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India is eyeing defence export of&nbsp;$5 billion in the next five years, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-narendra-modi-arrives-in-lucknow-to-inaugurate-defence-expo-2020-today-278838">Narendra Modi</a> said on Wednesday, highlighting the measures taken by his government to boost manufacturing and woo investors to set up a base in the country.

Inaugurating the 11th edition of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-narendra-modi-arrives-in-lucknow-to-inaugurate-defence-expo-2020-today-278838">DefExpo</a>, Modi said a country of the size of India cannot entirely depend on imports and added the number of defence licenses issued in the last five years has risen to 460 from 210 in 2014, the year he first came to power.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-narendra-modi-arrives-in-lucknow-to-inaugurate-defence-expo-2020-today-278838">Narendra Modi arrives in Lucknow to inaugurate Defence Expo 2020 today</a>

India is building several defence equipment like artillery guns, aircraft carriers, submarines, light-combat aircraft, and combat helicopters, he said.

"Our mantra is Make in India, for India, for the world. In 2014 the export of defence equipment from India was about Rs 2,000 crore. In the last 2 years, it has gone up to Rs 17,000 crore.

In the next five years our target is export of $5 billion, which is about Rs 35,000 crore," the prime minister said.

India is not only a major market globally but a vast opportunity for the world as well, he said, asserting that Uttar Pradesh is going to be one of the biggest defence manufacturing hubs in India. 
Lack of proper policy initiative in the last several decades made India the biggest importer of defence platforms, he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-we-want-to-make-india-a-defence-manufacturing-hub-rajnath-singh-278846">We want to make India a defence manufacturing hub: Rajnath Singh</a>

Modi cited misuse of technology, terrorism and cyber threat as challenges facing the world and said defence forces are eyeing new technology considering new threats. India is not behind others, he added.

He said a roadmap had been finalised to use application of artificial intelligence in defence sector.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/union-budget-2020-defence-sector-needs-more-money-for-modernisation-278261">Budget 2020: Here's what's in store for the Defence sector</a>

The prime minister said the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff and the Department of Military Affairs will boost the overall defence production.

"We are going to enhance our presence in the outer space in coming years," he said, adding that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/drdo-carries-out-a-dozen-successful-summer-trials-of-nag-anti-tank-missile-237212">DRDO</a> is putting up effective protection for India's assets in outer space created by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-in-space-timeline-271560">ISRO</a>.

"Our defence preparedness is not aimed at any country as India is a reliable contributor to world peace. It's our responsibility to ensure security of not only India but countries in the neighbourhood as well," he said.

He invited foreign defence manufacturers to "come and invest in India.&nbsp;

India is eyeing defence export of $5 billion in the next five years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday, highlighting the measures taken by his government to boost manufacturing and woo investors to set up a base in the country.

India is eyeing defence export of $5 billion in the next five years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday, highlighting the measures taken by his government to boost manufacturing and woo investors to set up a base in the country. Inaugurating the 11th edition of DefExpo, Modi said a country of the size of India cannot entirely depend on imports and added the number of defence licenses issued in the last five years has risen to 460 from 210 in 2014, the year he first came to power. Also read: Narendra Modi arrives in Lucknow to inaugurate Defence Expo 2020 today India is building several defence equipment like artillery guns, aircraft carriers, submarines, light-combat aircraft, and combat helicopters, he said. "Our mantra is Make in India, for India, for the world. In 2014 the export of defence equipment from India was about Rs 2,000 crore. In the last 2 years, it has gone up to Rs 17,000 crore. In the next five years our target is export of $5 billion, which is about Rs 35,000 crore," the prime minister said. India is not only a major market globally but a vast opportunity for the world as well, he said, asserting that Uttar Pradesh is going to be one of the biggest defence manufacturing hubs in India. Lack of proper policy initiative in the last several decades made India the biggest importer of defence platforms, he added. Also read: We want to make India a defence manufacturing hub: Rajnath Singh Modi cited misuse of technology, terrorism and cyber threat as challenges facing the world and said defence forces are eyeing new technology considering new threats. India is not behind others, he added. He said a roadmap had been finalised to use application of artificial intelligence in defence sector. Also read: Budget 2020: Here's what's in store for the Defence sector The prime minister said the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff and the Department of Military Affairs will boost the overall defence production. "We are going to enhance our presence in the outer space in coming years," he said, adding that the DRDO is putting up effective protection for India's assets in outer space created by ISRO. "Our defence preparedness is not aimed at any country as India is a reliable contributor to world peace. It's our responsibility to ensure security of not only India but countries in the neighbourhood as well," he said. He invited foreign defence manufacturers to "come and invest in India.

Our target is $5 billion of defence export in next five years: Narendra Modi

Actor Rajinikanth has come out in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that it will not affect Indian Muslims who have chosen India as their motherland during partition, adding that there was a lot of misleading information that was being spread due to ulterior motives of political parties and religious groups.&nbsp;

Rajini added that he would be the first to step out and rise in protest if and when CAA affects Indian Muslims.&nbsp;

On the National Population Register(NPR), Rajini said that, it is very necessary for the country. "It is a must to conduct a census of the&nbsp;Indian population in 2021. Don't we need to know who are Indians and who are from outside? This is very important and I don't know what is the issue with this is."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajinikanth-issued-summons-over-anti-social-elements-remark-on-tuticorin-violence-firing-278579">Rajinikanth issued summons over ‘anti-social elements’ remark on Tuticorin violence, firing</a>

Regarding the NRC, Rajini said that the procedure for NRC hasn't started and that deliberations were still underway about it.&nbsp;

On the protests that have been taking place across major parts of the country over CAA-NRC, the actor cautioned students to not get misled by the false propaganda. He urged students to think well and make informed decisions after consulting with their elders, faculty before embarking on protests.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/celebrity-news-rajinikanth-is-fine-after-shooting-for-man-vs-wild-with-bear-grylls-tweets-thank-you-love-you-277301">Rajinikanth is fine after shooting for Man vs Wild with Bear Grylls, tweets 'Thank you, love you'</a>

When asked about CAA not having included Sri Lankan Tamils, Rajini stated that he was in favour of citizenship being granted to Tamil refugees who are living in camps across Tamil Nadu for several years. However, he also added that the Tamils living in Sri Lanka must not be considered as they have been living there since the time of the Chola empire.

Rajini’s comments come at a time when the DMK and their allies are involved in a state-wide signature campaign against the CAA. DMK and their allies have been collecting signatures of those opposed to the CAA, to hand it over to the president of India and demand that the CAA be withdrawn.&nbsp;

In an apparent response to Rajini(without stating him by name), who stated that students were being misled by political parties, DMK President MK Stalin tweeted, “It brings happiness to know that students themselves are voicing out against the CAA and taking part in the signature campaign. Voices of dominance which suggest that political parties are instigating students aren’t new, they are similar to those that spoke during anti-Hindi agitation. Just like during the anti-Hindi agitation our peaceful protests will be successful.”

Speaking to reporters, Stalin’s son and DMK Youth wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “nobody is forcing the students, across the country students are coming out and protesting on their own. As Rajini is still an actor, he hasn’t understood politics. After he floats a political party, I will respond to him.”

Actor Rajinikanth has come out in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that it will not affect Indian Muslims who have chosen India as their motherland during partition, adding that there was a lot of misleading information that was being spread due to ulterior motives of political parties and religious groups.

Actor Rajinikanth has come out in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that it will not affect Indian Muslims who have chosen India as their motherland during partition, adding that there was a lot of misleading information that was being spread due to ulterior motives of political parties and religious groups. Rajini added that he would be the first to step out and rise in protest if and when CAA affects Indian Muslims. On the National Population Register(NPR), Rajini said that, it is very necessary for the country. "It is a must to conduct a census of the Indian population in 2021. Don't we need to know who are Indians and who are from outside? This is very important and I don't know what is the issue with this is." Also read: Rajinikanth issued summons over ‘anti-social elements’ remark on Tuticorin violence, firing Regarding the NRC, Rajini said that the procedure for NRC hasn't started and that deliberations were still underway about it. On the protests that have been taking place across major parts of the country over CAA-NRC, the actor cautioned students to not get misled by the false propaganda. He urged students to think well and make informed decisions after consulting with their elders, faculty before embarking on protests. Also read: Rajinikanth is fine after shooting for Man vs Wild with Bear Grylls, tweets 'Thank you, love you' When asked about CAA not having included Sri Lankan Tamils, Rajini stated that he was in favour of citizenship being granted to Tamil refugees who are living in camps across Tamil Nadu for several years. However, he also added that the Tamils living in Sri Lanka must not be considered as they have been living there since the time of the Chola empire. Rajini’s comments come at a time when the DMK and their allies are involved in a state-wide signature campaign against the CAA. DMK and their allies have been collecting signatures of those opposed to the CAA, to hand it over to the president of India and demand that the CAA be withdrawn. In an apparent response to Rajini(without stating him by name), who stated that students were being misled by political parties, DMK President MK Stalin tweeted, “It brings happiness to know that students themselves are voicing out against the CAA and taking part in the signature campaign. Voices of dominance which suggest that political parties are instigating students aren’t new, they are similar to those that spoke during anti-Hindi agitation. Just like during the anti-Hindi agitation our peaceful protests will be successful.” Speaking to reporters, Stalin’s son and DMK Youth wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “nobody is forcing the students, across the country students are coming out and protesting on their own. As Rajini is still an actor, he hasn’t understood politics. After he floats a political party, I will respond to him.”

Rajinikanth comes out in support of CAA & NPR, says youth being misled into protests

Shipments of around 250,000 bales of Indian cotton to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-china-to-account-for-nearly-35-of-global-gdp-in-2060-study-278393">China </a>have been delayed by nearly two weeks as a virus outbreak and factory closures dampen demand from the world's biggest consumer of the fibre, industry officials told said.

The delay in shipments could pressure local prices and force the state-run <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/indias-cotton-exports-could-hit-four-year-high-on-price-rally-weak-rupee-139689?amp">Cotton Corporation of India</a> (CCI) to increase purchases from farmers to ensure domestic prices stay above government-mandated levels.

"As the holiday is extended in China, shipments are getting delayed," said Chirag Patel, chief executive at Jaydeep Cotton Fibers Pvt Ltd, an exporter.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-january-manufacturing-activity-hits-nearly-8-year-high-278375">India's January manufacturing activity hits nearly 8-year high&nbsp;</a>

Most Chinese firms scale back operations or close for long periods around the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-cancels-lunar-new-year-parade-due-to-chinas-viral-outbreak-276669">Lunar New Year</a> holidays, which began on January&nbsp;24 this year.

But China's government has extended the holidays, announced widespread transport restrictions and told many businesses to stay closed longer to limit the spread of the virus. It is not clear when millions of migrant workers will be able to return to factories or when ports will resume normal operations.

The epidemic has killed nearly 500 people in China and infected more than 24,000 so far.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-china-to-account-for-nearly-35-of-global-gdp-in-2060-study-278393">India, China to account for nearly 35% of global GDP in 2060: Study</a>

Indian sellers had contracted around 650,000 bales to China for prompt shipment.

Around 400,000 bales have already been shipped, but the remaining 250,000 bales have been delayed, three exporters and two dealers with global trading houses told Reuters.

"Exporters are a bit worried. So far buyers haven't cancelled contracts, but some might be if this virus outbreak remains there for few more weeks," said Vinay Kotak, a director at Kotak Commodities, a Mumbai-based brokerage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-china-to-account-for-nearly-35-of-global-gdp-in-2060-study-278393">China</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-china-to-account-for-nearly-35-of-global-gdp-in-2060-study-278393">Bangladesh</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-trump-visits-vietnam-melania-walks-alone-at-great-wall-543">Vietnam </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-indonesias-mt-sinabung-erupts-696">Indonesia </a>are among key buyers of India cotton.

Exporters have an option of diverting cotton meant for China to other destinations such as Bangladesh and Vietnam if shipments are delayed further, Kotak said.

India has shipped 2 million cotton bales since the 2019-20 marketing year started on October&nbsp;1 and another 1 million bales have been contracted for shipment in February and March, said Atul Ganatra, president of the Cotton Association of India.

"We are hopeful that very soon Chinese buying will return to normal," said Ganatra.

Local cotton prices are already under pressure due to surplus production, said a Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading firm.

"Chinese buying was supporting local prices. In the absence of China, Cotton Corporation of India will have to raise purchases," the dealer said.

Shipments of around 250,000 bales of Indian cotton to China have been delayed by nearly two weeks as a virus outbreak and factory closures dampen demand from the world's biggest consumer of the fibre, industry officials told said.

Shipments of around 250,000 bales of Indian cotton to China have been delayed by nearly two weeks as a virus outbreak and factory closures dampen demand from the world's biggest consumer of the fibre, industry officials told said. The delay in shipments could pressure local prices and force the state-run Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) to increase purchases from farmers to ensure domestic prices stay above government-mandated levels. "As the holiday is extended in China, shipments are getting delayed," said Chirag Patel, chief executive at Jaydeep Cotton Fibers Pvt Ltd, an exporter. Also read: India's January manufacturing activity hits nearly 8-year high Most Chinese firms scale back operations or close for long periods around the Lunar New Year holidays, which began on January 24 this year. But China's government has extended the holidays, announced widespread transport restrictions and told many businesses to stay closed longer to limit the spread of the virus. It is not clear when millions of migrant workers will be able to return to factories or when ports will resume normal operations. The epidemic has killed nearly 500 people in China and infected more than 24,000 so far. Also read: India, China to account for nearly 35% of global GDP in 2060: Study Indian sellers had contracted around 650,000 bales to China for prompt shipment. Around 400,000 bales have already been shipped, but the remaining 250,000 bales have been delayed, three exporters and two dealers with global trading houses told Reuters. "Exporters are a bit worried. So far buyers haven't cancelled contracts, but some might be if this virus outbreak remains there for few more weeks," said Vinay Kotak, a director at Kotak Commodities, a Mumbai-based brokerage. China, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Indonesia are among key buyers of India cotton. Exporters have an option of diverting cotton meant for China to other destinations such as Bangladesh and Vietnam if shipments are delayed further, Kotak said. India has shipped 2 million cotton bales since the 2019-20 marketing year started on October 1 and another 1 million bales have been contracted for shipment in February and March, said Atul Ganatra, president of the Cotton Association of India. "We are hopeful that very soon Chinese buying will return to normal," said Ganatra. Local cotton prices are already under pressure due to surplus production, said a Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading firm. "Chinese buying was supporting local prices. In the absence of China, Cotton Corporation of India will have to raise purchases," the dealer said.

Virus outbreak delays India's cotton exports to China

At least seven shops were gutted after a massive fire broke out in Rabindranagar market area in Siliguri in the wee hours on Wednesday. According to the locals, heavy smoke came out from the market area, following which the shopkeepers immediately called the fire officials.

At least seven shops were gutted after a massive fire broke out in Rabindranagar market area in Siliguri in the wee hours on Wednesday. According to the locals, heavy smoke came out from the market area, following which the shopkeepers immediately called the fire officials. Five fire tenders reached the spot and succeeded in bringing the fire under control. The fire left seven shops destroyed while two were damaged partially. There is no report of any casualties, said a fire officer. Also Read: West Bengal: Bridge collapses near Siliguri, truck driver injured One of the shopkeepers in the market said: "The fire destroyed seven shops completely. It might be a case of short circuit." A Bardhan, fire officer, Siliguri fire station said, "We tried our best to douse the fire as early as possible. An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the exact reason for the fire."

Massive fire causes damage to seven shops in Siliguri, investigation underway

China said it would welcome assistance from the United States to fight the&nbsp;coronavirus outbreak&nbsp;after it accused Washington of "scaremongering"&nbsp;even as the death toll in China rose to 492&nbsp;on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world%20-news-ten-passengers-aboard-a-cruise-ship-in-japan-test-positive-for-coronavirus-278655">Also Read: Ten passengers aboard a cruise ship in Japan test positive for coronavirus</a>

The deadly virus has now gone beyond China with a man dieing in Hong Kong on Tuesday, earlier the Philippines was the first country to report death caused due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-reaches-490-figure-expected-to-rise-278644">coronavirus</a> outside China. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
China had accused the US of scaremongering as the United States set its advisory level at 4, which is the highest safety risk. The US State Department in its latest travel advisory had told its citizens not to travel to China because of the threat to life posed by the virus.&nbsp;

Travel and trade restrictions introduced to control the spread of the coronavirus from China are now expected to deliver a short, sharp blow to both Chinese and global economic activity for the first quarter of this year.

While it remains unclear how far the virus will spread and when it will peak, economists have been trying to estimate the impact on the GDP of the world's second-largest economy.

With worrying signs in Chinese and Asian markets, China's central bank injected 1.2 trillion-yuan ($174 billion) worth of liquidity into money markets&nbsp;after promising to help companies struggling due to the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/coronavirus-in-india-what-do-we-know-so-far-278544">In Pics: Coronavirus in India - what do we know so far</a>

SARS outbreak in 2002 and 2003 had resulted in a global economic loss of $40 billion, according to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information and authored by Jong-Wha Lee and Warwick J. McKibbin. If experts are to be believed the coronavirus may dwarf SARS $40 billion global economic blow.&nbsp;

China does realise things are not easier this time around. It is now&nbsp;different because of the dissemination of information in the digital era has led countries and companies to act faster in an authoritarian state like China.

One of the biggest reasons why the coronavirus is a big test for Chinese President Xi Jinping is because of the digital transformation that has changed lives in China and around the world. Realising that the war is not just on the ground but on digital platforms too, China has unleased its diplomatic circuit from around the world to say that “situation is under control in China”.&nbsp;

The systematic approach of popular Twitter handles of Chinese diplomats fighting the "online war of perception"&nbsp;for China reflects how the Chinese regime has been working hard to minimise the impact of nCoV outbreak on its economy.&nbsp;

Twitter handles of Chinese diplomats - Lijian Zhao (deputy director-general, information department, ministry of foreign affairs, China), Sun Weidong (Chinese ambassador to India), Liu Xiaoming (Chinese ambassador to the UK), Chinese ambassador to South Africa (@AmbLINSongtian), or Yao Jing, Chinese embassy in Pakistan @CathayPak, each one of them have been tweeting on China "successfully" handling the situation.&nbsp;

Yao Jing, in the Chinese embassy to Pakistan on Tuesday tweeted, “CPEC will not be affected by #Coronavirus. It is long-term cooperation between the two countries. The Chinese Government and people is firmly committed to the BRI and CPEC cooperation with Pakistan.”&nbsp;

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Ambassador Yao Jing: CPEC will not be affected by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coronavirus</a>. It is a long term cooperation between the two countries. The Chinese Government and people is firmly committed to the BRI and CPEC cooperation with Pakistan.<a href="https://twitter.com/CPEC_Official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CPEC_Official</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ForeignOfficePk</a> <a href="https://t.co/U4SHH4QYAQ">pic.twitter.com/U4SHH4QYAQ</a>
— Chinese Emb Pakistan (@CathayPak) <a href="https://twitter.com/CathayPak/status/1224661940254863360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He also tweeted a link to an article published in "People’s Daily"&nbsp;titled, “a&nbsp;good neighbour is a&nbsp;blessing". Pakistan is one of the few countries that has stood with its “all-weather ally” China and not evacuated its citizens amid the virus outbreak.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-outbreak-india-cancels-valid-e-visas-for-travellers-from-china-278548">Also Read: India cancels valid e-visas for travellers from China over coronavirus</a>

As many as twenty-seven thousand Pakistani nationals are in China among them 1,500 are in Hubei and 559 in Wuhan, which are the epicenters of the coronavirus outbreak. The ambassdor also tweeted a video titled "Pak Chin Dosti Zindabad!"&nbsp;in which students from the University of Sargodha expressed their support to China on the coronavirus in the Chinese language.&nbsp;

Lin Songtian, Chinese ambassador to South Africa, is another diplomat who has been fighting the “digital war” and has been allaying Africa’s coronavirus fears.&nbsp;

The ambassador to South Africa said that there is no need for Africans to panic over the virus.&nbsp;

China is South Africa’s largest trading partner and more than 3,000 South African nationals reside in China.&nbsp;

The ambassador advised the South African nationals in China to remain in place. The Chinese ambassodor took to Twitter and retweeted a "China Daily"&nbsp;tweet saying, "This is the way we will win the global battles, now not only in China, but in the world."&nbsp;

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China's success in meeting the public health crisis will hold useful lessons for the world. It represents a big step forward not only for the Chinese, but for all countries. That is why it is important to keep faith with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wuhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wuhan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a>
— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChinaDaily/status/1224551906430742531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In a tweet&nbsp;later,&nbsp;he again emphasised on China’s capability to fight the outbreak saying, “This is the ways we are fighting against the epidemic,” while he retweeted a video of "China Daily" depicting renovation of the city's sports stadium and two convention centers into three mobile cabin hospitals to treat the virus-hit patients.&nbsp;

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This is the way we will win the global battles, now not only in China, but in the world. <a href="https://t.co/vB6V9CmkEo">https://t.co/vB6V9CmkEo</a>
— Chinese Ambassador to South Africa (@AmbLINSongtian) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbLINSongtian/status/1224658243886239744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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As the other Chinese diplomats were on a defensive mode displaying and talking about the Chinese government's efforts on effectively handling the situation, Lijian Zhao, deputy director-general, information department, ministry of foreign affairs, went one step further and attacked the US for “scaremongering” over the virus.&nbsp;

Lijan in a series of tweets on Tuesday accused US politicians of using the virus to attack China. He asserted that “such an act is disgraceful by any social moral standards.”&nbsp;

“Nobody should underestimate China's ability to fight a public health crisis. As we can take measures that many countries cannot take, we can quickly recover after the crisis. Some countries should not hurt Chinese people's feelings when China is in temporary difficulties,” Lijan added.

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opinion: Nobody should underestimate China's ability to fight a public health crisis. As we can take measures that many countries cannot take,we can quickly recover after the crisis. Some countries should not hurt Chinese people's feelings when China is in temporary difficulties.
— Lijian Zhao 赵立坚 (@zlj517) <a href="https://twitter.com/zlj517/status/1224620687278477312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Lijan compared the 2019-nCoV situation to that of H1N1 flu virus with the US as one of the original sites of the outbreak.&nbsp;

“It killed 284,000 people worldwide&nbsp;&amp; WHO declared the flu a PBEIC. However, the US failed to adopt effective control measures, causing a worldwide spread of H1N1. 2019-20 flu season is "on track for one of the worst flu seasons in decades,” he added.&nbsp;

Once a country which would shy away from US-based social media platforms, to now aggressively using the platform to fight the “battle of perception”, China has come a long way.&nbsp;

The country's diplomatic brigade has clearly taken up up the job on social media platforms while the Chinese government continues to take measures to contain the nCoV.&nbsp;

It also reflects China’s damage control through social media platforms to reduce panic among citizens around the world regarding China, as a continued ban on travel to China from different countries hurts Chinese economic interests. If China wants to win this "war", actions will have to be more on the ground than on Twitter.

China said it would welcome assistance from the United States to fight the coronavirus outbreak after it accused Washington of "scaremongering" even as the death toll in China rose to 492 on Wednesday.

China said it would welcome assistance from the United States to fight the coronavirus outbreak after it accused Washington of "scaremongering" even as the death toll in China rose to 492 on Wednesday. Also Read: Ten passengers aboard a cruise ship in Japan test positive for coronavirus The deadly virus has now gone beyond China with a man dieing in Hong Kong on Tuesday, earlier the Philippines was the first country to report death caused due to coronavirus outside China. China had accused the US of scaremongering as the United States set its advisory level at 4, which is the highest safety risk. The US State Department in its latest travel advisory had told its citizens not to travel to China because of the threat to life posed by the virus. Travel and trade restrictions introduced to control the spread of the coronavirus from China are now expected to deliver a short, sharp blow to both Chinese and global economic activity for the first quarter of this year. While it remains unclear how far the virus will spread and when it will peak, economists have been trying to estimate the impact on the GDP of the world's second-largest economy. With worrying signs in Chinese and Asian markets, China's central bank injected 1.2 trillion-yuan ($174 billion) worth of liquidity into money markets after promising to help companies struggling due to the virus. In Pics: Coronavirus in India - what do we know so far SARS outbreak in 2002 and 2003 had resulted in a global economic loss of $40 billion, according to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information and authored by Jong-Wha Lee and Warwick J. McKibbin. If experts are to be believed the coronavirus may dwarf SARS $40 billion global economic blow. China does realise things are not easier this time around. It is now different because of the dissemination of information in the digital era has led countries and companies to act faster in an authoritarian state like China. One of the biggest reasons why the coronavirus is a big test for Chinese President Xi Jinping is because of the digital transformation that has changed lives in China and around the world. Realising that the war is not just on the ground but on digital platforms too, China has unleased its diplomatic circuit from around the world to say that “situation is under control in China”. The systematic approach of popular Twitter handles of Chinese diplomats fighting the "online war of perception" for China reflects how the Chinese regime has been working hard to minimise the impact of nCoV outbreak on its economy. Twitter handles of Chinese diplomats - Lijian Zhao (deputy director-general, information department, ministry of foreign affairs, China), Sun Weidong (Chinese ambassador to India), Liu Xiaoming (Chinese ambassador to the UK), Chinese ambassador to South Africa (@AmbLINSongtian), or Yao Jing, Chinese embassy in Pakistan @CathayPak, each one of them have been tweeting on China "successfully" handling the situation. Yao Jing, in the Chinese embassy to Pakistan on Tuesday tweeted, “CPEC will not be affected by #Coronavirus. It is long-term cooperation between the two countries. The Chinese Government and people is firmly committed to the BRI and CPEC cooperation with Pakistan.” Ambassador Yao Jing: CPEC will not be affected by #Coronavirus. It is a long term cooperation between the two countries. The Chinese Government and people is firmly committed to the BRI and CPEC cooperation with Pakistan.@CPEC_Official @ForeignOfficePk pic.twitter.com/U4SHH4QYAQ — Chinese Emb Pakistan (@CathayPak) February 4, 2020 × He also tweeted a link to an article published in "People’s Daily" titled, “a good neighbour is a blessing". Pakistan is one of the few countries that has stood with its “all-weather ally” China and not evacuated its citizens amid the virus outbreak. Also Read: India cancels valid e-visas for travellers from China over coronavirus As many as twenty-seven thousand Pakistani nationals are in China among them 1,500 are in Hubei and 559 in Wuhan, which are the epicenters of the coronavirus outbreak. The ambassdor also tweeted a video titled "Pak Chin Dosti Zindabad!" in which students from the University of Sargodha expressed their support to China on the coronavirus in the Chinese language. Lin Songtian, Chinese ambassador to South Africa, is another diplomat who has been fighting the “digital war” and has been allaying Africa’s coronavirus fears. The ambassador to South Africa said that there is no need for Africans to panic over the virus. China is South Africa’s largest trading partner and more than 3,000 South African nationals reside in China. The ambassador advised the South African nationals in China to remain in place. The Chinese ambassodor took to Twitter and retweeted a "China Daily" tweet saying, "This is the way we will win the global battles, now not only in China, but in the world." China's success in meeting the public health crisis will hold useful lessons for the world. It represents a big step forward not only for the Chinese, but for all countries. That is why it is important to keep faith with #China. #Wuhan #coronavirus — China Daily (@ChinaDaily) February 4, 2020 × In a tweet later, he again emphasised on China’s capability to fight the outbreak saying, “This is the ways we are fighting against the epidemic,” while he retweeted a video of "China Daily" depicting renovation of the city's sports stadium and two convention centers into three mobile cabin hospitals to treat the virus-hit patients. This is the way we will win the global battles, now not only in China, but in the world. https://t.co/vB6V9CmkEo — Chinese Ambassador to South Africa (@AmbLINSongtian) February 4, 2020 × As the other Chinese diplomats were on a defensive mode displaying and talking about the Chinese government's efforts on effectively handling the situation, Lijian Zhao, deputy director-general, information department, ministry of foreign affairs, went one step further and attacked the US for “scaremongering” over the virus. Lijan in a series of tweets on Tuesday accused US politicians of using the virus to attack China. He asserted that “such an act is disgraceful by any social moral standards.” “Nobody should underestimate China's ability to fight a public health crisis. As we can take measures that many countries cannot take, we can quickly recover after the crisis. Some countries should not hurt Chinese people's feelings when China is in temporary difficulties,” Lijan added. opinion: Nobody should underestimate China's ability to fight a public health crisis. As we can take measures that many countries cannot take,we can quickly recover after the crisis. Some countries should not hurt Chinese people's feelings when China is in temporary difficulties. — Lijian Zhao 赵立坚 (@zlj517) February 4, 2020 × Lijan compared the 2019-nCoV situation to that of H1N1 flu virus with the US as one of the original sites of the outbreak. “It killed 284,000 people worldwide & WHO declared the flu a PBEIC. However, the US failed to adopt effective control measures, causing a worldwide spread of H1N1. 2019-20 flu season is "on track for one of the worst flu seasons in decades,” he added. Once a country which would shy away from US-based social media platforms, to now aggressively using the platform to fight the “battle of perception”, China has come a long way. The country's diplomatic brigade has clearly taken up up the job on social media platforms while the Chinese government continues to take measures to contain the nCoV. It also reflects China’s damage control through social media platforms to reduce panic among citizens around the world regarding China, as a continued ban on travel to China from different countries hurts Chinese economic interests. If China wants to win this "war", actions will have to be more on the ground than on Twitter.

How China is fighting 'novel' war on coronavirus through Twitter

As coronavirus continues to wreak havoc globally and has triggered a mass shutdown, India has also stepped up the efforts to contain the virus.

India, the world's second most populated country provides dismal health infrastructure, making it more vulnerable to the outbreak than other countries. Additionally, given the fact that China and India share a long border, containing the virus could prove harder than it seems.

The top health research agency in the country, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is now working on standard treatment protocol to effectively deal with the coronavirus infections.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-suspected-case-of-coronavirus-admitted-to-isolation-ward-of-haryana-based-hospital-278783">Suspected case of coronavirus admitted to isolation ward of Haryana-based hospital</a>

The ICMR, after receiving approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has allowed a combination of Lopinavir and Ritonavir to be used if the coronavirus infections become a public health emergency in the country. The combination has been approved for AIDS treatment.

According to medical sources, the standard treatment protocol will comprise a cocktail of antiretrovirals used to treat HIV/AIDS, similar to protocols being followed in China.

The treatment protocol established in China and followed by physicians in Thailand shows that a combination of Lopinavir and Ritonavir, along with flu medication Oseltamivir may be working on patients.

There is no cure for the deadly Wuhan coronavirus but several big biotech companies are hoping they can treat the symptoms with existing antiviral medications.

<h6><img alt="ooo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ccef328c-4a3b-477e-8c15-eb415e50ee43" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_30.jpg" /> 
Ambulance workers in protective gears drive an ambulance which is believed to be carrying a person who was transferred from cruise ship Diamond Princess after ten people were tested positive for&nbsp;coronavirus, at a maritime police's base in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, Japan | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

A pharmaceutical company named Gilead Sciences has introduced a type of medicine: Remdesivir, which can rapidly cure coronavirus infections in patients.

The medicine is in clinical trial stage at the China-Japan friendship hospital in China.

Meanwhile, after the third novel coronavirus case was reported in India, Kerala declared the epidemic a state calamity.

The third person infected in India is another Keralite student who returned from Wuhan University on monday testing positive for the infection.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-reaches-490-figure-expected-to-rise-278644" hreflang="en">China's coronavirus death toll rises to 490, over 24,000 infected</a>

Two earlier positive cases, also of students who came back from Wuhan were reported from Thrissur and Alappuzha districts.

A new suspected case of coronavirus has been reported in Haryana's Hisar.

The suspected patient, Mohan is pursuing MBBS from China and had recently returned from there. He is now admitted to an isolation ward of Hisar's Civil Hospital.

A high-level group of ministers has been constituted on the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the management of the outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-china-is-fighting-novel-war-on-coronavirus-through-twitter-278807">How China is fighting 'novel' war on coronavirus through Twitter</a>

As coronavirus continues to wreak havoc globally and has triggered a mass shutdown, India has also stepped up the efforts to contain the virus. India, the world's second most populated country provides dismal health infrastructure, making it more vulnerable to the outbreak than other countries.

As coronavirus continues to wreak havoc globally and has triggered a mass shutdown, India has also stepped up the efforts to contain the virus. India, the world's second most populated country provides dismal health infrastructure, making it more vulnerable to the outbreak than other countries. Additionally, given the fact that China and India share a long border, containing the virus could prove harder than it seems. The top health research agency in the country, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is now working on standard treatment protocol to effectively deal with the coronavirus infections. Also read: Suspected case of coronavirus admitted to isolation ward of Haryana-based hospital The ICMR, after receiving approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has allowed a combination of Lopinavir and Ritonavir to be used if the coronavirus infections become a public health emergency in the country. The combination has been approved for AIDS treatment. According to medical sources, the standard treatment protocol will comprise a cocktail of antiretrovirals used to treat HIV/AIDS, similar to protocols being followed in China. The treatment protocol established in China and followed by physicians in Thailand shows that a combination of Lopinavir and Ritonavir, along with flu medication Oseltamivir may be working on patients. There is no cure for the deadly Wuhan coronavirus but several big biotech companies are hoping they can treat the symptoms with existing antiviral medications. Ambulance workers in protective gears drive an ambulance which is believed to be carrying a person who was transferred from cruise ship Diamond Princess after ten people were tested positive for coronavirus, at a maritime police's base in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, Japan | Reuters A pharmaceutical company named Gilead Sciences has introduced a type of medicine: Remdesivir, which can rapidly cure coronavirus infections in patients. The medicine is in clinical trial stage at the China-Japan friendship hospital in China. Meanwhile, after the third novel coronavirus case was reported in India, Kerala declared the epidemic a state calamity. The third person infected in India is another Keralite student who returned from Wuhan University on monday testing positive for the infection. Also read: China's coronavirus death toll rises to 490, over 24,000 infected Two earlier positive cases, also of students who came back from Wuhan were reported from Thrissur and Alappuzha districts. A new suspected case of coronavirus has been reported in Haryana's Hisar. The suspected patient, Mohan is pursuing MBBS from China and had recently returned from there. He is now admitted to an isolation ward of Hisar's Civil Hospital. A high-level group of ministers has been constituted on the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the management of the outbreak. Also read: How China is fighting 'novel' war on coronavirus through Twitter

India settles on standard treatment protocol as third case of coronavirus confirmed

Defence Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-narendra-modi-arrives-in-lucknow-to-inaugurate-defence-expo-2020-today-278838">Rajnath Singh</a> on Wednesday attended the inaugural ceremony of the Defence Expo 2020 in Lucknow and said that the central government is working towards making India a hub of defence manufacturing.

Singh, who is also a Member of Parliament from Lucknow, the host city of this year's Expo, said, "We want to make India a defence manufacturing hub."

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-ram-janambhoomi-tirath-kshetra-trust-formed-pm-modi-informs-lok-sabha-278744">Narendra Modi</a>, Uttar Pradesh Governor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anandiben-patel-takes-oath-as-uttar-pradesh-governor-239195">Anandiben Patel</a> and Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-act-2019-protests-chief-minister-yogi-adityanath-directs-officials-to-keep-an-eye-on-people-spreading-fake-news-268654">Yogi Adityanath</a> are also present for the inaugural event.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-narendra-modi-arrives-in-lucknow-to-inaugurate-defence-expo-2020-today-278838">Narendra Modi arrives in Lucknow to inaugurate Defence Expo 2020 today</a>

Earlier in the day, the Defence Minister of Oman M Sayyid Badr bin Saud Al Busaidi had held a meeting with Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh in Lucknow.

Oman's Defence Minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation and will be attending the Defence Expo India being held in Lucknow.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-us-hopes-to-announce-several-billion-dollars-worth-of-defence-deals-with-india-in-near-term-ambassador-kenneth-juster-278569">US hopes to announce several billion dollars worth of defence deals with India in near term: Ambassador Kenneth Juster</a>

The event promises to bring in new technologies and technological solutions, where defence manufacturing companies from India and abroad will showcase their products and services in the defence arena on a single platform, the Ministry said in a statement. 
 
The main theme of this year's event is 'India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub' and the focus will be on 'Digital Transformation of Defence'. 
 
As many as 1028 companies have registered for participating in this year's event, as against 702 in the DefExpo 2018. The number of participating foreign companies have also increased to 172 from the previous figure of 160.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday attended the inaugural ceremony of the Defence Expo 2020 in Lucknow and said that the central government is working towards making India a hub of defence manufacturing.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday attended the inaugural ceremony of the Defence Expo 2020 in Lucknow and said that the central government is working towards making India a hub of defence manufacturing. Singh, who is also a Member of Parliament from Lucknow, the host city of this year's Expo, said, "We want to make India a defence manufacturing hub." Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are also present for the inaugural event. Also read: Narendra Modi arrives in Lucknow to inaugurate Defence Expo 2020 today Earlier in the day, the Defence Minister of Oman M Sayyid Badr bin Saud Al Busaidi had held a meeting with Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh in Lucknow. Oman's Defence Minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation and will be attending the Defence Expo India being held in Lucknow. Also read: US hopes to announce several billion dollars worth of defence deals with India in near term: Ambassador Kenneth Juster The event promises to bring in new technologies and technological solutions, where defence manufacturing companies from India and abroad will showcase their products and services in the defence arena on a single platform, the Ministry said in a statement. The main theme of this year's event is 'India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub' and the focus will be on 'Digital Transformation of Defence'. As many as 1028 companies have registered for participating in this year's event, as against 702 in the DefExpo 2018. The number of participating foreign companies have also increased to 172 from the previous figure of 160.

We want to make India a defence manufacturing hub: Rajnath Singh

Delhi High Court has given all four convicts in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deliberate-calculated-design-to-frustrate-mandate-of-law-by-nirbhaya-convicts-solicitor-general-to-delhi-hc-278170">Nirbhaya</a> gang rape case one week to finish all regal remedies after which the execution of death warrant will be initiated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-news-nirbhaya-gangrape-case-delhi-court-defers-convicts-execution-until-further-orders-277801">Also Read:&nbsp;Delhi court defers convicts' execution until further orders</a>

The court said all convicts in the 2012 gang rape and murder case have to be executed together, and not separately.

The judge directed the convicts to file their application in the next one week while dismissing the Centre's plea challenging the trial court's order staying the execution of the convicts.

The convicts - Mukesh Kumar Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Kumar Sharma (26) and Akshay Kumar (31), who are lodged in Tihar Jail have been in death row.

Last month, the court had deferred the execution of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-nirbhaya-convict-files-mercy-plea-with-president-277402">Nirbhaya</a> convicts until further orders. The convicts were earlier scheduled to be executed on February 1.

Earlier the Supreme Court had dismissed Pawan Gupta's plea in which he had challenged a Delhi High Court order, which had dismissed his claim of being a juvenile at the time of the offence. The top court observed that there were no grounds to interfere with the High Court order.

Delhi High Court has given all four convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape case one week to finish all regal remedies after which the execution of death warrant will be initiated.

Delhi High Court has given all four convicts in the Nirbhaya gang rape case one week to finish all regal remedies after which the execution of death warrant will be initiated. Also Read: Delhi court defers convicts' execution until further orders The court said all convicts in the 2012 gang rape and murder case have to be executed together, and not separately. The judge directed the convicts to file their application in the next one week while dismissing the Centre's plea challenging the trial court's order staying the execution of the convicts. The convicts - Mukesh Kumar Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Kumar Sharma (26) and Akshay Kumar (31), who are lodged in Tihar Jail have been in death row. Last month, the court had deferred the execution of Nirbhaya convicts until further orders. The convicts were earlier scheduled to be executed on February 1. Earlier the Supreme Court had dismissed Pawan Gupta's plea in which he had challenged a Delhi High Court order, which had dismissed his claim of being a juvenile at the time of the offence. The top court observed that there were no grounds to interfere with the High Court order.

All convicts to be hanged together, not separately: Delhi High Court on Nirbhaya case

Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to ask illegal occupants of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-lifetime-government-accommodation-for-former-chief-ministers-indias-top-court-3850" target="_blank">government accommodations</a>&nbsp;living since 1998 to vacate the houses within the next 15 days. The court was hearing a petition filed by an organisation named Anti-Corruption Council of India.

A division bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar told the ministry to put the belongings of the people&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/concerned-about-homelessness-madras-high-court-asks-why-not-limit-individuals-from-buying-more-than-one-house-278575" target="_blank">illegally occupying government accommodation</a>&nbsp;on the road if they do not vacate the house.

The High Court clarified that if there is stay order over vacating of any houses by any tribunal or court, then the ministry should not do anything about the houses or the occupants. The matter was listed for further hearing on February 27.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/most-up-ex-cms-leave-official-bungalows-after-supreme-court-order-141822" target="_blank">Most UP ex-CMs leave official bungalows after Supreme Court order</a>

The court also pulled up the Ministry for its ineffective approach to vacate 575 illegally occupied government accommodations in the national capital and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 against the secretary of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which will be deducted from his salary.

The ministry informed the court that crores of rupees are due to the government from the people, who are illegally occupying these government accommodations.

There are a total of 11 former MPs, including AP Jithender Reddy, Murali Mohan Maganti, Ranjeet Ranjan, Dhananjay Mahadik, Dr K Gopal, Veena Devi, Tej Pratap Singh Yadav, Manohar Untwal, Udit Raj, KC Ramamurthy, and Sanjay Sinh, who illegally occupied government accommodations. While some of them have vacated the accommodation, their dues are still pending.

Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to ask illegal occupants of government accommodations living since 1998 to vacate the houses within the next 15 days.

Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to ask illegal occupants of government accommodations living since 1998 to vacate the houses within the next 15 days. The court was hearing a petition filed by an organisation named Anti-Corruption Council of India. A division bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar told the ministry to put the belongings of the people illegally occupying government accommodation on the road if they do not vacate the house. The High Court clarified that if there is stay order over vacating of any houses by any tribunal or court, then the ministry should not do anything about the houses or the occupants. The matter was listed for further hearing on February 27. Also Read: Most UP ex-CMs leave official bungalows after Supreme Court order The court also pulled up the Ministry for its ineffective approach to vacate 575 illegally occupied government accommodations in the national capital and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 against the secretary of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which will be deducted from his salary. The ministry informed the court that crores of rupees are due to the government from the people, who are illegally occupying these government accommodations. There are a total of 11 former MPs, including AP Jithender Reddy, Murali Mohan Maganti, Ranjeet Ranjan, Dhananjay Mahadik, Dr K Gopal, Veena Devi, Tej Pratap Singh Yadav, Manohar Untwal, Udit Raj, KC Ramamurthy, and Sanjay Sinh, who illegally occupied government accommodations. While some of them have vacated the accommodation, their dues are still pending.

Delhi HC directs Housing Ministry to vacate illegally occupied government accommodations within 15 days

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday granted ex-post facto dispensation to Alliance Air, a subsidiary of national carrier Air India, to commence international flight services between India and Sri Lanka.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday granted ex-post facto dispensation to Alliance Air, a subsidiary of national carrier Air India, to commence international flight services between India and Sri Lanka. A special dispensation is allowed for an interim period till Alliance Air deploys a minimum of 20 aircraft or 20 per cent of total capacity, whichever is higher for domestic operations. Also Read: Sky is limit as inaugural flight bridges distance between Chennai and Jaffna India has close bilateral ties with Sri Lanka and it is in the interest of the country to increase connectivity and to expand people to people contact between the two countries. Before this approval, there was no commercial operation scheduled from Palaly and Batticaloa airports.

Cabinet approves Alliance Air to commence international flight services between India, Sri Lanka

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/markets-struggle-after-world-health-organisation-declares-virus-emergency-277811">World Health Organisation</a> has released a shocking report on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-cancer-day-2018-7-ways-to-prevent-the-debilitating-disease-31743">World Cancer day</a> which states that one out of every 10&nbsp;Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime and one in 15 will die of the disease.

According to the report, there are around 1.16 million new cancer cases and nearly 8 lakh cancer deaths every year in India.&nbsp;

The country also has 2.26 million cases of the disease which are five years old. In India, 7,84,800 cancer patients died in 2018.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-world-health-organisation-warns-countries-to-take-action-against-coronavirus-277495">World Health Organisation warns countries to 'take action' against coronavirus</a>

The country's cancer burden will continue to increase as a result of the continuing epidemiological transition and the maximum increment will occur in the most populous and least developed states, where the current cancer treatment facilities are grossly inadequate, the report stated.

Reportedly, the average age for breast cancer in India is almost a decade lower than that in the West. More Indian women die from cervical cancer than any country in the world and cancer now kills more than double the Indians it did in 1990.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-cancer-research-in-india-needs-mammoth-funding-157300">Cancer research in India needs mammoth funding</a>

Interestingly, India spends over 1 per cent of its GDP on public healthcare but&nbsp;the system is overcrowded and underfunded.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-cancer-day-2018-7-ways-to-prevent-the-debilitating-disease-31743">World Cancer Day: 7 ways to prevent the debilitating disease</a>

As per the report, the overall cancer cases in the world are expected to rise by 60 per cent by 2040 and tobacco use would be responsible for 25 per cent of cancer deaths.

The world already has about one in six deaths is due to cancer which is the second leading cause of death globally.

The World Health Organisation has released a shocking report on World Cancer day which states that one out of every 10 Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime and one in 15 will die of the disease.

The World Health Organisation has released a shocking report on World Cancer day which states that one out of every 10 Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime and one in 15 will die of the disease. According to the report, there are around 1.16 million new cancer cases and nearly 8 lakh cancer deaths every year in India. The country also has 2.26 million cases of the disease which are five years old. In India, 7,84,800 cancer patients died in 2018. Also read: World Health Organisation warns countries to 'take action' against coronavirus The country's cancer burden will continue to increase as a result of the continuing epidemiological transition and the maximum increment will occur in the most populous and least developed states, where the current cancer treatment facilities are grossly inadequate, the report stated. Reportedly, the average age for breast cancer in India is almost a decade lower than that in the West. More Indian women die from cervical cancer than any country in the world and cancer now kills more than double the Indians it did in 1990. Also read: Cancer research in India needs mammoth funding Interestingly, India spends over 1 per cent of its GDP on public healthcare but the system is overcrowded and underfunded. Also read: World Cancer Day: 7 ways to prevent the debilitating disease As per the report, the overall cancer cases in the world are expected to rise by 60 per cent by 2040 and tobacco use would be responsible for 25 per cent of cancer deaths. The world already has about one in six deaths is due to cancer which is the second leading cause of death globally.

One in every ten Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime: World Health Organisation

Supreme Court on Wednesday said that it will start from March 17 the final hearing on the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of a Maharashtra law, which grants reservation to the Maratha community in education and jobs.

Supreme Court on Wednesday said that it will start from March 17 the final hearing on the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of a Maharashtra law, which grants reservation to the Maratha community in education and jobs. A division bench of Justices L Nageswara Rao and Deepak Gupta refused to pass an interim order and said, "We will hear on March 17, no adjournment will be granted and all pleadings will be completed by then. We will hear the matter finally and pass the order. We are not staying it. Already there is an order that all appointments will be subject to the outcome of this petition." The bench was hearing two appeals, including one filed by J Laxman Rao Patil challenging the Bombay High Court order that upheld the constitutional validity of the quota for the Maratha community in education and government jobs in Maharashtra. During the hearing of the case in the top court, senior advocate Gopalshankar Narayan appearing for the petitioner asked the bench to stay the High Court order as the reservation today is 65 per cent in education and 62 per cent in jobs, exceeding 50 per cent cap in total reservation. Also Read: Maharashtra Assembly passes SEBC Amendment Bill paving way for Maratha reservation The Bombay High Court had on June 27, 2019, said the 50 per cent cap on total reservations imposed by the Supreme Court could be exceeded in exceptional circumstances. Another appeal filed by advocate Sanjeet Shukla, a representative of "Youth for Equality", said the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2018, enacted to grant reservation to the Maratha community people in jobs and education, breached the 50-per cent ceiling on reservation fixed by the top court in its judgment in the Indira Sawhney case. The Maharashtra Assembly had, on November 30, 2018, passed the Maratha Reservation Bill which extended 16 per cent reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to the Maratha community.

Supreme Court to start final hearing on pleas challenging Maratha reservation

A suspected case of coronavirus was on Tuesday admitted to an isolation ward of Hisar's Civil Hospital. The suspected patient, Mohan is pursuing MBBS from China and had recently returned from there, said Hospital's Nodal Officer.

A suspected case of coronavirus was on Tuesday admitted to an isolation ward of Hisar's Civil Hospital. The suspected patient, Mohan is pursuing MBBS from China and had recently returned from there, said Hospital's Nodal Officer. "He returned from China on February 1 and called us up on 3rd, after experiencing fever and sore throat. His samples have been taken. Results are awaited," said Rama Goyal, Nodal Officer Rapid Action Committee. Mohan underwent a medical check-up at Delhi airport upon his arrival. Doctors have collected his samples which have further been sent to Delhi's NCD central lab and his reports are likely to arrive after three days. Also Read: India: ICMR working on drug for nCOV "ENT doctors have collected the samples from the adrenal part of the patient's throat. Currently, he is being treated for a fever. Family and health workers have been instructed to maintain a proper distance from the patient," Rama added. The virus originated in Wuhan in December and has since then spread to various parts around the world. China has imposed quarantine and travel restrictions, affecting the movement of 56 million people in more than a dozen cities, amid fears that the transmission rate will accelerate.

Suspected case of coronavirus admitted to isolation ward of Haryana-based hospital

Delhi High Court will pass its order on Wednesday on a plea filed by the Central government and Tihar Jail authorities challenging Patiala House court order, which stayed the execution of the four convicts in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-news-nirbhaya-gangrape-case-delhi-court-defers-convicts-execution-until-further-orders-277801">Nirbhaya gang-rape</a> and murder case.

A single-judge bench of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait had on Sunday reserved the order in the matter after hearing arguments from all the parties. During the hearing, advocate AP Singh, who was appearing for convicts Pawan Gupta, Akshay Thakur, and Vinay Sharma, asked: "Why there was a hurry to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-supreme-court-dismisses-curative-petition-i-hope-convicts-are-hanged-on-february-1-nirbhayas-mother-277536">execute the death sentence</a> in this case only. Justice hurried is justice buried."

"They (convicts) belong to rural areas and Dalit families. They come to Delhi and get implicated. Mukesh and Ram Singh are Dalits. Both are brothers who came from a rural part of Rajasthan. It is not the convicts' fault. They cannot be made to bear brunt of ambiguity in the law," Singh had said.

Senior advocate Rebecca John, appearing on behalf of convict Mukesh, had said that the "Centre has sought the setting aside of the order of the Patiala House Court" when "an earlier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deliberate-calculated-design-to-frustrate-mandate-of-law-by-nirbhaya-convicts-solicitor-general-to-delhi-hc-278170">Delhi High Court</a> order has clearly said that any order of the trial court should be challenged in the Supreme Court only".

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-death-row-convict-challenges-rejection-of-mercy-petition-in-supreme-court-276531">Nirbhaya death row convict challenges rejection of mercy petition in Supreme Court</a>

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Centre, had alleged that the convicts were deliberately delaying the execution, adding that any delay in death sentence will have a dehumanising effect on the convicts.

A Delhi court last week stayed till further orders the execution of the four convicts -- Akshay Thakur, Mukesh Singh, Pawan Gupta, and Vinay Sharma -- which was earlier scheduled to take place on February 1.

The case pertains to the gang-rape and brutal murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012, by six people, including a juvenile, in Delhi. The woman had died at a Singapore hospital a few days later. One of the five adults accused, Ram Singh, had allegedly committed suicide in the Tihar Jail during the trial of the case.

Delhi High Court will pass its order on Wednesday on a plea filed by the Central government and Tihar Jail authorities challenging Patiala House court order, which stayed the execution of the four convicts in the Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case.

Delhi High Court will pass its order on Wednesday on a plea filed by the Central government and Tihar Jail authorities challenging Patiala House court order, which stayed the execution of the four convicts in the Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case. A single-judge bench of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait had on Sunday reserved the order in the matter after hearing arguments from all the parties. During the hearing, advocate AP Singh, who was appearing for convicts Pawan Gupta, Akshay Thakur, and Vinay Sharma, asked: "Why there was a hurry to execute the death sentence in this case only. Justice hurried is justice buried." "They (convicts) belong to rural areas and Dalit families. They come to Delhi and get implicated. Mukesh and Ram Singh are Dalits. Both are brothers who came from a rural part of Rajasthan. It is not the convicts' fault. They cannot be made to bear brunt of ambiguity in the law," Singh had said. Senior advocate Rebecca John, appearing on behalf of convict Mukesh, had said that the "Centre has sought the setting aside of the order of the Patiala House Court" when "an earlier Delhi High Court order has clearly said that any order of the trial court should be challenged in the Supreme Court only". Also Read: Nirbhaya death row convict challenges rejection of mercy petition in Supreme Court Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Centre, had alleged that the convicts were deliberately delaying the execution, adding that any delay in death sentence will have a dehumanising effect on the convicts. A Delhi court last week stayed till further orders the execution of the four convicts -- Akshay Thakur, Mukesh Singh, Pawan Gupta, and Vinay Sharma -- which was earlier scheduled to take place on February 1. The case pertains to the gang-rape and brutal murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the night of December 16, 2012, by six people, including a juvenile, in Delhi. The woman had died at a Singapore hospital a few days later. One of the five adults accused, Ram Singh, had allegedly committed suicide in the Tihar Jail during the trial of the case.

Delhi HC to pass order on Centre's plea challenging stay on Nirbhaya convicts' execution

Family of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shaheen-bagh-shooter-sent-to-police-remand-for-two-days-278174">Shaheen Bagh shooter</a> Kapil Gujjar has denied links of any of its members being connected with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This came after the Crime Branch of Delhi Police revealed that Kapil <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shaheen-bagh-gunmans-photo-with-aap-leaders-exposes-the-party-says-bjp-278595">Gujjar is associated with&nbsp;AAP</a> based on photographs recovered from his phone in which Gujjar and his father are seen along with prominent leaders of the party.

"AAP has nothing to do with anyone from my family. They came to us during Lok Sabha elections. They made us wear AAP caps. I was in BSP in 2012. Later, I quit politics," Gaje Singh, Kapil's father stated. The photos, recovered from Kapil's phone, show him and his father Gaje Singh with AAP leaders such as Atishi and Sanjay Singh and are allegedly from 2019 on the day when the father-son duo joined AAP.

"AAP came to our village during Lok Sabha elections. They gave us AAP caps as respect. We have nothing to do with AAP and neither are we a member of it. We are being defamed," Kapil's brother said. Commenting on the controversy, Kapil's uncle Ajab Singh also echoed a similar view and said: "No one from our family is a member of AAP. An issue is being made out of this to target Kapil. BJP wants to win the election. He has nothing to do with any party."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-person-open-fires-at-shaheen-bagh-shouting-sirf-hinduon-ki-chalegi-278057">A person open fires at Shaheen Bagh shouting "Sirf Hinduon Ki Chalegi"</a>

CP Crime Branch, Delhi Police, Rajesh Deo said Kapil, at the beginning of the investigation, had disclosed the fact that he had joined AAP in 2019 but added that the influence of any politicians on Kapil would become clear only after further investigations.

Kapil, according to the official, had told the Crime Branch that he had brought the pistol almost seven years ago for celebratory firing during his brother's wedding. Earlier today, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Gurmohina Kaur sent Kapil, who is a resident of Dallupura village near Delhi-Noida border, to two-day police custody.

Kapil was detained by police on Saturday following the firing incident and an FIR was registered against him. He had, on February 1, opened fire in the air at Shaheen Bagh, where protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) are going on for over 50 days.

Family of Shaheen Bagh shooter Kapil Gujjar has denied links of any of its members being connected with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This came after the Crime Branch of Delhi Police revealed that Kapil Gujjar is associated with AAP based on photographs recovered from his phone in which Gujjar and his father are seen along with prominent leaders of the party.

Family of Shaheen Bagh shooter Kapil Gujjar has denied links of any of its members being connected with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This came after the Crime Branch of Delhi Police revealed that Kapil Gujjar is associated with AAP based on photographs recovered from his phone in which Gujjar and his father are seen along with prominent leaders of the party. "AAP has nothing to do with anyone from my family. They came to us during Lok Sabha elections. They made us wear AAP caps. I was in BSP in 2012. Later, I quit politics," Gaje Singh, Kapil's father stated. The photos, recovered from Kapil's phone, show him and his father Gaje Singh with AAP leaders such as Atishi and Sanjay Singh and are allegedly from 2019 on the day when the father-son duo joined AAP. "AAP came to our village during Lok Sabha elections. They gave us AAP caps as respect. We have nothing to do with AAP and neither are we a member of it. We are being defamed," Kapil's brother said. Commenting on the controversy, Kapil's uncle Ajab Singh also echoed a similar view and said: "No one from our family is a member of AAP. An issue is being made out of this to target Kapil. BJP wants to win the election. He has nothing to do with any party." Also Read: A person open fires at Shaheen Bagh shouting "Sirf Hinduon Ki Chalegi" CP Crime Branch, Delhi Police, Rajesh Deo said Kapil, at the beginning of the investigation, had disclosed the fact that he had joined AAP in 2019 but added that the influence of any politicians on Kapil would become clear only after further investigations. Kapil, according to the official, had told the Crime Branch that he had brought the pistol almost seven years ago for celebratory firing during his brother's wedding. Earlier today, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Gurmohina Kaur sent Kapil, who is a resident of Dallupura village near Delhi-Noida border, to two-day police custody. Kapil was detained by police on Saturday following the firing incident and an FIR was registered against him. He had, on February 1, opened fire in the air at Shaheen Bagh, where protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) are going on for over 50 days.

Shaheen Bagh shooter Kapil Gujjar's family denies any connection to AAP

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-mandir-will-be-constructed-under-pm-modis-leadership-uddhav-thackeray-248301">Narendra Modi</a> informed the Lok Sabha today that the government had constituted a trust for the development of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-dismisses-all-review-petitions-in-ayodhya-case-267868">Also Read: Supreme Court dismisses all review petitions in Ayodhya case</a>

"We have readied a scheme for the development of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. A trust has been formed, it is called 'Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra," the Prime Minister said in the Lok Sabha.

"I am pleased to announce that a significant decision has been taken to follow the directives of the Supreme Court. As per the directions of the Supreme Court, the cabinet has prepared a detailed plan for the construction of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya," the prime minister said.

"As per the direction of the top court, a proposal for a Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra has been passed by the cabinet," PM Modi added.

Expanding on PM's announcement, home minister Amit Shah said that there would fifteen trustees in Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in which "one will always be from the Dalit community."

"For such an unprecedented decision that strengthens social harmony, I thank PM Narendra Modi," Amit Shah added.

Last year, India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/six-review-pleas-filed-in-supreme-court-over-ayodhya-land-verdict-266711">Supreme Court </a>had cleared the way for the construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya and had directed the Centre to allot a separate five-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board to build a mosque. 
&nbsp; 
In December last year, India's highest court had dismissed all eighteen Ayodhya review petitions while upholding the November 9 judgement.

The five-judge Supreme Court bench led by ex-CJI Ranjan Gogoi had said the entire disputed land spread over 2.7 acres will be handed over to a trust formed by the government, which will monitor the construction of a Ram temple at the site.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed the Lok Sabha today that the government had constituted a trust for the development of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Also Read: Supreme Court dismisses all review petitions in Ayodhya case "We have readied a scheme for the development of Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed the Lok Sabha today that the government had constituted a trust for the development of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Also Read: Supreme Court dismisses all review petitions in Ayodhya case "We have readied a scheme for the development of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. A trust has been formed, it is called 'Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra," the Prime Minister said in the Lok Sabha. "I am pleased to announce that a significant decision has been taken to follow the directives of the Supreme Court. As per the directions of the Supreme Court, the cabinet has prepared a detailed plan for the construction of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya," the prime minister said. "As per the direction of the top court, a proposal for a Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra has been passed by the cabinet," PM Modi added. Expanding on PM's announcement, home minister Amit Shah said that there would fifteen trustees in Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in which "one will always be from the Dalit community." "For such an unprecedented decision that strengthens social harmony, I thank PM Narendra Modi," Amit Shah added. Last year, India's Supreme Court had cleared the way for the construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya and had directed the Centre to allot a separate five-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board to build a mosque. In December last year, India's highest court had dismissed all eighteen Ayodhya review petitions while upholding the November 9 judgement. The five-judge Supreme Court bench led by ex-CJI Ranjan Gogoi had said the entire disputed land spread over 2.7 acres will be handed over to a trust formed by the government, which will monitor the construction of a Ram temple at the site.

Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra trust formed: PM Modi informs Lok Sabha

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-rises-to-425-over-20000-infected-nationwide-278426" hreflang="en">Death toll in China's coronavirus rises to 425; over 20,000 infected</a>

<img alt="corona" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ebeae3d-4161-423b-9fa5-11fd9b319e59" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_70.jpg" />

The death toll in China's&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;reached 425 on Tuesday with 20,400 infected, the nation's national health commission confirmed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world-latest-breaking-news-Iowa-caucus-kicks-off-as-Democrats-seek-Trump%27s-2020-election-challenger">Iowa caucus kicks off as Democrats seek Trump's 2020 election challenger</a>

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Americans kicked off the 2020&nbsp;presidential elections&nbsp;race on Monday as the state of Iowa opened its caucuses with 41 delegates up for grabs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-ruled-out-of-new-zealand-tour-due-to-injury-gill-and-agarwal-to-replace-278428">Rohit ruled out of Kiwi tour; Gill, Agarwal to replace</a>

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Indian cricket team's vice-captain Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the New Zealand tour following a calf injury. The injury was struck during the fifth T20I against New Zealand on Sunday at Mount Maunganui. He scored 60 runs off 41 balls, he retired hurt after he pulled his calf muscle while running a quick single.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-harvey-weinstein-trial-accuser-breaks-down-in-court-describes-former-producer-as-pseudo-father-278430">Harvey Weinstein rape accuser weeps uncontrollably during cross-examination</a>

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A woman who has alleged that Harvey Weinstein raped her broke down in sobs at the former Hollywood producer`s sexual assault trial on Monday, as she read an email in which she described Weinstein as a "pseudo father" figure after the alleged attack.

Watch-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-abandoned-pak-citizens-reach-out-to-wion-278412" hreflang="en">Gravitas: Abandoned Pak citizens reach out to WION</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 rises to 425; over 20,000 infected The death toll in China's coronavirus reached 425 on Tuesday with 20,400 infected, the nation's national health commission confirmed.

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 rises to 425; over 20,000 infected The death toll in China's coronavirus reached 425 on Tuesday with 20,400 infected, the nation's national health commission confirmed. Iowa caucus kicks off as Democrats seek Trump's 2020 election challenger Americans kicked off the 2020 presidential elections race on Monday as the state of Iowa opened its caucuses with 41 delegates up for grabs. Rohit ruled out of Kiwi tour; Gill, Agarwal to replace Indian cricket team's vice-captain Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the New Zealand tour following a calf injury. The injury was struck during the fifth T20I against New Zealand on Sunday at Mount Maunganui. He scored 60 runs off 41 balls, he retired hurt after he pulled his calf muscle while running a quick single. Harvey Weinstein rape accuser weeps uncontrollably during cross-examination A woman who has alleged that Harvey Weinstein raped her broke down in sobs at the former Hollywood producer`s sexual assault trial on Monday, as she read an email in which she described Weinstein as a "pseudo father" figure after the alleged attack. Watch- Gravitas: Abandoned Pak citizens reach out to WION ×

Morning News Brief: Coronavirus death toll, Iowa caucus and more

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/wuhan-virus-death-toll-hits-213-in-china-nearly-10000-infected-277621">Wuhan virus death toll hits 213 in China, nearly 10000 infected</a>

<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0557ae63-8e9c-4c48-84d9-56db53748356" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/126569-untitled-design-10.jpg" />

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The death toll has now jumped to 213 with over 10,000 people infected in China itself. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-virus-death-toll-hits-213-in-china-nearly-10000-infected-277621">Also read</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-claim-lungs-magically-repair-damage-from-smoking-if-one-quits-277604">Scientists claim lungs magically repair damage from smoking if one quits</a>

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A group of researchers have found that our lungs have a magical capability to repair some of the damages caused by smoking if a person quits the habit. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-claim-lungs-magically-repair-damage-from-smoking-if-one-quits-277604">Also read</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedish-lawmakers-nominate-greta-thunberg-for-nobel-peace-prize-277600">Swedish lawmakers nominate Greta Thunberg for Nobel Peace Prize</a>

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Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg and the global protest movement "Fridays for Future" were nominated Thursday for the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize by two Swedish lawmakers. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedish-lawmakers-nominate-greta-thunberg-for-nobel-peace-prize-277600">Also read</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/china-virus-spreads-is-who-dragging-its-feet-277583">Opinion:&nbsp;China virus spreads: Is WHO dragging its feet?</a>

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It's a deadly mix, a government that wants to control everything, and an international health body that is reluctant to act against a big economy. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/china-virus-spreads-is-who-dragging-its-feet-277583">Also read</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood-news-now-akshay-kumar-joins-bear-grylls-to-film-a-special-episode-of-into-the-wild-with-bear-grylls-277586">Now, Akshay Kumar joins Bear Grylls to film a special episode of 'Into the Wild with Bear Grylls'</a>

<img alt="Akshay Kumar Bear Grylls" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="17a5a14f-85d5-4ab8-8bbf-c25d6d8193b6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/126621-untitled-design-2020-01-30t210622378.jpg" />

After Rajinikanth, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has now shot with TV host Bear Grylls. Kumar, who is known to be an adventure sports enthusiast, reached Mysore on Wednesday to join Grylls to film a special episode of 'Into the Wild with Bear Grylls'.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood-news-now-akshay-kumar-joins-bear-grylls-to-film-a-special-episode-of-into-the-wild-with-bear-grylls-277586">Also read</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-imran-khan-was-trolled-by-netziens-again-277426">Watch-&nbsp;Gravitas: Why netizens again&nbsp;ridicule Imran Khan</a>

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Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. Wuhan virus death toll hits 213 in China, nearly 10000 infected The death toll has now jumped to 213 with over 10,000 people infected in China itself.

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. Wuhan virus death toll hits 213 in China, nearly 10000 infected The death toll has now jumped to 213 with over 10,000 people infected in China itself. Also read Scientists claim lungs magically repair damage from smoking if one quits A group of researchers have found that our lungs have a magical capability to repair some of the damages caused by smoking if a person quits the habit. Also read Swedish lawmakers nominate Greta Thunberg for Nobel Peace Prize Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg and the global protest movement "Fridays for Future" were nominated Thursday for the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize by two Swedish lawmakers. Also read Opinion: China virus spreads: Is WHO dragging its feet? It's a deadly mix, a government that wants to control everything, and an international health body that is reluctant to act against a big economy. Also read Now, Akshay Kumar joins Bear Grylls to film a special episode of 'Into the Wild with Bear Grylls' After Rajinikanth, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has now shot with TV host Bear Grylls. Kumar, who is known to be an adventure sports enthusiast, reached Mysore on Wednesday to join Grylls to film a special episode of 'Into the Wild with Bear Grylls'. Also read Watch- Gravitas: Why netizens again ridicule Imran Khan

Morning News Brief: Coronavirus death toll, Nobel prize for Thunberg, and more

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday dared the rival BJP to declare its chief ministerial candidate for the Delhi Assembly and said that it's the right of the Delhi's voters to choose their chief minister and not that of Union Home Minister Amit Shah who wants city voters to give him a "blank cheque".

He said that if the BJP does not declare its chief ministerial candidate, the votes given to the party will "go into a pit".

"People of Delhi are demanding from BJP to reveal its chief ministerial candidate. People want to know who they are voting for. If they do not reveal their CM candidate, then the votes of the people are going into a pit," Kejriwal said while speaking to ANI.

"In a democracy, the people choose their chief minister and not anyone else. The people should have the right to choose who they want as their chief minister. Amit Shah is asking people of Delhi to give him a blank cheque so he can fill in the name of the chief minister," the Delhi Chief Minister added.

Kejriwal said that he is ready to debate with BJP's chief ministerial candidate.

"If BJP declares its chief ministerial candidate, I am willing to participate in a debate with that person. (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah is asking people to vote for the BJP so that he can choose the chief minister," Kejriwal said.

On Tuesday, AAP also released its manifesto for the upcoming assembly polls, which are scheduled to be held on February 8. The counting of votes will take place on February 11.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday dared the rival BJP to declare its chief ministerial candidate for the Delhi Assembly and said that it's the right of the Delhi's voters to choose their chief minister and not that of Union Home Minister Amit Shah who wants city voters to give him a "blank cheque".

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday dared the rival BJP to declare its chief ministerial candidate for the Delhi Assembly and said that it's the right of the Delhi's voters to choose their chief minister and not that of Union Home Minister Amit Shah who wants city voters to give him a "blank cheque". He said that if the BJP does not declare its chief ministerial candidate, the votes given to the party will "go into a pit". "People of Delhi are demanding from BJP to reveal its chief ministerial candidate. People want to know who they are voting for. If they do not reveal their CM candidate, then the votes of the people are going into a pit," Kejriwal said while speaking to ANI. "In a democracy, the people choose their chief minister and not anyone else. The people should have the right to choose who they want as their chief minister. Amit Shah is asking people of Delhi to give him a blank cheque so he can fill in the name of the chief minister," the Delhi Chief Minister added. Kejriwal said that he is ready to debate with BJP's chief ministerial candidate. "If BJP declares its chief ministerial candidate, I am willing to participate in a debate with that person. (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah is asking people to vote for the BJP so that he can choose the chief minister," Kejriwal said. On Tuesday, AAP also released its manifesto for the upcoming assembly polls, which are scheduled to be held on February 8. The counting of votes will take place on February 11.

Delhi CM will be chosen by people, not Amit Shah: Kejriwal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said attempts were made to mislead people on the Union Budget, however, even critics now accept that it is the best budget under the prevailing global economic scenario.

Speaking at the BJP parliamentary party meeting here, Modi hailed the Bodo accord and the agreement to settle the members of Bru-Reang tribe in Tripura, terming them “historic” successes of his government in this decade.

It will usher in an era of peace in the North East which has suffered decades of bloodshed and violence, he said.

Referring to the Union Budget, which was presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday, Modi said attempts were made to mislead people on it. However, people have now realised that it is a very good budget and even critics have acknowledged that this is the best budget under the prevailing global economic scenario, he said.

BJP president JP Nadda, who attended the first parliamentary party meet after becoming the party chief, was felicitated by Modi and others. Nadda expressed confidence about the BJP’s win in the February 8 Delhi Assembly polls and added that over 240 party MPs are spending several days in the poor colonies of the national capital to reach out to voters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said attempts were made to mislead people on the Union Budget, however, even critics now accept that it is the best budget under the prevailing global economic scenario.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said attempts were made to mislead people on the Union Budget, however, even critics now accept that it is the best budget under the prevailing global economic scenario. Speaking at the BJP parliamentary party meeting here, Modi hailed the Bodo accord and the agreement to settle the members of Bru-Reang tribe in Tripura, terming them “historic” successes of his government in this decade. It will usher in an era of peace in the North East which has suffered decades of bloodshed and violence, he said. Referring to the Union Budget, which was presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday, Modi said attempts were made to mislead people on it. However, people have now realised that it is a very good budget and even critics have acknowledged that this is the best budget under the prevailing global economic scenario, he said. BJP president JP Nadda, who attended the first parliamentary party meet after becoming the party chief, was felicitated by Modi and others. Nadda expressed confidence about the BJP’s win in the February 8 Delhi Assembly polls and added that over 240 party MPs are spending several days in the poor colonies of the national capital to reach out to voters.

Attempts made to mislead people on Union Budget: PM Modi

After pictures of Shaheen Bagh gunman Kapil Gujjar joining the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the presence of party MP Sanjay Singh surfaced on Tuesday, the BJP accused its rival in Delhi of "instigating and misusing" the youth.

Kapil had fired two aerial shots near Shaheen Bagh protest site on February 1 as he was apparently angry over the road blockade.

"It is not a casual photo. He (Kapil Gujjar) was joining Aam Aadmi Party and (Rajya Sabha MP)Sanjay Singh welcomed him. This shows how AAP instigates the youth and misuses them. Thus AAP stands exposed before the people of Delhi," Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said at a press conference on Tuesday.

"They welcome youth into their party by garlanding them and then make them fire bullets. It has now become clear through various sources that the youth who opened fire at Shaheen Bagh was an AAP member," he added.

Slamming the AAP further, Javadekar said, "They openly supported the protests at Shaheen Bagh and other places because they want to increase tension (in Delhi). Their MLA Amanatullah Khan had recently given a speech in Shaheen Bagh also. Now Sanjay Singh says what if a photo has surfaced."

AAP leader Sanjay Singh earlier today had alleged that it was a "conspiracy" and "another example of BJP's dirty politics".

"Amit Shah is the Home Minister of the country right now. Before the elections, many more photos and conspiracies will emerge. There are just three to four days left for the elections. BJP will do as much dirty politics as it can. What does having a picture with someone mean?" Singh told ANI here.

Earlier today, the photos recovered from Kapil's phone show him and his father Gaje Singh with AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Atishi. The photo is apparently from the last year when the father-son duo joined the party.

Confirming that the photos were recovered from Kapil's phone, DCP Crime Branch, Rajesh Deo said today, "We recovered the pictures from his phone during the course of the investigation. Kapil has confessed that he and his father joined AAP somewhere between January-February 2019.

After pictures of Shaheen Bagh gunman Kapil Gujjar joining the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the presence of party MP Sanjay Singh surfaced on Tuesday, the BJP accused its rival in Delhi of "instigating and misusing" the youth.

After pictures of Shaheen Bagh gunman Kapil Gujjar joining the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the presence of party MP Sanjay Singh surfaced on Tuesday, the BJP accused its rival in Delhi of "instigating and misusing" the youth. Kapil had fired two aerial shots near Shaheen Bagh protest site on February 1 as he was apparently angry over the road blockade. "It is not a casual photo. He (Kapil Gujjar) was joining Aam Aadmi Party and (Rajya Sabha MP)Sanjay Singh welcomed him. This shows how AAP instigates the youth and misuses them. Thus AAP stands exposed before the people of Delhi," Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said at a press conference on Tuesday. "They welcome youth into their party by garlanding them and then make them fire bullets. It has now become clear through various sources that the youth who opened fire at Shaheen Bagh was an AAP member," he added. Slamming the AAP further, Javadekar said, "They openly supported the protests at Shaheen Bagh and other places because they want to increase tension (in Delhi). Their MLA Amanatullah Khan had recently given a speech in Shaheen Bagh also. Now Sanjay Singh says what if a photo has surfaced." AAP leader Sanjay Singh earlier today had alleged that it was a "conspiracy" and "another example of BJP's dirty politics". "Amit Shah is the Home Minister of the country right now. Before the elections, many more photos and conspiracies will emerge. There are just three to four days left for the elections. BJP will do as much dirty politics as it can. What does having a picture with someone mean?" Singh told ANI here. Earlier today, the photos recovered from Kapil's phone show him and his father Gaje Singh with AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Atishi. The photo is apparently from the last year when the father-son duo joined the party. Confirming that the photos were recovered from Kapil's phone, DCP Crime Branch, Rajesh Deo said today, "We recovered the pictures from his phone during the course of the investigation. Kapil has confessed that he and his father joined AAP somewhere between January-February 2019.

Shaheen Bagh gunman's photo with AAP leaders exposes the party, says BJP

Indian troops based in high altitude areas like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-how-brave-indian-soldiers-survive-in-siachen-worlds-highest-battlefield-271189">Siachen </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-how-brave-indian-soldiers-survive-in-siachen-worlds-highest-battlefield-271189">Ladakh </a>are facing critical shortages of high altitude clothing and equipment like snow goggles, boot, jackets and sleeping bags.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cag-refuses-to-share-rafale-audit-cites-breach-of-parliament-190479">Comptroller and Auditor General</a> (CAG) of India has pulled up the army for delays in the procurement saying the delay is forcing troops to use old and recycled versions of equipment endangering the lives of the soldiers.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-how-brave-indian-soldiers-survive-in-siachen-worlds-highest-battlefield-271189">How brave Indian soldiers survive in Siachen world's highest battlefield</a>

The report also says that there was an inadequate special ration for these soldiers which is affecting their calorie intake by 82 per cent.

According to the report, the troops who are deployed at high altitude guarding Indian borders are given old versions of face masks, jackets and sleeping bags.

Watch: WION's exclusive report on Siachen, the world's highest battlefield

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Last year, the ministry of defence had said budget constraints and a sudden increase in authorisation had led to deficiencies in procuring the&nbsp;items.

In a report tabled in both houses of Parliament, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cag-refuses-to-share-rafale-audit-cites-breach-of-parliament-190479">CAG</a> has also questioned the government for the “inordinate delay” in the establishment of the Indian National Defence University, which was recommended by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-145-days-mobile-internet-service-restored-in-kargil-270571">Kargil </a>review committee in 1999.

Indian troops based in high altitude areas like Siachen and Ladakh are facing critical shortages of high altitude clothing and equipment like snow goggles, boot, jackets and sleeping bags.

Indian troops based in high altitude areas like Siachen and Ladakh are facing critical shortages of high altitude clothing and equipment like snow goggles, boot, jackets and sleeping bags. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has pulled up the army for delays in the procurement saying the delay is forcing troops to use old and recycled versions of equipment endangering the lives of the soldiers. Also read: How brave Indian soldiers survive in Siachen world's highest battlefield The report also says that there was an inadequate special ration for these soldiers which is affecting their calorie intake by 82 per cent. According to the report, the troops who are deployed at high altitude guarding Indian borders are given old versions of face masks, jackets and sleeping bags. Watch: WION's exclusive report on Siachen, the world's highest battlefield Last year, the ministry of defence had said budget constraints and a sudden increase in authorisation had led to deficiencies in procuring the items. In a report tabled in both houses of Parliament, the CAG has also questioned the government for the “inordinate delay” in the establishment of the Indian National Defence University, which was recommended by the Kargil review committee in 1999.

Critical shortage of clothing for Indian soldiers in Siachen, Ladakh: CAG

The government on Tuesday made it clear that no document will be collected during the updation of the National Population Register (NPR) and providing Aadhaar number during the exercise is only voluntary. The government is in discussion with the states having concerns with regard to the preparation of the NPR. The demographic and other particulars of each family and individual are to be updated/collected during the exercise of updation of NPR. Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai also said an instruction manual for updation of NPR 2020 for enumerators and supervisors has been prepared and the people will have to provide information for the NPR to the best of their knowledge and belief.

“No document is to be collected during the updation of NPR,” he said replying a written question. The minister also made it clear that during the NPR updation exercise, no verification will be done to find individuals whose citizenship is doubtful. The NPR exercise will be carried out across the country along with the house listing phase of the Census 2021 from April 1 to September 30, 2020. “The NPR updation will be undertaken through house to house enumeration for collection of specified particulars relating to each family and individual. The respondent has to provide the information true to the best of his knowledge and belief. Aadhar Number is collected voluntarily,” he said.

Rai said population register is a register containing details of persons usually residing in a village or rural area or town or ward or demarcated area within a ward in a town or urban area. “The NPR was first prepared in 2010 and updated in 2015. In pursuance of Sub-rule (4) of Rule 3 of the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, framed under the Citizenship Act,1955, central government decided to prepare and update the population register during April to September, 2020 throughout the country except Assam for collection of information relating to all persons usually residing in village or town,” he said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed to her counterparts in the northeast and non-BJP states to carefully study the NPR form, its questions and criteria before taking a decision on updating it. Dubbing the exercise as “a dangerous game”, Banerjee said the form, which seeks birth details and residential proof of parents, was nothing but a precursor to the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The Kerala government has announced that it will implement the census exercise but will not cooperate with the NPR. “As the NPR is a process that leads to the NRC, there is a sense of fear among the people. If the NPR and NRC are implemented in Kerala, it will lead to widespread anarchy. That is the experience of the state where the NRC was implemented,” said a statement released by the Kerala Chief Minister’s Office. At a meeting of about 20 opposition parties led by Congress president Sonia Gandhi about a month ago, it was decided that the parties will urge all chief ministers who have decided not to implement the NRC in their states to also consider suspending the NPR enumeration “as this will be a prelude to the NRC”.

The NPR is a register of usual residents of the country. It is being prepared at the local village/sub-town, subdistrict, district, state and national levels under provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003. For the purposes of the NPR, a usual resident is defined as a person who has resided in a local area for past six months or more or a person who intends to reside in that area for the next six months.

Replying to another question, the minister said the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 came into force on January 10, 2020. Persons covered by this act can submit applications for grant of citizenship after appropriate rules are notified by the central government. “No specific instruction has been issued by the central government regarding release of migrants from detention centres after enacting the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019,” he said.

However, in January, 2016, the central government had advised the Assam government to examine the cases of all people covered by various court cases filed in Gauhati High Court and to release them from detention centres if they satisfy the conditions and requirements of the two notifications issued by it on September 7, 2015 exempting such people by or under clause (c) of sub-section (2) of section 3 of the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 or from the application of the provisions of the Foreigners Act, 1946 or any rule or order made thereunder. In pursuance of a Supreme Court order, the Assam government has issued a notification on July 29, 2019 providing for conditional release of declared foreigners who have completed more than three years in detention centers.&nbsp;

The government on Tuesday made it clear that no document will be collected during the updation of the National Population Register (NPR) and providing Aadhaar number during the exercise is only voluntary.

The government on Tuesday made it clear that no document will be collected during the updation of the National Population Register (NPR) and providing Aadhaar number during the exercise is only voluntary. The government is in discussion with the states having concerns with regard to the preparation of the NPR. The demographic and other particulars of each family and individual are to be updated/collected during the exercise of updation of NPR. Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai also said an instruction manual for updation of NPR 2020 for enumerators and supervisors has been prepared and the people will have to provide information for the NPR to the best of their knowledge and belief. “No document is to be collected during the updation of NPR,” he said replying a written question. The minister also made it clear that during the NPR updation exercise, no verification will be done to find individuals whose citizenship is doubtful. The NPR exercise will be carried out across the country along with the house listing phase of the Census 2021 from April 1 to September 30, 2020. “The NPR updation will be undertaken through house to house enumeration for collection of specified particulars relating to each family and individual. The respondent has to provide the information true to the best of his knowledge and belief. Aadhar Number is collected voluntarily,” he said. Rai said population register is a register containing details of persons usually residing in a village or rural area or town or ward or demarcated area within a ward in a town or urban area. “The NPR was first prepared in 2010 and updated in 2015. In pursuance of Sub-rule (4) of Rule 3 of the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, framed under the Citizenship Act,1955, central government decided to prepare and update the population register during April to September, 2020 throughout the country except Assam for collection of information relating to all persons usually residing in village or town,” he said. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed to her counterparts in the northeast and non-BJP states to carefully study the NPR form, its questions and criteria before taking a decision on updating it. Dubbing the exercise as “a dangerous game”, Banerjee said the form, which seeks birth details and residential proof of parents, was nothing but a precursor to the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The Kerala government has announced that it will implement the census exercise but will not cooperate with the NPR. “As the NPR is a process that leads to the NRC, there is a sense of fear among the people. If the NPR and NRC are implemented in Kerala, it will lead to widespread anarchy. That is the experience of the state where the NRC was implemented,” said a statement released by the Kerala Chief Minister’s Office. At a meeting of about 20 opposition parties led by Congress president Sonia Gandhi about a month ago, it was decided that the parties will urge all chief ministers who have decided not to implement the NRC in their states to also consider suspending the NPR enumeration “as this will be a prelude to the NRC”. The NPR is a register of usual residents of the country. It is being prepared at the local village/sub-town, subdistrict, district, state and national levels under provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003. For the purposes of the NPR, a usual resident is defined as a person who has resided in a local area for past six months or more or a person who intends to reside in that area for the next six months. Replying to another question, the minister said the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 came into force on January 10, 2020. Persons covered by this act can submit applications for grant of citizenship after appropriate rules are notified by the central government. “No specific instruction has been issued by the central government regarding release of migrants from detention centres after enacting the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019,” he said. However, in January, 2016, the central government had advised the Assam government to examine the cases of all people covered by various court cases filed in Gauhati High Court and to release them from detention centres if they satisfy the conditions and requirements of the two notifications issued by it on September 7, 2015 exempting such people by or under clause (c) of sub-section (2) of section 3 of the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 or from the application of the provisions of the Foreigners Act, 1946 or any rule or order made thereunder. In pursuance of a Supreme Court order, the Assam government has issued a notification on July 29, 2019 providing for conditional release of declared foreigners who have completed more than three years in detention centers.

No document to be collected during NPR exercise, providing Aadhaar voluntary, says govt

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../latest-south-asia-news-india-rescues-7- maldivians-from-wuhan-under-neighbourhood-first-policy-278298">Air India</a> crew onboard the two special flights that evacuated more than 600 Indians from the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan has been sent on a week-long leave, an Air India spokesperson said on Monday.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-evacuation-650-indians-brought-back-6-with-fever-snubbed-278248">Wuhan evacuation: 650 Indians brought back, 6 with fever 'snubbed'</a>

The two special flights had returned to New Delhi carrying as many as 647 Indians and 7 Maldivians on Saturday and Sunday from Wuhan - a Chinese city of more than 11 million people which has been the epicentre of the new strain of coronavirus.

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A total of 64 people were involved in the evacuation operations. These included 30 cabin crew, 8 pilots, 10 commercial staff of Air India and one senior officer from AI CMD Secretariat, the spokesperson said.

The team was led by Air India's Director of Operations, Captain Amitabh Singh.

Those evacuated from Wuhan have been sent to quarantine facilities in Manesar and Chhawla managed by the Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) respectively.

The Air India crew onboard the two special flights that evacuated more than 600 Indians from the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan has been sent on a week-long leave, an Air India spokesperson said on Monday.

The Air India crew onboard the two special flights that evacuated more than 600 Indians from the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan has been sent on a week-long leave, an Air India spokesperson said on Monday. Also read- Wuhan evacuation: 650 Indians brought back, 6 with fever 'snubbed' The two special flights had returned to New Delhi carrying as many as 647 Indians and 7 Maldivians on Saturday and Sunday from Wuhan - a Chinese city of more than 11 million people which has been the epicentre of the new strain of coronavirus. × A total of 64 people were involved in the evacuation operations. These included 30 cabin crew, 8 pilots, 10 commercial staff of Air India and one senior officer from AI CMD Secretariat, the spokesperson said. The team was led by Air India's Director of Operations, Captain Amitabh Singh. Those evacuated from Wuhan have been sent to quarantine facilities in Manesar and Chhawla managed by the Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) respectively.

Air India's Wuhan evacuation crew given leave for one week

A Qatar Airways flight from Oman to Bangkok made an emergency landing at Kolkata Airport on Tuesday after a Thailand national gave birth on board the flight, reported news agency ANI.

The report said that the aircraft made an emergency landing at the airport at 3.15 am after the 23-year-old woman gave birth to a baby inside the aircraft.

Both the mother and baby are doing fine and have been shifted to a private hospital in Kolkata, the report added.

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Kolkata Airport official to ANI: Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Bangkok QR-830 made an unscheduled landing at Kolkata Airport. The pilot of Qatar Airways asked for ‘SOS’ signal at Kolkata ATC (Air Traffic Control) medical priority landing. <a href="https://t.co/poK4phA2XV">https://t.co/poK4phA2XV</a>
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As the report went viral, many people took to Twitter to congratulate the woman and thanked Qatar Airways and the cabin crew for extending their support to the woman.&nbsp;

Some social media users with their tongue firmly in their cheek remarked that the new-born baby might get a lifetime of free travelling on the Airways, as has happened in several cases.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

A Qatar Airways flight from Oman to Bangkok made an emergency landing at Kolkata Airport on Tuesday after a Thailand national gave birth on board the flight, reported news agency ANI.

A Qatar Airways flight from Oman to Bangkok made an emergency landing at Kolkata Airport on Tuesday after a Thailand national gave birth on board the flight, reported news agency ANI. The report said that the aircraft made an emergency landing at the airport at 3.15 am after the 23-year-old woman gave birth to a baby inside the aircraft. Both the mother and baby are doing fine and have been shifted to a private hospital in Kolkata, the report added. Kolkata Airport official to ANI: Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Bangkok QR-830 made an unscheduled landing at Kolkata Airport. The pilot of Qatar Airways asked for ‘SOS’ signal at Kolkata ATC (Air Traffic Control) medical priority landing. https://t.co/poK4phA2XV — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2020 × As the report went viral, many people took to Twitter to congratulate the woman and thanked Qatar Airways and the cabin crew for extending their support to the woman. Some social media users with their tongue firmly in their cheek remarked that the new-born baby might get a lifetime of free travelling on the Airways, as has happened in several cases. (With inputs from ANI)

Qatar Airways flight makes emergency landing in Kolkata after Thai woman gives birth on board 

On Sunday, China’s Health Commission reported that 361 people had died from the disease — surpassing the country’s 2002 to 2003 SARS outbreak death toll of 349.

Indian Govt reviews nCoV preparedness

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