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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged global investors to invest in India's infrastructure and manufacturing sector as his government aims to attract up to $1.5 trillion into ports, roads and other projects.

"If you want returns with reliability, India is the place to be," Modi told a virtual conference of 20 major global investors, including pension funds.

He said India would offer lower tax rates, tax incentives to manufacturers along with ease of doing business while following a path of fiscal prudence.&nbsp;

Speaking at virtual Global Investor Roundtable, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India will be a global manufacturing powerhouse soon.

The Prime Minister said, "Through this year, as India bravely fought the global pandemic, the world saw India's national character. The world also saw India's true strengths."

"We will do whatever it takes to make India engine of global growth resurgence. India offers democracy, demography, demand and diversity," he added. 
 
Talking about the situation of coronavirus in a country he said that India has shown remarkable resilience in this pandemic, be it fighting the virus or ensuring eco stability.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged global investors to invest in India's infrastructure and manufacturing sector as his government aims to attract up to $1.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged global investors to invest in India's infrastructure and manufacturing sector as his government aims to attract up to $1.5 trillion into ports, roads and other projects. "If you want returns with reliability, India is the place to be," Modi told a virtual conference of 20 major global investors, including pension funds. He said India would offer lower tax rates, tax incentives to manufacturers along with ease of doing business while following a path of fiscal prudence. Speaking at virtual Global Investor Roundtable, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India will be a global manufacturing powerhouse soon. The Prime Minister said, "Through this year, as India bravely fought the global pandemic, the world saw India's national character. The world also saw India's true strengths." "We will do whatever it takes to make India engine of global growth resurgence. India offers democracy, demography, demand and diversity," he added. Talking about the situation of coronavirus in a country he said that India has shown remarkable resilience in this pandemic, be it fighting the virus or ensuring eco stability. (With inputs from agencies)

India will be a global manufacturing hub soon, says PM Modi

A traffic constable in Hyderabad has earned all-round appreciation after running almost two km to clear a traffic jam for an ambulance. The video of G Babji went viral over social media on Wednesday with netizens hailing his gesture to help an unknown patient being taken to a hospital.

Hyderabad cop runs for 2 km to help ambulance, wins hearts

Several people missing after a boat carrying at least 50 people capsized in Naugachhia area of Bihar's Bhagalpur on Thursday. The boat, rescue and search operation underway.

"One person died and seven people are missing. Rescue and search operation are underway by SDRF teams, nine people have been rescued so far," Pranav Kumar, District Magistrate, Bhagalpur said.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Teajshwi Yadav expressed concerns over the incident and conveyed condolences to the deceased's kin.

"Tragic news of drowning of many people after a boat capsized in the river under the limits of Gopalpur police station. My deepest condolences to the victims. The administration is urged to expedite rescue operations with the help of SDRF," Tejashwi tweeted in Hindi.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Several people missing after a boat carrying at least 50 people capsized in Naugachhia area of Bihar's Bhagalpur on Thursday. The boat, rescue and search operation underway.

Several people missing after a boat carrying at least 50 people capsized in Naugachhia area of Bihar's Bhagalpur on Thursday. The boat, rescue and search operation underway. "One person died and seven people are missing. Rescue and search operation are underway by SDRF teams, nine people have been rescued so far," Pranav Kumar, District Magistrate, Bhagalpur said. Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Teajshwi Yadav expressed concerns over the incident and conveyed condolences to the deceased's kin. "Tragic news of drowning of many people after a boat capsized in the river under the limits of Gopalpur police station. My deepest condolences to the victims. The administration is urged to expedite rescue operations with the help of SDRF," Tejashwi tweeted in Hindi. (With inputs from agencies)

One killed, several missing after a boat Carrying 50 People capsizes in Bihar

The Tamil Nadu Government has decided to reject permission for the month-long Vetri Vel Yatra that the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party had planned across the state, invoking Lord Murugan. The Yatra, the BJP’s first ahead of the Assembly elections in 2021 was to begin on November 6th and conclude on December 6th, covering all six abodes of Lord Murugan by traversing from Tiruttani to Tiruchendur. However, after the setback, it is understood that the party is discussing on the way ahead for the Yatra and awaiting word from their leadership in Delhi.&nbsp;

Advocate General Vijay Narayan has informed the Madras High Court that the rejection order would be served on the BJP State unit office bearers on Thursday. Among the reasons cited for the rejection were the threat of Covid-19 and the overtones related to the Yatra.&nbsp;

Referring to a Government Order dated 31st October, the Advocate General told the Court that religious, social and political gatherings would be permitted with not more than 100 people, only after November 15th.&nbsp;

Representing the BJP state unit, Advocate Raghavachari questioned the government’s decision to reject permission, by countering that the Central Government had not prohibited religious congregations due to Covid-19 and that it had only insisted that physical distancing be maintained.

Chief Justice AP Sahi and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy said that the BJP could not take such a stand without challenging the GO that prevented gatherings, which was issued by the State government on October 31st.

The advocate representing the BJP said that they would have challenged the GO, if the State had rejected their request for permission citing the Government Order. He also added that the concerned authorities hadn’t passed any orders on the same.

The Bench said that it was open to the Tamil Nadu government to pass appropriate orders on the representation seeking permission for the rally, and also added that if any of the parties are aggrieved by the order, they could challenge the order in Court.

In this context, it must be noted that the birth anniversary of freedom fighter and spiritual leader Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar was celebrated in a grand manner amid the pandemic and had major state leaders in attendance, barely a week ago.

In August too, allies BJP and AIADMK were on collision course over the celebrations of Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaturthi across the state amid the pandemic, thus leaving it for the Madras High Court to decide.&nbsp;

Back then, the Court had permitted only individuals and families to install Ganesha idols and immerse them in nearby water bodies. Immersion in large public spaces such as Marina beach was prohibited.&nbsp;

The Court also emphasized that the Tamil Nadu’s government’s ban on public celebrations, processions, installation of idols in public will be in force. The Court also clarified that no organization would be able to carry out celebration activities and processions. The bench also recorded the undertaking made by the outfit Hindu Munnani, which stated that they would not undertake any processions and would cooperate with the state authorities.&nbsp;

The state government’s decision to permit opening of liquor shops in Chennai city(from Aug 18th), while not permitting installing of Ganesha idols, taking them on processions, immersion rituals had irked the BJP state leadership. BJP leaders had questioned the Tamil Nadu government, asking them to take a cue from the neighbouring Karnataka government that has permitted the festival to be celebrated amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Tamil Nadu Government has decided to reject permission for the month-long Vetri Vel Yatra that the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party had planned across the state, invoking Lord Murugan.

The Tamil Nadu Government has decided to reject permission for the month-long Vetri Vel Yatra that the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party had planned across the state, invoking Lord Murugan. The Yatra, the BJP’s first ahead of the Assembly elections in 2021 was to begin on November 6th and conclude on December 6th, covering all six abodes of Lord Murugan by traversing from Tiruttani to Tiruchendur. However, after the setback, it is understood that the party is discussing on the way ahead for the Yatra and awaiting word from their leadership in Delhi. Advocate General Vijay Narayan has informed the Madras High Court that the rejection order would be served on the BJP State unit office bearers on Thursday. Among the reasons cited for the rejection were the threat of Covid-19 and the overtones related to the Yatra. Referring to a Government Order dated 31st October, the Advocate General told the Court that religious, social and political gatherings would be permitted with not more than 100 people, only after November 15th. Representing the BJP state unit, Advocate Raghavachari questioned the government’s decision to reject permission, by countering that the Central Government had not prohibited religious congregations due to Covid-19 and that it had only insisted that physical distancing be maintained. Chief Justice AP Sahi and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy said that the BJP could not take such a stand without challenging the GO that prevented gatherings, which was issued by the State government on October 31st. The advocate representing the BJP said that they would have challenged the GO, if the State had rejected their request for permission citing the Government Order. He also added that the concerned authorities hadn’t passed any orders on the same. The Bench said that it was open to the Tamil Nadu government to pass appropriate orders on the representation seeking permission for the rally, and also added that if any of the parties are aggrieved by the order, they could challenge the order in Court. In this context, it must be noted that the birth anniversary of freedom fighter and spiritual leader Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar was celebrated in a grand manner amid the pandemic and had major state leaders in attendance, barely a week ago. In August too, allies BJP and AIADMK were on collision course over the celebrations of Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaturthi across the state amid the pandemic, thus leaving it for the Madras High Court to decide. Back then, the Court had permitted only individuals and families to install Ganesha idols and immerse them in nearby water bodies. Immersion in large public spaces such as Marina beach was prohibited. The Court also emphasized that the Tamil Nadu’s government’s ban on public celebrations, processions, installation of idols in public will be in force. The Court also clarified that no organization would be able to carry out celebration activities and processions. The bench also recorded the undertaking made by the outfit Hindu Munnani, which stated that they would not undertake any processions and would cooperate with the state authorities. The state government’s decision to permit opening of liquor shops in Chennai city(from Aug 18th), while not permitting installing of Ganesha idols, taking them on processions, immersion rituals had irked the BJP state leadership. BJP leaders had questioned the Tamil Nadu government, asking them to take a cue from the neighbouring Karnataka government that has permitted the festival to be celebrated amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tamil Nadu government denies permission for BJP’s Vel Yatra; BJP awaits word from Delhi

The United Kingdom has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Climate Ambition summit that will take place in December. The invitation was handed over by Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the UK’s Foreign Office to India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla during his London visit.&nbsp;

The summit is being hosted virtually by the UK as the COP26 President, United Nations, France in partnership with Chile was the president of COP 25 and Italy, president of COP 26. COP is Climate Change Conference and the 26th conference will take place in Glasgow, Scotland from 1st to 12th November 2021 under London's leadership.

Sir Philip Barton who is the UK’s most senior diplomat and Head of the UK Diplomatic Service after his meeting with Indian Foreign secretary said, “I am delighted to welcome Foreign Secretary Shringla to London to discuss our joint priorities. India has a special place in my heart and I know first-hand the importance of building the relationship between our two countries"

He added, "Foreign Secretary Shringla and I agreed a strengthened UK-India partnership will be a force for good in the world, in facing the big international challenges over the next decade, such as climate change and global security.”

The summit aims at long term strategies for net-zero emissions, climate finance commitments for vulnerable countries among many things. Interestingly, December 12 marks the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement.

The United Kingdom has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Climate Ambition summit that will take place in December. The invitation was handed over by Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the UK’s Foreign Office to India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla during his London visit.

The United Kingdom has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Climate Ambition summit that will take place in December. The invitation was handed over by Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the UK’s Foreign Office to India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla during his London visit. The summit is being hosted virtually by the UK as the COP26 President, United Nations, France in partnership with Chile was the president of COP 25 and Italy, president of COP 26. COP is Climate Change Conference and the 26th conference will take place in Glasgow, Scotland from 1st to 12th November 2021 under London's leadership. Sir Philip Barton who is the UK’s most senior diplomat and Head of the UK Diplomatic Service after his meeting with Indian Foreign secretary said, “I am delighted to welcome Foreign Secretary Shringla to London to discuss our joint priorities. India has a special place in my heart and I know first-hand the importance of building the relationship between our two countries" He added, "Foreign Secretary Shringla and I agreed a strengthened UK-India partnership will be a force for good in the world, in facing the big international challenges over the next decade, such as climate change and global security.” The summit aims at long term strategies for net-zero emissions, climate finance commitments for vulnerable countries among many things. Interestingly, December 12 marks the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement.

UK invites India for climate summit

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that high wind speed has helped keep the situation in the city and nearby regions from deteriorating, though the city continues to choke.

New Delhi's air quality touches 'severe' levels

India has strongly condemned Pakistan for transferring the management of Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib away from the Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee (PSGPC) to "project management unit" a non-Sikh body under the Evacuee Trust Property Board.&nbsp;

The unit is headed by one Tariq Khan and has nine members, none of them being a Sikh.

The ministry of external affairs in a strongly worded release said, "unilateral decision" by Pakistan "runs against the spirit" of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor as also the "religious sentiments of the Sikh community at large."

New Delhi had already received representations from a large number of the members of the Sikh community who have expressed "grave concern" at the Pakistan's action. It's for the first time that the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has scrapped off its management rights of this sacred Gurudwara.

The MEA said, "Such actions only expose the reality of the Pakistani government and its leadership’s tall claims of preserving and protecting the rights and welfare of the religious minority communities."

India called on Islamabad to "reverse its arbitrary decision to deprive" the Sikh minority community "it’s right to manage affairs of the Holy Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib."

Founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev ji, spent the last 18 years of his life in the Gurudwara which is just a few kilometres away from the International border with India.&nbsp;

India has strongly condemned Pakistan for transferring the management of Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib away from the Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee (PSGPC) to "project management unit" a non-Sikh body under the Evacuee Trust Property Board.

India has strongly condemned Pakistan for transferring the management of Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib away from the Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee (PSGPC) to "project management unit" a non-Sikh body under the Evacuee Trust Property Board. The unit is headed by one Tariq Khan and has nine members, none of them being a Sikh. The ministry of external affairs in a strongly worded release said, "unilateral decision" by Pakistan "runs against the spirit" of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor as also the "religious sentiments of the Sikh community at large." New Delhi had already received representations from a large number of the members of the Sikh community who have expressed "grave concern" at the Pakistan's action. It's for the first time that the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has scrapped off its management rights of this sacred Gurudwara. The MEA said, "Such actions only expose the reality of the Pakistani government and its leadership’s tall claims of preserving and protecting the rights and welfare of the religious minority communities." India called on Islamabad to "reverse its arbitrary decision to deprive" the Sikh minority community "it’s right to manage affairs of the Holy Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib." Founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev ji, spent the last 18 years of his life in the Gurudwara which is just a few kilometres away from the International border with India.

India condemns Pak's 'arbitrary' decision of transferring management of Kartarpur Gurudwara

In a clear message to China, just ahead of talks to resolve border issue, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday that India is facing challenges on its borders and will defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. 
 
"India is a peace-loving country and that peace can only be ensured through the ability to deter war," Singh said while speaking at a webinar celebrating the Diamond Jubilee to mark 60 years of the National Defence College in Delhi. 
 
The webinar theme was on `India`s National Security - The Decade Ahead` and it started with a keynote address by Rajnath Singh. 
 
The Minister said: "We believe that differences should not become disputes. We attach importance to the peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue. India is determined to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of unilateralism and aggression, no matter what the sacrifice." 
 
India and China are engaged in border dispute for the last seven months in Eastern Ladakh. Despite several rounds of talks between the two countries, the dispute remains unresolved. 
 
Talking about India`s relations with friendly counties he said: "We have enhanced the scope and quality of our relations with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman in the West and with Indonesia, Vietnam and South Korea in the East." 
 
He also mentioned that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s special interest in reaching out to partner countries in West Asia, South East and East Asia. 
 
"India`s strategic partnership with the US is stronger than ever before," Singh said. 
 
Talking about India`s ally Russia, Singh said: "India also has a strong, traditional and deep-rooted relations with Russia. Our two countries have weathered many a challenge in the past through our close understanding and appreciation of each other`s concerns and interests." 
 
He said working with like minded countries, India has achieved substantial success to not only expose Pakistan`s regressive policies, but also make it is increasingly difficult to continue with its previous business as usual approach. 
 
"With the exception of Pakistan, given its agenda of fuelling terrorism, India has improved its relations with all neighbours. We have invested heavily to help and support our friends to forge a relationship of mutual-respect and mutual-interest," he added. 
 
From now on more officers from neighbouring counties will be trained at India`s prestigious strategic leadership institution the National Defence College (NDC) as New Delhi increases its engagement with neighbours to the counter growing influence of China. 
 
Five new friendly countries -- Tajikistan, Indonesia, Maldives, Uzbekistan and Philippines -- will now be able to send its officers to India for annual training in national and international security related fields.

In a clear message to China, just ahead of talks to resolve border issue, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday that India is facing challenges on its borders and will defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a clear message to China, just ahead of talks to resolve border issue, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday that India is facing challenges on its borders and will defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. "India is a peace-loving country and that peace can only be ensured through the ability to deter war," Singh said while speaking at a webinar celebrating the Diamond Jubilee to mark 60 years of the National Defence College in Delhi. The webinar theme was on `India`s National Security - The Decade Ahead` and it started with a keynote address by Rajnath Singh. The Minister said: "We believe that differences should not become disputes. We attach importance to the peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue. India is determined to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of unilateralism and aggression, no matter what the sacrifice." India and China are engaged in border dispute for the last seven months in Eastern Ladakh. Despite several rounds of talks between the two countries, the dispute remains unresolved. Talking about India`s relations with friendly counties he said: "We have enhanced the scope and quality of our relations with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman in the West and with Indonesia, Vietnam and South Korea in the East." He also mentioned that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s special interest in reaching out to partner countries in West Asia, South East and East Asia. "India`s strategic partnership with the US is stronger than ever before," Singh said. Talking about India`s ally Russia, Singh said: "India also has a strong, traditional and deep-rooted relations with Russia. Our two countries have weathered many a challenge in the past through our close understanding and appreciation of each other`s concerns and interests." He said working with like minded countries, India has achieved substantial success to not only expose Pakistan`s regressive policies, but also make it is increasingly difficult to continue with its previous business as usual approach. "With the exception of Pakistan, given its agenda of fuelling terrorism, India has improved its relations with all neighbours. We have invested heavily to help and support our friends to forge a relationship of mutual-respect and mutual-interest," he added. From now on more officers from neighbouring counties will be trained at India`s prestigious strategic leadership institution the National Defence College (NDC) as New Delhi increases its engagement with neighbours to the counter growing influence of China. Five new friendly countries -- Tajikistan, Indonesia, Maldives, Uzbekistan and Philippines -- will now be able to send its officers to India for annual training in national and international security related fields.

India faces challenges on borders, will defend territorial integrity: Rajnath Singh

With a fresh spike of 50,210 coronavirus infections and 704 deaths in 24 hours, India`s tally on Wednesday rose to 83,64,086, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 
 
Delhi recorded a single day spike of 6,842 Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, the highest so far, taking the total Delhi tally to 4,09,938. 
 
Maharashtra continues to be the worst-hit with a total of 16,98,198 cases, including 44,548 deaths; followed by Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. 
 
Out of the total Covid-19 cases in the country, 5,27,962 are currently active, 77,11,809 have been discharged, and 1,24,315 lost the battle against the pandemic. 
 
While the recovery rate stands at 92.09 per cent, the fatality rate is 1.49 per cent, the data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare showed. 
 
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted 12,09,425 sample tests in a single day on Wednesday, taking the total number of samples tested so far to 11,42,08,384. 
 
The overall number of global coronavirus cases was nearing the 48 million mark, while the deaths have surged to more than 12,23,450, according to Johns Hopkins University. 
 
As of Thursday morning, the total caseload and death toll stood at 4,79,97,816 and 12,23,456, respectively, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. 
 
The US is the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 94,77,709 and 2,33,651, respectively, according to the CSSE.

With a fresh spike of 50,210 coronavirus infections and 704 deaths in 24 hours, India`s tally on Wednesday rose to 83,64,086, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With a fresh spike of 50,210 coronavirus infections and 704 deaths in 24 hours, India`s tally on Wednesday rose to 83,64,086, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Delhi recorded a single day spike of 6,842 Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, the highest so far, taking the total Delhi tally to 4,09,938. Maharashtra continues to be the worst-hit with a total of 16,98,198 cases, including 44,548 deaths; followed by Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Out of the total Covid-19 cases in the country, 5,27,962 are currently active, 77,11,809 have been discharged, and 1,24,315 lost the battle against the pandemic. While the recovery rate stands at 92.09 per cent, the fatality rate is 1.49 per cent, the data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare showed. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted 12,09,425 sample tests in a single day on Wednesday, taking the total number of samples tested so far to 11,42,08,384. The overall number of global coronavirus cases was nearing the 48 million mark, while the deaths have surged to more than 12,23,450, according to Johns Hopkins University. As of Thursday morning, the total caseload and death toll stood at 4,79,97,816 and 12,23,456, respectively, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. The US is the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 94,77,709 and 2,33,651, respectively, according to the CSSE.

India adds over 50,000 new coronavirus cases in a day

Fugitive diamond merchant, Nirav Modi, faced another setback as a UK judge on ruled in the government of India's favour by allowing the admissibility of its evidence against Modi. The development improves chances of Modi`s extradition to India.

Tuesday's hearing was an additional hearing scheduled to rule on the admissibility of evidence presented before the Westminster Magistrates Court. Modi was remanded in custody till December 1. Both sides will make their closing submissions on January 7 and 8 and the judgement is expected a few weeks after that in 2021.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirav-modi-faces-suicide-risk-in-india-uk-court-told-326088#:~:text=Nirav%20Modi%2C%20fighting%20extradition%20to,a%20UK%20court%20on%20Tuesday.">Nirav Modi faces suicide risk in India, UK court told</a>

Modi's lawyer, Clare Montgomery QC, countered India`s arguments at the hearing by comparing the case with ex Indian Navy officer but now an arms dealer, Ravi Shankaran, who is in the UK and is yet to be extradited.

Arguing the overturning of Shankaran's extradition based on the government of India's evidence not meeting the UK extradition criteria, Montgomery told the court that statements under section 161 of Code of Criminal Procedure in India (statements of witnesses recorded and signed by the police) were not admissible in extradition cases.

Despite Montgomery`s strong opposition, district judge Samuel Mark Goozee decided to rule according to the judgement in case of Vijay Mallya, which said that statements under section 161 were valid in the court of law.

Referring to a report by the Law Commission of India, which claimed they "should never have any evidential value", Montgomery said, "The concern in India is these statements are not being taken from witnesses, and are rather the product of corrupt or incompetent conduct by police.''

"There were many complaints that dishonest police officers can write anything they like in them and the statements are often inaccurate. Section 161 statements are not directly made by witnesses or directly confirmed by them to be true - it is simply a self-fulfilling assertion of (an) officer," Montgomery added.

Helen Malcom QC, representing the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), on behalf of the federal government of India, said the argument on Shankaran was "nonsense" and "a misguided point" and told Judge Goozee he was "bound by Mallya on (section) 161".

"Section 161 is the way the CBI takes witness statements in India. This would change the entire nature of evidence from India for extraditions," Malcom added.

The charges against the fugitive merchant centre around his firms Diamonds R Us, Stellar Diamonds and Solar Exports making fraudulent use of a credit facility offered by the Punjab National Bank (PNB), known as "letters of undertaking" (LoUs).

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian authorities, sought to establish that a number of PNB staff conspired with Modi to ensure LoUs. The letters of undertaking (LoUs) were issued to his companies without required credit checks, without recording the issuance of the LoUs and without charging the required commission upon the transactions. This resulted in a fraud amounting to nearly $2 billion (Rs 13,500 crore).

Fugitive diamond merchant, Nirav Modi, faced another setback as a UK judge on ruled in the government of India's favour by allowing the admissibility of its evidence against Modi.

Fugitive diamond merchant, Nirav Modi, faced another setback as a UK judge on ruled in the government of India's favour by allowing the admissibility of its evidence against Modi. The development improves chances of Modi`s extradition to India. Tuesday's hearing was an additional hearing scheduled to rule on the admissibility of evidence presented before the Westminster Magistrates Court. Modi was remanded in custody till December 1. Both sides will make their closing submissions on January 7 and 8 and the judgement is expected a few weeks after that in 2021. Also read | Nirav Modi faces suicide risk in India, UK court told Modi's lawyer, Clare Montgomery QC, countered India`s arguments at the hearing by comparing the case with ex Indian Navy officer but now an arms dealer, Ravi Shankaran, who is in the UK and is yet to be extradited. Arguing the overturning of Shankaran's extradition based on the government of India's evidence not meeting the UK extradition criteria, Montgomery told the court that statements under section 161 of Code of Criminal Procedure in India (statements of witnesses recorded and signed by the police) were not admissible in extradition cases. Despite Montgomery`s strong opposition, district judge Samuel Mark Goozee decided to rule according to the judgement in case of Vijay Mallya, which said that statements under section 161 were valid in the court of law. Referring to a report by the Law Commission of India, which claimed they "should never have any evidential value", Montgomery said, "The concern in India is these statements are not being taken from witnesses, and are rather the product of corrupt or incompetent conduct by police.'' "There were many complaints that dishonest police officers can write anything they like in them and the statements are often inaccurate. Section 161 statements are not directly made by witnesses or directly confirmed by them to be true - it is simply a self-fulfilling assertion of (an) officer," Montgomery added. Helen Malcom QC, representing the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), on behalf of the federal government of India, said the argument on Shankaran was "nonsense" and "a misguided point" and told Judge Goozee he was "bound by Mallya on (section) 161". "Section 161 is the way the CBI takes witness statements in India. This would change the entire nature of evidence from India for extraditions," Malcom added. The charges against the fugitive merchant centre around his firms Diamonds R Us, Stellar Diamonds and Solar Exports making fraudulent use of a credit facility offered by the Punjab National Bank (PNB), known as "letters of undertaking" (LoUs). The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian authorities, sought to establish that a number of PNB staff conspired with Modi to ensure LoUs. The letters of undertaking (LoUs) were issued to his companies without required credit checks, without recording the issuance of the LoUs and without charging the required commission upon the transactions. This resulted in a fraud amounting to nearly $2 billion (Rs 13,500 crore).

Nirav Modi faces another setback as UK judge rules in India's favour

India's COVID-19 caseload went past 83 lakh, while the number of recoveries surged to 76.56 lakh, pushing the national recovery rate to over 92 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry's data updated on Wednesday.

With 46,253 fresh infections, the total number of coronavirus cases in the country mounted to 83,13,876, while the death toll rose to 1,23,611 after 514 more fatalities were reported, the data updated at 8 am showed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-less-than-550000-coronavirus-active-cases-recovery-rate-stands-near-92-340136">India: Less than 550,000 coronavirus active cases; recovery rate stands near 92%</a>

A total of 76,56,478 people have recuperated from the infection so far, pushing the national recovery rate to 92.09 per cent, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.49 per cent.

The number of active cases of COVID-19 remained below six lakh for the sixth consecutive day.

There are 5,33,787 active cases in the country as on date which comprise 6.42 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

The COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7,30 lakh&nbsp;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 ICMR, a cumulative total of 11,29,98,959 samples have been tested for COVID-19 in the country so far, with 12,09,609 samples being tested on Tuesday.

The 514 new fatalities include 120 from Maharashtra, 58 from Chhattisgarh, 56 from West Bengal, 48 from Delhi, 31 Tamil Nadu and 26 each from Karnataka and Kerala.

Total 1,23,611 deaths reported so far in the country include 44,248 from Maharashtra followed by 11,247 from Karnataka, 11,214 from Tamil Nadu, 7,089 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,013? from West Bengal, 6,734 from Andhra Pradesh, 6,652 from Delhi, 4,245 from Punjab and 3,731 from Gujarat. 
&nbsp;

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's COVID-19 caseload went past 83 lakh, while the number of recoveries surged to 76.56 lakh, pushing the national recovery rate to over 92 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry's data updated on Wednesday.

India's COVID-19 caseload went past 83 lakh, while the number of recoveries surged to 76.56 lakh, pushing the national recovery rate to over 92 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry's data updated on Wednesday. With 46,253 fresh infections, the total number of coronavirus cases in the country mounted to 83,13,876, while the death toll rose to 1,23,611 after 514 more fatalities were reported, the data updated at 8 am showed. Also read | India: Less than 550,000 coronavirus active cases; recovery rate stands near 92% A total of 76,56,478 people have recuperated from the infection so far, pushing the national recovery rate to 92.09 per cent, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.49 per cent. The number of active cases of COVID-19 remained below six lakh for the sixth consecutive day. There are 5,33,787 active cases in the country as on date which comprise 6.42 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. The 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 ICMR, a cumulative total of 11,29,98,959 samples have been tested for COVID-19 in the country so far, with 12,09,609 samples being tested on Tuesday. The 514 new fatalities include 120 from Maharashtra, 58 from Chhattisgarh, 56 from West Bengal, 48 from Delhi, 31 Tamil Nadu and 26 each from Karnataka and Kerala. Total 1,23,611 deaths reported so far in the country include 44,248 from Maharashtra followed by 11,247 from Karnataka, 11,214 from Tamil Nadu, 7,089 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,013? from West Bengal, 6,734 from Andhra Pradesh, 6,652 from Delhi, 4,245 from Punjab and 3,731 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's COVID-19 tally races past 8.3 million, national recovery rate reaches 92.09%

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) today test-fired an extended range version of indigenously-developed Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system.

Six rockets were launched in quick succession and the test met complete mission objectives, defence sources said.

The test flight was carried out from Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.

The DRDO said that this new rocket system has a longer range with reduced length compared to the earlier variant (Mk-1), which will now be phased out. The design and development have been carried out by Pune-based laboratories of DRDO, Armament Research &amp; Development Establishment (ARDE) and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL).

The enhanced range version of the weapon can destroy targets at a distance beyond 45 km.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) today test-fired an extended range version of indigenously-developed Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) today test-fired an extended range version of indigenously-developed Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system. Six rockets were launched in quick succession and the test met complete mission objectives, defence sources said. The test flight was carried out from Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. The DRDO said that this new rocket system has a longer range with reduced length compared to the earlier variant (Mk-1), which will now be phased out. The design and development have been carried out by Pune-based laboratories of DRDO, Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL). The enhanced range version of the weapon can destroy targets at a distance beyond 45 km. (With inputs from agencies)

India successfully test-fires enhanced version of Pinaka Rocket System in Odisha

The Finance Ministry on Tuesday said there has been no increase in service charges by any public sector bank even as Bank of Baroda decided to withdraw changes made with regard to the number of free cash deposit transactions in a bank account per month.

Bank of Baroda had made certain changes with effect from November 1, 2020, with regard to the number of free cash deposits and withdrawals per month, a Finance Ministry statement said.

The number of free cash deposits and withdrawals has been reduced from five each per month to three each per month, with no change in the charges for transactions in excess of these free transactions, it said.

“Bank of Baroda has since informed that in the light of the current Covid-related situation, they have decided to withdraw the changes. Further, no other PSB has increased such charges recently,” it said.

Although, as per RBI guidelines, all banks, including public sector banks (PSBs), are permitted to levy charges for their services in a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory manner, based upon costs involved, other PSBs have also intimated that they do not propose to raise bank charges in the near future in view of the Covid pandemic, it said.

With regard to Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts, it said, no service charge is applicable on the 60.04 crore such accounts, including 41.13 crore Jan Dhan accounts opened by the poor and unbanked segments of society, for the free services prescribed by RBI.&nbsp;

The Finance Ministry on Tuesday said there has been no increase in service charges by any public sector bank even as Bank of Baroda decided to withdraw changes made with regard to the number of free cash deposit transactions in a bank account per month.

The Finance Ministry on Tuesday said there has been no increase in service charges by any public sector bank even as Bank of Baroda decided to withdraw changes made with regard to the number of free cash deposit transactions in a bank account per month. Bank of Baroda had made certain changes with effect from November 1, 2020, with regard to the number of free cash deposits and withdrawals per month, a Finance Ministry statement said. The number of free cash deposits and withdrawals has been reduced from five each per month to three each per month, with no change in the charges for transactions in excess of these free transactions, it said. “Bank of Baroda has since informed that in the light of the current Covid-related situation, they have decided to withdraw the changes. Further, no other PSB has increased such charges recently,” it said. Although, as per RBI guidelines, all banks, including public sector banks (PSBs), are permitted to levy charges for their services in a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory manner, based upon costs involved, other PSBs have also intimated that they do not propose to raise bank charges in the near future in view of the Covid pandemic, it said. With regard to Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts, it said, no service charge is applicable on the 60.04 crore such accounts, including 41.13 crore Jan Dhan accounts opened by the poor and unbanked segments of society, for the free services prescribed by RBI.

No hike in service charges by PSU banks due to COVID-19, says Finance Ministry

Nine people were killed and many others were injured on Wednesday after a fire broke at the textile godown on Piplaj Road in Gujarat.

Soon after the fire broke out, fire personnel pulled out 12 people from the rubble and shifted them to LG Hospital, fire officer Jayesh Khadia said.

Fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot on learning about the explosion and pulled out 18 persons from the rubble and shifted them to LG Hospital in '108' ambulances, said chief fire officer MF Dastur.

Out of the 18, nine were either declared brought dead or they succumbed to injuries shortly after getting admitted to the government-run hospital, he said.

The deceased, all labourers, included three women, he said.

The remaining nine persons, including some women, are under treatment for injuries, said the hospital in a statement. 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the casualties in the Gujarat cotton mill blast incident in which at least 9 people died.&nbsp;

"Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire in a godown in Ahmedabad. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to the affected," PM Modi tweeted in Gujarati.

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અમદાવાદ ખાતે ગોડાઉનમાં થયેલ આગની ઘટનાથી જાનહાનીના સમાચારથી વ્યથિત છું. મૃતાત્માઓને શ્રદ્ધાંજલિ તથા ઈજાગ્રસ્તો ઝડપથી સ્વસ્થ થાય તે માટે પ્રાર્થના. સરકારીતંત્ર તથા અધિકારીઓ અસરગ્રસ્તોને તમામ શક્ય સહાય પૂરી પાડી રહ્યા છે.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1323975739822231552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"There was a fire but it was minor. The godown structure collapsed due to the explosion. We are using concrete breakers to dismantle the concrete slabs to pull out people. Till now, we have pulled 18 persons, who were trapped under the debris and sent them to the hospital," said Dastur.

A fire control room official said at least 26 rescue and fire fighting vehicles were pressed into service after a call regarding fire and explosion was received around 11 am.

The police force also rushed to the spot upon learning about the explosion.

"The building housing the chemical godown collapsed following the explosion. The rescue operation is still underway.

"We have initiated an inquiry into the incident," said Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ashok Munia.

Labourers working in adjoining buildings told reporters the explosion was so powerful that it ripped the walls of the godown having chemical drums, following which, the concrete roof collapsed on people working in it.

Relatives of the deceased told reporters their kin were not working at the godown where the explosion took place.

"My mother used to work at a readymade garments unit adjacent to the godown where the explosion took place.

Due to the explosion, entire structure, including the adjoining place where my mother used to work, also collapsed," said a relative outside LG Hospital.

While police and fire brigade officials were yet to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion, some local factory owners said the blast took place in a boiler installed at the chemical godown-cum-processing unit. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Nine people were killed and many others were injured on Wednesday after a fire broke at the textile godown on Piplaj Road in Gujarat. Soon after the fire broke out, fire personnel pulled out 12 people from the rubble and shifted them to LG Hospital, fire officer Jayesh Khadia said.

Nine people were killed and many others were injured on Wednesday after a fire broke at the textile godown on Piplaj Road in Gujarat. Soon after the fire broke out, fire personnel pulled out 12 people from the rubble and shifted them to LG Hospital, fire officer Jayesh Khadia said. Fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot on learning about the explosion and pulled out 18 persons from the rubble and shifted them to LG Hospital in '108' ambulances, said chief fire officer MF Dastur. Out of the 18, nine were either declared brought dead or they succumbed to injuries shortly after getting admitted to the government-run hospital, he said. The deceased, all labourers, included three women, he said. The remaining nine persons, including some women, are under treatment for injuries, said the hospital in a statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the casualties in the Gujarat cotton mill blast incident in which at least 9 people died. "Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire in a godown in Ahmedabad. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to the affected," PM Modi tweeted in Gujarati. અમદાવાદ ખાતે ગોડાઉનમાં થયેલ આગની ઘટનાથી જાનહાનીના સમાચારથી વ્યથિત છું. મૃતાત્માઓને શ્રદ્ધાંજલિ તથા ઈજાગ્રસ્તો ઝડપથી સ્વસ્થ થાય તે માટે પ્રાર્થના. સરકારીતંત્ર તથા અધિકારીઓ અસરગ્રસ્તોને તમામ શક્ય સહાય પૂરી પાડી રહ્યા છે. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 4, 2020 × "There was a fire but it was minor. The godown structure collapsed due to the explosion. We are using concrete breakers to dismantle the concrete slabs to pull out people. Till now, we have pulled 18 persons, who were trapped under the debris and sent them to the hospital," said Dastur. A fire control room official said at least 26 rescue and fire fighting vehicles were pressed into service after a call regarding fire and explosion was received around 11 am. The police force also rushed to the spot upon learning about the explosion. "The building housing the chemical godown collapsed following the explosion. The rescue operation is still underway. "We have initiated an inquiry into the incident," said Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ashok Munia. Labourers working in adjoining buildings told reporters the explosion was so powerful that it ripped the walls of the godown having chemical drums, following which, the concrete roof collapsed on people working in it. Relatives of the deceased told reporters their kin were not working at the godown where the explosion took place. "My mother used to work at a readymade garments unit adjacent to the godown where the explosion took place. Due to the explosion, entire structure, including the adjoining place where my mother used to work, also collapsed," said a relative outside LG Hospital. While police and fire brigade officials were yet to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion, some local factory owners said the blast took place in a boiler installed at the chemical godown-cum-processing unit. (With inputs from agencies)

Nine dead as godown collapses after an explosion in Gujarat

The first committee of the United Nations General Assembly has adopted two India sponsored resolutions on nuclear disarmament which aim to reduce risk of nuclear accidents and call for a prohibition on the use of nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

The UNGA first committee deals with the issue of disarmament and works in close cooperation with the United Nations Disarmament Commission and the Geneva-based Conference on Disarmament, the other two bodies to deal with the nuclear issue.

The two resolutions adopted are: ‘Convention on the Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons’ and ‘Reducing Nuclear Danger’ under the ‘Nuclear weapons’ cluster. The adoption of resolutions, sources say shows "India’s commitment towards the goal of nuclear disarmament."

The resolution on “Convention on the Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons” was backed by a majority of UN Members and was tabled by India since 1982. It calls for Conference on Disarmament to start negotiations on an international convention prohibiting the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances.&nbsp;

The aim is that a universal and legally binding agreement would generate the necessary global "political will" that can lead to the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

One such treaty which has been proposed in the past is Nuclear Weapons Convention that outlaws nuclear weapons but negotiations on it are inactive at the Conference on Disarmament. Conference on Disarmament, while not a UN body, is linked with it in various ways and formed to negotiate arms control and disarmament agreements

The resolution on “Reducing Nuclear Danger” which was tabled since 1998 puts focus on "unintentional or accidental use" of nuclear weapons and underscore the need for a review of nuclear doctrines. The resolution asks for "concrete steps" to reduce such risks, including through "de-alerting and de-targeting of nuclear weapons."

The first committee of the United Nations General Assembly has adopted two India sponsored resolutions on nuclear disarmament which aim to reduce risk of nuclear accidents and call for a prohibition on the use of nuclear weapons.

The first committee of the United Nations General Assembly has adopted two India sponsored resolutions on nuclear disarmament which aim to reduce risk of nuclear accidents and call for a prohibition on the use of nuclear weapons. The UNGA first committee deals with the issue of disarmament and works in close cooperation with the United Nations Disarmament Commission and the Geneva-based Conference on Disarmament, the other two bodies to deal with the nuclear issue. The two resolutions adopted are: ‘Convention on the Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons’ and ‘Reducing Nuclear Danger’ under the ‘Nuclear weapons’ cluster. The adoption of resolutions, sources say shows "India’s commitment towards the goal of nuclear disarmament." The resolution on “Convention on the Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons” was backed by a majority of UN Members and was tabled by India since 1982. It calls for Conference on Disarmament to start negotiations on an international convention prohibiting the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances. The aim is that a universal and legally binding agreement would generate the necessary global "political will" that can lead to the total elimination of nuclear weapons. One such treaty which has been proposed in the past is Nuclear Weapons Convention that outlaws nuclear weapons but negotiations on it are inactive at the Conference on Disarmament. Conference on Disarmament, while not a UN body, is linked with it in various ways and formed to negotiate arms control and disarmament agreements The resolution on “Reducing Nuclear Danger” which was tabled since 1998 puts focus on "unintentional or accidental use" of nuclear weapons and underscore the need for a review of nuclear doctrines. The resolution asks for "concrete steps" to reduce such risks, including through "de-alerting and de-targeting of nuclear weapons."

UN adopts India sponsored resolutions on nuclear disarmament

India at the United Nations Security Council has warned that artificial intelligence-enabled "deep learning" to create "deepfakes" which can be used for misinformation across the World and terror groups are using the internet for many things from recruitment to purchase of weapons.

India's envoy to UN, T.S. Tirumurti, "Terrorist and radical extremist groups today have unprecedented access to the general public through the internet, which allows for more efficient and effective recruitment, incitement, and propaganda, as well as the purchase of weapons and illegal money transfers"

Explaining, "both state and non-state actors" can use "Artificial Intelligence-enabled deep learning to create ‘deepfakes,’ which have the potential to fuel misinformation, divisions, and political instability."

The envoy pointed out that "advances in AI and 3D printing" could facilitate attacks by "automating the development and deployment of weapons and weapon systems" thereby transferring "responsibility over life and death from human moral systems to complex data systems, devoid of an ethical compass."

India's statement was on the issue, "Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace Contemporary Drivers of Conflict and Insecurity" on which it highlighted its role in countries like Afghanistan, Gambia and more.

Envoy Tirumurti highlighted that in Afghanistan, "even in the face of repeated terrorist attacks, India has persisted and invested in grass-root and impactful development partnership projects worth over US$ 3 billion" covering all provinces of the country. Other than major infrastructure projects like Afghan Parliament building, India-Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat, India has assisted the Government of Afghanistan in setting up first of its kind Afghanistan National Agricultural Sciences and Technology University in Kandahar.

In the Gambia just last year, India had trained 25 senior civil servants which Solicitor General and Legal Secretary, Permanent Secretaries and Deputy Permanent Secretaries from key governmental ministries.

Indian envoy giving an overarching view of New Delhi's outreach, said, "Going forward, India will continue to be a force multiplier for peacebuilding with an emphasis on the “people-centric” approach not just in our neighbourhood but also in Africa, the Pacific and Caribbean Islands and beyond."

India at the United Nations Security Council has warned that artificial intelligence-enabled "deep learning" to create "deepfakes" which can be used for misinformation across the World and terror groups are using the internet for many things from recruitment to purchase of weapons.

India at the United Nations Security Council has warned that artificial intelligence-enabled "deep learning" to create "deepfakes" which can be used for misinformation across the World and terror groups are using the internet for many things from recruitment to purchase of weapons. India's envoy to UN, T.S. Tirumurti, "Terrorist and radical extremist groups today have unprecedented access to the general public through the internet, which allows for more efficient and effective recruitment, incitement, and propaganda, as well as the purchase of weapons and illegal money transfers" Explaining, "both state and non-state actors" can use "Artificial Intelligence-enabled deep learning to create ‘deepfakes,’ which have the potential to fuel misinformation, divisions, and political instability." The envoy pointed out that "advances in AI and 3D printing" could facilitate attacks by "automating the development and deployment of weapons and weapon systems" thereby transferring "responsibility over life and death from human moral systems to complex data systems, devoid of an ethical compass." India's statement was on the issue, "Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace Contemporary Drivers of Conflict and Insecurity" on which it highlighted its role in countries like Afghanistan, Gambia and more. Envoy Tirumurti highlighted that in Afghanistan, "even in the face of repeated terrorist attacks, India has persisted and invested in grass-root and impactful development partnership projects worth over US$ 3 billion" covering all provinces of the country. Other than major infrastructure projects like Afghan Parliament building, India-Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat, India has assisted the Government of Afghanistan in setting up first of its kind Afghanistan National Agricultural Sciences and Technology University in Kandahar. In the Gambia just last year, India had trained 25 senior civil servants which Solicitor General and Legal Secretary, Permanent Secretaries and Deputy Permanent Secretaries from key governmental ministries. Indian envoy giving an overarching view of New Delhi's outreach, said, "Going forward, India will continue to be a force multiplier for peacebuilding with an emphasis on the “people-centric” approach not just in our neighbourhood but also in Africa, the Pacific and Caribbean Islands and beyond."

At UNSC, India warns of artificial intelligence created 'deepfakes' being used to create misinformation

India's prestigious National Defense College has opened its door for 5 news countries--Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Philippines, Indonesia and Maldives and will be giving addition seats to 3 countries in the neighbourhood--Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh. The famed institute, from which India's Crème de la crème has passed has only 100 seats currently--75 for Indian nationals, 25 to foreign nationals.

India's Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar announcing the development said, "We will be able to offer more seats to friendly foreign countries from where demand is huge. &nbsp;Necessary infrastructure in this regard is being created. "

From 2021 onwards, 10 more seats will be added, followed by 10 more in 2022 taking the number of seats at NDC to 120 by that year. The first NDC course was held in 1960 with 21 participants and this year marks the diamond jubilee of the institute.

The prominent alumni of NDC were Present King of Bhutan His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, former President of Bangladesh Lt Gen Hussain Muhammad Ershad, former head of state Lt Gen Frederick William Kwasi Akuffo and even one Governor-General of Australia. Other than this, 74 service chiefs of foreign defence forces have been pass out of the institute.

When it comes to domestically--2 governors of the country, 2 election commissioners, &nbsp;30 chiefs of Indian armed forces, 20 Indian envoys, 5 foreign secretaries, 4 defence secretaries and the present CDS Bipin Rawat and National Security Advisor have been alumni of NDC.

India's prestigious National Defense College has opened its door for 5 news countries--Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Philippines, Indonesia and Maldives and will be giving addition seats to 3 countries in the neighbourhood--Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh.

India's prestigious National Defense College has opened its door for 5 news countries--Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Philippines, Indonesia and Maldives and will be giving addition seats to 3 countries in the neighbourhood--Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh. The famed institute, from which India's Crème de la crème has passed has only 100 seats currently--75 for Indian nationals, 25 to foreign nationals. India's Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar announcing the development said, "We will be able to offer more seats to friendly foreign countries from where demand is huge. Necessary infrastructure in this regard is being created. " From 2021 onwards, 10 more seats will be added, followed by 10 more in 2022 taking the number of seats at NDC to 120 by that year. The first NDC course was held in 1960 with 21 participants and this year marks the diamond jubilee of the institute. The prominent alumni of NDC were Present King of Bhutan His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, former President of Bangladesh Lt Gen Hussain Muhammad Ershad, former head of state Lt Gen Frederick William Kwasi Akuffo and even one Governor-General of Australia. Other than this, 74 service chiefs of foreign defence forces have been pass out of the institute. When it comes to domestically--2 governors of the country, 2 election commissioners, 30 chiefs of Indian armed forces, 20 Indian envoys, 5 foreign secretaries, 4 defence secretaries and the present CDS Bipin Rawat and National Security Advisor have been alumni of NDC.

National Defence College opens doors for 5 countries; Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh get more seats

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has received the second batch of three Rafale combat aircraft at Jamnagar airbase in Gujarat all the way from France on Wednesday.

Jets arrived in India at 8:14 PM on Wednesday after flying non-stop from France.

The IAF will now have eight Rafale jets in service. India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 of these aircraft at a cost of Rs 59,000 crore.

The Rafale is a 4.5 generation aircraft and has the latest weapons, superior sensors and fully integrated architecture.

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Second batch of IAF <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> aircraft arrived in India at 8:14 pm on 04 Nov 20 after flying non-stop from France.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1324010303844048899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A team of experts led by Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Projects) coordinated the logistical issues for receiving the three combat jets. The air force pilots were trained in batches in France at Saint-Dizier airbase.

India has received the first batch of five Rafale aircraft on July 29 which were inducted on September 10 at Ambala Air Base in the 17 ‘Golden Arrows’ Squadron.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has received the second batch of three Rafale combat aircraft at Jamnagar airbase in Gujarat all the way from France on Wednesday. Jets arrived in India at 8:14 PM on Wednesday after flying non-stop from France.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has received the second batch of three Rafale combat aircraft at Jamnagar airbase in Gujarat all the way from France on Wednesday. Jets arrived in India at 8:14 PM on Wednesday after flying non-stop from France. The IAF will now have eight Rafale jets in service. India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 of these aircraft at a cost of Rs 59,000 crore. The Rafale is a 4.5 generation aircraft and has the latest weapons, superior sensors and fully integrated architecture. Second batch of IAF #Rafale aircraft arrived in India at 8:14 pm on 04 Nov 20 after flying non-stop from France. — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 4, 2020 × A team of experts led by Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Projects) coordinated the logistical issues for receiving the three combat jets. The air force pilots were trained in batches in France at Saint-Dizier airbase. India has received the first batch of five Rafale aircraft on July 29 which were inducted on September 10 at Ambala Air Base in the 17 ‘Golden Arrows’ Squadron. (With inputs from agencies)

Boost to India's Airpower: IAF received the second batch of Rafale jets

Indian and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will hold virtual summit on Friday even as India increases its engagement with Europe. While this is the 5th virtual summit India is holding amid the COVID pandemic, this is the 3rd one with European leadership.

In the month of July, the 15th India EU summit took place virtually with the participation by President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.&nbsp; 
 
Later India held a virtual summit with Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen.

A Ministry of External Affairs release said the virtual summit, "will give an opportunity to the two leaders to comprehensively review the broad framework of the bilateral relationship and exchange views on major regional and global issues of mutual concern."

The development comes even as India is increasing its engagement with European countries. Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla was in Paris, Berlin and London. During his interlocutors in all 3 European capitals, he discussed many issues, like Indo Pacific, terrorism, radicalization and COVID crisis.

The virtual summit or what is being termed as diplomacy in the age of pandemic took place with Australian PM Scott Morrison and later with Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

On the ties, the release said, "India and Italy share a warm and multifaceted relationship based on strong historical ties, common democratic traditions, rule of law and a shared goal of international peace and stability."

Explaining, "India views Italy as an important member of the EU and values its positive contribution in furthering India-EU ties."

Italy is India’s 5th largest trading partner in the EU, after Germany, Belgium, UK and France. Around 600 large Italian companies are active in India with bilateral trade standing at Euros 9.52 billion in 2019.

Indian and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will hold virtual summit on Friday even as India increases its engagement with Europe. While this is the 5th virtual summit India is holding amid the COVID pandemic, this is the 3rd one with European leadership.

Indian and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will hold virtual summit on Friday even as India increases its engagement with Europe. While this is the 5th virtual summit India is holding amid the COVID pandemic, this is the 3rd one with European leadership. In the month of July, the 15th India EU summit took place virtually with the participation by President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Later India held a virtual summit with Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen. A Ministry of External Affairs release said the virtual summit, "will give an opportunity to the two leaders to comprehensively review the broad framework of the bilateral relationship and exchange views on major regional and global issues of mutual concern." The development comes even as India is increasing its engagement with European countries. Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla was in Paris, Berlin and London. During his interlocutors in all 3 European capitals, he discussed many issues, like Indo Pacific, terrorism, radicalization and COVID crisis. The virtual summit or what is being termed as diplomacy in the age of pandemic took place with Australian PM Scott Morrison and later with Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. On the ties, the release said, "India and Italy share a warm and multifaceted relationship based on strong historical ties, common democratic traditions, rule of law and a shared goal of international peace and stability." Explaining, "India views Italy as an important member of the EU and values its positive contribution in furthering India-EU ties." Italy is India’s 5th largest trading partner in the EU, after Germany, Belgium, UK and France. Around 600 large Italian companies are active in India with bilateral trade standing at Euros 9.52 billion in 2019.

With Europe in focus, India-Italy virtual summit on Friday

Army chief Gen MM Naravane on Wednesday reached Nepal for a three-day visit that is majorly aimed at improving New Delhi-Kathmandu ties that have hit a low in recent months over a number of issues.&nbsp;

Naravane was accompanied by his wife Veena Naravane, who heads the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) of the Indian Army.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-chief-naravane-to-be-conferred-honorary-rank-of-general-of-the-nepal-army-335398">Indian army chief Naravane to be conferred honorary rank of 'General of the Nepal Army'</a>

His visit is taking place at the invitation of Nepal Army chief Gen Purna Chandra Thapa.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-foils-pak-backed-terrorists-bid-to-smuggle-weapons-into-jammu-and-kashmir-334913#:~:text=According%20to%20Army%20sources%2C%20Indian,Kashmir%20Police%2C%20Army%20sources%20said.">Indian Army foils Pak-backed terrorists' bid to smuggle weapons into Jammu and Kashmir</a>

During the visit, Naravane will be conferred with the honorary rank of General of Nepal Army by President Bidya Devi Bhandari in a special ceremony organised at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The army chief will also visit the headquarters of the Nepalese Army and address the young military officers at Nepali Army's Staff College.&nbsp;

He will also attend a banquet organised in his honour by Nepalese Army chief and meet President Bhandari on Thursday.

Naravane will also meet PM KP Sharma Oli on Friday.&nbsp;

Ahead of the visit, the Indian army chief said he was eagerly looking forward to the trip and added that it will go a long way in boosting the "bonds of friendship" between the armies of the two nations.

The relations between the two countries severed after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated an 80-km-long strategically crucial road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in the Indian state of Uttarakhand on May 8.

Nepal opposed the inauguration of the road arguing that it passed through its territory.&nbsp;

A few days later, Nepal made changes in its constitution to update its new map showing Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as its own.&nbsp;

Army chief Gen MM Naravane on Wednesday reached Nepal for a three-day visit that is majorly aimed at improving New Delhi-Kathmandu ties that have hit a low in recent months over a number of issues.

Army chief Gen MM Naravane on Wednesday reached Nepal for a three-day visit that is majorly aimed at improving New Delhi-Kathmandu ties that have hit a low in recent months over a number of issues. Naravane was accompanied by his wife Veena Naravane, who heads the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) of the Indian Army. Also read | Indian army chief Naravane to be conferred honorary rank of 'General of the Nepal Army' His visit is taking place at the invitation of Nepal Army chief Gen Purna Chandra Thapa. Also read | Indian Army foils Pak-backed terrorists' bid to smuggle weapons into Jammu and Kashmir During the visit, Naravane will be conferred with the honorary rank of General of Nepal Army by President Bidya Devi Bhandari in a special ceremony organised at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The army chief will also visit the headquarters of the Nepalese Army and address the young military officers at Nepali Army's Staff College. He will also attend a banquet organised in his honour by Nepalese Army chief and meet President Bhandari on Thursday. Naravane will also meet PM KP Sharma Oli on Friday. Ahead of the visit, the Indian army chief said he was eagerly looking forward to the trip and added that it will go a long way in boosting the "bonds of friendship" between the armies of the two nations. The relations between the two countries severed after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated an 80-km-long strategically crucial road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in the Indian state of Uttarakhand on May 8. Nepal opposed the inauguration of the road arguing that it passed through its territory. A few days later, Nepal made changes in its constitution to update its new map showing Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as its own.

Indian Army Chief MM Naravane arrives in Nepal

32 years ago, this week, India launched an Operation Cactus to help the Maldives as the country faced its biggest challenge - a coup launched by mercenaries. The operation forever etched in the India Maldives history of close cooperation shows how Indian Navy played a significant role, especially when it comes to security and stability of the Indian Ocean region.&nbsp;

On the intervening night of 2nd and 3rd November 1988 around 200 to 300 armed mercenaries landed in the country's capital capturing key installations. The then President of Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom had requested for help from New Delhi and the then Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.&nbsp;

Indian Army's para brigade brought on IL 76 immediately brought things under control in the Indian ocean Island but it was the mid-ocean chase and rescue that was the most challenging part of the operation. The mercenaries, led by the leader&nbsp;Abdulla Luthufee&nbsp;fled on vessel MV Progress light along with hostages including a Maldivian govt minister.&nbsp; Indian navy ship--training ship Tir and Frigate Godavari were diverted to the country.The commanding officer of Godavari was the CTF-- Commander Task Force.&nbsp;

Other than them,&nbsp;Indian Navy ships Betwa, Rajput, Ranjit, Gomati, Trishul, Nilgiri, Kumbhir, Cheetah and fleet tanker Deepak were also sailed towards the Maldives. 24x7 maritime reconnaissance aircraft (MR) air-patrols commenced.

Soon after midnight of 5/6th November, MV Progress light was given a final warning but no heed was paid by the fleeing mercenaries. The 4 inch, 57 mm and 30 mm guns of Godavari and Betwa then raked the vessel, causing a massive fire. A Naval boarding party brought the hostages to INS Godavari and apprehended the mercenaries. MV Progress light sank on 7th November, 56 miles south west of Colombo.

New Delhi was closely monitoring the situation and at the war room at a message reached the Prime Minister that read: "ALL HOSTAGES RESCUED. MERCENARIES CAPTURED" bringing a sigh of relief to many in both the countries. On 8th November, recused hostages were handed over to President Gayoom in a formal ceremony.&nbsp;

The developments had a global impact, with TIME magazine cover of 3rd April 1989 featuring INS Godavari with a caption "Super India--The Next Military power". Leaders of the US and UK had also lauded New Delhi's role.

One of the impact of the development was close alignment on the security understanding between Indian and Maldives. India has been helping in capacity and capability development of the Maldivian armed forces and since then thousands of Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) personnel have been trained in India.&nbsp;

It will be interesting to know, the present Chief of Defence Force of MNDF, Major General Abdulla Shamaal, is a graduate of DSSC, Wellington (Tamil Nadu), while his predecessors were graduates of NDC, New Delhi.&nbsp;

The invasion by mercenaries on 3 November 1988 also prompted the Maldives to enhance their maritime surveillance capabilities. For this Indian Government provided MNDF with ships, vehicles, helicopters, coastal radars, arms, ammunition and earlier this year, a Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft.

To remember the event in the country's history, every 3 November MNDF personnel mark Nasruge Dhuvas or ‘Victory Day’ and remember their fallen comrades at a special memorial where an RPG--rocket-propelled grenade was fired by the mercenaries breaching the MNDF HQ in Bandaara Koshi, Male in 1988.

32 years ago, this week, India launched an Operation Cactus to help the Maldives as the country faced its biggest challenge - a coup launched by mercenaries. The operation forever etched in the India Maldives history of close cooperation shows how Indian Navy played a significant role, especially when it comes to security and stability of the Indian Ocean region.

32 years ago, this week, India launched an Operation Cactus to help the Maldives as the country faced its biggest challenge - a coup launched by mercenaries. The operation forever etched in the India Maldives history of close cooperation shows how Indian Navy played a significant role, especially when it comes to security and stability of the Indian Ocean region. On the intervening night of 2nd and 3rd November 1988 around 200 to 300 armed mercenaries landed in the country's capital capturing key installations. The then President of Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom had requested for help from New Delhi and the then Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Indian Army's para brigade brought on IL 76 immediately brought things under control in the Indian ocean Island but it was the mid-ocean chase and rescue that was the most challenging part of the operation. The mercenaries, led by the leader Abdulla Luthufee fled on vessel MV Progress light along with hostages including a Maldivian govt minister. Indian navy ship--training ship Tir and Frigate Godavari were diverted to the country.The commanding officer of Godavari was the CTF-- Commander Task Force. Other than them, Indian Navy ships Betwa, Rajput, Ranjit, Gomati, Trishul, Nilgiri, Kumbhir, Cheetah and fleet tanker Deepak were also sailed towards the Maldives. 24x7 maritime reconnaissance aircraft (MR) air-patrols commenced. Soon after midnight of 5/6th November, MV Progress light was given a final warning but no heed was paid by the fleeing mercenaries. The 4 inch, 57 mm and 30 mm guns of Godavari and Betwa then raked the vessel, causing a massive fire. A Naval boarding party brought the hostages to INS Godavari and apprehended the mercenaries. MV Progress light sank on 7th November, 56 miles south west of Colombo. New Delhi was closely monitoring the situation and at the war room at a message reached the Prime Minister that read: "ALL HOSTAGES RESCUED. MERCENARIES CAPTURED" bringing a sigh of relief to many in both the countries. On 8th November, recused hostages were handed over to President Gayoom in a formal ceremony. The developments had a global impact, with TIME magazine cover of 3rd April 1989 featuring INS Godavari with a caption "Super India--The Next Military power". Leaders of the US and UK had also lauded New Delhi's role. One of the impact of the development was close alignment on the security understanding between Indian and Maldives. India has been helping in capacity and capability development of the Maldivian armed forces and since then thousands of Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) personnel have been trained in India. It will be interesting to know, the present Chief of Defence Force of MNDF, Major General Abdulla Shamaal, is a graduate of DSSC, Wellington (Tamil Nadu), while his predecessors were graduates of NDC, New Delhi. The invasion by mercenaries on 3 November 1988 also prompted the Maldives to enhance their maritime surveillance capabilities. For this Indian Government provided MNDF with ships, vehicles, helicopters, coastal radars, arms, ammunition and earlier this year, a Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft. To remember the event in the country's history, every 3 November MNDF personnel mark Nasruge Dhuvas or ‘Victory Day’ and remember their fallen comrades at a special memorial where an RPG--rocket-propelled grenade was fired by the mercenaries breaching the MNDF HQ in Bandaara Koshi, Male in 1988.

Operation Cactus: How India helped the Maldives in November, 1988

Even as Pakistan plans to file a case against India for applying for GI or Geographical Indications Tag for Basmati Rice at European Commission Regulation, New Delhi has said it never claimed that the rice is "exclusively of Indian origin". India had applied for GI tag in July 2018 and it got published in the "official journal of the European Union" in September of this year.

Indian government sources told WION, "India’s unilateral application has neither breached any law nor has it staked any unjust claims of exclusivity to the rights in Basmati rice."

A geographical indication is a tag on products that they have a specific geographical origin and possess certain qualities due to that origin and is safeguarded by legalities such as by the World Intellectual property organisation or WIPO.

Sources in the Indian government pointed out, that the single Document published by EU on Basmati Rice stated, "‘Basmati is a special long grain aromatic rice grown and produced in a particular geographical region of the Indian sub-continent" and with the use of India subcontinent, shows its grown in the region, not one country.

The para in document explains, "In India, this region is a part of northern India, below the foothills of the Himalayas forming part of the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP)", &nbsp;

Pakistan fears losing the lucrative Basmati export market of the European Union with India getting the GI tag. Estimates suggest India has 65% of global Basmati rice trade, while Pakistan 35% and generates good revenue given that the aromatic rice is much sought after.

India's application is currently under opposition the period which will end on December 11. The burden to show why Basmati does not meet the criteria for registration will be on an opponent, which in this case is Pakistan.&nbsp;

While so far no opposition has been filed, the EU will give notice to India and once such notice is served, India has 2 months period to lodge a "Reasoned Statement.'

New Delhi is very "protective" when it comes to the issue of Basmati and its GI and in last many years taken international efforts to defend Basmati interests in foreign jurisdictions by way of oppositions, rectifications and court actions.

In the 1990s, a US-based company RiceTec had tried to patent Basmati angering New Delhi. Ricetec lost the claims to patent and the right to call its rice products as Basmati.

Interestingly, the single document at European Union mentions the first recorded reference to Basmati which it said can be "found in the epic Punjabi poem Heer Ranjha by the great Punjabi poet Varis Shah dated 1766".

Even as Pakistan plans to file a case against India for applying for GI or Geographical Indications Tag for Basmati Rice at European Commission Regulation, New Delhi has said it never claimed that the rice is "exclusively of Indian origin".

Even as Pakistan plans to file a case against India for applying for GI or Geographical Indications Tag for Basmati Rice at European Commission Regulation, New Delhi has said it never claimed that the rice is "exclusively of Indian origin". India had applied for GI tag in July 2018 and it got published in the "official journal of the European Union" in September of this year. Indian government sources told WION, "India’s unilateral application has neither breached any law nor has it staked any unjust claims of exclusivity to the rights in Basmati rice." A geographical indication is a tag on products that they have a specific geographical origin and possess certain qualities due to that origin and is safeguarded by legalities such as by the World Intellectual property organisation or WIPO. Sources in the Indian government pointed out, that the single Document published by EU on Basmati Rice stated, "‘Basmati is a special long grain aromatic rice grown and produced in a particular geographical region of the Indian sub-continent" and with the use of India subcontinent, shows its grown in the region, not one country. The para in document explains, "In India, this region is a part of northern India, below the foothills of the Himalayas forming part of the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP)", Pakistan fears losing the lucrative Basmati export market of the European Union with India getting the GI tag. Estimates suggest India has 65% of global Basmati rice trade, while Pakistan 35% and generates good revenue given that the aromatic rice is much sought after. India's application is currently under opposition the period which will end on December 11. The burden to show why Basmati does not meet the criteria for registration will be on an opponent, which in this case is Pakistan. While so far no opposition has been filed, the EU will give notice to India and once such notice is served, India has 2 months period to lodge a "Reasoned Statement.' New Delhi is very "protective" when it comes to the issue of Basmati and its GI and in last many years taken international efforts to defend Basmati interests in foreign jurisdictions by way of oppositions, rectifications and court actions. In the 1990s, a US-based company RiceTec had tried to patent Basmati angering New Delhi. Ricetec lost the claims to patent and the right to call its rice products as Basmati. Interestingly, the single document at European Union mentions the first recorded reference to Basmati which it said can be "found in the epic Punjabi poem Heer Ranjha by the great Punjabi poet Varis Shah dated 1766".

India vs Pakistan basmati battle: Never claimed exclusivity of basmati rice, says India

India has a sixth of the world's population and a sixth of the reported cases. However, it accounts for only 10% of the world's deaths from the virus, and its case fatality rate or CFR.

Coronavirus: India's fatality rate remains the lowest in the world

A recent democracy report by the Swedish V-Dem Institute -- which deplores and regrets the decline in democracy globally -- has primarily warned that India “is on the verge of losing its status as a democracy". One of the factors reponsible for this decline -- and not collapse, the report mentions, is severe shrinking of civil society."

Some intellectual trespassing between political philosophy and the social sciences have, to this end, helped entrepreneur and author Atul Khanna decipher the singlemost reason behind this -- the old form bureaucracy, which stands to break the backbone of Indian polity.

In an exclusive conversation with wionews.com, Atul Khanna spoke about how he fostered the idea of a new India in his book 'Between You and Me: Flight to Societal Moksha | 600 million bright and young; free and trapped', and his passion for rebuilding the country.

"We are being governed with unsharpened, old tools. The direction of change in the 21st century is uniquely programmed in a way that we should be champions, and not victims. These tools are making the 600 million odd people hungry, under-performing, and victims. We are giving premiums to 60-year-old people who are more interested in getting their pensions and playing safe. We have to get the rid of the 'ambassador car' (read: an old-fashioned model of car). India is a leadership-obsessed country, and we have to realise that we are just changing the driver of the car from time to time but the car will keep functioning the way it has always," Khanna told wionews.com.

The author of the book further said, "My book is about all this. It is about the governance of the country, and not about the political system. My book also has solutions in its later half. It gives structural solutions to India's problems.

"'Between Me and You' is in three parts -- 'what needs to change' makes the first part. The second is about assuming the change howsoever dramatic and revolutionary it may seem. 'What this changes would mean' makes for the third part."

The title 'Between Me and You' sounds somewhat a fictional account, but Khanna begs to differ.

He told wionews.com: "Rather than writing a boring civic lesson on how a system should function, I wanted to draw a larger audience. So the style of the book became its title."

So what are the tools that India needs to get rid of or adopt in order to pave its way back to development?

Khanna said, "First and foremost... We have to have a transferable vote. We also need a mixed model of voting where the elected leader comes via a transferable vote -- so that there are no political cartels. And the leader is elected by the people directly.

"In India, parties, unlike in other nations, are not governed by the Constitution. So nobody comes to know who get the ticket and why."

Notably, with the Single Transferable Vote, the strength of the parties matches the strength of their support in the country, and representatives have a strong local link.

Under the system, areas elect a small team of representatives, such as four or five. These representatives reflect the diversity of opinions in the area.

On election day, voters number a list of candidates. Their favourite as number one, their second favourite number two, and so on. Voters can put numbers next to as many or as few candidates as they like. Parties will often stand more than one candidate in each area.

The numbers tell the people counting to move your vote if your favourite candidate has enough votes already or stands no chance of winning.

To get elected, a candidate needs a set amount of votes, known as the quota. The people counting the votes work out the quota based on the number of vacancies and the number of votes cast.

Each voter has one vote. Once the counting has finished, any candidate who has more number ones than the quota is elected. But, rather than ignore extra votes a candidate received after the amount they need to win, these votes move to each voter’s second favourite candidate.

If no one reaches the quota, then the people counting the vote remove the least popular candidate. People who voted for them have their votes moved to their second favourite candidate. This process continues until every vacancy is filled.

With the implementation of such system in India, the cartelisation of district votes, Khanna said, would go away. This would also kill dynasty politics, he added.

Khanna, however, said he is not against the son or the daughter succeeding the parent in politics. But, he said, "it should not happen in a system which is loaded in their favour."

In his book, Atul Khanna has also mentioned about the vice of rote learning. He told wionews.com: "You cannot decide if or not a person is eligible for a profession based on a two-hour long exam. Their should be an aptitude test as well. These exams thrive on scarcity -- of skills and talent.

"People often say to me I am a dreamer. Because these things sound so dreamy and far-fetched. But these ought to be done anyway."

They do. In all honesty. But the author has an interesting take on this.

Khanna said, "Would you rather have seed that take a long time to grow into a tree? Or a soil without any seeds?

"There is a complete lack of societal ideas in the society, particularly in India. And I am striving to bring them on through my book. I don't know if I'll be able to see it in my lifetime. But I'll strive so that somebody sees in their lifetime."

BUREAUCRACY -- THE BIGGEST HURDLE

Khanna further summarised his entire book in one simple sentence -- "it's the bureaucracy that is standing in the way of people getting jobs, not any government."

"Look at the larger picture, the government has to fight elections every five years. What do these bureaucrats do? Bureaucracy is blocking the growth of the nation," he added.

The author then went ahead to explain in detail the 'better' half of the title of his book 'Flight to Societal Moksha'. He said, "Personal 'moksha' (read: salvation) has made people too selfish. The point I have stressed in my book is what we need to do to achieve 'societal moksha'; what we need to do to make the society better.

"Mediocrity finishes you. The larger vision of the society has changed to security. People want life-long incomes, life-long security. But nobody thinks about entrepreneurship. Social equity and rewards for entrepreneurship are totally missing from India."

"We have to work doubly, triply hard now so that we survive as a democracy. Being called a developing nation is a self-certificate. We have to save ourselves from being the laughing stock. We have to work, and entrepreneurship, and better opportunities to create it, is the only way," Atul Khanna added.

So what is so different about his book 'Between You and Me: Flight to Societal Moksha'?

"In my book, not only have I written about the problems, but also solutions. I have clearly said that the politicians are not bad; it's the political system that makes them that is the culprit. I have also written about the structural changes that need to be made for the 'societal moksha'. My books mentions what needs to be done; why and how. And also, who needs to do it," the author said.

Printed in black and white pages, the 300-page 'Between You and Me: Flight to Societal Moksha' was published in 2018 by Bloomsbury Publishing. It serves as a detailed analytical account of the Constitution. Author Atul Khanna also provides a set of suggestions to improve and upgrade the Constitution.

'Between You and Me: Flight to Societal Moksha | 600 million bright and young; free and trapped' is available on amazon.in.

A recent democracy report by the Swedish V-Dem Institute -- which deplores and regrets the decline in democracy globally -- has primarily warned that India “is on the verge of losing its status as a democracy".

A recent democracy report by the Swedish V-Dem Institute -- which deplores and regrets the decline in democracy globally -- has primarily warned that India “is on the verge of losing its status as a democracy". One of the factors reponsible for this decline -- and not collapse, the report mentions, is severe shrinking of civil society." Some intellectual trespassing between political philosophy and the social sciences have, to this end, helped entrepreneur and author Atul Khanna decipher the singlemost reason behind this -- the old form bureaucracy, which stands to break the backbone of Indian polity. In an exclusive conversation with wionews.com, Atul Khanna spoke about how he fostered the idea of a new India in his book 'Between You and Me: Flight to Societal Moksha | 600 million bright and young; free and trapped', and his passion for rebuilding the country. "We are being governed with unsharpened, old tools. The direction of change in the 21st century is uniquely programmed in a way that we should be champions, and not victims. These tools are making the 600 million odd people hungry, under-performing, and victims. We are giving premiums to 60-year-old people who are more interested in getting their pensions and playing safe. We have to get the rid of the 'ambassador car' (read: an old-fashioned model of car). India is a leadership-obsessed country, and we have to realise that we are just changing the driver of the car from time to time but the car will keep functioning the way it has always," Khanna told wionews.com. The author of the book further said, "My book is about all this. It is about the governance of the country, and not about the political system. My book also has solutions in its later half. It gives structural solutions to India's problems. "'Between Me and You' is in three parts -- 'what needs to change' makes the first part. The second is about assuming the change howsoever dramatic and revolutionary it may seem. 'What this changes would mean' makes for the third part." The title 'Between Me and You' sounds somewhat a fictional account, but Khanna begs to differ. He told wionews.com: "Rather than writing a boring civic lesson on how a system should function, I wanted to draw a larger audience. So the style of the book became its title." So what are the tools that India needs to get rid of or adopt in order to pave its way back to development? Khanna said, "First and foremost... We have to have a transferable vote. We also need a mixed model of voting where the elected leader comes via a transferable vote -- so that there are no political cartels. And the leader is elected by the people directly. "In India, parties, unlike in other nations, are not governed by the Constitution. So nobody comes to know who get the ticket and why." Notably, with the Single Transferable Vote, the strength of the parties matches the strength of their support in the country, and representatives have a strong local link. Under the system, areas elect a small team of representatives, such as four or five. These representatives reflect the diversity of opinions in the area. On election day, voters number a list of candidates. Their favourite as number one, their second favourite number two, and so on. Voters can put numbers next to as many or as few candidates as they like. Parties will often stand more than one candidate in each area. The numbers tell the people counting to move your vote if your favourite candidate has enough votes already or stands no chance of winning. To get elected, a candidate needs a set amount of votes, known as the quota. The people counting the votes work out the quota based on the number of vacancies and the number of votes cast. Each voter has one vote. Once the counting has finished, any candidate who has more number ones than the quota is elected. But, rather than ignore extra votes a candidate received after the amount they need to win, these votes move to each voter’s second favourite candidate. If no one reaches the quota, then the people counting the vote remove the least popular candidate. People who voted for them have their votes moved to their second favourite candidate. This process continues until every vacancy is filled. With the implementation of such system in India, the cartelisation of district votes, Khanna said, would go away. This would also kill dynasty politics, he added. Khanna, however, said he is not against the son or the daughter succeeding the parent in politics. But, he said, "it should not happen in a system which is loaded in their favour." In his book, Atul Khanna has also mentioned about the vice of rote learning. He told wionews.com: "You cannot decide if or not a person is eligible for a profession based on a two-hour long exam. Their should be an aptitude test as well. These exams thrive on scarcity -- of skills and talent. "People often say to me I am a dreamer. Because these things sound so dreamy and far-fetched. But these ought to be done anyway." They do. In all honesty. But the author has an interesting take on this. Khanna said, "Would you rather have seed that take a long time to grow into a tree? Or a soil without any seeds? "There is a complete lack of societal ideas in the society, particularly in India. And I am striving to bring them on through my book. I don't know if I'll be able to see it in my lifetime. But I'll strive so that somebody sees in their lifetime." BUREAUCRACY -- THE BIGGEST HURDLE Khanna further summarised his entire book in one simple sentence -- "it's the bureaucracy that is standing in the way of people getting jobs, not any government." "Look at the larger picture, the government has to fight elections every five years. What do these bureaucrats do? Bureaucracy is blocking the growth of the nation," he added. The author then went ahead to explain in detail the 'better' half of the title of his book 'Flight to Societal Moksha'. He said, "Personal 'moksha' (read: salvation) has made people too selfish. The point I have stressed in my book is what we need to do to achieve 'societal moksha'; what we need to do to make the society better. "Mediocrity finishes you. The larger vision of the society has changed to security. People want life-long incomes, life-long security. But nobody thinks about entrepreneurship. Social equity and rewards for entrepreneurship are totally missing from India." "We have to work doubly, triply hard now so that we survive as a democracy. Being called a developing nation is a self-certificate. We have to save ourselves from being the laughing stock. We have to work, and entrepreneurship, and better opportunities to create it, is the only way," Atul Khanna added. So what is so different about his book 'Between You and Me: Flight to Societal Moksha'? "In my book, not only have I written about the problems, but also solutions. I have clearly said that the politicians are not bad; it's the political system that makes them that is the culprit. I have also written about the structural changes that need to be made for the 'societal moksha'. My books mentions what needs to be done; why and how. And also, who needs to do it," the author said. Printed in black and white pages, the 300-page 'Between You and Me: Flight to Societal Moksha' was published in 2018 by Bloomsbury Publishing. It serves as a detailed analytical account of the Constitution. Author Atul Khanna also provides a set of suggestions to improve and upgrade the Constitution. 'Between You and Me: Flight to Societal Moksha | 600 million bright and young; free and trapped' is available on amazon.in.

'Between You and Me' author Atul Khanna speaks about bureaucracy in India, 'societal moksha'

Polling began of the second phase of assembly election in the eastern Indian state of Bihar on Tuesday where the fate of 94 seats will be decided.&nbsp;

The voting started at 7 am IST and the timings have been extended for an hour to conclude at 6 pm, giving the last 60 minutes to coronavirus patients and people who were not allowed to vote earlier due to Covid-19 symptoms.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-elections-2020-first-phase-voter-turnout-over-54-amid-peaceful-polling-338643">Bihar elections 2020: First phase voter turnout over 54% amid peaceful polling</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The tightly-contested election is India's first amid the pandemic and held in three phases with the first phase summed up on October 27 the final phase scheduled to vote on November 7.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-election-2020-technical-snag-glitches-in-75-evms-hassle-voters-in-phase-1-polling-338531">Bihar Election 2020: Technical snag, glitches in 75 EVMs hassle voters in phase 1 polling</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters on Tuesday to vote in large numbers and follow safety measures while voting to avoid contracting the deadly virus.&nbsp;

"Make this festival of democracy successful by voting in large numbers. During the exercise, apart from maintaining social distancing, also wear a mask," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Grand alliance's (Mahagathbandhan) chief ministerial face and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav asked voters to vote for a developed Bihar

"A change is necessary for building a new Bihar in a new era," the RJD leader tweeted.&nbsp;

Several key players will be participating in this phase, which includes Tejashwi himself, his brother Tej Pratap Yadav, four other state ministers and Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha's son Luv Sinha, among others.&nbsp;

The voter turnout was more than 55 per cent in the first phase, which is marginally better than the figures in 2015 despite the pandemic.&nbsp;

The results of the election will be announced on November 10.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Polling began of the second phase of assembly election in the eastern Indian state of Bihar on Tuesday where the fate of 94 seats will be decided. The voting started at 7 am IST and the timings have been extended for an hour to conclude at 6 pm, giving the last 60 minutes to coronavirus patients and people who were not allowed to vote earlier due to Covid-19 symptoms.

Polling began of the second phase of assembly election in the eastern Indian state of Bihar on Tuesday where the fate of 94 seats will be decided. The voting started at 7 am IST and the timings have been extended for an hour to conclude at 6 pm, giving the last 60 minutes to coronavirus patients and people who were not allowed to vote earlier due to Covid-19 symptoms. Also read | Bihar elections 2020: First phase voter turnout over 54% amid peaceful polling The tightly-contested election is India's first amid the pandemic and held in three phases with the first phase summed up on October 27 the final phase scheduled to vote on November 7. Also read | Bihar Election 2020: Technical snag, glitches in 75 EVMs hassle voters in phase 1 polling Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters on Tuesday to vote in large numbers and follow safety measures while voting to avoid contracting the deadly virus. "Make this festival of democracy successful by voting in large numbers. During the exercise, apart from maintaining social distancing, also wear a mask," he tweeted. Grand alliance's (Mahagathbandhan) chief ministerial face and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav asked voters to vote for a developed Bihar "A change is necessary for building a new Bihar in a new era," the RJD leader tweeted. Several key players will be participating in this phase, which includes Tejashwi himself, his brother Tej Pratap Yadav, four other state ministers and Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha's son Luv Sinha, among others. The voter turnout was more than 55 per cent in the first phase, which is marginally better than the figures in 2015 despite the pandemic. The results of the election will be announced on November 10.

Bihar Assembly election 2020: Voting for second phase begins

The second phase of Bihar assembly polls ended with 53.51 per cent voting in 94 constituencies on Tuesday evening. &nbsp;

The figure was likely to go up as voting continued beyond schedule in several places, the Election Commission said.

The combined voter turnout in the two phases was recorded at 53.79 per cent till 5 PM, the Commission said.

In the corresponding constituencies which went to poll in the 2015 assembly polls, the turnout was 55.35 per cent, the EC said.

The 94 constituencies of Bihar assembly went to poll in the second phase of elections which will decide the electoral fate of RJD leader and Mahagathbandhan's chief ministerial face Tejashwi Yadav and more than 1,450 other candidates.

(With inputs from agencies)

The second phase of Bihar assembly polls ended with 53.51 per cent voting in 94 constituencies on Tuesday evening. The figure was likely to go up as voting continued beyond schedule in several places, the Election Commission said.

The second phase of Bihar assembly polls ended with 53.51 per cent voting in 94 constituencies on Tuesday evening. The figure was likely to go up as voting continued beyond schedule in several places, the Election Commission said. The combined voter turnout in the two phases was recorded at 53.79 per cent till 5 PM, the Commission said. In the corresponding constituencies which went to poll in the 2015 assembly polls, the turnout was 55.35 per cent, the EC said. The 94 constituencies of Bihar assembly went to poll in the second phase of elections which will decide the electoral fate of RJD leader and Mahagathbandhan's chief ministerial face Tejashwi Yadav and more than 1,450 other candidates. (With inputs from agencies)

Bihar Elections 2020: 53.51% polling recorded in the second phase, says Election Commission

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