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Ananya Birla, daughter of Aditya Birla Group's billionaire chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, has slammed a US restaurant for being "racist". She, in a series of tweets on Monday, said the Italian-American dining place in California "literally threw" her and her family out of their premises.

The Scopa Italian Roots restaurant is an Italian-American dining place by chef Antonia Lofaso in California.

The singer and artist tweeted: "This restaurant @ScopaRestaurant literally threw my family and I, out of their premises. So racist. So sad. You really need to treat your customers right. Very racist. This is not okay."

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This restaurant <a href="https://twitter.com/ScopaRestaurant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScopaRestaurant</a> literally threw my family and I, out of their premises. So racist. So sad. You really need to treat your customers right. Very racist. This is not okay.
— Ananya Birla (@ananya_birla) <a href="https://twitter.com/ananya_birla/status/1319885474744332288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"We waited for 3 hours to eat at your restaurant. @chefantonia Your waiter Joshua Silverman was extremely rude to my mother, bordering racist. This isn''t okay," Ananya said in another tweet.

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We waited for 3 hours to eat at your restaurant. <a href="https://twitter.com/chefantonia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chefantonia</a> Your waiter Joshua Silverman was extremely rude to my mother, bordering racist. This isn’t okay.
— Ananya Birla (@ananya_birla) <a href="https://twitter.com/ananya_birla/status/1319890820950970368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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She is also the daughter of educationist and mental health activist Neerja Birla.

In a tweet, Neerja Birla slammed the restaurant for ill-treating them.

"Very shocking... absolutely ridiculous behaviour by @ScopaRestaurant. &nbsp;You have no right to treat any of your customers like this," she said.

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Very shocking ..absolutely ridiculous behaviour by <a href="https://twitter.com/ScopaRestaurant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScopaRestaurant</a> . You have no right to treat any of your customers like this. <a href="https://t.co/szUkdxAgNh">https://t.co/szUkdxAgNh</a>
— Neerja Birla (@NeerjaBirla) <a href="https://twitter.com/NeerjaBirla/status/1319887579236454400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"I have never experienced anything of this sort. Racism exists and is real. Unbelievable. @ScopaRestaurant," their son Aryaman Birla also tweeted.

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I have never experienced anything of this sort. Racism exists and is real. Unbelievable. <a href="https://twitter.com/ScopaRestaurant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScopaRestaurant</a> <a href="https://t.co/FU0NE8e7Qu">https://t.co/FU0NE8e7Qu</a>
— Aryaman Birla (@AryamanBirla) <a href="https://twitter.com/AryamanBirla/status/1319889254831607809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Ananya Birla, daughter of Aditya Birla Group's billionaire chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, has slammed a US restaurant for being "racist". She, in a series of tweets on Monday, said the Italian-American dining place in California "literally threw" her and her family out of their premises.

Ananya Birla, daughter of Aditya Birla Group's billionaire chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, has slammed a US restaurant for being "racist". She, in a series of tweets on Monday, said the Italian-American dining place in California "literally threw" her and her family out of their premises. The Scopa Italian Roots restaurant is an Italian-American dining place by chef Antonia Lofaso in California. The singer and artist tweeted: "This restaurant @ScopaRestaurant literally threw my family and I, out of their premises. So racist. So sad. You really need to treat your customers right. Very racist. This is not okay." This restaurant @ScopaRestaurant literally threw my family and I, out of their premises. So racist. So sad. You really need to treat your customers right. Very racist. This is not okay. — Ananya Birla (@ananya_birla) October 24, 2020 × "We waited for 3 hours to eat at your restaurant. @chefantonia Your waiter Joshua Silverman was extremely rude to my mother, bordering racist. This isn''t okay," Ananya said in another tweet. We waited for 3 hours to eat at your restaurant. @chefantonia Your waiter Joshua Silverman was extremely rude to my mother, bordering racist. This isn’t okay. — Ananya Birla (@ananya_birla) October 24, 2020 × She is also the daughter of educationist and mental health activist Neerja Birla. In a tweet, Neerja Birla slammed the restaurant for ill-treating them. "Very shocking... absolutely ridiculous behaviour by @ScopaRestaurant. You have no right to treat any of your customers like this," she said. Very shocking ..absolutely ridiculous behaviour by @ScopaRestaurant . You have no right to treat any of your customers like this. https://t.co/szUkdxAgNh — Neerja Birla (@NeerjaBirla) October 24, 2020 × "I have never experienced anything of this sort. Racism exists and is real. Unbelievable. @ScopaRestaurant," their son Aryaman Birla also tweeted. I have never experienced anything of this sort. Racism exists and is real. Unbelievable. @ScopaRestaurant https://t.co/FU0NE8e7Qu — Aryaman Birla (@AryamanBirla) October 24, 2020 ×

Ananya Birla, daughter of Aditya Birla Group chairman, slams US restaurant for being racist

Union Minister Pratap Sarangi on Sunday said that all people of the country will be given free COVID vaccine, amidst the demand by opposition parties in the country for it and not only in poll-bound Bihar as announced by the BJP.

The BJP announcement of free COVID vaccine for Bihar, where assembly polls begin this week, had kicked up a controversy with the opposition parties tearing into the NDA government alleging that the ruling party was using the pandemic for political reasons.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said the announcement was in order as it was an election manifesto announcement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that all people will be provided free of cost vaccines.

An estimated Rs 500 odd will be spent on vaccination of each person, Sarangi told reporters after addressing a campaign meeting for the November 3 assembly by-poll in Balasore.

Modi had in a televised adddress to the nation on October 20 said that Indian scientists are in the process of developing several vaccines that are at different stages of clinical trials and the results seem encouraging.

Sarangi, the union minister of state for animal husbandry, dairy, fisheries and micro, small and medium enterprises spoke in reply to question raised by Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister, R P Swain.

Swain had earlier in the day sought clarification from Dharmendra Pradhan and Sarangi, the two union ministers from Odisha questioning them for their silence on their party BJP's stand on free COVID-19 vaccination for the people of the state along the lines of the one being promised in Bihar.

The governments of Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Puduchchery have already announced free of cost COVID vaccines for the people of their states, while Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has demanded free vaccine for all citizens across the country.

Swain had tweeted "I am asking questions to two Odisha union ministers from Balasore soil to clarify as to why the people of the state will not get free of cost COVID vaccine. The union ministers should clarify BJPs stand on the corona vaccination in Odisha."

On the state governments steps for vaccination, Swain said it has signed an agreement with a vaccine manufacturer and is committed to extending the facility to all people of the state.

He, however, did not say whether the state government will provide the vaccine to the people free of cost.

BJP deputy leader in Odisha Assembly Bishnu Charan Sethi said the Centre has been supporting Odisha fully during the pandemic and has granted Rs 22,000 crore for the purpose.

"But large scale lapses have been detected in the utilisation of the fund," he alleged.

Union Minister Pratap Sarangi on Sunday said that all people of the country will be given free COVID vaccine, amidst the demand by opposition parties in the country for it and not only in poll-bound Bihar as announced by the BJP.

Union Minister Pratap Sarangi on Sunday said that all people of the country will be given free COVID vaccine, amidst the demand by opposition parties in the country for it and not only in poll-bound Bihar as announced by the BJP. The BJP announcement of free COVID vaccine for Bihar, where assembly polls begin this week, had kicked up a controversy with the opposition parties tearing into the NDA government alleging that the ruling party was using the pandemic for political reasons. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said the announcement was in order as it was an election manifesto announcement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that all people will be provided free of cost vaccines. An estimated Rs 500 odd will be spent on vaccination of each person, Sarangi told reporters after addressing a campaign meeting for the November 3 assembly by-poll in Balasore. Modi had in a televised adddress to the nation on October 20 said that Indian scientists are in the process of developing several vaccines that are at different stages of clinical trials and the results seem encouraging. Sarangi, the union minister of state for animal husbandry, dairy, fisheries and micro, small and medium enterprises spoke in reply to question raised by Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister, R P Swain. Swain had earlier in the day sought clarification from Dharmendra Pradhan and Sarangi, the two union ministers from Odisha questioning them for their silence on their party BJP's stand on free COVID-19 vaccination for the people of the state along the lines of the one being promised in Bihar. The governments of Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Puduchchery have already announced free of cost COVID vaccines for the people of their states, while Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has demanded free vaccine for all citizens across the country. Swain had tweeted "I am asking questions to two Odisha union ministers from Balasore soil to clarify as to why the people of the state will not get free of cost COVID vaccine. The union ministers should clarify BJPs stand on the corona vaccination in Odisha." On the state governments steps for vaccination, Swain said it has signed an agreement with a vaccine manufacturer and is committed to extending the facility to all people of the state. He, however, did not say whether the state government will provide the vaccine to the people free of cost. BJP deputy leader in Odisha Assembly Bishnu Charan Sethi said the Centre has been supporting Odisha fully during the pandemic and has granted Rs 22,000 crore for the purpose. "But large scale lapses have been detected in the utilisation of the fund," he alleged.

All citizens in India to get free COVID-19 vaccine: Union Minister Pratap Sarangi

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Mark Esper on Monday held a one-hour long bilateral meeting in New Delhi -- during which they discussed a number of issues, including expanding joint service cooperation.

Special focus was laid on logistical support and maritime cooperation, which includes majorly naval cooperation between the two countries.

Indian Navy and US Navy's Nimitiz supercarrier, earlier this year, undertook passing exercises in the Indian Ocean. Also in 2019, US and India held their first-ever tri-service exercise, Tiger Triumph, in which the US Navy and Marines, Air Force, and Army participated.

The Indo Pacific concept, which is backed by both US and India, was also discussed.

The United States welcomed Australia's inclusion in the Malabar naval exercise alongside India and Japan -- that will take place in November.

Also, India invited US companies for Make in India defence programme. Through the US - India Defence Technology and Trade Initiative, the United States and India are working together on co-production and co-development of defense equipment.

Esper and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are in New Delhi for the India-US 2+2 meet that will happen on Tuesday. The meeting will begin at 10 am and will be followed by a joint call by Indian and American foreign and defence with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Mark Esper on Monday held a one-hour long bilateral meeting in New Delhi -- during which they discussed a number of issues, including expanding joint service cooperation.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Mark Esper on Monday held a one-hour long bilateral meeting in New Delhi -- during which they discussed a number of issues, including expanding joint service cooperation. Special focus was laid on logistical support and maritime cooperation, which includes majorly naval cooperation between the two countries. Indian Navy and US Navy's Nimitiz supercarrier, earlier this year, undertook passing exercises in the Indian Ocean. Also in 2019, US and India held their first-ever tri-service exercise, Tiger Triumph, in which the US Navy and Marines, Air Force, and Army participated. The Indo Pacific concept, which is backed by both US and India, was also discussed. The United States welcomed Australia's inclusion in the Malabar naval exercise alongside India and Japan -- that will take place in November. Also, India invited US companies for Make in India defence programme. Through the US - India Defence Technology and Trade Initiative, the United States and India are working together on co-production and co-development of defense equipment. Esper and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are in New Delhi for the India-US 2+2 meet that will happen on Tuesday. The meeting will begin at 10 am and will be followed by a joint call by Indian and American foreign and defence with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rajnath Singh, Mark Esper discuss joint service cooperation in bilateral meet

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo reached New Delhi on Monday ahead of the 2+2 ministerial level meet with Indian ministers.

India-US strategic dialogue: Pompeo, Esper will meet Rajnath Singh and S. Jaishankar

A day after hundreds of effigies of demon king Ravana were burnt in the national capital on the occasion of Dussehra, the air quality of the region has worsened.

Air Quality in New Delhi Worsens After Dussehra celebrations

Top two officials of Trump administration -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper have reached New Delhi for the 2+2 India-US meet. It will be the most significant diplomatic engagement in New Delhi amid the Chinese aggression -- not only with India but also with other countries in the region.

Both -- Pompeo and Esper -- will have bilateral meeting with their Indian counterparts on Monday. A dinner has also been organised in their honour.&nbsp;

The formal 2+2 happens on Tuesday and will be followed by a joint meet called by Indian and US foreign and defence leaders with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will be for the second time that the Indian prime minister will meet foreign dignitaries amidst the COVID pandemic -- the first being Dr Abdullah Abdullah, the chief negotiator for Afghan government at the Intra Afghan talks in Doha.

Apart from Chinese aggression, Indo Pacific concept, COVID pandemic and other issues like increasing people to people engagement will be discussed.

A US administration official told WION, "Given China’s increasingly aggressive behaviour across the Indo-Pacific from the Himalayas to the South China Sea, it’s more important than ever that we work with like-minded partners such as India."

A military pact, BECA or Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement, is also expected to be signed. It is the last of the four foundational agreements and will allow for expanded geospatial information sharing between American and Indian armed forces.

In terms of defence and security, both countries have expanded cooperation. Earlier this year in July, Indian Navy and UN Navy's Nimitz undertook passing exercises in the Bay of Bengal.&nbsp;

Defence trade has increased in a major away in the last two decades. India has the largest fleet of C17 and P8 outside of the US and in 2020, US authorised defence sales worth $20 billion were carried out to India.

The focus is also expected to be on the quad grouping of India, US, Japan and Australia. Earlier this month, Pompeo met with EAM Jaishankar in Tokyo. 
&nbsp; 
Pompeo's visit comes just a week before the US goes to election on November 3.&nbsp;

Top two officials of Trump administration -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper have reached New Delhi for the 2+2 India-US meet.

Top two officials of Trump administration -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper have reached New Delhi for the 2+2 India-US meet. It will be the most significant diplomatic engagement in New Delhi amid the Chinese aggression -- not only with India but also with other countries in the region. Both -- Pompeo and Esper -- will have bilateral meeting with their Indian counterparts on Monday. A dinner has also been organised in their honour. The formal 2+2 happens on Tuesday and will be followed by a joint meet called by Indian and US foreign and defence leaders with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will be for the second time that the Indian prime minister will meet foreign dignitaries amidst the COVID pandemic -- the first being Dr Abdullah Abdullah, the chief negotiator for Afghan government at the Intra Afghan talks in Doha. Apart from Chinese aggression, Indo Pacific concept, COVID pandemic and other issues like increasing people to people engagement will be discussed. A US administration official told WION, "Given China’s increasingly aggressive behaviour across the Indo-Pacific from the Himalayas to the South China Sea, it’s more important than ever that we work with like-minded partners such as India." A military pact, BECA or Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement, is also expected to be signed. It is the last of the four foundational agreements and will allow for expanded geospatial information sharing between American and Indian armed forces. In terms of defence and security, both countries have expanded cooperation. Earlier this year in July, Indian Navy and UN Navy's Nimitz undertook passing exercises in the Bay of Bengal. Defence trade has increased in a major away in the last two decades. India has the largest fleet of C17 and P8 outside of the US and in 2020, US authorised defence sales worth $20 billion were carried out to India. The focus is also expected to be on the quad grouping of India, US, Japan and Australia. Earlier this month, Pompeo met with EAM Jaishankar in Tokyo. Pompeo's visit comes just a week before the US goes to election on November 3.

US secretary of state, defence secy reach India for 2+2 meet

Delhi residents did not get any respite from air quality even on Monday as the air quality of the national capital in the early hours was again in the "very poor" category.&nbsp;

People of Delhi complained of difficulty in breathing as they went out for exercising on Monday amid the haze. &nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-coronavirus-infections-near-80-million-daily-death-toll-lowest-in-three-months-337941">India: Coronavirus infections near 80 million; daily death toll lowest in three months</a>

"The pollution is becoming hazardous," said Mukul Diwan, a local, as quoted by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-arrives-in-new-delhi-338002">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives in New Delhi</a>

Delhi's air quality index (AQI) was 343 at 10 am on Monday, which comes under the category of "very poor".&nbsp;

SAFAR, the Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality monitor, said the direction and speed of the wind are favourable for the transport of the pollutants from farm fires in Haryana, Punjab, and other regions adjacent to Delhi.

For the last few years with the arrival of winter, Delhi and other northern Indian regions witness a sharp drop in air quality majorly due to stubble burning, which is done to do away farm residues.&nbsp;

Also, the cold weather let the pollutants hang in the air due to which air pollution rises.&nbsp;

Delhi is already battling a coronavirus crisis and the pollution can worsen the situation as the deadly virus confronts the respiratory system.&nbsp;

A few weeks ago, a report by a central government institute said that Delhi could see 15,000 Covid-19 cases per day in the upcoming winter season.&nbsp;

Delhi residents did not get any respite from air quality even on Monday as the air quality of the national capital in the early hours was again in the "very poor" category.

Delhi residents did not get any respite from air quality even on Monday as the air quality of the national capital in the early hours was again in the "very poor" category. People of Delhi complained of difficulty in breathing as they went out for exercising on Monday amid the haze. Also read | India: Coronavirus infections near 80 million; daily death toll lowest in three months "The pollution is becoming hazardous," said Mukul Diwan, a local, as quoted by news agency Reuters. Also read | US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives in New Delhi Delhi's air quality index (AQI) was 343 at 10 am on Monday, which comes under the category of "very poor". SAFAR, the Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality monitor, said the direction and speed of the wind are favourable for the transport of the pollutants from farm fires in Haryana, Punjab, and other regions adjacent to Delhi. For the last few years with the arrival of winter, Delhi and other northern Indian regions witness a sharp drop in air quality majorly due to stubble burning, which is done to do away farm residues. Also, the cold weather let the pollutants hang in the air due to which air pollution rises. Delhi is already battling a coronavirus crisis and the pollution can worsen the situation as the deadly virus confronts the respiratory system. A few weeks ago, a report by a central government institute said that Delhi could see 15,000 Covid-19 cases per day in the upcoming winter season.

'Very poor' air continues to trouble Delhi residents

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Sunday boarded the flight for the trip to India for the third edition of the two-plus-two ministerial dialogue, that begins in New Delhi. The visit comes a week before the American presidential election scheduled on November 3.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo & Defence Secretary Mark Esper to arrive in India today

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo reached New Delhi on Monday ahead of the 2+2 ministerial level meet with Indian ministers.&nbsp;Pompeo arrived with his wife Susan Pompeo in New Delhi for the meet which will also see US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. Both Esper and Pompeo will meet their Indian counterparts Minister of External Affairs (MEA) S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

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US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and his wife, Susan Pompeo, arrive in Delhi. 
 
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo is in India today to participate in the third India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/Fxzzr6TvXh">pic.twitter.com/Fxzzr6TvXh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1320642098480046080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Both Pompeo and Esper's two-day visit will see bilateral talks with Jaishankar and Singh and a meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NSA Ajit Doval.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/quad-is-an-alignment-of-democracies-senior-us-administration-official-to-wion-337615">Quad is an alignment of democracies: Senior US administration official to WION</a>

This will be the third edition of the 2+2 ministerial dialogue between the two nations and this time, officials have said, the focus would be regional security cooperation, defence information-sharing so that both New Delhi and Washington can tackle global challenges better.

Officials also said that there will be talks on public health cooperation to deal with coronavirus pandemic and cooperation on working together in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

As Pompeo was set to begin his trip to India and other Asian countries, he tweeted that he would "promote a shared vision for a free and open Indo Pacific".

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Wheels up for my trip to India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia. Grateful for the opportunity to connect with our partners to promote a shared vision for a free and open <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndoPacific?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndoPacific</a> composed of independent, strong, and prosperous nations. <a href="https://t.co/IoaJvtsHZC">pic.twitter.com/IoaJvtsHZC</a>
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1320400111059537920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Wheels up for my trip to India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia. Grateful for the opportunity to connect with our partners to promote a shared vision for a free and open #IndoPacific composed of independent, strong, and prosperous nations, the secretary of state tweeted.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo reached New Delhi on Monday ahead of the 2+2 ministerial level meet with Indian ministers. Pompeo arrived with his wife Susan Pompeo in New Delhi for the meet which will also see US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper.

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo reached New Delhi on Monday ahead of the 2+2 ministerial level meet with Indian ministers. Pompeo arrived with his wife Susan Pompeo in New Delhi for the meet which will also see US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. Both Esper and Pompeo will meet their Indian counterparts Minister of External Affairs (MEA) S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and his wife, Susan Pompeo, arrive in Delhi. US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo is in India today to participate in the third India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Fxzzr6TvXh — ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2020 × Both Pompeo and Esper's two-day visit will see bilateral talks with Jaishankar and Singh and a meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NSA Ajit Doval. Also read | Quad is an alignment of democracies: Senior US administration official to WION This will be the third edition of the 2+2 ministerial dialogue between the two nations and this time, officials have said, the focus would be regional security cooperation, defence information-sharing so that both New Delhi and Washington can tackle global challenges better. Officials also said that there will be talks on public health cooperation to deal with coronavirus pandemic and cooperation on working together in the Indo-Pacific. As Pompeo was set to begin his trip to India and other Asian countries, he tweeted that he would "promote a shared vision for a free and open Indo Pacific". Wheels up for my trip to India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia. Grateful for the opportunity to connect with our partners to promote a shared vision for a free and open #IndoPacific composed of independent, strong, and prosperous nations. pic.twitter.com/IoaJvtsHZC — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) October 25, 2020 × "Wheels up for my trip to India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia. Grateful for the opportunity to connect with our partners to promote a shared vision for a free and open #IndoPacific composed of independent, strong, and prosperous nations, the secretary of state tweeted.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives in New Delhi

While the effigies of Ravan are burnt on the occasion of Dussehra across the country, a small village in Maharashtra's Akola district worships the demon king.

The tradition of worshipping Ravan for his "intelligence and ascetic qualities" has been going on in Sangola village here for the last 200 years, claim locals.

A tall black stone statue of the demon king, with 10 heads and 20 arms, stands at the centre of the village where locals revere him.

Talking to PTI on Sunday, local temple priest Haribhau Lakhade said while the rest of the country burns effigies of Ravana on Dussehra, symbolising the victory of good over evil, residents of Sangola worship the demon king for his "intelligence and ascetic qualities".

Lakhade said his family has since long been worshipping Ravan and claimed the happiness, peace and contentment in the village is because of the Lanka king.

Some elderly residents of the village hail Ravan as a "scholar" and believe he abducted Sita for "political reasons and preserved her sanctity", local resident Mukund Pohre said.

While the villages believe in Lord Ram, they also have faith in Ravan and don't burn his effigies, he said.

Visitors from across the country come to this tiny village on Dussehra every year to catch a glimpse of Ravan's statue and some even offer prayers, he added.

This year, the festivities in the village are low-key in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lakhade said.

While the effigies of Ravan are burnt on the occasion of Dussehra across the country, a small village in Maharashtra's Akola district worships the demon king. The tradition of worshipping Ravan for his "intelligence and ascetic qualities" has been going on in Sangola village here for the last 200 years, claim locals.

While the effigies of Ravan are burnt on the occasion of Dussehra across the country, a small village in Maharashtra's Akola district worships the demon king. The tradition of worshipping Ravan for his "intelligence and ascetic qualities" has been going on in Sangola village here for the last 200 years, claim locals. A tall black stone statue of the demon king, with 10 heads and 20 arms, stands at the centre of the village where locals revere him. Talking to PTI on Sunday, local temple priest Haribhau Lakhade said while the rest of the country burns effigies of Ravana on Dussehra, symbolising the victory of good over evil, residents of Sangola worship the demon king for his "intelligence and ascetic qualities". Lakhade said his family has since long been worshipping Ravan and claimed the happiness, peace and contentment in the village is because of the Lanka king. Some elderly residents of the village hail Ravan as a "scholar" and believe he abducted Sita for "political reasons and preserved her sanctity", local resident Mukund Pohre said. While the villages believe in Lord Ram, they also have faith in Ravan and don't burn his effigies, he said. Visitors from across the country come to this tiny village on Dussehra every year to catch a glimpse of Ravan's statue and some even offer prayers, he added. This year, the festivities in the village are low-key in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lakhade said.

Sangola-a Maha village where Ravan is honoured, not condemned

Bullish on India's power to shape the global agenda, the WEF's Founder and Chairman Klaus Schwab has said the country's early policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic was strong and now its biggest opportunity lies in leapfrogging to a more digital and sustainable economy. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-in-india-50129-new-cases-in-24-hours-tally-crosses-over-7864-lakh-337752">Also read | Coronavirus in India: 50,129 new cases in 24 hours, tally crosses over 78.64 lakh</a> 
 
He further said he remains optimistic about India and as the country continues its quest to build "a stronger and more equal nation, the world will watch it for inspiration". "With its demographic advantage and extensive diversity, India has the power to shape the global agenda and define our collective future," Schwab told PTI in an interview from Geneva where the World Economic Forum (WEF) is based.

Schwab, who founded WEF over 50 years ago, said, "The early policy response in India to mitigate the impact of the pandemic was strong; from an early lockdown to large-scale food rations to over 800 million people risking starvation, to collateral-free credit for small businesses."

"But what it couldn't prevent is that this pandemic has put millions of informal workers, low-income migrant workers and daily-wage earners in a state of extreme insecurity. Protecting their lives and livelihoods is the prime concern today, as it could lead to an even deeper, humanitarian crisis on the back of the ongoing public health crisis," he said.

Schwab said that as India focuses on building a better future after the pandemic, "its greatest opportunity probably lies in its efforts to leapfrog to a more digital and sustainable economy". He further said that sadly there was clearly a lack of epidemic preparedness in many countries.

"The notion that a pandemic is a once-in-a-hundred-year event, made many governments and business leaders conclude it was not an immediate threat. In the spring and summer, we paid the price for that," he added.

"But what matters now, is what we do to put an end to the pandemic as soon as possible, and how we deal with the ongoing threat of a severe second wave. It is important we all come together and support those in charge of providing healthcare, whether in the public or the private sector," Schwab noted.

He observed the responsibility of epidemic preparedness lies primarily with the government and public health authorities, and less with the private healthcare or pharmaceutical sector in many countries.

"Governments, notably, are responsible for providing a strategic stock of healthcare supplies. In the countries with a public healthcare system, it is also the responsibility of those who manage these systems, to ensure there is enough capacity in hospitals, and enough supply of crucial equipment like respirators," he noted.

The WEF describes itself as an international organisation for public-private partnership and has been known for various studies and global events hosted by it, including the high-profile Davos Annual Meeting every year on the Swiss Alps that is attended by thousands of world leaders.

The 50th annual meeting, held in January 2020, was the last major global event before almost the entire world got locked down due to the coronavirus pandemic. The next annual meeting has now been postponed to May 2021 and will be held in Lucerne-Burgenstock in Switzerland, instead of Davos.

Schwab has co-authored a book, titled 'The Great Reset', which deals with top priorities before business leaders and policymakers around the world in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The book also talks about whether the world should get back to where it was before, or should it take the opportunity to make society fairer, smarter and greener, and get humanity off the road to climate catastrophe.

In the interview, Schwab said the world is at a turning point for humanity today. "COVID-19 is the most devastating and immediate crisis we are facing, but we are equally going through the worst environmental crisis in human history as well. And socio-economically, the division and inequalities we are facing are the worst in a generation," he said.

The WEF founder said this scenario cannot be dealt with incrementally and what is needed is 'A Great Reset' - a fundamental rethinking of our economies and of our societies. "We must not only repair the damage but address major deficiencies in our economic and social systems which were apparent before the pandemic broke out. One of the priorities for the Great Reset is to re-define our social contract," he said.

"That is particularly relevant for emerging economies like India, who have not yet built up social welfare systems to the same degree as some countries in Europe, such as the Scandinavian countries," he added.

Bullish on India's power to shape the global agenda, the WEF's Founder and Chairman Klaus Schwab has said the country's early policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic was strong and now its biggest opportunity lies in leapfrogging to a more digital and sustainable economy.

Bullish on India's power to shape the global agenda, the WEF's Founder and Chairman Klaus Schwab has said the country's early policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic was strong and now its biggest opportunity lies in leapfrogging to a more digital and sustainable economy. Also read | Coronavirus in India: 50,129 new cases in 24 hours, tally crosses over 78.64 lakh He further said he remains optimistic about India and as the country continues its quest to build "a stronger and more equal nation, the world will watch it for inspiration". "With its demographic advantage and extensive diversity, India has the power to shape the global agenda and define our collective future," Schwab told PTI in an interview from Geneva where the World Economic Forum (WEF) is based. Schwab, who founded WEF over 50 years ago, said, "The early policy response in India to mitigate the impact of the pandemic was strong; from an early lockdown to large-scale food rations to over 800 million people risking starvation, to collateral-free credit for small businesses." "But what it couldn't prevent is that this pandemic has put millions of informal workers, low-income migrant workers and daily-wage earners in a state of extreme insecurity. Protecting their lives and livelihoods is the prime concern today, as it could lead to an even deeper, humanitarian crisis on the back of the ongoing public health crisis," he said. Schwab said that as India focuses on building a better future after the pandemic, "its greatest opportunity probably lies in its efforts to leapfrog to a more digital and sustainable economy". He further said that sadly there was clearly a lack of epidemic preparedness in many countries. "The notion that a pandemic is a once-in-a-hundred-year event, made many governments and business leaders conclude it was not an immediate threat. In the spring and summer, we paid the price for that," he added. "But what matters now, is what we do to put an end to the pandemic as soon as possible, and how we deal with the ongoing threat of a severe second wave. It is important we all come together and support those in charge of providing healthcare, whether in the public or the private sector," Schwab noted. He observed the responsibility of epidemic preparedness lies primarily with the government and public health authorities, and less with the private healthcare or pharmaceutical sector in many countries. "Governments, notably, are responsible for providing a strategic stock of healthcare supplies. In the countries with a public healthcare system, it is also the responsibility of those who manage these systems, to ensure there is enough capacity in hospitals, and enough supply of crucial equipment like respirators," he noted. The WEF describes itself as an international organisation for public-private partnership and has been known for various studies and global events hosted by it, including the high-profile Davos Annual Meeting every year on the Swiss Alps that is attended by thousands of world leaders. The 50th annual meeting, held in January 2020, was the last major global event before almost the entire world got locked down due to the coronavirus pandemic. The next annual meeting has now been postponed to May 2021 and will be held in Lucerne-Burgenstock in Switzerland, instead of Davos. Schwab has co-authored a book, titled 'The Great Reset', which deals with top priorities before business leaders and policymakers around the world in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The book also talks about whether the world should get back to where it was before, or should it take the opportunity to make society fairer, smarter and greener, and get humanity off the road to climate catastrophe. In the interview, Schwab said the world is at a turning point for humanity today. "COVID-19 is the most devastating and immediate crisis we are facing, but we are equally going through the worst environmental crisis in human history as well. And socio-economically, the division and inequalities we are facing are the worst in a generation," he said. The WEF founder said this scenario cannot be dealt with incrementally and what is needed is 'A Great Reset' - a fundamental rethinking of our economies and of our societies. "We must not only repair the damage but address major deficiencies in our economic and social systems which were apparent before the pandemic broke out. One of the priorities for the Great Reset is to re-define our social contract," he said. "That is particularly relevant for emerging economies like India, who have not yet built up social welfare systems to the same degree as some countries in Europe, such as the Scandinavian countries," he added.

India reacted early and well on COVID-19: World Economic Forum chief Klaus Schwab

As the much-awaited Durga Puja festivities begin from Thursday, a picture of Chinese President Xi Jinping replacing the demon has gone viral on social media.

Chinese President Xi Jinping Replaces ‘Asur’ in Bengal’s Durga Idol

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, urged people to show patience while celebrating festivals during COVID-19 pandemic and said in this battle victory is certain.

Addressing the nation through his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister urged for low key Dussehra celebrations. "Today, all of you are living with great restraint, celebrating festivals with modesty. Therefore, in the Covid-19 battle, we are fighting, victory is certain," he said.

He said that Dussehra is also a festival of victory of patience over crises. Today, all of you are living with great restraint, celebrating festivals with modesty. Therefore, in the COVID-19 battle, we are fighting, victory is certain.

"This time, amid the enthusiasm of festival, when you go shopping make sure to remember your resolve of 'vocal for local.' When purchasing goods from market give priority to local products," PM Modi said.

"Previously, a large number of people used to gather in Durga Pandal. It was a fair-like atmosphere during Durga Pooja and Dussehra, but this time it didn't happen. Many more festivals are to be observed, we've to work with restraint during this Corona crisis," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, urged people to show patience while celebrating festivals during COVID-19 pandemic and said in this battle victory is certain.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, urged people to show patience while celebrating festivals during COVID-19 pandemic and said in this battle victory is certain. Addressing the nation through his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister urged for low key Dussehra celebrations. "Today, all of you are living with great restraint, celebrating festivals with modesty. Therefore, in the Covid-19 battle, we are fighting, victory is certain," he said. He said that Dussehra is also a festival of victory of patience over crises. Today, all of you are living with great restraint, celebrating festivals with modesty. Therefore, in the COVID-19 battle, we are fighting, victory is certain. "This time, amid the enthusiasm of festival, when you go shopping make sure to remember your resolve of 'vocal for local.' When purchasing goods from market give priority to local products," PM Modi said. "Previously, a large number of people used to gather in Durga Pandal. It was a fair-like atmosphere during Durga Pooja and Dussehra, but this time it didn't happen. Many more festivals are to be observed, we've to work with restraint during this Corona crisis," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Show patience' while celebrating festivals during a pandemic: PM Modi

The total active cases are 6,68,154 in the country after a decrease of 12,526 in last 24 hours and total cured cases are 70,78,123 with 62,077 new discharges as on Sunday.

India on Sunday reported 50,129 new COVID-19 cases and 578 deaths taking total cases to 78,64,811 and toll to 1,18,534 as per data shared by the Union Health Ministry.

However, the total active cases are 6,68,154 in the country after a decrease of 12,526 in last 24 hours and total cured cases are 70,78,123 with 62,077 new discharges in the last 24 hours.

India is the second worst-hit country in the world by the pandemic after the United States.

Meanwhile, the worldwide number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has surpassed 42 million, Johns Hopkins University says.

The exact number of coronavirus cases stood at 42,554,787 on Sunday. More than 1.14 million people have died of the disease, the university added.

&nbsp;The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11. The biggest number of cases so far have been registered in the United States, India and Brazil.

(With inputs from agencies)

The total active cases are 6,68,154 in the country after a decrease of 12,526 in last 24 hours and total cured cases are 70,78,123 with 62,077 new discharges as on Sunday.

The total active cases are 6,68,154 in the country after a decrease of 12,526 in last 24 hours and total cured cases are 70,78,123 with 62,077 new discharges as on Sunday. India on Sunday reported 50,129 new COVID-19 cases and 578 deaths taking total cases to 78,64,811 and toll to 1,18,534 as per data shared by the Union Health Ministry. However, the total active cases are 6,68,154 in the country after a decrease of 12,526 in last 24 hours and total cured cases are 70,78,123 with 62,077 new discharges in the last 24 hours. India is the second worst-hit country in the world by the pandemic after the United States. Meanwhile, the worldwide number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has surpassed 42 million, Johns Hopkins University says. The exact number of coronavirus cases stood at 42,554,787 on Sunday. More than 1.14 million people have died of the disease, the university added. The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11. The biggest number of cases so far have been registered in the United States, India and Brazil. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus in India: 50,129 new cases in 24 hours, tally crosses over 78.64 lakh

India always tried to maintain good relations with its neighbours, but situations arose from time to time when its armed forces had to make supreme sacrifices to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday.

His comments during an address to a group of soldiers at the Indian Army's 33 Corps in Sukna in Darjeeling district came in the midst of a festering border row with China in eastern Ladakh.

Before the event, the defence minister reviewed the combat preparedness of the Indian Army during a high-level meeting at the key military base which is responsible for guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the Sikkim sector.

In his address to the soldiers, Singh also mentioned the death of 20 Indian soldiers during a clash with the Chinese military in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on June 15.

"India wants good relations its neighbours. India always tried for good ties with the neighbouring countries. But certain situations emerged from time to time when our soldiers had to make the supreme sacrifice to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country," he said.

"This time too 20 soldiers of Bihar regiment had to sacrifice their lives to protect the country. I do not want to reveal what happened to the other side," Singh said.

The defence minister arrived at the key military base, popularly known as 'Trishakti' Corps, late in the afternoon.

This is part of his two-day visit to West Bengal and Sikkim to review the military preparedness in view of the border row in eastern Ladakh as well as to celebrate Dussehra with soldiers.

Singh is accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane.

The Army has significantly bolstered deployment of troops and weaponry along the nearly 3,500 km-long LAC, including in the Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors.

The officials said top commanders of the 33 Corps gave detailed briefing to the defence minister and Gen Naravane on the situation along the LAC in Sikkim sector as well as about deployment of troops and weapons.

In his interaction with the troops, the defence minister conveyed his wishes to them on the occasion of Vijayadashami and hailed their dedication in securing the nation's borders.

"Due to brave soldiers like you, the borders of this country are protected. The whole country is proud of you," he said.

The defence minister also talked about the rich history of the Trishakti Corps.

"The Trishakti Corps has a great golden history. Especially in 1962, 1967, 1971 and 1975, this Corps demonstrated examples of valour. It has been excellent," he said.

"I extend my best wishes to all of you and your family for the festival of Vijayadashami," the defence minister's office tweeted quoting him.

Officials said Singh will perform 'Shastra puja'(worship of weapons) at Sherathang area in Sikkim on Sunday morning on the occasion of Dussehra.

The defence minister had performed 'Shastra Puja' in the French port city of Bordeaux during Dussehra last year as he was on a bilateral visit to the country then.

Singh has been performing 'Shastra Puja' during Dussehra for the last several years including during his tenure as the Union Home Minister in the previous NDA government.

Almost all formations of the Indian Army along the LAC are on a very high level of alert in view of the border row with China in eastern Ladakh.

India and China are locked in an over five-month-long bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh that has significantly strained their ties.

Both sides held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the row.

However, no breakthrough has been achieved to end the standoff.

India always tried to maintain good relations with its neighbours, but situations arose from time to time when its armed forces had to make supreme sacrifices to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday.

India always tried to maintain good relations with its neighbours, but situations arose from time to time when its armed forces had to make supreme sacrifices to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday. His comments during an address to a group of soldiers at the Indian Army's 33 Corps in Sukna in Darjeeling district came in the midst of a festering border row with China in eastern Ladakh. Before the event, the defence minister reviewed the combat preparedness of the Indian Army during a high-level meeting at the key military base which is responsible for guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the Sikkim sector. In his address to the soldiers, Singh also mentioned the death of 20 Indian soldiers during a clash with the Chinese military in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on June 15. "India wants good relations its neighbours. India always tried for good ties with the neighbouring countries. But certain situations emerged from time to time when our soldiers had to make the supreme sacrifice to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country," he said. "This time too 20 soldiers of Bihar regiment had to sacrifice their lives to protect the country. I do not want to reveal what happened to the other side," Singh said. The defence minister arrived at the key military base, popularly known as 'Trishakti' Corps, late in the afternoon. This is part of his two-day visit to West Bengal and Sikkim to review the military preparedness in view of the border row in eastern Ladakh as well as to celebrate Dussehra with soldiers. Singh is accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane. The Army has significantly bolstered deployment of troops and weaponry along the nearly 3,500 km-long LAC, including in the Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors. The officials said top commanders of the 33 Corps gave detailed briefing to the defence minister and Gen Naravane on the situation along the LAC in Sikkim sector as well as about deployment of troops and weapons. In his interaction with the troops, the defence minister conveyed his wishes to them on the occasion of Vijayadashami and hailed their dedication in securing the nation's borders. "Due to brave soldiers like you, the borders of this country are protected. The whole country is proud of you," he said. The defence minister also talked about the rich history of the Trishakti Corps. "The Trishakti Corps has a great golden history. Especially in 1962, 1967, 1971 and 1975, this Corps demonstrated examples of valour. It has been excellent," he said. "I extend my best wishes to all of you and your family for the festival of Vijayadashami," the defence minister's office tweeted quoting him. Officials said Singh will perform 'Shastra puja'(worship of weapons) at Sherathang area in Sikkim on Sunday morning on the occasion of Dussehra. The defence minister had performed 'Shastra Puja' in the French port city of Bordeaux during Dussehra last year as he was on a bilateral visit to the country then. Singh has been performing 'Shastra Puja' during Dussehra for the last several years including during his tenure as the Union Home Minister in the previous NDA government. Almost all formations of the Indian Army along the LAC are on a very high level of alert in view of the border row with China in eastern Ladakh. India and China are locked in an over five-month-long bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh that has significantly strained their ties. Both sides held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the row. However, no breakthrough has been achieved to end the standoff.

India wants good relations its neighbours: Rajnath's message to China amid LAC tensions

India's Bharat Biotech, which is developing a coronavirus vaccine has said that the indigenous candidate to counter the coronavirus pandemic may be ready by June 2021. There are plans to carry out testing of Covaxin with over 20,000 volunteers across 12-14 states.

The executive director of Bharat Biotech was quoted by Indian Express that the firm would have full efficacy results by June. Covaxin is being developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research's National Institute of Virology.

The vaccine may be available early if government decides to use it under emergency use but Bharat Biotech is not pressing for such a permission.

Bharat Biotech has got a go ahead from the government for phase-3 vaccine. Besides Bharat Biotech, Zydus Cadila is also indigenously developing coronavirus vaccine. The vaccine has got go ahead for phase 2 trial&nbsp;

Last month, Bharat Biotech had reported that animal trial of its vaccine led to a strong immune response.

India's Bharat Biotech, which is developing a coronavirus vaccine has said that the indigenous candidate to counter the coronavirus pandemic may be ready by June 2021.

India's Bharat Biotech, which is developing a coronavirus vaccine has said that the indigenous candidate to counter the coronavirus pandemic may be ready by June 2021. There are plans to carry out testing of Covaxin with over 20,000 volunteers across 12-14 states. The executive director of Bharat Biotech was quoted by Indian Express that the firm would have full efficacy results by June. Covaxin is being developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research's National Institute of Virology. The vaccine may be available early if government decides to use it under emergency use but Bharat Biotech is not pressing for such a permission. Bharat Biotech has got a go ahead from the government for phase-3 vaccine. Besides Bharat Biotech, Zydus Cadila is also indigenously developing coronavirus vaccine. The vaccine has got go ahead for phase 2 trial Last month, Bharat Biotech had reported that animal trial of its vaccine led to a strong immune response.

Coronavirus vaccine may be ready by June 2021: Bharat Biotech

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was working on Chandrayaan-2 (their second lunar exploration mission) around the year 2011 with the Russian space agency but had to shelve the then plan owing to Russia backing out.

Finally, it was this mission which was planned as Chandrayaan-2 that ended up being modified and launched as the Mars Orbiter Mission (MoM) or Mangalyaan in 2013. ISRO’s veteran satellite builder and the former Director of UR Rao Satellite Center Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai revealed this during a webinar.&nbsp;

Dr. Annadurai, who currently serves as Vice President, Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology elaborated on his journey at ISRO and the projects he has been undertaking, while virtually addressing school students during Shaastra Juniors, hosted by IIT Madras.&nbsp;

After the performance of Chandrayaan-1, which found evidence of water on the lunar surface, during its one year of operation, the Indian Space agency was working on Chandrayaan-2 along with the Russians, he said. “ISRO was to make a modified orbiter and Russia was to come up with a lander. But it so happened that the Russians backed out, stating that they had to modify their lander” he added.&nbsp;

While the Russians had stepped back with regards delivering the lander, India still had an orbiter ready, but also knew that making a lander in-house would take another seven-eight years. That was when the idea of using the existing orbiter to fulfil another mission struck the ISRO team.&nbsp;

“We cant make an attempt for Mars every year, the opportunity only arises once in 26 months. Russians backed out in late-2011 and we had a shot at Mars in 2013-end. So we decided to put our existing lander to use and change the destination - Mars instead of Moon. With the short time we had at hand, we modified the hardware and software of our lunar orbiter to perform as a Martian orbiter” Annadurai reminisced.&nbsp;

He added that the lessons from the short-lived Chandrayaan-1 and detailed analyses of what had gone wrong with other countries’ attempts to enter Martian orbit had proved invaluable for their team. “It is always a matter of pride that India succeeded in its maiden attempt at entering Martian orbit and this was accomplished at a shoestring budget,” he said enthusiastically.&nbsp;

Speaking of how ISRO’s launch calendar had evolved over the years, Annadurai said that the organization’s capacity-building efforts had come a long way - from one satellite launch in four years to 30 satellites in three years (during 2015-18).&nbsp;

Urging the school students to take up challenges and explore opportunities in various streams, the veteran space scientist shared anecdotes from his modest schooling in Tamil Nadu and also his engineering college years, when he hadn’t even heard of the IITs.&nbsp;

Making a mention of his career, he said that at every turning point he had chosen to avoid complacency and treaded the lesser travelled path. He elaborated on his decision to pursue Electronics and Communication Engineering, to join ISRO in 1982 (when Space science was barely known), having developed a satellite simulator, played a major role in the building of INSAT series of satellites and then leading deep-space exploration missions such as Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was working on Chandrayaan-2 (their second lunar exploration mission) around the year 2011 with the Russian space agency but had to shelve the then plan owing to Russia backing out.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was working on Chandrayaan-2 (their second lunar exploration mission) around the year 2011 with the Russian space agency but had to shelve the then plan owing to Russia backing out. Finally, it was this mission which was planned as Chandrayaan-2 that ended up being modified and launched as the Mars Orbiter Mission (MoM) or Mangalyaan in 2013. ISRO’s veteran satellite builder and the former Director of UR Rao Satellite Center Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai revealed this during a webinar. Dr. Annadurai, who currently serves as Vice President, Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology elaborated on his journey at ISRO and the projects he has been undertaking, while virtually addressing school students during Shaastra Juniors, hosted by IIT Madras. After the performance of Chandrayaan-1, which found evidence of water on the lunar surface, during its one year of operation, the Indian Space agency was working on Chandrayaan-2 along with the Russians, he said. “ISRO was to make a modified orbiter and Russia was to come up with a lander. But it so happened that the Russians backed out, stating that they had to modify their lander” he added. While the Russians had stepped back with regards delivering the lander, India still had an orbiter ready, but also knew that making a lander in-house would take another seven-eight years. That was when the idea of using the existing orbiter to fulfil another mission struck the ISRO team. “We cant make an attempt for Mars every year, the opportunity only arises once in 26 months. Russians backed out in late-2011 and we had a shot at Mars in 2013-end. So we decided to put our existing lander to use and change the destination - Mars instead of Moon. With the short time we had at hand, we modified the hardware and software of our lunar orbiter to perform as a Martian orbiter” Annadurai reminisced. He added that the lessons from the short-lived Chandrayaan-1 and detailed analyses of what had gone wrong with other countries’ attempts to enter Martian orbit had proved invaluable for their team. “It is always a matter of pride that India succeeded in its maiden attempt at entering Martian orbit and this was accomplished at a shoestring budget,” he said enthusiastically. Speaking of how ISRO’s launch calendar had evolved over the years, Annadurai said that the organization’s capacity-building efforts had come a long way - from one satellite launch in four years to 30 satellites in three years (during 2015-18). Urging the school students to take up challenges and explore opportunities in various streams, the veteran space scientist shared anecdotes from his modest schooling in Tamil Nadu and also his engineering college years, when he hadn’t even heard of the IITs. Making a mention of his career, he said that at every turning point he had chosen to avoid complacency and treaded the lesser travelled path. He elaborated on his decision to pursue Electronics and Communication Engineering, to join ISRO in 1982 (when Space science was barely known), having developed a satellite simulator, played a major role in the building of INSAT series of satellites and then leading deep-space exploration missions such as Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan.

How ISRO modified a lunar orbiter into Mars Orbiter Mangalyaan, India’s ‘Moon Man’ recalls

Indian-American Republican politician Nikki Haley on Saturday said that Indian-American community contributes a lot to the United States...we have to protect them. So we want the community to remember that President Trump has given us the lowest unemployment and has allowed businesses to thrive.

Former envoy to United Nations, Speaking during an event in Philadelphia said that in the aftermath of the coronavirus, there is more of a coalition that the United States is bringing in India along with Australia and Japan."

"India is the largest democracy that shares our values. And President Trump and Prime Minister Modi get along so well. But now we are actually partnering with them on defence and trade and other areas," she said at a fireside chat event organised by the Indian Voices for Trump in the battleground state of Philadelphia.&nbsp;

"And with COVID-19 coming from China. There's more of a coalition that the United States is bringing in India, along with Australia and Japan. And so, really, the foreign policy of President Trump has been gangbusters over any other president that we have had in decades, and that affects every one of us from national security," she added.&nbsp;

Haley, the two-term governor of South Carolina, was the first Cabinet-ranking Indian-American in any presidential administration. She is now campaigning for Trump ahead of the US election.&nbsp;

In a message for all Indian Americans, Haley told ANI: "The Indian American community contributes a lot to the United States, and it is the best country in the world but we have to protect them. So we need the American community to remember that President Trump was given us the lowest unemployment has allowed for businesses to thrive."

"It`s really allowed us the opportunity to excel in every field and every direction we need to go and continue to support him so that we can continue doing that for our children, our grandchildren right," she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian-American Republican politician Nikki Haley on Saturday said that Indian-American community contributes a lot to the United States...we have to protect them.

Indian-American Republican politician Nikki Haley on Saturday said that Indian-American community contributes a lot to the United States...we have to protect them. So we want the community to remember that President Trump has given us the lowest unemployment and has allowed businesses to thrive. Former envoy to United Nations, Speaking during an event in Philadelphia said that in the aftermath of the coronavirus, there is more of a coalition that the United States is bringing in India along with Australia and Japan." "India is the largest democracy that shares our values. And President Trump and Prime Minister Modi get along so well. But now we are actually partnering with them on defence and trade and other areas," she said at a fireside chat event organised by the Indian Voices for Trump in the battleground state of Philadelphia. "And with COVID-19 coming from China. There's more of a coalition that the United States is bringing in India, along with Australia and Japan. And so, really, the foreign policy of President Trump has been gangbusters over any other president that we have had in decades, and that affects every one of us from national security," she added. Haley, the two-term governor of South Carolina, was the first Cabinet-ranking Indian-American in any presidential administration. She is now campaigning for Trump ahead of the US election. In a message for all Indian Americans, Haley told ANI: "The Indian American community contributes a lot to the United States, and it is the best country in the world but we have to protect them. So we need the American community to remember that President Trump was given us the lowest unemployment has allowed for businesses to thrive." "It`s really allowed us the opportunity to excel in every field and every direction we need to go and continue to support him so that we can continue doing that for our children, our grandchildren right," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-American community contributes a lot to the United States: Nikki Haley

Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das said on Sunday he had tested positive for the coronavirus, the latest high profile name in the country to contract the virus.

"I have tested Covid-19 positive. Asymptomatic. Feeling very much alright," Das said in a tweet.

"Will continue to work from isolation. Work in the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) will go on normally," he said.

Over 7.8 million Indians have tested positive for COVID-19 so far. The pandemic has claimed 118,534 lives in the world's second most populous country.

Several Indian politicians including Home Minister Amit Shah and actors such as Amitabh Bachchan have tested positive for the virus, and since recovered.

&nbsp;

Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das said on Sunday he had tested positive for the coronavirus, the latest high profile name in the country to contract the virus.

Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das said on Sunday he had tested positive for the coronavirus, the latest high profile name in the country to contract the virus. "I have tested Covid-19 positive. Asymptomatic. Feeling very much alright," Das said in a tweet. "Will continue to work from isolation. Work in the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) will go on normally," he said. Over 7.8 million Indians have tested positive for COVID-19 so far. The pandemic has claimed 118,534 lives in the world's second most populous country. Several Indian politicians including Home Minister Amit Shah and actors such as Amitabh Bachchan have tested positive for the virus, and since recovered.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das tests positive for coronavirus

On the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami, Defence Minister&nbsp;Rajnath Singh who is on a two-day tour of Darjeeling and Sikkim performed the Shastra Puja at Sukna Military Camp on Sunday.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Singh performed the Shastra Puja on weapons along with Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Narvane at the headquarters of 33 Corps also popularly known as the Trishakti Corps in Sukna Military Camp, West Bengal.&nbsp;

“There is a great sense of happiness when I meet the jawans. I have no words to express as far as their motivation is concerned. The role that Trishakti Corps played in 1962, 1971 is commendable. Several brave jawans have laid down their lives in the line of duty,” said Singh.&nbsp;

He also emphasised on the border tensions between India and China and said, “India wants the tension to end and peace be established. I am confident that my jawans and the Indian Army will not allow even an inch of our land to be handed over to anyone else. As far as what happened in the Ladakh border, the role of our jawans played in that tension will be written in history.”

After performing the puja,&nbsp;Singh inspected a few weapons too.&nbsp;

Trishakti Corps is responsible for guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the Sikkim sector. Recently, the Indian Army has strengthened security arrangements, moved weapon systems and bolstered deployment of troops along the LAC in the Sikkim sector.

On the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who is on a two-day tour of Darjeeling and Sikkim performed the Shastra Puja at Sukna Military Camp on Sunday.

On the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who is on a two-day tour of Darjeeling and Sikkim performed the Shastra Puja at Sukna Military Camp on Sunday. Defence Minister Singh performed the Shastra Puja on weapons along with Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Narvane at the headquarters of 33 Corps also popularly known as the Trishakti Corps in Sukna Military Camp, West Bengal. “There is a great sense of happiness when I meet the jawans. I have no words to express as far as their motivation is concerned. The role that Trishakti Corps played in 1962, 1971 is commendable. Several brave jawans have laid down their lives in the line of duty,” said Singh. He also emphasised on the border tensions between India and China and said, “India wants the tension to end and peace be established. I am confident that my jawans and the Indian Army will not allow even an inch of our land to be handed over to anyone else. As far as what happened in the Ladakh border, the role of our jawans played in that tension will be written in history.” After performing the puja, Singh inspected a few weapons too. Trishakti Corps is responsible for guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the Sikkim sector. Recently, the Indian Army has strengthened security arrangements, moved weapon systems and bolstered deployment of troops along the LAC in the Sikkim sector.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh performs ‘shastra Puja’ at Sukna military camp

India's National Security Advisor has said that India is a "civilizational" state which has existed since times. Speaking at Parmarth Niketan in Uttarakhand, he highlighted how India as "Rastra" or civilisation existed, but as a "Rajya" or nation came to being in 1947.

NSA Doval said, "Our state, India is a civilizational state, its not based on religion, not based on language, nor ethnicity but on a civilization."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reacted-early-and-well-on-covid-19-world-economic-forum-chief-klaus-schwab-337764">Also read|&nbsp;India reacted early and well on COVID-19: World Economic Forum chief Klaus Schwab</a>

He lauded India's saints and the role the played in nation building and gave examples of how Jews as a civilisation existed for 2,000 years but got a state in 1947, while how civilisations like Egypt disappeared.

While not mentioning any regional tensions, he said, "To save the nation is important....we will fight only where we are getting threats". Adding," We will fight, on our soil and outside, but not for selfish motives or vested interest but for Parmarth or larger good"

He also called on to spread the message of India's spirituality.

India's National Security Advisor has said that India is a "civilizational" state which has existed since times. Speaking at Parmarth Niketan in Uttarakhand, he highlighted how India as "Rastra" or civilisation existed, but as a "Rajya" or nation came to being in 1947.

India's National Security Advisor has said that India is a "civilizational" state which has existed since times. Speaking at Parmarth Niketan in Uttarakhand, he highlighted how India as "Rastra" or civilisation existed, but as a "Rajya" or nation came to being in 1947. NSA Doval said, "Our state, India is a civilizational state, its not based on religion, not based on language, nor ethnicity but on a civilization." Also read| India reacted early and well on COVID-19: World Economic Forum chief Klaus Schwab He lauded India's saints and the role the played in nation building and gave examples of how Jews as a civilisation existed for 2,000 years but got a state in 1947, while how civilisations like Egypt disappeared. While not mentioning any regional tensions, he said, "To save the nation is important....we will fight only where we are getting threats". Adding," We will fight, on our soil and outside, but not for selfish motives or vested interest but for Parmarth or larger good" He also called on to spread the message of India's spirituality.

India is a civilisational state, not based on religion or language: NSA Doval

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that people need to show patience while celebrating festivals at a time when the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is raging across the country.

Remember soldiers guarding our borders, light a diya for them: PM Modi

'Mann ki Baat': 'People need to show patience while celebrating festivals' | PM Modi

The 2+2 India-US ministerial in New Delhi next week would review the accomplishments and lay down the next steps for the global cooperation between the two largest democracies in the world, a senior Trump administration official has said.

The last major diplomatic engagement of the Trump administration days before the November 3 presidential election, the two-day meeting, involving four top cabinet ministers from India and the US, is expected to lay the foundation for the next four years of this relationship irrespective of who comes to power.

Speaking on the conditions of anonymity, senior administration officials from the State Department and the Pentagon asserted that there was bipartisan support in the US on its relationship with India.

"The 2+2 ministerial will serve as a capstone to review our many accomplishments as well as lay down next steps for the US-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," a senior administration official told reporters during a conference call organised by the Foreign Press Center in Washington DC.

Broadly, they intend to focus on four major themes at this year's 2+2: global cooperation, which includes public health collaboration and works in the Indo-Pacific; economic cooperation, which includes partnership on energy and in space; people-to-people ties; and defence and security ties.

Noting that on the US-India economic cooperation, they are working together towards economic recovery and getting bilateral trade back on track, the official said the US International Development Finance Corporation has made commitments to support more than USD 500 million in investment projects in India and has recently assigned a managing director in Mumbai, who will help expand their investments in India and in the region.

The official said that joint efforts to develop and produce COVID-19 vaccines have taken off at a remarkable pace.

More than half a dozen American companies and institutions are working on vaccine research with Indian partners like the Serum Institute of India, the official said.

US Government's health and development agencies, including the CDC, the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and USAID, have provided technical assistance and training to Indian partners on a significant scale, including at the state and local levels.

Global cooperation also includes high-level engagements, the official said, adding that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, along with their Japanese and Australian counterparts, met in Tokyo on October 6 for the second Quad meeting of foreign ministers.

"Given China's increasingly aggressive behaviour across the Indo-Pacific from the Himalayas to the South China Sea, it's more important than ever that we work with like-minded partners such as India," said the official, adding that the US is also looking forward to working with India during its upcoming term on the UN Security Council to address these challenges and the other pressing issues before them.

Another senior administration official said that the defence relationship with India right now is currently at its best in recent memory.

"The progress we've made since India became a major defence partner in 2016 is remarkable. We held the inaugural 2+2 ministerial in 2018, Prime Minister Modi visited the United States in 2019, and President Trump visited India in February this year, just to name a few symbolic highlights," said the official.

During the 2+2, the two countries are working to enhance maritime security across the Indian Ocean region by coordinating security cooperation and building partner capacity with regional countries.

India announced just this week that it was inviting Australia, which along with the US and Japan, to the Malabar naval exercise in November. The last time Australia participated in Malabar was in 2007, more than a decade ago.

"This invitation signals not only a strategic convergence between the Quadrilateral partners but a recognition that regional security requires strengthening allies and partnerships and working multilateral on issues of mutual concern," said the official.

Noting that information sharing, which figures prominently in defence cooperation, the official said that the two countries have made significant progress towards concluding the last foundational defence enabling agreement, the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement, or the BECA.

"This agreement will allow for expanded geospatial information sharing between our armed forces. We are also seeking to expand secure communication capabilities between our respective militaries as well as between our foreign and defence ministries, and that too figures prominently on what weIndia-US dialogue to lay down next steps for global cooperation: Official&nbsp;

The last major diplomatic engagement of the Trump administration days before the November 3 presidential election, is expected to lay the foundation for the next four years of this relationship irrespective of who comes to power.

The 2+2 India-US ministerial in New Delhi next week would review the accomplishments and lay down the next steps for the global cooperation between the two largest democracies in the world, a senior Trump administration official has said.

The 2+2 India-US ministerial in New Delhi next week would review the accomplishments and lay down the next steps for the global cooperation between the two largest democracies in the world, a senior Trump administration official has said. The last major diplomatic engagement of the Trump administration days before the November 3 presidential election, the two-day meeting, involving four top cabinet ministers from India and the US, is expected to lay the foundation for the next four years of this relationship irrespective of who comes to power. Speaking on the conditions of anonymity, senior administration officials from the State Department and the Pentagon asserted that there was bipartisan support in the US on its relationship with India. "The 2+2 ministerial will serve as a capstone to review our many accomplishments as well as lay down next steps for the US-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," a senior administration official told reporters during a conference call organised by the Foreign Press Center in Washington DC. Broadly, they intend to focus on four major themes at this year's 2+2: global cooperation, which includes public health collaboration and works in the Indo-Pacific; economic cooperation, which includes partnership on energy and in space; people-to-people ties; and defence and security ties. Noting that on the US-India economic cooperation, they are working together towards economic recovery and getting bilateral trade back on track, the official said the US International Development Finance Corporation has made commitments to support more than USD 500 million in investment projects in India and has recently assigned a managing director in Mumbai, who will help expand their investments in India and in the region. The official said that joint efforts to develop and produce COVID-19 vaccines have taken off at a remarkable pace. More than half a dozen American companies and institutions are working on vaccine research with Indian partners like the Serum Institute of India, the official said. US Government's health and development agencies, including the CDC, the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and USAID, have provided technical assistance and training to Indian partners on a significant scale, including at the state and local levels. Global cooperation also includes high-level engagements, the official said, adding that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, along with their Japanese and Australian counterparts, met in Tokyo on October 6 for the second Quad meeting of foreign ministers. "Given China's increasingly aggressive behaviour across the Indo-Pacific from the Himalayas to the South China Sea, it's more important than ever that we work with like-minded partners such as India," said the official, adding that the US is also looking forward to working with India during its upcoming term on the UN Security Council to address these challenges and the other pressing issues before them. Another senior administration official said that the defence relationship with India right now is currently at its best in recent memory. "The progress we've made since India became a major defence partner in 2016 is remarkable. We held the inaugural 2+2 ministerial in 2018, Prime Minister Modi visited the United States in 2019, and President Trump visited India in February this year, just to name a few symbolic highlights," said the official. During the 2+2, the two countries are working to enhance maritime security across the Indian Ocean region by coordinating security cooperation and building partner capacity with regional countries. India announced just this week that it was inviting Australia, which along with the US and Japan, to the Malabar naval exercise in November. The last time Australia participated in Malabar was in 2007, more than a decade ago. "This invitation signals not only a strategic convergence between the Quadrilateral partners but a recognition that regional security requires strengthening allies and partnerships and working multilateral on issues of mutual concern," said the official. Noting that information sharing, which figures prominently in defence cooperation, the official said that the two countries have made significant progress towards concluding the last foundational defence enabling agreement, the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement, or the BECA. "This agreement will allow for expanded geospatial information sharing between our armed forces. We are also seeking to expand secure communication capabilities between our respective militaries as well as between our foreign and defence ministries, and that too figures prominently on what weIndia-US dialogue to lay down next steps for global cooperation: Official The last major diplomatic engagement of the Trump administration days before the November 3 presidential election, is expected to lay the foundation for the next four years of this relationship irrespective of who comes to power.

India-US dialogue to lay down next steps for global cooperation: Official 

About 61 per cent of the total recovered cases from COVID-19 are from six states and UTs of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, the Union health ministry said on Saturday.

Around 70,16,046 people have so far recuperated from the disease, pushing the national recovery rate to 89.78 per cent on Saturday, it said.

"About 61 per cent of the total recovered cases from COVID-19 are from six states and Union territories (UTs) of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi," the ministry said.

While Maharashtra recorded 20.6 per cent of the total recoveries, 10.9 per cent recovered cases were from Andhra Pradesh, 9.9 per cent from Karnataka, 9.4 per cent from Tamil Nadu, 6.1 per cent from Uttar Pradesh and 4.1 per cent from Delhi, it said.

In a statement, the health ministry said latest recoveries have exceeded the fresh cases in recent days, with 67,549 COVID-19 patients having recovered and discharged in the last 24 hours.

"A total of 53,370 new confirmed cases were recorded in the last 24 hours. Eighty per cent of the new cases are from 10 states and UTs. Kerala is reporting the maximum addition with more than 8,000 cases followed by Maharashtra with more than 7,000 cases," it said.

India's COVID-19 tally climbed to 78.14 lakh with 53,370 fresh cases in a day. The number of deaths due to the infection mounted to 1,17,956, with the novel coronavirus virus claiming 650 lives in a span of 24 hours in the country, the ministry data updated at 8 am on Saturday showed.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further declined to 1.51 per cent. 
There are 6,80,680 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprise 8.71 per cent of the total caseload, the ministry added.

About 61 per cent of the total recovered cases from COVID-19 are from six states and UTs of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, the Union health ministry said on Saturday.

About 61 per cent of the total recovered cases from COVID-19 are from six states and UTs of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, the Union health ministry said on Saturday. Around 70,16,046 people have so far recuperated from the disease, pushing the national recovery rate to 89.78 per cent on Saturday, it said. "About 61 per cent of the total recovered cases from COVID-19 are from six states and Union territories (UTs) of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi," the ministry said. While Maharashtra recorded 20.6 per cent of the total recoveries, 10.9 per cent recovered cases were from Andhra Pradesh, 9.9 per cent from Karnataka, 9.4 per cent from Tamil Nadu, 6.1 per cent from Uttar Pradesh and 4.1 per cent from Delhi, it said. In a statement, the health ministry said latest recoveries have exceeded the fresh cases in recent days, with 67,549 COVID-19 patients having recovered and discharged in the last 24 hours. "A total of 53,370 new confirmed cases were recorded in the last 24 hours. Eighty per cent of the new cases are from 10 states and UTs. Kerala is reporting the maximum addition with more than 8,000 cases followed by Maharashtra with more than 7,000 cases," it said. India's COVID-19 tally climbed to 78.14 lakh with 53,370 fresh cases in a day. The number of deaths due to the infection mounted to 1,17,956, with the novel coronavirus virus claiming 650 lives in a span of 24 hours in the country, the ministry data updated at 8 am on Saturday showed. The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further declined to 1.51 per cent. There are 6,80,680 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprise 8.71 per cent of the total caseload, the ministry added.

61% of Covid recoveries reported from 6 states/union territories: Government 

The first-of-its-kind system for South Asian countries that will provide alerts for flash floods 6-24 hours in advance was launched at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday.

The World Meteorological Department (WMO) has entrusted India with the responsibility of the Regional Centre of South Asia Flash Flood Guidance System for coordination, development and its implementation.

India also shares cyclone warning alerts with neighbouring countries.

The system will enable the member countries -- India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan -- issue impact-based forecasting of floods which are very sudden and of short duration at the watershed and also city level, IMD director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra said at the online launch.

Representatives of the member countries attended the event.

Flash floods are highly localised events of short duration with a very high peak and usually have less than six hours between the occurrence of the rainfall and peak flood. There is a general lack of flash flood warning capabilities and capacities among countries across the world.

Recognising that flash floods have a particularly disastrous impact on lives and properties of the affected populations, the 15th WMO Congress had approved the implementation of a Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) project with global coverage.

The system has been developed by the WMO Commission for Hydrology, jointly with the WMO Commission for Basic Systems and in collaboration with the US National Weather Service, the US Hydrologic Research Centre (HRC).

The IMD has highly advanced capabilities with respect to computing power, numerical weather prediction, vast observational network (ground, air and space-based), and an internationally acclaimed weather forecasting system.

It has tested the performance of the system during recent monsoon seasons in the pre-operational mode and the flash flood bulletins were issued to national hydrological and meteorological services in the region for its validation, said BP Yadav, a senior scientist at the IMD.

The system has in-depth science, dynamics and diagnostics to provide guidance for the possible occurrences of flash floods at the local level, Yadav added.

"The guidance for flash floods in the form of Threats (6 hours in advance) and Risks (24 hours in advance) will be provided by Regional Centre to National Meteorological &amp; Hydrological Services, National and State Disaster Management Authorities and all other stakeholders for taking necessary mitigation measures to reduce the loss of life and property in the South Asian region countries of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka," Mr Mohapatra said.

M Rajeevan, the secretary in the Ministry of Earth Sciences, stressed the need for enhancing the observational network for rainfall and soil moisture to improvise the performance of the system.

The first-of-its-kind system for South Asian countries that will provide alerts for flash floods 6-24 hours in advance was launched at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday.

The first-of-its-kind system for South Asian countries that will provide alerts for flash floods 6-24 hours in advance was launched at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday. The World Meteorological Department (WMO) has entrusted India with the responsibility of the Regional Centre of South Asia Flash Flood Guidance System for coordination, development and its implementation. India also shares cyclone warning alerts with neighbouring countries. The system will enable the member countries -- India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan -- issue impact-based forecasting of floods which are very sudden and of short duration at the watershed and also city level, IMD director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra said at the online launch. Representatives of the member countries attended the event. Flash floods are highly localised events of short duration with a very high peak and usually have less than six hours between the occurrence of the rainfall and peak flood. There is a general lack of flash flood warning capabilities and capacities among countries across the world. Recognising that flash floods have a particularly disastrous impact on lives and properties of the affected populations, the 15th WMO Congress had approved the implementation of a Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) project with global coverage. The system has been developed by the WMO Commission for Hydrology, jointly with the WMO Commission for Basic Systems and in collaboration with the US National Weather Service, the US Hydrologic Research Centre (HRC). The IMD has highly advanced capabilities with respect to computing power, numerical weather prediction, vast observational network (ground, air and space-based), and an internationally acclaimed weather forecasting system. It has tested the performance of the system during recent monsoon seasons in the pre-operational mode and the flash flood bulletins were issued to national hydrological and meteorological services in the region for its validation, said BP Yadav, a senior scientist at the IMD. The system has in-depth science, dynamics and diagnostics to provide guidance for the possible occurrences of flash floods at the local level, Yadav added. "The guidance for flash floods in the form of Threats (6 hours in advance) and Risks (24 hours in advance) will be provided by Regional Centre to National Meteorological & Hydrological Services, National and State Disaster Management Authorities and all other stakeholders for taking necessary mitigation measures to reduce the loss of life and property in the South Asian region countries of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka," Mr Mohapatra said. M Rajeevan, the secretary in the Ministry of Earth Sciences, stressed the need for enhancing the observational network for rainfall and soil moisture to improvise the performance of the system.

First-of-its-kind flash flood warning system for South Asian countries launched 

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