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The Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has thanked India at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) heads of state virtual meet for its aid amid&nbsp;the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;

Ghani said, "India provided over one- hundred thousand tons of wheat at a time when markets were jittery through the Chabahar corridor and kept the air corridor open."

India had sent&nbsp;75,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan with an aim to provide food security to the country during the pandemic. The shipment of wheat was supplied to the country in 10 instalments between April and September via India built Chabahar port in Iran.

The Indian mission in Afghanistan in a statement said the&nbsp;food grains assistance is part of "India’s humanitarian and economic assistance program" and the large scale deliveries from India to Afghanistan "demonstrates the salience and economic viability of the Chabahar Port for Afghanistan’ trade and commerce.".&nbsp;

Earlier, the Afghan foreign minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar had thanked India for the support, with the&nbsp;Afghanistan foreign ministry in a statement saying the aid comes at a when a "humanitarian emergency" is emerging due to the pandemic restricting some citizens’ access to basic food staples such as wheat.

Indian Prime Minister was also present during the SCO virtual meet.&nbsp;Afghanistan is an observer member of SCO grouping.

The Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has thanked India at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) heads of state virtual meet for its aid amid the COVID-19 crisis.

The Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has thanked India at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) heads of state virtual meet for its aid amid the COVID-19 crisis. Ghani said, "India provided over one- hundred thousand tons of wheat at a time when markets were jittery through the Chabahar corridor and kept the air corridor open." India had sent 75,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan with an aim to provide food security to the country during the pandemic. The shipment of wheat was supplied to the country in 10 instalments between April and September via India built Chabahar port in Iran. The Indian mission in Afghanistan in a statement said the food grains assistance is part of "India’s humanitarian and economic assistance program" and the large scale deliveries from India to Afghanistan "demonstrates the salience and economic viability of the Chabahar Port for Afghanistan’ trade and commerce.". Earlier, the Afghan foreign minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar had thanked India for the support, with the Afghanistan foreign ministry in a statement saying the aid comes at a when a "humanitarian emergency" is emerging due to the pandemic restricting some citizens’ access to basic food staples such as wheat. Indian Prime Minister was also present during the SCO virtual meet. Afghanistan is an observer member of SCO grouping.

At SCO summit, Afghan president thanks India for support amid COVID-19 crisis

Counting of votes got under way Tuesday morning for the three-phase Bihar assembly elections that may herald a new era in state politics, with exit polls predicting a victory for the RJD-led Grand Alliance.

The exercise will decide the electoral fate of over 3,700 candidates who are in the race to win the 243 seats of the state assembly.

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Counting started at 8 am at 55 centres spread across 38 districts amid tight security and precautions to avoid the spread of COVID-19 pandemic during the process.

Over 57 per cent of about 7.30 crore electors have exercised their franchise in what is the first major election in the country since the onset of the pandemic.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bihar-elections-india-conducts-first-major-poll-since-beginning-of-coronavirus-pandemic-338527">Bihar elections: India conducts first major poll since beginning of coronavirus pandemic</a>

Votes are also being simultaneously counted for the Valmiki Nagar Lok Sabha by-poll, which was necessitated by the death of JD(U) MP Baidyanath Mahto.

Officials said the trends and results might be delayed a bit this time as the number of polling stations were raised from 72,723 earlier to 1,06,515, an increase of 46.5 per cent, to ensure adherence to social distancing measures in view of the pandemic.

A total of 3,733 candidates are in the fray, including 371 women and a transgender.

Most exit polls have predicted a rout for the ruling JD(U)-BJP combine and a resounding victory for the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) led by RJD's 31-year-old chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav.

According to Chief Electoral Officer H R Srinavasa, central armed police forces have been deployed at the strong rooms, where the EVMs have been stored since the completion of voting, and the halls where these are being unsealed now.

Of the state's 243 assembly constituencies, among the most keenly watched will obviously be Raghopur in Vaishali district from where Tejashwi Yadav is seeking re-election.

Raghopur has been in the past represented by his parents Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, both former chief ministers.

Nitish Kumar is a member of the state's legislative council and has not contested the assembly election.

Tejashwi's elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav is contesting from Hasanpur in Samastipur district.

Tuesday's counting will also decide the political fate of nearly a dozen of ministers.

Prominent among them are Nand Kishore Yadav (Patna Sahib), Pramod Kumar (Motihari), Rana Randhir (Madhuban), Suresh Sharma (Muzaffarpur), Shrawan Kumar (Nalanda), Jai Kumar Singh (Dinara) and Krishnanandan Prasad Verma (Jehanabad).

Prohibitory orders are in place outside the counting centres to prevent people from gathering in large numbers, officials said.&nbsp;

Counting of votes got under way Tuesday morning for the three-phase Bihar assembly elections that may herald a new era in state politics, with exit polls predicting a victory for the RJD-led Grand Alliance.

Counting of votes got under way Tuesday morning for the three-phase Bihar assembly elections that may herald a new era in state politics, with exit polls predicting a victory for the RJD-led Grand Alliance. The exercise will decide the electoral fate of over 3,700 candidates who are in the race to win the 243 seats of the state assembly. Counting started at 8 am at 55 centres spread across 38 districts amid tight security and precautions to avoid the spread of COVID-19 pandemic during the process. Over 57 per cent of about 7.30 crore electors have exercised their franchise in what is the first major election in the country since the onset of the pandemic. Also see| Bihar elections: India conducts first major poll since beginning of coronavirus pandemic Votes are also being simultaneously counted for the Valmiki Nagar Lok Sabha by-poll, which was necessitated by the death of JD(U) MP Baidyanath Mahto. Officials said the trends and results might be delayed a bit this time as the number of polling stations were raised from 72,723 earlier to 1,06,515, an increase of 46.5 per cent, to ensure adherence to social distancing measures in view of the pandemic. A total of 3,733 candidates are in the fray, including 371 women and a transgender. Most exit polls have predicted a rout for the ruling JD(U)-BJP combine and a resounding victory for the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) led by RJD's 31-year-old chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav. According to Chief Electoral Officer H R Srinavasa, central armed police forces have been deployed at the strong rooms, where the EVMs have been stored since the completion of voting, and the halls where these are being unsealed now. Of the state's 243 assembly constituencies, among the most keenly watched will obviously be Raghopur in Vaishali district from where Tejashwi Yadav is seeking re-election. Raghopur has been in the past represented by his parents Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, both former chief ministers. Nitish Kumar is a member of the state's legislative council and has not contested the assembly election. Tejashwi's elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav is contesting from Hasanpur in Samastipur district. Tuesday's counting will also decide the political fate of nearly a dozen of ministers. Prominent among them are Nand Kishore Yadav (Patna Sahib), Pramod Kumar (Motihari), Rana Randhir (Madhuban), Suresh Sharma (Muzaffarpur), Shrawan Kumar (Nalanda), Jai Kumar Singh (Dinara) and Krishnanandan Prasad Verma (Jehanabad). Prohibitory orders are in place outside the counting centres to prevent people from gathering in large numbers, officials said.

Counting begins for Bihar polls; results may be delayed due to additional poll stations

India has told the United Kingdom that the ban of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE)&nbsp;should continue.

New Delhi has "shared information" as to why the ban should remain on the group that was responsible for the 30-year long insurgency in Sri Lanka but also the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa.

The development comes after Britain's Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission (POAC) in October removed terror tag from the group.&nbsp;

Earlier on Tuesday, in response to a WION question, Acting British High Commissioner to India Jan Thompson on if India has raised the issue said, "Can't comment on individual conversations we had. But we had detailed discussion on a range of issues including around this type of issue with Indian govt in a different format".

The decision of the POAC comes after an appeal was filed in May 2019 by an LTTE front organization that challenged the decision of the UK Secretary of State for Home Affairs. The decision had refused the application to de-proscribe LTTE from the list of Proscribed Organizations under the UK Terrorism Act of 2000.

Sri Lanka had protested against the development and has filed an appeal against the judgement of the POAC on the delisting of LTTE as terror organization.

In a release, the Sri Lankan foreign ministry said, "Government of Sri Lanka has sufficient evidence to prove that the remnants of the LTTE and groups aligned with its terrorist ideology are active in foreign countries, working to incite violence and destabilize the country."

Explaining, "Sri Lanka remains vigilant of threats to its national security as well as that of the region, and will always support members of the international community in the global fight against terrorism."

The UK had listed LTTE as a terror outfit in 2000. The British Home Secretary will make the final decision on its listing.

India has told the United Kingdom that the ban of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) should continue. New Delhi has "shared information" as to why the ban should remain on the group that was responsible for the 30-year long insurgency in Sri Lanka but also the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa.

India has told the United Kingdom that the ban of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) should continue. New Delhi has "shared information" as to why the ban should remain on the group that was responsible for the 30-year long insurgency in Sri Lanka but also the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa. The development comes after Britain's Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission (POAC) in October removed terror tag from the group. Earlier on Tuesday, in response to a WION question, Acting British High Commissioner to India Jan Thompson on if India has raised the issue said, "Can't comment on individual conversations we had. But we had detailed discussion on a range of issues including around this type of issue with Indian govt in a different format". The decision of the POAC comes after an appeal was filed in May 2019 by an LTTE front organization that challenged the decision of the UK Secretary of State for Home Affairs. The decision had refused the application to de-proscribe LTTE from the list of Proscribed Organizations under the UK Terrorism Act of 2000. Sri Lanka had protested against the development and has filed an appeal against the judgement of the POAC on the delisting of LTTE as terror organization. In a release, the Sri Lankan foreign ministry said, "Government of Sri Lanka has sufficient evidence to prove that the remnants of the LTTE and groups aligned with its terrorist ideology are active in foreign countries, working to incite violence and destabilize the country." Explaining, "Sri Lanka remains vigilant of threats to its national security as well as that of the region, and will always support members of the international community in the global fight against terrorism." The UK had listed LTTE as a terror outfit in 2000. The British Home Secretary will make the final decision on its listing.

Terror tag for LTTE should continue, India tells UK

Russia's top defence export body Rosoboronexport has expressed its readiness to give India technology for production of defence equipment.

Earlier this month the body marked its 20th anniversary and in response to WION question it said, "historically, from the very beginning.....not only supplied military equipment but also provided assistance in organising its production, creating repair and maintenance facilities".

The company has worked together with Indian authorities for licensed production of multirole Su-30MKI fighter jets in India, the modernisation and transfer of the Vikramaditya aircraft carrier to the Indian Navy.&nbsp;&nbsp;India and Russia share a close defence partnership, something that has been the pillar of the much-celebrated relationship.

Calling the bilateral projects "fully consistent" with the Make in India program, Rosoboronexport pointed out that it has been actively working with major Indian industrial companies – HAL, OFB, Bharat Forge, Bharat Dynamics, etc – and has "always appreciated the highest level of their expertise."

The result of the Su-30MKI program was the induction into the Indian Air Force of a new aircraft, which has become the world's first&nbsp;super-maneuverable combat aircraft in serial production. It is also the first exported fighter jet equipped with the phased-array radar.

Joint production of Kalashnikov AK203 assault rifles by the specially established Indo Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) rifle manufacturing facility in Korwa, Amethi is the next key focus of both sides. While the project has its usual benefits of 100% localisation program, the project is still to be launched due to the absence of the production contract.

But the good news is, both sides have agreed on the technical configuration of the rifle. The AK203 project could become a major boost for the Amethi region, as well as potentially for India's export ambitions. The joint program also could see the possibility of rifles being exported to other countries.

Russia's top defence export body Rosoboronexport has expressed its readiness to give India technology for production of defence equipment. Earlier this month the body marked its 20th anniversary and in response to WION question it said, "historically, from the very beginning.

Russia's top defence export body Rosoboronexport has expressed its readiness to give India technology for production of defence equipment. Earlier this month the body marked its 20th anniversary and in response to WION question it said, "historically, from the very beginning.....not only supplied military equipment but also provided assistance in organising its production, creating repair and maintenance facilities". The company has worked together with Indian authorities for licensed production of multirole Su-30MKI fighter jets in India, the modernisation and transfer of the Vikramaditya aircraft carrier to the Indian Navy. India and Russia share a close defence partnership, something that has been the pillar of the much-celebrated relationship. Calling the bilateral projects "fully consistent" with the Make in India program, Rosoboronexport pointed out that it has been actively working with major Indian industrial companies – HAL, OFB, Bharat Forge, Bharat Dynamics, etc – and has "always appreciated the highest level of their expertise." The result of the Su-30MKI program was the induction into the Indian Air Force of a new aircraft, which has become the world's first super-maneuverable combat aircraft in serial production. It is also the first exported fighter jet equipped with the phased-array radar. Joint production of Kalashnikov AK203 assault rifles by the specially established Indo Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) rifle manufacturing facility in Korwa, Amethi is the next key focus of both sides. While the project has its usual benefits of 100% localisation program, the project is still to be launched due to the absence of the production contract. But the good news is, both sides have agreed on the technical configuration of the rifle. The AK203 project could become a major boost for the Amethi region, as well as potentially for India's export ambitions. The joint program also could see the possibility of rifles being exported to other countries.

Russia's top defence export body offers technology to India for production

According to a media report, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi is set to be adorned with Hindu scriptures and epics including popular motifs from the Gulf countries.

Reports said the construction of the BAPS Hindu Mandir was released in a video posted on its website.

The masterplan which was completed early this year includes a library, community centre and classroom in the compound in Abu Mureikhah area.

Ashok Kotecha, the spokesperson of the temple said that the carvings include portions of India’s geography and Hindu belief systems which includes the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

The spokesman said that the work has been proceeding under the guidance of India and UAE amid the coronavirus pandemic with stonework continuing in India.

The work for the temple started in December with the foundation stone laid in April last year.

The temple is due to be completed in 2022.

According to a media report, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi is set to be adorned with Hindu scriptures and epics including popular motifs from the Gulf countries.

According to a media report, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi is set to be adorned with Hindu scriptures and epics including popular motifs from the Gulf countries. Reports said the construction of the BAPS Hindu Mandir was released in a video posted on its website. The masterplan which was completed early this year includes a library, community centre and classroom in the compound in Abu Mureikhah area. Ashok Kotecha, the spokesperson of the temple said that the carvings include portions of India’s geography and Hindu belief systems which includes the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The spokesman said that the work has been proceeding under the guidance of India and UAE amid the coronavirus pandemic with stonework continuing in India. The work for the temple started in December with the foundation stone laid in April last year. The temple is due to be completed in 2022.

First Hindu temple in UAE's Abu Dhabi set to be completed in 2022

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered a probe into Google for using its dominant market position to promote Google Pay over other apps.

The CCI said Google, Alphabet Inc has gone against Section 4 of the Act and it should be investigated.

The CCI said: "In view of the foregoing, the Commission directs the Director General ('DG') to cause an investigation to be made into the matter under the provisions of Section 26(1) of the Act. The Commission also directs the DG to complete the investigation and submit the investigation report within a period of 60 days from the date of receipt of this order."

However, Google dismissed the allegation as "misconceived" while asserting that it does not favour the GPay app (Tez) in its search rankings.

The company said: "Google ranks search results in Play based on multiple criteria which do not favour the GPay app (Tez). Further, Google has every commercial incentive to ensure that its search rankings in Play provide users with high quality, relevant apps that are responsive to the user's query."

According to reports, the CCI has reportedly said that Google's Android Operating System (OS) and Play Store has been favouring Google Pay over other competing apps which is against Section 4.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered a probe into Google for using its dominant market position to promote Google Pay over other apps. The CCI said Google, Alphabet Inc has gone against Section 4 of the Act and it should be investigated.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered a probe into Google for using its dominant market position to promote Google Pay over other apps. The CCI said Google, Alphabet Inc has gone against Section 4 of the Act and it should be investigated. The CCI said: "In view of the foregoing, the Commission directs the Director General ('DG') to cause an investigation to be made into the matter under the provisions of Section 26(1) of the Act. The Commission also directs the DG to complete the investigation and submit the investigation report within a period of 60 days from the date of receipt of this order." However, Google dismissed the allegation as "misconceived" while asserting that it does not favour the GPay app (Tez) in its search rankings. The company said: "Google ranks search results in Play based on multiple criteria which do not favour the GPay app (Tez). Further, Google has every commercial incentive to ensure that its search rankings in Play provide users with high quality, relevant apps that are responsive to the user's query." According to reports, the CCI has reportedly said that Google's Android Operating System (OS) and Play Store has been favouring Google Pay over other competing apps which is against Section 4.

Competition Commission of India orders probe against Google over payment app

Those still planning to burst firecrackers for some light-and-sound fun to celebrate the Festival of Light better be beware, for the Delhi Police is deploying flying squads in various district across the national capital to check sale and bursting of crackers before, during, and after Diwali. 
 
The SHOs have been asked to constitute special teams in their respective jurisdiction to oversee there is no sale while beat staff will ensure no crackers are burst. 
 
The move comes after the National Green Tribunal imposed a total ban on the sale and bursting of firecrackers in Delhi and adjoining areas from midnight of November 9 to November 30. 
 
The District Deputy Commissioners of Police will constitute police station-level teams to ensure compliance with the NGT ban order. Each Beat staff shall be properly briefed by the SHOs concerned to enforce the directions. 
 
"All temporary fireworks licensees shall be informed in writing about the cancellation of such licences. Police teams will inspect the premises of all lincesees, seal the stocks, and ensure its storage in safe custody of the licensees so that they are not misused. Also, unauthorised sellers` stocks shall be seized and legal action initiated against them," said a senior police officer. 
 
All permanent licences issued by the Licensing Unit as well as Joint Chief Controller of Explosives, Faridabad, will be suspended and licensees informed in writing. The inventory and stock registers shall be checked regularly to prevent any sale and diversion of the stocks. 
 
Team of Licensing Unit be constituted to undertake surprise inspections in this regard. 
 
"Proper coordination with RWAs/MWAs and other NGOs shall be made beforehand to ensure that the directions reach all residents in the area. District DCPs shall ensure proper legal action under appropriate law against violators. Strict action against the staff will be initiated for non-compliance with the orders," the officer added.

Those still planning to burst firecrackers for some light-and-sound fun to celebrate the Festival of Light better be beware, for the Delhi Police is deploying flying squads in various district across the national capital to check sale and bursting of crackers before, during, and after Diwali.

Those still planning to burst firecrackers for some light-and-sound fun to celebrate the Festival of Light better be beware, for the Delhi Police is deploying flying squads in various district across the national capital to check sale and bursting of crackers before, during, and after Diwali. The SHOs have been asked to constitute special teams in their respective jurisdiction to oversee there is no sale while beat staff will ensure no crackers are burst. The move comes after the National Green Tribunal imposed a total ban on the sale and bursting of firecrackers in Delhi and adjoining areas from midnight of November 9 to November 30. The District Deputy Commissioners of Police will constitute police station-level teams to ensure compliance with the NGT ban order. Each Beat staff shall be properly briefed by the SHOs concerned to enforce the directions. "All temporary fireworks licensees shall be informed in writing about the cancellation of such licences. Police teams will inspect the premises of all lincesees, seal the stocks, and ensure its storage in safe custody of the licensees so that they are not misused. Also, unauthorised sellers` stocks shall be seized and legal action initiated against them," said a senior police officer. All permanent licences issued by the Licensing Unit as well as Joint Chief Controller of Explosives, Faridabad, will be suspended and licensees informed in writing. The inventory and stock registers shall be checked regularly to prevent any sale and diversion of the stocks. Team of Licensing Unit be constituted to undertake surprise inspections in this regard. "Proper coordination with RWAs/MWAs and other NGOs shall be made beforehand to ensure that the directions reach all residents in the area. District DCPs shall ensure proper legal action under appropriate law against violators. Strict action against the staff will be initiated for non-compliance with the orders," the officer added.

Delhi Police gets cracking to ensure firecrackers-free Diwali

For the first time in recent weeks, the daily Covid-19 test positivity rate (TPR) in Kerala on Tuesday came down below 11 per cent with 6,010 people testing positive out of 54,751 samples tested in the past 24 hours. 
 
In October, there were days when the positivity rate crossed the 15 per cent-mark. 
 
In a statement issued here, state Health Minister K.K. Shailaja said on Tuesday that 6,698 people turned Covid negative in the past 24 hours, taking the overall recoveries in the state to 4,15,158. 
 
There are 78,694 active cases in the state as on Tuesday, while 28 deaths in the past 24 hours took the state`s death toll to 1,742. 
 
There are 3,16,359 people under observation at various centres across the state, including 19,318 at various hospitals. The state at present has 616 hotspots.

For the first time in recent weeks, the daily Covid-19 test positivity rate (TPR) in Kerala on Tuesday came down below 11 per cent with 6,010 people testing positive out of 54,751 samples tested in the past 24 hours.

For the first time in recent weeks, the daily Covid-19 test positivity rate (TPR) in Kerala on Tuesday came down below 11 per cent with 6,010 people testing positive out of 54,751 samples tested in the past 24 hours. In October, there were days when the positivity rate crossed the 15 per cent-mark. In a statement issued here, state Health Minister K.K. Shailaja said on Tuesday that 6,698 people turned Covid negative in the past 24 hours, taking the overall recoveries in the state to 4,15,158. There are 78,694 active cases in the state as on Tuesday, while 28 deaths in the past 24 hours took the state`s death toll to 1,742. There are 3,16,359 people under observation at various centres across the state, including 19,318 at various hospitals. The state at present has 616 hotspots.

Kerala's COVID positivity rate falls below 11%

The results of the 243 Assembly seats in Bihar, voting for which took place in three phases on October 28, November 3, and November 7 will be declared on Tuesday.

Bihar Assembly election 2020: Counting of votes begins at 8am IST

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for urgent UN reforms, connectivity, terror at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) heads of state virtual summit.&nbsp;

He said, "UN completed its 75 years, but despite many successes, the main aim of UN is still incomplete...UN needs reforms. Change is the only constant",

India will be non-permanent of UNSC from first January 2021. He highlighted how amidst the COVID-19&nbsp;crisis, India reached out to 150 countries with anti covid medicines such as HCQ and Paracetamol.&nbsp;

Without taking China's name he said, "international north-south transport corridor, chabahar port, Ashgabat agreement shows India's determination on connectivity. Respecting one another's sovereignty and territorial integrity should be a basic principle while enhancing connectivity"

This is the first time both Indian PM and Chinese President shares the virtual platform even as ties have deteriorated between the 2 countries due to Chinese aggressiveness. 2020 saw the longest standoff between forces of 2 countries at the Line of actual control in year, something that still continues.&nbsp;

Death of 20 Indian soldiers at Galwan in June due to violent action by Chinese forces changed to public opinion to sharply negative against Beijing in India.&nbsp;

On Pakistan, Indian PM said, "It is unfortunate that many attempts are being made to unnecessarily bring bilateral issues into the SCO agenda. This is a violation of SCO charter and Shanghai spirit".

In the run up to the SCO virtual summit, the number of SCO meetings happened. In the SCO NSA meets, Pakistani NSA has put a map of Pakistan that violated the territorial integrity of India drawing strong response by New Delhi.

India will be hosting SCO heads of government virtual meet on 30th November which focus on economic cooperation.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for urgent UN reforms, connectivity, terror at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) heads of state virtual summit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for urgent UN reforms, connectivity, terror at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) heads of state virtual summit. He said, "UN completed its 75 years, but despite many successes, the main aim of UN is still incomplete...UN needs reforms. Change is the only constant", India will be non-permanent of UNSC from first January 2021. He highlighted how amidst the COVID-19 crisis, India reached out to 150 countries with anti covid medicines such as HCQ and Paracetamol. Without taking China's name he said, "international north-south transport corridor, chabahar port, Ashgabat agreement shows India's determination on connectivity. Respecting one another's sovereignty and territorial integrity should be a basic principle while enhancing connectivity" This is the first time both Indian PM and Chinese President shares the virtual platform even as ties have deteriorated between the 2 countries due to Chinese aggressiveness. 2020 saw the longest standoff between forces of 2 countries at the Line of actual control in year, something that still continues. Death of 20 Indian soldiers at Galwan in June due to violent action by Chinese forces changed to public opinion to sharply negative against Beijing in India. On Pakistan, Indian PM said, "It is unfortunate that many attempts are being made to unnecessarily bring bilateral issues into the SCO agenda. This is a violation of SCO charter and Shanghai spirit". In the run up to the SCO virtual summit, the number of SCO meetings happened. In the SCO NSA meets, Pakistani NSA has put a map of Pakistan that violated the territorial integrity of India drawing strong response by New Delhi. India will be hosting SCO heads of government virtual meet on 30th November which focus on economic cooperation.

UN reforms, connectivity focus of Indian PM at SCO meet; message for Pak, China

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that all member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit should respect each others' territorial integrity.

The prime minister was virtually addressing the 20th summit of SCO Council of Heads of State, which comes against the backdrop of the India-China border conflict.

“India has strong cultural and historical ties with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation countries. India believes that to enhance connectivity it is important that we move forward while respecting one another's sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Modi said in his address at the SCO&nbsp;summit.

He added, "It should be a basic principle while enhancing connectivity. It is unfortunate that there are unnecessary attempts to bring bilateral issues in the SCO agenda, which is in violation of SCO Charter and Shanghai spirit.&nbsp;Such efforts are contrary to the spirit of consensus and cooperation that defines SCO.

"We have always raised our voice against terrorism, smuggling of illegal arms, drugs and money laundering."

During his nine-minute address, Modi called&nbsp;for a “reformed multilateralism” that reflects today’s global realities, and suggested that countries also discuss topics such as “expectations of all stakeholders, contemporary challenges, and human welfare”.

“India strongly believes in peace, security and prosperity, and we have always voiced opposition to terrorism, illegal arms smuggling, drugs and money laundering. India has remained firm in its commitment to work under the SCO as per the principles laid down in the SCO Charter,” he further said.

Beijing-headquartered Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), seen as a counterweight to NATO, is an eight-member economic and security bloc and has emerged as one of the largest transregional international organisations. India and Pakistan became its permanent members in 2017.

Prime Minister Modi has led the Indian delegation at the annual SCO summit since India became a full member in 2017.

However, India's association with the organisation dates back to 2005 when it became an Observer State of the grouping. Since then, India has played a positive and constructive role in all areas of SCO activities with a special emphasis on cooperation in trade and economy, officials said.

Russia is the current chair of the SCO and President Vladimir Putin will be chairing the summit meeting which is being held for the first time in virtual format due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The summit will culminate with the release of a Moscow declaration which will reflect the broad agenda of the bloc for the next one year.

Apart from the Moscow declaration, the summit may issue separate documents on digital economy, COVID-19, countering the spread of terrorism.

(with inputs)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that all member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit should respect each others' territorial integrity.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that all member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit should respect each others' territorial integrity. The prime minister was virtually addressing the 20th summit of SCO Council of Heads of State, which comes against the backdrop of the India-China border conflict. “India has strong cultural and historical ties with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation countries. India believes that to enhance connectivity it is important that we move forward while respecting one another's sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Modi said in his address at the SCO summit. He added, "It should be a basic principle while enhancing connectivity. It is unfortunate that there are unnecessary attempts to bring bilateral issues in the SCO agenda, which is in violation of SCO Charter and Shanghai spirit. Such efforts are contrary to the spirit of consensus and cooperation that defines SCO. "We have always raised our voice against terrorism, smuggling of illegal arms, drugs and money laundering." During his nine-minute address, Modi called for a “reformed multilateralism” that reflects today’s global realities, and suggested that countries also discuss topics such as “expectations of all stakeholders, contemporary challenges, and human welfare”. “India strongly believes in peace, security and prosperity, and we have always voiced opposition to terrorism, illegal arms smuggling, drugs and money laundering. India has remained firm in its commitment to work under the SCO as per the principles laid down in the SCO Charter,” he further said. Beijing-headquartered Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), seen as a counterweight to NATO, is an eight-member economic and security bloc and has emerged as one of the largest transregional international organisations. India and Pakistan became its permanent members in 2017. Prime Minister Modi has led the Indian delegation at the annual SCO summit since India became a full member in 2017. However, India's association with the organisation dates back to 2005 when it became an Observer State of the grouping. Since then, India has played a positive and constructive role in all areas of SCO activities with a special emphasis on cooperation in trade and economy, officials said. Russia is the current chair of the SCO and President Vladimir Putin will be chairing the summit meeting which is being held for the first time in virtual format due to the coronavirus pandemic. The summit will culminate with the release of a Moscow declaration which will reflect the broad agenda of the bloc for the next one year. Apart from the Moscow declaration, the summit may issue separate documents on digital economy, COVID-19, countering the spread of terrorism. (with inputs)

We should respect each others’ territorial integrity: Indian PM Modi's message to Pak, China

Delhi is in a critical situation as coronavirus spread and pollution in the city are on the peak. Delhi witnessed the 6th day of severe pollution after farmers from neighbouring cities set fire to their land after harvesting to start agriculture for the next season.

Air pollution doubles in Delhi amid festival season

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) looks set to emerge as the single-largest party in Bihar polls as it is leading on 73 seats in the state, as per the Election Commission of India's initial trends.

Bihar Assembly election 2020: Trends indicate BJP set to emerge as single-largest party

During his 2-day visit to the Maldives, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla extended New Delhi's support for the country's "democratic journey" and signed a number of memorandum of understanding on infrastructure projects, including on $100 million grant for Greater Malé Connectivity Project.

Highlighting the shared democratic tradition, Foreign Secretary said, "both India and the Maldives have placed an abiding faith in democracy" and "India stands with the Maldives on this chosen path of democracy, to assist your democratic journey".

On the Indian Project, he highlighted, that "the end beneficiaries of Indian projects, big and small, are the people of the Maldives. As elected representatives of the people, we seek your support for the successful implementation of these projects which will bring development and prosperity to the Maldives and its people."

The Greater Malé Connectivity Project, biggest in the Indian ocean country involves the construction of a series of bridges and causeways connecting Malé to Vilingili, the industrial zone in Thilafushi, together with the newly proposed International Port at Gulhifalhu. The total length of the entire infra project is 6.7 kilometres.&nbsp;

Other MoUs include Cooperation in Sports and Youth Affairs, the establishment of 2 projects under High Impact Community Development (HICDP) scheme. These projects are the Agricultural Research Centre in Hanimaadhoo.

Hanimaadhoo and development of Drug Detoxification Centre, both being financed by India.&nbsp;

During the visit, FS also handed over children's park for 67 islands in the Maldives. Sports is a key component of India's diplomacy with the Maldives, and New Delhi is helping build a cricket stadium in the country. Coaching sessions have been organised for coaches and umpires and coaching of the country's 30 member men’s and 30 member women’s team will commence soon in Chennai.

During the visit, the foreign secretary called on President Solih, called on Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid, Defence Minister Mariya Didi, Tourism minister Abdulla Mausoom and held talks with Maldives Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor.

During his 2-day visit to the Maldives, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla extended New Delhi's support for the country's "democratic journey" and signed a number of memorandum of understanding on infrastructure projects, including on $100 million grant for Greater Malé Connectivity Project.

During his 2-day visit to the Maldives, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla extended New Delhi's support for the country's "democratic journey" and signed a number of memorandum of understanding on infrastructure projects, including on $100 million grant for Greater Malé Connectivity Project. Highlighting the shared democratic tradition, Foreign Secretary said, "both India and the Maldives have placed an abiding faith in democracy" and "India stands with the Maldives on this chosen path of democracy, to assist your democratic journey". On the Indian Project, he highlighted, that "the end beneficiaries of Indian projects, big and small, are the people of the Maldives. As elected representatives of the people, we seek your support for the successful implementation of these projects which will bring development and prosperity to the Maldives and its people." The Greater Malé Connectivity Project, biggest in the Indian ocean country involves the construction of a series of bridges and causeways connecting Malé to Vilingili, the industrial zone in Thilafushi, together with the newly proposed International Port at Gulhifalhu. The total length of the entire infra project is 6.7 kilometres. Other MoUs include Cooperation in Sports and Youth Affairs, the establishment of 2 projects under High Impact Community Development (HICDP) scheme. These projects are the Agricultural Research Centre in Hanimaadhoo. Hanimaadhoo and development of Drug Detoxification Centre, both being financed by India. During the visit, FS also handed over children's park for 67 islands in the Maldives. Sports is a key component of India's diplomacy with the Maldives, and New Delhi is helping build a cricket stadium in the country. Coaching sessions have been organised for coaches and umpires and coaching of the country's 30 member men’s and 30 member women’s team will commence soon in Chennai. During the visit, the foreign secretary called on President Solih, called on Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid, Defence Minister Mariya Didi, Tourism minister Abdulla Mausoom and held talks with Maldives Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor.

In Male, Foreign Secretary says India stands with Maldives's democratic journey; MOUs on infra projects signed

Ministry of External Affairs on Monday hosted a lunch for Latin American envoys during which the focus was on New Delhi's outreach to the region and ties can be further strengthened. The lunch was hosted by Secretary East Riva Ganguly Das and saw the participation of envoys of several countries like Venezuela, Mexico and Brazil.

Brazilian Ambassador Aranha Correa do Lago told WION, “It was a great pleasure to be reunited with her since we had worked together at the Johannesburg Summit for Sustainable Development in 2002. I am thrilled that we will work together again, this time to make the Brazil-India relationship even stronger and more diverse.”

Mexican envoy Federico Salas on the informal meet said, "India is keen on strengthening ties with Latin America".

This is the first in-person meeting of most of the envoy of the Latin American countries with the new secretary East.

Venezuelan Envoy Coromoto Godoy told WION, "A wonderful interaction during lunch with the new Secretary East. She had this warm gesture of inviting us for lunch to meet all head of missions personally and to reiterate MEA’s interest in working closely with our region."

Adding, "A very experienced diplomat with a solid career that makes us predict she will achieve great success as Secretary East. Undoubtedly an example of the excellence of women in Indian diplomacy."

India has been reaching out to Latin America, a number of high-level visits have happened from India including that of PM Modi to Brazil for Brics, Argentina for G20 and Mexico for a bilateral visit in 2016.

Ministry of External Affairs on Monday hosted a lunch for Latin American envoys during which the focus was on New Delhi's outreach to the region and ties can be further strengthened.

Ministry of External Affairs on Monday hosted a lunch for Latin American envoys during which the focus was on New Delhi's outreach to the region and ties can be further strengthened. The lunch was hosted by Secretary East Riva Ganguly Das and saw the participation of envoys of several countries like Venezuela, Mexico and Brazil. Brazilian Ambassador Aranha Correa do Lago told WION, “It was a great pleasure to be reunited with her since we had worked together at the Johannesburg Summit for Sustainable Development in 2002. I am thrilled that we will work together again, this time to make the Brazil-India relationship even stronger and more diverse.” Mexican envoy Federico Salas on the informal meet said, "India is keen on strengthening ties with Latin America". This is the first in-person meeting of most of the envoy of the Latin American countries with the new secretary East. Venezuelan Envoy Coromoto Godoy told WION, "A wonderful interaction during lunch with the new Secretary East. She had this warm gesture of inviting us for lunch to meet all head of missions personally and to reiterate MEA’s interest in working closely with our region." Adding, "A very experienced diplomat with a solid career that makes us predict she will achieve great success as Secretary East. Undoubtedly an example of the excellence of women in Indian diplomacy." India has been reaching out to Latin America, a number of high-level visits have happened from India including that of PM Modi to Brazil for Brics, Argentina for G20 and Mexico for a bilateral visit in 2016.

Want to strengthen ties, India tells envoys of Latin American countries

Nepal’s embattled Prime Minister, K P Sharma Oli, came under fresh attack -- including from three former Prime Ministers and his own party leaders -- for meeting Indian R&AW chief Samant Kumar Goel without informing them.

KP Oli government in trouble after meeting R&AW chief

WION Dispatch: KP Oli's India outreach creates rift within party?

Russia will host its mega "artificial intelligence journey" event next month virtually, from 3rd to 5th December, and will see major participation from India. A record-high number of Indian participants and many Indian origin keynote speakers are set to speak at the event. Anima Anandkumar from California Institute of Technology, Pradeep Dubey of Intel, Gurdeep Singh of Microsoft is among the speakers at the event.

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the same meet last year. The event is sponsored by Sberbank, Russia's state-owned bank, and one of the largest banks in the country and central and Eastern European region. The Russian government is the principal shareholder of the bank.

Alexander Vedyakhin, First Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board, Sberbank said, "This challenging year, our conference has already beaten the AI ​​Journey 2019 record in terms of the number of applications submitted by foreign participants. At the moment, specialists from every fourth country in the world are set to participate in the event.".

Taling about India, he said, "We expect many professionals from India – last year its experts did not attend, but now India ranks first among foreign countries in terms of the number of registrations".

400 people from 58 countries have confirmed attendance at the meet. More than 5,315 people have registered on the conference website. The meet has been growing in clout as the significance of artificial intelligence grows in daily life.&nbsp;

Russia will host its mega "artificial intelligence journey" event next month virtually, from 3rd to 5th December, and will see major participation from India. A record-high number of Indian participants and many Indian origin keynote speakers are set to speak at the event.

Russia will host its mega "artificial intelligence journey" event next month virtually, from 3rd to 5th December, and will see major participation from India. A record-high number of Indian participants and many Indian origin keynote speakers are set to speak at the event. Anima Anandkumar from California Institute of Technology, Pradeep Dubey of Intel, Gurdeep Singh of Microsoft is among the speakers at the event. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the same meet last year. The event is sponsored by Sberbank, Russia's state-owned bank, and one of the largest banks in the country and central and Eastern European region. The Russian government is the principal shareholder of the bank. Alexander Vedyakhin, First Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board, Sberbank said, "This challenging year, our conference has already beaten the AI Journey 2019 record in terms of the number of applications submitted by foreign participants. At the moment, specialists from every fourth country in the world are set to participate in the event.". Taling about India, he said, "We expect many professionals from India – last year its experts did not attend, but now India ranks first among foreign countries in terms of the number of registrations". 400 people from 58 countries have confirmed attendance at the meet. More than 5,315 people have registered on the conference website. The meet has been growing in clout as the significance of artificial intelligence grows in daily life.

Russia's mega artificial intelligence event next month; major participation from India

India has backed the candidature of Maldives Foreign Minister&nbsp;Abdulla Shahid&nbsp;for the President of United Nations General Assembly for 2021-22 period.&nbsp;

Speaking in Male, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla Said, "We feel that the Maldives should play a more prominent role in the UN. In this context, I am happy to reiterate the commitment made by our External Affairs Minister earlier during the Virtual Meeting with Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid that India will support his candidature for Presidency of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly next year."

The post of president of UNGA is voted on a yearly basis by all the 192 members of the core UN body. Among South Asian states, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh nationals have been UNGA President in the past. Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan nationals have not UNGA president ever.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-focus-on-development-projects-india-maldives-to-sign-mous-discuss-covid-crisis-341840" hreflang="en">With focus on development projects, India-Maldives to sign MOUs; discuss COVID crisis</a>

The Indian Foreign Secretary explained, "With his vast diplomatic experience and leadership qualities, Foreign Minister Shahid has the best credentials to preside over the General Assembly in these tumultuous times.".

Adding, "his Presidency will also provide greater visibility to the Maldives. We are happy that his term will coincide with our membership of the United Nations Security Council for 2021-22. We look forward to working closely with the Maldives in the United Nations."

India's support to the Maldives shows New Delhi's close ties with Male. Both sides have seen increased engagement, especially with support extended by India during the COVID crisis.&nbsp;

In June, Turkish Diplomat Volkan Bozkir was elected President of the forthcoming session of the UN General Assembly. India's Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit in 1953 was the first women President of the body.

India has backed the candidature of Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid for the President of United Nations General Assembly for 2021-22 period. Speaking in Male, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla Said, "We feel that the Maldives should play a more prominent role in the UN.

India has backed the candidature of Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid for the President of United Nations General Assembly for 2021-22 period. Speaking in Male, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla Said, "We feel that the Maldives should play a more prominent role in the UN. In this context, I am happy to reiterate the commitment made by our External Affairs Minister earlier during the Virtual Meeting with Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid that India will support his candidature for Presidency of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly next year." The post of president of UNGA is voted on a yearly basis by all the 192 members of the core UN body. Among South Asian states, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh nationals have been UNGA President in the past. Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan nationals have not UNGA president ever. Also read: With focus on development projects, India-Maldives to sign MOUs; discuss COVID crisis The Indian Foreign Secretary explained, "With his vast diplomatic experience and leadership qualities, Foreign Minister Shahid has the best credentials to preside over the General Assembly in these tumultuous times.". Adding, "his Presidency will also provide greater visibility to the Maldives. We are happy that his term will coincide with our membership of the United Nations Security Council for 2021-22. We look forward to working closely with the Maldives in the United Nations." India's support to the Maldives shows New Delhi's close ties with Male. Both sides have seen increased engagement, especially with support extended by India during the COVID crisis. In June, Turkish Diplomat Volkan Bozkir was elected President of the forthcoming session of the UN General Assembly. India's Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit in 1953 was the first women President of the body.

India backs Maldives' Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid's candidature for UNGA president

Geographical indication is a name or mark given to products, agriculture, natural and manufactured products (sweets, handicrafts, and industrial goods) of a particular region (country or state or a town).

Harvesting world's most expensive spice; High hopes from Geographical Indication tag

Indian-American physician Dr Vivek Murthy today named co-chair of the COVID-19 Advisory Board that will guide US President on dealing with the coronavirus pandemic that has claimed over 236,000 lives in the country. 
 
<a href="wionews.com/world/as-us-president-elect-joe-biden-set-to-convene-covid-19-task-force-341911">Also read | As US President-elect, Joe Biden set to convene COVID-19 task force</a> 
 
Biden has set up this coronavirus task force in a bid to counter the ongoing virus crisis in the country, whereby the highest number of fatalities across the world have been inducted.

Dr Vivek Murthy along with two other co-chairs would lead a team of leading public health experts.

Vivek Hallegere Murthy is a physician and former vice admiral in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps who served as the nineteenth Surgeon General of the United States.

The appointment of Murthy comes at a time when the United States is witnessing a record number of Covid-19 infections.

Murthy, 43, who originally hails from Karnataka, was appointed America’s 19th Surgeon General by then-president Barack Obama in 2014.

Born in the UK, he was the youngest ever to hold the office at the age of 37. He was later asked to step down by the Trump administration.

Biden, in his victory speech in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday night, said: “On Monday, I will name a group of leading scientists and experts as Transition Advisors to help take the Biden-Harris COVID plan and convert it into an action blueprint that starts on January 20th, 2021”.

The President-elect, however, did not announce who would lead that task force.

The Washington Post said that the task force would be co-chaired by Dr Murthy, the former Surgeon General, and David Kessler, a former Food and Drug Administration commissioner.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian-American physician Dr Vivek Murthy today named co-chair of the COVID-19 Advisory Board that will guide US President on dealing with the coronavirus pandemic that has claimed over 236,000 lives in the country.

Indian-American physician Dr Vivek Murthy today named co-chair of the COVID-19 Advisory Board that will guide US President on dealing with the coronavirus pandemic that has claimed over 236,000 lives in the country. Also read | As US President-elect, Joe Biden set to convene COVID-19 task force Biden has set up this coronavirus task force in a bid to counter the ongoing virus crisis in the country, whereby the highest number of fatalities across the world have been inducted. Dr Vivek Murthy along with two other co-chairs would lead a team of leading public health experts. Vivek Hallegere Murthy is a physician and former vice admiral in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps who served as the nineteenth Surgeon General of the United States. The appointment of Murthy comes at a time when the United States is witnessing a record number of Covid-19 infections. Murthy, 43, who originally hails from Karnataka, was appointed America’s 19th Surgeon General by then-president Barack Obama in 2014. Born in the UK, he was the youngest ever to hold the office at the age of 37. He was later asked to step down by the Trump administration. Biden, in his victory speech in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday night, said: “On Monday, I will name a group of leading scientists and experts as Transition Advisors to help take the Biden-Harris COVID plan and convert it into an action blueprint that starts on January 20th, 2021”. The President-elect, however, did not announce who would lead that task force. The Washington Post said that the task force would be co-chaired by Dr Murthy, the former Surgeon General, and David Kessler, a former Food and Drug Administration commissioner. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden picks Indian American to lead the new task force to tackle COVID crisis in US

'Very happy and thrilled that she has scripted history': Kamala Harris' aunt tells WION

In conversation with Dr. Sarala Gopalan-Kamala Harris' Aunt

Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO virtual summit will take place tomorrow starting at 2.30 pm IST and is expected to last two and a half hours.

The summit, being hosted by Russia as the chair of the grouping for this year will see the participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Putin, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, and leaders of 4 central Asian countries. 4 central Asian members of the SCO are: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Minister of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava&nbsp;said, "PM will lead the Indian delegation to the 20th summit of SCO Council of heads of state which will be held in the virtual format on 10th of November. The meeting will be chaired by President Putin of the Russian Federation".

This is the 3rd meeting in which India will be participating as full members. New Delhi was granted the observer status of SCO in 2005 and in June 2017 it became a full member.

Both Pakistan and China have confirmed participation. This will be the first time PM Modi and Chinese President Xi will be sharing a platform virtually after the Galwan incident.&nbsp;

The Galwan&nbsp;incident saw the death of 20 Indian soldiers due to Chinese aggressiveness at the line of actual control in eastern Ladakh. China also suffered casualties but never came out with figures. Ties between the two&nbsp;countries deteriorating as Chinese troops massed at the LAC.

All in All, PM Modi and President Xi will be together 3 times this month, first at SCO heads of state virtual summit, BRICS virtual summit on 17th November and then the G20 virtual summit on 21st and 22nd November.

Interestingly, Indian and Pakistani PMs will also be on the same virtual platform. Last time they PM Modi and Imran khan were under the same roof were at the UNGA dinner and lunch last year in New York. Given the tensions in ties post-Pulwama terror attack, no meeting took place.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO virtual summit will take place tomorrow starting at 2.30 pm IST and is expected to last two and a half hours. The summit, being hosted by Russia as the chair of the grouping for this year will see the participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Putin, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, and leaders of 4 central Asian countries.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO virtual summit will take place tomorrow starting at 2.30 pm IST and is expected to last two and a half hours. The summit, being hosted by Russia as the chair of the grouping for this year will see the participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Putin, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, and leaders of 4 central Asian countries. 4 central Asian members of the SCO are: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Minister of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava said, "PM will lead the Indian delegation to the 20th summit of SCO Council of heads of state which will be held in the virtual format on 10th of November. The meeting will be chaired by President Putin of the Russian Federation". This is the 3rd meeting in which India will be participating as full members. New Delhi was granted the observer status of SCO in 2005 and in June 2017 it became a full member. Both Pakistan and China have confirmed participation. This will be the first time PM Modi and Chinese President Xi will be sharing a platform virtually after the Galwan incident. The Galwan incident saw the death of 20 Indian soldiers due to Chinese aggressiveness at the line of actual control in eastern Ladakh. China also suffered casualties but never came out with figures. Ties between the two countries deteriorating as Chinese troops massed at the LAC. All in All, PM Modi and President Xi will be together 3 times this month, first at SCO heads of state virtual summit, BRICS virtual summit on 17th November and then the G20 virtual summit on 21st and 22nd November. Interestingly, Indian and Pakistani PMs will also be on the same virtual platform. Last time they PM Modi and Imran khan were under the same roof were at the UNGA dinner and lunch last year in New York. Given the tensions in ties post-Pulwama terror attack, no meeting took place.

SCO virtual summit tomorrow; Modi, Xi to share platform for the first time since Galwan

The Kakinada Municipal Commissioner Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar has come up with a unique way of teaching the residents who irresponsibly dump garbage on the streets or on the road, a lesson.&nbsp;

The sanitation workers will bring the garbage back to the person's house who is littering on the roads, or worse the person can be fined after one warning.

This as per a new cleanliness initiative by Kakinada Municipal Corporation.

Kakinada is the 6th largest city of Indian State of Andhra Pradesh and serves as the district headquarters of East Godavari district of the State.

Pundkar took the decision after seeing a woman throw garbage on a road, while sanitation workers were on waste-collection duty.

Pundkar, who was supervising the work, immediately asked a worker to take the garbage back to the house of the woman. When the shocked house owner tried to resist, the municipal commissioner explained to her not to litter roads, but hand it over to the sanitation workers who come to collect garbage.

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Return gift..Kakinada municipal commissioner Swapnil Dinakar expressed anger over a resident who was throwing garbage on road side. he then took more garbage from the street and threw it in the verandah of the house of the violator. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SwachhBharatSwasthBharat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SwachhBharatSwasthBharat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://t.co/hWm5pD4Whh">pic.twitter.com/hWm5pD4Whh</a>
— Sudhakar Udumula (@sudhakarudumula) <a href="https://twitter.com/sudhakarudumula/status/1324338792170311683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"If any person is found littering roads, he or she will be warned first. If caught again, a fine will be imposed on them. This is our attempt to create awareness in the public," he said.

Pundkar added there are 900 sanitation workers in Kakinada, exclusively for collecting garbage.&nbsp;

"They collect garbage from 7 am to 9 am. Every house is given an RFID ("radio frequency identification) tag, which the sanitation worker scans so that their physical presence at every household is registered. Most people are responding well to this, but not all," he said, adding that in the next three months, garbage collection will be categorised into wet and dry.

"Now, we are collecting all kinds of garbage together. After three months or so, we will start collecting dry and wet garbage separately. People have a habit of throwing garbage near waste bins, rather than inside them. So we are planning to remove the dumper bins in the city within a year. We want Kakinada to stand ahead in the race for Smart Cities. Sanitation and cleanliness are our priorities," he said.

(With inputs from ANI)

The Kakinada Municipal Commissioner Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar has come up with a unique way of teaching the residents who irresponsibly dump garbage on the streets or on the road, a lesson.

The Kakinada Municipal Commissioner Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar has come up with a unique way of teaching the residents who irresponsibly dump garbage on the streets or on the road, a lesson. The sanitation workers will bring the garbage back to the person's house who is littering on the roads, or worse the person can be fined after one warning. This as per a new cleanliness initiative by Kakinada Municipal Corporation. Kakinada is the 6th largest city of Indian State of Andhra Pradesh and serves as the district headquarters of East Godavari district of the State. Pundkar took the decision after seeing a woman throw garbage on a road, while sanitation workers were on waste-collection duty. Pundkar, who was supervising the work, immediately asked a worker to take the garbage back to the house of the woman. When the shocked house owner tried to resist, the municipal commissioner explained to her not to litter roads, but hand it over to the sanitation workers who come to collect garbage. Return gift..Kakinada municipal commissioner Swapnil Dinakar expressed anger over a resident who was throwing garbage on road side. he then took more garbage from the street and threw it in the verandah of the house of the violator. #SwachhBharatSwasthBharat #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/hWm5pD4Whh — Sudhakar Udumula (@sudhakarudumula) November 5, 2020 × "If any person is found littering roads, he or she will be warned first. If caught again, a fine will be imposed on them. This is our attempt to create awareness in the public," he said. Pundkar added there are 900 sanitation workers in Kakinada, exclusively for collecting garbage. "They collect garbage from 7 am to 9 am. Every house is given an RFID ("radio frequency identification) tag, which the sanitation worker scans so that their physical presence at every household is registered. Most people are responding well to this, but not all," he said, adding that in the next three months, garbage collection will be categorised into wet and dry. "Now, we are collecting all kinds of garbage together. After three months or so, we will start collecting dry and wet garbage separately. People have a habit of throwing garbage near waste bins, rather than inside them. So we are planning to remove the dumper bins in the city within a year. We want Kakinada to stand ahead in the race for Smart Cities. Sanitation and cleanliness are our priorities," he said. (With inputs from ANI)

This Indian city sends garbage as ‘return gift’ for dumping waste irresponsibly

Meanwhile, the twin factors of rising air pollution and a surge in Covid cases have increased the burden on Delhi’s hospitals with the number of vacant beds shrinking fast and out patient departments

India Coronavirus: Delhi's daily surge in cases continues to breach 7,000 mark

Demand for COVID-19 antiviral drug Remdesivir is rising sharply in India, a top executive at drugmaker Cipla Ltd&nbsp;said on Monday, even as experts remain divided over its effectiveness.

Remdesivir was developed by US&nbsp;drugmaker Gilead Sciences Inc, which cut its 2020 revenue forecast last month, citing lower-than-expected demand and difficulty in predicting sales of the treatment. Cipla is among several firms licensed to make and sell generic versions in developing nations.

Cipla's version, Cipremi, was commercially launched in July and costs just above $50 per 100 mg vial.

"From October onwards, (the company is) seeing a very sharp increase in (Remdesivir) monthly volumes ... there are no constraints on supplies now," Cipla's global chief financial officer, Kedar Upadhye, told Reuters.

He said the company had sold more than 300,000 vials of the drug across the country as of September.

Remdesivir has become the standard of care for patients hospitalised with severe COVID-19, with more than 50 countries including the United States approving its use.

But the World Health Organization (WHO) said last month that its global trial of COVID-19 therapies had found that Remdesivir did not have a substantial effect on the length of patients' hospital stays or their chances of survival.

"In India, the protocols (on remdesivir) have not changed, and demand continues," Cipla's Upadhye said, adding that the company has also begun export of the drug to "a few countries" in the second quarter, without giving any other details.

Mumbai-based Cipla, which has already been supplying the drug to South Africa since July, posted a 41.2 per cent&nbsp;rise in consolidated net profit on Friday for the quarter ended Sept. 30.

Demand for COVID-19 antiviral drug Remdesivir is rising sharply in India, a top executive at drugmaker Cipla Ltd said on Monday, even as experts remain divided over its effectiveness.

Demand for COVID-19 antiviral drug Remdesivir is rising sharply in India, a top executive at drugmaker Cipla Ltd said on Monday, even as experts remain divided over its effectiveness. Remdesivir was developed by US drugmaker Gilead Sciences Inc, which cut its 2020 revenue forecast last month, citing lower-than-expected demand and difficulty in predicting sales of the treatment. Cipla is among several firms licensed to make and sell generic versions in developing nations. Cipla's version, Cipremi, was commercially launched in July and costs just above $50 per 100 mg vial. "From October onwards, (the company is) seeing a very sharp increase in (Remdesivir) monthly volumes ... there are no constraints on supplies now," Cipla's global chief financial officer, Kedar Upadhye, told Reuters. He said the company had sold more than 300,000 vials of the drug across the country as of September. Remdesivir has become the standard of care for patients hospitalised with severe COVID-19, with more than 50 countries including the United States approving its use. But the World Health Organization (WHO) said last month that its global trial of COVID-19 therapies had found that Remdesivir did not have a substantial effect on the length of patients' hospital stays or their chances of survival. "In India, the protocols (on remdesivir) have not changed, and demand continues," Cipla's Upadhye said, adding that the company has also begun export of the drug to "a few countries" in the second quarter, without giving any other details. Mumbai-based Cipla, which has already been supplying the drug to South Africa since July, posted a 41.2 per cent rise in consolidated net profit on Friday for the quarter ended Sept. 30.

Indian demand for COVID-19 drug Remdesivir rising sharply: Cipla

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