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As many as 15 countries have come together to form the world's largest trading bloc: Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and India will not be a part of this.&nbsp;

New Delhi has not accepted even the position as an observer as the pact only benefits China.

Watch |&nbsp;

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Take a look at our this report that decodes why India walked out of this agreement and now building a trade partnership with ASEAN nations.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asian-nations-sign-rcep-a-china-backed-trade-pact-excluding-india-and-us-343226">Asian nations sign RCEP, a China-backed trade pact, excluding India and US</a>

To the unversed, India dropped out of the RCEP negotiations last year following the participation in 28 out of 31 rounds of talks in a six-year period.&nbsp;

New Delhi sees this decision as difficult, yet necessary as it believes this will lead to a flood of Chinese imports, which threatens millions of local businesses, industries and jobs.&nbsp;

Reportedly, RCEP members wanted India to make deep concessions, make tariff cuts on 92 per cent of tariff lines across countries.&nbsp;

And in such a scenario, China would have been the ultimate benefactor as Chinese goods as its goods that have import restrictions, would able to enter India via other members of this group.&nbsp;

This act would have resulted only in the trade surplus, which as per reports already stand at over $48 billion.&nbsp;

Also, New Delhi is looking to cut short Chinese imports, especially amid the tense border standoff in Ladakh.&nbsp;

Post the clashes in June, India's trade with China has declined by seven per cent on a year-on-year basis, the steepest since 2012-13.&nbsp;

India has realised from the border standoff that there can't be business as usual with China and that is why it is exploring new ways to expand trade with Southeast Asia.&nbsp;

Reportedly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for an "early review" of ASEAN-India trade in goods agreement.&nbsp;

Signed in 2010, the agreement allows both sides to reduce and eliminate duties on more than 75 per cent of all goods.&nbsp;

Last week in a virtual summit, Modi pitched for a deeper trade relationship with the bloc.&nbsp;

With New Delhi's rejection of being an observer, the Modi government is keen on opening new doors with its own free trade pacts that are free from China.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As many as 15 countries have come together to form the world's largest trading bloc: Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and India will not be a part of this.

As many as 15 countries have come together to form the world's largest trading bloc: Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and India will not be a part of this. New Delhi has not accepted even the position as an observer as the pact only benefits China. Watch | Take a look at our this report that decodes why India walked out of this agreement and now building a trade partnership with ASEAN nations. Also read | Asian nations sign RCEP, a China-backed trade pact, excluding India and US To the unversed, India dropped out of the RCEP negotiations last year following the participation in 28 out of 31 rounds of talks in a six-year period. New Delhi sees this decision as difficult, yet necessary as it believes this will lead to a flood of Chinese imports, which threatens millions of local businesses, industries and jobs. Reportedly, RCEP members wanted India to make deep concessions, make tariff cuts on 92 per cent of tariff lines across countries. And in such a scenario, China would have been the ultimate benefactor as Chinese goods as its goods that have import restrictions, would able to enter India via other members of this group. This act would have resulted only in the trade surplus, which as per reports already stand at over $48 billion. Also, New Delhi is looking to cut short Chinese imports, especially amid the tense border standoff in Ladakh. Post the clashes in June, India's trade with China has declined by seven per cent on a year-on-year basis, the steepest since 2012-13. India has realised from the border standoff that there can't be business as usual with China and that is why it is exploring new ways to expand trade with Southeast Asia. Reportedly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for an "early review" of ASEAN-India trade in goods agreement. Signed in 2010, the agreement allows both sides to reduce and eliminate duties on more than 75 per cent of all goods. Last week in a virtual summit, Modi pitched for a deeper trade relationship with the bloc. With New Delhi's rejection of being an observer, the Modi government is keen on opening new doors with its own free trade pacts that are free from China.

Is India cooking up a trade new deal with ASEAN following exit from RCEP?

Delhi recorded 3,797 fresh COVID-19 cases on Monday, taking the infection tally in the national capital to over 4.89 lakh, even as 99 new fatalities pushed the toll to 7,713, authorities said.

These relatively low number of fresh cases came out of the 29,871 tests conducted the previous day, which was a Sunday, while the positivity rate stood at 12.73 per cent amid festive season and rising pollution in the city, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Delhi health department.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/countries-joined-hands-in-2020-to-combat-climate-change-covid-19-dr-harsh-vardhan-343544">Countries joined hands in 2020 to combat climate change, COVID-19: Dr Harsh Vardhan</a>

The highest single-day spike of 8,593 cases till date here was recorded on November 11 when 85 fatalities were reported.

Ninety-nine fatalities were recorded, pushing the toll in the national capital to 7,713.

The active cases tally on Monday stood at 40,128.

The bulletin said that the total number of cases has climbed to 4,89,202.

Delhi recorded 3,797 fresh COVID-19 cases on Monday, taking the infection tally in the national capital to over 4.89 lakh, even as 99 new fatalities pushed the toll to 7,713, authorities said.

Delhi recorded 3,797 fresh COVID-19 cases on Monday, taking the infection tally in the national capital to over 4.89 lakh, even as 99 new fatalities pushed the toll to 7,713, authorities said. These relatively low number of fresh cases came out of the 29,871 tests conducted the previous day, which was a Sunday, while the positivity rate stood at 12.73 per cent amid festive season and rising pollution in the city, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Delhi health department. Also read | Countries joined hands in 2020 to combat climate change, COVID-19: Dr Harsh Vardhan The highest single-day spike of 8,593 cases till date here was recorded on November 11 when 85 fatalities were reported. Ninety-nine fatalities were recorded, pushing the toll in the national capital to 7,713. The active cases tally on Monday stood at 40,128. The bulletin said that the total number of cases has climbed to 4,89,202.

Covid-19: Delhi records 3,797 cases; 99 fatalities take toll to 7,713

The number of deadly coronavirus cases in India has reached to 88,45,127 with 30,548 infections being reported in a day, while the number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 82,49,579, according to data updated by the Union health ministry on Monday.

The coronavirus death toll climbed to 1,30,070 with 435 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of active cases remained below 5 lakh for the sixth consecutive day.

There are 4,65,478 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country as on date which comprise 5.26 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

The total number of recoveries has surged to 82,49,579, pushing the national recovery rate to 93.27 per cent.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.47 per cent.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23 and 40 lakh on September 5.

It went past 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11 and crossed 80 lakh on October 29.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 12,56,98,525 samples had been tested till November 15 with 8,61,706 being tested on Sunday.

The 435 new fatalities include 95 from Delhi, 60 from Maharashtra, 51 from West Bengal, 30 from Punjab, and 21 each from Karnataka and Kerala.

The total 1,30,070 deaths reported so far in the country include 45,974 from Maharashtra, followed by 11,529 from Karnataka, 11,478 from Tamil Nadu, 7,661 from West Bengal, 7,614 from Delhi, 7,372 from Uttar Pradesh, 6,868 from Andhra Pradesh, 4,458 from Punjab and 3,803 from Gujarat.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

The number of deadly coronavirus cases in India has reached to 88,45,127 with 30,548 infections being reported in a day, while the number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 82,49,579, according to data updated by the Union health ministry on Monday.

The number of deadly coronavirus cases in India has reached to 88,45,127 with 30,548 infections being reported in a day, while the number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 82,49,579, according to data updated by the Union health ministry on Monday. The coronavirus death toll climbed to 1,30,070 with 435 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. The number of active cases remained below 5 lakh for the sixth consecutive day. There are 4,65,478 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country as on date which comprise 5.26 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. The total number of recoveries has surged to 82,49,579, pushing the national recovery rate to 93.27 per cent. The COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.47 per cent. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23 and 40 lakh on September 5. It went past 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11 and crossed 80 lakh on October 29. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 12,56,98,525 samples had been tested till November 15 with 8,61,706 being tested on Sunday. The 435 new fatalities include 95 from Delhi, 60 from Maharashtra, 51 from West Bengal, 30 from Punjab, and 21 each from Karnataka and Kerala. The total 1,30,070 deaths reported so far in the country include 45,974 from Maharashtra, followed by 11,529 from Karnataka, 11,478 from Tamil Nadu, 7,661 from West Bengal, 7,614 from Delhi, 7,372 from Uttar Pradesh, 6,868 from Andhra Pradesh, 4,458 from Punjab and 3,803 from Gujarat. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India records 30,548 fresh COVID-19 cases, 435 deaths

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has slammed senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal for his critical comments on the party, saying it has hurt "sentiments of party workers".

Sibal in an interview to a national daily has criticised party's leadership for Congress's performance in the recently-concluded assembly election in Bihar.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-sonias-beauty-to-manmohans-integrity-heres-what-barack-obama-wrote-on-congress-leaders-342800">From Sonia's beauty to Manmohan's 'integrity': Here's what Barack Obama wrote on Congress leaders</a>

"There was no need for Mr Kapil Sibal to mention our internal issue in media, this has hurt the sentiments of party workers across the country," the CM said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nitish-kumar-sworn-in-as-cm-of-bihar-for-seventh-time-343510">Nitish Kumar sworn in as CM of Bihar for seventh time</a>

"We have improved with each and every crisis and also formed UPA government in 2004 under the able leadership of Soniaji, we shall overcome this time too," Gehlot said.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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There was no need for Mr Kapil Sibal to mentioned our internal issue in Media, this has hurt the sentiments of party workers across the country. 
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— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashokgehlot51/status/1328333595019075585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Congress has seen various crises including 1969, 1977, 1989 and later in the 1996 - but every-time we came out stronger due to our ideology, programs, policies and firm belief in party leadership. 
2/
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashokgehlot51/status/1328333710404448256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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We have improved with each and every crisis and also formed UPA government in 2004 under the able leadership of Soniaji, we shall overcome this time too. 
3/
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashokgehlot51/status/1328333820379111424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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There are various reasons for Electoral loses, . But each time rank and file of the Congress Party has shown undivided and firm belief in the party leadership and that is why we came out of it stronger and united after every crises. 
4/
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashokgehlot51/status/1328333944924762113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Even today, Congress is the only party which can keep this Nation united and take it forward on the path of comprehensive development. 
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— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashokgehlot51/status/1328334020782944257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"But each time rank and file of the Congress Party has shown undivided and firm belief in the party leadership and that is why we came out of it stronger and united after every crisis. Even today, Congress is the only party which can keep this nation united and take it forward on the path of comprehensive development," he further tweeted.&nbsp;

He also said that the party faced a crisis in 1969, 1977, 1989 and 1996, and each time it had come out stronger due to its ideology, programmes and policies, among other things.

Recently, Sibal is being seen openly questioning Congress's leadership for the crisis it is facing for many years and was one of the 23 senior leaders of the party that wrote a letter to the party chief Sonia Gandhi on suggestions to revive India's Grand Old Party.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has slammed senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal for his critical comments on the party, saying it has hurt "sentiments of party workers".

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has slammed senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal for his critical comments on the party, saying it has hurt "sentiments of party workers". Sibal in an interview to a national daily has criticised party's leadership for Congress's performance in the recently-concluded assembly election in Bihar. Also read | From Sonia's beauty to Manmohan's 'integrity': Here's what Barack Obama wrote on Congress leaders "There was no need for Mr Kapil Sibal to mention our internal issue in media, this has hurt the sentiments of party workers across the country," the CM said on Twitter. Also read | Nitish Kumar sworn in as CM of Bihar for seventh time "We have improved with each and every crisis and also formed UPA government in 2004 under the able leadership of Soniaji, we shall overcome this time too," Gehlot said. There was no need for Mr Kapil Sibal to mentioned our internal issue in Media, this has hurt the sentiments of party workers across the country. 1/ — Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) November 16, 2020 × Congress has seen various crises including 1969, 1977, 1989 and later in the 1996 - but every-time we came out stronger due to our ideology, programs, policies and firm belief in party leadership. 2/ — Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) November 16, 2020 × We have improved with each and every crisis and also formed UPA government in 2004 under the able leadership of Soniaji, we shall overcome this time too. 3/ — Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) November 16, 2020 × There are various reasons for Electoral loses, . But each time rank and file of the Congress Party has shown undivided and firm belief in the party leadership and that is why we came out of it stronger and united after every crises. 4/ — Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) November 16, 2020 × Even today, Congress is the only party which can keep this Nation united and take it forward on the path of comprehensive development. 5/ — Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) November 16, 2020 × "But each time rank and file of the Congress Party has shown undivided and firm belief in the party leadership and that is why we came out of it stronger and united after every crisis. Even today, Congress is the only party which can keep this nation united and take it forward on the path of comprehensive development," he further tweeted. He also said that the party faced a crisis in 1969, 1977, 1989 and 1996, and each time it had come out stronger due to its ideology, programmes and policies, among other things. Recently, Sibal is being seen openly questioning Congress's leadership for the crisis it is facing for many years and was one of the 23 senior leaders of the party that wrote a letter to the party chief Sonia Gandhi on suggestions to revive India's Grand Old Party.

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot slams senior party leader Kapil Sibal for Congress criticism

Hyderabad, Nov (IANS) Vaccine maker Bharat Biotech on Monday announced that it has commenced Phase-3 trials of Covaxin, India`s first indigenous vaccine for Covid-19.
 
The Phase-3 trials, which involve 26,000 volunteers across India, are being conducted in partnership with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). 
This is India`s first Phase-3 efficacy study for a Covid-19 vaccine, and the largest Phase-3 efficacy trial ever conducted in India, the Hyderabad-based company said. 
Trial volunteers will receive two intramuscular injections approximately 28 days apart. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive Covaxin or a placebo. The trial is double blinded, such that the investigators, the participants and the company will not be aware of who is assigned to which group. 
The trials are being conducted at 22 institutes in India including the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital (both New Delhi), the Aligarh Muslim University, the Grant Government Medical College and Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital and Medical College (Sion Hospital) (all three Mumbai), the ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Chennai and King George Hospital, Vizag. 
Participating volunteers, who undergo vaccination in the Phase-3 trials, will be monitored to detect occurrence of Covid-19. 
Covaxin has been evaluated in about 1,000 subjects in Phase-1 and Phase-2 clinical trials, with promising safety and immunogenicity data. Volunteers who wish to participate in this trial should be adults over 18 years of age. 
Covaxin by Bharat Biotech is developed in collaboration with the ICMR - National Institute of Virology (NIV). This indigenous, inactivated vaccine is developed and manufactured in Bharat Biotech`s BSL-3 (Bio-Safety Level 3) bio containment facility. 
Covaxin is a highly purified and inactivated vaccine, manufactured in a vero cell manufacturing platform with an excellent safety track record of more than 300 million doses supplied. 
"The development and clinical evaluation of Covaxin marks a significant milestone for vaccinology in India, for a novel vaccine. It is important for Indian companies to innovate and develop indigenous vaccines, especially during a pandemic. Covaxin has garnered interest from several countries worldwide for supplies and introduction," said Suchitra Ella, Joint Managing Director of Bharat Biotech. 
--IANS 
ms/vd

Hyderabad, Nov (IANS) Vaccine maker Bharat Biotech on Monday announced that it has commenced Phase-3 trials of Covaxin, India`s first indigenous vaccine for Covid-19.

Hyderabad, Nov (IANS) Vaccine maker Bharat Biotech on Monday announced that it has commenced Phase-3 trials of Covaxin, India`s first indigenous vaccine for Covid-19. The Phase-3 trials, which involve 26,000 volunteers across India, are being conducted in partnership with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This is India`s first Phase-3 efficacy study for a Covid-19 vaccine, and the largest Phase-3 efficacy trial ever conducted in India, the Hyderabad-based company said. Trial volunteers will receive two intramuscular injections approximately 28 days apart. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive Covaxin or a placebo. The trial is double blinded, such that the investigators, the participants and the company will not be aware of who is assigned to which group. The trials are being conducted at 22 institutes in India including the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital (both New Delhi), the Aligarh Muslim University, the Grant Government Medical College and Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital and Medical College (Sion Hospital) (all three Mumbai), the ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Chennai and King George Hospital, Vizag. Participating volunteers, who undergo vaccination in the Phase-3 trials, will be monitored to detect occurrence of Covid-19. Covaxin has been evaluated in about 1,000 subjects in Phase-1 and Phase-2 clinical trials, with promising safety and immunogenicity data. Volunteers who wish to participate in this trial should be adults over 18 years of age. Covaxin by Bharat Biotech is developed in collaboration with the ICMR - National Institute of Virology (NIV). This indigenous, inactivated vaccine is developed and manufactured in Bharat Biotech`s BSL-3 (Bio-Safety Level 3) bio containment facility. Covaxin is a highly purified and inactivated vaccine, manufactured in a vero cell manufacturing platform with an excellent safety track record of more than 300 million doses supplied. "The development and clinical evaluation of Covaxin marks a significant milestone for vaccinology in India, for a novel vaccine. It is important for Indian companies to innovate and develop indigenous vaccines, especially during a pandemic. Covaxin has garnered interest from several countries worldwide for supplies and introduction," said Suchitra Ella, Joint Managing Director of Bharat Biotech. --IANS ms/vd

India''s first vaccine candidate, Covaxin''s Phase-3 trials begin

India`s Biological E Ltd has started human trials of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate and expects results by February, the drugmaker said on Monday. 
 
The Hyderabad-based firm initiated phase I and phase II trials of its vaccine candidate - being developed with Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and U.S.-based Dynavax Technologies Corp - after getting the green signal from the Drugs Controller General of India. 
 
The trial will test two doses of the vaccine in about 360 healthy subjects aged 18 to 65 years, Biological E. said. 
 
Separately, Bharat Biotech, a private company developing a vaccine candidate, COVAXIN, with the government-run Indian Council of Medical Research, said it was starting phase III trials on Monday. 
 
India has reported 8.85 million confirmed cases of the virus - the second highest in the world, after the United States - but the number of new daily cases has fallen since a peak in mid-September. 
 
Meanwhile, hopes for a vaccine got a fresh boost after U.S.-based Moderna Inc said on Monday its experimental vaccine was 94.5% effective in preventing COVID-19 based on interim data from a late-stage clinical trial. 
 
Last week, drugmaker Pfizer Inc and German partner BioNTech SE said their vaccine was more than 90% effective. 
 
An Indian government-backed vaccine could be launched as early as February - months earlier than expected - as last-stage trials begin this month, a senior government scientist previously told Reuters. 
&nbsp;

India`s Biological E Ltd has started human trials of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate and expects results by February, the drugmaker said on Monday. The Hyderabad-based firm initiated phase I and phase II trials of its vaccine candidate - being developed with Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and U.

India`s Biological E Ltd has started human trials of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate and expects results by February, the drugmaker said on Monday. The Hyderabad-based firm initiated phase I and phase II trials of its vaccine candidate - being developed with Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and U.S.-based Dynavax Technologies Corp - after getting the green signal from the Drugs Controller General of India. The trial will test two doses of the vaccine in about 360 healthy subjects aged 18 to 65 years, Biological E. said. Separately, Bharat Biotech, a private company developing a vaccine candidate, COVAXIN, with the government-run Indian Council of Medical Research, said it was starting phase III trials on Monday. India has reported 8.85 million confirmed cases of the virus - the second highest in the world, after the United States - but the number of new daily cases has fallen since a peak in mid-September. Meanwhile, hopes for a vaccine got a fresh boost after U.S.-based Moderna Inc said on Monday its experimental vaccine was 94.5% effective in preventing COVID-19 based on interim data from a late-stage clinical trial. Last week, drugmaker Pfizer Inc and German partner BioNTech SE said their vaccine was more than 90% effective. An Indian government-backed vaccine could be launched as early as February - months earlier than expected - as last-stage trials begin this month, a senior government scientist previously told Reuters.

Indian drugmaker Biological E starts human trials of COVID-19 vaccine candidate

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Monday said that the current year 2020 has been the year of collaborative action in which countries joined hands to combat various challenges including climate change and COVID-19 pandemic while investing in global public health for strengthening health systems.

"I would say that 2020 has been the year of collaborative action. Mankind was already fighting overwhelming challenges--poverty, hunger, inequality, climate change, pollution, violence, war, disease--and now the pandemic which has shaken us to the core. But we came together as the nations of the world because we chose not to be overwhelmed. We choose optimism and struggle to achieve. We choose a better future," Dr Vardhan said while digitally chairing the World Health Organisation (WHO) Executive Board meeting, here through Video Conferencing.

"There is no better future without Health For All. A lesson we knew. and a lesson that we have now re-learnt. In India, we bless each other as Ayushman Bhava, which means may you have a long and healthy life, that itself is the essence of life and existence, that itself is the essence of our organization - the World Health Organization - which binds us all together and which is why we are all here today, together," he added.

The Health Minister said that the pandemic has made humanity acutely aware of the consequences of ignoring health systems strengthening and preparedness.

"In such times of global crisis, risk management and mitigation both would require further strengthening of global partnerships to re-invigorate interest and investment in global public health. I am sure that our constant engagement with each member state, their interface with each other as well as all stakeholders will reinforce reforms and help accelerate progress toward the sustainable development goals and universal health coverage with the most productive, efficient and targeted utilization of resources," he said.

Vardhan mentioned that the South-East Asia Region and India are continuously striving to improve health services, their reach, delivery and quality."We have seen successes in all the Regional Flagship priority areas through collaborative action.

We will continue to contribute to regional and global public health issues through advocacy, technical collaboration, research, innovations, digital health and partnerships aimed at improving the accessibility and affordability of health services and high-quality essential medicines and products," he said.

Lauding the work being done by WHO, Dr. Vardhan said, "In the last over 10 months of this pandemic, I have observed that the WHO, with a mandate to be the lead agency for health, has done a commendable job of working along with the Member States from the very beginning to provide required technical assistance to support the continuation of essential health-care service delivery. WHO and its Member States across the globe are committed to harnessing this opportunity to build back health systems that are more resilient, and which can meet everyone`s health needs."

"We are already identifying and acting on the lessons learnt from the current crisis so that together we can achieve more robust and resilient health systems that can promote a sustained economic recovery and a healthier future for people across the world," he added. (ANI)

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Monday said that the current year 2020 has been the year of collaborative action in which countries joined hands to combat various challenges including climate change and COVID-19 pandemic while investing in global public health for strengthening health systems.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Monday said that the current year 2020 has been the year of collaborative action in which countries joined hands to combat various challenges including climate change and COVID-19 pandemic while investing in global public health for strengthening health systems. "I would say that 2020 has been the year of collaborative action. Mankind was already fighting overwhelming challenges--poverty, hunger, inequality, climate change, pollution, violence, war, disease--and now the pandemic which has shaken us to the core. But we came together as the nations of the world because we chose not to be overwhelmed. We choose optimism and struggle to achieve. We choose a better future," Dr Vardhan said while digitally chairing the World Health Organisation (WHO) Executive Board meeting, here through Video Conferencing. "There is no better future without Health For All. A lesson we knew. and a lesson that we have now re-learnt. In India, we bless each other as Ayushman Bhava, which means may you have a long and healthy life, that itself is the essence of life and existence, that itself is the essence of our organization - the World Health Organization - which binds us all together and which is why we are all here today, together," he added. The Health Minister said that the pandemic has made humanity acutely aware of the consequences of ignoring health systems strengthening and preparedness. "In such times of global crisis, risk management and mitigation both would require further strengthening of global partnerships to re-invigorate interest and investment in global public health. I am sure that our constant engagement with each member state, their interface with each other as well as all stakeholders will reinforce reforms and help accelerate progress toward the sustainable development goals and universal health coverage with the most productive, efficient and targeted utilization of resources," he said. Vardhan mentioned that the South-East Asia Region and India are continuously striving to improve health services, their reach, delivery and quality."We have seen successes in all the Regional Flagship priority areas through collaborative action. We will continue to contribute to regional and global public health issues through advocacy, technical collaboration, research, innovations, digital health and partnerships aimed at improving the accessibility and affordability of health services and high-quality essential medicines and products," he said. Lauding the work being done by WHO, Dr. Vardhan said, "In the last over 10 months of this pandemic, I have observed that the WHO, with a mandate to be the lead agency for health, has done a commendable job of working along with the Member States from the very beginning to provide required technical assistance to support the continuation of essential health-care service delivery. WHO and its Member States across the globe are committed to harnessing this opportunity to build back health systems that are more resilient, and which can meet everyone`s health needs." "We are already identifying and acting on the lessons learnt from the current crisis so that together we can achieve more robust and resilient health systems that can promote a sustained economic recovery and a healthier future for people across the world," he added. (ANI)

Countries joined hands in 2020 to combat climate change, COVID-19: Dr Harsh Vardhan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend a virtual summit of the influential grouping BRICS on Tuesday which will focus on cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, health, energy, and ways to offset the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to attend the 12th summit of the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) grouping.

The BRICS summit is taking place at a time two of the bloc's members, India and China, are locked in a bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh for over six months. Both Modi and Xi had come face-to-face virtually at the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on November 10.

"At the invitation of President Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attending the 12th BRICS Summit hosted by Russia, under the theme 'Global Stability, Shared Security and Innovative Growth' on November 17," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The BRICS is known as an influential bloc that represents over 3.6 billion people, or half of the world's population. The BRICS countries have a combined GDP of USD 16.6 trillion.

The MEA said the leaders would be discussing intra-BRICS cooperation and key issues in the global context, including the reform of the multilateral system, measures to mitigate the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, health, energy and people-to-people exchanges.

"India will be taking over the chair of the BRICS, which would be the third BRICS Presidency for India since its inception (after 2012 and 2016) and will host the 13th BRICS summit in 2021," the MEA said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend a virtual summit of the influential grouping BRICS on Tuesday which will focus on cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, health, energy, and ways to offset the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend a virtual summit of the influential grouping BRICS on Tuesday which will focus on cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, health, energy, and ways to offset the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to attend the 12th summit of the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) grouping. The BRICS summit is taking place at a time two of the bloc's members, India and China, are locked in a bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh for over six months. Both Modi and Xi had come face-to-face virtually at the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on November 10. "At the invitation of President Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attending the 12th BRICS Summit hosted by Russia, under the theme 'Global Stability, Shared Security and Innovative Growth' on November 17," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The BRICS is known as an influential bloc that represents over 3.6 billion people, or half of the world's population. The BRICS countries have a combined GDP of USD 16.6 trillion. The MEA said the leaders would be discussing intra-BRICS cooperation and key issues in the global context, including the reform of the multilateral system, measures to mitigate the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, health, energy and people-to-people exchanges. "India will be taking over the chair of the BRICS, which would be the third BRICS Presidency for India since its inception (after 2012 and 2016) and will host the 13th BRICS summit in 2021," the MEA said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend virtual summit of BRICS on Tuesday

Nitish Kumar on Monday was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the seventh time in two decades.

At the oath-taking ceremony, senior members of the ruling alliance NDA, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda were also present.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nitish-kumar-to-be-bihar-chief-minister-for-4th-term-in-a-row-343271">Nitish Kumar to be Bihar Chief Minister for 4th term in a row</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Kumar, who heads the JD(U), was administered the oath of office at Raj Bhavan in Patna by Governor Phagu Chauhan.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-elections-tejashwi-yadav-leader-of-single-largest-party-rjd-demands-recount-342683">Bihar Elections: Tejashwi Yadav, leader of single-largest party RJD, demands recount</a>

BJP's Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi, who will most likely become deputy chief ministers of the state, also took the oath.&nbsp;

In the tightly-fought election of the eastern Indian state, NDA won 125 seats in the 243-member house. However, Kumar's JD(U) was able to manage just 43 seats, but its ally BJP managed to win a lion's share, 74 seats.&nbsp;

The main opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) boycotted the event, saying the election was rigged and the mandate was against the NDA.&nbsp;

"The RJD boycotts swearing-in ceremony. The mandate for change is against the NDA. The mandate has been changed on the state's directions. Ask the unemployed, farmers, contract workers and employed teachers of Bihar what is going on with them. The public is agitated by the fraud of the NDA," RJD wrote in a tweet.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Nitish Kumar on Monday was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the seventh time in two decades. At the oath-taking ceremony, senior members of the ruling alliance NDA, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda were also present.

Nitish Kumar on Monday was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the seventh time in two decades. At the oath-taking ceremony, senior members of the ruling alliance NDA, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda were also present. Also read | Nitish Kumar to be Bihar Chief Minister for 4th term in a row Kumar, who heads the JD(U), was administered the oath of office at Raj Bhavan in Patna by Governor Phagu Chauhan. Also read | Bihar Elections: Tejashwi Yadav, leader of single-largest party RJD, demands recount BJP's Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi, who will most likely become deputy chief ministers of the state, also took the oath. In the tightly-fought election of the eastern Indian state, NDA won 125 seats in the 243-member house. However, Kumar's JD(U) was able to manage just 43 seats, but its ally BJP managed to win a lion's share, 74 seats. The main opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) boycotted the event, saying the election was rigged and the mandate was against the NDA. "The RJD boycotts swearing-in ceremony. The mandate for change is against the NDA. The mandate has been changed on the state's directions. Ask the unemployed, farmers, contract workers and employed teachers of Bihar what is going on with them. The public is agitated by the fraud of the NDA," RJD wrote in a tweet.

Nitish Kumar sworn in as CM of Bihar for seventh time

State-run explorer Oil India Ltd said on Monday a deadly fire at its well in eastern India that that started raging nearly six months ago has been "doused completely."

"There is no pressure in the well now and the same will be observed for 24 hrs to check," Oil India said in a filing to exchanges on Monday.

Oil India had suspended operations at the gas well in its Baghjan oilfield in the Tinsukia district in eastern Assam state on May 27 after an uncontrolled gas emission. The company had brought in experts from Singapore-based company Alert to control the blow-out.

Officials had since been struggling to contain the blowout, even as black smoke continued to billow out of the well for months. Locals say they are relieved, but still wary as they were scared to go back.

The Wildlife Institute of India, an autonomous body under the federal environment ministry, expects the incident to have a long-term impact on the environment, as pollutants could leach into the ground and contaminate water.

Three rescue officials died and five were injured while trying to put out the fire in the Tinsukia district of Assam in two separate incidents.

Further operation to abandon the well is in progress.

State-run explorer Oil India Ltd said on Monday a deadly fire at its well in eastern India that that started raging nearly six months ago has been "doused completely.

State-run explorer Oil India Ltd said on Monday a deadly fire at its well in eastern India that that started raging nearly six months ago has been "doused completely." "There is no pressure in the well now and the same will be observed for 24 hrs to check," Oil India said in a filing to exchanges on Monday. Oil India had suspended operations at the gas well in its Baghjan oilfield in the Tinsukia district in eastern Assam state on May 27 after an uncontrolled gas emission. The company had brought in experts from Singapore-based company Alert to control the blow-out. Officials had since been struggling to contain the blowout, even as black smoke continued to billow out of the well for months. Locals say they are relieved, but still wary as they were scared to go back. The Wildlife Institute of India, an autonomous body under the federal environment ministry, expects the incident to have a long-term impact on the environment, as pollutants could leach into the ground and contaminate water. Three rescue officials died and five were injured while trying to put out the fire in the Tinsukia district of Assam in two separate incidents. Further operation to abandon the well is in progress.

Fire at Oil India's Assam well extinguished after nearly six months

The latest surge of coronavirus infections in the Indian capital, that has swamped its intensive care wards and killed hundreds of people, has passed its peak, the city`s top health official said on Monday, dismissing fears of another lockdown. 
 
"I can definitely tell you that the peak is gone and cases will slowly come down now," Satyendar Jain, minister of health in the city government, told Reuters partner ANI, pointing to a decline in the city`s positivity rate. 
 
New Delhi has seen a surge in novel coronavirus infections this month, what authorities have called a third wave that has killed more than 600 people dead in the past week, even as cases in other parts of the country have declined. 
 
India has reported more than 8.8 million confirmed cases - the second highest in the world, after the United States - but the number of new daily cases has fallen since a peak in mid-September. India has recorded 129,635 coronavirus deaths. 
 
On Monday, the health ministry posted a daily rise of 30,548 infections. 
 
Economic activity has slowly picked up as authorities relax restrictions after a harsh lockdown was imposed across the country in late March to slow down the spread of the virus. 
 
The hardest-hit state of Maharashtra reopened places of worship on Monday with instructions to maintain social distancing and people trickled in wearing masks. 
 
In Delhi, Jain said that there was "no chance" of another lockdown, even as authorities prepared hundreds of additional intensive care beds and ramped up capacity to conduct more than 100,000 tests a day. 
 
"We are analysing the data daily and keeping a watch on the positivity," Jain said. Delhi has been carrying out an average of 55,000 tests a day. 
 
The city`s positivity rate - the percentage of people who test positive of all those tested - has declined since early November. But it rose again on Sunday, when fewer people were tested owing to a major festival on the weekend, possibly skewing the findings, an official said.

The latest surge of coronavirus infections in the Indian capital, that has swamped its intensive care wards and killed hundreds of people, has passed its peak, the city`s top health official said on Monday, dismissing fears of another lockdown.

The latest surge of coronavirus infections in the Indian capital, that has swamped its intensive care wards and killed hundreds of people, has passed its peak, the city`s top health official said on Monday, dismissing fears of another lockdown. "I can definitely tell you that the peak is gone and cases will slowly come down now," Satyendar Jain, minister of health in the city government, told Reuters partner ANI, pointing to a decline in the city`s positivity rate. New Delhi has seen a surge in novel coronavirus infections this month, what authorities have called a third wave that has killed more than 600 people dead in the past week, even as cases in other parts of the country have declined. India has reported more than 8.8 million confirmed cases - the second highest in the world, after the United States - but the number of new daily cases has fallen since a peak in mid-September. India has recorded 129,635 coronavirus deaths. On Monday, the health ministry posted a daily rise of 30,548 infections. Economic activity has slowly picked up as authorities relax restrictions after a harsh lockdown was imposed across the country in late March to slow down the spread of the virus. The hardest-hit state of Maharashtra reopened places of worship on Monday with instructions to maintain social distancing and people trickled in wearing masks. In Delhi, Jain said that there was "no chance" of another lockdown, even as authorities prepared hundreds of additional intensive care beds and ramped up capacity to conduct more than 100,000 tests a day. "We are analysing the data daily and keeping a watch on the positivity," Jain said. Delhi has been carrying out an average of 55,000 tests a day. The city`s positivity rate - the percentage of people who test positive of all those tested - has declined since early November. But it rose again on Sunday, when fewer people were tested owing to a major festival on the weekend, possibly skewing the findings, an official said.

Delhi's third coronavirus wave has peaked: Minister

The 15 countries that signed the deal span the Asia-Pacific region including China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, along with the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Indian will not join RCEP even as an observer, govt sources confirm to WION

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has highlighted Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism, calling it a "particularly egregious example of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism."

Speaking virtually at the Deccan Dialogue, he said, "As regards terrorism, the era of "not my problem” came to an end in 9/11" and called for "whole-hearted international collaborative effort.'

His comments come even as Islamabad is yet to be seen acting on the issue of terror. Last week, Islamabad accepted its involvement in the 26/11 terror attacks with the country's federal investigation agency issuing an 800-page list of the country's most wanted which included 11 terrorists involved in the 2008 attacks on India's financial centre.&nbsp;

EAM said, "The world is gradually becoming aware of the global nature of international terrorism. Our relentless efforts have kept it in the spotlight, bringing out related aspects like terror finance, radicalization and cyber recruitment."

Adding, "The goal remains to reach a comprehensive convention on the subject and we will not rest till that happens."

India-backed CCIT or comprehensive convention on international terrorism at the United Nations calls for a common definition of terrorism. It was introduced in 1996 and due to lack of global consensus on the issue of terror has not been passed.

Jaishankar also spoke about FATF or financial action task force saying, "On terrorism, our efforts have contributed to a larger awareness of its different facets. The FATF has become a more important forum and black money is today firmly on the agenda of the G-20. The world no longer sees it as a law and order issue."

It has been more than 2 years and Pakistan continues to languish in the anti-terror financing body's grey list impacting the country's economy. By Pakistan's govt's own admission, the country loses $10 billion annually by being on the FATF grey list.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has highlighted Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism, calling it a "particularly egregious example of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has highlighted Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism, calling it a "particularly egregious example of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism." Speaking virtually at the Deccan Dialogue, he said, "As regards terrorism, the era of "not my problem” came to an end in 9/11" and called for "whole-hearted international collaborative effort.' His comments come even as Islamabad is yet to be seen acting on the issue of terror. Last week, Islamabad accepted its involvement in the 26/11 terror attacks with the country's federal investigation agency issuing an 800-page list of the country's most wanted which included 11 terrorists involved in the 2008 attacks on India's financial centre. EAM said, "The world is gradually becoming aware of the global nature of international terrorism. Our relentless efforts have kept it in the spotlight, bringing out related aspects like terror finance, radicalization and cyber recruitment." Adding, "The goal remains to reach a comprehensive convention on the subject and we will not rest till that happens." India-backed CCIT or comprehensive convention on international terrorism at the United Nations calls for a common definition of terrorism. It was introduced in 1996 and due to lack of global consensus on the issue of terror has not been passed. Jaishankar also spoke about FATF or financial action task force saying, "On terrorism, our efforts have contributed to a larger awareness of its different facets. The FATF has become a more important forum and black money is today firmly on the agenda of the G-20. The world no longer sees it as a law and order issue." It has been more than 2 years and Pakistan continues to languish in the anti-terror financing body's grey list impacting the country's economy. By Pakistan's govt's own admission, the country loses $10 billion annually by being on the FATF grey list.

'Egregious' state-sponsored terrorism in India's neighbourhood: Jaishankar

With Chennai city and outlying districts receiving regular rains in the recent weeks, water levels in reservoirs that cater to the city’s needs are on the rise. In what is a respite for people a drought-prone city, the combined storage of the reservoirs have surpassed the halfway mark.

As per data on the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply &amp; Sewerage Board or Chennai Metro Water, the total storage of four reservoirs - Poondi, Cholavaram, Red Hills, Chambarambakkam is twice as much as the water that was available last year.

The four reservoirs have a combined storage of 6706 Million Cubic feet (Mcft) as on date, whereas they had 3148Mcft on the same day the previous year. Current storage of 6706Mcft is nearly 60% of the total capacity, which stands at 11257Mcft.&nbsp;

Officials hold the opinion that the current water levels, which are likely to further increase quite well after the impending rains, will be sufficient for the city to tide over the summer of 2021.

In stark contrast, on November 16th 2018, the combined storage of all four reservoirs were 1641Mcft, hardly 10per cent of the total capacity. It was this sharp decline in water levels by November, poor planning and management and also a failed monsoon in 2018 that led to a severe drought in the summer of 2019. Hence, indicating how crucial an optimal water level in these reservoirs is for the city.&nbsp;

It was the mismanagement of the water levels in one of these reservoirs,-Chembarambakkam amid heavy rains that led to large parts of Chennai city and its outskirts being flooded in December 2015.

The meteorological department has predicted heavy rain at isolated places over Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Cuddalore, Thoothukudi, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts of Tamil Nadu.

This year, the North-East monsoon had set in around the last week of October and particularly 29th October saw parts of Chennai city being lashed by heavy rains, of 150-200mm intensity within a few hours.

With Chennai city and outlying districts receiving regular rains in the recent weeks, water levels in reservoirs that cater to the city’s needs are on the rise. In what is a respite for people a drought-prone city, the combined storage of the reservoirs have surpassed the halfway mark.

With Chennai city and outlying districts receiving regular rains in the recent weeks, water levels in reservoirs that cater to the city’s needs are on the rise. In what is a respite for people a drought-prone city, the combined storage of the reservoirs have surpassed the halfway mark. As per data on the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board or Chennai Metro Water, the total storage of four reservoirs - Poondi, Cholavaram, Red Hills, Chambarambakkam is twice as much as the water that was available last year. The four reservoirs have a combined storage of 6706 Million Cubic feet (Mcft) as on date, whereas they had 3148Mcft on the same day the previous year. Current storage of 6706Mcft is nearly 60% of the total capacity, which stands at 11257Mcft. Officials hold the opinion that the current water levels, which are likely to further increase quite well after the impending rains, will be sufficient for the city to tide over the summer of 2021. In stark contrast, on November 16th 2018, the combined storage of all four reservoirs were 1641Mcft, hardly 10per cent of the total capacity. It was this sharp decline in water levels by November, poor planning and management and also a failed monsoon in 2018 that led to a severe drought in the summer of 2019. Hence, indicating how crucial an optimal water level in these reservoirs is for the city. It was the mismanagement of the water levels in one of these reservoirs,-Chembarambakkam amid heavy rains that led to large parts of Chennai city and its outskirts being flooded in December 2015. The meteorological department has predicted heavy rain at isolated places over Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Cuddalore, Thoothukudi, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts of Tamil Nadu. This year, the North-East monsoon had set in around the last week of October and particularly 29th October saw parts of Chennai city being lashed by heavy rains, of 150-200mm intensity within a few hours.

Amid monsoon, water levels in reservoirs around Chennai over half capacity 

Authorities in Kashmir issued an avalanche warning in four districts of the valley on Monday as the higher reaches of the union territory received moderate to heavy snowfall, while the plains were lashed by rains.

The avalanche warning has been issued in Kupwara, Bandipora and Baramulla districts of north Kashmir, and Ganderbal district in central Kashmir, officials said.

While a medium danger avalanche warning has been issued for the higher reaches of Kupwara and Bandipora districts, a low danger avalanche warning has been issued for the higher reaches of Ganderbal and Baramulla districts, they said.

The warning was issued in view of snowfall which started on Saturday and continued till Monday morning, they added.

According to the officials, this is the season's first major snowfall in the famous ski resort of Gulmarg in Baramulla and the tourist resort of Sonamarg in Ganderbal.

Gulmarg received 19 cm of snow in the last 24 hours, while Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district received light snowfall, the officials said.

Gurez in north Kashmir's Bandipora district, Zojilla Pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway, and Drass in Ladakh also received snowfall, they said.

Due to the snowfall, the authorities closed the Srinagar-Leh road, which connects Jammu and Kashmir with Ladakh, for traffic on Saturday, they added.

The officials said most of the areas in the plains of the Kashmir valley received rains, bringing down the temperature.

The meteorological department said while the weather improved significantly in both the UTs on Monday, light rain or snow at scattered places is likely during the next 24 hours.

Authorities in Kashmir issued an avalanche warning in four districts of the valley on Monday as the higher reaches of the union territory received moderate to heavy snowfall, while the plains were lashed by rains.

Authorities in Kashmir issued an avalanche warning in four districts of the valley on Monday as the higher reaches of the union territory received moderate to heavy snowfall, while the plains were lashed by rains. The avalanche warning has been issued in Kupwara, Bandipora and Baramulla districts of north Kashmir, and Ganderbal district in central Kashmir, officials said. While a medium danger avalanche warning has been issued for the higher reaches of Kupwara and Bandipora districts, a low danger avalanche warning has been issued for the higher reaches of Ganderbal and Baramulla districts, they said. The warning was issued in view of snowfall which started on Saturday and continued till Monday morning, they added. According to the officials, this is the season's first major snowfall in the famous ski resort of Gulmarg in Baramulla and the tourist resort of Sonamarg in Ganderbal. Gulmarg received 19 cm of snow in the last 24 hours, while Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district received light snowfall, the officials said. Gurez in north Kashmir's Bandipora district, Zojilla Pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway, and Drass in Ladakh also received snowfall, they said. Due to the snowfall, the authorities closed the Srinagar-Leh road, which connects Jammu and Kashmir with Ladakh, for traffic on Saturday, they added. The officials said most of the areas in the plains of the Kashmir valley received rains, bringing down the temperature. The meteorological department said while the weather improved significantly in both the UTs on Monday, light rain or snow at scattered places is likely during the next 24 hours.

Avalanche warning issued for four districts in Kashmir

Security forces have rescued 10 people, including two women and a child after they were trapped in heavy snowfall at high altitude Sinthan pass in Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesperson said Monday.

The rescue operation was carried out late Sunday night after information was received about a group of civilians stranded at Sinthan pass that connects Kishtwar district of Jammu region with Kashmir's Anantnag, he said.

The rescue team, comprising army and police personnel, walked for five hours along the National Highway 244 in zero visibility conditions during the night and brought the stranded people to Sinthan ground where they were provided with food and shelter, the spokesperson said.

Security forces have rescued 10 people, including two women and a child after they were trapped in heavy snowfall at high altitude Sinthan pass in Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesperson said Monday.

Security forces have rescued 10 people, including two women and a child after they were trapped in heavy snowfall at high altitude Sinthan pass in Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesperson said Monday. The rescue operation was carried out late Sunday night after information was received about a group of civilians stranded at Sinthan pass that connects Kishtwar district of Jammu region with Kashmir's Anantnag, he said. The rescue team, comprising army and police personnel, walked for five hours along the National Highway 244 in zero visibility conditions during the night and brought the stranded people to Sinthan ground where they were provided with food and shelter, the spokesperson said.

Ten people trapped in snowfall in J&K recused

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar on Monday lauded India's COVID-19 response, saying that it should give people confidence in the country's future.

Speaking at the third edition of Deccan Dialogue, Jaishankar said: "A nation that had no preparedness for an enormous crisis, responded in a way that it should give us all confidence in our future."

The minister said during the onset of a pandemic, India was not able to provide enough PPEs and ventilators. Even N-95 masks were assembled in small quantities and testing kits were not produced in the country. "We should ask ourselves why not earlier, today not only (India) meets its national needs but helps beyond."

He also stated that during the ongoing pandemic situation, the social discipline in India stood out in comparison with many developed countries, which was the influence of leadership and motivation.

"If we had created more than 15,000 dedicated facilities, with 1.5 million isolation beds, if more than a million Indians are tested daily by 7,000 centres, if Aarogya Setu was devised to facilitate contract testing, then it speaks volumes about our inherent capabilities," Jaishankar said.

He further added: "The challenge now is to take this ability to rise to the moment of crisis and transform that to more routine sets of practices and procedures, and I do believe that the India which will come out of the Covid crisis, will do just that."

The External Affairs Minister also spoke on the Vande Bharat mission, informing that nearly 24 lakh Indians have been repatriated from foreign nations.

"From Air India to the Indian Navy we pressed all our resources to achieve this goal. The intention was very simple, today's India will not leave an Indian abroad in distress," he added.

Jaishankar also commented on issues of climate change and state-sponsored terrorism during his keynote address.

Deccan Dialogue is an initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, hosted by the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar on Monday lauded India's COVID-19 response, saying that it should give people confidence in the country's future.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar on Monday lauded India's COVID-19 response, saying that it should give people confidence in the country's future. Speaking at the third edition of Deccan Dialogue, Jaishankar said: "A nation that had no preparedness for an enormous crisis, responded in a way that it should give us all confidence in our future." The minister said during the onset of a pandemic, India was not able to provide enough PPEs and ventilators. Even N-95 masks were assembled in small quantities and testing kits were not produced in the country. "We should ask ourselves why not earlier, today not only (India) meets its national needs but helps beyond." He also stated that during the ongoing pandemic situation, the social discipline in India stood out in comparison with many developed countries, which was the influence of leadership and motivation. "If we had created more than 15,000 dedicated facilities, with 1.5 million isolation beds, if more than a million Indians are tested daily by 7,000 centres, if Aarogya Setu was devised to facilitate contract testing, then it speaks volumes about our inherent capabilities," Jaishankar said. He further added: "The challenge now is to take this ability to rise to the moment of crisis and transform that to more routine sets of practices and procedures, and I do believe that the India which will come out of the Covid crisis, will do just that." The External Affairs Minister also spoke on the Vande Bharat mission, informing that nearly 24 lakh Indians have been repatriated from foreign nations. "From Air India to the Indian Navy we pressed all our resources to achieve this goal. The intention was very simple, today's India will not leave an Indian abroad in distress," he added. Jaishankar also commented on issues of climate change and state-sponsored terrorism during his keynote address. Deccan Dialogue is an initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, hosted by the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.

India's COVID-19 response should give people confidence in future, says S Jaishankar

PM Narendra Modi today unveiled 'Statue of Peace' to mark the 151st Birth Anniversary celebrations of Jainacharya Shree Vijay Vallabh Surishwer Ji Maharaj.

The 151-inch tall statue has been made from Ashtadhatu- 8 metals, with Copper being the major constituent, and is being installed at Vijay Vallabh Sadhana Kendra, Jetpura, in Pali, Rajasthan.

After inaugurating the statue, the Prime Minister said: "Vijay Nityanand Surishwer Ji Maharaj used to say that the land of Gujarat gave us two Vallabh. In the political field, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and in spiritual field Jainacharya Shree Vijay Vallabh Surishwer Ji Maharaj... Both dedicated their lives for India`s unity and brotherhood. I am fortunate that the country gave me the opportunity to inaugurate the world`s highest `Statue of Unity` by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. And today I am getting the privilege of unveiling the `Statue of Peace` by Jainacharya Vijay Vallabh Ji."

"India has been an example of humanity, the path of peace, non-violence and fraternity for the whole world. The world looks forward to India," he said.

Shree Vijay Vallabh Surishwer Ji Maharaj (1870-1954) led an austere life as a Jain Saint working selflessly and dedicatedly to spread the message of Lord Mahavira. He also worked relentlessly for the welfare of masses, the spread of education, and eradication of social evils wrote inspiring literature (poetry, essays, devotional hymns and Stavans) and gave active support to the freedom movement and the cause of Swadeshi.

(With inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi today unveiled 'Statue of Peace' to mark the 151st Birth Anniversary celebrations of Jainacharya Shree Vijay Vallabh Surishwer Ji Maharaj. The 151-inch tall statue has been made from Ashtadhatu- 8 metals, with Copper being the major constituent, and is being installed at Vijay Vallabh Sadhana Kendra, Jetpura, in Pali, Rajasthan.

PM Narendra Modi today unveiled 'Statue of Peace' to mark the 151st Birth Anniversary celebrations of Jainacharya Shree Vijay Vallabh Surishwer Ji Maharaj. The 151-inch tall statue has been made from Ashtadhatu- 8 metals, with Copper being the major constituent, and is being installed at Vijay Vallabh Sadhana Kendra, Jetpura, in Pali, Rajasthan. After inaugurating the statue, the Prime Minister said: "Vijay Nityanand Surishwer Ji Maharaj used to say that the land of Gujarat gave us two Vallabh. In the political field, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and in spiritual field Jainacharya Shree Vijay Vallabh Surishwer Ji Maharaj... Both dedicated their lives for India`s unity and brotherhood. I am fortunate that the country gave me the opportunity to inaugurate the world`s highest `Statue of Unity` by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. And today I am getting the privilege of unveiling the `Statue of Peace` by Jainacharya Vijay Vallabh Ji." "India has been an example of humanity, the path of peace, non-violence and fraternity for the whole world. The world looks forward to India," he said. Shree Vijay Vallabh Surishwer Ji Maharaj (1870-1954) led an austere life as a Jain Saint working selflessly and dedicatedly to spread the message of Lord Mahavira. He also worked relentlessly for the welfare of masses, the spread of education, and eradication of social evils wrote inspiring literature (poetry, essays, devotional hymns and Stavans) and gave active support to the freedom movement and the cause of Swadeshi. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi unveils ‘Statue of Peace’ to mark 151st birth anniversary of Jainacharya Vijay Vallabh

Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O'Farell met RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday and said the organisation has been actively supporting the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The @RSSorg has been actively supporting the community during COVID19. I met with Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat who shared the relief measures the organisation has adopted across India during these challenging times," O'Farrell tweeted.

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The <a href="https://twitter.com/RSSorg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RSSorg</a> has been actively supporting the community during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>. I met with Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat who shared the relief measures the organisation has adopted across 🇮🇳 during these challenging times. <a href="https://t.co/2LhniF2ven">pic.twitter.com/2LhniF2ven</a>
— Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusHCIndia/status/1327927722002194432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He also tweeted pictures of the meeting which took place at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur.

Last year, a meeting was held between Bhagwat and German ambassador Walter J Lindner. The RSS keeps having such meetings in keeping with its outreach initiatives.

Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O'Farell met RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday and said the organisation has been actively supporting the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O'Farell met RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday and said the organisation has been actively supporting the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. "The @RSSorg has been actively supporting the community during COVID19. I met with Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat who shared the relief measures the organisation has adopted across India during these challenging times," O'Farrell tweeted. The @RSSorg has been actively supporting the community during #COVID19. I met with Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat who shared the relief measures the organisation has adopted across 🇮🇳 during these challenging times. pic.twitter.com/2LhniF2ven — Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) November 15, 2020 × He also tweeted pictures of the meeting which took place at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur. Last year, a meeting was held between Bhagwat and German ambassador Walter J Lindner. The RSS keeps having such meetings in keeping with its outreach initiatives.

Aus envoy meets Mohan Bhagwat, says RSS actively supporting community amid Covid-19 crisis

India has reiterated it won't join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade pact. Top sources, confirming to WION, New Delhi's continuous stance on the issue over several reasons. India was one of the original 16 participating countries of the RCEP but had withdrawn last year over several reasons, of which was Chinese goods flooding the Indian market.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, 15 countries of the region--China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and all ten members of the ASEAN pact signed the mega Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership RCEP trade pact.&nbsp;

Earlier last week, asked if India will join RECP, Secretary East in Ministry of External Affairs Riva Ganguly Das said, “Our position is well known, as far as India is concerned, we did not join RCEP as it does not address the outstanding issues and concerns of India, however, we remain committed to deepening our trade relations with ASEAN".

While they signed the pact on Saturday, member countries of the economic pact announced that India can participate in the group's activities as an observer member and left a window open for India to join it on a future date.&nbsp;

The joint statement after the signing of the mega pact had a special Ministers’ Declaration on India's participation in the pact. It said, 'Any time prior to its accession to the Agreement, India may participate in RCEP meetings as an observer" and in "economic cooperation activities undertaken by the RCEP Signatory States" under the RCEP Agreement, "on terms and conditions to be jointly decided upon by the RCEP Signatory States."

The summary of the agreement leaves a special exception for India to join the pact later. Chapter 20 of the pact says, "This Agreement is open for accession by India, as an original negotiating State, from the date of its entry into force". The pact is the biggest economic pact which accounts for 30% of global GDP and 30% of the global population.

India has reiterated it won't join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade pact. Top sources, confirming to WION, New Delhi's continuous stance on the issue over several reasons.

India has reiterated it won't join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade pact. Top sources, confirming to WION, New Delhi's continuous stance on the issue over several reasons. India was one of the original 16 participating countries of the RCEP but had withdrawn last year over several reasons, of which was Chinese goods flooding the Indian market. Over the weekend, 15 countries of the region--China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and all ten members of the ASEAN pact signed the mega Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership RCEP trade pact. Earlier last week, asked if India will join RECP, Secretary East in Ministry of External Affairs Riva Ganguly Das said, “Our position is well known, as far as India is concerned, we did not join RCEP as it does not address the outstanding issues and concerns of India, however, we remain committed to deepening our trade relations with ASEAN". While they signed the pact on Saturday, member countries of the economic pact announced that India can participate in the group's activities as an observer member and left a window open for India to join it on a future date. The joint statement after the signing of the mega pact had a special Ministers’ Declaration on India's participation in the pact. It said, 'Any time prior to its accession to the Agreement, India may participate in RCEP meetings as an observer" and in "economic cooperation activities undertaken by the RCEP Signatory States" under the RCEP Agreement, "on terms and conditions to be jointly decided upon by the RCEP Signatory States." The summary of the agreement leaves a special exception for India to join the pact later. Chapter 20 of the pact says, "This Agreement is open for accession by India, as an original negotiating State, from the date of its entry into force". The pact is the biggest economic pact which accounts for 30% of global GDP and 30% of the global population.

Won't join RCEP, India reiterates 

Even as 15 countries of the region sign mega Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade pact, they have announced that India can participate in the group's activities as an observer member and left a window open for India to joint it in a future date.&nbsp;

The joint statement after the signing of the mega pact had a special Ministers’ Declaration on India's participation in the pact.

It said, 'Any time prior to its accession to the Agreement, India may participate in RCEP meetings as an observer" and in "economic cooperation activities undertaken by the RCEP Signatory States" under the RCEP Agreement, "on terms and conditions to be jointly decided upon by the RCEP Signatory States."

India was one of the original 16 participating countries of the RCEP but had withdrawn last year over several reasons, of which was Chinese goods flooding the Indian market.

"Acknowledging the strategic importance of India eventually becoming a party of to RCEP," the special minister's statement said," RCEP Signatory States will commence negotiations with India at any time after the signing of the RCEP Agreement once India submits a request in writing of its intention to accede to" it.

In fact, the summary of the agreement leaves a special exception for India to join the pact later. Chapter 20 of the pact says, "This Agreement is open for accession by India, as an original negotiating State, from the date of its entry into force".

Earlier this week, when asked if India will join RECP, Secretary East in Ministry of External Affairs Riva Ganguly Das said,"Our position is well known, as far as India is concerned we did not join RCEP as it does not address the outstanding issues and concerns of India, however, we remain committed to deepening our trade relations with ASEAN".

The pact has Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and all 10 members of the ASEAN grouping as its members. The pact will account for 30% of global GDP or US$26.2 trillion and 30% of the global population but is dominated by China. The Agreement has 20 Chapters, 17 Annexes and 54 schedules of commitments covering market access, rules and disciplines, and economic and technical cooperation.

Even as 15 countries of the region sign mega Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade pact, they have announced that India can participate in the group's activities as an observer member and left a window open for India to joint it in a future date.

Even as 15 countries of the region sign mega Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade pact, they have announced that India can participate in the group's activities as an observer member and left a window open for India to joint it in a future date. The joint statement after the signing of the mega pact had a special Ministers’ Declaration on India's participation in the pact. It said, 'Any time prior to its accession to the Agreement, India may participate in RCEP meetings as an observer" and in "economic cooperation activities undertaken by the RCEP Signatory States" under the RCEP Agreement, "on terms and conditions to be jointly decided upon by the RCEP Signatory States." India was one of the original 16 participating countries of the RCEP but had withdrawn last year over several reasons, of which was Chinese goods flooding the Indian market. "Acknowledging the strategic importance of India eventually becoming a party of to RCEP," the special minister's statement said," RCEP Signatory States will commence negotiations with India at any time after the signing of the RCEP Agreement once India submits a request in writing of its intention to accede to" it. In fact, the summary of the agreement leaves a special exception for India to join the pact later. Chapter 20 of the pact says, "This Agreement is open for accession by India, as an original negotiating State, from the date of its entry into force". Earlier this week, when asked if India will join RECP, Secretary East in Ministry of External Affairs Riva Ganguly Das said,"Our position is well known, as far as India is concerned we did not join RCEP as it does not address the outstanding issues and concerns of India, however, we remain committed to deepening our trade relations with ASEAN". The pact has Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and all 10 members of the ASEAN grouping as its members. The pact will account for 30% of global GDP or US$26.2 trillion and 30% of the global population but is dominated by China. The Agreement has 20 Chapters, 17 Annexes and 54 schedules of commitments covering market access, rules and disciplines, and economic and technical cooperation.

RCEP invites India to take part as an observer member

Thousands of Indians in North India, especially the national capital region, woke up on Sunday to toxic air following Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.

Delhi was blanketed with a thick haze, with the average pollution level in the capital over 9 times what is considered safe by the World Health Organisation.&nbsp;

Revellers on Saturday night defied bans on using firecrackers to celebrate the festival -- imposed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The NCR's air pollution typically worsens in October and November due to farmers burning agricultural waste -- known as stubble burning -- in adjoining states, along with coal-fired power plants in surrounding states, traffic fumes and windless days.

The air quality had turned "severe" on Saturday evening with stubble burning accounting for 32 per cent of Delhi's PM2.5 pollution, but firecracker emissions and calm winds made the situation even worse.

The raging coronavirus epidemic, with more than 400,000 confirmed cases in the city of 20 million, has also heightened alarm over the health hazard posed by the choking smog, with doctors warning of a sharp increase in respiratory illnesses.

An average of air quality indices measured at different places within the major cities in these states was higher than last year, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board.

The levels of PM2.5 -- which is about three per cent the diameter of a human hair and can lead to premature deaths from heart and lung diseases -- were 396 microgram per cubic metre ( g/m3) in Delhi-NCR at 6 am, above the emergency threshold of 300 &nbsp;g/m3. The safe limit is 60 g/m3.

PM10 level stood at 543 g/m3 at 6 am, above the emergency threshold of 500 &nbsp;g/m3, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. PM10 levels below 100 &nbsp;g/m3 are considered safe in India.

Delhi Police arrested 10 people and seized 638 kg of firecrackers on Saturday.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had on Monday imposed a total ban on sale or use of all kinds of firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR) from November 9 midnight to November 30 midnight, saying "celebration by crackers is for happiness and not to celebrate deaths and diseases".

According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality monitor, SAFAR, the PM2.5 concentration in Delhi on Diwali could have been the &nbsp;lowest &nbsp;in the last four years if there were no fireworks.

The city recorded an overall AQI of 414 at 4 pm on Saturday. It soared to 454 by 10 pm. On Sunday, it stood at 465 at 9 am.

Cities in the states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar and New Delhi - which have already been suffering from some of the worst air in the world - saw even higher levels of pollution than on the morning after Diwali last year.

The neighbouring cities of Faridabad (438), Ghaziabad (483), Greater Noida (439), Gurgaon (424) and Noida (466) also recorded their AQI in the severe category.

Delhi recorded a 24-hour average AQI of 337 on Diwali last year (October 27), and 368 and 400 in the next two days. Thereafter, pollution levels remained in the &nbsp;severe &nbsp;category for three days on the trot.

In 2018, the 24-hour average AQI (281) on Diwali was recorded in the poor category. It deteriorated to 390 the next day and remained in the &nbsp;severe &nbsp;category on three consecutive days thereafter.

In 2017, Delhi's 24-hour average AQI on Diwali (October 19) stood at 319. It, however, slipped into the severe zone the next day.

This time, the India Meteorological Department has said that a fresh western disturbance is likely to increase the wind speed and improve the air quality in Delhi-NCR post Diwali (Sunday and Monday).

Light rain is likely on Sunday under the influence of a western disturbance. The air quality is likely to improve due to an expected increase in the wind speed, Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the IMD's regional forecasting centre, said.

The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi also said the situation is likely to &nbsp;improve significantly &nbsp;on Sunday.&nbsp;

Under the influence of a Western Disturbance, isolated rainfall over plains of northwest India and adjoining central India is likely on Sunday. Generally cloudy sky, light rain, thundershowers accompanied with gusty winds (speed 30-40 kmph) is likely towards afternoon-evening on Sunday, the central agency said. 
&nbsp;

Thousands of Indians in North India, especially the national capital region, woke up on Sunday to toxic air following Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Delhi was blanketed with a thick haze, with the average pollution level in the capital over 9 times what is considered safe by the World Health Organisation.

Thousands of Indians in North India, especially the national capital region, woke up on Sunday to toxic air following Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Delhi was blanketed with a thick haze, with the average pollution level in the capital over 9 times what is considered safe by the World Health Organisation. Revellers on Saturday night defied bans on using firecrackers to celebrate the festival -- imposed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The NCR's air pollution typically worsens in October and November due to farmers burning agricultural waste -- known as stubble burning -- in adjoining states, along with coal-fired power plants in surrounding states, traffic fumes and windless days. The air quality had turned "severe" on Saturday evening with stubble burning accounting for 32 per cent of Delhi's PM2.5 pollution, but firecracker emissions and calm winds made the situation even worse. The raging coronavirus epidemic, with more than 400,000 confirmed cases in the city of 20 million, has also heightened alarm over the health hazard posed by the choking smog, with doctors warning of a sharp increase in respiratory illnesses. An average of air quality indices measured at different places within the major cities in these states was higher than last year, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. The levels of PM2.5 -- which is about three per cent the diameter of a human hair and can lead to premature deaths from heart and lung diseases -- were 396 microgram per cubic metre ( g/m3) in Delhi-NCR at 6 am, above the emergency threshold of 300 g/m3. The safe limit is 60 g/m3. PM10 level stood at 543 g/m3 at 6 am, above the emergency threshold of 500 g/m3, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. PM10 levels below 100 g/m3 are considered safe in India. Delhi Police arrested 10 people and seized 638 kg of firecrackers on Saturday. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had on Monday imposed a total ban on sale or use of all kinds of firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR) from November 9 midnight to November 30 midnight, saying "celebration by crackers is for happiness and not to celebrate deaths and diseases". According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality monitor, SAFAR, the PM2.5 concentration in Delhi on Diwali could have been the lowest in the last four years if there were no fireworks. The city recorded an overall AQI of 414 at 4 pm on Saturday. It soared to 454 by 10 pm. On Sunday, it stood at 465 at 9 am. Cities in the states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar and New Delhi - which have already been suffering from some of the worst air in the world - saw even higher levels of pollution than on the morning after Diwali last year. The neighbouring cities of Faridabad (438), Ghaziabad (483), Greater Noida (439), Gurgaon (424) and Noida (466) also recorded their AQI in the severe category. Delhi recorded a 24-hour average AQI of 337 on Diwali last year (October 27), and 368 and 400 in the next two days. Thereafter, pollution levels remained in the severe category for three days on the trot. In 2018, the 24-hour average AQI (281) on Diwali was recorded in the poor category. It deteriorated to 390 the next day and remained in the severe category on three consecutive days thereafter. In 2017, Delhi's 24-hour average AQI on Diwali (October 19) stood at 319. It, however, slipped into the severe zone the next day. This time, the India Meteorological Department has said that a fresh western disturbance is likely to increase the wind speed and improve the air quality in Delhi-NCR post Diwali (Sunday and Monday). Light rain is likely on Sunday under the influence of a western disturbance. The air quality is likely to improve due to an expected increase in the wind speed, Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the IMD's regional forecasting centre, said. The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi also said the situation is likely to improve significantly on Sunday. Under the influence of a Western Disturbance, isolated rainfall over plains of northwest India and adjoining central India is likely on Sunday. Generally cloudy sky, light rain, thundershowers accompanied with gusty winds (speed 30-40 kmph) is likely towards afternoon-evening on Sunday, the central agency said.

Delhi, neighbouring cities choke on toxic smog day after Diwali festivities

With 41,100 new COVID-19 infections, India's total cases have risen to 88,14,579, according to the Health Ministry's Sunday morning update.

With 447 new deaths, the toll has mounted to 1,29,635

Total active cases are at 4,79,216 after a decrease of 1,503 in the last 24 hours. Total discharged cases at 82,05,728 with 42,156 new discharges in last same time period.

Meanwhile, New Delhi reported 7,340 new coronavirus cases (Covid-19) on Saturday despite conducting lower numbers of tests.&nbsp;

The Delhi government conducted 49,645 cases on Friday, according to Delhi government’s Covid-19 bulletin, as compared to 56,553 tests on Thursday and 60,229 tests on Wednesday.

Delhi also reported 96 deaths due to Covid-19, taking the total toll of the viral infection in the city to over 7,500. As of Saturday, 7,519 people had died of the infection in Delhi.

The number of coronavirus cases worldwide has risen to 53 million even as Greece, Italy, Austria and Portugal put new measures in place to prevent a deadly second wave.

(With inputs from agencies)

With 41,100 new COVID-19 infections, India's total cases have risen to 88,14,579, according to the Health Ministry's Sunday morning update. With 447 new deaths, the toll has mounted to 1,29,635 Total active cases are at 4,79,216 after a decrease of 1,503 in the last 24 hours.

With 41,100 new COVID-19 infections, India's total cases have risen to 88,14,579, according to the Health Ministry's Sunday morning update. With 447 new deaths, the toll has mounted to 1,29,635 Total active cases are at 4,79,216 after a decrease of 1,503 in the last 24 hours. Total discharged cases at 82,05,728 with 42,156 new discharges in last same time period. Meanwhile, New Delhi reported 7,340 new coronavirus cases (Covid-19) on Saturday despite conducting lower numbers of tests. The Delhi government conducted 49,645 cases on Friday, according to Delhi government’s Covid-19 bulletin, as compared to 56,553 tests on Thursday and 60,229 tests on Wednesday. Delhi also reported 96 deaths due to Covid-19, taking the total toll of the viral infection in the city to over 7,500. As of Saturday, 7,519 people had died of the infection in Delhi. The number of coronavirus cases worldwide has risen to 53 million even as Greece, Italy, Austria and Portugal put new measures in place to prevent a deadly second wave. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: India reports 41,100 new infections, 447 deaths; tally crosses 88 lakhs

The city recorded an overall Air Quality Index or AQI of 414 on Saturday, which falls in the "severe" category.

Air Quality in Delhi, adjoining areas falls to severe category | Delhi AQI | WION

India asked Pakistan to end support to cross-border terror and reminded it how it has hosted terrorists including Osama Bin Laden.&nbsp;

In a sharply-worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "Pakistani leaders have never hidden the fact that it has become a factory for producing terrorists. India is not the only neighbour to be targeted as underlined by the statements of countries similarly targeted. Distant parts of the world have seen the terror trail lead back to Pakistan."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-troops-used-heavy-artillery-during-fridays-shelling-in-jammu-and-kashmir-bsf-officer-343303">Pakistani troops used heavy artillery during Friday's shelling in Jammu and Kashmir: BSF officer</a>

Highlighting the role Pakistan has played in supporting terrorism, New Delhi recalled, how Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has called Osama bin laden a ‘martyr’ in Pakistani parliament and admitted the presence of 40,000 terrorists in his country.&nbsp;

New Delhi also pointed out how recently Pakistani Science and Technology Minister Chaudhary Fawad Hussain "proudly claimed involvement and success of Pakistan, led by its Prime Minister" in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 Indian soldiers died.&nbsp;

The MEA reaction comes after the Pakistani govt claimed that India and Afghanistan have been involved in many incidents in the country.&nbsp;

Dismissing the "futile anti-India propaganda exercise", MEA said, "the so-called claims of ‘proof’ against India enjoy no credibility, are fabricated and represent figments of imagination."

Adding, "This desperate attempt will find few takers as the international community is aware of Pakistan’s tactics and &nbsp;proof of its terror sponsorship has been admitted by none other than its own leadership."

Interestingly, Pakistan's allegations come even as the country increased it ceasefire violations at the line of control. 
&nbsp; 
Earlier in the day Afghanistan also dismissed Pakistani claims. The Afghan foreign ministry "strongly" rejected the "allegations of the spokesman of the Pakistani Army claiming the use of Afghan territory against that country."&nbsp;

It reminded Islamabad that the "most important foreign policy priority" of the Afghan government is that "Afghanistan playing the role of a center of regional and international cooperation based on common interests, especially in the fight against terrorism".

India asked Pakistan to end support to cross-border terror and reminded it how it has hosted terrorists including Osama Bin Laden. In a sharply-worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "Pakistani leaders have never hidden the fact that it has become a factory for producing terrorists.

India asked Pakistan to end support to cross-border terror and reminded it how it has hosted terrorists including Osama Bin Laden. In a sharply-worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "Pakistani leaders have never hidden the fact that it has become a factory for producing terrorists. India is not the only neighbour to be targeted as underlined by the statements of countries similarly targeted. Distant parts of the world have seen the terror trail lead back to Pakistan." Also read | Pakistani troops used heavy artillery during Friday's shelling in Jammu and Kashmir: BSF officer Highlighting the role Pakistan has played in supporting terrorism, New Delhi recalled, how Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has called Osama bin laden a ‘martyr’ in Pakistani parliament and admitted the presence of 40,000 terrorists in his country. New Delhi also pointed out how recently Pakistani Science and Technology Minister Chaudhary Fawad Hussain "proudly claimed involvement and success of Pakistan, led by its Prime Minister" in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 Indian soldiers died. The MEA reaction comes after the Pakistani govt claimed that India and Afghanistan have been involved in many incidents in the country. Dismissing the "futile anti-India propaganda exercise", MEA said, "the so-called claims of ‘proof’ against India enjoy no credibility, are fabricated and represent figments of imagination." Adding, "This desperate attempt will find few takers as the international community is aware of Pakistan’s tactics and proof of its terror sponsorship has been admitted by none other than its own leadership." Interestingly, Pakistan's allegations come even as the country increased it ceasefire violations at the line of control. Earlier in the day Afghanistan also dismissed Pakistani claims. The Afghan foreign ministry "strongly" rejected the "allegations of the spokesman of the Pakistani Army claiming the use of Afghan territory against that country." It reminded Islamabad that the "most important foreign policy priority" of the Afghan government is that "Afghanistan playing the role of a center of regional and international cooperation based on common interests, especially in the fight against terrorism".

End support to cross-border terror: India tells Pakistan

Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday announced several measures, including doubling of RT-PCR tests and strengthening medical infrastructure to bring under control Delhi`s rising number of coronavirus cases.

The decisions were announced by Shah after he chaired a meeting to review the coronavirus situation in the national capital. Union health minister Harsh Vardhan, Delhi lieutenant governor Anil Baijal, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain had also participated in the meet at North Block today.Taking to Twitter, the home minister talked about the various measures to be implemented.

The Home Minister said that some MCD hospitals will be converted into dedicated Covid hospitals to treat patients with mild symptoms.

"Today many directions were given in the meeting. 1- RT-PCR tests will be doubled in Delhi. 2- In Delhi, mobile testing vans of the ICMR of health ministry will be deployed in places vulnerable to Covid-19 spread by using maximum capacity of labs," Shah tweeted.

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आज बैठक में विभिन्न निर्देश दिये। 
 
1) सर्वप्रथम दिल्‍ली में RT-PCR टेस्ट में दो-गुना वृद्धि की जाएगी। 
 
2) दिल्‍ली में लैबों की क्षमता का अधिक से अधिक उपयोग करके, जहां कोविड होने का खतरा ज़्यादा है, वहां स्‍वास्‍थ्‍य मंत्रालय तथा ICMR की मोबाइल टेस्टिंग वैनों को तैनात किया जाएगा।
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1327968017506963457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He said that capacity of hospitals in Delhi and other medical infrastructure should be increased.

"In this direction, 250 to 300 ICU beds will be included in DRDO Covid Hospital located in Dhaula Kuan which was set up in May so that serious COVID-19 patients can be treated there," the union minister said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-cases-fatalities-surge-in-delhi-amit-shah-calls-an-urgent-meeting-arvind-kejriwal-may-attend-343258">Covid cases, fatalities surge in Delhi: Amit Shah calls an urgent meeting, Arvind Kejriwal may attend</a>

Shah said that 10,000-bed COVID Centre at Chhatarpur will be strengthened further and the number of beds with oxygen facility will be increased.Dedicated teams will visit all private hospitals to check the availability of Covid-19 related medical infrastructure and to inspect the condition of patients, he said.

"Review of all containment measures like establishment of containment zones, contact tracts, quarantine and screening. Especially those people who are at high risk of contracting COVID and it should be reviewed continuously to ensure no lacuna in implementing containment measures," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Additional doctors and paramedical staff of CAPF will be deployed in the national capital and will soon be airlifted to Delhi.

"In today`s meeting Directions were given to focus on tracking Covid-19 patients who are in home isolation and shifting them to COVID hospitals if they need immediate medical facility so that more and more lives can be saved," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Shah said that direction has been given to prepare a protocol for plasma donation and transfusion to affected persons. For this, he said, a high-level committee headed by Dr VK Paul, AIIMS Director and DG ICMR will submit a report on it soon.

Additionally, the Central Government will provide oxygen cylinders, High Flow Nasal Cannula and all other essential health equipment to Delhi.

"Safety is the only solution to coronavirus. Directions were given to create awareness among people about covid-19 behaviour and to make a concrete dialogue strategy in Delhi to provide information about negative impact in the long run," Shah tweeted. 
&nbsp;

Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday announced several measures, including doubling of RT-PCR tests and strengthening medical infrastructure to bring under control Delhi`s rising number of coronavirus cases.

Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday announced several measures, including doubling of RT-PCR tests and strengthening medical infrastructure to bring under control Delhi`s rising number of coronavirus cases. The decisions were announced by Shah after he chaired a meeting to review the coronavirus situation in the national capital. Union health minister Harsh Vardhan, Delhi lieutenant governor Anil Baijal, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain had also participated in the meet at North Block today.Taking to Twitter, the home minister talked about the various measures to be implemented. The Home Minister said that some MCD hospitals will be converted into dedicated Covid hospitals to treat patients with mild symptoms. "Today many directions were given in the meeting. 1- RT-PCR tests will be doubled in Delhi. 2- In Delhi, mobile testing vans of the ICMR of health ministry will be deployed in places vulnerable to Covid-19 spread by using maximum capacity of labs," Shah tweeted. आज बैठक में विभिन्न निर्देश दिये। 1) सर्वप्रथम दिल्‍ली में RT-PCR टेस्ट में दो-गुना वृद्धि की जाएगी। 2) दिल्‍ली में लैबों की क्षमता का अधिक से अधिक उपयोग करके, जहां कोविड होने का खतरा ज़्यादा है, वहां स्‍वास्‍थ्‍य मंत्रालय तथा ICMR की मोबाइल टेस्टिंग वैनों को तैनात किया जाएगा। — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 15, 2020 × He said that capacity of hospitals in Delhi and other medical infrastructure should be increased. "In this direction, 250 to 300 ICU beds will be included in DRDO Covid Hospital located in Dhaula Kuan which was set up in May so that serious COVID-19 patients can be treated there," the union minister said. Also Read | Covid cases, fatalities surge in Delhi: Amit Shah calls an urgent meeting, Arvind Kejriwal may attend Shah said that 10,000-bed COVID Centre at Chhatarpur will be strengthened further and the number of beds with oxygen facility will be increased.Dedicated teams will visit all private hospitals to check the availability of Covid-19 related medical infrastructure and to inspect the condition of patients, he said. "Review of all containment measures like establishment of containment zones, contact tracts, quarantine and screening. Especially those people who are at high risk of contracting COVID and it should be reviewed continuously to ensure no lacuna in implementing containment measures," he tweeted. Additional doctors and paramedical staff of CAPF will be deployed in the national capital and will soon be airlifted to Delhi. "In today`s meeting Directions were given to focus on tracking Covid-19 patients who are in home isolation and shifting them to COVID hospitals if they need immediate medical facility so that more and more lives can be saved," he tweeted. Shah said that direction has been given to prepare a protocol for plasma donation and transfusion to affected persons. For this, he said, a high-level committee headed by Dr VK Paul, AIIMS Director and DG ICMR will submit a report on it soon. Additionally, the Central Government will provide oxygen cylinders, High Flow Nasal Cannula and all other essential health equipment to Delhi. "Safety is the only solution to coronavirus. Directions were given to create awareness among people about covid-19 behaviour and to make a concrete dialogue strategy in Delhi to provide information about negative impact in the long run," Shah tweeted.

Doubling RT-PCR tests in Delhi: Union Home Minister announces measures to curb COVID spread

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