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National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is well prepared ahead of Cyclone Burevi striking the coasts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Odisha tomorrow, the NDRF officials said here on Wednesday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) tweeted, "The cyclonic storm `Burevi` over Southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 18 kmph during past six hours and lay centered at 0830 hours IST of today, the 2nd December, 2020 over Southwest Bay of Bengal near Lat. 8.6°N and Long. 83.0°E, about 200 km east of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka), 420 km east-southeast of Pamban (India) and 600 km nearly east-northeast of Kanyakumari (India). It is very likely to intensify further during the next 12 hours."

"It would then move nearly west-southwestwards very close to coast slowly and cross south Tamil Nadu coast between Kanniyakumari and Pamban during 3rd December night and 4th December early morning as a Cyclonic Storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph", the tweet added."Two teams of NDRF are deployed at Thoothukudi, in view of Cyclone Burevi. Burevi is expected to cross South Tamil Nadu between Kanniyakumari and Pamban on the morning of December 4," as per IMD.NDRF teams were also deployed in Kerala`s Thiruvananthapuram and Tamil Nadu`s Kanniyakumari.

"Cyclone Burevi will likely hit Thiruvananthapuram district tomorrow. We`ve asked fishermen to return and have completely banned fishing and regulated movement in hilly areas. We are expecting very high rainfall with wind speeds of 75- 80 kmph," said Navjot Khosa, District Collector, Thiruvananthapuram."Yesterday, we had a special District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) meeting with defence forces that are stationed here. Unit heads of these forces attended the meeting and we planned rescue, relief and search operation strategies, if the need should arise," Khosa added."Cyclone Burevi will be over 1,300 km away from Odisha. So, there will be no direct impact here. We have not issued any warnings across the districts. The next five days will see dry weather prevail over the state," the IMD of Odisha said.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is well prepared ahead of Cyclone Burevi striking the coasts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Odisha tomorrow, the NDRF officials said here on Wednesday.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is well prepared ahead of Cyclone Burevi striking the coasts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Odisha tomorrow, the NDRF officials said here on Wednesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) tweeted, "The cyclonic storm `Burevi` over Southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 18 kmph during past six hours and lay centered at 0830 hours IST of today, the 2nd December, 2020 over Southwest Bay of Bengal near Lat. 8.6°N and Long. 83.0°E, about 200 km east of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka), 420 km east-southeast of Pamban (India) and 600 km nearly east-northeast of Kanyakumari (India). It is very likely to intensify further during the next 12 hours." "It would then move nearly west-southwestwards very close to coast slowly and cross south Tamil Nadu coast between Kanniyakumari and Pamban during 3rd December night and 4th December early morning as a Cyclonic Storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph", the tweet added."Two teams of NDRF are deployed at Thoothukudi, in view of Cyclone Burevi. Burevi is expected to cross South Tamil Nadu between Kanniyakumari and Pamban on the morning of December 4," as per IMD.NDRF teams were also deployed in Kerala`s Thiruvananthapuram and Tamil Nadu`s Kanniyakumari. "Cyclone Burevi will likely hit Thiruvananthapuram district tomorrow. We`ve asked fishermen to return and have completely banned fishing and regulated movement in hilly areas. We are expecting very high rainfall with wind speeds of 75- 80 kmph," said Navjot Khosa, District Collector, Thiruvananthapuram."Yesterday, we had a special District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) meeting with defence forces that are stationed here. Unit heads of these forces attended the meeting and we planned rescue, relief and search operation strategies, if the need should arise," Khosa added."Cyclone Burevi will be over 1,300 km away from Odisha. So, there will be no direct impact here. We have not issued any warnings across the districts. The next five days will see dry weather prevail over the state," the IMD of Odisha said.

NDRF teams prepare as Cyclone Burevi set to strike coasts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu tomorrow

Appealing people to contribute in Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) to honour sacrifices made by soldiers in the line of duty, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday announced that `Armed Forces Flag Day` would be celebrated throughout December.

Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "Centre and States along with Sainik Board will celebrate `Armed Forces Flag Day` throughout December. It`s our national responsibility to support families of our security personnel, who have lost their lives or suffered injuries in the line of duty."

Although December 7 is commemorated as `Armed Forces Flag Day` every year, this year Centre has announced that the whole month would be celebrated as `Armed Forces Flag Day` to honour the sacrifices by armed forces in the line of duty.

"I appeal to everyone to contribute towards the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. Let us express our commitment to our country and the Armed Forces," Singh added. The collected fund is used for the welfare of the Armed Forces personnel and ex-servicemen and also to rehabilitate battle causalities.

Small flags are also distributed on this day in return for donations.&nbsp;

Appealing people to contribute in Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) to honour sacrifices made by soldiers in the line of duty, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday announced that `Armed Forces Flag Day` would be celebrated throughout December.

Appealing people to contribute in Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) to honour sacrifices made by soldiers in the line of duty, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday announced that `Armed Forces Flag Day` would be celebrated throughout December. Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "Centre and States along with Sainik Board will celebrate `Armed Forces Flag Day` throughout December. It`s our national responsibility to support families of our security personnel, who have lost their lives or suffered injuries in the line of duty." Although December 7 is commemorated as `Armed Forces Flag Day` every year, this year Centre has announced that the whole month would be celebrated as `Armed Forces Flag Day` to honour the sacrifices by armed forces in the line of duty. "I appeal to everyone to contribute towards the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. Let us express our commitment to our country and the Armed Forces," Singh added. The collected fund is used for the welfare of the Armed Forces personnel and ex-servicemen and also to rehabilitate battle causalities. Small flags are also distributed on this day in return for donations.

'Armed Forces Flag Day' to be celebrated throughout December, says Rajnath Singh

India has invited UK Prime Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-johnson-urges-lawmakers-to-back-regional-covid-19-restrictions-346753"> Boris Johnson</a> as the guest for Republic Day. The invite was extended during PM Modi's call to UK PM last week.&nbsp;

The telephonic talks that happened on 27th November, focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and other related issues.&nbsp;

Indian government readout of the meet said, "The leaders reiterated their shared desire to impart a quantum jump to the India-UK partnership in the post-COVID-19, post-Brexit&nbsp;era, and agreed that there was tremendous potential for enhancing collaboration in trade and investment, scientific research, mobility of professionals and students, and defence and security."

Earlier in November, acting British High Commissioner to India Jan Thompson&nbsp; hadsaid Boris Johnson will soon make an "in person" visit to India.

"We are expecting UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab will be paying an in-person visit to India in the next few months. Beyond that, PM Boris Johnson is very very keen to come to India. So we hope, over the next few months, we will visit, by both FS Raab and PM Johnson,"&nbsp;Thompson added.

The visit, as of now, will be the first in-person visit of any head of government to India. High-level physical visits have been suspended globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The last world leader to visit India was the President of Myanmar&nbsp;Win Myint&nbsp;and US President Donald Trump in February.&nbsp;

India has invited UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson as the guest for Republic Day. The invite was extended during PM Modi's call to UK PM last week. The telephonic talks that happened on 27th November, focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and other related issues.

India has invited UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson as the guest for Republic Day. The invite was extended during PM Modi's call to UK PM last week. The telephonic talks that happened on 27th November, focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and other related issues. Indian government readout of the meet said, "The leaders reiterated their shared desire to impart a quantum jump to the India-UK partnership in the post-COVID-19, post-Brexit era, and agreed that there was tremendous potential for enhancing collaboration in trade and investment, scientific research, mobility of professionals and students, and defence and security." Earlier in November, acting British High Commissioner to India Jan Thompson hadsaid Boris Johnson will soon make an "in person" visit to India. "We are expecting UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab will be paying an in-person visit to India in the next few months. Beyond that, PM Boris Johnson is very very keen to come to India. So we hope, over the next few months, we will visit, by both FS Raab and PM Johnson," Thompson added. The visit, as of now, will be the first in-person visit of any head of government to India. High-level physical visits have been suspended globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last world leader to visit India was the President of Myanmar Win Myint and US President Donald Trump in February.

India invites UK PM Boris Johnson for Republic Day celebrations

China has started importing Indian&nbsp;rice&nbsp;for the first time in at least three decades due to tightening supplies and an offer from India of sharply discounted prices, Indian industry officials told Reuters.

India is the world's biggest exporter of&nbsp;rice&nbsp;and China is the biggest importer. Beijing imports around 4 million tonnes of&nbsp;rice&nbsp;annually but has avoided purchases from India, citing quality issues.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-china-running-out-of-food-320611/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The breakthrough comes at a time when political tensions between the two countries are high because of a border dispute in the Himalayas.

"For the first time China has made&nbsp;rice&nbsp;purchases. They may increase buying next year after seeing the quality of Indian crop," said B.V. Krishna Rao, president of the&nbsp;Rice&nbsp;Exporters Association.

Indian traders have contracted to export 100,000 tonnes of broken&nbsp;rice&nbsp;for Dec-February shipments at around $300 per tonne, industry officials said.

China's traditional suppliers, such as Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar and Pakistan, have limited surplus supplies for export and were quoting at least $30 per tonne more compared with Indian prices, according to Indian&nbsp;rice&nbsp;trade officials.

China has started importing Indian rice for the first time in at least three decades due to tightening supplies and an offer from India of sharply discounted prices, Indian industry officials told Reuters.

China has started importing Indian rice for the first time in at least three decades due to tightening supplies and an offer from India of sharply discounted prices, Indian industry officials told Reuters. India is the world's biggest exporter of rice and China is the biggest importer. Beijing imports around 4 million tonnes of rice annually but has avoided purchases from India, citing quality issues. The breakthrough comes at a time when political tensions between the two countries are high because of a border dispute in the Himalayas. "For the first time China has made rice purchases. They may increase buying next year after seeing the quality of Indian crop," said B.V. Krishna Rao, president of the Rice Exporters Association. Indian traders have contracted to export 100,000 tonnes of broken rice for Dec-February shipments at around $300 per tonne, industry officials said. China's traditional suppliers, such as Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar and Pakistan, have limited surplus supplies for export and were quoting at least $30 per tonne more compared with Indian prices, according to Indian rice trade officials.

China buys Indian rice for first time in decades as supplies tighten

The number of daily recovered cases has surpassed the daily new cases since the past five days, the Union Health Ministry highlighted.

The number of active coronavirus cases in India has significantly dropped to 4.28 lakh, the lowest after 132 days and comprises just 4.51 per cent of the total coronavirus infections, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

The total active cases were 4,26,167 on July 23.There has been a sustained decrease in the number of active cases, the ministry said.

The daily new cases added to the country's COVID numbers have been around 30,000 since the past three days.

The number of daily new cases in a span of 24 hours is 36,604. A total of 43,062 recoveries were registered in a span of 24 hours.

The number of daily recovered cases has surpassed the daily new cases since the past five days, the ministry highlighted.

The difference in new recoveries outnumbering new cases has also improved the recovery rate to 94.03 per cent as on date, it stated.

The total recovered cases stand at 89,32,647. &nbsp;

"The gap between recovered cases and active cases, that is steadily increasing, has crossed 85 lakh today and presently stands at 85,04,003," the ministry said.

Of the new recovered cases, 78.35 per cent are observed to be concentrated in 10 states and UTs.

Maharashtra has reported the maximum number of single day recoveries with 6,290 newly recovered cases. A total of 6,151 people recovered in Kerala followed by 5,036 in Delhi.

The ministry said that 77.25 per cent of the new cases are from 10 States and UTs.

Kerala reported the highest daily new cases at 5,375. It is followed by Maharashtra with 4,930 new cases. Further, 501 case fatalities have been reported in a day. Ten states and UTs account for 79.84 per cent of new deaths.

Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (95). Delhi and West Bengal follow with 86 and 52 daily deaths, respectively.

India's total coronavirus cases mounted to 94,99,413, with 36,604 new infections being reported in a day, while the death toll climbed to 1,38,122 with 501 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of daily recovered cases has surpassed the daily new cases since the past five days, the Union Health Ministry highlighted. The number of active coronavirus cases in India has significantly dropped to 4.

The number of daily recovered cases has surpassed the daily new cases since the past five days, the Union Health Ministry highlighted. The number of active coronavirus cases in India has significantly dropped to 4.28 lakh, the lowest after 132 days and comprises just 4.51 per cent of the total coronavirus infections, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday. The total active cases were 4,26,167 on July 23.There has been a sustained decrease in the number of active cases, the ministry said. The daily new cases added to the country's COVID numbers have been around 30,000 since the past three days. The number of daily new cases in a span of 24 hours is 36,604. A total of 43,062 recoveries were registered in a span of 24 hours. The number of daily recovered cases has surpassed the daily new cases since the past five days, the ministry highlighted. The difference in new recoveries outnumbering new cases has also improved the recovery rate to 94.03 per cent as on date, it stated. The total recovered cases stand at 89,32,647. "The gap between recovered cases and active cases, that is steadily increasing, has crossed 85 lakh today and presently stands at 85,04,003," the ministry said. Of the new recovered cases, 78.35 per cent are observed to be concentrated in 10 states and UTs. Maharashtra has reported the maximum number of single day recoveries with 6,290 newly recovered cases. A total of 6,151 people recovered in Kerala followed by 5,036 in Delhi. The ministry said that 77.25 per cent of the new cases are from 10 States and UTs. Kerala reported the highest daily new cases at 5,375. It is followed by Maharashtra with 4,930 new cases. Further, 501 case fatalities have been reported in a day. Ten states and UTs account for 79.84 per cent of new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (95). Delhi and West Bengal follow with 86 and 52 daily deaths, respectively. India's total coronavirus cases mounted to 94,99,413, with 36,604 new infections being reported in a day, while the death toll climbed to 1,38,122 with 501 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19's active caseload in India drops to 4.28 lakh after 132 days

India wants to diversify its oil imports, including the resumption of supplies from Iran and Venezuela, after U.S. President-elect Joe Biden takes office, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Wednesday.

India was the key buyer of Iranian and Venezuelan oil before slashing purchases after President Donald Trump imposed unilateral sanctions on the two OPEC-members since taking office in 2017.

"As a buyer I would like to have more buying places. I should have more destinations to go for purchasing (oil)," Pradhan said in response to a question if he wants the Biden administration to relax sanctions on Iran and Venezuela.

India, which used to be Iran`s biggest client after China, stopped buying oil from Tehran in May 2019 and has drastically reduced its intake of Venezuelan oil in recent months after Trump imposed sanctions in a bid to curb Iran`s nuclear programme and oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Biden, who was vice president under President Barack Obama when the 2015 deal nuclear accord was struck between Iran and six world powers, has said he wants to offer Tehran a path back to diplomacy.

India, the world`s third biggest oil importer and consumer, wants to diversify its oil imports to buy cheaper oil to cut its import bill and save foreign exchange.

Sanctions on from Iran and Venezuela have blocked up to 3 million barrels per day (bpd), or 3% of world supply.

India`s Nayara Energy, part owned by Russian oil major Rosneft, stopped imports from Venezuela in June this year, while Reliance Industries had obtained permission until October from the U.S. to continue oil imports in exchange for diesel.

Pradhan, however, said there is a strong bond between India and the United States. "Both depend on each other. Our relations are sound, grounded."

He also urged oil producers to work towards a more reasonable and responsible pricing to help Asian buyers. 
"Gone are days of monopoly. Oil Producers have to recognise aspirations of consumers," Pradhan said.&nbsp;

India wants to diversify its oil imports, including the resumption of supplies from Iran and Venezuela, after U.S. President-elect Joe Biden takes office, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Wednesday.

India wants to diversify its oil imports, including the resumption of supplies from Iran and Venezuela, after U.S. President-elect Joe Biden takes office, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Wednesday. India was the key buyer of Iranian and Venezuelan oil before slashing purchases after President Donald Trump imposed unilateral sanctions on the two OPEC-members since taking office in 2017. "As a buyer I would like to have more buying places. I should have more destinations to go for purchasing (oil)," Pradhan said in response to a question if he wants the Biden administration to relax sanctions on Iran and Venezuela. India, which used to be Iran`s biggest client after China, stopped buying oil from Tehran in May 2019 and has drastically reduced its intake of Venezuelan oil in recent months after Trump imposed sanctions in a bid to curb Iran`s nuclear programme and oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Biden, who was vice president under President Barack Obama when the 2015 deal nuclear accord was struck between Iran and six world powers, has said he wants to offer Tehran a path back to diplomacy. India, the world`s third biggest oil importer and consumer, wants to diversify its oil imports to buy cheaper oil to cut its import bill and save foreign exchange. Sanctions on from Iran and Venezuela have blocked up to 3 million barrels per day (bpd), or 3% of world supply. India`s Nayara Energy, part owned by Russian oil major Rosneft, stopped imports from Venezuela in June this year, while Reliance Industries had obtained permission until October from the U.S. to continue oil imports in exchange for diesel. Pradhan, however, said there is a strong bond between India and the United States. "Both depend on each other. Our relations are sound, grounded." He also urged oil producers to work towards a more reasonable and responsible pricing to help Asian buyers. "Gone are days of monopoly. Oil Producers have to recognise aspirations of consumers," Pradhan said.

India looks to resume Iran, Venezuela oil imports under Biden

India reported 31,118 new COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare`s data on Tuesday.

The overall coronavirus cases reached 94,62,810 including 4,35,603 active cases and 88,89,585 recoveries. With 482 new deaths, the cumulative toll mounted to 1,37,621.

A total 12,78,727 cases were reported in November, a decrease from October's 18,71,498, accounting for about 13.51 per cent of the total instances of the viral infection reported in the country so far.

The past month also saw 15,510 lives lost due to the disease, which is just around 11.27 per cent of the total 1,37,621 deaths recorded so far.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 88,89,585, pushing the national recovery rate to 93.94 per cent.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent. The active COVID-19 caseload remained below five lakh for the 21st consecutive day.

There are 4,35,603 active cases in the country which comprise 4.60 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, 14,13, 49,298 samples have been tested so far with 9,69,332 samples being tested on Monday.

The 482 new fatalities include 108 from Delhi, 80 from Maharashtra, 48 from West Bengal, 27 each from Haryana and Punjab, 21 each from Chhattisgarh and Kerala and 20 each from Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Total 1,37,621 deaths reported so far in the country include 47,151 from Maharashtra followed by 11,778 from Karnataka, 11,712 from Tamil Nadu, 9,174 from Delhi, 8,424 from West Bengal, 7,761 from Uttar Pradesh, 6,992 from Andhra Pradesh, 4,807 from Punjab, 3,989 from Gujarat and 3,260 from Madhya Pradesh.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

(With inputs from agencies)

India reported 31,118 new COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare`s data on Tuesday. The overall coronavirus cases reached 94,62,810 including 4,35,603 active cases and 88,89,585 recoveries.

India reported 31,118 new COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare`s data on Tuesday. The overall coronavirus cases reached 94,62,810 including 4,35,603 active cases and 88,89,585 recoveries. With 482 new deaths, the cumulative toll mounted to 1,37,621. A total 12,78,727 cases were reported in November, a decrease from October's 18,71,498, accounting for about 13.51 per cent of the total instances of the viral infection reported in the country so far. The past month also saw 15,510 lives lost due to the disease, which is just around 11.27 per cent of the total 1,37,621 deaths recorded so far. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 88,89,585, pushing the national recovery rate to 93.94 per cent. The COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent. The active COVID-19 caseload remained below five lakh for the 21st consecutive day. There are 4,35,603 active cases in the country which comprise 4.60 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, 14,13, 49,298 samples have been tested so far with 9,69,332 samples being tested on Monday. The 482 new fatalities include 108 from Delhi, 80 from Maharashtra, 48 from West Bengal, 27 each from Haryana and Punjab, 21 each from Chhattisgarh and Kerala and 20 each from Gujarat and Rajasthan. Total 1,37,621 deaths reported so far in the country include 47,151 from Maharashtra followed by 11,778 from Karnataka, 11,712 from Tamil Nadu, 9,174 from Delhi, 8,424 from West Bengal, 7,761 from Uttar Pradesh, 6,992 from Andhra Pradesh, 4,807 from Punjab, 3,989 from Gujarat and 3,260 from Madhya Pradesh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus caseload in India rises to 94.62 lakh with 31,118 new infections

Canadian Prime Minister&nbsp;Justin&nbsp;Trudeau's&nbsp;"ill-informed comments''&nbsp;relating to farmers in India have exposed his dual stance on&nbsp;Minimum Support Price (MSP).

The protests have also provoked a diplomatic spat between India and Canada&nbsp;which is home to a large Punjabi-origin diaspora.

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;published a video message on Twitter in which he said the demonstrations were "concerning" and defended the right to peaceful protest.

"We've reached out through multiple means directly to the Indian authorities to highlight our concerns," he added.

India's foreign ministry responded by hitting out at "ill-informed comments by Canadian leaders relating to farmers in India", without directly naming&nbsp;Trudeau.

Canada, which&nbsp;had once&nbsp;opposed India’s farm subsidies&nbsp;at the World Trade Organization (WTO), has backed&nbsp;Indian farmers' protests on&nbsp;Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Specifically, according to the complaint, India left out from its notification information on the total value of production of each of the five kinds of pulses and there were issues around the production quantities of the pulses used to calculate market price support as well as the exchange rate used.

Though willing to defend India’s protesting farmers, Canada&nbsp;has always been vocal at the WTO against India’s food subsidy programmes for its staple crops.

A Geneva-based trade official said Canada was&nbsp;“most vocal challengers” to India exceeding the permitted limit of its rice subsidy in 2018-19.

Canada had challenged India&nbsp;at WTO meetings&nbsp;when it sought to defend its agricultural programmes&nbsp;like the minimum support price (MSP) for staple crops such as rice, wheat and pulses.

Developed countries, including Canada, have been raising the issue of India’s food subsidies at WTO meetings for years. With the adoption of a peace clause in 2013, the pressure intensified.

In July this year, Canada, along with the US, Japan and the European Union had questioned India on exceeding the permitted limits on food subsidies given for rice production — also called de minimis levels under WTO norms — to farmers in 2018-19, official sources told ThePrint. The de minis level is determined as 10 per cent of the value of food production.

“In its responses, India reiterated its compliance with the WTO rules, particularly on the Agreement on Agriculture as well as the Bali Ministerial Decision. It maintained the marketing year 2018-2019 was the only year that it exceeded the de minimis support for rice, which explains why it didn’t notify the public stockholding programme for rice prior to that period,” said the trade official.

In order to continue offering food subsidies to the farmers, India had to invoke the peace clause.&nbsp;The peace clause gives protection to developing countries like India, which run public food stockholding, from being dragged into disputes in case they exceed their de minis level.

India, along with other developing countries like Brazil, China and South Africa, obtained a so-called "peace clause"&nbsp;in 2013 under the WTO during one of its ministerial meetings that were held in Bali, Indonesia.

In July, Canada had registered 25 questions to India with regard to its farm subsidy and also explained the impact such food subsidies will have on global agricultural trade.

Subsequently, in September, a slew of questions was posed to India by Canada and other developed nations&nbsp;regarding its “multiple agriculture policies and transparency issues arising from its new domestic support notifications”, said the above-quoted trade official.

From 2015-18, attempts were made by Canada and other developed nations to also question India’s food stocks programme.

In July 2019, several developed countries, including Canada, made&nbsp;an attempt to take India&nbsp;to the WTO dispute settlement body over the MSP issue.

Jayant Dasgupta, former ambassador of India to the WTO, said Canada has repeatedly questioned India’s farm policies.

“It is not in keeping with diplomatic protocol. Canada has questioned India’s farm policies time and again, along with others like the Americans and Australians. Canadians also act at the behest of their major trade partners at the WTO. But as far as their (Canada’s) trade interest goes, they are not large exporters of farm produce, like the Americans or Australians,” Jayant Dasgupta said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's "ill-informed comments'' relating to farmers in India have exposed his dual stance on Minimum Support Price (MSP). The protests have also provoked a diplomatic spat between India and Canada which is home to a large Punjabi-origin diaspora.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's "ill-informed comments'' relating to farmers in India have exposed his dual stance on Minimum Support Price (MSP). The protests have also provoked a diplomatic spat between India and Canada which is home to a large Punjabi-origin diaspora. Also read: Trudeau targets India to pander to Canadian-Punjabi votebank Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau published a video message on Twitter in which he said the demonstrations were "concerning" and defended the right to peaceful protest. "We've reached out through multiple means directly to the Indian authorities to highlight our concerns," he added. India's foreign ministry responded by hitting out at "ill-informed comments by Canadian leaders relating to farmers in India", without directly naming Trudeau. Canada, which had once opposed India’s farm subsidies at the World Trade Organization (WTO), has backed Indian farmers' protests on Minimum Support Price (MSP). Specifically, according to the complaint, India left out from its notification information on the total value of production of each of the five kinds of pulses and there were issues around the production quantities of the pulses used to calculate market price support as well as the exchange rate used. Though willing to defend India’s protesting farmers, Canada has always been vocal at the WTO against India’s food subsidy programmes for its staple crops. A Geneva-based trade official said Canada was “most vocal challengers” to India exceeding the permitted limit of its rice subsidy in 2018-19. Canada had challenged India at WTO meetings when it sought to defend its agricultural programmes like the minimum support price (MSP) for staple crops such as rice, wheat and pulses. Developed countries, including Canada, have been raising the issue of India’s food subsidies at WTO meetings for years. With the adoption of a peace clause in 2013, the pressure intensified. In July this year, Canada, along with the US, Japan and the European Union had questioned India on exceeding the permitted limits on food subsidies given for rice production — also called de minimis levels under WTO norms — to farmers in 2018-19, official sources told ThePrint. The de minis level is determined as 10 per cent of the value of food production. “In its responses, India reiterated its compliance with the WTO rules, particularly on the Agreement on Agriculture as well as the Bali Ministerial Decision. It maintained the marketing year 2018-2019 was the only year that it exceeded the de minimis support for rice, which explains why it didn’t notify the public stockholding programme for rice prior to that period,” said the trade official. In order to continue offering food subsidies to the farmers, India had to invoke the peace clause. The peace clause gives protection to developing countries like India, which run public food stockholding, from being dragged into disputes in case they exceed their de minis level. India, along with other developing countries like Brazil, China and South Africa, obtained a so-called "peace clause" in 2013 under the WTO during one of its ministerial meetings that were held in Bali, Indonesia. In July, Canada had registered 25 questions to India with regard to its farm subsidy and also explained the impact such food subsidies will have on global agricultural trade. Subsequently, in September, a slew of questions was posed to India by Canada and other developed nations regarding its “multiple agriculture policies and transparency issues arising from its new domestic support notifications”, said the above-quoted trade official. From 2015-18, attempts were made by Canada and other developed nations to also question India’s food stocks programme. In July 2019, several developed countries, including Canada, made an attempt to take India to the WTO dispute settlement body over the MSP issue. Jayant Dasgupta, former ambassador of India to the WTO, said Canada has repeatedly questioned India’s farm policies. “It is not in keeping with diplomatic protocol. Canada has questioned India’s farm policies time and again, along with others like the Americans and Australians. Canadians also act at the behest of their major trade partners at the WTO. But as far as their (Canada’s) trade interest goes, they are not large exporters of farm produce, like the Americans or Australians,” Jayant Dasgupta said.

Canada's dual stance on Minimum Support Price exposed

Canadian Prime Minister Justin&nbsp;Trudeau's&nbsp;eight-day expedition to India in 2018 was&nbsp;an absolute political disaster.

The trip started off on a disappointing note, as the Trudeau delegation was received at the airport by a minister of state, not even a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet.

International and local observers speculated that Trudeau was being snubbed, given the cold shoulder, over unscrupulous ties with separatists and extremists.

After going to great lengths to convince Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh that his government did not associate with radicals, one such radical was part of his own entourage in India.

Hours before meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his journey hit a dead end when the Canadian high commissioner invited a Sikh extremist named Jaspal Atwal (who has been convicted of attempted murder and was previously affiliated with a terrorist group) to a dinner to honour Trudeau in Delhi.

Atwal was found guilty of trying to kill an Indian minister in 1986; he was also blamed for an assault on Ujjal Dosanjh, the former premier of British Columbia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slams-canadian-pm-justin-trudeaus-ill-informed-comments-on-farmer-protests-346668" hreflang="en">India slams Justin Trudeau's 'Ill-informed' comments on farmer protests</a>

By the time Atwal’s invitation was rescinded — Trudeau called it “unfortunate” — Atwal had already posed for photographs with Trudeau’s wife, Sophie, in Mumbai, as well as with other members of his entourage.

The Trudeau government’s explanation was further refuted when more photos surfaced of Atwal with Trudeau himself, one at a 2015 Liberal Party campaign event in Vancouver, and another that appears to have been taken before Trudeau became the leader of the Liberal Party.

Atwal is a longtime Liberal supporter and activist, he’s a former donor to the party and a former Liberal board member for the electoral district in Surrey, British Columbia.

Atwal is a longtime Liberal supporter and activist, he’s a former donor to the party and a former Liberal board member for the electoral district in Surrey, British Columbia. Atwal’s ties to the Liberals run deep, and there is no excuse for Trudeau’s continued relationship with a convicted criminal and former member of a terrorist organisation.

Trudeau’s time in India was criticised for its lack of official business, not to mention the excessive photo-ops and insensitive overuse of Indian clothing. To add insult to injury for Canadians, his taxpayer funded tour looked more like another lavish family vacation — including his own celebrity chef flown in from Vancouver than a diplomatic bilateral meeting.

However,&nbsp;these criticisms pale in comparison to serious catastrophe of not only associating with a convicted terrorist assassin, but bringing him to India alongside his official delegation.

India's ties with Canada remain frozen in time and&nbsp;Trudeau's latest statements on the farmer protests&nbsp;are unlikely to make things better.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's eight-day expedition to India in 2018 was an absolute political disaster. The trip started off on a disappointing note, as the Trudeau delegation was received at the airport by a minister of state, not even a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's eight-day expedition to India in 2018 was an absolute political disaster. The trip started off on a disappointing note, as the Trudeau delegation was received at the airport by a minister of state, not even a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet. International and local observers speculated that Trudeau was being snubbed, given the cold shoulder, over unscrupulous ties with separatists and extremists. After going to great lengths to convince Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh that his government did not associate with radicals, one such radical was part of his own entourage in India. Hours before meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his journey hit a dead end when the Canadian high commissioner invited a Sikh extremist named Jaspal Atwal (who has been convicted of attempted murder and was previously affiliated with a terrorist group) to a dinner to honour Trudeau in Delhi. Atwal was found guilty of trying to kill an Indian minister in 1986; he was also blamed for an assault on Ujjal Dosanjh, the former premier of British Columbia. Also read: India slams Justin Trudeau's 'Ill-informed' comments on farmer protests By the time Atwal’s invitation was rescinded — Trudeau called it “unfortunate” — Atwal had already posed for photographs with Trudeau’s wife, Sophie, in Mumbai, as well as with other members of his entourage. The Trudeau government’s explanation was further refuted when more photos surfaced of Atwal with Trudeau himself, one at a 2015 Liberal Party campaign event in Vancouver, and another that appears to have been taken before Trudeau became the leader of the Liberal Party. Atwal is a longtime Liberal supporter and activist, he’s a former donor to the party and a former Liberal board member for the electoral district in Surrey, British Columbia. Atwal is a longtime Liberal supporter and activist, he’s a former donor to the party and a former Liberal board member for the electoral district in Surrey, British Columbia. Atwal’s ties to the Liberals run deep, and there is no excuse for Trudeau’s continued relationship with a convicted criminal and former member of a terrorist organisation. Trudeau’s time in India was criticised for its lack of official business, not to mention the excessive photo-ops and insensitive overuse of Indian clothing. To add insult to injury for Canadians, his taxpayer funded tour looked more like another lavish family vacation — including his own celebrity chef flown in from Vancouver than a diplomatic bilateral meeting. However, these criticisms pale in comparison to serious catastrophe of not only associating with a convicted terrorist assassin, but bringing him to India alongside his official delegation. India's ties with Canada remain frozen in time and Trudeau's latest statements on the farmer protests are unlikely to make things better.

Why Justin Trudeau's trip to India in 2018 turned out to be a diplomatic fiasco

Justin Trudeau is not an average world leader. He enjoys a level of global popularity that rivals rockstars. He is a leader who could probably charm his way through a negotiation.

However, in India, the Canadian prime minister has a different kind of reputation. He has been accused of encouraging separatism against India on Canadian soil. His office invited a convicted terrorist for a reception.

Now, Trudeau has become the first foreign leader to meddle in India's internal affairs. Last week, thousands of Indian farmers launched a protest against three new farmer laws brought in by the government of India. The protest continues, however, the Indian government has opened a dialogue with the farmers.

Ultimately, it is about laws made in India, by the Indian government for the Indian farmer. Foreign leaders have no business talking about it despite knowing that Justin Trudeau and some other foreign leaders decided to weigh-in on India's domestic issues since they want to cater to their own vote banks at home.

That's exactly what Justin Trudeau is trying to do.

The Canadian prime minister was addressing the Canadian-Punjabi community during Gurupurab which kick-started an entire row. It is an influential voting bloc. In the last election, 18 Sikhs were elected to the Canadian parliament. Just for reference, 13 Sikhs were elected to India's lower House last year.

Trudeau's cabinet has four Sikhs. So, the community has a voice at the highest levels of power but that doesn't mean, they get a voice in India's internal affairs. India has made that amply clear with a statement of its own.

The ministry of external affairs said: "We have seen some ill-informed comments by Canadian leaders relating to farmers in India. Such comments are unwarranted, especially pertaining to the internal affairs of a Democratic country. It is also best that diplomatic &nbsp;conversations are not misrepresented for political purposes."

The statement isn't just for Trudeau but for all those leaders abroad who chose to weigh in on the protests in India. It includes Canadian opposition leader Jagmeet Singh whose party started a petition on its website calling on Justin Trudeau to make a statement on the protests in India.

There were other Canadian lawmakers who issued similar statements recently. Some lawmakers from Great Britain have made similar noises too. These are not Indian MPs. They don't have a vote within the Indian parliament. They have no power to influence the laws made in India. They simply pander to their vote banks.

The question is why wouldn't Justin Trudeau express concern when Islamists held Islamabad hostage during protests against Emmanuel Macron or over the situation in &nbsp;Thailand where citizens were targeted by the police for protesting against the monarchy.

Justin Trudeau is catering to the voters at home, something that got him into trouble a few years ago.

Justin Trudeau is not an average world leader. He enjoys a level of global popularity that rivals rockstars. He is a leader who could probably charm his way through a negotiation.

Justin Trudeau is not an average world leader. He enjoys a level of global popularity that rivals rockstars. He is a leader who could probably charm his way through a negotiation. However, in India, the Canadian prime minister has a different kind of reputation. He has been accused of encouraging separatism against India on Canadian soil. His office invited a convicted terrorist for a reception. Now, Trudeau has become the first foreign leader to meddle in India's internal affairs. Last week, thousands of Indian farmers launched a protest against three new farmer laws brought in by the government of India. The protest continues, however, the Indian government has opened a dialogue with the farmers. Ultimately, it is about laws made in India, by the Indian government for the Indian farmer. Foreign leaders have no business talking about it despite knowing that Justin Trudeau and some other foreign leaders decided to weigh-in on India's domestic issues since they want to cater to their own vote banks at home. That's exactly what Justin Trudeau is trying to do. The Canadian prime minister was addressing the Canadian-Punjabi community during Gurupurab which kick-started an entire row. It is an influential voting bloc. In the last election, 18 Sikhs were elected to the Canadian parliament. Just for reference, 13 Sikhs were elected to India's lower House last year. Trudeau's cabinet has four Sikhs. So, the community has a voice at the highest levels of power but that doesn't mean, they get a voice in India's internal affairs. India has made that amply clear with a statement of its own. The ministry of external affairs said: "We have seen some ill-informed comments by Canadian leaders relating to farmers in India. Such comments are unwarranted, especially pertaining to the internal affairs of a Democratic country. It is also best that diplomatic conversations are not misrepresented for political purposes." The statement isn't just for Trudeau but for all those leaders abroad who chose to weigh in on the protests in India. It includes Canadian opposition leader Jagmeet Singh whose party started a petition on its website calling on Justin Trudeau to make a statement on the protests in India. There were other Canadian lawmakers who issued similar statements recently. Some lawmakers from Great Britain have made similar noises too. These are not Indian MPs. They don't have a vote within the Indian parliament. They have no power to influence the laws made in India. They simply pander to their vote banks. The question is why wouldn't Justin Trudeau express concern when Islamists held Islamabad hostage during protests against Emmanuel Macron or over the situation in Thailand where citizens were targeted by the police for protesting against the monarchy. Justin Trudeau is catering to the voters at home, something that got him into trouble a few years ago.

Trudeau targets India to pander to Canadian-Punjabi votebank

There's been a lot of buzz around Indian-Americans being a part of Joe Biden's cabinet with a plethora of likely names doing the rounds but so far only a few have been confirmed.

The names include 50-year-old Neera Tanden. The US president-elect has nominated Neera Tanden as the director of the office of management and budget. It is a top position inside the White House responsible for managing the administration's budget.

50-year-old Tanden will be the first woman of colour to head the influential post.

She was born in Bedford, Massachusetts to immigrant parents from India and studied arts at the University of California. She graduated from Yale law school in 1996 and then went on to work for think tanks and various Senatorial and presidential campaigns of the Democratic party.

She is currently the chief executive of the "Left-leaning" centre for American progress. Her nomination to the White House is said to be a &nbsp;part of Joe Biden's plan to build a team of liberal and centrist economic advisers.

These advisers will be working alongside the treasury secretary nominee Janet Yellen. As head of the office of management, Neera Tanden would be responsible for preparing Joe Biden's budget submissions. She would command several hundred budget analysts - economists and policy advisers within the next US government.

While accepting her nomination to the high-profile post, Tanden said: "After my parents were divorced when I was young, my mother relied on public food and housing programs to get by. Now, I’m being nominated to help ensure those programs are secure, and ensure families like mine can live with dignity. I am beyond honored."

Besides Neera Tanden, another Indian-American is already part of Team Biden. Dr. Celine Gounder, an infectious disease specialist who traces her roots to a village in Tamil Nadu. She was named to the coronavirus task force set up by Biden earlier this month.

Another Indian-American who co-chairs Joe Biden's COVID-19 task force is surgeon general Vivek Murthy. His family hails from Karnataka and he received his bachelor's degree from Harvard University. He served as a surgeon-general under the Obama administration as well but in 2017, he was asked to step down by the Trump administration.

Murthy's inclusion in Biden's COVID-19 task force marks his return to mainstream policy-making.&nbsp;

There's been a lot of buzz around Indian-Americans being a part of Joe Biden's cabinet with a plethora of likely names doing the rounds but so far only a few have been confirmed.

There's been a lot of buzz around Indian-Americans being a part of Joe Biden's cabinet with a plethora of likely names doing the rounds but so far only a few have been confirmed. The names include 50-year-old Neera Tanden. The US president-elect has nominated Neera Tanden as the director of the office of management and budget. It is a top position inside the White House responsible for managing the administration's budget. 50-year-old Tanden will be the first woman of colour to head the influential post. She was born in Bedford, Massachusetts to immigrant parents from India and studied arts at the University of California. She graduated from Yale law school in 1996 and then went on to work for think tanks and various Senatorial and presidential campaigns of the Democratic party. She is currently the chief executive of the "Left-leaning" centre for American progress. Her nomination to the White House is said to be a part of Joe Biden's plan to build a team of liberal and centrist economic advisers. These advisers will be working alongside the treasury secretary nominee Janet Yellen. As head of the office of management, Neera Tanden would be responsible for preparing Joe Biden's budget submissions. She would command several hundred budget analysts - economists and policy advisers within the next US government. While accepting her nomination to the high-profile post, Tanden said: "After my parents were divorced when I was young, my mother relied on public food and housing programs to get by. Now, I’m being nominated to help ensure those programs are secure, and ensure families like mine can live with dignity. I am beyond honored." Besides Neera Tanden, another Indian-American is already part of Team Biden. Dr. Celine Gounder, an infectious disease specialist who traces her roots to a village in Tamil Nadu. She was named to the coronavirus task force set up by Biden earlier this month. Another Indian-American who co-chairs Joe Biden's COVID-19 task force is surgeon general Vivek Murthy. His family hails from Karnataka and he received his bachelor's degree from Harvard University. He served as a surgeon-general under the Obama administration as well but in 2017, he was asked to step down by the Trump administration. Murthy's inclusion in Biden's COVID-19 task force marks his return to mainstream policy-making.

Indian-Americans named in Biden's cabinet

Reiterating its stance yet again, India refused to extend support to China's mega connectivity project OBOR or One Belt One Road initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO. India was the only country in the 8 member grouping, which refused to support the project that has often been in news for its lack of transparency and whooping cost for the host country.

The joint communique after India hosted SCO Heads of Government meet said, "The Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, reaffirming their support for China’s "One Belt, One Road” (OBOR) Initiative (BRI)."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/factually-incorrect-and-unwarranted-india-hits-out-at-islamic-nations-for-pak-sponsored-references-to-kashmir-in-oic-resolutions-346358">‘Factually incorrect and unwarranted’: India hits out at Islamic Nations for Pak-sponsored references to Kashmir in OIC resolutions</a>

At previous SCO meets, India has stayed away from supporting OBOR. India had become a member of the Beijing headquartered grouping in 2017.&nbsp;

A key portion of One Belt One Road is the CPEC or China Pakistan economic corridor, which passes through PoK or Pakistani occupied Kashmir. New Delhi has several times protested against it with Beijing on OBOR being violative of territorial integrity and asked them to cease such activities.

New Delhi, at various forums, has also highlighted that connectivity projects should "follow principles of openness, transparency and financial responsibility".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-china-afford-to-be-so-aggressive-346554">WATCH|</a>

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OBOR has led to debt issues in many countries and has been associated with China's debt diplomacy, given its financial impact on many countries who have joined it. &nbsp;A European Commission report of March 2019 titled ‘EU-China- A Strategic Outlook’ has pointed out how Chinese investments in third countries have neglected socioeconomic and financial sustainability and may result in high-level indebtedness. In some cases, it may also lead to the transfer of control over strategic assets and resources.

Reiterating its stance yet again, India refused to extend support to China's mega connectivity project OBOR or One Belt One Road initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO.

Reiterating its stance yet again, India refused to extend support to China's mega connectivity project OBOR or One Belt One Road initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO. India was the only country in the 8 member grouping, which refused to support the project that has often been in news for its lack of transparency and whooping cost for the host country. The joint communique after India hosted SCO Heads of Government meet said, "The Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, reaffirming their support for China’s "One Belt, One Road” (OBOR) Initiative (BRI)." Also read | ‘Factually incorrect and unwarranted’: India hits out at Islamic Nations for Pak-sponsored references to Kashmir in OIC resolutions At previous SCO meets, India has stayed away from supporting OBOR. India had become a member of the Beijing headquartered grouping in 2017. A key portion of One Belt One Road is the CPEC or China Pakistan economic corridor, which passes through PoK or Pakistani occupied Kashmir. New Delhi has several times protested against it with Beijing on OBOR being violative of territorial integrity and asked them to cease such activities. New Delhi, at various forums, has also highlighted that connectivity projects should "follow principles of openness, transparency and financial responsibility". WATCH| × OBOR has led to debt issues in many countries and has been associated with China's debt diplomacy, given its financial impact on many countries who have joined it. A European Commission report of March 2019 titled ‘EU-China- A Strategic Outlook’ has pointed out how Chinese investments in third countries have neglected socioeconomic and financial sustainability and may result in high-level indebtedness. In some cases, it may also lead to the transfer of control over strategic assets and resources.

Reiterating stance, India refuses to support China's mega connectivity project at SCO

The Serum Institute of India has demanded Rs 100 crore as damages to its reputation in a defamation suit after a Chennai-based volunteer served a legal notice to the Serum Institute of India (SII) demanding Rs 5 crore compensation for the alleged neurological complications he developed after being administered a test dose of its Covidshield vaccine. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-astrazeneca-vaccine-causes-adverse-reaction-in-volunteer-inquiry-underway-346308">Also read: Vaccine causes adverse reaction in volunteer, inquiry underway</a>

Terming vaccine trial participant's claims as "malicious and misconceived in nature" the Pune-based pharma giant claimed that "there is absolutely no correlation with the vaccine trial and the medical condition of the volunteer". 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/sputnik-v-can-boost-efficacy-of-astrazeneca-vaccine-russian-research-centre-345769" hreflang="en">Sputnik V can boost efficacy of AstraZeneca vaccine: Russian research centre</a>

"The allegations in the notice are malicious and misconceived. While the Serum Institute of India is sympathetic with the volunteer`s medical condition, there is absolutely no correlation with the vaccine trial and the medical condition of the volunteer. The volunteer is falsely laying the blame for his medical problems on the Covid vaccine trial," the SII said. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/oxfordastrazeneca-coronavirus-vaccine-to-undergo-new-global-trials-345677" hreflang="en">Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine to undergo new global trials</a>

The SII stated that the medical team informed the volunteer that the complications were unrelated to the test dose administered to him.

"The claim is malicious because the volunteer was specifically informed by the medical team that the complications he suffered were independent of the vaccine trial he underwent. In spite of specifically being made aware of the same, he still chose to go public and malign the reputation of the company," it stated.

"It is evident that the intention behind the spreading of such malicious information is an oblique pecuniary motive. The Serum Institute of India will seek damages in excess of 100 crore for the same and will defend such malicious claims," the SII warned.

The 40-year-old volunteer, who works as a business consultant, had, in the legal notice, stated that he "must be compensated, in the least, for all the sufferings that he and his family have undergone and are likely to undergo in future".

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According to the notice, the participant has been diagnosed with acute neuro encephalopathy, which has allegedly been linked as a side-effect of the Covishield shots that he took on October 1.

Along with the SII, the notice was served to other avenues involved in the development and production of the Covid-19 vaccine candidate.

"Our client developed severe neurological health complications after he was given the test dose. We had sent a legal notice to the Serum Institute; Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR); AstraZeneca, UK; Drugs Controller General of India; Andrew Pollard, Chief Investigator, Oxford Vaccine Trial; The Jenner Institute Laboratories, University of Oxford; and the Vice-Chancellor of Sri Ramachandra Higher Education and Research," N.G.R. Prasad, an advocate of the volunteer, said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Serum Institute of India has demanded Rs 100 crore as damages to its reputation in a defamation suit after a Chennai-based volunteer served a legal notice to the Serum Institute of India (SII) demanding Rs 5 crore compensation for the alleged neurological complications he developed after being administered a test dose of its Covidshield vaccine.

The Serum Institute of India has demanded Rs 100 crore as damages to its reputation in a defamation suit after a Chennai-based volunteer served a legal notice to the Serum Institute of India (SII) demanding Rs 5 crore compensation for the alleged neurological complications he developed after being administered a test dose of its Covidshield vaccine. Also read: Vaccine causes adverse reaction in volunteer, inquiry underway Terming vaccine trial participant's claims as "malicious and misconceived in nature" the Pune-based pharma giant claimed that "there is absolutely no correlation with the vaccine trial and the medical condition of the volunteer". Also read: Sputnik V can boost efficacy of AstraZeneca vaccine: Russian research centre "The allegations in the notice are malicious and misconceived. While the Serum Institute of India is sympathetic with the volunteer`s medical condition, there is absolutely no correlation with the vaccine trial and the medical condition of the volunteer. The volunteer is falsely laying the blame for his medical problems on the Covid vaccine trial," the SII said. Also read: Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine to undergo new global trials The SII stated that the medical team informed the volunteer that the complications were unrelated to the test dose administered to him. "The claim is malicious because the volunteer was specifically informed by the medical team that the complications he suffered were independent of the vaccine trial he underwent. In spite of specifically being made aware of the same, he still chose to go public and malign the reputation of the company," it stated. "It is evident that the intention behind the spreading of such malicious information is an oblique pecuniary motive. The Serum Institute of India will seek damages in excess of 100 crore for the same and will defend such malicious claims," the SII warned. The 40-year-old volunteer, who works as a business consultant, had, in the legal notice, stated that he "must be compensated, in the least, for all the sufferings that he and his family have undergone and are likely to undergo in future". × According to the notice, the participant has been diagnosed with acute neuro encephalopathy, which has allegedly been linked as a side-effect of the Covishield shots that he took on October 1. Along with the SII, the notice was served to other avenues involved in the development and production of the Covid-19 vaccine candidate. "Our client developed severe neurological health complications after he was given the test dose. We had sent a legal notice to the Serum Institute; Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR); AstraZeneca, UK; Drugs Controller General of India; Andrew Pollard, Chief Investigator, Oxford Vaccine Trial; The Jenner Institute Laboratories, University of Oxford; and the Vice-Chancellor of Sri Ramachandra Higher Education and Research," N.G.R. Prasad, an advocate of the volunteer, said. (With inputs from agencies)

Serum Institute of India rejects charges by ‘Covishield’ volunteer, threatens to seek Rs 100 cr damages

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Phase 2/3 clinical trials for Sputnik V, the first registered Covid-19 vaccine from Russia commenced in India on Tuesday.

Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Dr Reddy`s Laboratories today said they have commenced adaptive Phase 2/3 clinical trials for the vaccine.Russia became the first country to register the world`s first Covid-19 vaccine on August 11.

Sputnik V was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry.The Sputnik V vaccine is based on a well-studied human adenoviral vector platform that had proven safe and effective with no long-term side effects in more than 250 clinical trials globally conducted during the past two decades (while the history of use of human adenoviruses in vaccine development started in 1953).

More than 100,000 people have received approved and registered drugs based on the human adenoviral vectors.Last month, Russia on Wednesday said that its vaccine Sputnik V is 92 per cent effective at protecting people from COVID-19 according to the first interim analysis.

"The Sputnik V vaccine efficacy amounted to 92 per cent (calculation based on the 20 confirmed Covid-19 cases split between vaccinated individuals and those who received the placebo)," the RDIF said in a statement read.

Sputnik V vaccine against Covid-19 will be tested in India on 100 volunteers, the Indian Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation`s Drug Controller General (DCGI) told Sputnik in October. DCGI has granted permission to pharmaceutical giant Dr Reddy`s Laboratories for conducting tests.&nbsp;

Phase 2/3 clinical trials for Sputnik V, the first registered Covid-19 vaccine from Russia commenced in India on Tuesday. Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Dr Reddy`s Laboratories today said they have commenced adaptive Phase 2/3 clinical trials for the vaccine.

Phase 2/3 clinical trials for Sputnik V, the first registered Covid-19 vaccine from Russia commenced in India on Tuesday. Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Dr Reddy`s Laboratories today said they have commenced adaptive Phase 2/3 clinical trials for the vaccine.Russia became the first country to register the world`s first Covid-19 vaccine on August 11. Sputnik V was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry.The Sputnik V vaccine is based on a well-studied human adenoviral vector platform that had proven safe and effective with no long-term side effects in more than 250 clinical trials globally conducted during the past two decades (while the history of use of human adenoviruses in vaccine development started in 1953). More than 100,000 people have received approved and registered drugs based on the human adenoviral vectors.Last month, Russia on Wednesday said that its vaccine Sputnik V is 92 per cent effective at protecting people from COVID-19 according to the first interim analysis. "The Sputnik V vaccine efficacy amounted to 92 per cent (calculation based on the 20 confirmed Covid-19 cases split between vaccinated individuals and those who received the placebo)," the RDIF said in a statement read. Sputnik V vaccine against Covid-19 will be tested in India on 100 volunteers, the Indian Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation`s Drug Controller General (DCGI) told Sputnik in October. DCGI has granted permission to pharmaceutical giant Dr Reddy`s Laboratories for conducting tests.

Clinical trials of Sputnik V vaccine begin in India

India may not need to vaccinate all of its 1.3 billion people if it manages to inoculate a critical mass and break the transmission of the coronavirus, senior government officials said on Tuesday. 
 
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who toured the facilities of three vaccine makers over the weekend, has emphasized the importance of a vaccine to rein in COVID-19. 
 
In October, he said that the government was preparing to reach every single citizen as soon as a vaccine was ready. 
 
World Health Organization experts have pointed to a 65%-70% vaccine coverage rate as sufficient to reach population immunity. 
 
"The government has never spoken about vaccinating the entire country," Rajesh Bhushan, the top bureaucrat in India`s federal health ministry, told a news conference on Tuesday without reference to Modi. 
 
India currently has the world`s second-highest number of coronavirus infections, behind only the United States, with 9.46 million cases and 137,621 deaths. 
 
India recorded 31,118 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, the lowest daily tally since Nov. 17, data from the health ministry showed. 
 
"...If we are able to vaccinate a critical mass of people, and break that virus transmission, then we may not have to vaccinate the entire population," Balram Bhargava, Director General of the state-run Indian Council Of Medical Research, said at the press briefing. 
 
India`s plan to roll out a COVID-19 shot in the first few months of 2021 wouldn`t be impacted by an alleged adverse reaction during AstraZeneca`s COVID-19 vaccine trial, Bhushan said. 
 
A 40-year-old Indian man said in a complaint over the weekend that he had suffered serious “neurological and psychological” symptoms after receiving the vaccine in a trial being run by the British drugmaker’s partner, Serum Institute of India. 
 
The incident is currently under investigation.

India may not need to vaccinate all of its 1.3 billion people if it manages to inoculate a critical mass and break the transmission of the coronavirus, senior government officials said on Tuesday.

India may not need to vaccinate all of its 1.3 billion people if it manages to inoculate a critical mass and break the transmission of the coronavirus, senior government officials said on Tuesday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who toured the facilities of three vaccine makers over the weekend, has emphasized the importance of a vaccine to rein in COVID-19. In October, he said that the government was preparing to reach every single citizen as soon as a vaccine was ready. World Health Organization experts have pointed to a 65%-70% vaccine coverage rate as sufficient to reach population immunity. "The government has never spoken about vaccinating the entire country," Rajesh Bhushan, the top bureaucrat in India`s federal health ministry, told a news conference on Tuesday without reference to Modi. India currently has the world`s second-highest number of coronavirus infections, behind only the United States, with 9.46 million cases and 137,621 deaths. India recorded 31,118 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, the lowest daily tally since Nov. 17, data from the health ministry showed. "...If we are able to vaccinate a critical mass of people, and break that virus transmission, then we may not have to vaccinate the entire population," Balram Bhargava, Director General of the state-run Indian Council Of Medical Research, said at the press briefing. India`s plan to roll out a COVID-19 shot in the first few months of 2021 wouldn`t be impacted by an alleged adverse reaction during AstraZeneca`s COVID-19 vaccine trial, Bhushan said. A 40-year-old Indian man said in a complaint over the weekend that he had suffered serious “neurological and psychological” symptoms after receiving the vaccine in a trial being run by the British drugmaker’s partner, Serum Institute of India. The incident is currently under investigation.

India says may not need to vaccinate entire population to control COVID-19

Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, on Tuesday denied allegations that a COVID-19 trial volunteer suffered serious side effects from a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-europe-before-the-end-of-2020-pfizer-biontech-files-for-eu-approval-of-coronavirus-vaccine-346707">vaccine</a> developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, saying that the vaccine is safe and immunogenic.

"We would want to assure everyone that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-predicts-availability-of-covid-19-vaccines-before-christmas-346646">vaccine</a> won't be released for mass use unless it is proven immunogenic, and safe," it said in a blog.

Last week, a volunteer in Chennai claimed to have suffered serious neurological and psychological symptoms after taking the experimental shot and has sued the company along with others and a sought compensation of Rs 5 crore.

"The incident with the Chennai volunteer though highly unfortunate was in no way induced by the vaccine and Serum Institute of India is sympathetic with the volunteer's medical condition," the Pune-based institute said.

Serum is conducting trials of AstraZeneca's vaccine in India as part of a manufacturing agreement. 
"Taking into consideration the complexities and existing misnomers about vaccination and immunisation; the legal notice was sent (to the volunteer) therefore to safeguard the reputation of the company which is being unfairly maligned," Serum said.

It said all the requisite regulatory and ethical processes and guidelines were followed diligently and strictly.

"The concerned authorities were informed and the principal investigator, DSMB and the Ethics Committee independently cleared and reckoned it as a non-related issue to the vaccine trial. 
"Post which, we submitted all the reports and data related to the incident to the DCGI (Drugs Controller General of India). It is only after we cleared all the required processes that we continued with the trials," it added.

In response to claims made by the volunteer, Serum had on Sunday stated that the allegations were "malicious and misconceived".

Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, on Tuesday denied allegations that a COVID-19 trial volunteer suffered serious side effects from a vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, saying that the vaccine is safe and immunogenic.

Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, on Tuesday denied allegations that a COVID-19 trial volunteer suffered serious side effects from a vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, saying that the vaccine is safe and immunogenic. "We would want to assure everyone that the vaccine won't be released for mass use unless it is proven immunogenic, and safe," it said in a blog. Last week, a volunteer in Chennai claimed to have suffered serious neurological and psychological symptoms after taking the experimental shot and has sued the company along with others and a sought compensation of Rs 5 crore. "The incident with the Chennai volunteer though highly unfortunate was in no way induced by the vaccine and Serum Institute of India is sympathetic with the volunteer's medical condition," the Pune-based institute said. Serum is conducting trials of AstraZeneca's vaccine in India as part of a manufacturing agreement. "Taking into consideration the complexities and existing misnomers about vaccination and immunisation; the legal notice was sent (to the volunteer) therefore to safeguard the reputation of the company which is being unfairly maligned," Serum said. It said all the requisite regulatory and ethical processes and guidelines were followed diligently and strictly. "The concerned authorities were informed and the principal investigator, DSMB and the Ethics Committee independently cleared and reckoned it as a non-related issue to the vaccine trial. "Post which, we submitted all the reports and data related to the incident to the DCGI (Drugs Controller General of India). It is only after we cleared all the required processes that we continued with the trials," it added. In response to claims made by the volunteer, Serum had on Sunday stated that the allegations were "malicious and misconceived".

AstraZeneca vaccine safe and immunogenic: Serum Institute of India

India is considering a plan to build a 10 gigawatts (GW) hydropower project in a remote eastern state, an Indian official said on Tuesday, following reports that China could construct dams on a section of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-monsoon-season-china-begins-sharing-hydrological-data-for-brahmaputra-with-india-220218">Brahmaputra</a> river.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-prepares-to-build-dam-on-brahmaputra-river-in-tibet-india-raises-concern-346417">Also Read:&nbsp;China prepares to build dam on Brahmaputra river in Tibet; India raises concern</a>

The river, also known as the Yarlung Tsangbo in China, flows from Tibet into India's Arunachal Pradesh state and down through Assam to Bangladesh. Indian authorities are concerned Chinese projects could trigger flash floods or create water scarcity.

"The need of the hour is to have a big dam in Arunachal Pradesh to mitigate the adverse impact of the Chinese dam projects," T.S. Mehra, a senior official in India's federal water ministry, told Reuters.

"Our proposal is under consideration at the highest level in the government," Mehra said, adding the Indian plan would create a large water storage capacity to offset the impact of Chinese dams on flows.

Diplomatic relations between India and China are at a nadir, with troops locked in a border face-off in the western Himalayas for months.

Some analysts warned that damming the Brahmaputra could potentially develop into another flashpoint, as Beijing's dam building activities moved closer to the Indian border.

"India is facing China's terrestrial aggression in the Himalayas, maritime encroachments on its backyard and, as the latest news is a reminder, even water wars," Brahma Chellaney, a specialist on India-China ties, said in a tweet.

On Monday, Chinese state media reported the country could build up to 60 GW of hydropower capacity on a section of the Brahmaputra, citing a senior executive.

Yan Zhiyong, chairman of state-owned Power Construction Corporation of China, speaking at an industry conference, said plans to dam the river were a "historic opportunity".

"Formally, we are telling them (the Chinese) that any project you undertake, should not cause an adverse impact on India. They have given an assurance, but we don't know how long their assurance will last," Mehra said.

Hydro projects on Asia's great rivers have been a growing source of regional tensions in recent years. In Southeast Asia, China has faced accusations a series of dams it has built on the Mekong have worsened drought in downstream countries, which Beijing denies.

India would be concerned if the Chinese built a dam around a so-called "great bend", where the Yarlung curves southward before entering India and where the river gains substantial volume of water, said Sayanangshu Modak, a researcher at the New-Delhi based Observer Research Foundation think-tank.

This region, however, is also geologically unstable, making potential dam construction challenging, he said.

In Bangladesh, Sheikh Rokon, secretary general of environment campaigners Riverine People, said multilateral discussion should be held before China builds any dams.

"China's downstream neighbours have a legitimate cause for concern. Water flow will be disrupted," he said.

India is considering a plan to build a 10 gigawatts (GW) hydropower project in a remote eastern state, an Indian official said on Tuesday, following reports that China could construct dams on a section of the Brahmaputra river.

India is considering a plan to build a 10 gigawatts (GW) hydropower project in a remote eastern state, an Indian official said on Tuesday, following reports that China could construct dams on a section of the Brahmaputra river. Also Read: China prepares to build dam on Brahmaputra river in Tibet; India raises concern The river, also known as the Yarlung Tsangbo in China, flows from Tibet into India's Arunachal Pradesh state and down through Assam to Bangladesh. Indian authorities are concerned Chinese projects could trigger flash floods or create water scarcity. "The need of the hour is to have a big dam in Arunachal Pradesh to mitigate the adverse impact of the Chinese dam projects," T.S. Mehra, a senior official in India's federal water ministry, told Reuters. "Our proposal is under consideration at the highest level in the government," Mehra said, adding the Indian plan would create a large water storage capacity to offset the impact of Chinese dams on flows. Diplomatic relations between India and China are at a nadir, with troops locked in a border face-off in the western Himalayas for months. Some analysts warned that damming the Brahmaputra could potentially develop into another flashpoint, as Beijing's dam building activities moved closer to the Indian border. "India is facing China's terrestrial aggression in the Himalayas, maritime encroachments on its backyard and, as the latest news is a reminder, even water wars," Brahma Chellaney, a specialist on India-China ties, said in a tweet. On Monday, Chinese state media reported the country could build up to 60 GW of hydropower capacity on a section of the Brahmaputra, citing a senior executive. Yan Zhiyong, chairman of state-owned Power Construction Corporation of China, speaking at an industry conference, said plans to dam the river were a "historic opportunity". "Formally, we are telling them (the Chinese) that any project you undertake, should not cause an adverse impact on India. They have given an assurance, but we don't know how long their assurance will last," Mehra said. Hydro projects on Asia's great rivers have been a growing source of regional tensions in recent years. In Southeast Asia, China has faced accusations a series of dams it has built on the Mekong have worsened drought in downstream countries, which Beijing denies. India would be concerned if the Chinese built a dam around a so-called "great bend", where the Yarlung curves southward before entering India and where the river gains substantial volume of water, said Sayanangshu Modak, a researcher at the New-Delhi based Observer Research Foundation think-tank. This region, however, is also geologically unstable, making potential dam construction challenging, he said. In Bangladesh, Sheikh Rokon, secretary general of environment campaigners Riverine People, said multilateral discussion should be held before China builds any dams. "China's downstream neighbours have a legitimate cause for concern. Water flow will be disrupted," he said.

India plans dam on Brahmaputra to offset Chinese construction upstream

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday asked the counsel for the Delhi government to take instructions on a plea seeking directions to follow stringent measures for the safe disposal of swabs used for Rapid Antigen Testing of COVID-19. 
 
A division bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan, after going through the petition and submissions, asked the counsel of the Delhi government to take the instructions and apprise the court about the same and listed the matter for December 3.

The public interest litigation, filed by advocate Pankaj Mehta, sought directions to form specific guidelines on the waste disposal in the testing of the novel coronavirus, and to carry out safety audits at COVID-19 testing centers across the national capital.

The PIL alleged that the used swabs were being thrown out in public and tests were being carried out over a pile of used swabs for COVID-19 testing at the office of the District Magistrate, South East Delhi in Lajpat Nagar.

"Upon complaining about the risk of widespread infection and the irregularity behind the disposal of the swabs in this manner, the concerned doctor at the counter said the swabs are of negative patients and thus it is safe to stand over them and get tested," the plea said.

The plea mentioned that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has via a Clinical Management Protocol Notification dated July 3, 2020, laid emphasis on safe waste management and cleaning of the environment across all the areas of healthcare facilities.

However, the enforcement of the same has been completely ignored by the respondents as evident by the actions of the medical staff at the office of the District Magistrate, southeast Delhi in Lajpat Nagar, and by medical staff across the country, the plea said.

Such negligence on the parts of the respondents amounts to the violation of the fundamental right to life as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India and as such, demands the intervention of the court, it added.

The plea said the Supreme Court, in a catena of judgments in recent months, had held that appropriate measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 should be put in place.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday asked the counsel for the Delhi government to take instructions on a plea seeking directions to follow stringent measures for the safe disposal of swabs used for Rapid Antigen Testing of COVID-19.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday asked the counsel for the Delhi government to take instructions on a plea seeking directions to follow stringent measures for the safe disposal of swabs used for Rapid Antigen Testing of COVID-19. A division bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan, after going through the petition and submissions, asked the counsel of the Delhi government to take the instructions and apprise the court about the same and listed the matter for December 3. The public interest litigation, filed by advocate Pankaj Mehta, sought directions to form specific guidelines on the waste disposal in the testing of the novel coronavirus, and to carry out safety audits at COVID-19 testing centers across the national capital. The PIL alleged that the used swabs were being thrown out in public and tests were being carried out over a pile of used swabs for COVID-19 testing at the office of the District Magistrate, South East Delhi in Lajpat Nagar. "Upon complaining about the risk of widespread infection and the irregularity behind the disposal of the swabs in this manner, the concerned doctor at the counter said the swabs are of negative patients and thus it is safe to stand over them and get tested," the plea said. The plea mentioned that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has via a Clinical Management Protocol Notification dated July 3, 2020, laid emphasis on safe waste management and cleaning of the environment across all the areas of healthcare facilities. However, the enforcement of the same has been completely ignored by the respondents as evident by the actions of the medical staff at the office of the District Magistrate, southeast Delhi in Lajpat Nagar, and by medical staff across the country, the plea said. Such negligence on the parts of the respondents amounts to the violation of the fundamental right to life as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India and as such, demands the intervention of the court, it added. The plea said the Supreme Court, in a catena of judgments in recent months, had held that appropriate measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 should be put in place.

HC seeks Delhi government's stand on safe disposal of swabs used for COVID-19 tests

Uttarakhand's forest department has built a&nbsp;one-of-its-kind bridge across the two-lane Kaladhungi-Nainital highway called 'Eco Bridge'&nbsp;&nbsp;to help reptiles cross roads.

The&nbsp;Eco Bridge is a&nbsp;90-foot-long structure of bamboo, jute, and grass was built&nbsp;over a period of 10 days. The cost of the bridge is Rs 2 lakh. 
&nbsp;

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aee8f68a-e142-41db-8a2f-f1e684bff4d1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_115747849_bridge2%20%281%29_0.jpg" />

In picture:&nbsp;Eco Bridge&nbsp;

The highway is the main route to Nainital and is used by a large number of vehicles, especially in the tourist season. 
 
The adjoining jungle is home to lizards, snakes, including pythons, rodent squirrels, and monkeys, and the reptiles frequently get crushed under the passing vehicles. 
 
The 5-foot-wide, 40-foot-high bridge can take the weight of three adult humans, and forest officials said they hope it would be used by even leopards. 
 
Ramnagar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Chandra Shekhar Joshi said that the bridge, which will be monitored by four camera traps, will be studied as a model by the Forest Department. 
 
Joshi said that the bridge has been made at a point where the road arcs in a wide `U`, and vehicles going downhill often travel at high speed. It is expected that by reducing the need for sudden braking in front of a crossing animal, the road will be safer for human beings too. 
 
"This is a dense forest, and elephants, leopards, deer, and blue bulls move in this area. Drivers can see them from some distance and slow down or stop, but they rarely do so for snakes, lizards, monitors, or squirrels," said a forest official. 
 
He said that in order to attract reptiles and other small animals to the bridge, creepers will be grown it and it will be layered with grass and leaves. 
 
The DFO said that boards were being put up to create awareness of the need to protect reptiles. Forest staff would patrol the area to ensure tourists do not try to use the bridge for selfies, he added.

Uttarakhand's forest department has built a one-of-its-kind bridge across the two-lane Kaladhungi-Nainital highway called 'Eco Bridge' to help reptiles cross roads.

Uttarakhand's forest department has built a one-of-its-kind bridge across the two-lane Kaladhungi-Nainital highway called 'Eco Bridge' to help reptiles cross roads. The Eco Bridge is a 90-foot-long structure of bamboo, jute, and grass was built over a period of 10 days. The cost of the bridge is Rs 2 lakh. In picture: Eco Bridge The highway is the main route to Nainital and is used by a large number of vehicles, especially in the tourist season. The adjoining jungle is home to lizards, snakes, including pythons, rodent squirrels, and monkeys, and the reptiles frequently get crushed under the passing vehicles. The 5-foot-wide, 40-foot-high bridge can take the weight of three adult humans, and forest officials said they hope it would be used by even leopards. Ramnagar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Chandra Shekhar Joshi said that the bridge, which will be monitored by four camera traps, will be studied as a model by the Forest Department. Joshi said that the bridge has been made at a point where the road arcs in a wide `U`, and vehicles going downhill often travel at high speed. It is expected that by reducing the need for sudden braking in front of a crossing animal, the road will be safer for human beings too. "This is a dense forest, and elephants, leopards, deer, and blue bulls move in this area. Drivers can see them from some distance and slow down or stop, but they rarely do so for snakes, lizards, monitors, or squirrels," said a forest official. He said that in order to attract reptiles and other small animals to the bridge, creepers will be grown it and it will be layered with grass and leaves. The DFO said that boards were being put up to create awareness of the need to protect reptiles. Forest staff would patrol the area to ensure tourists do not try to use the bridge for selfies, he added.

Eco Bridge: Uttarakhand builds bridge to help reptiles cross road

India has strongly reacted to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's remarks on ongoing farmer protests, calling it "ill-informed".

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "Such comments are unwarranted, especially when pertaining to the internal affairs of a democratic country. It is also best that diplomatic conversations are not misrepresented for political purposes."

Speaking at the Gurpurab event, the Canadian PM said he is "concerned" about the protest and has raised the matter with Indian authorities.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-says-farmers-being-misled-calls-new-laws-historic-agriculture-reform-346468" hreflang="en">PM Modi says farmers being 'misled', calls new laws 'historic agriculture reform'</a>

"The news coming out of India, about the protest by farmers, the situation is concerning. We are all worried about families and friends..," the PM said.

"Let me remind you, Canada will always be there to defend the right of peaceful protests, we believe in the importance of dialogue, that is why we have reached out through multiple means, directly to Indian authorities, to highlight concerns," he added.

While some MP from the UK has also spoken about it, Justin Trudeau is the first world leader to make such public remarks about the ongoing protests by farmers, drawing criticism. Canada has a huge Indian diaspora, substantially from the northern Indian state of Punjab.

India has strongly reacted to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's remarks on ongoing farmer protests, calling it "ill-informed". Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "Such comments are unwarranted, especially when pertaining to the internal affairs of a democratic country.

India has strongly reacted to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's remarks on ongoing farmer protests, calling it "ill-informed". Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "Such comments are unwarranted, especially when pertaining to the internal affairs of a democratic country. It is also best that diplomatic conversations are not misrepresented for political purposes." Speaking at the Gurpurab event, the Canadian PM said he is "concerned" about the protest and has raised the matter with Indian authorities. Also read| PM Modi says farmers being 'misled', calls new laws 'historic agriculture reform' "The news coming out of India, about the protest by farmers, the situation is concerning. We are all worried about families and friends..," the PM said. "Let me remind you, Canada will always be there to defend the right of peaceful protests, we believe in the importance of dialogue, that is why we have reached out through multiple means, directly to Indian authorities, to highlight concerns," he added. While some MP from the UK has also spoken about it, Justin Trudeau is the first world leader to make such public remarks about the ongoing protests by farmers, drawing criticism. Canada has a huge Indian diaspora, substantially from the northern Indian state of Punjab.

India slams Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's 'Ill-informed' comments on farmer protests

The US government has told a federal court that Tahawwur Rana, who has been declared a fugitive by India, not only wanted a "top-class" medal for his role in the Mumbai terror attacks but also demanded the nine LeT attackers who were killed in the carnage be given Pakistan's highest military honour.

The 59-year-old Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Rana, a childhood friend of David Coleman Headley, was re-arrested on June 10 in Los Angeles on an extradition request by India for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people, including six Americans, were killed.

US District Court Judge in Los Angeles Jacqueline Chelonian said in her order on November 13 that the extradition hearing, in this case, is scheduled for February 12, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

US attorney Nicola T Hanna in his submission before the court in Los Angeles in support of Rana's extradition to India said that Rana, Headley, LeT members, and the other co-conspirators'' plans came to fruition between November 26 and 29, 2008, when ten members of LeT carried out a series of twelve coordinated shooting and bombing attacks.

Indian law enforcement apprehended one of the terrorists, who ultimately stood trial, Hanna said.

Headley discussed the Mumbai attacks with Rana in the months following the attacks, he said.

In December 2008, Headley shared what he had learned from their co-conspirators in Pakistan and told Rana about the different places that had been attacked, reminding him that Headley had made videos of those places.

"Referring to a 1971 attack on his school in Pakistan, Headley told Rana, that he believed he was ''even with the Indians now''. In response, Rana said that they (the Indian people) deserved it. Also, in September 2009, the FBI intercepted Rana telling Headley that the nine LeT attackers who had been killed during the attacks should be given Pakistan's highest military honour," Hanna said in his court papers.

''Rana also asked Headley to tell another co-conspirator in Pakistan - a member of LeT and one of the planners of the Mumbai attacks - that Rana thought that he should get a medal ''for top class''. When Rana learned that Headley already had conveyed this compliment to their co-conspirator, he was pleased," he wrote.

The Mumbai bombings, however, did not end the conspiracy between Rana, Headley, LeT members, and the other co-conspirators. In particular, in 2009, Headley conducted surveillance activities for an intended, but ultimately foiled, terrorist plot in Denmark, again using Rana''s business as a cover, Hanna said.

Headley also conducted surveillance for potential future terrorist attacks in other parts of India. As he did with his surveillance in Mumbai, Headley kept Rana apprised of these surveillance activities. Starting 2009, Rana communicated directly with some of Headley''s contacts in Pakistan, he alleged.

Headley was arrested on October 3, 2009, in Chicago. Six months later, Headley pleaded guilty to 12 charges relating to his activities on behalf of LeT and agreed to cooperate with the United States. The Illinois Court ultimately sentenced Headley to a 35-year term of imprisonment.

Hanna told the court that Rana let Headley use his business as a cover to travel to India and conduct surveillance.

Headley informed his co-conspirators in Pakistan including LeT members that Rana had agreed to use the Immigration Law Center as a cover for his activities. He also showed them the visa that he obtained with Rana's assistance, the US attorney said.

In September 2006, Headley travelled to India, using the opening and operation of Rana''s immigration business as a cover for his travel and an extended stay in Mumbai, the US attorney said. While in India, Headley conducted extensive video surveillance of various locations, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

Headley later travelled to Pakistan and met with LeT members and others, provided them with the video recordings he had made, and discussed the video and surveillance he had conducted in India. At the directions of co-conspirators in Pakistan, Headley returned to Mumbai in February 2007 and conducted more surveillance of various locations, he said.

The US government has told a federal court that Tahawwur Rana, who has been declared a fugitive by India, not only wanted a "top-class" medal for his role in the Mumbai terror attacks but also demanded the nine LeT attackers who were killed in the carnage be given Pakistan's highest military honour.

The US government has told a federal court that Tahawwur Rana, who has been declared a fugitive by India, not only wanted a "top-class" medal for his role in the Mumbai terror attacks but also demanded the nine LeT attackers who were killed in the carnage be given Pakistan's highest military honour. The 59-year-old Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Rana, a childhood friend of David Coleman Headley, was re-arrested on June 10 in Los Angeles on an extradition request by India for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people, including six Americans, were killed. US District Court Judge in Los Angeles Jacqueline Chelonian said in her order on November 13 that the extradition hearing, in this case, is scheduled for February 12, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. US attorney Nicola T Hanna in his submission before the court in Los Angeles in support of Rana's extradition to India said that Rana, Headley, LeT members, and the other co-conspirators'' plans came to fruition between November 26 and 29, 2008, when ten members of LeT carried out a series of twelve coordinated shooting and bombing attacks. Indian law enforcement apprehended one of the terrorists, who ultimately stood trial, Hanna said. Headley discussed the Mumbai attacks with Rana in the months following the attacks, he said. In December 2008, Headley shared what he had learned from their co-conspirators in Pakistan and told Rana about the different places that had been attacked, reminding him that Headley had made videos of those places. "Referring to a 1971 attack on his school in Pakistan, Headley told Rana, that he believed he was ''even with the Indians now''. In response, Rana said that they (the Indian people) deserved it. Also, in September 2009, the FBI intercepted Rana telling Headley that the nine LeT attackers who had been killed during the attacks should be given Pakistan's highest military honour," Hanna said in his court papers. ''Rana also asked Headley to tell another co-conspirator in Pakistan - a member of LeT and one of the planners of the Mumbai attacks - that Rana thought that he should get a medal ''for top class''. When Rana learned that Headley already had conveyed this compliment to their co-conspirator, he was pleased," he wrote. The Mumbai bombings, however, did not end the conspiracy between Rana, Headley, LeT members, and the other co-conspirators. In particular, in 2009, Headley conducted surveillance activities for an intended, but ultimately foiled, terrorist plot in Denmark, again using Rana''s business as a cover, Hanna said. Headley also conducted surveillance for potential future terrorist attacks in other parts of India. As he did with his surveillance in Mumbai, Headley kept Rana apprised of these surveillance activities. Starting 2009, Rana communicated directly with some of Headley''s contacts in Pakistan, he alleged. Headley was arrested on October 3, 2009, in Chicago. Six months later, Headley pleaded guilty to 12 charges relating to his activities on behalf of LeT and agreed to cooperate with the United States. The Illinois Court ultimately sentenced Headley to a 35-year term of imprisonment. Hanna told the court that Rana let Headley use his business as a cover to travel to India and conduct surveillance. Headley informed his co-conspirators in Pakistan including LeT members that Rana had agreed to use the Immigration Law Center as a cover for his activities. He also showed them the visa that he obtained with Rana's assistance, the US attorney said. In September 2006, Headley travelled to India, using the opening and operation of Rana''s immigration business as a cover for his travel and an extended stay in Mumbai, the US attorney said. While in India, Headley conducted extensive video surveillance of various locations, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Headley later travelled to Pakistan and met with LeT members and others, provided them with the video recordings he had made, and discussed the video and surveillance he had conducted in India. At the directions of co-conspirators in Pakistan, Headley returned to Mumbai in February 2007 and conducted more surveillance of various locations, he said.

'Pakistan's military honour for terror attack': Tahawwur Rana wanted a medal for 26/11

The test was conducted as part of the trials being conducted by the Indian Navy. A land-attack version supersonic cruise missile was also successfully test-fired earlier this week.

India on Tuesday successfully test-fired the anti-ship version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands territory.&nbsp;

The test was the part of the trials conducted by the Indian Navy.

The test comes on the backdrop of a series of missile launches in the recent past. A test was also undertaken on November 25 by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The fastest cruise missile in its class, BrahMos has a speed of 2.8 Mach or almost three times the speed of sound.

“The test was conducted by the Indian Army which has many regiments of the Defence Research and Development Organisation-developed Missile system. The strike range of BrahMos missile has now been enhanced to over 400 km,” sources said.

The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is the world’s fastest operational system in its class. The DRDO recently extended the range of the missile system from the existing 298 km to around 450 km.

(With inputs from agencies)

The test was conducted as part of the trials being conducted by the Indian Navy. A land-attack version supersonic cruise missile was also successfully test-fired earlier this week.

The test was conducted as part of the trials being conducted by the Indian Navy. A land-attack version supersonic cruise missile was also successfully test-fired earlier this week. India on Tuesday successfully test-fired the anti-ship version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands territory. The test was the part of the trials conducted by the Indian Navy. The test comes on the backdrop of a series of missile launches in the recent past. A test was also undertaken on November 25 by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The fastest cruise missile in its class, BrahMos has a speed of 2.8 Mach or almost three times the speed of sound. “The test was conducted by the Indian Army which has many regiments of the Defence Research and Development Organisation-developed Missile system. The strike range of BrahMos missile has now been enhanced to over 400 km,” sources said. The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is the world’s fastest operational system in its class. The DRDO recently extended the range of the missile system from the existing 298 km to around 450 km. (With inputs from agencies)

India test fires anti-ship version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile

India on Sunday rejected the criticism of its Jammu & Kashmir policy by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The Ministry of External Affairs hinted at Pakistan and said that OIC is being used by that country for its campaign against India.

India rejects 'unwarranted' claims to Jammu & Kashmir in OIC resolutions

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