contamination globally in fish and shellfish, the researchers observed more than fifty studies between the years 2014 and 2020.Scientists are still trying to understand the health implications for humans consuming fish and shellfish contaminated with these tiny particles of waste plastic, which finds its ways into waterways and oceans through waste mismanagement.Study author, Evangelos Danopoulos, a postgraduate student at Hull York Medical School said: "No-one yet fully understands the full impact of microplastics on the human body, but early evidence from other studies suggest they do cause harm."A critical step in understanding the full impact on human consumption is in first fully establishing what levels of microplastics humans are ingesting. We can start to do this by looking at how much seafood and fish is eaten and measuring the amount of MPs in these creatures."The study shows microplastic content was 0-10.5 microplastics per gram (MPs/g) in molluscs, 0.1-8.6 MPs/g in crustaceans, 0-2.9 MPs/g in fish.The latest consumption data in the research shows China, Australia, Canada, Japan and the US are amongst the largest consumers of molluscs, followed by Europe and the UK.Molluscs collected off the coasts of Asia were the most heavily contaminated with researchers suggesting that these areas are more heavily polluted by plastic.Evangelos Danopoulos added: "Microplastics have been found in various parts of organisms such as the intestines and the liver. Seafood species like oysters, mussels and scallops are consumed whole whereas in larger fish and mammals only parts are consumed. Therefore, understanding the microplastic contamination of specific body parts, and their consumption by humans, is key."Plastic waste generated worldwide is expected to triple to 155-265 million metric tonnes per year by 2060. Once the plastic finds its way into oceans, lakes and rivers it has the potential to end up as microplastic inside shellfish, fish and marine mammals.The research points to the need to standardise methods of measuring microplastic contamination so that different measurements can be more readily compared. Researchers said more data is needed from different parts of the world to understand how the issue varies between different oceans, seas and waterways. (ANI) 

London [UK], December 27 (ANI): A research has revealed that mussels, oysters and scallops possess the highest levels of contamination due to microplastic among all seafood.

London [UK], December 27 (ANI): A research has revealed that mussels, oysters and scallops possess the highest levels of contamination due to microplastic among all seafood.This research was conducted by researchers from the Hull York Medical School and the University of Hull. In order to investigate the levels of microplastic contamination globally in fish and shellfish, the researchers observed more than fifty studies between the years 2014 and 2020.Scientists are still trying to understand the health implications for humans consuming fish and shellfish contaminated with these tiny particles of waste plastic, which finds its ways into waterways and oceans through waste mismanagement.Study author, Evangelos Danopoulos, a postgraduate student at Hull York Medical School said: "No-one yet fully understands the full impact of microplastics on the human body, but early evidence from other studies suggest they do cause harm."A critical step in understanding the full impact on human consumption is in first fully establishing what levels of microplastics humans are ingesting. We can start to do this by looking at how much seafood and fish is eaten and measuring the amount of MPs in these creatures."The study shows microplastic content was 0-10.5 microplastics per gram (MPs/g) in molluscs, 0.1-8.6 MPs/g in crustaceans, 0-2.9 MPs/g in fish.The latest consumption data in the research shows China, Australia, Canada, Japan and the US are amongst the largest consumers of molluscs, followed by Europe and the UK.Molluscs collected off the coasts of Asia were the most heavily contaminated with researchers suggesting that these areas are more heavily polluted by plastic.Evangelos Danopoulos added: "Microplastics have been found in various parts of organisms such as the intestines and the liver. Seafood species like oysters, mussels and scallops are consumed whole whereas in larger fish and mammals only parts are consumed. Therefore, understanding the microplastic contamination of specific body parts, and their consumption by humans, is key."Plastic waste generated worldwide is expected to triple to 155-265 million metric tonnes per year by 2060. Once the plastic finds its way into oceans, lakes and rivers it has the potential to end up as microplastic inside shellfish, fish and marine mammals.The research points to the need to standardise methods of measuring microplastic contamination so that different measurements can be more readily compared. Researchers said more data is needed from different parts of the world to understand how the issue varies between different oceans, seas and waterways. (ANI)

Among seafood highest levels of microplastics found in molluscs: Study

India's COVID-19 national task force held a meeting on Saturday to discuss the new strains of coronavirus, first of which was spotted in the United Kingdom.

They discussed strategies to detect and contain the new variant, which is more contagious than the first, which showed up in Wuhan first.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-steps-are-to-be-taken-by-india-to-prevent-this-new-strain-of-covid-19-from-reaching-the-country-352561/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Over 50 samples of people who returned from the UK are being sequenced across six labs in the country to identify the mutant strain. Officers from the force are also identifying people who have arrived into the country from UK in the last month.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/canada-confirms-two-cases-of-coronavirus-variant-first-seen-in-uk-352638" hreflang="en">Canada confirms two cases of coronavirus variant first seen in UK</a>

Besides checking people returning from the UK for the strain, the task force also stressed on the need to survey samples of 5 per cent positive cases from all states and union territories for genome sequencing. 
 
Under the leadership of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), a consortium for genomic surveillance called INSACOG has been formed. It will survey the strains of SARS-CoV-2 that are circulating in the country.

"It is important to understand that like all other RNA viruses, SARS-CoV-2 will continue to mutate. The mutated virus can also be contained by measures like social distancing, hand hygiene, wearing masks and also by an effective vaccine, as and when available”, the statement said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/ahead-of-who-probe-china-hails-its-success-curbing-coronavirus-352526" hreflang="en">Ahead of WHO probe, China hails its 'success' curbing coronavirus</a> 
 
The meeting was headed by NITI Aayog member Dr VK Paul, along with Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research - Dr Balram Bhargava. It also included members of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) along with top officials with the health ministry.

The number of cases in India have been dropping steadily in the last few weeks, after witnessing a peak in September. Even then, India has the world’s second highest number of infections, trailing just behind the United States. After a new strain appeared in the UK, countries banned travel to and from the country in a bid to prevent another outbreak, considering the new strain is more infectious.

India's COVID-19 national task force held a meeting on Saturday to discuss the new strains of coronavirus, first of which was spotted in the United Kingdom. They discussed strategies to detect and contain the new variant, which is more contagious than the first, which showed up in Wuhan first.

India's COVID-19 national task force held a meeting on Saturday to discuss the new strains of coronavirus, first of which was spotted in the United Kingdom. They discussed strategies to detect and contain the new variant, which is more contagious than the first, which showed up in Wuhan first. Over 50 samples of people who returned from the UK are being sequenced across six labs in the country to identify the mutant strain. Officers from the force are also identifying people who have arrived into the country from UK in the last month. Also read: Canada confirms two cases of coronavirus variant first seen in UK Besides checking people returning from the UK for the strain, the task force also stressed on the need to survey samples of 5 per cent positive cases from all states and union territories for genome sequencing. Under the leadership of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), a consortium for genomic surveillance called INSACOG has been formed. It will survey the strains of SARS-CoV-2 that are circulating in the country. "It is important to understand that like all other RNA viruses, SARS-CoV-2 will continue to mutate. The mutated virus can also be contained by measures like social distancing, hand hygiene, wearing masks and also by an effective vaccine, as and when available”, the statement said. Also read: Ahead of WHO probe, China hails its 'success' curbing coronavirus The meeting was headed by NITI Aayog member Dr VK Paul, along with Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research - Dr Balram Bhargava. It also included members of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) along with top officials with the health ministry. The number of cases in India have been dropping steadily in the last few weeks, after witnessing a peak in September. Even then, India has the world’s second highest number of infections, trailing just behind the United States. After a new strain appeared in the UK, countries banned travel to and from the country in a bid to prevent another outbreak, considering the new strain is more infectious.

India's coronavirus task force carves out plan to detect, isolate new strains

In Mexico City a trio of young entrepreneurs is hoping that their grasshopper-based culinary innovations are taking off, with the aim to provide environmentally friendly and healthy food.

Grasshopper-based food start-up takes off in Mexico city

   	Mumbai, Dec 27 (PTI) Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor Khan on Sunday took a walk down memory lane to mark the one-year anniversary of their blockbuster film "Good Newwz".
  	Directed by debutant Raj Mehta, "Good Newwz" revolved around two couples&apos; tryst with in vitro fertilisation. 
	The comedy, which released on December 27, 2019, also featured Diljit Dosanjh and Kiara Advani.
	After a year full of ups and downs, Kumar said he hopes 2021 brings a lot of &apos;Good Newwz&apos;.
	"If I were to describe the year gone by, that&apos;s exactly how it would be... Topsy-turvy with some ups and downs but eventually we managed to hold on. Hope the coming year brings with it lots of #GoodNewwz #1YearOfGoodNewwz," the actor wrote on Twitter.
	Kumar also shared an old behind-the-scenes video in which can be seen performing a dance step for the film&apos;s song "Sauda Khara Khara".
	Khan thanked the cast and crew of the film for a "wonderful" time on sets.
	"This day last year... The biggest blockbuster... Thank you @raj_a_mehta, @karanjohar, @akshaykumar, @diljitdosanjh, @kiaraaliaadvani for such wonderful memories. Let&apos;s do this again soon. #GoodNewwz #1YearOfGoodNewwz," she captioned the photo on Instagram.
	Mehta also thanked the team for giving him a day that "changed" his life. 
	"A team that made me look good one year ago. Often question if I deserved it, but as long as I can manage to get a similar bunch together and have as much fun in the process, I think I&apos;ll be safe," the director wrote on Instagram.
	Dharma Productions, the banner behind "Good Newwz", shared a sneak-peak from the film, celebrating its one year anniversary.
	"A story that started with a &apos;spam&apos; mix-up and became the biggest goof-up that brought smiles on many faces! Celebrating the first birthday of this wholesome entertainer,&apos; the post shared on the production house&apos;s official Twitter handle read. 
	Also starring Adil Hussain and Tisca Chopra, the film grossed over Rs 318 crore worldwide.  

Mumbai, Dec 27 (PTI) Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor Khan on Sunday took a walk down memory lane to mark the one-year anniversary of their blockbuster film "Good Newwz".

Mumbai, Dec 27 (PTI) Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor Khan on Sunday took a walk down memory lane to mark the one-year anniversary of their blockbuster film "Good Newwz". Directed by debutant Raj Mehta, "Good Newwz" revolved around two couples' tryst with in vitro fertilisation. The comedy, which released on December 27, 2019, also featured Diljit Dosanjh and Kiara Advani. After a year full of ups and downs, Kumar said he hopes 2021 brings a lot of 'Good Newwz'. "If I were to describe the year gone by, that's exactly how it would be... Topsy-turvy with some ups and downs but eventually we managed to hold on. Hope the coming year brings with it lots of #GoodNewwz #1YearOfGoodNewwz," the actor wrote on Twitter. Kumar also shared an old behind-the-scenes video in which can be seen performing a dance step for the film's song "Sauda Khara Khara". Khan thanked the cast and crew of the film for a "wonderful" time on sets. "This day last year... The biggest blockbuster... Thank you @raj_a_mehta, @karanjohar, @akshaykumar, @diljitdosanjh, @kiaraaliaadvani for such wonderful memories. Let's do this again soon. #GoodNewwz #1YearOfGoodNewwz," she captioned the photo on Instagram. Mehta also thanked the team for giving him a day that "changed" his life. "A team that made me look good one year ago. Often question if I deserved it, but as long as I can manage to get a similar bunch together and have as much fun in the process, I think I'll be safe," the director wrote on Instagram. Dharma Productions, the banner behind "Good Newwz", shared a sneak-peak from the film, celebrating its one year anniversary. "A story that started with a 'spam' mix-up and became the biggest goof-up that brought smiles on many faces! Celebrating the first birthday of this wholesome entertainer,' the post shared on the production house's official Twitter handle read. Also starring Adil Hussain and Tisca Chopra, the film grossed over Rs 318 crore worldwide.

CINEMA-GOOD NEWWZ-ANNIV

The overall Air Quality&nbsp;Index (AQI) in Delhi remains in the `very poor` category on Sunday, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

The overall AQI stands at 370 in the morning hours.Meanwhile, the moderate fog has been observed in isolated parts of the national capital.

Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are likely to re-establish over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, and West Uttar Pradesh from December 29, said IMD in its bulletin today.

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.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi remains in the `very poor` category on Sunday, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi remains in the `very poor` category on Sunday, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). The overall AQI stands at 370 in the morning hours.Meanwhile, the moderate fog has been observed in isolated parts of the national capital. Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are likely to re-establish over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, and West Uttar Pradesh from December 29, said IMD in its bulletin today. 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.

Delhi's AQI remains in 'very poor' category

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reached Qatar for a two-day visit that will see him meeting top leadership of the politically significant West Asian country.&nbsp;

Jaishankar will meet the foreign minister of the country, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and other top political leaders.

A Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release said, "During the visit, he will hold talks with his counterpart on bilateral issues as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. He will convey special gratitude to the State of Qatar for taking care of Indians during the Covid-19 pandemic."

This is the seventh high-level in-person visit from India to West Asia amid Covid pandemic in the last four months.&nbsp;

September saw a stop-over by both India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and Jaishankar in Tehran, while on way to Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation defense and foreign ministers met respectively.

October saw the visit of India's energy minister Dharmendra Pradhan to Kuwait to offer condolences on the passing away of former Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al Ahmed al Jaber al Sabah. It was followed by the visit of Jaishankar to UAE and Bahrain in November.

December saw two visits -- the visit of Indian Army Chief MM Naravane to Saudi Arabia and UAE and Minister of State in the MEA V Muraleedharan to Oman. This visit by Indian Army chief was the first such visit to West Asia.

Overall, Indian leaders have been to seven West Asian countries -- Iran (two visits), Kuwait, UAE (two visits), Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar -- the maximum to any region this year.

During his current visit, Jaishankar will address the Indian community. The country hosts 7 lakh Indian workers, many of them send huge remittances to back home.&nbsp;

India has welcomed the recent labour reforms measures adopted by the country -- which include the institutionalisation of rights of workers, their safe movement and settlement of labour issues.

Qatar, which has punched above its weight in West Asia, also hosts the intra-Afghan talks and Taliban delegation with Afghanistan -- which is also expected to be the key focus of Jaishankar's talks with the country's leadership.&nbsp;

In September, Jaishankar virtually joined the ceremony marking the start of talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government hosted by Doha.

Earlier this month, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Amir Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani with investment being the focus of the talks. Both sides have decided to create a special task force to further facilitate investments by Qatar investment authority into India. They have also resolved to explore Qatari investments in the entire energy value-chain in India.&nbsp;

The bilateral trade between the two countries stands at US$ 10.95 billion in 2019-20.

India has continued its engagement via virtual means with West Asia amidst the COVID pandemic as well. Jaishankar has spoken to a number of his counterparts, including a meet with the GCC or Gulf Cooperation Council.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reached Qatar for a two-day visit that will see him meeting top leadership of the politically significant West Asian country.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reached Qatar for a two-day visit that will see him meeting top leadership of the politically significant West Asian country. Jaishankar will meet the foreign minister of the country, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and other top political leaders. A Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release said, "During the visit, he will hold talks with his counterpart on bilateral issues as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. He will convey special gratitude to the State of Qatar for taking care of Indians during the Covid-19 pandemic." This is the seventh high-level in-person visit from India to West Asia amid Covid pandemic in the last four months. September saw a stop-over by both India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and Jaishankar in Tehran, while on way to Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation defense and foreign ministers met respectively. October saw the visit of India's energy minister Dharmendra Pradhan to Kuwait to offer condolences on the passing away of former Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al Ahmed al Jaber al Sabah. It was followed by the visit of Jaishankar to UAE and Bahrain in November. December saw two visits -- the visit of Indian Army Chief MM Naravane to Saudi Arabia and UAE and Minister of State in the MEA V Muraleedharan to Oman. This visit by Indian Army chief was the first such visit to West Asia. Overall, Indian leaders have been to seven West Asian countries -- Iran (two visits), Kuwait, UAE (two visits), Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar -- the maximum to any region this year. During his current visit, Jaishankar will address the Indian community. The country hosts 7 lakh Indian workers, many of them send huge remittances to back home. India has welcomed the recent labour reforms measures adopted by the country -- which include the institutionalisation of rights of workers, their safe movement and settlement of labour issues. Qatar, which has punched above its weight in West Asia, also hosts the intra-Afghan talks and Taliban delegation with Afghanistan -- which is also expected to be the key focus of Jaishankar's talks with the country's leadership. In September, Jaishankar virtually joined the ceremony marking the start of talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government hosted by Doha. Earlier this month, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Amir Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani with investment being the focus of the talks. Both sides have decided to create a special task force to further facilitate investments by Qatar investment authority into India. They have also resolved to explore Qatari investments in the entire energy value-chain in India. The bilateral trade between the two countries stands at US$ 10.95 billion in 2019-20. India has continued its engagement via virtual means with West Asia amidst the COVID pandemic as well. Jaishankar has spoken to a number of his counterparts, including a meet with the GCC or Gulf Cooperation Council.

Seventh high-level visit from India to West Asia begins as Jaishankar reaches Qatar

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday asked manufacturers and industry leaders to ensure that world-class products are made in the country, adding people have so far supported 'vocal for local' campaign.

The outgoing year saw the spirit of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' echo in the society, he said in his last 'Mann Ki Baat' address of the year.

The latest radio address came at a time when thousands of farmers are protesting in Delhi&nbsp;against the Centre's farm laws.

Noting that the issue of single-use plastic could not be discussed much due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year, he asserted that getting the country rid of single-use plastic is one of the resolutions for the new year.

PM Modi also asked people to use Kashmiri saffron and said that his government is working to make it a "globally popular brand".

The GI tag has given it a unique identity, he said.

During his address, he also paid tributes to several revered Sikh personalities, including sons of Guru Gobind Singh, saying their sacrifices helped keep our culture safe.

"We pay tributes to the brave Chaar Sahibzaade, we remember Mata Gujri, we recall the greatness of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. We remain indebted to these greats for their sacrifices and their spirit of compassion," he said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday asked manufacturers and industry leaders to ensure that world-class products are made in the country, adding people have so far supported 'vocal for local' campaign.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday asked manufacturers and industry leaders to ensure that world-class products are made in the country, adding people have so far supported 'vocal for local' campaign. The outgoing year saw the spirit of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' echo in the society, he said in his last 'Mann Ki Baat' address of the year. The latest radio address came at a time when thousands of farmers are protesting in Delhi against the Centre's farm laws. Noting that the issue of single-use plastic could not be discussed much due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year, he asserted that getting the country rid of single-use plastic is one of the resolutions for the new year. PM Modi also asked people to use Kashmiri saffron and said that his government is working to make it a "globally popular brand". The GI tag has given it a unique identity, he said. During his address, he also paid tributes to several revered Sikh personalities, including sons of Guru Gobind Singh, saying their sacrifices helped keep our culture safe. "We pay tributes to the brave Chaar Sahibzaade, we remember Mata Gujri, we recall the greatness of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. We remain indebted to these greats for their sacrifices and their spirit of compassion," he said.

Indian PM Modi endorses 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in his last 2020 'Mann Ki Baat'

Two more persons who recently returned to Delhi from the UK, where a super-spreader strain of the coronavirus has been reported, were found to be COVID-19 positive during a door-to-door contact-tracing and testing exercise, officials said on Saturday.

With this, the number of people testing positive for the disease after returning from the UK has gone up to 21 in the national capital. All of them returned from the UK after November 25.

The two persons, residents of the city, had returned from the United Kingdom (UK) between November 25 and December 21 and had tested negative in the RTPCR test conducted at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, a senior Delhi government officer said.

"Both later tested positive during the door-to-door contact-tracing drive and have been admitted to the separate ward set up at the LNJP hospital. Now, genome-testing will be conducted on them to ascertain whether they have been infected with the mutated strain in the UK or the one prevalent locally," he added.

Eleven of the 21 persons had tested positive at the airport, whereas the remaining 10 cases were detected during the ongoing contact-tracing and testing exercise being conducted by district-level teams, officials said.

The genome test reports of the latest cases are expected to be available by Monday, they said.

Two more persons who recently returned to Delhi from the UK, where a super-spreader strain of the coronavirus has been reported, were found to be COVID-19 positive during a door-to-door contact-tracing and testing exercise, officials said on Saturday.

Two more persons who recently returned to Delhi from the UK, where a super-spreader strain of the coronavirus has been reported, were found to be COVID-19 positive during a door-to-door contact-tracing and testing exercise, officials said on Saturday. With this, the number of people testing positive for the disease after returning from the UK has gone up to 21 in the national capital. All of them returned from the UK after November 25. The two persons, residents of the city, had returned from the United Kingdom (UK) between November 25 and December 21 and had tested negative in the RTPCR test conducted at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, a senior Delhi government officer said. "Both later tested positive during the door-to-door contact-tracing drive and have been admitted to the separate ward set up at the LNJP hospital. Now, genome-testing will be conducted on them to ascertain whether they have been infected with the mutated strain in the UK or the one prevalent locally," he added. Eleven of the 21 persons had tested positive at the airport, whereas the remaining 10 cases were detected during the ongoing contact-tracing and testing exercise being conducted by district-level teams, officials said. The genome test reports of the latest cases are expected to be available by Monday, they said.

Two more UK passengers test COVID-19 positive in Delhi

Leaders of Indian farmers'&nbsp;unions have agreed to meet ministers on Tuesday, possibly paving the way for a seventh-round of talks with the government which has so far failed to mollify growers who say three new agricultural laws threaten their livelihoods.

Worried over farmers' round-the-clock sit-ins on the outskirts of New Delhi, the government of Prime Minister Narendra had on Thursday invited protest leaders to further talks.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-launches-ayushman-bharat-scheme-to-extend-health-insurance-coverage-to-j-k-residents-352536" hreflang="en">PM Modi launches Ayushman Bharat scheme to extend health insurance coverage to J-K residents</a>

Farmers' unions still insist they want the laws repealed, a coalition of unions called Samyukta Kisan Morcha said on Saturday in a letter to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare.

The government says the laws, which came into force in September, will unshackle farmers from having to sell their produce only at regulated wholesale markets. It argues farmers will gain if large traders, retailers and food processors can buy directly from producers, bypassing antiquated wholesale markets.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-trying-to-mislead-people-with-distorted-facts-mamata-banerjee-352428" hreflang="en">PM Modi trying to mislead people with distorted facts: Mamata Banerjee</a>

But tens of thousands of farmers have camped out on national highways demanding the government withdraw the laws that they fear will eventually dismantle regulated markets and stop the government buying rice and wheat at guaranteed prices.

Farmers' leaders would also in Tuesday's meeting oppose plans to impose stiff penalties for the burning of crop stubble, a major source of air pollution, according to the farmers' letter seen by Reuters.

Modi has dismissed the farmers' protests as motivated by his political opponents, while the main opposition Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the prime minister of introducing the laws to help a few business people.

Leaders of Indian farmers' unions have agreed to meet ministers on Tuesday, possibly paving the way for a seventh-round of talks with the government which has so far failed to mollify growers who say three new agricultural laws threaten their livelihoods.

Leaders of Indian farmers' unions have agreed to meet ministers on Tuesday, possibly paving the way for a seventh-round of talks with the government which has so far failed to mollify growers who say three new agricultural laws threaten their livelihoods. Worried over farmers' round-the-clock sit-ins on the outskirts of New Delhi, the government of Prime Minister Narendra had on Thursday invited protest leaders to further talks. Also read| PM Modi launches Ayushman Bharat scheme to extend health insurance coverage to J-K residents Farmers' unions still insist they want the laws repealed, a coalition of unions called Samyukta Kisan Morcha said on Saturday in a letter to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. The government says the laws, which came into force in September, will unshackle farmers from having to sell their produce only at regulated wholesale markets. It argues farmers will gain if large traders, retailers and food processors can buy directly from producers, bypassing antiquated wholesale markets. Also read| PM Modi trying to mislead people with distorted facts: Mamata Banerjee But tens of thousands of farmers have camped out on national highways demanding the government withdraw the laws that they fear will eventually dismantle regulated markets and stop the government buying rice and wheat at guaranteed prices. Farmers' leaders would also in Tuesday's meeting oppose plans to impose stiff penalties for the burning of crop stubble, a major source of air pollution, according to the farmers' letter seen by Reuters. Modi has dismissed the farmers' protests as motivated by his political opponents, while the main opposition Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the prime minister of introducing the laws to help a few business people.

Indian farmers agree to meet government over contentious farm laws

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