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As a thick quilt of smog wrapped itself around New Delhi on Thursday, signaling the start of the fall pollution season, doctors and scientists warned that the deteriorating air quality could make the city’s COVID-19 problems even worse.

One of the most common symptoms of severe coronavirus cases is breathing difficulty. And doctors say that if the ambient air suddenly becomes more toxic, as it does every year around this time in northern India, then more people who become infected by the virus might end up in the hospital or die.

“If two people are shooting at the lungs, then obviously the lungs will have more problems,” said Arvind Kumar, a chest surgeon and founder of the Lung Care Foundation in New Delhi, a group that raises awareness about respiratory problems.

India is now struggling with two major health challenges that are both assaulting the respiratory system and peaking at the same time.

Coronavirus cases are spreading far and wide, putting the country on track to have the largest reported virus caseload in the coming weeks. With 7.3 million reported infections, it is just behind the United States’ 7.9 million. And each day, India outpaces the United States in new infections by around 10,000 more cases per day, even as India’s death rate remains much lower.

In the background is India’s vexing air pollution, which shoots up in the fall and winter. The rapid economic growth of the past two decades — and along with it, increased urbanization and congestion — has left Indian cities horribly polluted.

Last year, India was once again home to 14 of the 20 cities with the most hazardous air globally, and health experts have detailed how such conditions can lead to brain damage, respiratory problems and early death.

In the fall, air temperatures and wind speeds drop, condensing pollutants over India’s cities, especially in the north. And farmers in the surrounding rural areas burn the stalks and refuse from their crop, sending up huge clouds of black smoke that drift for miles.

This year there have been five times the number of farm refuse fires in northern India as the same period last year, and experts say it is a bad sign of what’s to come.

The agricultural sector has been a rare bright spot an Indian economy that has been shattered by the pandemic, and pollution experts fear that more farming will mean more burning.

“My gut is it’s going to be a bumper, bumper harvest and a bumper, bumper combustion event, probably the biggest of our lifetime,” said Jai Dhar Gupta, an Ivy League-educated environmental activist and entrepreneur.

“And now that you’ve got the combined impact of a respiratory virus and respiratory contaminants, every public health specialist is holding their breath to see what happens,” Gupta said. “We’re just sitting ducks.”

Doctors say long-term exposure to severely polluted air can cause chronic lung inflammation, which can leave people who are exposed to the coronavirus more vulnerable. A recent study from Italy found a correlation between long-term exposure to dirty air and an increase in excess mortality — a measure of deaths above normal — from the coronavirus.

“Pollution-afflicted areas will have a higher incidence of COVID,” said Kumar, the chest surgeon. “And once this population gets COVID, they then have a higher chance of mortality.”

Up until now, people in New Delhi this year had been spoiled in terms of breathable air. When a coronavirus lockdown in the spring shut down many industries and kept cars off the road, Delhi’s skies turned a miraculous blue. It was the cleanest air in decades, and at night, residents felt as if they were being treated to a star show. Constellations that hadn’t been seen for years shone above the apartment blocks.

But that has become a dim memory. The sky is back to its usual hazy brown, and the city now smells of smoke.

The Delhi government is doing more this year to fight pollution, including setting up a war room to track pollution hot spots and turning to anti-smog guns that blast mist into the air to knock down the dust.

On Thursday, officials in Delhi, which is controlled by a progressive opposition political party, got locked into a blame game with national politicians who are part of the right-leaning administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Delhi officials blamed the Modi government for not doing enough to stop crop burning in the states that ring the capital. Modi administration officials argued that crop burning contributed only a minuscule amount to overall air pollution, and they blamed the Delhi government for not doing enough to control dust.

Many more people in India’s cities are donning masks these days because of the pandemic, but experts say this probably won’t help much.

Most people wear cloth masks or surgical-type masks that don’t seal well and won’t stop someone from inhaling small pollution particles (or the virus, either).

Pollution alerts whizzed around the city via WhatsApp messages Thursday.

“Delhi pollution level reported hazardous. 335,” read one message, referring to an Air Quality Index reading of 335, about six times as bad as that of New York City.

The message continued: “Be Careful. Seniors don’t go out. Wear mask.”

As a thick quilt of smog wrapped itself around New Delhi on Thursday, signaling the start of the fall pollution season, doctors and scientists warned that the deteriorating air quality could make the city’s COVID-19 problems even worse.

As a thick quilt of smog wrapped itself around New Delhi on Thursday, signaling the start of the fall pollution season, doctors and scientists warned that the deteriorating air quality could make the city’s COVID-19 problems even worse. One of the most common symptoms of severe coronavirus cases is breathing difficulty. And doctors say that if the ambient air suddenly becomes more toxic, as it does every year around this time in northern India, then more people who become infected by the virus might end up in the hospital or die. “If two people are shooting at the lungs, then obviously the lungs will have more problems,” said Arvind Kumar, a chest surgeon and founder of the Lung Care Foundation in New Delhi, a group that raises awareness about respiratory problems. India is now struggling with two major health challenges that are both assaulting the respiratory system and peaking at the same time. Coronavirus cases are spreading far and wide, putting the country on track to have the largest reported virus caseload in the coming weeks. With 7.3 million reported infections, it is just behind the United States’ 7.9 million. And each day, India outpaces the United States in new infections by around 10,000 more cases per day, even as India’s death rate remains much lower. In the background is India’s vexing air pollution, which shoots up in the fall and winter. The rapid economic growth of the past two decades — and along with it, increased urbanization and congestion — has left Indian cities horribly polluted. Last year, India was once again home to 14 of the 20 cities with the most hazardous air globally, and health experts have detailed how such conditions can lead to brain damage, respiratory problems and early death. In the fall, air temperatures and wind speeds drop, condensing pollutants over India’s cities, especially in the north. And farmers in the surrounding rural areas burn the stalks and refuse from their crop, sending up huge clouds of black smoke that drift for miles. This year there have been five times the number of farm refuse fires in northern India as the same period last year, and experts say it is a bad sign of what’s to come. The agricultural sector has been a rare bright spot an Indian economy that has been shattered by the pandemic, and pollution experts fear that more farming will mean more burning. “My gut is it’s going to be a bumper, bumper harvest and a bumper, bumper combustion event, probably the biggest of our lifetime,” said Jai Dhar Gupta, an Ivy League-educated environmental activist and entrepreneur. “And now that you’ve got the combined impact of a respiratory virus and respiratory contaminants, every public health specialist is holding their breath to see what happens,” Gupta said. “We’re just sitting ducks.” Doctors say long-term exposure to severely polluted air can cause chronic lung inflammation, which can leave people who are exposed to the coronavirus more vulnerable. A recent study from Italy found a correlation between long-term exposure to dirty air and an increase in excess mortality — a measure of deaths above normal — from the coronavirus. “Pollution-afflicted areas will have a higher incidence of COVID,” said Kumar, the chest surgeon. “And once this population gets COVID, they then have a higher chance of mortality.” Up until now, people in New Delhi this year had been spoiled in terms of breathable air. When a coronavirus lockdown in the spring shut down many industries and kept cars off the road, Delhi’s skies turned a miraculous blue. It was the cleanest air in decades, and at night, residents felt as if they were being treated to a star show. Constellations that hadn’t been seen for years shone above the apartment blocks. But that has become a dim memory. The sky is back to its usual hazy brown, and the city now smells of smoke. The Delhi government is doing more this year to fight pollution, including setting up a war room to track pollution hot spots and turning to anti-smog guns that blast mist into the air to knock down the dust. On Thursday, officials in Delhi, which is controlled by a progressive opposition political party, got locked into a blame game with national politicians who are part of the right-leaning administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Delhi officials blamed the Modi government for not doing enough to stop crop burning in the states that ring the capital. Modi administration officials argued that crop burning contributed only a minuscule amount to overall air pollution, and they blamed the Delhi government for not doing enough to control dust. Many more people in India’s cities are donning masks these days because of the pandemic, but experts say this probably won’t help much. Most people wear cloth masks or surgical-type masks that don’t seal well and won’t stop someone from inhaling small pollution particles (or the virus, either). Pollution alerts whizzed around the city via WhatsApp messages Thursday. “Delhi pollution level reported hazardous. 335,” read one message, referring to an Air Quality Index reading of 335, about six times as bad as that of New York City. The message continued: “Be Careful. Seniors don’t go out. Wear mask.”

What happens when COVID-19 meets toxic air? India is about to find out

With 67,708 new cases in the last 24 hours, India's total coronavirus cases jumped to 7.3 million, government data on Thursday revealed.

At least 680 people also died of Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours, taking the death toll to 111,266 as total cases stood at 7,307,097, as per the data by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-provides-1-million-for-palestinian-refugees-335283">India provides $1 million for Palestinian refugees</a>

The case fatality rate in the country further declined to 1.52 per cent and 6,383,441 people have recovered from the virus so far, pushing the recovery rate to 87.35 per cent.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhi-slams-pakistan-at-commonwealth-foreign-ministers-meet-after-it-rakes-anti-india-agenda-335329">New Delhi slams Pakistan at Commonwealth foreign ministers meet after it rakes anti-India agenda</a>

The data also revealed that there are 812,390 active cases in the country, which is 11.11 per cent of the total cases.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, cinema halls and multiplexes will reopen in India on Thursday in many parts after a seven-month closure. However, states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Chhattisgarh have so far not decided to open movie halls, but national capital Delhi and the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh are some of the states that will begin opening theatres with strict social distancing measures.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned against any complacency over the decline in death rate, saying mortality will also rise with the increasing number of infections.

With 67,708 new cases in the last 24 hours, India's total coronavirus cases jumped to 7.3 million, government data on Thursday revealed. At least 680 people also died of Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours, taking the death toll to 111,266 as total cases stood at 7,307,097, as per the data by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With 67,708 new cases in the last 24 hours, India's total coronavirus cases jumped to 7.3 million, government data on Thursday revealed. At least 680 people also died of Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours, taking the death toll to 111,266 as total cases stood at 7,307,097, as per the data by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Also read | India provides $1 million for Palestinian refugees The case fatality rate in the country further declined to 1.52 per cent and 6,383,441 people have recovered from the virus so far, pushing the recovery rate to 87.35 per cent. Also read | New Delhi slams Pakistan at Commonwealth foreign ministers meet after it rakes anti-India agenda The data also revealed that there are 812,390 active cases in the country, which is 11.11 per cent of the total cases. Meanwhile, cinema halls and multiplexes will reopen in India on Thursday in many parts after a seven-month closure. However, states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Chhattisgarh have so far not decided to open movie halls, but national capital Delhi and the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh are some of the states that will begin opening theatres with strict social distancing measures. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned against any complacency over the decline in death rate, saying mortality will also rise with the increasing number of infections.

India: Coronavirus cases jump to 7.3 million as theatres, multiplexes reopen after seven months

In a first, India will deliver submarine to Myanmar Navy as part of growing defence cooperation between the 2 neighbouring countries. The submarine will be a EKM or kilo class submarine INS Sindhuvir which an Indian govt sources descibed as "state of the art package", adding, "it is a major step towards building and consolidating foreign cooperation".

In weekly virtual presser ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "Cooperation in the maritime domain is a part of our diverse and enhanced engagement with Myanmar. In this context, India will be delivering a kilo class submarine INS Sindhuvir to the Myanmar Navy."

Explaining," This is in accordance with our vision of SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region, and also in line with our commitment to build capacities and self-reliance in all our neighbouring countries."

A Kilo Class submarine has a displacement of 3,000 tonnes, a length of 74 metres and a beam of 10 metres. It is manned by a crew of 15 officers and 60 sailors and is equipped with an array of weapons and sensors which enables the submarine to participate in various fleet, tactical and theatre level exercises.

This will be first submarine of the Myanmar Navy and the "fully operational" submarine has undergone a "refit package". Sindhuvir has been modernized by the Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Vizag.

Both Navies have close cooperation and Indian side has been training Myanmese Naval personnel. Last year, Indian and Myanmar naval undertook joint exercises IMNEX 2019 in Bay of Bengal.

Kilo class submarines are operated by Indian, Chinese, Russian and Iranian Naval forces and were designed by the Rubin Central Maritime Design Bureau, St Petersburg.

The announcement comes just 2 weeks after the visit of Indian army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane and foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla to Myanmar. During the visit the focus Primarly was on connectivity and increasing people to people ties.

On connectivity, India built Sittwe port in Myanmar's Rakhine state will be operationalized in first quarter of next year. Part of the larger connectivity project--Kaladan multimodal project, it will increase economic activity in the region.&nbsp;

During the high powered visit, it was announced that India will provide a grant of $ 2 million for the construction of the border Haat Bridge at Byanyu/Sarsichauk in Myanmar's Chin State which will provide increased economic connectivity between Mizoram and Myanmar.

In a first, India will deliver submarine to Myanmar Navy as part of growing defence cooperation between the 2 neighbouring countries. The submarine will be a EKM or kilo class submarine INS Sindhuvir which an Indian govt sources descibed as "state of the art package", adding, "it is a major step towards building and consolidating foreign cooperation".

In a first, India will deliver submarine to Myanmar Navy as part of growing defence cooperation between the 2 neighbouring countries. The submarine will be a EKM or kilo class submarine INS Sindhuvir which an Indian govt sources descibed as "state of the art package", adding, "it is a major step towards building and consolidating foreign cooperation". In weekly virtual presser ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "Cooperation in the maritime domain is a part of our diverse and enhanced engagement with Myanmar. In this context, India will be delivering a kilo class submarine INS Sindhuvir to the Myanmar Navy." Explaining," This is in accordance with our vision of SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region, and also in line with our commitment to build capacities and self-reliance in all our neighbouring countries." A Kilo Class submarine has a displacement of 3,000 tonnes, a length of 74 metres and a beam of 10 metres. It is manned by a crew of 15 officers and 60 sailors and is equipped with an array of weapons and sensors which enables the submarine to participate in various fleet, tactical and theatre level exercises. This will be first submarine of the Myanmar Navy and the "fully operational" submarine has undergone a "refit package". Sindhuvir has been modernized by the Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Vizag. Both Navies have close cooperation and Indian side has been training Myanmese Naval personnel. Last year, Indian and Myanmar naval undertook joint exercises IMNEX 2019 in Bay of Bengal. Kilo class submarines are operated by Indian, Chinese, Russian and Iranian Naval forces and were designed by the Rubin Central Maritime Design Bureau, St Petersburg. The announcement comes just 2 weeks after the visit of Indian army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane and foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla to Myanmar. During the visit the focus Primarly was on connectivity and increasing people to people ties. On connectivity, India built Sittwe port in Myanmar's Rakhine state will be operationalized in first quarter of next year. Part of the larger connectivity project--Kaladan multimodal project, it will increase economic activity in the region. During the high powered visit, it was announced that India will provide a grant of $ 2 million for the construction of the border Haat Bridge at Byanyu/Sarsichauk in Myanmar's Chin State which will provide increased economic connectivity between Mizoram and Myanmar.

In a first, India to deliver submarine to Myanmar navy

The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) on Thursday appreciated the decision of the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to temporary suspend weekly ratings of news channels, calling it a ‘bold step’. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/barc-suspends-news-channels-weekly-television-ratings-for-three-months-335411">Also read | BARC suspends news channels' weekly television ratings for three months</a>

The NBA also urged the ratings agency to completely overhaul its systems for restoring the credibility of the information it collects.

Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) is a rating agency which gives media organizations and advertisers a richly-detailed view of “What India Watches”.

BARC releases weekly audience estimates for all the genre of television by state and language.

According to its website, BARC India also provides a suite of Insight products designed for Broadcasters, Advertisers and Agencies.

Earlier today, after the alleged fake Television Rating Points (TRP) scam, the BARC has stated that it intends to review and augment the current standards of measurement to improve on "statistical robustness", and the exercise will result in a "pause" in the weekly ratings for up to 12 weeks.

The exercise would cover all Hindi, Regional, English News and Business News channels with immediate effect, BARC said. 
 
Welcoming the decision, the news broadcasters association said that compromised data is creating a false narrative. NBA is the premier association of private news and current affairs broadcasters.

(With inputs from agencies)

The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) on Thursday appreciated the decision of the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to temporary suspend weekly ratings of news channels, calling it a ‘bold step’.

The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) on Thursday appreciated the decision of the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to temporary suspend weekly ratings of news channels, calling it a ‘bold step’. Also read | BARC suspends news channels' weekly television ratings for three months The NBA also urged the ratings agency to completely overhaul its systems for restoring the credibility of the information it collects. Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) is a rating agency which gives media organizations and advertisers a richly-detailed view of “What India Watches”. BARC releases weekly audience estimates for all the genre of television by state and language. According to its website, BARC India also provides a suite of Insight products designed for Broadcasters, Advertisers and Agencies. Earlier today, after the alleged fake Television Rating Points (TRP) scam, the BARC has stated that it intends to review and augment the current standards of measurement to improve on "statistical robustness", and the exercise will result in a "pause" in the weekly ratings for up to 12 weeks. The exercise would cover all Hindi, Regional, English News and Business News channels with immediate effect, BARC said. Welcoming the decision, the news broadcasters association said that compromised data is creating a false narrative. NBA is the premier association of private news and current affairs broadcasters. (With inputs from agencies)

NBA welcomes BARC's suspension of weekly ratings, calls for 'complete overhaul' of system

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan and dismissed its National Security Advisor (NSA) Moeed Yusaf claims that New Delhi reached out to Islamabad for talks. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that the Pakistan NSA's comments were "contrary to facts on the ground, misleading and fictitious".

Srivastava added, "As regards the purported message, let me make it clear that no such message was sent from our side." In an interview, Pakistani NSA had claimed that India had expressed "desire" for talks.

The MEA explained that these are Pakistan's "effort to divert attention from domestic failures of the present government and mislead its domestic constituents by pulling India into headlines on a daily basis".

The spokesperson added that "his establishment (should) not to comment on India’s domestic policy." The comments by Pakistan NSA comes even as opposition in Pakistan plans massive rally against the Imran Khan government. The first such rally will happen on October 16 (Friday).

He said, "We've seen reports on the interview of senior Pakistani official to an India media outlets and he commented on India's internal matters. As always, this is Pakistan's efforts to divert attention from domestic failures and mislead its domestic constituents by pulling India into headlines."

"The official is advised to restrict his advise to his establishment &amp; to not comment on India's domestic policies. His statements are contrary to facts, misleading &amp; fictitious. With regard to the purported message that was referred to, no such message was sent from our side," the MEA added.

India also highlighted Pakistan's support to "cross-border terrorism against India" with the country “resorting to unprovoked ceasefire violations to support terrorist infiltration."

He added," The Pakistani leadership continues to indulge in inappropriate, provocative and hate speech against India. Such support to terrorism against India and the use of derogatory and abusive language is not conducive to normal neighbourly relations."

No formal India Pakistan talks have happened in many years. Indian Prime Minister Modi tried to initiate peace with Islamabad during his famous stopover in Lahore in 2015 but this was followed by Pathankot terror by Pakistan based terrorist groups.

In a major snub to China, the MEA on Thursday said that the Union Territories of Ladakh, Jammu &amp; Kashmir and the north-eastern state Arunachal Pradesh have been, are and would always remain an "integral part of India." The MEA also said that "China has no locus standi to comment on India's internal matters," days after Beijing remarked that it "does not recognise the UT of Ladakh, illegally set up by India."

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan and dismissed its National Security Advisor (NSA) Moeed Yusaf claims that New Delhi reached out to Islamabad for talks. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that the Pakistan NSA's comments were "contrary to facts on the ground, misleading and fictitious".

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan and dismissed its National Security Advisor (NSA) Moeed Yusaf claims that New Delhi reached out to Islamabad for talks. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that the Pakistan NSA's comments were "contrary to facts on the ground, misleading and fictitious". Srivastava added, "As regards the purported message, let me make it clear that no such message was sent from our side." In an interview, Pakistani NSA had claimed that India had expressed "desire" for talks. The MEA explained that these are Pakistan's "effort to divert attention from domestic failures of the present government and mislead its domestic constituents by pulling India into headlines on a daily basis". The spokesperson added that "his establishment (should) not to comment on India’s domestic policy." The comments by Pakistan NSA comes even as opposition in Pakistan plans massive rally against the Imran Khan government. The first such rally will happen on October 16 (Friday). He said, "We've seen reports on the interview of senior Pakistani official to an India media outlets and he commented on India's internal matters. As always, this is Pakistan's efforts to divert attention from domestic failures and mislead its domestic constituents by pulling India into headlines." "The official is advised to restrict his advise to his establishment & to not comment on India's domestic policies. His statements are contrary to facts, misleading & fictitious. With regard to the purported message that was referred to, no such message was sent from our side," the MEA added. India also highlighted Pakistan's support to "cross-border terrorism against India" with the country “resorting to unprovoked ceasefire violations to support terrorist infiltration." He added," The Pakistani leadership continues to indulge in inappropriate, provocative and hate speech against India. Such support to terrorism against India and the use of derogatory and abusive language is not conducive to normal neighbourly relations." No formal India Pakistan talks have happened in many years. Indian Prime Minister Modi tried to initiate peace with Islamabad during his famous stopover in Lahore in 2015 but this was followed by Pathankot terror by Pakistan based terrorist groups. In a major snub to China, the MEA on Thursday said that the Union Territories of Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir and the north-eastern state Arunachal Pradesh have been, are and would always remain an "integral part of India." The MEA also said that "China has no locus standi to comment on India's internal matters," days after Beijing remarked that it "does not recognise the UT of Ladakh, illegally set up by India."

No message sent: India on Pakistan NSA's claim of New Delhi reaching out to Islamabad

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla is expected to visit the Maldives on November 10. This will be his third visit outside the country, after visits to Bangladesh and Myanmar amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Foreign ministers of both the countries, earlier this year held virtual talks after which a slew of initiatives were announced. Before the pandemic impacted travel, a number of high-level visits between the two countries have taken place -- with PM Modi last year visiting the Indian Ocean island country that was his first foreign visit in his second term in office.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, India has reached out to Maldives in a number of ways including by sending medicines, rapid response team and extended US $250 million loans to deal with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

New Delhi has also announced support to the country's largest infrastructure project -- Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP) by providing a funding of US $500 million that will increase connectivity within the country. The US $500-financial package consists of a grant of US$-100 million and a new Line of Credit of US $400 million.

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla is expected to visit the Maldives on November 10. This will be his third visit outside the country, after visits to Bangladesh and Myanmar amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla is expected to visit the Maldives on November 10. This will be his third visit outside the country, after visits to Bangladesh and Myanmar amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Foreign ministers of both the countries, earlier this year held virtual talks after which a slew of initiatives were announced. Before the pandemic impacted travel, a number of high-level visits between the two countries have taken place -- with PM Modi last year visiting the Indian Ocean island country that was his first foreign visit in his second term in office. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, India has reached out to Maldives in a number of ways including by sending medicines, rapid response team and extended US $250 million loans to deal with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. New Delhi has also announced support to the country's largest infrastructure project -- Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP) by providing a funding of US $500 million that will increase connectivity within the country. The US $500-financial package consists of a grant of US$-100 million and a new Line of Credit of US $400 million.

Indian Foreign secretary Harsh Shringla to visit Maldives on November 10

Actor Rajinikanth has tweeted that he could have avoided a mistake and appealed to the Chennai Corporation over a Property Tax dispute, rather than approaching the Madras High Court.

This comes a day after the Court had warned Rajini of imposing costs upon him for having rushed to the Court instead of sending a reminder to the civic body. He tweeted out his regret with a hashtag in Tamil, which translates ‘experience is a lesson’. &nbsp;

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ராகவேந்திரா மண்டப சொத்து வரி... 
 
நாம் மாநகராட்சியில் மேல்முறையீடு செய்திருக்க வேண்டும். 
 
தவறைத் தவிர்த்திருக்கலாம்.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%AE%85%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%87_%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#அனுபவமே_பாடம்</a>
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajinikanth/status/1316611821592166400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The issue pertains to a Property tax demand of Rs.6.5 lakhs made by the Greater Chennai Corporation for the months April-September on the Raghavendra Marriage hall, which the actor owns.&nbsp;

His counsel had stated that once the pandemic broke out and lockdown restrictions were imposed by Central and State Government, Rajini’s marriage hall had remained vacant and was not rented out since March 24th.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajinikanth-to-withdraw-case-against-property-tax-after-court-warns-of-imposing-cost-335167">Also read:&nbsp;Rajinikanth to withdraw case against property tax after court warns of imposing cost</a>

It was mentioned that the actor had cancelled all bookings at the marriage hall after March 24th (Lockdown 1) and even refunded the advance money in line with government instructions. The actor stated that he was entitled to vacancy remission and that he had sent a notice in this regard to the Corporation on September 23rd and that there was no reply.&nbsp;

Responding to this, Justice Anita Sumanth warned the actor that costs would be imposed upon him for having rushed to the Court, hardly ten days after he had sent a notice to the Corporation. It was also added that the actor ought to have sent a reminder to the civic body.

Actor Rajinikanth’s counsel has informed the Madras High Court that they would be withdrawing the writ petition challenging the Rs.6.5 lakh property tax imposed by the Chennai Corporation, upon the Raghavendra Marriage hall that he owns.

Actor Rajinikanth has tweeted that he could have avoided a mistake and appealed to the Chennai Corporation over a Property Tax dispute, rather than approaching the Madras High Court.

Actor Rajinikanth has tweeted that he could have avoided a mistake and appealed to the Chennai Corporation over a Property Tax dispute, rather than approaching the Madras High Court. This comes a day after the Court had warned Rajini of imposing costs upon him for having rushed to the Court instead of sending a reminder to the civic body. He tweeted out his regret with a hashtag in Tamil, which translates ‘experience is a lesson’. ராகவேந்திரா மண்டப சொத்து வரி... நாம் மாநகராட்சியில் மேல்முறையீடு செய்திருக்க வேண்டும். தவறைத் தவிர்த்திருக்கலாம்.#அனுபவமே_பாடம் — Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) October 15, 2020 × The issue pertains to a Property tax demand of Rs.6.5 lakhs made by the Greater Chennai Corporation for the months April-September on the Raghavendra Marriage hall, which the actor owns. His counsel had stated that once the pandemic broke out and lockdown restrictions were imposed by Central and State Government, Rajini’s marriage hall had remained vacant and was not rented out since March 24th. Also read: Rajinikanth to withdraw case against property tax after court warns of imposing cost It was mentioned that the actor had cancelled all bookings at the marriage hall after March 24th (Lockdown 1) and even refunded the advance money in line with government instructions. The actor stated that he was entitled to vacancy remission and that he had sent a notice in this regard to the Corporation on September 23rd and that there was no reply. Responding to this, Justice Anita Sumanth warned the actor that costs would be imposed upon him for having rushed to the Court, hardly ten days after he had sent a notice to the Corporation. It was also added that the actor ought to have sent a reminder to the civic body. Actor Rajinikanth’s counsel has informed the Madras High Court that they would be withdrawing the writ petition challenging the Rs.6.5 lakh property tax imposed by the Chennai Corporation, upon the Raghavendra Marriage hall that he owns.

Rajinikanth tweets 'Could’ve avoided mistake' after court warned of imposing cost

Nation celebrates ex-president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's 89th birth anniversary

At least 30 people have been killed because of sudden torrential rains and flooding in southern India, officials said Thursday.

In Hyderabad city, home to top IT companies, nine people were killed when a wall collapsed on them and 10 others died from electrocution and drowning, a local official told AFP.

Dramatic images showed cars being washed away by swirling waters, bridges submerged by swollen rivers and trucks stranded on roads inundated by flooding Wednesday.

Eight members of a family, who were standing in their balcony to watch the rain, were also washed away due to sudden flooding in Hyderabad.&nbsp;

Two of them were found dead and the search is on for the remaining six, the Times of India reported.&nbsp; 
Personnel from the army and the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed to evacuate stranded residents.

Weather officials blamed the sudden deluge on a depression in the Bay of Bengal.&nbsp;

Telangana state is the hardest hit area but the &nbsp;flooding has also affected neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Flash floods kill hundreds of people across India every year, with experts blaming poor construction and warning systems for the fatalities.

At least 30 people have been killed because of sudden torrential rains and flooding in southern India, officials said Thursday. In Hyderabad city, home to top IT companies, nine people were killed when a wall collapsed on them and 10 others died from electrocution and drowning, a local official told AFP.

At least 30 people have been killed because of sudden torrential rains and flooding in southern India, officials said Thursday. In Hyderabad city, home to top IT companies, nine people were killed when a wall collapsed on them and 10 others died from electrocution and drowning, a local official told AFP. Dramatic images showed cars being washed away by swirling waters, bridges submerged by swollen rivers and trucks stranded on roads inundated by flooding Wednesday. Eight members of a family, who were standing in their balcony to watch the rain, were also washed away due to sudden flooding in Hyderabad. Two of them were found dead and the search is on for the remaining six, the Times of India reported. Personnel from the army and the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed to evacuate stranded residents. Weather officials blamed the sudden deluge on a depression in the Bay of Bengal. Telangana state is the hardest hit area but the flooding has also affected neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Flash floods kill hundreds of people across India every year, with experts blaming poor construction and warning systems for the fatalities.

Heavy rains kill 30 in southern India

As the scam of Television Rating Points (TRP) is unfolding, the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) on Thursday announced it would temporarily suspend weekly ratings of news channels.&nbsp;

The agency said it would "review and augment the current standards of measuring and reporting the data of niche genres, to improve their statistical robustness and to significantly hamper the potential attempts of infiltrating the panel homes".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-coronavirus-cases-jump-to-73-million-as-theatres-multiplexes-reopen-after-seven-months-335371">India: Coronavirus cases jump to 7.3 million as theatres, multiplexes reopen after seven months</a>

This will result in a "pause" for up to 12 weeks in the weekly ratings, an official statement by BARC said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-india-can-utilise-china-bangladesh-rift-for-its-benefit-335320">How India can utilise China-Bangladesh rift for its benefit</a>

However, the agency would continue to release "weekly audience estimates for the genre of news by state and language"&nbsp;

The development comes as Republic TV, a national news channel, along with two local channels is being probed upon for rigging the ratings to earn revenues from advertisements.&nbsp;

Fakt Marathi and Box Cinema are the two other channels that are being investigated for foul play by the investigation officials.&nbsp;

At least five people have been arrested so far in connection with the scam by the Mumbai Police which unveiled it earlier this month.

The police has also interrogated Republic TV's executives with regard to the case.&nbsp;

As the scam of Television Rating Points (TRP) is unfolding, the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) on Thursday announced it would temporarily suspend weekly ratings of news channels.

As the scam of Television Rating Points (TRP) is unfolding, the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) on Thursday announced it would temporarily suspend weekly ratings of news channels. The agency said it would "review and augment the current standards of measuring and reporting the data of niche genres, to improve their statistical robustness and to significantly hamper the potential attempts of infiltrating the panel homes". Also read | India: Coronavirus cases jump to 7.3 million as theatres, multiplexes reopen after seven months This will result in a "pause" for up to 12 weeks in the weekly ratings, an official statement by BARC said. Also read | How India can utilise China-Bangladesh rift for its benefit However, the agency would continue to release "weekly audience estimates for the genre of news by state and language" The development comes as Republic TV, a national news channel, along with two local channels is being probed upon for rigging the ratings to earn revenues from advertisements. Fakt Marathi and Box Cinema are the two other channels that are being investigated for foul play by the investigation officials. At least five people have been arrested so far in connection with the scam by the Mumbai Police which unveiled it earlier this month. The police has also interrogated Republic TV's executives with regard to the case.

BARC suspends news channels' weekly television ratings for three months

After a gap of seven months, cinema halls and multiplexes will reopen in several parts of the country today with 50 percent capacity and seats will be marked `not to be occupied` for ensuring physical distancing to combat COVID-19. Cinema hall owners in cities like Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Chennai and Delhi have ensured the safety of their customers by enforcing the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines that include sanitisation of the halls, social distancing, paperless tickets, and theatres limited to 50 percent occupancy at a time.&nbsp;

Speaking to ANI, Gagan Kapoor, Regional head of Delhi PVR Cinemas said that theatres will follow safety guidelines announced by the MHA along with the global standards defined by the Global Cinema Federation (GCF).

"PVR has involved several goodwill screenings for the company`s employees, health workers, and the police force and their families, who would later act as evangelists for the brand," said Kapoor.

Outside the cinema hall, masks have also been arranged for visitors entering the food gallery keeping in mind social distancing measures, and all incoming viewers will need to download the `Arogya Setu` app on their mobile.&nbsp;

According to the MHA guidelines, air conditioner temperature inside the cinema halls must be between 24 degrees to 30 degrees for people`s safety.

"Our preparations for running operations are very solid and we have been preparing for it over the last seven months. We aim to provide a safe movie experience to our customers amid COVID-19," Sanjay Barjatya, Regional Operations Head, Miraj Cinemas, told ANI.

Theatre owners are confident to pull off their business with new restrictions and manage the safety of customers as well as their staff members after a seven-month shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Union government allowed multiplexes, cinema halls and theatres to reopen from October 15 within the framework of a set of standard operating procedure (SOP). The MHA left it to states to take a final call on the matter.

After a gap of seven months, cinema halls and multiplexes will reopen in several parts of the country today with 50 percent capacity and seats will be marked `not to be occupied` for ensuring physical distancing to combat COVID-19.

After a gap of seven months, cinema halls and multiplexes will reopen in several parts of the country today with 50 percent capacity and seats will be marked `not to be occupied` for ensuring physical distancing to combat COVID-19. Cinema hall owners in cities like Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Chennai and Delhi have ensured the safety of their customers by enforcing the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines that include sanitisation of the halls, social distancing, paperless tickets, and theatres limited to 50 percent occupancy at a time. Speaking to ANI, Gagan Kapoor, Regional head of Delhi PVR Cinemas said that theatres will follow safety guidelines announced by the MHA along with the global standards defined by the Global Cinema Federation (GCF). "PVR has involved several goodwill screenings for the company`s employees, health workers, and the police force and their families, who would later act as evangelists for the brand," said Kapoor. Outside the cinema hall, masks have also been arranged for visitors entering the food gallery keeping in mind social distancing measures, and all incoming viewers will need to download the `Arogya Setu` app on their mobile. According to the MHA guidelines, air conditioner temperature inside the cinema halls must be between 24 degrees to 30 degrees for people`s safety. "Our preparations for running operations are very solid and we have been preparing for it over the last seven months. We aim to provide a safe movie experience to our customers amid COVID-19," Sanjay Barjatya, Regional Operations Head, Miraj Cinemas, told ANI. Theatre owners are confident to pull off their business with new restrictions and manage the safety of customers as well as their staff members after a seven-month shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Union government allowed multiplexes, cinema halls and theatres to reopen from October 15 within the framework of a set of standard operating procedure (SOP). The MHA left it to states to take a final call on the matter.

Cinema halls to reopen today with COVID-19 protocols in place

Amid strained ties between New Delhi and Kathmandu, Army chief General MM Naravane will travel Nepal in the first week of November in a bid to mend relations.&nbsp;

The Indian army chief's visit would be the first high-profile visit since the relations between the two Himalayan neighbours took a hit.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/nepal/nepal-pm-oli-continues-to-hold-meetings-despite-his-close-aides-testing-positive-for-covid-335305">Nepal PM Oli continues to hold meetings despite his close aides testing positive for Covid</a>

"The Chief of Army Staff will travel to Nepal early next month. The dates of his visit are being finalised," said an official, as quoted by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-nepal-re-elected-as-unhrc-members-china-also-elected-335110">Pakistan, Nepal re-elected as UNHRC members; China also elected</a>

Officials also said during Naravane's visit, he would be conferred upon the honorary rank of 'General of the Nepal Army' by the Nepalese President, a traditional gesture that started first in 1950. &nbsp;

India also confers the honorary rank of 'General of Indian Army' to the chief of the Nepalese Army.&nbsp;

Naravane will also hold extensive talks with his Nepalese counterpart General Purna Chandra Thapa and other senior military officials.&nbsp;

"Ways to further deepen defence cooperation between the two countries will be explored during the Chief of Army Staff's visit to Kathmandu," said a senior official.

The relations between both the neighbours first took a slide after Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated an 80-km-long road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula on May in Uttarakhand.

Nepal protested the move claiming that it passed via Nepalese territory.&nbsp;

Days later, Nepal approved a constitutional amendment to make new changes in its map with the inclusion of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as its territories.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Amid strained ties between New Delhi and Kathmandu, Army chief General MM Naravane will travel Nepal in the first week of November in a bid to mend relations. The Indian army chief's visit would be the first high-profile visit since the relations between the two Himalayan neighbours took a hit.

Amid strained ties between New Delhi and Kathmandu, Army chief General MM Naravane will travel Nepal in the first week of November in a bid to mend relations. The Indian army chief's visit would be the first high-profile visit since the relations between the two Himalayan neighbours took a hit. Also read | Nepal PM Oli continues to hold meetings despite his close aides testing positive for Covid "The Chief of Army Staff will travel to Nepal early next month. The dates of his visit are being finalised," said an official, as quoted by news agency PTI. Also read | Pakistan, Nepal re-elected as UNHRC members; China also elected Officials also said during Naravane's visit, he would be conferred upon the honorary rank of 'General of the Nepal Army' by the Nepalese President, a traditional gesture that started first in 1950. India also confers the honorary rank of 'General of Indian Army' to the chief of the Nepalese Army. Naravane will also hold extensive talks with his Nepalese counterpart General Purna Chandra Thapa and other senior military officials. "Ways to further deepen defence cooperation between the two countries will be explored during the Chief of Army Staff's visit to Kathmandu," said a senior official. The relations between both the neighbours first took a slide after Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated an 80-km-long road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula on May in Uttarakhand. Nepal protested the move claiming that it passed via Nepalese territory. Days later, Nepal approved a constitutional amendment to make new changes in its map with the inclusion of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as its territories.

Indian army chief Naravane to be conferred honorary rank of 'General of the Nepal Army'

India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan at Commonwealth foreign ministers meet after Islamabad raked its anti-India Agenda.&nbsp;

Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup said, "it was unfortunate that today’s Commonwealth Meeting was misused by one of our south Asian member state to pursue its own bigoted, ill-conceived, narrow and unilateral agenda on a multilateral platform."

Pakistan was represented by its foreign minister SM Qureshi who on expected lines,&nbsp;blamed India for fomenting trouble in the region.

Pointing out to its role in cross border terror, secretary west said, "it came from a globally acknowledged promoter of state-sponsored terrorism masquerading as an alleged victim of the same".

Adding, "this is also the same country that has the dubious distinction of becoming synonymous with the phrase "epicentre&nbsp;of terrorism” and hosting the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the United Nations."

Next week, the financial action task force will take up the progress made by Pakistan on curbing financing of terror, and the country is expected to remain on grey list which impacts its economy.

Highlighting the country's role in atrocities in east Pakistan which is now Bangladesh, he said,&nbsp;&nbsp;that Pakistan was the country that "brought genocide to South Asia 49 years back when it killed its own people."

On Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Swarup reminded that "only dispute left is ...disputed territory is (Pakistan's) illegal occupation.....which sooner or later, it would have to vacate."

Pakistan has been raking its anti-India agenda at other forums like NAM--non-alignment movement, UN bodies such as United Nations Human rights council, SAARC--South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, CICA--Conference on Interaction &amp; Confidence Building Measures in Asia.&nbsp;

India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan at Commonwealth foreign ministers meet after Islamabad raked its anti-India Agenda. Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup said, "it was unfortunate that today’s Commonwealth Meeting was misused by one of our south Asian member state to pursue its own bigoted, ill-conceived, narrow and unilateral agenda on a multilateral platform.

India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan at Commonwealth foreign ministers meet after Islamabad raked its anti-India Agenda. Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup said, "it was unfortunate that today’s Commonwealth Meeting was misused by one of our south Asian member state to pursue its own bigoted, ill-conceived, narrow and unilateral agenda on a multilateral platform." Pakistan was represented by its foreign minister SM Qureshi who on expected lines, blamed India for fomenting trouble in the region. Pointing out to its role in cross border terror, secretary west said, "it came from a globally acknowledged promoter of state-sponsored terrorism masquerading as an alleged victim of the same". Adding, "this is also the same country that has the dubious distinction of becoming synonymous with the phrase "epicentre of terrorism” and hosting the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the United Nations." Next week, the financial action task force will take up the progress made by Pakistan on curbing financing of terror, and the country is expected to remain on grey list which impacts its economy. Highlighting the country's role in atrocities in east Pakistan which is now Bangladesh, he said, that Pakistan was the country that "brought genocide to South Asia 49 years back when it killed its own people." On Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Swarup reminded that "only dispute left is ...disputed territory is (Pakistan's) illegal occupation.....which sooner or later, it would have to vacate." Pakistan has been raking its anti-India agenda at other forums like NAM--non-alignment movement, UN bodies such as United Nations Human rights council, SAARC--South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, CICA--Conference on Interaction & Confidence Building Measures in Asia.

New Delhi slams Pakistan at Commonwealth foreign ministers meet after it rakes anti-India agenda

India should take advantage of the&nbsp;rift between Bangladesh and China to mend old ties with its longtime ally.

The Bangladesh government has officially called off the development of a deep-sea port at Sonadia Island off the country’s southeastern coast.

With this, the high-profile project on the Bay of Bengal, which would have further enhanced China’s economic and strategic ambitions in the Indian Ocean region, has been given a formal burial.

The clinical trial of an experimental Chinese COVID-19 vaccine developed by Sinovac Biotech in Bangladesh is now uncertain as the health ministry refused to co-financing the initiative as requested by the Chinese drugmaker.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-china-gives-loan-to-bangladesh-for-teesta-river-project-321534">Now, China gives loan to Bangladesh for Teesta river project</a>

New Delhi&nbsp;should utilise this opportunity for repairing its ties with Dhaka.&nbsp;

The two countries have cooperated on several fronts in the past: economic, diplomatic, development and security.

Dhaka had forged a strategic partnership with Beijing when Chinese president Xi Jinping visited Bangladesh in 2016 and offered a loan of $24 billion to the country.

Bangladesh was unhappy with India's Citizenship Amendment Act as it felt that it targeted Bangladeshis.

When Bangladesh and Pakistan discussed Kashmir on a telephonic call, India banned the export of red onions to the country.

After failing to secure a water-sharing agreement with India over the Teesta river, the fourth-longest river in the country that flows from India, Bangladesh turned to China to develop a $1 billion agreement to prevent floods and erosion during rains and water shortages in the dry season.

However, these are India's internal issues and Bangladesh had no right to interfere in them.

But it may be time to end the diplomatic tug of war.&nbsp; Here's why:

Been on the waiting list for way too long

Teesta originates in India in Tsolamo. The river flows through Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh. It is one of the 54 rivers that enter Bangladesh from India.

The Teesta has been a source of discord between the two countries with negotiations on water sharing dating back to 1951 when Bangladesh was East Pakistan.

Crucial to both

Teesta is the lifeline for several districts of West Bengal. In Bangladesh, the Teesta flood plain covers 14 per cent&nbsp;of the country's cropped area.

The river is important to both India and Bangladesh and the dispute arises from the question of: who gets how much water?

In 1983, an adhoc agreement allocated 39&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of the water to India while Bangladesh got 36 per cent. The agreement lapsed in two&nbsp;years.

In 1984, they decided to give 42.5&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of the water to India and 37.5&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;to Bangladesh.

In 2011, the countries were on the verge of signing a water-sharing pact.&nbsp;The then-Indian prime minister, Manmohan Singh was about to visit Bangladesh. But the deal was scuttled by India's internal politics.

In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office and Bangladesh was intergral to his neighbourhood first policy. He visited bangladesh in June 2015 and&nbsp;told Sheikh Hasina that he was confident of reaching a fair solution on Teesta.

5 years on, there has been no resolution. Mostly because West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee won't play ball.

Bangladesh has been unhappy about the low flow of the Teesta river. It&nbsp;claims that its paddy crops and fisheries have been affected.

China&nbsp;sought&nbsp;leverage 

Bangladesh’s water supply is dependent on rivers that flow into the country from neighbouring India. Water sharing issues have badly strained bilateral relations, a conflict that China has sought to leverage to its own advantage.

China tried to portray itself as a helpful and better neighbour by&nbsp;giving Dhaka a loan of $1 billion for the Teesta river management project.

While China's offer is aimed at debt-trapping Dhaka, it will not be in India's interest if it looses another ally to China.

India must solve the teesta dispute to avoid this.

Perfect time

Over the last few months, India has become more sensitive towards its eastern neighbour. It&nbsp;has supported for Bangladesh's stand on Rohingyas.

The Wuhan virus pandemic has brought India and Bangladesh closer.

New Delhi has provided medical aid to Dhaka.

Bangladesh has promised 1.5 million dollars to prime minister Modi's call for regional emergency fund.

Freight services between the two countries have been increased in the last few months..

India also provided 10 locomotives to bangladesh's railways.

The ties seem to be coming back to track and it is the perfect time to talk about Teesta.

Another step towards global leadership

Solving the Teesta dispute, and cementing ties with Bangladesh, takes India further towards its goal of &nbsp;being a global leader.

And to begin with-- the leader of its immediate neighbourhood. More countries are disengaging with China.&nbsp;This&nbsp;is India's opportunity.

Headstart

The United States has expressed&nbsp;interest in seeking India's view on the Indian neighbourhood as Washington looks to reset ties with Dhaka.

India should take advantage of the rift between Bangladesh and China to mend old ties with its longtime ally. The Bangladesh government has officially called off the development of a deep-sea port at Sonadia Island off the country’s southeastern coast.

India should take advantage of the rift between Bangladesh and China to mend old ties with its longtime ally. The Bangladesh government has officially called off the development of a deep-sea port at Sonadia Island off the country’s southeastern coast. With this, the high-profile project on the Bay of Bengal, which would have further enhanced China’s economic and strategic ambitions in the Indian Ocean region, has been given a formal burial. The clinical trial of an experimental Chinese COVID-19 vaccine developed by Sinovac Biotech in Bangladesh is now uncertain as the health ministry refused to co-financing the initiative as requested by the Chinese drugmaker. Also read: Now, China gives loan to Bangladesh for Teesta river project New Delhi should utilise this opportunity for repairing its ties with Dhaka. The two countries have cooperated on several fronts in the past: economic, diplomatic, development and security. Dhaka had forged a strategic partnership with Beijing when Chinese president Xi Jinping visited Bangladesh in 2016 and offered a loan of $24 billion to the country. Bangladesh was unhappy with India's Citizenship Amendment Act as it felt that it targeted Bangladeshis. When Bangladesh and Pakistan discussed Kashmir on a telephonic call, India banned the export of red onions to the country. After failing to secure a water-sharing agreement with India over the Teesta river, the fourth-longest river in the country that flows from India, Bangladesh turned to China to develop a $1 billion agreement to prevent floods and erosion during rains and water shortages in the dry season. However, these are India's internal issues and Bangladesh had no right to interfere in them. But it may be time to end the diplomatic tug of war. Here's why: Been on the waiting list for way too long Teesta originates in India in Tsolamo. The river flows through Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh. It is one of the 54 rivers that enter Bangladesh from India. The Teesta has been a source of discord between the two countries with negotiations on water sharing dating back to 1951 when Bangladesh was East Pakistan. Crucial to both Teesta is the lifeline for several districts of West Bengal. In Bangladesh, the Teesta flood plain covers 14 per cent of the country's cropped area. The river is important to both India and Bangladesh and the dispute arises from the question of: who gets how much water? In 1983, an adhoc agreement allocated 39 per cent of the water to India while Bangladesh got 36 per cent. The agreement lapsed in two years. In 1984, they decided to give 42.5 per cent of the water to India and 37.5 per cent to Bangladesh. In 2011, the countries were on the verge of signing a water-sharing pact. The then-Indian prime minister, Manmohan Singh was about to visit Bangladesh. But the deal was scuttled by India's internal politics. In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office and Bangladesh was intergral to his neighbourhood first policy. He visited bangladesh in June 2015 and told Sheikh Hasina that he was confident of reaching a fair solution on Teesta. 5 years on, there has been no resolution. Mostly because West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee won't play ball. Bangladesh has been unhappy about the low flow of the Teesta river. It claims that its paddy crops and fisheries have been affected. China sought leverage Bangladesh’s water supply is dependent on rivers that flow into the country from neighbouring India. Water sharing issues have badly strained bilateral relations, a conflict that China has sought to leverage to its own advantage. China tried to portray itself as a helpful and better neighbour by giving Dhaka a loan of $1 billion for the Teesta river management project. While China's offer is aimed at debt-trapping Dhaka, it will not be in India's interest if it looses another ally to China. India must solve the teesta dispute to avoid this. Perfect time Over the last few months, India has become more sensitive towards its eastern neighbour. It has supported for Bangladesh's stand on Rohingyas. The Wuhan virus pandemic has brought India and Bangladesh closer. New Delhi has provided medical aid to Dhaka. Bangladesh has promised 1.5 million dollars to prime minister Modi's call for regional emergency fund. Freight services between the two countries have been increased in the last few months.. India also provided 10 locomotives to bangladesh's railways. The ties seem to be coming back to track and it is the perfect time to talk about Teesta. Another step towards global leadership Solving the Teesta dispute, and cementing ties with Bangladesh, takes India further towards its goal of being a global leader. And to begin with-- the leader of its immediate neighbourhood. More countries are disengaging with China. This is India's opportunity. Headstart The United States has expressed interest in seeking India's view on the Indian neighbourhood as Washington looks to reset ties with Dhaka.

How India can utilise China-Bangladesh rift for its benefit

Samajwadi Party patriarch and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav has tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The party announced the development on Twitter, saying doctors are monitoring the founder of the Samajwadi Party.

"Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav has tested positive for COVID-19, and is being monitored by doctors. As of now, there are no COVID symptoms in him," it said.

He is currently a Lok Sabha MP from Manipuri Seat. His wife, Sadhana Gupta has also tested positive for the virus, reports said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Samajwadi Party patriarch and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav has tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Wednesday. The party announced the development on Twitter, saying doctors are monitoring the founder of the Samajwadi Party.

Samajwadi Party patriarch and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav has tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Wednesday. The party announced the development on Twitter, saying doctors are monitoring the founder of the Samajwadi Party. "Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav has tested positive for COVID-19, and is being monitored by doctors. As of now, there are no COVID symptoms in him," it said. He is currently a Lok Sabha MP from Manipuri Seat. His wife, Sadhana Gupta has also tested positive for the virus, reports said. (With inputs from agencies)

Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav tests coronavirus positive

In a first, France has appointed an envoy for the Indo-Pacific, a move that shows how Paris is giving priority to the new concept which is increasingly gaining currency. Senior diplomat Christophe Penot will be the country's envoy to Indo Pacific and he begins his assignment from Thursday.&nbsp;

His last posting was Canberra as France's envoy to Australia.&nbsp;He has been France's envoy to Malaysia and served in Tokyo, Ottawa, London, Hanoi.&nbsp;Fluent in Chinese and Japanese, Penot was honoured with Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in 2012 for service to his country.&nbsp;

Directly appointed by French President Macron, in his new capacity&nbsp;the envoy&nbsp;will pay "special&nbsp;attention" to cooperation with India to implement the&nbsp;joint vision on the Indo-pacific. The vision was adopted during the 2018 visit by French President Macron to India.

In the month of September, in another first, India, France and Australia held a trilateral at the foreign secretary-level meet with focus on Indo Pacific.&nbsp; A joint statement after the meet said,&nbsp;&nbsp;"discussed geo-strategic challenges, their respective strategies for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, and prospects for cooperation in the region".

France released its strategy for the Indo Pacific that called for&nbsp;strengthening "partnerships with the major regional players with whom we share the same values and interests, such as Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea".

The development will surely irk China, which has been opposing the concept. Earlier this week, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi called "Indo-Pacific strategy a security risk".

In a first, France has appointed an envoy for the Indo-Pacific, a move that shows how Paris is giving priority to the new concept which is increasingly gaining currency.

In a first, France has appointed an envoy for the Indo-Pacific, a move that shows how Paris is giving priority to the new concept which is increasingly gaining currency. Senior diplomat Christophe Penot will be the country's envoy to Indo Pacific and he begins his assignment from Thursday. His last posting was Canberra as France's envoy to Australia. He has been France's envoy to Malaysia and served in Tokyo, Ottawa, London, Hanoi. Fluent in Chinese and Japanese, Penot was honoured with Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in 2012 for service to his country. Directly appointed by French President Macron, in his new capacity the envoy will pay "special attention" to cooperation with India to implement the joint vision on the Indo-pacific. The vision was adopted during the 2018 visit by French President Macron to India. In the month of September, in another first, India, France and Australia held a trilateral at the foreign secretary-level meet with focus on Indo Pacific. A joint statement after the meet said, "discussed geo-strategic challenges, their respective strategies for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, and prospects for cooperation in the region". France released its strategy for the Indo Pacific that called for strengthening "partnerships with the major regional players with whom we share the same values and interests, such as Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea". The development will surely irk China, which has been opposing the concept. Earlier this week, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi called "Indo-Pacific strategy a security risk".

France appoints envoy for Indo-Pacific

India's COVID-19 caseload rose to 7,239,389 with 63,509 infections being reported in a day, while the number of people who have recuperated from the disease crossed 63 lakh pushing the recovery rate to 87.05 per cent, according to the Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.

The coronavirus death toll climbed to 110,586 with the virus claiming 730 lives in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed. For six days in a row the active cases of COVID-19 remained below 900,000.

There are 826,876 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprises 11.42 per cent of the total caseload, while the recoveries have surged to 6,301,927, the data stated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-tops-list-of-countries-with-most-trust-in-scientists-335020">Also read:&nbsp;India tops list of countries with most trust in scientists</a>

The COVID-19 case fatality rate was recorded at 1.53 per cent.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23 and 40 lakh on September 5. It went past 5 million on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28 and crossed 7 million on October 11.

According to the ICMR, a cumulative total of 9,00,90,122 samples have been tested up to October 13 with 11,45,015 samples being tested on Tuesday.

India's COVID-19 caseload rose to 7,239,389 with 63,509 infections being reported in a day, while the number of people who have recuperated from the disease crossed 63 lakh pushing the recovery rate to 87.

India's COVID-19 caseload rose to 7,239,389 with 63,509 infections being reported in a day, while the number of people who have recuperated from the disease crossed 63 lakh pushing the recovery rate to 87.05 per cent, according to the Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. The coronavirus death toll climbed to 110,586 with the virus claiming 730 lives in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed. For six days in a row the active cases of COVID-19 remained below 900,000. There are 826,876 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprises 11.42 per cent of the total caseload, while the recoveries have surged to 6,301,927, the data stated. Also read: India tops list of countries with most trust in scientists The COVID-19 case fatality rate was recorded at 1.53 per cent. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23 and 40 lakh on September 5. It went past 5 million on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28 and crossed 7 million on October 11. According to the ICMR, a cumulative total of 9,00,90,122 samples have been tested up to October 13 with 11,45,015 samples being tested on Tuesday.

COVID-19 caseload in India rises to 7.24 million

The top body that takes call on ties with Beijing, China Study Group on Wednesday met to discuss the 7th corps commanders meet between India and China.&nbsp;

The group that&nbsp;includes NSA Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, CDS Bipin Rawat and other top Indian officials, met&nbsp;for 90 minutes. The meeting comes one day after the Indian and Chinese corps commanders met in Chushul on Monday.

The proposal given was Chinese was also taken up during the meeting. The study group had met last week as well.

Ties between the 2 countries are strained amid the Line of Actual Control row. China continues to remain at north bank of Pangong lake with India reiterating calls for early disengagement. New Delhi has asked Chinese troops to go to April position at the LAC.

A joint statement was released after the Monday's corps meet&nbsp;called for "mutually acceptable solution for disengagement as early as possible."

So far 7 times corps commanders meeting has taken place since June and two high level political engagement have happened--between Indian and Chinese defence ministers and foreign ministers, both in Moscow.

The top body that takes call on ties with Beijing, China Study Group on Wednesday met to discuss the 7th corps commanders meet between India and China. The group that includes NSA Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, CDS Bipin Rawat and other top Indian officials, met for 90 minutes.

The top body that takes call on ties with Beijing, China Study Group on Wednesday met to discuss the 7th corps commanders meet between India and China. The group that includes NSA Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, CDS Bipin Rawat and other top Indian officials, met for 90 minutes. The meeting comes one day after the Indian and Chinese corps commanders met in Chushul on Monday. The proposal given was Chinese was also taken up during the meeting. The study group had met last week as well. Ties between the 2 countries are strained amid the Line of Actual Control row. China continues to remain at north bank of Pangong lake with India reiterating calls for early disengagement. New Delhi has asked Chinese troops to go to April position at the LAC. A joint statement was released after the Monday's corps meet called for "mutually acceptable solution for disengagement as early as possible." So far 7 times corps commanders meeting has taken place since June and two high level political engagement have happened--between Indian and Chinese defence ministers and foreign ministers, both in Moscow.

China Study Group discusses 7th Corps Commander meet

India on Wednesday contributed USD one million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East to support Palestinian refugees who have been facing extreme challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a move hailed by the UN body as "timely help".

The Government of India handed over the contribution cheque to the UN agency through its representative in Palestine, Sunil Kumar. 
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has thanked India for its "timely help".

"India has been a solid and consistent supporter of Palestinian refugees for decades. This contribution is even more significant as it comes at a critical time," Sami Mshasha, Director of Communications at UNRWA, told PTI.

"India is facing a difficult situation at home due to the pandemic and it has still not forgotten the Palestinian refugees and stepped in to help stabilise basic services, including education, health care, relief and social services for Palestinian refugees. I would like to thank the Government of India for its continued funding to UNRWA and its backing of Palestine refugees across the Middle East,''&nbsp;Mshasha told PTI.

Reiterating India's continued support for UNRWA services, Kumar in a press release said, ''On behalf of the Government of India, I would like to express my appreciation for the remarkable efforts carried out by UNRWA. India shall continue supporting the Agency's activities in providing vital services and necessary humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees.''

During an Extraordinary Virtual Ministerial Pledging Conference for UNRWA held on June 23 2020, Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, had announced that India will contribute USD 10 million US to UNRWA over the next two years.

India increased its annual financial contribution to UNRWA from USD 1.25 million in 2016 to USD 5 million in 2018 and 2019. It had also contributed USD 2 million to the agency in May 2020 which brings the total contribution for this year to USD three million so far.

"UNRWA has been facing a huge budgetary deficit and with an overwhelming majority of the 5.6 million refugees living under poverty line, the ongoing pandemic has broken the backbone of the basic infrastructure in the area they live. India's contribution seen in that background is timely and much appreciated," Mshasha said.

India has also sent medicines and other supplies to the Palestinian National Authority to help in dealing with the COVID-19 situation. 
UNRWA is facing an increased demand for services resulting from a growth in the number of registered Palestine refugees, the extent of their vulnerability and their deepening poverty.

It is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and mandated to provide assistance and protection to some 5.6 million Palestine refugees registered with UNRWA across its five fields of operation.

Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip achieve their full human development potential, pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.

UNRWA services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, protection, and microfinance among Palestinian refugees.

Under an India-Palestine development partnership, India is currently funding eight on-going developmental projects worth 59 million US dollars, including building a 215 Bed Super Specialty Hospital in Bethlehem, Information Technology Park, National Printing Press, Turathi-Women Empowerment Project, Diplomatic Training Institute and three schools in various governorates in Palestinian Territories.

India on Wednesday contributed USD one million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East to support Palestinian refugees who have been facing extreme challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a move hailed by the UN body as "timely help".

India on Wednesday contributed USD one million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East to support Palestinian refugees who have been facing extreme challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a move hailed by the UN body as "timely help". The Government of India handed over the contribution cheque to the UN agency through its representative in Palestine, Sunil Kumar. United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has thanked India for its "timely help". "India has been a solid and consistent supporter of Palestinian refugees for decades. This contribution is even more significant as it comes at a critical time," Sami Mshasha, Director of Communications at UNRWA, told PTI. "India is facing a difficult situation at home due to the pandemic and it has still not forgotten the Palestinian refugees and stepped in to help stabilise basic services, including education, health care, relief and social services for Palestinian refugees. I would like to thank the Government of India for its continued funding to UNRWA and its backing of Palestine refugees across the Middle East,'' Mshasha told PTI. Reiterating India's continued support for UNRWA services, Kumar in a press release said, ''On behalf of the Government of India, I would like to express my appreciation for the remarkable efforts carried out by UNRWA. India shall continue supporting the Agency's activities in providing vital services and necessary humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees.'' During an Extraordinary Virtual Ministerial Pledging Conference for UNRWA held on June 23 2020, Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, had announced that India will contribute USD 10 million US to UNRWA over the next two years. India increased its annual financial contribution to UNRWA from USD 1.25 million in 2016 to USD 5 million in 2018 and 2019. It had also contributed USD 2 million to the agency in May 2020 which brings the total contribution for this year to USD three million so far. "UNRWA has been facing a huge budgetary deficit and with an overwhelming majority of the 5.6 million refugees living under poverty line, the ongoing pandemic has broken the backbone of the basic infrastructure in the area they live. India's contribution seen in that background is timely and much appreciated," Mshasha said. India has also sent medicines and other supplies to the Palestinian National Authority to help in dealing with the COVID-19 situation. UNRWA is facing an increased demand for services resulting from a growth in the number of registered Palestine refugees, the extent of their vulnerability and their deepening poverty. It is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and mandated to provide assistance and protection to some 5.6 million Palestine refugees registered with UNRWA across its five fields of operation. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip achieve their full human development potential, pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. UNRWA services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, protection, and microfinance among Palestinian refugees. Under an India-Palestine development partnership, India is currently funding eight on-going developmental projects worth 59 million US dollars, including building a 215 Bed Super Specialty Hospital in Bethlehem, Information Technology Park, National Printing Press, Turathi-Women Empowerment Project, Diplomatic Training Institute and three schools in various governorates in Palestinian Territories.

India provides $1 million for Palestinian refugees

The&nbsp;Indian cabinet on Wednesday allowed Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC)to export oil from its Mangalore strategic petroleum reserve (SPR), a minister said, marking a policy shift that could enhance foreign participation as&nbsp;India&nbsp;seeks to expand its storage capacity.

Allowing ADNOC to export its oil mirrors a model adopted by countries such as Japan and South Korea which allow oil producers to re-export crude storage.&nbsp;India&nbsp;does not allow oil exports.

"The move will facilitate trade for ADNOC," Prakash Javadekar, minister of environment, told a news briefing.

ADNOC had been seeking permission from the&nbsp;Indian government for the export of its oil from the cavern as it was finding difficult to sell to&nbsp;Indian refiners, some of which have cut crude processing due to falling demand.

ADNOC can now export oil stored in the Mangalore SPR in foreign flagged ships. So far&nbsp;Indian flagged ships were used for coastal movement of the oil from the cavern.

Indian companies will have a first right of refusal in case of any re-exports by ADNOC, a government source said.

India, the world’s third-biggest oil importer and consumer, imports about 80 per cent&nbsp;of its oil needs and has built strategic storage at three locations in southern&nbsp;India&nbsp;to store up to 5 million tonnes oil to protect against supply disruption.

India&nbsp;also plans to build strategic storage at Chandikhol in Odisha and Padur in Karnataka for around 6.5 million tonnes of crude.

The&nbsp;Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd has leased half of the 1.5 million tonnes capacity in Mangalore storage to ADNOC, while ISPRL has retained the remainder.

The previous lease allowed ADNOC to sell only 35% of its oil stored in Mangalore to&nbsp;Indian refiners and another 15% with permission from the government. The remainder was kept for&nbsp;India’s needs.

The Indian cabinet on Wednesday allowed Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC)to export oil from its Mangalore strategic petroleum reserve (SPR), a minister said, marking a policy shift that could enhance foreign participation as India seeks to expand its storage capacity.

The Indian cabinet on Wednesday allowed Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC)to export oil from its Mangalore strategic petroleum reserve (SPR), a minister said, marking a policy shift that could enhance foreign participation as India seeks to expand its storage capacity. Allowing ADNOC to export its oil mirrors a model adopted by countries such as Japan and South Korea which allow oil producers to re-export crude storage. India does not allow oil exports. "The move will facilitate trade for ADNOC," Prakash Javadekar, minister of environment, told a news briefing. ADNOC had been seeking permission from the Indian government for the export of its oil from the cavern as it was finding difficult to sell to Indian refiners, some of which have cut crude processing due to falling demand. ADNOC can now export oil stored in the Mangalore SPR in foreign flagged ships. So far Indian flagged ships were used for coastal movement of the oil from the cavern. Indian companies will have a first right of refusal in case of any re-exports by ADNOC, a government source said. India, the world’s third-biggest oil importer and consumer, imports about 80 per cent of its oil needs and has built strategic storage at three locations in southern India to store up to 5 million tonnes oil to protect against supply disruption. India also plans to build strategic storage at Chandikhol in Odisha and Padur in Karnataka for around 6.5 million tonnes of crude. The Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd has leased half of the 1.5 million tonnes capacity in Mangalore storage to ADNOC, while ISPRL has retained the remainder. The previous lease allowed ADNOC to sell only 35% of its oil stored in Mangalore to Indian refiners and another 15% with permission from the government. The remainder was kept for India’s needs.

India allows UAE's ADNOC to export oil from strategic reserve

Indian metropolis Hyderabad inundated by highest rain in 100 years

Record Indian beaches get coveted 'blue flag' certification

In India, where many admire President Donald Trump, one rural farmer worshipped him like a god, praying to a life-size statue of Trump in his backyard every morning.

“At first everyone in the family thought he was mentally disturbed, but he kept at it and everyone eventually came around,” said Vivek Bukka, a cousin of the farmer, Bussa Krishna.

When Trump announced he had the coronavirus, it devastated Krishna. The farmer posted a tearful video on Facebook in which he said: “I feel very sad that my god, Trump, has contracted the coronavirus. I ask everyone to pray for his speedy recovery.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/telangana-ardent-fan-of-donald-trump-dies-depressed-after-us-presidents-covid-19-infection-335200" hreflang="en">Telangana: Ardent fan of Donald Trump dies 'depressed' after US President's Covid-19 infection</a>

He stopped eating to show solidarity with his idol’s suffering from COVID-19, his family said. He fell into a deep depression. On Sunday, he died of cardiac arrest.

Krishna’s devotion had made him into a minor celebrity, and he was the subject of some national headlines. His death made news across India.

Vivek said his cousin had been physically fit and had no health problems or history of heart disease. There is no evidence linking Krishna’s death to his fasting.

There is no indication that the White House or Trump — who said he had recovered from the virus and felt “powerful” after being treated with a cocktail of drugs — was aware of his biggest fan in India. Many of the country’s urban intellectuals dislike the U.S. president, and he is regularly mocked on Indian social media platforms.

But the president has support in other corners of Indian society. A February study by the Pew Research Center found that 56% of people surveyed in India said that Trump would “do the right thing when it comes to world affairs,” up from 16% when he was elected.

Trump’s popularity in some parts of India is striking because the cult of personality he has tried to cultivate — of an unapologetically brash figure leading the United States to a bright new future while espousing “America First” — mirrors how India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, projects himself to his own supporters.

Krishna, a widowed farmer in his thirties who lived in the village of Konne in the southern state of Telangana, had been a Trump devotee for about four years. He became a fan when the president appeared to him in a dream, his relatives said, and predicted that India’s national cricket squad would beat its archrival, Pakistan, in a match the next day.

India won, Vivek said, “and from that day he started worshipping Donald Trump.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/give-you-a-big-fat-kiss-donald-trump-dances-at-florida-rally-post-virus-treatment-335141" hreflang="en">'Give you a big fat kiss': Donald Trump 'dances' at Florida rally post-virus treatment</a>

But the farmer also admired the president as a leader, said Vivek, a 25-year-old accountant who lives near the southern city of Hyderabad. His cousin did not speak English, and the local news outlets where he lived paid scant attention to U.S. politics. So he relied on Vivek to translate articles and videos for him.

Vemula Venkat Goud, Konne’s village headman, said that the young farmer had also been drawn to Trump’s “straightforward ways and blunt speech.”

Neighbors did not know much about U.S. politics and had no opinion of Trump, he added. But since Krishna was such a huge fan, they embraced his cause as a courtesy, even if it struck them as a little odd.

As Krishna’s devotion to Trump intensified, he began fasting every Friday in support, and he commissioned the construction of a shrine in his backyard with the life-size statue, Vivek said. He worshipped it with Hindu rituals for an hour or two each morning, as one might when praying to Krishna, Shiva, Ganesha or other gods in the Hindu pantheon.

One video of Krishna that has circulated widely online shows him performing a prayer ritual, or pooja, before an altar that holds a picture of Trump.

In another, he wears a T-shirt that reads “Trump” in white block letters as he pours water over the head of the statue, which is wearing a red tie and giving a thumbs-up. The Trump statue has a garland of fresh flowers around its neck and a red tilak — a traditional symbol that is made of vermilion or sandal paste, and used in religious ceremonies — on its forehead.

Krishna’s creation of a statue in Trump’s likeness is not unique. An architect built a giant wooden statue of Trump with vampire’s teeth in Slovenia, the native country of the first lady, Melania Trump. Some critics denounced it as a “waste of wood.”

That statue’s creator, Tomaz Schlegl, an architect, had a clear vision, and message, in mind. “I want to alert people to the rise of populism, and it would be difficult to find a bigger populist in this world than Donald Trump,” he told Reuters.

A life-size wooden sculpture of Trump near the town of Sevnica in eastern Slovenia, where she grew up, was set on fire. The commissioning artist replaced it with a bronze statue.

As for Krishna, he made a valiant attempt to meet his idol. He traveled to the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi before Trump’s trip to India in February to try to arrange a meeting, Venkat, the village headman, said.

“It’s really sad that his dream never came true,” he added.

Trump later addressed a stadium packed with 100,000 cheering attendees in Ahmedabad, the heart of Modi’s political home base.

Krishna kept the faith until the end.

When he learned of Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis, he locked himself in his room, Vivek said.

“We tried to force him to eat, but he barely ate anything,” he said.

On Sunday, Krishna collapsed, and his relatives took him to the hospital. He was pronounced dead on arrival.

Krishna is survived by his parents and his 7-year-old son.

Venkat said villagers were discussing how best to maintain their neighbor’s Trump shrine.

In India, where many admire President Donald Trump, one rural farmer worshipped him like a god, praying to a life-size statue of Trump in his backyard every morning.

In India, where many admire President Donald Trump, one rural farmer worshipped him like a god, praying to a life-size statue of Trump in his backyard every morning. “At first everyone in the family thought he was mentally disturbed, but he kept at it and everyone eventually came around,” said Vivek Bukka, a cousin of the farmer, Bussa Krishna. When Trump announced he had the coronavirus, it devastated Krishna. The farmer posted a tearful video on Facebook in which he said: “I feel very sad that my god, Trump, has contracted the coronavirus. I ask everyone to pray for his speedy recovery.” Also read: Telangana: Ardent fan of Donald Trump dies 'depressed' after US President's Covid-19 infection He stopped eating to show solidarity with his idol’s suffering from COVID-19, his family said. He fell into a deep depression. On Sunday, he died of cardiac arrest. Krishna’s devotion had made him into a minor celebrity, and he was the subject of some national headlines. His death made news across India. Vivek said his cousin had been physically fit and had no health problems or history of heart disease. There is no evidence linking Krishna’s death to his fasting. There is no indication that the White House or Trump — who said he had recovered from the virus and felt “powerful” after being treated with a cocktail of drugs — was aware of his biggest fan in India. Many of the country’s urban intellectuals dislike the U.S. president, and he is regularly mocked on Indian social media platforms. But the president has support in other corners of Indian society. A February study by the Pew Research Center found that 56% of people surveyed in India said that Trump would “do the right thing when it comes to world affairs,” up from 16% when he was elected. Trump’s popularity in some parts of India is striking because the cult of personality he has tried to cultivate — of an unapologetically brash figure leading the United States to a bright new future while espousing “America First” — mirrors how India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, projects himself to his own supporters. Krishna, a widowed farmer in his thirties who lived in the village of Konne in the southern state of Telangana, had been a Trump devotee for about four years. He became a fan when the president appeared to him in a dream, his relatives said, and predicted that India’s national cricket squad would beat its archrival, Pakistan, in a match the next day. India won, Vivek said, “and from that day he started worshipping Donald Trump.” Also read: 'Give you a big fat kiss': Donald Trump 'dances' at Florida rally post-virus treatment But the farmer also admired the president as a leader, said Vivek, a 25-year-old accountant who lives near the southern city of Hyderabad. His cousin did not speak English, and the local news outlets where he lived paid scant attention to U.S. politics. So he relied on Vivek to translate articles and videos for him. Vemula Venkat Goud, Konne’s village headman, said that the young farmer had also been drawn to Trump’s “straightforward ways and blunt speech.” Neighbors did not know much about U.S. politics and had no opinion of Trump, he added. But since Krishna was such a huge fan, they embraced his cause as a courtesy, even if it struck them as a little odd. As Krishna’s devotion to Trump intensified, he began fasting every Friday in support, and he commissioned the construction of a shrine in his backyard with the life-size statue, Vivek said. He worshipped it with Hindu rituals for an hour or two each morning, as one might when praying to Krishna, Shiva, Ganesha or other gods in the Hindu pantheon. One video of Krishna that has circulated widely online shows him performing a prayer ritual, or pooja, before an altar that holds a picture of Trump. In another, he wears a T-shirt that reads “Trump” in white block letters as he pours water over the head of the statue, which is wearing a red tie and giving a thumbs-up. The Trump statue has a garland of fresh flowers around its neck and a red tilak — a traditional symbol that is made of vermilion or sandal paste, and used in religious ceremonies — on its forehead. Krishna’s creation of a statue in Trump’s likeness is not unique. An architect built a giant wooden statue of Trump with vampire’s teeth in Slovenia, the native country of the first lady, Melania Trump. Some critics denounced it as a “waste of wood.” That statue’s creator, Tomaz Schlegl, an architect, had a clear vision, and message, in mind. “I want to alert people to the rise of populism, and it would be difficult to find a bigger populist in this world than Donald Trump,” he told Reuters. A life-size wooden sculpture of Trump near the town of Sevnica in eastern Slovenia, where she grew up, was set on fire. The commissioning artist replaced it with a bronze statue. As for Krishna, he made a valiant attempt to meet his idol. He traveled to the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi before Trump’s trip to India in February to try to arrange a meeting, Venkat, the village headman, said. “It’s really sad that his dream never came true,” he added. Trump later addressed a stadium packed with 100,000 cheering attendees in Ahmedabad, the heart of Modi’s political home base. Krishna kept the faith until the end. When he learned of Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis, he locked himself in his room, Vivek said. “We tried to force him to eat, but he barely ate anything,” he said. On Sunday, Krishna collapsed, and his relatives took him to the hospital. He was pronounced dead on arrival. Krishna is survived by his parents and his 7-year-old son. Venkat said villagers were discussing how best to maintain their neighbor’s Trump shrine.

From rural India, he worshipped Trump and built a shrine

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday revoked Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Muftis Public Safety Act (PSA) under which she was detained in Kashmir for over last one year.

India: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti released from detention

Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane will visit the neighbouring country, Nepal Army announced on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The release said, “the visit was approved by Government of Nepal on February 3, 2020 but was postponed due to lockdown in both the countries".&nbsp;

During the visit Nepali President Vidya Devi Bhandari will confer the honorary rank of General of Nepali Army to General Naravane in an investiture ceremony.

This will be the first high level visit to Nepal from India after Kathmandu issued new Nepal Map shows Indian territories as Nepali territories.&nbsp;

The decision for new Nepal map was announced by executive decision by KP Sharma Oli led govt. The constitutional amendment to give legal backing to it coat of arms that shows the new map was passed by Nepal parliament earlier this year.

MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had that time said, map "is not based on historical facts and evidence. It is contrary to the bilateral understanding to resolve the outstanding boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue. Such artificial enlargement of territorial claims will not be accepted by India."

Ties between the two governments has gone downhill since then.

Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane will visit the neighbouring country, Nepal Army announced on Wednesday. The release said, “the visit was approved by Government of Nepal on February 3, 2020 but was postponed due to lockdown in both the countries".

Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane will visit the neighbouring country, Nepal Army announced on Wednesday. The release said, “the visit was approved by Government of Nepal on February 3, 2020 but was postponed due to lockdown in both the countries". During the visit Nepali President Vidya Devi Bhandari will confer the honorary rank of General of Nepali Army to General Naravane in an investiture ceremony. This will be the first high level visit to Nepal from India after Kathmandu issued new Nepal Map shows Indian territories as Nepali territories. The decision for new Nepal map was announced by executive decision by KP Sharma Oli led govt. The constitutional amendment to give legal backing to it coat of arms that shows the new map was passed by Nepal parliament earlier this year. MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had that time said, map "is not based on historical facts and evidence. It is contrary to the bilateral understanding to resolve the outstanding boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue. Such artificial enlargement of territorial claims will not be accepted by India." Ties between the two governments has gone downhill since then.

Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane to visit Nepal

Continuous downpour in several parts of Hyderabad led to severe water-logging. Streets are flooded in various areas following heavy rainfall.

India: Hyderabad severely affected by rains, intense rainfall leads to flooding

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