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The department of aerospace engineering at IIT Madras is working on developing a next-generation artillery shell that can be used by the Indian Army to hit targets that are nearly twice as far the existing distances, with greater precision. While this is an existing technology, it has to be noted that no country has implemented in artillery shells.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION spoke to Lt Gen PR Shankar (retd), Professor of Practice at IIT Madras, whose team had exhibited the theoretical possibilities of the project at the recently concluded Defense Expo in Uttar Pradesh. Lt Gen P R Shankar is a retired Director General of Artillery. He gave great impetus to the modernization of artillery through indigenization. He has deep knowledge, understanding and experience in successful defence planning and acquisition, spanning over a decade. Major 155mm Gun projects like the Dhanush, M777 ULH and K9 Vajra, rocket and missile projects related to Pinaka, Brahmos and Grad BM21, surveillance projects like Swati WLR and few ammunition projects came to fructification due to his relentless efforts. He has been a Professor of Practice at IIT Madras’ aerospace engineering department and is actively involved in applied research.

Here are the excerpts of an exclusive interview with him.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: What necessitates the development of such a new generation artillery shell, over and above the existing ammunition? 
&nbsp; 
Prof Shankar: We are working on an artillery shell that is based on the ramjet technology, this will enable it to travel unto a range of 60kms and above. Most shells that are in use travel around 30kms or so. Extending the range of a shell would be highly useful in non-contact warfare scenario, like the situations on the western border. Some of the current shells can travel up to 24kms. We could extend the range unto 30kms by traditional methods, but doubling it to 60kms is going to be a game-changer. Changing the gun would mean a tedious process, instead, we could change the ammunition and improve the performance.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: How compatible is this artillery shell going to be with current artillery guns used by the Indian Army? 
&nbsp; 
Prof Shankar: Although we are developing a new kind of shell, we would not be building it from scratch. We are planning to re-design the existing shells using ramjet propulsion technology. The new shells are compatible with all the existing artillery guns such as Bofors, Dhanush, Vajra and ATAGS. It is a fact that each gun has its own characteristics, but the shell we are developing is of a 155mm calibre. Hence, it would be usable on all Indian or foreign platforms that utilize the 155mm shell.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: How is your method different from the standard range-extension methods for artillery shells? 
&nbsp; 
Prof Shankar: Traditionally, we would utilize a method called ‘base bleed’ where a chemical at the base of the shell burns emits gas to fill the vacuum behind the shell to reduce the base drag force. Base bleed enables an increase of range by 10 to 20 per cent. We are aiming to double the range by using ramjet propulsion technology through indigenously developed fuel and air intake at the front that helps the shell travel faster, thus enabling it to reach double the range.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: What are the challenges pertaining to maintaining accuracy when you aim to extend a shell’s range? 
&nbsp; 
Prof Shankar: When a shell travels for around 30kms, the normal methods of correction are applicable. However, when a shell travels 60kms, it would be affected by wind and weather conditions far more. So, we would incorporate some kind of system to keep it on the intended track. It is called a Precision Guided Kit. We will be developing the precision-guided kits, especially for such extended ranges. 
&nbsp; 
WION: Would Indian ordnance factories and facilities be able to mass manufacture such shells for the Army’s requirements? 
&nbsp; 
Prof Shankar: Most of the shells that we need are made here. When we do resort to importing, it is only restricted to smart ammunitions and precision-guided munitions (PGMs). Our ramjet based shell is like any other shell and we would be ensuring that OFB (Ordnance factory board) can manufacture it. The ability to manufacture it is there, but we are working on design and technology. That's where IIT Madras comes in, along with IIT Kanpur, Armament Research and Development Establishment(ARDE) Pune and Research Centre Imarat (RCI) Hyderabad.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: Would there be a significant reduction in unit cost due to the indigenous manufacture? 
&nbsp; 
Prof Shankar: Primarily this technology is a first for artillery shells. Being a new product and new technology, they tend to be very costly. But it is certainly less expensive when compared to missiles and other weapons that have a range of over 60kms. There is also scope for exporting this type of shell to friendly foreign countries.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: How long before we have a working prototype? Any major engineering challenges that we are faced with? 
&nbsp; 
Prof Shankar: We expect to develop a working prototype within three to five years. Development of this shell would require a synergy between different types of engineering. We’ll have to combine expertise in Fundamental engineering of propulsion (solid propellants), structural design, a lot of design capability in geo-referencing and guidance with a lot of engineering capability and principles of rocket technology. In the case of a missile, we can design from scratch, but here we are taking an existing ramjet technology and fusing it with an existing shell to get something that doesn't exist. But if we manage to fit a ramjet into an artillery shell, it would pole vault us into the next generation.&nbsp;

WION: Funding and facilities are major components that drive defence research. How are we placed? 
&nbsp; 
Prof Shankar: Lot of things have been proven. The design is ready and we are waiting for validation and prototyping. All the theory is ready and certain lab tests are done. We are waiting for funding as well because with new testing facilities we need to do more lab tests and start the prototype test. Test facilities that are to be set up can only be done with government support. Some of the facilities that we would need would be India’s first such facilities. There are a few, but they are with the missile development programme, and those are of a different kind. Once we go commercial, we need many such facilities to do fundamental testing for the long-term. For the ramjet to start working, it has to be taken to speeds of Mach 1 (speed of sound) so that we can test it. So we’d require a high-end wind tunnel that would be able to generate such speeds. 
&nbsp; 
WION: Are there any other defence firms that are working on the same technology? 
&nbsp; 
Prof Shankar: At the recently concluded DefExpo, we saw the Norwegian firm 'Nammo' display a shell of ramjet projectile. Their projectile and our projectile are technology-wise very different. While the theory is the same, the application is different. Ours is a simple system. We also know that various others are working on it as this is very futuristic defence technology.&nbsp;

The department of aerospace engineering at IIT Madras is working on developing a next-generation artillery shell that can be used by the Indian Army to hit targets that are nearly twice as far the existing distances, with greater precision.

The department of aerospace engineering at IIT Madras is working on developing a next-generation artillery shell that can be used by the Indian Army to hit targets that are nearly twice as far the existing distances, with greater precision. While this is an existing technology, it has to be noted that no country has implemented in artillery shells. WION spoke to Lt Gen PR Shankar (retd), Professor of Practice at IIT Madras, whose team had exhibited the theoretical possibilities of the project at the recently concluded Defense Expo in Uttar Pradesh. Lt Gen P R Shankar is a retired Director General of Artillery. He gave great impetus to the modernization of artillery through indigenization. He has deep knowledge, understanding and experience in successful defence planning and acquisition, spanning over a decade. Major 155mm Gun projects like the Dhanush, M777 ULH and K9 Vajra, rocket and missile projects related to Pinaka, Brahmos and Grad BM21, surveillance projects like Swati WLR and few ammunition projects came to fructification due to his relentless efforts. He has been a Professor of Practice at IIT Madras’ aerospace engineering department and is actively involved in applied research. Here are the excerpts of an exclusive interview with him. WION: What necessitates the development of such a new generation artillery shell, over and above the existing ammunition? Prof Shankar: We are working on an artillery shell that is based on the ramjet technology, this will enable it to travel unto a range of 60kms and above. Most shells that are in use travel around 30kms or so. Extending the range of a shell would be highly useful in non-contact warfare scenario, like the situations on the western border. Some of the current shells can travel up to 24kms. We could extend the range unto 30kms by traditional methods, but doubling it to 60kms is going to be a game-changer. Changing the gun would mean a tedious process, instead, we could change the ammunition and improve the performance. WION: How compatible is this artillery shell going to be with current artillery guns used by the Indian Army? Prof Shankar: Although we are developing a new kind of shell, we would not be building it from scratch. We are planning to re-design the existing shells using ramjet propulsion technology. The new shells are compatible with all the existing artillery guns such as Bofors, Dhanush, Vajra and ATAGS. It is a fact that each gun has its own characteristics, but the shell we are developing is of a 155mm calibre. Hence, it would be usable on all Indian or foreign platforms that utilize the 155mm shell. WION: How is your method different from the standard range-extension methods for artillery shells? Prof Shankar: Traditionally, we would utilize a method called ‘base bleed’ where a chemical at the base of the shell burns emits gas to fill the vacuum behind the shell to reduce the base drag force. Base bleed enables an increase of range by 10 to 20 per cent. We are aiming to double the range by using ramjet propulsion technology through indigenously developed fuel and air intake at the front that helps the shell travel faster, thus enabling it to reach double the range. WION: What are the challenges pertaining to maintaining accuracy when you aim to extend a shell’s range? Prof Shankar: When a shell travels for around 30kms, the normal methods of correction are applicable. However, when a shell travels 60kms, it would be affected by wind and weather conditions far more. So, we would incorporate some kind of system to keep it on the intended track. It is called a Precision Guided Kit. We will be developing the precision-guided kits, especially for such extended ranges. WION: Would Indian ordnance factories and facilities be able to mass manufacture such shells for the Army’s requirements? Prof Shankar: Most of the shells that we need are made here. When we do resort to importing, it is only restricted to smart ammunitions and precision-guided munitions (PGMs). Our ramjet based shell is like any other shell and we would be ensuring that OFB (Ordnance factory board) can manufacture it. The ability to manufacture it is there, but we are working on design and technology. That's where IIT Madras comes in, along with IIT Kanpur, Armament Research and Development Establishment(ARDE) Pune and Research Centre Imarat (RCI) Hyderabad. WION: Would there be a significant reduction in unit cost due to the indigenous manufacture? Prof Shankar: Primarily this technology is a first for artillery shells. Being a new product and new technology, they tend to be very costly. But it is certainly less expensive when compared to missiles and other weapons that have a range of over 60kms. There is also scope for exporting this type of shell to friendly foreign countries. WION: How long before we have a working prototype? Any major engineering challenges that we are faced with? Prof Shankar: We expect to develop a working prototype within three to five years. Development of this shell would require a synergy between different types of engineering. We’ll have to combine expertise in Fundamental engineering of propulsion (solid propellants), structural design, a lot of design capability in geo-referencing and guidance with a lot of engineering capability and principles of rocket technology. In the case of a missile, we can design from scratch, but here we are taking an existing ramjet technology and fusing it with an existing shell to get something that doesn't exist. But if we manage to fit a ramjet into an artillery shell, it would pole vault us into the next generation. WION: Funding and facilities are major components that drive defence research. How are we placed? Prof Shankar: Lot of things have been proven. The design is ready and we are waiting for validation and prototyping. All the theory is ready and certain lab tests are done. We are waiting for funding as well because with new testing facilities we need to do more lab tests and start the prototype test. Test facilities that are to be set up can only be done with government support. Some of the facilities that we would need would be India’s first such facilities. There are a few, but they are with the missile development programme, and those are of a different kind. Once we go commercial, we need many such facilities to do fundamental testing for the long-term. For the ramjet to start working, it has to be taken to speeds of Mach 1 (speed of sound) so that we can test it. So we’d require a high-end wind tunnel that would be able to generate such speeds. WION: Are there any other defence firms that are working on the same technology? Prof Shankar: At the recently concluded DefExpo, we saw the Norwegian firm 'Nammo' display a shell of ramjet projectile. Their projectile and our projectile are technology-wise very different. While the theory is the same, the application is different. Ours is a simple system. We also know that various others are working on it as this is very futuristic defence technology.

IIT-M working on next-gen Ramjet-powered 155mm artillery shells for Indian Army 

The second edition of India's first multi-regional culture festival 'Arth' (Arth: A Culture Fest) started today at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi.&nbsp;

In an interactive session 'Whose economy is it anyway?' with Principal Economic Adviser in the Ministry of Finance Sanjeev Sanyal, economist Lord Meghnad Desai said that economies are run by the people and not by governments.&nbsp;

"Over the last 70 years in India, we've had the peculiar delusion that economies are run by governments and by budgets and by regulations.&nbsp; 
Economies are run by people, people who run businesses, people who make jobs, people who make businesses, people who cause progress, people who do inventions," Desai told Sanyal. &nbsp;

Lord Desai also emphasised on the need to give a boost to the private sector.&nbsp;

"We have to change our mindsets. The politicians, ultimately they exist to enable and encourage people to do a better job with the economy and not come in the way of people. So I think the economy should belong to the people," he said.&nbsp;

"We have to be able to use the quality and the talent of the people in the private sector because they go through a much harder system to survive and prosper than the government system. They take the risk, they are the risk-takers," he added.&nbsp;

"This is my message to all political parties - to learn to respect business more," Desai said.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arth-a-culture-fest-a-glimpse-of-indias-culture-begins-in-delhi-281947">Arth Fest - A glimpse of India's culture begins in Delhi</a>

Desai gave the example of South Korea and said that after the difficult phase of its partition with North Korea, it picked up its economy on the premise of a "simple idea".&nbsp;

"Their government said to their business people, if you do well, we will subsidize you, if you export and sell abroad we will give interest and subsidy not otherwise. And for 60 years continuously, South Korea's had a growth per cent of 6 per cent," Desai said.&nbsp;

All this and much more discussed on the first day of the engaging fest.&nbsp;

Arth: A Culture Fest, will last for three days (21, 22 and 23 February). In the three-day festival, people will get a glimpse of the culture of India. 
'Arth' is a cultural celebration intended to showcase the ways of India's culture. Starting from today, the festival will focus on literature, culture, society, music, traditions, history and art.

Schedule of Arth: A Culture Fest (day 2 &amp; 3)

Second day (22 February 2020)

11am- Guru's song: Gurbani, Artist: Bhai Manohar Singh

11:45pm - The Warp and Weft: The Grandeur of Indian Wear (Panelist): Shaina NC, Sudeep Bhutoria, Suvankar Sen, Moderator: Shefali Vaidya

12:30 pm - Men whose ideas have shaped India: Netaji, Swami Vivekananda and Savarkar, (panellists): Anuj Dhar, Makaranda Paranjpe, Vikram Sampath, Lord Meghnad Desai, Moderator: Good morning

1:15pm - From Literature to Cinema: Literary Impact on Celluloid (Panelist): Anant Vijay, Bhagwandas Morwal, Manoj Rajan Tripathi, Moderator: Arpit Wageria

2:00pm - Happiness without any reason - Mandira Bedi talks with Satyadev Burman

2:30pm&nbsp;- Lobbying for the 'Right' cause, Panelists: Anurag Saxena, R Jagannathan, Ratan Sharda, Shaina NC, Moderator: Shubhrastha

3:15pm - From God's Own Country: Ottan Thull from panellists in Kerala: Mohana Krishnan

4:00pm - "Becoming the World Guru: Recovering India's place in the new world order, (Panelist): Anurag Saxena, Baijayant Jai Panda, David Frawley, Hindol Sengupta, Moderator: Raghav Awasthi

4:45pm - India's civilizational ethos and its intersection with secularism: Mayank Singh's conversation with Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan

5:45pm - The Abrogation of Article 370 and what it means to 'Kashmiriyat' (Panelist): Gohar Geelani, Jamyang Shering Namgyal, Sushant Sarin, Syed Salman Chishti, Vivek Agnihotri, Moderator: Abhijeet Iyer Mitra

6:45pm - Nationalism in times of strife: New dimensions of nationalism - Sudhir Chaudhary's conversation with Amit Shah

7:45pm - Desert echoes - Mame Khan's performance

8:45pm - Euphoria's performance

Third day (23 February 2020)

11am - Cymbals from the North-East: Manipuri Pung and Dole Cholam artist: Sinam Basu

11:45pm - Sacred ecologies: Indic Faiths and their Message (Panelist): David Frole, Dushyant Sridhar, Hema Hari, Moderator: DK Hari

12:30pm - Life in Literature - Ruskin Bond talks with Premak Goswami

1:15pm - Discussion on culture and art: Conversation between Prasoon Joshi and Yatindra Mishra

The second edition of India's first multi-regional culture festival 'Arth' (Arth: A Culture Fest) started today at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. In an interactive session 'Whose economy is it anyway?

The second edition of India's first multi-regional culture festival 'Arth' (Arth: A Culture Fest) started today at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. In an interactive session 'Whose economy is it anyway?' with Principal Economic Adviser in the Ministry of Finance Sanjeev Sanyal, economist Lord Meghnad Desai said that economies are run by the people and not by governments. "Over the last 70 years in India, we've had the peculiar delusion that economies are run by governments and by budgets and by regulations. Economies are run by people, people who run businesses, people who make jobs, people who make businesses, people who cause progress, people who do inventions," Desai told Sanyal. Lord Desai also emphasised on the need to give a boost to the private sector. "We have to change our mindsets. The politicians, ultimately they exist to enable and encourage people to do a better job with the economy and not come in the way of people. So I think the economy should belong to the people," he said. "We have to be able to use the quality and the talent of the people in the private sector because they go through a much harder system to survive and prosper than the government system. They take the risk, they are the risk-takers," he added. "This is my message to all political parties - to learn to respect business more," Desai said. Also read: Arth Fest - A glimpse of India's culture begins in Delhi Desai gave the example of South Korea and said that after the difficult phase of its partition with North Korea, it picked up its economy on the premise of a "simple idea". "Their government said to their business people, if you do well, we will subsidize you, if you export and sell abroad we will give interest and subsidy not otherwise. And for 60 years continuously, South Korea's had a growth per cent of 6 per cent," Desai said. All this and much more discussed on the first day of the engaging fest. Arth: A Culture Fest, will last for three days (21, 22 and 23 February). In the three-day festival, people will get a glimpse of the culture of India. 'Arth' is a cultural celebration intended to showcase the ways of India's culture. Starting from today, the festival will focus on literature, culture, society, music, traditions, history and art. Schedule of Arth: A Culture Fest (day 2 & 3) Second day (22 February 2020) 11am- Guru's song: Gurbani, Artist: Bhai Manohar Singh 11:45pm - The Warp and Weft: The Grandeur of Indian Wear (Panelist): Shaina NC, Sudeep Bhutoria, Suvankar Sen, Moderator: Shefali Vaidya 12:30 pm - Men whose ideas have shaped India: Netaji, Swami Vivekananda and Savarkar, (panellists): Anuj Dhar, Makaranda Paranjpe, Vikram Sampath, Lord Meghnad Desai, Moderator: Good morning 1:15pm - From Literature to Cinema: Literary Impact on Celluloid (Panelist): Anant Vijay, Bhagwandas Morwal, Manoj Rajan Tripathi, Moderator: Arpit Wageria 2:00pm - Happiness without any reason - Mandira Bedi talks with Satyadev Burman 2:30pm - Lobbying for the 'Right' cause, Panelists: Anurag Saxena, R Jagannathan, Ratan Sharda, Shaina NC, Moderator: Shubhrastha 3:15pm - From God's Own Country: Ottan Thull from panellists in Kerala: Mohana Krishnan 4:00pm - "Becoming the World Guru: Recovering India's place in the new world order, (Panelist): Anurag Saxena, Baijayant Jai Panda, David Frawley, Hindol Sengupta, Moderator: Raghav Awasthi 4:45pm - India's civilizational ethos and its intersection with secularism: Mayank Singh's conversation with Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan 5:45pm - The Abrogation of Article 370 and what it means to 'Kashmiriyat' (Panelist): Gohar Geelani, Jamyang Shering Namgyal, Sushant Sarin, Syed Salman Chishti, Vivek Agnihotri, Moderator: Abhijeet Iyer Mitra 6:45pm - Nationalism in times of strife: New dimensions of nationalism - Sudhir Chaudhary's conversation with Amit Shah 7:45pm - Desert echoes - Mame Khan's performance 8:45pm - Euphoria's performance Third day (23 February 2020) 11am - Cymbals from the North-East: Manipuri Pung and Dole Cholam artist: Sinam Basu 11:45pm - Sacred ecologies: Indic Faiths and their Message (Panelist): David Frole, Dushyant Sridhar, Hema Hari, Moderator: DK Hari 12:30pm - Life in Literature - Ruskin Bond talks with Premak Goswami 1:15pm - Discussion on culture and art: Conversation between Prasoon Joshi and Yatindra Mishra

Economies are not run by governments but by people: Lord Meghnad Desai at 'Arth - A Culture Fest'

Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-rise-south-korea-confirms-more-cases-281895">Death toll in China's coronavirus rise; South Korea confirms more cases</a>

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As the death toll in China's coronavirus rose to 2,233 on Friday,&nbsp;South Korea&nbsp;confirmed 52 more cases of the virus taking the overall figure to 156 in the country.

OPINION|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-pullout-from-nuclear-deal-makes-iran-elections-even-more-crucial-281859" hreflang="en">US pullout from nuclear deal makes Iran elections even more crucial</a>

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Iran elections come at a time when the Islamic Republic is most vulnerable, both from the inside and from the outside. American sanctions have crippled the economy and public anger against the regime has raged on unabated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-use-la-liga-rule-to-sign-martin-braithwaite-281899" hreflang="en">Barcelona use La Liga rule to sign Martin Braithwaite</a>

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Barcelona on Thursday confirmed the signing of Danish forward Martin Braithwaite from Leganes after capitalising on a curious La Liga rule to ease their shortage of options upfront.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-tate-donovan-to-star-with-melissa-leo-in-blood-relative-281862" hreflang="en">Tate Donovan to star with Melissa Leo in 'Blood Relative'</a>

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Fox's 'Blood Relative' has a male lead to its project and its Tate Donovan opposite Melissa Leo.&nbsp;'Blood Relative' is a crime drama about&nbsp;genetic genealogist Louise Kelly (Leo) and the cases she helps law enforcement solve.

WATCH|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-wall-that-donald-trump-didnt-ask-for-281890" hreflang="en">Gravitas: A wall that Donald Trump didn't ask for</a>

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Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief. Death toll in China's coronavirus rise; South Korea confirms more cases As the death toll in China's coronavirus rose to 2,233 on Friday, South Korea confirmed 52 more cases of the virus taking the overall figure to 156 in the country.

Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief. Death toll in China's coronavirus rise; South Korea confirms more cases As the death toll in China's coronavirus rose to 2,233 on Friday, South Korea confirmed 52 more cases of the virus taking the overall figure to 156 in the country. OPINION| US pullout from nuclear deal makes Iran elections even more crucial Iran elections come at a time when the Islamic Republic is most vulnerable, both from the inside and from the outside. American sanctions have crippled the economy and public anger against the regime has raged on unabated. Barcelona use La Liga rule to sign Martin Braithwaite Barcelona on Thursday confirmed the signing of Danish forward Martin Braithwaite from Leganes after capitalising on a curious La Liga rule to ease their shortage of options upfront. Tate Donovan to star with Melissa Leo in 'Blood Relative' Fox's 'Blood Relative' has a male lead to its project and its Tate Donovan opposite Melissa Leo. 'Blood Relative' is a crime drama about genetic genealogist Louise Kelly (Leo) and the cases she helps law enforcement solve. WATCH| Gravitas: A wall that Donald Trump didn't ask for ×

Morning News Brief: Coronavirus death toll rises, Iran elections and more!

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya Thackeray met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Friday.

"Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray as well as Minister in Maharashtra Government, Aaditya Thackeray called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the Prime Minister Office's (PMO) tweeted.

In the pictures shared by PMO, Uddhav and his son can be seen greeting the Prime Minister with a bouquet.

Later in the day, Uddhav is scheduled to meet Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and senior BJP leader LK Advani.

Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that Uddhav and Modi have cordial relations.

"The relation of elder brother and younger brother continues between them," he said.

This is Uddhav's first visit to Delhi after assuming the post of Maharashtra Chief Minister.

The meeting between Uddhav and Modi comes ahead of the Assembly session of Maharashtra that is scheduled to begin on February 24.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya Thackeray met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Friday. "Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray as well as Minister in Maharashtra Government, Aaditya Thackeray called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the Prime Minister Office's (PMO) tweeted.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya Thackeray met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Friday. "Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray as well as Minister in Maharashtra Government, Aaditya Thackeray called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the Prime Minister Office's (PMO) tweeted. In the pictures shared by PMO, Uddhav and his son can be seen greeting the Prime Minister with a bouquet. Later in the day, Uddhav is scheduled to meet Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and senior BJP leader LK Advani. Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that Uddhav and Modi have cordial relations. "The relation of elder brother and younger brother continues between them," he said. This is Uddhav's first visit to Delhi after assuming the post of Maharashtra Chief Minister. The meeting between Uddhav and Modi comes ahead of the Assembly session of Maharashtra that is scheduled to begin on February 24.

Uddhav Thackeray, son Aaditya meet PM Modi in Delhi

In Ahmedabad, President Trump will address the 'Namaste Trump' event jointly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the newly built Motera cricket stadium

WION Dispatch: All you need to know about Trump's India visit

US President Donald Trump will have at his disposal a robust communication system that will enable him to work in all situations including an emergency during his visit to India next week.

According to sources, the US Security Department had earlier this month requested clearances for about Rs 300 crore communication equipment from Indian government agencies.

Sources also said that the Customs Department, which comes under the Ministry of Finance along with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), will ensure that all equipment, which are brought to India for Trump`s two-day visit will be taken back after the trip is over.

According to well-placed sources, whenever the US President travels, he is accompanied by a communication system worth $ 40 million, which is almost impossible to crack and enabling US Security Forces to keep the communication of its President safe.

Apart from the communication system, there are other expensive equipment, which will also be part of the US President`s entourage.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-namaste-trump-event-to-visit-to-agra-banquet-lunch-by-pm-modi-and-more-trumps-jam-packed-india-schedule-281872">From Namaste Trump event to visit to Agra - Trump's jam-packed India schedule</a>

The equipment includes high-end cameras, audio-visual input, and output devices, equipment for satellite communications jammers among others.

Sources claimed that clearances from the concerned departments have already been given and US authorities will have to take them back by next month before the date given by Indian authorities.

"Whenever there is a visit of VVIP, especially Prime Minister or President of nations like Russia, UK, United States, etc, their security department gives us full details of equipment they want to carry also with the cost of each equipment," a top government official explained.

"It is mandatory for any country to provide details of such equipment before the visit begins. After analysing the list, departments mainly customs give clearances to allow these equipments. BCAS works like a nodal agency which deals with multiple Indian agencies to clear all stuff," added the official.

The US agencies are also more vigilant after news reports emerged of a data breach in the system of the agency, which looks after the communication needs of the US President. The US President will be on a two-day visit to India on February 24-25.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump will have at his disposal a robust communication system that will enable him to work in all situations including an emergency during his visit to India next week.

US President Donald Trump will have at his disposal a robust communication system that will enable him to work in all situations including an emergency during his visit to India next week. According to sources, the US Security Department had earlier this month requested clearances for about Rs 300 crore communication equipment from Indian government agencies. Sources also said that the Customs Department, which comes under the Ministry of Finance along with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), will ensure that all equipment, which are brought to India for Trump`s two-day visit will be taken back after the trip is over. According to well-placed sources, whenever the US President travels, he is accompanied by a communication system worth $ 40 million, which is almost impossible to crack and enabling US Security Forces to keep the communication of its President safe. Apart from the communication system, there are other expensive equipment, which will also be part of the US President`s entourage. Also read: From Namaste Trump event to visit to Agra - Trump's jam-packed India schedule The equipment includes high-end cameras, audio-visual input, and output devices, equipment for satellite communications jammers among others. Sources claimed that clearances from the concerned departments have already been given and US authorities will have to take them back by next month before the date given by Indian authorities. "Whenever there is a visit of VVIP, especially Prime Minister or President of nations like Russia, UK, United States, etc, their security department gives us full details of equipment they want to carry also with the cost of each equipment," a top government official explained. "It is mandatory for any country to provide details of such equipment before the visit begins. After analysing the list, departments mainly customs give clearances to allow these equipments. BCAS works like a nodal agency which deals with multiple Indian agencies to clear all stuff," added the official. The US agencies are also more vigilant after news reports emerged of a data breach in the system of the agency, which looks after the communication needs of the US President. The US President will be on a two-day visit to India on February 24-25.

US communication equipment worth over $40 mn to be at Trump's disposal during India visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the opening ceremony of the first-ever Khelo India Games, which will be held from February 22 to March 1 at Bhubaneswar in Odisha.

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Games tomorrow via video conferencing, said an official statement on Friday.

The Khelo India University Games are being launched by the Government of India in association with the Government of Odisha.

"The Khelo India Programme, a brainchild of the Prime Minister was introduced to revive the sports culture in India at the grass-root level by building a strong framework for all sports played in the country and establish India as a great sporting nation," the statement said.

This is the largest ever competition held at the university level in India and will have about 3,500 athletes from over 150 universities across the country taking part in it.

There will be a total of 17 sports namely archery, athletics, boxing, fencing, judo, swimming, weightlifting, wrestling, badminton, basketball, football, hockey, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, rugby and kabaddi at the event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the opening ceremony of the first-ever Khelo India Games, which will be held from February 22 to March 1 at Bhubaneswar in Odisha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the opening ceremony of the first-ever Khelo India Games, which will be held from February 22 to March 1 at Bhubaneswar in Odisha. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Games tomorrow via video conferencing, said an official statement on Friday. The Khelo India University Games are being launched by the Government of India in association with the Government of Odisha. "The Khelo India Programme, a brainchild of the Prime Minister was introduced to revive the sports culture in India at the grass-root level by building a strong framework for all sports played in the country and establish India as a great sporting nation," the statement said. This is the largest ever competition held at the university level in India and will have about 3,500 athletes from over 150 universities across the country taking part in it. There will be a total of 17 sports namely archery, athletics, boxing, fencing, judo, swimming, weightlifting, wrestling, badminton, basketball, football, hockey, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, rugby and kabaddi at the event.

PM Modi to address opening ceremony of first-ever Khelo India Games

Ahmedabad: The city’s municipal corporation has built a four-foot-high wall to hide a stretch of slums on the American leader’s route. Trump and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to inaugurate and share the stage at Ahmedabad’s Motera cricket stadium at a public reception being touted as “Namaste Trump” on Feb. 24.

Trump's India Visit: Hiding slums from Trump's sight?

India's first multi-regional culture festival 'Arth' (Arth: A Culture Fest) is back with its second edition. The festival started today at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi.

Arth: A Culture Fest: Where does Indian Economy stand?

No clearance has been given by the Chinese government yet for the relief material India wanted to send to Wuhan. India also wants to bring back another batch of Indian students from the coronavirus-hit city.

Sources told WION, India is ready to send relief package as mentioned in the PM's letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping to deal with the coronavirus epidemic but there is "some reluctance by the Chinese side to give clearance" which New Delhi is "unable to figure out".&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-confirms-two-more-deaths-among-13-new-coronavirus-cases-282011">Iran confirms two more deaths among 13 new coronavirus cases</a>

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Adding, there is "unexplainable silence" on the part of the Chinese government as to why clearance is not given.

India is ready with Indian Air Force's C17 with relief supplies for China and to bring back many of its over 100 nationals in the Chinese city which has been the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak. The flight is expected to bring back foreign nationals as well.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-rise-south-korea-confirms-more-cases-281895">Death toll in China's coronavirus rise; South Korea confirms more cases</a>

PM Modi in his letter to the Chinese President earlier this month expressed solidarity with China and had indicated that New Delhi is ready for any assistance to Beijing to deal with the coronavirus epidemic.

Two Air India flights, on January 31 and February 1, brought back more than 640 Indians and 7 Maldivian citizens. &nbsp;

No clearance has been given by the Chinese government yet for the relief material India wanted to send to Wuhan. India also wants to bring back another batch of Indian students from the coronavirus-hit city.

No clearance has been given by the Chinese government yet for the relief material India wanted to send to Wuhan. India also wants to bring back another batch of Indian students from the coronavirus-hit city. Sources told WION, India is ready to send relief package as mentioned in the PM's letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping to deal with the coronavirus epidemic but there is "some reluctance by the Chinese side to give clearance" which New Delhi is "unable to figure out". Also read: Iran confirms two more deaths among 13 new coronavirus cases × Adding, there is "unexplainable silence" on the part of the Chinese government as to why clearance is not given. India is ready with Indian Air Force's C17 with relief supplies for China and to bring back many of its over 100 nationals in the Chinese city which has been the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak. The flight is expected to bring back foreign nationals as well. Also read: Death toll in China's coronavirus rise; South Korea confirms more cases PM Modi in his letter to the Chinese President earlier this month expressed solidarity with China and had indicated that New Delhi is ready for any assistance to Beijing to deal with the coronavirus epidemic. Two Air India flights, on January 31 and February 1, brought back more than 640 Indians and 7 Maldivian citizens.

No clearance yet by Beijing for India's relief assistance to China 

US President Donald Trump will head to India for a two-day visit with a high-level delegation that will include his senior advisors - daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Sources say US National Security Advisor Robert O' Brien, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette and Secretary of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin will also be part of the delegation. However, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer who skipped his meeting with the Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goel last week will not be visiting.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-in-india-hiding-the-poor-and-shantytown-of-ahmedabad-for-us-presidents-visit-281876">Trump in India - Hiding the poor and shantytown of Ahmedabad for US president's visit</a>

Although neither side expects a trade deal to be signed, 5 Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) will be signed during the US president's visit. Nuclear cooperation, homeland security, intellectual property, trade facilitation, space and science technology are likely to be on the agenda.

The government yesterday said that the relationship had to be seen not just in the context of immediate deliverables from this visit. Adding, ''Over the years, the canvas of our relationship has expanded to include several new areas. We enjoy a broad level of support from the executive branch as well as bipartisan support by the Congress.''

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-namaste-trump-event-to-visit-to-agra-banquet-lunch-by-pm-modi-and-more-trumps-jam-packed-india-schedule-281872">From Namaste Trump event to visit to Agra - Trump's jam-packed India schedule</a>

The two sides have expanded their defence ties signing agreements like Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement or COMCASA as well as initiating a joint tri-services HADR exercise named Tiger Triumph as an Annual exercise. The US is India’s largest trading partner in goods and service. We have bought 18 billion dollars worth of defence equipment from the US.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/focus-on-reviewing-bilateral-ties-strengthening-global-partnership-mea-on-trumps-visit-281789">Focus on reviewing bilateral ties, strengthening global partnership - MEA on Trump's visit</a>

Reports say, ahead of the visit, the cabinet committee on security(CCS) has approved a deal to procure a batch of 24 Lockheed Martin MH60 Romeo helicopters - this will boost India's naval capacity.

This is the eighth meeting between the two leaders since 2017 and the fifth this year alone. Donald Trump, like President Obama, is making a standalone visit to India, skipping neighbour Pakistan. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump will head to India for a two-day visit with a high-level delegation that will include his senior advisors - daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

US President Donald Trump will head to India for a two-day visit with a high-level delegation that will include his senior advisors - daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner. Sources say US National Security Advisor Robert O' Brien, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette and Secretary of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin will also be part of the delegation. However, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer who skipped his meeting with the Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goel last week will not be visiting. Also read: Trump in India - Hiding the poor and shantytown of Ahmedabad for US president's visit Although neither side expects a trade deal to be signed, 5 Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) will be signed during the US president's visit. Nuclear cooperation, homeland security, intellectual property, trade facilitation, space and science technology are likely to be on the agenda. The government yesterday said that the relationship had to be seen not just in the context of immediate deliverables from this visit. Adding, ''Over the years, the canvas of our relationship has expanded to include several new areas. We enjoy a broad level of support from the executive branch as well as bipartisan support by the Congress.'' Also read: From Namaste Trump event to visit to Agra - Trump's jam-packed India schedule The two sides have expanded their defence ties signing agreements like Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement or COMCASA as well as initiating a joint tri-services HADR exercise named Tiger Triumph as an Annual exercise. The US is India’s largest trading partner in goods and service. We have bought 18 billion dollars worth of defence equipment from the US. Also read: Focus on reviewing bilateral ties, strengthening global partnership - MEA on Trump's visit Reports say, ahead of the visit, the cabinet committee on security(CCS) has approved a deal to procure a batch of 24 Lockheed Martin MH60 Romeo helicopters - this will boost India's naval capacity. This is the eighth meeting between the two leaders since 2017 and the fifth this year alone. Donald Trump, like President Obama, is making a standalone visit to India, skipping neighbour Pakistan.

Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and NSA among Trump's high-level delegation to India

Consumer borrowing behaviour of Indian youngsters

Arth: A Culture Fest: How did partition affect lives?

Bangladesh's new High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran has said ties between New Delhi and Dhaka are passing through a "golden chapter".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-expresses-confidence-in-india-bangladesh-ties-says-both-working-shoulder-to-shoulder-269579">Also Read:&nbsp;PM Modi expresses confidence in India-Bangladesh</a>

Speaking to WION on the sidelines of Language Martyrs' Day being celebrated at Bangladesh High Commission, High Commissioner Muhammad Imran said, "Bangladesh-India are passing through the golden chapter and during my tenure, I will take it to greater heights."

Language Martyrs' Day or Language Movement Day is marked every year in Bangladesh on February 21. The day in 1952 saw massive protests in then east Pakistan over the imposition of Urdu by West Pakistan leading to many deaths.

Elaborating about the Language Martyrs' Day, the high commissioner said," It is one of the most important days in our history. On February 21, 1952, people sacrificed lives on the streets of Dhaka. From then onwards, we celebrate this day, we observe this day as Martyrs'&nbsp;day. It was an inspiration for our independence and our father of nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman participated in this movement and he guided the nation towards independence."

In 1999 UNESCO declared the day as international Mothers Language Day.

The high commissioner added, "spirit is we should not let any language to die because languages are reservoirs of tangible and intangible heritage of mankind, so we must take care of every language of the world and on this day, I urge let us protect smaller languages especially because they are more vulnerable."&nbsp;

The comments on India-Bangladesh ties comes weeks before PM Modi is expected to visit Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's new High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran has said ties between New Delhi and Dhaka are passing through a "golden chapter". Also Read: PM Modi expresses confidence in India-Bangladesh Speaking to WION on the sidelines of Language Martyrs' Day being celebrated at Bangladesh High Commission, High Commissioner Muhammad Imran said, "Bangladesh-India are passing through the golden chapter and during my tenure, I will take it to greater heights.

Bangladesh's new High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran has said ties between New Delhi and Dhaka are passing through a "golden chapter". Also Read: PM Modi expresses confidence in India-Bangladesh Speaking to WION on the sidelines of Language Martyrs' Day being celebrated at Bangladesh High Commission, High Commissioner Muhammad Imran said, "Bangladesh-India are passing through the golden chapter and during my tenure, I will take it to greater heights." Language Martyrs' Day or Language Movement Day is marked every year in Bangladesh on February 21. The day in 1952 saw massive protests in then east Pakistan over the imposition of Urdu by West Pakistan leading to many deaths. Elaborating about the Language Martyrs' Day, the high commissioner said," It is one of the most important days in our history. On February 21, 1952, people sacrificed lives on the streets of Dhaka. From then onwards, we celebrate this day, we observe this day as Martyrs' day. It was an inspiration for our independence and our father of nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman participated in this movement and he guided the nation towards independence." In 1999 UNESCO declared the day as international Mothers Language Day. The high commissioner added, "spirit is we should not let any language to die because languages are reservoirs of tangible and intangible heritage of mankind, so we must take care of every language of the world and on this day, I urge let us protect smaller languages especially because they are more vulnerable." The comments on India-Bangladesh ties comes weeks before PM Modi is expected to visit Bangladesh.

Golden chapter in India-Bangladesh ties underway, says new High Commissioner Muhammad Imran

Donald Trump will arrive in India on the 24th February for a state visit. What's in store for the American President? How does India plan to welcome Trump? Wion's Palki Sharma tells you all you need to know.

Gravitas: All about Donald Trump's visit to India

At a time when several parts of the world is struggling with starvation, global food <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fearing-virus-hong-kong-residents-stock-up-on-food-essentials-278288">waste</a> is seen doubling, according to a study.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-9-million-facing-food-shortages-in-african-sahel-sources-267236">Also Read: Over 9 million facing food shortages in African Sahel</a>

The research published in the journal Plos One states that the extent of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lack-of-proper-food-in-wuhan-says-indian-student-277127">food</a> wasted by consumers has been grossly underestimated.

The United Nations estimated in its annual global food waste at 1.3 billion tons per day per person in 2005. Now, it turns out that a third of all food available for human consumption is wasted which is twice as much of wastage as previously estimated.

The study finds that growth in waste occurs as the income increases and hence it's the people in wealthier nations who are wasting more food than anyone else.

According to the study, global food waste is up from 214 calories per day per person to 527 calories. The estimates were made by the United Nations’ food and agriculture organization (FOA) in 2015.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-having-enough-food-humanity-risks-hunger-crises-report-256776">Also Read: 'Despite having enough food, humanity risks hunger crises'</a>

The new study states that food waste starts to emerge when consumers reach a threshold of approximately 6.70 dollars per day a person.

Climate experts have identified food waste as one of the top sustainability problems worldwide and the United Nations environment program has an ambitious goal of eliminating half of all food waste by 2030.

On the flip side, global hunger levels have risen in the last three&nbsp;years from 785 million in 2015 to 822 million in 2018.

At a time when several parts of the world is struggling with starvation, global food waste is seen doubling, according to a study. Also Read: Over 9 million facing food shortages in African Sahel The research published in the journal Plos One states that the extent of food wasted by consumers has been grossly underestimated.

At a time when several parts of the world is struggling with starvation, global food waste is seen doubling, according to a study. Also Read: Over 9 million facing food shortages in African Sahel The research published in the journal Plos One states that the extent of food wasted by consumers has been grossly underestimated. The United Nations estimated in its annual global food waste at 1.3 billion tons per day per person in 2005. Now, it turns out that a third of all food available for human consumption is wasted which is twice as much of wastage as previously estimated. The study finds that growth in waste occurs as the income increases and hence it's the people in wealthier nations who are wasting more food than anyone else. According to the study, global food waste is up from 214 calories per day per person to 527 calories. The estimates were made by the United Nations’ food and agriculture organization (FOA) in 2015. Also Read: 'Despite having enough food, humanity risks hunger crises' The new study states that food waste starts to emerge when consumers reach a threshold of approximately 6.70 dollars per day a person. Climate experts have identified food waste as one of the top sustainability problems worldwide and the United Nations environment program has an ambitious goal of eliminating half of all food waste by 2030. On the flip side, global hunger levels have risen in the last three years from 785 million in 2015 to 822 million in 2018.

People in wealthier nations wasting more food: Study

India's first multi-regional culture festival 'Arth' (Arth: A Culture Fest) is back with its second edition.&nbsp;The festival started&nbsp;today at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi.&nbsp;

Arth: A Culture Fest, will last for three days (21, 22 and 23 February). In the three-day festival, you will get a glimpse of the culture of India.

'Arth' is a cultural celebration intended to showcase the&nbsp;ways of India's&nbsp;culture. Starting from today, the festival will focus&nbsp;on literature, culture, society, music, traditions, history and art.

In the festival, you will get to see more than 30 speakers, over&nbsp;ten&nbsp;panel discussions and more than&nbsp;ten workshops.&nbsp;There will be several performances and tastes of different Indian cuisines.&nbsp;

The festival will also witness the participation of scholars, philosophers, writers, artists and craftsmen of India.

 
Full schedule of Arth: A Culture Fest&nbsp;

First day: (21 February 2020) 
Program starts at 11 am

11:00am - Mahishasura Mardini: The mother slains the demon: Purulia Chhau, by Tarapad Rajak

12:00pm - Deep Prajavalan and inaugural address: Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel, Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Chandra, Shreyasi Goenka, Vikram Sampath

12:30pm - Understanding of Indian classical dance (Panelist): Geeta Chandran, Madhavi Mudgal, Maithil Devika, Shovana Narayan, Moderator: Sujoy Prosad Chatterjee

1:30pm - Rigveda revisited (Panelist): Himani Mittal, KV Krishnan, Sanjeev Sanyal, Satish KS, Vasudev Aital

2:15pm- Desert songs: Performance of Langa, Manganiyar and Kalbeliya of Rajasthan, Artist: Soram Nath

3:00pm - The pain of separation: The pain of Partition, (Panelist): Kishwar Desai, Meenakshi Jain, Sardindu Mukherjee, Moderator: Makrand Paranjpe

3:45pm - Whose economy is it anyway? Lord Meghnad Desai talks with Sanjeev Sanyal

4:30pm - Discussion with the release of Ashwin Sanghi's book 'Vishnu's Vault' - 'Contemporary in History and Mythology' (Panelist): Ashwin Sanghi, Sanjeev Sanyal, Moderator: Radhakrishnan Pillai

5:15pm - Reasons to be happy are -&nbsp;Mental health in today's India: Shyam Bhatt, Yogini Shambhavi, Moderator: Vikram Sampath

6pm - Discussion on&nbsp;Milind Soman's book 'Made in India' inauguration- 'Fit India to Hit India' Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore talks with Milind Soman

6:45pm - Performance of Kumar Vishwas

8pm - Shubha Mudgal's performance

 
Second day (22 February 2020)

11am- Guru's song: Gurbani, Artist: Bhai Manohar Singh

11:45pm - The Warp and Weft: The Grandeur of Indian Wear (Panelist): Shaina NC, Sudeep Bhutoria, Suvankar Sen, Moderator: Shefali Vaidya

12:30 pm - Men whose ideas have shaped India: Netaji, Swami Vivekananda and Savarkar, (panellists): Anuj Dhar, Makaranda Paranjpe, Vikram Sampath, Lord Meghnad Desai, Moderator: Good morning

1:15pm - From Literature to Cinema: Literary Impact on Celluloid (Panelist): Anant Vijay, Bhagwandas Morwal, Manoj Rajan Tripathi, Moderator: Arpit Wageria

2:00pm - Happiness without any reason - Mandira Bedi talks with Satyadev Burman

2:30pm&nbsp;- Lobbying for the 'Right' cause, Panelists: Anurag Saxena, R Jagannathan, Ratan Sharda, Shaina NC, Moderator: Shubhrastha

3:15pm - From God's Own Country: Ottan Thull from panelists in Kerala: Mohana Krishnan

4:00pm - "Becoming the World Guru: Recovering India's place in the new world order, (Panelist): Anurag Saxena, Baijayant Jai Panda, David Frawley, Hindol Sengupta, Moderator: Raghav Awasthi

4:45pm - India's civilizational ethos and its intersection with secularism: Mayank Singh's conversation with Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan

5:45pm - The Abrogation of Article 370 and what it means to 'Kashmiriyat' (Panelist): Gohar Geelani, Jamyang Shering Namgyal, Sushant Sarin, Syed Salman Chishti, Vivek Agnihotri, Moderator: Abhijeet Iyer Mitra

6:45pm - Nationalism in times of strife: New dimensions of nationalism - Sudhir Chaudhary's conversation with Amit Shah

7:45pm - Desert echoes - Mame Khan's performance

8:45pm - Euphoria's performance

Third day (23 February 2020)

11am - Cymbals from the North-East: Manipuri Pung and Dole Cholam artist: Sinam Basu

11:45pm - Sacred ecologies: Indic Faiths and their Message (Panelist): David Frole, Dushyant Sridhar, Hema Hari, Moderator: DK Hari

12:30pm - Life in Literature - Ruskin Bond talks with Premak Goswami

1:15pm - Discussion on culture and art: Conversation between Prasoon Joshi and Yatindra Mishra

India's first multi-regional culture festival 'Arth' (Arth: A Culture Fest) is back with its second edition. The festival started today at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. Arth: A Culture Fest, will last for three days (21, 22 and 23 February). In the three-day festival, you will get a glimpse of the culture of India. 'Arth' is a cultural celebration intended to showcase the ways of India's culture. Starting from today, the festival will focus on literature, culture, society, music, traditions, history and art. In the festival, you will get to see more than 30 speakers, over ten panel discussions and more than ten workshops. There will be several performances and tastes of different Indian cuisines. The festival will also witness the participation of scholars, philosophers, writers, artists and craftsmen of India. Full schedule of Arth: A Culture Fest First day: (21 February 2020) Program starts at 11 am 11:00am - Mahishasura Mardini: The mother slains the demon: Purulia Chhau, by Tarapad Rajak 12:00pm - Deep Prajavalan and inaugural address: Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel, Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Chandra, Shreyasi Goenka, Vikram Sampath 12:30pm - Understanding of Indian classical dance (Panelist): Geeta Chandran, Madhavi Mudgal, Maithil Devika, Shovana Narayan, Moderator: Sujoy Prosad Chatterjee 1:30pm - Rigveda revisited (Panelist): Himani Mittal, KV Krishnan, Sanjeev Sanyal, Satish KS, Vasudev Aital 2:15pm- Desert songs: Performance of Langa, Manganiyar and Kalbeliya of Rajasthan, Artist: Soram Nath 3:00pm - The pain of separation: The pain of Partition, (Panelist): Kishwar Desai, Meenakshi Jain, Sardindu Mukherjee, Moderator: Makrand Paranjpe 3:45pm - Whose economy is it anyway? Lord Meghnad Desai talks with Sanjeev Sanyal 4:30pm - Discussion with the release of Ashwin Sanghi's book 'Vishnu's Vault' - 'Contemporary in History and Mythology' (Panelist): Ashwin Sanghi, Sanjeev Sanyal, Moderator: Radhakrishnan Pillai 5:15pm - Reasons to be happy are - Mental health in today's India: Shyam Bhatt, Yogini Shambhavi, Moderator: Vikram Sampath 6pm - Discussion on Milind Soman's book 'Made in India' inauguration- 'Fit India to Hit India' Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore talks with Milind Soman 6:45pm - Performance of Kumar Vishwas 8pm - Shubha Mudgal's performance Second day (22 February 2020) 11am- Guru's song: Gurbani, Artist: Bhai Manohar Singh 11:45pm - The Warp and Weft: The Grandeur of Indian Wear (Panelist): Shaina NC, Sudeep Bhutoria, Suvankar Sen, Moderator: Shefali Vaidya 12:30 pm - Men whose ideas have shaped India: Netaji, Swami Vivekananda and Savarkar, (panellists): Anuj Dhar, Makaranda Paranjpe, Vikram Sampath, Lord Meghnad Desai, Moderator: Good morning 1:15pm - From Literature to Cinema: Literary Impact on Celluloid (Panelist): Anant Vijay, Bhagwandas Morwal, Manoj Rajan Tripathi, Moderator: Arpit Wageria 2:00pm - Happiness without any reason - Mandira Bedi talks with Satyadev Burman 2:30pm - Lobbying for the 'Right' cause, Panelists: Anurag Saxena, R Jagannathan, Ratan Sharda, Shaina NC, Moderator: Shubhrastha 3:15pm - From God's Own Country: Ottan Thull from panelists in Kerala: Mohana Krishnan 4:00pm - "Becoming the World Guru: Recovering India's place in the new world order, (Panelist): Anurag Saxena, Baijayant Jai Panda, David Frawley, Hindol Sengupta, Moderator: Raghav Awasthi 4:45pm - India's civilizational ethos and its intersection with secularism: Mayank Singh's conversation with Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan 5:45pm - The Abrogation of Article 370 and what it means to 'Kashmiriyat' (Panelist): Gohar Geelani, Jamyang Shering Namgyal, Sushant Sarin, Syed Salman Chishti, Vivek Agnihotri, Moderator: Abhijeet Iyer Mitra 6:45pm - Nationalism in times of strife: New dimensions of nationalism - Sudhir Chaudhary's conversation with Amit Shah 7:45pm - Desert echoes - Mame Khan's performance 8:45pm - Euphoria's performance Third day (23 February 2020) 11am - Cymbals from the North-East: Manipuri Pung and Dole Cholam artist: Sinam Basu 11:45pm - Sacred ecologies: Indic Faiths and their Message (Panelist): David Frole, Dushyant Sridhar, Hema Hari, Moderator: DK Hari 12:30pm - Life in Literature - Ruskin Bond talks with Premak Goswami 1:15pm - Discussion on culture and art: Conversation between Prasoon Joshi and Yatindra Mishra

Arth: A Culture Fest - A glimpse of India's culture begins in Delhi

Statements made by US President Donald Trump on India

As India prepares for Trump visit, Sabarmati Ashram gets makeover

US Presidents who have visited India

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday retweeted WION's report on his upcoming visit to India.&nbsp;

The US president retweeted WION's video that showcased the many details of the royal welcome that he will be given on his two-day trip to India next week.&nbsp;

In less than a week, India will be hosting US President Donald Trump who will be accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump.

A 22-kilometre long roadshow is planned for his royal welcome in Gujarat's Ahmedabad.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-signals-very-big-trade-deal-with-india-before-us-presidential-elections-281582">Trump signals 'very big' trade deal with India before US presidential elections</a>

<img alt="trump tweet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2e655fc3-6b06-499c-9606-68e0696aad9e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/trump_0.JPG" />

New Delhi is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the Trumps get a royal welcome. Rs 120 crore is being spent for a 3-hour visit of Trump to Ahmedabad. That's Rs 1.5 crore a minute that the US president spends in the Gujarati city. &nbsp;

In pics: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-india-prepares-for-trump-visit-sabarmati-ashram-gets-makeover-281554">As India prepares for Trump visit, Sabarmati Ashram gets makeover</a>

Reports suggest a 10-member all-women team led by an IPS officer will assist Melania during her stay. They have been instructed on cyber monitoring and security aspects. They have been told to wear trousers and blazers instead of the traditional khaki.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/preparations-in-full-swing-ahead-of-us-president-donald-trumps-india-visit-281468">India to spend Rs 1.5 crore a minute during US president's Ahmedabad visit</a>

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NamasteTrump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NamasteTrump</a> | A 22-kilometre long roadshow is planned in Ahmedabad to welcome the United States President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> on February 24<a href="https://twitter.com/PriyankaSh25?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PriyankaSh25</a> has all the details! <a href="https://t.co/8gOOoWchr6">pic.twitter.com/8gOOoWchr6</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1230036797691965441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Trump and Melania will also visit the Taj Mahal on February 24 before reaching New Delhi for a series of official meetings a day later.

Trump will also inaugurate the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/going-to-india-trump-set-to-open-worlds-biggest-cricket-stadium-281416">world's largest cricket stadium</a> which is nearing completion in Ahmedabad. The Motera Stadium will seat over one lakh people.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday retweeted WION's report on his upcoming visit to India. The US president retweeted WION's video that showcased the many details of the royal welcome that he will be given on his two-day trip to India next week.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday retweeted WION's report on his upcoming visit to India. The US president retweeted WION's video that showcased the many details of the royal welcome that he will be given on his two-day trip to India next week. In less than a week, India will be hosting US President Donald Trump who will be accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump. A 22-kilometre long roadshow is planned for his royal welcome in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. Also read: Trump signals 'very big' trade deal with India before US presidential elections New Delhi is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the Trumps get a royal welcome. Rs 120 crore is being spent for a 3-hour visit of Trump to Ahmedabad. That's Rs 1.5 crore a minute that the US president spends in the Gujarati city. In pics: As India prepares for Trump visit, Sabarmati Ashram gets makeover Reports suggest a 10-member all-women team led by an IPS officer will assist Melania during her stay. They have been instructed on cyber monitoring and security aspects. They have been told to wear trousers and blazers instead of the traditional khaki. Also read: India to spend Rs 1.5 crore a minute during US president's Ahmedabad visit #NamasteTrump | A 22-kilometre long roadshow is planned in Ahmedabad to welcome the United States President @realDonaldTrump on February 24@PriyankaSh25 has all the details! pic.twitter.com/8gOOoWchr6 — WION (@WIONews) February 19, 2020 × Trump and Melania will also visit the Taj Mahal on February 24 before reaching New Delhi for a series of official meetings a day later. Trump will also inaugurate the world's largest cricket stadium which is nearing completion in Ahmedabad. The Motera Stadium will seat over one lakh people.

US President Donald Trump retweets WION's coverage of his upcoming trip to India

Just days ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to India, the cabinet committee on security(CCS) approved a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/heres-why-no-trade-deal-should-be-expected-during-donald-trumps-india-visit-281652">deal </a>to procure a batch of 24 Lockheed martin MH-60 Romeo helicopters from the US.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-in-a-hurry-for-a-trade-deal-says-india-ahead-of-trumps-visit-281638">Also Read:&nbsp;'Not in a hurry for a trade deal,' says India ahead of Trump's visit</a>

The deal is likely to be signed during Trump's two-day visit to India next week. The choppers equipped with hellfire air-to-surface missiles is expected to boost India's naval attack capability.

The helicopter for the Indian Navy is likely to be around $2.4 billion. Ahead of President Trump's visit, India said that both sides don't want to rush into a trade deal even as the US president said he was "saving the big deal for later on".

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/trump-india-visit-trump-focussed-more-on-road-show-than-trade-281543/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

We’re doing a very big trade deal with India. We’ll have it. I don’t know if it’ll be done before the election, but we’ll have a very big deal with India," Trump told reporters in Washington.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/preparations-in-full-swing-ahead-of-us-president-donald-trumps-india-visit-281468">Also Read: India to spend Rs 1.5 crore a minute during Trump's Ahmedabad visit</a>

India-US trade has been growing more than ten per cent per annum over the past two years and the trade deficit has been declining and expected to reduce as New Delhi imports more US oil and gas and purchase of civilian planes.&nbsp;

The US is India's sixth-largest importer of crude oil and India is now its fourth-largest customer.

Just days ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to India, the cabinet committee on security(CCS) approved a deal to procure a batch of 24 Lockheed martin MH-60 Romeo helicopters from the US.

Just days ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to India, the cabinet committee on security(CCS) approved a deal to procure a batch of 24 Lockheed martin MH-60 Romeo helicopters from the US. Also Read: 'Not in a hurry for a trade deal,' says India ahead of Trump's visit The deal is likely to be signed during Trump's two-day visit to India next week. The choppers equipped with hellfire air-to-surface missiles is expected to boost India's naval attack capability. The helicopter for the Indian Navy is likely to be around $2.4 billion. Ahead of President Trump's visit, India said that both sides don't want to rush into a trade deal even as the US president said he was "saving the big deal for later on". Watch Video: We’re doing a very big trade deal with India. We’ll have it. I don’t know if it’ll be done before the election, but we’ll have a very big deal with India," Trump told reporters in Washington. Also Read: India to spend Rs 1.5 crore a minute during Trump's Ahmedabad visit India-US trade has been growing more than ten per cent per annum over the past two years and the trade deficit has been declining and expected to reduce as New Delhi imports more US oil and gas and purchase of civilian planes. The US is India's sixth-largest importer of crude oil and India is now its fourth-largest customer.

Ahead of Trump's visit, cabinet committee on security approves US helicopter deal

Ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit, India has said that both sides don't want to rush into a trade deal and the deal is not stuck.&nbsp;

A government source told WION that "both sides want to reach an understanding with outcomes that balance both sides" and US and India "don't want to rush into the deal as the issues are complicated with many decisions having an impact on people's lives and long term economic consequences".

The source added, "we look to the future and seek to achieve a win-win solution for both side" and as we do that, we don't want comprises and are "not in a hurry to rush into a trade deal on the eve of the visit".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-trumps-agra-visit-500-cusecs-of-water-released-into-yamuna-to-tackle-foul-smell-281629">Ahead of Trump's Agra visit, 500 cusecs of water released into Yamuna to tackle 'foul smell'</a>

Asked, if the deal is stuck, the source said, "not correct to say India-US trade deal is stuck. It is an ongoing process. Both ministers have agreed to talk and look at a larger Free trade agreement".

Earlier today, US President Trump said, he looks forward to a major trade deal later.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-signals-very-big-trade-deal-with-india-before-us-presidential-elections-281582">Trump signals 'very big' trade deal with India before US presidential elections</a>

Trump said, "Well, we can have a trade deal with India, but I’m really saving the big deal for later on. We’re doing a very big trade deal with India. We’ll have it. I don’t know if it’ll be done before the election, but we’ll have a very big deal with India."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/preparations-in-full-swing-ahead-of-us-president-donald-trumps-india-visit-281468">India to spend Rs 1.5 crore a minute during US president's Ahmedabad visit</a>

India-US trade has been growing more than 10 per cent per annum over the past 2 years and the trade deficit has been declining and expected to reduce as New Delhi imports more US oil and gas and purchase of civilian planes. The US is India's 6th largest importer of crude oil and India is now its 4th largest customer.

India is also keen that US restores Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which is Washington's largest and oldest US trade preference program which was withdrawn last year for India.

Ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit, India has said that both sides don't want to rush into a trade deal and the deal is not stuck. A government source told WION that "both sides want to reach an understanding with outcomes that balance both sides" and US and India "don't want to rush into the deal as the issues are complicated with many decisions having an impact on people's lives and long term economic consequences".

Ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit, India has said that both sides don't want to rush into a trade deal and the deal is not stuck. A government source told WION that "both sides want to reach an understanding with outcomes that balance both sides" and US and India "don't want to rush into the deal as the issues are complicated with many decisions having an impact on people's lives and long term economic consequences". The source added, "we look to the future and seek to achieve a win-win solution for both side" and as we do that, we don't want comprises and are "not in a hurry to rush into a trade deal on the eve of the visit". Also read: Ahead of Trump's Agra visit, 500 cusecs of water released into Yamuna to tackle 'foul smell' Asked, if the deal is stuck, the source said, "not correct to say India-US trade deal is stuck. It is an ongoing process. Both ministers have agreed to talk and look at a larger Free trade agreement". Earlier today, US President Trump said, he looks forward to a major trade deal later. Also read: Trump signals 'very big' trade deal with India before US presidential elections Trump said, "Well, we can have a trade deal with India, but I’m really saving the big deal for later on. We’re doing a very big trade deal with India. We’ll have it. I don’t know if it’ll be done before the election, but we’ll have a very big deal with India." Also read: India to spend Rs 1.5 crore a minute during US president's Ahmedabad visit India-US trade has been growing more than 10 per cent per annum over the past 2 years and the trade deficit has been declining and expected to reduce as New Delhi imports more US oil and gas and purchase of civilian planes. The US is India's 6th largest importer of crude oil and India is now its 4th largest customer. India is also keen that US restores Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which is Washington's largest and oldest US trade preference program which was withdrawn last year for India.

'Not in a hurry for a trade deal,' says India ahead of Trump's visit

President Donald Trump has signalled that a "big trade" deal might not be on the agenda during his visit to India next week, saying that he is saving "a very big" US-India deal for later.

"We can have a trade deal with India, but I am really saving the big deal for later, maybe before elections. But we will have a very big deal with India," Trump said while talking to reporters.

The US President will reach Gujarat`s capital city of Ahmedabad by noon on February 24 and is slated to address a mammoth crowd of more than 100,000 people which is expected to turn up for an event at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad on the lines of the `Howdy Modi` function that was addressed by the US President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Houston in September last year.

Trump said that there would be seven million people between the airport and the stadium to welcome him."I happen to like PM Modi a lot. He told me we will have seven million people between the airport and the event. It`s going to be the largest stadium in the world. It`s going to be very exciting," said Trump.

The President is also likely to visit the Gandhi Ashram in Sabarmati.

Later in the day he will arrive in New Delhi and is expected to hold talks.

On Tuesday morning, the US President will first receive a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan as per protocol.

Prime minister Modi could then accompany the US leader to the Gandhi Ashram in Delhi.

The two leaders will then meet at the Hyderabad House and will lead official state meetings. On Tuesday, President Trump will meet with executives of Indian companies -- with business interests in the United States during his visit to the capital -- at an event organized by the US embassy in New Delhi.

The companies expected to be represented at the meeting include the Indian oil and gas company Reliance Industries, Tata Sons, Bharat Forge, Mahindra and Mahindra.POTUS`s visit will conclude with an early banquet dinner, following which he will depart for Washington.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump has signalled that a "big trade" deal might not be on the agenda during his visit to India next week, saying that he is saving "a very big" US-India deal for later.

President Donald Trump has signalled that a "big trade" deal might not be on the agenda during his visit to India next week, saying that he is saving "a very big" US-India deal for later. "We can have a trade deal with India, but I am really saving the big deal for later, maybe before elections. But we will have a very big deal with India," Trump said while talking to reporters. The US President will reach Gujarat`s capital city of Ahmedabad by noon on February 24 and is slated to address a mammoth crowd of more than 100,000 people which is expected to turn up for an event at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad on the lines of the `Howdy Modi` function that was addressed by the US President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Houston in September last year. Trump said that there would be seven million people between the airport and the stadium to welcome him."I happen to like PM Modi a lot. He told me we will have seven million people between the airport and the event. It`s going to be the largest stadium in the world. It`s going to be very exciting," said Trump. The President is also likely to visit the Gandhi Ashram in Sabarmati. Later in the day he will arrive in New Delhi and is expected to hold talks. On Tuesday morning, the US President will first receive a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan as per protocol. Prime minister Modi could then accompany the US leader to the Gandhi Ashram in Delhi. The two leaders will then meet at the Hyderabad House and will lead official state meetings. On Tuesday, President Trump will meet with executives of Indian companies -- with business interests in the United States during his visit to the capital -- at an event organized by the US embassy in New Delhi. The companies expected to be represented at the meeting include the Indian oil and gas company Reliance Industries, Tata Sons, Bharat Forge, Mahindra and Mahindra.POTUS`s visit will conclude with an early banquet dinner, following which he will depart for Washington.

Trump signals 'very big' trade deal with India before US presidential elections

In less than a week, India will be hosting US President Donald Trump who will be accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump. New Delhi is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the Trumps get a royal welcome.

In less than a week, India will be hosting US President Donald Trump who will be accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump. New Delhi is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the Trumps get a royal welcome. Rs 120 crore is being spent for a 3-hour visit of Trump to Ahmedabad. That's Rs 1.5 crore a minute that the US president spends in the Gujarati city. Hotel prices in Ahmedabad too have skyrocketed with celebrities and industrialists wanting to be a part of the 'Namaste Trump' extravaganza. Watch | Gravitas: The Cost of Donald Trump's visit to India × Reports suggest a 10-member all-women team led by an IPS officer will assist Melania during her stay. They have been instructed on cyber monitoring and security aspects. They have been told to wear trousers and blazers instead of the traditional khaki. Also read: Several Indian-Americans to accompany President Trump during India visit Trump and Melania will also visit the Taj Mahal on February 24 before reaching New Delhi for a series of official meetings a day later. Trump will also inaugurate the world's largest cricket stadium which is nearing completion in Ahmedabad. The Motera Stadium will seat over one lakh people. Preparations are also underway for a grand 22km-long roadshow and a parade that promises to be fit for kings. Meanwhile, Trump has signalled that a trade deal with India might not be on the agenda during his visit to India next week, saying that he is saving "a very big" US-India deal for later. "We can have a trade deal with India, but I am really saving the big deal for later, maybe before elections. But we will have a very big deal with India," Trump said while talking to reporters.

Namaste Trump: India to spend Rs 1.5 crore a minute during US president's Ahmedabad visit

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