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Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi dropped slightly on Friday morning representing improved air quality in the national capital. The city recorded an AQI of 198. On Thursday, the average AQI was recorded to be 208. AQI of 198 falls in 'moderate' category.

Delhi's air quality had turned poor on Wednesday, the first time in since June 29, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recording a 24-hour average AQI of 215. The AQI was 230 on June 29.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality monitor SAFAR said that AQI may improve by Saturday.

A gradual increase in farm fires around Punjab, Haryana and other areas has been seen. Wind direction and speed are favourable for transport of pollutants toward Delhi. However, a shift in wind direction is expected.

High levels of air pollution in Delhi is a year-round problem, which can be attributed to unfavourable meteorological conditions, farm fires in neighbouring regions and local sources of pollution.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/crowds-throng-delhis-small-eatery-baba-ka-dhaba-as-emotional-video-goes-viral-333520">Crowds throng Delhi's small eatery 'Baba Ka Dhaba' as emotional video goes viral</a>

According to an analysis by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, a Delhi-based think tank, transportation contributes the most -- 18 to 39 per cent -- to Delhi's air pollution.

Road dust is the second-largest source of air pollution in the city (18 to 38 per cent), followed by industries (2 to 29 per cent), thermal power plants (3 to 11 per cent) and construction (8 per cent).

The Delhi government on Monday launched a massive anti-air pollution campaign.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said he himself will review the situation daily.

A "green" war room was also inaugurated by Environment Minister Gopal Rai at the Delhi Secretariat to monitor the steps being taken to deal with high levels of air pollution in winters.

The government will also start the spraying of 'Pusa bio-decomposer' solution in non-Basmati rice fields in the national capital, starting October 11.

The solution, experts say, can turn stubble into manure in 15 to 20 days and therefore, can prevent stubble burning.

Starting October 15, stricter measures to fight air pollution will also come into force in Delhi and its neighbourhood as part of the Graded Response Action Plan, which was first implemented in Delhi-NCR in 2017.

These measures include increasing bus and metro services, hiking parking fees and stopping use of diesel generator sets when the air quality turns poor.

When the situation turns "severe", GRAP recommends closure of brick kilns, stone crushers and hot mix plants, sprinkling of water, frequent mechanised cleaning of roads and maximising power generation from natural gas.

The measures to be followed in the "emergency" situation include stopping entry of trucks in Delhi, ban on construction activities and introduction of the odd-even car rationing scheme.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi dropped slightly on Friday morning representing improved air quality in the national capital. The city recorded an AQI of 198. On Thursday, the average AQI was recorded to be 208.

Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi dropped slightly on Friday morning representing improved air quality in the national capital. The city recorded an AQI of 198. On Thursday, the average AQI was recorded to be 208. AQI of 198 falls in 'moderate' category. Delhi's air quality had turned poor on Wednesday, the first time in since June 29, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recording a 24-hour average AQI of 215. The AQI was 230 on June 29. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality monitor SAFAR said that AQI may improve by Saturday. A gradual increase in farm fires around Punjab, Haryana and other areas has been seen. Wind direction and speed are favourable for transport of pollutants toward Delhi. However, a shift in wind direction is expected. High levels of air pollution in Delhi is a year-round problem, which can be attributed to unfavourable meteorological conditions, farm fires in neighbouring regions and local sources of pollution. Also Read | Crowds throng Delhi's small eatery 'Baba Ka Dhaba' as emotional video goes viral According to an analysis by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, a Delhi-based think tank, transportation contributes the most -- 18 to 39 per cent -- to Delhi's air pollution. Road dust is the second-largest source of air pollution in the city (18 to 38 per cent), followed by industries (2 to 29 per cent), thermal power plants (3 to 11 per cent) and construction (8 per cent). The Delhi government on Monday launched a massive anti-air pollution campaign. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said he himself will review the situation daily. A "green" war room was also inaugurated by Environment Minister Gopal Rai at the Delhi Secretariat to monitor the steps being taken to deal with high levels of air pollution in winters. The government will also start the spraying of 'Pusa bio-decomposer' solution in non-Basmati rice fields in the national capital, starting October 11. The solution, experts say, can turn stubble into manure in 15 to 20 days and therefore, can prevent stubble burning. Starting October 15, stricter measures to fight air pollution will also come into force in Delhi and its neighbourhood as part of the Graded Response Action Plan, which was first implemented in Delhi-NCR in 2017. These measures include increasing bus and metro services, hiking parking fees and stopping use of diesel generator sets when the air quality turns poor. When the situation turns "severe", GRAP recommends closure of brick kilns, stone crushers and hot mix plants, sprinkling of water, frequent mechanised cleaning of roads and maximising power generation from natural gas. The measures to be followed in the "emergency" situation include stopping entry of trucks in Delhi, ban on construction activities and introduction of the odd-even car rationing scheme. (With PTI inputs)

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On October 8, 1932, the Indian Air Force(IAF) was established as a supporting fleet to her majesty's Royal Air Force.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indian-aircraft-show-resolve-capability-on-air-force-day-333488">In Pics:&nbsp;Indian aircraft show resolve, capability on Air Force Day</a>

Back then, six officers and 19 sepoys is what constituted the Air Force in India. However, 88 years later, it has grown into the world's fourth-largest Air Force with 139,576 active personnel and approximately 140,000 reserve personnel with more than 1,750 aircraft.

The Indian Air Force today celebrated its 88th foundation day and as always the main event was the parade and the fly-past at the Hindon Airbase. India's high-end acquisitions were on display - the Mig-29s, Sukhois and the newly inducted Rafale jets.

India's Air Force chief talked about how the new acquisitions have boosted India's air strength. The Air Force has given India a decisive edge over its regional rivals. In the 1965 war, the IAF had raided multiple airbases inside Pakistan, again in 1971, during the Bangladesh liberation war, it turned the tide in India's favour flying 2,000 sorties over east Pakistan providing cover to Indian troops.

Another landmark operation was the Balakot airstrikes when twelve IAF fighters crossed the Line of Control(LoC) targetting the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot. The airstrikes were a successful display of the IAF's covert striking capacity while the IAF is undoubtedly a well-oiled war machine, it has also been crucial in humanitarian missions as well.

In 2013, when the northern state of Uttarkhand was ravaged by floods, it was the IAF that came to the rescue under Operation Rahat, as many as 20,000 people were airlifted to safety which was the biggest civilian rescue operation ever undertaken by an Air Force.

However, the IAF does have its work cut out, its squadron strength is far below the sanctioned requirement of 42. Foreign dependence continues to remain high despite a concerted effort to "buy Indian". Indigenisation is likely to be the IAF's biggest challenge in the coming years.

On October 8, 1932, the Indian Air Force(IAF) was established as a supporting fleet to her majesty's Royal Air Force. In Pics: Indian aircraft show resolve, capability on Air Force Day Back then, six officers and 19 sepoys is what constituted the Air Force in India.

On October 8, 1932, the Indian Air Force(IAF) was established as a supporting fleet to her majesty's Royal Air Force. In Pics: Indian aircraft show resolve, capability on Air Force Day Back then, six officers and 19 sepoys is what constituted the Air Force in India. However, 88 years later, it has grown into the world's fourth-largest Air Force with 139,576 active personnel and approximately 140,000 reserve personnel with more than 1,750 aircraft. The Indian Air Force today celebrated its 88th foundation day and as always the main event was the parade and the fly-past at the Hindon Airbase. India's high-end acquisitions were on display - the Mig-29s, Sukhois and the newly inducted Rafale jets. India's Air Force chief talked about how the new acquisitions have boosted India's air strength. The Air Force has given India a decisive edge over its regional rivals. In the 1965 war, the IAF had raided multiple airbases inside Pakistan, again in 1971, during the Bangladesh liberation war, it turned the tide in India's favour flying 2,000 sorties over east Pakistan providing cover to Indian troops. Another landmark operation was the Balakot airstrikes when twelve IAF fighters crossed the Line of Control(LoC) targetting the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot. The airstrikes were a successful display of the IAF's covert striking capacity while the IAF is undoubtedly a well-oiled war machine, it has also been crucial in humanitarian missions as well. In 2013, when the northern state of Uttarkhand was ravaged by floods, it was the IAF that came to the rescue under Operation Rahat, as many as 20,000 people were airlifted to safety which was the biggest civilian rescue operation ever undertaken by an Air Force. However, the IAF does have its work cut out, its squadron strength is far below the sanctioned requirement of 42. Foreign dependence continues to remain high despite a concerted effort to "buy Indian". Indigenisation is likely to be the IAF's biggest challenge in the coming years.

Indian Air Force displays Rafale, Sukhoi fighters on 88th foundation day

The Madras High Court has expressed apprehension about India’s over-dependence on ’hostile neighbor’ China, when it comes to the import of Active Pharmaceutical ingredients (API).

This observation was made on the grounds that it hinders the nation’s response to security and other breaches by the neighbor. APIs are the ingredients in the medicine that play the major role of acting upon the illness. While India, which is regarded a pioneer in pharmaceuticals, does not import medicines per se, the country imports APIs, which are the crucial ingredient in the drugs’ manufacture.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mysterious-covid-19-vaccine-chinas-cry-of-help-for-friendship-334123">Also read|&nbsp;Mysterious COVID-19 vaccine: China's cry of help for friendship</a>

At one stage, even the National Security Advisor (NSA) has cautioned the Government of the danger to our national security on account of this excess import dependence from a single nation” the Court said. It is said that China is also the global leader in the production and export of APIs, which is enabled by government support and lower costs on various fronts.

The Court notes that the economic advantage of importing APIs from China has led to India losing its scientific-edge and self-reliance in APIs. It is said that China is able to sell their APIs to India at 25% of the cost that it would take to manufacture in India. “As a result, our country that had once built 99.7% self-reliance in APIs went on to import over 90% of its API requirements from China”, the Court said. “At one stage, even the National Security Advisor (‘NSA’) has cautioned the Government of the danger to our national security on account of this excess import dependence from a single nation” it added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-join-covax-when-will-un-hold-china-responsible-for-its-actions-334138">Also read|&nbsp;China to join COVAX: When will UN hold China responsible for its actions?</a>

Fearsome prospects of Indian patients having to consume sub-standard drugs or go without medicines, in case of escalation of tensions with China were also mentioned by the Court, in view of the Galwan clashes.&nbsp;

The court made the observations while ordering that a five-member committee be set-up to ensure the enabling of a private company Vinkem Labs Ltd to become a global player that can bring in foreign exchange and also ensure India’s self-reliance in cancer drugs.

In an issued on September 30, 2020, the Court said that a committee must be formed within eight weeks to facilitate requirements of Vinkem Labs including fiscal and regulatory for R&amp;D, commercialization, industry development, regulatory compliances, technology infusion, exports, domestic supply and others.

The proposed committee is meant to have a member each from Union Ministry of Pharmaceuticals and Finance Ministry not below Joint Secretary rank, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of Tamil Nadu, one member from Bank of India and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) not below the rank of Senior General Manager and N.L.Rajah, the amicus curiae appointed by the court.

The court monitored Committee is also required to remove delays and difficulties, including funding requirements of Vinkem Labs with necessary recommendations to the banks.

The Madras High Court has expressed apprehension about India’s over-dependence on ’hostile neighbor’ China, when it comes to the import of Active Pharmaceutical ingredients (API).

The Madras High Court has expressed apprehension about India’s over-dependence on ’hostile neighbor’ China, when it comes to the import of Active Pharmaceutical ingredients (API). This observation was made on the grounds that it hinders the nation’s response to security and other breaches by the neighbor. APIs are the ingredients in the medicine that play the major role of acting upon the illness. While India, which is regarded a pioneer in pharmaceuticals, does not import medicines per se, the country imports APIs, which are the crucial ingredient in the drugs’ manufacture. Also read| Mysterious COVID-19 vaccine: China's cry of help for friendship At one stage, even the National Security Advisor (NSA) has cautioned the Government of the danger to our national security on account of this excess import dependence from a single nation” the Court said. It is said that China is also the global leader in the production and export of APIs, which is enabled by government support and lower costs on various fronts. The Court notes that the economic advantage of importing APIs from China has led to India losing its scientific-edge and self-reliance in APIs. It is said that China is able to sell their APIs to India at 25% of the cost that it would take to manufacture in India. “As a result, our country that had once built 99.7% self-reliance in APIs went on to import over 90% of its API requirements from China”, the Court said. “At one stage, even the National Security Advisor (‘NSA’) has cautioned the Government of the danger to our national security on account of this excess import dependence from a single nation” it added. Also read| China to join COVAX: When will UN hold China responsible for its actions? Fearsome prospects of Indian patients having to consume sub-standard drugs or go without medicines, in case of escalation of tensions with China were also mentioned by the Court, in view of the Galwan clashes. The court made the observations while ordering that a five-member committee be set-up to ensure the enabling of a private company Vinkem Labs Ltd to become a global player that can bring in foreign exchange and also ensure India’s self-reliance in cancer drugs. In an issued on September 30, 2020, the Court said that a committee must be formed within eight weeks to facilitate requirements of Vinkem Labs including fiscal and regulatory for R&D, commercialization, industry development, regulatory compliances, technology infusion, exports, domestic supply and others. The proposed committee is meant to have a member each from Union Ministry of Pharmaceuticals and Finance Ministry not below Joint Secretary rank, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of Tamil Nadu, one member from Bank of India and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) not below the rank of Senior General Manager and N.L.Rajah, the amicus curiae appointed by the court. The court monitored Committee is also required to remove delays and difficulties, including funding requirements of Vinkem Labs with necessary recommendations to the banks.

Madras High court raises concern over India’s over-dependence on Chinese pharma ingredients

Three major employees' federations of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), which operates 41 ammunition production facilities across the country, on Friday called off their proposed indefinite strike from Monday following talks with the government, defence ministry officials said.

The federations of the OFB had given the call for the indefinite strike against the defence ministry's move to corporatise the 200-year-old organisation that supplies ammunition to the defence forces.

Last month, the government constituted an Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to oversee the process of corporatisation of the OFB which was strongly opposed by the three unions.

The federations claimed to have support of over 70,000 employees of the OFB.

Additional Director General (Media and Communication) in the defence ministry A Bharat Bhushan Babu said the unions called off their strike following a "conciliation meeting" with the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

He said the ministry received a notice on August 4 from the three federations for the proposed strike from October 12 following which it referred the matter last month to the Chief Labour Commissioner in the Ministry of Labour and Employment to initiate conciliation in the matter.

"After a conciliation meeting today, the federations have called off the proposed strike from October 12," the spokesperson said. 
Babu said it was agreed by the representatives of the federations and officials of the defence ministry that during the pendency of the on-going conciliation proceedings, the ministry will abide by the provisions of Section 33(1) of the Industrial Disputes Act 1947.

The provision stipulates that the employer cannot alter the conditions of service of the employees till the conclusion of conciliation proceedings. 
"However, it will not affect the government's decision to corporatise Ordnance Factory Board," he said.

Babu said the defence ministry has also invited the representatives of the federations to meet secretary, Department of Defence Production and the Empowered Group of Ministers to put forward their issues and grievances.

At present, the government has to shell out around Rs 5,000 crore annually to pay salaries of the OFB employees. Additionally, it gives around Rs 3,000 crore to OFB as operational cost.

The ordnance factories were set up as "captive centres" to serve the needs of the armed forces, but they have been facing performance-related issues for a long time.

The defence ministry if of the view that the present structure of OFB is inconsistent with the requirement of production centre which calls for lot of flexibility at managerial and functional level.

Three major employees' federations of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), which operates 41 ammunition production facilities across the country, on Friday called off their proposed indefinite strike from Monday following talks with the government, defence ministry officials said.

Three major employees' federations of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), which operates 41 ammunition production facilities across the country, on Friday called off their proposed indefinite strike from Monday following talks with the government, defence ministry officials said. The federations of the OFB had given the call for the indefinite strike against the defence ministry's move to corporatise the 200-year-old organisation that supplies ammunition to the defence forces. Last month, the government constituted an Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to oversee the process of corporatisation of the OFB which was strongly opposed by the three unions. The federations claimed to have support of over 70,000 employees of the OFB. Additional Director General (Media and Communication) in the defence ministry A Bharat Bhushan Babu said the unions called off their strike following a "conciliation meeting" with the Ministry of Labour and Employment. He said the ministry received a notice on August 4 from the three federations for the proposed strike from October 12 following which it referred the matter last month to the Chief Labour Commissioner in the Ministry of Labour and Employment to initiate conciliation in the matter. "After a conciliation meeting today, the federations have called off the proposed strike from October 12," the spokesperson said. Babu said it was agreed by the representatives of the federations and officials of the defence ministry that during the pendency of the on-going conciliation proceedings, the ministry will abide by the provisions of Section 33(1) of the Industrial Disputes Act 1947. The provision stipulates that the employer cannot alter the conditions of service of the employees till the conclusion of conciliation proceedings. "However, it will not affect the government's decision to corporatise Ordnance Factory Board," he said. Babu said the defence ministry has also invited the representatives of the federations to meet secretary, Department of Defence Production and the Empowered Group of Ministers to put forward their issues and grievances. At present, the government has to shell out around Rs 5,000 crore annually to pay salaries of the OFB employees. Additionally, it gives around Rs 3,000 crore to OFB as operational cost. The ordnance factories were set up as "captive centres" to serve the needs of the armed forces, but they have been facing performance-related issues for a long time. The defence ministry if of the view that the present structure of OFB is inconsistent with the requirement of production centre which calls for lot of flexibility at managerial and functional level.

Employees' unions of Ordnance Factory Board call off strike following talks: Defence Ministry

India on Friday confirmed 70,496 fresh cases of coronavirus and 964 new deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the total infections to 6,906,161 and death toll to 106,490, according to the health ministry.&nbsp;

With the latest figures updated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there are 893,592 active cases in the country.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-surpasses-10000-covid-19-deaths-recovery-rate-above-90-333624">Tamil Nadu surpasses 10,000 COVID-19 deaths, recovery rate above 90%</a>

In the last 24 hours, 1,168,705 tests for Covid-19 took place in India.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-cases-in-delhi-crosses-3-lakh-death-toll-climbs-to-5653-333529">Coronavirus cases in Delhi crosses 3 lakh; death toll climbs to 5,653</a>

After hitting a high of almost 100,000 daily cases, it seems that coronavirus infections in the country have passed its peaked for the first time as the daily cases remain in the range of 70,000-80,000 cases.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the central government on Thursday launched a public awareness campaign to stop the spread of Covid-19.

In the 'Jan Andolan' campaign, PM Narendra Modi and his cabinet team would raise awareness on wearing masks and maintaining social distancing as India gears up for its festival season.&nbsp;

Globally, the US remains the worst-hit country with 211,844 deaths and is followed by Brazil with 148,228 fatalities, according to an AFP tally. India ranks third in terms of the death toll and second in overall infections.

The tally said 36.2 million people have so far contracted Covid-19 worldwide, out of which 1,057,084 have died.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India on Friday confirmed 70,496 fresh cases of coronavirus and 964 new deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the total infections to 6,906,161 and death toll to 106,490, according to the health ministry.

India on Friday confirmed 70,496 fresh cases of coronavirus and 964 new deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the total infections to 6,906,161 and death toll to 106,490, according to the health ministry. With the latest figures updated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there are 893,592 active cases in the country. Also read | Tamil Nadu surpasses 10,000 COVID-19 deaths, recovery rate above 90% In the last 24 hours, 1,168,705 tests for Covid-19 took place in India. Also read | Coronavirus cases in Delhi crosses 3 lakh; death toll climbs to 5,653 After hitting a high of almost 100,000 daily cases, it seems that coronavirus infections in the country have passed its peaked for the first time as the daily cases remain in the range of 70,000-80,000 cases. Meanwhile, the central government on Thursday launched a public awareness campaign to stop the spread of Covid-19. In the 'Jan Andolan' campaign, PM Narendra Modi and his cabinet team would raise awareness on wearing masks and maintaining social distancing as India gears up for its festival season. Globally, the US remains the worst-hit country with 211,844 deaths and is followed by Brazil with 148,228 fatalities, according to an AFP tally. India ranks third in terms of the death toll and second in overall infections. The tally said 36.2 million people have so far contracted Covid-19 worldwide, out of which 1,057,084 have died.

India records 70,496 new coronavirus cases, total infections near 7 million

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday offered his best wishes to Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for assuming charge as Kuwait's emir and also to the new crown prince, and expressed confidence that India-Kuwait friendship will be further strengthened.

"Congratulations and best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for assuming charge as the Amir of the State of Kuwait. I also congratulate His Highness Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on his taking charge as the Crown Prince," Modi tweeted.

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Congratulations and best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for assuming charge as the Amir of the State of Kuwait. I also congratulate His Highness Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on his taking charge as the Crown Prince.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1314562539695472641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He added, "I am confident that the State of Kuwait will continue to play an important global role under their leadership, and the historic India-Kuwait friendship will be further strengthened."

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I am confident that the State of Kuwait will continue to play an important global role under their leadership, and the historic India-Kuwait friendship will be further strengthened.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1314562542442700801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The royal family in Kuwait has moved swiftly to assure a smooth transition of power in the tiny oil-rich nation following the death last week of ruling emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, a unifying figure in the country who deftly navigated the region's stark political and sectarian divides.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday offered his best wishes to Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for assuming charge as Kuwait's emir and also to the new crown prince, and expressed confidence that India-Kuwait friendship will be further strengthened.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday offered his best wishes to Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for assuming charge as Kuwait's emir and also to the new crown prince, and expressed confidence that India-Kuwait friendship will be further strengthened. "Congratulations and best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for assuming charge as the Amir of the State of Kuwait. I also congratulate His Highness Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on his taking charge as the Crown Prince," Modi tweeted. Congratulations and best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for assuming charge as the Amir of the State of Kuwait. I also congratulate His Highness Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on his taking charge as the Crown Prince. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2020 × He added, "I am confident that the State of Kuwait will continue to play an important global role under their leadership, and the historic India-Kuwait friendship will be further strengthened." I am confident that the State of Kuwait will continue to play an important global role under their leadership, and the historic India-Kuwait friendship will be further strengthened. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2020 × The royal family in Kuwait has moved swiftly to assure a smooth transition of power in the tiny oil-rich nation following the death last week of ruling emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, a unifying figure in the country who deftly navigated the region's stark political and sectarian divides.

PM Modi extends best wishes to Kuwait's emir

India has got the second set of Swiss bank account details of its nationals and entities under the automatic exchange of information pact with Switzerland, marking a key milestone in the government's fight against black money allegedly stashed abroad.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-get-information-on-account-holders-in-swiss-banks-from-this-year-government-187932">Also Read: India to get information on account holders in Swiss banks from this year, says government</a>

India is among the 86 countries with which Switzerland's Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has exchanged information on financial accounts within the framework of global standards on AEOI this year.

India had received the first set of details from Switzerland in September 2019 under AEOI (Automatic Exchange of Information), when it involved 75 countries.

The information exchange this year involved nearly 3.1 million (31 lakh) financial accounts, FTA said in a statement on Friday. The number of such accounts was similar in 2019.

While the statement did not explicitly name India among the 86 countries, officials told PTI that India is among the prominent countries with which Switzerland has shared details about financial accounts of clients of Swiss banks and various other financial institutions.

The officials further said a "sizeable number" relates to Indian citizens and entities in the overall exchange of information about over three million financial accounts by Switzerland this year with 86 countries.

Besides, Swiss authorities have already shared information about more than 100 Indian citizens and entities in the past one year on receipt of requests for administrative assistance in cases involving probes into financial wrongdoings including tax evasion, the officials added.

These cases mostly relate to older accounts that might have been closed before 2018, for which Switzerland has shared details with India under an earlier framework of mutual administrative assistance as Indian authorities had provided prima facie evidence of tax-related wrongdoing by those account holders. AEOI is applicable only to accounts that are active or were closed during 2018.

Some of these cases relate to entities set up by Indians in various overseas jurisdictions like Panama, British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands, while the individuals include mostly businessmen and a few politicians and erstwhile royals as well as their family members.

The officials, however, refused to share details about the exact number of accounts or the quantum of assets held in the accounts held by Indians, for which the information has been shared with India, citing strict confidentiality clauses governing the exchange framework.

The information shared by Swiss authorities include identification, account and financial information, such as name, address, country of residence and tax identification number, as well as information concerning the reporting financial institution, account balance and capital income.

The exchanged information will allow tax authorities to verify whether taxpayers have correctly declared their financial accounts in their tax returns. The next exchange would take place in September 2021.

In its statement, FTA said the 86 countries covered under the AEOI this year include 11 new jurisdictions -- Anguilla, Aruba, Bahamas, Bahrain, Grenada, Israel, Kuwait, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Panama and the United Arab Emirates -- in addition to the existing list of 75 countries, with whom information was shared last year.

Further, FTA said the exchange of information this year has been reciprocal with 66 countries. In the case of 20 countries, Switzerland received information but did not provide any, either because those countries do not yet meet the international requirements on confidentiality and data security (9 countries) or because they chose not to receive data (11 countries).

A total of 38 countries will supply their data to Switzerland in accordance with the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (Global Forum) by December 31, 2020. These countries have claimed technical difficulties due to the COVID-19 crisis. 
Switzerland's first such exchange took place at the end of September 2018 and involved 36 countries, but India did not figure in the list at that time.

Currently, around 8,500 reporting financial institutions (banks, trusts, insurers, etc) are registered with FTA. These institutions collected the data and transferred it to FTA. The count has increased from about 7,500 last year.

FTA sent information on around 3.1 million financial accounts to the partner states and received information on around 8,15,000 financial accounts from them.

FTA also said it cannot provide any information on the amount of financial assets.

Switzerland has committed itself to adopt the global standard for the international automatic exchange of information in tax matters. The legal basis for the implementation of AEOI in Switzerland came into force on January 1, 2017.

This is the second time that India has received details from swiss authorities under &nbsp;AEOI framework, which provides for the exchange of information on financial accounts, currently active as well as those accounts that were closed during 2018, the year in which the framework agreement became effective.

However, AEOI only relates to accounts that are officially in the name of Indians and they might include those used for business and other genuine purposes.

The Global Forum of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development reviews AEOI implementation.

According to experts, the data received by India can be quite useful for establishing a strong prosecution case against those who have any unaccounted wealth, as it provides entire details of deposits and transfers as well as of all earnings, including through investments in securities and other assets.

On condition of anonymity, several officials said the details relate mostly to businessmen, including non-resident Indians now settled in several South-East Asian countries as well as in the US, the UK and even some African and South American countries.

A Swiss delegation was in India in August last year before the first set of details could get shared and the two sides also discussed possible steps to expedite the execution of tax information-sharing requests made by India in specific cases.

It is feared many Indians might have closed their accounts after a global crackdown on black money led to Switzerland buckling under international pressure to open its banking sector for scrutiny to clear the long-held perception of Swiss banks being safe haven for undisclosed funds.

Switzerland agreed to AEOI with India after a long process, including a review of the necessary legal framework in India on data protection and confidentiality.&nbsp;

India has got the second set of Swiss bank account details of its nationals and entities under the automatic exchange of information pact with Switzerland, marking a key milestone in the government's fight against black money allegedly stashed abroad.

India has got the second set of Swiss bank account details of its nationals and entities under the automatic exchange of information pact with Switzerland, marking a key milestone in the government's fight against black money allegedly stashed abroad. Also Read: India to get information on account holders in Swiss banks from this year, says government India is among the 86 countries with which Switzerland's Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has exchanged information on financial accounts within the framework of global standards on AEOI this year. India had received the first set of details from Switzerland in September 2019 under AEOI (Automatic Exchange of Information), when it involved 75 countries. The information exchange this year involved nearly 3.1 million (31 lakh) financial accounts, FTA said in a statement on Friday. The number of such accounts was similar in 2019. While the statement did not explicitly name India among the 86 countries, officials told PTI that India is among the prominent countries with which Switzerland has shared details about financial accounts of clients of Swiss banks and various other financial institutions. The officials further said a "sizeable number" relates to Indian citizens and entities in the overall exchange of information about over three million financial accounts by Switzerland this year with 86 countries. Besides, Swiss authorities have already shared information about more than 100 Indian citizens and entities in the past one year on receipt of requests for administrative assistance in cases involving probes into financial wrongdoings including tax evasion, the officials added. These cases mostly relate to older accounts that might have been closed before 2018, for which Switzerland has shared details with India under an earlier framework of mutual administrative assistance as Indian authorities had provided prima facie evidence of tax-related wrongdoing by those account holders. AEOI is applicable only to accounts that are active or were closed during 2018. Some of these cases relate to entities set up by Indians in various overseas jurisdictions like Panama, British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands, while the individuals include mostly businessmen and a few politicians and erstwhile royals as well as their family members. The officials, however, refused to share details about the exact number of accounts or the quantum of assets held in the accounts held by Indians, for which the information has been shared with India, citing strict confidentiality clauses governing the exchange framework. The information shared by Swiss authorities include identification, account and financial information, such as name, address, country of residence and tax identification number, as well as information concerning the reporting financial institution, account balance and capital income. The exchanged information will allow tax authorities to verify whether taxpayers have correctly declared their financial accounts in their tax returns. The next exchange would take place in September 2021. In its statement, FTA said the 86 countries covered under the AEOI this year include 11 new jurisdictions -- Anguilla, Aruba, Bahamas, Bahrain, Grenada, Israel, Kuwait, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Panama and the United Arab Emirates -- in addition to the existing list of 75 countries, with whom information was shared last year. Further, FTA said the exchange of information this year has been reciprocal with 66 countries. In the case of 20 countries, Switzerland received information but did not provide any, either because those countries do not yet meet the international requirements on confidentiality and data security (9 countries) or because they chose not to receive data (11 countries). A total of 38 countries will supply their data to Switzerland in accordance with the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (Global Forum) by December 31, 2020. These countries have claimed technical difficulties due to the COVID-19 crisis. Switzerland's first such exchange took place at the end of September 2018 and involved 36 countries, but India did not figure in the list at that time. Currently, around 8,500 reporting financial institutions (banks, trusts, insurers, etc) are registered with FTA. These institutions collected the data and transferred it to FTA. The count has increased from about 7,500 last year. FTA sent information on around 3.1 million financial accounts to the partner states and received information on around 8,15,000 financial accounts from them. FTA also said it cannot provide any information on the amount of financial assets. Switzerland has committed itself to adopt the global standard for the international automatic exchange of information in tax matters. The legal basis for the implementation of AEOI in Switzerland came into force on January 1, 2017. This is the second time that India has received details from swiss authorities under AEOI framework, which provides for the exchange of information on financial accounts, currently active as well as those accounts that were closed during 2018, the year in which the framework agreement became effective. However, AEOI only relates to accounts that are officially in the name of Indians and they might include those used for business and other genuine purposes. The Global Forum of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development reviews AEOI implementation. According to experts, the data received by India can be quite useful for establishing a strong prosecution case against those who have any unaccounted wealth, as it provides entire details of deposits and transfers as well as of all earnings, including through investments in securities and other assets. On condition of anonymity, several officials said the details relate mostly to businessmen, including non-resident Indians now settled in several South-East Asian countries as well as in the US, the UK and even some African and South American countries. A Swiss delegation was in India in August last year before the first set of details could get shared and the two sides also discussed possible steps to expedite the execution of tax information-sharing requests made by India in specific cases. It is feared many Indians might have closed their accounts after a global crackdown on black money led to Switzerland buckling under international pressure to open its banking sector for scrutiny to clear the long-held perception of Swiss banks being safe haven for undisclosed funds. Switzerland agreed to AEOI with India after a long process, including a review of the necessary legal framework in India on data protection and confidentiality.

India gets set of Swiss bank account details under automatic information exchange framework

India on Friday successfully flight tested the indigenously-developed Anti-Radiation Missile (Rudram-1), which can hit any radio frequency emitting target.

 
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the Defence Research and Development Organisation and other stakeholders for the successful test of the first indigenous anti-radiation missile for the Indian Air Force.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-successfully-test-fires-new-improved-version-of-nuclear-capable-shaurya-missile-332230">Also read:&nbsp;India successfully test-fires new, improved version of nuclear-capable Shaurya Missile</a>

"New generation Anti-Radiation Missile (Rudram) was successfully flight tested onto a radiation target located on Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha," the DRDO said in a statement. The missile was launched from a Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft.

The missile is integrated on the Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft as the launch platform, having capability of varying ranges based on launch conditions.

"It has INS-GPS navigation with Passive Homing Head for the final attack. It hit the radiation target with pin-point accuracy," the DRDO said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-successfully-test-fires-brahmos-cruise-missile-with-extended-strike-range-of-450-km-331404">Also read:&nbsp;India successfully test-fires BrahMos cruise missile with extended strike range of 450 km</a>

The Passive Homing Head can detect, classify and engage targets over a wide band of frequencies as programmed. The missile is a potent weapon for the IAF for suppression of enemy air defence effectively from large stand-off ranges.

With this, the country has established indigenous capability to develop long-range, air-launched anti-radiation missiles for neutralising enemy radars, communication sites and other radio frequency emitting targets.

Earlier this month, the DRDO tested the anti-submarine weapon system, in a boost to naval warfare capabilities.

India on Friday successfully flight tested the indigenously-developed Anti-Radiation Missile (Rudram-1), which can hit any radio frequency emitting target. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the Defence Research and Development Organisation and other stakeholders for the successful test of the first indigenous anti-radiation missile for the Indian Air Force.

India on Friday successfully flight tested the indigenously-developed Anti-Radiation Missile (Rudram-1), which can hit any radio frequency emitting target. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the Defence Research and Development Organisation and other stakeholders for the successful test of the first indigenous anti-radiation missile for the Indian Air Force. Also read: India successfully test-fires new, improved version of nuclear-capable Shaurya Missile "New generation Anti-Radiation Missile (Rudram) was successfully flight tested onto a radiation target located on Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha," the DRDO said in a statement. The missile was launched from a Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft. The missile is integrated on the Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft as the launch platform, having capability of varying ranges based on launch conditions. "It has INS-GPS navigation with Passive Homing Head for the final attack. It hit the radiation target with pin-point accuracy," the DRDO said. Also read: India successfully test-fires BrahMos cruise missile with extended strike range of 450 km The Passive Homing Head can detect, classify and engage targets over a wide band of frequencies as programmed. The missile is a potent weapon for the IAF for suppression of enemy air defence effectively from large stand-off ranges. With this, the country has established indigenous capability to develop long-range, air-launched anti-radiation missiles for neutralising enemy radars, communication sites and other radio frequency emitting targets. Earlier this month, the DRDO tested the anti-submarine weapon system, in a boost to naval warfare capabilities.

India successfully flight-tests anti-radiation missile for IAF

Amid the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/india-china-standoff"> India-China standoff</a> along the LAC, intelligence sources say Pakistan is setting up surface-to-air missile sites with the help of China in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-conducts-high-level-military-exercise-in-ladakh-330800/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sources say that People's Liberation Army(PLA) and Pakistan Army troops have been carrying out construction work for the installation of surface-to-air&nbsp;missiles in PoK.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ladakh-standoff-india-china-agree-not-to-send-more-troops-to-the-frontline-329527">Also Read:&nbsp;Ladakh standoff: India, China agree not to send more troops to the frontline</a>

There are about 25 to 40 civilians including 120 Pakistan Army officials working on the construction site. Reports say the control room for the missile defence system will be headquartered in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir's Bdel Bagh area with ten PLA troops including three officers who will reportedly be present at the control room.

Intelligence sources have revealed that similar construction activity has also been reported at Chinar village and Chakothi village in Hattian Bala district of Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

The report comes even as Indian troops are stocking up essential supplies including tanks and heavy weaponry in eastern Ladakh amid the India-China standoff at LAC.

India has reportedly flown in T-90 and T-72 tanks in various sensitive areas including Chushul and Demchock sectors. The Indian Army also transported essential commodities including tents, food items, fuel and heaters.

India has also reportedly deployed over three additional Army divisions in eastern Ladakh. India has also used C-130J Super Hercules and C-17 Globemaster transport planes to ferry supplies and manpower.

Indian Air Force (IAF) has also decided to remain on high alert in the forward air bases along the LAC even as Indian and Chinese corps commander level talks continue with the next meeting set for October 12.

Amid the India-China standoff along the LAC, intelligence sources say Pakistan is setting up surface-to-air missile sites with the help of China in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Amid the India-China standoff along the LAC, intelligence sources say Pakistan is setting up surface-to-air missile sites with the help of China in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Watch: Sources say that People's Liberation Army(PLA) and Pakistan Army troops have been carrying out construction work for the installation of surface-to-air missiles in PoK. Also Read: Ladakh standoff: India, China agree not to send more troops to the frontline There are about 25 to 40 civilians including 120 Pakistan Army officials working on the construction site. Reports say the control room for the missile defence system will be headquartered in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir's Bdel Bagh area with ten PLA troops including three officers who will reportedly be present at the control room. Intelligence sources have revealed that similar construction activity has also been reported at Chinar village and Chakothi village in Hattian Bala district of Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The report comes even as Indian troops are stocking up essential supplies including tanks and heavy weaponry in eastern Ladakh amid the India-China standoff at LAC. India has reportedly flown in T-90 and T-72 tanks in various sensitive areas including Chushul and Demchock sectors. The Indian Army also transported essential commodities including tents, food items, fuel and heaters. India has also reportedly deployed over three additional Army divisions in eastern Ladakh. India has also used C-130J Super Hercules and C-17 Globemaster transport planes to ferry supplies and manpower. Indian Air Force (IAF) has also decided to remain on high alert in the forward air bases along the LAC even as Indian and Chinese corps commander level talks continue with the next meeting set for October 12.

China helping Pak to set up surface-to-air missile sites in PoK: Report

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) left key interest rates unchanged on Friday but signalled more easing ahead to support an economy that it sees contracting 9.5 per cent in the current fiscal.

The six-member Monetary Policy Committee, with three newly inducted external members, voted unanimously to retain the benchmark repurchase or repo rate at 4 per cent while keeping its policy stance accommodative, implying it could ease again.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/in-a-first-world-trade-organization-to-be-led-by-a-woman-333619">In a first, World Trade Organization to be led by a woman</a>

The central bank had slashed the repo rate by 115 basis points since late March before hitting a pause button in August.

To bring down borrowing cost, RBI announced a number of unconventional steps, including doubling of the size of open-market bond purchases to Rs 20,000 crore, offer to buy state debt, and easing a corporate cash crunch through a Rs 1 lakh crore of targeted long-term funds available on tap.

Besides supporting economic activity, the measures are aimed at ensuring the government's record borrowing programme goes through smoothly.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said the economic growth, which slumped to a negative 23.9 per cent in the April-June quarter, will turn positive only in the final January-March quarter.

"By all indications, the deep contractions of Q1 2020-21 (April-June) are behind us; silver linings are visible in the flattening of the active caseload curve across the country," he said.

Barring the risk of a second wave of infections, the economy appeared poised to begin a recovery, he said, noting food grain production was set for record highs and factories and cities were coming back to life.

With macro indicators pointing to a recovery, "GDP growth may break out of contraction and turn positive by Q4 (January-March)," he said.

"For the year 2020-21 as a whole, therefore, real GDP is expected to decline by 9.5 per cent, with risks tilted to the downside," he said, adding that if the current momentum of upturn gains ground, a faster and stronger rebound is eminently feasible.

After the sharp contraction in Q1 of FY21, the MPC expects growth to come in at (-)9.8 per cent in Q2, (-)5.6 per cent in Q3 and 0.5 per cent in Q4.

"Against all odds, we shall strive and revive," he said.

In a video live stream, he said RBI will "continue with the accommodative stance of monetary policy as long as necessary at least during the current financial year and into the next year to revive growth on a durable basis and mitigate the impact of COVID-19, while ensuring that inflation remains within the target going forward".

RBI saw inflation easing close to the targeted range of 4 per cent, plus or minus 2 pr cent, in the fourth-quarter ending March.

The governor noted that the recent pick-up in inflation is due to supply disruption and higher markups during the lockdown. Going forward, as supply chains are restored, inflation could ease to 4.5-5.4 per cent in the second half of FY21.

RBI's optimism on the inflation front is based on easing of supply-side disruption, weak demand conditions and bumper Kharif harvest as it expects the retail inflation to decline to 4.3 per cent in the first quarter of FY22.

In a bid to provide easy liquidity conditions, RBI announced Open Market Operations (OMO) worth Rs 20,000 crore, which will be used for buying Government of India securities.

OMO will also be extended to state development loans. This will ease the state's borrowing programmes amid lower collection of GST.

RBI also announced on tap TLTRO (Targeted Long Term Repo Operations) with tenors of up to three years for a total amount of up to Rs 1 lakh crore at a floating rate linked to the policy repo rate. The scheme will be available up to March 31, 2021.

Liquidity availed by banks under the scheme has to be deployed in corporate bonds, commercial papers, and non-convertible debentures issued by entities in specific sectors.

In order to facilitate higher credit flow to the retail and SME segments, RBI has decided to increase the definition of 'Regulatory Retail' threshold from Rs 5 crore to Rs 7.5 crore in respect of all fresh as well as incremental exposures.

This may incentivise banks to lend to this sector more as the new definition has increased the target segment.

RBI also rationalised risk weightage on home loans. All new housing loan risk will be linked only to the loan to value ratio.

The lower the ratio, the lower the risks and borrowers will get the interest rate benefits from institutions.

For exporters hit by the pandemic, RBI discontinued the system-based automatic caution-listing to allow them to realise export proceeds.

In order to facilitate swift and seamless payments in real-time for domestic businesses and institutions, RBI decided to make available the RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) system round-the-clock on all days from December.

In December last year, RBI had made available the National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) system on a 24x7x365 basis.&nbsp;

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) left key interest rates unchanged on Friday but signalled more easing ahead to support an economy that it sees contracting 9.5 per cent in the current fiscal.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) left key interest rates unchanged on Friday but signalled more easing ahead to support an economy that it sees contracting 9.5 per cent in the current fiscal. The six-member Monetary Policy Committee, with three newly inducted external members, voted unanimously to retain the benchmark repurchase or repo rate at 4 per cent while keeping its policy stance accommodative, implying it could ease again. Also read | In a first, World Trade Organization to be led by a woman The central bank had slashed the repo rate by 115 basis points since late March before hitting a pause button in August. To bring down borrowing cost, RBI announced a number of unconventional steps, including doubling of the size of open-market bond purchases to Rs 20,000 crore, offer to buy state debt, and easing a corporate cash crunch through a Rs 1 lakh crore of targeted long-term funds available on tap. Besides supporting economic activity, the measures are aimed at ensuring the government's record borrowing programme goes through smoothly. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said the economic growth, which slumped to a negative 23.9 per cent in the April-June quarter, will turn positive only in the final January-March quarter. "By all indications, the deep contractions of Q1 2020-21 (April-June) are behind us; silver linings are visible in the flattening of the active caseload curve across the country," he said. Barring the risk of a second wave of infections, the economy appeared poised to begin a recovery, he said, noting food grain production was set for record highs and factories and cities were coming back to life. With macro indicators pointing to a recovery, "GDP growth may break out of contraction and turn positive by Q4 (January-March)," he said. "For the year 2020-21 as a whole, therefore, real GDP is expected to decline by 9.5 per cent, with risks tilted to the downside," he said, adding that if the current momentum of upturn gains ground, a faster and stronger rebound is eminently feasible. After the sharp contraction in Q1 of FY21, the MPC expects growth to come in at (-)9.8 per cent in Q2, (-)5.6 per cent in Q3 and 0.5 per cent in Q4. "Against all odds, we shall strive and revive," he said. In a video live stream, he said RBI will "continue with the accommodative stance of monetary policy as long as necessary at least during the current financial year and into the next year to revive growth on a durable basis and mitigate the impact of COVID-19, while ensuring that inflation remains within the target going forward". RBI saw inflation easing close to the targeted range of 4 per cent, plus or minus 2 pr cent, in the fourth-quarter ending March. The governor noted that the recent pick-up in inflation is due to supply disruption and higher markups during the lockdown. Going forward, as supply chains are restored, inflation could ease to 4.5-5.4 per cent in the second half of FY21. RBI's optimism on the inflation front is based on easing of supply-side disruption, weak demand conditions and bumper Kharif harvest as it expects the retail inflation to decline to 4.3 per cent in the first quarter of FY22. In a bid to provide easy liquidity conditions, RBI announced Open Market Operations (OMO) worth Rs 20,000 crore, which will be used for buying Government of India securities. OMO will also be extended to state development loans. This will ease the state's borrowing programmes amid lower collection of GST. RBI also announced on tap TLTRO (Targeted Long Term Repo Operations) with tenors of up to three years for a total amount of up to Rs 1 lakh crore at a floating rate linked to the policy repo rate. The scheme will be available up to March 31, 2021. Liquidity availed by banks under the scheme has to be deployed in corporate bonds, commercial papers, and non-convertible debentures issued by entities in specific sectors. In order to facilitate higher credit flow to the retail and SME segments, RBI has decided to increase the definition of 'Regulatory Retail' threshold from Rs 5 crore to Rs 7.5 crore in respect of all fresh as well as incremental exposures. This may incentivise banks to lend to this sector more as the new definition has increased the target segment. RBI also rationalised risk weightage on home loans. All new housing loan risk will be linked only to the loan to value ratio. The lower the ratio, the lower the risks and borrowers will get the interest rate benefits from institutions. For exporters hit by the pandemic, RBI discontinued the system-based automatic caution-listing to allow them to realise export proceeds. In order to facilitate swift and seamless payments in real-time for domestic businesses and institutions, RBI decided to make available the RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) system round-the-clock on all days from December. In December last year, RBI had made available the National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) system on a 24x7x365 basis.

RBI holds interest rates, sees economy contracting 9.5% in FY21 

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan would be accorded a state funeral, and Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad would represent the central government at the ceremony in Patna, an official statement and sources said on Friday.

Paswan (74) died at a private hospital here on Thursday evening after recently undergoing a heart surgery.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-vilas-paswan-was-efficient-administrator-stood-for-cause-of-poor-downtrodden-manmohan-singh-333905">Ram Vilas Paswan was efficient administrator, stood for cause of poor, downtrodden: Manmohan Singh</a>

The funeral is likely to take place in Patna on Saturday. His mortal remains would be flown to Patna in a special aircraft, the sources said.

At a specially convened meeting of the Union Cabinet this morning, it was decided that Prasad would represent the government of India and the Union Council of Ministers at the funeral of the veteran leader, they said.

The Cabinet condoled the demise of the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and observed a two-minute silence in his memory, according to the statement.

"The Cabinet approved a state funeral to be accorded for Shri Ramvilas Paswan," the statement said.

The Cabinet also passed a resolution which said, "The Cabinet expresses profound sorrow at the sad demise of Shri Ramvilas Paswan, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. In his passing away, the nation has lost an eminent leader, a distinguished parliamentarian and an able administrator."

"The Cabinet extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the Government and the entire nation," it added.

Born on July 5, 1946, in Shaharbanni in Bihar's Khagaria district, Paswan was educated at Kosi College, Khagaria and Patna University. He obtained degrees in Master of Arts (MA) and Bachelor of Law (LLB). He was also conferred the Degree of D.Litt. (Honoris Causa) by Bundelkhand University, Jhansi.

Paswan was one of the most popular leaders from Bihar and enjoyed strong mass support. He was elected to the Bihar Legislative Assembly in 1969 as a member of the Samyukta Socialist Party.

Thereafter, he was elected as a member of the sixth Lok Sabha from Hajipur constituency in 1977 with a record margin. He was re-elected to the seventh Lok Sabha in 1980 and the eighth in 1984.

Paswan was re-elected to the ninth Lok Sabha in 1989 and appointed as the Union minister for labour and welfare.

In 1996, he became the minister for railways and continued to hold the post till 1998.

He later served as the minister for communications from October 1999 to September 2001, when he was made the minister of coal and mines, a portfolio he held till April 2002.

After the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, Paswan joined the United Progressive Alliance government and was made the minister of chemicals and fertilisers and minister of steel.

He was elected to the 16th Lok Sabha in 2014 and served as the minister of consumer affairs, food and public distribution. In 2019, he was elected to Rajya Sabha and continued as the minister of consumer affairs, food and public distribution.

Paswan was considered the voice of the oppressed and always championed the cause of marginalised sections of the society, the resolution said.&nbsp;

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan would be accorded a state funeral, and Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad would represent the central government at the ceremony in Patna, an official statement and sources said on Friday.

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan would be accorded a state funeral, and Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad would represent the central government at the ceremony in Patna, an official statement and sources said on Friday. Paswan (74) died at a private hospital here on Thursday evening after recently undergoing a heart surgery. Also read | Ram Vilas Paswan was efficient administrator, stood for cause of poor, downtrodden: Manmohan Singh The funeral is likely to take place in Patna on Saturday. His mortal remains would be flown to Patna in a special aircraft, the sources said. At a specially convened meeting of the Union Cabinet this morning, it was decided that Prasad would represent the government of India and the Union Council of Ministers at the funeral of the veteran leader, they said. The Cabinet condoled the demise of the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and observed a two-minute silence in his memory, according to the statement. "The Cabinet approved a state funeral to be accorded for Shri Ramvilas Paswan," the statement said. The Cabinet also passed a resolution which said, "The Cabinet expresses profound sorrow at the sad demise of Shri Ramvilas Paswan, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. In his passing away, the nation has lost an eminent leader, a distinguished parliamentarian and an able administrator." "The Cabinet extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the Government and the entire nation," it added. Born on July 5, 1946, in Shaharbanni in Bihar's Khagaria district, Paswan was educated at Kosi College, Khagaria and Patna University. He obtained degrees in Master of Arts (MA) and Bachelor of Law (LLB). He was also conferred the Degree of D.Litt. (Honoris Causa) by Bundelkhand University, Jhansi. Paswan was one of the most popular leaders from Bihar and enjoyed strong mass support. He was elected to the Bihar Legislative Assembly in 1969 as a member of the Samyukta Socialist Party. Thereafter, he was elected as a member of the sixth Lok Sabha from Hajipur constituency in 1977 with a record margin. He was re-elected to the seventh Lok Sabha in 1980 and the eighth in 1984. Paswan was re-elected to the ninth Lok Sabha in 1989 and appointed as the Union minister for labour and welfare. In 1996, he became the minister for railways and continued to hold the post till 1998. He later served as the minister for communications from October 1999 to September 2001, when he was made the minister of coal and mines, a portfolio he held till April 2002. After the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, Paswan joined the United Progressive Alliance government and was made the minister of chemicals and fertilisers and minister of steel. He was elected to the 16th Lok Sabha in 2014 and served as the minister of consumer affairs, food and public distribution. In 2019, he was elected to Rajya Sabha and continued as the minister of consumer affairs, food and public distribution. Paswan was considered the voice of the oppressed and always championed the cause of marginalised sections of the society, the resolution said.

Ram Vilas Paswan to be accorded state funeral

The pomp and grandeur Associated with Navratri in Gujarat will be largely missing this year as the state government on Friday banned organisation of any 'garba' event during the upcoming festival due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The government said it will not allow any type of garba event in the state during Navratri, starting from October 17, and also released a set of guidelines for the festive season, which usually sees large gatherings, a fertile ground for COVID-19 spread.&nbsp;

For the upcoming festivals, the BJP government released standard operating procedures (SOPs) which stress on COVID-19-appropriate behaviour by citizens to curb the infection.

No big, medium or small scale garba event will be allowed in the state during the nine-day festival, the government said.

Garba is a popular folk dance of Gujarat and is performed with passion and fervour during the Navratri festival.

The government, however, will allow collective prayers to Goddess Durga where number of people should not be more than 200, it said in a release.

The time limit of prayers will beof one hour, but nobody can perform garba at such gatherings, it said. 
Prior permission of government authorities has been made mandatory for organisation of community prayer programmes during Navratri.

At prayer gatherings, COVID-19-related norms such as social distancing, covering of face with masks and use of sanitisers will be mandatory, the release said.

The government said citizens above 65, children below 10 years, pregnant women and people with comorbidities should avoid participating in any public programme during the festivals.

Navratri is one of the most popular festivals of Gujarat and is called the longest dance festival of the world. Revellers dance to the tune of traditional music and songs for nine nights.

The government said event such as burning of effigies of Ravana, Ramlila yatras, rallies, melas (congregations), exhibitions would not be allowed during the festive season (from Navratri to Diwali).

It advised people to celebrate festivals like Dussehra, Durga puja, Diwali, Gujarati New Year, Bhai dooj and Sharad Poornima at their homes with their families.

In the SOPs, the government said up to 100 people can attend functions such as marriage and the same number will be allowed at funerals.

During any event, the organisers will have to do floor marking with minimum distance of 6 feet, it said. 
Thermal scanners are compulsory at Navratri community prayers and other events, the release said.

The pomp and grandeur Associated with Navratri in Gujarat will be largely missing this year as the state government on Friday banned organisation of any 'garba' event during the upcoming festival due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The pomp and grandeur Associated with Navratri in Gujarat will be largely missing this year as the state government on Friday banned organisation of any 'garba' event during the upcoming festival due to the coronavirus pandemic. The government said it will not allow any type of garba event in the state during Navratri, starting from October 17, and also released a set of guidelines for the festive season, which usually sees large gatherings, a fertile ground for COVID-19 spread. For the upcoming festivals, the BJP government released standard operating procedures (SOPs) which stress on COVID-19-appropriate behaviour by citizens to curb the infection. No big, medium or small scale garba event will be allowed in the state during the nine-day festival, the government said. Garba is a popular folk dance of Gujarat and is performed with passion and fervour during the Navratri festival. The government, however, will allow collective prayers to Goddess Durga where number of people should not be more than 200, it said in a release. The time limit of prayers will beof one hour, but nobody can perform garba at such gatherings, it said. Prior permission of government authorities has been made mandatory for organisation of community prayer programmes during Navratri. At prayer gatherings, COVID-19-related norms such as social distancing, covering of face with masks and use of sanitisers will be mandatory, the release said. The government said citizens above 65, children below 10 years, pregnant women and people with comorbidities should avoid participating in any public programme during the festivals. Navratri is one of the most popular festivals of Gujarat and is called the longest dance festival of the world. Revellers dance to the tune of traditional music and songs for nine nights. The government said event such as burning of effigies of Ravana, Ramlila yatras, rallies, melas (congregations), exhibitions would not be allowed during the festive season (from Navratri to Diwali). It advised people to celebrate festivals like Dussehra, Durga puja, Diwali, Gujarati New Year, Bhai dooj and Sharad Poornima at their homes with their families. In the SOPs, the government said up to 100 people can attend functions such as marriage and the same number will be allowed at funerals. During any event, the organisers will have to do floor marking with minimum distance of 6 feet, it said. Thermal scanners are compulsory at Navratri community prayers and other events, the release said.

No garba in Gujarat this Navratri due to coronavirus

Netizens started an intense debate on Twitter after a UK-based professor called idli, an Indian dish popular in the southern part as the world's most boring thing.&nbsp;

Edward Anderson, who teaches history in the UK, was responding to Zomato's post, in which the food-delivery giant asked people to name a dish which you don't understand why people like it so much.&nbsp;

"Idli(s) are the most boring things in the world," Anderson responded to the tweet that led to sharp reactions from several social media users with divided opinions.

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Idli are the most boring things in the world. <a href="https://t.co/2RgHm6zpm4">https://t.co/2RgHm6zpm4</a>
— Edward Anderson (@edanderson101) <a href="https://twitter.com/edanderson101/status/1313442648045346816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Many Indian users hit out at Anderson, saying he has not eaten "real" idlis and other users opined that the taste of idli depends upon what it is being eaten with.

Here are some of the reactions.&nbsp;

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Someone feed him some real idlis <a href="https://t.co/wt9PhZWWgU">https://t.co/wt9PhZWWgU</a>
— Varun Krishnan (@varunkrish) <a href="https://twitter.com/varunkrish/status/1314107487239299072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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No waaaay! 😱😱😱😱 
Butter idlis are heavenly!!! Also same, if had with gunpowder Masala! 
It all depends on the preparation of it! <a href="https://t.co/sENGUbfaRa">https://t.co/sENGUbfaRa</a>
— Devang Bhandari (@iamdevb) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamdevb/status/1314104856857112576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Have you had mini idlis soaked in Sambhar and ghee?
— پربھا (@deepsealioness) <a href="https://twitter.com/deepsealioness/status/1313857142441435136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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As a south Indian, I agree. There is one big exception though: Sannas, which are idlis made with the usual batter and toddy. When eaten with a good Mangalorean chicken curry, it can transform your world. <a href="https://t.co/A1HWo98jZw">https://t.co/A1HWo98jZw</a>
— Shaunna Rodrigues (@Shaunnaroder) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shaunnaroder/status/1314101106021081090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Looks like an international conspiracy has been planned to defame my Idly. People from UK &amp; France are involved. 
Et tu, brute? 😢
— IdlyVadaa (@IdlyVadaa) <a href="https://twitter.com/IdlyVadaa/status/1313880212464037888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who represents a constituency in the southern part of India, also took a jibe at the history professor, saying: "civilisation is hard to acquire".

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Yes, my son, there are some who are truly challenged in this world. Civilisation is hard to acquire: the taste &amp; refinement to appreciate idlis, enjoy cricket, or watch ottamthullal is not given to every mortal. Take pity on this poor man, for he may never know what Life can be. <a href="https://t.co/M0rEfAU3V3">https://t.co/M0rEfAU3V3</a>
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1313854211004624896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Yes, my son, there are some who are truly challenged in this world. Civilisation is hard to acquire: the taste &amp; refinement to appreciate idlis, enjoy cricket, or watch ottamthullal is not given to every mortal. Take pity on this poor man, for he may never know what Life can be," Tharoor said in a tweet.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Netizens started an intense debate on Twitter after a UK-based professor called idli, an Indian dish popular in the southern part as the world's most boring thing.

Netizens started an intense debate on Twitter after a UK-based professor called idli, an Indian dish popular in the southern part as the world's most boring thing. Edward Anderson, who teaches history in the UK, was responding to Zomato's post, in which the food-delivery giant asked people to name a dish which you don't understand why people like it so much. "Idli(s) are the most boring things in the world," Anderson responded to the tweet that led to sharp reactions from several social media users with divided opinions. Idli are the most boring things in the world. https://t.co/2RgHm6zpm4 — Edward Anderson (@edanderson101) October 6, 2020 × Many Indian users hit out at Anderson, saying he has not eaten "real" idlis and other users opined that the taste of idli depends upon what it is being eaten with. Here are some of the reactions. Someone feed him some real idlis https://t.co/wt9PhZWWgU — Varun Krishnan (@varunkrish) October 8, 2020 × No waaaay! 😱😱😱😱 Butter idlis are heavenly!!! Also same, if had with gunpowder Masala! It all depends on the preparation of it! https://t.co/sENGUbfaRa — Devang Bhandari (@iamdevb) October 8, 2020 × Have you had mini idlis soaked in Sambhar and ghee? — پربھا (@deepsealioness) October 7, 2020 × As a south Indian, I agree. There is one big exception though: Sannas, which are idlis made with the usual batter and toddy. When eaten with a good Mangalorean chicken curry, it can transform your world. https://t.co/A1HWo98jZw — Shaunna Rodrigues (@Shaunnaroder) October 8, 2020 × Looks like an international conspiracy has been planned to defame my Idly. People from UK & France are involved. Et tu, brute? 😢 — IdlyVadaa (@IdlyVadaa) October 7, 2020 × Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who represents a constituency in the southern part of India, also took a jibe at the history professor, saying: "civilisation is hard to acquire". Yes, my son, there are some who are truly challenged in this world. Civilisation is hard to acquire: the taste & refinement to appreciate idlis, enjoy cricket, or watch ottamthullal is not given to every mortal. Take pity on this poor man, for he may never know what Life can be. https://t.co/M0rEfAU3V3 — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) October 7, 2020 × "Yes, my son, there are some who are truly challenged in this world. Civilisation is hard to acquire: the taste & refinement to appreciate idlis, enjoy cricket, or watch ottamthullal is not given to every mortal. Take pity on this poor man, for he may never know what Life can be," Tharoor said in a tweet.

Massive row erupts on Twitter after UK teacher calls idlis most 'boring' thing

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday condoled the death of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, stating that he was an efficient administrator who worked closely with him and was an important Dalit leader face in the Central government of many parties.

In his condolence letter to Ram Vilas Paswan`s son, Chirag Paswan, who is an MP from Jamui in Bihar and is the chief of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), the former Prime Minister said,&nbsp;

"I have learnt with profound sorrow about the passing away of your beloved father. He was an important Dalit leader face in the Central government of many parties.

"Recalling his stint with Ram Vilas Paswan from 2004 to 2014 during the United Progressive Alliance 1 and 2 governments at the Centre, Singh said, "I have very warm recollections of my association with him as a member of the UPA government which I led in 2004. The veteran socialist leader was also a very efficient administrator who worked very closely with me as a Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, and also served as Minister in various ministries."

The veteran Congress leader said Ram Vilas Paswan was a mass leader with a wide popularity, which was evident from the fact that he won Parliament elections with a record majority from his constituency.

"He was also a leader who was loved and respected by all irrespective of their political leniency. In his death, the country has lost one of its greatest Dalit and socialist leaders, who always stood for the cause of poor and downtrodden of the scoiety," he said.Earlier today, the mortal remains of Paswan were taken to his residence in New Delhi from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where he breathed his last on Thursday.

The Union Minister, who hailed from Bihar, passed away at the age of 74. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President JP Nadda, and several senior leaders paid tribute to the late leader at his residence in the national capital.&nbsp;

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday condoled the death of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, stating that he was an efficient administrator who worked closely with him and was an important Dalit leader face in the Central government of many parties.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday condoled the death of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, stating that he was an efficient administrator who worked closely with him and was an important Dalit leader face in the Central government of many parties. In his condolence letter to Ram Vilas Paswan`s son, Chirag Paswan, who is an MP from Jamui in Bihar and is the chief of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), the former Prime Minister said, "I have learnt with profound sorrow about the passing away of your beloved father. He was an important Dalit leader face in the Central government of many parties. "Recalling his stint with Ram Vilas Paswan from 2004 to 2014 during the United Progressive Alliance 1 and 2 governments at the Centre, Singh said, "I have very warm recollections of my association with him as a member of the UPA government which I led in 2004. The veteran socialist leader was also a very efficient administrator who worked very closely with me as a Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, and also served as Minister in various ministries." The veteran Congress leader said Ram Vilas Paswan was a mass leader with a wide popularity, which was evident from the fact that he won Parliament elections with a record majority from his constituency. "He was also a leader who was loved and respected by all irrespective of their political leniency. In his death, the country has lost one of its greatest Dalit and socialist leaders, who always stood for the cause of poor and downtrodden of the scoiety," he said.Earlier today, the mortal remains of Paswan were taken to his residence in New Delhi from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where he breathed his last on Thursday. The Union Minister, who hailed from Bihar, passed away at the age of 74. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President JP Nadda, and several senior leaders paid tribute to the late leader at his residence in the national capital.

Ram Vilas Paswan was efficient administrator, stood for cause of poor, downtrodden: Manmohan Singh

An alarming report has revealed that coronavirus situation in Delhi, which has been controlled so far, can worsen as the winter season approaches and the national capital could see 15,000 cases on a daily basis.&nbsp;

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) drafted a report named as ''Revised Strategy for control of COVID-19 version 3.0'', said there are three concerning factors that may put excessive pressure on healthcare services, including winter months that make respiratory illnesses severe and the upcoming festive season.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-quality-in-delhi-improves-slightly-stubble-burning-continues-in-neighbour-states-333848">Air quality in Delhi improves slightly, stubble burning continues in neighbour states</a>

The report which is submitted to the Delhi government said that fatality rate in the national capital is 1.9 per cent which is more than the national average of 1.5 per cent and needs to be brought down further for controlling the pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-cases-in-delhi-crosses-3-lakh-death-toll-climbs-to-5653-333529">Coronavirus cases in Delhi crosses 3 lakh; death toll climbs to 5,653</a>

It also expected a lot of patients outside Delhi coming to the city for treatment, which can stress the health system. Patients who are arriving from far away areas are expected to be more serious, the report noted.&nbsp;

It recommended that the government makes arrangements for hospitalisation of one-fifth of these 15,000 people, taking into account severe and moderate cases.&nbsp;

It has also urged the government to control gatherings in view of the festive season.&nbsp;

An alarming report has revealed that coronavirus situation in Delhi, which has been controlled so far, can worsen as the winter season approaches and the national capital could see 15,000 cases on a daily basis.

An alarming report has revealed that coronavirus situation in Delhi, which has been controlled so far, can worsen as the winter season approaches and the national capital could see 15,000 cases on a daily basis. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) drafted a report named as ''Revised Strategy for control of COVID-19 version 3.0'', said there are three concerning factors that may put excessive pressure on healthcare services, including winter months that make respiratory illnesses severe and the upcoming festive season. Also read | Air quality in Delhi improves slightly, stubble burning continues in neighbour states The report which is submitted to the Delhi government said that fatality rate in the national capital is 1.9 per cent which is more than the national average of 1.5 per cent and needs to be brought down further for controlling the pandemic. Also read | Coronavirus cases in Delhi crosses 3 lakh; death toll climbs to 5,653 It also expected a lot of patients outside Delhi coming to the city for treatment, which can stress the health system. Patients who are arriving from far away areas are expected to be more serious, the report noted. It recommended that the government makes arrangements for hospitalisation of one-fifth of these 15,000 people, taking into account severe and moderate cases. It has also urged the government to control gatherings in view of the festive season.

Delhi could see 15,000 Covid-19 cases daily: Report

Taking a strong punch at Pakistan at the United Nation, India has called for strong action against stated who support terrorism and how the international community has to speak in one voice on the scourge.

India's first secretary at United Nations in New York, Yedla Umasankar said," We believe that our fight against terrorism should not only seek to eliminate terrorists and disrupt terror organizations/networks but should also identify/hold accountable and take strong measures against States that encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups."

He was speaking on "measures to eliminate international terrorism” at United Nations. India pointed out that "international community cannot and should not be selective in dealing with the terrorist groups or in dismantling terror infrastructure."

New Delhi also "strongly condemned direct or indirect financial assistance provided" by some States, which obviously means Pakistan.

The statement by India comes just days before the crucial FATF meeting that could decide the further listing of Pakistan on the blacklist. The country is currently on greylist since 2018, which deter investors to come to Pakistan as the money might be used in the funding of terrorism.&nbsp;

At various global platforms, India has raised the issue of cross border terrorism, and this is something that other countries in the region like Afghanistan has also done.

The statement said, "India has been and continues to be a victim of terrorism sponsored across our borders" and "no cause whatsoever or grievance can justify terrorism, including State-sponsored cross-border terrorism."

From Pulwama terror attack to Pathankot to 26/11 attack of 2008, Islamabad has been slow on acting on perpetrators responsible for the attacks, based on its territory.

India at the UN highlighted that it is committed to counter-terrorism by "exchanging information, capacity building for effective border controls, preventing misuse of modern technologies, monitoring and curbing illicit financial flows....".

Taking a strong punch at Pakistan at the United Nation, India has called for strong action against stated who support terrorism and how the international community has to speak in one voice on the scourge.

Taking a strong punch at Pakistan at the United Nation, India has called for strong action against stated who support terrorism and how the international community has to speak in one voice on the scourge. India's first secretary at United Nations in New York, Yedla Umasankar said," We believe that our fight against terrorism should not only seek to eliminate terrorists and disrupt terror organizations/networks but should also identify/hold accountable and take strong measures against States that encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups." He was speaking on "measures to eliminate international terrorism” at United Nations. India pointed out that "international community cannot and should not be selective in dealing with the terrorist groups or in dismantling terror infrastructure." New Delhi also "strongly condemned direct or indirect financial assistance provided" by some States, which obviously means Pakistan. The statement by India comes just days before the crucial FATF meeting that could decide the further listing of Pakistan on the blacklist. The country is currently on greylist since 2018, which deter investors to come to Pakistan as the money might be used in the funding of terrorism. At various global platforms, India has raised the issue of cross border terrorism, and this is something that other countries in the region like Afghanistan has also done. The statement said, "India has been and continues to be a victim of terrorism sponsored across our borders" and "no cause whatsoever or grievance can justify terrorism, including State-sponsored cross-border terrorism." From Pulwama terror attack to Pathankot to 26/11 attack of 2008, Islamabad has been slow on acting on perpetrators responsible for the attacks, based on its territory. India at the UN highlighted that it is committed to counter-terrorism by "exchanging information, capacity building for effective border controls, preventing misuse of modern technologies, monitoring and curbing illicit financial flows....".

At UN, India takes a strong punch at Pakistan, calls for strong action against those supporting terrorism

On the occasion of Indian Air Force Day, 2020 Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria on Thursday assured the nation that the Indian Air Force will evolve and be ever ready to safeguard India's sovereignty and interests in all circumstances.

"I want to assure the nation that the Indian Air Force will evolve and be ever ready to safeguard our nation's sovereignty and interests in all circumstances," said Bhadauria at Hindon airbase.

"As we enter the 89th year, the IAF is undergoing a transformational change. We are entering an era which will redefine where we employ aerospace power and conduct integrated multi-domain operations," he added.

Bhadauria further stated that this year has indeed been an unprecedented one. As COVID-19 spread across the globe, our nation's response was firm.

"The tenacity and resolve of our air warriors ensured that IAF continued to retain its capability to undertake full-scale operations throughout this period," said IAF Chief.

He also commended the air warriors for their "prompt response" in the recent standoff on the northern frontiers and talked about deployment of combat assets at short notice to handle any eventuality.

"I would like to commend all air warriors for the prompt response in the recent standoff on the northern frontiers when we deployed our combat assets at short notice to handle any eventuality and provided proactive support to all the requirements of deployment and sustenance for the Indian Army," he said at the event in Hindon air base.

"We have clearly demonstrated our resolve, our operational capability and the will to effectively engage the adversary should the need arise," the IAF chief added.

The Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a five-month bitter standoff in eastern Ladakh.

The IAF has made significant deployment in the region to deal with any eventuality.

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Mukund Naravane and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh attended the 88th Indian Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad.

Bhadauria inspected the 88th Indian Air Force Day parade here.

Nishan Toli being led by Squadron Leader Shivangi Rajawat marched at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad on the occasion.

Two Chinook helicopters also took part in the flypast to mark 88th Indian Air Force Day here.

On the occasion of Indian Air Force Day, 2020 Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria on Thursday assured the nation that the Indian Air Force will evolve and be ever ready to safeguard India's sovereignty and interests in all circumstances.

On the occasion of Indian Air Force Day, 2020 Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria on Thursday assured the nation that the Indian Air Force will evolve and be ever ready to safeguard India's sovereignty and interests in all circumstances. "I want to assure the nation that the Indian Air Force will evolve and be ever ready to safeguard our nation's sovereignty and interests in all circumstances," said Bhadauria at Hindon airbase. "As we enter the 89th year, the IAF is undergoing a transformational change. We are entering an era which will redefine where we employ aerospace power and conduct integrated multi-domain operations," he added. Bhadauria further stated that this year has indeed been an unprecedented one. As COVID-19 spread across the globe, our nation's response was firm. "The tenacity and resolve of our air warriors ensured that IAF continued to retain its capability to undertake full-scale operations throughout this period," said IAF Chief. He also commended the air warriors for their "prompt response" in the recent standoff on the northern frontiers and talked about deployment of combat assets at short notice to handle any eventuality. "I would like to commend all air warriors for the prompt response in the recent standoff on the northern frontiers when we deployed our combat assets at short notice to handle any eventuality and provided proactive support to all the requirements of deployment and sustenance for the Indian Army," he said at the event in Hindon air base. "We have clearly demonstrated our resolve, our operational capability and the will to effectively engage the adversary should the need arise," the IAF chief added. The Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a five-month bitter standoff in eastern Ladakh. The IAF has made significant deployment in the region to deal with any eventuality. Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Mukund Naravane and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh attended the 88th Indian Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad. Bhadauria inspected the 88th Indian Air Force Day parade here. Nishan Toli being led by Squadron Leader Shivangi Rajawat marched at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad on the occasion. Two Chinook helicopters also took part in the flypast to mark 88th Indian Air Force Day here.

IAF will evolve, ready to safeguard India's sovereignty and interests: Bhadauria amid LAC standoff

In his first high-level political engagement in Delhi, Chairman of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR) Dr Abdullah Abdullah met India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Wednesday evening at the Hyderabad house.&nbsp;

Dr Abdullah is the chief Afghan government negotiator for the intra-Afghan talks. &nbsp;

During the meeting, Dr Abdullah briefed Doval about the ongoing intra-Afghan talks between Afghan government and the Taliban in Doha, with India reiterating support for an "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, Afghan-controlled" peace process.

Calling the talks "constructive", &nbsp;the senior Afghan politician tweeted, "We discussed the Afghan peace process &amp; the talks in Doha.&nbsp;He assured me of India’s full support for the peace efforts, &amp; that any peace settlement acceptable to Afghans, will have the support of India."

He said, NSA Doval stated that New Delhi "is in favor an independent, democratic, sovereign &amp; peaceful Afghanistan, where no terrorists can operate" for which he thanked India's "continued support for Afghanistan&nbsp;&amp; its constructive role in peace efforts."

Present during the Wednesday meeting were&nbsp;other Afghan dignitaries including Tahir Qadiry, charges d'affaires at the Afghan embassy in Delhi, Mohammad Akram Khpalwak Deputy Chairman of HCNR, Nasrullah Arsalai Senior Adviser &amp; SR of the Chairman for Provincial Affairs, Farida Momand, Member of the Leadership Board of HCNR, Zeya Gul Rezaee Member of the Leadership Board of HCNR, Roz Mohammad Noor Senior Advisor to Chairman HCNR, Amir Mohammad Akhundzada Senior Advisor to Chairman, HCNR, Ahmad Zahir Anwari Special Assistant to Chairman of the HCNR.

From the India side CDS Bipin Rawat, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla , Army Chief Gen Naravane, Dy NSA Pankaj Saran, JS PAI Division, JP Singh and other high ranking Indian officials were present.

This is the first India visit of Dr Abdullah in his present capacity. Last month when intra-Afghan talks began in Doha, Joint Secretary in the Pakistan Afghanistan Iran Division of MEA, JP Singh met him in Qatar. Dr Abdullah will meet PM Modi on Thursday and external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar on Friday.

In his first high-level political engagement in Delhi, Chairman of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR) Dr Abdullah Abdullah met India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Wednesday evening at the Hyderabad house.

In his first high-level political engagement in Delhi, Chairman of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR) Dr Abdullah Abdullah met India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Wednesday evening at the Hyderabad house. Dr Abdullah is the chief Afghan government negotiator for the intra-Afghan talks. During the meeting, Dr Abdullah briefed Doval about the ongoing intra-Afghan talks between Afghan government and the Taliban in Doha, with India reiterating support for an "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, Afghan-controlled" peace process. Calling the talks "constructive", the senior Afghan politician tweeted, "We discussed the Afghan peace process & the talks in Doha. He assured me of India’s full support for the peace efforts, & that any peace settlement acceptable to Afghans, will have the support of India." He said, NSA Doval stated that New Delhi "is in favor an independent, democratic, sovereign & peaceful Afghanistan, where no terrorists can operate" for which he thanked India's "continued support for Afghanistan & its constructive role in peace efforts." Present during the Wednesday meeting were other Afghan dignitaries including Tahir Qadiry, charges d'affaires at the Afghan embassy in Delhi, Mohammad Akram Khpalwak Deputy Chairman of HCNR, Nasrullah Arsalai Senior Adviser & SR of the Chairman for Provincial Affairs, Farida Momand, Member of the Leadership Board of HCNR, Zeya Gul Rezaee Member of the Leadership Board of HCNR, Roz Mohammad Noor Senior Advisor to Chairman HCNR, Amir Mohammad Akhundzada Senior Advisor to Chairman, HCNR, Ahmad Zahir Anwari Special Assistant to Chairman of the HCNR. From the India side CDS Bipin Rawat, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla , Army Chief Gen Naravane, Dy NSA Pankaj Saran, JS PAI Division, JP Singh and other high ranking Indian officials were present. This is the first India visit of Dr Abdullah in his present capacity. Last month when intra-Afghan talks began in Doha, Joint Secretary in the Pakistan Afghanistan Iran Division of MEA, JP Singh met him in Qatar. Dr Abdullah will meet PM Modi on Thursday and external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar on Friday.

In first big engagement in Delhi, Dr Abdullah meets NSA Doval, briefs him about intra-Afghan talks

Tamil Nadu surpassed the grim number of 10,000 deaths owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the health department medical bulletin issued on Thursday. 68 persons lost their lives over the last 24 hours, thus taking the cumulative number to 10,052. As per the state government data, the recovery rate is over 90%, with 5,86,454 persons having recovered, out of the total of 6,40,943 infected persons. As per the data furnished by the Union Health Ministry, Maharashtra is the only other state to have surpassed 10,000 deaths, prior to Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

The Health Department said that 5,088 persons tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday, and that 80.44 lakh RT-PCR tests, which are said to be the most reliable have been conducted so far.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-cases-in-delhi-crosses-3-lakh-death-toll-climbs-to-5653-333529">Also read|&nbsp;Coronavirus cases in Delhi crosses 3 lakh; death toll climbs to 5,653</a>

The number of active Covid-19 cases in the state stands at 44,437. The capital city Chennai continued to lead the Covid-19 infection table with 1,295 persons testing positive for the virus on Thursday and the total Chennai tally stands at 178,108.

A Serosurvey conducted by the government authorities in between mid-July and early-August, which was released in September, has indicated that one-fifth of Chennai’s population has been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes the disease - Covid-19. The study which was conducted by the National Institute of Epeidemiology of the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Greater Chennai Corporation was based on the analysis of blood samples from 12,405 individuals from all zones of the city. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-declines-proposal-to-test-sputnik-v-covid-19-vaccine-in-large-study-333432">Also read|&nbsp;India declines proposal to test Sputnik-V COVID-19 vaccine in large study</a>

Population-based sero-surveys are performed to measure the spread of infection in the community. Such surveys are done by performing blood tests on individuals to check if they have developed antibodies to an infection. The preliminary finding of the report stated that, “around 80 per cent of the population is still susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection in Chennai”.&nbsp;

During late September, in a video interaction with the Chief Ministers of states that are badly hit by the pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen appreciating Tamil Nadu’s efforts in mass testing, tracing and isolation. Commending the people and the state government, he said Tamil Nadu presented itself as an example to other states for having controlled the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-coronavirus-cases-near-7-million-mark-333376">Also read|&nbsp;India: Coronavirus cases near 7 million-mark</a>

In his interaction with the Prime Minister, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said that he had personally toured 26 districts to review the performance in the fight against the pandemic. Emphasizing that the state was only employing the highly reliable RT-PCR tests, he said over 66 lakh samples have been tested across the state’s 66 Government and 110 private labs, with an average testing capacity of 85,000 RT-PCR tests per day.&nbsp;

Adding that the daily testing alone cost Rs.6.8crore, the Chief Minister had requested Government of India to fund at least 50% of the cost of the PCR tests from the PM – CARES fund, owing to the financial difficulties faced by the state government.

From September 1st, in line with Unlock 4.0 aimed at reviving economic activity Tamil Nadu has resumed to near-normalcy. Only academic institutions, Cinema halls, swimming pools, Amusement parks, big auditoriums, beaches, &nbsp;zoos, museums, tourist places and similar public places remain shut, until further notice. Religious, political, social, cultural, educational events and celebrations also remain restricted.&nbsp;

Following a review meeting in late September, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami had announced new relaxations - films shooting permitted with 100 persons and no permission for onlookers, permission to land 100 aircrafts per day at Chennai, restaurants, tea stall could function from 6am to 9pm for dine-in and until 10pm for takeaway.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu surpassed the grim number of 10,000 deaths owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the health department medical bulletin issued on Thursday. 68 persons lost their lives over the last 24 hours, thus taking the cumulative number to 10,052.

Tamil Nadu surpassed the grim number of 10,000 deaths owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the health department medical bulletin issued on Thursday. 68 persons lost their lives over the last 24 hours, thus taking the cumulative number to 10,052. As per the state government data, the recovery rate is over 90%, with 5,86,454 persons having recovered, out of the total of 6,40,943 infected persons. As per the data furnished by the Union Health Ministry, Maharashtra is the only other state to have surpassed 10,000 deaths, prior to Tamil Nadu. The Health Department said that 5,088 persons tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday, and that 80.44 lakh RT-PCR tests, which are said to be the most reliable have been conducted so far. Also read| Coronavirus cases in Delhi crosses 3 lakh; death toll climbs to 5,653 The number of active Covid-19 cases in the state stands at 44,437. The capital city Chennai continued to lead the Covid-19 infection table with 1,295 persons testing positive for the virus on Thursday and the total Chennai tally stands at 178,108. A Serosurvey conducted by the government authorities in between mid-July and early-August, which was released in September, has indicated that one-fifth of Chennai’s population has been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes the disease - Covid-19. The study which was conducted by the National Institute of Epeidemiology of the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Greater Chennai Corporation was based on the analysis of blood samples from 12,405 individuals from all zones of the city. Also read| India declines proposal to test Sputnik-V COVID-19 vaccine in large study Population-based sero-surveys are performed to measure the spread of infection in the community. Such surveys are done by performing blood tests on individuals to check if they have developed antibodies to an infection. The preliminary finding of the report stated that, “around 80 per cent of the population is still susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection in Chennai”. During late September, in a video interaction with the Chief Ministers of states that are badly hit by the pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen appreciating Tamil Nadu’s efforts in mass testing, tracing and isolation. Commending the people and the state government, he said Tamil Nadu presented itself as an example to other states for having controlled the spread of the virus. Also read| India: Coronavirus cases near 7 million-mark In his interaction with the Prime Minister, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said that he had personally toured 26 districts to review the performance in the fight against the pandemic. Emphasizing that the state was only employing the highly reliable RT-PCR tests, he said over 66 lakh samples have been tested across the state’s 66 Government and 110 private labs, with an average testing capacity of 85,000 RT-PCR tests per day. Adding that the daily testing alone cost Rs.6.8crore, the Chief Minister had requested Government of India to fund at least 50% of the cost of the PCR tests from the PM – CARES fund, owing to the financial difficulties faced by the state government. From September 1st, in line with Unlock 4.0 aimed at reviving economic activity Tamil Nadu has resumed to near-normalcy. Only academic institutions, Cinema halls, swimming pools, Amusement parks, big auditoriums, beaches, zoos, museums, tourist places and similar public places remain shut, until further notice. Religious, political, social, cultural, educational events and celebrations also remain restricted. Following a review meeting in late September, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami had announced new relaxations - films shooting permitted with 100 persons and no permission for onlookers, permission to land 100 aircrafts per day at Chennai, restaurants, tea stall could function from 6am to 9pm for dine-in and until 10pm for takeaway.

Tamil Nadu surpasses 10,000 COVID-19 deaths, recovery rate above 90%

India saw a single-day rise of 78,524 COVID-19 cases taking the virus caseload to over 68 lakh, while the number of people who have recuperated surged to 58,27,704, vaccording to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.

The national recovery stands at 85.25 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-covid-19-42-of-early-air-travellers-in-india-ready-to-go-again-report-333209">Amid COVID-19, 42% of early air travellers in India ready to go again: Report</a>

The total coronavirus cases mounted to 68,35,655,while the death toll climbed to 1,05,526 with 971 people succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The total recoveries have surged to 58,27,704 while there are 9,02,425 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprises 13.20 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate due to the coronavirus infection has dropped to 1.54 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&nbsp;50 lakh on September 16 and crossed 60 lakh on September 28.

According to the ICMR, a cumulative total of 8,34,65,975 samples have been tested up to October 7 with 11,94,321 samples being tested on Wednesday.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India saw a single-day rise of 78,524 COVID-19 cases taking the virus caseload to over 68 lakh, while the number of people who have recuperated surged to 58,27,704, vaccording to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.

India saw a single-day rise of 78,524 COVID-19 cases taking the virus caseload to over 68 lakh, while the number of people who have recuperated surged to 58,27,704, vaccording to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday. The national recovery stands at 85.25 per cent. Also read | Amid COVID-19, 42% of early air travellers in India ready to go again: Report The total coronavirus cases mounted to 68,35,655,while the death toll climbed to 1,05,526 with 971 people succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed. The total recoveries have surged to 58,27,704 while there are 9,02,425 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprises 13.20 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. The COVID-19 case fatality rate due to the coronavirus infection has dropped to 1.54 per cent. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23 and 40 lakh on September 5. It went past 50 lakh on September 16 and crossed 60 lakh on September 28. According to the ICMR, a cumulative total of 8,34,65,975 samples have been tested up to October 7 with 11,94,321 samples being tested on Wednesday.

India: Coronavirus cases near 7 million-mark

Union Minister and LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan,74, passed away on Thursday, his son Chirag Paswan announced today.

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पापा....अब आप इस दुनिया में नहीं हैं लेकिन मुझे पता है आप जहां भी हैं हमेशा मेरे साथ हैं। 
Miss you Papa... <a href="https://t.co/Qc9wF6Jl6Z">pic.twitter.com/Qc9wF6Jl6Z</a>
— युवा बिहारी चिराग पासवान (@iChiragPaswan) <a href="https://twitter.com/iChiragPaswan/status/1314221533653467137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Home minister Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis called LJP chief Chirag Paswan and paid their condolences over the demise of Ram Vilas Paswan.

President Ram Nath Kovind while expressing condolences said: "In the demise of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, the nation has lost a visionary leader. He was among the most active and longest-serving members of parliament. He was the voice of the oppressed, and championed the cause of the marginalized."

Union Minister and LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan,74, passed away on Thursday, his son Chirag Paswan announced today. पापा....अब आप इस दुनिया में नहीं हैं लेकिन मुझे पता है आप जहां भी हैं हमेशा मेरे साथ हैं।

Union Minister and LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan,74, passed away on Thursday, his son Chirag Paswan announced today. पापा....अब आप इस दुनिया में नहीं हैं लेकिन मुझे पता है आप जहां भी हैं हमेशा मेरे साथ हैं। Miss you Papa... pic.twitter.com/Qc9wF6Jl6Z — युवा बिहारी चिराग पासवान (@iChiragPaswan) October 8, 2020 × PM Modi, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Home minister Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis called LJP chief Chirag Paswan and paid their condolences over the demise of Ram Vilas Paswan. President Ram Nath Kovind while expressing condolences said: "In the demise of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, the nation has lost a visionary leader. He was among the most active and longest-serving members of parliament. He was the voice of the oppressed, and championed the cause of the marginalized."

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan passes away

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reminded China that India has free media after the Chinese mission on Wednesday sent a letter to Indian media advising how to report on Taiwan.

The MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava in response to&nbsp;WION said, "I will say, there is a free media in India that reports on the issues as it sees fit."

The letter by Chinese mission came ahead of the Taiwan national day on October 10 which stated, "would like to remind our media friends that there is only one China in the world" and the "Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/get-lost-says-taiwan-after-chinese-mission-asks-indian-media-to-follow-one-china-policy-333248">Also read:&nbsp;Get lost, says Taiwan after Chinese mission asks Indian media to follow 'One-China' policy</a>

The letter by Chinese mission advised, "not to violate the One-China principle", asking the Indian media to not refer Taiwan as a "country" or “The Republic of China” or its Taiwan president Tsai ing-wen as President as it sends "wrong signals to the general public."

The letter came hours after leading national newspapers in India carried full-page advert, on WION running a programme on Taiwanese national day. The programme went on air at 7 pm on Wednesday and again on Thursday at 5.30 pm.

Interestingly, Taiwan foreign minister had also taken note of the Chinese letter and in a strong reaction asked them to get lost.

A tweet by Taiwanese foreign ministry, said, "India is the largest democracy on Earth with a vibrant press &amp; freedom-loving people. But it looks like communist China hoping to march into the subcontinent by imposing censorship."

Adding, "Taiwan's Indian friends will have one reply: GET LOST! JW". The tweet was undersigned with initials — JW or Joseph Wu, the foreign minister of Taiwan.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reminded China that India has free media after the Chinese mission on Wednesday sent a letter to Indian media advising how to report on Taiwan.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reminded China that India has free media after the Chinese mission on Wednesday sent a letter to Indian media advising how to report on Taiwan. The MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava in response to WION said, "I will say, there is a free media in India that reports on the issues as it sees fit." The letter by Chinese mission came ahead of the Taiwan national day on October 10 which stated, "would like to remind our media friends that there is only one China in the world" and the "Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China." Also read: Get lost, says Taiwan after Chinese mission asks Indian media to follow 'One-China' policy The letter by Chinese mission advised, "not to violate the One-China principle", asking the Indian media to not refer Taiwan as a "country" or “The Republic of China” or its Taiwan president Tsai ing-wen as President as it sends "wrong signals to the general public." The letter came hours after leading national newspapers in India carried full-page advert, on WION running a programme on Taiwanese national day. The programme went on air at 7 pm on Wednesday and again on Thursday at 5.30 pm. Interestingly, Taiwan foreign minister had also taken note of the Chinese letter and in a strong reaction asked them to get lost. A tweet by Taiwanese foreign ministry, said, "India is the largest democracy on Earth with a vibrant press & freedom-loving people. But it looks like communist China hoping to march into the subcontinent by imposing censorship." Adding, "Taiwan's Indian friends will have one reply: GET LOST! JW". The tweet was undersigned with initials — JW or Joseph Wu, the foreign minister of Taiwan.

MEA reminds Beijing, 'Free media in India' after Chinese mission sent letter advising how to report

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the annual "Invest India" conference said that the country has provided medicine to around 150 countries so far while adding that during the March-June period, agricultural exports rose by 23 per cent despite the lockdown.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-gdp-expected-to-contract-by-9-per-cent-this-year-world-bank-333426">Also Read |&nbsp;India's GDP expected to contract by 9 per cent this year: World Bank&nbsp;</a>

"In the post-COVID-19 world, you will often hear of various kinds of problems including manufacturing, supply chains issue, PPE, however, India has not let those problems be. We showed resilience and emerged as a land of solutions," India's prime minister said.

"The India story is strong today and stronger tomorrow. Today, Foreign Direct Investment regime is very well liberalized," PM Modi said, adding,"We have created a friendly tax regime for Sovereign Wealth &amp; Pension Funds. We've undertaken significant reforms for developing a robust bond market."

"India is undergoing a rapid change in mindsets as well as markets. Today, India has embarked on a journey of deregulation and decriminalisation of various offences under the companies act," he said.

The prime minister asserted that reforms have been carried out in the labour and agricultural sector in order to ensure "greater participation of the private sector while strengthening the government’s safety nets."

"These reforms will lead to a win-win situation for entrepreneurs as well as hard-working people," India's prime minister stated. PM Modi said that the reforms in labour laws have reduced the labour codes ensuring it benefits both the employer and employee to facilitate ease of doing business.

The prime minister emphasised on India-Canada bilateral ties while saying that "trade and investment linkages between us are integral to our multi-faceted relationship."

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the annual "Invest India" conference said that the country has provided medicine to around 150 countries so far while adding that during the March-June period, agricultural exports rose by 23 per cent despite the lockdown.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the annual "Invest India" conference said that the country has provided medicine to around 150 countries so far while adding that during the March-June period, agricultural exports rose by 23 per cent despite the lockdown. Also Read | India's GDP expected to contract by 9 per cent this year: World Bank "In the post-COVID-19 world, you will often hear of various kinds of problems including manufacturing, supply chains issue, PPE, however, India has not let those problems be. We showed resilience and emerged as a land of solutions," India's prime minister said. "The India story is strong today and stronger tomorrow. Today, Foreign Direct Investment regime is very well liberalized," PM Modi said, adding,"We have created a friendly tax regime for Sovereign Wealth & Pension Funds. We've undertaken significant reforms for developing a robust bond market." "India is undergoing a rapid change in mindsets as well as markets. Today, India has embarked on a journey of deregulation and decriminalisation of various offences under the companies act," he said. The prime minister asserted that reforms have been carried out in the labour and agricultural sector in order to ensure "greater participation of the private sector while strengthening the government’s safety nets." "These reforms will lead to a win-win situation for entrepreneurs as well as hard-working people," India's prime minister stated. PM Modi said that the reforms in labour laws have reduced the labour codes ensuring it benefits both the employer and employee to facilitate ease of doing business. The prime minister emphasised on India-Canada bilateral ties while saying that "trade and investment linkages between us are integral to our multi-faceted relationship."

India undergoing rapid change in mindsets as well as markets: PM Modi

With 2,726 fresh cases, Delhi's COVID-19 tally crossed the three-lakh mark on Thursday, while the death toll due to the disease mounted to 5,653 with 37 fatalities recorded in the last 24 hours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-declines-proposal-to-test-sputnik-v-covid-19-vaccine-in-large-study-333432">Also Read:&nbsp;India declines proposal to test Sputnik-V COVID-19 vaccine in large study</a>

According to a health bulletin issued by the Delhi government, 53,322 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours. The case tally stands at 3,00,833 in the national capital, including 2,72,948 patients who have either been discharged, or have migrated or recovered.

The number of active cases is 22,232, of which 12,890 are in home isolation. The number of COVID-19 containment zones in the city is currently 2,734, the bulletin said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, with the likelihood of a vaccine against coronavirus being available within months, the government has begun a massive exercise to map out cold chain storage facilities to ensure the vaccine is delivered quickly across the country.

A national expert group is talking to public and private sector entities in the pharmaceutical sector, food processing industry and agro businesses as well as food delivery start-ups such as Swiggy and Zomato to identify cold storages or fridges at the taluka level that can stock and distribute the vaccine, sources with direct knowledge of the discussions said.

A draft scheme for the vaccine distribution is likely to be released around the middle of next week, they said.

At least one domestic and three foreign vaccines are likely to be available to India in the coming months.

Most of the vaccine candidates will require a cold supply chain, with temperatures that can go well below zero degree Celsius, down to -80 degrees Celsius, though most need to be kept at between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius.

The sources said that majority of vaccine candidates are in liquid form except a few freeze-dried products. They are to be administered through intramuscular injection/ route and requirement will be a two-dose regimen.

The majority of vaccine candidates would be available in multi-dose vials (2.5, 10, 20, and 50 doses per vial).

An estimation of cold chain space needed for vaccines has been made considering 18 per cent of the population would need to be covered within six months, they said, adding that both the current temperature ranges (+2 to +8 degrees Celsius and -15 to -20 degrees Celsius) have been considered for the scenario to account for adequate storage in either condition.

The Union health ministry has already initiated a cold chain augmentation plan to address the additional cold chain space required for the vaccine.

The sources said there will be a temporary requirement (2-3 months) of surge capacity for large cold storage at the state/ regional level to store and distribute large incoming quantities of the vaccine.

While most of the vaccine products under development require traditional cold chain temperature range (+2 to +8 degrees Celsius and -15 to -20 degrees Celsius), some products might require -60 to -80 degrees Celsius temperature for which support of the private sector which maintains such storage can be sought.

With multiple immunisation sessions getting planned, additional support by increasing the fleet of refrigerated vans to transport vaccines will support the mega immunisation drive, they said.

With 2,726 fresh cases, Delhi's COVID-19 tally crossed the three-lakh mark on Thursday, while the death toll due to the disease mounted to 5,653 with 37 fatalities recorded in the last 24 hours.

With 2,726 fresh cases, Delhi's COVID-19 tally crossed the three-lakh mark on Thursday, while the death toll due to the disease mounted to 5,653 with 37 fatalities recorded in the last 24 hours. Also Read: India declines proposal to test Sputnik-V COVID-19 vaccine in large study According to a health bulletin issued by the Delhi government, 53,322 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours. The case tally stands at 3,00,833 in the national capital, including 2,72,948 patients who have either been discharged, or have migrated or recovered. The number of active cases is 22,232, of which 12,890 are in home isolation. The number of COVID-19 containment zones in the city is currently 2,734, the bulletin said. Meanwhile, with the likelihood of a vaccine against coronavirus being available within months, the government has begun a massive exercise to map out cold chain storage facilities to ensure the vaccine is delivered quickly across the country. A national expert group is talking to public and private sector entities in the pharmaceutical sector, food processing industry and agro businesses as well as food delivery start-ups such as Swiggy and Zomato to identify cold storages or fridges at the taluka level that can stock and distribute the vaccine, sources with direct knowledge of the discussions said. A draft scheme for the vaccine distribution is likely to be released around the middle of next week, they said. At least one domestic and three foreign vaccines are likely to be available to India in the coming months. Most of the vaccine candidates will require a cold supply chain, with temperatures that can go well below zero degree Celsius, down to -80 degrees Celsius, though most need to be kept at between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. The sources said that majority of vaccine candidates are in liquid form except a few freeze-dried products. They are to be administered through intramuscular injection/ route and requirement will be a two-dose regimen. The majority of vaccine candidates would be available in multi-dose vials (2.5, 10, 20, and 50 doses per vial). An estimation of cold chain space needed for vaccines has been made considering 18 per cent of the population would need to be covered within six months, they said, adding that both the current temperature ranges (+2 to +8 degrees Celsius and -15 to -20 degrees Celsius) have been considered for the scenario to account for adequate storage in either condition. The Union health ministry has already initiated a cold chain augmentation plan to address the additional cold chain space required for the vaccine. The sources said there will be a temporary requirement (2-3 months) of surge capacity for large cold storage at the state/ regional level to store and distribute large incoming quantities of the vaccine. While most of the vaccine products under development require traditional cold chain temperature range (+2 to +8 degrees Celsius and -15 to -20 degrees Celsius), some products might require -60 to -80 degrees Celsius temperature for which support of the private sector which maintains such storage can be sought. With multiple immunisation sessions getting planned, additional support by increasing the fleet of refrigerated vans to transport vaccines will support the mega immunisation drive, they said.

Coronavirus cases in Delhi crosses 3 lakh; death toll climbs to 5,653

The power of social media! On Wednesday Delhi based food blogger Gaurav Wasan shared a video of an elderly couple struggling to run a small eatery in New Delhi. The video was shared on Wasan's Youtube channel as well as Instagram handle and went viral almost immediately.

The video features a small eatery called ‘Baba Ka Dhaba’ in Malviya Nagar in South Delhi and has the stall's 80-year-old owner Kanta Prasad and his wife showing vessels full of home-cooked food to the camera. Prasad gets teary-eyed near the end of the video as Wasan asks how much has been his earning for the day. Prasad can be seen taking out a few Rs 10 notes and saying that the pandemic has effected his small business.

The couple state they are unable to more than Rs 80 a day, despite starting their day as early as 6.30 am. “Ever since the lockdown, life has been very difficult”, Prasad said. Wasan can be heard promising him help.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b-WSTYgFA8k" width="560"></iframe>

The heart wrenching video has caught the Internet's attention and has been viewed over 1 lakh times on Youtube alone. There has been an outpour of help with celebrities as well as political leaders reaching out to extend financial help for the couple. What more, on Thursday the small eatery was sold out in the first half of the day as people lined up to taste home-cooked meals by the couple.

A social media campaign led to the #BabaKaDhaba and #MalviyaNagar trend on Twitter and multiple people posted images and videos of their visits to the eatery after seeing the video.

“There was no sale during the lockdown but now it feels like whole India is with us,” said Prasad on Thursday as he served people.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: "It feels like whole India is with us. Everyone is helping us", says Kanta Prasad, owner of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BabaKaDhabha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BabaKaDhabha</a>. 
 
The stall in Delhi's Malviya Nagar saw heavy footfall of customers after a video of the owner couple went viral. <a href="https://t.co/nNpne6Arqs">pic.twitter.com/nNpne6Arqs</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1314135284997480448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Cricketer R Ashwin, actors Randeep Hooda, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhasker, Raveena Tandon, and a host of other stars have extended support and urged their fans on social media to go visit the eatery.

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I am not able to message you, but is there a way I can help that man?? I would like to contribute.
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1313911261835517952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Hi could you please dm me details.
— Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/sonamakapoor/status/1313953205622132736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A2%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%BE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#बाबाकाढाबा</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dilliwalon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dilliwalon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dil</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dikhao?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dikhao</a>. Whoever eats here, sends me pic, I shall put up a sweet message with your pics ! ♥️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/supportlocalbusiness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#supportlocalbusiness</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/localvendors?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#localvendors</a> <a href="https://t.co/5DH73wz3SD">https://t.co/5DH73wz3SD</a>
— Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) <a href="https://twitter.com/TandonRaveena/status/1314061059305553920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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दिल्ली! चलो ‘बाबा का ढाबा’ पर मटर पनीर खाते हैं! मालवीय नगर में! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💜💜💜 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SupportSmallBusinesses?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SupportSmallBusinesses</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VocalForLocal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VocalForLocal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShowHeart?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShowHeart</a> <a href="https://t.co/khus7WJMB8">https://t.co/khus7WJMB8</a>
— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReallySwara/status/1313952907977465856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Do visit if you are in Delhi! 🙏🙏 
 
बाबा का ढाबा 
Block B, Shivalik Colony, Opposite Hanuman Mandir, Malviya Nagar, South Delhi. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SupportLocal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SupportLocal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BabaKaDhaba?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BabaKaDhaba</a> <a href="https://t.co/yEfZPx3YAG">https://t.co/yEfZPx3YAG</a>
— Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) <a href="https://twitter.com/RandeepHooda/status/1314088379877793792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Spread the word around. 
 
Wipe his tears <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BabaKaDhaba?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BabaKaDhaba</a> <a href="https://t.co/BE9cXGEnSs">https://t.co/BE9cXGEnSs</a>
— RAHUL SRIVASTAV (@upcoprahul) <a href="https://twitter.com/upcoprahul/status/1314048286949478400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The local MLA, AAP leader Somnath Bharti also has visited the stall. “Will take care of them n I am starting a drive 2 take care of similarly placed people,” he tweeted and later shared photos of his visit.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/RICHA_LAKHERA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RICHA_LAKHERA</a> .<a href="https://twitter.com/VasundharaTankh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VasundharaTankh</a> .<a href="https://twitter.com/sohitmishra99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sohitmishra99</a> .<a href="https://twitter.com/sakshijoshii?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sakshijoshii</a> .<a href="https://twitter.com/RifatJawaid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RifatJawaid</a> .<a href="https://twitter.com/ShonakshiC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShonakshiC</a> .<a href="https://twitter.com/TheDeshBhakt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheDeshBhakt</a> Visited "Baba Ka Dhaba" n hv done d needful to bring SMILE on their faces as promised. Will take care of them n I am starting a drive 2 take care of similarly placed people. <a href="https://t.co/S9A94AmJxK">pic.twitter.com/S9A94AmJxK</a>
— Adv. Somnath Bharti (@attorneybharti) <a href="https://twitter.com/attorneybharti/status/1314040199685574656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The power of social media! On Wednesday Delhi based food blogger Gaurav Wasan shared a video of an elderly couple struggling to run a small eatery in New Delhi. The video was shared on Wasan's Youtube channel as well as Instagram handle and went viral almost immediately.

The power of social media! On Wednesday Delhi based food blogger Gaurav Wasan shared a video of an elderly couple struggling to run a small eatery in New Delhi. The video was shared on Wasan's Youtube channel as well as Instagram handle and went viral almost immediately. The video features a small eatery called ‘Baba Ka Dhaba’ in Malviya Nagar in South Delhi and has the stall's 80-year-old owner Kanta Prasad and his wife showing vessels full of home-cooked food to the camera. Prasad gets teary-eyed near the end of the video as Wasan asks how much has been his earning for the day. Prasad can be seen taking out a few Rs 10 notes and saying that the pandemic has effected his small business. The couple state they are unable to more than Rs 80 a day, despite starting their day as early as 6.30 am. “Ever since the lockdown, life has been very difficult”, Prasad said. Wasan can be heard promising him help. The heart wrenching video has caught the Internet's attention and has been viewed over 1 lakh times on Youtube alone. There has been an outpour of help with celebrities as well as political leaders reaching out to extend financial help for the couple. What more, on Thursday the small eatery was sold out in the first half of the day as people lined up to taste home-cooked meals by the couple. A social media campaign led to the #BabaKaDhaba and #MalviyaNagar trend on Twitter and multiple people posted images and videos of their visits to the eatery after seeing the video. “There was no sale during the lockdown but now it feels like whole India is with us,” said Prasad on Thursday as he served people. #WATCH: "It feels like whole India is with us. Everyone is helping us", says Kanta Prasad, owner of #BabaKaDhabha. The stall in Delhi's Malviya Nagar saw heavy footfall of customers after a video of the owner couple went viral. pic.twitter.com/nNpne6Arqs — ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2020 × Cricketer R Ashwin, actors Randeep Hooda, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhasker, Raveena Tandon, and a host of other stars have extended support and urged their fans on social media to go visit the eatery. I am not able to message you, but is there a way I can help that man?? I would like to contribute. — Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) October 7, 2020 × Hi could you please dm me details. — Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) October 7, 2020 × #बाबाकाढाबा #dilliwalon #dil #dikhao. Whoever eats here, sends me pic, I shall put up a sweet message with your pics ! ♥️ #supportlocalbusiness #localvendors https://t.co/5DH73wz3SD — Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) October 8, 2020 × दिल्ली! चलो ‘बाबा का ढाबा’ पर मटर पनीर खाते हैं! मालवीय नगर में! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💜💜💜 #SupportSmallBusinesses #VocalForLocal #ShowHeart https://t.co/khus7WJMB8 — Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) October 7, 2020 × Do visit if you are in Delhi! 🙏🙏 बाबा का ढाबा Block B, Shivalik Colony, Opposite Hanuman Mandir, Malviya Nagar, South Delhi. #SupportLocal #BabaKaDhaba https://t.co/yEfZPx3YAG — Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) October 8, 2020 × Spread the word around. Wipe his tears #BabaKaDhaba https://t.co/BE9cXGEnSs — RAHUL SRIVASTAV (@upcoprahul) October 8, 2020 × The local MLA, AAP leader Somnath Bharti also has visited the stall. “Will take care of them n I am starting a drive 2 take care of similarly placed people,” he tweeted and later shared photos of his visit. .@RICHA_LAKHERA .@VasundharaTankh .@sohitmishra99 .@sakshijoshii .@RifatJawaid .@ShonakshiC .@TheDeshBhakt Visited "Baba Ka Dhaba" n hv done d needful to bring SMILE on their faces as promised. Will take care of them n I am starting a drive 2 take care of similarly placed people. pic.twitter.com/S9A94AmJxK — Adv. Somnath Bharti (@attorneybharti) October 8, 2020 ×

Crowds throng Delhi's small eatery 'Baba Ka Dhaba' as emotional video goes viral

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