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It seems everyone's wait for the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/pubg-mobile">PUBG India mobile game</a> might be coming to an end very soon as the official website now adorns an APK download link for the game.

The official website of the game had a 'Download' option, several users claimed on the internet. However, upon clicking on the option, there was no link or any other given option to download the game. Many believe the APK download link might be in the trial phase, meaning the launch is planned to take place very soon.

As per users, the website showed two download options. One option led to an APK download link and the second led to the Google Play store. However, none of the links worked.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/pubg-mobile-india-launch-date-trailer-how-to-register-344380">PUBG Mobile India launch day nears, trailer ready, but how to pre-register?</a>

The mobile gaming app has been in controversy recently as the app was banned for Indian users after the Indian government suspected a breach of privacy and data by the developer of the PUBG game, which was a Chinese company,&nbsp;Tencent Games.

As per the reports and users expectations, the Indian version of the game will be available in English and Hindi, as opposed to the original, global version of the game.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/pubg-mobile-india-launch-how-the-game-will-be-different-from-global-version-344571">PUBG Mobile India launch: How the game will be different from global version</a>

The company will reportedly hire nearly 100 people from India with a background and experience in the gaming, business and game development areas.

To steer clear of all privacy concerns raised by the Indian government at the beginning of the year,&nbsp;Krafton Inc has tied up with Microsoft Azure this time for the Indian version.

There has been no official announcement by the company about the PUBG mobile India release date.

It seems everyone's wait for the new PUBG India mobile game might be coming to an end very soon as the official website now adorns an APK download link for the game.

It seems everyone's wait for the new PUBG India mobile game might be coming to an end very soon as the official website now adorns an APK download link for the game. The official website of the game had a 'Download' option, several users claimed on the internet. However, upon clicking on the option, there was no link or any other given option to download the game. Many believe the APK download link might be in the trial phase, meaning the launch is planned to take place very soon. As per users, the website showed two download options. One option led to an APK download link and the second led to the Google Play store. However, none of the links worked. Also read| PUBG Mobile India launch day nears, trailer ready, but how to pre-register? The mobile gaming app has been in controversy recently as the app was banned for Indian users after the Indian government suspected a breach of privacy and data by the developer of the PUBG game, which was a Chinese company, Tencent Games. As per the reports and users expectations, the Indian version of the game will be available in English and Hindi, as opposed to the original, global version of the game. Also Read | PUBG Mobile India launch: How the game will be different from global version The company will reportedly hire nearly 100 people from India with a background and experience in the gaming, business and game development areas. To steer clear of all privacy concerns raised by the Indian government at the beginning of the year, Krafton Inc has tied up with Microsoft Azure this time for the Indian version. There has been no official announcement by the company about the PUBG mobile India release date.

Brand new: PUBG Mobile India APK download link visible on official website

As the Quad group's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/malabar-exercise-quad-evolving-from-an-informal-partnership-to-a-strategic-alliance-344177">Malabar</a> naval exercise came to an end on Friday, Antony Pisani, commanding officer of&nbsp;HMAS Ballarat of Royal Australian Navy, said it was a "resounding success".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/eye-on-china-india-led-quad-displays-military-prowess-in-malabar-naval-exercise-344391#anti-submarine-and-anti-aircraft-drills-344360">In Pics:&nbsp;Eye on China -&nbsp;India-led Quad displays military prowess in Malabar naval exercise</a>

"I thank the Indian Navy for their warm hospitality and for their planning, leadership and execution of the exercise Malabar," Pisani added.

The 24th edition of Malabar maritime exercise hosted by the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea ended on November 20.

It was conducted in two phases with phase one&nbsp;of the exercise involving United States Navy, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) and Royal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australia-calls-its-participation-in-malabar-exercise-a-milestone-opportunity-336483">Australian</a> Navy (RAN) including the Indiann Navy off Visakhapatnam in Bay of Bengal from 3-6 November.&nbsp;

The second phase of the exercise was conducted in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-phase-of-malabar-exercise-begins-in-northern-arabian-sea-343766">Arabian Sea</a> from November 17-20.

Rear Admiral James A Kirk, Commander, CSG-11 (Nimitz Group), said: "US and Indian naval forces alongside our Australian and Japanese partners have proved the ability to operate together across a broad range of missions."

The Malabar exercise was conducted with anti-submarine and anti-aircraft drills with Indian Navy’s participation in phase 2 being led by Rear Admiral Krishna Swaminathan. India's aircraft carrier Vikramaditya, stealth frigate Talwar, attack helicopters, submarine Khanderi and P8I and IL-38 maritime reconnaissance aircraft took part in the naval exercise.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-senators-write-to-indian-envoy-welcoming-australian-participation-at-malabar-exercises-bat-for-quad-336916">United States</a> had sent the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain and Nimitz Carrier Strike Group. The naval exercise comes amid the India and China standoff along the Line of Control(LAC) as the Quad group looks to combat the Dragon in the high seas.

Quad member&nbsp;Australia's diplomatic relations with China took a beating this year after Canberra led calls for an international inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic and Beijing imposed trade sanctions on Australian beef and barley.

Japan has also been embroiled in a dispute with China over ownership of islands in the East China Sea.

(With ANI inputs)

As the Quad group's Malabar naval exercise came to an end on Friday, Antony Pisani, commanding officer of HMAS Ballarat of Royal Australian Navy, said it was a "resounding success".

As the Quad group's Malabar naval exercise came to an end on Friday, Antony Pisani, commanding officer of HMAS Ballarat of Royal Australian Navy, said it was a "resounding success". In Pics: Eye on China - India-led Quad displays military prowess in Malabar naval exercise "I thank the Indian Navy for their warm hospitality and for their planning, leadership and execution of the exercise Malabar," Pisani added. The 24th edition of Malabar maritime exercise hosted by the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea ended on November 20. It was conducted in two phases with phase one of the exercise involving United States Navy, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) including the Indiann Navy off Visakhapatnam in Bay of Bengal from 3-6 November. The second phase of the exercise was conducted in the Arabian Sea from November 17-20. Rear Admiral James A Kirk, Commander, CSG-11 (Nimitz Group), said: "US and Indian naval forces alongside our Australian and Japanese partners have proved the ability to operate together across a broad range of missions." The Malabar exercise was conducted with anti-submarine and anti-aircraft drills with Indian Navy’s participation in phase 2 being led by Rear Admiral Krishna Swaminathan. India's aircraft carrier Vikramaditya, stealth frigate Talwar, attack helicopters, submarine Khanderi and P8I and IL-38 maritime reconnaissance aircraft took part in the naval exercise. The United States had sent the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain and Nimitz Carrier Strike Group. The naval exercise comes amid the India and China standoff along the Line of Control(LAC) as the Quad group looks to combat the Dragon in the high seas. Quad member Australia's diplomatic relations with China took a beating this year after Canberra led calls for an international inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic and Beijing imposed trade sanctions on Australian beef and barley. Japan has also been embroiled in a dispute with China over ownership of islands in the East China Sea. (With ANI inputs)

US, Indian, Australian & Japanese naval forces have proved their ability: Nimitz commander on Malabar naval exercise

Delhi state government on Friday issued a notification on Friday that hiked the fine amount for not wearing a mask in public places. Now, person found violating government directions will be fined Rs 2000. The fine will also be slapped if a person is found spitting or chewing tobacco in public places, not following quarantine norms and not maintaining social distancing.

The notification was issued by the health department following Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal's approval.

The national capital has witnessed a spurt in coronavirus cases since October 28, when the daily rise breached the 5,000-mark for the first time, and it crossed the 8,000-mark on November 11.

Previuosly, the fine amount for violations was Rs 500.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced the hike on Thursday but officials issued challans for Rs 500 saying that they had not received the notification.

"We have not received any written notification in this regard yet and so we have continued to issue challan of Rs 500 for those found not wearing masks," said a senior police officer.

Data shared by the Delhi Police showed that a total of 2,507 challans were issued for various violations under COVID-19 guidelines, till 4 pm on Friday. On Friday, over 2,000 challans were issued to people not wearing masks, police officials said.

District teams also imposed the previous fine of Rs 500 on those not wearing masks, saying no notification of the Delhi government has been received by them.

"It is legally not feasible to change the amount of a fine in the absence of a proper government order or notification," said a district official.

(With PTI inputs)

 
&nbsp;

Delhi state government on Friday issued a notification on Friday that hiked the fine amount for not wearing a mask in public places. Now, person found violating government directions will be fined Rs 2000.

Delhi state government on Friday issued a notification on Friday that hiked the fine amount for not wearing a mask in public places. Now, person found violating government directions will be fined Rs 2000. The fine will also be slapped if a person is found spitting or chewing tobacco in public places, not following quarantine norms and not maintaining social distancing. The notification was issued by the health department following Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal's approval. The national capital has witnessed a spurt in coronavirus cases since October 28, when the daily rise breached the 5,000-mark for the first time, and it crossed the 8,000-mark on November 11. Previuosly, the fine amount for violations was Rs 500. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced the hike on Thursday but officials issued challans for Rs 500 saying that they had not received the notification. "We have not received any written notification in this regard yet and so we have continued to issue challan of Rs 500 for those found not wearing masks," said a senior police officer. Data shared by the Delhi Police showed that a total of 2,507 challans were issued for various violations under COVID-19 guidelines, till 4 pm on Friday. On Friday, over 2,000 challans were issued to people not wearing masks, police officials said. District teams also imposed the previous fine of Rs 500 on those not wearing masks, saying no notification of the Delhi government has been received by them. "It is legally not feasible to change the amount of a fine in the absence of a proper government order or notification," said a district official. (With PTI inputs)

Delhi Government to slap Rs 2000 fine for not using mask in public places

Pakistani spy agency ISI had given the task of carrying out a suicide attack on the scale of Pulwama attack to the Jaish-e-Mohammed for which four terrorists were infiltrated into India from Samba sector on November 18/19 soon after which they were killed in an encounter by security forces near Nagrota in Jammu sector.

Senior government sources said the charge of carrying out a Pulwama scale terror attack bigger was given to the Jaish-e-Mohammed headed by Maulana Masood Azhar by Pakistan Army`s Inter-Services Intelligence.The man chosen to run the entire show was Azhar`s brother Abdul Rauf Asgar who selected four jihadis from the Shakargarh camp of Jaish in Pakistan near the Indian border.

Qazi Tarar, another terrorist ranking high in Jaish was also assigned with Asgar to plan the attack.A meeting was also held in Jaish headquarters in Bahawalpur and included Maulana Abu Jundal and Mufti Tauseef of the Jaish terror network along with the above two and ISI officers, the sources informed.

After the initial planning was done, the Shakargarh unit of the Jaish was tasked to carry out the final preparations including the selection of terrorists and their training.The four terrorists received suicide attack training and also the drills to use available firepower to inflict maximum possible damage to Indian positions in the Kashmir valley.

The Jaish terrorists used the network of nullahs in the riverine border area to sneak into the Indian territory in the Samba sector and were picked up in a truck near Jatwal six kms from Samba towards Kathua in Jammu division. Sources said most of the Jaish infiltration attempts have been done using similar routes in the same sector in dark nights around 3-4 am.

The Jaish terror training camp in Shakargarh in Pakistan is around 30 Kms from the pick up point in terms of aerial distance.When the truck was intercepted by the troops around the Ban toll plaza by Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF troopers at 4.45 am, the driver ran towards dark while the terrorists hiding in the apple truck panicked and an encounter followed up.

The terrorists were raising slogans of Allah-O-Akbar, Islam Zindabad, Pakistan Zindabad and Jasih zindabad when they were asked to surrender by security forces through numerous appeals and made it clear that they had come to die on Indian soil.

A huge cache of arms was recovered from them including 11 AK rifles, 23 magazines, 29 grenades, 10 under-barrel grenade launchers all made in Pakistan along with handheld Global Positioning Systems and CASIO watches at the same time set for all terrorists.

As soon as the terrorists entered the Indian territory, they were in constant touch with the Abdul Rauf Asgar and handler in Kashmir including Muhammed Asgar Khan Kashmiri, who is the operational commander of the Jaish in Kashmir valley.

The security forces are also trying to find out more details of the source of help provided to the terrorists who had entered India and were planning to reach Kashmir. The Indian security forces are also on the lookout for more possible attempts by terrorists to sneak in and carry out attacks on Indian soil.

Pakistani spy agency ISI had given the task of carrying out a suicide attack on the scale of Pulwama attack to the Jaish-e-Mohammed for which four terrorists were infiltrated into India from Samba sector on November 18/19 soon after which they were killed in an encounter by security forces near Nagrota in Jammu sector.

Pakistani spy agency ISI had given the task of carrying out a suicide attack on the scale of Pulwama attack to the Jaish-e-Mohammed for which four terrorists were infiltrated into India from Samba sector on November 18/19 soon after which they were killed in an encounter by security forces near Nagrota in Jammu sector. Senior government sources said the charge of carrying out a Pulwama scale terror attack bigger was given to the Jaish-e-Mohammed headed by Maulana Masood Azhar by Pakistan Army`s Inter-Services Intelligence.The man chosen to run the entire show was Azhar`s brother Abdul Rauf Asgar who selected four jihadis from the Shakargarh camp of Jaish in Pakistan near the Indian border. Qazi Tarar, another terrorist ranking high in Jaish was also assigned with Asgar to plan the attack.A meeting was also held in Jaish headquarters in Bahawalpur and included Maulana Abu Jundal and Mufti Tauseef of the Jaish terror network along with the above two and ISI officers, the sources informed. After the initial planning was done, the Shakargarh unit of the Jaish was tasked to carry out the final preparations including the selection of terrorists and their training.The four terrorists received suicide attack training and also the drills to use available firepower to inflict maximum possible damage to Indian positions in the Kashmir valley. The Jaish terrorists used the network of nullahs in the riverine border area to sneak into the Indian territory in the Samba sector and were picked up in a truck near Jatwal six kms from Samba towards Kathua in Jammu division. Sources said most of the Jaish infiltration attempts have been done using similar routes in the same sector in dark nights around 3-4 am. The Jaish terror training camp in Shakargarh in Pakistan is around 30 Kms from the pick up point in terms of aerial distance.When the truck was intercepted by the troops around the Ban toll plaza by Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF troopers at 4.45 am, the driver ran towards dark while the terrorists hiding in the apple truck panicked and an encounter followed up. The terrorists were raising slogans of Allah-O-Akbar, Islam Zindabad, Pakistan Zindabad and Jasih zindabad when they were asked to surrender by security forces through numerous appeals and made it clear that they had come to die on Indian soil. A huge cache of arms was recovered from them including 11 AK rifles, 23 magazines, 29 grenades, 10 under-barrel grenade launchers all made in Pakistan along with handheld Global Positioning Systems and CASIO watches at the same time set for all terrorists. As soon as the terrorists entered the Indian territory, they were in constant touch with the Abdul Rauf Asgar and handler in Kashmir including Muhammed Asgar Khan Kashmiri, who is the operational commander of the Jaish in Kashmir valley. The security forces are also trying to find out more details of the source of help provided to the terrorists who had entered India and were planning to reach Kashmir. The Indian security forces are also on the lookout for more possible attempts by terrorists to sneak in and carry out attacks on Indian soil.

Terrorist Masood Azhar's brother was handler of 4 Jaish attackers in Nagrota: Sources

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday sprang a surprise here when he virtually broke protocol to get out of his vehicle and walk on the busy GST Road outside the airport to greet supporters, minutes after he landed here for a two-day visit of the city.

Shah, who thanked the metropolis for its love, said it was "great" to be in Tamil Nadu.

Shah is slated to attend a Tamil Nadu government event later in the day, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for projects worth over Rs 67,000 crore, including phase II of Chennai Metro Rail.

Soon after his arrival from Delhi, Shah was received by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami, his deputy O Panneerselvam, senior cabinet members and BJP State President L Murugan among others, before proceeding to the city hotel where he will be put up.

However, after exiting the airport, Shah's car suddenly stopped and the BJP veteran got out, before walking a short distance, waving at scores of BJP and AIADMK workers who had gathered to receive him with their respective party flags.

Accompanied by BJP National General Secretary and party in-charge of poll-bound Tamil Nadu, CT Ravi, and Murugan, with his security detail in tow, the Home Minister warmly waved at the overjoyed supporters who had thronged the airport since the morning.

A heavy security cover has been provided in the city following Shah's visit, during which he will meet state BJP functionaries and possibly discuss Tamil Nadu elections, due next April-May, before leaving on Sunday morning. 
Meanwhile, Shah took to Twitter to thank the city for its love and support.

"It is always great to be in Tamil Nadu. Thank you Chennai for this love and support," he said in a tweet accompanying a video clip of his walk on GST Road.

Shad had earlier been here in August 2019 to release a book on Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu's two years in office then.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday sprang a surprise here when he virtually broke protocol to get out of his vehicle and walk on the busy GST Road outside the airport to greet supporters, minutes after he landed here for a two-day visit of the city.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday sprang a surprise here when he virtually broke protocol to get out of his vehicle and walk on the busy GST Road outside the airport to greet supporters, minutes after he landed here for a two-day visit of the city. Shah, who thanked the metropolis for its love, said it was "great" to be in Tamil Nadu. Shah is slated to attend a Tamil Nadu government event later in the day, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for projects worth over Rs 67,000 crore, including phase II of Chennai Metro Rail. Soon after his arrival from Delhi, Shah was received by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami, his deputy O Panneerselvam, senior cabinet members and BJP State President L Murugan among others, before proceeding to the city hotel where he will be put up. However, after exiting the airport, Shah's car suddenly stopped and the BJP veteran got out, before walking a short distance, waving at scores of BJP and AIADMK workers who had gathered to receive him with their respective party flags. Accompanied by BJP National General Secretary and party in-charge of poll-bound Tamil Nadu, CT Ravi, and Murugan, with his security detail in tow, the Home Minister warmly waved at the overjoyed supporters who had thronged the airport since the morning. A heavy security cover has been provided in the city following Shah's visit, during which he will meet state BJP functionaries and possibly discuss Tamil Nadu elections, due next April-May, before leaving on Sunday morning. Meanwhile, Shah took to Twitter to thank the city for its love and support. "It is always great to be in Tamil Nadu. Thank you Chennai for this love and support," he said in a tweet accompanying a video clip of his walk on GST Road. Shad had earlier been here in August 2019 to release a book on Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu's two years in office then.

Amit Shah springs a surprise, walks on Chennai road to greet supporters 

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday said Punjab was ready to provide all possible help to the Delhi government to combat the COVID-19 threat.

"Delhi is fighting a tough battle, and we are there to help if needed. I have said that earlier also,"&nbsp;he said.

Singh lauded the healthcare and frontline workers of Punjab for their "excellent"&nbsp;work in handling the pandemic in the state. He assured full preparedness by his government to augment healthcare facilities to prepare for a possible second wave of the pandemic.

Singh said while nobody knew when the second wave of infection would strike Punjab, the experience of the NCR and other states and regions showed it was almost certain.

The chief minister expressed confidence that the health department will once again rise to the occasion to meet any challenge, a government release issued here said.

It was the duty of the state government to support the healthcare and other frontline workers, many of whom have got infected and some have even lost their lives to COVID-19, Singh said.

He also exhorted the people to actively help the state in the fight against the pandemic by strictly following all safety norms.

"Mask hi vaccine hai"&nbsp;(mask is the vaccine), as a resolve for the next few months till a vaccine against infection finally is available, Singh said.

The chief minister also launched 107 health and wellness centres to boost the healthcare infrastructure in the state and to provide health services to patients at their doorsteps in both rural and urban areas.

He said these new centres would take the state's health infrastructure to a new level of efficacy amid the pandemic.

Of the 3,049 centres planned in the state, 2,046 were now operational and 800 more would become operational in the next two months, with the remaining to be opened in 2021, Singh said.

He said the state government was focused on strengthening healthcare facilities, especially levels two and three, with the aim to save lives through early testing and treatment.

Urging people to avoid crowded places and not have large gatherings and social functions indoors, he stressed the need to observe all precautions, especially washing hands and wearing face masks.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday said Punjab was ready to provide all possible help to the Delhi government to combat the COVID-19 threat. "Delhi is fighting a tough battle, and we are there to help if needed.

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday said Punjab was ready to provide all possible help to the Delhi government to combat the COVID-19 threat. "Delhi is fighting a tough battle, and we are there to help if needed. I have said that earlier also," he said. Singh lauded the healthcare and frontline workers of Punjab for their "excellent" work in handling the pandemic in the state. He assured full preparedness by his government to augment healthcare facilities to prepare for a possible second wave of the pandemic. Singh said while nobody knew when the second wave of infection would strike Punjab, the experience of the NCR and other states and regions showed it was almost certain. The chief minister expressed confidence that the health department will once again rise to the occasion to meet any challenge, a government release issued here said. It was the duty of the state government to support the healthcare and other frontline workers, many of whom have got infected and some have even lost their lives to COVID-19, Singh said. He also exhorted the people to actively help the state in the fight against the pandemic by strictly following all safety norms. "Mask hi vaccine hai" (mask is the vaccine), as a resolve for the next few months till a vaccine against infection finally is available, Singh said. The chief minister also launched 107 health and wellness centres to boost the healthcare infrastructure in the state and to provide health services to patients at their doorsteps in both rural and urban areas. He said these new centres would take the state's health infrastructure to a new level of efficacy amid the pandemic. Of the 3,049 centres planned in the state, 2,046 were now operational and 800 more would become operational in the next two months, with the remaining to be opened in 2021, Singh said. He said the state government was focused on strengthening healthcare facilities, especially levels two and three, with the aim to save lives through early testing and treatment. Urging people to avoid crowded places and not have large gatherings and social functions indoors, he stressed the need to observe all precautions, especially washing hands and wearing face masks.

Punjab ready to help Delhi govt to fight Covid crisis: Amarinder Singh

Maharashtra Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray on Saturday said the Shiv Sena never plays politics when it comes to work "unlike others".

"For us, politics is limited only to elections. Once elections are over, we get back to work but others always indulge in politics. Let them do that," Aaditya Thackeray said while speaking at a programme at Kalyan in Thane district to launch a girder for the Patripul Rail Overbridge (ROB).

"Like this project which faced many hurdles before seeing the light of the day, other projects will be undertaken by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government to ensure development of the state," he said.

Aaditya, son of chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, further said the 'Samruddhi Mahamarg' or Mumbai-Nagpur expressway project is likely to be completed next year.

"Every month we take stock of various projects, like MTHL (Trans-Harbour Link), Coastal Road, Worli-Sewree connector etc," he said.

Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde said the Patripul ROB would open for traffic after 30 days.

"This ROB is a New Year gift for citizens of Kalyan- Dombivli," he added.

Maharashtra Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray on Saturday said the Shiv Sena never plays politics when it comes to work "unlike others". "For us, politics is limited only to elections.

Maharashtra Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray on Saturday said the Shiv Sena never plays politics when it comes to work "unlike others". "For us, politics is limited only to elections. Once elections are over, we get back to work but others always indulge in politics. Let them do that," Aaditya Thackeray said while speaking at a programme at Kalyan in Thane district to launch a girder for the Patripul Rail Overbridge (ROB). "Like this project which faced many hurdles before seeing the light of the day, other projects will be undertaken by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government to ensure development of the state," he said. Aaditya, son of chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, further said the 'Samruddhi Mahamarg' or Mumbai-Nagpur expressway project is likely to be completed next year. "Every month we take stock of various projects, like MTHL (Trans-Harbour Link), Coastal Road, Worli-Sewree connector etc," he said. Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde said the Patripul ROB would open for traffic after 30 days. "This ROB is a New Year gift for citizens of Kalyan- Dombivli," he added.

For Shiv Sena, politics limited to elections: Aaditya Thackeray

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutanese PM Dr Lotay Tshering will launch phase 2 of RuPay card on Friday. Under phase 2, Bhutanese cardholders will able to access RuPay network in India.&nbsp;

"India and Bhutan share a special partnership, anchored in mutual understanding and respect, reinforced by a shared cultural heritage and strong people to people links," said a release by the Indian government.&nbsp;

Phase 1 of the card was launched in August 2019 during the visit of the Indian Prime Minister. Phase 1 of RuPay cards enabled visitors from India to access ATMs and Point of Sale (PoS) terminals across Bhutan.

RuPay is an Indian payment gateway like a visa or Mastercard and increasingly being expanded to India's neighboring countries or countries with huge Indian diaspora. It was launched in Singapore in May 2018, followed by Bhutan and the Maldives. UAE was the first gulf country which saw its launch, followed by Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, helping thousands of Indian expats send money back home. Other countries like Myanmar, Australia are also working to adopt it.

Introduced in 2014, 600 million people use RuPay cards. It is a product of the National payments corporation of India or NPCI.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutanese PM Dr Lotay Tshering will launch phase 2 of RuPay card on Friday. Under phase 2, Bhutanese cardholders will able to access RuPay network in India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutanese PM Dr Lotay Tshering will launch phase 2 of RuPay card on Friday. Under phase 2, Bhutanese cardholders will able to access RuPay network in India. "India and Bhutan share a special partnership, anchored in mutual understanding and respect, reinforced by a shared cultural heritage and strong people to people links," said a release by the Indian government. Phase 1 of the card was launched in August 2019 during the visit of the Indian Prime Minister. Phase 1 of RuPay cards enabled visitors from India to access ATMs and Point of Sale (PoS) terminals across Bhutan. RuPay is an Indian payment gateway like a visa or Mastercard and increasingly being expanded to India's neighboring countries or countries with huge Indian diaspora. It was launched in Singapore in May 2018, followed by Bhutan and the Maldives. UAE was the first gulf country which saw its launch, followed by Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, helping thousands of Indian expats send money back home. Other countries like Myanmar, Australia are also working to adopt it. Introduced in 2014, 600 million people use RuPay cards. It is a product of the National payments corporation of India or NPCI.

Phase 2 of RuPay card to be launched in Bhutan on Friday

India's Bharat Biotech this week offered Brazil a COVID-19<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-vaccine-news-injects-trillions-in-stock-markets-worldwide-344414"> vaccine</a> that is in late-stage clinical trials and a possible technology transfer partnership, a company executive said on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-vaccine-breakthrough-social-distancing-and-wearing-masks-may-remain-344420">Also Read:&nbsp;Despite vaccine breakthrough, social distancing and wearing masks may remain</a>

The private pharmaceutical company based in the southern city of Hyderabad is developing a whole-virion inactivated vaccine called Covaxin that could be licensed by the second quarter of 2021.

"The data looks really good in terms of reduction and also prevention of disease, and we started our Phase 3 clinical trials this week," Executive Director Sai Prasad told Reuters.

Bharat Biotech is currently recruiting 26,000 volunteers in India for the trials and the results are expected between March and April, he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-rush-to-get-vaccine-us-canada-and-eu-pre-book-huge-order-344415">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid rush to get vaccine, US, Canada and EU pre-book huge order</a>

Pfizer Inc said on Wednesday it had offered to provide Brazil with millions of doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in the first half of 2021, amid evidence the coronavirus is spreading more rapidly in South America's largest country.

Pfizer and German partner BioNTech SE reported final trial results that showed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-eyes-substantial-vaccination-in-first-half-2021-contagion-slows-344424">vaccine</a> was 95% effective in preventing COVID-19.

Bharat Biotech representatives met this week with Brazilian health ministry and regulatory agency officials to see what the requirements are for licensing the vaccine in Brazil and whether trials would have to be done there too.

"We are definitely open for partnerships and for technology transfers," Prasad said in an interview from Hyderabad.

Bharat Biotech has sold a Hepatitis B vaccine to Brazil and is developing others for Zika and Chicungunya that the South American country is interested in, he said.

India's Bharat Biotech this week offered Brazil a COVID-19 vaccine that is in late-stage clinical trials and a possible technology transfer partnership, a company executive said on Friday.

India's Bharat Biotech this week offered Brazil a COVID-19 vaccine that is in late-stage clinical trials and a possible technology transfer partnership, a company executive said on Friday. Also Read: Despite vaccine breakthrough, social distancing and wearing masks may remain The private pharmaceutical company based in the southern city of Hyderabad is developing a whole-virion inactivated vaccine called Covaxin that could be licensed by the second quarter of 2021. "The data looks really good in terms of reduction and also prevention of disease, and we started our Phase 3 clinical trials this week," Executive Director Sai Prasad told Reuters. Bharat Biotech is currently recruiting 26,000 volunteers in India for the trials and the results are expected between March and April, he said. Also Read: Amid rush to get vaccine, US, Canada and EU pre-book huge order Pfizer Inc said on Wednesday it had offered to provide Brazil with millions of doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in the first half of 2021, amid evidence the coronavirus is spreading more rapidly in South America's largest country. Pfizer and German partner BioNTech SE reported final trial results that showed the vaccine was 95% effective in preventing COVID-19. Bharat Biotech representatives met this week with Brazilian health ministry and regulatory agency officials to see what the requirements are for licensing the vaccine in Brazil and whether trials would have to be done there too. "We are definitely open for partnerships and for technology transfers," Prasad said in an interview from Hyderabad. Bharat Biotech has sold a Hepatitis B vaccine to Brazil and is developing others for Zika and Chicungunya that the South American country is interested in, he said.

Bharat Biotech offers Brazil potential coronavirus vaccine

Barclays lifted its fiscal 2022 growth projection for the Indian Economy. According to Barclays the Indian economy in the fiscal year 21-22 to grow at the rate of 8.5% from an earlier projection of 7%, saying the country would have expected to "return to normal" faster than other nations.

India's economy to return to normal faster: Barclays

In a strongly-worded statement, India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for destabilizing Afghanistan, saying, "terror flow across Durand line should stop". Durand Line is the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.&nbsp;

India's envoy to United Nations, TS Tirumurti speaking at Arria Formula Meeting of United Nations Security Council said, "There needs to be zero tolerance of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations....It is important to ensure that no one provides sanctuary to terrorists who threaten Afghanistan or any other country in the region. Those who do so must be held accountable."

The number of terror attacks in Afghanistan has had links in Pakistan, and the long, porous border has helped the easy movement of terrorists. Report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team under the Al-Qaeda/Da’esh Sanctions Committee of UN has pointed out the presence of foreign fighters in Afghanistan, many of which include Pakistani nationals.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-qaeda-chief-ayman-al-zawahiri-may-have-died-in-afghanistan-report-344314">Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri may have died in Afghanistan: Report</a>

Tirumurti also pointed out, how Pakistan has not allowed "full transit rights to Afghanistan", hindering trade and connectivity between India and Afghanistan. He explained, how it is being used by "States to extract a political price from Afghanistan" and "the international community should discourage medieval mentalities and work towards removal of artificial transit barriers imposed on Afghanistan."

To increase connectivity, India has started an air corridor with Afghanistan and also via Chabahar port in Iran. In fact, amidst the COVID pandemic, New Delhi sent 75000 MT of wheat to the country to deal with the crisis.&nbsp;

On the Afghan peace process, the envoy reiterated India's stance that the process must be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" and "solutions must come from the Afghans themselves, in line with the wishes and aspirations of the all sections of Afghan society."

He also said, "gains of the last two decades" especially rights of women and minorities should be "strongly protected" and "safeguarded."&nbsp;

This year saw the US-Taliban pact and the start of the intra-Afghan ties between the Afghan govt and Taliban, but the violence level remains high in the country. America plans to substantially reduce troops level in Afghanistan by January, even hostilities on the ground continue.&nbsp;

India has played an important role in the development of Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. It has helped build mega infrastructure projects like Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam in Herat, the Afghan National Parliament building in Kabul, and the electricity supply grid between Kabul and northern Afghanistan and capacity building.

As the envoy had put, "India and Afghanistan are contiguous neighbors. We are connected together by centuries of historical, people-to-people, and cultural relations. India has stood resolutely behind the Government and people of Afghanistan and has supported the development of Afghanistan."

New Delhi has also been involved in over 400 high impact community development projects spread across 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

In a strongly-worded statement, India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for destabilizing Afghanistan, saying, "terror flow across Durand line should stop".

In a strongly-worded statement, India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for destabilizing Afghanistan, saying, "terror flow across Durand line should stop". Durand Line is the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. India's envoy to United Nations, TS Tirumurti speaking at Arria Formula Meeting of United Nations Security Council said, "There needs to be zero tolerance of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations....It is important to ensure that no one provides sanctuary to terrorists who threaten Afghanistan or any other country in the region. Those who do so must be held accountable." The number of terror attacks in Afghanistan has had links in Pakistan, and the long, porous border has helped the easy movement of terrorists. Report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team under the Al-Qaeda/Da’esh Sanctions Committee of UN has pointed out the presence of foreign fighters in Afghanistan, many of which include Pakistani nationals. Also Read | Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri may have died in Afghanistan: Report Tirumurti also pointed out, how Pakistan has not allowed "full transit rights to Afghanistan", hindering trade and connectivity between India and Afghanistan. He explained, how it is being used by "States to extract a political price from Afghanistan" and "the international community should discourage medieval mentalities and work towards removal of artificial transit barriers imposed on Afghanistan." To increase connectivity, India has started an air corridor with Afghanistan and also via Chabahar port in Iran. In fact, amidst the COVID pandemic, New Delhi sent 75000 MT of wheat to the country to deal with the crisis. On the Afghan peace process, the envoy reiterated India's stance that the process must be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" and "solutions must come from the Afghans themselves, in line with the wishes and aspirations of the all sections of Afghan society." He also said, "gains of the last two decades" especially rights of women and minorities should be "strongly protected" and "safeguarded." This year saw the US-Taliban pact and the start of the intra-Afghan ties between the Afghan govt and Taliban, but the violence level remains high in the country. America plans to substantially reduce troops level in Afghanistan by January, even hostilities on the ground continue. India has played an important role in the development of Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. It has helped build mega infrastructure projects like Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam in Herat, the Afghan National Parliament building in Kabul, and the electricity supply grid between Kabul and northern Afghanistan and capacity building. As the envoy had put, "India and Afghanistan are contiguous neighbors. We are connected together by centuries of historical, people-to-people, and cultural relations. India has stood resolutely behind the Government and people of Afghanistan and has supported the development of Afghanistan." New Delhi has also been involved in over 400 high impact community development projects spread across 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

India slams Pakistan at UNSC for destabilising Afghanistan; says 'terror flow across Durand Line should stop'

With 45,882 new COVID-19 infections, India COVID-19 caseload surged above the 90-lakh mark on Friday.

According to the Health Ministry's Friday morning update, the total caseload in the country has risen to 90,04,366.

The death toll has mounted to 1,32,162 with 584 new deaths.

Total active cases are now at 4,43,794 after an increase of 491 in the last 24 hours while total discharged cases is 84,28,410 with 44,807 new discharges in the same period. 
 
Meanwhile, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla on Thursday said the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine should be available for healthcare workers and elderly people by around February 2021 and by April for the general public, and will be priced at a maximum of ₹ 1,000 for two necessary doses for the public.

(With inputs from agencies)

With 45,882 new COVID-19 infections, India COVID-19 caseload surged above the 90-lakh mark on Friday. According to the Health Ministry's Friday morning update, the total caseload in the country has risen to 90,04,366.

With 45,882 new COVID-19 infections, India COVID-19 caseload surged above the 90-lakh mark on Friday. According to the Health Ministry's Friday morning update, the total caseload in the country has risen to 90,04,366. The death toll has mounted to 1,32,162 with 584 new deaths. Total active cases are now at 4,43,794 after an increase of 491 in the last 24 hours while total discharged cases is 84,28,410 with 44,807 new discharges in the same period. Meanwhile, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla on Thursday said the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine should be available for healthcare workers and elderly people by around February 2021 and by April for the general public, and will be priced at a maximum of ₹ 1,000 for two necessary doses for the public. (With inputs from agencies)

India's COVID-19 cases top 90 lakh; active cases at 4.43 lakh

India, Australia, Japan, and the United States began the second phase of the Malabar naval exercise in the northern Arabian Sea, with all four countries keeping a wary eye on China's growing military power.

The mega exercise is taking place at a time India and China are locked in an over six-month-long bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh.

The four nations make up the so-called&nbsp;Quad&nbsp;group (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), established in 2007 to counter growing Chinese influence. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-phase-of-malabar-exercise-begins-in-northern-arabian-sea-343766" hreflang="en">Second phase of Malabar exercise begins in northern Arabian Sea</a>

Indian Navy's fleet tanker ship INS Deepak carried out wargame drills during the second phase of the ongoing exercise joint naval exercise in the Indian Ocean on Wednesday.

Earlier,&nbsp;Indian Navy aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya carried out wargame drills along with US-made supercarrier USS Nimitz and Japanese and Australian warships during the second phase of joint naval exercise in the Indian Ocean on Tuesday.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/malabar-military-exercise-2020-india-us-japan-australian-navies-to-set-sail-339090" hreflang="en">Malabar military exercise 2020: India, US, Japan &amp; Australian navies to set sail</a>

India, the United States, Japan, and Australia began their largest joint naval exercises in over a decade earlier this month, seen as part of efforts to balance China's vast military and economic power in the region.

The annual "Malabar" wargames that India holds with the United States and Japan have been expanded to include Australia this year to cover all members of the&nbsp;Quad, an informal group of the four largest democracies in the Indo-Pacific.

The first phase of the Malabar exercise took place in the Bay of Bengal from November 3 to 6 and featured a number of complex drills including anti-submarine and anti-air warfare operations.

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The Australian Navy has deployed its HMAS Ballarat, an Anzac-class frigate while the Japanese Navy has sent its leading destroyer JS Murasame for the exercise.

This exercise is involving coordinated operations of increasing complexity among the navies of the four countries which are part of the Quad or Quadrilateral Coalition, officials said.

"The two carriers, along with other ships, submarines, and aircraft of the participating navies, would be engaged in high-intensity naval operations over four days," the Indian Navy said on Monday.

A carrier battle group or carrier strike group is a mega naval fleet comprising an aircraft carrier, accompanied by a large number of destroyers, frigates and other ships.

The Navy said the exercise will include cross-deck flying operations and advanced air defence exercises by MIG 29K fighters of Vikramaditya and F-18 fighters and E2C Hawkeye from Nimitz.

Apart from Vikramaditya and its fighter and helicopter air-wings, the Indian Navy is also deploying destroyers Kolkata and Chennai, stealth frigate Talwar and fleet support ship Deepak in the exercise.

The Indian contingent is being led by Rear Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet.

Last month, India announced that Australia will be part of the Malabar exercise which effectively made it a drill by all four member nations of the Quad which is primarily focusing on containing China's military expansionism in the Indo-Pacific region.

China has been suspicious about the purpose of the Malabar exercise as it feels that the annual war game is an effort to contain its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Global Times ran a piece that said the exercise "is an obvious step toward the establishment of a mini-version of NATO in Asia."

The invitation by India to the Australian Navy for the exercise came two weeks after foreign ministers of the 'Quad' member nations held extensive talks in Tokyo with a focus on enhancing their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

The Malabar exercise started in 1992 as a bilateral drill between the Indian Navy and the US Navy in the Indian Ocean. Japan became a permanent member of the exercise in 2015.

India, Australia, Japan, and the United States began the second phase of the Malabar naval exercise in the northern Arabian Sea, with all four countries keeping a wary eye on China's growing military power.

India, Australia, Japan, and the United States began the second phase of the Malabar naval exercise in the northern Arabian Sea, with all four countries keeping a wary eye on China's growing military power. The mega exercise is taking place at a time India and China are locked in an over six-month-long bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh. The four nations make up the so-called Quad group (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), established in 2007 to counter growing Chinese influence. Also read: Second phase of Malabar exercise begins in northern Arabian Sea Indian Navy's fleet tanker ship INS Deepak carried out wargame drills during the second phase of the ongoing exercise joint naval exercise in the Indian Ocean on Wednesday. Earlier, Indian Navy aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya carried out wargame drills along with US-made supercarrier USS Nimitz and Japanese and Australian warships during the second phase of joint naval exercise in the Indian Ocean on Tuesday. Also see| Malabar military exercise 2020: India, US, Japan & Australian navies to set sail India, the United States, Japan, and Australia began their largest joint naval exercises in over a decade earlier this month, seen as part of efforts to balance China's vast military and economic power in the region. The annual "Malabar" wargames that India holds with the United States and Japan have been expanded to include Australia this year to cover all members of the Quad, an informal group of the four largest democracies in the Indo-Pacific. The first phase of the Malabar exercise took place in the Bay of Bengal from November 3 to 6 and featured a number of complex drills including anti-submarine and anti-air warfare operations. × The Australian Navy has deployed its HMAS Ballarat, an Anzac-class frigate while the Japanese Navy has sent its leading destroyer JS Murasame for the exercise. This exercise is involving coordinated operations of increasing complexity among the navies of the four countries which are part of the Quad or Quadrilateral Coalition, officials said. "The two carriers, along with other ships, submarines, and aircraft of the participating navies, would be engaged in high-intensity naval operations over four days," the Indian Navy said on Monday. A carrier battle group or carrier strike group is a mega naval fleet comprising an aircraft carrier, accompanied by a large number of destroyers, frigates and other ships. The Navy said the exercise will include cross-deck flying operations and advanced air defence exercises by MIG 29K fighters of Vikramaditya and F-18 fighters and E2C Hawkeye from Nimitz. Apart from Vikramaditya and its fighter and helicopter air-wings, the Indian Navy is also deploying destroyers Kolkata and Chennai, stealth frigate Talwar and fleet support ship Deepak in the exercise. The Indian contingent is being led by Rear Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet. Last month, India announced that Australia will be part of the Malabar exercise which effectively made it a drill by all four member nations of the Quad which is primarily focusing on containing China's military expansionism in the Indo-Pacific region. China has been suspicious about the purpose of the Malabar exercise as it feels that the annual war game is an effort to contain its influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The Global Times ran a piece that said the exercise "is an obvious step toward the establishment of a mini-version of NATO in Asia." The invitation by India to the Australian Navy for the exercise came two weeks after foreign ministers of the 'Quad' member nations held extensive talks in Tokyo with a focus on enhancing their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The Malabar exercise started in 1992 as a bilateral drill between the Indian Navy and the US Navy in the Indian Ocean. Japan became a permanent member of the exercise in 2015.

Malabar exercise: Quad evolving from an informal partnership to a strategic alliance

India has naval capabilities near the Indian Ocean chokepoints especially around the Malacca Strait which connects the Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific, these waters hold a lot of importance for China since it is a crucial route for energy and trade.

India had threatened a naval blockade of Pakistan previously during the 1971 war. New Delhi has never issued any such threat against Beijing. The Indian navy was reportedly placed on high alert following the Galwan Valley clash.

However, there was no official word on whether the Indian Navy was considering a blockade on Chinese shipping or whether it was considering interdicting Chinese tankers near the Andaman and Nicobar islands, or perhaps looking at diverting shipping traffic to and from China.

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In June, reports hinted at chances of the United States moving its carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt into the Malacca Straits area in a show of support for India. In the same month, the Global Times was singing praises about China responding by carrying out Naval drills in the South China Sea.

China knows that it is on the backfoot in the Indian Ocean. Beijing knows that Malacca dilemma. India is in a position where it can monitor the traffic at the Malacca Straits or the Lombok and Sunda straits. It can put pressure on the movement of merchant ships while traffic in the high seas that is waters beyond 12 nautical miles from the coast cannot be impeded. This rule will not apply in the event of a war.

China's disadvantage in high seas becomes all the more grave in the South China Sea where China is fighting six countries. Eighty per cent of China's oil imports come through the Malacca Strait. It is also the route for a considerable amount of Chinese trade.

India has been strengthening its maritime cooperation with the Quad countries. In September for the first time, an American P-8 Poseidon long-range maritime patrol aircraft refuelled at an Indian base in the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

In October, New Delhi and Washington signed an agreement to expand military satellite information sharing. India is also planning to strengthen its maritime infrastructure. A deepwater port is being built on the great Nicobar island for $1.3 billion.

It is not for nothing that India is working towards building these naval capacities.

India has naval capabilities near the Indian Ocean chokepoints especially around the Malacca Strait which connects the Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific, these waters hold a lot of importance for China since it is a crucial route for energy and trade.

India has naval capabilities near the Indian Ocean chokepoints especially around the Malacca Strait which connects the Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific, these waters hold a lot of importance for China since it is a crucial route for energy and trade. India had threatened a naval blockade of Pakistan previously during the 1971 war. New Delhi has never issued any such threat against Beijing. The Indian navy was reportedly placed on high alert following the Galwan Valley clash. However, there was no official word on whether the Indian Navy was considering a blockade on Chinese shipping or whether it was considering interdicting Chinese tankers near the Andaman and Nicobar islands, or perhaps looking at diverting shipping traffic to and from China. × In June, reports hinted at chances of the United States moving its carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt into the Malacca Straits area in a show of support for India. In the same month, the Global Times was singing praises about China responding by carrying out Naval drills in the South China Sea. China knows that it is on the backfoot in the Indian Ocean. Beijing knows that Malacca dilemma. India is in a position where it can monitor the traffic at the Malacca Straits or the Lombok and Sunda straits. It can put pressure on the movement of merchant ships while traffic in the high seas that is waters beyond 12 nautical miles from the coast cannot be impeded. This rule will not apply in the event of a war. China's disadvantage in high seas becomes all the more grave in the South China Sea where China is fighting six countries. Eighty per cent of China's oil imports come through the Malacca Strait. It is also the route for a considerable amount of Chinese trade. India has been strengthening its maritime cooperation with the Quad countries. In September for the first time, an American P-8 Poseidon long-range maritime patrol aircraft refuelled at an Indian base in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. In October, New Delhi and Washington signed an agreement to expand military satellite information sharing. India is also planning to strengthen its maritime infrastructure. A deepwater port is being built on the great Nicobar island for $1.3 billion. It is not for nothing that India is working towards building these naval capacities.

China's Malacca dilemma: How India controls Indian Ocean chokepoints

Eye on China: India-led Quad displays military prowess in Malabar naval exercise

The first-ever virtual G20 summit that will take place on&nbsp;November 21 and 22 will see COVID-19 crisis dominating the agenda. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be representing India at the meet whose host is Saudi Arabia for this year. The summit is taking place virtually due to the pandemic.&nbsp;

A release by the ministry of external affairs said, "At the invitation of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will be attending the 15th G20 Summit chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the theme 'Realising the Opportunities of 21st Century for All'&nbsp;on November 21-22, 2020."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-luxembourg-summit-pm-modi-pitches-for-strengthening-relations-344172" hreflang="en">India-Luxembourg summit: PM Modi pitches for strengthening relations</a>

This is the second G20 summit this year, the first took place in March 2020 to take a coordinated approach by the world's top 20 economies to deal with the pandemic.

The MEA release explained, the focus of the upcoming G20 Summit will be on an "inclusive, resilient, and sustainable recovery from the COVID-19" with leaders discussing "pandemic preparedness and the ways and means to restore jobs."

From December 01, India will enter the G20 Troika, along with Saudi Arabia when Italy will take over the Presidency of the G-20. India will host the summit of the grouping in 2022.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-planning-musical-on-south-koreas-indian-queen-344050" hreflang="en">India planning musical on South Korea's Indian Queen</a>

Earlier this week, speaking to WION, India's Sherpa to the G20, Suresh Prabhu said, "We have started the preparation,&nbsp;in full swing. It is led by PM Modi, he is a very hands-on leader of the country and we are already working on very high-tech, very state-of-the-art efficient secretariat in which there will number of ministries participating."

G20 emerged after the 2008 financial crisis and increasingly growing its weightage as the United Nations is seen as dysfunctional due to lack of reforms to reflect the new geopolitical realities.

The first-ever virtual G20 summit that will take place on November 21 and 22 will see COVID-19 crisis dominating the agenda. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be representing India at the meet whose host is Saudi Arabia for this year.

The first-ever virtual G20 summit that will take place on November 21 and 22 will see COVID-19 crisis dominating the agenda. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be representing India at the meet whose host is Saudi Arabia for this year. The summit is taking place virtually due to the pandemic. A release by the ministry of external affairs said, "At the invitation of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will be attending the 15th G20 Summit chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the theme 'Realising the Opportunities of 21st Century for All' on November 21-22, 2020." Also read| India-Luxembourg summit: PM Modi pitches for strengthening relations This is the second G20 summit this year, the first took place in March 2020 to take a coordinated approach by the world's top 20 economies to deal with the pandemic. The MEA release explained, the focus of the upcoming G20 Summit will be on an "inclusive, resilient, and sustainable recovery from the COVID-19" with leaders discussing "pandemic preparedness and the ways and means to restore jobs." From December 01, India will enter the G20 Troika, along with Saudi Arabia when Italy will take over the Presidency of the G-20. India will host the summit of the grouping in 2022. Also read| India planning musical on South Korea's Indian Queen Earlier this week, speaking to WION, India's Sherpa to the G20, Suresh Prabhu said, "We have started the preparation, in full swing. It is led by PM Modi, he is a very hands-on leader of the country and we are already working on very high-tech, very state-of-the-art efficient secretariat in which there will number of ministries participating." G20 emerged after the 2008 financial crisis and increasingly growing its weightage as the United Nations is seen as dysfunctional due to lack of reforms to reflect the new geopolitical realities.

COVID-19 crisis to dominate G20 summit

Nepal could be the new entrant to the list of countries with which India has an air bubble agreement in South Asia.&nbsp;

The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said India is "exploring the possibility of an air bubble arrangement with Nepal." &nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/confident-that-covid-19-vaccine-will-be-ready-in-3-4-months-indias-health-minister-344051" hreflang="en">Confident that Covid-19 vaccine will be ready in 3-4 months: India's health minister</a>

India has an air bubble agreement with 22 countries globally. Within South Asia, the country has an air bubble agreement with Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives.

Air bubbles are an arrangement which has come amidst the COVID-19 pandemic impacting global air transport. Global air travel came to a grinding halt due to the pandemic. Aimed at restarting commercial passenger services, the transport bubbles are reciprocal in nature, and airlines from both countries enjoy similar benefits. &nbsp;

Nepal could be the new entrant to the list of countries with which India has an air bubble agreement in South Asia. The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said India is "exploring the possibility of an air bubble arrangement with Nepal.

Nepal could be the new entrant to the list of countries with which India has an air bubble agreement in South Asia. The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said India is "exploring the possibility of an air bubble arrangement with Nepal." Also read| Confident that Covid-19 vaccine will be ready in 3-4 months: India's health minister India has an air bubble agreement with 22 countries globally. Within South Asia, the country has an air bubble agreement with Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. Air bubbles are an arrangement which has come amidst the COVID-19 pandemic impacting global air transport. Global air travel came to a grinding halt due to the pandemic. Aimed at restarting commercial passenger services, the transport bubbles are reciprocal in nature, and airlines from both countries enjoy similar benefits.

India exploring for possibility on an air bubble agreement with Nepal

A global study conducted by Google has found that the use of filters to enhance selfies is widespread in India and the United States.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexandria-ocasio-cortezs-proposal-on-coronavirus-triggers-twitter-spat-with-nikki-haley-344327" hreflang="en">Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's proposal on coronavirus triggers Twitter spat with Nikki Haley</a>

According to the study, Indian respondents, unlike Germany, expressed low levels of concern about the impact of filters on their children’s wellbeing. The study also noted that the filter used for beautification purposes is highly normalised and socially accepted in South Korea.&nbsp;

"More than 70 per cent of the photos taken on an Android device use the front-facing camera, Indians are active selfie takers and sharers, and they consider filters a useful tool in enhancing their appearance and presenting their best self," it said.

"Indian women, in particular, are enthusiastic about their ability to beautify their images, and they make use of a variety of filtering apps and editing tools to achieve a desired look." The most popular filter apps are PicsArt and Makeup Plus; Snapchat is used by younger users (age 29 and under), it said. &nbsp;

"The selfie-taking and sharing is such a big part of Indian women’s lives that it affects their behaviour and even household economics: several women reported that they never wear the same dress again if they had taken a selfie in it," it said.

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"As a young women reported, ‘I told my mom, I’ll never wear this dress again because I posted a selfie in it. She said, ‘do you think money comes from the trees?’" the study said.

The study also said that the quality of the phone camera is very important to Indian users, Men and women in India reacted positively to having automatic beautification function on their phone's cameras.

A global study conducted by Google has found that the use of filters to enhance selfies is widespread in India and the United States. Also read: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's proposal on coronavirus triggers Twitter spat with Nikki Haley According to the study, Indian respondents, unlike Germany, expressed low levels of concern about the impact of filters on their children’s wellbeing.

A global study conducted by Google has found that the use of filters to enhance selfies is widespread in India and the United States. Also read: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's proposal on coronavirus triggers Twitter spat with Nikki Haley According to the study, Indian respondents, unlike Germany, expressed low levels of concern about the impact of filters on their children’s wellbeing. The study also noted that the filter used for beautification purposes is highly normalised and socially accepted in South Korea. "More than 70 per cent of the photos taken on an Android device use the front-facing camera, Indians are active selfie takers and sharers, and they consider filters a useful tool in enhancing their appearance and presenting their best self," it said. "Indian women, in particular, are enthusiastic about their ability to beautify their images, and they make use of a variety of filtering apps and editing tools to achieve a desired look." The most popular filter apps are PicsArt and Makeup Plus; Snapchat is used by younger users (age 29 and under), it said. "The selfie-taking and sharing is such a big part of Indian women’s lives that it affects their behaviour and even household economics: several women reported that they never wear the same dress again if they had taken a selfie in it," it said. Also read: Now, Putin coughs repeatedly during televised COVID-19 conference "As a young women reported, ‘I told my mom, I’ll never wear this dress again because I posted a selfie in it. She said, ‘do you think money comes from the trees?’" the study said. The study also said that the quality of the phone camera is very important to Indian users, Men and women in India reacted positively to having automatic beautification function on their phone's cameras.

Use of filters to enhance selfies is widespread in India: Google Report

Actor-turned politician Kamal Haasan has urged adults from across social strata in Tamil Nadu to get their Voter ID cards or Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) ready. This message, in the form of a video comes days prior to the camps that the Election Commission would be organizing in Tamil Nadu, where voters can visit voting centers and apply for corrections and changes in their details.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India on Monday released the draft electoral rolls for Tamil Nadu, which is headed for Assembly polls in 2021.&nbsp;

According to the statistics mentioned in the draft electoral rolls for Tamil Nadu, there are about 6.10crore voters in total and this comprises 3.09crore women, 3.01crore men and 6,385 transgenders. In terms of new electors or first-time voters, there are a total of 2.08lakh voters, which comprises of 1.06lakh females, 1.01lakh males and 132 transgenders.&nbsp;

Special camps will be held at the voting centres where voters can apply for corrections or changes to be made. The first camp will be held on November 21st &amp; 22nd and the next camp will be organized on December 12th and 13th.

Haasan stated that the highest honour of merit a person receives when he/she turns 18, is the right to vote and that the most powerful weapon one could possess was a Voter ID.&nbsp;

“When a society fails to discharge the mandatory duties, people of that society lose whatever is rightfully theirs. The real peril is lurking in the issues that we think are redundant or unrelated to us” he said.&nbsp;

Making a mention of those ranting online about a corrupt system and corrupt politicians, Haasan emphasized that it would be in vain in one didn’t possess a voter ID.&nbsp;

Recalling the Bihar elections where a large number of women voters and homemakers had voted in large numbers, he highlighted the scenario where a candidate had lost with a margin of 12 votes.&nbsp;

“You are not voting for someone. You are voting for yourself. You decide on who should decide for you. Your constant mantra should be &nbsp;-I will change; I will vote" he said in the video&nbsp;

Haasan has been actively prepping his party Makkal Needhi Maiam for the 2021 Assembly Polls in the state and is hopeful that his party emerges as &nbsp;the third front in the state, after the Dravidian majors.&nbsp;

Haasan is expected to announce his campaign tour of the state towards the end of November. &nbsp;Earlier, he had said that the party’s manifesto was getting ready and over one lakh members had joined the party in recent times. He said that his party’s candidates would be people from wide-ranging fields who are known for their good work.&nbsp;

Actor-turned politician Kamal Haasan has urged adults from across social strata in Tamil Nadu to get their Voter ID cards or Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) ready.

Actor-turned politician Kamal Haasan has urged adults from across social strata in Tamil Nadu to get their Voter ID cards or Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) ready. This message, in the form of a video comes days prior to the camps that the Election Commission would be organizing in Tamil Nadu, where voters can visit voting centers and apply for corrections and changes in their details. The Election Commission of India on Monday released the draft electoral rolls for Tamil Nadu, which is headed for Assembly polls in 2021. According to the statistics mentioned in the draft electoral rolls for Tamil Nadu, there are about 6.10crore voters in total and this comprises 3.09crore women, 3.01crore men and 6,385 transgenders. In terms of new electors or first-time voters, there are a total of 2.08lakh voters, which comprises of 1.06lakh females, 1.01lakh males and 132 transgenders. Special camps will be held at the voting centres where voters can apply for corrections or changes to be made. The first camp will be held on November 21st & 22nd and the next camp will be organized on December 12th and 13th. Haasan stated that the highest honour of merit a person receives when he/she turns 18, is the right to vote and that the most powerful weapon one could possess was a Voter ID. “When a society fails to discharge the mandatory duties, people of that society lose whatever is rightfully theirs. The real peril is lurking in the issues that we think are redundant or unrelated to us” he said. Making a mention of those ranting online about a corrupt system and corrupt politicians, Haasan emphasized that it would be in vain in one didn’t possess a voter ID. Recalling the Bihar elections where a large number of women voters and homemakers had voted in large numbers, he highlighted the scenario where a candidate had lost with a margin of 12 votes. “You are not voting for someone. You are voting for yourself. You decide on who should decide for you. Your constant mantra should be -I will change; I will vote" he said in the video Haasan has been actively prepping his party Makkal Needhi Maiam for the 2021 Assembly Polls in the state and is hopeful that his party emerges as the third front in the state, after the Dravidian majors. Haasan is expected to announce his campaign tour of the state towards the end of November. Earlier, he had said that the party’s manifesto was getting ready and over one lakh members had joined the party in recent times. He said that his party’s candidates would be people from wide-ranging fields who are known for their good work.

Ahead of TN Polls, Kamal Haasan urges fans to get Voters IDs checked and ready

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria flew the home-grown Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) over this aerospace city, an official said on Friday.

"Bhadauria flew the twin-seater LCH for the first time, taking off at 11:45am from our airport in the city`s eastern suburb, with our deputy chief test pilot Wing Commander (Retd) S.P. John," a Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) official told IANS here.

The Air Chief was airborne for an hour during his maiden flight sortie as a co-pilot, dressed in an olive green suit.

"It was a very good sortie. I was able to look at the important flying characteristics and status of sensors installed," said Bhadauria in a statement later.

Noting that the LCH was a potent platform due to excellent design and development efforts and well-supported flight test team, the Air Chief said the IAF was looking forward to its induction soon.

"I am sure HAL will give required focus on its production at a fast pace," Bhadauria said.

HAL Chairman R. Madhavan thanked the Air Chief and said the aerospace major would gear up to roll out the LCH for meeting the IAF needs.

Designed and developed by the city-based state-run defence behemoth (HAL), LCH is the world`s multi-role lightest attack helicopter, with a highest flight ceiling.

"The LCH has been certified by the relevant agency for induction into the IAF and the Indian Army soon," said the official.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had approved the proposal for the initial batch of 15 LCHs.

The IAF issued the Request for Proposal (RFP) for 15 limited series production of the helicopter, including 5 for the Army in 2017.

Drawing from the company`s multi-role Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and its weaponised version Rudra, LCH`s first prototype was test flown in March 2010.

Bhadauria, who took over as the Indian Air Force (IAF) in September 2019, also flew the HAL-made Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on May 27, 2020 when it was inducted into the IAF`s 18 Squadron (Flying Bullets) at the Sulur air base near Coimbatore in the neigbhouring Tamil Nadu state.

The Air Chief was in the city to unveil the 59th annual conference of the Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine near the HAL airport.

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria flew the home-grown Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) over this aerospace city, an official said on Friday.

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria flew the home-grown Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) over this aerospace city, an official said on Friday. "Bhadauria flew the twin-seater LCH for the first time, taking off at 11:45am from our airport in the city`s eastern suburb, with our deputy chief test pilot Wing Commander (Retd) S.P. John," a Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) official told IANS here. The Air Chief was airborne for an hour during his maiden flight sortie as a co-pilot, dressed in an olive green suit. "It was a very good sortie. I was able to look at the important flying characteristics and status of sensors installed," said Bhadauria in a statement later. Noting that the LCH was a potent platform due to excellent design and development efforts and well-supported flight test team, the Air Chief said the IAF was looking forward to its induction soon. "I am sure HAL will give required focus on its production at a fast pace," Bhadauria said. HAL Chairman R. Madhavan thanked the Air Chief and said the aerospace major would gear up to roll out the LCH for meeting the IAF needs. Designed and developed by the city-based state-run defence behemoth (HAL), LCH is the world`s multi-role lightest attack helicopter, with a highest flight ceiling. "The LCH has been certified by the relevant agency for induction into the IAF and the Indian Army soon," said the official. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had approved the proposal for the initial batch of 15 LCHs. The IAF issued the Request for Proposal (RFP) for 15 limited series production of the helicopter, including 5 for the Army in 2017. Drawing from the company`s multi-role Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and its weaponised version Rudra, LCH`s first prototype was test flown in March 2010. Bhadauria, who took over as the Indian Air Force (IAF) in September 2019, also flew the HAL-made Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on May 27, 2020 when it was inducted into the IAF`s 18 Squadron (Flying Bullets) at the Sulur air base near Coimbatore in the neigbhouring Tamil Nadu state. The Air Chief was in the city to unveil the 59th annual conference of the Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine near the HAL airport.

IAF chief Bhadauria flies Light Combat Helicopter over Bengaluru

Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday said that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will rid Jammu and Kashmir of the "corruption of clan".

He said that the Union territory has been moving forward on the path of inclusive development by demolishing the "web of dynasty".

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi led-government has ended the 'corruption of clan' from the corridors of power of Delhi and now it will make Jammu and Kashmir free from 'corruption of clan'," Naqvi, who is the union minister for minority affairs, said at an election meeting in Balahama area of the city here.

He said that secularism is not a "definition of vote politics" for the BJP.

"It is determination for inclusive development. The Modi era is an era of 'Iqbal' (authority), 'Insaaf' (justice) and 'Imaan' (integrity) where inclusive development, security and prosperity of the country are of the utmost priority," he said.

"After several decades, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have become an equal partner in transparent democratic and development processes," he claimed.

Naqvi alleged that the "dynastic politics" had deliberately deprived the people of Jammu and Kashmir of mainstream development process and their constitutional rights.

"Now, the BJP is committed to take the Union Territory forward on the path of prosperity," he added.

Naqvi reiterated his party's allegation that the "Gupkar Alliance" is a conspiracy against the country.

"The alliance is trying to create confusion among the people of Jammu and Kashmir but they will not succeed in their attempt. The people will never accept any such alliance which wants to throw Kashmir back into the quagmire of separatism and terrorism," he said.

Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday said that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will rid Jammu and Kashmir of the "corruption of clan".

Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday said that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will rid Jammu and Kashmir of the "corruption of clan". He said that the Union territory has been moving forward on the path of inclusive development by demolishing the "web of dynasty". "Prime Minister Narendra Modi led-government has ended the 'corruption of clan' from the corridors of power of Delhi and now it will make Jammu and Kashmir free from 'corruption of clan'," Naqvi, who is the union minister for minority affairs, said at an election meeting in Balahama area of the city here. He said that secularism is not a "definition of vote politics" for the BJP. "It is determination for inclusive development. The Modi era is an era of 'Iqbal' (authority), 'Insaaf' (justice) and 'Imaan' (integrity) where inclusive development, security and prosperity of the country are of the utmost priority," he said. "After several decades, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have become an equal partner in transparent democratic and development processes," he claimed. Naqvi alleged that the "dynastic politics" had deliberately deprived the people of Jammu and Kashmir of mainstream development process and their constitutional rights. "Now, the BJP is committed to take the Union Territory forward on the path of prosperity," he added. Naqvi reiterated his party's allegation that the "Gupkar Alliance" is a conspiracy against the country. "The alliance is trying to create confusion among the people of Jammu and Kashmir but they will not succeed in their attempt. The people will never accept any such alliance which wants to throw Kashmir back into the quagmire of separatism and terrorism," he said.

Modi-led govt will rid Jammu and Kashmir of 'corruption of clan': Naqvi

According to news agency ANI's report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a review meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, which found that the terrorists were planning a major attack on the 26/11 anniversary in India.

Source: Terrorists planned something big on 26/11 attack anniversary, PM Modi call meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a review meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval after it was found that terrorists were planning a big attack on the anniversary of 26/11 terror attack, news agency ANI reported quoting govt sources.

Four JeM terrorists hiding in a lorry were gunned down by the security forces at the Ban toll plaza in the Nagrota area of Jammu district on Thursday in an early morning encounter that lasted for over three hours.&nbsp;

Mumbai had come under attack on November 26, 2008, when 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists targeted the city in a series of coordinated shootings and bombings that injured over 300 and claimed the lives of 166 people in India's financial capital.

According to sources, the four terrorists are likely from the United Nations-designated terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). "These terrorists used old modus operandi and had recently infiltrated the Indian side. An investigation is underway," they added.

Mukesh Singh, Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone had said that it was possible terrorists were planning a "big attack" and targeting the upcoming District Development Council (DDC) elections in the Union Territory.

The DDC elections will be conducted in Jammu and Kashmir in eight phases between November 28 and December 19, and the counting of votes will take place on December 22.

The IG, Jammu Zone also informed that the kind of seizure from the encounter site is "unprecedented". "It's possible that they were planning a big attack. This kind of seizure is unprecedented. It is possible that they were targeting the DDC election. However, we are investigating," Singh said.

The encounter broke out after a truck was intercepted at 5 am on Thursday during a routine check.

"During the search, CRPF soldiers and police were fired upon using heavy ammunition, and grenades were also lobbed. More forces were called in and the encounter went on for 3 hours," the IG said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a review meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval after it was found that terrorists were planning a big attack on the anniversary of 26/11 terror attack, news agency ANI reported quoting govt sources.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a review meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval after it was found that terrorists were planning a big attack on the anniversary of 26/11 terror attack, news agency ANI reported quoting govt sources. Four JeM terrorists hiding in a lorry were gunned down by the security forces at the Ban toll plaza in the Nagrota area of Jammu district on Thursday in an early morning encounter that lasted for over three hours. Mumbai had come under attack on November 26, 2008, when 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists targeted the city in a series of coordinated shootings and bombings that injured over 300 and claimed the lives of 166 people in India's financial capital. According to sources, the four terrorists are likely from the United Nations-designated terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). "These terrorists used old modus operandi and had recently infiltrated the Indian side. An investigation is underway," they added. Mukesh Singh, Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone had said that it was possible terrorists were planning a "big attack" and targeting the upcoming District Development Council (DDC) elections in the Union Territory. The DDC elections will be conducted in Jammu and Kashmir in eight phases between November 28 and December 19, and the counting of votes will take place on December 22. The IG, Jammu Zone also informed that the kind of seizure from the encounter site is "unprecedented". "It's possible that they were planning a big attack. This kind of seizure is unprecedented. It is possible that they were targeting the DDC election. However, we are investigating," Singh said. The encounter broke out after a truck was intercepted at 5 am on Thursday during a routine check. "During the search, CRPF soldiers and police were fired upon using heavy ammunition, and grenades were also lobbed. More forces were called in and the encounter went on for 3 hours," the IG said. (With inputs from agencies)

Terrorists had planned attack on 26/11 anniversary: PM Modi holds review meet

Saudi Arabia is acting on Indian concerns over a new currency note that incorrectly showed India's external territorial boundaries as Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir&nbsp;and Ladakh were shown as a separate entity and while Aksai Chin as part of China.

"Saudi Arabia is taking action," sources confirming the development to WION.

The action includes no circulation of the note and withdrawing it soon as well. The 20 Riyal note was issued by Saudi Arabia, to mark its role of&nbsp;host of the G20 grouping this year.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-asks-riyadh-to-take-corrective-steps-on-currency-showing-jammu-and-kashmir-separate-338862">India asks Riyadh to take 'corrective steps' on currency showing Jammu and Kashmir separate</a>

India had asked Saudi Arabia to take "corrective steps" on the new currency note.

A few weeks ago, the ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava, in&nbsp;his weekly virtually presser, in response to a question said, "We have conveyed our serious concern to Saudi Arabia for this gross misrepresentation of India's external territorial boundaries on an official and legal banknote of Saudi Arabia" and have "asked the Saudi side for taking urgent corrective steps in this regard."

"I would like to further reiterate that entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India," he added.

India conveyed its strong concern via Saudi Ambassador in New Delhi as well as at Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia's Monetary Authority had issued the new note on October 24.

Saudi Arabia is acting on Indian concerns over a new currency note that incorrectly showed India's external territorial boundaries as Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were shown as a separate entity and while Aksai Chin as part of China.

Saudi Arabia is acting on Indian concerns over a new currency note that incorrectly showed India's external territorial boundaries as Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were shown as a separate entity and while Aksai Chin as part of China. "Saudi Arabia is taking action," sources confirming the development to WION. The action includes no circulation of the note and withdrawing it soon as well. The 20 Riyal note was issued by Saudi Arabia, to mark its role of host of the G20 grouping this year. Also read| India asks Riyadh to take 'corrective steps' on currency showing Jammu and Kashmir separate India had asked Saudi Arabia to take "corrective steps" on the new currency note. A few weeks ago, the ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava, in his weekly virtually presser, in response to a question said, "We have conveyed our serious concern to Saudi Arabia for this gross misrepresentation of India's external territorial boundaries on an official and legal banknote of Saudi Arabia" and have "asked the Saudi side for taking urgent corrective steps in this regard." "I would like to further reiterate that entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India," he added. India conveyed its strong concern via Saudi Ambassador in New Delhi as well as at Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia's Monetary Authority had issued the new note on October 24.

Saudi Arabia acts on Indian concerns on bank note showing J&K separate

Considering the water crisis in some parts of Vindhyachal region of Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of rural drinking water supply projects in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra districts on 22nd November at 11:30 AM via video conferencing.

Increasing access to the improved and sustainable water supply is critical to developing human capital to unleash the growth potential of rural areas.&nbsp;

The projects will provide household tap water connections in all rural households of 2,995 villages and will benefit about 42 lakh population of these districts.&nbsp;

Village Water and Sanitation Committees/ Paani Samiti have been constituted in all these villages, who will shoulder the responsibility of operation and maintenance. The total estimated cost of the projects is Rs 5,555.38 Crore. The projects are planned to be completed in 24 months.

The Prime Minister will also interact with Village Water &amp; Sanitation Committee/ Paani Samiti Members during the event. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath will also be present on the occasion.

The Central government initiated the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide safe and adequate quantity drinking water to every rural household of the country by 2024 with the motto "Har Ghar Jal". The programme also implements source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through greywater management, water conservation, rainwater harvesting.

The Jal Jeevan Mission is based on a community approach to water and has extensive Information, Education and Communication as a key component of the mission. It looks to create a Jan Andolan for water, thereby making it everyone's priority.

There are about 19 crore households in India. Only 24% have Freshwater Household Tap Connections (FHTCs). The mission aims to provide 14, 33, 21,049 households with FHTC through the partnership of all stakeholders including inter alia the State Governments, Panchayat Raj Institutions and local communities.

(With inputs from agencies)

Considering the water crisis in some parts of Vindhyachal region of Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of rural drinking water supply projects in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra districts on 22nd November at 11:30 AM via video conferencing.

Considering the water crisis in some parts of Vindhyachal region of Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of rural drinking water supply projects in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra districts on 22nd November at 11:30 AM via video conferencing. Increasing access to the improved and sustainable water supply is critical to developing human capital to unleash the growth potential of rural areas. The projects will provide household tap water connections in all rural households of 2,995 villages and will benefit about 42 lakh population of these districts. Village Water and Sanitation Committees/ Paani Samiti have been constituted in all these villages, who will shoulder the responsibility of operation and maintenance. The total estimated cost of the projects is Rs 5,555.38 Crore. The projects are planned to be completed in 24 months. The Prime Minister will also interact with Village Water & Sanitation Committee/ Paani Samiti Members during the event. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath will also be present on the occasion. The Central government initiated the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide safe and adequate quantity drinking water to every rural household of the country by 2024 with the motto "Har Ghar Jal". The programme also implements source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through greywater management, water conservation, rainwater harvesting. The Jal Jeevan Mission is based on a community approach to water and has extensive Information, Education and Communication as a key component of the mission. It looks to create a Jan Andolan for water, thereby making it everyone's priority. There are about 19 crore households in India. Only 24% have Freshwater Household Tap Connections (FHTCs). The mission aims to provide 14, 33, 21,049 households with FHTC through the partnership of all stakeholders including inter alia the State Governments, Panchayat Raj Institutions and local communities. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi to lay the foundation stone for rural drinking water supply projects in UP on November 22

India's Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will launch a Bhutanese satellite next year and will train its engineers from December.

Announcing the development at the launch of phase 2 of RuPay card in the country virtually, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said," I am happy to tell you, next year ISRO is planning to send a Bhutanese satellite to outer space next year and work is going on in full pace. For this 4 Bhutanese space, engineers will be trained in India from December by ISRO. I congratulate these Bhutanese nationals. "&nbsp;

On Thursday, India and Bhutan signed an agreement on the peaceful usage of outer space, to increase cooperation between the 2 sides. Both countries have been engaging in the space sector.

Bhutan has been part of India's south Asia satellite initiative launched in 2017. Last year, Indian PM Modi inaugurated a ground station in the country for the use of the satellite. Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives are part of the project.

PM highlighted, "Space sector will increase connectivity between the 2 countries and India has used space technology for prosperity and growth."

India has emerged as a major centre of low-cost space launch and plans to send Indians in the space under its Gaganyaan project. New Delhi has also opened the space sector for private enterprise.

India's Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will launch a Bhutanese satellite next year and will train its engineers from December. Announcing the development at the launch of phase 2 of RuPay card in the country virtually, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said," I am happy to tell you, next year ISRO is planning to send a Bhutanese satellite to outer space next year and work is going on in full pace.

India's Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will launch a Bhutanese satellite next year and will train its engineers from December. Announcing the development at the launch of phase 2 of RuPay card in the country virtually, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said," I am happy to tell you, next year ISRO is planning to send a Bhutanese satellite to outer space next year and work is going on in full pace. For this 4 Bhutanese space, engineers will be trained in India from December by ISRO. I congratulate these Bhutanese nationals. " On Thursday, India and Bhutan signed an agreement on the peaceful usage of outer space, to increase cooperation between the 2 sides. Both countries have been engaging in the space sector. Bhutan has been part of India's south Asia satellite initiative launched in 2017. Last year, Indian PM Modi inaugurated a ground station in the country for the use of the satellite. Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives are part of the project. PM highlighted, "Space sector will increase connectivity between the 2 countries and India has used space technology for prosperity and growth." India has emerged as a major centre of low-cost space launch and plans to send Indians in the space under its Gaganyaan project. New Delhi has also opened the space sector for private enterprise.

India to launch Bhutanese satellite; train its engineers 

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