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For the second day in a row, the daily infections reported in the national capital were under 5,000 with 4,906 cases on Sunday while 6,325 patients recovered from the deadly disease. 
 
The number of deaths reported were 68, the lowest since November 5 which saw 66 fatalities. 
 
Delhi`s tally has risen to 5,66,648 and the toll has mounted to 9,066. As many as 131 Covid-related deaths were recorded on November 18, the highest till date. 
 
Delhi recorded 4,454 cases on Monday, 6,224 on Tuesday, 5,246 on Wednesday, 5,475 on Thursday, 5,482 on Friday and 4,998 on Saturday. 
 
The city had recorded its highest single-day spike of 8,593 cases on November 11. 
 
Meanwhile, the Covid-19 positivity rate in Delhi dropped to 7.64 on Sunday, the second-lowest this month so far. A day earlier, it stood at 7.24 per cent. The lowest positivity rate amid the third surge of the infection was recorded on October 23. 
 
On October 23, Delhi recorded a positivity rate of 6.98 per cent. It was 8.51 per cent on Friday, 8.65 per cent on Thursday and 8.49 per cent on Wednesday. 
 
A total of 64,186 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours, including 29,839 RT-PCR and 34,347 Rapid Antigen Test, according to a bulletin by the Delhi Health Department. 
 
The capital city had reported conducting 69,051 tests, the highest till date, on Saturday. 
 
The number of Covid containment zones in Delhi rose to 5,441 on Sunday from 5,331 on Saturday. 
 
Currently, 8,243 out of 18,661 Covid beds are occupied in hospitals, 465 out of 7,942 beds in the dedicated Covid Care Centres and 140 out of 562 beds in the dedicated Covid Health Centres. Over 21,337 people are in home isolation.

For the second day in a row, the daily infections reported in the national capital were under 5,000 with 4,906 cases on Sunday while 6,325 patients recovered from the deadly disease.

For the second day in a row, the daily infections reported in the national capital were under 5,000 with 4,906 cases on Sunday while 6,325 patients recovered from the deadly disease. The number of deaths reported were 68, the lowest since November 5 which saw 66 fatalities. Delhi`s tally has risen to 5,66,648 and the toll has mounted to 9,066. As many as 131 Covid-related deaths were recorded on November 18, the highest till date. Delhi recorded 4,454 cases on Monday, 6,224 on Tuesday, 5,246 on Wednesday, 5,475 on Thursday, 5,482 on Friday and 4,998 on Saturday. The city had recorded its highest single-day spike of 8,593 cases on November 11. Meanwhile, the Covid-19 positivity rate in Delhi dropped to 7.64 on Sunday, the second-lowest this month so far. A day earlier, it stood at 7.24 per cent. The lowest positivity rate amid the third surge of the infection was recorded on October 23. On October 23, Delhi recorded a positivity rate of 6.98 per cent. It was 8.51 per cent on Friday, 8.65 per cent on Thursday and 8.49 per cent on Wednesday. A total of 64,186 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours, including 29,839 RT-PCR and 34,347 Rapid Antigen Test, according to a bulletin by the Delhi Health Department. The capital city had reported conducting 69,051 tests, the highest till date, on Saturday. The number of Covid containment zones in Delhi rose to 5,441 on Sunday from 5,331 on Saturday. Currently, 8,243 out of 18,661 Covid beds are occupied in hospitals, 465 out of 7,942 beds in the dedicated Covid Care Centres and 140 out of 562 beds in the dedicated Covid Health Centres. Over 21,337 people are in home isolation.

At 68, Delhi reports lowest coronavirus toll after November 5

After his visit to three vaccine development centres, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on Monday scheduled to speak to three other teams involved in developing a Covid-19 vaccine. 
 
The PMO, in a tweet, said: "Tomorrow, on 30th November 2020, PM Narendra Modi will interact, via video conferencing, with three teams that are involved in developing a COVID-19 vaccine. The teams he will interact with are from Gennova Biopharma, Biological E and Dr Reddy`s." 
 
The first two are proceeding with developing their own vaccines, while Dr Reddy`s has tied up with Russia to conduct trials of its Sputnik vaccine. 
 
The Prime Minister had visited three cities on Saturday to conduct an extensive review of the vaccine development and manufacturing process, going to the Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad, the Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad and the Serum Institute of India in Pune. 
 
Expressing pride in the fact that India`s indigenous vaccine development has progressed at such a rapid pace so far, he had stressed that India considers vaccines as not only vital to good health but also as a global good, and it is India`s duty to assist other countries, including the nations in the neighbourhood, in the collective fight against the virus. 
 
Modi asked the scientists to express their free and frank opinion on how the country could further improve its regulatory process. The scientists also presented an overview of how they are also developing various new and repurposed drugs to better fight Covid-19. 
 
After visiting Pune, the Prime Minister had tweeted, "Had a good interaction with the team at Serum Institute of India. They shared details about their progress so far on how they plan to further ramp up vaccine manufacturing. Also took a look at their manufacturing facility." 
 
The Covidshield vaccine is being developed jointly by the Oxford University, AstraZeneca and the SII, which is the world`s largest vaccine manufacturer. 
 
Currently, the SII is producing around 50-60 million doses which would be scaled up to to 100 million by January 2021, SII CEO Adar Poonawalla told the media.

After his visit to three vaccine development centres, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on Monday scheduled to speak to three other teams involved in developing a Covid-19 vaccine.

After his visit to three vaccine development centres, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on Monday scheduled to speak to three other teams involved in developing a Covid-19 vaccine. The PMO, in a tweet, said: "Tomorrow, on 30th November 2020, PM Narendra Modi will interact, via video conferencing, with three teams that are involved in developing a COVID-19 vaccine. The teams he will interact with are from Gennova Biopharma, Biological E and Dr Reddy`s." The first two are proceeding with developing their own vaccines, while Dr Reddy`s has tied up with Russia to conduct trials of its Sputnik vaccine. The Prime Minister had visited three cities on Saturday to conduct an extensive review of the vaccine development and manufacturing process, going to the Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad, the Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad and the Serum Institute of India in Pune. Expressing pride in the fact that India`s indigenous vaccine development has progressed at such a rapid pace so far, he had stressed that India considers vaccines as not only vital to good health but also as a global good, and it is India`s duty to assist other countries, including the nations in the neighbourhood, in the collective fight against the virus. Modi asked the scientists to express their free and frank opinion on how the country could further improve its regulatory process. The scientists also presented an overview of how they are also developing various new and repurposed drugs to better fight Covid-19. After visiting Pune, the Prime Minister had tweeted, "Had a good interaction with the team at Serum Institute of India. They shared details about their progress so far on how they plan to further ramp up vaccine manufacturing. Also took a look at their manufacturing facility." The Covidshield vaccine is being developed jointly by the Oxford University, AstraZeneca and the SII, which is the world`s largest vaccine manufacturer. Currently, the SII is producing around 50-60 million doses which would be scaled up to to 100 million by January 2021, SII CEO Adar Poonawalla told the media.

PM Modi to interact with more teams of Covid-19 vaccine developers

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked a pretty comprehensive tri city tour of the COVID facilities in the country that are involved in the manufacturing & development of the COVID-19 vaccine.

PM Modi visits India's top 3 vaccine hubs

The air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category across Faridabad, Gurgaon, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad on Sunday, data from a government agency showed.

The presence of pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 also remained high in the five immediate neighbours of Delhi, according to the air quality index (AQI) maintained by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

According to the index, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

The average 24-hour AQI at 4 pm on Sunday was 236 in Faridabad, 242 in Gurgaon, 268 in Noida, 273 in Greater Noida and 300 in Ghaziabad, according to the CPCB's Sameer app.

On Saturday, it was 171 in Faridabad, 204 in Gurgaon, 233 in Noida, 226 in Greater Noida and 240 in Ghaziabad. 
The CPCB states that an AQI in the "poor" category may cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure.

The AQI for each city is based on the average value of all stations there. Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad have four stations each, while Gurgaon has three and Greater Noida two, according to the app

The air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category across Faridabad, Gurgaon, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad on Sunday, data from a government agency showed.

The air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category across Faridabad, Gurgaon, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad on Sunday, data from a government agency showed. The presence of pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 also remained high in the five immediate neighbours of Delhi, according to the air quality index (AQI) maintained by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). According to the index, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. The average 24-hour AQI at 4 pm on Sunday was 236 in Faridabad, 242 in Gurgaon, 268 in Noida, 273 in Greater Noida and 300 in Ghaziabad, according to the CPCB's Sameer app. On Saturday, it was 171 in Faridabad, 204 in Gurgaon, 233 in Noida, 226 in Greater Noida and 240 in Ghaziabad. The CPCB states that an AQI in the "poor" category may cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure. The AQI for each city is based on the average value of all stations there. Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad have four stations each, while Gurgaon has three and Greater Noida two, according to the app

Air quality remains 'poor' in National Capital Region

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has directed the public to be vigilant as the impact of the low-pressure area formed in the Bay of Bengal may cause extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds in parts of Kerala.

"Going to sea from the coast of Kerala will be completely banned from midnight on November 30 as the sea is likely to be very rough from December 1. Those who are currently out fishing should reach the nearest safe shore by midnight on November 30th. These warnings should be strictly followed as there is a slight risk of low pressure turning into a hurricane," said Kerala Chief Minister.

He said according to weather forecast heavy rains and strong winds are likely in southern Kerala as the impact of low pressure is expected in Kerala as well.

"Currently, extreme caution is required in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts as per the weather models. However, from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam, caution is advised and further warnings should be followed," he added.

Chief Minister said that Revenue and Local Government Departments have been directed to prepare for starting relief camps by December 2 in case of strong winds.

"Those who live in unoccupied houses and those whose houses do not have strong roofs should be prepared to relocate for safety in the light of warnings of the coming days," he added.

The State Disaster Management Authority and the Indian Meteorological Department are closely monitoring the development and trajectory of the low-pressure area.As per the weather forecast, Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts will receive very heavy rain on December 1.

On December 2, very heavy rainfall is predicted for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has directed the public to be vigilant as the impact of the low-pressure area formed in the Bay of Bengal may cause extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds in parts of Kerala.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has directed the public to be vigilant as the impact of the low-pressure area formed in the Bay of Bengal may cause extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds in parts of Kerala. "Going to sea from the coast of Kerala will be completely banned from midnight on November 30 as the sea is likely to be very rough from December 1. Those who are currently out fishing should reach the nearest safe shore by midnight on November 30th. These warnings should be strictly followed as there is a slight risk of low pressure turning into a hurricane," said Kerala Chief Minister. He said according to weather forecast heavy rains and strong winds are likely in southern Kerala as the impact of low pressure is expected in Kerala as well. "Currently, extreme caution is required in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts as per the weather models. However, from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam, caution is advised and further warnings should be followed," he added. Chief Minister said that Revenue and Local Government Departments have been directed to prepare for starting relief camps by December 2 in case of strong winds. "Those who live in unoccupied houses and those whose houses do not have strong roofs should be prepared to relocate for safety in the light of warnings of the coming days," he added. The State Disaster Management Authority and the Indian Meteorological Department are closely monitoring the development and trajectory of the low-pressure area.As per the weather forecast, Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts will receive very heavy rain on December 1. On December 2, very heavy rainfall is predicted for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts.

Heavy rains likely in Kerala over next few days due to low-pressure formation in Bay of Bengal

In a humanitarian gesture, Air India`s regional subsidiary Alliance Air delayed its Jaipur-Delhi flight to save the lives of four patients, awaiting organ transplants in the national capital. 
 
The matter came to light on Sunday, signifying the growing need for "safe and fast" harvested organ transport. 
 
According to the Alliance Air, its Jaipur-Delhi flight on Saturday was delayed by half an hour to wait for the arrival of organs donated by a 49-year-old woman in Jaipur that were to be transported to Delhi along with a team of doctors and paramedical staff. 
 
"The retrieved organs to be transported consisted of 2 lungs, 1 liver and 1 kidney and were urgently needed at Delhi to save four lives," the airline said in a statement. 
 
"Collaborative efforts of the Chief Minister`s office, the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO), Air India, Alliance Air, the Central Industrial Security Force and Jaipur airport authorities for this humanitarian cause helped in saving 4 lives." 
 
As per the statement, when the passengers on the flight came to know about the reason of flight delay, they waited patiently for the organs to arrive at the airport. 
 
"The organ harvesting surgery, performed at a private hospital in Jaipur, was a complicated one involving retrieval of lungs, kidney and liver and hence was time consuming," the statement said. 
 
"The retrieved organs needed to reach Delhi soon after harvesting... On arriving at the airport, the retrieved organs were rushed through the security check by Alliance Air ground staff."

In a humanitarian gesture, Air India`s regional subsidiary Alliance Air delayed its Jaipur-Delhi flight to save the lives of four patients, awaiting organ transplants in the national capital.

In a humanitarian gesture, Air India`s regional subsidiary Alliance Air delayed its Jaipur-Delhi flight to save the lives of four patients, awaiting organ transplants in the national capital. The matter came to light on Sunday, signifying the growing need for "safe and fast" harvested organ transport. According to the Alliance Air, its Jaipur-Delhi flight on Saturday was delayed by half an hour to wait for the arrival of organs donated by a 49-year-old woman in Jaipur that were to be transported to Delhi along with a team of doctors and paramedical staff. "The retrieved organs to be transported consisted of 2 lungs, 1 liver and 1 kidney and were urgently needed at Delhi to save four lives," the airline said in a statement. "Collaborative efforts of the Chief Minister`s office, the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO), Air India, Alliance Air, the Central Industrial Security Force and Jaipur airport authorities for this humanitarian cause helped in saving 4 lives." As per the statement, when the passengers on the flight came to know about the reason of flight delay, they waited patiently for the organs to arrive at the airport. "The organ harvesting surgery, performed at a private hospital in Jaipur, was a complicated one involving retrieval of lungs, kidney and liver and hence was time consuming," the statement said. "The retrieved organs needed to reach Delhi soon after harvesting... On arriving at the airport, the retrieved organs were rushed through the security check by Alliance Air ground staff."

Humanitarian gesture: Alliance Air delays flight to save 4 lives

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the new agriculture reforms have not only freed peasants from various shackles but have also bestowed on them new rights and opportunities.

He said this while addressing his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio programme, even as a large section of farmers have been protesting against the new farm laws in the national capital.

Modi said the recent agriculture reforms have begun mitigating the troubles of farmers in a short span of time as he cited the example of a Maharashtra farmer who used the provisions of the new laws to get the money promised to him by a trader.

His remarks come at a time when thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, have dug in their heels at Delhi's border points and hundreds have gathered at the city's Burari ground, united in their determination to hold protests against the new farm laws.

"Since ages, these demands of farmers which at one point of time or the other all political parties had promised to them, have now been fulfilled. After deep deliberations, Parliament recently passed farm reform laws," he said.

"These reforms have not only freed the farmers from various shackles, but have also given them new rights and opportunities. In such a short span of time, these rights have started reducing the problems of farmers," he said.

In his radio broadcast, Modi touched upon various other topics ranging from the idol of goddess Annapurna, stolen in 1913 from Varanasi, being brought back to India from Canada, to emphasising that educational institutions should harness the strengths and talents of their alumni.

Remembering Guru Nanak Dev, whose birth anniversary is on Monday, Modi lauded his noble ideals and added that he considered himself to be fortunate for his involvement in various works related to Sikh gurus and gurudwaras.

He also hailed the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor in November last year as historic.

The prime minister also lauded Gaurav Sharma, the MP for Hamilton West, New Zealand, for taking his oath of office in Sanskrit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the new agriculture reforms have not only freed peasants from various shackles but have also bestowed on them new rights and opportunities.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the new agriculture reforms have not only freed peasants from various shackles but have also bestowed on them new rights and opportunities. He said this while addressing his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio programme, even as a large section of farmers have been protesting against the new farm laws in the national capital. Modi said the recent agriculture reforms have begun mitigating the troubles of farmers in a short span of time as he cited the example of a Maharashtra farmer who used the provisions of the new laws to get the money promised to him by a trader. His remarks come at a time when thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, have dug in their heels at Delhi's border points and hundreds have gathered at the city's Burari ground, united in their determination to hold protests against the new farm laws. "Since ages, these demands of farmers which at one point of time or the other all political parties had promised to them, have now been fulfilled. After deep deliberations, Parliament recently passed farm reform laws," he said. "These reforms have not only freed the farmers from various shackles, but have also given them new rights and opportunities. In such a short span of time, these rights have started reducing the problems of farmers," he said. In his radio broadcast, Modi touched upon various other topics ranging from the idol of goddess Annapurna, stolen in 1913 from Varanasi, being brought back to India from Canada, to emphasising that educational institutions should harness the strengths and talents of their alumni. Remembering Guru Nanak Dev, whose birth anniversary is on Monday, Modi lauded his noble ideals and added that he considered himself to be fortunate for his involvement in various works related to Sikh gurus and gurudwaras. He also hailed the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor in November last year as historic. The prime minister also lauded Gaurav Sharma, the MP for Hamilton West, New Zealand, for taking his oath of office in Sanskrit.

Amid protests, PM Modi backs farm laws in Mann Ki Baat address

India will on Monday host Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of governments virtually. The virtual meet will see participation of 7 Prime Ministers -- 6 from the member states of SCO (Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) and one from observer member Belarus.

SCO has 8 member states and 4 observer states. Pakistan, which is a member of SCO will be represented by its Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is giving the meet a miss.

The other three observer states will be represented too. Afghanistan will be represented by its President Ashraf Ghani, Iran by its First Vice President and Mongolia by its Deputy Prime Minister.

A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said,"​India considers the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an important regional organization to promote cooperation in the areas of peace, security, trade, economy and culture. India is committed to widening our cooperation with SCO by playing a proactive, positive and constructive role in the organization."

India has invited Turkmenistan as a special guest. The country and will be represented by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov, Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), Chairmen of the SCO Business Council and the SCO Interbank Association will also be present.

The challenge of COVID-19 pandemic, shared Buddhist connect will be the top focus of India at the meet. 
On that day itself, first-ever SCO Digital Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage by the National Museum will be inaugurated.

This is the first time India is hosting such a meeting of the SCO, with India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu chairing it. The year 2020 marks 15-years of India's formal association with SCO. New Delhi became a full member of the Beijing headquartered grouping in 2017. Earlier, India had the status of an observer.

The November 30 summit will end with the adoption of the joint communique that will contain major proposals from member states on issues of trade and economic cooperation under the chairmanship of India. The SCO summit of Heads of Governments also decides the strategies and priorities for trade and economic cooperation for the next year.

Earlier this year, India hosted virtual meetings of the SCO ministers responsible for external economy and foreign trade and SCO Ministers for Justice.

India will on Monday host Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of governments virtually. The virtual meet will see participation of 7 Prime Ministers -- 6 from the member states of SCO (Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) and one from observer member Belarus.

India will on Monday host Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of governments virtually. The virtual meet will see participation of 7 Prime Ministers -- 6 from the member states of SCO (Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) and one from observer member Belarus. SCO has 8 member states and 4 observer states. Pakistan, which is a member of SCO will be represented by its Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is giving the meet a miss. The other three observer states will be represented too. Afghanistan will be represented by its President Ashraf Ghani, Iran by its First Vice President and Mongolia by its Deputy Prime Minister. A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said,"India considers the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an important regional organization to promote cooperation in the areas of peace, security, trade, economy and culture. India is committed to widening our cooperation with SCO by playing a proactive, positive and constructive role in the organization." India has invited Turkmenistan as a special guest. The country and will be represented by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov, Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), Chairmen of the SCO Business Council and the SCO Interbank Association will also be present. The challenge of COVID-19 pandemic, shared Buddhist connect will be the top focus of India at the meet. On that day itself, first-ever SCO Digital Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage by the National Museum will be inaugurated. This is the first time India is hosting such a meeting of the SCO, with India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu chairing it. The year 2020 marks 15-years of India's formal association with SCO. New Delhi became a full member of the Beijing headquartered grouping in 2017. Earlier, India had the status of an observer. The November 30 summit will end with the adoption of the joint communique that will contain major proposals from member states on issues of trade and economic cooperation under the chairmanship of India. The SCO summit of Heads of Governments also decides the strategies and priorities for trade and economic cooperation for the next year. Earlier this year, India hosted virtual meetings of the SCO ministers responsible for external economy and foreign trade and SCO Ministers for Justice.

India to host 7 PMs in SCO heads of governments meeting

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad and got first hand information on ZycoV-D, a Covid19 vaccine candidate.

Indian PM Modi meets scientists at Zydus Cadila Plant in Ahmedabad

(with inputs from Sidhant Sibal)

India has assured Vietnam of help in modernisation of its armed forces as both sides work on a new joint vision statement.

The commitment&nbsp;came as Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with his Vietnamese counterpart General Ngo Xuan Lich over video-conferencing on Friday.

To this end, reports say, Singh told his counterpart that defence cooperation has been one of the most significant pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership initiated by the two countries in 2016.

Vietnam is keen on acquiring a host of military equipment, including India’s Akash air defence system and the Dhruv helicopters, besides the BrahMos.

Vietnam notably has maritime border issues with China in the South China Sea, over Hanoi’s interest in acquiring the Indo-Russian supersonic cruise missile BrahMos.

Also, as part of increased defence cooperation, India and Vietnam have agreed on joint training of pilots by the respective air forces and training of forces to be deployed in UN Peacekeeping missions.

A readout of the meet from Indian defence ministry said both ministers "discussed various ongoing projects and the future trajectory of bilateral Defense engagements...(and) expressed satisfaction that despite the COVID-19 situation Defense exchanges between both Armed Forces have maintained positive momentum."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-vietnam-to-jointly-train-pilots-collaborate-in-shipbuilding-345950">Also read |&nbsp;India, Vietnam to jointly train pilots, collaborate in shipbuilding</a>

Both countries are also looking at collaborating in a number of domains of defense cooperation like shipbuilding, surface and subsurface capacities like submarines at sea. New Delhi has already extended defence Lines of Credit worth USD 600 million to strengthen Vietnam’s domestic defence manufacturing.

Both sides also signed the agreement on Hydrographic cooperation that will enable the sharing of Hydrographic data and assist in the production of navigational charts by both sides.

The Vietnamese defence minister invited the Indian defence minister for ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and also the meeting being hosted by Vietnam on December 10 through virtual mode.

(with inputs from Sidhant Sibal) India has assured Vietnam of help in modernisation of its armed forces as both sides work on a new joint vision statement. The commitment came as Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with his Vietnamese counterpart General Ngo Xuan Lich over video-conferencing on Friday.

(with inputs from Sidhant Sibal) India has assured Vietnam of help in modernisation of its armed forces as both sides work on a new joint vision statement. The commitment came as Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with his Vietnamese counterpart General Ngo Xuan Lich over video-conferencing on Friday. To this end, reports say, Singh told his counterpart that defence cooperation has been one of the most significant pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership initiated by the two countries in 2016. Vietnam is keen on acquiring a host of military equipment, including India’s Akash air defence system and the Dhruv helicopters, besides the BrahMos. Vietnam notably has maritime border issues with China in the South China Sea, over Hanoi’s interest in acquiring the Indo-Russian supersonic cruise missile BrahMos. Also, as part of increased defence cooperation, India and Vietnam have agreed on joint training of pilots by the respective air forces and training of forces to be deployed in UN Peacekeeping missions. A readout of the meet from Indian defence ministry said both ministers "discussed various ongoing projects and the future trajectory of bilateral Defense engagements...(and) expressed satisfaction that despite the COVID-19 situation Defense exchanges between both Armed Forces have maintained positive momentum." Also read | India, Vietnam to jointly train pilots, collaborate in shipbuilding Both countries are also looking at collaborating in a number of domains of defense cooperation like shipbuilding, surface and subsurface capacities like submarines at sea. New Delhi has already extended defence Lines of Credit worth USD 600 million to strengthen Vietnam’s domestic defence manufacturing. Both sides also signed the agreement on Hydrographic cooperation that will enable the sharing of Hydrographic data and assist in the production of navigational charts by both sides. The Vietnamese defence minister invited the Indian defence minister for ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and also the meeting being hosted by Vietnam on December 10 through virtual mode.

India assures Vietnam of help in modernising its armed forces

As a direct outcome of the India-Luxembourg virtual summit, a company from the European country is partnering with the government of the western state of Gujarat to produce portable vaccine refrigeration equipment.

Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel had made the suggestion to Indian PM Modi during the virtual meet on 19th November. PM Modi had "enthusiastically" taken the offer and asked officials to move quickly.

A govt source said, "We are&nbsp;making it happen. The distinguishing factor is quick response. We have pushed and got it moving within a week after the summit"

The company, B Systems is ordering machines for India operations, and production is expected by end-March in India. Its team will travel next week or early the following week.&nbsp;

The COVID vaccine is expected to need cold temperature, and for that portable refrigeration will be required.&nbsp;

Oxford vaccine requires ordinary refrigeration temperatures, while other vaccines like the one from Pfizer need to be kept at much lower temperatures. Russia's Sputnik V requires a temperature of around 2 to 8 degrees.

The Indian Embassy in Brussels is facilitating the entire process, with 2 virtual meets between the mission and the company taking place already.&nbsp;

The November virtual summit was the first stand-alone Summit meeting between India and Luxembourg in the past two decades.&nbsp;

As a direct outcome of the India-Luxembourg virtual summit, a company from the European country is partnering with the government of the western state of Gujarat to produce portable vaccine refrigeration equipment.

As a direct outcome of the India-Luxembourg virtual summit, a company from the European country is partnering with the government of the western state of Gujarat to produce portable vaccine refrigeration equipment. Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel had made the suggestion to Indian PM Modi during the virtual meet on 19th November. PM Modi had "enthusiastically" taken the offer and asked officials to move quickly. A govt source said, "We are making it happen. The distinguishing factor is quick response. We have pushed and got it moving within a week after the summit" The company, B Systems is ordering machines for India operations, and production is expected by end-March in India. Its team will travel next week or early the following week. The COVID vaccine is expected to need cold temperature, and for that portable refrigeration will be required. Oxford vaccine requires ordinary refrigeration temperatures, while other vaccines like the one from Pfizer need to be kept at much lower temperatures. Russia's Sputnik V requires a temperature of around 2 to 8 degrees. The Indian Embassy in Brussels is facilitating the entire process, with 2 virtual meets between the mission and the company taking place already. The November virtual summit was the first stand-alone Summit meeting between India and Luxembourg in the past two decades.

Luxembourg-India tie-up to produce COVID vaccine refrigeration equipment by mid-March

Coronavirus vaccine trials are going on in India and across the world and the race for the vaccine is in the last leg. India is a key player in global fight against coronavirus pandemic. CEO of Serum Institute of India, world's largest vaccine maker, has reiterated that the Oxford-Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine will be made available in India initially. Adar Poonawala (CEO, Serum Institute of India) made the statement on the same day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the company on Saturday (November 28).

Poonawala said that the institute will look at the COVAX countries after the vaccine has been made available in India. COVAX countries are mainly in Africa. Poonawala said that while AstraZeneca and Oxford University were taking care of markets in UK and Europe, Serum Institute's priority would be India and COVAX countries.

"As of now, we don't have anything in writing with the govt of India on how many doses they will purchase but the indication is that it would be 300-400 million doses by July, 2021," he said. He was quoted by ANI.

PM Narendra Modi visited Serum Institute of India after visiting other vaccine hubs like Ahmedbabad. Zydus-Cadila is developing a vaccine in Ahmedabad while Bharat Biotech is developing an indigenous vaccine.

Speaking after Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visit to the SII facility in Pune, Poonawalla said PM Modi discussed in detail the vaccination scenario and reviewed the vaccine production status. Poonawala said he was amazed how well-versed PM Modi was about vaccines.

"Had a good interaction with the team at Serum Institute of India. They shared details about their progress so far on how they plan to further ramp up vaccine manufacturing. Also took a look at their manufacturing facility," PM Modi said in a tweet after his visit.

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Had a good interaction with the team at Serum Institute of India. They shared details about their progress so far on how they plan to further ramp up vaccine manufacturing. Also took a look at their manufacturing facility. <a href="https://t.co/PvL22uq0nl">pic.twitter.com/PvL22uq0nl</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1332671849545797632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

SII is in the process of applying of emergency use licence in two weeks. It will be distributed in India initially and then the Covax countries of Africa. 
&nbsp;

Coronavirus vaccine trials are going on in India and across the world and the race for the vaccine is in the last leg. India is a key player in global fight against coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus vaccine trials are going on in India and across the world and the race for the vaccine is in the last leg. India is a key player in global fight against coronavirus pandemic. CEO of Serum Institute of India, world's largest vaccine maker, has reiterated that the Oxford-Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine will be made available in India initially. Adar Poonawala (CEO, Serum Institute of India) made the statement on the same day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the company on Saturday (November 28). Poonawala said that the institute will look at the COVAX countries after the vaccine has been made available in India. COVAX countries are mainly in Africa. Poonawala said that while AstraZeneca and Oxford University were taking care of markets in UK and Europe, Serum Institute's priority would be India and COVAX countries. "As of now, we don't have anything in writing with the govt of India on how many doses they will purchase but the indication is that it would be 300-400 million doses by July, 2021," he said. He was quoted by ANI. PM Narendra Modi visited Serum Institute of India after visiting other vaccine hubs like Ahmedbabad. Zydus-Cadila is developing a vaccine in Ahmedabad while Bharat Biotech is developing an indigenous vaccine. Speaking after Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visit to the SII facility in Pune, Poonawalla said PM Modi discussed in detail the vaccination scenario and reviewed the vaccine production status. Poonawala said he was amazed how well-versed PM Modi was about vaccines. "Had a good interaction with the team at Serum Institute of India. They shared details about their progress so far on how they plan to further ramp up vaccine manufacturing. Also took a look at their manufacturing facility," PM Modi said in a tweet after his visit. Had a good interaction with the team at Serum Institute of India. They shared details about their progress so far on how they plan to further ramp up vaccine manufacturing. Also took a look at their manufacturing facility. pic.twitter.com/PvL22uq0nl — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 28, 2020 × SII is in the process of applying of emergency use licence in two weeks. It will be distributed in India initially and then the Covax countries of Africa.

COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed in India initially, Serum Institute reiterates

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Ahmedabad on Saturday as part of his three-city visit to review coronavirus vaccine development work at facilities there.

Modi visited pharma major Zydus Cadila's plant near Ahmedabad to get information about its vaccine development. The plant is located in the Changodar industrial area, over 20 km from Ahmedabad.

Zydus Cadila has announced that the phase-I clinical trial of its vaccine candidate ZyCoV-D was over and it has commenced phase-II clinical trials from August.

Modi is also slated to visit Hyderabad where he is scheduled to visit vaccine maker Bharat Biotech's facility.

After landing at Hakimpet Air Force station, Modi will reach Bharat Biotech's facility at Genome Valley at 1.30 pm. The facility is around 50 km from Hyderabad.

Bharat Biotech's Covaxin is undergoing phase-3 trials.

After his hour-long visit to the facility, the PM will proceed to Pune, where he will visit the Serum Institute of India (SII), which has partnered with global pharma giant AstraZeneca and the Oxford University for the vaccine.

The prime minister will reach Serum Institute campus around 4.30 pm, an official said. 
Modi's hour-long visit to SII is aimed at reviewing the status of the vaccine candidate for coronavirus infection and to know about its launch, production and distribution mechanism, he said.

The prime minister will fly back to Delhi in the evening.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Ahmedabad on Saturday as part of his three-city visit to review coronavirus vaccine development work at facilities there. Modi visited pharma major Zydus Cadila's plant near Ahmedabad to get information about its vaccine development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Ahmedabad on Saturday as part of his three-city visit to review coronavirus vaccine development work at facilities there. Modi visited pharma major Zydus Cadila's plant near Ahmedabad to get information about its vaccine development. The plant is located in the Changodar industrial area, over 20 km from Ahmedabad. Zydus Cadila has announced that the phase-I clinical trial of its vaccine candidate ZyCoV-D was over and it has commenced phase-II clinical trials from August. Modi is also slated to visit Hyderabad where he is scheduled to visit vaccine maker Bharat Biotech's facility. After landing at Hakimpet Air Force station, Modi will reach Bharat Biotech's facility at Genome Valley at 1.30 pm. The facility is around 50 km from Hyderabad. Bharat Biotech's Covaxin is undergoing phase-3 trials. After his hour-long visit to the facility, the PM will proceed to Pune, where he will visit the Serum Institute of India (SII), which has partnered with global pharma giant AstraZeneca and the Oxford University for the vaccine. The prime minister will reach Serum Institute campus around 4.30 pm, an official said. Modi's hour-long visit to SII is aimed at reviewing the status of the vaccine candidate for coronavirus infection and to know about its launch, production and distribution mechanism, he said. The prime minister will fly back to Delhi in the evening.

PM Modi to visit vaccine making units in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Pune

PM Modi reached at Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad to review the ongoing preparations for the corona vaccine named as 'Covaxin'.

PM Modi reviews COVID vaccine progress in Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a visit to review the vaccine development in the country. PM Modi will be visiting 3 top vaccine production hubs in three different cities all in a span of a day.

News Alert: Indian PM Modi to visit top 3 drug makers to review vaccine development

India, Maldives, Sri Lanka have agreed to expand intelligence sharing at the 4th National Security Adviser trilateral meet that happened in Colombo.

The three&nbsp;countries, will share intelligence on issues such as terrorism, radicalization, extremism, drugs, arms and human trafficking, money laundering, and effects of climate change on the maritime environment.

India was represented by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Maldives Defense minister Mariya Didi and Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne. The first such trilateral happened in 2011, followed by meet in 2013 and in March of 2014 in Delhi.

The other major key outcome of the meet is that the three&nbsp;countries have decided to hold deputy NSA level meetings biannually to increase cooperation at the "operational level".

Significantly, a joint statement was issued by the 3 sides that said, "the past deliberations and outcomes have helped the three countries in improving close coordination in maritime security of the region".

The joint statement pointed to the "significance of the forum" for "promoting meaningful cooperation in the Indian Ocean region on common issues pertaining to maritime security".

During the meet, the three&nbsp;sides took stock of the "current maritime security" environment in the region and discussed "mutual cooperation" in areas such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, joint exercises, capacity building, maritime security, marine pollution, and maritime underwater heritage.

The meet comes, even as Chinese fishing and research vessels increase presence in the Indian ocean. The deep-sea Chinese fishing vessels, usually been involved in Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. 
&nbsp;

India, Maldives, Sri Lanka have agreed to expand intelligence sharing at the 4th National Security Adviser trilateral meet that happened in Colombo. The three countries, will share intelligence on issues such as terrorism, radicalization, extremism, drugs, arms and human trafficking, money laundering, and effects of climate change on the maritime environment.

India, Maldives, Sri Lanka have agreed to expand intelligence sharing at the 4th National Security Adviser trilateral meet that happened in Colombo. The three countries, will share intelligence on issues such as terrorism, radicalization, extremism, drugs, arms and human trafficking, money laundering, and effects of climate change on the maritime environment. India was represented by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Maldives Defense minister Mariya Didi and Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne. The first such trilateral happened in 2011, followed by meet in 2013 and in March of 2014 in Delhi. The other major key outcome of the meet is that the three countries have decided to hold deputy NSA level meetings biannually to increase cooperation at the "operational level". Significantly, a joint statement was issued by the 3 sides that said, "the past deliberations and outcomes have helped the three countries in improving close coordination in maritime security of the region". The joint statement pointed to the "significance of the forum" for "promoting meaningful cooperation in the Indian Ocean region on common issues pertaining to maritime security". During the meet, the three sides took stock of the "current maritime security" environment in the region and discussed "mutual cooperation" in areas such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, joint exercises, capacity building, maritime security, marine pollution, and maritime underwater heritage. The meet comes, even as Chinese fishing and research vessels increase presence in the Indian ocean. The deep-sea Chinese fishing vessels, usually been involved in Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

India-Maldives-Sri Lanka agree to expand intelligence sharing

Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor, arrived in Colombo on Friday for trilateral maritime dialogue among India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Sri Lanka will host the fourth national security advisor trilateral meeting on maritime security cooperation with India and Maldives on Friday and Saturday.

"NSA Ajit Doval arrived in Colombo for trilateral India-Sri Lanka-Maldives consultations on maritime and security cooperation. He was accorded a warm welcome by Army Commander Lt Gen @SilvaShavendra," the Indian Embassy in Colombo tweeted.

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NSA Ajit Doval arrived in Colombo for trilateral India-Sri Lanka-Maldives consultations on maritime and security cooperation. He was accorded a warm welcome by Army Commander Lt Gen <a href="https://twitter.com/SilvaShavendra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SilvaShavendra</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/ckZOK5c0IF">pic.twitter.com/ckZOK5c0IF</a>
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSL/status/1332227816427929600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The meeting is to take place after six years - the last meeting was held in New Delhi in 2014.&nbsp;

This will be the first NSA level meeting on Trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation. Besides Doval, Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Major General (Retd). Kamal Gunaratne and Maldives Defence Minister Mariya Didi will participate in the meeting.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the NSA-level trilateral meeting has served as an effective platform for cooperation among Indian Ocean countries. The mechanism is being revived after six years as earlier meetings were held in 2011 in the Maldives, in 2013 in Sri Lanka, and in 2014 in India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-strengthens-its-strategic-backyard-345959">WATCH|</a>

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(With inputs from agencies)

Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor, arrived in Colombo on Friday for trilateral maritime dialogue among India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Sri Lanka will host the fourth national security advisor trilateral meeting on maritime security cooperation with India and Maldives on Friday and Saturday.

Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor, arrived in Colombo on Friday for trilateral maritime dialogue among India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Sri Lanka will host the fourth national security advisor trilateral meeting on maritime security cooperation with India and Maldives on Friday and Saturday. "NSA Ajit Doval arrived in Colombo for trilateral India-Sri Lanka-Maldives consultations on maritime and security cooperation. He was accorded a warm welcome by Army Commander Lt Gen @SilvaShavendra," the Indian Embassy in Colombo tweeted. NSA Ajit Doval arrived in Colombo for trilateral India-Sri Lanka-Maldives consultations on maritime and security cooperation. He was accorded a warm welcome by Army Commander Lt Gen @SilvaShavendra #lka @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/ckZOK5c0IF — India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) November 27, 2020 × The meeting is to take place after six years - the last meeting was held in New Delhi in 2014. This will be the first NSA level meeting on Trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation. Besides Doval, Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Major General (Retd). Kamal Gunaratne and Maldives Defence Minister Mariya Didi will participate in the meeting. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the NSA-level trilateral meeting has served as an effective platform for cooperation among Indian Ocean countries. The mechanism is being revived after six years as earlier meetings were held in 2011 in the Maldives, in 2013 in Sri Lanka, and in 2014 in India. WATCH| × (With inputs from agencies)

NSA Ajit Doval arrives in Sri Lanka to attend trilateral maritime dialogue

A brief statement issued by the foreign ministry in Kathmandu said Wei will make a one-day working visit to Nepal on November 29.

Foreign Secretary's Nepal visit | India and Nepal discussed boundary issue: Sources

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval took part in the dialogue along with Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Major Gen (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne and Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi.

India, Lanka and Maldives agree to bolster maritime security cooperation

India-Sri Lanka and the Maldives on Saturday agreed to further strengthen maritime co-operation in a high-level trilateral dialogue held after a gap of six years. The fourth National Security Advisor-level trilateral talks were hosted by Sri Lanka. Indian NSA Ajit Doval represented India and held discussions with ri Lankan Defence Secretary Major Gen (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne and Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi.

According to a joint statement issued by Sri Lanka's Ministry of Defence, the three countries -- recognising the significance of the forum for promoting meaningful cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region on common issues pertaining to maritime security -- took stock of the current maritime security environment in the region.

They discussed mutual cooperation in the areas of Maritime Domain Awareness, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Joint Exercises, Capacity Building, Maritime Security and Threats, Marine Pollution, and Maritime Underwater Heritage, it said.

They agreed to further strengthen cooperation in dealing with these challenges, to ensure peace and security in the region for common benefit, the joint statement said.

The three countries also exchanged views on common security threats and agreed to broad base cooperation by expanding the scope to improve intelligence sharing and include issues like terrorism, radicalisation, extremism, drugs, arms and human trafficking, money laundering, cyber security and effect of climate change on maritime environment, it said.

Northern Indian Ocean is traditionally seen as a part of influence sphere of Indian Navy. But China has increased its presence in these waters in recent years.

China views the Maldives and Sri Lanka as key to its Maritime Silk Road project in the Indian Ocean. It has already acquired the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka on long lease and established a military base in Djibouti in the Horn of Africa.

India, Sri Lanka and Maldives agreed to meet regularly to share, discuss and ensure timely implementation of decisions taken at the meeting. They also decided to hold Deputy NSA level working group meetings biannually for cooperation at operational level, according to the statement.

Mauritius and Seychelles were represented virtually at senior officials' level, it said, adding that in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the dialogue was conducted adhering to strict health guidelines using the 'Air Bubble' concept for the visiting delegations.

Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives launched the Trilateral NSA level Meeting on Maritime Security Cooperation in 2011 and three meetings have been held so far.

The past deliberations and outcomes have helped the three countries in improving close coordination in maritime security of the region. These were supplemented by Deputy NSA level meetings for sustained engagements and implementation of the discussions at the NSA level meetings, the statement said.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena addressed the meeting as the chief guest. Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage also attended the event, the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry tweeted.

Doval, who arrived in Colombo on Friday for the dialogue, on Friday met Didi and held a cordial and detailed discussion on deepening bilateral partnership with the key island nation in the Indian Ocean.

Doval also met Gunaratne on Friday and they agreed on several steps to further strengthen the "valuable" cooperation between the two countries which also contributes to peace and security in the region.

"NSA Ajit Doval met Major Gen(Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne, Defence Secretary of SriLanka &amp; discussed matters pertaining to the growing defence and security partnership between the two countries," the Indian High Commission in Colombo said in a tweet.

The high-level trilateral meeting is designed to initiate collective action on maritime security including maritime domain awareness, legal regimes, train in search and rescue, maritime pollution response, information sharing, curbing piracy drugs arms and contraband trafficking in the Indian Ocean region.

On Thursday, the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi said the NSA-level trilateral meeting had served as an effective platform for cooperation among Indian Ocean countries.

"The meeting will provide an opportunity for discussion on issues pertaining to cooperation in maritime security in the Indian Ocean region," the MEA said in a statement.

This is Doval's second official visit to Sri Lanka this year. In January, he visited the island nation and discussed a range of bilateral issues, including strengthening cooperation in defence, intelligence sharing and maritime security with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. 
&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

India-Sri Lanka and the Maldives on Saturday agreed to further strengthen maritime co-operation in a high-level trilateral dialogue held after a gap of six years.

India-Sri Lanka and the Maldives on Saturday agreed to further strengthen maritime co-operation in a high-level trilateral dialogue held after a gap of six years. The fourth National Security Advisor-level trilateral talks were hosted by Sri Lanka. Indian NSA Ajit Doval represented India and held discussions with ri Lankan Defence Secretary Major Gen (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne and Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi. According to a joint statement issued by Sri Lanka's Ministry of Defence, the three countries -- recognising the significance of the forum for promoting meaningful cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region on common issues pertaining to maritime security -- took stock of the current maritime security environment in the region. They discussed mutual cooperation in the areas of Maritime Domain Awareness, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Joint Exercises, Capacity Building, Maritime Security and Threats, Marine Pollution, and Maritime Underwater Heritage, it said. They agreed to further strengthen cooperation in dealing with these challenges, to ensure peace and security in the region for common benefit, the joint statement said. The three countries also exchanged views on common security threats and agreed to broad base cooperation by expanding the scope to improve intelligence sharing and include issues like terrorism, radicalisation, extremism, drugs, arms and human trafficking, money laundering, cyber security and effect of climate change on maritime environment, it said. Northern Indian Ocean is traditionally seen as a part of influence sphere of Indian Navy. But China has increased its presence in these waters in recent years. China views the Maldives and Sri Lanka as key to its Maritime Silk Road project in the Indian Ocean. It has already acquired the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka on long lease and established a military base in Djibouti in the Horn of Africa. India, Sri Lanka and Maldives agreed to meet regularly to share, discuss and ensure timely implementation of decisions taken at the meeting. They also decided to hold Deputy NSA level working group meetings biannually for cooperation at operational level, according to the statement. Mauritius and Seychelles were represented virtually at senior officials' level, it said, adding that in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the dialogue was conducted adhering to strict health guidelines using the 'Air Bubble' concept for the visiting delegations. Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives launched the Trilateral NSA level Meeting on Maritime Security Cooperation in 2011 and three meetings have been held so far. The past deliberations and outcomes have helped the three countries in improving close coordination in maritime security of the region. These were supplemented by Deputy NSA level meetings for sustained engagements and implementation of the discussions at the NSA level meetings, the statement said. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena addressed the meeting as the chief guest. Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage also attended the event, the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry tweeted. Doval, who arrived in Colombo on Friday for the dialogue, on Friday met Didi and held a cordial and detailed discussion on deepening bilateral partnership with the key island nation in the Indian Ocean. Doval also met Gunaratne on Friday and they agreed on several steps to further strengthen the "valuable" cooperation between the two countries which also contributes to peace and security in the region. "NSA Ajit Doval met Major Gen(Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne, Defence Secretary of SriLanka & discussed matters pertaining to the growing defence and security partnership between the two countries," the Indian High Commission in Colombo said in a tweet. The high-level trilateral meeting is designed to initiate collective action on maritime security including maritime domain awareness, legal regimes, train in search and rescue, maritime pollution response, information sharing, curbing piracy drugs arms and contraband trafficking in the Indian Ocean region. On Thursday, the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi said the NSA-level trilateral meeting had served as an effective platform for cooperation among Indian Ocean countries. "The meeting will provide an opportunity for discussion on issues pertaining to cooperation in maritime security in the Indian Ocean region," the MEA said in a statement. This is Doval's second official visit to Sri Lanka this year. In January, he visited the island nation and discussed a range of bilateral issues, including strengthening cooperation in defence, intelligence sharing and maritime security with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. (With PTI inputs)

India-Sri Lanka-Maldives agree to bolster maritime co-operation

As part of increased defense cooperation, India & Vietnam have agreed on joint training of pilots by the respective Air Forces and training of forces to be deployed in UN Peacekeeping missions.

India, Vietnam to jointly train pilots, collaborate in shipbuilding

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, visited Bharat Biotech, a Hyderabad-based Pharmaceutical company to know about the progress made in the development of indigenous coronavirus vaccine. The visit was part of his inspection of vaccine development in vaccine-hubs of India.

"At the Bharat Biotech facility in Hyderabad, was briefed about their indigenous Covid vaccine," Modi tweeted.

During his visit, PM Modi congratulated the scientists for the progress they made in the trial so far.

The Prime Minister met with the company officials in a conference hall and deliberated on the progress made in bringing out a vaccine.

Later, he also briefly interacted with a few employees.

Before flying to Hyderabad, PM Modi visited pharma major Zydus-Cadilla's work on vaccine development in Ahmedabad.

After his Hyderabad visit, PM Modi was due to fly to Pune for a visit to Serum Institute of India, the company that will manufacture coronavirus vaccine being developed by Oxford University and Astrazeneca.

(With agency inputs)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, visited Bharat Biotech, a Hyderabad-based Pharmaceutical company to know about the progress made in the development of indigenous coronavirus vaccine.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, visited Bharat Biotech, a Hyderabad-based Pharmaceutical company to know about the progress made in the development of indigenous coronavirus vaccine. The visit was part of his inspection of vaccine development in vaccine-hubs of India. "At the Bharat Biotech facility in Hyderabad, was briefed about their indigenous Covid vaccine," Modi tweeted. During his visit, PM Modi congratulated the scientists for the progress they made in the trial so far. The Prime Minister met with the company officials in a conference hall and deliberated on the progress made in bringing out a vaccine. Later, he also briefly interacted with a few employees. Before flying to Hyderabad, PM Modi visited pharma major Zydus-Cadilla's work on vaccine development in Ahmedabad. After his Hyderabad visit, PM Modi was due to fly to Pune for a visit to Serum Institute of India, the company that will manufacture coronavirus vaccine being developed by Oxford University and Astrazeneca. (With agency inputs)

Bharat Biotech working with ICMR for speedy progress on vaccine: PM Modi

India’s tally of COVID-19 infections has crossed 9.3 million to stand as the world’s second highest after the United States, with 135,715 deaths.

India -- the world’s fastest-growing major economy until a few years ago -- now looks to be headed for its first full-year contraction this fiscal year since 1979, according to a Reuters poll which predicted gross domestic product would take over a year to return to pre-COVID-19 levels.

But despite these numbers, India seems to be doing much better at handling the economy woes than other nations. And there are a few parameters to substantiate and corroborate the claim.

DEATH RATE

The true measure of a country’s performance is number of cases per million and number of deaths per million.

As of November 28, India has 6,731 cases per million population. In comparison, USA has 40,000 cases per million, UK has 23,361, France has 33,424, Brazil has 29,129 while Italy has 25,456. Most of these countries have about 4-5 times the number of cases than India, on a per million basis.

When it comes to number of deaths per million population. India saw 98 deaths per million population.

In contrast, USA saw 813, Brazil saw 805, France saw 780, Spain saw 955, UK saw 846 and Italy 888. Almost all these countries have about 8-9 times more deaths than India on a per million basis.

Currently, India’s curve is showing a downward trend. From the peak of almost 97,894 daily cases in mid-September, on November 26, there were 43,174 cases.

QUICK DECISION MAKING

The Oxford University COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index shows how proactively and decisively a country’s government has acted against the spread of the pandemic.

On March 21, when the USA first achieved its highest score (72.69), it had 16.24 daily confirmed COVID cases per million. On March 26, UK (75.93) already had 21.39 daily confirmed COVID cases per million population, 2.74 daily deaths per million population and 10.22 total COVID deaths per million population.

Similarly, on April 12, Italy (93.52) already had 77.64 daily confirmed COVID cases per million population, 10 daily deaths per million population and 322 total COVID deaths per million population.

In contrast, when India first achieved its highest score (100%) on the Stringency Index on March 25, it had only 0.04 daily confirmed COVID cases per million population, 0 daily deaths per million population and less than 0.01 total COVID deaths per million population.

This implies Prime Minister Narendra Modi took quick and proactive decisions, and went all out to attack the pandemic even before it could spread major havoc in the country.

- India was among the quickest to react at the government and institutional level

- China notified the world on January 7 about the virus. The very next day, India had a mission meeting

- India started screening passengers from January 17, among the first countries in the world to do so

- First case of the virus in India was detected on January 30, and aggressive containment and screening measures were instituted

- On the other end of the spectrum, India was among the first to introduce Rapid Antigen Tests along with RT-PCR tests. India was criticised initially for this strategy but later the WHO itself has adopted this model

- It was in March first week itself that PM Modi announced that he would not join any Holi Milan event since the scientific advice was to stay away from social gatherings. It was among the earliest examples among world leaders to send a message to the country

- When PM Modi sent this message of staying away from mass gatherings to millions of countrymen, India did not even have 50 cases

- Large parts of India made masks mandatory way back in April itself, with Modi himself wearing masks in public since early April, while the WHO waited till June before recommending it the world over

EARLY LOCKDOWN

- When PM Modi called for a complete lockdown on March 24, India had just about 500 cases

- The growth rate of new cases had increased from 10.9% to 19.6% in just one week and the doubling time was just over three days. That is when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the decision to impose a national lockdown, which till then no other country had taken so early. This one decision changed India’s trajectory

- The government utilised the period of lockdown to create 15,362 dedicated COVID1-19 health facilities, about 15.40 lakh isolation beds, 2.70 lakh oxygen supported beds and 78,000 ICU beds

- It also delivered 32,400 ventilators to government hospitals across the country. Compare this with fact that in the last 70 years, these government hospitals possessed only 12,000 ventilators. It also provided 3.70 crore N95 Masks and 1.60 crore PPEs to State Governments

PM MODI WAS THE DIFFERENCE

- PM Modi led the way in refraining from social gatherings in early March during the festival of Holi. He addressed the nation and came out with a unique Jan Bhagidari initiative called ‘Janata Curfew’. He exhorted the people themselves to observe a countrywide lockdown of one day and show the world how India could unite to fight the pandemic

- PM Modi announced a nationwide lockdown from March 24. In the same address, he gave the message of ‘Jaan Hai Toh Jahaan Hai’ to convey the seriousness of the situation

- He also asked people to wear masks and clean hands regularly, much needed. Yet again, people responded

- During the lockdown, PM Modi called for people to light lamps and show solidarity with each other. He also asked them to show support to healthcare professionals in a unique way. This sent a wave of positivity across the nation

- Before the ‘Unlock’ phase, PM Modi addressed the nation again and guided them with the philosophy of ‘Jaan Bhi Jahaan Bhi’

- Throughout these phases, his personal leadership assured every Indian that they were in safe hands that was following sound scientific advice and putting the objective of saving lives above everything else

- This is the reason for today’s situation where India’s infections per million and deaths per million are both much lower than many developed countries

GOVT PROGRAMMES

- Through the Rs 1.70 lakh crore Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP), the Government announced free food grains and cash payment to women and poor senior citizens and farmers

- The numbers achieved by this programme are mindboggling and could have made some world records in itself

- Around 42 crore poor people received financial assistance of Rs 68,820 crore

- Rs 17,891 crore was transferred under PM-KISAN scheme to almost 9 crore farmers

- Nearly Rs 31,000 crore was transferred to 20 crore women Jan Dhan account holders in three instalments

- Rs 2,814.50 crore was transferred to about 2.81 crore old age persons, widows and disabled persons in 2 installments

- 1.82 crore building and construction workers received financial support worth Rs 4,987.18 crore

- About 13 crore free Ujjwala gas cylinders were delivered to poor households

- Under Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, nearly 80 crore people received free foodgrains and pulses till November, month on month

PHARMACY OF THE WORLD

- On Saturday, PM Modi reviewed the vaccine development and manufacturing process of three vaccine makers in India. He visited the Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad, Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad and Serum Institute of India in Pune

- Two of these sites are where India is indigenously developing vaccines to fight COVID and one of these sites is where crores of vaccines to save the world will be manufactured

- India is not only leading the world in research for vaccines but will also be crucial for the world’s vaccine production

- Ambassadors of 100 countries are scheduled to visit Pune on December 4, they will visit Serum Institute of India and Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Limited

IMPACT

- Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose from 56.8 in September to 58.9 in October, 2020, registering the highest figure in over a decade

- PMI Services index also rose to 54.1 in October, ending the seven-month sequence of contraction, signalling improved market conditions

- Power consumption clocked double digit YoY growth of 12.1 per cent in October and 4.5 per cent in the first 24 days of November, reflecting a post-recovery rebound and even in growth economic activity across all spheres – agriculture, industry and services

- Passenger vehicle sales reported 2 per cent growth in October 2020, while total domestic sales of two-wheelers increased 16.8 per cent, auguring well for consumption demand

- Domestic tractor sales posted a 7 per cent YoY growth in October, auguring well for rural demand and signaling an early indicator of the transformation arising from agricultural reforms introduced under Aatmanirbhar Bharat package

- E-way bills generated witnessed a double-digit YoY growth of 21.4 per cent in October, reaching an all-time high of 641 lakh, and 7 per cent in the first 23 days of November

- GST collections swelled to eight-month high at ₹1.05 lakh crore in October – crossing ₹1 lakh crore after February, 2020 – registering a positive year on year growth of 10.2 per cent

- Railway freight grew YoY at 15.4 per cent in October and 13.6 per cent in the first 10 days of November. Also, gross revenue from railway passenger bookings stood at ₹533.27 crore in the first ten days of November, reaching 8 per cent of October levels

- Cargo traffic volumes in October have reached 7 per cent of previous year levels, registering a 1.23 per cent YoY growth

- Domestic aviation passengers increased from 2.8 lakh in May to 28.32 lakh in August and 39.43 lakh in September and 52.71 lakh in October

- Under MGNREGA, 252.4 crore person days of work have been created during April to October of FY 2021 as against 159.7 crore person days in the corresponding period of previous year

- GDP for Q2 of FY20 contracted by (-) 7.5 per cent, much smaller when compared to the contraction of (-) 23.9 percent reported for Q1 of FY20

- Between these two quarters, already a huge improvement can be seen in private consumption expenditure. Agriculture reported a growth of 3.4% in Q2, the same as in Q1

- Manufacturing has grown by 0.6% in Q2 as compared to a contraction of (-) 39.3% in Q1

India’s tally of COVID-19 infections has crossed 9.3 million to stand as the world’s second highest after the United States, with 135,715 deaths. India -- the world’s fastest-growing major economy until a few years ago -- now looks to be headed for its first full-year contraction this fiscal year since 1979, according to a Reuters poll which predicted gross domestic product would take over a year to return to pre-COVID-19 levels.

India’s tally of COVID-19 infections has crossed 9.3 million to stand as the world’s second highest after the United States, with 135,715 deaths. India -- the world’s fastest-growing major economy until a few years ago -- now looks to be headed for its first full-year contraction this fiscal year since 1979, according to a Reuters poll which predicted gross domestic product would take over a year to return to pre-COVID-19 levels. But despite these numbers, India seems to be doing much better at handling the economy woes than other nations. And there are a few parameters to substantiate and corroborate the claim. DEATH RATE The true measure of a country’s performance is number of cases per million and number of deaths per million. As of November 28, India has 6,731 cases per million population. In comparison, USA has 40,000 cases per million, UK has 23,361, France has 33,424, Brazil has 29,129 while Italy has 25,456. Most of these countries have about 4-5 times the number of cases than India, on a per million basis. When it comes to number of deaths per million population. India saw 98 deaths per million population. In contrast, USA saw 813, Brazil saw 805, France saw 780, Spain saw 955, UK saw 846 and Italy 888. Almost all these countries have about 8-9 times more deaths than India on a per million basis. Currently, India’s curve is showing a downward trend. From the peak of almost 97,894 daily cases in mid-September, on November 26, there were 43,174 cases. QUICK DECISION MAKING The Oxford University COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index shows how proactively and decisively a country’s government has acted against the spread of the pandemic. On March 21, when the USA first achieved its highest score (72.69), it had 16.24 daily confirmed COVID cases per million. On March 26, UK (75.93) already had 21.39 daily confirmed COVID cases per million population, 2.74 daily deaths per million population and 10.22 total COVID deaths per million population. Similarly, on April 12, Italy (93.52) already had 77.64 daily confirmed COVID cases per million population, 10 daily deaths per million population and 322 total COVID deaths per million population. In contrast, when India first achieved its highest score (100%) on the Stringency Index on March 25, it had only 0.04 daily confirmed COVID cases per million population, 0 daily deaths per million population and less than 0.01 total COVID deaths per million population. This implies Prime Minister Narendra Modi took quick and proactive decisions, and went all out to attack the pandemic even before it could spread major havoc in the country. - India was among the quickest to react at the government and institutional level - China notified the world on January 7 about the virus. The very next day, India had a mission meeting - India started screening passengers from January 17, among the first countries in the world to do so - First case of the virus in India was detected on January 30, and aggressive containment and screening measures were instituted - On the other end of the spectrum, India was among the first to introduce Rapid Antigen Tests along with RT-PCR tests. India was criticised initially for this strategy but later the WHO itself has adopted this model - It was in March first week itself that PM Modi announced that he would not join any Holi Milan event since the scientific advice was to stay away from social gatherings. It was among the earliest examples among world leaders to send a message to the country - When PM Modi sent this message of staying away from mass gatherings to millions of countrymen, India did not even have 50 cases - Large parts of India made masks mandatory way back in April itself, with Modi himself wearing masks in public since early April, while the WHO waited till June before recommending it the world over EARLY LOCKDOWN - When PM Modi called for a complete lockdown on March 24, India had just about 500 cases - The growth rate of new cases had increased from 10.9% to 19.6% in just one week and the doubling time was just over three days. That is when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the decision to impose a national lockdown, which till then no other country had taken so early. This one decision changed India’s trajectory - The government utilised the period of lockdown to create 15,362 dedicated COVID1-19 health facilities, about 15.40 lakh isolation beds, 2.70 lakh oxygen supported beds and 78,000 ICU beds - It also delivered 32,400 ventilators to government hospitals across the country. Compare this with fact that in the last 70 years, these government hospitals possessed only 12,000 ventilators. It also provided 3.70 crore N95 Masks and 1.60 crore PPEs to State Governments PM MODI WAS THE DIFFERENCE - PM Modi led the way in refraining from social gatherings in early March during the festival of Holi. He addressed the nation and came out with a unique Jan Bhagidari initiative called ‘Janata Curfew’. He exhorted the people themselves to observe a countrywide lockdown of one day and show the world how India could unite to fight the pandemic - PM Modi announced a nationwide lockdown from March 24. In the same address, he gave the message of ‘Jaan Hai Toh Jahaan Hai’ to convey the seriousness of the situation - He also asked people to wear masks and clean hands regularly, much needed. Yet again, people responded - During the lockdown, PM Modi called for people to light lamps and show solidarity with each other. He also asked them to show support to healthcare professionals in a unique way. This sent a wave of positivity across the nation - Before the ‘Unlock’ phase, PM Modi addressed the nation again and guided them with the philosophy of ‘Jaan Bhi Jahaan Bhi’ - Throughout these phases, his personal leadership assured every Indian that they were in safe hands that was following sound scientific advice and putting the objective of saving lives above everything else - This is the reason for today’s situation where India’s infections per million and deaths per million are both much lower than many developed countries GOVT PROGRAMMES - Through the Rs 1.70 lakh crore Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP), the Government announced free food grains and cash payment to women and poor senior citizens and farmers - The numbers achieved by this programme are mindboggling and could have made some world records in itself - Around 42 crore poor people received financial assistance of Rs 68,820 crore - Rs 17,891 crore was transferred under PM-KISAN scheme to almost 9 crore farmers - Nearly Rs 31,000 crore was transferred to 20 crore women Jan Dhan account holders in three instalments - Rs 2,814.50 crore was transferred to about 2.81 crore old age persons, widows and disabled persons in 2 installments - 1.82 crore building and construction workers received financial support worth Rs 4,987.18 crore - About 13 crore free Ujjwala gas cylinders were delivered to poor households - Under Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, nearly 80 crore people received free foodgrains and pulses till November, month on month PHARMACY OF THE WORLD - On Saturday, PM Modi reviewed the vaccine development and manufacturing process of three vaccine makers in India. He visited the Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad, Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad and Serum Institute of India in Pune - Two of these sites are where India is indigenously developing vaccines to fight COVID and one of these sites is where crores of vaccines to save the world will be manufactured - India is not only leading the world in research for vaccines but will also be crucial for the world’s vaccine production - Ambassadors of 100 countries are scheduled to visit Pune on December 4, they will visit Serum Institute of India and Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Limited IMPACT - Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose from 56.8 in September to 58.9 in October, 2020, registering the highest figure in over a decade - PMI Services index also rose to 54.1 in October, ending the seven-month sequence of contraction, signalling improved market conditions - Power consumption clocked double digit YoY growth of 12.1 per cent in October and 4.5 per cent in the first 24 days of November, reflecting a post-recovery rebound and even in growth economic activity across all spheres – agriculture, industry and services - Passenger vehicle sales reported 2 per cent growth in October 2020, while total domestic sales of two-wheelers increased 16.8 per cent, auguring well for consumption demand - Domestic tractor sales posted a 7 per cent YoY growth in October, auguring well for rural demand and signaling an early indicator of the transformation arising from agricultural reforms introduced under Aatmanirbhar Bharat package - E-way bills generated witnessed a double-digit YoY growth of 21.4 per cent in October, reaching an all-time high of 641 lakh, and 7 per cent in the first 23 days of November - GST collections swelled to eight-month high at ₹1.05 lakh crore in October – crossing ₹1 lakh crore after February, 2020 – registering a positive year on year growth of 10.2 per cent - Railway freight grew YoY at 15.4 per cent in October and 13.6 per cent in the first 10 days of November. Also, gross revenue from railway passenger bookings stood at ₹533.27 crore in the first ten days of November, reaching 8 per cent of October levels - Cargo traffic volumes in October have reached 7 per cent of previous year levels, registering a 1.23 per cent YoY growth - Domestic aviation passengers increased from 2.8 lakh in May to 28.32 lakh in August and 39.43 lakh in September and 52.71 lakh in October - Under MGNREGA, 252.4 crore person days of work have been created during April to October of FY 2021 as against 159.7 crore person days in the corresponding period of previous year - GDP for Q2 of FY20 contracted by (-) 7.5 per cent, much smaller when compared to the contraction of (-) 23.9 percent reported for Q1 of FY20 - Between these two quarters, already a huge improvement can be seen in private consumption expenditure. Agriculture reported a growth of 3.4% in Q2, the same as in Q1 - Manufacturing has grown by 0.6% in Q2 as compared to a contraction of (-) 39.3% in Q1

How India has been leading the way in fight against coronavirus

 Washington [US], November 28 (ANI): Hollywood star Dwayne `The Rock` Johnson was astonished on seeing a giant blowup balloon of a younger Rock at the Macy`s Thanksgiving parade.According to Fox News, the `Jumanji` franchise actor was unable to contain his excitement as he shared a clip of the giant balloon on Instagram, which brought to life the famous fanny pack photo of The Rock."Never in my wildest dreams... I`ve been a lucky SOB to have done some pretty cool s*** in my career, but after seeing my @nbcyoungrock FANNY PACK FLOAT in the #MacysThanksgivingParade, this might take the cake," Dwayne wrote alongside the clip."This time in my life may represent when I had just $7bucks in my fanny pack, but at least I had enough COOL to tuck my turtleneck in and wear fake silver jewelry because it was all I could afford," he added.As per Fox News, the gigantic blimp was made to promote the upcoming NBC series `Young Rock` which will be based on the life of the former pro wrestler, Dwayne `The Rock` Johnson, filming for which is currently underway in Queensland, Australia.Earlier this month, Johnson had teased the upcoming NBC series with an image on Instagram of Joseph Lee Anderson, who will be playing the role of Dwayne`s father, Rocky Johnson on the show. (ANI) 

Washington [US], November 28 (ANI): Hollywood star Dwayne `The Rock` Johnson was astonished on seeing a giant blowup balloon of a younger Rock at the Macy`s Thanksgiving parade.

Washington [US], November 28 (ANI): Hollywood star Dwayne `The Rock` Johnson was astonished on seeing a giant blowup balloon of a younger Rock at the Macy`s Thanksgiving parade.According to Fox News, the `Jumanji` franchise actor was unable to contain his excitement as he shared a clip of the giant balloon on Instagram, which brought to life the famous fanny pack photo of The Rock."Never in my wildest dreams... I`ve been a lucky SOB to have done some pretty cool s*** in my career, but after seeing my @nbcyoungrock FANNY PACK FLOAT in the #MacysThanksgivingParade, this might take the cake," Dwayne wrote alongside the clip."This time in my life may represent when I had just $7bucks in my fanny pack, but at least I had enough COOL to tuck my turtleneck in and wear fake silver jewelry because it was all I could afford," he added.As per Fox News, the gigantic blimp was made to promote the upcoming NBC series `Young Rock` which will be based on the life of the former pro wrestler, Dwayne `The Rock` Johnson, filming for which is currently underway in Queensland, Australia.Earlier this month, Johnson had teased the upcoming NBC series with an image on Instagram of Joseph Lee Anderson, who will be playing the role of Dwayne`s father, Rocky Johnson on the show. (ANI)

Dwayne Johnson reacts to his Macy''s Thanksgiving parade balloon

A trilateral meeting on maritime security cooperation between India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives began on Saturday, the Indian High Commission said.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena was the chief guest at the event.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-concludes-zydus-biotech-park-visit-next-stop-bharat-biotech-facility-in-hyderabad-346030" hreflang="en">PM Modi concludes Zydus Biotech Park visit, next stop Bharat Biotech facility in Hyderabad</a>

India is represented by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who arrived here yesterday. While Maldives foreign minister Mariya Didi and Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Major General (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne represented their countries during the talks.

"The tri-lateral meeting among India, Sri Lanka and Maldives on maritime and security cooperation gets underway. Minister @DCRGunawardena was the chief guest at the event," the high commission tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The tri-lateral meeting among India, Sri Lanka and Maldives on maritime and security cooperation gets underway. Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/DCRGunawardena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DCRGunawardena</a> was the chief guest at the event. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_SriLanka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MFA_SriLanka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HCIMaldives?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HCIMaldives</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SLinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SLinIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/fOXYGXNufC">pic.twitter.com/fOXYGXNufC</a>
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSL/status/1332546114759737344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This will be the first NSA level meeting on Trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation. Besides Doval, Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Major General (Retd).

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the NSA-level trilateral meeting has served as an effective platform for cooperation among Indian Ocean countries.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-assures-vietnam-of-help-in-modernising-its-armed-forces-346016" hreflang="en">India assures Vietnam of help in modernising its armed forces</a>

The mechanism is being revived after six years as earlier meetings were held in 2011 in the Maldives, in 2013 in Sri Lanka, and in 2014 in India.

A trilateral meeting on maritime security cooperation between India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives began on Saturday, the Indian High Commission said. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena was the chief guest at the event.

A trilateral meeting on maritime security cooperation between India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives began on Saturday, the Indian High Commission said. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena was the chief guest at the event. Also read| PM Modi concludes Zydus Biotech Park visit, next stop Bharat Biotech facility in Hyderabad India is represented by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who arrived here yesterday. While Maldives foreign minister Mariya Didi and Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Major General (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne represented their countries during the talks. "The tri-lateral meeting among India, Sri Lanka and Maldives on maritime and security cooperation gets underway. Minister @DCRGunawardena was the chief guest at the event," the high commission tweeted. The tri-lateral meeting among India, Sri Lanka and Maldives on maritime and security cooperation gets underway. Minister @DCRGunawardena was the chief guest at the event. #lka @MEAIndia @MFA_SriLanka @HCIMaldives @SLinIndia pic.twitter.com/fOXYGXNufC — India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) November 28, 2020 × This will be the first NSA level meeting on Trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation. Besides Doval, Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Major General (Retd). The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the NSA-level trilateral meeting has served as an effective platform for cooperation among Indian Ocean countries. Also read| India assures Vietnam of help in modernising its armed forces The mechanism is being revived after six years as earlier meetings were held in 2011 in the Maldives, in 2013 in Sri Lanka, and in 2014 in India.

India, Maldives, Sri Lanka trilateral meet on maritime security begins

With 41,322 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the tally of active cases in India rose to 4,54,940 on Saturday, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. There are now a total of 93,51,110 total positive cases in the country, including 87,59,969 recoveries. There were 485 deaths in the last 24 hours pushing the death toll to 1,36,200.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, with 11,57,605 samples tested in the last 24 hours, the total number of samples tested reached 13,82,20,354.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/police-protesting-farmers-face-off-at-new-delhi-border-346034" hreflang="en">Police, protesting farmers face-off at New Delhi border</a>

Maharashtra continued to be the worst affected state in the country with 6,185 new COVID-19 cases, 4,089 recoveries, and 85 deaths on Friday. The total number of cases in the state now stands at 18,08,550, including 87,969 active cases and 46,898 deaths.

The situation improved slightly in Delhi, which reported 5,482 new Covid-19 cases and 5,937 recoveries on Friday, taking the total number of positive cases to 5,56,744, including 38,181 active cases and 5,09,654 recoveries and 8,909 deaths.

Kerala reported about 3,966 new Covid-19 cases and 4,544 recoveries, tasking the total active cases to 63,885.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-holds-key-to-global-fight-against-coronavirus-pandemic-345961" hreflang="en">India holds key to global fight against coronavirus pandemic</a>

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a three-city trip to Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Pune today to personally review the vaccine development and manufacturing process.

He will visit the Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad, Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad and the Serum Institute of India in Pune (Maharashtra), the Prime Minister`s Office said.

"As India enters a decisive phase of the fight against COVID-19, PM Narendra Modi`s visit to these facilities and discussions with the scientists will help him get a first-hand perspective of the preparations, challenges and roadmap in India`s endeavour to vaccinate its citizens," the PMO said.

With 41,322 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the tally of active cases in India rose to 4,54,940 on Saturday, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

With 41,322 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the tally of active cases in India rose to 4,54,940 on Saturday, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. There are now a total of 93,51,110 total positive cases in the country, including 87,59,969 recoveries. There were 485 deaths in the last 24 hours pushing the death toll to 1,36,200. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, with 11,57,605 samples tested in the last 24 hours, the total number of samples tested reached 13,82,20,354. Also read| Police, protesting farmers face-off at New Delhi border Maharashtra continued to be the worst affected state in the country with 6,185 new COVID-19 cases, 4,089 recoveries, and 85 deaths on Friday. The total number of cases in the state now stands at 18,08,550, including 87,969 active cases and 46,898 deaths. The situation improved slightly in Delhi, which reported 5,482 new Covid-19 cases and 5,937 recoveries on Friday, taking the total number of positive cases to 5,56,744, including 38,181 active cases and 5,09,654 recoveries and 8,909 deaths. Kerala reported about 3,966 new Covid-19 cases and 4,544 recoveries, tasking the total active cases to 63,885. Also read| India holds key to global fight against coronavirus pandemic Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a three-city trip to Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Pune today to personally review the vaccine development and manufacturing process. He will visit the Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad, Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad and the Serum Institute of India in Pune (Maharashtra), the Prime Minister`s Office said. "As India enters a decisive phase of the fight against COVID-19, PM Narendra Modi`s visit to these facilities and discussions with the scientists will help him get a first-hand perspective of the preparations, challenges and roadmap in India`s endeavour to vaccinate its citizens," the PMO said.

COVID-19: 41,322 new cases reported in India, tally crosses 93.51 lakh

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