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Canadian PM <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/may-impact-ties-india-summons-canadian-envoy-over-trudeaus-remark-on-farmers-protest-347461">Justin Trudeau</a> on Friday once again reiterated his stance on farmer protests in India amid worsening ties with New Delhi.

In response to a question, he said, "Canada will always stand up for the right of peaceful protest anywhere around the world. We are pleased to see moves towards deescalation and dialogue".

Asked if he was worried about his comments damaging ties between India and Canada, he said, "Canada will always stand up for the right of peaceful protest and human rights around the world".

Earlier this week Justin Trudeau had expressed "concerns" over the farmers' protests irking New Delhi.

India has strongly reacted to the remarks. In an unprecedented move, ministry of external affairs summoned Canada's envoy Nadir Patel and handed over a demarche as a consequence of the remarks.

The ministry of external affairs in a statement said remarks by the Canadian PM and Canadian cabinet members and members of Parliament "constitute an unacceptable interference in our internal affairs" and "such actions, if continued, would have a seriously damaging impact on ties between India and Canada."

Canada has a large number of members of the Indian diaspora, many from the northern Indian state of Punjab. It is not the first time, the Canadian PM has landed himself into trouble with Delhi.&nbsp;

In 2017, he was present at the Khalsa Day parade that draws extremist elements. In 2018, during his week-long India visit, convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal's presence at a reception drew criticism.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau on Friday once again reiterated his stance on farmer protests in India amid worsening ties with New Delhi. In response to a question, he said, "Canada will always stand up for the right of peaceful protest anywhere around the world.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau on Friday once again reiterated his stance on farmer protests in India amid worsening ties with New Delhi. In response to a question, he said, "Canada will always stand up for the right of peaceful protest anywhere around the world. We are pleased to see moves towards deescalation and dialogue". Asked if he was worried about his comments damaging ties between India and Canada, he said, "Canada will always stand up for the right of peaceful protest and human rights around the world". Earlier this week Justin Trudeau had expressed "concerns" over the farmers' protests irking New Delhi. India has strongly reacted to the remarks. In an unprecedented move, ministry of external affairs summoned Canada's envoy Nadir Patel and handed over a demarche as a consequence of the remarks. The ministry of external affairs in a statement said remarks by the Canadian PM and Canadian cabinet members and members of Parliament "constitute an unacceptable interference in our internal affairs" and "such actions, if continued, would have a seriously damaging impact on ties between India and Canada." Canada has a large number of members of the Indian diaspora, many from the northern Indian state of Punjab. It is not the first time, the Canadian PM has landed himself into trouble with Delhi. In 2017, he was present at the Khalsa Day parade that draws extremist elements. In 2018, during his week-long India visit, convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal's presence at a reception drew criticism.

Trudeau reiterates comments on farmer protests amid diplomatic row with India

The number of coronavirus case in India rose to 95.71 lakh, while the total number of people who have recuperated from the disease crossed 90 lakh pushing the national recovery rate to 94.20 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

The total coronavirus cases mounted to 95,71,559 with 36,595 new infections being reported in a day, while the death toll climbed to 1,39,188 with 540 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 90,16,289 pushing the national recovery rate to 94.20 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent.

The active COVID-19 caseload continued to remain below 5 lakh.

There are 4,16,082 &nbsp;active coronavirus infections in the country which comprises 4.35 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23 and 40 lakh on September 5.

It went past 50 lakh on September 16, &nbsp;60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, and surpassed 90 lakh on November 20.

According to the ICMR, 14,47,27,749 &nbsp;samples have been tested up to December 3 with 11,70,102 samples being tested on Thursday.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of coronavirus case in India rose to 95.71 lakh, while the total number of people who have recuperated from the disease crossed 90 lakh pushing the national recovery rate to 94.

The number of coronavirus case in India rose to 95.71 lakh, while the total number of people who have recuperated from the disease crossed 90 lakh pushing the national recovery rate to 94.20 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. The total coronavirus cases mounted to 95,71,559 with 36,595 new infections being reported in a day, while the death toll climbed to 1,39,188 with 540 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 90,16,289 pushing the national recovery rate to 94.20 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent. The active COVID-19 caseload continued to remain below 5 lakh. There are 4,16,082 active coronavirus infections in the country which comprises 4.35 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23 and 40 lakh on September 5. It went past 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, and surpassed 90 lakh on November 20. According to the ICMR, 14,47,27,749 samples have been tested up to December 3 with 11,70,102 samples being tested on Thursday. (With inputs from agencies)

India's Covid-19 caseload rises to 95,71,559 with 36,594 new infections in last 24 hours

India is one of the leading vaccine suppliers to the world with Indian vaccine manufacturers sending more than one billion shots abroad every year. There are eight vaccine candidates that could be made in India.

On Tuesday, India received a special delivery from Moscow. The containers contain vials of the Sputnik V the Russian vaccine that's undergoing trials in India. Russia will supply 100 million doses of Sputnik V to India.

There are more than 100 vaccine candidates under development across the world out of this eight are the most promising. They include Serum Institute's Covishield, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech,&nbsp;Sputnik V, India's Covaxin, Zycovd from Zydus Cadilla, shot from biological e and Gennova biopharmaceutical's vaccine.

According to data from the Duke University, India has access to a potential 1.6 billion doses presuming most vaccines need two shots, the supply covers nearly 60 per cent of India's population.

One billion doses are from Novavax - the American biotech company. Novavax has signed an agreement with the Serum Institute of India to produce these shots. The same company that will supply 500 million doses of the Oxford vaccine. The remaining 100 million shots will be of Sputnik V.

The makers of this Russian vaccine have tied up with Dr Reddys and pharma company Hetero. India has set ambitious targets for its vaccine rollout by July 2021, India plans to vaccinate one out of five Indians that means 200 to 250 million citizens would be in line to get the shot.

The Indian government would need 400 to 500 million vaccine shots to achieve the target but India is in a good position to meet this target because of its status as the world's leading vaccine maker.

Indian vaccine makers supply 40 per cent of the global capacity. India produces 2.3 billion doses of vaccines annually out of this 74 per cent are meant for export. India now has a major responsibility on its shoulders, it not only has to provide enough vaccines for its citizens but Indian vaccine makers also have to pitch in to fill in the global supply gaps.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi says a cheap yet effective vaccine is coming soon. The world's eyes are now on New Delhi's next move.

India is one of the leading vaccine suppliers to the world with Indian vaccine manufacturers sending more than one billion shots abroad every year. There are eight vaccine candidates that could be made in India.

India is one of the leading vaccine suppliers to the world with Indian vaccine manufacturers sending more than one billion shots abroad every year. There are eight vaccine candidates that could be made in India. On Tuesday, India received a special delivery from Moscow. The containers contain vials of the Sputnik V the Russian vaccine that's undergoing trials in India. Russia will supply 100 million doses of Sputnik V to India. There are more than 100 vaccine candidates under development across the world out of this eight are the most promising. They include Serum Institute's Covishield, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sputnik V, India's Covaxin, Zycovd from Zydus Cadilla, shot from biological e and Gennova biopharmaceutical's vaccine. According to data from the Duke University, India has access to a potential 1.6 billion doses presuming most vaccines need two shots, the supply covers nearly 60 per cent of India's population. One billion doses are from Novavax - the American biotech company. Novavax has signed an agreement with the Serum Institute of India to produce these shots. The same company that will supply 500 million doses of the Oxford vaccine. The remaining 100 million shots will be of Sputnik V. The makers of this Russian vaccine have tied up with Dr Reddys and pharma company Hetero. India has set ambitious targets for its vaccine rollout by July 2021, India plans to vaccinate one out of five Indians that means 200 to 250 million citizens would be in line to get the shot. The Indian government would need 400 to 500 million vaccine shots to achieve the target but India is in a good position to meet this target because of its status as the world's leading vaccine maker. Indian vaccine makers supply 40 per cent of the global capacity. India produces 2.3 billion doses of vaccines annually out of this 74 per cent are meant for export. India now has a major responsibility on its shoulders, it not only has to provide enough vaccines for its citizens but Indian vaccine makers also have to pitch in to fill in the global supply gaps. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi says a cheap yet effective vaccine is coming soon. The world's eyes are now on New Delhi's next move.

India's COVID-19 vaccine target: 1 out of 5 citizen to get jab by July, 2021

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The United Kingdom has approved a vaccine with the rollout beginning on Monday. Russia is already giving shots to its citizens - but selectively.

The United States wants to start inoculating its citizens before Christmas.

As the world gears up for the vaccines, India has kicked off its own preparations. For the first time today, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined India's vaccine strategy.

The priorities for India include preparations and the plan for mass inoculation. The Indian prime minister believes India won't have to wait for long. The vaccine could be ready within weeks.

Prime Minister Modi had visited three vaccine manufacturers last week. The Indian prime minister informed different political leaders about India's preparations and said Indians could get a vaccine within weeks.

"Experts believe that we will not have to wait for the coronavirus vaccine for long. It is believed that in the next few weeks the vaccine will be ready. As soon as we get a green signal from the scientists, the vaccination program will start in India," the Indian prime minister said.

"The Indian scientists are very confident of succeeding; their confidence level is very high. Now we are hearing about the names of several vaccines of other countries in the market but still, the world is keeping a watch on cheaper and the safest vaccine and because of this, it is natural the world is keeping a watch on India as well," PM Modi added.

There are eight vaccine candidates that are on India's radar. They are on different stages of trials and the vaccines can be manufactured in India. There are three vaccine candidates that are made in India. It this means they are being developed in India.

The vaccines are in different stages of trials with the rollout now barely weeks away, India too is laying down a list of priority. The healthcare workers like several other countries will be first to get the shots in India with 10 million health workers first in line to get the vaccine followed by 20 million frontline workers which include police and armed forces personnel and municipal workers among others.

270 million senior citizens will be eligible for the jab too. Those with serious health conditions are likely to be prioritized. A national expert group has been created which includes technical experts as well as officials from the central and the state government.

This group will shoulder the responsibility of India's vaccine campaign. The focus is on vaccines that will be cheap and safe. It is what the world needs to defeat the Wuhan virus. A small group of wealthy countries have already grabbed more than half of the potential doses in the world which includes countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and Canada.

They have struck deals that ensure large enough supplies to vaccinate their entire populations with doses to spare. In comparison, an alliance of more than 150 countries has only managed to secure 700 million doses consisting of Covax the global alliance for equitable vaccine access that includes several poor countries.

The world will be watching India closely because if it accomplishes its mission to ensure cheap and safe vaccines for all then several countries could reach out to New Delhi for help.

The United Kingdom has approved a vaccine with the rollout beginning on Monday. Russia is already giving shots to its citizens - but selectively. The United States wants to start inoculating its citizens before Christmas.

The United Kingdom has approved a vaccine with the rollout beginning on Monday. Russia is already giving shots to its citizens - but selectively. The United States wants to start inoculating its citizens before Christmas. As the world gears up for the vaccines, India has kicked off its own preparations. For the first time today, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined India's vaccine strategy. The priorities for India include preparations and the plan for mass inoculation. The Indian prime minister believes India won't have to wait for long. The vaccine could be ready within weeks. Prime Minister Modi had visited three vaccine manufacturers last week. The Indian prime minister informed different political leaders about India's preparations and said Indians could get a vaccine within weeks. "Experts believe that we will not have to wait for the coronavirus vaccine for long. It is believed that in the next few weeks the vaccine will be ready. As soon as we get a green signal from the scientists, the vaccination program will start in India," the Indian prime minister said. "The Indian scientists are very confident of succeeding; their confidence level is very high. Now we are hearing about the names of several vaccines of other countries in the market but still, the world is keeping a watch on cheaper and the safest vaccine and because of this, it is natural the world is keeping a watch on India as well," PM Modi added. There are eight vaccine candidates that are on India's radar. They are on different stages of trials and the vaccines can be manufactured in India. There are three vaccine candidates that are made in India. It this means they are being developed in India. The vaccines are in different stages of trials with the rollout now barely weeks away, India too is laying down a list of priority. The healthcare workers like several other countries will be first to get the shots in India with 10 million health workers first in line to get the vaccine followed by 20 million frontline workers which include police and armed forces personnel and municipal workers among others. 270 million senior citizens will be eligible for the jab too. Those with serious health conditions are likely to be prioritized. A national expert group has been created which includes technical experts as well as officials from the central and the state government. This group will shoulder the responsibility of India's vaccine campaign. The focus is on vaccines that will be cheap and safe. It is what the world needs to defeat the Wuhan virus. A small group of wealthy countries have already grabbed more than half of the potential doses in the world which includes countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and Canada. They have struck deals that ensure large enough supplies to vaccinate their entire populations with doses to spare. In comparison, an alliance of more than 150 countries has only managed to secure 700 million doses consisting of Covax the global alliance for equitable vaccine access that includes several poor countries. The world will be watching India closely because if it accomplishes its mission to ensure cheap and safe vaccines for all then several countries could reach out to New Delhi for help.

Why the world is looking at India for coronavirus vaccine rollout

India's external ministry on Thursday slammed Pakistan for linking Kulbhushan Jadhav's case with that of another Indian, who has completed his jail term and hearing was ongoing for his repatriation.&nbsp;

Earlier Pakistani media reports claimed that counsel for the Indian High Commission, Shahnawaz Noon, had conveyed to the Islamabad High Court that Deputy Indian High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia wants to explain India's stance over the appointment of a lawyer for Jadhav.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/raised-demand-on-unconditional-access-to-kulbhushan-jadhav-mea-326647">Raised demand on unconditional access to Kulbhushan Jadhav: MEA</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that Noon had no authorisation over Jadhav's case and he appears to have acted under pressure from the Pakistani establishment.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/islamabad-high-court-to-hear-demand-on-indian-lawyer-for-kulbhushan-jadhav-today-324913">Islamabad High Court to hear demand on Indian lawyer for Kulbhushan Jadhav today</a>

"Pakistan is trying to link the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav with another prisoner's case," said Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava, as quoted by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

He added that Noon was selected for the release and repatriation of Mohammad Ismail, an Indian prisoner who has completed his sentence.&nbsp;

"However, during proceedings of the case regarding Ismail, Pakistan Attorney General raised the matter pertaining to Jadhav, though the two cases are not connected in any way," the spokesperson said. &nbsp;

"Mr. Noon is reported to have made those statements which are not true and are in contravention of our stand in the case. He appears to have acted under pressure from the Pakistani establishment to make such statements for which he has no authorisation." &nbsp;

He also said Indian Mission in Islamabad has written to Noon to reiterate that he has no authority in Jadhav's case and to suggest that the Indian Cd'A would appear in the court.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India's external ministry on Thursday slammed Pakistan for linking Kulbhushan Jadhav's case with that of another Indian, who has completed his jail term and hearing was ongoing for his repatriation.

India's external ministry on Thursday slammed Pakistan for linking Kulbhushan Jadhav's case with that of another Indian, who has completed his jail term and hearing was ongoing for his repatriation. Earlier Pakistani media reports claimed that counsel for the Indian High Commission, Shahnawaz Noon, had conveyed to the Islamabad High Court that Deputy Indian High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia wants to explain India's stance over the appointment of a lawyer for Jadhav. Also read | Raised demand on unconditional access to Kulbhushan Jadhav: MEA The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that Noon had no authorisation over Jadhav's case and he appears to have acted under pressure from the Pakistani establishment. Also read | Islamabad High Court to hear demand on Indian lawyer for Kulbhushan Jadhav today "Pakistan is trying to link the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav with another prisoner's case," said Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava, as quoted by news agency PTI. He added that Noon was selected for the release and repatriation of Mohammad Ismail, an Indian prisoner who has completed his sentence. "However, during proceedings of the case regarding Ismail, Pakistan Attorney General raised the matter pertaining to Jadhav, though the two cases are not connected in any way," the spokesperson said. "Mr. Noon is reported to have made those statements which are not true and are in contravention of our stand in the case. He appears to have acted under pressure from the Pakistani establishment to make such statements for which he has no authorisation." He also said Indian Mission in Islamabad has written to Noon to reiterate that he has no authority in Jadhav's case and to suggest that the Indian Cd'A would appear in the court.

Pakistan wants to link Kulbhushan Jadhav's case with that of another Indian prisoner: India

India's Enforcement Directorate(ED) said today that fugitive Vijay <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/secret-proceedings-in-uk-delaying-vijay-mallyas-extradition-to-india-mea-tells-sc-332856">Mallya's</a> property worth $1.9 million&nbsp;in France has been seized under the anti-money laundering law.

French authorities seized the property in France after being requested by the Enforcement Directorate. The agency said the investigations revealed that "a large amount was remitted abroad from the bank account of Kingfisher Airlines Ltd (KAL)" for creation of the asset.

India's Supreme Court had earlier dismissed a plea filed by the liquor baron seeking a review of its May 2017 order holding him guilty of contempt for transferring $40 million to his children in violation of the court's order

Mallya is an accused in bank loan default case of over Rs 9,000 crore and has been in the UK since March, 2016. He is on bail on an extradition warrant executed three years ago by Scotland Yard.

India's top court had asked Mallya,64,&nbsp;about the "truthfulness" of his disclosure of assets and the transfer of money to his children.&nbsp;

Indian banks had accused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-loses-final-chance-to-appeal-against-india-extradition-plea-298675">Mallya</a> of concealing facts and diverting money to his son Siddharth Mallya and daughters Leanna and Tanya in violation of the orders passed by the Karnataka High Court earlier.

The Indian government had told the top court earlier&nbsp;that the Mallya cannot be extradited to India until a separate secret legal process in the UK is resolved.

India's Enforcement Directorate(ED) said today that fugitive Vijay Mallya's property worth $1.9 million in France has been seized under the anti-money laundering law.

India's Enforcement Directorate(ED) said today that fugitive Vijay Mallya's property worth $1.9 million in France has been seized under the anti-money laundering law. French authorities seized the property in France after being requested by the Enforcement Directorate. The agency said the investigations revealed that "a large amount was remitted abroad from the bank account of Kingfisher Airlines Ltd (KAL)" for creation of the asset. India's Supreme Court had earlier dismissed a plea filed by the liquor baron seeking a review of its May 2017 order holding him guilty of contempt for transferring $40 million to his children in violation of the court's order Mallya is an accused in bank loan default case of over Rs 9,000 crore and has been in the UK since March, 2016. He is on bail on an extradition warrant executed three years ago by Scotland Yard. India's top court had asked Mallya,64, about the "truthfulness" of his disclosure of assets and the transfer of money to his children. Indian banks had accused Mallya of concealing facts and diverting money to his son Siddharth Mallya and daughters Leanna and Tanya in violation of the orders passed by the Karnataka High Court earlier. The Indian government had told the top court earlier that the Mallya cannot be extradited to India until a separate secret legal process in the UK is resolved.

Enforcement Directorate seizes Vijay Mallya’s asset in France worth $1.9 million

A 33-year-old Indian man on Thursday pleaded guilty to the charges of participating in a computer protection services scam that defrauded Americans, many of them senior citizens, by telling them that malware had been detected on their computers.

Himanshu Asri, who is from New Delhi, admitted to before a federal judge in Providence that he defrauded people by telling victims that malware had been detected on their computers and, based on that falsehood, induced the victims to direct money to him and his coconspirators as payment for purported computer protection services that were not needed or ever provided.

The conspirators, in fact, did not detect malware on victims' computers and accepted payment without providing any protection services, federal prosecutors said.

In his guilty plea, Asri admitted that he had 325 callers routed to call centres in India where call centre operators falsely reasserted to victims that malware had been detected on their computers, and offered the victims purported computer protection services in exchange for payment.

The purpose of the false assertions was to induce people into routing money to the fraudsters.

Between January 2015 and January 2020, Asri and others working together collected, in total, approximately USD940,995 from victims through their fraud, and attempted to collect between USD 5 million and USD 3 million.

The actual loss was less than the intended loss because some of those who were targeted by Asri and his coconspirators did not send any funds to the fraudsters, said the Department of Justice.

Asri, is the fourth India-based telemarketing fraudster to be convicted in federal court in Rhode Island in the past three months. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 18, 2021.

Wire fraud conspiracy is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of USD 250,000.&nbsp;

A 33-year-old Indian man on Thursday pleaded guilty to the charges of participating in a computer protection services scam that defrauded Americans, many of them senior citizens, by telling them that malware had been detected on their computers.

A 33-year-old Indian man on Thursday pleaded guilty to the charges of participating in a computer protection services scam that defrauded Americans, many of them senior citizens, by telling them that malware had been detected on their computers. Himanshu Asri, who is from New Delhi, admitted to before a federal judge in Providence that he defrauded people by telling victims that malware had been detected on their computers and, based on that falsehood, induced the victims to direct money to him and his coconspirators as payment for purported computer protection services that were not needed or ever provided. The conspirators, in fact, did not detect malware on victims' computers and accepted payment without providing any protection services, federal prosecutors said. In his guilty plea, Asri admitted that he had 325 callers routed to call centres in India where call centre operators falsely reasserted to victims that malware had been detected on their computers, and offered the victims purported computer protection services in exchange for payment. The purpose of the false assertions was to induce people into routing money to the fraudsters. Between January 2015 and January 2020, Asri and others working together collected, in total, approximately USD940,995 from victims through their fraud, and attempted to collect between USD 5 million and USD 3 million. The actual loss was less than the intended loss because some of those who were targeted by Asri and his coconspirators did not send any funds to the fraudsters, said the Department of Justice. Asri, is the fourth India-based telemarketing fraudster to be convicted in federal court in Rhode Island in the past three months. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 18, 2021. Wire fraud conspiracy is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of USD 250,000.

Indian national pleads guilty to role in malware protection scam in US

The national capital Delhi will experience "very poor" air quality in the next two days, an India Meteorological Department official said on Friday.

Kuldeep Srivastava, Head, IMD's regional weather forecasting Centre in Delhi said that the stubble burning has decreased significantly and increased pollution level is mainly due to local vehicle emission and industrial pollution.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-caseload-rises-to-9571559-with-36594-new-infections-in-last-24-hours-347384" hreflang="en">India's Covid-19 caseload rises to 95,71,559 with 36,594 new infections in last 24 hours</a>

He said national capital will experience "very poor" air quality in the coming two days.

"In the last two days, wind speed has decreased significantly and is in a transition stage from easterly to northerly. From Monday again there will be a slight improvement in air quality," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-covid-positivity-rate-drops-below-5-per-cent-for-first-time-since-oct-7-347328" hreflang="en">Delhi: Covid positivity rate drops below 5 per cent for first time since Oct 7</a>

Particulate Matter (PM) 10 level in Delhi was 348 on Friday whereas PM 2.5 was at 203, which rests in very poor and poor category respectively, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked municipal corporations and local bodies in NCR, where air quality levels are normally non-compliant, and in other cities with "poor" category or worse air quality to take steps for ensuring sprinkling of water before sweeping of roads.

The national capital Delhi will experience "very poor" air quality in the next two days, an India Meteorological Department official said on Friday. Kuldeep Srivastava, Head, IMD's regional weather forecasting Centre in Delhi said that the stubble burning has decreased significantly and increased pollution level is mainly due to local vehicle emission and industrial pollution.

The national capital Delhi will experience "very poor" air quality in the next two days, an India Meteorological Department official said on Friday. Kuldeep Srivastava, Head, IMD's regional weather forecasting Centre in Delhi said that the stubble burning has decreased significantly and increased pollution level is mainly due to local vehicle emission and industrial pollution. Also read| India's Covid-19 caseload rises to 95,71,559 with 36,594 new infections in last 24 hours He said national capital will experience "very poor" air quality in the coming two days. "In the last two days, wind speed has decreased significantly and is in a transition stage from easterly to northerly. From Monday again there will be a slight improvement in air quality," he said. Also read| Delhi: Covid positivity rate drops below 5 per cent for first time since Oct 7 Particulate Matter (PM) 10 level in Delhi was 348 on Friday whereas PM 2.5 was at 203, which rests in very poor and poor category respectively, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked municipal corporations and local bodies in NCR, where air quality levels are normally non-compliant, and in other cities with "poor" category or worse air quality to take steps for ensuring sprinkling of water before sweeping of roads.

Delhi to experience very poor air quality for next two days, says IMD official

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday inaugurated a major National Highway project in Nagaland and laid a foundation stone for 14 other NH projects with a cost of about Rs 4,127 crores.

According to the official press release, Gadkari virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 15 National Highways projects in Nagaland today. These NH Projects have a length of about 266 km involving a cost of about Rs 4,127 crores.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-is-watching-india-for-safe-and-cheap-vaccine-pm-modi-347479" hreflang="en">World is watching India for safe and cheap vaccine: PM Modi</a>

Nagaland Chief Minister Nephi Rio was also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari stated that Union Government is committed to the development of North East and Nagaland and informed that 667 km were added to the NH network in Nagaland during the last 6 years, which depicts the growth of nearly 76 per cent.

"The NH network in the State today has been extended to 1,547 km up from 880.68 km till 2014", he added.

The Union Minister said that almost all districts in Nagaland now have been connected except a few, to a robust network of National Highways.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-approves-sale-of-usd-90-mn-worth-of-military-equipment-and-services-to-india-347487" hreflang="en">US approves sale of USD 90 mn worth of military equipment and services to India</a>

Gadkari requested the Chief Minister to urgently send the estimates for Land and Damage Compensation in respect of Kohima Bypass. He also informed that National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited has taken up two-laning of Kohima-Mao road in Nagaland, and the civil work has already been awarded on September 30, 2020.

Chief Minister Rio requested the Union Minister to consider the development of foothill roads in the State. Gadkari informed that the same is under consideration. He also raised the issue of Dimapur-Kohima Road, called as the lifeline of Nagaland.

Gadkari responded that work is in progress and 70-80 per cent of work on this road has been completed. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has undertaken rigorous efforts to bring the projects on track and expedite the progress of work. Gadkari also urged the Chief Minister to further review the NH works to resolve the issue.

Regarding 26.25 km Kohima-Mao road for which the foundation stone was laid on Friday, Gadkari informed that this stretch is also an important part of Asian Highway (AH-1) connecting to Myanmar as it will greatly improve connectivity of Kohima city to Manipur border.

It is also important for socio-economic progress of Nagaland, he said and added that better roads will help improve the growth of industry and trade and marketing of local products from various resources like bamboo etc.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday inaugurated a major National Highway project in Nagaland and laid a foundation stone for 14 other NH projects with a cost of about Rs 4,127 crores.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday inaugurated a major National Highway project in Nagaland and laid a foundation stone for 14 other NH projects with a cost of about Rs 4,127 crores. According to the official press release, Gadkari virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 15 National Highways projects in Nagaland today. These NH Projects have a length of about 266 km involving a cost of about Rs 4,127 crores. Also read| World is watching India for safe and cheap vaccine: PM Modi Nagaland Chief Minister Nephi Rio was also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari stated that Union Government is committed to the development of North East and Nagaland and informed that 667 km were added to the NH network in Nagaland during the last 6 years, which depicts the growth of nearly 76 per cent. "The NH network in the State today has been extended to 1,547 km up from 880.68 km till 2014", he added. The Union Minister said that almost all districts in Nagaland now have been connected except a few, to a robust network of National Highways. Also read| US approves sale of USD 90 mn worth of military equipment and services to India Gadkari requested the Chief Minister to urgently send the estimates for Land and Damage Compensation in respect of Kohima Bypass. He also informed that National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited has taken up two-laning of Kohima-Mao road in Nagaland, and the civil work has already been awarded on September 30, 2020. Chief Minister Rio requested the Union Minister to consider the development of foothill roads in the State. Gadkari informed that the same is under consideration. He also raised the issue of Dimapur-Kohima Road, called as the lifeline of Nagaland. Gadkari responded that work is in progress and 70-80 per cent of work on this road has been completed. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has undertaken rigorous efforts to bring the projects on track and expedite the progress of work. Gadkari also urged the Chief Minister to further review the NH works to resolve the issue. Regarding 26.25 km Kohima-Mao road for which the foundation stone was laid on Friday, Gadkari informed that this stretch is also an important part of Asian Highway (AH-1) connecting to Myanmar as it will greatly improve connectivity of Kohima city to Manipur border. It is also important for socio-economic progress of Nagaland, he said and added that better roads will help improve the growth of industry and trade and marketing of local products from various resources like bamboo etc.

Nitin Gadkari inaugurates NH projects worth Rs 4,127 crore in Nagaland

Administrator of Lakshadweep Dineshwar Sharma passed away on Friday at the age of 66 at a Chennai hospital due to a lung-related ailment, Lakshadweep Resident Commissioner Asarpal Singh said.

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of Sharma and recognised his contributions in strengthening the security of the country during his policing career.

"Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma Ji made long-lasting contributions to India`s policing and security apparatus. He handled many sensitive counter-terror and insurgency ops during his policing career. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti," PM Modi tweeted.

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Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma Ji made long lasting contributions to India’s policing and security apparatus. He handled many sensitive counter terror and insurgency ops during his policing career. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1334812703089573888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condoled Sharma`s demise. He tweeted: "Deeply anguished to learn about the passing away of Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma ji. He served the nation with utmost devotion as a dedicated officer of the Indian Police Service. My heartfelt condolences to his family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti."

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Deeply anguished to learn about the passing away of Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma ji. He served the nation with utmost devotion as a dedicated officer of the Indian Police Service. My heartfelt condolences to his family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1334819433743695872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Indian President Ram Nath Kovind had on October 23, 2020 appointed former interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma as the Administrator of Lakshadweep.

A 1976-batch retired IPS officer of Kerala cadre, Sharma served as chief of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) from December 31, 2014 to May 2017.

He was appointed as the interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir in 2017 during the first term of the Narendra Modi-led government.

Administrator of Lakshadweep Dineshwar Sharma passed away on Friday at the age of 66 at a Chennai hospital due to a lung-related ailment, Lakshadweep Resident Commissioner Asarpal Singh said.

Administrator of Lakshadweep Dineshwar Sharma passed away on Friday at the age of 66 at a Chennai hospital due to a lung-related ailment, Lakshadweep Resident Commissioner Asarpal Singh said. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of Sharma and recognised his contributions in strengthening the security of the country during his policing career. "Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma Ji made long-lasting contributions to India`s policing and security apparatus. He handled many sensitive counter-terror and insurgency ops during his policing career. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti," PM Modi tweeted. Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma Ji made long lasting contributions to India’s policing and security apparatus. He handled many sensitive counter terror and insurgency ops during his policing career. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2020 × Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condoled Sharma`s demise. He tweeted: "Deeply anguished to learn about the passing away of Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma ji. He served the nation with utmost devotion as a dedicated officer of the Indian Police Service. My heartfelt condolences to his family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti." Deeply anguished to learn about the passing away of Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma ji. He served the nation with utmost devotion as a dedicated officer of the Indian Police Service. My heartfelt condolences to his family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 4, 2020 × The Indian President Ram Nath Kovind had on October 23, 2020 appointed former interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma as the Administrator of Lakshadweep. A 1976-batch retired IPS officer of Kerala cadre, Sharma served as chief of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) from December 31, 2014 to May 2017. He was appointed as the interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir in 2017 during the first term of the Narendra Modi-led government.

Lakshadweep administrator Dineshwar Sharma passes away, PM recalls his contribution to policing

According to sources, India will first Vaccinate 10 million healthcare workers and 20 million front-line workers. According to sources, the information was presented by India's Health Ministry at an all-party meeting today.

India to Vaccinate 10 million health workers

The US has approved India's request to purchase USD 90 million worth of military hardware and services in support of its fleet of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and improve the security of a "Major Defence Partner", said Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) of the Department of Defence.

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In a major sales notification to Congress, DSCA said that India continues to be an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region.

Among the requests made by India include aircraft consumables spares and repair/return parts; Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD) fire extinguisher cartridges; flare cartridges; Advanced Radar Warning Receiver shipset; 10 Lightweight Night Vision Binocular; 10 AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggle; GPS; Electronic Warfare; instruments and lab equipment support.

The estimated total amount is USD 90 million.

The Pentagon said that the proposed sale ensures the previously procured aircraft operates effectively to serve the needs of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Army and the Navy transport requirements, local and international humanitarian assistance, and regional disaster relief.

This sale of spares and services will enable the IAF to sustain a mission-ready status with respect to the C-130J transport. India will have no difficulty absorbing this additional sustainment support, it said.

According to the Pentagon, the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractor will be Lockheed-Martin Company, Marietta, Georgia.

In a major move in 2016, the US had designated India a "Major Defence Partner" intending to elevate defence trade and technology sharing to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners.&nbsp;

The US has approved India's request to purchase USD 90 million worth of military hardware and services in support of its fleet of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

The US has approved India's request to purchase USD 90 million worth of military hardware and services in support of its fleet of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and improve the security of a "Major Defence Partner", said Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) of the Department of Defence. Also read | 15-year-old Indian-American becomes TIME's first-ever 'Kid of the Year' In a major sales notification to Congress, DSCA said that India continues to be an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region. Among the requests made by India include aircraft consumables spares and repair/return parts; Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD) fire extinguisher cartridges; flare cartridges; Advanced Radar Warning Receiver shipset; 10 Lightweight Night Vision Binocular; 10 AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggle; GPS; Electronic Warfare; instruments and lab equipment support. The estimated total amount is USD 90 million. The Pentagon said that the proposed sale ensures the previously procured aircraft operates effectively to serve the needs of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Army and the Navy transport requirements, local and international humanitarian assistance, and regional disaster relief. This sale of spares and services will enable the IAF to sustain a mission-ready status with respect to the C-130J transport. India will have no difficulty absorbing this additional sustainment support, it said. According to the Pentagon, the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractor will be Lockheed-Martin Company, Marietta, Georgia. In a major move in 2016, the US had designated India a "Major Defence Partner" intending to elevate defence trade and technology sharing to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners.

US approves sale of USD 90 mn worth of military equipment and services to India

In an unprecedented move, India on Friday summoned Canada's envoy Nadir Patel and handed over a demarche as a consequence of remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's remarks on the ongoing farmers’ protests in India.

The ministry of external affairs in a statement said remarks by the Canadian PM and Canadian cabinet members and members of Parliament "constitute an unacceptable interference in our internal affairs" and "such actions, if continued, would have a seriously damaging impact on ties between India and Canada."

Earlier this week Justin Trudeau expressed his "concerns" over the farmers' protests and said, "Canada will always be there to defend the right of peaceful protests, we believe in the importance of dialogue", which irked New Delhi. 
 
During the summoning, India also raised the issue of "safety and security" of Indian missions and consulates since the comments, MEA statement said "encouraging gatherings of extremist activities in front of our High Commission and Consulates".&nbsp;

It said, "We expect the Canadian Government to ensure the fullest security of Indian diplomatic personnel and its political leaders to refrain from pronouncements that legitimize extremist activism."

Canada has a large number of members of the Indian diaspora, many from the northern Indian state of Punjab. A fringe element is known to have supported the cause of Khalistan, a separate homeland for Sikh, and perpetrated a number of terror attacks. The bombing of Air India Flight 182 in 1985 from Montreal to London that killed 329 was planned by Canada-based Khalistani terrorists.

This is not the first time, Canadian PM has landed himself into trouble with Delhi. In 2017, he was present at the Khalsa Day parade that draws extremist elements. In 2018, during his week-long India visit, convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal's presence at a reception drew criticism.

In an unprecedented move, India on Friday summoned Canada's envoy Nadir Patel and handed over a demarche as a consequence of remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's remarks on the ongoing farmers’ protests in India.

In an unprecedented move, India on Friday summoned Canada's envoy Nadir Patel and handed over a demarche as a consequence of remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's remarks on the ongoing farmers’ protests in India. The ministry of external affairs in a statement said remarks by the Canadian PM and Canadian cabinet members and members of Parliament "constitute an unacceptable interference in our internal affairs" and "such actions, if continued, would have a seriously damaging impact on ties between India and Canada." Earlier this week Justin Trudeau expressed his "concerns" over the farmers' protests and said, "Canada will always be there to defend the right of peaceful protests, we believe in the importance of dialogue", which irked New Delhi. During the summoning, India also raised the issue of "safety and security" of Indian missions and consulates since the comments, MEA statement said "encouraging gatherings of extremist activities in front of our High Commission and Consulates". It said, "We expect the Canadian Government to ensure the fullest security of Indian diplomatic personnel and its political leaders to refrain from pronouncements that legitimize extremist activism." Canada has a large number of members of the Indian diaspora, many from the northern Indian state of Punjab. A fringe element is known to have supported the cause of Khalistan, a separate homeland for Sikh, and perpetrated a number of terror attacks. The bombing of Air India Flight 182 in 1985 from Montreal to London that killed 329 was planned by Canada-based Khalistani terrorists. This is not the first time, Canadian PM has landed himself into trouble with Delhi. In 2017, he was present at the Khalsa Day parade that draws extremist elements. In 2018, during his week-long India visit, convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal's presence at a reception drew criticism.

‘May impact ties’: India summons Canadian envoy over Trudeau's remark on farmers' protest

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that the world is keeping a close watch on the safest and cheapest vaccine against COVID-19 and is looking towards India.

“Our scientists are very confident of succeeding in their endeavour of making COVID vaccine. The world is keeping a watch on the cheapest &amp; safe vaccine. That is why the world is watching India,” Modi said.

“Experts believe that COVID vaccine will be ready in the next few weeks. As soon as scientists give a green signal, vaccination will start in India. Healthcare, frontline workers &amp; elderly person suffering from serious diseases will be given priority in vaccination,” the PM added.

PM also said that&nbsp;healthcare warrior and the elderly will receive the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine while reiterating that India has ‘managed to keep the death rate low’.

States have been asked to accelerate the process of identifying frontline healthcare workers including doctors, MBBS students, nurses and ASHA workers etc so that the exercise gets completed in another one week.

It has asked states to do planning and mapping of vaccination sessions where healthcare workers will be vaccinated during the 1st phase and mapping human resources across departments that could be deployed for vaccination sessions for verification of beneficiaries, crowd management and overall coordination.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that the world is keeping a close watch on the safest and cheapest vaccine against COVID-19 and is looking towards India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that the world is keeping a close watch on the safest and cheapest vaccine against COVID-19 and is looking towards India. “Our scientists are very confident of succeeding in their endeavour of making COVID vaccine. The world is keeping a watch on the cheapest & safe vaccine. That is why the world is watching India,” Modi said. “Experts believe that COVID vaccine will be ready in the next few weeks. As soon as scientists give a green signal, vaccination will start in India. Healthcare, frontline workers & elderly person suffering from serious diseases will be given priority in vaccination,” the PM added. PM also said that healthcare warrior and the elderly will receive the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine while reiterating that India has ‘managed to keep the death rate low’. States have been asked to accelerate the process of identifying frontline healthcare workers including doctors, MBBS students, nurses and ASHA workers etc so that the exercise gets completed in another one week. It has asked states to do planning and mapping of vaccination sessions where healthcare workers will be vaccinated during the 1st phase and mapping human resources across departments that could be deployed for vaccination sessions for verification of beneficiaries, crowd management and overall coordination. (With inputs from agencies)

World is watching India for safe and cheap vaccine: PM Modi

Talking about India’s vaccine preparations, the Prime Minister said, “Experts believe we don’t have to wait for a long period to get a vaccine.

Covid vaccine may be ready in few weeks, waiting for experts' nod: PM Modi

Akshata Murthy, the wife of UK chancellor Rishi Sunak and Infosys founder Narayan Murthy's daughter is richer than Queen Elizabeth in the UK, UK media reported.

According to an investigation by British newspaper The Guardian, Rishi Sunak failed to declare his wife Akshata Murthy's multimillion-pound assets which make her richer than Queen Elizabeth.

Akshata owns shares worth £430 million which is approximately Rs 4,200 crore, in Infosys, while the Queen's wealth is roughly £350 million which is about Rs 3,400 crore.

Rishi Sunak is under fire due to UK law which demands every minister to openly declare all their financial details as well as those of family members upon taking office.

This is done to make sure that no conflict of interest arises which ministers execute their duties.

However, a probe has found that Sunak's financial statements mention only his wife's ownership of a small UK-based venture capital firm called Catamaran Ventures.

As per updates, the Akshata Murthy’s shares in Infosys present a conflict as the company is a contractor to the UK government.&nbsp;

But the report suggested that Akshata has undeclared stakes in at least six other UK companies including a £900 million-a-year joint venture with Amazon India.

Based on the report by the newspaper, calls are being made for the UK government ethics watchdog to investigate the allegations against Sunak.

(With inputs from agencies)

Akshata Murthy, the wife of UK chancellor Rishi Sunak and Infosys founder Narayan Murthy's daughter is richer than Queen Elizabeth in the UK, UK media reported. According to an investigation by British newspaper The Guardian, Rishi Sunak failed to declare his wife Akshata Murthy's multimillion-pound assets which make her richer than Queen Elizabeth.

Akshata Murthy, the wife of UK chancellor Rishi Sunak and Infosys founder Narayan Murthy's daughter is richer than Queen Elizabeth in the UK, UK media reported. According to an investigation by British newspaper The Guardian, Rishi Sunak failed to declare his wife Akshata Murthy's multimillion-pound assets which make her richer than Queen Elizabeth. Akshata owns shares worth £430 million which is approximately Rs 4,200 crore, in Infosys, while the Queen's wealth is roughly £350 million which is about Rs 3,400 crore. Rishi Sunak is under fire due to UK law which demands every minister to openly declare all their financial details as well as those of family members upon taking office. This is done to make sure that no conflict of interest arises which ministers execute their duties. However, a probe has found that Sunak's financial statements mention only his wife's ownership of a small UK-based venture capital firm called Catamaran Ventures. As per updates, the Akshata Murthy’s shares in Infosys present a conflict as the company is a contractor to the UK government. But the report suggested that Akshata has undeclared stakes in at least six other UK companies including a £900 million-a-year joint venture with Amazon India. Based on the report by the newspaper, calls are being made for the UK government ethics watchdog to investigate the allegations against Sunak. (With inputs from agencies)

Narayan Murthy's daughter has more assets than Queen Elizabeth II

India's economy, severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic, is gradually recovering, the International Monetary Fund said on Thursday.

Indian economy is gradually recovering: IMF

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the coronavirus vaccine could be ready for India within weeks and healthcare warriors and the elderly will receive the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine while reiterating that India has ‘managed to keep the death rate low’.

“Our scientists are very confident of succeeding in their endeavour of making COVID vaccine. The world is keeping a watch on the cheapest &amp; safe vaccine. That is why the world is watching India,” Modi said.

“Experts believe that COVID vaccine will be ready in the next few weeks. As soon as scientists give a green signal, vaccination will start in India. Healthcare, frontline workers &amp; elderly person suffering from serious diseases will be given priority in vaccination,” the PM added.

PM Modi said the storage logistics of the coronavirus vaccine is being looked into. Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine, which is 95 per cent effective in preventing the disease, has a super-cold storage requirement.

"Nearly eight vaccines are on other stages of trial with their manufacturing assured in India. Three coronavirus vaccines from India are at different stages. Experts think that the vaccine isn't too far away. In the next few weeks, a coronavirus vaccine could be ready for India," PM Narendra Modi said.

The virtual meeting began at 10.45 am, in which Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, apart from Health Ministry Secretary, were also present.

COVID-19 vaccine will be first given to about 1 crore health workers from both the public and private sectors, and then to about 2 crore frontline workers, the Union Health Ministry said in its presentation at the all-party meet on Friday, sources said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the coronavirus vaccine could be ready for India within weeks and healthcare warriors and the elderly will receive the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine while reiterating that India has ‘managed to keep the death rate low’.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the coronavirus vaccine could be ready for India within weeks and healthcare warriors and the elderly will receive the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine while reiterating that India has ‘managed to keep the death rate low’. “Our scientists are very confident of succeeding in their endeavour of making COVID vaccine. The world is keeping a watch on the cheapest & safe vaccine. That is why the world is watching India,” Modi said. “Experts believe that COVID vaccine will be ready in the next few weeks. As soon as scientists give a green signal, vaccination will start in India. Healthcare, frontline workers & elderly person suffering from serious diseases will be given priority in vaccination,” the PM added. PM Modi said the storage logistics of the coronavirus vaccine is being looked into. Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine, which is 95 per cent effective in preventing the disease, has a super-cold storage requirement. "Nearly eight vaccines are on other stages of trial with their manufacturing assured in India. Three coronavirus vaccines from India are at different stages. Experts think that the vaccine isn't too far away. In the next few weeks, a coronavirus vaccine could be ready for India," PM Narendra Modi said. The virtual meeting began at 10.45 am, in which Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, apart from Health Ministry Secretary, were also present. COVID-19 vaccine will be first given to about 1 crore health workers from both the public and private sectors, and then to about 2 crore frontline workers, the Union Health Ministry said in its presentation at the all-party meet on Friday, sources said. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 vaccine could be ready for India in a few weeks: PM Modi at all party meet

The positivity rate of Covid-19 dipped below 5 per cent in the national capital on Thursday, for the first time since October 7, after Delhi conducted a record number of tests in the last 24 hours.

Exactly 57 days ago on October 7, the positivity rate of new cases had fallen below 5 per cent to 4.9 per cent.

The capital city reported 3,734 new cases of the Covid-19 on Thursday, out of the 75,230 tests conducted in the past 24 hours. The positivity rate remained at 4.9 per cent. Meanwhile, 82 deaths were recorded in the same time period while 4,834 people recovered from the deadly disease in the same duration. The total tally of cases has reached 5,82,058 while the death toll has risen to 9,424.

Meanwhile, of the total 75,230 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, 33,298 were done through RT-PCR and 41,932 were Rapid Antigen Tests. The capital city has conducted 65,00,700 tests so far, according to a bulletin issued by the Delhi health department.

The development has come just a day after Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain predicted the positivity rate to fall below 5 per cent. He had stated on Wednesday that the government sees the prospect of Covid-19 positivity rate going down to 5 pert cent in the next few days.

Delhi`s positivity rate, which had crossed 15 per cent on November 15, hovered in the 6-8 per cent range in the last one week.

However, while the positivity rate and the number of cases have gone drastically down in the last few days, the fatalities have still remained a matter of worry. In November alone, the capital city reported 2,663 deaths which was 29 per cent of the total fatalities Delhi saw since the pandemic started. Meanwhile, a 32.2 per cent rise in the tally of coronavirus cases was reported in November only.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government on Thursday submitted before a Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan that various issues - including ICU beds, testing, cremation of Covid bodies and fire safety standards at hospitals - are being monitored at the highest level.

Senior advocate K.V. Viswanathan, representing the Delhi government, submitted that the designated testing agencies are also providing figures in connection with positivity rate. The bench, also comprising Justices R.S. Reddy and M.R. Shah, queried on the mechanism to check the figures which are coming out every day. The bench wanted to know if there are any mechanisms to cross-check these figures?

Viswanathan submitted that he would take instructions and then inform the court on the audit mechanism. He added that accredited agencies are giving these figures and the number of ICU beds in Delhi has increased to 5,010 while the government has also augmented the testing.

The Centre in an affidavit had blamed the poor approach of the Delhi government for the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the national capital. However, Viswanathan during the hearing said both the Centre and the Delhi government "will together fight this out".

The bench will hear the matter next on December 9.

The positivity rate of Covid-19 dipped below 5 per cent in the national capital on Thursday, for the first time since October 7, after Delhi conducted a record number of tests in the last 24 hours.

The positivity rate of Covid-19 dipped below 5 per cent in the national capital on Thursday, for the first time since October 7, after Delhi conducted a record number of tests in the last 24 hours. Exactly 57 days ago on October 7, the positivity rate of new cases had fallen below 5 per cent to 4.9 per cent. The capital city reported 3,734 new cases of the Covid-19 on Thursday, out of the 75,230 tests conducted in the past 24 hours. The positivity rate remained at 4.9 per cent. Meanwhile, 82 deaths were recorded in the same time period while 4,834 people recovered from the deadly disease in the same duration. The total tally of cases has reached 5,82,058 while the death toll has risen to 9,424. Meanwhile, of the total 75,230 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, 33,298 were done through RT-PCR and 41,932 were Rapid Antigen Tests. The capital city has conducted 65,00,700 tests so far, according to a bulletin issued by the Delhi health department. The development has come just a day after Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain predicted the positivity rate to fall below 5 per cent. He had stated on Wednesday that the government sees the prospect of Covid-19 positivity rate going down to 5 pert cent in the next few days. Delhi`s positivity rate, which had crossed 15 per cent on November 15, hovered in the 6-8 per cent range in the last one week. However, while the positivity rate and the number of cases have gone drastically down in the last few days, the fatalities have still remained a matter of worry. In November alone, the capital city reported 2,663 deaths which was 29 per cent of the total fatalities Delhi saw since the pandemic started. Meanwhile, a 32.2 per cent rise in the tally of coronavirus cases was reported in November only. Meanwhile, the Delhi government on Thursday submitted before a Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan that various issues - including ICU beds, testing, cremation of Covid bodies and fire safety standards at hospitals - are being monitored at the highest level. Senior advocate K.V. Viswanathan, representing the Delhi government, submitted that the designated testing agencies are also providing figures in connection with positivity rate. The bench, also comprising Justices R.S. Reddy and M.R. Shah, queried on the mechanism to check the figures which are coming out every day. The bench wanted to know if there are any mechanisms to cross-check these figures? Viswanathan submitted that he would take instructions and then inform the court on the audit mechanism. He added that accredited agencies are giving these figures and the number of ICU beds in Delhi has increased to 5,010 while the government has also augmented the testing. The Centre in an affidavit had blamed the poor approach of the Delhi government for the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the national capital. However, Viswanathan during the hearing said both the Centre and the Delhi government "will together fight this out". The bench will hear the matter next on December 9.

Delhi: Covid positivity rate drops below 5 per cent for first time since Oct 7

In a major move, the defence ministry has approved the creation of a new post of deputy chief for military operations and strategic planning in the Army as part of mega reforms in the Army headquarters, official sources said on Thursday.

The ministry has also completed formalities for creation of another new post of Director-General of Information Warfare, they said.

The ministry had given in-principle approval for creation of both the posts last year as part of the first batch of reforms in the Army, and now the formal process for it has been completed, the sources said.

They said the post of deputy chief of the Army staff (strategy) has been created to deal with military operations, military intelligence, strategic planning and operational logistics. It will be the third post of deputy chief in the Army.

Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Paramjit Singh is set to become the first deputy chief of Army staff (strategy), they said.

The sources said the new post of director general of information warfare has been created in keeping with the needs of the future battlefield, hybrid warfare and social media realities.

The Army headquarters had instituted four studies with an overall aim to enhance the operational and functional efficiency of the force, optimise budget expenditure, facilitate modernisation and address aspirations. 
The recommendation to create the new posts was made as a result of the studies.

In a major move, the defence ministry has approved the creation of a new post of deputy chief for military operations and strategic planning in the Army as part of mega reforms in the Army headquarters, official sources said on Thursday.

In a major move, the defence ministry has approved the creation of a new post of deputy chief for military operations and strategic planning in the Army as part of mega reforms in the Army headquarters, official sources said on Thursday. The ministry has also completed formalities for creation of another new post of Director-General of Information Warfare, they said. The ministry had given in-principle approval for creation of both the posts last year as part of the first batch of reforms in the Army, and now the formal process for it has been completed, the sources said. They said the post of deputy chief of the Army staff (strategy) has been created to deal with military operations, military intelligence, strategic planning and operational logistics. It will be the third post of deputy chief in the Army. Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Paramjit Singh is set to become the first deputy chief of Army staff (strategy), they said. The sources said the new post of director general of information warfare has been created in keeping with the needs of the future battlefield, hybrid warfare and social media realities. The Army headquarters had instituted four studies with an overall aim to enhance the operational and functional efficiency of the force, optimise budget expenditure, facilitate modernisation and address aspirations. The recommendation to create the new posts was made as a result of the studies.

Indian government approves new army posts for military ops, strategic planning

The Burevi tropical cyclone is headed towards southern India, authorities said on Thursday, after it slammed Sri Lanka's east coast earlier this week but caused little damage.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a "red" warning to parts of the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and said the cyclone is expected to hit on Thursday or early on Friday. Another tropical cyclone killed at least 23 people in Tamil Nadu last week. "Very to heavy rainfall is expected in southern Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu," the IMD said.

India's weather office said it expects damage to thatched huts, and that power and communication lines could be affected due to breaking tree branches. It also expects the storm to hit paddy crops, banana, papaya trees and orchards. The warning comes after Burevi's packing winds of up to 90 kph (56 mph) hit Sri Lanka late on Wednesday but with little fallout.

"District disaster management units are reporting that no major damage has been caused by the cyclone," said Pradeep Kodippili, assistant director at the country's disaster management centre. Authorities in Sri Lanka had evacuated more than 75,000 people, most of them from the Trincomalee area, before the Burevi cyclone hit.

But Kodippili said cyclonic conditions were still prevalent in the north with heavy rains and strong gusts of wind and that naval and fishing communities had been asked not to go out to sea.

The Burevi tropical cyclone is headed towards southern India, authorities said on Thursday, after it slammed Sri Lanka's east coast earlier this week but caused little damage.

The Burevi tropical cyclone is headed towards southern India, authorities said on Thursday, after it slammed Sri Lanka's east coast earlier this week but caused little damage. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a "red" warning to parts of the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and said the cyclone is expected to hit on Thursday or early on Friday. Another tropical cyclone killed at least 23 people in Tamil Nadu last week. "Very to heavy rainfall is expected in southern Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu," the IMD said. India's weather office said it expects damage to thatched huts, and that power and communication lines could be affected due to breaking tree branches. It also expects the storm to hit paddy crops, banana, papaya trees and orchards. The warning comes after Burevi's packing winds of up to 90 kph (56 mph) hit Sri Lanka late on Wednesday but with little fallout. "District disaster management units are reporting that no major damage has been caused by the cyclone," said Pradeep Kodippili, assistant director at the country's disaster management centre. Authorities in Sri Lanka had evacuated more than 75,000 people, most of them from the Trincomalee area, before the Burevi cyclone hit. But Kodippili said cyclonic conditions were still prevalent in the north with heavy rains and strong gusts of wind and that naval and fishing communities had been asked not to go out to sea.

Tropical cyclone headed for southern India after causing little damage in Sri Lanka

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) food researchers selected 13 top and smaller brands of processed and raw honey being sold in India to check their purity.

Honey sold by major brands in India adulterated with sugar syrup

 Washington [US], December 3 (ANI): Disney XD will no longer continue making the reboot of the popular cartoon series `DuckTales,` past its current third season. "The talented creative team, led by Matt Youngberg and Francisco Angones, have delivered exceptional storytelling with uniquely reimagined characters for three seasons of 75 episodes and more than 15 shorts," Variety quoted a Disney XD spokesperson as saying in a statement."While physical production is wrapping, `DuckTales` continues to be available on Disney Channels and Disney+ around the world and fans will get an epic season finale in 2021," the statement further read.The reboot of the much-loved animated series was announced first in 2015 following which it premiered in 2017.Just like the original series, the reboot also follows Scrooge McDuck and his nephews - Louie, Dewey, and Huey - and several other characters. As per Variety, season 3 of the show started airing earlier this year, and the latest episode aired on November 30. (ANI) 

Washington [US], December 3 (ANI): Disney XD will no longer continue making the reboot of the popular cartoon series `DuckTales,` past its current third season. "The talented creative team, led by Matt Youngberg and Francisco Angones, have delivered exceptional storytelling with uniquely reimagined characters for three seasons of 75 episodes and more than 15 shorts," Variety quoted a Disney XD spokesperson as saying in a statement.

Washington [US], December 3 (ANI): Disney XD will no longer continue making the reboot of the popular cartoon series `DuckTales,` past its current third season. "The talented creative team, led by Matt Youngberg and Francisco Angones, have delivered exceptional storytelling with uniquely reimagined characters for three seasons of 75 episodes and more than 15 shorts," Variety quoted a Disney XD spokesperson as saying in a statement."While physical production is wrapping, `DuckTales` continues to be available on Disney Channels and Disney+ around the world and fans will get an epic season finale in 2021," the statement further read.The reboot of the much-loved animated series was announced first in 2015 following which it premiered in 2017.Just like the original series, the reboot also follows Scrooge McDuck and his nephews - Louie, Dewey, and Huey - and several other characters. As per Variety, season 3 of the show started airing earlier this year, and the latest episode aired on November 30. (ANI)

''DuckTales'' reboot cancelled after three seasons

For the first time in 30 years, China has been forced to buy rice from India because rice is a staple food item for two-thirds of Chinese and China may not have enough of it.

A few months ago, it was reported that China could be staring at a food crisis. The Wuhan virus, floods, epidemics, locusts and the trade wars triggered a food shortage in China as President Xi Jinping launched a public campaign to control wastage.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-china-is-buying-rice-from-india-347030/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Several Chinese experts say China could be in the middle of a food crisis. Beijing has deployed its entire media machinery to fight this charge. The state mouthpieces have countered claims of food crisis with editorials, opinions and videos but they haven't been able to kill the story and now China is buying rice from India.

While the border standoff still continues, it couldn't be more clear that China is short on food supplies. With rice supplies from Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam having reduced, China needs more rice, so it began importing from India reportedly at discounted prices.

Indian traders have been contracted to export 100,000 tonnes of broken rice for $300 dollars per tonne. Broken rice are fragments of rice grains which are broken in the field during drying or transport or by milling.

Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar and Pakistan have been China's traditional suppliers but this time they haven't been able to supply what China needs, also they were quoting rates which was at least $30 more for a tonne of rice.

India is the world's biggest rice exporter and China is the biggest importer. China needs more rice. In fact, the Dragon needs a lot more than rice with many crises this year having shaken the food supply chains in China, it has forced the Chinese to buy several goods from overseas.

It comes after China's President Xi Jinping called the food wastage in China "shocking" and "distressing". It led to a public campaign in China with restaurants taking special measures to stop wastage.

In Wuhan, the original epicentre of the pandemic, the catering association started limiting the number of portions that one can order in restaurants. They wrote an open letter asking restaurants to be more "mindful" of the amount of food they are served.

A new rule for ordering was created called the "n-1 model" which means a group dining at a restaurant will be served one dish less. So, if there are 10 people, they will be able to order just nine portions of food.

There was a clampdown on any sight of extravagance. The Chinese government started taking down muckbang videos where people eat vast amounts of food quickly. China felt these videos encourage wastage, so they were censored from social media

Some others went a step ahead, a restaurant in central China asked customers to weigh themselves before they order their meals but apologised after facing a backlash. Chinese state media has played a vital role in the campaign.

When the international media raised doubts over the shortage, the Chinese state mouthpieces hit back saying "thriftiness" or the quality of being careful with money or resources especially avoiding waste is a part of Chinese culture - a practice that dates back thousands of years.

At the same time, reports of a bumper harvest kept pouring in. Since September, Xinhua has been reporting that China had bumper harvests of both summer grain and early rice in 2020.

For the first time in 30 years, China has been forced to buy rice from India because rice is a staple food item for two-thirds of Chinese and China may not have enough of it.

For the first time in 30 years, China has been forced to buy rice from India because rice is a staple food item for two-thirds of Chinese and China may not have enough of it. A few months ago, it was reported that China could be staring at a food crisis. The Wuhan virus, floods, epidemics, locusts and the trade wars triggered a food shortage in China as President Xi Jinping launched a public campaign to control wastage. Watch | Several Chinese experts say China could be in the middle of a food crisis. Beijing has deployed its entire media machinery to fight this charge. The state mouthpieces have countered claims of food crisis with editorials, opinions and videos but they haven't been able to kill the story and now China is buying rice from India. While the border standoff still continues, it couldn't be more clear that China is short on food supplies. With rice supplies from Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam having reduced, China needs more rice, so it began importing from India reportedly at discounted prices. Indian traders have been contracted to export 100,000 tonnes of broken rice for $300 dollars per tonne. Broken rice are fragments of rice grains which are broken in the field during drying or transport or by milling. Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar and Pakistan have been China's traditional suppliers but this time they haven't been able to supply what China needs, also they were quoting rates which was at least $30 more for a tonne of rice. India is the world's biggest rice exporter and China is the biggest importer. China needs more rice. In fact, the Dragon needs a lot more than rice with many crises this year having shaken the food supply chains in China, it has forced the Chinese to buy several goods from overseas. It comes after China's President Xi Jinping called the food wastage in China "shocking" and "distressing". It led to a public campaign in China with restaurants taking special measures to stop wastage. In Wuhan, the original epicentre of the pandemic, the catering association started limiting the number of portions that one can order in restaurants. They wrote an open letter asking restaurants to be more "mindful" of the amount of food they are served. A new rule for ordering was created called the "n-1 model" which means a group dining at a restaurant will be served one dish less. So, if there are 10 people, they will be able to order just nine portions of food. There was a clampdown on any sight of extravagance. The Chinese government started taking down muckbang videos where people eat vast amounts of food quickly. China felt these videos encourage wastage, so they were censored from social media Some others went a step ahead, a restaurant in central China asked customers to weigh themselves before they order their meals but apologised after facing a backlash. Chinese state media has played a vital role in the campaign. When the international media raised doubts over the shortage, the Chinese state mouthpieces hit back saying "thriftiness" or the quality of being careful with money or resources especially avoiding waste is a part of Chinese culture - a practice that dates back thousands of years. At the same time, reports of a bumper harvest kept pouring in. Since September, Xinhua has been reporting that China had bumper harvests of both summer grain and early rice in 2020.

Amid virus & trade wars, China forced to buy rice from India

India's economy will return to growth in 2021/22 and higher spending in the budget due in February will lay the foundations for even stronger growth in the next four to five years, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told Reuters on Thursday.

With the world's second-highest cases of coronavirus despite a severe lockdown of its 1.3 billion people early on in the pandemic, India's economy is expected to contract nearly 10 per cent&nbsp;in the 2020/21 financial year.

But recovery is taking hold now, Sitharaman told the Reuters Global Investment Outlook Summit, 2021.

"I would think 2021-22 will be very big, good traction year for achieving a really good rate of growth that itself is going to be a launching pad for 4-5 years of growing at a good speed, provided we do enough on the budget and spend on infrastructure," she said.

Unlike other countries such as the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom which poured billions of dollars in relief measures, the Indian government has been more measured in its approach because of limited resources and to curb its budget deficit from ballooning.

Sitharaman suggested the government could ease up on spending in the months ahead to boost the growth rate.

"I have to be conscious that if I don't spend now, then the stimulus is meaningless, if I don't spend now the revival is going to get deferred and we can't afford that."

India's economy will return to growth in 2021/22 and higher spending in the budget due in February will lay the foundations for even stronger growth in the next four to five years, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told Reuters on Thursday.

India's economy will return to growth in 2021/22 and higher spending in the budget due in February will lay the foundations for even stronger growth in the next four to five years, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told Reuters on Thursday. With the world's second-highest cases of coronavirus despite a severe lockdown of its 1.3 billion people early on in the pandemic, India's economy is expected to contract nearly 10 per cent in the 2020/21 financial year. But recovery is taking hold now, Sitharaman told the Reuters Global Investment Outlook Summit, 2021. "I would think 2021-22 will be very big, good traction year for achieving a really good rate of growth that itself is going to be a launching pad for 4-5 years of growing at a good speed, provided we do enough on the budget and spend on infrastructure," she said. Unlike other countries such as the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom which poured billions of dollars in relief measures, the Indian government has been more measured in its approach because of limited resources and to curb its budget deficit from ballooning. Sitharaman suggested the government could ease up on spending in the months ahead to boost the growth rate. "I have to be conscious that if I don't spend now, then the stimulus is meaningless, if I don't spend now the revival is going to get deferred and we can't afford that."

India's next budget to focus on boosting growth, says finance minister

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